Showing papers in "European Business Review in 2013"
TL;DR: The study concludes that both scholars and practitioners should focus more on identifying and understanding what kind of value is co‐created for whom, using a business‐oriented analytical framework for assessing the opportunities presented by value co‐creation.
Abstract: Purpose – Existing research suggests a multitude of approaches to value co‐creation that bring with them a range of different ideas on what constitutes the concept. The purpose of this paper is to identify the sources of the differing approaches, and so reduce the complexity of the concept and develop a business‐oriented analytical framework for assessing the opportunities presented by value co‐creation.Design/methodology/approach – Through exploration of the different theoretical approaches to value co‐creation the sources of friction are identified. Addressing the conceptual complexity provides a sound basis for the development of a business‐oriented analytical framework.Findings – The multifaceted nature of value co‐creation arises owing to the differing approaches to what determines the value, the co‐, and the creation elements of the concept. The study concludes that both scholars and practitioners should focus more on identifying and understanding what kind of value is co‐created for whom, using wha...
346 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a general review of the field of co-creation is presented, focusing primarily on consumers and how they can be encouraged to collaborate with one another to meet their needs for socialisation and meaning making a...
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the diverse strands that underpin the still emerging concept of co‐creation. The paper aims to suggest that there are alternative views rooted in psychotherapy, critical theory, software development and design that can help provide a richer understanding of the meaning of co‐creation.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a general review of the field based on the literature and the different strands that comprise it.Findings – Co‐creation is often seen from a managerial perspective. In this general review of the concept, the authors demonstrate that co‐creation can also be seen from the perspective of consumers and other stakeholders. This also shifts the idea of co‐creation away from a strongly rational approach to one that is more spontaneous and playful.Practical implications – The review focuses primarily on consumers and how they can be encouraged to collaborate with one another to meet their needs for socialisation and meaning making a...
311 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the focus is shifted from the company's service processes involving the customer, to the customer's multi-contextual value formation, involving the company, and it is proposed that value is not always an active process of creation; instead, value is embedded and formed in the highly dynamic and multiscale reality and life of the customer.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend current discussions of value creation and propose a customer dominant value perspective. The point of origin in a customer‐dominant marketing logic (C‐D logic) is the customer, rather than the service provider, interaction or the system. The focus is shifted from the company's service processes involving the customer, to the customer's multi‐contextual value formation, involving the company.Design/methodology/approach – Value formation is contrasted to earlier views on the company's role in value creation in a conceptual analysis focusing on five central aspects. Implications of the proposed characteristics of value formation compared to earlier approaches are put forward.Findings – The paper highlights earlier hidden aspects on the role of a service for the customer. It is proposed that value is not always an active process of creation; instead, value is embedded and formed in the highly dynamic and multi‐contextual reality and life of the customer. This l...
297 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a reference model for comparing how different organizations organize and manage their co-creation ventures is developed, and the authors apply the authors' framework to four distinct cases that illustrate the differences in cocreation practice within different cocreation environments.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to make a contribution to co‐creation theory by integrating conceptual insights from the management and marketing literatures that are both concerned with co‐creation phenomena. It aims to develop a reference model for comparing how different organizations organize and manage their co‐creation ventures. It also aims to apply the authors' framework to four distinct cases that illustrate the differences in co‐creation practice within different co‐creation environments.Design/methodology/approach – The authors compare four different companies based on case profiles. Each company is employing its own distinct approach to co‐creating. The authors employ a method mix including literature analysis, structured interviews, document and web site analysis, as well as participation.Findings – The reference model offers a set of useful dimensions for case‐based inquiry. The case comparisons show how firms may decide to systematise and manage a mix of co‐creation activities within...
181 citations
TL;DR: A review of 105 international peer-reviewed journals with the purpose of identifying what has been written about lean has been conducted by as discussed by the authors, where 154 articles featuring lean in the article title are identified and reviewed.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how “lean” is viewed in academic literature and how it is operationalised. The paper also examines how evidence of lean is accounted for in practice.Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses a review of 105 international peer‐reviewed journals with the purpose of identifying what has been written about lean. All in all, 154 articles featuring lean in the article title are identified and reviewed.Findings – Lean has moved from application only in production to being used in other sectors, such as the public and service sectors. Most contributions are still found in production and supply chain journals, however, and few contributions discuss the basis of lean or provide a clear definition of the meaning of lean. The literature review indicates that there is a low level of operationalisation of the concept of lean, making the concept seem unclear and vague. About one‐third of the reviewed articles apply a toolbox view on lean; and, in general, the po...
