bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Born versus made: Early approaches to understanding leadership
Authors: Iszatt-White Marian , Saunders Christopher
Published: September 2023

This chapter evaluates early leadership theories, which argued that leaders are great men or possess inherited attributes that define them as leaders. It describes how this idea led to a belief that traits or characteristics of leaders could be identified and subsequently be used in training and development interventions. The chapter also explores the main critique of trait theory, that is, the idea that leadership is dependent on the situation faced by the leader, and that a leader should be able to adapt their behaviour to different situations. The ideas raised by trait and contingency approaches were linked to the use of competency models by modern businesses. Finally, critiques of these ideas, including a brief discussion of leadership and gender, are reviewed.
Leading teams and leading change
Authors: Iszatt-White Marian , Saunders Christopher
Published: September 2023

This chapter scrutinizes how team leadership differs from leadership per se in its emphasis on the coordination of team processes as the means to achieving organizational goals. It outlines two mainstream models of team leadership and the manner in which they are said to impact on team processes and team performance. The chapter also considers how self-managed and virtual teams challenge the view that leadership is vital for team performance. The different roles leaders might play in initiating and implementing change are also examined. A range of normative, contingency, and contextual models of change is discussed, along with the causes of resistance to change. The chapter also delves into the idea that planned change may be inherently problematic.
Leadership as a social construction
Authors: Iszatt-White Marian , Saunders Christopher
Published: September 2023

This chapter considers the notion that ideas of what constitutes leadership are socially constructed by followers and others rather than inherent in the intentions or characteristics of leaders themselves. It explores the implications of this thesis, and some specific theories are outlined and critiqued. Different factors shape the social constructions of leadership, and psychoanalytic and social identity theories of leadership—which explore different aspects of how leader identities are individually and socially constructed—are considered. The chapter also looks at Meindl’s proposition that, both in academic writing and in the media, the idea of leadership and the results it can produce are romanticized to a degree that is unrealistic and not representative of actual practice. Finally, the chapter tackles how cultural differences may impact the constructions of leadership that arise in different parts of the world and considers the implications of this in an increasingly mobile and international working environment.
Leader and leadership development
Authors: Iszatt-White Marian , Saunders Christopher
Published: September 2023

This chapter focuses on the ideas and theories attached to both leader development and leadership development. It highlights the dominance of programmes focused on the development of the knowledge and skills of the leader and considers some ideas of how the development of leadership could be enhanced. The chapter also examines some approaches to leadership learning, including the foundations and application of action learning, coaching and mentoring, experiential learning, and reflection. Social and relational approaches to leadership development and the importance of developing phronesis (practical wisdom) in leadership judgement and decision making are discussed. The chapter concludes by looking at some of the latest thinking on the use of mindfulness to develop leaders.
Psychodynamic approaches to leadership
Authors: Roe Kevin
Published: September 2023

This chapter addresses the psychodynamic approach to leadership, which is centred on understanding personality and the psychological make-up of both the leader and followers. The argument being presented is that by understanding more about one’s own personality as the leader, and that of one's followers, one can make more informed decisions about how one's behaviour may, or may not, influence a given group of individuals. Part of this approach is helping followers to understand their own personality profile, their own motivation, wants, and needs, so that they can respond to these needs and those of their colleagues. Ultimately, this approach seeks to direct the leader towards understanding their own preferred method of operating, how others operate, and how to take advantage of these various combinations. The chapter then looks at the Myers-Briggs type indicator and neuro-linguistic programming.
Power, influence, and authority
Authors: Roe Kevin
Published: September 2023

This chapter reviews the themes of power, influence, and authority. Power is a capacity to exert control over others; influence is the process through which this control is exerted; and authority stems from the leader’s position in a normative power structure, such as those in governments or companies. If power is to be exerted by an individual manager, there are a number of different bases for that power. These bases can be either positional, personal, or a combination of the two. Positional power is described as legitimate, coercive, or reward-based. Personal power can be referential or expert. Studies have shown that successful leaders use personal power, as this is more effective in obtaining commitment, as opposed to compliance or resistance, from followers and targets. The obvious danger for managers is that they may not use their power wisely.
The politics of employment relations
Authors: Williams Steve
Published: September 2023

