The illusion of technique: sustained enterprise innovation as an aspirational problem

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-176
Author(s):  
Thomas Duening
Keyword(s):  
Category Mistake ◽  
Blind Alley ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Problem ◽  
The Face ◽  
Enterprise Innovation ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Research Frameworks ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Category Mistakes

Purpose This paper is based on insights from philosophy of science, centered in Gilbert Ryle’s notion of “category mistakes”. A category mistake occurs in a science when scholars have been thinking of a phenomenon as of a certain sort, when it is really nothing of the kind. This paper aims to claim that regarding sustained enterprise innovation (SEI) as a strictly operational problem commits such a category mistake. Instead, SEI is an aspirational problem and thus requires scholars to examine it from that perspective as well. Design/methodology/approach This paper begins by explicating Ryle’s notion of a category mistake. It develops the suggestion that innovation scholars have made such a mistake by thinking of innovation as a strictly operational problem. In reality, it is as much an aspirational problem. The paper then builds on the metaphor made famous by Isaiah Berlin, distinguishing between hedgehogs and foxes. A hedgehog is a leader who copes with the non-predictive nature of innovation. The paper builds on the findings from positive psychology and virtue epistemology to highlight how humans can act rationally in the face of non-predictive outcomes. Four virtues of hedgehog leadership are proposed and defined. Findings The paper concludes that hedgehog leadership is necessary for sustained enterprise innovation. It also concludes that hedgehogs can act rationally in pursuit of non-predictive outcomes by practicing a set of governing virtues. Research limitations/implications Further research needs to be conducted to validate the proposed governing virtues, to illuminate the optimal hedgehog/fox balance within the enterprise, and to validate through longitudinal work the impact of hedgehogs on sustained enterprise innovation. Practical implications Based on the continuing interest in innovation expressed by enterprise leaders around the world, hedgehogs are in increasing demand. Fortunately, hedgehogs can be made (and self-made) via deliberate practice of the governing virtues. Aspiring and current hedgehogs can be confident that practicing these virtues and becoming increasingly adept at their application will promote and effect enterprise innovation. Originality/value Very little research has been conducted on the aspirational aspect of SEI. This is an insidious gap in the literature, as it affects scholars and practitioners alike. Scholars are trapped in the “normal science” paradigm that treats the innovation problem as if it can be solved through operational techniques. This paper contends that this ubiquitous category mistake has led scholars down a blind alley. Instead, it is important for scholars and practitioners alike to view SEI as an aspirational problem that requires vastly different research frameworks and practitioner prescriptions.

The impact of foreign direct investment on trade in Pakistan: the moderating role of terrorism

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 1137-1154
Author(s):  
Syed Hasanat Shah ◽  
Hafsa Hasnat ◽  
Delpachitra Sarath
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Direct Investment ◽  
Direct Investment ◽  
Trade Deficit ◽  
Method Of Moment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Face ◽  
External Sector ◽  
Generalized Method Of Moment ◽  
The Impact

PurposePakistan suffered with the menace of terrorism for long and become a front line state in the “War on Terror”. Terrorism shattered Pakistan economy and rendered her external sector vulnerable to instability and uncertainties.Design/methodology/approachTherefore, using system generalized method of moment (GMM), this paper investigates the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on exports, imports and trade deficit in the face of unabated terrorism in Pakistan.FindingsThe findings of the paper suggest that as terrorism in Pakistan increased, FDI contribution to Pakistan exports decreased while FDI contribution to Pakistan imports significantly increased. Terrorism also disrupted the chain of local production and increased Pakistan reliance on imports. Thus terrorism widened Pakistan trade deficit of Pakistan and expose Pakistan to external imbalances.Originality/valueDespite rise in organized acts of terrorism and its adverse impact on various departments of economy, hardly any study bothers to check its impact on trade and investment nexus. This is the first study of its nature that looks deep down to understand how terrorism affects the relation of major economic variables.

