scholarly journals Knowledge, Renewal and Flexibility: Exploratory Research in Family Firms

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pérez-Pérez ◽  
López-Férnandez ◽  
Obeso
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Strategic Flexibility ◽  
Cluster Solution ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Strategic Renewal ◽  
Family Enterprises

This study aims to explore how family firms pursue strategies that promote strategic flexibility and knowledge-management (KM) practices to respond to strategic-renewal goals. Specifically, based on a knowledge-based view of the firm, the following research question is proposed: Are there heterogeneous groups of family firms in terms of knowledge management, strategic flexibility and strategic renewal goals? To answer this question, an exploratory study using a two-step cluster analysis is developed. It reveals natural groupings from a sample of 288 small and medium-sized Spanish family enterprises (SMEs). The results obtained identified three distinctive clusters of family firms, namely proactive family firms, transitional or adaptive family firms, and rigid family firms. After two-step cluster analysis, we also conducted analysis of variance (ANOVA) to confirm that significant differences amongst the three clusters exist. After heterogeneity been confirmed, a further profile of the cluster solution was provided by using CEO and board characteristics, as well as the generational stage of the company. The findings offer some counterbalance for those studies that tend to study family businesses as a homogeneous entity, thus permitting researchers to access more information, providing rich explanations for renewal managerial decision-making purposes in family firm contexts.

Knowledge Management: Organisational Culture and Effective Knowledge Sharing

Mousaion ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jade Adegboye
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Organisational Culture ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Sharing Strategy ◽  
Novices And Experts

In the knowledge economy, organisations rely on knowledge to improve and stay competitive in the industry. Knowledge exists both explicitly and tacitly and the challenge lies in transferring the tacit knowledge from experts to less experienced employees before they leave the organisation. This study, conducted at a financial services organisation in South Africa, is based on qualitative research, which seeks to determine how knowledge is shared between novices and experts in a financial services organisation. This study aims to identify how employees currently share knowledge and to discover more effective knowledge sharing tools and methods that can foster effective knowledge sharing in the organisation. The main research question is: What is the effectiveness of existing knowledge sharing methods between experienced employees and new hires at a financial services organisation? The research question is answered through the questionnaires that were distributed and interviews that were conducted with the participants. The data collection was carried out based on an exploratory research design and a descriptive research method. The data analysis followed an inductive approach. Quantitative analysis using tables and graphs and qualitative analysis by means of themes were used to analyse the data collected. The findings reveal that most employees are not aware of the knowledge management or sharing strategy in their organisation owing to silos of organisational culture in the organisation. Knowledge sharing is not driven organisation-wide, and knowledge sharing tools are not managed effectively. Based on the study’s findings, an organisation-wide knowledge management and sharing strategy is essential. In addition, organisations should enable employees to share by providing more capacity dedicated to knowledge sharing.

Organizational commitment in family SMEs and its influence on contextual performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 364-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mário Franco ◽  
Solange Franco
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Commitment ◽  
Affective Commitment ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Contextual Performance ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Family Enterprises

Purpose This study aims to investigate whether organizational commitment in small and medium-sized family enterprises (FSMEs) is associated with their employees’ contextual performance. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative and exploratory research approach was adopted focusing on FSMEs based in an inland region of Portugal. These were considered family firms, being owned exclusively by one or a small number of families. The data-collecting instrument was based on a questionnaire, with the final sample being composed of 101 employees. Findings The results obtained allow the conclusion that in FSMEs, affective commitment has a positive influence on contextual performance, as employees in this firm segment have an emotional connection in the context in which they are situated. Practical implications The authors can point out the fact that the strong association between affective commitment and employees’ contextual performance has a relevant role in FSMEs. Therefore, these firms must be aware of this type of organizational commitment, as affective commitment increasingly influences their employees’ and teams’ performance. Originality/value The study contributes to advancing theory regarding the relationship between organizational commitment and contextual performance in small and medium-sized enterprises with a family structure. A new dimension of organizational commitment (Imperative) was considered in the family firm context.

