Interdisciplinary lessons for contemporary challenges

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 262-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikram Murthy
Keyword(s):  
Meaningful Work ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Adaptive Responses ◽  
Complex Environments ◽  
Leadership Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Signature Strengths ◽  
Practitioner Knowledge ◽  
Organisational Behaviour ◽  
Explanatory Styles

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a rich and textured narrative that utilises scholarly evidence, empirical research, and practitioner knowledge to shape, inform, and extend understanding of the leadership practice of “excelling at work” as it is enacted for zeitgeist organisational challenges. Design/methodology/approach – In order to achieve this, it traverses a temporal timeline from circa 350 BC to the present millennium, to examine extant theories and concepts and emerging wisdom at the intersection of domains as seemingly diverse as neuroscience, cognitive and social psychology, contemplative practice, positive psychology, and organisational behaviour and leadership. Findings – Complex environments require individual and collective agency for efficacious and adaptive responses. Extant theories and new insights on effectance, meaningful work, signature strengths, purposeful attention, self-control, deliberate practice, grit, explanatory styles, and mindsets amongst others, interconnect and at times intersect to form an empirically validated narrative on the augmented leadership practice of excelling at work in challenging times. Originality/value – Overcoming zeitgeist challenges adaptively, requires organisations and their people to excel at work. Innovative combinations and connections of key constructs and concepts, underpinned by empirical evidence from a variety of disciplines, explicate the nature and enactments of this vital leadership practice of excelling at work.

scholarly journals Adaptation and Heterogeneity of Escherichia coli MC1000 Growing in Complex Environments

2012 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 1008-1017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pilar Eliana Puentes-Téllez ◽  
Martin Asser Hansen ◽  
Søren Johannes Sørensen ◽  
Jan Dirk van Elsas
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Luria Bertani ◽  
Growth Media ◽  
Adaptive Responses ◽  
Complex Environments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Batch Cultures ◽  
Genomic Analyses ◽  
Oxygen Conditions

ABSTRACTIn a study aiming to assess bacterial evolution in complex growth media, we evaluated the long-term adaptive response ofEscherichia coliMC1000 in Luria-Bertani (LB) medium. Seven parallel populations were founded and followed over 150 days in sequential batch cultures under three different oxygen conditions (defined environments), and 19 evolved forms were isolated. The emergence of forms with enhanced fitness was evident in competition experiments of all evolved forms versus the ancestral strain. The evolved forms were then subjected to phenotypic and genomic analyses relative to the ancestor. Profound changes were found in their phenotypes as well as whole-genome sequences. Interestingly, considerable heterogeneity was found at the intrapopulational level. However, consistently occurring parallel adaptive responses were found across all populations. The evolved forms all contained a mutation ingalR, a repressor of the galactose operon. Concomitantly, the new forms revealed enhanced growth on galactose as well as galactose-containing disaccharides. This response was likely driven by the LB medium.

How project managers can encourage and develop positive emotions in project teams

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 449-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morten Emil Berg ◽  
Jan Terje Karlsen
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Data ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Engineering Industry ◽  
Project Teams ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Signature Strengths ◽  
Positive Meaning

Purpose – This study provides insight into how project managers can use leadership tools to encourage and develop positive emotions among the project team members toward greater overall project success. The purpose of this paper is to provide the engineering industry with a closer look at how positive emotions can create good team member relations, reduce stress, develop clearer roles, creativity and joy at the workplace. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical data were obtained using in-depth interviews of three experienced project managers. Findings – The empirical data give insight as to how project managers can use their signature strengths. Additionally, the data also show how they can evolve and draw on positive meaning, positive emotions and positive relations. Various examples of positive meaning, positive emotions, positive relations and signature strengths have been identified and discussed. Research limitations/implications – Future research should apply a more comprehensive research design, for example a survey using a larger sample, so that these findings may be generalized. Practical implications – The paper contributes to portray and analyze positive psychology in a project management setting. Additionally, the paper assists understanding the connections among positive meaning, positive emotions, positive relations and signature strengths by presenting and discussing a model. Originality/value – This research extends current understanding of how project managers use their signature strengths to encourage and develop positive emotions in project teams.

Existentialism and organizational behaviour

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Blomme ◽  
Kirsten Bornebroek‐Te Lintelo
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Complexity Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sense Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Behaviour ◽  
Important Input ◽  
Emergent Change ◽  
Organisational Behaviour ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis article aims to develop a conception consisting of insights from complexity theory and additional notions from Weick's sense‐making theory and existentialism for examining organization behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThis paper carries out a literature review of Karl Weick's theory of sense‐making and some notions from existentialism to discuss the possible contributions to complexity theory and with this a further comprehension of organizational behaviour.FindingsFour existential conditions, namely death, freedom, existentialism and meaninglessness, give a further comprehension of Weick's concept of equivocality. Equivocality is an important input for organizing processes. The complexity of organizing processes is an object for examining organizational behaviour from a complexity scientific standpoint. The authors argue that the concept of equivocality and with this the states of equilibrium in an organization can be approached with examining the states of the mentioned four existential conditions.Practical implicationsAn important point of application for change managers in an organization is equivocality. The increase of equivocality will lead to a shift in the state of equilibrium in which new themes will emerge and corresponding organisational behaviour. The level of equivocality is due to the presence of existential fears. Hence, change managers should focus on existential themes and anxieties in an organization to advance emergent change.Originality/valueNew in this paper is the usage of notions from existentialism to elaborate Weick's conception of sense‐making. Also this paper discusses the possible contribution of this elaboration to research of organisational behaviour from the perspective of complexity theory.