131 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine social media adoption models and social media implementation models being used by South African banks when adopting social media marketing, challenges and opportunities faced are addressed in the paper.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine social media adoption models and social media implementation models being used by South African banks when adopting social media marketing. Challenges and opportunities faced are addressed in the paper.Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews were conducted with key informants, which were comprised of five South African social media experts and 28 managements within the banking sector.Findings – Social media is still at its infancy level in South Africa. The ACCESS model and the OASIS model are the most commonly used implementation models in South African banks. Further to that, findings indicate that Facebook and Twitter are the main tools used by banks and they are used for reactive customer service and advertising. Legal and regulatory issues were identified as obstacles to the adoption of social media. All respondents agreed on the need to integrate social media with traditional media. This might be because South African customers are consumer...
120 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a synthesis of the business turnaround literature to identify which turnaround and recovery strategies have been effective historically, based on the evidence provided by previous empirical research.
Abstract: Purpose – Against a backdrop of continued weak economic conditions and with many firms experiencing declining financial performance, this paper presents a synthesis of the business turnaround literature. It aims to identify which turnaround and recovery strategies have been effective historically, based on the evidence provided by previous empirical research.Design/methodology/approach – The authors review literature that includes 22 empirical studies, which investigated business turnarounds in previous recessionary environments. This literature was reviewed in its entirety, rather than as individual contributions, to synthesise the lessons available for businesses operating in today's challenging economic environment.Findings – The literature review revealed convergence in the findings of the prior studies. In total, six effective turnaround strategies were consistently identified and four of these relate to the content of the turnaround, namely: cost efficiencies, asset retrenchment, a focus on the firm...
78 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a semi-structured in-depth interviews with Portuguese green consumers are used to discuss potential key factors (reasons to buy green products, defining green product characteristics, feelings about pricing, perceived product confidence, willingness to compromise, environmental knowledge, consideration of alternatives, product's point of purchase and use and disposal).
Abstract: Purpose – There is a research gap in terms of understanding how green consumers perceive green products in a marketplace context. The purpose of this paper is to respond to this omission by exploring the green consumers' product demands and consumption processes.Design/methodology/approach – Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with Portuguese green consumers are used to discuss potential key factors (reasons to buy green products, defining green product characteristics, feelings about pricing, perceived product confidence, willingness to compromise, environmental knowledge, consideration of alternatives, product's point of purchase and use and disposal).Findings – The analysis indicates that green consumers represent an artificial segment and provides further empirical support to the definition of sustainability as a market‐oriented concept. The paper's findings suggest that mainstreaming green products is a more positive alternative than green segmentation.Research limitations/implications – This researc...
72 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyze how the implementation of green supply chain innovations can enhance value offerings along the supply chain, based on an explorative, single-embedded case study of a food supply chain.
Abstract: Purpose – The need for innovations to achieve economically viable and green supply chains has been illuminated in recent literature. Closed‐loop supply chains are part of green supply chain management and include traditional forward supply‐chain activities as well as additional activities of the reverse supply chain. Extant supply chain literature calls for a chain perspective in order to avoid sub‐optimization in the chain since changes at one stage can affect the performance at other stages. The purpose of the paper is to analyze how implementation of green supply chain innovations can enhance value offerings along the supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – This research is based on an explorative, single‐embedded case study of a food supply chain. The case is concerned with implementation of green supply chain innovation in terms of biogas technology. The single case comprises four actors in the food supply chain: a retailer, an industrial bakery, a mill, and a farmer. Data collection is based on s...
59 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the differences and similarities of the internationalization processes of multinational companies both from developed and emerging countries are compared by a direct comparison, and the authors aim to address the differences between the two types of companies.
Abstract: Purpose: This paper aims, by a direct comparison, to address the differences and similarities of the internationalization processes of multinational companies both from developed and emerging count ...
