From cooperation to competition: an interaction-based contingency theory of communities of practice

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian C. Britt
Keyword(s):  
Communities Of Practice ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Contingency Theory ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Competition ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical framework that explains the roles and viability of both cooperation and competition as they emerge in communities of practice. Although the usefulness of cooperation in communities of practice is well-understood, few studies have considered the role of internal competition, and those that have generally only explored cases in which antagonistic behavior led to the community’s collapse. Design/methodology/approach A contingency theory of communities of practice is developed based on the manifestations of members’ participation. Findings This theory demonstrates the root causes of fracturing and also provides a foundation for studying communities of practice that have previously defied explanation. Research limitations/implications This manuscript explains the potential role and limitations of internal competition in communities of practice, as well as the emergence of subgroups based on differing preferences for cooperation and/or competition. Future research should examine the manifestation and ramifications of such individual differences between community members. Practical implications Practitioners can use this theoretical framework to assess communities of practice that they oversee, diagnose potential pitfalls and take corrective action to mitigate potentially toxic influences or inject additional motivating forces that would sustain the community. Originality/value This theoretical framework diverges from previous assumptions that internal competition is necessarily toxic for communities of practice, showing the value that it may offer in some contexts.

Can halal certification influence logistics performance?

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 461-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Syazwan Ab Talib ◽  
Abu Bakar Abdul Hamid ◽  
Thoo Ai Chin
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Role Of Government ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish the halal certification–logistics performance relationship by means of developing a theoretical model and to suggest areas for future research undertakings. The relationship between various forms of certification and logistics performance has been reported in many logistics literature. However, there is paucity in research concerning the relationship between halal certification and logistics performance. Design/methodology/approach The literature representing the concept of halal, halal logistics, institutional support and logistics performance are synthesised to develop a framework. Two distinguished management theories, namely, the resource-based view (RBV) and institutional theory, set the foundation of the proposed theoretical framework. Findings The paper suggests that proper application of resources, in this case halal certification, could positively influence logistics performance. The paper asserts that governmental factors act as the moderator between the halal certification–logistics performance relationship, or could directly influence logistics performance. Research limitations/implications The paper presents a synthesis of previously unconnected variables of halal certification and logistics performance, and integrates the RBV and institutional theories as the basis for a theoretical framework. However, the proposed theoretical framework requires further validation through the supports of additional empirical research. Practical implications Apart from implementing halal certification as a tool to gain business legitimacy, the paper offers insights to logistics service provider as to how halal certification can be used as a mechanism to improve organisational performance, particularly logistics performance. Originality/value This paper is one of the first to establish the relation between halal certification and logistics performance and highlights the prominent role of government support as an independent and moderating factor. It constitutes a preliminary argument that entices research within the halal certification and halal logistics spectrum.

Drivers, types and value outcomes of customer-to-customer interaction

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 710-732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Heinonen ◽  
Elina Jaakkola ◽  
Irina Neganova
Keyword(s):  
Customer Value ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Service Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrative Framework ◽  
Customer Interaction ◽  
Interaction Research ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeCustomer-to-customer (C2C) interaction plays a significant role in service. The purpose of this paper is to identify the drivers that motivate customers to interact with other customers, the interactions through which customers affect other customers and the value outcomes of C2C interactions for the participants.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a systematic literature review of C2C interactions. The authors analyzed 142 peer-reviewed articles to synthesize existing knowledge about C2C interactions. A generic value framework is used to categorize earlier research and reveal areas for further research.FindingsThe main outcome of this study is an integrative framework of C2C interaction that bridges C2C interactions and customer value. The findings indicate customer-, firm- and situation-induced drivers of C2C interactions. Outcome- and process-focused C2C interactions are identified to result in functional, emotional and social value outcomes. Avenues for additional research to explore issues related to current technology-saturated service settings are proposed.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper proposes an agenda for future research to extend the C2C interaction research domain and explore how such interactions create value for the customer. The role of the service provider is not explicitly addressed but is an important area for further research.Practical implicationsCompanies can use the framework to understand how they can become involved in and support beneficial C2C interaction.Originality/valueThis paper reviews empirical studies on C2C interaction, offering a systematic review of C2C interaction and producing an integrative framework of C2C interaction. It identifies a research agenda based on the framework and on topical issues within service research and practice.

