Goal seeking and goal oriented projects – trajectories of the temporary organisation

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 368-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Karrbom Gustavsson ◽  
Anette Hallin

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the theory development of “temporary organizing.” Design/methodology/approach – The paper advances the theory of the temporary organization by applying a process ontological-perspective. Findings – This research note conceptualizes “the temporary organization” as constantly changing across time and space; as shifting between two empirically driven modes: “goal seeking” and “goal oriented.” This is done through the shift of the trajectory of the particular “project” at hand. Practical implications – Based on the theoretical suggestions in the paper, further research is encouraged to find empirical support of and to develop its claims. Originality/value – Despite a call for taking the “organizing”-aspect of temporary organizations seriously, there is still a need for theory development of the area. By introducing the concept of “trajectories” into the studies of temporary organizations, the paper builds a theoretical framework through which such studies may be undertaken.

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jungwon Yeo ◽  
Eun Sun Lee

Purpose This study aims to examine and understand South Korea’s (S. Korea) COVID-19 response operations, a notable case for other countries to emulate, and suggest some practical implications for other countries struggling with coping with the current pandemic. Design/methodology/approach To examine the case, the authors propose a new theoretical framework based on concepts of the whole community approach in the emergency management field and on co-production in public administration studies, and use the theoretical framework to analyze the details of S. Korea’s whole community co-production for COVID-19 response. Findings The findings demonstrate that the successful pandemic response in S. Korea is attributable to a nationwide whole community co-production among multiple actors, including government, various industries, sectors, jurisdictions and even individual citizens, within and across relevant public service and public policy domains. Originality/value This study suggests a new theoretical framework, whole community co-production, which contributes to the conceptual advancement of co-production in the field of public administration and a whole community approach in the field of emergency and crisis management. The framework also suggests practical implications for other countries to integrate whole community coproduction that may transform current response operations to cope with COVID-19.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 551-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahaaeddin Alareeni

PurposeThis paper aims to consider data for listed companies in Bahrain Bourse to determine whether companies practice earnings management (EM). Further, the effect of a set of corporate governance characteristics on EM practices is examined.Design/methodology/approachThe EM level was measured using discretionary accruals (DA) [calculated using the Modified Jones (1995) Model]. The study sample consisted of 20 companies listed during the period 2011-2015. Panel regression model was used to test the study hypotheses and achieve the study aims.FindingsEM is negatively correlated with board size, confirming that a larger board is associated with a lower level of EM practices. Further, board independence is positively correlated with EM, suggesting that the larger the number of independent directors, the higher the level of EM practices. In addition, internal ownership is positively related to EM, confirming that the higher level of internal ownership increases EM practices. CEO duality does not appear to have any effect on EM in Bahrain Bourse. More interestingly, the findings reveal that companies practice EM through income-increasing DA.Research limitations/implicationsFinancial data and data related to other corporate governance characteristics are lacking.Practical implicationsThe results of this study provide empirical support for the development of new regulations and amendments and necessary corrective decisions regarding the effectiveness of applying corporate governance code in Bahrain Bourse. More specifically, this study reveals an urgent need for new amendments to restrict EM practices in Bahrain Bourse.Originality/valueThis study enriches the EM literature by covering Bahrain as an Asian country, which has not been sufficiently examined in relation to this topic. Further, this study provides a clear picture of the level of EM practices in Bahrain Bourse to multiple parties.


2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-116
Author(s):  
Berendien Lubbe

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief perspective on the growth of business travel over the past 60 years and how it may unfold in the future, highlighting certain themes and noting limitations in the research. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on selected academic literature and industry sources on business travel which briefly reviews its growth and directions of research in this field. Practical implications The paper distinguishes between different types of business travel and provides a bird's eye view of the future. Originality/value The review distinguishes between different forms of business travel and concludes that greater clarity of the business travel concept will enable research to be conducted within a properly defined theoretical framework.