Multiple jobholders and workplace learning

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anu Järvensivu
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Core Competency ◽  
Meaningful Work ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this research is to explore the career development and workplace learning of Finnish multiple jobholders who are university graduates. Design/methodology/approach 45 in-depth interviews were conducted with graduate multiple jobholders in Finland. The transcripts were analyzed by abductive content analysis using the Chaos Theory of Careers. Research participants were recruited via social media, invitations, snowball sampling and through networks. Findings Meaningful work was the attractor, the central factor in the decision to be a multiple jobholder. Interviewees attempted to adjust to future changes through their learning and choice of jobs and reported on their role as creators of future working life. Interviewees regarded organizing of their work and timetable as a core competency with their identity closely linked to their competencies and networks. Research limitations/implications The author acknowledges that the national context of Finland is unusually favorable to those becoming multiple job holders. Practical implications The identification of meaningful work as the key attractor, the intention to adapt to future contexts and the specifying of organization of work and timetabling as core competencies in multiple jobholding have clear practical implications at the national, local, organizational and individual levels. Originality/value Little has previously been known of the role of multiple jobholding as a facilitator in skill development and limited knowledge of how the various jobs combine into one portfolio. Previous studies have focused on individuals who take a second job to earn more money. Elite multiple jobholding has attracted little research attention yet seems to have an important role in achieving changes in society.

To pay or not to pay: understanding mobile game app users' unwillingness to pay for in-app purchases

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Imam Salehudin ◽  
Frank Alpert
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mobile Game ◽  
Alternative Framework ◽  
Novel Concept ◽  
Perceived Unfairness ◽  
User Review

PurposeWorldwide In-app Purchase (IAP) revenues reached almost US$37 billion in 2017 and doubled that in 2020. Although the revenue from IAPs exceeds those from paid apps, only 5% of total app users make any IAPs. This paper investigates why some users will not make IAPs and develop a novel concept of users' Perceived Aggressive Monetization of IAPs as an alternative framework to explain IAP behavior.Design/methodology/approachGiven the newness of IAPs, this study uses qualitative research to understand the phenomenon and develop a model to explain the decision to spend on IAPs. In total, this study collected 4,092 unique user-generated comments from app user review sites and social media webpages where users discuss in-app purchasing.FindingsThe analysis reveals recurring themes that explain user unwillingness to make in-app purchases, such as conflicting meanings of free-to-play, perceived unfairness and aggressive monetization of IAP by app publishers, and self-control issues. Subsequent user interviews support the themes and suggest that IAP spending might be more impulsive.Originality/valueThe paper develops a new concept of perceived aggressive monetization. Additionally, it proposes a novel theoretical framework that future researchers can use to understand why some mobile game users are unwilling to pay for IAPs.

Struggling to make ends meet: can consumer financial behaviors improve?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa K. Meneau ◽  
Janakiraman Moorthy
Keyword(s):  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Thinking Styles ◽  
Financial Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Behaviors ◽  
Financial Products ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to examine the following two research objectives. The first was to examine the predictive relationships that consumer characteristics of financial literacy, thinking styles and self-control have with a consumer's financial behaviors. The second goal was to ascertain financial management products' ability to aid those consumers who need it the most by weakening the predictive effects of consumer traits on financial behaviors.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a web-based survey to gather information. The measurement and structural models were analyzed using generalized structured component analysis (GSCA), a component-based structural equation model. The mediation effect of self-control is assessed using the GSCA. The conditional mediation of demographic variables and use of personal financial management products are evaluated using multi-group analysis (MGA) in GSCA.FindingsAntecedents, financial literacy, thinking styles and self-control consumer characteristics are predictors of financial behaviors. However, self-control plays a more prominent role as a mediator between the other variables, strengthening the overall relationship. Also, financial products can have a beneficial moderation effect assisting those consumers who need them the most.Practical implicationsThese insights help in creating target specific financial literacy strategies to influence consumers' financial behaviors. Also, there is a need to develop mechanisms to influence a consumer's self-control and thinking styles to improve financial behavior. In conjunction with other initiatives, the impact of financial literacy has a greater effect on financial behaviors. Further, the insights assist financial institutions and financial technology firms in offering and creating products to help customers make better financial decisions and improve their financial behaviors.Social implicationsThe research addressed a significant global issue – consumer financial health. The Great Recession and the COVID-19 recession highlight the need to focus on the consumer and efforts to improve their financial health.Originality/valueThis research highlighted the mediating role of self-control and suggested that existing and future financial products can positively influence consumer behavior drivers.

