Resilience and transparency in social systems

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 715-726 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dai Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Design ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Transparency And Accountability

Purpose This paper draws on the literature of cybernetics to argue that the resilience of organizations can be diminished by an unconsidered maximization of transparency and accountability. In doing so, it critically examines the concept of resilience and the relationship of resilience to neoliberalism. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual analysis of resilience is carried out at two levels. First, the use of the concepts of resilience, viability, transparency, accountability and neoliberalism is considered, together with the relationship between them. Second, the management interventions that result from the application of these related ideas are critiqued from the perspective of cybernetics and particularly of variety and black boxes. Findings It is shown that within complex social environments, the unconsidered imposition of transparency and accountability as a management strategy may constrain the resilience of the organizations and individuals rather than enhance it. The use of data analytics enhances this tendency. Research limitations/implications The theoretical analysis of the relationship between transparency and resilience offers a basis for carrying out empirical studies. Practical implications There are practical implications for organizational managers, employees and stakeholders, offering them a means of understanding the systemic threat posed by organizational design decisions which enhance transparency and accountability without taking into consideration the full range of interactions which act to maintain organizational viability. Social implications The analysis provides a rationale for resisting the imposition of social policies inspired by neoliberalism. Originality/value The bringing together of the concepts of resilience, neoliberalism, transparency and accountability, and their exposure to cybernetic analysis, provides a novel perspective on resilience, and new insights into way that organizations maintain their viability.

Transforming the scope of the bank through fintechs: toward a modularized network governance

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Łasak ◽  
Marta Gancarczyk
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Design ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Transaction Cost Economics ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Network Governance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ict Adoption ◽  
Conceptual Foundations ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework of the transformation of the bank's scope driven by fintechs.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual foundations for a comprehensive transformation of the bank governance through financial technologies (fintechs) are underexplored. In order to develop such foundations, the authors adopt transaction cost economics (TCE), the concepts of external enablers and a modular organizational design, as well as a systematic literature review.FindingsThe results point to three scenarios of the banks' scope, depending on the adopted technological mechanisms and related effects that change the characteristics of organizational activities, justifying new bank boundaries. The most advanced application of fintechs results in a modularized network scenario leading to the emergence of financial ecosystems.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed micro-perspective of decisional rules in an individual organization is unique in the current literature that predominantly focuses on the banking sector at large. The identified scenarios are valuable for solid theoretical and empirical grounding and can be further exploited in decision simulations and empirical studies.Practical implicationsThe proposed theoretical framework points to the rationales and consequences of adopted technologies for the boundaries of a bank organization.Originality/valueThis paper provides three contributions to the literature on technology-driven transformations of organizations with a focus on banks. First, the authors elaborate a theoretical framework for establishing the bank's boundaries in response to the expansion of financial technologies. Second, the authors add to the knowledge accumulation in the area of organizational transformations based on the ICT adoption, in particular, to the literature on the modular organizational design. Third, the authors contribute to the decision-maker practice by proposing the alternative options of banks' scope transformed through fintechs.

Antecedents of work readjustment of professional returnees: evidence from Vietnam

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-72
Author(s):  
Hung Trong Hoang ◽  
Nga Thi Thuy Ho
Keyword(s):  
Home Country ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Subjective Norm ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Overseas Work ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing work readjustment of Vietnamese returnees who used to study and/or work in a developed country and are currently working in different positions in their home country. Design/methodology/approach Data for this study were collected through a survey of 433 returnees using both paper-based and online surveys. Multiple regression was used to test the relationships in the model. Findings The findings show that while the length of time spent overseas, work expectations and subjective norm significantly affect work readjustment, the influences of age, gender and length of time since return on work readjustment are not supported. Practical implications The findings provide useful insights for home country government and managers of returnees developing repatriation programs that help returnees deal with the issue of poor work readjustment. Originality/value Empirical studies on cross-cultural re-entry adjustment of both self-initiated repatriates and international students are scarcely investigated. Most prior studies focused on individual factors (such as gender, age, duration in overseas and since return), research on the effect of work expectation on work readjustment is still scant. Most prior studies focused on examining the relationship between work expectation and work readjustment of company repatriates, however, this relationship in the context of returnees, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, has not been investigated. Furthermore, this study is the first to examine the influence of subjective norm on work readjustment of returnees.

