Practising innovation in the healthcare ecosystem: the agency of third-party actors

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 390-403
Author(s):  
Tiziana Russo Spena ◽  
Mele Cristina
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Third Parties ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Dyadic Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Empirical Base ◽  
Ability To Act ◽  
Service Ecosystems

Purpose Over recent years, few industries have seen such dramatic changes as the healthcare industry. The potential connectivity of digital technologies is completely transforming the healthcare ecosystem. This has resulted in companies increasingly investing in digital transformations to exploit data across channels, operations and patient outreach, by building on a practice approach and actor-network theory and being informed by service-dominant logic, this study aims to contribute by advancing the agential role of third-party actors to prompt innovation and shape service ecosystems. Design/methodology/approach This research is grounded in an epistemological contextualism. To gain situated knowledge and address the role of context in knowledge, understanding and meaning the authors adopted a qualitative methodology to study actors in their different contexts. The empirical research was based on case theory. The authors also took guidance from practice scholars about how to investigate actors’ practices. The unit of analysis moves from dyadic relationships to focus on practices across different networks of actors. Findings This study expands on the conceptualization of triad as proposed by Siltaloppi and Vargo (2017) by moving from the form of triadic relationships – brokerage, mediation and coalition – to the agency of e-health third-parties; and their practices to innovate in the healthcare ecosystem. This study focuses on the actors and the performativity of actions and grounding the conceptual view on an empirical base. Practical implications Third-party actors bring about innovative ways of doing business in the healthcare ecosystem. Their actions challenge the status quo and run counter to long-time practices. Third-parties support the complex set of interconnections between different healthcare actors for the provision of new service co-creation opportunities. Considering how these e-health third-parties performs has implications for health managers, patients and other actors. Originality/value This study focuses on the actors and the performativity of actions and grounding the conceptual view on an empirical base. The agency of third-party actors is their ability to act among others and to connect multiple social and material structures to boost innovation. They prompt innovation and shape service ecosystems by brokering, mediating and coalescing among a great variety of resources, practices and institutions.

Investor communication in equity-based crowdfunding: a qualitative-empirical study

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 309-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Moritz ◽  
Joern Block ◽  
Eva Lutz
Keyword(s):  
New Ventures ◽  
Personal Communication ◽  
Third Parties ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Information Asymmetries ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Participants

Purpose – This study’s aim is to investigate the role of investor communication in equity-based crowdfunding. The study explores whether and how investor communication can reduce information asymmetries between investors and new ventures in equity-based crowdfunding, thereby facilitating the crowd’s investment decisions. Design/methodology/approach – This paper follows an exploratory qualitative research approach based on semi-structured interviews with 23 market participants in equity-based crowdfunding: 12 investors, 6 new ventures and 5 third parties (mostly platform operators). After analyzing, coding and categorizing the data, this paper developed a theoretical framework and presented it in a set of six propositions. Findings – The results indicate that the venture’s overall impression – especially perceived sympathy, openness and trustworthiness – is important to reduce perceived information asymmetries of investors in equity-based crowdfunding. To communicate these soft facts, personal communication seems to be replaced by pseudo-personal communication over the Internet (e.g. videos, investor relations channels and social media). In addition, the communications of third parties (e.g. other crowd investors, professional and experienced investors and other external stakeholders) influence the decision-making process of investors in equity-based crowdfunding. Third-party endorsements reduce the perceived information asymmetries and lower the importance of pseudo-personal communications by the venture. Originality/value – Prior research shows that investor communication reduces information asymmetries between companies and investors. Currently, little is known about the role of investor communication in equity-based crowdfunding. This study focuses on the role of investor communication to reduce the perceived information asymmetries of investors in equity-based crowdfunding.

Third party conflict management of transboundary river disputes

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 402-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elvira Bobekova
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Conflict Management ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Individual Case ◽  
Third Parties ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Security Challenges

Purpose – This paper aims to fill the gaps by conducting the first large n study examining the role of third parties in the emergence of river agreements in Asia and Africa during the time period 1948-2007. There is a growing literature on what explains agreements in river disputes. However, beyond individual case analysis, little systematic study has been done on the role of third parties in settling river disputes through agreement, in particular on the regions that are mostly affected by the global climate change. Design/methodology/approach – Through utilising new data on the role of third parties in river disputes, this study shows that third party involvement in the conflict management of river disputes increases the likelihood of reaching river agreements. Findings – The findings suggest that third parties use both diplomatic and economic means to increase the likelihood of emergence of river agreements, and both strategies are equally important to induce formalised cooperation. Research limitations/implications – Yet the present study covers only two regions, and it does not delve into a discussion of the conditions under which third party interventions are successful. Rather, these are aspects that need to be explored in the future. Practical implications – Given the current uncertainty around security challenges resulting from climate change, and with predictions of future water wars, this research contributes to the understanding how to peacefully manage current and potential conflicts around transboundary waters. Originality/value – This study is the first large n study examining the role of third parties in the emergence of river agreements in Asia and Africa.

