scholarly journals Challenges to the learning organization in the context of generational diversity and social networks

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Kaminska ◽  
Stefano Borzillo
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Learning Organization ◽  
Generation X ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Organizational Boundaries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generational Diversity ◽  
Company Culture

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the challenges to the emergence of a learning organization (LO) posed by a context of generational diversity and an enterprise social networking system (ESNS). Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative methodology based on an analysis of 20 semi-structured interviews in a high-tech organization and internal company documents relating to the introduction of a new, centralized ESNS. Findings This study uncovers fundamental differences between Generation X and Y employees regarding their ESNS adoption and use. While Xers take more time to adopt the new centralized ESNS introduced into the company, their use seems in line with the company culture and corporate norms of behavior. At the same time, even if Yers are faster ESNS adopters, they use it as they use Facebook disregarding the hierarchy and organizational boundaries. This creates tensions between Generation X and Y and undermines the formation of the LO. Research limitations/implications As conclusions are specific to a context of a single organization, the authors recommend other case studies, to enrich the findings. Originality/value By highlighting how the use of social networks modifies who has the power and the control over knowledge in an organization, this paper enriches the theory on the LO. It has implications for managers wishing to design LOs in the context of intergenerational diversity.

The role of insiders and organizational support in the learning process of newcomers during organizational socialization

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 562-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Mornata ◽  
Iolanda Cassar
Keyword(s):  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Organizational Socialization ◽  
Human Resources Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proactive Behaviors ◽  
Interpersonal Characteristics

Purpose This study aims to focus on newcomers’ learning strategies when they perceive organizational socialization support to be lacking, and on interpersonal characteristics that insiders should possess to support the newcomers’ proactive behaviors in this context. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through 14 face-to-face, in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed with a conventional content analysis method (Paillé and Mucchielli, 2013), involving first a thematic analysis and afterward, a conceptual analysis using MaxQDA11©. Findings The authors’ analysis highlights that when newcomers perceive the formal organizational socialization support as lacking, they regulate their proactive behaviors by seeking indirect guidance, and more precisely, by engaging in informal interactions with insiders likely to help them socialize. These interactions can have a cost in terms of self-image, so newcomers regulate their proactive behaviors by looking for insiders perceived to be psychologically safe, even if they have to look for them in other working contexts. Practical implications Considering the regulation process of newcomers’ proactive behaviors according to their perceptions, human resources management should focus on those perceptions and develop a blended learning approach including formal learning programs, as well as individualized support to facilitate on-the-job learning and respond to personal needs. Special consideration should also be given to interpersonal skills displayed by insiders. Originality/value The originality of the study is the use of a qualitative methodology focusing on newcomers’ main learning strategy according to their perception of organizational socialization support and the psychological safety climate. The limitations of the authors’ work are the size of the study population and the fact that part of the interviewees were successfully socialized by reaching 15 months on their new post at the point where the interviews were conducted.

scholarly journals Mega-events brand meaning co-creation: the Olympic case

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalia Christiani Tjandra ◽  
Ivana Rihova ◽  
Sarah Snell ◽  
Claire S. Den Hertog ◽  
Eleni Theodoraki
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Brand Identity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Historical Sources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Meaning ◽  
Stakeholder Perspective ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
Mega Event ◽  
Purposive Sample

Purpose This paper aims to explore a multi-stakeholder perspective on brand meaning co-creation in the context of the Olympic Games as a unique mega sports event brand with a strong brand identity, to understand how the brand manager may integrate such co-created meanings in a negotiated brand identity. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative methodology, the paper provides a tentative framework of co-created Olympic brand meanings by exploring the narratives of stakeholders’ brand experiences of the brand. Sixteen semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of Olympic stakeholders were conducted and analysed to identify key meanings associated with the Olympic brand. Findings Through their transformational and social experiences of the Olympic brand, stakeholders co-create brand meanings based on Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. However, at the same time, they offer their own interpretations and narratives related to competing meanings of spectacle, exclusion and deceit. Alternative brand touchpoints were identified, including blogs; fan and sports community forums; educational and academic sources; and historical sources and literature. Practical implications The brand manager must become a brand negotiator, facilitating multi-stakeholder co-creation experiences on a variety of online and offline engagement platforms, and exploring how alternative brand touchpoints can be used to access co-created brand meanings. Originality/value The study contributes to tourism branding literature by providing exploratory evidence of how brand meanings are co-created in the relatively under-researched multi-stakeholder sports mega-event context.

