A Daoist perspective on leadership: reputation-building in Chinese SMEs

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 279-300
Author(s):  
Hongqin Li ◽  
Oswald Jones ◽  
William S. Harvey ◽  
Jie Yang
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Leadership Theories ◽  
Logistics Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Letting Go ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Cross Fertilization ◽  
Reputation Building

PurposeThis article examines the influence of Daoist nothingness on leadership in growing Chinese small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Daoism is based on a “letting-go” approach through maintaining inherent openness, which challenges goal-oriented and hierarchical approaches typical of Western and Confucian leadership theories. This facilitates the cross-fertilization of ideas related to the effective management of smaller firms.Design/methodology/approachThis study focuses on SME leaders in a group of 12 growing SMEs in the Shanghai logistics industry in China. Narrative and semi-structured interviews explored emerging aspects beyond the established model of leadership associated with reputation-building. This led to in-depth, thick descriptions, broadening our understanding of leadership and reputation-building.FindingsSME leaders follow nothingness by continuously adopting a letting-go approach which spontaneously fosters reputation-building. By maintaining inherent openness, nothingness functions as an enabling principle that mobilizes multi-beings leading to reputation-building in unintended ways.Research limitations/implicationsA greater plurality of empirical and methodological contexts in Western and non-Western countries helps to understand the dynamics and intersection of Daoist nothingness, leadership and reputation-building.Practical implicationsSME leaders recounted how they discursively practised nothingness for extended periods in their everyday practice. The study shows the significance of nothingness for SME leaders who aspire to grow their businesses by reputation-building among salient stakeholders.Social implicationsDaoist nothingness provides insights into the distinctive approach of Chinese SME leaders and their relationships with local and distant stakeholders. By engaging in active non-action they relax pre-determined intentions and immerse themselves in the process of leading, where the connections between goals and processes are automatically animated. Such an approach differs from the top-down and goal-oriented approach to leadership adopted in many Western SMEs.Originality/valueThis paper makes two theoretical contributions. First, it indicates the powerful influence of Daoist nothingness on leadership by drawing on the broader context of entrepreneurship in Chinese SMEs. Secondly, it enriches existing concepts such as reputation by endowment and reputation borrowing by demonstrating how Daoist nothingness silently fosters both local reputation and generalized reputation.

Prioritizing quality problems in SMEs: a methodology

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Humberto Nuno Teixeira ◽  
Isabel Lopes ◽  
Sérgio Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Maturity Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Longitudinal Case Studies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a new methodology to be used by small and medium enterprises to characterize their performance in quality, highlighting weaknesses and areas for improvement. The methodology aims to identify the main causes of quality problems and help to prioritize improvement initiatives. This is a methodology that intends to be easy to implement by companies with low maturity level in quality. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the literature review a methodology for diagnosing and prioritizing quality problems is proposed. Then two longitudinal case studies are performed to refine and validate the proposed methodology. The methodology is organized in six different steps which include gathering information about predetermined processes and sub-processes of quality management, defined based on Juran’s trilogy, and about predetermined results categories. Findings – The application of the methodology was successful in two case studies and a report was produced on the quality state of each industry, including a prioritization of the causes of poor performance. Research limitations/implications – The methodology may have to be adapted to better suit the needs of companies from different sectors, either by reviewing the processes, by integrating new tools or refining the existing ones. Practical implications – This paper presents a new methodology for identifying and prioritizing quality problems. Originality/value – Due to its simplicity and comprehensiveness, it is believed that the developed methodology can be applied periodically by companies as self-diagnostic and prioritization tool, aimed at continuous improvement.

scholarly journals Enhancing Employee Engagement for Small and Medium Enterprises in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
pp. 1318-1339
Author(s):  
Kuo-Tai Cheng ◽  
Kirk Chang
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Work Commitment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Engagement Strategies ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

The aim of the research is to study the employee engagement strategies utilised in Taiwan's SMEs from the perspective of the employees. In doing so, a qualitative research method was employed using semi-structured interviews. Nine participants from five sectors of SMEs (electronics & information, metal transportation, machinery and equipment, food manufacturing, and textile) were interviewed. The authors' results reveal that having high levels of engagement amongst employees in Taiwan's SMEs will bring about an increase in work commitment amongst employees which encourages productivity for the organisation. These findings hold several important theoretical and practical implications.

