Understanding the interplay between support agencies and small and medium-sized enterprises in a conflict environment from an institutional theory perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Nisar Khattak ◽  
Noor Muhammad ◽  
David Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Theory ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Support Providers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Support Mechanism ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study determines the relationship between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their support providers during three phases: pre-conflict environment, during conflict environment, and the post-conflict (uncertain) environment with the reference to institutional theory in the northwest region of Pakistan where there is ongoing unrest between the authorities and the insurgents.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative approach, a total of 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted, 19 with the owner-managers of small manufacturing firms and 4 from small business support providers in the region.FindingsThe authors theorise the changing role of support agencies as differing institutional gaps, while conflict is destructive for SMEs and support agencies; paradoxically the crisis results in stronger relationships between the support providers and SMEs which was weaker in the pre-conflict environment. Such stronger relationship enhanced the cognitive pillar of institutional theory where entrepreneurship is supported by various groups including government agencies and SMEs to alleviate unemployment in the region which is one of the potential reasons of terrorism in the country.Practical implicationsThe study may have value for policymakers who need to know more about how small businesses and support providers develop a support network in difficult regions and give a comprehensive framework to other conflictual regions who face similar circumstances.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the previous literature in several ways. First, the study reveals the impact of conflict environment on small businesses and support providers where a little research has been undertaken. Second, the study shows the support mechanism in three different intervals pre-conflict, during the conflict and post-conflict and how the Talibanization in the region has a positive impact by strengthening the support structure among small businesses and support providers. Finally, the study contributes to the growing body of literature on entrepreneurship in conflict environments.

Institutional pressures and the extent of cross-channel integration: the moderating effect of enterprise's capabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-133
Author(s):  
Guangling Zhang ◽  
Chenchen Liu ◽  
Hui Wang
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Theory ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Institutional Pressures ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Competence ◽  
Manufacturing Enterprises ◽  
Channel Integration ◽  
Empirical Perspective ◽  
The Impact

PurposeCurrently, the issues of cross-channel integration (CCI) have become the attentive focus. However, little research based on institutional theory details the drivers of and obstacles to adopt CCI strategy. Combined with resource-based view (RBV) and institutional theory, this thesis studies the effect of institutional pressures on the manufactures' extent of CCI, through exploring the moderating effects of firm's technology competence and relationship governance capabilities on the relationship between institutional pressures and the extent of CCI.Design/methodology/approachThe survey data of 249 valid research samples were obtained from Chinese manufacturing enterprises. Statistical software such as SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 18.0 was used to analyze the data and test the conceptual model and relevant research hypotheses from an empirical perspective.FindingsThe results of empirical study from 249 manufacturers indicate that the mimetic, coercive and normative pressures perceived by enterprises can significantly promote their extent of CCI; relationship governance capabilities attenuate the positive impact of mimetic pressures on the extent of CCI, but strengthen that of normative pressures on the extent of CCI; besides, technology competence can attenuate the positive effect of mimetic pressures on the extent of CCI, but enhance that of normative pressures on the extent of CCI.Originality/valueFew studied the impact of the interaction of internal capabilities and external institutional pressures on CCI of enterprises. This study combines institutional theory and resource-based view to fill the theoretical gap in this regard.

Robotizing shared service centres: key challenges and outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 157-178
Author(s):  
Alcidio Silva Figueiredo ◽  
Luisa Helena Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Theory ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Service Workers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Shared Service ◽  
Internal Mobility ◽  
New Research

