Evaluating the temporal dimension of legitimisation strategies

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 282-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren Maroun

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how social disclosures by one of the world’s largest producers of Platinum Group Metals are used to maintain and repair legitimacy in the context of South Africa’s prevailing socio-economic conditions and in response to the immediate challenge to legitimacy posed by violent worker demonstrations taking place at its operations in Marikana during August 2012. This is done to highlight how legitimacy strategies take account of the temporal characteristics of a threat to legitimacy and how these, in turn, may constrain the need for far-reaching organisational change. Design/methodology/approach Suchman’s (1995) outline of legitimacy theory and Laughlin’s (1991) model of organisational change provide a frame of reference for a detailed thematic content analysis which identifies the use of different strategies by an organization to respond to threats to its credibility and how these impact, resulting changes to business philosophies, policies and systems. Findings The study highlights the temporal dimension of legitimisation strategies. Social-related disclosures provided by the case entity in response to labour unrest are aimed at addressing both the episodic and continual threat to legitimacy resulting from the unfavourable event. These also have the effect of limiting the extent of internal changes to select business policies and sub-systems. Carefully managing legitimacy allows the case entity to avoid the need to reformulate its business ethos. Research limitations/implications The study deals only with a single case organisation. Although the emphasis is on highlighting themes and principles, results are not necessarily applicable in different contexts. Related to this, although the study deals with a major South African mining company, it does not prove the relevance of local cultural differences to the legitimisation process. Originality/value The study dispenses with the use of proxies, such as frequencies of disclosures, to demonstrate how organisations use non-financial reporting to secure legitimacy. Instead, it offers a detailed account of how different sub-sets of legitimacy are being mobilised in corporate reports response to long-term and episodic legitimacy considerations. In addition, the study offers one of the first interpretive accounts of how strategies used to manage legitimacy may constrain the potential of a material external shock resulting in internal organisational change. Finally, the study offers one of the first examples of the operation of legitimacy and organisational change theory from the African Continent.

Significance These have long been matters of serious concern. President Cyril Ramaphosa on August 5 responded with a cabinet reshuffle that replaced the minister of defence, closed down the ministry of state security and moved intelligence agencies into the presidency. Impacts Planned cuts to security force budgets will be politically unsustainable. Ramaphosa’s decision to retain Minister of Police Bheki Cele in post casts doubt on the prospects of much-needed police reform. Incorporating intelligence functions into the presidency may speed reforms but also poses long-term dangers of more abuses.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenton Lawson ◽  
Larissa Statsenko ◽  
Morteza Shokri-Ghasabeh

Purpose Adopting a qualitative research design and following a single case study research methodology 21 semi-structured interviews with asset integrity project managers (PM), project sponsors (PS) and members of the project management office (PMO) were conducted. These were complemented with company’s project management framework documents and tools and direct observation by the researcher’s observation. Design/methodology/approach The data on the value creation in the mining asset integrity and improvement project portfolio was collected through 21 interviews with PM, PS and members of the PMO and complemented by observational data and the analysis of the Australian mining company process documentation. Findings The study finds that establishing a culture of delivering value supported by functional governance is critical for effective value creation practice in asset integrity and improvement project portfolios. In addition, early engagement of the key stakeholders with clearly defined roles and utilisation of project value management artifacts, enables effective value delivery throughout the project lifecycle. Originality/value The research offers an empirically grounded framework to facilitate value creation throughout the project lifecycle in asset integrity and improvement project portfolios drawing on a benchmarking case of an Australian mining company.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 464-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Eryigit

