How social capital affects innovation in a cultural network

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 895-918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Ceci ◽  
Francesca Masciarelli ◽  
Simone Poledrini

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how bonding (i.e. tightly knit, emotionally close social relationships) and bridging social capital (i.e. outward looking open social relationships) affect opportunity recognition and innovation implementation in a cultural network of firms, investigating the main benefits of and drawbacks to both bonding and bridging social capital. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a case study of a cultural network of firms which share the same norms, principles and values. The method adopted is content analysis of qualitative data. Findings The authors find that in cultural network bridging social capital facilitates experimentation and combination of ideas from distant sources, while bonding social capital, which underpins the need for more conformity, is more effective for supporting innovation implementation. Innovation results from the interplay between the two dimensions of social capital, and each dimension contributes to the final outcome in a distinct and unique way. Research limitations/implications There are some limitations which arise from the case study methodology; the limited set of industries analysed affects the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications The research has some practical implications for firms that belong to cultural networks. It offers suggestions about how to manage social relationships in different stages of the innovation process. Originality/value The authors examine the effects of bonding and bridging social capital on innovation in a cultural network of firms. The authors show that in a cultural network, different moments in the innovation process require different efforts related to the firm’s network relationships.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Llones ◽  
Panya Mankeb ◽  
Unggoon Wongtragoon ◽  
Suneeporn Suwanmaneepong

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of social capital with bonding and bridging distinction in promoting higher participation in collective action in participatory irrigation management.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 304 farmers was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. A focus group discussion was also carried out with randomly selected water users, leaders and irrigation officers. A confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used to test the hypothesised relationship of bonding and bridging social capital towards collective action.FindingsThe findings show that social capital has a significant direct effect on collective action and an indirect effect on joint irrigation management's perceived performance through collective action (mediator). It implies the need to complement the participatory irrigation management programme with an understanding of the social aspects for a higher farmer's participation over the shared resource.Originality/valueThe paper emphasises social capital's role in facilitating a real participatory engagement in shared resource management. Also, it is the first scholarly work linking social capital with bonding and bridging distinction towards collective action in a joint resource management context.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1431-1450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Abdullah Al Nuseirat ◽  
Zeyad Mohammad El Kahlout ◽  
Ahmed Abbas ◽  
Dotun Adebanjo ◽  
Prattana Punnakitikashem ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate a benchmarking project carried out by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) as part of a structured benchmarking initiative. The project was based on the TRADE benchmarking methodology and this paper examines the tools, activities and outcomes that relate to each stage of the adopted methodology. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on case study methodology. Data were collected from various sources including analysis of project reports written by DEWA’s benchmarking team reporting on their activities during the project. Data were also collected from four project presentations given at different stages of the project. In addition, the research team held three meetings with the DEWA benchmarking team at different stages of the benchmarking project. Findings The results show the key challenges and successes faced during each stage of the benchmarking project. It indicates the actions taken to overcome the challenges and the role played by internal and external stakeholders in facilitating the success of the benchmarking project. Practical implications The study presents information that would guide organisations that wish to carry out a benchmarking project – and particularly those implementing benchmarking for the first time. The study provides a summary of the key lessons learnt by DEWA’s benchmarking team as a guide for other organisations. Originality/value Academic research has not adequately examined and analysed the stage-by-stage elements of a benchmarking project from the perspective of the implementing organisation. This study addresses this gap by detailing and analysing the experiences of a benchmarking project by tracking the stage-by-stage activities of the benchmarking team.


2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 136-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Presenza ◽  
Antonio Messeni Petruzzelli

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to shed new light on the role of country of origin (COO) for the competitiveness of luxury restaurants. The main goal is to understand how an haute cuisine (HC) chef can develop a personal cooking style and language based on the exploitation of COO in such a highly institutionalized field. Design/methodology/approach A single case study methodology is applied based on the analysis of the Italian HC chef Niko Romito. Findings Findings of this paper highlight the existence of pervasive use of strategies based on the search, recombination and codification of procedure that take direct inspiration by national and regional traditional gastronomic resources and recipes. Research limitations/implications Research implications refer to the interpretation of how a chef can work by formulating and developing competitive strategies through the recombination, reinterpretation and codification of local and typical gastronomic resources and cooking recipes. Practical implications The paper provides managerial insights into the relative effectiveness to use COO as a strategic resource for HC restaurants. Originality/value A model is presented and the three gears that form the COO chain of chef Romito are explained. This model will help academics and practitioners to better understand the ways need to be followed to improve firms’ competitiveness fostering COO.