This chapter is concerned with the political dimension of employment relations. One of the most distinctive features of employment relations as a field of study is that it is highly politicized; in other words, employment relations arrangements, institutions, and processes are infused with, and cannot be understood without reference to, politics. The chapter provides some historical context, outlining the main developments in public policy prior to 1997, when Tony Blair's first Labour government was elected to office. It then covers the main employment relations policy developments under Labour governments between 1997 and 2010. Next, the chapter focuses on the changes enacted by the Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition government and during the first year of the subsequent Conservative majority administration. The influence of the European Union (EU) on employment relations, particularly the waning importance of the ‘social dimension’—encompassing social and employment matters—of European integration, is also explored. As well as covering Theresa May's domestic policy agenda between 2016 and 2019, the final main part of the chapter examines the employment relations issues relating to Brexit.
Social divisions and employment relations
Authors: Williams Steve
Published: September 2023

This chapter focuses on the influence of social divisions—aspects of disadvantage and inequality that are socially constituted, reflecting people's shared social characteristics. The aim of this chapter is to provide a good knowledge of the nature, and principal features, of inequality and disadvantage in employment relations, and to develop a critical understanding of the main efforts to address them. The starting point is a brief assessment of the dimensions of inequality and disadvantage at work, including a discussion of divisions based on social class. Following on from this, the evolving legal and policy framework governing equality and diversity issues, including family-friendly and work–life balance measures, is explored. Finally, the chapter is concerned with understanding and interpreting employer-led equality action and diversity management initiatives; it also examines the role played by trade unions in promoting equality.
Developing a Communication Strategy
Authors: Percy Larry , Rosenbaum-Elliott Richard
Published: September 2023

This chapter explores how to develop a communication strategy, which is the fourth step in the strategic planning process. It highlights the importance of brand awareness, brand attitude, and brand purchase intention. Communication objectives are determined depending on which communication effects are needed: category need, brand awareness, brand attitude, and brand purchase intention. On the other hand, the chapter looks into recognition brand awareness and recall brand awareness in line with the brand awareness strategy. It notes that promotion strategy is considered when brand purchase intention is a communication objective. The chapter also includes the cognitive and affective components of brand attitude. It notes the significance of involvement and motivation while referencing the Rossiter–Percy Grid.
Setting a Media Strategy
Authors: Percy Larry , Rosenbaum-Elliott Richard
Published: September 2023

This chapter focuses on setting a media strategy, which is the final step of the strategic planning process. It notes the increasing complexity of media selection decisions as the number of message delivery options grows due to the rise of digital media. Additionally, the chapter looks into how the target audience is becoming a more active participant in media consumption. It explores how media strategy decisions begin with an understanding of the trade-off between reach and frequency. The chapter then explains that the media vehicle must be picked depending on the communication objectives, such as brand awareness and brand attitude strategy. It includes how direct matching of media to a buyer is more effective than demographic matching.
Digital Media
Authors: Percy Larry , Rosenbaum-Elliott Richard
Published: September 2023

This chapter discusses digital media. It notes the increasing doubt over the effectiveness of digital media in delivering messages despite growth in areas such as privacy concerns. Additionally, the chapter explains the history and development of the internet. It also includes the brand competition between Google and Amazon. The chapter highlights how digital media would need to conform to the processing requirements of a communication strategy. It also explores the rise of programmatic buying of advertising which sparked the increase of fraud, fake website traffic, and other unethical behaviour. The chapter then cites the cognitive consequence of smartphones.
Creative Tactics
Authors: Percy Larry , Rosenbaum-Elliott Richard
Published: September 2023

This chapter explores creative tactics. It notes how pictures and words are effective in advertising in terms of increasing the probability of attention to an advert. The chapter cites the general creative tactics based on how the mind processes words and pictures in an effort to increase attention, learning, and memory. It points out the effectiveness of using nostalgia in advertising. The chapter includes music in facilitating the process of an advert as it could rouse attention and emotion. It notes that creative tactics for brand awareness strategies should consider the difference between recognition and recall brand awareness objectives. Moreover, the chapter looks into informational brand attitude strategies and transformational brand attitude strategies.
Creative Execution
Authors: Percy Larry , Rosenbaum-Elliott Richard
Published: September 2023

