scholarly journals The activities of the organizational boundary spanners during the Covid19 pandemic: the case of a profit organization

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 328-346
Author(s):  
Concetta Tino
Keyword(s):  
Sono State ◽  
Boundary Spanning ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Boundary Spanners ◽  
Organizational Strategies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Organizational Boundary ◽  
Emotional Dimension ◽  
Perceived Effects ◽  
Different Levels

In the first period of emergency from Covid19, only workplace organizations with essential production activities were able to continue to carry out their work. This required them the implementation of organizational strategies useful to contrast the risk of the pandemic and to protect production performance. The qualitative study conducted in a Lombard company, through semi-structured interviews, aimed at figures with different levels of responsibility, wanted to investigate: (i) which boundary spanning activities were used to manage the emergency? (ii) what factors allowed the effectiveness of the result in terms of contrasting the pandemic and guaranteeing the productivity (iii), what were the perceived effects on the company? Findings highlight the importance of the activities of organizational boundary spanners in emergency management and of those factors that, by supporting the socio-emotional dimension, have determined the organization’s productive advantage.   Le attività dei boundary spanners organizzativi durante la pandemia da Covid19: il caso di un’organizzazione profit.   Nel primo periodo della diffusione dell’emergenza sanitaria da Covid19, solo le organizzazioni lavorative con attività produttive essenziali hanno potuto continuare a svolgere il loro lavoro. Questo ha richiesto loro la messa in atto di strategie organizzative utili a contrastare il rischio della diffusione della pandemia e a salvaguardare la performance produttiva. Lo studio qualitativo condotto, in un’organizzazione profit lombarda, tramite interviste semistrutturate, rivolte a figure con diversi livelli di responsabilità ha voluto investigare: (i) quali attività di boundary spanning sono state utilizzate per gestire l’emergenza? (ii) quali fattori hanno consentito l’efficacia di risultato in termini di contrasto alla pandemia e di garanzia produttività (iii), quali sono state le ricadute percepite sull’organizzazione? I risultati ottenuti evidenziano l’importanza delle attività dei boundary spanners organizzativi nella gestione dell’emergenza e di quei fattori che sostenendo la dimensione socio-emozionale ne hanno determinano il vantaggio produttivo dell’organizzazione.

Third-country nationals as intercultural boundary spanners in multinational corporations

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 521-547
Author(s):  
Christoph Barmeyer ◽  
Volker Stein ◽  
Jenny Marie Eberhardt
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Boundary Spanning ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Boundary Spanners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intercultural Management ◽  
Third Country Nationals

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the central roles, functions and competences of third-country nationals (TCNs) in intercultural boundary spanning in multinational corporations (MNCs): Why are TCNs particularly important for reducing complexity at the overlapping functional, geographic and external boundaries of MNCs with their related interferences and which role do they play as boundary spanners in cross-boundary collaboration? Design/methodology/approach After introducing the theoretical background on boundary spanning and TCNs, the methodology applied in this paper is a theory-driven, qualitative approach based on 13 in-depth semi-structured interviews with TNCs conducted in 10 MNCs. Findings The authors aggregate TCNs’ activities into four roles: disembedded cosmopolitan, intermediary, third party and team-related boundary spanner. They show that TCNs tend to understand the complex intercultural context between headquarters and subsidiaries, balance power asymmetries, use their in-between neutrality to create trust, and act in an interculturally highly competent way by using a great variety of intercultural and linguistic skills. The TCNs’ meta-competence permits a higher level, intellectual and abstract perspective, enabling TCNs to consider structures, objects and interactions from an affective distance. Research limitations/implications The differences between TCNs and “regular” expatriates or other interface managers are examined and methodological limitations as well as research implications are critically discussed. MNCs can intentionally assign TCNs with their related competence profiles when expecting boundary-spanning tasks. Originality/value This paper is one of the few published that undergirds the TCN concept with empirical data and illustrates the suitability of specific role-takers such as TCNs for some complex challenges in international and intercultural management settings.

scholarly journals Transformational Ability of Energy Network Companies: The Role of Institutional Logics and Boundary Spanners