2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 614-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
DONUS WORLANYO BUADI ◽  
PATIENCE EMEFA DZANDZA

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the information-seeking behaviour of traditional leaders in the Shai Osudoku District of Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – The case study methodology was used. An interview schedule was designed to elicit information from 12 chiefs from the Shai Traditional Council. Findings – The findings of the study showed that traditional leaders sought information on issues that bordered on their community as well as information for their personal use. It also showed that they usually used informal sources such as the traditional council and their subjects but also exhibited similar information-seeking behaviour to that of professionals. They also used information dissemination or transfer methods that were in line with the oral culture of their traditional society. They had challenges in the use of information technology due to their low educational level, as well as challenges in having access to formal sources due to unavailability. Practical implications – The study brought to light the challenges traditional leaders encountered in executing their roles. It was therefore recommended that government agencies collaborate with them to enhance their work. Originality/value – Several studies have been conducted on information-seeking behaviour of different categories of people within different contexts. However, few studies have been conducted on the information-seeking behaviour of traditional leaders. This study thus sought to serve as a foundation research on the information-seeking behaviour of traditional leaders, with Shai Osudoku District of Ghana as the study area.


2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 4-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek Kumar ◽  
Arpita Srivastava

Purpose This paper aims to describe an innovative recruitment campaign at HCL Technologies, India’s fourth largest information technology company. This campaign received media coverage in 60 national and international news outlets. Design/methodology/approach Using case study methodology, this paper explains how the unique process was carried out. Risks associated with the process are also identified. Findings It reveals that creative thinking and innovate practices can generate high social media engagement at a very low cost, while also fulfilling the task of recruitment. Managing risks inherent in the process is essential for reaping the rewards of this creative recruitment process. Practical implications The process described here can be emulated by other companies too. If executed well, rich dividends can be obtained at a modest cost. Companies can increase their engagement and brad equity at a low cost using this process. Originality/value The case study described here is unique in its approach toward recruitment and brand building.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 1115-1136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanna Campopiano ◽  
Tommaso Minola ◽  
Ruggero Sainaghi

Purpose This paper aims to address the research question of whether family social capital affects the degree of engagement in the entrepreneurial process in the case of hospitality and tourism (H&T) new ventures, and how this relates to environment-related motivations. In particular, drawing on a process-based approach of individuals’ engagement in entrepreneurship, this paper provides new insights into the relationship between the perception of support by the family through the provision of bonding and bridging social capital and the decision to engage in the entrepreneurial process. The main contribution consists in the role of “following an environmental mission” that emerges as a motivation mediating the relationship between family resource provision and entrepreneurial engagement in the H&T industry. Design/methodology/approach For this exploratory study, we rely on cross-sectional observations from 2,923 individuals gathered through the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students Survey, which collects information on career choices and preferences of university students around the globe. Given our focus on the early engagement process in entrepreneurship and the role of embeddedness in family structures, the use of a sample of young potential entrepreneurs such as students is particularly appropriate. Findings This study suggests that the family acts as a fundamental institution fostering entrepreneurship, both through the provision of bonding and bridging social capital, and the nurturing of attitudes toward the environment. The results indicate that, in the H&T industry, entrepreneurship can be a valuable means to pursue such attitude and is perceived as a way to proactively contribute to undertake responsible environmental activities. Research limitations/implications The study provides some implications for researchers, educators and policymakers interested in fostering entrepreneurial initiatives in the field, considering the role of a social-oriented mission as a vehicle to encourage profit-oriented entrepreneurial initiatives, and the importance of the family as a resource provider that fosters entrepreneurial engagement. The paper also discusses the strengths and limitations of this unique and broad cross-national sample. Originality/value Becoming entrepreneurs is depicted as climbing an entrepreneurial “ladder”, whereby each individual’s engagement along this process depends on a number of antecedents. Family bridging and bonding social capital, as well as following an environmental mission, emerge as important factors in the H&T industry, thus extending previous literature on the distinctiveness of this industry.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 2225-2241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atif Saleem Butt ◽  
Ahmad Bayiz Ahmad

