Network change processes for environmental practices

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyndie Bayne ◽  
Sharon Purchase ◽  
Geoffrey N. Soutar
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Change Process ◽  
Business Case ◽  
Process Theory ◽  
Change Processes ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Environmental Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Network Change ◽  
Network Process

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of how change in environmental practices occurs in business networks. The study examines what types of network change processes occur in bringing about environmental change. Further, the basic change process theory types (life-cycle, teleology, dialectics and evolution) involved in the change processes are analyzed. Design/methodology/approach A multiple, embedded, network case study was undertaken in the Australian agrifood sector, focusing on the pork and dairy industries. Findings Change was found to occur through the interaction of multiple network processes operating simultaneously and sequentially over time. Thirteen network process categories were identified, grouped further into legislative, business case and altruistic overarching motivations. Legislative change processes emphasize the need for continued government intervention through enforced legislation. Teleology and dialectics were common at the beginning of many change processes, followed by life-cycle theory types. Originality/value The study brings together change process conceptualizations from prior unconnected literatures into a comprehensive change process categorization framework. Examining changes in the activity dimension adds to network dynamics literature previously focusing on changes in the actor and resource dimensions. Contributions are made to processual research methods by theoretically and empirically clarifying connections between events, activities and processes. Analyzing the underlying change process theory types at the network level adds to both management and business network literature. Finally, the study answers calls to study sustainability issues at a network level.

Contesting the dominant narrative: expanding the multistory cultural change approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-228
Author(s):  
Martijn van Ooijen ◽  
Antonie van Nistelrooij ◽  
Marcel Veenswijk
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Cultural Change ◽  
Change Process ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Construction Safety ◽  
Change Processes ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Organizational Field ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to expand the theory on multistory cultural change by showing how a dominant narrative on construction safety dynamically interrelates and is contested on multiple intertextual levels in an organizational field of organizations contributing to the recovery of houses in an earthquake region.Design/methodology/approachAn ethnoventionist research approach was adopted in which interpretation of data to find narratives and designing interventions went hand-in-hand.FindingsWe found four distinctive composite narratives besides the dominant narrative to which five actors refer in their accounts, thereby contributing to three types of story patterns. These narratives disclose the taken-for-granted ideas and beliefs that characterize the challenge of changing organizational culture. One intervention, which intended multiple stories to touch the surface, was highlighted as a multistory intervention.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research could extend the knowledge on other change interventions that contribute to multistory cultural change processes.Originality/valueAdopting an ethnoventionist approach to provide deep insights on an unfolding cultural change process for both scholars and practitioners.

An analytic network process (ANP) model to examine LEED-certified buildings’ operational performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 366-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gulbin Ozcan Deniz
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Analytic Network Process ◽  
Economic Life ◽  
The Body ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Building Performance ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Network Process

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to create and present a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design New Construction (LEED NC) building performance assessment model that will identify and prioritize external parameters affecting a LEED-certified building’s operational performance. Design/methodology/approach The uncertainty associated with external parameters affecting a LEED-certified building’s operational performance is examined through the use of analytic network process (ANP). An ANP model is created based on the extensive literature research and experiences of professionals in the green building industry. Eight case studies are analyzed, and data collected through interviews with experts are utilized in prioritizing external parameters affecting buildings’ operational performance. Findings The findings show that the most important external parameters affecting a LEED-certified building’s operational performance are lack of enhanced commissioning, lack of life cycle assessment/life cycle costing analysis, lack of energy modeling, and lack of knowledge in green technology. The results demonstrate that both asset value and profit, as well as the economic life of the facility, are mostly affected by the energy efficiency of the building, and consequently LEED NC energy and atmosphere category. Originality/value This research contributes to the body of knowledge on green architecture by defining and prioritizing external parameters and their relationships to operational building performance in LEED NC projects. The proposed model can be used by construction managers and facility managers to operate LEED-certified buildings better and reduce environmental impacts throughout the functional life cycle of the building.

scholarly journals Interaction avoidance in networks

IMP Journal ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Hoholm
Keyword(s):  
Technology Development ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Food Distribution ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Regional Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Network Change ◽  
Food Product Development ◽  
Modes Of Interaction ◽  
Network Studies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop the case for studying non-interaction in networks, particularly instances of intentional avoidance of interaction. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the analysis of instances of interaction avoidance across four case studies in medical technology development, food product development, food distribution network change, and regional innovation in construction. Findings – Some answers are provided to the questions of why and how actors may seek to avoid interaction. Five modes of interaction avoidance are identified and outlined. Within these modes, interaction avoidance took place in order to protect knowledge, enforce progress, economise in business networks, avoid wasting resources, and maintain opportunities respectively. This list is not seen to be exhaustive of the theme, and further studies are encouraged. Originality/value – Few inter-organisational network studies have dealt explicitly with interaction avoidance or non-interaction.

