Engendering leadership in the Indian workplace – a framework on cross-level linkages

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjya Chakravarty ◽  
Jyotsna Bhatnagar
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Sex Typing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Results ◽  
False Sense ◽  
Diversity Issues ◽  
Gender Based

Purpose Gender inequality is a critical economic challenge. A need to conceptualize and understand gender-based issues is of utmost importance to frame policies and processes for healthy workplaces. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This study attempts to capture the nuances of “gender diversity” issues at the Indian workplace from a grounded theory perspective by highlighting the viewpoints of women leaders and their organizations in the Indian context. Findings The findings reveal certain important themes. Indian organizations which have eliminated stereotyping and sex typing (stereotypical categorization of people according to conventional perceptions of sex) in roles and have implemented gender neutral policies and processes have become preferred employers and achieved better business results. Research limitations/implications The study has proposed a linkage framework (Figure 1) and has suggested ways to understand an organization’s gender imbalance and lack of gender leadership with factors in the micro and macro environment. Organizations may use this model to gain perspective and adapt and invent policies and processes to have more gender diversity at workplace, for sustainable business results. Organizations should deepen their understanding of how “engendering leadership” should be embedded into the macro, micro and meso levels of an organization. Practical implications Organizations that have created gender neutralism by procreating a performance and talent-driven culture find themselves creating positive business results. This was made possible by involving all stakeholders in the efforts to remove and negate gender myths and biases. A false sense of complacency, by creating rules and policies which were never implemented in spirit, proved to be detrimental. Social implications This research attempts to investigate gender diversity’s coherence with the other features of the broader social context. Originality/value To gain perspective of how this phenomenon is manifested in reality in the Indian organizations, the authors conducted a qualitative study to gain deep immersed insights. This research has attempted to contribute and enrich the literature on gender leadership using a grounded theory approach. None of the earlier gender-related studies have applied grounded theory as a methodology.

Exploring the process of workplace bullying in Indian organizations

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpana Rai ◽  
Upasna A. Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Workplace Bullying ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Validity Of Results ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hrm Practices ◽  
Bullying Policy ◽  
The Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the process of workplace bullying in Indian organizations from the victims’ perspective. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted the grounded theory approach and centered on the participants’ experiences, interpretations, and reactions toward bullying. In total, 23 self-reported victims formed the sample of the study. Data from interviews were analyzed using the coding procedure of grounded theory methodology. To enhance the validity of results, in addition to interviews, member checking technique was also used. Findings The study revealed that the process of workplace bullying in Indian organizations can be broadly explained in four sequential phases: exposure and confusion over mistreatment; making attributions; utilizing options within the organization; and adjustment with the current situation. The findings highlight the importance of sense-making, the social support network, complexity of coping behaviors, silence motives of employees as well as negative and nourishing effects of workplace bullying. The role of culture is visible in the bullying dynamics. Research limitations/implications The study examined bullying from the victims’ perspective; however, perpetrator and bystanders’ perspective would have added interesting insights into the findings. Practical implications The findings point toward the rhetoric of HRM practices in Indian organizations. A well formulated and implemented anti-bullying policy will reduce the rhetoric of HRM practices in Indian organizations. Originality/value The present study contributes to the limited literature on the process of workplace bullying by exploring the process in a new national context (India).

Consumer roles and values in selfie experience: a case of Korean young consumers

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoo Jin Kwon ◽  
Kyoung-Nan Kwon
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Web 2.0 ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Qualitative Research Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand the values consumers pursue and roles consumers partake in selfie practice. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research method was adopted. In-depth interviews were conducted with selfie enthusiasts. Data were analyzed with grounded theory approach. Findings Diverse activities and reflections pertaining to selfies were analyzed, which uncovered three consumer roles departmentalized and the nine values that selfie practice generates for consumers. The three roles are subject, photographer and user of selfies, and the roles are orchestrated together or selectively performed if necessary. In consequence of the interplay of performances and expectations of the roles, consumers pursue and gain four collaboratively created values and five individually created values. Originality/value Findings of the study expand the understanding of values of selfie practice and consumer roles in Web 2.0.

