IE University

About: IE University is a education organization based out in Segovia, Castilla y León, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Corporate governance & Context (language use). The organization has 527 authors who have published 1709 publications receiving 64682 citations.

Blockchain: The birth of decentralized governance

Abstract: By allowing networks to split, decentralized blockchain platforms protect members against hold up, but hinder coordination, given that adaptation decisions are ultimately decentralized. The current solutions to improve coordination, based on “premining” cryptocoins, taxing members and incentivizing developers, are insufficient. For blockchain to fulfill its promise and outcompete centralized firms, it needs to develop new forms of “soft” decentralized governance (anarchic, aristocratic, democratic, and autocratic) that allow networks to avoid bad equilibria.

Family business research in the European context

Abstract: Family businesses are the most ubiquitous form of business organisation in Europe. Yet, most of the existing family business literature has been developed within a North American context. This introductory article builds on existing family business research conducted in the European context to portray Europe as a critically important context for extending our knowledge on important family business topics. It also counts on the view of the Secretary General of European Family Businesses to enhance our understanding of the institutional frameworks that can benefit family businesses in the EU zone. Specifically, the content of the article discusses some contextual factors that might affect the broadness, diversity, uniqueness and growth potential of family business research; identifies some of the interesting research questions that emerge from examining the distinctive traits of the European context; and stimulates further family business work in the European context and comparison with studies conducted in different geographies.

The Impact of Management Development Practices on Organizational Commitment

Abstract: Social exchange theorists argue that organizations that provide developmental assignments raise employee commitment. But such assignments may also undermine commitment by increasing the recipients’ value in the external labor market. We compare the effect of developmental assignments on organizational commitment with that of other development practices: coaching, mentoring, training, and support from the direct superior and senior management. We also test whether synergies arise when developmental assignments are combined with the other development practices. Using a sample of 312 highly skilled professionals working in over sixty countries, in a variety of industries and firms of various sizes, we find that developmental assignments are the strongest driver of organizational commitment, together with support from senior management. The positive relationship between developmental assignments and organizational commitment is weaker in the presence of other development practices

What Do We Know About Different Systems of Corporate Governance

Abstract: Over the last few years, national and international regulators have taken conscious steps to make capital markets - especially those based in Europe - more shareholder-oriented. On one side, these are welcome initiatives as the recent spectacular corporate failures and anecdotal evidence suggest that managers' attitudes definitely need to change and more weight needs to be given to shareholders' concerns. On the other side, there is as yet very little research on the benefits and shortcomings of alternative systems of corporate governance. Evidence from the few existing studies is inconclusive as to whether there is an optimal system of corporate governance and whether such a system already exists in a particular country. The move in one particular direction may therefore be far too premature. Further, some of my own research suggests that very similar changes in regulation - such as changes in takeover regulation - may have very different outcomes depending on the initial corporate ownership and control that prevails in a given country.