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.

Managing paradoxes, dilemmas, and change

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubens Pauluzzo ◽  
Marta Guarda ◽  
Laura De Pretto ◽  
Tony Fang
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Value Orientations ◽  
Cultural Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Yin Yang ◽  
Case Study Data

Purpose Drawing on Fang’s (2012) Yin Yang theory of culture while taking up the roadmap proposed by Li (2016) for applying the epistemological system of Yin Yang balancing to complex issues in management research, in general, and to paradoxical issues, in particular, the purpose of this paper is to explore how organizations and individuals in the West can balance cultural paradoxes and manage culture dilemmas through the lens of Yin Yang wisdom. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a qualitative case study. Data are gathered through interviews, documents, and field observations in four subsidiaries of an Italian insurance multinational corporation and were analyzed according to the three parameters, i.e., situation, context, and time (Fang, 2012). Findings The findings show how the integration and learning from seemingly opposite cultures and sets of values lead the organization and individuals to balancing cultural paradox and managing cultural dilemma effectively. With regard to situation, the authors find that both organizations and customers choose the most relevant value(s) to take advantage of specific events or circumstances, and that different value orientations can coexist. As for context, the authors show that organizations can adapt their values either through suppression and/or promotion, which can foster individuals to find new balancing within the paradox. In terms of time, the authors show that the process of learning from other cultures over time can play a role in the shift of people’s and organizations’ choices of attitudes and value orientations. Originality/value The paper suggests the relevance and usefulness of adopting Yin Yang wisdom to uncover the dynamic process of cultural learning in Western scenarios.

The linkage between knowledge management practices and organization based projects for better learning outcome

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 166-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parijat Upadhyay ◽  
Manas Paul
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Business School ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices ◽  
Comprehensive Framework ◽  
Industry Needs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework to understand and reflect upon issues, which can help in producing better industry-ready students graduating from business schools. Design/methodology/approach The paper examines research conducted in the area of knowledge management (KM) and proposes a conceptual framework that can be used by academic institutions to engage students and prepare them for industry needs so that they are better industry-ready graduates. A case study based approach has been adopted in this study. Findings In line with the literature-based analysis, a framework for better industry ready students has been proposed, illustrating the linkage between KM, learning from organization-based projects, industry feedback and inputs from international accreditation bodies in higher education. Originality/value This paper has provided a comprehensive framework that contributes to the understanding and refining the academic processes in a business school setting with the help of learning from academic KM process. Such a framework has not been previously developed by previous researchers.

Transferring family logic within a multinational corporation

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hitoshi Iwashita
Keyword(s):  
International Business ◽  
Multinational Corporation ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Business Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Japanese Management ◽  
The Family ◽  
Subsidiary Management ◽  
Japanese Management Practices

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to extend the understandingof how family logic is transferred through mundane practices across the subsidiaries of a Japanese multinational corporation (MNC) in different national contexts. Design/methodology/approach In order to fulfil this purpose, a comparative qualitative case study was adopted with emphasis on actors’ interpretations. Findings Through qualitative data analysis, three findings and their theoretical significances can be summarised. First, it was found that the constellations of family, market and religion logics were transferred differently. This is significant for Japanese management scholars since it illuminates the importance of actors who perceive the (non-) necessity of logics in a Japanese MNC facing institutional dualities. Second, it was found that the family logic is enacted at different levels and with different boundaries. This is significant for both institutionalists and international business scholars since it highlights the strong influence of language and religion in the transfer of logics from one country to another. Third, it was found that the enactment of the family logic greatly affects the acceptability of Japanese management practices. This is significant for business managers since it further proposes an intimate relationship between Japanese management practices and the meanings attached to the family logic. Originality/value The originality of this work stems from an updated comparative qualitative study of the management of a Japanese MNCs’ subsidiaries across different countries, providing in-depth insights for international business, Japanese subsidiary management and institutional logics perspectives.

Assessment of facility management practices in public and private buildings in Akure and Ibadan cities, south-western Nigeria

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 366-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adedayo Johnson Ogungbile ◽  
Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Integrated Design ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Success Story ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Facility Manager ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to assess the facility management (FM) practices in public and private buildings, and compare the practices in both the buildings. This paper critically analysed the current FM practices and explored the range of contributions that the facility manager could offer in both public and private buildings. Design/methodology/approach – A case study of 19 public and 20 private buildings in Ibadan and Akure cities was carried out in this paper. Findings – The paper revealed that the state of FM awareness is higher in private buildings than in public buildings and that FM practices in the two types of buildings are significantly related, but the extent of usage of FM methods are significantly different in the buildings. It was also observed in the research that corrective and responsive FM practices are the order of the day in both public and private buildings. Practical implications – The paper acknowledged that the involvement of the facility manager with the integrated design team if implemented efficiently will contribute in reducing the need for major repairs and alterations in the lifespan of the facility and that the practices of preventive, planned and immediate responsive approaches would better the life of buildings. Social implications – The paper recommended that stricter action should be taken to mitigate against the poor handling and misuse of buildings by users, as it affects negatively the success story of FM in the country. Originality/value – This paper reached out to address the lack of proper FM in the country.

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.

