Entrepreneurship-driven organizational transformation for sustainability: a sensemaking lens

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlott Hübel
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Middle Managers ◽  
Organizational Transformation ◽  
Dynamic Environments ◽  
Organizational Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Over Time

PurposeThis paper adopts a sensemaking lens to explore the process of entrepreneurship-driven organizational transformation for sustainability.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis is based on an in-depth case study of a large European meat company. Sensemaking by top and middle managers is analyzed over the period of 18 months.FindingsThe findings show how, over time, bidirectional sensemaking, that is, sensemaking for and of sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship, directed and accelerated organizational transformation for sustainability. The case company transformed with regard to organizational strategy, structure, operations and identity. The process revealed temporally different involvement of top and middle managers in sensemaking.Originality/valueThis paper offers unique insights into fast and emergent sustainability-oriented change in an established organization within a highly topical context. The results highlight how continuous and increasingly shared sensemaking can help top and middle managers navigate organizational change for sustainability in dynamic environments over time.

Initiating, challenging and improving knowledge in organizational contexts

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Mariano
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Knowledge ◽  
Current Debate ◽  
Improve Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Contexts ◽  
Managerial Practices ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate how organizational knowledge interacts with artifacts and what determinants, driving processes and outcomes govern these interactions in organizational contexts. Design/methodology/approach A case study is used and data collected is from a US engineering and consulting company. Findings Findings suggested three major driving processes specifically initiating, challenging and improving and several related determinants and outcomes that governed the interaction between organizational knowledge and artifacts over time. Research limitations/implications This study has limitations related to the nature and dimension of the case selected. Practical implications This study provides a means to explain how organizations hold existing knowledge and what determinants, driving processes and outcomes govern the interactions between knowledge and artifacts to assist managerial practices and improve performance. Originality/value This paper contributes to the current debate on organizational knowledge and provides some empirical evidence of how knowledge interacts with artifacts in organizational contexts.

scholarly journals Recontextualizing Scandinavian practices in a Latin American regional office

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-119
Author(s):  
Jacobo Ramirez ◽  
Anne-Marie Søderberg
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Multinational Corporation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Middle Managers ◽  
Regional Office ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Colonial Legacy ◽  
Meaning System

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore how Danish and Mexican communication and management practices are recontextualized at the Latin American office of a Scandinavian multinational corporation (MNC) located in Mexico. Design/methodology/approach A case study based on interviews, observations and company documents was conducted. Findings Well-educated Mexican middle managers appreciate the participative communication and management practices of Scandinavian MNCs, which transcend most experiences at local workplaces, but their interpretations and meaning system are influenced by the colonial legacy and political and socioeconomic context framing their working conditions. Originality/value This paper provides a contextualized analysis of a rich case study to further illustrate the challenges faced by MNCs in their quest to establish a regional office in a Latin American context and offers a theoretical model of the elements involved in complex recontextualization processes.

Individual intellectual capital versus collective intellectual capital in a meta-organization

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Vale ◽  
Manuel Castelo Branco ◽  
João Ribeiro
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intellectual Assets ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Level Of Analysis ◽  
Over Time

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss and analyse how intellectual capital (IC) is created and deteriorated in a meta-organization by assessing the interdependency between the collective IC of the meta-organization and the individual IC of its members. Design/methodology/approach – A case study conducted in a seaport is adopted to explore how creation or deterioration of IC at one level of analysis affects the IC at the other. Four different illustrations are provided, depicting different instances of articulation between both types of IC. Findings – Evidence suggests that, in a meta-organization, IC appears as a function of both individual and collective IC dimensions. Changes in the meta-organization’s IC or in its members’ IC may have different impacts on each other, generating intellectual assets or intellectual liabilities at both levels. Evidence also suggests that those changes in IC should be analysed in a longitudinal way, since both levels affect each other in different ways over time. Research limitations/implications – Despite the validity of the interpretations provided in the context of the case study, generalization to other situations should be conducted only in a theoretically framed manner. Practical implications – This study provides important strategic and managerial implications for meta-organizations and their members, who are concerned with their performance. Originality/value – Although there have been some efforts to apply the traditional IC methodologies to a bigger scope, such as regions or nations, some meso level empirical contexts are yet far unexplored, such as the case of meta-organizations. Furthermore there is a gap in management sciences’ research on seaports.

