bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge mediation and overlapping in interfirm networks
Authors: Mariotti Francesca 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe literature on interfirm networks devotes scant attention to the ways collaborating firms combine and integrate the knowledge they share and to the subsequent learning outcomes. This study aims to investigate how motorsport companies use network ties to share and recombine knowledge and the learning that occurs both at the organizational and dyadic network levels.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a qualitative and inductive approach with the aim of developing theory from an in‐depth examination of the dyadic ties between motorsport companies and the way they share and recombine knowledge.FindingsThe research shows that motorsport companies having substantial competences at managing knowledge flows do so by getting advantage of bridging ties. While bridging ties allow motorsport companies to reach distant and diverse sources of knowledge, their strengthening and the formation of relational capital facilitate the mediation and overlapping of that knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis rests on a qualitative account in a single industry and does not take into account different types of inter‐firm networks (e.g. alliances; constellations; consortia etc.) and governance structures. Cross‐industry analyses may provide a more fine‐grained picture of the practices used to recombine knowledge and the ideal composition of inter‐firm ties.Practical implicationsThis study provides some interesting implications for scholars and managers concerned with the management of innovation activities at the interfirm level. From a managerial point of view, the recognition of the different roles played by network spanning connections is particularly salient and raises issues concerning the effective design and management of interfirm ties.Originality/valueAlthough much of the literature emphasizes the role of bridging ties in connecting to diverse pools of knowledge, this paper goes one step further and investigates in more depth how firms gather and combine distant and heterogeneous sources of knowledge through the use of strengthened bridging ties and a micro‐context conducive to high quality relationships.
Organizational factors to support knowledge management and innovation
Authors: Donate Mario Javier , Guadamillas Fátima 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze how organizational factors such as cultural values, leadership and human resource (HR) practices influence knowledge exploration and exploitation practices and innovation via an empirical study.Design/methodology/approachFrom the knowledge‐based view of the firm, six hypotheses were established and statistically tested in a sample of 111 Spanish companies belonging to innovative industries. Survey methodology was used with the aim of gathering data regarding knowledge management (KM) practices and certain, related organizational aspects in firms.FindingsThis paper provides evidence of a moderating effect of knowledge‐centered culture, knowledge‐oriented leadership and knowledge‐centered HR practices in the relationship between knowledge exploration and exploitation practices and innovation outcomes of companies. In line with previous literature, it is suggested that although KM practices are important on their own for innovation purposes, when certain enablers – organizational factors to overcome human barriers to KM – are properly established, the innovation capacity of the firm can be more successfully exploited.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited to high rate innovation industries. Future studies will include other industries and a more diverse sample of firms.Practical implicationsThe results of this study suggest that managers should place attention on knowledge exploration and exploitation practices along with several organizational enablers in order to achieve high levels of innovation results for the company.Originality/valueThis paper provides new empirical evidence on the relationships between KM, organizational elements such as culture, leadership, HR practices, and innovation in a large sample of firms. To date, the empirical research of these relations has been mainly limited to descriptive case studies and there is thus a lack of empirical evidence with large samples of firms.
Innovation as a knowledge‐based outcome
Authors: Quintane Eric , Mitch Casselman R. , Sebastian Reiche B. , Nylund Petra A. 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide clarity to the concept of innovation and its various definitions.Design/methodology/approachThe article reviews the innovation literature and proposes that innovation has been conceptualized either from a process or from an outcome perspective. Also, the authors show that there is a substantive difference between innovation seen in the traditional innovation literature and innovation as conceived in the knowledge management literature.FindingsThe paper proposes a general framework to categorize the existing views of innovation and show that innovation as an outcome has not been clearly defined from a knowledge perspective. To address this gap, the authors develop a new definition of an innovation outcome based on knowledge elements.Research limitations/implicationsThe research lays the groundwork for more comprehensive methods of measuring innovation and innovativeness, which is particularly useful for the study of service innovation.Practical implicationsThe framework and definition expand the ability of managers to measure and understand the key factors of innovation.Originality/valueThe research contributes to the literature by developing a comprehensive knowledge‐based, outcome‐oriented definition of innovation.
