Organisational networks, organisational learning, organisational adaptability and role clarity among humanitarian organisations during relief delivery

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Mutebi ◽  
Moses Muhwezi ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Samuel Ssekajja Mayanja ◽  
John C. Kigozi Munene
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive System ◽  
Complex Adaptive System ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Organisational Learning ◽  
Role Clarity ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Working Together

PurposeOrganisations involved in relief delivery tend to have cross-boundary mandates, which cause ambiguity of roles during delivery of relief services to the targeted victims. Having no clear role, specialisation affects service timeliness and increases resource duplication among the relief organisations. The objective of this study is to understand how organisational networks and organisational learning as complex adaptive system metaphors improve both organisational adaptability and role clarity in humanitarian logistics.Design/methodology/approachUsing ordinary partial least squares regression through SmartPLS version 3.3.3, the authors tested the study hypotheses basing on survey data collected from 315 respondents who were selected randomly to complete a self-administered questionnaire from 101 humanitarian organisations. Common method bias (CMB) associated with surveys was minimised by implementing both procedural and post statistics methods.FindingsThe results indicate that organisational networks and organisational learning have a significant influence on organisational adaptability and role clarity. The results also show that organisational adaptability partially mediates in the relationship between organisational networks, organisational learning and role clarity.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation of the study is that the authors have used cross-sectional data to test this research hypotheses. However, this was minimised following Guide and Ketokivi's (2015) recommendation on how to address the limitations of cross-sectional data or the use of longitudinal data that can address CMB and endogeneity problems.Practical implicationsManagers in humanitarian organisations can use the authors’ framework to understand, first, how complex adaptive system competence can be used to create organisational adaptability and, second, how organisational adaptability can help organisational networks and organisational learning in improving role clarity among humanitarian organisations by collaboratively working together.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the existing body of knowledge in humanitarian logistics and supply chain management by empirically testing the anecdotal and conceptual evidence. The findings may be useful to managers who are contemplating the use of organisational networks, organisational learning and organisational adaptability to improve role clarity in disaster relief-related activities.

A solution for the chicken and egg paradox in taxi e-hailing platforms: some evidence from the MyTaxi – FreeNow case

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Tani ◽  
Ciro Troise ◽  
Gianpaolo Basile
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Adaptive System ◽  
Complex Adaptive System ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
System Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Adaptive

Purpose This study aims to explore the chicken and egg paradox in the taxi e-hailing business contributing to define a condition of system emergence. This paradox is a meaningful one as these platforms represent a system where the passengers systems have no reason to participate if they have no drivers-systems to answer their call, but, at the same time, the platform is not useful to the drivers-system if there are no passengers-systems using the platform. Design/methodology/approach To understand how this paradox has been dealt with in the taxi e-hailing business, this study focused on a case study on a best practice in Italian taxi e-hailing industry (i.e. MyTaxi/FreeNow). This study wants to comprehend which actions have been implemented to solve this paradox and has tried to identify the interconnections between the various strategies to create a closed loop diagram for further testing. Findings This study has found that the company did not choose a single “subsystem” (passenger or driver), but it has stimulated the creation of several mutually reinforcing motivation for have both subsystems interact to help the company grow. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paradox has never been studied using the complex adaptive system perspective. This perspective is particularly useful in this case and in the similar ones with several different interacting factors that cannot be really studied without using a higher order perspective.

Advancing the understanding of pharmaceutical supply chain resilience using complex adaptive system (CAS) theory

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilia Vann Yaroson ◽  
Liz Breen ◽  
Jiachen Hou ◽  
Julie Sowter
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Adaptive System ◽  
Complex Adaptive System ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Pharmaceutical Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study was to advance the knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC) resilience using complex adaptive system theory (CAS). Design/methodology/approach An exploratory research design, which adopted a qualitative approach was used to achieve the study’s research objective. Qualitative data were gathered through 23 semi-structured interviews with key supply chain actors across the PSC in the UK. Findings The findings demonstrate that CAS, as a theory, provides a systemic approach to understanding PSC resilience by taking into consideration the various elements (environment, PSC characteristics, vulnerabilities and resilience strategies) that make up the entire system. It also provides explanations for key findings, such as the impact of power, conflict and complexity in the PSC, which are influenced by the interactions between supply chain actors and as such increase its susceptibility to the negative impact of disruption. Furthermore, the antecedents for building resilience strategies were the outcome of the decision-making process referred to as co-evolution from a CAS perspective. Originality/value Based on the data collected, the study was able to reflect on the relationships, interactions and interfaces between actors in the PSC using the CAS theory, which supports the proposition that resilience strategies can be adopted by supply chain actors to enhance this service supply chain. This is a novel empirical study of resilience across multiple levels of the PSC and as such adds valuable new knowledge about the phenomenon and the use of CAS theory as a vehicle for exploration and knowledge construction in other supply chains.