PurposeThe introduction of robotic process automation (RPA) in shared service centres (SSCs) can hardly be overlooked. This article, therefore, draws on the institutional theory to widen the understanding of its implementation and outcomes regarding people management. Drawing on the lens of the institutional theory and the literature on SSCs and RPA, this study addresses the key challenges and outcomes of robotization.Design/methodology/approachThe study follows a qualitative approach and a purposeful sampling design that collected data from six major SSCs) introducing robotization. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with service representatives, including RPA project managers. A thematic content analysis was used.FindingsThe introduction of robotics follows mechanisms of coercive, normative and mimetic isomorphism and is effectively replacing workers. So far, this process has been managed through a few reactive people management practices, such as earlier retirements, internal mobility and outsourcing reduction, which warns of future tensions. The findings also show the emergence of new jobs, such as robot developers and robot managers.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the limited empirical body of research in RPA in SSCs. The study is novel as it is one of the first offering an implementation roadmap for other SSCs and illustrates the positive impact on processes redesign. It also provides empirical evidence on the debate about the potential for service workers' replacement versus tasks augmentation. In the longer term, this study opens new research avenues related to the tensions and contradictions from the progressive institutionalization of robotization in service organizations.

Industry perspectives on Malaysian hotel minimum wage issues

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-197
Author(s):  
Ann Selvaranee Balasingam ◽  
Kashif Hussain ◽  
Alwie Manaf
Keyword(s):  
Minimum Wage ◽  
Turnover Intentions ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Employee Productivity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Wage Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hotel Managers ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate and compare the impact of the minimum wage order from the perspectives of two different stakeholders, namely, hotel managers and employees, in the Malaysian hotel industry. Design/methodology/approach For the study, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews from three managers and three employees from hotels in West Malaysia. Findings From the managers’ perspective, minimum wage implementation has resulted in managers adopting the best payment structure to reduce labour costs for the operators, deciding to reduce the service charge allocation to employees and having to deal with minimal improvement in employee productivity and motivation. In contrast, the positive impact from the managers’ perspective is lower turnover intentions and social justice for foreign workers. From the employees’ perspective, there is a rather negative impact – minimum wage policy has resulted in a minimal increase in the salary. From a positive perspective, employees said that they have experienced an improvement in living standards. Originality/value This research presents current responses from hotel participants regarding the latest wage increase impact, some six years after its implementation.

scholarly journals Implementing the living wage in UK local government

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 840-849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathew Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
Order Effects ◽  
Living Wage ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Living Wages ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the impact of living wages on organisational pay systems. Design/methodology/approach The research draws on 23 semi-structured interviews with HR managers, trade union representatives, and politicians at four UK local government case study sites. Findings The findings suggest that living wages can have a positive impact on directly employed workers in cleaning, catering and care services, but the research also finds that the localised adoption of living wages can lead to significant wage compression, resulting in a broad band of “low skill-low wage jobs”. Originality/value The theoretical contribution is twofold. In-line with earlier research the “first-order” effects of living wages are clear: hourly wages for a large number of women in part-time roles increased sharply. However, this is only part of the story as “second-order” effects such as ripples and spill-overs are less extensive than suggested by other studies. This is due to the limited scope for trade unions to restore wage differentials through collective bargaining, the slow progress in extending the living wage to contracted staff, and parallel processes of downsizing and outsourcing.

scholarly journals A system dynamics approach for assessing SMEs' competitiveness

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 555-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esteban Lafuente ◽  
László Szerb ◽  
András Rideg
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Central Element ◽  
Competitive System ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Configuration Theory ◽  
Resources And Capabilities ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe analysis of the interconnectedness between resources and capabilities, and the way businesses use them as competitive weapons is a central element of the strategic management literature. Finding the appropriate configuration of competitive pillars is particularly relevant for resource-constrained small businesses. Drawing on the resource-based view and the configuration theory, this study evaluates the effect of both competitiveness and the configuration of the competitiveness system on performance.Design/methodology/approachAn index methodology based on the configuration theory was used to compute the competitiveness index on a unique sample of 625 Hungarian small- and medium-sized firms. The study hypotheses were tested via regression analysis.FindingsResults show that the impact of competitiveness-enhancing strategies is conditional on the configuration of the system of competencies. Low-competitive businesses benefit more from investments in the weakest competitive pillar, while strategies oriented to improve more than one competitive pillar yield higher competitiveness improvements among high-competitive businesses. Our findings also indicate that competitiveness positively impacts performance, and that the exploitation of competitive strengths leads to superior results among high-competitive businesses.Originality/valueBy employing an index methodology, our analysis contributes to unveil how competitiveness impact business performance. The proposed analysis has value for scholars and strategy makers by showing how the configuration of the business' competitive system—in terms of competitive strengths and weaknesses—conditions the generally positive impact of competitiveness enhancing actions linked to the acquisition or development of resources and capabilities.