Post-Bureaucratic Organizations as Complex Systems

2017 ◽  
pp. 152-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Maimone
Keyword(s):  
Complex Systems ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Cultural Factors ◽  
Ideal Type ◽  
Final Part ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Real ◽  
Real Nature ◽  
Practical Implications

The term “post-bureaucratic” defines such organizations characterized by the absence or the reduced role of traditional bureaucracy. This contribution is aimed to provide a theoretical framework to explain the real nature and the hidden dynamics of post-bureaucratic systems, adopting a complex (Stacey, 1996; Mitleton-Kelly, 2003), critical (Wilmott, 1992; Alvesson, Bridgman, & Willmott, 2009) and multi-paradigmatic perspective (Gioia & Pitre, 1990; Lowe, Magala, & Hwang, 2012; Patel, 2016), that considers also the influence of socio-psychological and socio-cultural factors. The findings of the research suggest it is opportune to go beyond the epistemological stance of the Weberian concept of ideal type, assuming that contemporary organizations may show hybrid (see Stark, 1992; Grandori, 1995) and multi-status configurations. The theoretical, methodological and practical implications of the adoption of this perspective are discussed in the final part of the chapter and are provided suggestions for present and future research.

The relationship between cooperative and competitive behavioral tendencies and trust in coworkers

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-360
Author(s):  
Ece Ömüriş ◽  
Ferda Erdem ◽  
Janset Özen Aytemur
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Employee Relations ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Behavioral Tendencies ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the relationship between cooperative and competitive behavioral tendencies and trust of coworkers in organizations. Two main hypotheses were developed. The first hypothesis was that cooperativeness and trust in coworkers is positively correlated. The second hypothesis was that competitiveness and trust in coworkers is negatively correlated.Design/methodology/approachThe sample was 442 Turkish tourism sector employees in a labor-intensive industry. Two scales were used to measure trust in coworkers and cooperativeness/competitiveness. A hierarchical regression analysis was performed to understand how individuals' behavioral tendency affects their coworkers' trust in them.FindingsThe findings strongly supported the first hypothesis, in that cooperativeness was positively correlated with trust in coworkers. The second hypothesis was only partially supported because there was no significant relationship between competitiveness and the competency and trustworthiness dimensions of trust. Unselfishness aspect of trust, however, was negatively correlated with competitiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe main contribution of this study is to show that employee cooperativeness and competitiveness can affect trust in coworker relations. However, the measurement of competitiveness and cooperativeness measurement had limitations due to differences in the culture-specific meanings of cooperation and competition. Future research employing mixed methods research is needed to further explain the content of the two tendencies and the relationship between the concepts.Originality/valueThe literature on trust and employee relations tends to focus more on the issue of trust between managers and subordinates while neglecting the complex and multifaceted structure of trust in employee–employer relations. However, new working forms mean that horizontal relations are increasingly important. Therefore, more research is needed to address the tendencies and structures that affect trust in coworkers. This study draws attention to the potential role of cooperative and competitive behaviors in trust in horizontal employee relations.

A new conceptual framework for identifying the factors influencing the effectiveness of competitive intelligence

