scholarly journals Cognitive attunement in the face of organizational plasticity

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Secchi
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Distributed Cognition ◽  
Computational Simulation ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
External Resources ◽  
Organizational Cognition ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Face

PurposeThe paper aims to use part of the distributed cognition literature to study how employees cope with organizational plasticity, in an attempt to identify the characteristics of cognitive plasticity.Design/methodology/approachEvidence is collected by designing and implementing an agent-based computational simulation model (the IOP 2.0) where employees have the option to use external resources and the social environment to perform tasks. As plasticity is more effective when change and uncertainty are high, the simulation features an increase in the difficulty and number of tasks to which employees need to cope.FindingsCooperation and sharing of competence and ability are key to cognitive plasticity. Being able to master the use of some resources, together with other employees’ competencies, make some achieve the most efficient task performance.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that under conditions of change and plasticity, human resource management (HRM) shall attempt to develop measures to support employees' cognitive skills necessary to cope with it, for example, mostly through diagnosis, training and facilitating on-the-job dialogue.Originality/valueThis is the first study that attempts a merger between organizational cognition and plasticity, and it is the first to match its results to HRM policy recommendations.

Creativity in a theory of entrepreneurship

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Lee Caton
Keyword(s):  
Computational Simulation ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Agent Based Modeling ◽  
Competitive System ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
The Social ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
The Individual

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to integrate a detailed theory of perception and action with a theory of entrepreneurship. It considers how new knowledge is developed by entrepreneurs and how the level of creativity is regulated by a competitive system. It also shows how new knowledge may create value for the innovator as well as for other entrepreneurs in the system. Design/methodology/approach The theory builds on existing literature on creativity and entrepreneurship. It considers how transformation of mental technologies occurs at the individual and system levels, and how this transformation influences value creation. Findings Under a competitive system, the level of creativity is regulated by the need for new ways of doing things. Periods of crisis wherein old means of coordination begin to fail often precipitate an increase in creativity, whereas a lack of crisis often allows the system to settle to a stable equilibrium with lower levels of creativity. Research limitations/implications The combination of methodology and methods facilitates a description of discrete building blocks that guide perception and enable creativity. This framing enables consideration of how a changing set of knowledge interacts with a system of prices. Practical implications Policy makers must take care not to encumber markets with costs that unnecessarily constrain creativity, as experimentation makes the economic system robust to shocks. Social implications This work provides a framing of cognition that allows for a linking of agent understanding that permits explicit description of coordination between agents. It relates perception and ends of the individual to constraints enforced by the social system. Originality/value As far as the author is concerned, no other work ties together a robust framing of cognition with computational simulation of market processes. This research deepens understanding in multiple fields, most prominently for agent-based modeling and entrepreneurship.

scholarly journals On the quest for defining organisational plasticity: a community modelling experiment

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peer-Olaf Siebers ◽  
Dinuka Herath ◽  
Emanuele Bardone ◽  
Siavash Farahbakhsh ◽  
Peter Gloggengiehser Knudsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Computational Simulation ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Social Simulation ◽  
Agent Based Simulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Modelling Framework ◽  
The Social

PurposeThis viewpoint article is concerned with an attempt to advance organisational plasticity (OP) modelling concepts by using a novel community modelling framework (PhiloLab) from the social simulation community to drive the process of idea generation. In addition, the authors want to feed back their experience with PhiloLab as they believe that this way of idea generation could also be of interest to the wider evidence-based human resource management (EBHRM) community.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used some workshop sessions to brainstorm new conceptual ideas in a structured and efficient way with a multidisciplinary group of 14 (mainly academic) participants using PhiloLab. This is a tool from the social simulation community, which stimulates and formally supports discussions about philosophical questions of future societal models by means of developing conceptual agent-based simulation models. This was followed by an analysis of the qualitative data gathered during the PhiloLab sessions, feeding into the definition of a set of primary axioms of a plastic organisation.FindingsThe PhiloLab experiment helped with defining a set of primary axioms of a plastic organisation, which are presented in this viewpoint article. The results indicated that the problem was rather complex, but it also showed good potential for an agent-based simulation model to tackle some of the key issues related to OP. The experiment also showed that PhiloLab was very useful in terms of knowledge and idea gathering.Originality/valueThrough information gathering and open debates on how to create an agent-based simulation model of a plastic organisation, the authors could identify some of the characteristics of OP and start structuring some of the parameters for a computational simulation. With the outcome of the PhiloLab experiment, the authors are paving the way towards future exploratory computational simulation studies of OP.

