Human and organizational responses to extreme threats: a comparative developmental approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (10) ◽  
pp. 2077-2097
Author(s):  
Murad A. Mithani ◽  
Ipek Kocoglu
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Organizational Crisis ◽  
Organizational Responses ◽  
Developmental Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Face ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

PurposeThe proposed theoretical model offers a systematic approach to synthesize the fragmented research on organizational crisis, disasters and extreme events.Design/methodology/approachThis paper offers a theoretical model of organizational responses to extreme threats.FindingsThe paper explains that organizations choose between hypervigilance (freeze), exit (flight), growth (fight) and dormancy (fright) when faced with extreme threats. The authors explain how the choice between these responses are informed by the interplay between slack and routines.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s theoretical model contributes by explaining the nature of organizational responses to extreme threats and how the two underlying mechanisms, slack and routines, determine heterogeneity between organizations.Practical implicationsThe authors advance four key managerial considerations: the need to distinguish between discrete and chronic threats, the critical role of hypervigilance in the face of extreme threats, the distinction between resources and routines during threat mitigation, and the recognition that organizational exit may sometimes be the most effective means for survival.Originality/valueThe novelty of this paper pertains to the authors’ use of the comparative developmental approach to incorporate insights from the study of individual responses to life-threatening events to explain organizational responses to extreme threats.

Assessing an organizational crisis at the construal level: how psychological distance impacts publics' crisis responses

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 319-337
Author(s):  
Sungsu Kim ◽  
Yan Jin ◽  
Bryan H. Reber
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Intentions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Organizational Crisis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Explorative Study ◽  
Distance Model ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Crisis Responses

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to elaborate on the notion of crisis distance and to investigate its influence on publics' crisis responses (i.e. crisis severity, crisis emotions, organizational reputation and supportive behavioral intentions). In addition, this study aims to unearth the underlying mechanisms behind the effects of crisis distance.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted an online survey by recruiting a representative US sample to examine the proposed research questions.FindingsThis paper offers empirical evidence that each dimension of crisis distance (i.e. temporal, social and hypothetical crisis distance) is associated with publics' crisis responses. Furthermore, by investigating distance-crisis-organizational sequence models, the ways in which crisis distance ultimately motivates publics' supportive behavioral intentions was revealed.Originality/valueAs an explorative study to propose a crisis distance model, the current research provides a springboard for expanding the existing scholarly literature on the nature of crisis.

Exploring the effects of team coordination and power distance on effective software process tailoring: a theoretical perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung-Chieh Lee ◽  
Chung-Yang Chen
Keyword(s):  
Software Process ◽  
Power Distance ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Software Project ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Team Coordination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Process Tailoring ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

PurposeSoftware process tailoring (SPT) plays a critical role in contemporary software development. Because SPT determines how a software project proceeds, its effectiveness should be investigated. Specifically, SPT is a collaborative yet highly conflictual process, and the existing literature has paid little or no attention to how team members coordinate and to how power distance (PD) influences coordination under this conflictual situation for the purpose of fostering SPT effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachA propositional research method is utilized by reviewing the extant literature regarding SPT, team coordination and PD. Accordingly, several propositions are developed to theorize the contributive and moderating effects of team coordinative capabilities and PD on SPT effectiveness.FindingsThis study advances the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the four distinct coordination capabilities in performing SPT, which will help software firms comprehend the moderating effects of PD on the relationships among coordinative capabilities and SPT effectiveness.Originality/valueThis study extends coordination theory and reveals four coordination capabilities that nurture SPT effectiveness. Moreover, this study demonstrates how power plays a role in the coordination of a team through the collaborative yet divergent SPT decision process to yield an integrative tailoring solution. In particular, we take a fresh viewpoint of PD considering the member-member relationship in exploring its moderating effects in the SPT context.