This chapter focuses on creative execution. It looks into the sources of creative ideas such as crowdsourcing. Additionally, the chapter highlights the importance of clear communication with the creative team amidst a campaign. It also notes the important requirements of creative ideas such as dramatized benefit claim, attention-grabbing, consistency, the requirement to be categorically relevant and adaptability across media. Moreover, the chapter explores how creative executions must match the roles that the target audience perform in the decision process. It differentiates logos, slogans, and taglines as well. The chapter then explores the concept behind social marketing communication. It narrates the role of creative research.
Campaign Strategy
Authors: Percy Larry , Rosenbaum-Elliott Richard
Published: September 2023

This chapter discusses campaign strategy. It highlights how campaign strategy is built upon the strategic planning process which takes into account market conditions on how advertising and promotions are used. The chapter then argues that a review of the consumer decision process is vital in order to determine target audiences and decision processes such that the stages of advertising and promotion will be effective. It looks into the unique advantages of advertising and promotions. Additionally, the chapter mentions the effectiveness of direct marketing. It includes how campaign budgets should be in line with sales goals. The chapter explains the significance of monitoring the programme while the campaign is underway.
Maths for Economics
Authors: Renshaw Geoff
Published: September 2023

Maths for Economics is composed of five parts. Part One presents some foundations to the subject, including introductions to arithmetic, algebra, linear equations, quadratic equations, and other techniques. The second part looks at optimization with one independent variable. It considers derivatives, differentiation, the economic applications of functions, and elasticity. The third part turns to finance and growth. Chapters here cover compound growth, the exponential function and logarithms, continuous growth, and derivatives of exponential and logarithmic functions. Part Four looks at optimization with two or more independent variables. The last part considers other topics such as integration, matrix algebra, difference and differential equations, and W21.
Arithmetic
Authors: Renshaw Geoff
Published: September 2023

This chapter revises the basic concepts of numbers and operations with them. It looks at positive and negative numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages. It also reviews powers, such as squares and cubes, and square roots and cube roots. Basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as finding powers and roots are reviewed and how these operations are performed with pen and ink only, and with the aid of a calculator.
Some further equations and techniques
Authors: Renshaw Geoff
Published: September 2023

This chapter introduces four new types of function. First, the cubic function, which produces a characteristically S-shaped graph is analysed. Second, is the rectangular hyperbola, a functional form useful to economists which also introduces two new and important concepts: the idea of a limiting value and the idea of a discontinuity or gap in the relationship between x and y. The third and fourth functions are of the circle and the ellipse, where their graphs give curves of the correct shape to depict certain economic relationships. Finally, this chapter shows how the algebra of inequalities are used extensively in economics.
Derivatives in action
Authors: Renshaw Geoff
Published: September 2023

This chapter illustrates how the derivative can be used to obtain important information about the shape of a function. The concept of a monotonic function; a function that is always either positively or negatively sloped is introduced. Furthermore, this chapter presents the stationary points, where a function reaches a maximum or minimum value, or a point of inflection. Identifying stationary points is known as optimization. In order to distinguish between these cases, the second derivative of a function, which tells us whether the slope is increasing or decreasing, and the third derivative, which also conveys important information is introduced. At the end of the chapter, the differential of a function is identified, which is used to approximate small changes in the function itself.
Economic applications of functions and derivatives
Authors: Renshaw Geoff
Published: September 2023

This chapter focuses on the economic applications of everything learned in previous chapters, especially the application of differentiation. There are three areas of economic application in this chapter. First, it looks at how a firm's costs vary with output in the short run. The second area of economic application is the market demand function for a good. Lastly is the profit maximizing behaviour of the firm.
Functions of two or more independent variables
Authors: Renshaw Geoff
Published: September 2023

This chapter examines functions with two or more independent variables. It starts by considering functions of the form z = f (x, y); that is, where the dependent variable, z, is determined by the values of two independent variables, x and y. Next, it considers how the concept of a derivative can be extended and applied to the function with two or more independent variables. This concept is further developed to include second-order partial derivatives. The latter part of the chapter considers the application of these ideas to two important relationships in economics: the production function and the utility function.
Maximum and minimum values, the total differential, and applications
Authors: Renshaw Geoff
Published: September 2023

This chapter begins by putting partial derivatives to work to find the maximum and minimum values of any function z = f (x, y). Next it develops a new concept, the total differential. In the last part of the chapter, using implicit differentiation, it shows how the slope of a production function isoquant is dependent on the marginal productivities of labour and capital.
Becoming a Critical Thinker
Authors: Ivory Sarah Birrell
Published: September 2023

