Conflicts in innovation and how to approach the “last mile” of conflict management research – a literature review

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Vollmer

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to present the state-of-the-art in empirical research on conflicts in innovation inorganizations and to outline strategic implications both for research and practical application with the specific focus on intervention studies. Design/methodology/approach – Literature search in the Web-of-Science identified 32 empirical publications from 1990 to July 2012. Characteristics of the studies, methodological approaches and empirical findings are summarized and discussed. Strategic implications are derived. Findings – The literature review reveals studies of the relationship between conflict and innovation on different organizational levels. Most of the studies address different aspects of conflict as antecedents of innovation, while some address conflict as an outcome of innovative behavior or structures. Almost all authors come up with theoretical and practical implications. But intervention studies which could close the gap between theory and practice, here termed the “last mile” of conflict management, are yet to be addressed. Research limitations/implications – While several implications are derived that aim at consolidating and deepening the understanding of the conflict – innovation dynamics, the major implication is to develop a knowledge-oriented research approach and to expand the scope of research to intervention studies. Constructive controversy is described as an example of this new research avenue. Practical implications – From intervention studies, researchers could gain more direct, practical insights into actual work processes. Managers could profit by incorporating first-hand knowledge augmented by researchers’ expertise. Originality/value – This article provides a systematic review of the relationship between conflict and innovation in the business context and practical implications thereof.

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Pauleen

Purpose Dave Snowden has been an important voice in knowledge management over the years. As the founder and chief scientific officer of Cognitive Edge, a company focused on the development of the theory and practice of social complexity, he offers informative views on the relationship between big data/analytics and KM. Design/methodology/approach A face-to-face interview was held with Dave Snowden in May 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. Findings According to Snowden, analytics in the form of algorithms are imperfect and can only to a small extent capture the reasoning and analytical capabilities of people. For this reason, while big data/analytics can be useful, they are limited and must be used in conjunction with human knowledge and reasoning. Practical implications Snowden offers his views on big data/analytics and how they can be used effectively in real world situations in combination with human reasoning and input, for example in fields from resource management to individual health care. Originality/value Snowden is an innovative thinker. He combines knowledge and experience from many fields and offers original views and understanding of big data/analytics, knowledge and management.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunaina Chetan Kuknor ◽  
Shubhasheesh Bhattacharya

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the relationship between inclusive leadership (IL) and organizational inclusion (OI) in literature and explores the contribution of IL and OI in human resources development (HRD). Design/methodology/approach The systematic literature review was undertaken from peer-reviewed journals. In total, 68 articles were critically analyzed to be included in the review highlighting the relationship between IL and OI. Findings The paper provides insights into leader behaviors that foster IL and how it differs from other styles of leadership. The paper also proposes a theoretical model to show the relationship between IL and OI. Practical implications The study will facilitate creating awareness in practitioners and academicians who think inclusion is mostly concerned with disabled learners, which is misleading. The paper will help the concerned stakeholders to formulate HRD practices to foster an inclusive culture at work. Originality/value The paper explores an area less researched and is among the few review papers investigating through the relationship between IL and OI and how they impact HRD practices in an organizational set-up.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-363
Author(s):  
Jan Gunter Langhof ◽  
Stefan Güldenberg

Purpose Management literature commonly suggests authoritarian leadership (AL) as the ideal leadership style during crises and extreme situations. This study aims to question this view, exploring servant leadership (SL) as an alternative. Design/methodology/approach In the field of leadership research, surveys and interviews are the most dominant research methods. In light of this dominance, this paper draws on a rather unorthodox research approach: a historical examination. Findings The elaborations in this paper suggest that SL exerts a higher influence on followers than AL, when organizational structures are absent or disregarded. Consequently, the higher influence of SL implies a lower need for regulations and directives within organizations. Practical implications Bureaucracy and red tape can be reduced. Particularly in situations of crises, SL’s relatively reduced reliance on formalized organizational structures can be advantageous to leaders. Originality/value The relationship among leadership (SL and AL) and formalized organizational structures is elaborated and illustrated in a historical examination.


