How Do Innovation Partners Differ with Respect to Innovation Type and Stage in the Innovation Journey of Farmers?

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelien Lambrecht ◽  
Bianka Kühne ◽  
Xavier Gellynck
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Process ◽  
Innovation Studies ◽  
Network Heterogeneity ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Innovation Capacity ◽  
Innovation Type ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Organizational Innovations

The locus of innovation is the network within which a farm is embedded. This paper investigates the relationships between network partners and innovation (types and stages in the process) in agriculture, which is unique in this field. In contrast to the majority of innovation studies, the authors also include marketing and organizational innovations and investigate the need for different partners along the innovation journey. The study is based on in-depth interviews with farmers. The findings provide useful research-related and managerial implications that enable farmers and network coordinators to improve the innovation capacity in agriculture via networking. The main conclusion is that, depending on the stage in the innovation journey and the type of innovation, different resources and hence different partners are needed. Therefore, farmers must be aware of the importance of partner suitability and network heterogeneity related to the type of innovation and stage in their innovation process.

The importance of human resources to the innovative capacity of portuguese firms

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Armando Silva
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Community Innovation Survey ◽  
Innovative Process ◽  
Qualified Personnel ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Innovation Capacity ◽  
Innovative Capacity ◽  
Training Of Personnel

In this study I test the importance of several Human Resource variables to the innovation capacity of portuguese firms but also the effects that the innovation process generates on Human Resources. A branch of the innovation literature states that the ability of firms to innovate relies on an innovative capacity, which, in turn, depends on several factors, both internal and external to enterprises. One of those factors is the effort of firms to train their personnel specifically in order to enable them to innovate. The present test is applied to 4818 Portuguese enterprises for the period 2002-2004 through the use of the fourth Community Innovation Survey data. In order to evaluate the contribution of Human Resources to innovation I have estimated several knowledge Production Functions, mainly using probits and tobits. In that framework it is assumed that innovation depends on some inputs (as the training of personnel) and on information-flows from the existing knowledge stock (as clients). I have found significant the role of personnel training for the innovative process of Portuguese firms. Moreover, I also found that the lack of qualified personnel hinged critically more innovative performance of firms and, in addition, it is noticed that the improvement of productivuty (cost reduction) was the main effect of innovation in Portuguese firms.

scholarly journals The engagement and retention of non-profit employees in Belgium and South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Renard ◽  
Robin J. Snelgar
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Turnover Intentions ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Time Basis ◽  
Depth Interviews

Orientation: A lack of qualitative research exists that investigates work engagement and retention within Belgium and South Africa, particularly within the non-profit sector.Research purpose: The study aimed to gather in-depth qualitative data pertaining to the factors that promote work engagement and retention amongst non-profit employees working within these two countries.Motivation for the study: Because of scarce funding and resources, non-profit organisations are pressured to retain their talented employees, with high levels of turnover being a standard for low-paid, human-service positions. However, when individuals are engaged in their work, they display lower turnover intentions, suggesting the importance of work engagement in relation to retention.Research design, approach and method: Non-probability purposive and convenience sampling was used to organise in-depth interviews with 25 paid non-profit employees working on either a full-time or a part-time basis within Belgium and South Africa. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data produced.Main findings: Participants were found to be absorbed in, dedicated to and energised by their work, and revealed numerous aspects promoting their retention including working towards a purpose, finding fulfilment in their tasks and working in a caring environment.Practical/managerial implications: Non-profit organisations should develop positive work environments for their employees to sustain their levels of work engagement, as well as place significance on intrinsic rewards in order to retain employees.Contribution: This study provides insights into the means by which non-profit employees across two nations demonstrate their enthusiasm, pride and involvement in the work that they perform. It moreover sheds light on the factors contributing to such employees intending to leave or stay within the employment of their organisations.

scholarly journals Exploring the role of the industrial-organisational psychologist as counsellor

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanri Barkhuizen ◽  
Lené I. Jorgensen ◽  
Lizelle Brink
Keyword(s):  
Scope Of Practice ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Short Term ◽  
North West ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Value Add ◽  
Counselling Interventions ◽  
Depth Interviews