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 13582
Author(s):  
Larissa Shnayder ◽  
Hans van Kranenburg ◽  
Sjors Witjes
Keyword(s):  
Energy Transition ◽  
Institutional Logics ◽  
Boundary Spanning ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Boundary Spanners ◽  
Organizational Boundaries ◽  
Organizational Boundary ◽  
Energy Transitions ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Energy Network

Energy network companies play a vital role in energy transitions. The transformational ability of these companies influences the process of energy transitions and the effectiveness of policies in this domain. This study shows the need for managers of network companies as well as scholars and policy makers operating in the midst of energy transitions to acknowledge the importance and value of boundary spanners in improving the transformation ability of these companies to play their role in facilitating energy transitions. Evidence comes from an in-depth analysis of an energy network company in the Netherlands. Our findings show that the transformation ability of energy network companies depends on various instances of boundary spanning as these organizations address differing or conflicting intra- and inter-organizational institutional logics when contributing to an energy transition. In the context of energy transitions, inter-organizational boundary spanning generally demands more resources and attention than the spanning of intra-organizational boundaries. Additionally, intra-organizational boundaries affect inter-organizational relationships, particularly in the policy arena. Our findings indicate that to carry out the type of institutional change that an energy transition requires, more attention and resources should be dedicated to intra-organizational boundary spanning, even as the need to connect external stakeholders increases.

scholarly journals Boundary Spanning Roles and Power in Educational Partnerships

AERA Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 233285842110168
Author(s):  
Christopher M. Wegemer ◽  
Jennifer R. Renick
Keyword(s):  
Educational Outcomes ◽  
Boundary Spanning ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Task Orientation ◽  
Boundary Spanners ◽  
Educational Partnerships ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Reflexive Analysis

Research-practice partnerships (RPPs) offer promising approaches to improve educational outcomes. Navigating boundaries between contexts is essential for RPP effectiveness, yet much work remains to establish a conceptual framework of boundary spanning in partnerships. Our longitudinal comparative case study draws from our experiences as graduate student boundary spanners in three long-term partnerships to examine boundary spanning roles in RPPs, with particular attention to the ways in which power permeates partnership work. Using qualitative, critically reflexive analysis of meeting artifacts and field notes, we found that our boundary spanning roles varied along five spectrums: institutional focus, task orientation, expertise, partnership disposition, and agency. Our roles were shaped by the organizational, cultural, relational, and historical features of the partnerships and contexts of interaction. We aim to promote the development of effective RPP strategies by leveraging the perspectives and positionality of graduate students in order to advance understanding of boundary spanning roles.

scholarly journals Towards the Construction of Productive Interactions for Social Impact

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 485
Author(s):  
Blanca L. Díaz Mariño ◽  
Frida Carmina Caballero-Rico ◽  
Ramón Ventura Roque Hernández ◽  
José Alberto Ramírez de León ◽  
Daniel Alejandro González-Bandala
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Project Duration ◽  
The Social ◽  
The One ◽  
Different Levels

Understanding the value of research for society has become a priority, and several methodologies have been developed to assess the social impact of research. This study aimed to determine how productive interactions are developed during the execution of research projects. A retrospective study was conducted on 33 projects from 1999 to 2020. Semi-structured interviews with the technical managers were conducted to analyze how different actors of the project—researchers, government officials, and civil society and private sector stakeholders—were involved, illustrating how productive interactions occur in specific biodiversity contexts. The results revealed different levels and intensities of productive interactions; on the one hand, three projects involved all actors; eight involved researchers outside the institution; and 25 involved community members. The number of participants ranged from 2 to 37. All research evaluated had a disciplinary orientation. The type and time of interactions with other interested parties depended on the amount of funding, project type, project duration, and, significantly, on the profile of the technical manager. The importance of assessing and valuing productive interactions was identified as a fundamental element in promoting the social impact of research, as well as integrating inter- or multidisciplinary projects that impact the conservation of socio-ecological systems.