Becoming a Critical Thinker starts by considering what it is that makes someone a critical thinker and why critical thinking skills are worth developing. The text argues that there are many benefits to looking at the world through a critical lens. The book first defines critical thinking in direct relation to the university experience before proceeding to discuss the ways in which a learner can become more of a critical thinker. The second part of the book looks at the three aims of critical thinking: quality of argument, strength of evidence, and clarity of communication. The final part is about mastering the tools of critical thinking. There are five major tools that a good critical thinker should use: writing, reading, listening, speaking, and—perhaps obviously—thinking.
How to become a critical thinker at university
Authors: IVORY SARAH BIRRELL
Published: September 2023

This chapter details the process of how to become a critical thinker at university. At university, in addition to discipline-based foundational knowledge, you also learn universal skills and develop personal characteristics. Foundational knowledge means that you know things. Learning universal skills means you know how to do things with that knowledge. Developing your personal characteristics gives you the actual ability to do things with that knowledge. You learn from academic faculty, from world-renowned (possibly dead) thinkers, from fellow students, from outside the curriculum, and from yourself. The learning environment at university sees you being independent but not alone, building a strong base, entering a productive struggle, actively engaging, preparing and attending, and embracing group work and assessment. Ultimately, the qualities you can draw on to become a critical thinker are curiosity and an open mind, a growth mindset and grit, and finally focus and willpower.
Strategic marketing: analysis, perspectives, and blueprint
Authors: West Douglas , Ford John , Ibrahim Essam , Montecchi Matteo
Published: September 2023

This chapter provides an overview of strategic marketing, which is a construct that lies at the conceptual heart of the field of marketing and is central to the practice of marketing. It shows how marketing strategy relates to the concept of marketing orientation, before explaining the difference between strategic marketing and operational marketing. The chapter also highlights the link between marketing strategy and corporate strategy and how they are aligned to one another. It reviews earlier models of strategic planning and various approaches to competitive marketing strategy. Ultimately, the essential steps in strategic marketing are: obtain the key information about a marketing problem; concentrate on suitable marketing objectives; identify the relevant options available; select the appropriate course of action; and establish a marketing plan for implementation.
Product innovation and development strategies
Authors: West Douglas , Ford John , Ibrahim Essam , Montecchi Matteo
Published: September 2023

This chapter addresses productive innovation and development, which can play a pivotal role in marketing strategy. Innovation is based upon technological superiority and posits that buyers are most interested in goods and services that provide the best performance, features, quality, and value for money. Central to this is the concept of new product development (NPD), a creative activity towards which there are many different approaches. The chapter then considers issues related to market disruption, market leadership, categories of innovation, and customization. A discussion of customization, in a marketing strategy context, inevitably leads to an assessment of mass customization, which is similar to mass production in terms of its basic structure, with some significant differences. Instead of selecting one variety of product or service, the buyer provides unique information so that the product or service can be tailored to varying degrees.
Business Strategy
Authors: Henry Anthony E.
Published: September 2023

This chapter assesses strategy formulation at the business, corporate, and global levels. It discusses business strategy, which is a means of separating out and formulating a competitive strategy at the level of the individual business unit referred to as a strategic business unit (SBU). It also elaborates that an SBU is a distinct part of an organization that focuses on a particular market or markets for its products and services, devising a strategy that allows an organization to compete successfully in the marketplace and to contribute to the corporate strategy. The chapter evaluates Michael Porter's generic strategies and highlights a resource-based approach to strategy formulation. It clarifies how blue ocean strategy seeks to make competition irrelevant and analyses strategy formulation in turbulent markets and disruptive innovation as a means of capturing market share.
Organizational Structures and Strategic Change
Authors: Henry Anthony E.
Published: September 2023

This chapter addresses the role of organizational structures, organizational processes, strategic control systems, and strategic change, highlighting the role they play in providing an organization with competitive advantage. It discusses organizational structure, which is concerned with the division of labour into specialized tasks and coordination between these tasks. It also examines how organizations are a means by which human economic activity can be coordinated as organizations exist because they are more efficient at undertaking economic activities than individuals are on their own. The chapter covers the trade-off between specialization and coordination and the advantages and disadvantages of different organizational structures and processes. It determines the purpose of strategic control systems for organizations and assesses different types of strategic change.
Strategic Leadership
Authors: Henry Anthony E.
Published: September 2023