scholarly journals Knowledge audit as an important tool in organizational management: A review of literature

2021 ◽  
pp. 026638212098603
Author(s):  
Lateef Ayinde ◽  
Ibrahim Oluwapelumi Orekoya ◽  
Qaozara Adebanke Adepeju ◽  
Adeyinka M Shomoye
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
Research Question ◽  
International Standards ◽  
National Standards ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Important Conclusion ◽  
Knowledge Audit ◽  
Review Current

The purpose of this paper is to review current literature on knowledge management and highlight the importance of knowledge audit in bringing about a holistic knowledge solution to knowledge management. Based on the review of literature on knowledge management, this study points out the role of knowledge audit in solving the challenges in organizations’ tacit and explicit knowledge. Specifically, the paper concentrates on knowledge audit, knowledge risk and international and national standards on knowledge audit processes. The contribution of this study to literature are the suggestions that knowledge risk and international standards procedures could be applied to knowledge audit. The important conclusion of this paper is that knowledge risk management has not been fully explored in the study of knowledge audit. The paper addresses the research question of what organizations must embark on in the process of knowledge audit. The paper attempts to provide answer to the question by highlighting the importance of knowledge audit and the reasons why organizations carry out knowledge audit, and also the existing knowledge audit frameworks and methodologies.

scholarly journals An Analysis of Heterogeneity in German Speaking Birdwatchers Reveals Three Distinct Clusters and Gender Differences

Birds ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 250-260
Author(s):  
Christoph Randler
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Social Bonding ◽  
Cluster Solution ◽  
Novice Group ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Bird Group ◽  
And Gender

The purpose of this study was to segment birdwatchers into clusters. Members from a wide range of bird related organizations, from highly specialized birders as well as Facebook bird group members were studied to provide a diverse dataset (n = 2766; 50.5% men). Birding specialization was measured with a battery of questionnaires. Birding specialization encompassed the three constructs of skill/competence, behavior, personal and behavioral commitment. Additionally, involvement, measured by centrality to lifestyle, attraction, social bonding, and identity, was used. The NbClust analyses showed that a three-cluster solution was the optimal solution. Then, k-means cluster analysis was applied on three groups: casual/novice, intermediate, and specialist/advanced birdwatchers. More men than women were in the specialist/advanced group and more women than men in the casual/novice group. As a conclusion, this study confirms a three-cluster solution for segmenting German birdwatchers based on a large and diverse sample and a broad conceptualization of the construct birding specialization. These data can be used to address different target audiences (novices, advanced birders) with different programs, e.g., in nature conservation.

Coping mechanisms of Philippine tourism and hospitality family businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic: a non-parametric approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Santiago ◽  
Fernando Martin Roxas ◽  
John Paolo Rivera ◽  
Eylla Laire Gutierrez
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Family Businesses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Family Enterprises ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Non Parametric

PurposeFamily businesses (FB), mostly small-sized, dominate the tourism and hospitality industry (THI), especially in the rural areas. While many would have been used to the impact of demand seasonality, it is unknown how these businesses would have survived through the restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as compared to non-family business (NFB) counterparts. This study aims to determine if there were differences on how family and non-family enterprises in the THI coped with government restrictions.Design/methodology/approachBy subjecting the survey data from tourism enterprises to non-parametric techniques, the authors establish empirical evidence on similarities and differences of coping strategies adopted by FBs and NFBs; their required support from government and their perceptions of a post-pandemic THI.FindingsThe analysis revealed that family-owned tourism and hospitality businesses in the Philippines tended to collaborate with other businesses to manage the impact of the pandemic restrictions. Since they hired more seasonal workers prior to the restrictions, they tended to avoid hiring workers during the restricted period. NFBs, on the other hand, that were generally larger in size and more professionally managed with more regular employees, tended to streamline operations for greater efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsThe study relied on survey results distributed and collected online. There is an innate bias against those firms that did not have access to the survey links.Practical implicationsThe comparative study suggests that interventions to assist firms in the THI should consider the differences in firm ownership as “one size does not fit all.”Social implicationsThe study provides evidence about how environmental factors impact the operations of family firms. Thus, it provides valuable insights for both the academic community and industry practitioners.Originality/valueThis is the first study in the Philippines that was able to capture response of family and non-family firms in the THI during the COVID-19 lockdown.