2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Galati

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to combine different perspectives concerning knowledge management (KM), thus developing a theoretical framework that could be used, as a basic strategic tool, both to control and to plan KM level of implementation. Design/methodology/approach – Bringing together previous research in KM and providing an analysis of the main issues discussed in the literature, an integrative framework for evaluating the level of implementation of knowledge management within organizations is proposed. Findings – The major contribution is the final theoretical framework proposed, which allows the possibility to dynamically analyze the evolution of the KM maturity level of an organization, thus assuming a relevant strategic importance. Research limitations/implications – The model proposed provides only the basis for an extensive analysis on the topic. Further research could focus on the quantitative development of the suggested framework. Practical implications – The paper is very useful in practical terms. From a static perspective, a manager can use the resulted framework as a strategic tool able to portray the level of implementation of KM within his organization. From a dynamic perspective, the framework could be adopted to analyze the evolution of the KM within the organization, thus gaining deeper understanding on the link between KM and organizational change. Originality/value – This paper presents a novel framework. Unlike previous literature on KM, this paper combined numerous perspectives in the field and provides a useful strategic tool.


Kybernetes ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helmut Nechansky

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how individual acts of goal-setting of two persons or systems A and B determine, which modes of coexistence become possible in an interaction of the two. Design/methodology/approach – Some person or system A can approach another person or system B with an inclination to realize one of four goal-setting processes: first, A sets goals for B; second, A sets no own goals; third, A pursues own goals alone; and fourth, A and B develop mutual goals. And an interaction of A and B can lead to just four modes of coexistence: first, conflict – A and B fight; second, hierarchy – A submits to B; third, independence in niches – A and B do not interact; and fourth, cooperation – A and B work together. Findings – Placing the inclinations of A and B to realize one of the four goal-setting processes in a 4×4 matrix leads to the interaction matrix. It shows that individual goal-setting processes predetermine and limit the available modes of coexistence, i.e. cause certain patterns of interactions. Practical implications – The interaction matrix can be applied to all interactions between persons, groups and social units generally. Originality/value – The paper introduces a theoretical framework covering all options of goal-orientated behavior. It explains the interrelation between individual goal-setting of persons and systems and the resulting behavioral options in interactions. It is applicable to all behavioral sciences.


2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando F. Fachin ◽  
Eduardo Davel

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the interconnection of identity play and identity work during transitions. Design/methodology/approach – The authors have conducted a 46-year longitudinal and process-based study on film director Denys Arcand. The focus is on his contested career shift from being a political documentary filmmaker to a box-office success and maker of television commercials. Films and media interviews were largely and systematically analyzed. Findings – In order to explain how to maintain a sense of authenticity in transitioning between contradictory paths, the authors highlight how identity play and identity work appear in self-fuelling interaction through four processes (fragmenting, developing, mixing, and extracting). Practical implications – The authors suggest new ways to deal with career transitions as well as identity construction in constraining environments. Originality/value – The authors offer a theoretical framework that makes it possible to combine understandings of identity play and identity work. In particular, the authors develop on how, through play, individuals can create circumstances favourable for performing identity work in the future.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-154
Author(s):  
UmmeSalma Mujtaba Husein

Purpose This paper aims to explore the notion of communication in accounting and in doing so elucidates the wider connotation of accounting frontiers offered in the Islamic philosophy, reflecting upon the Islamic doctrines that are indicative towards and offer a variety of implications for communication and accounting. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from the Islamic sources – Quran and other key texts – and other relevant preceding literature, the paper deliberates key Islam principles of significance and outline what they suggest for communication in accounting. Findings Islam has a profoundly embedded concern of the communicative aspect from a holistic viewpoint that is clear within its accounting implications as well. This paper illustrates the social aspects of Islamic accounting through its stance on communication, thereby opening up the more enabling potentials of Islamic accounting informed by wider and more facilitating dimensions of Islam’s teachings: Islam’s holistic approach to life; its attentiveness on society and its various groups; and its emphasis on behavioural conduct and emotional aspects. Consideration on these principles throws into questions the Western ways, develops and hones the existing stand of hegemonic positions and submits new ways forward. Research limitations/implications Aspiring organisations and larger entities such as nations who encourage the development of Islamic economy can benefit from the added accountability of entities to encompass the social and ethical responsibilities. Practical/implications The paper highlights Islamic doctrines as a basis of just and responsible accounting communication via incorporating the macro-societal elements and the behavioural communicative aspects. Originality/value The Islamic communication principles open up the inclusion of the missing behavioural aspect from accounting communication. This paper provides the necessary theoretical framework on how to include the humane side within accounting communication.


