Secrets and knowledge management strategy: the role of secrecy appropriation mechanisms in realizing value from firm innovations

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 297-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Hannah ◽  
Michael Parent ◽  
Leyland Pitt ◽  
Pierre Berthon
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Dynamics ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Knowledge Management Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore in depth the mechanisms that organizations use to keep their innovations secret. This paper examines how, when and why secrecy appropriation mechanisms (SAMs) can enable innovators to appropriate value from their innovations.Design/methodology/approachBuilding from an extensive literature review of innovation and secrecy, the paper presents a number of implications for theory and research in the form of testable propositions.FindingsThis conceptualization proposes that SAMs can have both positive and negative effects on a number of organizational dynamics. SAMs involve tradeoffs, and the key to understanding whether they create value to organizations lies in understanding that these tradeoffs exist and the nature of these tradeoffs.Practical implicationsWhile most managers recognize the importance of secrecy in innovations, many struggle with the practical challenges of doing so. The paper presents guidance for managers to overcome these challenges.Originality/valueThis paper adds to previous research that has identified secrecy as an important appropriation mechanism for firms by digging deeper into the details of SAMs and exploring their sources, characteristics and effects.

The only constant is change

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 35-37
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Knowledge Management Strategy ◽  
Global Marketplace ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Bank ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings In an increasingly volatile and disrupted global marketplace, organizations need to enact change faster and more often to stay competitive. Change, however, is often met with resistance by employees, as it forces them out of their comfort zones and into uncertainty. Imran et al. (2017) have looked at the National Bank of Pakistan to see how change can be successfully implemented. To implement change successfully, the correct knowledge management strategy needs to be identified and engaged. Understanding this can aid the readiness for the change phase, as well as reduce cynicism within the workforce. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Imperfect produce: retailer actions and service outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atmadeep Mukherjee ◽  
Amaradri Mukherjee ◽  
Pramod Iyer
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Societal Implications ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Outcomes ◽  
Patronage Intention ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Food waste is a big problem where millions of pounds of produce are discarded every year because they are imperfect or unattractive. Despite the societal implications of selling unattractive produce, limited research has been directed toward understanding the effect of imperfect produce on consumers’ evaluations of the produce and retailer outcomes. This paper aims to investigate why consumers tend to discard imperfect produce and how retailer interventions (i.e. anthropomorphized signage and packaging) can alleviate these negative effects. Design/methodology/approach Three experiments were conducted to examine the postulations. Study 1 highlights the role of consumers’ embarrassment in the purchase decision of imperfect produce and retailer patronage intention. Studies 2 and 3 provide managerially relevant boundary conditions of anthropomorphic signage and opaque packaging. Findings Convergent results across three studies (n = 882) indicate that imperfect produce increases purchase embarrassment and reduces purchase intention and retailer patronage intention. Retailer interventions (i.e. anthropomorphic signage and opaque packaging) can allay this feeling of embarrassment and lead to an increased retailer patronage intention and higher service satisfaction. Practical implications This research provides guidance to retailers for effectively promoting imperfect produce. Social implications Retailers’ actions can benefit the well-being of farmers, suppliers, customers and the overall environment. Originality/value This research adds to the literature on unattractive produce by identifying new moderators, namely, anthropomorphic signages and opaque packaging. The research also shows that purchase embarrassment is a key process mechanism.

The truth (as I see it): philosophical considerations influencing a typology of fake news

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-158
Author(s):  
Caitlin Candice Ferreira ◽  
Jeandri Robertson ◽  
Marnell Kirsten
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Alternative View ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Power Structures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the philosophical considerations of fake news and provide an alternative view to current conceptualizations of its binary nature. Through an evaluation of existing research, a typology of fake news is presented that considers the possibility that the propagation of fake news about a brand, may be stemming from the brand itself, a previously unexplored field in the literature. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper based on extensive literature review on the fields of fake news and knowledge creation, resulting in the creation of a synthesized typology. Findings The role of power structures greatly influences the ability for a brand to respond to fake news. Externally constructed disinformation is seemingly more difficult for a brand to address, as a result of having limited control over the message. Internally constructed information, while stemming from the brand itself provides the brand with more control, but a greater public distrust as the source of the fake news seems to confirm the disinformation. Practical implications This paper presents a typology that contrasts the source of the construction of disinformation and the extent to which the facts have been fabricated. Furthermore, this paper provides future researchers with an alternate understanding of the conceptualization of fake news. Originality/value This paper is the first of its kind to establish a typology of fake news on the basis of the source of construction of disinformation. The source plays an important role when assessing the associated brand risks and developing an approach to combat potential negative implications.