Use of 4.0 (I4.0) technology in HRM: a pathway toward SHRM 4.0 and HR performance

foresight ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajasshrie Pillai ◽  
Shilpi Yadav ◽  
Brijesh Sivathanu ◽  
Neeraj Kaushik ◽  
Pooja Goel
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hr Managers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the use of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technology and its barriers in human resourcemanagement (HRM) for Smart HR 4.0 and its impact on HR performance. Design/methodology/approach The research has been conducted using the grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 122 senior HR officers of national and multi-national companies in India after the extensive literature review. NVivo 8.0 software was used for the analysis of the interview data. Findings I4.0 technology is used for HRM functions by HR professionals. It is revealed that Smart HR 4.0 that emerged from the I4.0 technology has leveraged the HR performance. It is also found that usage barriers, traditional barriers and risk barriers affect the use of I4.0 technology in HRM. Originality/value A model is developed using the grounded theory approach for HR managers to understand the impact of I4.0 on HRM. This study reveals the barriers affecting the use of I4.0 technology in HRM. It also provides the model for HR performance that emerged through the use of I4.0 technology in HR and Smart HR 4.0. The research delivered key insights for the HR professionals, marketers of HR technology and technology developers.

Project management in higher education: a grounded theory case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 338-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth Porter
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Portfolio Management ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
Management Concepts ◽  
Qualitative Research Methodology

Purpose This paper analyzes project and portfolio management within a major research library, while it was undergoing a complete physical renovation and reinvention of programs and services. This is a complex, almost 100-million-dollar undertaking that implemented a project management (PM) methodology known as portfolio management. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the implementation and management of this process and provide a brief overview on project and portfolio management as a discipline. Additionally, it provides strengths and weaknesses as well as recommendations when implementing PM. Design/methodology/approach The analysis uses a qualitative research methodology case study with a theoretical foundation of inductive grounded theory. The case study is based primarily on seven interviews of project managers who are involved with the project. It also uses document analysis to assist in triangulating the findings and provide a contextual overview of a complex process. A number of themes emerged into overall categories and findings. Findings The key takeaways were the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the process. The strengths were improved communication and transparency, improved organization and documentation and formal decision-making process and resource allocation. The weaknesses were the hammer and the nail problem, the tools and paperwork, rigidity and the lack of agility within the process. This study also describes the process in detail and gives recommendations for improving the methods implemented in similar circumstances. Originality/value This paper analyzes strategic management concepts from an empirical grounded theory approach and real-world perspective with key recommendations.

Indian shopper motivation to use artificial intelligence

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Komal Chopra
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Expectancy Theory ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Motivation ◽  
Young Consumers ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach ◽  
Theory Of Motivation ◽  
Vroom's Expectancy Theory ◽  
Expectancy Theory Of Motivation

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand motivation of young consumers to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as chatbots, voice assistants and augmented reality in shopping by generating Vroom’s expectancy theory of motivation using grounded theory approach.Design/methodology/approachGrounded theory approach has been used to develop the Vroom’s expectancy theory. Initially data were collected through participant interviews using theoretical sampling. These data were analyzed and coded using the three step process, i.e. open coding, axial coding and selective coding. The categories created during coding were integrated to generate Vroom’s expectancy theory of motivation.FindingsThe findings indicate that Vroom’s expectancy theory of motivation can be used to explain motivation of young consumers to use AI tools as an aid in taking shopping decisions. The motivation may be intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation or force choice motivation. Expectancy represents the ease of using the tools, instrumentality represents competence of tools in performing desired tasks while valence represents satisfaction, rewarding experience and trust in using of tools.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the study are based on grounded theory approach which is an inductive approach. Alternate research methodologies, both inductive and deductive, need to be employed to strengthen the external validity and generalize the results. The study is limited to shopping motives of young consumers in India. A comparison with other consumer motivational studies has not been done. Hence no claim is made regarding the advantage of Vroom’s theory over other motivational theories.Practical implicationsThe study has strong implications for retailers in developing countries which are seen as an emerging market for retail and have introduced AI tools in recent years. The Vroom’s expectancy theory will help retailers to understand consumer motivation in using AI tools or shopping.Originality/valueVroom’s expectancy theory to understand consumer motivation to use AI tools in shopping was generated using the grounded theory approach.

Exploring bullying among Indian managers: a grounded theory approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 588-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Upasna A. Agarwal ◽  
Arpana Rai
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Workplace Bullying ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Validity Of Results ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Outcome Relationship ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach ◽  
Intervening Factors

Purpose This paper aims to explore the phenomenon of workplace bullying – its nature, antecedents, direct and indirect effects – from victim’s perspective. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted grounded theory approach and centered on the participants experiences and interpretations of bullying. A total of 23 self-reported victims formed the sample of our study. Data from interviews were analyzed using the coding procedure of grounded theory methodology. To enhance validity of results, in addition to interviews, creative drawings were used for triangulation. Findings The study reveals some similarities and culturally relevant variation in the sources and outcomes of bullying. The role of culture on bullying is visible. The study also adds to the limited literature on underlying and intervening factors in bullying–outcome relationship. Research limitations/implications The study examined bullying from the victim’s perspective. Perpetrator and bystander’s perspectives would have added interesting insights into the findings. Practical implications Effective identification of, prevention of and intervention in workplace bullying are imperative for individuals and organizations. Rich descriptions from victims on enablers of bullying and how these events have affected their everyday experiences may also boost practitioners’ and policymakers’ willingness to rectify the potential issues leading to bullying in organizations. Originality/value The present study contributes to the workplace bullying research in general and Indian context in particular by examining contextually relevant antecedents, consequences as well as underlying and intervening factors.

