Advancing multilevel thinking and methods in HRM research

Purpose – Despite the growing belief that multilevel research is necessary to advance human resource management (HRM) understanding, there remains a lack of multilevel thinking – the application of principles for multilevel theory building. The purpose of this paper is to propose a systematic approach for multilevel HRM research. Design/methodology/approach – The paper proposes an agenda for multilevel HRM research by addressing three obstacles (concerning questions, theories and methods) that impede advancement in this field. Findings – The paper provides an inclusive definition of multilevel HRM research that serves to advance its use, and maps out a multilevel HRM research landscape that captures the various aspects of this concept. The paper identifies unanswered multilevel questions within 16 research domains and develops a systematic approach to tackle these research questions by invoking three relevant theories and methodologies. Research limitations/implications – Some of the identified research questions could not be answered due to limitations in mainstream multilevel theories and methodologies. In response, this paper proposes theories and methodologies that can address some of the multilevel HRM research questions identified in this paper. Practical implications – The findings can help HRM academics working on cross-disciplinary and cross-level research problems with a clearly structured approach to what multilevel HRM research is and what steps should be taken in conducting such research. Originality/value – The originality lies in the systematic approach that precisely describes multilevel HRM research, and addressing obstacles that inhibit rigorous and relevant multilevel HRM research by highlighting relevant research questions, theories and methodologies.

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Conceptualizing communicative leadership

Corporate Communications An International Journal ◽

10.1108/ccij-02-2013-0007 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 147-165 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Catrin Johansson ◽

Vernon D. Miller ◽

Solange Hamrin

Keyword(s):

Employee Engagement ◽

Communication Competence ◽

Future Research ◽

Content Type ◽

Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽

Research Fields ◽

Public Organisation ◽

Research Questions ◽

Definition Of ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose – The concept of “communicative leadership” is used in organisations that analyse and develop leaders' communication competence. A scholarly definition of this concept is lacking, and the implications of leaders' communication and the development of communication competence for organisations are rarely discussed. The purpose of this paper is to create a theoretical framework around the concept of “communicative leadership”, which can contribute to future research and development of leaders' communication competence. Design/methodology/approach – Three research questions were addressed: what communicative behaviours are central to leaders? How can “communicative leaders” be characterised? What is a “communicative leader”? Literature from the leadership and communication research fields was reviewed and related to these questions. Findings – Four central communicative behaviours of leaders (i.e. structuring, facilitating, relating, and representing), eight principles of communicative leadership, and a tentative definition are presented. A communicative leader is defined as someone who engages employees in dialogue, actively shares and seeks feedback, practices participative decision making, and is perceived as open and involved. Practical implications – A theoretical foundation to the practice of analysing and developing leaders' communication competence is provided, which is related to employee engagement and organisational performance. Originality/value – Communicative leadership is a concept emerging from organisational needs, articulated by corporate and public organisation leaders. This article links its core constructs to academic quantitative and qualitative research in an integrated framework, which can guide further research and the development of leaders' communication competence.

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Interaction, engagement, and perceived interactivity in single-handed interaction

Internet Research ◽

10.1108/intr-12-2014-0312 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 26 (5) ◽

pp. 1134-1157 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Donghee Shin ◽

Myunggoon Choi ◽

Jang Hyun Kim ◽

Jae-gil Lee

Keyword(s):

Behavioral Intention ◽

Interaction Techniques ◽

Content Type ◽

Thumb Movement ◽

Wide Range ◽

Mobile Industry ◽

Perceived Interactivity ◽

The Subject ◽

Definition Of ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of interaction techniques (e.g. swiping and tapping) and the range of thumb movement on interactivity, engagement, attitude, and behavioral intention in single-handed interaction with smartphones. Design/methodology/approach A 2×2 between-participant experiment (technological features: swiping and tapping×range of thumb movement: wide and narrow) was conducted to study the effects of interaction techniques and thumb movement ranges. Findings The results showed that the range of thumb movement had significant effects on perceived interactivity, engagement, attitude, and behavioral intention, whereas no effects were observed for interaction techniques. A narrow range of thumb movement had more influence on the interactivity outcomes in comparison to a wide range of thumb movement. Practical implications While the subject of actual and perceived interactivity has been discussed, the issue has not been applied to smartphone. Based on the research results, the mobile industry may come up with a design strategy that balances feature- and perception-based interactivity. Originality/value This study adopted the perspective of the hybrid definition of interactivity, which includes both actual and perceived interactivity. Interactivity effect outcomes mediated by perceived interactivity.