This chapter addresses the role that leadership plays in strategy implementation, beginning with the differences between leadership and management. It talks about the role of leaders in creating a learning organization and the impact of emotional intelligence on effective leaders, including the links between emotional intelligence and company performance. It also analyses the advantages and dangers of narcissistic leaders, noting, however, that this personality type may actually be beneficial in dynamic markets. The chapter clarifies the role of leaders in shaping the values of an organization to guide employee behaviour and identifies the effects of national culture on individuals' beliefs, highlighting the importance of culture on different leadership styles. It mentions some of the leadership skills necessary to achieve strategic change, given the complexity and uncertainty that surrounds most organizations.
International Business in Context
Authors: Enderwick Peter
Published: September 2023

This chapter provides a wide-ranging overview of the context within which the global factory has evolved. It considers the rapid growth of international business activities in the period since 1945, which resulted in the creation of a contemporary global economy, characterized by extensive cross-border trade, exchange, and competition driven by multinational enterprises (MNEs). It also explains how the global economy provides both opportunities and challenges for international business. The chapter highlights the evolution of the global factory as an organizational mode suited to the effective management of complexity, dynamism, and the need for continuous adaptation. It elaborates on how international business, particularly trade and foreign direct investment (FDI), has grown in the period since 1945 and discusses the factors that facilitate and drive the internationalization of business.
Foreign Operations Modes
Authors: Enderwick Peter
Published: September 2023

This chapter examines ways of entering and operating in overseas markets and considers the wide range of factors that are both internal and external to the firm in order to determine operating modes. It discusses the variety of operating modes that multinational enterprises (MNEs) may adopt, classifying these as trade-related, investment-related, and resource-transfer modes. It also talks about the dynamic aspects of operating mode choice, examining entry timing, mode switching, and divestment and the implications for mode choice within the global factory. The chapter explores the multifaceted nature and complexity of foreign entry and operating modes and the principal factors that influence mode choice. It notes key influences on the choice of foreign operating mode within global factory systems.
Global Innovation Management
Authors: Kafouros Mario
Published: September 2023

This chapter examines one of the key drivers of firm growth and global competitiveness: innovation. It explains that innovation differs significantly across firms and can take different forms and types, elaborating on how innovation can help firms to build significant competitive advantages in the global economy. It talks about the globalization of research and development (R&D) which represents a major challenge, such as increasing knowledge leakage which leads to imitation, although it provides the opportunity to access diverse technologies from multiple countries. The chapter analyses how the global factory helps explain the trade-offs that specific R&D location choices may cause in terms of value creation and value capture and may assist firms to locate their R&D units across countries in an optimal way. It explains how open innovation can help firms to gain a competitive advantage in the global economy.
Implementing the Strategic Response
Authors: Enderwick Peter , Voss Hinrich , McDermott Michael
Published: September 2023

This chapter examines strategy implementation, which is the third step in the process of strategic analysis, choice, and implementation. It discusses the role of organizational structure and how it supports strategy in contributing to communication, knowledge sharing, and the creation of shared values. It also considers the major organizational forms adopted by international businesses: functional, product, geographical, and matrix structures. The chapter highlights the balance between centralization and decentralization which is critical to organizational design and examines how effective organizational design can be supported by other coordinating mechanisms, including selection, training, and the creation of a shared corporate culture. It looks at the strategy implementation issues that are unique to the global factory and the management of externalization, coordination, and knowledge transfer.
Leading
Authors: Winch Graham , Maytorena-Sanchez Eunice , Sergeeva Natalya
Published: September 2023

This chapter looks into the notion of leading at the core of strategic project organizing (SPO). It acknowledges that leading is the essential social essence that provides meaning to a common purpose. In SPO, a leader is viewed as a problem-solver for leading complex projects. The chapter then presents the Project Leadership Model (PLM), which developed an incomplete leadership concept that has sense-making, relating, projecting, and creating as its dimensions. Across the three domains, leading is distributed through networks of leaders horizontally and vertically dispersed. The chapter highlights the importance of teaming as an essential component of leading in SPO.
A Context for Understanding Consumption
Authors: Szmigin Isabelle , Piacentini Maria
Published: September 2023