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand conflicts that emerge between managers of buying and supplying firms when a personal relationship (friendship, etc.) is present between them in the supply chain context. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a case study methodology and relies on data obtained from 30 qualitative interviews with managers of buying and supplying firms, having a personal relationship within inter-firm relationships to promote the interest of the firm. Findings Results from this study reveal conflicts between managers of buying and supplying firms due to the presence of a personal relationship between them. Specifically, results suggest that managers face ego conflict, supplier’s selection conflict and conflict on accepting late deliveries when they rely on personal relationships, which are themselves embedded within inter-firm relationship. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations. First, this study examines behavioural patterns in Australian cultural context. Second, results of this study are not generalizable to a broader population. Practical implications Firms can use the findings to understand conflicts, which arise between managers of buying and supplying firms, as a result of a personal relationship between them in the supply chain. Originality/value This is, perhaps, the first study contributing to the supply chain relationship literature by unveiling conflicts between managers of buying and supplying firms, when a personal relationship is present between them.


Author(s):  
L. Lynda Harling Stalker

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate how self‐employed craft producers are embedded in social relationships.Design/methodology/approachTo explore this question, narrative analysis and case study methodology is employed.FindingsIt is found that despite doing work that speaks to local values, self‐employed craft producers in Newfoundland narrate tensions that exist between themselves and locals.Originality/valueThis paper takes on the notion of a “global village” where the local is no longer seen as important to work and labour. It contributes to the understanding of work as embedded within a place.


2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 411-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asaf Malchi ◽  
Guy Ben-Porat

Purpose Religious minority groups often enjoy strong support systems and high levels of trust, providing for volunteering within the community, but under what conditions are members of these groups likely to volunteer outside their community? Or, would they prefer the security, intimacy and commitment to their own communities. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach To answer this question, the authors examine the motivations of ultra-Orthodox young men who volunteered for National Civil Service in Israel, and compare the choices of volunteer frameworks: separatist-religious volunteering within the community compared to volunteering in secular institutions outside the community. Findings The authors associate the interest and motivations with different types of social capital, “bonding” and “bridging.” Research limitations/implications Research based on one case study. Practical implications Guidelines for encouraging volunteering among closed groups. Social implications Understanding of motivations and concerns among religious groups. Originality/value An original study of a relatively new phenomenon.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 600-617
Author(s):  
Harriman Samuel Saragih ◽  
Togar Simatupang ◽  
Yos Sunitiyoso

Purpose Previous work has asserted that the co-innovation process in the music business is composed of four stages, i.e. co-discovery, co-creation, co-delivery and co-capture. This study aims to re-examine and validate this proposed conceptualisation by gathering and interviewing additional respondents, specifically academics and professional event organisers, who were not formerly involved. By gaining more insight from different stakeholders, this study expects to gain more reliable results regarding the proposed concept derived from the previous study. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the case study method by carrying out qualitative interview data collection from 11 respondents. Narrative analysis is used in examining the findings. Pattern matching is used as the basis of the analysis using the proposed conceptualisation from co-discovery to co-capture of co-innovation as the rival analysis to the empirical findings discovered in this study. This paper also discusses how the validity and reliability of the qualitative analysis carried out are ensured. Findings This study supports the notion that the co-innovation process in the music industry follows the four stages of co-discovery, co-creation, co-delivery and co-capture. The respondents, from different professional backgrounds, interviewed in this study indicated and validated that the proposed framework aligns with their actual practices, expectations and realities, along with their specific roles in the music industry’s ecosystems. Practical implications The results of this study can be used as a reference in developing guidelines or policies for co-innovation practices in the music business, which previous studies have not explored, e.g. focusing only on preconditions for positive collaboration, open license and music for co-creation or discussions that are merely conceptual. Originality/value This study validates the co-innovation process in the music business proposed by the previous works, which integrates the value chain thinking concept within the analysis.


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