Economic stress drains CIS sovereign wealth funds

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Pension System ◽  
Economic Stress ◽  
International Capital ◽  
Sovereign Wealth Funds ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Capital Markets ◽  
The Face ◽  
National Welfare ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Welfare Fund

Significance Concern about the need to preserve one of the SWFs to support the pension system is probably a major reason behind the rejection. The Ministry of Economic Development had already approved part of the 1.3 trillion ruble (25 billion dollar) transfer to Rosneft from the National Welfare Fund. The intra-ministry dispute highlights how state firms are looking to SWFs for unconventional government financial support in the face of sanctions-driven stress on Moscow's budget and restricted access to international capital markets. Impacts SWFs are helping to offset the impact of low oil prices and regional turmoil. The anti-crisis effort is boosting spending on infrastructure. Weaker exchange rates will increase the value of resources in domestic currencies.

Muslim states will turn a blind eye to China's abuses

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Economic Sanctions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Human Rights Abuses ◽  
Public Pressure ◽  
The Face ◽  
International Activism ◽  
Muslim Majority ◽  
The Impact

Subject The impact of repression in Xinjiang on China's relations with Muslim-majority countries. Significance The silence of Muslim-majority countries in the face of human rights abuses in Xinjiang contrasts with their international activism on behalf of Palestine, Kashmir and the Rohingya minority in Myanmar. Impacts Governments in the more repressive Muslim-majority countries, especially in the Middle East, will censor discussion of the Xinjiang issue. Where public pressure forces the governments of Muslim-majority countries to act, responses are unlikely to go beyond rhetoric. Beijing would not hesitate to use limited economic sanctions to punish Muslim-majority countries that criticise its internal policies.

Supplier change, market competition and enterprise innovation

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yafei Zu ◽  
Ruonan Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Market Competition ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Interaction Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Manufacturing Enterprises ◽  
Enterprise Innovation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Supplier Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study enterprise innovation in the perspective of external supplier relationship. On this purpose, this paper examines the impact of supplier change on enterprise innovation with the moderating role of market competition.Design/methodology/approachUsing 2012–2020 empirical data of Chinese listed manufacturing enterprises, this paper investigates the relationship among supplier change, market competition and enterprise innovation through a two-way interaction model.FindingsThe results show that supplier change has a negative impact on enterprise innovation. And market competition intensifies the negative relationship between supplier change and enterprise innovation. Additional analyses indicate that the main effect and the moderating effect are more significant when the enterprise is non-state-owned or has lower ownership concentration.Originality/valueThis paper studies enterprise innovation from the perspective of external stakeholders. It focuses on supplier relationship in a dynamic variation view, instead of the traditional static ones. Moreover, this paper explores the contingency effect of market competition and gives practical implications for managers to adjust innovation strategy flexibly.

Will conjugal relationship affect the corporate innovation? – Empirical evidence from a-share listed family business in China

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yupeng Xu ◽  
Bo Cheng ◽  
Fei Pan
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Family Business ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Listed Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Family Enterprises ◽  
Enterprise Innovation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
A Share

Purpose Few studies have focused on the impact of conjugal control and non-conjugal control on the innovation capability of family firms. In the context of the relative lack of research on the relationship between family firm heterogeneity and innovation ability, this study aims to focus on the differentiated impact of husband–wife-controlled family listed companies and non-husband–wife-controlled family listed companies on their innovation capabilities, which provides empirical evidence with more Chinese institutional and cultural characteristics for the development of corporate organizational management and innovation theories. Design/methodology/approach Taking all A-share listed family firms from 2007 to 2016 as the research sample, this paper examines the influence of spousal control on firm innovation level by empirical research method. Findings The empirical results show that compared with non-spousal-controlled family enterprises, spousal-controlled family enterprises have significant positive effects on the level of enterprise innovation. Further studies suggest that joint management of spousal-controlled family enterprises improves the level of innovation. Authority difference of the couple will weaken the innovation capacity. However, the wife’s professional skills can promote the innovation level. Originality/value Focusing on the characteristics of family internal structure and embedding marriage relationship in the enterprise organization, this paper investigates the influence of different characteristics of husband and wife and cooperation mode on enterprise innovation, and the conclusion enriches the theory of family business and family science, as well as provides important information reference for the stakeholder groups in the capital market.