Determinants of SMEs intention to adopt Islamic crowdfunding model in Northwestern Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mansur Ahmed Kazaure ◽  
Abdul Rashid Abdullah ◽  
Dahlia Binti Zawawi ◽  
Amer Hamzah
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Financial Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intention To Adopt ◽  
Alternative Sources ◽  
Acceptance Model ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The study aims is to examine the determinant factors of small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs’) intention to adopt the Islamic crowdfunding model as alternative sources of finance. Design/methodology/approach Using a survey questionnaire, 385 responses were received from owners and managers of SMEs in three states (Kano, Kaduna and Katsina) of northwestern Nigeria and analyses using PLS-SEM 3.0 software. Findings All hypotheses were found to be significant. Research limitations/implications The research focused only on northwestern Nigeria; there is a need for further research to focus on other geographical zones in Nigeria. Practical implications Crowd funders and policymakers can use these findings to enable the adoption of the Islamic crowdfunding model. Originality/value The previous study has not examined the role of technology acceptance model in the adoption of the financial model; these findings contribute to the crowdfunding literature by filling this gap.

Organizational readiness for change: an inherent concern for Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-7
Author(s):  
Sunil Budhiraja
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Readiness To Change ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Readiness For Change ◽  
Organizational Readiness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Readiness For Change ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Organizational Readiness To Change ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to discuss various determinants of organizational readiness to change for India small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and proposes a framework to strengthen the employees’ readiness to change which is integral to organizational readiness for change (ORC). Design/methodology/approach This paper is based upon the subjective viewpoint of the author. Findings The paper brings forward the opportunities and challenges of Indian SMEs with a suggestive framework on employee readiness for change (ERC). Practical implications The paper will help SMEs consider a framework to assess ERC before implementing a change. Originality/value The exists no framework for Indian SMEs to look-up as a benchmark to assess their ORC and ERC. Hence the paper will contribute to the literature and will be a handy reference for SMEs.

The effects of subcontracting forms on the sustenance of SMEs

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 293-307
Author(s):  
Victor Chukwunweike Nwokocha ◽  
Christopher Nwankwo
Keyword(s):  
Cost Reduction ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Common ◽  
Cost Of Production ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Despite the potential of SMEs in economic development, their activities have remained largely unsustainable in Nigeria. These enterprises are constrained by a number of challenges- high cost of production, poor power supply, high infrastructural deficit etc. which have made there operations largely unproductive. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of production subcontracting forms on the sustenance of small and medium enterprises as a panacea for achieving the targets of goal 8 of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Enugu State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopted a number of methods comprising of field observations, a reference to relevant literature and a questionnaire survey of 96 SMEs. The paper also adopted a quantitative approach comprising of simple descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation as well as regression analysis to analyze the data. Findings This paper found that the three forms of production subcontracting (supplier, specialized and capacity subcontracting) identified in the paper were used by SMEs to achieve sustenance (cost reduction, risk reduction and access to resources) in their operations. The paper suggests that the sustenance of SMEs through the utilisation of the different forms of subcontracting can become a strategy towards achieving the targets of SDG 8 in Nigeria. Practical implications This paper has shown that the prevalent high cost of production and ever-increasing production risks, which are the common features of SMEs in Nigeria, can be mitigated through the various forms of production subcontracting analysed in this paper. SMEs, through seminars, workshops, entrepreneurship and business fares, can be encouraged to take up this strategy, considering its ability to address their various operational bottlenecks. Originality/value This study adds to the limited available evidence concerning the effects of subcontracting forms on the sustenance of SMEs in Nigeria. This study is the first to consider subcontracting forms and how they have led to sustenance SMEs in Nigeria.

Inter-organizational knowledge transfer in Omani SMEs: influencing factors

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Himyar Al-Jabri ◽  
Kamla Ali Al-Busaidi
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Organizational Knowledge ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Capabilities ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose Inter-organizational knowledge transfer (IOKT) is important especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Organizations need external knowledge to improve learning capabilities and their own competitiveness. SMEs are important for every nation’s economy. IOKT can enable SMEs’ learning and innovation and consequently its contribution to the national economy. This study aims to examine the factors that influence the IOKT process in Omani SMEs. Design/methodology/approach This study uses qualitative methodology. Participants were ten Omani SMEs from the information and communications technology sector, a knowledge-intensive sector. The study is based on face-to-face semi-structured interviews and content analysis. Findings The results confirmed that inter-organizational knowledge is considered to be important to SMEs. This research also showed that IOKT is affected by many factors related to the donor organization, recipient organization, nature of the knowledge and inter-organizational dynamics. The core factor to IOKT in SMEs is risk and trust. Originality/value Literature shows that there is an emphasis on the importance of studying knowledge management in SMEs; however, there is little work that has been done. Such study is even more important for Omani SMEs to improve their learning, innovation and contribution to a national diversified economy. This study provides valuable insights to establish an effective foundation for IOKT in Omani SMEs.

