A dynamic model of organizational resilience: adaptive and anchored approaches

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Waguih Ishak ◽  
Elizabeth Ann Williams
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Behavior ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Organizational Resilience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
The Face ◽  
Difficult Times ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Bounce Back ◽  
Spectrum Model

Purpose Organizations of all types desire to be imbued with resilience, or the ability to withstand and bounce back from difficult events (Richardson, 2002; Walsh 2003). But resilience does not play the same role in every organization. Previous research (Weick and Sutcliffe, 2011) has argued that organizations can be more or less resilient. For high reliability organizations (HROs) such as fire crews and emergency medical units, resilience is a defining feature. Due to the life-or-death nature of their work, the ability to be successful in the face of difficult events is imperative to the process of HROs. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This is a theory piece. Findings The authors put forth a dual-spectrum model that introduces adaptive and anchored approaches to organizational resilience. Research limitations/implications There are organizations for which resilience is only enacted when the organization must overcome difficult events. And at the other end are organizations that may not enact resilience in difficult times, and therefore fail or deteriorate. But while it has been shown that organizations can be more or less resilient, there has been little attention paid to how organizations may have differing types of resilience. Originality/value In this piece, the authors theorize that resilience may differ in type between organizations. Drawing on theoretical approaches to resilience from communication (Buzzanell, 2010), organizational behavior (Weick and Sutcliffe, 2011), and motivational psychology (Dweck, 2016), the authors introduce a model that views resilience as a dynamic construct in organizations. The authors argue that an organization’s resilience-centered actions affect – and are determined by – its approach to Buzzanell’s (2010) five communicative processes of resilience. The authors offer testable propositions, as well as theoretical and practical implications from this model, not only for HROs, but for all organizations.

Lean Six Sigma strategy in telecom manufacturing

2014 ◽  
Vol 114 (6) ◽  
pp. 904-921 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy Andersson ◽  
Per Hilletofth ◽  
Peter Manfredsson ◽  
Olli-Pekka Hilmola
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Emphasis ◽  
Company Culture ◽  
Difficult Times ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to elaborate, how the use of a joint-use strategy of Lean and Six Sigma can improve flexibility, robustness, and agility. Telecom manufacturing has been under tremendous change after dot.com bubble burst in the early 2000, and new competition has originated from Asia. Being successful requires now more than before, and joint-use of strategies is one option to survive. Design/methodology/approach – A single case study from a Swedish company operating in the telecom manufacturing was conducted. In particular, a Six Sigma project was followed and analyzed during 2002. However, the outcome of the Six Sigma project has been studied in longitudinal manner until 2014. Findings – The Lean Six Sigma strategy ensures flexible, robust, and efficient processes. However, to make them more agile in order to sustain in today's highly competitive environment, something more is required. This could include staff training, strengthening company culture and collaborating with key partners in the supply chain. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited to large company that usually has a lot of resources and choices where to put the strategic emphasis as well as has level of control of the supply chain operations. The situation could be very different in small and medium-sized companies and thus it may be more difficult to realize the Lean Six Sigma strategy in such environment. On the other hand, the processes in these companies are often less complex. Practical implications – This research provides guidance on how to manage the Lean Six Sigma strategy in order to ensure more flexible, robust, and efficient processes as well as how to perform a Six Sigma project in Lean environment, in a proper manner. Originality/value – This research provides guidance to companies regarding the applicability and properties of the Lean Six Sigma strategy. The paper will also serve as a basis for other companies and industries, on how to survive in difficult times.

Stories and metaphors in retail selling

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 545-559 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Gilliam ◽  
Casey C. Rockwell
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Communication Research ◽  
Retail Sales ◽  
Communication Tools ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Communication Techniques ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Fast Pace ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose future directions for research into stories and metaphors as concise communication tools that are particularly salient for the fast pace of today’s retail sales environment.Design/methodology/approachA cross disciplinary approach is taken to propose new avenues for sales communication research.FindingsThis work highlights research possibilities into the contextually sensitive constructs of stories and metaphors with associated theoretical approaches. This could improve research into stories and metaphors as communication techniques for retail selling.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings indicate that stories and metaphors are highly engaging sensemaking tools that salespeople can use in retail sales encounters. The lack of existing literature within the sales domain suggests a significant learning curve in demarcating the use of these tools.Practical implicationsStories and metaphors are presently used by salespeople but without the benefit of extensive scientific understanding. This paper builds a foundation for research that could bring clarity to the use of these tools in retail selling.Originality/valueResearchers will benefit from a finer grained conceptualization with which to examine sales communication. The proposed research should get sales practitioners a clearer understanding of using stories and metaphors in sales encounters.