The impact of an integrated medical leadership programme

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven J. Agius ◽  
Amy Brockbank ◽  
Rebecca Baron ◽  
Saleem Farook ◽  
Jacky Hayden
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Medical ◽  
Benefit Patient ◽  
Leadership Curriculum ◽  
Mixed Origin ◽  
Medical Leadership ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the impact of an integrated Medical Leadership Programme (MLP) on a cohort of participating specialty doctors and the NHS services with which they were engaged. Design/methodology/approach – This was a qualitative study designed to obtain rich textual data on a novel training intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participating MLP trainees at fixed points throughout the programme in order to capture their experiences. Resulting data were triangulated with data from extant documentation, including trainees’ progress reports and summaries of achievements. Recurring discourses and themes were identified using a framework thematic analysis. Findings – Evidence of the positive impact upon trainees and NHS services was identified, along with challenges. Evidence of impact across all the domains within the national Medical Leadership Competency Framework was also identified, including demonstrating personal qualities, working with others, managing services, improving services and setting direction. Research limitations/implications – Data were drawn from interviews with a small population of trainees undertaking a pilot MLP in a single deanery, so there are inevitable limitations for generalisability in the quantitative sense. Whilst the pilot trainees were a self-selected group, it was a group of mixed origin and ability. Practical implications – The study has provided valuable lessons for the design of future leadership programmes aimed at doctors in training. Originality/value – Identifying the effectiveness of an innovative model of delivery with regard to the Medical Leadership Curriculum may assist with medical staff engagement and support health service improvements to benefit patient care.

scholarly journals The Impact of Community-Based Rehabilitation in a Post-Conflict Environment of Sri Lanka

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-111
Author(s):  
Masateru Higashida ◽  
Joseph Soosai ◽  
Jacob Robert
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Family Members ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Community Based Rehabilitation ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: Conflict and disability are closely associated; it is therefore significant to examine strategies at the grassroots-level for restoring the human rights of people with disabilities living in post-conflict societies. The aim of this study is to reveal the impact of and issues with community-based rehabilitation (CBR) in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka that was ravaged by civil war from 1983 to 2009.Methods: The research was implemented in October 2016, in collaboration with a local NGO in the Mullaitivu district. A mixed-methods approach was followed, which included quantitative analysis of the NGO’s registration database of people with disabilities in the area (n=964), group interviews with 9 community rehabilitation committees (CRCs) of people with disabilities and their family members (n=118), and semi-structured interviews with clients of the CBR programme (n=5). Thematic analysis was applied to the narrative data.Results: The quantitative analysis on clients of the NGO revealed that 60.9% of disabilities were related to war. Livelihood assistance was the most common type of self-reported need (44.6%). The qualitative analysis revealed that in communities with inadequate local resources, CRCs that had access to livelihood assistance made a positive impact on the socioeconomic conditions of people with disabilities and their family members. Potential issues were observed, such as the expectation of and dependence on the financial aid without self-help. Some people with disabilities would not attend CRCs if there were no financial benefits. As most of the participants had war-related disabilities, it is also possible that participation of people with intellectual and psychiatric disabilities unrelated to war may not have been promoted in some CRCs.Conclusions: The CBR programme has had positive impacts on the living conditions of participants, albeit with some potential issues such as financial expectations and aid dependency. The authors argue that empowerment of people with disabilities and addressing socioeconomic inequality should be considered simultaneously.