Courageous leadership: delivering results in turbulent times

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-66
Author(s):  
Jack J. Phillips ◽  
Patti P. Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Leadership Development Programs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spheres Of Influence ◽  
Turbulent Times ◽  
Leadership Success ◽  
The Face ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact

Purpose In uncertain times, courageous leaders must be in place, stepping forward to take action to drive results. Because there is really no such thing as a natural-born leader, the organization must constantly develop current and new leaders. Leadership skills and leader behavior are shaped and molded over time, but also can be dramatically changed and improved with a variety of effective leadership development programs. The perplexing issue about leaders and leadership development is the negative press it often receives. The root cause of this problem is not necessarily the content of leadership development programs or even the way that they are delivered, it is the definition of leadership success and the success of leadership development. Design/methodology/approach The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the success of a courageous leader does not occur until impact is achieved in the organization. Findings The courageous leader is one who can deliver on all levels of outcomes in the face of many difficulties, challenges and uncertainties in ambiguous environments. Originality/value Great leaders deliver great results, including the impact they have on their organizations or spheres of influence. Without impact, leaders are ineffective. To achieve success in these turbulent times requires leaders to be effective in delivering on five levels of outcomes, including impact and ROI. The courageous leader is one who can deliver on all levels of outcomes in the face of many difficulties, challenges and uncertainties in ambiguous environments.

The impact of industrial clusters on human resource and firms performance

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maw-Shin Hsu ◽  
Yung-Lung Lai ◽  
Feng-Jhy Lin
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Industrial Cluster ◽  
Industrial Clusters ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The Face ◽  
Processing Zone ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the formation of industrial clusters on the obtainment of professional human resources, to verify the impact of human resources on clustering relationships and firm’s performance and to understand whether the formation of clusters can contribute to the obtainment of professional human resources and the improvement of competitiveness of enterprises. It was expected that solutions could be found to make new contributions through the verification of special economic zones (SEZs). Design/methodology/approach – Using manufacturers in Taiwan’s SEZs as the subjects, this study explored the impact on the obtainment of professional human resources after the formation of industrial clusters in SEZs, through conducting and empirical study with a questionnaire survey. Findings – The professional human resources are the essential factor for the formation of industrial clusters and the improvement of competitiveness. This study also confirmed that industries can have professional human resources by industrial clustering and that this will produce a positive impact on the enterprise clustering relationships, which can also have a positive impact on firm’s performance and can enhance the enterprise’s competitive advantage. Practical implications – Industrial clustering is the key factor to attract professional human resources; industrial clusters can enhance firm’s performance; and professional human resources affect firm’s performance of enterprises. Originality/value – No study has discussed the topic of clusters from the perspective of SEZs also including six export processing zone (EPZ) parks in Taiwan. This study discussed the topic using theories relating to clustering and human resources. The formation of industrial clusters can result in higher competitiveness in the face of the global market. The EPZ industrial cluster provides an excellent investment environment. Coupled with one-stop express services and geographic advantage, the land-use rate is up to 97 per cent and the per hectare output value amounts to NTD 3.2 billion, setting a successful example of an industrial cluster.

scholarly journals Culture, consent and confidentiality in workplace autoethnography

