Developing new capability: middle managers’ role in corporate entrepreneurship

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 470-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanyuan Wu ◽  
Zhenzhong Ma ◽  
Milo Shaoqing Wang
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Middle Managers ◽  
Corporate Entrepreneurship ◽  
Capability Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Research Propositions ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of middle managers in the corporate entrepreneurship process that drives new capability development. Middle managers are highlighted as key entrepreneurial agents because of their special position in an organization.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on existing capability development and corporate entrepreneurship literature and develops a conceptual model and research propositions that are illustrated through three examples from a Chinese private firm.FindingsThis paper contends the dual role of middle managers, both as change implementers to follow pre-set rules of an existing corporate entrepreneurship system and as change initiators to bring new rules to improve the existing system.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is conceptual in nature, advancing the understanding of middle managers’ role in corporate entrepreneurship. The paper provides directions for future empirical research.Practical implicationsThe interactions between middle managers and other organizational agents are discussed in the propositions. This paper suggests the importance of empowering middle managers to facilitate changes in complex internal environments.Originality/valueThe paper provides a unique theoretical contribution by introducing the interface-based, multi-level conceptual model of corporate entrepreneurship toward new capability development.

Solid waste management- sustainability towards a better future, role of CSR – a review

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 762-771
Author(s):  
Preethi Rajesh
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Solid Waste ◽  
Solid Waste Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Air Contamination ◽  
Healthy Environment ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Human activities in household and industries generate an enormous amount of waste material, both organic and non-biodegradable matter, which substantially contribute to land, water and air contamination. The study aims to highlight the possible methods in solid waste management (SWM) and its influence on economy and environment. The paper is an attempt to bring out the necessity of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the management of solid waste. Design/methodology/approach The paper is prepared after an elaborate review of literature connected with SWM. Findings The paper emphasizes the need of SWM and the role of corporate bodies in building a robust system in the management of solid waste, creating a healthy environment to all. Research limitations/implications The paper is entirely based on literature review and reports and not on individual's research. Practical implications The paper has a multi-level faceted approach where real-time practices in different countries have been explored. Social implications This study can enable the collaboration of corporates, scientific community and the municipal local bodies in the area of SWM. Originality/value This paper deliberates on how CSR can be a driving force for a sustainable model for SWM.

Investigation of communication in budgetary accountability routines

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-344
Author(s):  
Jean-Claude Mutiganda ◽  
Giuseppe Grossi ◽  
Lars Hassel
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Communicative Action ◽  
Mutual Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Hierarchical Levels ◽  
Communicative Process ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Repeated Contact

Purpose This paper aims to analyse the role of communication in shaping the mechanisms of accountability routines. Design/methodology/approach Conceptual elements of the theory of communicative action and the literature on routines were used to conduct a field study in two hospital districts in Finland, from 2009 to 2015. Data were based on interviews, document analysis, observed meetings and repeated contact with key informants. Findings The findings explain how accountability routines take different forms – weak or strong – in different organisations and at different hierarchical levels. Differences depend on the generative structures and mechanisms of the communicative process – relational and normative – used to give and ask information to and from organisation members involved in accountability relationships. An explorative finding is that discourse-based communication plays an important role in bridging the gap between weak and strong accountability routines. The main theoretical contribution is to conceptualise and show the role of communicative rationalities in shaping the mechanisms of accountability routines. Practical implications The implication for practitioners and policymakers is to show to what extent the organisation policies and communicative rationalities used in accountability have potential to improve or not to improve the practices of accountability routines. Mutual understanding, motivation and capacity of organisation members to do as expected and agreed upon without pressure improve accountability routines. Originality/value The value of this study is to explain how accountability routines take different forms in practice (weak or strong) in different organisations and at different hierarchical levels, depending on the generative structures of the communicative process used in practicing accountability routines.

E-marketing orientation and social media implementation in B2B marketing

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 638-655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Habibi ◽  
Caroline Anne Hamilton ◽  
Michael John Valos ◽  
Michael Callaghan
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
B2b Marketing ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
Marketing Orientation ◽  
Electronic Marketing ◽  
Business To Consumer ◽  
Research Propositions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the potential of an organisational orientation, namely the electronic marketing orientation (EMO) to address implementation issues in business-to-business (B2B) social media implementation. Previous research has demonstrated differences between B2B and business-to-consumer (B2C) marketing. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on existing B2B marketing, social media and organisational orientation literature, both academic and practitioner. This facilitates the development of a conceptual model and research proposition as a basis of further research into addressing contemporary barriers to B2B social media implementation. Findings – The paper contends that each of the four components of the EMO addresses different implementation issues faced in implementing social media and, more specifically, the unique issues faced by B2B marketers. Research limitations/implications – The paper is conceptual in nature; however, it provides directions for future empirical research. Practical implications – The differences in promotional and sales channels and messages required in B2B context are addressed in the research propositions. The paper highlights implementation challenges and how a particular organisational orientation can facilitate the decision-making in dealing with them. Originality/value – The paper provides a unique theoretical contribution by introducing the EMO conceptual model in a specific context of B2B social media marketing.