Conceptualizing change in organizational cognition

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasmus Gahrn-Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Science ◽  
Distributed Cognition ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Cognition ◽  
Organizational Settings ◽  
Macro Domain ◽  
Task Specification ◽  
Domain Dynamics

PurposeSecchi and Cowley (2016, 2018) propose a Radical approach to Organizational Cognition (ROC) as a way of studying cognitive processes in organizations. What distinguishes ROC from the established research on Organizational Cognition is that it remains faithful to radical, anti-representationalist principles of contemporary cognitive science. However, it is imperative for proponents of ROC to legitimize their approach by considering how it differs from the established research approach of Distributed Cognition (DCog). DCog is a potential contender to ROC in that it not only counters classical approaches to cognition but also provides valuable insights into cognition in organizational settings.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a conceptual/theoretical approach that expands Secchi and Cowley's introduction of ROC.FindingsThe paper shows that DCog research presupposes a task-specification requirement, which entails that cognitive tasks are well-defined. Consequently, DCog research neglects cases of organizational becoming where tasks cannot be clearly demarcated for the or are well-known to the organization. This is the case with the introduction of novel tasks or technical devices. Moreover, the paper elaborates on ROC's 3M model by linking it with insights from the literature on organizational change. Thus, it explores how organizing can be explored as an emergent phenomenon that involves micro, meso and macro domain dynamics, which are shaped by synoptic and performative changes.Originality/valueThe present paper explores new grounds for ROC by not only expanding on its core model but also showing its potential for informing organizational theory and radical cognitive science research.

Saudi subsidy reforms unlikely to spark major protests

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Oil ◽  
Basic Part ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Political Impact ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Government ◽  
Crown Prince ◽  
Economic Outlook

Subject Political impact of subsidy reform. Significance Saudi Arabia introduced its first major cut to energy subsidies in January, leading to a rise in petrol, diesel, fuel oil, natural gas and electricity prices. Further cuts will be necessary to avert a fiscal crisis -- but with cheap energy seen as a basic part of the social contract between the government and the population, such measures are expected to have wide-reaching political repercussions. Impacts A decision to reverse subsidy cuts in the face of protest would undercut government credibility and reduce the prospect of further reforms. Yet persisting with subsidy reforms could damage government legitimacy and political capital among the youth and lower classes. Successful reforms will improve the long-term economic outlook, and the succession prospects of Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Building social capital for constructive adaptive capacity under social stress

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 247-253
Author(s):  
Yutong Wang ◽  
Pakon Ko ◽  
Nancy Law
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Adaptive Capacity ◽  
Social Stress ◽  
School Closure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Face

PurposeThis study examines how a school progressively built its social capital for agile adaptation to provide inclusive and effective fully online learning provisions through intentionally enhancing its architecture for learning.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a case study to examine how school A was able to respond rapidly and progressively to the demand for quality online learning provisions in the face of unanticipated school closure with an uncertain end date. Video recordings of online school sharing sessions, interviews and documents provided by the school constituted data sources for this study.FindingsIn creating a collective new norm for the implementation of online learning, a school needs to enhance both structural and cognitive aspects of its social capital. School A achieved this through intentional changes to its architecture for learning (i.e. organizational structure, interaction mechanisms, mediating artifacts and technology) when deliberating measures to deliver the changes under periods of serious social stress.Originality/valueAdaptive capacity is a core demand on the social capital of schools and organizations under the “new normal” when the future is unpredictable. This paper uncovers the connection between a school's architecture for learning and its adaptive capacity.

Collective resilience following mine clearance in Kurdish Iraq

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Durham ◽  
Rob White
Keyword(s):  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Face ◽  
Collective Resilience

Purpose – The purpose of the study was to identify the economic impacts of landmine clearance on household livelihoods and to present the qualitative findings of a study undertaken in the Kurdish region of Iraq. Design/methodology/approach – The sampling method followed a case series, purposive sampling design. Five recipient households were interviewed from different districts. In addition, purposively selected program staff (N = 4) and local community leaders (N = 2) were interviewed. When undertaking the thematic analysis of the Kurdish household qualitative interviews, it became very apparent that the Kurdish informants did not talk in terms of economic outcomes as a result of demining. The data were then re-analyzed using a narrative framework and reported in this paper. Findings – While the research sought a link between demining, livelihoods, poverty reduction and economic development, the respondents told another story. Their story focused on the social consequences of returning to their “grandfather’s land”. Participants’ narratives told of resilience resulting from negotiation with the environment and the importance of regaining one’s identity and hopes to heal in the face of adversity. Research limitations/implications – The findings cannot be generalized to all mine action program recipients but have salience for rural households in the site of inquiry. Originality/value – The paper is rare in illustrating the social benefits of post-conflict demining and its links with social capital and collective resilience.

scholarly journals An overview of urban resilience: dimensions, components, and approaches

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 305-322
Author(s):  
Mazdak Irani ◽  
Payam Rahnamayiezekavat
Keyword(s):  
Research Literature ◽  
System Stability ◽  
Urban Resilience ◽  
Economic Stability ◽  
External Resources ◽  
Scientific Databases ◽  
Purposeful Sampling ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Face ◽  
Relevant Material