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The operational efficiency of passenger aircraft

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology ◽

10.1108/17488840610639663 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 78 (1) ◽

pp. 32-38 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Donald McLean

Keyword(s):

Design Methodology ◽

Operational Efficiency ◽

Civil Aviation ◽

Content Type ◽

Transport Economics ◽

Load Factors ◽

Consistent Assessment ◽

Definition Of ◽

Passenger Aircraft ◽

Practical Implications

PurposeTo provide for the use of airlines and other civil aviation organizations a practical definition of operational efficiency and to show how it can be determined.Design/methodology/approachA brief account of air transport economics is used to demonstrate how bom load factors and aircraft utilization need to be considered in assessing operational efficiency. Then other efficiencies are treated briefly before an example is given of how the better of two fictitious aircraft can be chosen for a particular route. A second example involving the calculation of the operational efficiency achieved by an imaginary airline is also given to show that the typical value is lower than might be expected, particularly in view of the relatively high load factors involved.FindingsProvides performance values and economic figures which are typical of current airline operations.Practical implicationsUse of the proposed definition will allow the consistent assessment of the economic performance of airlines.Originality/valueAt present there is no definition of operational efficiency in general use although it is greatly needed by airlines. The definition proposed in this paper is practical and easy to use.

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Digital competences of the workforce – a research topic?

Business Process Management Journal ◽

10.1108/bpmj-06-2016-0126 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 721-734 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Matthias Murawski ◽

Markus Bick

Keyword(s):

Research Topic ◽

Future Research ◽

Digital Competence ◽

Content Type ◽

Research Activities ◽

Starting Point ◽

Pros And Cons ◽

Definition Of ◽

The Individual ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose Considering working in the digital age, questions on the consequences for the individual workers are, so far, often neglected. The purpose of this paper is to deal with the question of whether the digital competences of the workforce is a research topic. The authors argue for the thesis that it is indeed a research topic. Design/methodology/approach In addition to a literature analysis of the top IS, HR, and learning publications, non-scientific sources, as well as the opinions of the authors, are included. The authors’ thesis is challenged through a debate of corresponding pros and cons. Findings The definition of digital competences lacks scientific depth. Focussing on the workforce is valid, as a “lifelong” perspective is not mandatory for research. Digital competence research is a multidisciplinary task to which the IS field can make a valuable contribution. Research limitations/implications Although relevant references are included, some aspects are mainly driven by the opinions of the authors. The theoretical implications encompass a call for a scientific definition of digital competences. Furthermore, scholars should focus on the competences of the workforce, including occupations, roles, or industries. The authors conclude by providing a first proposal of a research agenda. Practical implications The practical implications include the alignment of multiple stakeholders for the design of “digital” curricula and the integration by HR departments of the construct of digital competences, e.g. for compensation matters and job requirements. Originality/value This paper is one of very few contributions in the area of the digital competences of the workforce, and it presents a starting point for future research activities.