40 citations
TL;DR: The importance of cumulative processes in terms of substantiations and contributions in business research should not be neglected, but its logic and value is currently argued to be often underestimated or ignored as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Purpose – The objective of this article is to describe processes of substantiations and contributions across contexts and over time through theory building towards theory in business research.Design/methodology/approach – The article provides a seed for discussion, debate and consideration regarding scholarly substantiations and contributions through theory building towards business theory.Findings – The importance of cumulative processes in terms of substantiations and contributions in business research should not be neglected, but its logic and value is currently argued to be often underestimated or ignored.Research limitations/implications – Sound theory requires sound foundations based upon processes of substantiations and contributions. It is essential that the processes of substantiations and contributions are cumulative and parallel through theory building towards theory.Practical implications – An important lesson learned is that an original study should not be seen as providing a genuine substant...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a background into the challenges and developments faced by marketers in South Africa as well as those wanting to enter the South African market by presenting the viewpoints of the authors based on their knowledge of happenings within the marketing field.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a background into the challenges and developments faced by marketers in South Africa as well as those wanting to enter the South African market.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents the viewpoints of the authors based on their knowledge of happenings within the marketing field in South Africa.Findings – Marketers in South Africa face both challenges and developments from the macro and market environment. These challenges and developments include the diverse nature of the South African consumer, competition, infrastructure issues, government legislation and bureaucracy.Practical implications – South African marketers need to adapt their marketing strategies to accommodate the developments in the market. Furthermore, marketing strategies need to be adapted to meet the new challenges in South Africa markets in terms of the diversity of consumers in order to be successful.Originality/value – The originality and value of this paper lies in the fact t...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the strength of ties that entrepreneurs use during three critical phases of the international new venture's (INV) development; pre-founding, start-up and early internationalization.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to examine the strength of ties that entrepreneurs use during three critical phases of the international new venture's (INV) development; pre-founding, start-up and early internationalization. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses in-depth interviews to track the development of five INVs to provide nuanced and detailed findings relating to tie strength during these three critical phases. By focusing on proces, the paper captures in detail the strength of these ties and the dynamics of how they evolve. Findings – While the existing literature considers strength of ties to be two separate entities, the paper develops a continuum with three different levels of strength by using entrepreneurs' actual relationships. The paper found that stronger relationships predominate and that they play an important broker role to link with other unconnected networks. Practical implications – Since relationships are crucial for recognizing and developing business opportunities, entrepreneurs ...
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual model that builds on, and synthesizes, the theoretical foundations of social capital (relational and cognitive) and cooperation is proposed to predict the extent to which exporter-intermediary cooperation occurs.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to rely on a conceptual model that builds on, and synthesizes, the theoretical foundations of social capital (relational and cognitive) and cooperation. It assumes that the network of relationships and the set of resources embedded within it strongly influence the extent to which exporter-intermediary cooperation occurs. Design/methodology/approach – Following a quantitative methodological approach, a survey was applied to a sample of exporters to empirically test the proposed model. Findings – The findings reveal that among the six relationships, five are positively supported. Specifically, this study finds a positive and a significant impact of the two dimensions of social capital: cognitive (shared values) and relational (trust) on both commitment and cooperation. However, it did not support the impact of cognitive social capital on relational social capital. Research limitations/implications – One possible shortfall of this research relates to the characteristics of different...
TL;DR: In this article, a theoretical framework for the understanding of how theories are turned into practice is presented. But it does not consider the relationship between practice and knowledge, and it is not suitable for the use of knowledge and practice as universal concepts.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper was to review the knowledge and practice‐related literature, as well as to develop a theoretical framework that functions like a sorting device, in order to improve our understanding about how theories are turned into practice.Design/methodology/approach – This is a theoretical paper that discusses the relationships between practice and knowledge using practice‐based lenses.Findings – This paper discusses the relationships between diverse forms of knowledge and practice, and it elaborates the cognitive mechanisms used to know how to shift from the inside to the outside view, and vice versa.Research limitations/implications – By organising a wide range of knowledge‐ and practice‐related concepts into meaningful categories, this paper contributes to overcoming the use of the concepts of knowledge and practice as universal.Practical implications – By recognising the implicit epistemological stance associated with the diverse theories and concepts, the framework may be useful i...
TL;DR: In this article, a review and synthesize empirical literature concerning the role of control mechanisms in export relationships, and to develop a model for controls as determinants of export performance is presented.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize empirical literature concerning the role of control mechanisms in export relationships, and to develop a model for controls as determinants of export performance.Design/methodology/approach – To identify relevant papers, a variety of keywords is used in a computerized, bibliographic search, accompanied by manual checking of references in previous research. A combination of content analysis and integrative assessment is adopted to synthesize the findings and develop the framework.Findings – To a great extent, the results provide support to the argument that the influence of control mechanisms on export performance is contingent upon firm strategy and characteristics, the governance structure and relationship atmosphere established in the exchange relationships, and foreign market characteristics.Research limitations/implications – The analysis points to a lack of consensus concerning how to define controls. Subsequently, the review and analysi...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a research framework that elucidates the role of EMM-specific resources and internationalization motivations on the location choice of emerging market multinationals (EMMs).