Drivers and differentiators: a grounded theory study of procurement in public and private organizations

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-285
Author(s):  
Dolores Kuchina-Musina ◽  
John Charles Morris ◽  
Joshua Steinfeld
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Private Organizations ◽  
Contracting Process ◽  
Federal Contracting ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine procurement professionals’ perceptions of public-private partnerships in contract arrangements and to explore decision-making that takes place in the contracting process. Design/methodology/approach A grounded theory approach is applied to Simon’s (1947) model of decision-making to better understand the perceptions of procurement professionals, especially because it pertains to public vs private sector contexts. The researchers collected data by conducting interviews and observing a compliance webinar of federal contracting employees. Findings The results show that in the decision-making process, Simon’s illustration of a means-end hierarchy is applicable for procurement decision-making because it is driven by activities that are evaluated using aims established by the organization. Practical implications The implications are that, in the procurement decision-making process, a means-end hierarchy is driven by the activities that are evaluated using aims established by the organization. Essentially, the activities are associated to a mean, a mean is associated to a sub-goal and the sub-goal supports the main aim of the organization. Social implications This study supports the notion that training, information and procedures are a way for organizations to control behaviors and promote consistent results from their subordinates. Originality/value This study contributes by examining the drivers of procurement decision-making. Despite previous literature that focuses on practitioner discretion or emphasizes on socio-economic factors, this study highlights the linkages between practitioner decision-making and organizational aims and objectives. As such, the paper serves to illustrate the vital connection between procurement activities and outputs.

A grounded theory for the performance of temporary disaster response teams

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reto M. Wegmann
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Temporary Organizations ◽  
Disaster Assessment ◽  
Leader Training

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify and determine the most prevalent factors influencing the performance of temporary disaster response teams.Design/methodology/approachAfter a literature review on team performance and temporary organizations, this study uses the grounded theory approach, based on 13 years of United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination mission data.FindingsGeneric individual skills and a heterogeneous team composition are key. Speed of deployment trumps thoroughness of preparation. Partner organizations should contribute supporting capacities. Necessary leadership skills are simple rather than arcane. Uncontrollable factors must be accepted. Creativity plays only a small role.Practical implicationsPrioritize transferable competencies when selecting team members. Compose teams with regional, but not global, diversity. Reduce team leader training to basic leadership skills.Originality/valueThe intersection between temporary organizations and the performance of multinational disaster response teams is unexplored. Research aimed at increasing disaster response performance can contribute to human lives saved and advance general management and organization studies.

Climate change and the African livestock sector

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shepherd Muchuru ◽  
Godwell Nhamo
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Livestock Sector

Purpose This paper aims to investigate and review adaptation measures in the livestock sector from 21 African countries through literature survey and grounded theory approaches. The adaptation themes that emerged captured essence of measures and experience drawn from varied country submissions and contexts instituted to make the livestock sector climate compatible in as far as adaptation is concerned. Design/methodology/approach Literature survey approach was used on the impacts of climate change on livestock and a review of the submitted adaptation measures. The study used grounded theory approach to derive meaning from the retrieved information. The grounded theory was derived inductively through systematic collection and analysis of data pertaining to the submitted National Communications reports. The retrieved themes were then examined and interpreted to give meaning and draw conclusions through coding, conceptualizing, categorizing and theorizing. Findings Results identify eight adaptation themes: carrying capacity and policies; integrated pasture management; capacity building, extension, training, awareness and information sharing; livestock breeding, diversification and intensification; disease, vectors and parasites management; technology, innovation, research and development; alternative livelihood; and water supply. The findings show that African Governments have been implementing effective adaptation measures for food security through building a climate resilient livestock production system. Originality/value This study is one of the first to lead to recommendations that decision- and policymakers, private sectors, relevant stakeholders and government officials and scientists should play a key role in ensuring that adaptation measures reach farmers, herders at grassroots level. In addition, governments should create an enabling environment (policies) in climate change adaptation to improve food security. These recommendations might be helpful in many communities where adaptation to climate change is a pressing issue.

Who's influencing whom? Developing sustainable business partnerships

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Adderley ◽  
Duane Mellor
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Business Partnerships ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Government Organisation ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach

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.

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