scholarly journals Business founding in biotech industry: process and features

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
pp. 1183-1219
Author(s):  
Biagio Ciao

Purpose This paper aims to construct a process model of business founding in the biotech industry. Design/methodology/approach An inductive method is used, and five case studies analyzed. Data are coded by applying Gioia’s method. Findings Aspirant entrepreneurs conduct resource analysis and industry analysis to formulate research and development targets. They perform transactions and networks because they require resources, and they then deploy and coordinate these resources. Such coordination generates activities with social and financial impacts. Research limitations/implications The results are specific to the biotech industry. A future study could examine business founding processes in other industries (e.g. entertainment, fashion, public utilities and sport). Additionally, the paper argues that during the founding process entrepreneurs show little concern for knowledge-sharing risk, as they want to collaborate to implement their ideas. Quantitative papers could test the consequences of such behavior. Practical implications The process model provides insights into aspirant founders on how to start a business in the biotech industry. Originality/value The paper shows: the differences between the founding process in the biotech industry versus other industries; and the shape of the Bower–Burgelman model in the context of biotech business founding. The paper delineates how private companies discover competencies in the public sector; a model of technology transfer from public to private sector; entrepreneurs’ absence of risk perceptions regarding knowledge-sharing during founding; and how conferences can serve as vehicles for benchmarking in networking.

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 1921-1941
Author(s):  
Yakub Karagoz ◽  
Naomi Whiteside ◽  
Axel Korthaus

Purpose This paper aims to extend the theory relating to knowledge sharing barriers and enablers in the public sector information and communication technology (ICT) project context. Design/methodology/approach A case study method was used whereby project managers from each of the seven departments of the Victorian Public Sector in Australia were interviewed about their knowledge sharing practice. A semi-structured interview instrument based on Riege’s (2005) barrier framework was used to explore the barriers to knowledge sharing that they experienced as part of their work. Findings The study found that many of Riege’s (2005) barriers did not apply in the public sector ICT project environment, demonstrating that context matters. In addition, five enablers were identified, resulting in a new model of enablers and barriers to knowledge sharing in public sector ICT projects. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on a single case, the Victorian Public Sector, and consequently the results are not generalisable. Future research should explore the applicability of the model in other public sector ICT project contexts. Practical implications The study highlights the relationship between knowledge sharing and the project manager and the role it plays in project delivery. The model presented provides a starting point for public sector practitioners to develop their knowledge sharing practice, potentially enhancing project outcomes in the process. Originality/value This study examines barriers to knowledge sharing in an under-researched context, that of the public sector ICT project environment. It builds on current theory and provides insights for practitioners in the public sector.


2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 303-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Lazazzara ◽  
Stefano Za

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine whether subjective age – i.e., how old or young individuals experience themselves to be – affects explicit and tacit knowledge sharing (KS) in the public sector. Moreover, the study explores the moderating effect of three socio-organisational factors, namely KS attitude, co-workers age similarity and organisational structure, on the relationship between subjective age and KS. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from employees working in public (n=144) and hybrid (n=263) Italian organisations. Hierarchical linear multiple regression analysis was employed to examine the multivariate effects on explicit and tacit KS. Findings Employees who perceive themselves to be older than they actually are experience lower explicit KS in the public sector. In addition, the moderating effect of age similarity and organisational structure on the relationship between subjective age and tacit KS was found to be significant. Practical implications This study may help managers and policy makers to manage age-diverse workforce operating in highly structured and formalised organisations and to develop HR programmes aimed at fostering KS. Originality/value This is the first study linking subjective age to KS in the public sector. This is an extremely interesting context due to the high average age and oldest workforce composition. In this way, the paper extends the literature on subjective age and work-related outcomes and may potentially contribute to the debate regarding KS practices in public organisations.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tove Sohlberg ◽  
Patrik Karlsson

Purpose Health promotion strategies often attempt to change people’s behavior through targeting their risk perceptions. These perceptions may, however, be moderated by other factors. This study therefore aimed at investigating the trustworthiness and consistency of risk information, as well as respondent perceptions of the adequacy of amount received among a representative sample of former smokers, and how this information is related to gender, age, education level and whether using nicotine or not. Design/methodology/approach The respondents are part of a seven-year follow-up of former smokers in Sweden. Initially, 1400 respondents were contacted, whereof 705 (response rate 50%) answered a Web-survey. The majority (85 %) was still nicotine-free but some made use of nicotine in different forms. The data analysis includes descriptive statistics and logistic regressions. Findings Most respondents trusted risk information whether offered by the public authorities or came from other sources such as media, and generally perceived that there was an adequate amount. However, there were some differences between the products, where quite a few distrusted information on Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs) and some perceived the information on snus and NRTs as contradictory and too little. Originality/value Knowledge about how former smokers perceive information regarding negative aspects of cigarette use may facilitate more effective risk communication with current smokers, and it may also be important for communicating information about other nicotine products to those who are trying to or who already have quit smoking.


