Behavioural competencies and organizational performance in Italian performing arts

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annachiara Scapolan ◽  
Fabrizio Montanari ◽  
Sara Bonesso ◽  
Fabrizio Gerli ◽  
Lorenzo Mizzau

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behavioural competencies of directors and managers working for cultural organizations and their relationship with organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts an ESC competency modelling process and the technique of the Behavioural Event Interview as the primary source of data collection. In particular, the authors interviewed 14 directors and managers of six performing arts organizations operating in Emilia-Romagna, a region located in Northern Italy. Findings Findings show that directors and managers of cultural organizations are characterized by a specific set of social and emotional (e.g. persuasion and empathy), whereas cognitive competencies, such as quantitative analysis, are less frequent. Findings highlight also that a balanced portfolio of behavioural competencies emerges as importantly correlated with high organizational performance. Practical implications Findings offer relevant managerial implications for the design and implementation of a coherent set of human resource management practices, which allow cultural organizations to reach above-average performance. Originality/value This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between managerial competencies and the performance of cultural organizations, taking into account specific kinds of competencies – namely, behavioural competencies – which have been neglected by the previous literature.

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 1124-1152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neville Vakharia ◽  
Marilena Vecco ◽  
Andrej Srakar ◽  
Divya Janardhan

PurposeThis paper explores the concepts of knowledge-centric organizations in the performing arts sector to understand how specific organizational practices relate to measures of financial and operational performance.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative analysis of 368 small and mid-sized nonprofit performing arts organizations in the USA was undertaken via primary data on organizational practices and secondary data on performance metrics. Structural equation modeling was used to validate the latent construct of knowledge centricity and to test hypotheses on how knowledge centricity impacts financial and operational performance, and is influenced by firm-level demographic variables.FindingsResults show several distinct performance metrics that are statistically associated with knowledge-centric practices of the organizations analyzed.Research limitations/implicationsThis article investigates the knowledge centricity of organizations, a relatively nascent theoretical concept, which is of significant relevance in today’s knowledge-driven economy. The findings can serve as a basis to further investigate strategic approaches that arts organizations can undertake to remain sustainable and operate effectively in a knowledge-driven society.Practical/implicationsIt provides critical insights into management practices and approaches that can be instituted to drive improved organizational performance.Originality/valueBuilding on the extant literature, this article develops a conceptual framework of knowledge centricity and defines a knowledge-centric organization. It thoroughly investigates the latent construct of knowledge centricity, identifies how knowledge centricity impacts financial and operational performance of nonprofit performing arts organizations, and provides grounding for future studies.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Shea ◽  
Syed Aktharsha Usman ◽  
Sengottuvel Arivalagan ◽  
Satyanarayana Parayitam

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically examine knowledge management (KM) practices as a moderator in the relationship between organizational culture and performance. The effect of four types of organizational culture on organizational performance was studied. In addition to direct effects, most importantly, KM practices as a moderator in strengthening the culture-performance relationship were empirically examined. Design/methodology/approach A carefully crafted survey instrument was distributed and data was collected from 1,255 respondents from 10 information technology companies in India. After checking the psychometric properties of the instrument, this paper performs hierarchical regression to test hypotheses. Findings The results reveal that: cooperative culture, innovative culture, consistent culture and effectiveness culture were all positively and significantly related to organizational performance; KM practices were positively and significantly related to organizational performance, KM practices moderate the relationship between various dimensions of organizational culture and organizational performance. Research limitations/implications As with any survey-based research, the present study suffers from the problems associated with self-report measures. These are common method bias and social desirability bias. However, this study attempts to minimize these limitations by following appropriate statistical techniques. Practical implications This study contributes to both practicing managers and the literature on KM and organizational culture. The study suggests that managers use KM practices, which are all-pervasive and very important for improving organizational performance. The results highlight the importance of implementing KM practices in organizations. Originality/value This study provides new insights into the importance of KM practices in achieving sustained competitive advantage by achieving organizational effectiveness. To the knowledge, the importance of KM practices is underemphasized in organizational culture research.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjana Mondal ◽  
Kaushik Samaddar

PurposeThe paper aims to explore the various dimensions of human factor relevant for integrating data-driven supply chain quality management practices (DDSCQMPs) with organizational performance. Keeping the transition phase from “Industry 4.0” to “Industry 5.0” in mind, the paper reinforces the role of the human factor and critically discusses the issues and challenges in the present organizational setup.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the grounded theory approach, the study arranged in-depth interviews and focus group sessions with industry experts from various service-oriented firms in India. Dimensions of human factor identified from there were grouped together through a morphological analysis (MA), and interlinkages between them were explored through a cross-consistency matrix.FindingsThis research work identified 20 critical dimensions of human factor and have grouped them under five important categories, namely, cohesive force, motivating force, regulating force, supporting force and functional force that drive quality performance in the supply chain domain.Originality/valueIn line with the requirements of the present “Industry 4.0” and the forthcoming “Industry 5.0”, where the need to collaborate human factor with smart system gets priority, the paper made a novel attempt in presenting the critical human factors and categorizing them under important driving forces. The research also contributed in linking DDSCQMPs with organizational performance. The proposed framework can guide the future researchers in expanding the theoretical constructs through initiating further cross-cultural studies across industries.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1124-1137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satish Mehra ◽  
Joshua T. Coleman