Co-creating sustainable corporate brands: a consumer framing approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-461
Author(s):  
Sonja Lahtinen ◽  
Elina Närvänen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Corporate Brands ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore how consumers co-create sustainable corporate brands (SCBs) by framing brands with a newly adopted sustainability orientation.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative data were generated from four focus groups consisting of altogether 25 Finnish millennial consumers. The data were analysed using thematic analysis, and the resulting themes were classified as different framings.FindingsThe findings indicate three ways of framing SCBs: as signs of corporate hypocrite, as threats that increase societal fragmentation and as signs of corporate enlightenment. These framings are based on two components: the perceived attributes and activities of the corporate brand.Practical implicationsThe role of corporate brands is expanding from the business sphere towards actively influencing society. Yet, sustainability activities can be risky if consumers, as primary stakeholders, deem them unacceptable, unethical or untrustworthy. This research supports brand managers to succeed in co-creating SCBs as contributors to societal and environmental well-being, at a time when multiple stakeholders consider this a worthwhile endeavour.Originality/valueThe theoretical contribution is twofold: firstly, the paper extends the sustainable corporate branding literature by demonstrating how SCBs are co-created through an interactive framing process between the corporation and primary stakeholders, and, secondly, it contributes to the constitutive approach to corporate social responsibility communication (CSRC) research by showing how millennial consumers frame corporate brands that communicate corporations' newly adopted sustainability orientation.

Job crafting and psychological capital: a multi-level study of their effects on innovative work behaviour

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 145-158
Author(s):  
Jin-Feng Uen ◽  
Rama Krishna Kishore Vandavasi ◽  
Kun Lee ◽  
Prasanthi Yepuru ◽  
Vipin Saini
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Job Crafting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Innovative Work ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Innovative Work Behaviour ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to test the cross-level effects of team job crafting on individual innovative work behaviour (IWB) and the mediating role of team psychological capital (PsyCap). Design/methodology/approach This longitudinal study tested a multilevel design in a sample of 163 employees, clustered into 45 teams. Job crafting and PsyCap were aggregated to the team level to examine the effects of team job crafting Time 1 on individual IWB Time 2. In addition, mediation analysis was tested to determine whether team-level job crafting Time 1 can affect individual IWB Time 2 through team PsyCap Time 2. Findings Results found that team job crafting was positively related to individual IWB, and the relationship was mediated by team PsyCap. Practical implications This study includes implications for adopting job crafting behaviour at the team level to improve individual IWB. Originality/value This cross-level study is the first to verify the effects of team job crafting on individual IWB and team PsyCap as a mediator. This study extends the literature on job crafting by using a multilevel design in the analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the role of responsible leadership in health care: thinking beyond employee well-being and organisational sustainability

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-68
Author(s):  
Amlan Haque
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Responsible Leadership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Care Employees ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The unprecedented crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has posed an enormous challenge ever for health-care organisations to find strategies to deal with their survival. The health-care employees are the frontline soldiers to fight against COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, there is a lack of research regarding the conceptualisation of COVID-19 and its impact on health-care employees’ well-being and their organisational sustainability. Extending the role of responsible leadership (RL), the purpose of this paper is to develop a multi-level conceptual model to overcome the crisis of COVID-19 pandemic and promote employee (e.g. workers, nurses and professionals) well-being and organisational sustainability. Design/methodology/approach With a comprehensive literature review, this paper presents five testable propositions and highlights the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on employee well-being and organisational sustainability. Findings The proposed model counsels that organisations need to go beyond the simple application of strategic climate and should enable RL to protect and maintain employee well-being and organisational sustainability. Research limitations/implications The proposed conceptual model is a step forward to not only explore future empirical research but also it will help the health-care policymakers to take responsible initiatives to increase employee well-being and uphold organisational sustainability. Originality/value There is a lack of research regarding the conceptualisation of the COVID 19 pandemic and its impact on health-care employees’ well-being and organisational sustainability. The proposed conceptual model opens and guides a novel research avenue for the alignment of strategic management (as a moderator) and RL on the relationships among the COVID-19 pandemic, employee well-being and organisational sustainability.

scholarly journals Organisational learning in SMEs: a process improvement perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (7) ◽  
pp. 970-1006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupert Lawrence Matthews ◽  
Bart L. MacCarthy ◽  
Christos Braziotis
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Organisational Learning ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Business ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how organisational learning (OL) can occur through process improvement (PI) activities, leading to sustained improvements over time in the context of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach The authors study PI practices in six engineering-oriented SMEs via interview-based case studies. The authors draw from a range of literature and use an OL conceptual framework informed by Crossan et al.’s (1999) 4I framework as an analytical lens. Findings The OL perspective provides new insights to conceptualise the nature of PI as a multi-level practice in SMEs. Effective PI practices within SMEs are shown to be consistent with OL concepts, enabling firms to translate individually identified improvement opportunities into organisational-level changes that result in sustained benefits. A new conceptual model is presented that explains how SMEs can learn through improvement activities. The key role of management support, both operational and strategic, is highlighted. It is necessary for management to provide sufficient PI opportunities to enable and sustain beneficial learning. Research limitations/implications The study is based on a sample of engineering-oriented SMEs located in the UK. Further case-based, longitudinal, and survey-based research studies with firms of different types will enhance the generalisability of the findings, allowing the confirmation and extension of the new conceptual model. Practical implications The findings provide a theoretically underpinned framework for achieving OL in engineering-oriented SMEs through PI activities. The new model highlights the key mechanisms that enable learning from improvement activities. The findings highlight the key role played by management in introducing additional learning opportunities in the form of new business that requires exploratory learning. Without this, the reduction in improvement opportunities reduces the benefits that can be realised from PI. Originality/value OL provides a multi-level perspective to understanding how smaller firms are able to undergo systematic improvements and the support required to continually improve.

