How two-tier boards can be more effective

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter-Jan Bezemer ◽  
Stefan Peij ◽  
Laura de Kruijs ◽  
Gregory Maassen
Keyword(s):  
Executive Directors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Interventions ◽  
Decision Control ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Supervisory Boards ◽  
Decision Management ◽  
The Right

Purpose – This study seeks to explore how non-executive directors address governance problems on Dutch two-tier boards. Within this board model, challenges might be particularly difficult to address due to the formal separation of management boards' decision-management from supervisory boards' decision-control roles. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire among non-executive directors provide unique insights into three major challenges in the boardrooms of two-tier boards in The Netherlands. Findings – The study indicates that non-executive directors mainly experience challenges in three areas: the ability to ask management critical questions, information asymmetries between the management and supervisory boards and the management of the relationship between individual executive and non-executive directors. The qualitative in-depth analysis reveals the complexity of the contributing factors to problems in the boardroom and the range of process and social interventions non-executive directors use to address boardroom issues with management and the organization of the board. Practical implications – While policy makers have been largely occupied with the “right” board composition, the results highlight the importance of adequately addressing operational challenges in the boardroom. The results emphasize the importance of a better understanding of board processes and the need of non-executive directors to carefully manage relationships in and around the boardroom. Originality/value – Whereas most studies have focussed on regulatory initiatives to improve the functioning of boards (e.g. the independence of the board), this study explores how non-executive directors attempt to enhance the effectiveness of boards on which they serve.

scholarly journals Exploring the key challenges facing company secretaries in a two-tier board context

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 815-830
Author(s):  
Stefan Peij ◽  
Pieter-Jan Bezemer
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Relational Dynamics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Interventions ◽  
The Core ◽  
Decision Control ◽  
Scant Attention ◽  
Decision Management ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to examine the core challenges facing company secretaries in a two-tier board context. This study focuses on the key factors contributing to these challenges and how company secretaries can effectively address them. Design/methodology/approach An analysis of the narratives provided by 291 Dutch company secretaries in response to a series of open-ended questionnaire questions led to insights into the key challenges company secretaries face in their day-to-day work. Findings Company secretaries perceive a myriad of factors contributing to pressures on their time, the need to work for multiple organizational bodies and the processing of information. They believe process interventions and social interventions are needed to alleviate these issues. Research limitations/implications The research highlights the need to deeply study boards from a holistic and systems point of view that recognizes the various actors, such as the company secretary, and their relationships in a boardroom context. Furthermore, the research shows how the two-tier board model may complicate these relational dynamics owing to the formal separation of decision management from decision control. Practical implications This study identifies various pragmatic ways to address the core challenges facing company secretaries so as to improve their contributions to decision-making at the apex of organizations. Originality/value This study sheds light on an important organizational actor (i.e. the company secretary) that hitherto has received scant attention in the governance literature.

Non-executive director’s motivation to continue serving on boards: a self-determination theory perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Axel Walther ◽  
Hannah Möltner ◽  
Michèle Morner
Keyword(s):  
Executive Director ◽  
Boards Of Directors ◽  
Extrinsic Motivation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Executive Directors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supervisory Boards ◽  
Motivation Profiles ◽  
Statistical Representativeness

Purpose This paper aims to identify distinct motivation profiles among non-executive directors and explores the reasons why non-executive directors continue to serve on boards of directors. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is based on a multiple case study in the context of German supervisory boards. The authors develop their primary insights from semi-structured interviews with 53 non-executive directors. Findings The findings indicate that non-executive director motivation revolves around material incentives, reputation, meaningfulness, congruence with firm goals and enjoyment. Three distinct motivation profiles emerge from the analysis, with each profile exhibiting a set of unique reasons to continue serving on boards. Research limitations/implications Future research needs to test for the statistical representativeness of the findings and their performance implications, preferably in a shareholder-oriented governance context. Originality/value The study introduces a psychological angle to the debate about non-executive director motivation. The contributions include going beyond a bi-polar distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and draw attention to how motivation profiles relate to non-executive director’s intention to continue serving on boards.