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The pathway to marketplace insight: structuring the analysis context

Strategy and Leadership ◽

10.1108/sl-04-2021-0043 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Liam Fahey

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Content Type ◽

Critical Part ◽

Early Stages ◽

Working Definition ◽

Marketing Analysis ◽

Definition Of ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose By clearly mapping the pathway for managing the early stages of any marketplace analysis project, its definition, scope, framing, focus, perspective, context, imagination and data choices – the odds of generating important strategic insight can be greatly increased for executives as well as analysis teams. Design/methodology/approach A marketing analysis team should pay specific attention to how it organizes the analysis context’a process called “Structuring”. Findings A working definition of insight: new marketplace understanding that makes a difference to the organization’s thinking, decision making and action. Practical/implications 10; Nothing constricts the insight structuring process as much as lack of imagination! Originality/value The choice of analysis scope, framing, focus, perspective or methods is a critical part of the marketplace analysis structuring process that increases the possibility of distinctly different strategic inferences emerging. The article is a much needed guide to mastering strategic insight for executives and marketplace analysts.

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Composition of Indian microfinance: a case for competing logics

International Journal of Organizational Analysis ◽

10.1108/ijoa-05-2018-1436 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (5) ◽

pp. 1298-1316

Author(s):

Sushanta Kumar Sarma

Keyword(s):

Design Methodology ◽

Belief System ◽

Hybrid Organizations ◽

Identity Conflict ◽

Organizational Field ◽

Social Entrepreneurs ◽

Content Type ◽

Institutional Infrastructure ◽

Definition Of ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to understand how competing logics can co-exist in the organizational field of Indian microfinance. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses the theoretical lens of an organizational field to understand the composition of the microfinance field. Using the definition of an organizational field, key players in Indian microfinance are identified and their interactions within the field are analysed to understand the emergence and co-existence of multiple logics. The data used for this paper are collected from published work on Indian microfinance. Findings The co-existence of competing logics is sustained through the creation of two sub-fields within Indian microfinance. Each of the sub-field is dominated by one institutional logic. The field originated in developmental logic of microfinance and gradually adopted the banking logic post-2000. The sub-fields are dominated by different organizational forms with different nature of interaction within the field. Research limitations/implications Actors within the field would experience institutional complexity with lesser intensity because of the existence of two distinct sub-communities with individual logic. Dual logics can sustain itself independently provided these are embedded in two different sub-communities. Despite the emergence of a new logic, the previous logic can still remain relevant given the enabling support from institutional infrastructure. Practical implications The manifestation of development and banking logics through practices and the belief system in Indian microfinance would offer useful insights for social entrepreneurs balancing the dual goals of hybrid organizations. Due to the sub-communities, a professional working with different forms of organization would experience little pressure to adjust to diverse logic and would also experience no or little identity conflict. Originality/value This paper focuses on the microfinance sector in India as an organizational field and explores the mechanism of co-existence of the dual goals of microfinance at the field level.

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Building an integrated enhanced virtual research environment metadata catalogue

The Electronic Library ◽

10.1108/el-09-2018-0183 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 37 (6) ◽

pp. 929-951 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Laurent Remy ◽

Dragan Ivanović ◽

Maria Theodoridou ◽

Athina Kritsotaki ◽

Paul Martin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Data Model ◽

Data Science ◽

Science Research ◽

Dublin Core ◽

Content Type ◽

Knowledge Based ◽

Novel Approach ◽

Virtual Research Environment ◽

Definition Of ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to boost multidisciplinary research by the building of an integrated catalogue or research assets metadata. Such an integrated catalogue should enable researchers to solve problems or analyse phenomena that require a view across several scientific domains. Design/methodology/approach There are two main approaches for integrating metadata catalogues provided by different e-science research infrastructures (e-RIs): centralised and distributed. The authors decided to implement a central metadata catalogue that describes, provides access to and records actions on the assets of a number of e-RIs participating in the system. The authors chose the CERIF data model for description of assets available via the integrated catalogue. Analysis of popular metadata formats used in e-RIs has been conducted, and mappings between popular formats and the CERIF data model have been defined using an XML-based tool for description and automatic execution of mappings. Findings An integrated catalogue of research assets metadata has been created. Metadata from e-RIs supporting Dublin Core, ISO 19139, DCAT-AP, EPOS-DCAT-AP, OIL-E and CKAN formats can be integrated into the catalogue. Metadata are stored in CERIF RDF in the integrated catalogue. A web portal for searching this catalogue has been implemented. Research limitations/implications Only five formats are supported at this moment. However, description of mappings between other source formats and the target CERIF format can be defined in the future using the 3M tool, an XML-based tool for describing X3ML mappings that can then be automatically executed on XML metadata records. The approach and best practices described in this paper can thus be applied in future mappings between other metadata formats. Practical implications The integrated catalogue is a part of the eVRE prototype, which is a result of the VRE4EIC H2020 project. Social implications The integrated catalogue should boost the performance of multi-disciplinary research; thus it has the potential to enhance the practice of data science and so contribute to an increasingly knowledge-based society. Originality/value A novel approach for creation of the integrated catalogue has been defined and implemented. The approach includes definition of mappings between various formats. Defined mappings are effective and shareable.