Subject Outlook for corporate social responsibility. Significance Through regulation or incentives, the public sector encourages private companies to channel resources into programmes with a societal benefit. These programmes reflect the company's value system as a social actor and are encompassed under the umbrella of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Traditionally, the decision to initiate CSR was within the company's purview. This is changing, as legislation incentivises private companies to develop corporate social investment (CSI) programmes, bringing benefits above those directly associated with core business activities. CSI is the actualisation of the company's CSR. Impacts The growing number of companies engaged in CSR will need to be supported by advisory services and financial guidance. In developing countries, more programmes will empower women as economic drivers and not merely as assistance recipients. As CSR matures in developing countries, the stakeholders' scope of activities will broaden to include policy and governance. CSI may increase the fragmentation of efforts, as bilateral and multilateral coordination among companies will take time and resources.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aksel I. Rokkan ◽  
Sven A. Haugland

Purpose This paper aims to develop a theoretical framework based on transaction cost economics that identifies key factors shaping public agencies’ governance of supplier relationships and related performance implications. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents an extended transaction cost framework for research on public procurement (PP) with a corresponding set of propositions. Transaction cost theory and specific features of and challenges to the PP function identified in extant literature constitute the main elements of the framework. Findings This conceptual paper makes three sets of proposals. First, public agencies tend to rely on market governance of supplier relationships and when PP deploys non-market governance, such governance tends to be of a unilateral (vs bilateral) kind. Second, increases in purchasing competence and autonomy of PP and particularly if implemented in tandem, will reduce PP’s overreliance on market governance and increase PP’s use of non-market governance. Third, PP should perform better for less complex transactions – and when contracting complexity relates to safeguarding of specific assets rather than when complexity relates to environmental and behavioral uncertainty. Increases in competence and autonomy should increase PP’s performance, particularly for complex transactions. Practical implications Public agencies may be in a better position to align governance solutions with transaction complexities by developing their procurement competence, decentralizing procurement decisions and increasing the flexibility of national and international procurement regulations. Private companies selling to public agencies need to be aware of and able to adapt to PP practices such as extensive use of market governance and unilateral governance as the primary form of non-market governance. Social implications The paper discusses how public agencies can improve procurement performance through better alignment of governance of supplier relationships with transaction attributes and thereby increase the quality of public services. Originality/value The paper relies on a well-established theoretical perspective, enabling identification (and, potentially, correction) of governance misalignment in the public sector.


2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 430-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karn Marwaha

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to analyze the legal provisions relating to the protection extended to the private company employees who blows the whistle. It is a major requirement of the country that Whistle Blowers Protection Act should not only be made compulsory for public sector but also be made compulsory for private companies of any size so that illegal activities could be identified and major risk could be avoided. Presently, private sector is growing rapidly, and it has a growth in way of economic resources, and private sector is also entering into the public domain by privatization, so exclusion of private sector by the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2011 is very dangerous. Design/methodology/approach The researcher has resorted to primary as well as secondary sources of data. The primary sources of data are the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2011, Official Secrets Act, 1923, Right to Information Act, 2005, The 179th Law commission report, report of Second Administrative Reforms Commissions, 2007 and recommendations made by Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievance, Law and Justice, 2011. The secondary data are the books and articles of different authors. Findings This Act provides a mechanism to receive complaints and inquire into the allegations of corruption or willful misuse of power by the public servants only. Although, this act has not come into existence, but on bare perusal, it seems to be inadequate and still needs more amendments for efficient outcomes or else the zeal of whistle blowers particularly in a private sector will fade away. The need of exhaustive and complete law is also necessary so that the evils like corruption can be curbed completely and effectively. Originality/value Private sector, if included in the above-mentioned act, would definitely resolve the problem, but on the same hand, it will raise the question of space that needs to be given to private organization. So in concluding remarks, the author would like to suggest that, to improve the organizational quality of private sector, there should be a national legislation which should deal with substantial guidelines that needs to be adopted by private companies. There is a significant need to raise the standard of corporate governance in India, only then it could achieve stability, transparency and growth.