Digitalisation and the performance measurement and management system: reinforcing empowerment

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eirik Bådsvik Hamre Korsen ◽  
Jonas A. Ingvaldsen
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Middle Managers ◽  
Performance Measurement System ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis study explores how information and communication technologies (ICT) can contribute to empowerment in an Industry 4.0 setting.Design/methodology/approachThe results are based on a case study of a Norwegian manufacturing organisation that has highly automated production and an integrated ICT platform. Data analysis was guided by the Smith and Bititci (2017) framework for performance measurement and management.FindingsWhen powered by advanced ICT, the performance measurement system matures. The design and development of the ICT platform also reinforce the organisation's existing performance management practices. Empowerment is strengthened when automated collection, analysis and reporting of performance data free up middle managers' time so that they, together with operators, can drive continuous improvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are limited to a single case study and require further testing for transferability to other organisations. Future research should explore whether performance management practices are also reinforced by ICT in more command- and control-oriented organisations.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests an alternative strategy of Industry 4.0 transformation for organisations committed to empowerment. Such organisations should rely on in-house, iterative ICT development and build digital competence broadly.Originality/valueThis article contributes to the understanding of how performance measurement and management are interrelated and evolve in the context of Industry 4.0. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, highlighting the role of middle managers in empowering operators through continuous improvement is novel in the performance measurement and management literature.

The experience economy approach to marketing Les Plus Beaux Villages brand in Russia

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 373-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anatoly Karpov ◽  
Alexander Merzlov
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Experience Economy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to analyze the possibilities for the development of an association of the most beautiful villages of Russia using an experience economy approach. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a case study approach based on the practices of the federation of the most beautiful villages of the Earth and the associations of the most beautiful villages of France, Italy, Japan, Canada and Germany. Findings Based on the analysis of the case studies of beautiful villages marketing in different countries and the methodology of the experience economy, the paper recommends essential changes in the management practices of the association of the most beautiful villages of Russia and its participants. Practical implications Several recommendations have been suggested for exploring, scripting and staging the experiences in beautiful villages of Russia. Originality/value The main output of this study is designed to provide guidance for the management of the association of the most beautiful villages of Russia, inhabitants of the most beautiful villages, rural tourism companies and local authorities in transition to the new experience economy approach accelerating the socioeconomic development of beautiful villages.

Verifying practical design on furniture industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 881-894
Author(s):  
Edu Grieco Mazzine Junior ◽  
Elpidio Oscar Benitez Nara ◽  
Liane Mahlmann Kipper ◽  
Julio Cezar Mairesse Siluk ◽  
Graciele Rediske
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
New Products ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Santa Maria ◽  
Do So

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to draw a picture on the reality of furniture industries in relation to management practices for project design of new products. Design/methodology/approach – In order to do so it was developed a multiple case study in three companies of the sector located in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. This study was based on verification criteria focussing on project’s lifecycle. Findings – As a result, it was possible to detect major faults from the organizations examined, it was found that processes are analyzed in a non-formalized and non-standardized way and, thus, restricting the integration of the projective stages, which reduced the quality of the final product. Originality/value – From the results obtained in the multiple case study, it was possible to propose actions managerial characteristics that demonstrate the process of design of new products as a result of an operational standard, integrated with the management practices of the organization.

scholarly journals Practice coordination by principles: a contemporary MNC approach to coordinating global practices

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Kristiansen ◽  
Roger Schweizer
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Single Case ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose In the mainstream international business literature on multinational corporations (MNCs), an authoritative central headquarter (HQ) that transfers standardised practices to its subsidiaries remains the norm. This study aims to explore how MNCs coordinate their management practices through principles. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on empirical findings from a qualitative in-depth single case study based on evidence-rich qualitative data including observations from how a high-tech MNC headquartered in Sweden coordinates its development practices. Findings An alternative informal coordination approach (i.e. coordination by principles) is identified. Additionally, antecedents and implications of the approach are presented. Practical implications Coordination by Principles may facilitate the internalisation of practices and be a feasible compromise between context adaptation and traditional standardisation, particularly for MNCs with highly heterogeneous research and development operations. Originality/value This paper highlights the importance of acknowledging that firm practices often are based on management ideas that HQs adopt to prevent loss of legitimacy. As such, this study contributes to the scarce literature that critically questions the assumption that HQs solely transfer practices to subsidiaries to improve subsidiary efficiency and performance.

The diffusion of management ideas within the MNC: under the sway of the corporate immune system

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Kristiansen ◽  
Roger Schweizer
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Multinational Company ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Development Practice

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to the multinational company (MNC) literature by studying the diffusion of a management idea within an MNC and its interaction with the MNC’s corporate immune system (CIS). Design/methodology/approach The qualitative single case study draws on evidence of how a management idea augments within an MNC and changes its development practice. Findings The study identifies four phases of the diffusion process and presents the interaction between the management idea and the CIS in each phase. Practical implications The more subsidiaries within an MNC that take the initiative to adopt a management idea, the harder will it become for the headquarters (HQ) to reject it. Thus, to ensure that changes in management practices are based on informed and, ideally, deliberate decisions, managers should critically evaluate management ideas immediately at inception. Originality/value The study breaks new ground by explaining how the CIS reacts to the diffusion of management ideas in MNCs.

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