This chapter begins by evaluating the early history of consumption and the role of economics and philosophy in the development of consumer behaviour. The chapter also looks at how consumption became a part of everyday life and traces the rise of conspicuous consumption. It explains that industrialization and early global trading provided a hugely expanded range of goods. However, this has also led to what is often termed planned or built-in obsolescence, where a product has a limited lifespan and is regularly replaced with new versions. The chapter then considers the key trends in the development of shops and shopping, as well as the rise of motivational research. It identifies the role of consumerism in the development of consumption and looks at how consumers can be classified before explaining what a postmodern consumer is. Finally, the chapter explores theories and practices of experiential consumption, consumer culture theory and behavioural economics.
The Nature of Quantitative Research
Authors: Bell Emma , Bryman Alan , Harley Bill
Published: September 2023

This chapter explores the nature of quantitative research. Generally, quantitative research covers approaches which attempt to measure and/or count social phenomena and the relationships between them. Due to its distinctive epistemological and ontological position, quantitative research suggests that there is a good deal beyond the presence of numbers. The chapter highlights the importance of concepts in quantitative research, which are regarded as the building blocks of theory. The main preoccupations of quantitative researchers range between measurements, causality, generalization, and replication. The chapter also considers the criticisms of quantitative research, such as the notion that a natural science model is inappropriate for studying the social world.
Asking Questions
Authors: Bell Emma , Bryman Alan , Harley Bill
Published: September 2023

This chapter looks into the considerations involved in asking questions for structured interviews and self-completion questionnaires. It details the advantages and disadvantages of using closed questions versus open questions for survey research. While open questions have certain advantages, closed questions are typically preferable for a survey, because of the ease of asking questions and recording and processing answers. The general rule of thumb in designing questions is that researchers must always be mindful of research questions and avoid ambiguous terms. Moreover, vignette questions can be used to investigate the normative standards of people. The chapter highlights the importance of piloting and pre-testing questions to clear up problems in question formation.
Quantitative Data Analysis: Hypothesis Testing and Inferential Statistics
Authors: Köhler Tine
Published: September 2023

This chapter considers the concepts of hypothesis testing and inferential statistics in correlation with quantitative data analysis. It covers the role of inferential statistics in significance testing. Null-hypothesis significance testing (NHST) is the most commonly employed approach to significance testing. Meanwhile, the most common statistical techniques used in quantitative data analysis in business research are regression-based techniques, which are built on the foundation of correlations, and analysis of variance-based (ANOVA) techniques, which are built on the foundation of mean comparison. The chapter explains the importance of understanding how to assess systematic variance from the covariation between the independent variable and dependent variable, and non-systematic variance.
Ethnography and Participant Observation
Authors: Bell Emma , Bryman Alan , Harley Bill
Published: September 2023

This chapter covers the notions of ethnography and participant observation, which entails the extended involvement of the researcher in the social life of those they study. It considers the key elements of ethnographic research and the closely related practice of participant observation. The role the ethnographer adopts and the extent to which they are actively involved in the everyday activities of the organization. Moreover, due to the importance of descriptive detail in qualitative research, ethnographers often take field notes based on their observations. The chapter mentions other types of ethnographic research, such as feminist ethnography, global and multi-site ethnography, and digital ethnography.
The wider context of IHRM
Authors: Crawley Eileen , Swailes Stephen , Walsh David
Published: September 2023

This chapter discusses the macroeconomic context within which international businesses operate. It describes the role of some of the most important supranational organizations which support international trade and business. It also discusses the importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) in countries. This acts as a support for business activity. In addition, the human element of globalization is illustrated through consideration of demographic change and the migration of people across the world seeking to better their economic condition. These macroeconomic and human factors help to form the constantly evolving business environment, which is the context in which managers in multinational enterprises (MNEs) work. Finally, the continuing economic crisis that began in 2008 is examined in view of its massive impact in terms of the slowing down of international investment which adversely affected global trade.
Understanding IHRM: the cultural approach
Authors: Crawley Eileen , Swailes Stephen , Walsh David
Published: September 2023

This chapter looks at the meaning of culture in an organizational and national context and how these concepts overlap. It engages with the work of some key authors on culture and the ways in which they evaluate cultural difference. It then considers some aspects of how culture affects behaviour and the difficulties that can arise in living and working in different cultures because of differences in values and expectations. Culture is also examined briefly as an evolving and changing phenomenon as groups of people grow up in or emigrate to rapidly changing societies. Finally, the direct relevance of some of Geert Hofstede's dimensions to international human resources management (IHRM) issues is outlined to show how management decisions and local practices are influenced by national culture.
The dark side of international employment
Authors: Crawley Eileen , Swailes Stephen , Walsh David
Published: September 2023

