March’s foolish views on leadership, or how to fail optimistically, pursue ethical authenticity, choose mindful resilience and enable ambiguous innovation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susana Fernández Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Leadership ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Exploration And Exploitation ◽  
Leadership And Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Outcome ◽  
Constant Tension ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to refract March’s views on leadership to re-frame them within an authentic model that understands optimistic failure and mindful resilience as likely byproducts of enabling ambiguous innovation. An analysis of March’s theories of slack, and the concepts of exploration and exploitation, as well as that of foolishness, are used to support the adoption of authentic and ethical leadership as an intelligent practice and, more concretely, to portray the leader as a resilient “juggling fool.” Design/methodology/approach This paper makes use of primary data by focusing on March’s published works, as well as on interviews and other materials written about him, or those discussing his contributions. A post-hoc practice of “appreciation” facilitated a fresh refraction of the “evidence” to identify or recognize new perspectives and/or challenges to March’s conceptualization of leadership, while relying on literature and metaphor to engage in “polymorphic research.” Findings This paper presents March as a complex thinker, whose thoughts on leadership have received, perhaps, less attention for being thought to be more refractive and less empirical. Nonetheless, his reflections on leadership re-discover him as a solid leadership philosopher. His use of literature, his theories of slack and the concepts of exploration and exploitation, as well as that of foolishness, may help leadership scholars to understand the essence of authentic and ethical leadership as an intelligent practice. Practical implications This paper proposes to extrapolate March’s vast insights about organizational theory to further develop the framework of authentic leadership. This re-framing of the leader as a “juggling fool” constitutes an empowered view of leadership that comes closer to balancing the complementary purposes of leadership and management; an effort that rests at the core of the future of leadership. Originality/value Despite the ostensible popularity of leadership over management as a desired organizational outcome, March’s phenomenal insights remind current and developing leaders of just how much the two fields must overlap in constant tension. It is, perhaps, the conceptualization of a leader as an authentic and resilient “juggling fool” what adds depth of meaning to March’s contributions to the field of leadership beyond that of management.

Measuring the service gaps in the roles of quantity surveyors in the emerging market

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 1111-1131 ◽  
Author(s):  
AbdulLateef Olanrewaju
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
The Other ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Survey Questionnaires

Purpose – The opportunities that the emerging markets present to the players in the construction industry means that the players need to expand on the scope and size of their responsibilities and duties to the stakeholders. Each of the professionals now demands more specialised and sophisticated services from one another. The other players in the construction industry now require more emerging responsibilities and duties from the quantity surveyors. The purpose of this paper is to examine the roles that “modern” quantity surveyors play by measuring the gaps that exist in the services that the quantity surveyors provide. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data are collected through survey questionnaires. In total, 23 roles played by modern quantity surveyors are identified and addressed to the respondents to rank the rate at which quantity surveyors provide these “emerging” services. The collected data were analysed statistically. Findings – The results of the findings led to the conclusion that the quantity surveyors were not meeting the expectations of other players. Therefore, for competitiveness, quantity surveyors need to better meet demand expectations. Research limitations/implications – This findings of this research are constrained to the services or functions that the quantity provide in the construction industry. Practical implications – This knowledge is valuable to academic institutions that offer quantity surveying programmes, to practicing quantity surveyors, governments, and other players in the construction industry. It will allow quantity surveyors to reconcile supply and demand expectations. Originality/value – There is no known conclusive empirical study on services offered by quantity surveyors in any emerging markets. Therefore, the findings offer a fresh understanding on the services of quantity surveyors not only in Nigeria but elsewhere. While some of the services are common, others are peculiar to emerging markets.

The identity crisis of sustainable development

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catalin Ratiu ◽  
Beverlee B. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Identity Crisis ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – There are many different conceptualizations to sustainable development and these different approaches may have led to confusion amongst the public. The purpose of this paper is to explore the identities of the term and how the confused identity may be leading to problems for sustainable development efforts. Design/methodology/approach – The design is exploratory, using both secondary and primary data to understand the different sustainable development concepts. Findings – There is no consistent understanding or use of the term “sustainable development” among various groups. Research limitations/implications – Future research should include a larger sample that is more representative of people from different backgrounds and geographical areas. Practical implications – The public is generally willing to support only projects that it understands. Without a clear understanding of sustainable development, the public will be less inclined to support these efforts. Originality/value – This study examines the perceptions and understandings of the term by the general public representing different generations.