Collaborative design in public services: a wicked problem-reframing case

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrícia Moura e Sá ◽  
Catarina Frade ◽  
Fernanda Jesus ◽  
Mónica Lopes ◽  
Teresa Maneca Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Design ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Wicked Problem ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Right

PurposeWicked problems require collaborative innovation approaches. Understanding the problem from the users' perspective is essential. Based on a complex and ill-defined case, the purpose of the current paper is to identify some critical success factors in defining the “right problem” to be addressed.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical research study was carried out in a low-density municipality (case study). Extensive data were collected from official databases, individual semi-structured interviews and a focus group involving citizens, local authorities, civil servants and other relevant stakeholders.FindingsAs defined by the central government, the problem to be addressed by the research team was to identify which justice services should be made available locally to a small- and low-density community. The problem was initially formulated using top-down reasoning. In-depth contact with citizens and key local players revealed that the lack of justice services was not “the issue” for that community. Mobility constraints and the shortage of economic opportunities had a considerable impact on the lack of demand for justice services. By using a bottom-up perspective, it was possible to reframe the problem to be addressed and suggest a new concept to be tested at later stages.Social implicationsThe approach followed called attention to the importance of listening to citizens and local organisations with a profound knowledge of the territory to effectively identify and circumscribe a local problem in the justice field.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the limitations of traditional rational problem-solving approaches and contributes to expanding the voice-of-the-customer principle showing how it can lead to a substantially new definition of the problem to be addressed.

scholarly journals Austerity and financial governance: a UK case study of the National Health Service

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 212-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm Prowle ◽  
Don Harradine
Keyword(s):  
Financial Management ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Executive Directors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Governance ◽  
Governance Process ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Finance Directors

Purpose – This research concerns the issue of financial governance within the UK NHS and aims to assess the effectiveness of existing financial governance arrangements in the main providers of health services in the UK. Also considered is the importance of good financial governance in a time of financial austerity. Design/methodology/approach – The primary research for this project was based on the use of a questionnaire to all finance directors in NHSTs in England supported by semi-structured interviews with: finance directors, non-executive directors, executive directors and senior finance staff. Findings – Among the main findings of the study were: certain financial management systems were not prioritised in line with what is seen as good practice; existing financial management systems were not always seen as adequate for the achievement of good financial governance; there was sometimes a lack of understanding of financial issues by non-executive directors; and the complexity of the NHS funding process often resulted in opaqueness of the financial risks. Research limitations/implications – The research is limited by the relatively small coverage of NHS trusts but this has been compensated for by a series of in-depth interviews with key stakeholders in the governance process. Practical implications – Weaknesses in financial governance could result in further scandals which result in loss of life and poor patient care. Originality/value – There are many papers on the issue of governance in the public sector in general and the NHS in particular. However, there is little published on the issue of financial governance in the NHS. Also of great value is the emphasis on strengthening financial governance in an era of austerity

Maintenance of lift systems affecting resident satisfaction in low-cost high-rise residential buildings

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheong Peng Au-Yong ◽  
Nur Farhana Azmi ◽  
Nur Aaina Mahassan
Keyword(s):  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Housing Quality ◽  
Resident Satisfaction ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Breakdown Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Rise ◽  
Poor Households

Purpose Providing quality low-cost high-rise residential housing for poor households remains a major concern worldwide and especially in Malaysia. Despite government effort to maintain the quality of the housing through the Housing Maintenance Program and 1Malaysia Maintenance Fund Program (TP1M), the maintenance industry is still faced with serious housing quality problems in terms of facilities, one of which is the lift system. As the most expensive and important transportation system in a high-rise building, a lift system requires regular maintenance and inspection to provide safe and effective service to occupants. Unfortunately, most lift systems in Malaysia are not effectively maintained. The purpose of this paper is to examine contributing factors to the breakdown of lift systems, which greatly affect resident satisfaction in low-cost high-rise residential buildings. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three stakeholders involved in maintenance management to identify the common causes of lift breakdown. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was used to investigate resident satisfaction with the system. Findings The results demonstrate vandalism as the most common cause for the frequent breakdown of lift system in low-cost housing. The study also reveals that there is a significant relationship between system breakdown rate and residents’ satisfaction. Originality/value The paper concludes with the recommendation that stakeholders, including both maintenance personnel and residents, should commit themselves to ensuring that the use and care of lift system are correct

scholarly journals Secondary teachers' perspectives on sustaining growth mindset concepts in instruction