Is this mine? Psychological ownership and the social media follower

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline S.L. Tan
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Psychological Ownership ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Currency ◽  
Different Levels

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine psychological ownership (PO) experienced by followers of social media influencers toward both influencer and the product. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews that were conducted with 30 respondents and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings The study demonstrated that the PO experienced by the follower changes under different conditions resulting from perceived value, social currency and follower activity. Social currency plays a vital role in determining the target of PO, often affecting the narrative by the follower. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper to examine the transference of PO between product and influencer as experienced by the follower. It provides an understanding on PO that is experienced in different levels of intensity and changes depending on the motive of the follower; hence, transference of PO occurs and it is not a static.

Pop vs rock: A comparison study of managing sessions in the recording studio and the influences of genre

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 141-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phil Harding ◽  
M. Nyssim Lefford
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Strategies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Music Production ◽  
Session Management ◽  
Recording Session ◽  
Management Techniques ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
Education Support ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Audio Media

This study examined the recording session management approaches of two music producers, Phil Harding and Greg Haver, to ascertain if and how their different approaches impact the outcomes of music production projects. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each producer to gain insight into their approaches generally, and also, as a point of comparison, their work on the educational Gus Dudgeon Foundation/Joint Audio Media Education Support (GDF/JAMES) summer recording sessions specifically. Thematic analyses of the interviews revealed that the producers’ respective approaches are influenced by the genres in which each predominantly works. Harding, a pop producer, is very systematic. Haver, who is better known for his work in rock, uses an organic approach. Consequently, there were some clear differences in their decision making and organizational strategies at the GDF/JAMES sessions. The producers used different criteria to choose a project/artist. Each used distinctive approaches in pre-production (i.e. work on song arrangements and other technical musical decisions), production (recording) and mixing. Still, both produced pop recordings that largely conform to pop norms. Both recordings have similar pop arrangements and meet commercial standards. Findings provide new understanding of session management techniques that can benefit both music production education and practitioners.

scholarly journals Effects of Different Methionine Levels in Low Protein Diets on Production Performance, Reproductive System, Metabolism, and Gut Microbiota in Laying Hens

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miaolin Ma ◽  
Shunju Geng ◽  
Meiling Liu ◽  
Lihong Zhao ◽  
Jianyun Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Protein Diet ◽  
Low Protein Diet ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Low Protein ◽  
System Metabolism ◽  
Protein Diets ◽  
Different Levels

This study investigated the effects of different levels of methionine (Met) in a low protein diet on the production performance, reproductive system, metabolism, and gut microbial composition of laying hens to reveal the underlying molecular mechanism of Met in a low protein diet on the host metabolism and gut microbial composition and function of hens. A total of 360 healthy 38-week-old Peking Pink laying hens with similar body conditions and egg production (EP) were randomly divided into four groups with nine replicates per treatment and 10 hens per replicate. The hens in each treatment group were fed low protein diets containing different levels of Met (0.25, 0.31, 0.38, and 0.47%, respectively) for 12 weeks. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the trial period. The results showed that, compared with the 0.25% Met group, the final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), EP, egg weight (EW), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in the other groups were significantly increased and feed egg ratio (FER) was decreased. Meanwhile, the EW and yield of abdominal fat (AFY) in the 0.47% Met group were higher than those in other groups. The triglyceride (TG), estradiol (E2), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the 0.38 and 0.47% Met groups were higher than those in other groups. In addition, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that there was no difference in the Sobs index, ACE index, and Shannon index among all groups. However, it is worth noting that feeding low protein diets with Met changed the gut microbial composition (e.g., the supplementation of Met increased the level of Lactobacillus and decreased the proportion of Faecalibacterium). Also, our results showed that the changes in gut microbial composition induced by the diets with different levels of Met were closely related to the changes of key parameters: ADFI, EW, FBW, TG, EM, EP, ADG, FER, and uric acid (UA). Our results highlight the role of adding an appropriate amount of Met to the low protein diet in laying hens, which could improve the gut microbial composition, production performance, reproductive system, and nutrient metabolism of laying hens. In conclusion, this study suggested that when the Met level was 0.38%, the production performance of the laying hens was pretty good.