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 555-576
Author(s):  
Somayeh Asghari ◽  
Sahar Targholi ◽  
Ali Kazemi ◽  
Saeed Shahriyari ◽  
Lila Rajabion
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Competitive Intelligence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Competitive intelligence (CI) collects data through the distribution of knowledge to make decisions in a competitive environment. To better comprehend the concept of CI, the purpose of this paper is to determine the role of effective factors (knowledge sharing, competitor information, information technology (IT) and organizational culture) and their impact on CI. In addition, the paper provides a conceptual framework for determining the practical factors on CI. Design/methodology/approach For evaluating the elements of the model, a questionnaire is considered. Questionnaires were reread by specialists with significant experiences in the CI field. For statistical analysis, the SPSS 22 and SmartPLS 3.2 software package is also used. Findings Findings from the study showed the validity of the model for a CI assessment. Furthermore, the results confirmed that the competitor information significantly influenced CI. In addition, the obtained results implied that IT has a significant and positive influence on CI. The effect of organizational culture on CI also proved to be positive and significant. Research limitations/implications This paper makes significant contributions for both researchers and practitioners; however, the authors determine some limitations, which are as follows: First, the authors showed the result in a single region. It cannot be assured that the results are generalizable to other areas. Second, because of time and financial constraints, the authors gathered the data using a sample from a single location. Third, the use of variables to depict CI may be not exhaustive. The authors, therefore, encourage future research to study these CI dimensions. Practical implications This study meaningfully contributes to the knowledge and literature by focusing more on CI, examining other significant aspects and applying advanced statistical analysis method. Also, current research results suggest practical implications for marketing practitioners and managers who implemented tools and made strategic plans to enhance the organization’s performance. From a practical perspective, the statistical results support the crucial role of the following factors: IT, competitor information, organizational culture and knowledge sharing on CI. Originality/value Experts in the area of knowledge management, CI and strategic management can use this study to gain a competitive advantage based on knowledge and information resources. Organizations must have knowledge management function and CI to support the strategy formulation, implementation and evaluation.

scholarly journals Value (co-)creation in B2B sales ecosystems

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sami Rusthollkarhu ◽  
Pia Hautamaki ◽  
Leena Aarikka-Stenroos
Keyword(s):  
Value Creation ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Value Proposition ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Business Environments ◽  
Novel Concept ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Digital ecosystemic business environments challenge dyadic approaches to value creation and particularly to business-to-business (B2B) sales. This paper aims to offer a novel conceptualization of the connection between value creation and B2B sales, which indicates practical implications and builds an agenda for future research. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper integrates theoretical insights on service-dominant logic, service ecosystems, interactional value co-creation and B2B sales. This paper uses anecdotal evidence from the field of B2B sales to illustrate theoretical concepts developed in the paper. Findings The paper develops the concept of value idea emergence (VIE), the process through which B2B entities become aware of a pursuable benefit. The paper further proposes that value (co-)creation in ecosystems happens through VIE’s intertwinement with the process of value proposition creation, a process, which includes all activities needed to bring a value proposition to a customer. The paper then discusses the role of B2B in these processes and proposes an agenda for future research. Practical implications The novel conceptualizations of value (co-)creation can help B2B sales managers to understand the ecosystemic nature of the interactions that affect sales and value creation in the current business environment. Originality/value The paper contributes to the literature on B2B sales and value creation by proposing a novel concept of VIE, introducing a conceptual model of interactive value (co-)creation in ecosystems and reformulating the role of B2B sales in value creation. These theory-developing insights can be used to guide both academic and managerial attention to interactions happening in the ecosystem outside of the buyer-seller dyad.

Customer dominant value formation in service

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Heinonen ◽  
Tore Strandvik ◽  
Päivi Voima
Keyword(s):  
Value Creation ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Service Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Contextual Reality

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend current discussions of value creation and propose a customer dominant value perspective. The point of origin in a customer‐dominant marketing logic (C‐D logic) is the customer, rather than the service provider, interaction or the system. The focus is shifted from the company's service processes involving the customer, to the customer's multi‐contextual value formation, involving the company.Design/methodology/approachValue formation is contrasted to earlier views on the company's role in value creation in a conceptual analysis focusing on five central aspects. Implications of the proposed characteristics of value formation compared to earlier approaches are put forward.FindingsThe paper highlights earlier hidden aspects on the role of a service for the customer. It is proposed that value is not always an active process of creation; instead, value is embedded and formed in the highly dynamic and multi‐contextual reality and life of the customer. This leads to a need to look beyond the line of visibility focused on visible customer‐company interactions, to the invisible and mental life of the customer. From this follows a need to extend the temporal scope, from exchange and use even further to accumulated experiences in the customer's life and ecosystem.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is conceptual. It discusses and presents a customer‐dominant value perspective and suggests implications for empirical research and practice.Practical implicationsAwareness of the mechanism of the customer value formation process provides companies with new insight on the service strategy, service design and new service innovations.Originality/valueThe paper contributes by extending the value construct through a new customer dominant value perspective, recognizing value as multi‐contextual and dynamic based on customers' life and ecosystem. The findings mark out new avenues for future research.