scholarly journals Social networks, corruption and institutions of accounting, auditing and accountability

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 508-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Phiri ◽  
Pinar Guven-Uslu
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Wealth Distribution ◽  
Network Activity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
African Context

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate institutions of accountability in Zambia in order to understand how social networks may influence such institutions not to discharge their mandates as expected from time to time. The study equally seeks to explore how social networks may perpetuate corrupt activities and compromise the functioning of institutions of accountability. Design/methodology/approach The conceptual framework adopted in this study draws on insights from social network theory (SNT) and Bourdieu’s ideas of capital to devise a critical lens for investigating network activity and its influence on the functioning of institutions of accountability. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with respondents drawn from different institutions of accountability. Social network analysis was conducted through content analysis. Findings Research findings highlight the presence of networks of a corrupt nature operating within government structures and some institutions of accountability. Manifested in the form of systemic and familial archetypes, these networks appear to be championed and propelled by senior government officials like controlling officers and other actors of a political nature including ministers and presidents. Most of these corrupt activities are organised through brokerage mechanisms that interface internal and external networks. Research limitations/implications Due to the clandestine nature of corruption activities, however, the study was unable to determine measures of centrality and density since these details were not forthcoming during interviews. Such information could only become available if willing individuals involved in corruption could be identified so that they explain who they conduct their corruption with together with the number of connections involved and the most influential individuals in those networks. Social implications This study helps us to understand that activities of a corrupt nature are often undertaken through well-connected groups and networks that make it difficult for institutions of accountability to detect and untangle such activity. The study also suggests that accountants and other accountability actors may have forgotten that accounting is not just a technical discourse for enhancing one’s economic status but is an ethical profession as well. There is a great need to put institutions in place which should hold everyone, including the president and ministers, accountable to the Zambian people in the light of wrongdoing. Dismantling the corrupt network activities inferred from the data entails a complete top-down change in systems of politics, governance, wealth distribution and social values. Originality/value This study contributes towards filling the gap of undertaking accounting research of a critical nature focussed on African contexts (Rahaman, 2010). The paper is equally an attempt at providing empirical flesh to Laughlin’s (1991) framework on organisational transformations through complementing that framework with SNT. The study is also among the first to draw on the experiences and insights of actors working within institutions of accountability to highlight accountability challenges within an African context.

Satisfaction with work and person–environment fit: are there intergenerational differences? An examination through person–job, person–group and person–supervisor fit

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrée-Anne Deschênes
Keyword(s):  
Generation X ◽  
Generation Y ◽  
Generational Differences ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generational Diversity ◽  
Managerial Practices

PurposeThrough three dimensions of person–environment (PE) fit, namely person–job (PJ) fit, person–group (PG) fit and person–supervisor (PS) fit, this paper examines generational differences on which dimension is more important to explain Baby Boomers', Generation X's and Generation Y's satisfaction with work.Design/methodology/approachGathered from a sample of 1,065 employees in the province of Québec, Canada, data were analyzed through one-way ANOVA and structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings suggest that Generation X scored lower on satisfaction with work, that there is a difference in the level of PG fit and PS fit between the generations, and that PJ fit explains satisfaction with work for all generations, while PG fit is significant only for Generation Y employees.Practical implicationsThis paper sheds light on the importance for practitioners, when implementing human resource (HR) policies and strategies aiming to increase satisfaction with work, of prioritizing PJ fit and to consider PG fit for Generation Y members.Originality/valueThis research provides a meaningful contribution to current knowledge on generational diversity in the workplace and its impact on managerial practices by examining different levels of satisfaction with work and of PJ, PG and PS fit for three generations and the importance of each type of fit in explaining satisfaction with work for theses generations.