A knowledge management super-strategy fueled by big data

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-23
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This conceptual paper proposes a model for growing company competitive advantage into the future by integrating a knowledge management strategy with progressive insights from Big Data and artificial intelligence. The ultimate strategic aim here is to create and codify intellectual capital that adds business value. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals Knowledge sharing is knowledge transfer: a misconception in the literature

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 653-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gangeswari Tangaraja ◽  
Roziah Mohd Rasdi ◽  
Bahaman Abu Samah ◽  
Maimunah Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Extensive Literature Review ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The paper aims to clearly differentiate knowledge sharing (KS) and knowledge transfer (KT) besides exemplifying their interconnections to minimize the current confusions in the knowledge management (KM) literature. Design/methodology/approach An extensive literature review method was used to analyse relevant literature on both KS and KT to clearly delineate their differences and their interconnections. Findings The paper found that KS is a subset of KT (using personalization strategy), whereas KT as a whole is a broader concept, if compared with KS. However, KS is not one of the immediate processes involved in KT (using codification strategy). The processes involved in KS and KT differ according to the strategy used (in KT) and perspective chosen (in KS). Other findings include KS (unidirectional) as reflective concept (viewed so far), whereas KS (bidirectional), KT (personalization) and KT (codification) as formative concepts. Research limitations/implications The findings of this paper were based on the review of selected relevant articles only. Practical Implications The paper will minimize the current confusions in the KM literature and will assist future researches on both KS and KT to ensure what these concepts entail to avoid construct underrepresentation. Originality/value As compared to previous attempts, the present paper has shown the interconnections between KS and KT, as well as the differences based on the two perspectives of KS (unidirectional/bidirectional) and the two strategies of KT (personalization/codification), and such effort is new in the literature.

How to execute mindful marketing? The role of intrafirm network

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Customer Information ◽  
Optimal Execution ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose an empirical linkage of intrafirm network characteristics to individual-level mindful marketing (MM). Design/methodology/approach – Based on current literature in network, market orientation and MM research, this paper presents one conceptual model to capture enablers of MM execution with a network approach. The authors identified a pair of antecedent/barrier to MM execution: individual employees’ shared cross-functional tie and firm-level segmentation of the network. Findings – The paper shows that to execute MM, employees possessing more cross-functional ties are more likely to develop higher level of MM. Meanwhile, it was also found that firm-level segmentation of intrafirm network will negatively affect employees in executing MM. Research limitations/implications – The paper shows that to execute MM, employees possessing more cross-functional ties are more likely to develop higher level of MM. Meanwhile, it was also found that firm-level segmentation of intrafirm network will negatively affect employees in executing MM. Practical implications – The proposed empirical linkage shows that a manager shall intervene and help employees to build cross-functional ties in advice network among themselves. Thus, firms are able to effectively maintain mindfulness of people and profit and ensure optimal execution of MM strategy. Meanwhile, they should offset possible negative effects of the advice network due to segmentation at firm level, which provides useful customer information flow throughout the firm. Originality/value – The paper is one of the first attempts to advance and examine the role of intrafirm network in executing the concept of MM. Methodologically, this paper also explores the use of network analysis in discussion of an organizational structure that favors MM.

Stakeholder management: the new role of business diplomacy

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Falcão ◽  
Nelson Ramalho ◽  
Marta Nobre
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Stakeholder Management ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Model Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Stakeholder relations has been largely based upon a two-way public relations model. Along with this change, business diplomacy emerged as a proposal to renew stakeholder management. It is still uncertain if this proposal adds value to stakeholder management, which this study seeks to clarify. Design/methodology/approach Corporate representatives in charge of stakeholder management were invited to participate in an online survey measuring both public relations and business diplomacy activities. With a sample of 104 companies, factorial analyses were conducted on public relations and business diplomacy activities comparing model quality. Findings This study finds that public relations and business diplomacy activities share identity but not to the point of being fused and are thus different in nature. The best model showed three overarching functions (communication, influence and intelligence) implying that stakeholder management needs both public relations and business diplomacy. Research limitations/implications Findings suggest both public relations and business diplomacy research should be included in advanced stakeholder management studies. Practical implications By acknowledging the role that business diplomacy plays in stakeholder management, companies may place influence at the core of the renewed stakeholder management strategy to better deal with the increasingly complex business environment. Originality/value This study adds clarity to the role of public relations and business diplomacy in stakeholder management based on actual activities developed in organizations and reveals the underlying dimensions of communication, influence and intelligence.