Orientation: Industrial-organisational (I-O) psychologists are often confronted with counselling interventions in the workplace and thus it is vital that they are effectively prepared for their role as workplace counsellors.Research purpose: The aim of this study was to review the role of I-O psychologists as counsellors and to ascertain whether these practitioners are effectively prepared for this purpose.Motivation for the study: I-O psychologists are mainly concerned with the deep-rooted problems individuals experience in the workplace, and they therefore need appropriate counselling skills. However, it is not clear whether graduates in this discipline receive adequate training for this role.Research design, approach and method: A qualitative research design with convenience and snowball sampling of 22 participants was utilised. Participants were practising I-O psychologists across Gauteng and North West (South Africa). Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to gather data, which were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis.Main findings: Participants were familiar with the meaning of counselling and confirmed that they are faced with a range of counselling situations requiring a unique set of skills and competencies. Based on these findings, participants made recommendations for the future training of I-O psychologists and recommended that counselling be included in the scope of practice of I-O psychologists.Practical/managerial implications: The role of the I-O psychologist requires training in short-term therapeutic techniques and counselling in tertiary education.Contribution/value-add: The study clarifies the role of the I-O psychologist as a counsellor that will ensure that I-O psychologists can be trained more effectively for this role.

scholarly journals The Role of Narratives in Collaborative Innovation – Transitions towards Relational Forms of Dementia Care

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 28-47
Author(s):  
Maria Taivalsaari Røhnebæk
Keyword(s):  
Science And Technology Studies ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Organizational Studies ◽  
Narrative Approach ◽  
Narrative Approaches ◽  
Collaborative Innovation ◽  
Managerial Implications

This article advances the relevance of a narrative approach in studies of collaborative innovation. The narrative approach outlined is based in translation theory, developed within science and technology studies (STS) and organizational studies. The research is based in a case study of an innovation initiative in municipal elderly care in Norway. The case study follows the implementation processes of the initiative in three elderly care institutions. Various forms of resistance were encountered in the implementation process, and the analysis shows how narrative strategies worked as brokering mechanisms in negotiations of this resistance. The article explores how a collaborative innovation process evolves through interplays between strategic narratives and counter narratives and contributes by demonstrating how narratives may work as important brokering mechanisms in collaborative innovation processes. The article discusses finally how and why narrative approaches may contribute to research on collaborative innovation, and it outlines managerial implications.

scholarly journals Exploration of Methods for Small Businesses in Determining The Brand Positioning through Marketing Mix Concept

The Winners ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Irene Teresa Rebecca ◽  
Anita Maharani
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Marketing Mix ◽  
Product Line ◽  
Business Owner ◽  
Brand Positioning ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Depth Interviews

The purpose of this study was to show how small business owner reconstructed brand for its products through the concept of 7Ps. The research method used was qualitative, with in-depth interviews with the owner of the brand Keona. The results show that Keona products keep producing an updated model that is able to compete, supported by price and after-sales service. Then, consumers can find the products through the variety of channels. Results of this study encourages managerial implications that the business owner of bag Keona should keep up the quality assurance of its products, referring to standard operational procedures for service. Moreover, the owner should also optimize the features of social media as a means of marketing, and produce product line for any segments.