scholarly journals The (un)predictable factor: the role of subsidiary social capital in international takeovers

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-138
Author(s):  
Dana Minbaeva ◽  
Steen Erik Navrbjerg
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Employment Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Social Capital ◽  
Business System ◽  
Collective Response ◽  
Balanced Structure ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the implementation of headquarters-originated employment practices affect multinational corporation (MNC) ability to exploit the value of organizational social capital of the acquired subsidiary. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use qualitative insights collected over 16 years from a Danish company to illustrate how a foreign MNC’s interference with the balanced structure of relations, norms, and roles in a subsidiary jeopardized the value of existing social capital. Findings – The authors argue that changes in the collective perception of employment practices create the collective response, constructive or destructive, resulting respectively in the gain or loss of the performance benefits arising from organizational social capital. Practical implications – The authors suggest two guidelines and two general propositions for future research on the value of organizational social capital in international takeovers. Originality/value – The results indicate that local management and employees could use organizational social capital as a unique feature of the local business system when competing with other subsidiaries in the same MNC.

Workplace conflict and willingness to cooperate

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluremi Bolanle Ayoko
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Management ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Workplace Conflict ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Undergraduates ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Willingness To Cooperate

Purpose This paper aims to clarify the relationship between conflict, apologies, forgiveness and willingness to cooperate after a conflict event. Design/methodology/approach The paper used scenarios and quantitative measures to examine the connection between conflict, perceived apology sincerity, forgiveness and willingness to cooperate in 358 business undergraduates. Findings Data revealed that relationship conflict was significantly but negatively associated with forgiveness and willingness to cooperate. Additionally, attitudes toward forgiveness were directly and positively related not only to forgiveness but also to willingness to cooperate. Finally, forgiveness mediated the link between both perceived apology sincerity attitudes to forgiveness and willingness to cooperate. Research limitations/implications Data were cross-sectional and may be subject to bias. Longitudinal studies are needed to further tease out the connection between the variables in the current study. Similarly, future research should explore the role of climate and individuals’ disposition and readiness to apologize, forgive and their willingness to cooperate at work. Practical implications The paper includes practical implications for managers interested in eliciting cooperation after a workplace conflict. Specifically, apology and forgiveness should be included in managers’ conflict management training programs. Social implications Our findings indicated that apology and forgiveness are social skills that are important for conflict management and cooperation after a workplace conflict. Originality/value Beyond reconciliation, the current study provides new insights into the important role of actual forgiveness in whether employees are willing to cooperate after conflict at work. Practical assistance is offered to managers who are interested in fostering cooperation and increased performance after conflict episodes.

scholarly journals Concerned protesters: from compassion to retaliation

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 983-1010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Antonetti ◽  
Stan Maklan
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Behavior ◽  
Stakeholder Relationships ◽  
Present Information ◽  
Key Drivers ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of the study is to outline the unique role of compassion in reactions to cases of irresponsible corporate behavior that present information about victims of these events. In this study, four antecedents of compassion for the victims of irresponsibility are presented, and a model that explains the consequences of this emotion is tested empirically. Design/methodology/approach Two studies test the research hypotheses using a mix of experimental and survey research. The effects are tested both in laboratory conditions, where consumers assess a fictitious case of corporate irresponsibility, and through a test of reactions to real online campaigns. Findings Compassion is one of the drivers of consumers’ anger at the culprit, playing an indirect role in decisions to retaliate against perpetrators. Four key drivers of compassion are identified in the research: the perceived suffering of the victims, the perceived similarity of the victims to the observer, victims’ derogation and the vividness of the description of the victims. Practical implications The study offers insights both for campaigners wishing to instigate boycotts and organizations managing complex stakeholder relationships following a crisis. Insights on the role of compassion and its antecedents lead to more effective communications able to heighten or dampen this emotion. Originality/value Existing research offers contrasting views on the potential role of compassion in reactions to injustices. This study presents a novel account that clarifies previous findings and extends our knowledge of causes and consequences of compassion.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document