2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 1022-1046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús Ruiz ◽  
Domingo Ribeiro Soriano ◽  
Alicia Coduras

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish a readiness for entrepreneurship theoretical framework. The paper marks the first of three stages to build a scale to measure readiness for entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach – The current paper is conceptual. The research approach consists of formulating proposals and definitions based on an extensive literature review. Findings – The literature review reveals that no such readiness for entrepreneurship measurement tool exists. The literature review also yields definitions and components of key concepts for the theoretical framework. Research limitations/implications – The paper offers a new, holistic perspective of readiness for entrepreneurship. This research addresses measurement of readiness for entrepreneurship from a rigorous, scientific approach. The main limitation lies in capturing and organizing extensive information on topics from diverse disciplines (i.e. sociology, psychology, and business management). Practical implications – This theoretical framework enables the design and creation of a scale to measure readiness for entrepreneurship. The literature review confirmed the possibility of building such a measurement scale. Social implications – A complex tool able to identify and measure readiness for entrepreneurship would be applicable in numerous situations including the following: determining entrepreneurial abilities, analyzing potential for entrepreneurship, simulating organizational transformations, and evaluating investment recommendations. Originality/value – No holistic, scientifically grounded tool to measure readiness for entrepreneurship exists, yet there are numerous entrepreneurial capacity tests with no rigorous scientific grounding. As a remedy, this paper provides solid scientific foundations upon which to develop an instrument for measuring readiness for entrepreneurship.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leif Inge Magnussen ◽  
Eric Carlstrøm ◽  
Jarle Løwe Sørensen ◽  
Glenn-Egil Torgersen ◽  
Erlend Fritjof Hagenes ◽  
...  

Purpose This research investigates the perceived collaboration between public, private, and volunteer organisations during maritime crisis work, with an emphasis on learning and collaboration. The purpose of this paper is to investigate participants’ perceived collaboration training in relation to learning and usefulness. Design/methodology/approach The exercise studied in this research was run in the far North in Norway. It was estimated by the participants to be Europe’s most extensive exercise in 2016. Mixed methods research approach was applied, i.e. on-site observations, photos and interviews were conducted during the exercise. After the exercise, an online survey was distributed to emergency personnel holding different positions in conjunction with this exercise. Findings As reported, the exercise contributed to new insights on the relationship between collaboration and learning. The study showed that collaborative elements in exercises contribute to perceived learning (R=0.86, R2=0.74), and that learning in turn had a perceived beneficial effect on actual emergency work (R=0.79, R2=0.62). Research limitations/implications The possible research implications from this study include more focus on collaboration and new training schemes that could increase learning and usefulness. Practical implications Collaboration between actors seemed to suffer from the size of the exercise. A smaller exercise, less dependency on predetermined scripts, and more receptivity towards improvisation could improve collaboration. Social implications Increased awareness on the outcomes of collaboration exercise might increase their learning and usefulness, providing societies with improved rescue services. Originality/value This research implies that increased perceived collaboration has an effect on learning and usefulness in maritime exercises.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Lombardi ◽  
Charl de Villiers ◽  
Nicola Moscariello ◽  
Michele Pizzo

PurposeThis paper presents a systematic literature review, including content and bibliometric analyses, of the impact of blockchain technology (BT) in auditing, to identify trends, research areas and construct an agenda for future research.Design/methodology/approachThe authors include studies from 2010 to 2020 in their structured literature review (SLR), using accounting journals on the Scopus database, which yielded 40 articles with blockchain and auditing at its core.FindingsOne of the contributions of the authors’ analyses is to group the prior research, and therefore also the agenda for future research, into three main research areas: (1) Blockchain as a tool for auditing professionals to improve business information systems to save time and prevent fraud; (2) Smart contracts enabling Audit 4.0 efficiency, reporting, disclosure and transparency; (3) Cryptocurrency and initial coin offerings (ICOs) as a springboard for corporate governance and new venture financing. The authors’ findings have several important implications for practice and theory.Practical implicationsThe results of this study emphasise that (1) the disruption of blockchain in auditing is in a nascent phase and there is a need for compelling empirical studies and potential for the involvement of practitioners; (2) there may be a need to reconsider audit procedures especially suited for digitalisation and BT adoption; (3) standards, guidelines and training are required to pivot towards and confront the challenge BT will represent for auditing; and (4) there are two sides to the BT coin for auditing, enthusiasm about the potential and risk upon implementation. These practical implications can also be seen as a template for future research in a quest to align theory and practice.Originality/valueThe authors’ SLR facilitates the identification of research areas and implications, forming a useful baseline for practitioners, professionals and academics, as they draft the state of the art on the disruption of blockchain in auditing, highlighting how BT is changing auditing activities and traditions.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Gray ◽  
Kathleen Geraldine Farrell