The ciliospinal reflex in pentobarbital coma

1999 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 644-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C. Andrefsky ◽  
Jeffrey I. Frank ◽  
Douglas Chyatte
Keyword(s):  
Pupil Size ◽  
Pupillary Dilation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medical Interventions ◽  
Neurointensive Care Unit ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Direct Light ◽  
The Face ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Fine Print

Object. This study was conducted to delineate the ciliospinal reflex (CSR), which is defined as pupillary dilation caused by a noxious stimulus to the face or head. The authors anecdotally observed that patients in a pentobarbital coma have a CSR that can mimic pathological conditions. A pentobarbital coma obscures the results of the neurological examination in patients with potentially life-threatening cerebral edema; pupil size and reactivity are the only readily monitored signs. Any condition that incorrectly suggests evolving intracranial pathological processes can lead to unnecessary clinical actions.Methods. The authors evaluated six consecutive patients in the neurointensive care unit in whom a pentobarbital coma had been induced, documenting the presence and duration of the CSR. The CSR was always bilateral and symmetrical, manifesting as enlarged (6–8 mm), seemingly nonreactive pupils continuing from 1 to 6 minutes and was usually seen after routine nursing maneuvers. The pupils appeared nonreactive to short flashes of direct light but did react if longer flashes were used.Conclusions. Recognition of the CSR can potentially lead to reduction of unnecessary transportation and complicating medical interventions in critically neurologically ill patients in whom a pentobarbital coma has been induced.

Gauging underdog entrepreneurship for disabled entrepreneurs

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siddhartha Satish Saxena ◽  
Rushi Sanat Kumar Pandya
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Speech Impairment ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
The City ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose In the past decade, entrepreneurship research has evolved with the contribution of different scholars, but there is a lack of studies available that focused on entrepreneurship with disabilities. The objective of the research is understanding differently abled entrepreneurs and their entrepreneurial journey. How challenges caused by disability contribute to motivate them to pursue entrepreneurship as a career. This study is based on “Underdog entrepreneurs: Challenge-based entrepreneurship model” theoretical model proposed by Miller and Breton-Miller (2017). Design/methodology/approach This qualitative research includes case study methodology to study eight differently abled entrepreneurs. All the identified cases are located in the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. In-depth interviews and multiple visits were scheduled to collect the data. Transcripts of the interview and observation notes were developed for the analysis of the content according to the adopted theoretical model. Findings Differently abled entrepreneurs show similar traits as the non-disabled entrepreneurs. They are also found to be more resilient and persistent while dealing with the challenges of failure, stress and uncertainty. Difficult conditions and experiences of discrimination indirectly prepare them for tackling challenges while pursuing entrepreneurship. People close to differently abled entrepreneurs play a critical role in shaping and supporting their ventures. Research limitations/implications Owing to the lack of authentic information available on disabled entrepreneurs, the study does not include different entrepreneurs with more disabilities such as hearing impairment, speech impairment and mental illness. The study also focuses on the entrepreneurs of Ahmedabad City, Gujarat because of the similar reason. Originality/value This paper is an original submission and contributes towards understanding the differently abled entrepreneurs.

Accounting, identity, autopoiesis + sustainability

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tehmina Khan ◽  
Rob Gray
Keyword(s):  
Educational Practice ◽  
Accounting Education ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
Departure Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Threatening Information ◽  
The Face ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Self Harm