University as a vehicle to achieve social innovation and development: repositioning the role of the university in the society

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lwando Mdleleni
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University

Purpose This paper aims to explore the role of university in promoting, generating and sustaining social innovation (SI). It aimed to understand how higher education institutions have extended their contribution beyond the traditional function of teaching and research to perform in socio-economic problem-solving. It looks at the kinds of contributions which universities potentially make to SI processes, and the effects that this has on the direction and magnitude of SI, and by implication social development. This was done by drawing lessons from a SI project that the University of the Western Cape has been involved in, i.e. Zenzeleni Networks Project. Design/methodology/approach To address the research question with this framework, the author adopted an exploratory research design using a case study. This research is qualitative, exploratory and descriptive, based on a case study built with secondary data. Findings This paper submits that universities can potentially function as key role players in promoting SI initiatives and fostering social transformations. Universities contribute with different kinds of resources and inputs to foster new SI ideas. Originality/value The paper suggests that socially innovative university projects may contribute to community social sustainability maintaining social cohesion by increasing social capital and providing resources for the empowerment of the marginalised communities. In so doing, they contribute to overcome social exclusion and promote more sustainable forms of development at community level. More research is needed on how universities can build community networks with local community partners, who can use the insights of academic research to replicate interventions and move to scale.

Strategic orientations, knowledge management (KM) and business performance

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 1942-1964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Jami Pour ◽  
Mohammad Asarian
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Strategic Orientation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Orientations ◽  
Strategy Performance ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Despite the huge amount of studies that have investigated the strategy–performance relationships and knowledge management (KM)–performance relationships, there is little consensus regarding the nature of these connections. By reviewing related literature, some notable limitations and inconsistent results are highlighted in extant studies. To address these challenges, this study aims to explore the effects of strategic orientation and KM mechanisms on business performance. Design/methodology/approach The study conducted an empirical investigation of 227 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to explore the relationship between strategy−performance and KM−performance. Business strategy is conceptualized as a comparative construct with six dimensions, KM is conceptualized by two types of KM mechanisms of technical and non-technical KM mechanisms and business performance is measured by four dimensions of balanced scorecard (BSC). The cluster analysis was used to explore different aspects of these three constructs. Findings Using cluster analysis, the results indicate that firms with high level of analysis, defensiveness, futurity and proactiveness in strategic orientation have better performance and also the high level of both KM mechanisms another important finding shows that firms with more KM mechanisms have high performance and technical mechanisms have more predictor role on performance. Practical implications This research also has prescriptive implications for strategic managers and KM practitioners. The finding enhanced the understanding of the relationship between strategic orientations, KM and performance. The results assist managers to assess business performance regarding strategic orientations and KM mechanisms of the firms. Therefore, it helps firms to improve strategic resource allocation and exploit KM investment by considering ideal pattern of the performance. Originality/value By reviewing strategic management and KM literature, it is revealed that there are little studies about how the interaction of strategic orientation and KM influences business performance. The main contribution of the study is exploring the profile of the firms by considering their strategic orientation and KM mechanisms and their impact on business performance. This study provides an empirical evidence about interaction of strategic orientations, KM mechanisms and business performance in SME context, which is merely investigated in previous researches.