2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 1060-1083
Author(s):  
Erika L. Paulson

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine social mobility. Social mobility has traditionally been thought to result in a divided habitus. However, recent work has suggested that for the socially mobile, habitus may become blended or even that individuals can choose their habitus in a strategic fashion. Each position has received empirical support, raising two questions. First, does the experience of social mobility result in a habitus that is more divided or strategic? Second, what factors affect this outcome? Design/methodology/approach These questions are investigated by conducting depth interviews with people who have experienced social mobility. Findings The direction of social mobility determines what effect social mobility has on the habitus. For the downwardly mobile, the habitus appears to remain rooted in one’s former class. This is because downward movement is devalued, and so there is less incentive for those who experience it to change their thoughts, feelings or behaviors to match their new position. For the upwardly mobile, the habitus changes slowly. The trajectory and the subjective experience also affect the outcome. Two strategies respondents use to deal with social mobility are noted. Research limitations/implications Bourdieu’s notion of the divided habitus is reconsidered and compared to newer incarnations, and the importance of the direction of social mobility is underlined. This work explains why upward and downward mobility result in different changes in the habitus. Practical implications Investigating the experience of social mobility is particularly important given the frequent, dynamic nature of mobility in European countries. Two strategies used to manage downward mobility are identified. Originality/value This work reconsiders Bourdieu’s notion of the divided habitus and newer incarnations and explains why upward and downward mobility result in different changes in the habitus. Such a finding is not only an invitation to expand on the notion of habitus but also works to draw attention to other factors that play a role in habitus and strategies used to manage change.


Kybernetes ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helmut Nechansky

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how behavioral descriptions in psychology and group dynamics can be related to four goal-setting processes and to four mode of existence. Design/methodology/approach – Some person A can approach a person B with an inclination to realize one of four goal-setting processes: (1) A sets goals for B; (2) A sets no own goals; (3) A pursues own goals alone; (4) A and B develop mutual goals. Depending on their choice of inclinations an interaction of A and B can lead to four modes of coexistence: (1) Conflict – A and B fight; (2) Hierarchy – A submits to B; (3) Independence in niches – A and B do not interact; (4) Cooperation – A and B work together. The paper investigates how these theoretical options – four inclinations for different goal-set processes and four modes of coexistence – show in behavioral descriptions in psychology and group dynamics. Findings – Psychic states studied in psychology (e.g. by Freud, Berne, Horney) can be related to one of the four inclinations. Interaction patterns studied in group dynamics (e.g. by Steiner, Schindler, Bion) describe aspects of the four modes of coexistence. Practical implications – Behavioral descriptions of various schools of psychology and group dynamics can be classified according to theoretically derivable basic options of goal-orientated behavior. Originality/value – The paper shows the application of a theoretical framework covering all options of goal-orientated behavior available in the behavioral sciences.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 445-459
Author(s):  
Cathy Brown ◽  
Tristram Hooley ◽  
Tracey Wond

PurposeCareer theorists have been increasingly occupied with role transitions across organisations, neglecting role transitions undertaken within single organisations. By exploring in depth the aspects of career capital that role holders need to facilitate their own organisational role transition, this article builds upon career capital theory.Design/methodology/approachAdopting an interpretivist approach, this study explores the experiences of 36 business leaders who have undertaken a recent role transition within a UK construction business.FindingsThe article empirically characterises 24 career capital aspects, clustered into Knowing Self, Knowing How and Knowing Whom. It argues that these aspects are important to internal role transitions and compares them to mainstream career capital theory. In addition, the concepts of connecting, crossing and investing career capital are introduced to explain how career capital supports such transitions.Research limitations/implicationsThis study proposes a new career capital framework and refocuses debate on organisational careers. It is based on a single organisation, and it would be beneficial for future researchers to explore its applicability within other organisations.Practical implicationsThe article explores the implications of the new career capital framework for business leaders and organisational managers who wish to build individual and organisational career mobility.Originality/valueThis study proposes a new, empirically grounded, career capital theoretical framework particularly attending to organisational role transitions.


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