Intelligence and job satisfaction in the USA and China

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 232-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassandra Thompson ◽  
Samuel Lane
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Turnover Rates ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Different Cultures ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This study aims to evaluate both intelligence and job satisfaction of workers in the USA and China. Each topic will be studied individually, first, to determine the relationship between intelligence and job satisfaction. The statistics between China and the USA will then be compared and contrasted to assess how different cultures will affect emotional intelligence and job satisfaction of those in the workforce. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the empirical studies on intelligence and job satisfaction was performed and used to develop a model to guide future research. Findings – There is a negative relationship between intelligence and job satisfaction in the USA, but no studies have been done to compare both constructs cross-culturally. Research limitations/implications – The proposed study can be used to gain an understanding of the relationship between intelligence and job satisfaction across different cultures. Practical implications – The link between job satisfaction and intelligence can be used by employers to determine information about other aspects of their business, such as turnover rates of productive employees. Originality/value – Although there has been some research on the relation between intelligence and job satisfaction, notably by Ganzach (1998), very little has been done across cultures.

Board demographic diversity: a review of literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muneza Kagzi ◽  
Mahua Guha
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Firm Dynamics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Demographic Diversity ◽  
Board Diversity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the diverse literature on board demographic diversity and to provide avenues for future research. Design/methodology/approach The study provides a comprehensive literature review of theoretical and empirical studies published in leading management journals from 1989 to 2015. Findings The literature review revealed several aspects that are related to board demographic diversity. These aspects have been classified into: definitions and types of board diversity, dimensions of board demographic diversity, measurement and outcomes of board diversity, reasons for existing conflicting empirical findings about the relationship between board diversity and firm dynamics, and research on mediators and moderators. Originality/value Issues pertaining to board demographic diversity identified in this paper have theoretical and practical implications, and include avenues for future research.

Analyzing effects of external integration on innovations outcomes in large and non-large Brazilian food companies

2014 ◽  
Vol 116 (6) ◽  
pp. 984-999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robson Nogueira Tomas ◽  
Fabrício Pini Rosales ◽  
Mario Otávio Batalha ◽  
Rosane Lúcia Chicarelli Alcantara
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Radical Innovation ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Developing Economy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Innovation Outcomes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between external integration and innovation outcomes in the Brazilian food companies. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a survey questionnaire with 84 participants from large and non-large food companies of Brazil, the paper has used linear regression to examine the relationship between external integration and innovation outcomes. Next, the paper used the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney Test to compare the two sets of companies, i.e. large companies (annual sales >US$5 million), and non-large companies (annual sales US$1-5 million). Findings – The paper found that external integration with suppliers and customers is positively related to innovation outcomes in food companies. Besides, radical innovation is directly related to large companies rather than non-large food companies. Furthermore, customer integration is perceived in large food companies rather than non-large. To the best of the knowledge, this is pioneering information in food companies. Research limitations/implications – This research has been tested based only on participants’ perceptions. Therefore, the findings should also be verified through of a longitudinal fashion or in deep study. Practical implications – The main practical implication lies with the embedding of these concepts in a research from the perspective of a developing economy. Seen in this light it is noteworthy that such findings may contribute to the understanding of innovation outcomes in other developing countries. Originality/value – There are few empirical studies that explore the relationship between external integration and innovation outcomes in food companies. Besides, there is little knowledge about differences between large and non-large food companies regarding to incremental and radical innovation. Our research is the first study analyzing these issues in large and non-large food companies in the Brazil.

Dave Snowden on KM and big data/analytics: interview with David J. Pauleen

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Pauleen
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Big Data Analytics ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
A Company ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Scientific Officer

Purpose Dave Snowden has been an important voice in knowledge management over the years. As the founder and chief scientific officer of Cognitive Edge, a company focused on the development of the theory and practice of social complexity, he offers informative views on the relationship between big data/analytics and KM. Design/methodology/approach A face-to-face interview was held with Dave Snowden in May 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. Findings According to Snowden, analytics in the form of algorithms are imperfect and can only to a small extent capture the reasoning and analytical capabilities of people. For this reason, while big data/analytics can be useful, they are limited and must be used in conjunction with human knowledge and reasoning. Practical implications Snowden offers his views on big data/analytics and how they can be used effectively in real world situations in combination with human reasoning and input, for example in fields from resource management to individual health care. Originality/value Snowden is an innovative thinker. He combines knowledge and experience from many fields and offers original views and understanding of big data/analytics, knowledge and management.

Overconfidence of vocational education students when entering higher education

2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark P. Bowden ◽  
Subhash Abhayawansa ◽  
John Bahtsevanoglou
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
First Year ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – There is evidence that students who attend Technical and Further Education (TAFE) prior to entering higher education underperform in their first year of study. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of self-efficacy in understanding the performance of students who completed TAFE in the previous year in a first year subject of microeconomics in a dual sector university in Melbourne, Australia. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilises data collected by surveys of 151 students. Findings – A student’s self-efficacy is positively associated with their marks in a first year subject of microeconomics. However, the relationship between final marks and self-efficacy is negative for those students who attended TAFE in the previous year suggesting that they suffer from the problem of overconfidence. When holding self-efficacy constant, using econometric techniques, TAFE attendance is found to be positively related to final marks. Research limitations/implications – The findings are exploratory (based on a small sample) and lead to a need to conduct cross institutional studies. Practical implications – The research points to the need for early interventions so that TAFE students perform well in their first year of higher education. It also points to potential issues in the development of Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) programs. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to examine the inter-related impact of attendance at TAFE in the previous year and self-efficacy on the subsequent academic performance of TAFE students.