Purpose Availability of accurate and reliable information in financial markets helps investors make well-informed decisions on capital allocations which is beneficial for long-term economic growth. In this regards, the role of auditing firms that inspect the financial statements of the publicly traded companies in sound operation of financial markets has been increasing. The Capital Market Board of Turkey (CMBT) has the task and responsibility of investigating fraudulent information disseminated by the firms whose stocks are traded in Borsa Istanbul. The investigations can lead to monetary penalties if fraud is proven and the results are published by CMBT in its weekly bulletin. The present study aims to examine the effect of announcements of financial irregularities of companies in CMBT Bulletin on the performance of the relevant company stock in the short term. Design/methodology/approach This study uses abnormal return, cumulative abnormal return and cumulative average abnormal return as metrics and parametric, as well as non-parametric tests to ascertain whether the announcements of financial irregularities in company operations have any statistically significant effect on the return of its stock. Findings The results indicate that publication of the financial penalty news by CMBT in its bulletin has almost no statistically significant influence on the performance of the relevant companies’ stock in Borsa Istanbul. The findings indicate that either the investors in this particular markets do not consider such news relevant to long-term success of the firm or the announcement does not provide any new information and penalties have been priced into the stock before the announcement in the bulletin. Originality/value In literature there is no more research about the effect of the announcements of administrative monetary penalties and crime complaints on the stock returns.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 642-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maroua Tlili ◽  
Hakim Ben Othman ◽  
Khaled Hussainey

Purpose Despite the growing literature on integrated reporting (IR) adoption and the emphasis on integrated thinking capitals, prior research works only focused on the financial and non-financial reporting rather than the cornerstones of IR. In order to fill this gap, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the value relevance of organizational capital (OC) after the mandatory adoption of IR in South Africa over the period 2006–2015. Design/methodology/approach The authors have used quantitative methods to test the hypotheses. The South African context is unique since the Johannesburg Stock Exchange is the first to mandate listed firms to adopt IR following King III report in March 2010. Findings The findings provide the first evidence, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, on the positive and significant impact of IR adoption on the value relevance of OC. Originality/value The authors contribute to IR literature by providing new insight on the value relevance of one capital from a new perspective addressing the importance of resources as inputs to the business model highlighted by integrated thinking in the IR framework. The findings derive various implications for the International Integrated Reporting Council, managers, decision makers and the research community.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-396
Author(s):  
Pierre-Laurent Bescos ◽  
Aude Deville ◽  
Philippe Foulquier

PurposeThis paper examines the roles of the balanced scorecard (BSC) in a long-term perspective and with a large deployment along numerous hierarchical levels. For this purpose, we use a longitudinal analysis of an implementation in a mutual insurance company.Design/methodology/approachWe combine actor–network theory (ANT) with interventionist research (IVR) to analyze the interrelation between human and non-human actors. Our study is based on various materials like interviews, meeting reports, graphs and so on.FindingsThe BSC is considered as a non-human actor which influences the human actors and provides specific benefits from a long-term use, due to various roles played by this tool (a mediator role, completed by a role of translator and revealer).Research limitations/implicationsResearch based on larger cross-sectional studies are necessary to more deeply validate our results based on a single case study.Practical implicationsThis paper gives some insights on processes and on actors an organization can mobilize to maintain the benefits provided by a large BSC use in the long run.Originality/valueIn line with the ANT concepts, our main contribution is to explain the outcomes of an innovation in management accounting by the consequences of adaptation mechanisms grounded on actors, translations, alliances and trials of strength.


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Adderley ◽  
Duane Mellor

Purpose – Recently David Jones in Who Cares Wins proposed sustainability as being essential for businesses success over the coming decades. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the development of a partnership between an environmental non-government organisation (NGO) (world wildlife fund-UK) and a major retailer (Marks and Spencer). The partnership developed three “types”, sponsorship, technical and communication partnerships. Design/methodology/approach – A grounded theory approach was taken; information was gathered using semi-structured interviews. Data from these interviews were then triangulated with corporate materials to allow generalisations to develop. Findings – Through the three “types” of partnership themes of conflict and project drift were identified, although the overarching “Plan A” commitment is seen as a potential exemplar in sustainability. Difficulties were identified with respect to the dissemination of the outputs from the partnership, some of which were too complex, where others appeared to change to be more appealing to the consumer. Social implications – Although a single case study, it highlights the challenges and benefits to both partners. As such, it provides insight into the practical issues of delivering sustainability commitments and projects in partnership. Such approaches are critical not only for the viability of business, but also for the long-term health of our planet. Originality/value – This represents a case study of the development of a sustainable partnership between a large corporate and an NGO, which could represent a template for sustainable business. This paper in responds to the growing demand for such case-study examples.