A taxonomy of the scope and organization of local sexually transmitted disease services for policy and practice

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (14) ◽  
pp. 1375-1383
Author(s):  
Hector P Rodriguez ◽  
Summer Starling ◽  
Zosha Kandel ◽  
Robert Weech-Maldonado ◽  
Nicholas J Moss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Discriminant Analysis ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Transmitted Disease ◽  
The United States ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Cluster Solution ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted

Local health departments (LHDs) and their organizational partners play a critical role in controlling sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States. We examine variation in the differentiation, integration, and concentration (DIC) of STD services and develop a taxonomy describing the scope and organization of local STD services. LHD STD programs (n = 115) in Alabama (AL) and California (CA) responded to surveys assessing STD services available in 2014. K-means cluster analysis identified LHD groupings based on DIC variation. Discriminant analysis validated cluster solutions. Differences in organizational partnerships and scope of STD services were compared by taxonomy category. Multivariable regression models estimated the association of the STD services organization taxonomy and five-year (2010–2014) gonorrhea incidence rates, controlling for county-level sociodemographics and resources. A three-cluster solution was identified: (1) low DIC (n = 74), (2) moderate DIC (n = 31), and (3) high DIC (n = 10). In discriminant analysis, 95% of jurisdictions were classified into the same types as originally assigned through K-means cluster analysis. High DIC jurisdictions were more likely (p < 0.001) to partner with most organizations than moderate and low DIC jurisdictions, and more likely (p < 0.001) to conduct STD needs assessment, comprehensive sex education, and targeted screening. In contrast, contact tracing, case management, and investigations were conducted similarly across jurisdictions. In adjusted analyses, there were no differences in gonorrhea incidence rates by category. Jurisdictions in CA and AL can be characterized into three distinct clusters based on the DIC of STD services. Taxonomic analyses may aid in improving the reach and effectiveness of STD services.

scholarly journals Conflicts in Family Firms in the International Context: A Literature Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-61
Author(s):  
Martin Jurek
Keyword(s):  
Family Business ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Generational Status ◽  
Business Research ◽  
Screening Criteria ◽  
Theoretical Approaches

Abstract Objective: This paper reviews the major family business research papers that address factors related to relationship and work-to-family conflicts. Methodology: The procedure this paper applies follows recommendations for literature reviews by Fink (2010) consisting of: (1) selecting a research question (2) selecting bibliographic or article databases, (3) choosing search terms, (4) applying practical screening criteria, (5) applying methodical screening criteria, (6) doing the review and (7) synthesizing the results. Findings: The article summarizes that, although family business research is progressing in terms of theory building, it continues to lack a systematic adoption of longitudinal, cross-national and multi-theoretical approaches. To date, research on conflict in family firms remains underdeveloped in the CEE. Value Added: Outlining the state of the art of theoretical and empirical studies by applying a resource-based view. Recommendations: Application of control variables, such as size of the business, business life cycles, generational status, type of industry and various cultural settings. Furthermore, the role of communication, sibling rivalry and perceived justice of family members could be investigated more thoroughly.

scholarly journals Compliance management in family firms: A systematic literature analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-157
Author(s):  
Behringer Stefan ◽  
Ulrich Patrick ◽  
Unruh Anjuli
Keyword(s):  
Family Firms ◽  
Dissemination And Implementation ◽  
Entrepreneurial Firms ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Family Control ◽  
Compliance Management ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Economic Role ◽  
Family Enterprises ◽  
Corporate Governance Codes

Family firms play an important economic role in Europe and in the world. The discussion of compliance-relevant issues has long been attributed to capital market-oriented large companies. So far, there have been few findings on the perception, dissemination and implementation of this concept in family businesses. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic and iterative literature review of available research on compliance management and corruption in family firms. Thereby a total of 47 articles on the topic were identified. The review acknowledged that Compliance/Corruption is a research topic but not often in the context of family firms. The literature of family enterprises dealt with the influence of family ownership on firms’ non-compliance with corporate governance codes out of the socio-emotional wealth perspective or examined the relationship between family control and young entrepreneurial firms’ bribing behaviour around the globe. Another perspective offers the literature about the agency and stewardship theories and their influence on family firms. Agency and stewardship governance affects individual-level behaviour and firm-level performance in a distinct and combined way. In the business ethics literature a few interesting papers were found, that consider unethical work behaviour or corrupt acts in the context of organizations and family firms. In addition, the analysis of the publications demonstrates the importance of compliance management in all types of companies/SMEs and shows that companies which have integrated compliance management gain a competitive advantage over their competitors. We come to the conclusion that additional empirical research on compliance and corruption in family firms is needed.

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