The impact of project methodologies on project success in different project environments

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 364-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Joslin ◽  
Ralf Müller
Keyword(s):  
Project Success ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Sectors ◽  
Project Environment ◽  
Project Governance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Matching Techniques ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to qualitatively validate the constructs of a theoretically derived research model while gaining insights to steer the direction of a greater study on methodologies, their elements, and their impact on project success. In doing so, to investigate whether different project environments, notably project governance, impacts the relationship between methodologies and project success. Design/methodology/approach – A deductive approach was applied to validate a theoretically derived research model. In total, 19 interviews across 11 industrial sectors and four countries were used to collect data. Pattern-matching techniques were utilized in the analysis to deductively validate the research model. Findings – There is a positive relationship between project methodology elements and the characteristics of project success; however, environmental factors, notably project governance, influence the use and effectiveness of a project methodology and its elements with a resulting impact on the characteristics of project success. Research limitations/implications – Project governance plays a major role in the moderating effect of a project methodology’s effectiveness. Contingency theory is applicable to a project’s methodology’s selection and its customization according to the project environment. Practical implications – Understand the impact of project methodologies and their elements on the characteristics of project success while being moderated by the project environment, for example, the risk of suboptimal project performance due to the effectiveness of methodology elements being negatively impacted by the project environment. Originality/value – The impact of a project methodology (collection of heterogeneous-related elements) on the characteristics of project success is identified while being moderated by the project environment, notably project governance.

A model of idiosyncratic deal-making and attitudinal outcomes

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 642-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Violet T. Ho ◽  
Amanuel G. Tekleab
Keyword(s):  
Turnover Intention ◽  
Affective Commitment ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Public University ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Member Exchange ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Industry Experience ◽  
Deal Making ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to disentangle the relationship between the request of idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) and the receipt of such deals, and investigate the moderating roles of human capital (gender and industry experience) and social capital (leader-member exchange (LMX)) in this relationship. Attitudinal outcomes of i-deals receipt are also examined. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 244 alumni of a Midwestern public university. Findings – The positive relationship between i-deals request and receipt was stronger at higher than at lower levels of LMX. Receiving i-deals was related positively to job satisfaction and affective commitment, and negatively to turnover intention. Research limitations/implications – The authors provide a nuanced perspective of i-deals by separating employees’ request from their receipt of i-deals, and identifying contingent factors that determine whether i-deal requests are successful. Practical implications – For employees, cultivating a strong relationship with one’s supervisor can yield benefits that extend to i-deals negotiation. Providing i-deals to deserving workers can boost employees’ work attitudes. Originality/value – Previous studies have operationalized the i-deals construct as requesting and receiving the deal, thereby excluding the possibility that employees may have requested but did not receive the i-deal. This is one of the first studies to disentangle these two concepts, thereby providing a more balanced and representative view of i-deal-making in organizations.

The optimism-pessimism ratio as predictor of employee creativity: the promise of duality

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 423-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arménio Rego ◽  
Miguel Pina e Cunha ◽  
Dálcio Reis Júnior ◽  
Cátia Anastácio ◽  
Moriel Savagnago
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Status ◽  
Single Moment ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Creativity And Innovation ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study if the employees’ optimism-pessimism ratio predicts their creativity. Design/methodology/approach In total, 134 employees reported their optimism and pessimism, and the respective supervisors described the employees’ creativity. Findings The relationship between the optimism-pessimism ratio and creativity is curvilinear (inverted U-shaped); beyond a certain level of the optimism-pessimism ratio, the positive relationship between the ratio and creativity weakens, suggesting that the possible positive effects of (high) optimism may be weakened by a very low level of pessimism. Research limitations/implications Being cross-sectional, the study examines neither the causal links between the optimism-pessimism ratio and creativity nor other plausible causal links. The study was carried out at a single moment and did not capture the dynamics that occur over the course of time involving changes in optimism/pessimism and creativity. Future studies may adopt longitudinal or quasi-experimental designs. Practical implications Managers and organizations must consider that, even though positivity promotes creativity, some level of negativity may help positivity to produce creativity. Originality/value This study suggests that scholars who want to study the antecedents of creativity (and innovation) must be cautious in focusing only on the positive or the negative sides of individuals’ characteristics, and rather they must explore the interplay between both poles. Individuals may experience both positive and negative states/traits (Smith et al., 2016), and this both/and approach may impel them to think divergently, to challenge the status quo and to propose “out the box” and useful ideas.

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