Abstract: Purpose – Location choice made by emerging market multinationals (EMMs) constitutes an important yet somewhat neglected topic in business research. The purpose of this paper is to develop a research framework that elucidates the role of EMM‐specific resources and internationalization motivations on the location choice of EMMs.Design/methodology/approach – The literature pertaining to firm‐specific resources and internationalization motivations as determinants of location choice is reviewed. This leads to the development of a research framework that takes into account various combinations of resources and motivations in explaining the location choice of EMMs. The paper offers research propositions by linking resources, motivations, and the appropriate choice of locations.Findings – The paper illustrates that location choices of EMMs are determined by the interplay of various resources (relationship‐based, home experiences‐based, and country created assets‐based) and internationalization motivations (market...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the nature and extent of strategic planning in the Greek hospitality industry and its outcomes based on Greek managers' views, and they found that the main findings of the paper concern with some major strategic planning dimensions: planning formality, functional coverage, internal and external orientation, centralization and time horizon of planning.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the nature and extent of strategic planning in the Greek hospitality industry and its outcomes based on Greek managers' views. Design/methodology/approach – Although the concept of strategic planning and its dimensions have been widely discussed in previous literature, research has mainly focused on well-developed countries and established sectors. However, there is a limited research in less developed countries like Greece and under-researched sectors like the hospitality industry. This paper aims to give some insights into the nature and extent of use of strategic planning processes and its positive outcomes in the Greek hospitality industry through a study based on a sample of 21 Greek five-star hotels. Findings – The main findings of the paper concern with some major strategic planning dimensions: planning formality, functional coverage, internal and external orientation, centralization and time horizon of planning. Additionally, the study highlights the positi...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate empirically whether a hybrid, compared with other forms of competitive advantage, contributes to better business performance, and provide evidence in favour of the hybrid as the best-performing form of competitiveness advantage for Greek food firms.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically whether a hybrid, compared with other forms of competitive advantage, contributes to better business performance.Design/methodology/approach – Based on 105 food manufacturing firms in Greece, a European Union (EU) member state, this study performs a factor analysis, a cluster analysis and an analysis of variance.Findings – This study provides evidence in favour of the hybrid as the best‐performing form of competitive advantage for Greek food firms. Specifically, the findings show pure (the cost‐based nichers: 36 firms), combined (the hybridists: 49 firms) and stuck‐in‐the‐middle (the confused strategists: 20 firms) strategic alternatives that differ in terms of performance.Research limitations/implications – Research on Porter's dominant paradigm within Europe is surprisingly limited. Given the call for further research on competitive strategy to focus on European firms, this Greek study extends Porter's original model and represents one of...
TL;DR: The author concludes that a core competence could become more dynamic in three ways, by: balancing itself with the external environment and including external activities and processes; reducing path‐dependency influences; and carefully “orchestrating” resources, by guidance rather than control, to release the inherent potential of project teams.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to enhance practical applications, by refining the original core competence concept to better fit dynamic environments.Design/methodology/approach – This paper combines theoretical research streams treating core competence and dynamic capability.Findings – The original core competence concept cannot help managers with today's dynamic business environments. This paper theoretically reviews conceptions of core competence to enhance dynamism and better align theory and practice. The author concludes that a core competence could become more dynamic in three ways, by: balancing itself with the external environment and including external activities and processes; reducing path‐dependency influences; and carefully “orchestrating” resources, by guidance rather than control, to release the inherent potential of project teams.Research limitations/implications – The author rejuvenates a popular concept by including contemporary, more dynamic considerations; however, his propositions need t...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a theoretical view that allows understanding of both smooth incremental and critical changes in the process of relationship development, and employed a longitudinal case study method and discusses how the relationship between the Swedish firm, Ericsson, and its counterpart, Telefonica, develops in the emerging market of Argentina during the period of 1998-2004.