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-319
Author(s):  
Catherine Lee
Keyword(s):  
Role Models ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
School Teacher ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Professional Identities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the author’s experiences as a school teacher and a lesbian. It considers the culture and discourses of power in the school and the ethical implications of telling the author’s story. Utilizing autoethnography as a method of inquiry, it draws on a critical incident to explore the incompatibility of the author’s private and professional identities, and reflect on the impact of homophobic and heteronormative discursive practices in the workplace, on health, well-being and identity. Design/methodology/approach This research is grounded in an interpretivist philosophy. It utilizes writing about the self as a method of inquiry. Findings This research examines the incompatibility of the author’s private and professional identities and offers insight into the steps that those in positions of power will take to protect and perpetuate the heteronormative discourse of rural life. Research limitations/implications This research presents the perspective of only one lesbian teacher in a rural context. Consequently, generalizations are inappropriate and recommendations are difficult. Whilst the absence of clear ethical regulation presents an infinite number of possibilities for autoethnographers, the silence that surrounds the prescription of the ethics of autoethnography leaves those of us at the beginnings of our research careers without clear guidance. Originality/value This research specifically addresses a dearth of research examining the experiences of the rural lesbian (or gay) teacher in the UK. Headteachers of rural schools must ensure that their schools are inclusive and welcoming environments for teachers, and their equalities policies are living documents that are not simply cast aside in the face of rural parent power. Young people in the countryside deserve access to the full pool of teaching talent and should have access to the diverse role models that their urban and suburban counterparts are beginning to enjoy.

Education online in lockdown: limits and possibilities. The vision of families in Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique-Javier Díez-Gutiérrez ◽  
Katherine Gajardo Espinoza
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
State Of Emergency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Autonomous Communities ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Digital Divides ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Policy Proposals

PurposeMarch 14, 2020, marked the beginning of an unexpected state of emergency in Spain due to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). From that moment on, the educational system had to adapt so that millions of students could continue their education at home. Through a descriptive study, the reality and perceptions that Spanish families have about the educational actions that took place during the compulsory lockdown of the Spanish population is presented.Design/methodology/approach3,400 representatives of family units from 17 autonomous communities answered a survey, the data were analyzed using descriptive and frequency statistics.FindingsRelevant conclusions were drawn from the results. Despite the efforts of the authorities, the economic, cultural, social and digital divides leave many households without access to the fundamental right of education; families value the support of technologies but consider that they should not replace the face-to-face education that is necessary for the development process of minors; it is necessary to adapt the school content for a future postpandemic, discriminating the expendable from the essential in the school curriculum; priority must be given to the integral well-being of people in educational policies and also to the most vulnerable ones.Originality/valueThe study allows progress in the analysis of educational policy proposals in the face of future crisis.

scholarly journals The emerging smart event experience: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Richard Thomas Bustard ◽  
Peter Bolan ◽  
Adrian Devine ◽  
Karise Hutchinson
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Gap ◽  
Special Events ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Purposive Sample ◽  
Smart Tourism

Purpose The use of “special events” as an attractor for destinations in the smart tourism paradigm has been suggested as one element of an effective destination strategy. This study aims to create new understandings of this potentiality by exploring an event from a participant perspective in smart tourism contexts by creating a model integrating factors impacting the smart event experience. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted five online focus groups by using Facebook secret groups to engage spectators of an international sports event. Discussions focussed on the digital event experience with particular reference to the event app. A subsequent interpretative phenomenological analysis facilitated the examination of how people make sense of this digital phenomenon and the impact on the overall event experience. Findings The findings demonstrate an increasing demand for real-time event integrative information, with more immersive and augmented experiences often sought by users. This has significant implications for the management of the digital event experience for all event stakeholders. Research limitations/implications This study is limited in its analysis of the smart event experience because of the use of a purposive sample from the International NW200 Event in Northern Ireland, which may limit the generalisability of research findings. Originality/value The study therefore, meets a critical gap in existent literature by providing the first event experience model in a smart tourism context and presenting the interlocking elements through the 4P’s (people, processes, personalisation and places) and 7R’s (rituals, realms, realities, renewal, review, relational and resourcing) of digital event experience.

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