Witnessing verbal aggression: role of customers’ self-conscious emotions

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Okan ◽  
Ayse Banu Elmadag
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Verbal Aggression ◽  
Service Organizations ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Experiences ◽  
Service Managers ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to examine the widespread effects of service actors’ verbal aggression on witness customers’ intentions toward the service organizations through their self-conscious emotions. The moderating roles of the witness customers’ empathic tendencies and the source of aggression are also examined. Design/methodology/approach In two scenario-based experiments and by adopting a multifoci approach, severity of mistreatment (aggression vs incivility vs no-mistreatment) and source of mistreatment (employee-to-employee and customer-to-customer) were manipulated to test distinctive effects of witnessing aggression on self-conscious emotions and intentions. Findings This study shows that witnessing aggression during service experiences negatively influences customers’ intentions towards the service organization through self-conscious emotions. Moreover, empathic tendencies of customers make these effects more pronounced. It is also shown that witnessing employee-to-employee aggression has a stronger effect on self-conscious emotions and intentions than customer-to-customer aggression. Research limitations/implications This paper uncovers the distinctive effects of aggressive behaviors of service actors on self-conscious emotions from the third-party perspective. It is also shown that empathic tendencies can be detrimental to service organizations in certain conditions. Practical implications The results warn service managers against verbal aggression because of its negative effects on witness customers. It is suggested that they should try to clarify the incident and restore justice in front of the witnesses. Originality/value This paper is one of the first attempts to investigate the distinctive effects of witnessing aggression during service experiences and the roles of self-conscious emotions and emphatic tendencies.

Gradual vs entire sponsorship termination

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 433-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Dick
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Soccer Team ◽  
Exit Options ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The few studies on the effects of a sponsorship termination do not consider the effects of different exit options on consumers’ attitudes toward the exiting sponsor. To fill this gap, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of the extent of the exit (gradual vs entire) as well as the timing of the announcement (early vs late) on consumers’ attitudes. Moreover, this research considers the mediating role of the perceived abandonment of the sponsored party. Design/methodology/approach This research uses an experimental study (n=204). Data were collected among supporters of a German second division soccer team. Findings The results emphasize that the extent of the exit as well as the timing of the announcement influences consumers’ attitudes. They develop negative attitudes toward the withdrawing sponsor, especially when the sponsor exits entirely instead of gradually and announces the decision late instead of early. Furthermore, the results reveal that the perceived abandonment of the sponsored party mediates the effect of the extent of exit on attitudes. Practical implications The results help to formulate several exit options for the withdrawing sponsor that will help to minimize the possible negative effects on their brand. Specifically, the author recommends a gradual exit as well as an early announcement of the decision to prevent negative effects on the sponsor brand. Originality/value This study expands the research on the effects of a sponsorship termination on consumers’ attitudes toward the sponsor brand. Specifically, it is the first study that considers several aspects regarding the sponsor management of a sponsorship termination as important determinants of consumers’ attitudes.

Effective knowledge management boosts virtual teams

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 26-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atul Arun Pathak
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Virtual Teams ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hrm Practices ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Appraisal Processes ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Describes the role of human-resource management (HRM) in ensuring effective knowledge management in virtual teams. Design/methodology/approach – Explains how the various policies and processes designed and implemented by the HRM enable virtual teams to manage knowledge effectively and thereby provide a competitive advantage to an organization. Findings – Highlights how developments in information technology have made virtual teams more common. Practical implications – Advances the view that appropriate recruitment, induction, training and appraisal processes are needed to ensure effective knowledge management in virtual teams. Social implications – Reveals that virtual teams are increasingly common across a wide range of industries and sectors and so their effective management is growing in importance. Originality/value – Provides insights into how the challenge of managing knowledge in virtual teams can be overcome by suitably designed and implemented HRM practices.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document