The role of boundary management in open innovation: towards a 3D perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 57-84
Author(s):  
Rosita Capurro ◽  
Raffaele Fiorentino ◽  
Stefano Garzella ◽  
Rosa Lombardi
Keyword(s):  
Open Innovation ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Firm Boundaries ◽  
Boundary Management ◽  
Innovation Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Listed Firms ◽  
The One

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate the role of boundary management when firms should implement open innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe relevant literature on strategic management, firm boundaries and open innovation fields is revised and critically assessed. An interpretive-qualitative methodology is applied to analyse empirical data obtained from a questionnaire and subsequent interviews of a sample of Italian listed firms. By critically integrating literature review and empirical analysis, a framework is provided with the objective of supporting open innovation implementation.FindingsThe study shows that on the one hand, open innovation and many modern paths of growth are connected to a firm's boundaries and that on the other hand, boundary management plays a key role in the implementation of open innovation.Practical implicationsThe paper has implications for practitioners by driving them to shift the focus of open innovation implementation towards the management of boundaries, in which boundary capabilities and activities play a key role.Originality/valueThis paper sheds light on the advantages and risks that can jeopardize a successful opening up innovation processes without the effective management of boundary studies. Thus, the authors identify and propose causes for reflection and tools maximizing potentiality and reducing risks in the implementation of such processes.

Towards a better understanding of organizational buying behavior across cultures: empirical evidence from the Arabian Gulf

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1521-1532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Anatolievich Bachkirov
Keyword(s):  
Political Institutions ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Arabian Gulf ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Buying Behavior ◽  
Large Power ◽  
Content Type ◽  
World Region ◽  
Organizational Buying

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine, through the lens of the buying center concept, a theorized link between organizational buying behavior (OBB) and a national culture of collectivism, large power distance, particularism and a wasta practice. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was used to gain better understanding of OBB in an under-researched business environment of the Arabian Gulf. The data come from 41 organizational practitioners who reported on the industrial buying processes in their organizations with reference to the buying center framework. Findings The study developed a model of the buying center for the emerging markets governed by socio-political institutions. Research limitations/implications The data were obtained only from one culturally specific world region. Practical implications To attain efficacious results in culturally distant business environments, industrial marketers should complement home country experience with a thorough understanding of how national cultures affect the dynamics of OBB. Originality/value The study updates the conceptualization of the buying center’s organizational actors (OAs) for business contexts beyond traditional, mature markets. It reveals the typology of decisional influencers, introduces and defines the role of advisers and clarifies the role of the gatekeeping bureaucracy and differing perceptions thereof by OAs.

scholarly journals Social construction of innovation and the role of innovation brokers in the construction sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-259
Author(s):  
Natalya Sergeeva ◽  
Naomi Liu
Keyword(s):  
Social Construction ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Mixed Design ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Assumptions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to re-visit social construction of technology (SCOT) framework in understanding of innovation in the construction sector and unpack the role of innovation brokers in this context. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper adopting SCOT framework to understand innovation in the context of the construction sector. The role of innovation brokers is unpacked in the paper, currently under-explored in the construction innovation studies. Findings The authors suggest SCOT framework as a useful overarching frame through which to understand construction innovation. The authors argue that innovation brokers should be positioned to oversee the interface of multiple social groups. Research limitations/implications Further empirical research is proposed to test the theoretical assumptions outlined in the paper. The research agenda is to conduct further empirical research adopting a socio-technical theoretical lens and appropriate qualitative or mixed-design methodologies. There are other socio-technical theoretical frameworks that could be used to explore socio-technical interactions in different ways, e.g. socio-technical systems theory, sociomateriality, actor-network theory, etc. Practical implications Three propositions are developed regarding the position of an innovation broker from the perspectives of multi-social-groups interfaces, shifting significance of the roles of innovation broker and the collaboration with government. Originality/value The authors outline the value of SCOT framework for innovation study within project-based construction sector. The authors contribute to better understanding of the role of innovation brokers in the system of construction innovation.

The role of compliance for organisational change

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 334-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Busse ◽  
Ufuk Doganer
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lively Debate ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose Fuelled by the latest scandals at Siemens, VW or Walmart, there is a lively debate on the role of compliance and ethics programmes. Unlike large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) arguably tend to underestimate their significance and lag behind. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to shed light on the process of introducing compliance codes and its effects on employee acceptance and performance. Design/methodology/approach In line with the qualitative methodology, the authors conducted 12 in-depth interviews with German SME employees which the authors evaluated with the qualitative content analysis. Findings As for the major contribution, results indicate the emergence of a lack of understanding, anger, anxiety and operational performance losses – both at the individual and the corporate level – especially when employees feel uninvolved in the initial introduction stadium. Originality/value Practicing managers may benefit from the recommendation to facilitate staff involvement at earlier stages. As for theory advancement, the authors draw on Kotter’s (2007) long surviving “Eight Steps Change Management Model” and find significant support for shifting the spotlight of attention towards the first four phases. The authors discuss the original value of the research, admit limitations and illuminate some promising future research trajectories.

scholarly journals A systematic review of the antecedents of knowledge transfer: an actant-object view