Business networks along innovation life cycle

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 329-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Paola Codini
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Multiple Method ◽  
Technology Life Cycle

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate how the relationships among the different actors within the business networks affect the evolution of innovation along the different steps of technology life cycle. Design/methodology/approach – The study is supported by a longitudinal case study referred to a mechanical company operating in the knitting machineries industry. A triangulation method integrating multiple data sources in a multiple method design was used to gather data. Findings – The longitudinal study supports the idea that interactions among the actors within the business networks heavily influence the technology evolution. Research limitations/implications – Although the longitudinal case study reported in this paper refers to a period of time of about 10 years, our findings refer only to a single case study in a specific sector and so they cannot be generalized. Practical implications – This paper provides important guidelines on how to manage the relationships emerging within a business network to influence the new technologies development. Originality/value – The paper contributes to business networks literature, filling the gaps about how the relationships among the actors involved in a network can evolve over time and influence the evolution of technology in itself.

The swansong of the fascist octopus: creating effective change communications

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 66-70
Author(s):  
Peter Hirsch
Keyword(s):  
Change Process ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Change Processes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Change ◽  
Natural Tendency ◽  
Large Corporations ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Corporate Language

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine why corporations frequently do such a bad job in change communications and succumb to clichéd terminology when communicating change. Design/methodology/approach The approach was to identify particularly egregious examples of poor communications and to identify some reasons why change communications seems so difficult for large corporations. Findings Poor change communications has a number of sources. Chief of these is the failure to involve employees in the change process from the beginning and to acknowledge candidly that all change processes have losers as well as winners. Research limitations/implications The views expressed in the paper are based on the author’s own experience rather than extensively researched data. Practical implications While poor change communications will always exist, leaders who understand the natural tendency to use obscure and clichéd language in the field will be able to mitigate its effects. Social implications With trust in corporations at all-time lows, one can believe that more effective change communications will help to restore some of the lost trust between capital and labor. Originality/value While the clichéd corporate language is the frequent target of critics, there are few treatments of its connection with change communications.

Understanding changes within business networks: evidences from the international expansion of fashion firms

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 192-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Guercini ◽  
Matilde Milanesi
Keyword(s):  
Network Dynamics ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Business Relationships ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Network Change ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Liability Of Outsidership

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the topic of business network dynamics and identify different relational paths, as forms of change in business relationships and related types of network change. The paper contributes to the literature on business network dynamics by providing an understanding of relational paths in the context of firms’ internationalization and shading light on different forms of change in business relationships and types of network change. The paper also contributes to the understanding of liabilities in internationalization that has to do with business networks, namely the liability of outsidership. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on qualitative research following the multiple case study research approach. The authors propose three cases of internationalizing firms in the fashion industry that follows relational paths corresponding to different forms of change in business relationships that imply different types of network change. Findings Changes to a firm’s business network may be addressed through relational paths, namely creation of new business relationships (activation), maintenance of existing relationships (integration) and ending of existing relationships (substitution). These relational paths can be considered forms of incremental (integration) and radical (activation and substitution) change in business relationships and lead to different types of network change for business network dynamics that coexist and influence each other within the same firm. Originality/value This paper contributes to a better understanding of business network dynamics by showing how firms change their business relationships following different relational paths as the best way to respond to the challenges and new opportunities offered especially by international markets. The present paper has relevant managerial implications since coping with change in business relationships is perhaps one of the most critical and difficult tasks for management, even more critical if compared to the increasing complexity of doing business internationally and the liabilities that firms face in their internationalization process, especially the liability of outsidership.

The development dynamics of business networks

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Wegner ◽  
Susana Costa e Silva ◽  
Greice De Rossi
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Public Support ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Life Cycle Stages ◽  
Nuanced Understanding ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Current Stage

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the development dynamics of two business networks initially created to promote the internationalization of its members. Wines of Brasil – a Brazilian wineries network – was established in 2002 and remains active, while Vitrocristal (VtC) – a Portuguese network of glass producers – was established in 1994 and is already closed. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 14 interviews, with network managers and representatives of companies with different sizes and participation times. Information obtained was compared with the life cycle model of Wegner et al. (2015) and enabled the authors to understand the dynamic development of each network and its current stage in the life cycle. Findings The results allowed the authors to describe the development pattern of both business networks, showing that the Brazilian network is in the consolidation stage while the Portuguese one finished its activities in 2007 after a period of financial constraints due to the end of governmental support. Practical implications The comparison of the two cases shows that the experience of the Portuguese business network may be useful for networks in emerging markets, as it displays several difficulties that the management of such networks may face during their life cycle. Originality/value This study provides a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the dynamics of change in business networks. The cases confirm the life cycle stages proposed by Wegner et al. (2015) and shed more light on the development process of business networks, by describing how exogenous variables such as public support may affect cooperation.