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Jorif ◽  
Cheryl Burleigh
Keyword(s):  
Instructional Practices ◽  
Growth Mindset ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analysis Process ◽  
Learning Tasks ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Secondary Grades ◽  
Teachers Perspectives

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore perspectives of secondary (9–12) teachers on how to sustain growth mindset concepts within instructional practices as well as identifying barriers to sustainment.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed an exploratory case study to obtain the lived experiences of participants. An inductive analysis process was utilized on the data collected through structured interviews and a semi-structured focus group.FindingsFour major themes emerged from an in-depth analysis process: embed growth mindset practices in daily classroom instruction, communicate verbal affirmations and implement growth mindset learning tasks, allow students to experience academic successes and failures and teachers should receive continual support.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to secondary grades (9–12). Therefore, it is recommended to expand the study to grades K-8.Originality/valueDue to a gap in the literature, this study provided insights into sustaining an innovative psychological approach, growth mindset, within academic instruction. Growth mindset concepts have been supported through the work of seminal researcher Carol Dweck and other prevalent educational researchers (e.g. Robert Marzano) to provide teachers with effective classroom instructional practices that can academically progress students.

Developing a model for analyzing the factors influencing interpersonal conflict

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 1127-1144
Author(s):  
Zeinab Lalegani ◽  
Ali Nasr Isfahani ◽  
Arash Shahin ◽  
Ali Safari
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Interpersonal Conflict ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Interpersonal Conflicts ◽  
Factors Influencing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and analyze a model of factors influencing interpersonal conflicts. Design/methodology/approach This research was conducted using a mixed method approach. In the qualitative study, the conceptual model of the factors affecting interpersonal conflicts was extracted from semi-structured interviews with 17 relevant experts using a theme analysis technique. Then, three hypotheses were developed based on the model and relevant theoretical evidence. Using a researcher-made questionnaire which was developed earlier based on the qualitative results, a quantitative-based survey was performed to assess the interpersonal conflicts and also the standard scale of the level of interpersonal conflicts (Jehn, 1997). The hypotheses were tested on a sample of 160 employees of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province Gas Company (CBPGC). Findings The results of the qualitative study indicated that individual factors including personality dimensions and individual differences; organizational factors including five dimensions of organizational culture, organizational structure, management characteristics, intra-organization factors and human resource systems; and environmental factors influenced the creation of interpersonal conflicts. The results of the quantitative study indicated that organizational factors with an effect size of 0.502 were identified as the most important factor influencing interpersonal conflicts. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study can provide a roadmap to managers of the CBPGC to be aware of the contributing factors to conflict within their organization. Originality/value The use of mixed method to identify the causes and factors of interpersonal conflict and analyzing a context different from previous studies can be considered as the innovations of this study.

Architects and rural post-disaster housing: lessons from South India

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gertrud Tauber
Keyword(s):  
South India ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Indian Ocean Tsunami ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Post Disaster

Purpose – This research aims to examine three housing projects implemented by local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and planned by local architects after the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 in rural South India. The key to the acceptance of post-disaster houses lies in meeting the peoples’ wishes and needs, and in integrating local know-how into the course of the project process (a premise intensively discussed in theory). After the tsunami of 2004, many (NGOs) appointed architects, assuming that these professionals would be qualified to facilitate the implementation of people-oriented houses (and villages). However, the architects’ roles vary significantly, which had, as will be shown here, a considerable impact on the degree of success of the project. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data for this study were gathered through household questionnaires (110); informal interaction; participant-observation (work assignment: 2.5 years; field survey: 4 months); semi-structured interviews (NGO representatives, architects and engineers). Secondary literature was studied on post-disaster housing, building cultures and cultures of knowledge. Findings – This study reveals that, in the course of rural post-disaster reconstruction, there is a crying need to appoint the “right” personnel having, first of all, the capacity to comply with the social dynamics at project level, and, second, being able to address those aspects critical for the realization of people-oriented housing. Architects can be a valuable resource for both the NGO and the villagers. However, this paper shows that key to this is, among other considerations, a thorough understanding of the rural (building) culture, its abilities and requirements, the strategic interplay of various roles and abilities during the course of an intricate building process and the design of appropriate roles for adequately-skilled architects. Originality/value – To this date, the debate on the role of architects in the context of post-disaster housing has neglected to examine empirically the implications of appointing these professionals in rural post-disaster contexts. This paper addresses this imbalance and complements the existing corpus of work by examining the impact of different roles of architects on the degree of success of the project at village level.