Intellectual Capital dynamics: seeing them “in practice” through a temporal lens

VINE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Giuliani
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Over Time

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to observe Intellectual Capital (IC) dynamics “in practice” through a temporal lens by considering IC as an on-going process, and thus taking into consideration its life cycle and how it changes over time. Design/methodology/approach – A longitudinal case study has been investigated by adopting a participant observation approach to understand how the dynamics of IC are understood in practice. Findings – This study spotlights three main conceptions of IC dynamics (value creation, IC activities and organizational change) which, although generally proposed in literature as separable concepts, do co-exist and interact, in practice as is reflected in the related managerial tools. Research limitations/implications – The main limitations of this study are twofold. The first is related to the methodology adopted and in particular, to the participant observation approach. The second is related to the specifics of the case study undertaken. This paper contributes to the literature on “Intellectual Capital in action” and “Intellectual Capital in practice” by enriching the understanding of IC dynamics. Originality/value – By comparison to the extant literature in which the IC dynamics concepts are considered separately, this study combines the three different concepts and examines them in vivo, adopting a longitudinal perspective.

Perceptions unfolded: managerial implementation in perception formation

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 710-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Howard Grøn
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Dynamic Nature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dynamic Character ◽  
Implementation Approach ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The literature so far has shown that perceptions of managerial interventions matter for motivation and performance. However, how these perceptions are formed and develop over time is less clear. The purpose of this paper is to fill part of this gap. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a panel case study to investigate how perceptions of a managerial intervention are formed and developed over time among daycare workers in a Danish municipality. Findings The paper reveals the dynamic nature of preferences and the centrality of the local manager in perception formation, illustrating that it is not necessarily the implementation style (soft/hard) that is important as much as the managerial involvement in the initiative. Practical implications Whereas managers are still well advised to consider the pros and cons of a hard vs a soft implementation approach, this paper also underlines the importance of constant managerial involvement not only to ensure implementation but also to continuously impact the way managerial interventions are perceived. Originality/value The paper adds to the existing knowledge about perception formation by using a panel case study, hence illustrating the dynamic character of perception formation.

Layers of difference: a cancer center’s approach to minimizing cancer health disparity

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 289-295
Author(s):  
Desiree Chachula ◽  
Cathy Grant ◽  
Prado Antolino ◽  
Jenna Davis ◽  
Desiree Hanson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Disparities ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Health Disparity ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cancer Health Disparities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Approach ◽  
Cancer Health Disparity ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of a multifaceted institutional approach to minimizing cancer health disparities, presenting a novel organizational framework entitled, “A.C.C.E.S.S.” to guide those efforts. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a case study of an organization that operates under the theory that cancer health disparities are a result of the cumulative incongruence of differences that exist between people in various contexts and interactions over time. Consequently, the A.C.C.E.S.S. framework is used to demonstrate the range of opportunities within an organization to intervene and mitigate gaps that result in inequality. Findings Addressing A.C.C.E.S.S. in various interactions and contexts over a sustained period of time results in a continuous improvement cycle that attenuates cancer health disparity. Originality/value The antecedents and impacts of cancer health disparities are well documented. However, there is a dearth of directionality for institutions and organizations in achieving equality in cancer treatment and care. This paper provides a framework to consider in organizing such endeavors.

The elusive practice of driving post-acquisition company performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-31
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Company Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Strong Culture ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Over Time

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 case study paper unpacks the factors that can drive or impede post-acquisition growth. Based on the findings of a detailed case study of healthcare company Alcon, it's clear that a strategy of micromanaging a newly acquired company that has a strong culture, is already performing favorably, and has well established management, is a strategy that's likely to lead to underperformance by demoralizing the unit's employees over time. A hands-off approach may be best applied here therefore. Yet where an acquired company is already underperforming and the acquirer has skills and resources that the target lacks, a hands-on approach makes more sense. 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.

