Linking energy-related strategic flexibility and energy efficiency – The mediating role of management control systems choice

2017 ◽  
Vol 140 ◽  
pp. 1504-1513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Schulze ◽  
Sven Heidenreich
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (14) ◽  
pp. 3805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Ruiz-Palomo ◽  
Julio Diéguez-Soto ◽  
Antonio Duréndez ◽  
José António C. Santos

The aim of this research is to analyze the mediating role of the use of management control systems (MCS) and the achievement of technological innovation (TI) in the relationship between family management and firm performance in family small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A questionnaire was conducted by 617 managers of family SMEs in Spain, and our model was tested using partial least squares. Our findings show that both MCS and TI play crucial mediating roles in the understanding of the relationship between family management and firm performance. As a result, family-managed firms that utilize MCS and produce TI are much more likely to generate better performance. These results encourage family managers to use formal MCS because in that way they will contribute to obtaining better firm performance, directly and indirectly through TI. We focus on private family SMEs, because these specific firms contribute significantly to the economies worldwide. This paper contributes to resolve the controversy regarding the relationship between family management and firm performance introducing MCS and TI as mediating factors.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph Kober ◽  
Paul J. Thambar

PurposeThis paper presents paradox theory as a useful theoretical lens for researchers exploring crises such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The authors argue that paradox theory, which emphasizes a “both/and” as opposed to an “either/or” approach, is ideally suited for management control systems (MCS) research on crises.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt a revelatory case approach to provide empirical examples of the insights that paradox theory can provide.FindingsThis paper highlights how MCS can be used to simultaneously manage short-term/operational and long-term/strategic objectives to navigate a crisis. Furthermore, it highlights how MCS can be mobilized during crises to identify and embrace opportunities.Practical implicationsThis paper illustrates the importance of MCS focusing on not just the short-term, but also the long-term, and managing multiple objectives in assisting organizations to survive crisis.Originality/valueThis paper highlights the benefits of using paradox theory to understand the role of MCS in helping organizations manage crises and to use a crisis as a source of opportunity.


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