Community resilience to natural disasters: the role of disaster entrepreneurship

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina K. Linnenluecke ◽  
Brent McKnight
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Community Resilience ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Organizational Response ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Latent Structures

Purpose The paper aims to examine the conditions under which disaster entrepreneurship contributes to community-level resilience. The authors define disaster entrepreneurship as attempts by the private sector to create or maintain value during and in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster by taking advantage of business opportunities and providing goods and services required by community stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach This paper builds a typology of disaster entrepreneurial responses by drawing on the dimensions of structural expansion and role change. The authors use illustrative case examples to conceptualize how these responses improve community resilience by filling critical resource voids in the aftermath of natural disasters. Findings The typology identifies four different disaster entrepreneurship approaches: entrepreneurial business continuity, scaling of organizational response through activating latent structures, improvising and emergence. The authors formulate proposition regarding how each of the approaches is related to community-level resilience. Practical implications While disaster entrepreneurship can offer for-profit opportunities for engaging in community-wide disaster response and recovery efforts, firms should carefully consider the financial, legal, reputational and organizational implications of disaster entrepreneurship. Social implications Communities should consider how best to harness disaster entrepreneurship in designing their disaster response strategies. Originality/value This research offers a novel typology to explore the role that for-profit firms play in disaster contexts and adds to prior research which has mostly focused on government agencies, non-governmental organizations and emergency personnel.

The four executive challenges of project-based strategy

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 44-49
Author(s):  
Carsten Lund Pedersen ◽  
Thomas Ritter
Keyword(s):  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Strategy Execution ◽  
Strategy Formulation ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose As a great deal of strategy execution takes the form of strategic projects, how you align these projects ultimately determines the success or failure of your strategy. Here, we discuss four executive challenges executives need to tackle to successfully manage a strategy in a project-based world. Design/methodology/approach Conceptual approach entailing illustrative case-examples Findings We find four executive challenges to tackle in order to successfully manage a strategy in a project-based world. Research limitations/implications As the study draws upon conceptual arguments, future studies need to assess the verisimilitude and boundary conditions of the challenges. Practical implications By thinking of a strategy through a project-based lens, and understanding the challenges thereof, executives should be better able to bridge strategy formulation and execution. Social implications A project-based approach to strategy is not necessarily limited to a for-profit sector; NGOs and governmental organizations may similarly learn from and draw upon a project-based approach to strategy. Originality/value As little research within strategy has explicitly conveyed a project-based lens, the study emphasizes a novel approach to strategy.

Achieving leadership behavior change at scale

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 309-318
Author(s):  
Tom Rose
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Change ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Leadership Behavior ◽  
Leadership Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
High Performing ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
New Research

Purpose The growing force of disruptive change is creating whitewater work environments across the profit and not-for-profit world. To help leaders overcome the challenge of achieving improvements in leadership performance, this study aims to outline research and case examples that illustrate a four-point roadmap for improving this performance at scale. Design/methodology/approach The study summarizes new research on leadership and organizational high performance and practices that drive high performance today. It relates these finding to trends evidenced in the work being done by HR organizations and the consulting firms that serve them. It then outlines an evidence-based roadmap for achieving improvements in leadership performance that HR organizations can adopt to achieve improvements in leadership performance. Findings Successful organizations intervene at four leverage points to meet the challenge achieving the shifts in leadership behavior needed for success in today’s permanent whitewater environments. These organizations are focusing on two types of leadership, leveraging two approaches to its development and are leveraging critical enablers that benefit from strong alignments within HR and between HR and their business leader colleagues. Originality/value The study highlights new research finding and research-based models of leadership performance that meet the demands of today’s workplace. It synthesizes a new four-point roadmap to success from trends discovered in recent research on leadership, technology-assisted behavior change and organizational effectiveness, as well as in the example of in high-performing organizations.

Using artificial intelligence to create value in insurance

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1145-1168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikko Riikkinen ◽  
Hannu Saarijärvi ◽  
Peter Sarlin ◽  
Ilkka Lähteenmäki
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Data ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Service Logic ◽  
Access To Data ◽  
Convenient Access

Purpose Recent technological and digital developments have opened new avenues for customer data utilization in insurance services. One form of this data transformation is automated chatbots that provide convenient access to data leveraged through a discussion-like interface. The purpose of this paper is to uncover how insurance chatbots support customers’ value creation. Design/methodology/approach Three complementary theoretical perspectives – artificial intelligence, service logic, and reverse use of customer data – are briefly discussed and integrated into a conceptual framework. The suggested framework is further shown through illustrative case examples that characterize different ways of supporting customers’ value creation. Findings Chatbots represent a new type of interaction through which companies can influence customers’ value creation by providing them with additional resources. Based on the proposed conceptual framework and the illustrative case examples, four metaphors are identified that characterize how insurance chatbots can support customers’ value creation. Research limitations/implications The study is conceptual in nature, and the case examples are used for illustrative purposes. No representative data from those users who will eventually determine whether chatbots are of value was used. Practical implications Using the suggested framework, which is aligned with provider service logic, insurance companies can consider what kind of a role they wish to play in customers’ value-creating processes. Originality/value Automated chatbots provide convenient access to data leveraged through a discussion-like interface. This study is among the earliest to address their value-creating potential in insurance.