Resident loyalty formation for the survival of African-ethnic restaurants during COVID-19: the adaptive capabilities logic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samson Omuudu Otengei ◽  
George Changha
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sensory Quality ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Safety Assurance ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Adaptive Capabilities ◽  
Difficult Times ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis qualitative research aimed to explore the relationship between adaptive dynamic capabilities and resident loyalty formation among African-ethnic restaurants (AERs) during COVID-19 in East Africa.Design/methodology/approachAnchored on the dynamic capabilities perspective, the study uses eight case studies to obtain data based on restaurant owner-managers' lived experiences.FindingsThe paper presents six factors: (1) sensory quality promise, (2) service personalization declaration, (3) openness of technology adoption, (4) healthy food and safety assurance, (5) authenticity pledge and (6) diversity provision as prerequisites for resident loyalty formation. The findings suggest adaptive capacity as an appropriate alternative for stimulating resident loyalty formation during difficult times.Practical implicationsThe findings help managers in formulating strategies that facilitate residents' display of willingness to revisit and/or recommend others. The local restaurants can now keep modifying and adjusting their practices and processes so as to exhibit the ability to handle customer unique demands during difficult times.Originality/valueThrough this work, a model of adaptive capabilities as enablers of resident loyalty formation is proposed, hence contributing the existing body of knowledge.

A new dimension for deployment

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 21-23
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Commercial Use ◽  
Course Of Action ◽  
The Face ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints the practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings There is often a disconnect between science and business that is hard to fathom. Sometimes, of course, it is easy to see why two parties can seem so far apart – the scientist in search of truth and uninterested in any practical or commercial use of an invention – the industrialist who is dedicated to one course of action and unwilling to learn from research, which can prove it is the wrong one. Both people are as guilty as each other of missing what is staring them in the face. And yet, this dogged pursuit of a single goal is what represents them and perhaps enables them to more successful than other at what they choose to do. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

The influence of operational excellence on the culture and agility of organizations: evidence from industry

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
André M. Carvalho ◽  
Paulo Sampaio ◽  
Eric Rebentisch ◽  
João Álvaro Carvalho ◽  
Pedro Saraiva
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Behavior ◽  
Organizational Dynamics ◽  
Organizational Agility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Environments ◽  
Cultural Paradigm ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Right ◽  
Operational Excellence

PurposeThis article offers a novel approach that brings together management, engineering and organizational behavior. It focuses on the understanding of organizational dynamics in an era of technological change, upholding the importance of organizational agility and of the cultural paradigm in the management of organizations.Design/methodology/approachIn this work, the authors present the conclusions from a set of studies carried out in organizations operating in technical and technological industries. The authors assessed the capabilities of these organizations in terms of operational excellence maturity and its impact on the organizational culture and organizational agility.FindingsResults show the importance of operational excellence either in developing or expanding organizational agility capabilities while reinforcing the cruciality of an excellence-oriented culture to sustain these efforts over time.Originality/valueIncreasingly unstable business environments have led to a growing interest in how to develop and maintain operational excellence in the face of continued and disruptive change. However, this interest has, so far, been advanced with little empirical evidence to support the corresponding predictions. This work offers the first practical evidence that continued focus and optimization of operations, with the right cultural alignment, helps organizations survive and thrive in increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environments.

scholarly journals Maintaining digital collections with declining resources, fewer staff

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-100
Author(s):  
Wendy Walker ◽  
Teressa Keenan
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
The Face ◽  
Continue Work ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
New Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe methods for restructuring workflows and efficiently using staff members and volunteers to continue work on multiple, simultaneous digital collections as budgets and resources decline. Design/methodology/approach This paper describes one library’s varied approaches to several digital collections supported by literature or volunteers in libraries. Findings In the face of continually declining resources and new, time-sensitive priorities and compliance responsibilities, librarians can continue to maintain digital collections by modifying workflows, using the services of volunteers and communicating strategically. Practical implications This paper is relevant to librarians, archivists and others who are looking for ways to justify and capitalize on the use of unconventional personnel in digital collections programs. Originality/value This paper presents a case of the successful use of volunteers to accomplish digital collections-related tasks in an academic library and provides a communication-based strategy for addressing some of the challenges related to volunteers in academic libraries.