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 970-995
Author(s):  
Hamidreza Shahbaznezhad ◽  
Mona Rashidirad ◽  
Isaac Vaghefi
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Issues ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Context Free

Purpose While numerous studies have studied knowledge transfer (KT) and endeavored to address factors influencing KT, little effort has been made to integrate the findings of prior studies. This paper aims to classify the literature on KT through a detailed exploration of different perspectives of KT inter and intra organizations. Design/methodology/approach Using actor–network theory (ANT) as the baseline, we conducted a systematic review of KT research to summarize prior KT studies and classify the influential factors on KT. The review covered 115 empirical articles published between 1987 and 2017. Findings Drawing on the review and ANT guidelines, the authors proposed a conceptual model to categorize KT constitutes into objects including those related to (1) knowledge, (2) knowledge exchange and (3) technology, as well as actants including those related to (4) organization, (5) team/business unit and (6) knowledge sender/receiver. Research limitations/implications Adopting a holistic synthesized approach based on ANT, this research puts forward a valid theoretical foundation on further understanding of KT and its antecedents. Indeed, this paper investigates KT inter and intra organizations to recognize and locate the key antecedents of KT, which is of substantial applicability in today’s knowledge-driven economy. Practical implications The findings advance managers and practitioners’ understanding of the important role of actants and objects and their interplay in KT practices. Originality/value While most studies on KT have a narrow focus, this research contributes to holistic understanding of motivational, behavioral, technological and organizational issues related to KT. It also offers a thorough and context-free literature review on KT, which synthesizes the findings of prior studies on KT.

scholarly journals Interfunctional coordination: the role of digitalization

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 404-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
José L. Ruiz-Alba ◽  
Rodrigo Guesalaga ◽  
Raquel Ayestarán ◽  
Javier Morales Mediano
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Executives ◽  
Main Driver ◽  
Negative Side Effects ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Integrated Study

Purpose This paper aims to investigate interfunctional coordination (IC) in a B2B context. More specifically, it explores the role of digitalization as a strategic driver for an effective IC. Design/methodology/approach Following a qualitative methodology, three studies have been integrated: Study 1 (focus group with 5 participants), Study 2 (31 in-depth interviews with top executives) and Study 3 (online focus group with 9 experts). Findings One finding is that digitalization is the main driver for IC and can be considered strategic. Other findings show that digitalization can enhance IC, but it was also found that digitalization can have negative side effects on IC. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of the importance of digitalization on IC and also contributes to the conceptualization of IC as a dynamic capability.

Requirements for private communications over public spheres

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-96
Author(s):  
Konstantina Vemou ◽  
Maria Karyda
Keyword(s):  
Personal Data ◽  
Third Parties ◽  
Communication Model ◽  
Personal Communications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Privacy Requirements ◽  
Threat Analysis ◽  
Privacy Threats

Purpose In the Web 2.0 era, users massively communicate through social networking services (SNS), often under false expectations that their communications and personal data are private. This paper aims to analyze privacy requirements of personal communications over a public medium. Design/methodology/approach This paper systematically analyzes SNS services as communication models and considers privacy as an attribute of users’ communication. A privacy threat analysis for each communication model is performed, based on misuse scenarios, to elicit privacy requirements per communication type. Findings This paper identifies all communication attributes and privacy threats and provides a comprehensive list of privacy requirements concerning all stakeholders: platform providers, users and third parties. Originality/value Elicitation of privacy requirements focuses on the protection of both the communication’s message and metadata and takes into account the public–private character of the medium (SNS platform). The paper proposes a model of SNS functionality as communication patterns, along with a method to analyze privacy threats. Moreover, a comprehensive set of privacy requirements for SNS designers, third parties and users involved in SNS is identified, including voluntary sharing of personal data, the role of the SNS platforms and the various types of communications instantiating in SNS.

scholarly journals Exploring the role of family in enhancing the well-being of patients with developmental disorders

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 721-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Lam ◽  
Constanza Bianchi
Keyword(s):  
Family Relationships ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Therapy Services

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how family members co-create value and improve the well-being of patients with chronic developmental disorders, such as Asperger syndrome (AS) that undertake permanent therapy services. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative methodology is used to identify family value co-creation activities and well-being outcomes. Extensive interviews with family members and professional therapists of AS patients were conducted as the main data collection method. Findings Drawing from previous conceptualizations of value co-creation activities in health contexts, the findings of this study identify the specific value co-creation activities held by family members that influence the different dimensions of well-being for AS patients and their families: co-learning, combining therapies, changing ways of doing things, connecting, co-operation and co-production, managing daily life, motivating, protecting, regulating and establishing roles. The findings also reveal improvements in the following dimensions of patient well-being: autonomy, self-acceptance, purpose in life, positive relationships with others, control of the environment and personal growth. In addition, value co-creation activities also improve family relationships at home and the well-being of patient family members. Originality/value This study contributes to the services literature and addresses a gap in transformative service research by exploring the value co-creation activities of family members for improving well-being outcomes of patients with chronic developmental disorders. People with chronic developmental disorders engage in permanent therapy services and tend to have below-average well-being scores, which also extends to their family members.

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