scholarly journals The company in society: when corporate responsibility transforms strategy

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 11-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja Lahtinen ◽  
Hannu Kuusela ◽  
Mika Yrjölä
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Strategic Initiatives ◽  
Strategic Changes

Purpose This study aims to identify and analyze the different roles corporate social responsibility (CSR) can play in corporate strategy. By acknowledging that one of the biggest challenges for companies in committing to sustainability is the strategy work, the authors outline specific strategic initiatives to achieve these roles and the strategic outcomes that will follow such initiatives. Design/methodology/approach Four illustrative case examples show how companies are recasting the role of CSR. The new CSR roles are characterized through two strategic dimensions: an inside-out (firm-oriented) vs outside-in (market-oriented) orientation and an emphasis on leveraging vs an emphasis on prospecting activities. Findings The findings show that to realize the opportunities of CSR for business, the environment and society at large, the role of CSR in the boardroom must be reconfigured. By recasting its role, CSR can become a driver for the strategy process and a transformative force generating strategic changes. Practical implications This paper aims to encourage top executives to take a proactive stance toward responsibility, recognize the new roles and potential impact that CSR can have in corporate strategy and assist strategic decision-making regarding CSR. Originality/value The paper aims to move beyond integrating sustainability into existing strategies and business models by demonstrating how sustainability can also inspire strategic changes a priori when the role of CSR is recast in companies. By viewing CSR as a driver of corporate strategy and strategic initiatives, the authors suggest that besides helping the environment, the community and society, CSR can take care of corporate strategy.

Applied improvisation training for disaster readiness and response

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara S. Tint ◽  
Viv McWaters ◽  
Raymond van Driel
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Humanitarian Aid ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Aid Workers ◽  
Current Standard ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Crisis Scenarios ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce applied improvisation (AI) as a tool for training humanitarian aid workers. AI incorporates principles and practices from improvisational theatre into facilitation and training. It is an excellent modality for training aid workers to deal with crisis and disaster scenarios where decision-making and collaboration under pressure are critical. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a theoretical base for understanding skills needed in disaster response and provides a case for innovative training that goes beyond the current standard. AI principles, activities and case examples are provided. Interviews with development experts who have participated in AI training are excerpted to reveal the impact and promise of this methodology. Findings – Different from typical training and games, which simulate potential crisis scenarios, AI works with participants in developing the skills necessary for success in disaster situations. The benefit is that workers are better prepared for the unexpected and unknown when they encounter it. Research limitations/implications – The current paper is based on author observation, experience and participant interviews. While AI is consistently transformative and successful, it would benefit from more rigorous and structured research to ground the findings more deeply in larger evidence based processes. Practical implications – The authors offer specific activities, resources for many others and practical application of this modality for training purposes. Social implications – Its application has tremendous benefits in training for specific skills, in creating greater cohesion and satisfaction in work units and breaking down culture and language barriers. Originality/value – This work is original in introducing these training methods to humanitarian aid contexts in general, and disaster preparedness and response in particular.

Using wordless books to support clinical consultations

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 260-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheila Hollins ◽  
Barry Carpenter ◽  
Elspeth Bradley ◽  
Jo Egerton
Keyword(s):  
Visual Information ◽  
Word Processing ◽  
English Language ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Service Access ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Practice Review ◽  
Effective Use

Purpose Based on a literature and practice review, the purpose of this paper is to examine the theoretical and clinical basis for using wordless books with patients who have intellectual disabilities (ID) and/or autism. Design/methodology/approach A literature review identified seminal peer-reviewed English language articles relating to the neuroscience of information and emotion processing for adults with ID and/or autism. In addition to published examples, illustrative case examples were contributed by clinicians regularly using wordless books. Findings Many people, including those with ID, selectively attend to visual information. Minimising the cognitive load by using wordless pictorial narrative reduces anxiety, and empowers the patient. Clinicians using such resources describe positive clinical outcomes. Only the Beyond Words wordless books have been identified in published clinical trials. Research limitations/implications Although existing evidence suggests a strong positive impact, further research into the use of wordless books for people with ID is needed. Practical implications Wordless books are reported to help develop staff skills and empathy for supporting adults with ID. The books facilitate some legally required reasonable adjustments to increase service access. Staff training is needed for effective use of wordless books. Originality/value Wordless books specifically designed with and for adults with word processing difficulties, ID and/or autism to enhance health literacy and explore their own narratives and emotional responses around health experiences and personal traumas are a unique approach. This paper may also offer the first exploration of their neuropsychological underpinnings.