This chapter addresses the growth of migration and the contribution of migrant labour to both western and developing economies. The ‘dark side’ refers to the exploitation and ill-treatment of employees, particularly migrant workers, across the world. The focus here is on legal migrant workers, but many of the scenarios covered also apply to marginalized workers, minority groups, and undocumented migrants. The chapter identifies the main types of migrants and their employment problems. The extent of worldwide migration is examined next, and the key differences between an expatriate's position and that of a migrant worker are identified. After this, the chapter explores the impact of different national regulations on migrant workers and the importance of temporary staffing agencies (TSAs), as well as the role and responsibility of multinationals. It concludes with calls for more monitoring of the activities of multinationals and a more humane approach by governments towards their migrant workers.
Introducing human resource management
Authors: Gilmore Sarah
Published: September 2023

This chapter outlines the various meanings of human resources management (HRM) and shows its functional role in people management. It highlights some of the activities that the human resources (HR) function carries out. It explores how HRM can meet the challenges faced by contemporary organizations that adopt them. It also focuses on three aspects of contemporary HRM and how these connect to the 'bargain' HRM offers organizations. It concludes by discussing what the developments mean for the HR function and what the future might hold for HRM.
The strategic dimensions of human resource management
Authors: Gilmore Sarah
Published: September 2023

This chapter explores the strategic dimensions of human resource management (HRM). It begins by outlining what is meant by the term 'business strategy'. Then, it enumerates the different ways organizations develop their business strategies. It also presents tThree influential models that seek alignment between strategic goals and people management activities such as the best-fit, best-practice, and resource-based view (RBV) models are considered. The chapter assesses the evidence as to the extent to which these forms of alignment are evident, evaluating the relationship that such modes of practice have with the HRM function. Finally, it discusses what empirical studies suggest is occurring in relation to organizational performance.
Recruiting and selecting staff in organizations
Authors: Gilmore Sarah
Published: September 2023

The This chapter considers the systems and decision-making approaches in used when recruiting and selecting staff in organizations. It starts with an examination of the systematic approach taken to recruitment and selection. Next, it outlines the recruitment and selection processes. It also analyses tThe psychometric and rational decision-making approaches is then analyzed. The chapter concludes by providing an alternative approach method designed to overcome their the limitations of the previously mentioned approaches.
Conclusions
Authors: Gilmore Sarah
Published: September 2023

This chapter provides the a summary of the topics covered in the text. It reviews the principles, approaches, and other relevant aspects of human resource management (HRM) that were previously discussed in each chapter. It begins by evaluating the 'promise' of HRM. Then itIt then moves on to assessing the HRM themes presented in the book. It concludes by examining what the future holds for human resource management in an ever-changing world.
Creating, Developing, and Maintaining Competitive Advantage
Authors: Lee Kiefer , Carter Steve
Published: September 2023

This chapter explores creating, developing, and maintaining competitive advantage. It differentiates national competitiveness from global competition. The chapter lists the factions affecting the growth of global competition in line with the changing nature of the microeconomic business environment and increasing sophistication of business operations. It narrates the strategy and anatomy of competitive advantage while referencing substance, expression, locale, effect, cause, and time span of competitive advantage. Additionally, the chapter looks into how to create competitive advantage through generic strategies such as cost leadership and differentiation. It includes the resource-based theory of competitive advantage. Relationships, knowledge, and information technology are examined as new sources of competitive advantage.
Product and Brand Management
Authors: Lee Kiefer , Carter Steve
Published: September 2023

This chapter focuses on product and brand management. It lists the components of the international product alongside its management. Additionally, standardization versus adaptation is a standard argument in international marketing. The chapter discusses the product strategy by referencing the product trade cycle, the product life cycle, matrices to portfolio management, and the Ansoff matrix. It looks into local and global brands and international brand architecture as a reference for strategic international branding. The chapter also looks into the development process of a new product. Moreover, it talks about the classification of consumer products. These are: convenience, shopping, speciality, and unsought products.
Managing Supply Chain and Distribution
Authors: Lee Kiefer , Carter Steve
Published: September 2023