This paper investigates the theoretical and research literature on urban resilience. It examines various definitions of the concept and explores its social, economic, and institutional dimensions as components of a dynamic system. The study design was a descriptive review of relevant material collected from high quality scientific databases using the purposeful sampling method. The results indicated that the social ecology model of urban resilience provided a coherent and dynamic approach to the study of urban resilience. This model comprises economic, social, and institutional dimensions, the components of which have different functions in relation to urban resilience in the face of changes and pressures. To be effective, the system must be flexible and contain a variety of resources and functions to make predictions, deal with adverse events, and make provision for possible failures. System stability and balance require active and knowledgeable actors and institutions that enable appropriate communication between them. In this approach, a resilient city not only has the ability to absorb and withstand disasters, but also contains a variety of internal and external resources to regain balance. Resilient systems are the result of a series of decisions and actions at different times. The necessary capacities must be developed in the economic, social, and institutional dimensions to create economic stability, increase awareness and public cooperation, and develop efficient institutions to legislate for and implement urban resilience programs.

Conclusion

2019 ◽  
pp. 279-288
Author(s):  
Sue Clayton ◽  
Anna Gupta ◽  
Katie Willis
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Social Justice ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Young People ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Age Assessment ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Cross ◽  
Structural Inequalities

This chapter draws together themes emerging from the preceding chapters, as well as identifying policy recommendations. It starts by highlighting the insights drawn from the cross-disciplinary approach adopted in the book. It then moves on to stress the social justice and human rights perspective, including the implications of how unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are framed by the authorities that are dealing with their cases. It discusses the need to acknowledge and support young people in exercising their agency, albeit within the confines of structural inequalities. The chapter then provides policy recommendations including the implementation of current laws and guidelines, and a review of age assessment processes. The chapter concludes with examples of new practices and new critical thinking that have emerged in the face of challenges associated with supporting unaccompanied young migrants in recent years.

Grey clustering of the variations in the back-to-front airplane boarding method considering COVID-19 flying restrictions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camelia Delcea ◽  
Liviu-Adrian Cotfas ◽  
R. John Milne ◽  
Naiming Xie ◽  
Rafał Mierzwiak
Keyword(s):  
Airline Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
The Social ◽  
Grey Clustering ◽  
Airport Terminal ◽  
Grey Systems Theory ◽  
Clustering Approach ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Type 3

PurposeThe airline industry has been significantly hit by the occurrence of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, facing one of its worst crises in history. In this context, the present paper analyses one of the well-known boarding methods used in practice by the airlines before and during the coronavirus outbreak, namely back-to-front and suggests which variations of this method to use when three passenger boarding groups are considered and a jet bridge connects the airport terminal with the airplane.Design/methodology/approachBased on the importance accorded by the airlines to operational performance, health risks, and passengers' comfort, the variations in three passenger groups back-to-front boarding are divided into three clusters using the grey clustering approach offered by the grey systems theory.FindingsHaving the clusters based on the selected metrics and considering the social distance among the passengers, airlines can better understand how the variations in back-to-front perform in the new conditions imposed by the novel coronavirus and choose the boarding approach that better fits its policy and goals.Originality/valueThe paper combines the advantages offered by grey clustering and agent-based modelling for offering to determine which are the best configurations that offer a reduced boarding time, while accounting for reduced passengers' health risk, measured through three indicators: aisle risk, seat risk and type-3 seat interferences and for an increased comfort for the passengers manifested through a continuous walking flow while boarding.

An agent-based model for resource allocation during relief distribution

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubel Das ◽  
Shinya Hanaoka
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Transportation Cost ◽  
Social Benefit ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Agent Based Model ◽  
Decomposition Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
The Social ◽  
Relief Distribution

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a model for allocating resources in various zones after a large-scale disaster. This study is motivated by the social dissatisfaction caused by inefficient relief distribution. Design/methodology/approach – This study introduces an agent-based model (ABM) framework for integrating stakeholders’ interests. The proposed model uses the TOPSIS method to create a hierarchy of demand points for qualitative and quantitative parameters. A decomposition algorithm has been proposed to solve fleet allocation. Findings – Relief distribution based on the urgency of demand points increases social benefit. A decomposition approach generates higher social benefit than the enumeration approach. The transportation cost is lower in the enumeration approach. Research limitations/implications – This study does not consider fleet contracts explicitly, but rather assumes a linear cost function for computing transportation costs. Practical implications – The outcomes of this study can be a valuable tool for relief distribution planning. This model may also help reduce the social dissatisfaction caused by ad hoc relief distribution. Originality/value – This study introduces an ABM for humanitarian logistics, proposes a decomposition approach, and explores the ontology of stakeholders of humanitarian logistics specific to last-mile distribution.

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