PurposeThe relationship between the shortage of chefs for the hospitality industry in Ireland and the lack of uptake for chef apprenticeship is an underexplored topic. This study investigates attitudes to chef training and chef apprenticeship among industry representatives and second-level students.Design/methodology/approachUsing a mixed method approach, the qualitative research comprised of in-depth interviews conducted with key experts in the industry and from the educational sector. The quantitative research approach comprised of questionnaires conducted with second-level students.FindingsThe research results found that there is a stigma attached to chef apprenticeships, and this is part of the reason that the apprenticeship has low uptake. However, it was also found that working conditions in the industry were a real concern.Research limitations/implicationsThis is an exploratory study with a small sample of interviewees and survey respondents. However, it is a first step towards understanding some of the key issues relating to low uptake for chef apprenticeship.Practical implicationsAccess for second-level students to information regarding the benefits of a chef apprenticeship is lacking. It is necessary to convince students that an apprenticeship is as beneficial as a degree. Training for career guidance councillors is needed.Originality/valueThere is a dearth of research on the low uptake to chef apprenticeship. Research is recommended into how to re-brand chef apprenticeship.


2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Lyons ◽  
Louis Brennan

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to consider 52 conceptual frameworks identified during a systematic literature review with the aim of providing insights into various aspects of outsourcing relationships. Many authors propose these frameworks to contribute to our understanding of how outsourcing relationships are conceived, operate and evolve. A meta-analysis of these frameworks was completed. Design/methodology/approach – The approach consisted of five stages: a systematic, but focused literature review to identify relevant frameworks; a study of the selected frameworks to enable the design of a typology of framework styles, so that frameworks adopting similar styles can be compared and analysed; grouping of the frameworks into families addressing different aspects of relationships as they form, operate and evolve; using the types (from the typology) within these family groups to facilitate a meta-analysis of each group by identifying common or contrasting themes; and deriving overall observations and identifying the most robust frameworks in each group. Findings – Nine framework types are identified and named as nominal categorisation, matrix, pyramid, dependency, interaction, flowchart, two-dimensional progression, life cycle and stepped. Five logical family groups were identified addressing how relationships form, operate and evolve. These groups cover the scope of outsourcing relationship, the relationship governance, the climate of the relationship, relationship tactics and relationship evolution. Common themes were identified, and overall observations were drawn. Recommendations are also provided on the frameworks which were assessed as being most robust and likely to be of most use to practitioners and researchers. Research limitations/implications – The study considered a representative sample of frameworks identified during a systematic review of literature relating to outsourcing relationships. However, it cannot be considered fully comprehensive, and frameworks from other sources also exist. Practical implications – Outsourcing success depends on the establishment and management of a constructive relationship between the client and supplier. Frameworks assist understanding of this important aspect of outsourcing. Originality/value – This paper provides a reference point for scholars and practitioners who are interested in outsourcing relationships and may value the sources identified and the summaries, comparisons and recommendations provided.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katsuyoshi Takashima ◽  
Changju Kim

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop and empirically test a model investigating the relationship between conflict with private label (PL) suppliers and retailers’ PL performance. The study also examines differences in the relationship based on two PL types, namely, price-oriented and differentiation-oriented PLs. Design/methodology/approach Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling and data obtained from a survey of general merchandise managers in 190 supermarket chains in Japan. Findings The results indicate that conflict with PL suppliers can have negative effects on retailers’ PL performance. Moreover, the use of price-oriented PLs leads to higher levels of conflict with PL suppliers than the use of differentiation-oriented PLs. Practical implications This study offers managerial insights into the importance of sophisticated conflict management in relation to PL suppliers and the efficacy of premium PLs, which may cost less in terms of conflict management than price-oriented PLs. Originality/value Considering the influence of conflict with suppliers on retailers’ PL performance, this study suggests a novel approach to examining conflict between PL suppliers and retailers by classifying PLs into two types, namely, price-oriented and differentiation-oriented PLs.


Author(s):  
Anne Kamilla Lund

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss and share some practical insights on how leaders can seek legitimacy when leading highly specialized/highly educated people from other educational backgrounds than their own. Design/methodology/approach Based on an initial literature review on leader legitimacy, this paper distills three strategies for strengthening leader legitimacy that can apply to leaders of organizations employing highly specialized/highly educated people. Findings If these strategies are applied, leaders leading people from other educational backgrounds than their own will strengthen their possibilities for being perceived legitimate leaders. Further, for recruiters of leaders, awareness about the legitimacy challenge is an important step in choosing the “right” person for the job. For educational institutions and organizers of organizational-internal leader development programs, the strategies are important to consider when preparing and planning teaching on leadership. Research limitations/implications Research was based on a systematic literature review on leader legitimacy and the findings result from an initial categorizing. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical approaches with the potential to enhance leader and business effectiveness and informing leader-education approaches. The paper bridges theory and practice for leaders, recruiters of leaders and leader-education institutions. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by presenting pertinent information in a condensed and practice-oriented format.


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