Knowledge absorptive capacity and innovation performance in KIBS
Authors: Tseng Chun‐Yao , Chang Pai Da , Hung Chi‐Hsia 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss whether the three knowledge sources, knowledge input, knowledge spillover and knowledge absorptive capacity, really increase the innovation performance of firms in the Taiwan IC design industry, one of the most important knowledge‐intensive business services (KIBS) industries in Taiwan.Design/methodology/approachBased on the knowledge‐based theory, this study uses pooled regression analysis and tests with fixed effect model to analyze the influence of three knowledge sources on innovation performance in the KIBS sector.FindingsThe results demonstrate that: knowledge input is positively related to innovation performance; knowledge spillover effect is partial positively to innovation performance; and knowledge absorptive capacity is positively related to innovation performance.Originality/valueThe paper advances the concept of absorptive capacity by defining it as the interactions between knowledge input and knowledge spillover and refines the measurement of absorptive capacity as the multiplication of knowledge input and knowledge spillover effects. Moreover, knowledge spillover effects and knowledge absorptive capacity are both divided into four kinds which help us distinguish clearly different sources of knowledge spillover and absorptive capacity. In addition to that, this study also contributes to the empirical evidence to innovation activities by using firm‐level micro data.
Firm‐internal knowledge integration and the effects on innovation
Authors: Koch Anne 
Published: November 2011

PurposePrevious literature notes that more remains to be understood about the relationship between organizational knowledge and innovation. In this article the author seeks to argue that innovation depends on efficient knowledge integration, while the latter depends on factors internal and external to product development teams.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes a conceptual framework that takes into account firm‐internal knowledge integration of human and technological assets. In particular, the author analyzes and discusses knowledge integration mechanisms which a firm strategically deploys in the innovation process.FindingsKnowledge‐relatedness, the extent to which product development teams are specialized in related scientific or technological fields, is proposed as an important moderator for the relationship between operating routines and innovative performance. If many product development teams perform well, innovative firm performance will increase.Research limitations/implicationsThe author notes the need for empirical inquiry which can build on the theoretical model. Other possible moderators, such as the physical proximity of knowledge‐related product development teams and the frequency of knowledge‐related personnel transfer from one product development team to another, would be interesting avenues for further research.Practical implicationsSpecifying operating routines with respect to integrating functional and technological knowledge can result in innovative firm performance.Originality/valueThe article adds to the knowledge‐based view of the firm while analyzing how a firm can make use of its heterogeneous knowledge for innovation. The author shows how knowledge‐relatedness moderates the relationship between operating routines for new product development teams and innovative performance.
Knowledge processes, knowledge‐intensity and innovation: a moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Andreeva Tatiana , Kianto Aino 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine innovation from a knowledge‐based view by exploring the effect of knowledge processes and knowledge intensity on innovation performance.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a theoretical model of the connections between knowledge processes, knowledge intensity and innovation performance is presented. The posited hypotheses are then tested statistically, using a survey dataset of 221 organizations.FindingsThe result shows that while all knowledge processes have a beneficial impact on innovation, knowledge creation impacts innovation the most and fully mediates the impact of knowledge documentation, intra‐organizational knowledge sharing and external knowledge acquisition on innovation performance. Furthermore, knowledge intensity increases all knowledge processes. Knowledge intensity also moderates the relationship of documentation and knowledge sharing with knowledge creation. The interaction effect is negative, meaning that firms in less knowledge‐intensive conditions will benefit more from documentation and knowledge sharing for their knowledge creation purposes, and ultimately innovation.Research limitationsThe data are limited to companies from Finland, Russia and China.Practical implicationsTo promote innovation, managers should pay close attention to knowledge creation processes in organizations. Furthermore, knowledge creation can be facilitated by ensuring efficient documentation procedures, and internal and external knowledge sharing and acquisition practices. Documentation and knowledge sharing are especially effective means to promote knowledge creation for non‐knowledge intensive firms.Originality/valueThis paper makes a contribution to the existing literature by building and testing a knowledge‐based model of firm innovation and articulating the inter‐relations of knowledge processes and knowledge intensity with innovation performance.