Yoga wellness tourism: a study of marketing strategies in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 794-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewelina Telej ◽  
Jordan Robert Gamble
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Inclusive Concept ◽  
Promotional Strategies ◽  
Marketing Approach ◽  
Yoga Practitioners

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine marketing strategies that India is currently applying to promote itself as a competitive yoga destination. Design/methodology/approach The methodological approach consisted of a constructivist research paradigm, a qualitative methodology and an interview-based data collection method. Ten in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with yoga practitioners from various backgrounds and yoga levels who have travelled to India for yoga tourism purposes. Findings The findings determined that interpretation of yoga tourism is crucial in the choice of marketing approach adopted by destinations offering yoga retreats because, as the study has shown, various perceptions of yoga constitute the basis for particular promotional strategies. Research limitations/implications Future research could expand on the sample size and demographics of the current study by investigating, possibly through comparative means, larger groups of more diversified yoga practitioners from different countries or backgrounds. Practical implications It was recommended that India’s tourism marketers re-design their approach concerning an ‘authentic’ yoga experience. Indian destination marketing organisations should target those searching for an authentic yoga experience and use imagery that is realistic. Originality/value The findings of this study have led to the re-positioning of yoga tourism in India, utilising a unique combinative approach in which a more inclusive concept of wellness is juxtaposed against a lack of any religious referencing. It was also revealed that the motivations of yoga tourists are only partially targeted through an undifferentiated strategic marketing approach.

Towards a more integrated view of entrepreneurial careers

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 756-777 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena Zikic ◽  
Souha Ezzedeen
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Career Counseling ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Career Capital ◽  
Human And Social Capital ◽  
Entrepreneurial Careers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to employ intelligent career theory to simultaneously explore the relationships between three types of entrepreneurial career capital (i.e. motivations, human, and social capital). It illustrates the interconnectedness of these three forms of capital as an important way to study entrepreneurial careers and provide a new lens for understanding both personal and venture success. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative study of 22 in depth semi-structured interviews explores career stories of entrepreneurs in the high tech industry. The interviews focus on examining three aspects of their career, motivations to become an entrepreneur, ways of learning and developing their human and social capital. Interviews were transcribed and coded using grounded theory approach. Findings – The findings describe how entrepreneurial careers as simultaneously shaped by three types of career capital: motivations (knowing-why), knowledge (knowing-how), and relationships (knowing-whom). It also illustrates the accumulation of career capital as a continuous cycle of interrelationships between these three types of capital. Research limitations/implications – In sum, the findings add to the knowledge on entrepreneurial careers and the role that the three types of capital play in venture formation and success. It also points to the importance of a more integrated view of these careers, embedded in a web of motivational, social, and human capital. Practical implications – The study’s findings suggest that entrepreneurs should paid equal attention and nurture each form of career capital throughout their careers. It also has implications for entrepreneurship programs as well career advisers to. Originality/value – Prior entrepreneurship research has examined aspects of entrepreneur’s career capital (e.g. intentions, social, and human capital) typically in isolation from one another and little is known about their reinforcing relationships in entrepreneurial careers. This study provides novel insights for understanding the three types of career capital and the importance of this more integrated view in entrepreneurship education and career counseling.

Managing the tensions between exploration and exploitation in large construction projects

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 492-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Per Erik Eriksson ◽  
Henrik Szentes
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Design ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Practical Importance ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Exploration And Exploitation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Prior studies highlight the importance of building ambidextrous capabilities to achieve both exploitation of current knowledge and technologies to make profits today, and exploration of new knowledge and technologies to adapt to and prepare for tomorrow’s demands. In spite of its theoretical and practical importance, research on organizational ambidexterity in project-based organizations is scarce. Thus, the purpose of the paper is to study how ambidexterity may be managed and how exploration and exploitation may be achieved in construction projects. The research identifies some drivers and barriers to exploration and exploitation and also sheds light on how various management approaches interact and affect exploration and exploitation activities. Design/methodology/approach The empirical material is drawn from 40 semi-structured interviews with managers representing the client, the contractor and the designer involved in each of the seven large construction projects in the sample. Findings In contrast to prior literature in high-tech industries where exploitation focuses on continuous development, exploitation in construction projects often involves adopting conventional methods and solutions based on existing knowledge without any development efforts at all. This may enhance short-term efficiency and lower risk at the project level but increase risk at the firm level. Tight time schedules hinder both radical innovations and incremental developments, and the findings also reveal that to invest in efforts on explorative solutions, it must be possible to exploit the solutions in the same project. Research limitations/implications In this empirical context, the traditional structural and sequential ambidexterity solutions are not sufficient. In construction projects, contextual ambidexterity solutions in which key project actors collaborate in developing systemic innovations and fine-tuning solutions across projects are more effective. Practical implications Sufficient project size and/or long-term contracts over a series of projects enhance both investments in explorative activities and exploitation through continuous developments from project to project. In design–bid–build contracts, the client and consultant often miss opportunities to explore new technical solutions that rely on contractor competencies. Early procurement of contractors (e.g. in collaborative design–build contracts) thereby enables the achievement of both exploration and exploitation. Originality/value This study provides important input to the authors’ understanding of how exploration and exploitation may be managed in project-based industries, which has been scarcely studied in previous ambidexterity literature.