Supply chain resilience: an adaptive cycle approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 443-463
Author(s):  
Henry Adobor
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Adaptive System ◽  
Complex Adaptive System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Supply Chain Networks ◽  
Adaptive Cycle ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Adaptive Cycles

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for extending an understanding of resilience in complex adaptive system (CAS) such as supply chains using the adaptive cycle framework. The adaptive cycle framework may help explain change and the long term dynamics and resilience in supply chain networks. Adaptive cycles assume that dynamic systems such as supply chain networks go through stages of growth, development, collapse and reorientation. Adaptive cycles suggest that the resilience of a complex adaptive system such as supply chains are not fixed but expand and contract over time and resilience requires such systems to navigate each of the cycles’ four stages successfully.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses the adaptive cycle framework to explain supply chain resilience (SCRES). It explores the phases of the adaptive cycle, its pathologies and key properties and links these to competences and behaviors that are important for system and SCRES. The study develops a conceptual framework linking adaptive cycles to SCRES. The goal is to extend dynamic theories of SCRES by borrowing from the adaptive cycle framework. We review the literature on the adaptive cycle framework, its properties and link these to SCRES.FindingsThe key insight is that the adaptive cycle concept can broaden our understanding of SCRES beyond focal scales, including cross-scale resilience. As a framework, the adaptive cycle can explain the mechanisms that support or prevent resilience in supply chains. Adaptive cycles may also give us new insights into the sort of competences required to avoid stagnation, promote system renewal as resilience expands and contracts over time.Research limitations/implicationsThe adaptive cycle may move our discussion of resilience beyond engineering and ecological resilience to include evolutionary resilience. While the first two presently dominates our theorizing on SCRES, evolutionary resilience may be more insightful than both are. Adaptive cycles capture the idea of change, adaptation and transformation and allow us to explore cross-scale resilience.Practical implicationsKnowing how to prepare for and overcoming key pathologies associated with each stage of the adaptive cycle can broaden our repertoire of strategies for managing SCRES across time. Human agency is important for preventing systems from crossing critical thresholds into imminent collapse. More importantly, disruptions may present an opportunity for innovation and renewal for building more resilience supply chains.Originality/valueThis research is one of the few studies that have applied the adaptive cycle concept to SCRES and extends our understanding of the dynamic structure of SCRES

Digital social network technology and the complex organizational systems

VINE ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alon Hasgall ◽  
Snunith Shoham
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Adaptive System ◽  
Complex Adaptive System ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Internet Technology ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Culture ◽  
Complex Adaptive

PurposeIn a competitive business environment, organizations must leverage their resources efficiently in order to provide system‐wide solutions and maintain the standards all customers expect. To do so, the resources must be integrated; however, the integration of information and resources within organizations has thus far not produced satisfactory results. In contrast, it has been found that efficient, ongoing and timely transfer of information is conducted over the internet. This research seeks to examine whether the use of internet technology within organizations can indeed enhance and streamline the ability of employees to function as fractals in complex organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe research is a qualitative study, allowing for the examination of behavior in the organizational reality as is, by analyzing interviews and observations of over 60 employees in different organizations.FindingsIt is found that the ability of a digital social network to create immediate system‐wide solutions, together with a management approach that transforms the organization into a complex adaptive system, allows employees to behave as fractals – i.e. to share applied‐knowledge, to take responsibility for performance and management of the processes, to update their superiors, and to develop self‐management abilities at the local level.Originality/valueSocial networks in organizations should be viewed as a shared “knowledge” system. Use of the network is “natural” and less rational and synchronized up front. However, it must be backed by a relevant management culture that enables all employees to serve as fractals in a complex adaptive system. In this manner, employees can contribute personally to work processes, determine their needs, and receive credit.

Outsourced supply chains as a complex adaptive system

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-195
Author(s):  
Jim Rooney ◽  
Yiyuan Cao
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive System ◽  
Complex Adaptive System ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Strategic Flexibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Management Controls

PurposeFirms in the early stage of their organisational lifecycle (ESFs) are subject to concerns founded on a requirement for strategic flexibility, prompting engagement in inter-organisational relationships such as outsourcing. However, studies of the management control dynamics of these relationships are rare. This paper aims to respond by empirically examining the influence of ESF managers on the ongoing management control of such relationships.Design/methodology/approachA single outsourcing case study is utilised to provide evidence in examining a multi-theoretical framework that adopts a complex adaptive system (CAS) perspective as a qualitative analytical framework, along with the existing accounting theory on control adoption.FindingsFocused on management concerns with tensions between inter-organisational control and strategic flexibility, this paper identifies reasons for the adoption of management controls by an ESF. The inter-organisational system explored in this paper emphasises the importance of adopting a holistic epistemology in understanding changes in control adoption.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper extends current theoretical perspectives on control adoption to consider the inter-organisational control concerns of ESF managers.Practical implicationsThe insights identified in this paper provide a systemic framework to identify potential organisational and environmental influences on control problems, emphasising environmental co-evolution rather than achievement of ideal equilibrium states.Originality/valueThe intended contribution is to extend the management control literature to consider the effect of organisational lifecycle on the adoption of new inter-organisational management controls in the wake of ongoing trade-off between competing inter-organisational requirements.