We didn’t see it coming! Managerial challenges in silently fading processes

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 534-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Renström
Keyword(s):  
General Tendency ◽  
Financial Advisors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Process Dynamics ◽  
Unstable Phase ◽  
Constructive Dialogue ◽  
The Right ◽  
Private Banking ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand “silent” processes, where the relationship fades away for no obvious reason, and to outline a few managerial challenges related to a passive engagement style in the relationship. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses an exploratory approach where 42 interviews were screened, resulting in eight semi-structured interviews that were used describing silent fading relationships. The interviews represent four relationship dyads between financial advisors and their customers in a private banking setting (wealth management). Findings – The paper outlines the relationship roots, the process dynamics, and the reasons behind fading in the relationships. It emphasizes the problems with implicit expectations from both parties in the relationship and suggests that more focus should be put on defining the relationship from the start. The absence of interaction and dialogue is problematic. If the parties in the relationship are able to communicate constructively during an unstable phase in the relationship, there is a better chance that the relationship will survive. Research limitations/implications – Since no attempts are made to generalize the knowledge retrieved, the number of fading relationships categorized must not be seen as representative for a general tendency. Practical implications – The paper offers several managerial challenges when it comes to understanding the management of silently fading relationships, e.g. managing mismatching expectations, defining and re-defining the relationship, constructive dialogue, gaining service encounter information, and the need for finding the right level of commitment in the relationship. Originality/value – This paper discusses several concepts that are highly interesting for research related to relationship dynamics. Most studies have focussed on active decisions in relationships, whereas this paper focusses on passive and inactive decisions. It also offers empirical insights, which are scarce in the area.

Rapid benchmarking: the case of a multinational dairy company

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubab Malik ◽  
Robin Mann ◽  
Rebecca Knapman
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Rapid Improvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Internal Benchmarking ◽  
The Right

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to investigate and document a new approach to best practice benchmarking called rapid benchmarking. Rapid benchmarking is defined by the authors as an approach to dramatically shorten the typical length of time to conduct a successful best practice benchmarking project.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology involved a case study exploration of a multinational dairy company's best practice benchmarking approach using structured interviews and data collection to examine the speed and results achieved through its benchmarking approach and whether it was justified in naming it as rapid benchmarking. A comparison of the speed of the dairy company's approach was undertaken against 24 other organisations that had utilised the same benchmarking methodology (TRADE Best Practice Benchmarking). In addition, a literature review was undertaken to search for other cases of rapid benchmarking and compare rapid benchmarking with other rapid improvement approaches.FindingsThe findings revealed that the approach used by the dairy company was unique, with best practices being identified and action plans signed off for deployment within a five-day period (far quicker than the average time of 211 days reported by other organisations). Key success factors for rapid benchmarking were found to be allocating five dedicated days for the benchmarking team to spend on the project, identifying the right team members for the project, obtaining sponsorship support for the project and providing intensive facilitation support through a benchmarking facilitator.Research limitations/implicationsOnly one company was found to use a rapid benchmarking approach; therefore, the findings are from one case study. The depth of analysis presented was restricted due to commercial sensitivity.Practical implicationsThe rapid benchmarking approach is likely to be of great interest to practitioners, providing them with a new way of finding solutions and best practices to address challenges that need to be solved quickly or with minimal expense. For organisations that have been using benchmarking for many years, the research will enable them to re-evaluate their own benchmarking approach and consider if rapid benchmarking could be used for some projects, particularly for internal benchmarking where it is easier to apply.Originality/valueThis research is the first to identify and document a rapid benchmarking approach and the first to provide a detailed analysis of the length of time it takes to undertake best practice benchmarking projects (and each stage of a benchmarking project).

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