Where there is a will there is a way

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 490-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Massaro ◽  
John Dumay ◽  
Carlo Bagnoli
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Constraint Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Intent ◽  
Managerial Myopia ◽  
First Results ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine whether strategic intent influences developing intellectual capital (IC) and if IC affects performance measured in terms of product and service diversification within small and medium enterprises over time. Design/methodology/approach – This study discusses if and how structural equation models can be located within the third stage of IC research, and subsequently presents an analysis developed using 1,392 questionnaire responses through a temporal lens. Findings – Empirical results show how relational, human and structural capital strongly connects to support a firm’s performance measured in terms of product and service diversification. Additionally, IC and strategic intent influence each other creating a constraint effect on one side and an ambition effect on the other. Interestingly, the constraint effect is much higher than the ambition effect, and this falls in line with a contingency approach to strategic intent. Practical implications – Several practical implications are developed. First, results show that high regulation where firms can offer mandatory product/services can limit IC development. Therefore the findings contribute to the dialogue between policy makers, managers and businesses. Second, business schools should consider how strategic intent contributes to developing IC in order to design future curricula for accounting and management studies. Third, firms that operate in similar contexts should pay attention to managerial myopia due to low competition where a significant part of firms’ revenues is from mandatory product/services. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the existing literature by investigating how IC affects strategic intent and how strategic intent fosters IC development. Additionally, findings build on existing theory, helping to understand how IC affects performance measured in terms of portfolio diversification.

Modelling cause and effect relationship among enablers of innovation in SMEs

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 1597-1622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Himanshu Gupta ◽  
Mukesh Kumar Barua
Keyword(s):  
Causal Relationship ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Small Organizations ◽  
Technological Growth ◽  
Component Supplier ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Successful Innovation ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Innovation is a prerequisite for economic and technological growth of any organization. Identifying enablers of innovation can help managers accelerate the process of economic growth. The purpose of this paper is to identify the prominent enablers of innovation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that can help overhauling organizations and benefit them economically. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review and expert’s opinions have been applied to identify enablers of innovation. A case of automotive component supplier is considered for conducting the research. A coalescence of Grey and DEMATEL methodologies has been incorporated to first rank the enablers of innovation based on their importance and then identify the causal relationship among these enablers by characterizing enablers into causal and effect groups. Findings A few important enablers, namely, entrepreneur traits, knowledge management, resources for innovation, and linkage capabilities, have been identified as prominent enablers for successful innovation in SMEs. Practical implications This paper identifies enablers of innovation in SMEs and the causal relationship between these enablers. The identified enablers and the causal relationship between these enablers will help managers of small organizations in selecting the enablers that need to be focused on, which, in turn, can drive other enablers of innovation, thus saving time and resources of the organizations. Originality/value This paper uses a novel Grey–DEMATEL methodology to identify the causal relationship among enablers and also contributes to the literature on innovation by identifying enablers of innovation in SMEs.

How a firm’s competitive strategy can improve performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-18
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Strategy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Improve Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost Leadership ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Pursuing an appropriate strategy can enable micro, small, and medium enterprises in developing countries to significantly improve their performance. Such firms should typically be best served by a cost leadership competitive strategy, the impact of which can be increased through an emphasis on key components of quality management. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Exploring determinants of internationalisation: the case of late starters

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Karl Köhr ◽  
Giulio Malorgio ◽  
Maurizio Aragrande
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Wine Industry ◽  
Export Intensity ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wine Sector ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Late Starters ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Late Starter

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of internationalisation among late starters in the wine sector. Strategic implications for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a young wine producing region are derived based on the findings. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a quantitative survey among 38 wineries that are engaged in export activity in the Romagna wine producing area (Italy). Both multivariate analysis of cardinal company data through multiple and fractional regression models as well as nonparametric analysis of Likert-type survey elements were carried out. Findings The study identifies several determinants that affect the export intensity of businesses in the sample: Resources within the business turn out to be important, as well as the choice of distribution partners. Characteristics of exported goods were found to differ on comparing intra- and extra-EU exports. Practical implications Competitiveness in the international marketplace is closely linked to the product quality, distribution network and productivity of a firm. Regional networks can help businesses to develop these factors, overcome export barriers and strengthen the competitiveness of a region as a whole. Originality/value This study investigated the determinants of internationalisation in a wine producing region which is considered a late starter of internationalisation in the wine industry and it is the first one spotlighting on a regional firm-level in the Italian wine industry.

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