Purpose This paper is prompted by an analysis of accounting and accounting education by Lawrence et al. (2013) in this journal. In that paper, the authors use the theory of autopoiesis to articulate and explore, what they argue is, an inappropriate conservatism in accounting. This aims to develop the insights offered by Lawrence et al., to advance the understanding of autopoiesis and to use the insights from the theory of autopoiesis to try and confront (what we see as) the resistance shown in business and accounting to the possibilities of a more substantive sustainability agenda. Design/methodology/approach The essay takes its departure point as the paper by Lawrence et al. and uses the theory of autopoiesis as a metaphorical lens through which to re-examine accounting, business and educational practice with respect to sustainability. Findings This paper depart somewhat from Lawrence et al.’s arguments and inferences but broadly supports their contentions that accounting and accounting education are autopoietic. Some advances are offered to the theory and some issues for future research are briefly speculated upon. The analysis succeeds in highlighting that the accounting, business and educational systems may well be protecting their “cores” but are doing so by ignoring crucial and life-threatening information. In autopoietic terms, the sub-systems are behaving as closed systems that are causing self-harm and are being psychopathic. It is speculate that accounting educators may be, themselves, acting as autopoietic persons. Research limitations/implications The essay, in identifying some of the empirical weaknesses inherent in the theory of autopoiesis in a social science context, suggests that the persuasiveness or otherwise of the theory will probably lie in the extent to which a reader finds the heuristic plausible and not in any easily testable propositions. The implications, if this limitation is accepted, are, broadly, that accounting and accounting education are acting psychopathically in the face of (arguably) life-threatening data. Practical Implications There are extensive implications for research and policy but only those for education are explored here. Social Implications If the analysis is persuasive, the implication for engagement with the exigencies of sustainability is profound and disturbing. Originality/value The paper has two primary purposes: to challenge and develop debate around Lawrence et al.’s arguments and to use autopoiesis as one explanation for the inertia around sustainability, business and accounting. The paper extends the theory of autopoiesis as articulated in accounting to embrace both the issue of nesting systems and the autopoietic person. The combination of these contributions is combined with Lawrence et al., in offering a substantive challenge to accounting educators: albeit a substantively different one than those authors offered. It is these matters of difference that ultimately challenge the authors’ roles as educators, researchers and accountants.

Russian financial policies may mitigate sanctions

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sovereign Debt ◽  
Foreign Currency ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Financial Policies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reserve Requirements ◽  
The Face ◽  
Card System ◽  
Budget Execution

Significance Russian policymakers are capitalising on underlying strengths such as high reserves, low sovereign debt and oil exports as they shape measures to mitigate existing and potential new Western sanctions. The central bank has played a critical role in maintaining macroeconomic stability in the face of sanctions; recent actions include adjusting international reserves to reduce exposure to sanctions risks, liquidating US-based assets and building up gold reserves. Impacts Possible shortfalls in new bond issuances will not have a major impact on budget execution. Banking system 'de-dollarisation' will grow following July's higher reserve requirements for foreign-currency-denominated assets. The National Payment Card System, used for all domestic electronic payment instructions, will be integrated with systems in China and Iran.

The uses of irresistible inference

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Murray
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Case Law ◽  
Inadequate Response ◽  
International Consensus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Money ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The Face

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assert that the exclusive use of predicate offence as a means of proving money laundering is an inadequate response to the level of threat presented by the crime. It aims to promote the concept of “irresistible inference” from UK case law as a basis for establishing international consensus that this provides an alternative and possibly more effective means of prosecuting the crime.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers academic research into the incidence of money laundering and the effectiveness of anti‐money laundering measures; it considers the efficacy of current UK legislation on money laundering; assesses legal views on recent developments in UK case law relating to the concept of “irresistible inference”; identifies what “irresistible inference” looks like and asserts its practical value as an alternative basis for proving criminality of funds in money laundering prosecutions.FindingsAn effective international response to the increasing threat to international institutions posed by money laundering requires development of new approaches to proving criminality of funds. The use of irresistible inference as an alternative to predicate offence, however, requires development of the international understanding of what it looks like in order that relevant policy makers and legal decision makers can deploy it with confidence so that it is able to make the significant contribution to the international effort against money laundering it is capable of.Practical implicationsTo facilitate the necessary international consensus, it may be necessary in some jurisdictions to amend legislation where it currently relies on predicate offence for the prosecution of money laundering cases.Social implicationsA failure to effectively combat international money laundering implies acceptance of an attitude of complacency in the face of increasing exposure to levels of threat in the form of political and social corruption, organized crime and terrorism that ought to be unacceptable to the international community.Originality/valueInternational acceptance of “irresistible inference” as a means of proving criminality in money laundering cases would deliver a radically more hostile environment for international money launderers. This paper is designed to open up thinking along these lines across international borders.