Abstract: Purpose – Adding to the theoretical view of relationship development, this paper holds the view that relationship change encompasses not only smooth incremental change but also includes crises which can trigger relationship weakening, dissolution and/or recovery. The aim is to develop a theoretical view that allows understanding of both smooth incremental and critical changes in the process of relationship development. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a business network perspective, the paper's relationship view holds uncertainty, commitment and trust as central explanatory elements. The process view is composed of three episodes: incremental relationship development; relationship crisis; and ending or survival. The paper employs a longitudinal case study method and discusses how the relationship between the Swedish firm, Ericsson, and its counterpart, Telefonica, develops in the emerging market of Argentina during the period of 1998-2004. Findings – Conclusions demonstrate the vulnerability of rela...
TL;DR: In this paper, a focus group approach was used to identify the main causes of supply chain uncertainty affecting freight transport operations in FMCG distribution and four case studies were undertaken to examine how logistics is managed and the impact of uncertainty.
Abstract: Purpose – International comparison studies provide a useful opportunity in logistics to benchmark logistics practices. Given this, it is perhaps surprising that there do not appear to be any benchmarking studies comparing performance between the developed and developing world. The paper aims to address this shortcoming, focusing on fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution networks from the UK and South Africa as comparator countries.
Design/methodology/approach – A two-stage study has been undertaken. Firstly, a focus group approach was undertaken to identify the main causes of supply chain uncertainty affecting freight transport operations in FMCG distribution. In the second phase, four case studies (two in the UK and two in South Africa) were undertaken to examine how logistics is managed and the impact of uncertainty.
Findings – In the focus groups undertaken in both countries, the uncertainty clusters found were very similar, if not the same. However, when looking into the findings from the case studies, the extra miles generated due to uncertainty within the supply chains studied was greater in the South African distribution networks studied than in their UK counterparts. Furthermore, the UK distribution networks studied seem to be more effective in terms of uncertainty preparedness and responsiveness than their South African counterparts.
Originality/value – The paper has identified significant differences in terms of uncertainty preparedness and responsiveness within the distribution networks studied from the UK and South Africa. Nevertheless, more case studies need to be run in both countries, and in different sectors, to verify those differences.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a processual analysis of techno-change, and useful insights were developed concerning techno change alignment, within the confines of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) case study.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop “techno‐change alignment” as an approach for evaluating the effectiveness of large‐scale technology‐enabled organisational change, commonly associated with the adoption of enterprise information systems (IS)Design/methodology/approach – By developing a processual analysis of techno‐change, useful insights are developed concerning techno‐change alignment, within the confines of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) case study Recent techno‐change literature, emerging ideas on human agency, cultural and social relations are incorporated as part of the evaluation approach taken The paper also discusses the implications of more recent work on techno‐change and suggests directions for future researchFindings – In terms of “structural” alignment, the ERP system was chosen because it reflected requirements of the case study in the university/education sector As part of “strategic and intellectual” alignment, business processes were reviewed, as well as align
TL;DR: In this article, a multi-layer matrix model of sustainable tourism is described, which highlights the importance of linking planning and implementation to evaluation and control, but it also stresses the importance to reconnecting back to ongoing planning and implementing, in order to make necessary revisions in the process of sustainability tourism.
Abstract: Purpose – The objective of this paper is to describe a multi‐layer matrix model of sustainable tourism.Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual discussion and illustration is provided.Findings – It incorporates multiple layers of a proposed process of sustainable tourism and areas of measurement interconnected through a series of gap and reconnection analyses.Research limitations/implications – Opportunities for further research are offered.Practical implications – The paper highlights the importance of linking planning and implementation to evaluation and control, but it also stresses the importance of reconnecting back to ongoing planning and implementation, in order to make necessary revisions in the process of sustainable tourism.Originality/value – One contribution is that sustainable tourism is not defined as a concept or construct, but as a process, since there are no achievements or progress in sustainable practices without a sequence of inter‐connected and measureable doings in the context of m...
TL;DR: The authors reviewed studies of US corporations operating in Western Europe, particularly in the EEC, and developed the implications of these studies for executive action, concluding that Europe was the largest investment area for US manufacturers and their major export market.
Abstract: When this article was first published in the European Journal of Marketing, Europe was the largest investment area for US manufacturers and their major export market. Marketing US production in Europe was therefore seen as an essential managerial task. The article reviews studies of US corporations operating in Western Europe, particularly in the EEC, and develops the implications of these studies for executive action. (First published in European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 11 No. 7, 1977.)