scholarly journals Influence of reproductive qualities on dairy productivity of cows of the Simmental breed

2021 ◽  
Vol 285 ◽  
pp. 04005
Author(s):  
Maria Grinchuk ◽  
Yulia Nesterova
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Mass Fraction ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Milk Productivity ◽  
Service Period ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Different Levels

The aim of work is to explore influence of first fruitful insemination, service period and dry period to dairy productivity of Simmental cows. The research is aimed at studying the milk production of Simmental cows with different levels of reproductive qualities. The result of the research, a relation was established between the age of the first fruitful insemination, the duration of the service period, the duration of the dry period and milk production performance. It has been established that the age of the first fruitful insemination at 18-24 months has the most beneficial effect on subsequent milk production. The service period of 90-120 days has a positive effect to an increase in milk yield per 305 days of lactation, the longer service period negatively affects to the mass fraction of fat. With an increase in the duration of the dry period, the mass fraction of fat increases, but milk yield decreases. The influence of reproductive qualities to the milk protein is negligible. It was revealed that the age of the first insemination at 18-24 months is the most profitable for production. According to the results of the research, it can be judged that reproductive qualities, in combination with other factors, affect the milk productivity of Simmental cows.

scholarly journals Effect of dietary energy and lysine levels on cost of production and profit of meat production in “TANUVAS Namakkal gold Japanese quails”

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Shibi Thomas ◽  
R. Amutha ◽  
M. R. Purushothaman ◽  
P. N. Richard Jagatheesan ◽  
S. Ezhil Valavan
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Dietary Energy ◽  
Japanese Quails ◽  
Net Profit ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Crude Protein Level

Two biological trials were conducted to determine the energy and lysine requirements of “TANUVAS Namakkal gold Japanese quail” for production performance. The economic impact of different levels energy and lysine during the chick (0-2 weeks) and grower (3-5 weeks) phases was assessed using seven hundred and twenty straight-run, day-old chicks randomly grouped in nine treatments with four replicates of twenty chicks each. Three levels of energy (2800, 2900 and 3000 kcal/kg) and three levels of lysine (1.2, 1.3 and 1.4%) were tested for chick and grower phase of the first experiment. The net profit per bird (Rs. 8.49) was high in group T1 (low energy and low lysine) and the net profit per kg live weight (Rs. 48.57) was high in T2 (2900 kcal/kg and 1.2%). For the second experiment an energy level of 2700, 2800 and 2900 kcal/kg was fixed for chick and grower mash, lysine level of 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4% was fixed for chick phase and 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3% for grower phase and the crude protein level was fixed as 20.3 and 19.4 per cent for chick and grower mash respectively for the second trial. The net profit per bird (Rs. 7.18) was high in group T6 and the net profit per kg live weight (Rs. 37.62) was high in T6 (2900 kcal/kg and 1.3% lysine during chick phase and 1.2% lysine during the grower phase).

Forging connections: The role of ‘boundary spanners’ in globalising clusters and shaping cluster evolution

2021 ◽  
pp. 030913252110387
Author(s):  
Di Wu
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Spanning ◽  
Discursive Construction ◽  
Boundary Spanners ◽  
Production Networks ◽  
Global Production Networks ◽  
Boundary Spanner ◽  
Evolutionary Economic ◽  
Cluster Evolution ◽  
Global Connections

Synthesising the endogenous-centred evolutionary economic geography perspective, and the globally oriented ‘global pipelines’ and global production networks frameworks, this article develops the ‘boundary spanner’ concept to propose a theoretical framework to illustrate how resourceful actors, as boundary spanners, globalise clusters and in turn drive cluster evolution. This framework comprises four interrelated cluster boundary-spanning functions, namely, discursive construction, innovation promotion, production coordination and market reach. This article aims to advance the cluster literature by unpacking how clusters’ global connections are constructed and maintained, conceptualising the multidimensional role of the agency of boundary spanners and demonstrating boundary spanners’ contributions to cluster evolution.

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