Strengthening reliability in high hazard industries: reconciling tensions for impact

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan H. Offstein ◽  
Raymond Kniphuisen ◽  
D. Robin Bichy ◽  
J. Stephen Childers Jr
Keyword(s):  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
High Reliability Organizations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Damage ◽  
High Hazard ◽  
Complex Phenomena ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – Recent lapses in the management of high hazard organizations, such as the Fukushima event or the Deepwater Horizon blast, add considerable urgency to better understand the complicated and complex phenomena of leading and managing high reliability organizations (HRO). The purpose of this paper is to offer both theoretical and practical insight to further strengthen reliability in high hazard organizations. Design/methodology/approach – Phenomenological study based on over three years of research and thousands of hours of study in HROs conducted through a scholar-practitioner partnership. Findings – The findings indicate that the identification and the management of competing tensions arising from misalignment within and between public policy, organizational strategy, communication, decision-making, organizational learning, and leadership is the critical factor in explaining improved reliability and safety of HROs. Research limitations/implications – Stops short of full-blown grounded theory. Steps were made to ensure validity; however, generalizability may be limited due to sample. Practical implications – Provides insight into reliably operating organizations that are crucial to society where errors would cause significant damage or loss. Originality/value – Extends high reliability research by investigating more fully the competing tensions present in these complex, societally crucial organizations.

Reach for the sky

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 32-34
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Airline Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
New Ventures ◽  
Business World ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Face ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Most people taking those first tentative steps in the business world will have been urged to speculate to accumulate. Firms considering new ventures or alliances are similarly counseled. Many will testify that such advice is often invaluable. Others will tell different tales though. Dreams have ended in failure due to a wrong move, wrong market or wrong time. Or to some combination of these factors. Often it’s preparation that has left much to be desired. On the face of things, it would be difficult to accuse East Air India of not doing the necessary groundwork. The new carrier clearly aims to hit the ground running, as it prepares to enter the Indian airline industry. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

The bank that likes to say yes to expansion

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 12-15
Author(s):  
Alok Kumar Goel ◽  
Geeta Rana
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Behavior ◽  
Industrial Relations ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hr Management ◽  
To Come ◽  
Indian Banks ◽  
Hr Managers ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the steps taken by human resource (HR) managers at India’s Yes Bank to enhance employee retention and to create an environment conducive to growth. Design/methodology/approach – Information gathered from semi-structured interviews has been presented. Findings – This paper reveals how Yes Bank has transformed its working environment through innovative HR practices. Practical implications – The approach adopted by an emerging Indian bank to address various HR issues has been detailed, and it is shown how the bank responded to changes and challenges in the internal and external environments. Social implications – This paper explains that Indian banks are about to come under increasing competitive pressure, as limits on foreign direct investment are relaxed. Originality/value – This paper provides plenty to interest practicing managers, researchers and students in HR management, organizational behavior and industrial relations.

Unraveling legitimation strategies of Chinese Internet start-ups

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohua Su ◽  
Haidong Peng ◽  
Shujun Zhang ◽  
Yun Rong
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Internet Industry ◽  
Case Methodology ◽  
The Face ◽  
Start Ups ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the legitimacy needs and legitimation strategies of Internet start-ups in the context of industry dynamism. Design/methodology/approach – The purpose of this paper is to explore the legitimacy needs and legitimation strategies of Internet start-ups in the context of industry dynamism. Findings – The authors found that Internet start-ups are in great need of acquiring market and relational legitimacy at their nascent stages. Conformance to the environment is widely adopted by them as a legitimacy-enhancing strategy. There is an inverted “U” relationship between the maturity of the industry and the proactivity of any legitimation strategy in the sector. In the face of high- and low-level industry maturity, start-ups tend to employ prudent strategies to build up legitimacy. While in medium-mature industries, ventures are more likely to adopt proactive and aggressive strategies. Research limitations/implications – Due to the very nature of case methodology, this study is based on a small number of observations and it is set in the context of the Internet industry. The generalizability of its findings needs to be reinforced by further concrete studies. Practical implications – This paper suggests that industry dynamism should be taken into account carefully when implementing a choice of legitimation strategies. Originality/value – This study makes an attempt to further our understanding of how industry dynamism influences firms’ choices of legitimation strategies.

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