Rural bank efficiency and loans for micro and small businesses: evidence from West Java Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 587-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mokhamad Anwar ◽  
Sulaeman Rahman Nidar ◽  
Ratna Komara ◽  
Layyinaturrobaniyah Layyinaturrobaniyah
Keyword(s):  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Panel Data Analysis ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
West Java ◽  
Bank Efficiency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between rural banks’ efficiency and their lending provision for micro and small businesses (MSBs) in West Java Indonesia. Rural banks are special banks that are generally located in the district and sub-district areas and they are very involved in providing loans to MSBs. Design/methodology/approach The study includes 212 rural banks in various districts in West Java province over the 2012–2016 period. Data envelopment analysis is employed to obtain banks’ technical efficiency and panel data analysis is used to reveal the impact of rural banks’ efficiency on their loan provision to MSBs. Findings The findings reveal that technical efficiency of the rural banks has a significant positive impact on their loan provision to MSBs in West Java Indonesia. These results have underscored the importance of rural banks in maintaining and increasing their bank efficiency levels to enhance their capacity in providing loans to MSBs. Practical implications The results of this study have brought some implications for practitioners (rural bank management) to maintain and improve their efficiency in order to expand their capacity to lend to MSBs. The roles of Otoritas Jasa Keuangan or the Indonesia Financial Services Authority in monitoring the efficiency of rural banks and overseeing the provision of their loans to MSBs are also very necessary in ensuring good performance of rural banks in terms of both aspects, respectively. Social implications This study highlights the importance of rural banks in providing loans to MSB segments. The contribution of rural banks in stimulating the development of MSBs is believed to be able to produce positive social implications in terms of empowering the economic and social life of MSBs in their local communities. Originality/value The study fills the literature gap by revealing a significant relationship between bank efficiency and loan provision for MSBs in the context of rural banks.

Exploring the impact of Investors in People

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon M. Smith ◽  
Peter Stokes ◽  
John F. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Causal Relationship ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
And Training ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Investors in People (IiP) is a UK government-backed scheme aimed at enabling organizations to develop their training and development cultures and, thereby, their competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions and understandings of individuals in six organizations undergoing IiP to explore recent claims within the literature concerning the Standard's impact on training and development, and job satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach – Data from 35 semi-structured interviews among managers and employees of six diverse organizations were gathered and analysed. Findings – The paper identifies three key findings in response to recent literature: first, the findings do not support a causal relationship between IiP and training and development; second, the findings do not support a causal relationship between IiP and job satisfaction; third, and to support the other findings, the results indicate little employee awareness of IiP. Practical implications – If IiP – UKCES are to realize the potential of their Standard, it needs to find a way to ensure it has a direct and positive impact on skill development. Originality/value – While much of the previous research has identified associations between IiP and various outcomes, this paper seeks to identify the extent to which these associations can be considered to be causal.

Supplier relations impact within the UK automotive industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 3143-3161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dilek Demirbas ◽  
Lauren Wilkinson ◽  
David Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Production Control ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Economic Downturn ◽  
Market Uncertainty ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supplier Relations ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the impact of the recent recession on both the automotive manufacturer as well as their suppliers. The research aims to identify if the impact has been the same at each of the organizations, or if there has been a difference. Design/methodology/approach This paper carries out a case study research, into the need for suppliers to increase their responsiveness following recession and the impact this has had on supplier relations. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were carried out at the vehicle manufacturer with two members of production control staff from VMUK plus seven production control staff at seven tier 1 suppliers to VMUK. Findings Supply chains have been enhanced through an increased level of responsiveness, following the economic downturn and supplier relations have had a positive impact post-recession. Research limitations/implications Literature argues that competitive advantage can be achieved through responsiveness, and that responsiveness is critical during a period of volatility and market uncertainty. Furthermore, literature also argues that competitive advantage can be achieved through positive supplier relations. This study investigates both of these arguments. Originality/value This study concludes that the positive supplier relations offer a competitive advantage when there is no cost advantage to be found elsewhere. Furthermore, this study concludes that as a direct impact of the recession, supplier relations have improved within the case studies investigated.

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