The anatomy of the inconspicuous luxury fashion experience

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marian Makkar ◽  
Sheau-Fen Yap
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behavior ◽  
Relationship Marketing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Symbolic Consumption ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the following questions: how do consumers construct meaning around their inconspicuous luxury fashion experiences? What desires do inconspicuous consumers strive to fulfill? What sentiments do they associate with their inconspicuous luxury fashion consumption? Design/methodology/approach This exploratory research begins with a netnographic study of 11 online luxury blogs followed by in-depth interviews and home observations of ten luxury consumers with inconspicuous preferences in Dubai. Findings Inconspicuous choices are not simply for associative or dissociative motivations but several symbolic consumption schemas come into play. A typology of inconspicuous luxury fashion consumers has emerged: fashion influencers, trendsetters, fashion followers, and luxe conservatives. Practical implications The findings have potential to yield important managerial implications for fashion retailers and brand communications. The typology of inconspicuous consumers provides a basis for developing a more targeted relationship marketing program for luxury fashion brands. Originality/value This research advances luxury knowledge in fashion and consumer behavior research by unveiling how consumers construct meanings around their inconspicuous consumption. The typology developed in this study marks the starting point for further extensions to explore the complexities of inconspicuous luxury consumers, which are grounded in the roles they take on in society, how they plan their luxury consumption journey and how they eventually use these possessions for self-identification and communication to others.

Cultivating Innovation through Social Relationships

2011 ◽  
pp. 104-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Bridgstock ◽  
Shane Dawson ◽  
Greg Hearn
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Social Process ◽  
Creative Industries ◽  
Relationship Patterns ◽  
Distinctive Features ◽  
Award Winning ◽  
The Social ◽  
Innovation Capacity ◽  
Depth Interviews

In this chapter, social relationship patterns associated with outstanding innovation are described and explored. In doing so, the chapter draws upon the findings of 16 in-depth interviews with award-winning Australian innovators from science & technology and the creative industries. The interviews covered topics relating to various influences on individual innovation capacity and career development. For all of the participants, innovation was a highly social process. Although each had been recognised individually for their innovative success, none worked in isolation. The ability to generate innovative outcomes was grounded in certain types of interaction and collaboration. The chapter outlines the distinctive features of the social relationships which seem to be important to innovation, and ask which ‘social network capabilities’ might underlie the ability to create an optimal pattern of interpersonal relationships. The implications of these findings for universities play a key role in the development of nascent innovators.

Brave new World of Warcraft: a conceptual framework for active escapism

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 498-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Kuo ◽  
Richard J. Lutz ◽  
Jacob L. Hiler
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Role Play ◽  
Virtual Space ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Naturalistic Inquiry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Experiential Consumption ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the phenomenon of active escapism – a unique form of experiential consumption that engages fantasy and role-play as a means of coping. In contrast with passive forms of escapism, whereby consumers act as observers (e.g. watching a movie), active escapism provides consumers with the opportunity to directly interact with mediated realities, whether constructed in a virtual space (e.g. a video game) or the real world. Design/methodology/approach Within the context of video game consumption, a conceptual framework for active escapism comprised antecedents, processes and consequences is established through literature review, depth interviews and naturalistic inquiry. Findings The findings suggest that active escapism functions as a coping mechanism when consumers are confronted with external stressors that threaten either their sense of identity or control. While other forms of emotion-focused coping relieve stress through psychological avoidance (i.e. refocusing of attention away from stressors), active escapism provides the benefits of affirmation and empowerment through projective fantasy (i.e. role-play) and presence (i.e. immersion into a mediated reality). Originality/value The conceptual framework established by this analysis gives insight into the structure of active escapism as a theoretical construct, providing a foundation for future research. Managerial implications for consumer escapism (e.g. branded in-game content) are discussed.

Multi-brand loyalty: when one brand is not enough

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 464-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reto Felix
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Brand Loyalty ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Family Tradition ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Over Time

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to provide a deeper, constructivist account of multi-brand loyalty. Previous literature has acknowledged the existence of multi-brand loyalty, but described it from a narrow, rational and primarily utilitarian point of view. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on open-ended, depth interviews. Data were labeled, coded and classified into different topics, and thematic analysis was used to identify three dominant themes. Findings – Multi-brand loyalty emerged in three forms: biased, specialized and perfect substitutes. These relationships may undergo dynamic transformations over time. Further, family tradition and perceived freedom were identified as two important motivations for consumers to be loyal to more than one brand. The managerial implications address suggestions on how companies can avoid that consumers become loyal to several brands instead of maintaining single-brand loyalty. Originality/value – The study is the first to address multi-brand loyalty based on a qualitative research approach and provides preliminary insights into occurrences and motivations related to the construct.

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