A review of effective interim leadership and management: a cyclical model of interim assignments

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Leadership And Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interim Leadership ◽  
Original Approach ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The purpose of this study is to carry out a literature review on interim leadership and management focusing on interim assignment performance and the antecedent characteristics of effective interim leaders. Design/methodology/approach A targeted review of the literature on the literature on interim leadership and management is carried out and reported. Findings A cycle of interim assignments is proposed consisting of four stages, preparation, entry, delivery and exit. Individual characteristics seen as antecedents of effectiveness are then applied to each of these stages. Practical implications The interim assignment cycle proposed in this paper can help to address gaps in the literature and aid the development of methods and tools for selection of interims and management of effectiveness during assignments. Originality/value This paper has an original approach in providing a model through which interim assignments can be better understood.

Impact of determinants on early internationalization

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1018-1034
Author(s):  
Channappa Santhosh
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Early Age ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Early Internationalization ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Ex Post Facto ◽  
Internationalization Strategies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of determinants on early internationalization in the context of an emerging economy, i.e. India. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on an ex post facto exploratory research using primary data collected from a sample of 102 exporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangalore. Findings The overall results reveal that it is the proactive entrepreneurs and their previous experience that determine the early internationalization of SMEs. Further, competitive constraint was a major obstacle to enter the international market at an early age for late internationalized SMEs. Practical implications The policy initiatives should aim to develop the international orientation of the entrepreneurs in the firm as a precursor for the formulation and subsequent implementation of internationalization strategies. Originality/value Although studies have been conducted on determinants and early internationalization, these are confined to a few dimensions, and none of the studies have looked into the issues affecting the early internationalization holistically and with respect to SMEs in India.

Street food, hawkers and the Michelin Guide in Singapore

2017 ◽  
Vol 119 (4) ◽  
pp. 790-802 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan C. Henderson
Keyword(s):  
Research Agenda ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Street Food ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Cultures ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine aspects of the contemporary relevance of the Michelin Guide as efforts are made to extend its reach in Asia. The focus is on recent endeavours by the producers of the restaurant guide to represent local conditions by acknowledging the importance of street food and hawkers. Design/methodology/approach The methodology is that of a case study based on analysis of published material about the inaugural Singapore Michelin Guide and its consequences. Findings The Michelin Guide confronts challenges in retaining its authority and establishing itself in new Asian locations. The Singapore edition indicates attempts at responsiveness to distinctive circumstances through the recognition of street food and hawkers, but questions can be raised about the appropriateness of their inclusion and rating. Research limitations/implications Despite the absence of primary data, important topics about food and dining landscapes and modes of restaurant reviewing and grading are explored. A research agenda for the future is also proposed. Practical implications Attention is given to the impacts of the guide for individual enterprises, suggesting positive and negative outcomes of endorsement. Social implications Findings enhance understanding of the place of food and dining within societies and the influence of restaurant guides. Originality/value The paper offers an Asian perspective on and fresh insights into the role of local food cultures as well as the meanings and functions of the Michelin Guide.

Motivations, income determinants and livelihood vulnerability of female teenage head porters in Kasoa, Ghana

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 2396-2408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evans Otieku ◽  
Charles Godfred Ackah ◽  
David Forkuor
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Teenage Girls ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Income Determinants

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide statistical and empirical evidence on the motivations, income determinants and livelihood vulnerabilities of female teenage head porters. The paper draws from the motivational theory and the livelihood vulnerability approach to assess the motivations, livelihood vulnerabilities and income determinants of female teenage head porters in Kasoa, Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The mixed methods data collection instruments were used to collect primary data from 200 randomly sampled female teenage head porters in Kasoa. It includes both close and open-ended questionnaires, one case study and personal observation. Findings Based on the estimation, the study found that household poverty, unemployment, desire for regular income and quest for personal independence were significant motivational factors drawing teenage girls into head porting. Also, age of respondents and years of experience in the occupation were the significant determinants of income of respondents. Exposure to frequent malaria, stress and physical pains were common livelihood risk factors faced by the respondents. Majority of them were from the northern region of Ghana and less than 20 percent of them had formal education. Practical implications The paper proposed for extensive implementation of robust macroeconomic and specific social protection interventions to enhance equal job and income opportunities as well as to protect the vulnerable. Originality/value The study provides statistical and empirical results different from other related studies (Opare, 2003; Awumbila, 2007; Baah-Ennumh et al., 2012; Akanle and Chioma, 2013).