Leading the way: how project manager strengths can influence team resilience

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Signature Strengths ◽  
Team Resilience ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The study takes empirical data from three case studies of projects that have faced setbacks to explore the impact of project manager signature strengths on team resilience and finds that four signature strengths, leadership, open-mindedness, persistence and hope, were present in project managers across all three case studies. Originality The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Judicial corruption: the case of Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 926-939
Author(s):  
Vasudev Das
Keyword(s):  
Practical Implication ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Reasonable Doubt ◽  
Social Implication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Judicial Corruption ◽  
Causative Factors ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Low Self Control

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to diagnostically explore the phenomenon of judicial corruption in Nigeria, its causative factors and generate strategies such as sonic therapeutic intervention, among others, that would facilitate an amelioration of the situation. The judiciary which is supposed to be last hope of justice for the Nigerian citizenry has been proven beyond reasonable doubt to have been infected with the virus of corruption, and therefore, an urgent call for action to rectify the situation is imperative. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a qualitative approach rooted in case study tradition. Findings The findings showed that power and testosterone, cheating proclivity, family pressure, qualitative passion and ignorance, low self-control, inordinate kleptocratic desire, unrestrained mind and sensory modalities, phenomenological mindset and identity crisis as endogenous contributive factors of judicial corruption in Nigeria. Research limitations/implications The limitation of the study stemmed from the fact that inasmuch as a perception of corruption and corruption are cultural phenomena, the study results cannot be generalizable. Practical implications The practical implication of the research is rooted in the fact that the Nigerian judiciary can gain from the study results and recommendation(s) if implemented without fear or favor for the overall renewal of the judiciary and the nation at large. Social implications The study is geared toward ameliorating the Nigerian corrupt judiciary or repositioning the judiciary on its pivotal dignity, and hence, its social implication cannot be overemphasized inasmuch as a positive social change would prevail if the study results and recommendation(s) are aligned with and implemented. Originality/value Inquiry on judicial corruption through the lens of qualitative research with Nigeria as a case study is highly understudied, and hence, this research fills the gap in the financial crime literature.

scholarly journals Is “transgenerational response” a hidden cause of failed corporate turnarounds and chronic underperformance?

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
John Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Corporate Culture ◽  
Ceo Turnover ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Adaptive Responses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Policies ◽  
And Performance

Purpose CEO turnover and chronic corporate underperformance are examined through the lens of Transgenerational Response. Design/methodology/approach The criteria for investigating Transgenerational Response in corporations consisted of identifying a Critical Corporate Incident, the number of corporate generations and the resultant corporate financial performance. Findings The evidence presented in the case studies illustrates how a Critical Corporate Incident has produced the consequential effect of chronic financial performance in the years following the incident. Research limitations/implications These case studies have not presented the “actual” adaptive responses, inherited attitudes and behaviours that have subsequently embedded themselves in a new corporate culture, post the Critical Corporate Incident, to the detriment of the long-term health and performance of each firm. Practical implications Examining CEO turnover and chronic corporate underperformance through the lens of Transgenerational Response means that business leaders can identify how a historic event has affected the performance of their firm in subsequent generations. With this knowledge in hand, they will be able to examine the inherited attitudes and behaviours, organizational policies, strategy and adaptive cultural routines that have combined to consolidate the firms chronic under performance. Originality/value This is a highly original, evidence based, idea that has the potential to reshape our current understanding of CEO turnover and underperforming firms. It will help business leaders identify how a historic event has affected the performance of a firm in subsequent generations.

scholarly journals Managerial learning challenges in a complex world

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-29
Author(s):  
Gerardo David Abreu Pederzini
Keyword(s):  
Learning Style ◽  
Complex World ◽  
Management Research ◽  
Complex Environments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Learning ◽  
Learning Challenges ◽  
Negative Capability ◽  
Conceptual Paper

Purpose Managers’ work is surrounded by complex environments, from which they need to learn, in order to understand them. However, complexity poses several challenges to managerial learning, for which usually management educational programs have not prepared managers. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to explore such challenges and possible ways to overcome them. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper that explores in depth the issue of managerial learning challenges in a complex world. Managers face these challenges during their practice, yet sometimes management education has not prepared them for this. Findings Three managerial learning challenges due to complexity are identified. First, through cognition and cognitive structures, managers simplify the world around them. Nevertheless, biases, inertia and inaccuracy emerge, as managers’ mental models are not truly capable of capturing complexity. Second, managers look for information to aid them in their learning processes, but the information they gather is sometimes bogus, invalid or unfounded. Third, managers could seek for support from management research to improve their learning. However, given management research intricacies, limitations and particularities, a learning challenge emerges as well, as management research has been rarely capable to capture complexity. Originality/value Having explored these managerial learning challenges due to complexity, this paper discusses a carefulness-based management learning ideal, which by being underpinned by the quality of carefulness and the related concepts of critical thinking, negative capability and a deep learning style, suggests a potential new way to approach management learning in light of complexity.

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