scholarly journals Role of Activins in Hepcidin Regulation during Malaria

2017 ◽  
Vol 85 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Spottiswoode ◽  
Andrew E. Armitage ◽  
Andrew R. Williams ◽  
Alex J. Fyfe ◽  
Sumi Biswas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Berghei ◽  
Malaria Infection ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Smad Pathway ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hepcidin Expression ◽  
Smad Signaling Pathway ◽  
Controlled Human Malaria Infection ◽  
Life Threatening

ABSTRACT Epidemiological observations have linked increased host iron with malaria susceptibility, and perturbed iron handling has been hypothesized to contribute to the potentially life-threatening anemia that may accompany blood-stage malaria infection. To improve our understanding of these relationships, we examined the pathways involved in regulation of the master controller of iron metabolism, the hormone hepcidin, in malaria infection. We show that hepcidin upregulation in Plasmodium berghei murine malaria infection was accompanied by changes in expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/sons of mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) pathway target genes, a key pathway involved in hepcidin regulation. We therefore investigated known agonists of the BMP/SMAD pathway and found that Bmp gene expression was not increased in infection. In contrast, activin B, which can signal through the BMP/SMAD pathway and has been associated with increased hepcidin during inflammation, was upregulated in the livers of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice; hepatic activin B was also upregulated at peak parasitemia during infection with Plasmodium chabaudi. Concentrations of the closely related protein activin A increased in parallel with hepcidin in serum from malaria-naive volunteers infected in controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) clinical trials. However, antibody-mediated neutralization of activin activity during murine malaria infection did not affect hepcidin expression, suggesting that these proteins do not stimulate hepcidin upregulation directly. In conclusion, we present evidence that the BMP/SMAD signaling pathway is perturbed in malaria infection but that activins, although raised in malaria infection, may not have a critical role in hepcidin upregulation in this setting.

Ion Channel Remodelling in Atrial Fibrillation

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niels Voigt ◽  
Dobromir Dobrev ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ion Channel ◽  
Antiarrhythmic Drugs ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Bleeding Complications ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Cardiovascular Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and is associated with substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with stroke being the most critical complication. Present drugs used for the therapy of AF (antiarrhythmics and anticoagulants) have major limitations, including incomplete efficacy, risks of life-threatening proarrhythmic events and bleeding complications. Non-pharmacological ablation procedures are efficient and apparently safe, but the very large size of the patient population allows ablation treatment of only a small number of patients. These limitations largely result from limited knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of AF and there is a hope that a better understanding of the molecular basis of AF may lead to the discovery of safer and more effective therapeutic targets. This article reviews the current knowledge about AF-related ion-channel remodelling and discusses how these alterations might affect the efficacy of antiarrhythmic drugs.

Autophagy Modulators and Neuroinflammation

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 955-982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoung Sang Cho ◽  
Jang Ho Lee ◽  
Jeiwon Cho ◽  
Guang-Ho Cha ◽  
Gyun Jee Song
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Scientific Interest ◽  
Therapeutic Tools ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Background: Neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the development and progression of various neurological disorders. Therefore, various studies have focused on the development of neuroinflammation inhibitors as potential therapeutic tools. Recently, the involvement of autophagy in the regulation of neuroinflammation has drawn substantial scientific interest, and a growing number of studies support the role of impaired autophagy in the pathogenesis of common neurodegenerative disorders. Objective: The purpose of this article is to review recent research on the role of autophagy in controlling neuroinflammation. We focus on studies employing both mammalian cells and animal models to evaluate the ability of different autophagic modulators to regulate neuroinflammation. Methods: We have mostly reviewed recent studies reporting anti-neuroinflammatory properties of autophagy. We also briefly discussed a few studies showing that autophagy modulators activate neuroinflammation in certain conditions. Results: Recent studies report neuroprotective as well as anti-neuroinflammatory effects of autophagic modulators. We discuss the possible underlying mechanisms of action of these drugs and their potential limitations as therapeutic agents against neurological disorders. Conclusion: Autophagy activators are promising compounds for the treatment of neurological disorders involving neuroinflammation.

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