This chapter explains managing the supply chain and distribution. It discusses a new approach to managing the supply chains and distribution in line with effective management of risk, trade-offs, and strategic relationships. Moreover, the chapter notes country and industry characteristics as factors affecting global supply chain decisions in line with international supply chain strategy. It looks at types of buyer–supplier relationships and their scope of collaboration. The chapter then explores developing market-responsive supply chain strategies such as information sharing and global sourcing. The management of an effective supply chain requires the coordination of a wide range of activities such as inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and customer service.
Managing Global Marketing Relationships
Authors: Lee Kiefer , Carter Steve
Published: September 2023

This chapter looks into managing global marketing relationships. It highlights the significance of relationship marketing as it brought back relationships into mainstream marketing theory and practice. The chapter outlines the key characteristics of marketing relationships and their managerial implications. It also classifies relationships and stakeholders, which are mostly international. Moreover, the chapter looks at customer relationships, supplier relationships, lateral partnerships, and internal partnerships. Moreover, the chapter notes the strategic challenges in managing relationships such as e-commerce relationships, management complexity, and measuring relationship success. Managing global relationships is far from simple due to issues of trust, commitment, communication, power imbalances, cultural differences, and ethics.
Sales Force Management and Negotiation
Authors: Lee Kiefer , Carter Steve
Published: September 2023

This chapter explores sales force management and negotiation. It cites the changing nature of sales management in line with behavioural, technological, and managerial forces. Additionally, the chapter discusses international sales management decisions and relates them to their cultural impact. It expounds on the nature of sales negotiation by referencing customer-oriented personal selling, transactional sales and its respective ethical considerations. The chapter looks into the relationship approach to sales negotiation. It also highlights the role of training and the impact of culture in sales negotiations. Moreover, the effectiveness of international sales management decisions has a direct impact on the success and profitability of an organization operating in foreign markets.
Business and sustainability overview
Authors: Blowfield Michael
Published: September 2023

This chapter examines the relationship between sustainability and business. It presents the concept of sustainability as well as some of the main arguments about its importance to the private sector. It examines scientific theories of sustainability, and how they have been interpreted. It considers three main areas of sustainability: demography, ecosystems, and climate change, and provides the basis for thinking about their importance to business. It sets out the social and environmental nature of sustainability. It also delves into the doubts about sustainability, and whether they are justified.
Looking to the future
Authors: Blowfield Michael
Published: September 2023

This chapter discusses the future of the business–sustainability relationship. It gathers together the major issues raised in previous chapters and looks at where we stand at present. It then examines the transition process, and what we can expect to happen if we shift to a resource-constrained economy (RCE). It highlights some of the new challenges that are on the horizon, and tackles some of the breakthroughs that could alter our current thinking. It concludes with a discussion of the importance of including sustainability into future thinking about the direction and purpose of business, both for the good of companies and for society as a whole.
Introduction to Management
Authors: Combe Colin
Published: September 2023

This chapter describes what management is. It begins with the definitions of management according to three key writers in the field: Peter Drucker, Henry Mintzberg, and Henri Fayol. This is followed by an outline and explanation of the main functions and roles of managers. The different layers of management typically observed in organisations are also discussed. The changing role of management in the public sector is recognized by an overview of the development of the new public management model. The chapter then analyses key management skills and competencies applied in the modern global environment. It concludes with a critical evaluation of the challenges faced by modern managers.
Controlling
Authors: Combe Colin
Published: September 2023

This chapter examines the controlling function of management. It begins by providing an overview of the types of control and an explanation of its necessity. It analyses the management control system and the different types and levels of control in the context of different organisational settings. The focus of analysis is on issues of production and quality, human resources, and finance. Total Quality Management (TQM) is discussed since the issue of quality is one that has gained in prominence in recent decades. The chapter presents control systems for both strategic (long-term) and operational (short-term) objectives, as well as control mechanisms to ensure business continuity in the face of threats such as natural disasters, terrorism, or reputational damage. It concludes with an outline of the key characteristics of an effective control system.
Organisational Culture
Authors: Combe Colin
Published: September 2023

This chapter provides a review of organisational culture. It first defines what organisational culture is; then, it presents the theoretical models of organisational culture to illustrate how it is formed in different contexts. This is followed by an analysis of how managers can manage and influence a positive organizational culture with examples of how this is formed and managed. The chapter also discusses managing culture in the context of the modern business environment with an emphasis on knowledge sharing and the agile organization.