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of successfully coordinating infrastructural capabilities, such as technology, and structural capabilities, such as people, on the performance of service businesses. Effective coordination of these two types of capabilities is shown to impact the implementation of quality management practices and the design of marketing strategy, both of which when utilized properly, lead to enhanced organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach The authors surveyed retail banking firms for this study to analyze empirical data on infrastructural and structural capabilities. Results were corroborated on the basis of in-depth interviews with several banking managers to provide real world verification of the findings. Findings Results indicate that both infrastructural and structural capabilities positively impact the design of marketing strategy, while only structural capabilities impact the implementation of quality management practices. Both, successfully implemented quality management ideals and a well-designed marketing strategy, are shown to enhance overall organizational performance. Research limitations/implications Research was conducted on a specific sector of the service industry, the banking sector. Also, the relatively small size of the study sample may have impacted the outcome of research applicability in some large businesses. Continuously emerging financial regulations could not be incorporated in the study. On the positive side, strong managerial feedback provides guidance toward adopting the study results, and lays the foundation for future research. Originality/value As today’s rapidly evolving society pushes people out of service encounters, replacing them with efficient and cost-saving technology, roles of both the people and the technology in an organization must be fully understood. This paper shows that, despite the exponential growth of technological innovation, both people and technology are critical to enhancing organizational performance through sound quality management practices and supportive marketing strategies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (10) ◽  
pp. 4021-4042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Murillo ◽  
Ceridwyn King

Purpose In consideration that the purpose of talent management is to attract and nurture productive employees for the benefit of the hospitality organization, this study aims to examine why employees respond in such favorable ways. Recognizing beneficial employee behavior advances a hospitality organization through their ability to deliver an experience that aligns with the promoted brand promise, inspiration is drawn from both the strategic human resource management as well as the internal brand management literature. The power of this approach is illustrated through a survey of employees of a Latin American restaurant chain with a long-standing policy of values-based recruiting, inclusive talent management and progressive people management practices. Design/methodology/approach Informed by literature, employee perception of their relationship with the organization (i.e., relationship orientation) and alignment with the brand’s values (i.e., brand fit) were considered drivers of favorable employee attitudes and behavior as a result of hospitality talent management practices. These were hypothesized to positively influence employee confidence and motivation as reflected in organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) and brand motivation, which in turn drive employee brand-aligned behavior. A survey measured the variables of interest with the same employees over two time periods, matched using employees’ identification code, resulting in 199 complete surveys. The structural model was estimated using partial least squares (PLS). Findings Relationship orientation and brand fit were significant drivers of OBSE and brand motivation, respectively. In turn, they had a significant effect on employee brand-aligned behavior. Model estimation complied with all PLS quality criteria. Research limitations/implications Traditional talent management practices that tend to focus on the transactional benefits of the job/career can be strengthened by leveraging strong organizational relationships as well as engagement with the hospitality brand. In turn, employees have the confidence and motivation to exhibit brand-aligned behavior, a path to competitive advantage, which may also act as a buffer helping employees manage the stress of hospitality jobs. Originality/value Understanding why employees respond favorably to hospitality talent management practices, beyond simply transactional, monetary reasons, is important to designing relevant and timely initiatives that have the potential to enhance organizational performance.


2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
André de Waal ◽  
Robert Goedegebuure

Purpose An important question in contemporary research is: do certain management practices cause better performance or do better performing organizations find it easier to adopt certain management practices? This question is also of importance when applying the high performance organization (HPO) framework, which is a scientifically validated technique designed to achieve and sustain a high level of performance. Many research studies correlate the HPO framework with improved organizational performance. There are, however, no studies which explicitly look at the causal relationship. This paper aims to provide empirical evidence of causality. Design/methodology/approach Longitudinal research was conducted at two companies. An HPO diagnosis was conducted at each company, after which management implemented the HPO framework. Two units at each company were selected as case studies. Data were collected, using a questionnaire and interviews, at the beginning and after 18 months, when the diagnoses were repeated. A linear regression analysis was performed to interpret the data. Findings Despite exposure to the same HPO framework techniques, organizational units achieved significantly different outcomes. In each company, one unit achieved a higher HPO score and higher organizational results, while the other unit had no change, or a lower HPO score and lower organizational results. The key factor was the manner in which unit managers applied the HPO framework. Practical implications Optimal effectiveness for the HPO framework occurs when management incorporates the HPO factors into the workplace and strives diligently to improve performance. Originality/value This research responds to the question “Do certain management practices cause better performance or do better performing organizations find it easier to adopt certain management practices?”