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Work, resilience and sustainable futures

Journal of Work-Applied Management ◽

10.1108/jwam-11-2019-0036 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 22-41 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lee Fergusson ◽

Luke van der Laan ◽

Bradley Shallies ◽

Matthew Baird

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Fostering digital transformation of SMEs: a four levels approach

Management Decision ◽

10.1108/md-07-2019-0939 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 58 (8) ◽

pp. 1543-1562 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Antonello Garzoni ◽

Ivano De Turi ◽

Giustina Secundo ◽

Pasquale Del Vecchio

Keyword(s):

Digital Technologies ◽

Digital Transformation ◽

Temporal Dimension ◽

Content Type ◽

South Italy ◽

Apulia Region ◽

Relevant Variables ◽

Four Levels ◽

Definition Of ◽

Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse how digital technologies trigger changes in the business process of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Apulia Region (South Italy). As SMEs play an essential role in the process value creation of industries and countries, the article examines the enablers of Industry 4.0 in a regional contexts characterized by delay in research and development and innovation performances where the companies' competitiveness is based on limited knowledge and technological assets.Design/methodology/approachThe case study of Smart District 4.0, an ongoing project aimed to promote the digitalization of SMEs operating in the Agri–Food, Clothing–Footwear and Mechanics–Mechatronics in the Apulia Region (South Italy) is analysed. The project has been financed by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development with the final aim to sustain the digital transformation of SMEs in South Italy.FindingsThe results introduce a four levels approach of engagement of SMEs in the adoption of digital technologies, namely, digital awareness, digital enquirement, digital collaboration and digital transformation. Furthermore, for each level of engagement the study describes and discusses some relevant variables that could be used by managers and entrepreneurs to assess the level of readiness for utilization of digital technologies and how to digitalize some processes.Practical implicationsPractical implications regard the definition of a roadmap useful to assess and manage the level of digital transformation of SMEs. Limitations of the study regarding the temporal dimension of the evidences associated to the Smart District 4.0 as well as to the regional context was analysed.Originality/valueOriginality resides in the definition of a roadmap for the digital transformation of SMEs in a region where the profile of companies' digital maturity is still low.

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The use of political skill in organizational change

Journal of Organizational Change Management ◽

10.1108/jocm-12-2018-0357 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 (5) ◽

pp. 753-763

Author(s):

David P. Waggoner

Keyword(s):

Organizational Change ◽

Change Agents ◽

Political Skill ◽

Organizational Politics ◽

Content Type ◽

Call To Action ◽

Conceptual Paper ◽

Definition Of ◽

Practical Implications ◽

Negative Connotation

PurposeThis article explores how recognizing politics may help change agents have better success enacting change.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual paper using systems and practical domains to define a more sophisticated and useful definition of politics for change agents' use.FindingsThe article argues that there is an innate correlation between organizational change and organizational politics.Research limitations/implicationsThis article is a call to action for future empirical study on political skill.Practical implicationsThis paper is a practical invitation for change agents to recognize and adopt the positive aspects of political skill to aid in their efforts.Originality/valueThough organizational politics traditionally receives a negative connotation, there is growing research supporting the positive use of politics. This connection has yet to be fully discovered when one reads the literature. This concept paper is an invitation to begin further study.

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