scholarly journals Eye on the customer: breaking away from the inside-out mindset

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mika Yrjölä
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Customer Focus ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Everyday Practices ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Inside Out ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to plot out pathways for organizations to implement a customer focus. These pathways are outlined with the help of illustrative examples. A well-defined customer focus is vital for organizations to ensure that they are positioned to be in line with the customers’ actual needs. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper where the argumentation is built on previous research findings, the authors’ reflections and the use of illustrative case examples of companies managing to instill a customer focus. Findings This paper builds a framework of potential pathways toward a customer focus by considering four strategic questions related to competition, products, insights and metrics. Practical implications This paper encourages managers to move beyond labeling themselves as customer-oriented and to actually implement a customer focus. This study puts forth a framework with strategic questions and principles designed to help with these endeavors. Originality/value Many companies pay lip service to customer focus, and it is often merely part of the corporate jargon without any real connection to strategy, the business model or everyday practices. This paper addresses the issue further by highlighting the potential pathways through which an organization can achieve a customer focus.

Case study illustrations of a psychological treatment pathway in a secure intellectual disability service

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-114
Author(s):  
Gareth Hickman ◽  
Su Thrift ◽  
Chénelle Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Care Pathway ◽  
Comprehensive Treatment ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Treatment Pathways ◽  
Treatment Pathway ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe in detail the treatment pathway utilised in a male medium and low secure intellectual disability (ID) service. Over the preceding five years, service users have followed the outlined treatment pathway. The current paper offers case study material to illustrate the care pathway.Design/methodology/approachThe treatment pathway is described and two case examples are provided, illustrating participation in the pathway. Evaluative data are provided on length of hospitalisation, direction of pathway at discharge and risk reduction as assessed by the HCR-20, SVR-20 and HONOS Secure measures.FindingsThe case examples provided document the assessment and treatment of two male offenders with ID, outlining their treatment pathways, subsequent reductions in assessed risk and their successful community discharge.Originality/valueA comprehensive treatment pathway is outlined together with the theoretical rationale, with illustrative case examples.

Building organisational resilience for the construction industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zulkfli Sapeciay ◽  
Suzanne Wilkinson ◽  
Seosamh B. Costello
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Community Resilience ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Disaster

Purpose This paper aims to explore New Zealand construction practitioners’ approaches to organisational resilience practice in built environment discipline, based on survey and interview results. The objective was to explore the resilience practice within the construction sector with the intention of developing a resilient assessment tool specifically for construction organisations. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was conducted to gather information on assessment tools for measuring organisational resilience, their characteristics and indicators. Subsequently, a set of questions was formulated to collate opinions from construction practitioners in New Zealand, using a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews. Findings This paper concludes by showing that the construction industry lacks resilience practice, especially from an organisational perspective. The findings suggest that the industry would benefit from a resilience assessment tool to help improve resilience. The adoption of such a tool could potentially enhance organisational capacity to recover quickly from crises and disasters. Practical implications Improving the resilience of construction organisations to natural disasters not only minimises the negative consequences to their organisations post-disaster and enhances their organisational performance during business as usual but also helps to improve community resilience. Originality/value Improving the resilience of construction organisations also helps to improve community resilience and overall post-disaster recovery. However, at present, little research has been conducted on how construction organisations deal with the risk of natural disasters.

Maximizing the strategic value of corporate reputation: a business model perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 24-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiaoling “Amy” Ma ◽  
Oleksiy Osiyevskyy
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Corporate Reputation ◽  
New Ventures ◽  
Social Dimension ◽  
Intangible Asset ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Strategic Value ◽  
The Social

Purpose The article emphasizes the importance of corporate reputation as a firm’s key intangible asset leading to tangible shareholder benefits, such as increased profit and market evaluation for established companies, or higher growth rate, lower risk and ease access to funding for new ventures. However, the benefits of corporate reputation do not follow automatically; rather, “the reputational rent” is created and appropriated through a proper, deliberately designed business model. We discuss the link of a firm’s corporate reputation and its business model, proposing a typology of approaches for reaping the rewards of corporate reputation. Design/methodology/approach The study is presented as a conceptual paper with illustrative case examples Findings For practical purposes, particularly important are two distinct perspectives on corporate reputation: the utilitarian dimension, and the social dimension. The future may turn out to be “either 5-stars or 1-star” world, with Yelp and similar platforms critically disadvantaging the middle-ground of many markets, keeping only top performers and the ones whose business model is insensitive to reputational erosion. This increases the likelihood that the distribution of possible reputation levels will become increasingly bimodal - either high or low, with almost nothing in between - and can be properly mapped on a 2x2 matrix forming the basis of the study. Originality/value We introduce the link between a firm’s corporate reputation and its business model, proposing a typology of approaches for reaping the rewards of corporate reputation.

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