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 355-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Giampaoli ◽  
Massimo Ciambotti ◽  
Nick Bontis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the link between knowledge management practices, problem-solving processes and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach This study uses survey data from 112 leading Italian companies. To test the structural relations of the research model, we used the partial least squares method. Findings Results show a strong relationship between knowledge management practices and intermediate activities of creative problem solving and problem-solving speed. In addition, creative problem solving has a direct impact on both organizational and financial performances, whereas problem-solving speed has a direct effect only on financial performance. Research limitations/implications The focus on top Italian firms limits the generalizability of results. Practical implications This study provides empirical evidence of the importance of knowledge management practices for problem-solving activities and firm performance. Originality/value The present paper fills an important gap in the extant literature by conceptualizing and empirically testing the relationship between knowledge management, problem-solving processes (creative problem solving and problem-solving speed) and firm performance. This study is the first ever to study these relationships within the Italian context.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aki Jääskeläinen ◽  
Virpi Sillanpää ◽  
Nina Helander ◽  
Riikka-Leena Leskelä ◽  
Ira Haavisto ◽  
...  

Purpose This study aims to report the design and testing of a maturity model for information and knowledge management in the public sector, intended for use in frequent monitoring, trend analysis and in-depth analysis of the contemporary information and knowledge management practices of an organization. Design/methodology/approach A design science approach was used to develop the proposed model. Creation of the model was based on an extensive literature review. Testing of the model was implemented as a survey receiving 37 responses from nine organizations organizing and purchasing public services. Findings The study presents four alternative profiles for an organization’s status, novice, experimenter, facilitator and advanced exploiter, and investigates the differences between these profiles on the basis of the empirical data gathered. The model was found to be both a valid and practical way to determine the state of an organization’s information and knowledge management and identify development needs. Research limitations/implications Testing was conducted in the Finnish public sector and further studies applying the model could be implemented in other countries. The model presented was designed specifically for the public sector and more research is needed to test its applicability in the private sector. Originality/value Maturity models are useful when evaluating information and knowledge management status in an organization, and beneficial for improving organizational performance. The proposed maturity model combines the fields of knowledge management and information management and contributes to the literature with an overarching maturity model that includes a dimension of satisfaction with the organizational maturity level. While many earlier models originate from the consultancy business, the model presented here was also designed for research purposes and tested in practice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 590-603 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth W. Green ◽  
R. Anthony Inman ◽  
Victor E. Sower ◽  
Pamela J. Zelbst

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically assess a comprehensive operations and supply chain management (SCM) model. The theorized model incorporates supply chain market orientation, Just-in-Time (JIT) and Total Quality Management (TQM) as antecedents and agile production (AP) and green SCM (GSCM) practices as consequences. Design/methodology/approach Data from a sample of 136 US manufacturing managers were collected via an on-line survey firm. A partial least squares structural equation modeling is used to assess the efficacy of the theorized model. Findings Generally, market orientation supports the implementation of JIT and TQM, JIT and TQM support implementation of SCM, SCM supports implementation of AP and green supply chain management practices (GSCMP) and AP and GSCMP positively impact organizational performance. Research limitations/implications The model tested reflects the synergy created though the implementation of management improvement programs that support the six strategic imperatives of customer focus, efficiency, effectiveness, integration with supply chain partners, responsiveness, and environmental sustainability and the effects of those programs on the marketing and financial performance of manufacturing organizations. Practical implications The theorized model and results provide practicing managers with a blueprint for the systematic implementation of the improvement programs. Originality/value A comprehensive operations and SCM model is proposed and empirically assessed. The results of this investigation support the proposition that market orientation, JIT, TQM, SCM, AP and GSCMPs combine to positively affect organizational performance. The central role of the SCM construct is emphasized.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1349-1372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Sciarelli ◽  
Mohamed Hani Gheith ◽  
Mario Tani

PurposeThis study aims to empirically investigate the effects of both soft and hard quality management (QM) on innovation and organizational performance. It also examines the mediating role of hard QM, administrative innovation and technical innovation on the relationship between soft QM and organizational performance in higher education (HE).Design/methodology/approachThe approach of this study is quantitative. The data used to test the hypotheses were obtained through online questionnaire sent to the academic staff of public universities in Naples (Italy). The hypothesized relationships are tested with data collected from 356 respondents by using the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results show that quality practices improve innovation and organizational performance, while innovation positively impacts organizational performance. The findings also indicate that soft QM affects organizational performance directly and indirectly through hard QM. Hard QM and innovation show a partial sequential mediating effect on soft QM-performance relationshipPractical implicationsIn order to implement quality management properly in HE, directors need to recognize the different roles that soft and hard QM can have on innovation and organizational performance. It is important that higher education institutions (HEIs) allocate resources to establish both types of QM practices to achieve the effectiveness of the whole QM system.Originality/valueDespite the existence of numerous studies on the relationship between QM, innovation and organizational performance in manufacturing and services, studies conducted in higher education are still few. This is one of the earliest studies that adopt the multidimensional approach of QM in HE which could help directors understand the interdependencies and different roles of soft and hard quality practices.


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