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the relationship between social identities and innovation as a collective act, specifically how multiple social identity processes construct, reconstruct and revise organisational identity, and create positive commitment and motivation for collaborative innovation.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between “social identities” and “innovation as a collective act”, specifically how multiple social identity processes construct, reconstruct and revise organisational identity, and create positive commitment and motivation for collaborative innovation (co‐innovation).Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopted an inductive theory building from cases (particularly, theory building from a singular case) methodology. As the purpose of the research is to develop theory and not to test it, theoretical sampling was used. The particular case was specifically chosen because the business – a successful co‐operative for over 30 years – enables the investigation of organisational identity construction and development on different levels including intra‐ and inter‐organisational interactions.Findings – While still leaving scope for the readers to make interpretations and conclusions from the case themselves, the study suggests some general con...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a new classification scheme to explain variance in customer decision-making uncertainty in business-to-business (B2B) markets based on existing industrial buying typologies, and demonstrated that customer decisionmaking uncertainty is especially prevalent in complex offerings characterized by high degrees of co-creation.
Abstract: Purpose – Customer decision‐making uncertainty (DMU) is a persistent phenomenon in business‐to‐business markets. However, there is substantial variation in the degree to which customers perceive DMU and how suppliers should react to it. The purpose of this paper is to explain variation in customer decision‐making uncertainty.Design/methodology/approach – Based on existing industrial buying typologies, this paper proposes a new classification scheme to explain variance in customer decision‐making uncertainty. Market offering complexity and co‐creation are used as defining dimensions in the construction of four archetypal types of industrial market offerings.Findings – The paper demonstrates on a theoretical level that customer decision‐making uncertainty is especially prevalent in complex offerings characterized by high degrees of co‐creation.Practical implications – This typology helps to provide a more nuanced understanding of the effects of co‐creation on customer value. Firms should adapt their selling...
TL;DR: In this article, an alternative theory of meetings is proposed, one based on the group facilitation approach to social order in meetings, where a facilitator can change meetings by controlling their for...
Abstract: Purpose – Despite widespread frustration with meetings in organizations, they receive very little attention from academics. The purpose of this paper is to shed conceptual light on meetings and hence render them amenable to research and development.Design/methodology/approach – From interviews with managers and employees, six common assumptions about meetings were extracted, termed a folk theory of meetings, which most office workers seem to carry in the back of their minds.Findings – This folk theory holds meetings to be places for excessive talk, whether by a domineering leader or highly vocal participants, the purpose of which is to walk through the items on the agenda and dispose of each. This bleak and conservative concept of a meeting impedes intellectual as well as practical progress.Practical implications – An alternative theory of meetings is proposed, one based on the group facilitation approach to social order in meetings. On this view, a facilitator can change meetings by controlling their for...
TL;DR: In this paper, the meaning of action has reemerged as a central focus of the current debates and the authors seek to analyze the meaning given by managers to their contribution to the strategy development process.
Abstract: Purpose – As a result of the global financial crisis, the meaning of action has reemerged as a central focus of the current debates. This paper seeks to analyze the meaning given by managers to their contribution to the strategy development process. Design/methodology/approach – The core underlying assumptions in this research are that social phenomena such as strategy are determined by representations shaped by discourse and that education is a major vector for promoting strategic discourses. Through the concepts of social representation and strategy lens, the paper examines the beliefs and paradigms underlying the strategy development process. Based on a sample of 1,033 managers, this research constructs a holistic typology of the social representations of strategy among managers. Findings – Four different groups of social representations of strategy are identified and characterized. Links are established between these groups and a range of socio-demographic, social, occupational and structural variable...
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of a shift to a marketing-driven (business-oriented) philanthropic funding structure on NGOs, international businesses that fund charities, and the recipients of the funding for a water pump system in southern Africa is investigated.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate, through a comparative historical analysis, the impact of a shift to a marketing‐driven (business‐oriented) philanthropic funding structure on NGOs, international businesses that fund charities, and the recipients of the funding for a water pump system in southern Africa.Design/methodology/approach – The study deconstructs and dissects the introduction and acceptance of the PlayPumps water pump system by generating four historical funding‐structure models that typified the philanthropic funding at the time. Each time period is critically examined to investigate how changes toward marketing‐driven philanthropy affected the viability of the project.Findings – The key finding is that by shifting to a marketing‐driven (business‐oriented) philanthropic funding structure, NGOs risk fundamentally disconnecting the funders and the recipients of the funding. Serious concerns arise regarding the role of businesses in driving the “overcommercialisation” of market...