The effect representatives have on their client's perceptions of justice and fair treatment in workplace dispute resolution processes

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin P. Farmer ◽  
Jane K. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Justice ◽  
Dispute Resolution ◽  
Alternative Dispute Resolution ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Propositions ◽  
Resolution Processes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical framework for assessing the effects representatives have on their client's perceptions of justice, outcome and satisfaction, as well as the treatment received by clients from other stakeholders, in workplace dispute resolution processes.Design/methodology/approachResearch propositions are advanced based on constructs and theories drawn from the literature on organizational justice, in particular, as well as social psychology in general.FindingsRepresentatives are hypothesized to have a profound effect on their client's perceptions of voice, participation and satisfaction as well as on the treatment accorded the client by the other side and third‐party neutral. Representation, per se, is heralded as neither a positive nor a negative force in workplace dispute resolution processes.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework of a representative's effects is limited by a focus on individual employees who pursue disputes arising out of the employment relationship against management and, therefore, excludes disputes involving groups as well as non‐employment related disputes.Practical implicationsSuggestions for expanding or contracting the role of representatives in workplace dispute resolution are discussed.Originality/valueAlthough it is ubiquitous in US jurisprudence and is a growing presence in alternative dispute resolution, the representative‐client dyad has been unexplored. The impact representatives have on the client's perceptions of justice, and the effects representatives have on other stakeholders in the process, bear scrutiny.

The role of spiritual leadership in fostering inclusive workplaces

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 908-935 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Gotsis ◽  
Katerina Grimani
Keyword(s):  
Spiritual Leadership ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Mediation Model ◽  
Spiritual Values ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Settings ◽  
Societal Relevance ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Inclusion is of critical importance to creating healthier workplaces, if the ongoing dynamic of workforce diversity is taken for granted. The purpose of this paper is to designate the role of spiritual leadership in fostering more humane and inclusive workplaces. Design/methodology/approach The authors review the extant literature on two distinct research streams, inclusion and inclusive leadership, and spiritual leadership, elaborate a mediation model, identify antecedents and outcomes, and articulate a set of propositions reflecting key findings. Findings The authors advance a conceptual model according to which inclusive practices founded on spiritual values will mediate the positive relationship between spiritual leadership and a climate for inclusion. They argue that calling and membership as components of spiritual wellbeing will reinforce employees’ experience of both uniqueness and belongingness, thus affecting their perceptions of inclusion and inducing multi-level beneficial outcomes. Practical implications Spiritual leadership assumes a preeminent role in embracing and valuing diversity: it embodies a potential for positioning inclusive ideals more strategically, in view of enabling employees unfold their genuine selves and experience integration in work settings. Social implications Spiritual leadership helps inclusive goals to be situated in their societal context; inclusion is thus viewed as both an organizational and societal good, embedded in social contexts, and pertinent to corporate vision, mission and philosophy. Originality/value The paper examines spiritual leadership as a predictor of climates for inclusion. Drawing on spiritual values, spiritual leaders display a strong potential for inclusion, facilitating diverse employees to experience feelings of both belongingness and uniqueness in work settings that assume high societal relevance.

National culture and inter-tier price competition

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-138
Author(s):  
K. Sivakumar
Keyword(s):  
Prospect Theory ◽  
National Culture ◽  
Price Competition ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Culture Dimensions ◽  
Research Propositions ◽  
High Tier ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This research aims to examine the role of national culture dimensions in the nature of tier competition between high-tier brands and low-tier brands. Design/methodology/approach – It starts with a conceptual framework based on prospect theory to explain the asymmetric inter-tier competition. It then describes how the national culture dimensions influence the implications of prospect theory and as a result, the nature of inter-tier competition. The paper uses Hofstede's framework to operationalize national culture and derives a number of research propositions that explicate the role of national culture in inter-tier price competition. Findings – The study finds that the extent of asymmetry favouring high-tier brands over low-tier brands depends on the national culture dimensions. Whereas high levels of individualism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity increase the asymmetry favouring high-tier brands, higher long-term orientation decreases asymmetric price competition favouring high-tier brands. Practical implications – The findings offer important guidelines for understanding the nature of inter-tier price competition as a function of national culture. Originality/value – This is the first study to extend inter-tier price competition in the global setting and also the first study that links national culture with prospect theory to examine the boundary conditions of inter-tier price competition.

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