2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 234-236
Author(s):  
Barry Moseley

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of being aware of current tax regulations for both the public and private sector. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses some of the recent news around large corporations and their tax systems to support the argument for more awareness of tax avoidance. Whilst using the recent UK regulations into reporting of non PAYE workers as a case study. Findings – More needs to be done to ensure businesses are aware and comply to the regulations around non-PAYE employees. Originality/value – Entirely original content, citing examples from government regulation and private companies experience.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 1264-1287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammadbashir Sedighi ◽  
Stephan Lukosch ◽  
Frances Brazier ◽  
Mohsen Hamedi ◽  
Cees van Beers

Purpose This paper aims to explore the relationships between participants’ perceived benefits of sharing knowledge privately, within a group or with the general public within an organisational knowledge network. The quality and quantity of knowledge shared are explored in relation to the level of knowledge sharing visibility (both content and participants’ profiles). Design/methodology/approach A research framework of perceived benefits of knowledge sharing is designed; survey and content analysis are used to explore influences of perceived benefits on the quantity and quality of knowledge shared by participants for each level of knowledge sharing within an organisation. The research model is empirically tested using a questionnaire survey with 205 participants and content analysis of their contributions in a high-tech corporate group. This study uses the partial least squares path-modelling method to explore relationships between constructs of the research model. Findings The current research results show that intrinsic benefits are more influential than extrinsic benefits for private knowledge sharing, while extrinsic rewards play an important role at the public knowledge sharing within organisations. In addition, results indicate that both the quality and quantity of knowledge sharing at the group-level knowledge sharing are significantly higher than at the private and the public levels. Practical implications Contemporary knowledge management systems are developed by integrating communication channels in different visibility levels of knowledge exchange. Managers of knowledge management systems are advised to use the research outcome for developing incentive strategies in different levels. Originality/value In contrast to previous studies that focus on only one level of knowledge sharing, this paper explores relationships between perceived benefits of knowledge sharing with the quantity and quality of shared knowledge for three distinct levels of knowledge sharing.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1218-1244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amitabh Anand ◽  
Isabelle Walsh ◽  
Sandra Moffett

Purpose Despite the strong focus on virtues in firms, humility is little recognized in the management literature and, more particularly in the literature about knowledge sharing (KS). Despite efforts to foster KS among employees in firms, the effectiveness of this process narrows down to the dyadic relationship between the knowledge seeker and provider within firm. This paper aims to investigate the role of humility in the KS process in dyadic activity. Design/methodology/approach The authors undertake an exploratory investigation to fill some of the gaps found in the literature. The paper draws insights from psychology, history, religion, current events and management literature. Findings The authors identify several individual propensities that help predict humility towards sharing knowledge from seeker (humble knowledge-inquiry) and provider perspectives (humble response). They propose a new conceptual process model of KS with humility as an important variable to consider. This work highlights several promising directions for future research. Originality/value As per the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that investigates the role of humility in knowledge sharing from dyadic perspective. The authors also introduce concepts of humble knowledge inquiry and humble response in a dyadic context for effective knowledge sharing process.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-154
Author(s):  
Ahmad Raza Bilal ◽  
Tehreem Fatima ◽  
Muhammad Kashif Imran

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advance the theoretical perspective of complexity leadership paradigm to introduce shared leadership style as a precursor of taking charge behavior in public sector higher educational institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan. Moreover, this study unveils the underlying mechanisms of the climate of initiative and psychological safety for clarifying the link of shared leadership and taking charge. Design/methodology/approach The multi-source and multi-wave data were analyzed by employing double mediation analysis (PROCESS Model 4); using 282 valid responses obtained from a proportionate stratified sample of faculty members working in public sector HEIs of Pakistan. Findings The result indicates that shared leadership is a suitable style for governing the public sector HEIs and it fosters taking charge behavior in teaching faculty. Additionally, shared leadership creates climates that support initiatives and are psychologically safe that set stage for taking charge behaviors in teaching faculty of public sector HEIs of Pakistan. Originality/value This research has filled the gap of focusing on more collaborative leadership styles instead of traditional vertical leadership practices in public sector HEIs of Pakistan. Theoretically, this study suggests new insights into the contextual antecedents and mediating mechanisms of taking charge behaviors.


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