scholarly journals Transformational change by a post-conventional leader

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 457-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Norrman Brandt ◽  
Sofia Kjellström ◽  
Ann-Christine Andersson
Keyword(s):  
Change Process ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Transformation ◽  
Transformational Change ◽  
Change Processes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Roles And Responsibilities ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine people’s experience of a change process and if and how post-conventional leadership principles are expressed in the change process. Design/methodology/approach The study used a retrospective exploratory qualitative design. In total, 19 semi-structured interviews and 4 workshops were conducted and analyzed in accordance with a thematic qualitative analysis. Findings The post-conventional leadership appears to have facilitated an organizational transformation where explorative work methods aimed at innovation and improvement as well as holistic understanding was used. Dispersed power and mandate to employees, within set frames and with clear goals, created new ways of organizing and working. The leader showed personal consideration, acknowledged the importance of the emotionally demanding aspects of change and admitted the leader’s own vulnerability. Balance between challenge and support created courage to take on new roles and responsibilities. Most employees thrived and grew with the possibilities given, but some felt lack of support and clear directions. Practical implications Inspiration from this case on work methods and involvement of employees can be used on other change efforts. Social implications This study provides knowledge on leadership capabilities needed for facilitation of transformational change. Originality/value Few transformational change processes by post-conventional leaders are thoroughly described, and this study provides in-depth descriptions of post-conventional leadership in transformational change.

Non-disruptive knowledge and business processing in knowledge life cycles – aligning value network analysis to process management

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 651-686 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Stary
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Knowledge Claim ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Change Processes ◽  
Double Loop ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Value Network

Purpose – This paper aims to achieve fully intertwined knowledge and business processing in change processes. It proposes streamlining situated articulation work, value network analyses (VNA) and subject-oriented business process modelling (S-BPM) and execution to provide non-disruptive single and double learning processes driven by concerned stakeholders. When implementing knowledge life cycles, such as Firestone and McElroy’s knowledge life cycle, the agility of organizations is significantly constrained, in particular, when surviving knowledge claims should be implemented in the business processing environment in a seamless way. Design/methodology/approach – The contribution is based on a conceptual analysis of knowledge life cycle implementations, learning loop developments and an exploratory case study in health care to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The solution towards non-disruptive knowledge and business processing allows stakeholders to actively participate in single- and double-loop learning processes. Findings – The introduced approach supports problem and knowledge claim formulation, knowledge claim evaluation and non-disruptive knowledge integration into a business process environment. Based on stakeholder articulation, the steps to follow are: holomapping, exchange analysis, impact analysis, value creation analysis, subject-oriented modelling, business process validation and execution. Seamless support of stakeholders is enabled through the direct mapping of stakeholder and activity descriptions from value network representations to behaviour specifications (process models) on the individual and organizational layer. Research limitations/implications – Current knowledge life cycle developments and implementations can now be analyzed in a structured way. Elements of the proposed approach could be integrated in disruptive implementations to overcome current limitations of knowledge life cycles. However, further case studies need to be performed to identify hindrances or barriers of combining VNA and S-BPM, both on the technological and methodological layer. What works for expert service industries might need to be adapted for production industries, and tools or tool chains might need to be configured accordingly. Finally, the socio-economic impact of the approach needs to be explored. Practical implications – The presented case study from health care reveals the potential of such a methodological combination, as cycle times can be reduced, in particular, due to the execution of role-specific process models in the respective business processing environment. It can be considered as a fundamental shift for existing change management procedures, as they require rework of the entire functional process models when addressing business processing. Now, stakeholder- or role-specific behaviour can be handled isolated and in parallel, without affecting the entire organization in case of modifications. Originality/value – The proposed methodological integration has not been done before. It enables stakeholders to perform single- and double-loop change processes in a seamless way.

Patterns of strategic change

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Dominguez CC ◽  
Jose Luís Galán-González ◽  
Carmen Barroso
Keyword(s):  
Change Process ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strategic Change ◽  
Senior Management ◽  
Change Processes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Know How ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to know how strategic change processes unfold over time and their potential consequences for firms. The study has two main objectives: to identify the actors involved; and to analyze the sequences of changes when a firm experiences strategic change. Design/methodology/approach – To know the temporal sequence of strategic change is per se one of the most important questions of research in management. This is because it allows for a better understanding of how and why organizations change. The qualitative analysis – based on the existing literature on the change processes – aims to capture reality in flight and study long-term processes. Findings – The study identifies strategic change’s essential patterns. It determines when it is appropriate to use these sequences to improve firm performance and it explains that reorganization of the senior management can produce strategic change. The results provide a greater understanding of the strategic change processes carried out by firms which will broaden the theory relating to this subject. Practical implications – To know the strategic change circumstances and, over all, the sequence of the change process, could accelerate its implementation in a time when the speed is essential for the company competitiveness. Originality/value – The paper studies strategic change like a process. The results provide a greater understanding of the strategic change processes carried out by firms which will broaden the theory relating to this subject. The study identifies strategic change’s essential patterns both incremental as radical. By identifying these sequences, it can define the what, how and why of change, and who is involved.

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