VocaLink wins gold for outstanding people practices

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 4-7
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Induction Programs ◽  
Payment Systems ◽  
Leadership And Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Payment ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to observe that strong policies on employee engagement helped the UK and international payment-systems provider VocaLink to introduce organizational change smoothly and win Investors in People (IiP) gold for its human resource (HR) practices. Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes the company’s HR policies and the advantages they bring. Findings – The authors explain that to achieve Investors in People gold, the company should exceed the benchmark for a number of assessment categories including: business and people strategies, leadership and management strategies and effectiveness, involvement and empowerment, reward strategies, performance measurement and continuous improvement. Practical implications – It is revealed that the company has strong induction programs, listens to feedback and puts a lot of energy into ensuring that leadership across the business is organized in a way that both deliver the corporate message and develop teams. Social implications – This paper contends that by offering a great place to work where people can grow and develop, VocaLink can recruit and retain great staff. Originality/value – This paper describes an organization where people are enthusiastic about the potential of the business and the opportunity it offers to further improve processes and relationships.

Variation in the structure and administration of student-managed investment funds

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 481-488
Author(s):  
Charles M. Boughton ◽  
Katherine L. Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Investment Funds ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managed Funds ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the differences present in student-managed investment funds (SMIF). Design/methodology/approach The paper uses primary data collected by survey and interviews. Findings The findings of this paper suggest that research efforts need to be focused on the topical area and transparency in the field needs to be improved. Research limitations/implications Past research is validated and future research is needed. Practical implications The need to develop and disseminate best practices in the management of SMIF’s. Social implications Student-managed funds are widespread and growing but operate as independent entities. Originality/value The paper is original and based on primary research.

Effects of exit barriers on word of mouth activities

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 512-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birgit Leisen Pollack
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Customer Retention ◽  
Negative Word ◽  
The Other ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Differential Effects ◽  
Exit Barriers ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to contrast the effects of four exit barriers on word of mouth activities. Monetary, service loss, social and convenience exit barriers are compared. The differential effects of these four barriers on the valence of word of mouth (positive, negative), the type of word of mouth recipient (weak tie, strong tie) and the motives (catharsis, company sabotage) for spreading word of mouth are studied. Design/methodology/approach The data for empirically addressing a set of hypotheses were collected from 185 consumers. The hypotheses were analyzed using ANOVA models along with post hoc tests. Findings The results suggest that the type of exit barrier matters. Exit barriers, with respect to word of mouth activities, seem to fall on a continuum. On one extreme, the most detrimental barriers are monetary hurdles, and on the other end, the least detrimental barriers are convenience hurdles. Monetary barriers are responsible for the most negative word of mouth and company sabotage. Social and convenience barriers lead to significantly less. Practical implications The implications for erecting exit barriers are discussed. In particular, the value of monetary barriers is questioned. The benefits of such involuntary customer retention methods may be offset by the sabotage they invite through negative word of mouth. Originality/value The paper provides insights into word of mouth activities of dissatisfied customers that are trapped by various exit barriers. The word of mouth activities investigated include valence, recipient type and motives. The study contrasts monetary, service loss, social and convenience exit barriers.

scholarly journals Interest-free microfinance in India: a case study of Bait-un-Nasr Urban Cooperative Credit Society

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 322-337
Author(s):  
Wasiullah Shaik Mohammed ◽  
Khalid Waheed
Keyword(s):  
Growth And Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industry Standards ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Operational Issues ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand interest-free microfinance practices in India, identify issues and recommend possible solutions. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the proposed objectives, Bait-un-Nasr (BuN) Urban Cooperative Credit Society, located in Mumbai, India, is considered for the case study. The study is based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data are collected through questionnaires and secondary data from various sources. Performance of the institution is assessed in terms of growth and sustainability indicators. Findings It is found that BuN has been successful in providing interest-free microfinance services in India. A few operational issues have been highlighted and possible solutions are recommended. Moreover, it is found that in comparison to the microfinance industry standards, the performance of BuN has been lower. Research limitations/implications BuN is evaluated from only growth and sustainability aspects and not from the aspect of the socio-economic impacts of its services on the lives of customers. Practical implications This study would become a documented source of interest-free microfinance practices in India. Moreover, the recommendations provided, if implemented, would help BuN in further growth and development. Social implications This study would help create awareness in the society about the practices of interest-free microfinance. Originality/value This paper highlights the interest-free microfinance practices in India that have not received the needed attention. The paper also attempts to identify key issues pertaining to interest-free microfinance with possible solutions.

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