From curious to connoisseur: a longitudinal segmentation of attendees at a Chinese wine festival

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fangfang Shi ◽  
Shaojun Ji ◽  
David Weaver ◽  
Ming-Feng Huang
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Market Development ◽  
Market Segments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Longitudinal Approach ◽  
Occasional Drinker ◽  
Chinese Wine ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Over Time

Purpose This study aims to examine the components and evolution of the Chinese wine festival market using the Dalian International Wine and Dine Festival (DIWDF) as a case study. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a longitudinal approach, survey data were collected from attendees of the first, fifth and seventh DIWDF in 2012, 2016 and 2018, respectively. Cluster analysis segmented attendees by wine and festival experience and consumption features. Comparative analysis was conducted to examine segment differences by demography, festival motivation, satisfaction and intention. Changes in segments over time were examined across the three times. Findings The following three clusters were identified: “wine-novice fest-newbies,” “occasional drinker fest-goers” and “wine-lover fest-enthusiasts.” Over the study period, the proportion of “wine-lover fest-enthusiasts” increased significantly while the percentages of the other two segments decreased, demonstrating the evolution of the Chinese wine festival market and their consumer impacts. Practical implications This study offers straightforward indicators of market value via consumption features for both wine businesses and festival organizers. The characteristics of the segments and their inter-linkage have important implications for developing product mix, targeting strategies, festival service design and market development. Originality/value This is the first known empirical research globally to investigate relationships among market segments both horizontally (differences between segments) and vertically (development over time) and to incorporate both wine- and festival-related consumption features.

The outcomes of providing lean training to strategic suppliers: a Swedish case study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewout Reitsma ◽  
Peter Manfredsson ◽  
Per Hilletofth ◽  
Roy Andersson
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Potential Outcomes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Practices ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Over Time

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the outcomes of a leading Swedish truck maker (referred to as “TruckCo” for confidentiality reasons) providing lean training to its strategic suppliers.Design/methodology/approachA single in-depth case study is conducted, using on-site semi-structured interviews with representatives from TruckCo and its suppliers for data collection.FindingsThe lean training program resulted in four main outcomes. First, financially unstable suppliers were less receptive to the lean training program than financially stable suppliers. Second, the suppliers became easier to collaborate with over time, through improving their internal ways of working and thus creating more trust in terms of reliability. Third, the suppliers improved their ability to identify possible problems that could jeopardize deliveries. Fourth and finally, the suppliers improved their delivery precision.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation of this study is that its findings are based on a single in-depth case study. Another limitation is that all the involved companies originate from Sweden. These limitations should be considered in attempts to replicate or further test the reported findings.Practical implicationsThis study provides insights into how a manufacturer can teach lean management to suppliers, and how suppliers can be involved in a manufacturer's journey towards a leaner supply chain. Furthermore, the study reflects more generally on the potential outcomes of a manufacturer providing lean training to suppliers.Originality/valueThis study highlights both TruckCo's and the suppliers' view of the outcomes of the lean training program and discusses how different suppliers adopt the taught lean practices. Avenues for future research are proposed as well.

The road not taken: narratives of action and organizational change

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 334-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Solouki
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Analytical Approach ◽  
Human Action ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Road ◽  
And Function

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advance the understanding of the importance and function of narratives in the context of organizational change. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on Schutz’s theory of human intentional action, the author introduces the concept of a mental plan – broadly referring to the mental rehearsal of a future act – and builds a conceptual framework that connects mental plans to narratives. Viewing actions through the lens of mental plans and narratives would prompt a combination of rigid clarity and flexible vagueness in both the action and the stories. Considering this, the author developed a longitudinal case study on organizational change in an international company amid an intense renewal process. Several narratives about the project of organizational change were studied, and these revealed some of the functions that narratives serve as well as their importance in connecting plans of human action with the actual execution of those actions. This paper identifies numerous distinct narratives, created by different actors, which focus on the process of setting and reaching a final goal. The content of these narratives reveals how different views and strategies co-exist simultaneously in the organization, even when actors are trying to achieve the same goal. Findings Traditionally, management takes an analytical approach to understand how change occurs in organizations. This paper emphasizes the importance and functions of narratives as a fundamental component of organizational change. On par with the linear plan of action, it is argued that the assortment of narratives delivered from various points of views in the organization are, indeed, the driver of change, and their dynamic interaction would determine the outcome of a change project. Originality/value The paper advances the understanding of the role of narratives in organizational change. This paper emphasizes the difficulties of using an analytical approach as a basis for understanding how action is implemented. This difficulty arises because of the variety of interpretations and meanings given to the project purpose and goal, and how these interpretations and meanings influence people’s future actions or project success.

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