Guanxi as a complex adaptive system: definition, description and underlying principals

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Artemis Chang ◽  
Carlin Guo ◽  
Roxanne Zolin ◽  
Xiaohua Yang
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Culture ◽  
Adaptive System ◽  
Complex Adaptive System ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evolving Networks ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Way

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically review the extant guanxi literature to identify the major inconsistencies in the way guanxi is currently conceptualized. The authors develop a conceptualization of guanxi which views guanxi as a complex adaptive system. Design/methodology/approach – Electronic databases were queried for the keyword guanxi. This study offers an extensive review of the current literature, highlighting four major inconsistencies, namely, the breadth, linguistic-cultural depth, temporality and level of the conceptualization and analyses of guanxi. Findings – In reviewing the extant literature, the authors find four levels of inconsistency that contribute to a lack of clarity in the way guanxi is conceptualized. They define guanxi as a complex adaptive system involving a dynamic formed by the strategic establishing, evolving, utilizing and maintaining of personal relationships based on social norms of trust and reciprocal obligation unique to the Chinese culture. Research limitations/implications – This approach has the advantage of capturing the dynamic and emerging nature of guanxi over time, while encompassing the underlying principles of the evolving networks as part of the definition. Practical implications – The authors' new definition makes it easier to explain to people of other cultures. The appropriate level of breadth allows guanxi to be distinguished from associated concepts. This provides guidance for non-Chinese people to help understand guanxi and avoid cross-cultural misunderstandings and conflict. Originality/value – Having a clear and inclusive definition of the cultural practice of guanxi will integrate the growing literature and theoretical dialogue surrounding the phenomena. This will allow for consistent study of guanxi and its underlying principles, making integration of the various studies conceptually easier.

Collaborate as a flock in the organization: how selection and synthesis influence knowledge convergence within a complex adaptive system

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Magnanini ◽  
Daniel Trabucchi ◽  
Tommaso Buganza ◽  
Roberto Verganti
Keyword(s):  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive System ◽  
Complex Adaptive System ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Direction ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Knowledge Convergence

Purpose This study aims to investigate how two collaborative methods – selection and synthesis – influence knowledge convergence when people articulate a new strategic direction driving transformation within the organization. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a longitudinal field experiment developed in four organizations involving 82 employees over a three-month process. Inspired by dynamics governing flocks as complex adaptive systems, selection and synthesis have been separately used in two sets of companies. Primary and secondary data have been largely collected and analyzed throughout the whole process. Findings This study describes how the two alternative methods differently influenced two kinds of knowledge convergence. While selection triggers a general and static knowledge convergence and the propagation of individual knowledge over time, synthesis fosters a local and dynamic knowledge convergence where individuals tend to propagate knowledge generated collectively. Research limitations/implications This research offers insights into understanding the influence of alternative collaborative methods on the creation and propagation of knowledge when people are converging toward a new strategic direction. From a theoretical perspective, it contributes to complex adaptive system theory, highlighting the role of knowledge convergence and emergence through collaboration. Practical implications This research offers insights to managers who deal with the complexity of the engagement of different stakeholders during collaborative processes, offering some actionable takeaways to foster knowledge convergence by alternatively employing selection and synthesis. Originality/value This paper contributes to the management and social information processing literature emphasizing the role of knowledge convergence emerging from the complex interactions among multiple stakeholders.

Hybridität als Motor und als Ergebnis von Sprachwandel

Glottotheory ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Csaba Földes
Keyword(s):  
Language Development ◽  
Cultural Production ◽  
Language Change ◽  
Adaptive System ◽  
Complex Adaptive System ◽  
Explanatory Variable ◽  
Essential Factor ◽  
Language Functions ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Linguistic Innovation

AbstractThis paper deals with constellations in which, as consequences of linguistic interculturality, elements of two or more languages encounter each other and result in something partially or completely new, an – occasionally temporary – “third quality”, namely hybridity. The paper contributes to the meta-discourse and theory formation by questioning the concept, term and content of “linguistic hybridity”. It also submits a proposal for a typology of linguistic-communicative hybridity that consists of the following prototypical main groups, each with several subtypes: (1) language-cultural, (2) semiotic, (3) medial, (4) communicative, (5) systematic, (6) paraverbal and (7) nonverbal hybridity. At last, the paper examines hybridity as an explanatory variable for language change. In conclusion, hybridity is generally a place of cultural production, with special regard to communication and language it is potentially considered as an incubator of linguistic innovation. Hybridity can be seen as the engine and as the result of language change, or language development. It represents an essential factor by which language functions and develops as a complex adaptive system. Hybridity operates as a continuous cycle. By generating innovation, it triggers language change, which in turn, leads to further and new hybridizations. The processuality of hybridity creates diversity, while at the same time it can cause the vanishing of diversity.

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