Author(s):  
Grahame Pitts

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide experienced insights to help entrepreneurs to maximise organisational change and achieve long term business growth and success.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on personal experience ‐ as a mentor/coach for over 15 years ‐ working directly with entrepreneurs who are looking to make breakthroughs with their business or for themselves as individuals.FindingsBecause so many businesses fail, the impact of the entrepreneur ‐ the business leader ‐ is critical. The transition from entrepreneurial control to business management is crucial and if not well handled can result in missed opportunities, failure or even sabotage.Originality/valueThe paper will interest entrepreneurs and SMEs, but is also targeted at larger organisations which invest in organisational change. The paper emphasises the key link between leadership, personal development and business growth.


2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-159
Author(s):  
Jen Waring ◽  
Jerome Carson

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Jen Waring. Design/methodology/approach – Jen provides a short biographical description of her life. She is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings – Jen talks about her long battle with mental health problems and what has sustained her over this time. She talks about the crucial importance of support from both loved ones and professionals, as well as medication. Research limitations/implications – Single case studies are of course just one person’s story. Given Jen is an academic biologist, she not only has a unique way of looking at mental illness, she can see the potential of developing approaches in the biological understanding for people experiencing mental distress. Practical implications – Jen’s account shows the need for long-term support for more severe mental health problems. There are no quick fixes! It also highlights the need for interventions at biological, psychological and social levels. Social implications – People need “somewhere to live, someone to love and something meaningful to do” (Rachel Perkins). Many sufferers do not have all three. Services may only be able to provide two of these. Originality/value – Accounts of mental illness recovery by academics can often provide the authors with amazing insights into the world of the mentally distressed. They can also serve as an inspiration to the many students who experience mental distress.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Subhash Abhayawansa ◽  
Carol Adams

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate non-financial reporting (NFR) frameworks insofar as risk reporting is concerned. This is facilitated through analysis of the adequacy of climate- and pandemic-related risk reporting in three industries that are both significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are at risk from climate change. The pervasiveness of pandemic and climate-change risks have been highlighted in 2020, the hottest year on record and the year the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Stakeholders might reasonably expect reporting on these risks to have prepared them for the consequences. Design/methodology/approach The current debate on the “complexity” of sustainability and NFR frameworks/standards is critically analysed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and calls to “build back better”. Context is provided through analysis of risk reporting by the ten largest airlines and the five largest companies in each of the hotel and cruise industries. Findings Risk reporting on two significant issues, pandemics and climate change, is woefully inadequate. While very little consideration has been given to pandemic risks, disclosures on climate-related risks focus predominantly on “risks” of increased regulation rather than physical risks, indicating a short-term focus. The disclosures are dispersed across different corporate reporting media and fail to appreciate the long-term consequences or offer solutions. Mindful that a conceptual framework for NFR must address this, the authors propose a new definition of materiality and recommend that sustainable development risks and opportunities be placed at the core of a future framework for connected/integrated reporting. Research limitations/implications For sustainable development risks to be perceived as “real” by managers, further research is needed to determine the nature and extent of key sustainable development risks and the most effective mitigation strategies. Social implications This paper highlights the importance of recognising the complexity of the issues facing organisations, society and the planet and addressing them by encouraging robust consideration of the interdependencies in evolving approaches to corporate reporting. Originality/value This study contributes to the current debate on the future of corporate reporting in light of two significant interconnected crises that threaten business and society – the pandemic and climate change. It provides evidence to support a long-term oriented and holistic approach to risk management and reporting.


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