What color is the green entrepreneurship in Turkey?

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Çigdem Vatansever ◽  
Korhan Arun
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Network Society ◽  
Ecological Modernization ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Green Entrepreneurship

Purpose – The dynamics of an emerging green entrepreneurship can be different in the emerging markets because the nature of the society and relations of business are different. As a result of these differences, green entrepreneurship also has distinguished dimensions and specific motivations. The purpose of this paper is to analyze individual cases of green entrepreneurs to understand local drivers and dynamics from the perspectives of ecological modernization and the network society theories. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative methodology was followed in which the data were gathered via semi-structured interviews and a content analysis was executed to analyze the data. Findings – Time relativity, relatedness and altruism were found to be the most differentiated factors among other drivers for green entrepreneurs. Originality/value – The theories mentioned that the quality and quantity of entrepreneurs are not enough for the expected results; the society and networks of society also should push or pull. Nevertheless, to explain this, we may say Turkey has its own special dynamics. Heritage or own roots are very important and are observed for all participants. Also not legislation but practice of these legislations is another constraint in front of Turkish entrepreneurs.

Women and the legitimization of (not) engaging in paid work: logics from Lebanon

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 628-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte M. Karam ◽  
Fida Afiouni
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Paid Work ◽  
Analytic Framework ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Career Opportunities ◽  
Contextual Understanding ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Career Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how public (i.e. culture, state, paid work) and private (i.e. household) patriarchal structures work to shape a woman’s own legitimacy judgments concerning not engaging in paid work. The authors trace the intersection and interaction of legitimacy logics at both the collective (i.e. validity) and individual (i.e. propriety) levels, thereby gaining a better contextual understanding of each woman’s perception of career opportunities and limitations. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative methodology drawing from 35 semi-structured interviews with Lebanese women. A multilevel analytic framework combining the institutional structures of private and public patriarchy with the micro-processes of institutional logics is used. Findings Legitimization of (not) engaging in paid work is often tied to patriarchal logics that favor private sphere responsibilities for women, particularly related to the relational and instrumental logics of childrearing and husband-oriented responsibilities. Women’s legitimacy judgment formation seems to be based on multilevel cues and on differential instances of evaluative vs passive judgment formation. Some appear to passively assume the legitimacy of the logics; while others more actively question these logics. The findings suggest that active questioning is often overwhelmed by the negative and harsh realities making the woman succumb to passivity and choosing not to engage in paid work. Originality/value This study provides: a better mapping of the individual woman’s daily cognitions concerning the legitimacy of (not) engaging in paid work; and a unique multilevel analytic framework that can serve as a useful example of contextualizing career research.

A conceptual model of the holistic effects of atmospheric cues in fashion retailing

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 503-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul W Ballantine ◽  
Andrew Parsons ◽  
Katrina Comeskey
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Protocol Analysis ◽  
Store Image ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intention To Purchase ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Atmospheric Cues

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how the holistic atmospheric cues encountered in a retail environment contribute to the creation of a retail experience. The interaction between these cues, and how they impact on the various stages of the retail experience is also explored. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative methodology was employed, using protocol analysis and in-depth semi-structured interviews that were conducted with 18 participants. Data were collected in the context of the women’s fashion sector. Findings – The findings highlight the importance of store owners ensuring atmospheric cues create a store image congruent with their target market’s self-image. A model is also developed which highlights how atmospheric cues are able to affect successive stages of the retail experience. Originality/value – This paper provides a holistic understanding of how retail atmospheric cues are able to influence the overall retail experience; from how a retail store is initially evaluated through to the intention to purchase.

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