Knowledge‐based dynamic capabilities and innovation in networked environments
Authors: Zheng Suli , Zhang Wei , Du Jian 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify the concept of dynamic capabilities from the knowledge‐based perspective and investigate the mechanisms of dynamic capabilities on innovation performance in networked environments.Design/methodology/approachThis paper designed a seven‐point Likert questionnaire measuring the dynamic capabilities, innovation performance and network embeddedness and a sample of 218 Chinese manufacturing firms were surveyed. Structural equation modeling method was used to statistically test the theoretical hypothesis.FindingsSignificant relationships were found between dynamic capabilities and innovation performance and knowledge combination capability played a mediating role in this relationship. For the links between network embeddedness and dynamic capabilities, knowledge acquisition capability was affected mainly by relational embeddedness and the diversity of network and joint problem solving contributed much to knowledge combination capability.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper deepened the understanding on dynamic capabilities and the mechanism between network embeddedness, knowledge‐based dynamic capabilities and innovation performance. In the future, the construct of knowledge‐based dynamic capabilities calls for more examination and verification.Originality/valueDrawing on the literature of dynamic capabilities framework, knowledge‐based view and the network model, this study extends the literature of dynamic capabilities and its link with innovation performance in networked environments. Using survey data and structural equation modeling, this study offers rich evidence on the contribution of dynamic capabilities on innovation performance and the antecedents of dynamic capabilities.
More for less? Using PIEs and recovery to improve efficiency in supported housing
Authors: Cockersell Peter 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe an example of a practical evidence‐based approach to improvement in the current climate of funding cuts.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes synthesizing insights from leadership, change management and psychodynamic theory to inform a practical change programme to develop services that meet the needs of clients more efficiently.FindingsThe paper finds that rather than simply doing less – cutting staff or reducing services to meet the constraints of funding cuts – it is worth taking a long term and strategic review approach and doing something quite differently.Practical implicationsNew ways of working can improve client outcomes and deliver better services and the funding cuts can provide an opportunity to thoroughly re‐examine existing provision; but, significant changes will only be accomplished by change processes that pervade the whole organisation – they cannot just be add‐ons/afterthoughts. The implications of the new way of working are that: even when funding increases, old ways of practice will not be restored; that the use of theoretical approaches from a variety of disciplines can deliver innovative responses that are likely to be sustainable in the medium term; and to improve service standards and outcomes into the future.Originality/valueThis paper finds value by looking to neurobiology, clinical psychotherapy, recovery‐oriented practice, change management theory and practice, and client involvement to try to resolve the current housing crisis.
(Three days in a) life on MARS
Authors: Palmer Vicky 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThis case study seeks to provide insight into the day‐to‐day operation of the MARS scheme, a service offered by Mansfield District Council to help homeless households secure good quality, affordable accommodation in the private rented sector.Design/methodology/approachBeginning with a brief reflection of the development of the scheme, the study moves on to focus on three typical days in the life of the MARS Senior Tenancy Support Officer, demonstrating how the service identifies suitable tenants and good quality properties and offers ongoing practical support and advice to landlords and their tenants to deliver sustainable tenancies.FindingsThe study goes on to reflect on the development of the scheme, evidencing the effectiveness of MARS both in preventing homelessness and reducing the number of empty homes in the Mansfield District.Originality/valueOngoing funding difficulties have threatened the future of the MARS scheme and the study reveals how the Council intends to address these challenges in the longer term to ensure that the MARS scheme can continue to be delivered to landlords and tenants in Mansfield.
The role of multi‐ethnic workforces in the internationalisation of SMEs
Authors: Mohr Alexander , Shoobridge Gonzalo E. 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of ethnic workforce diversity for the internationalisation of small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Using the resource‐based view, it is argued that an ethnically diverse workforce can help SMEs in overcoming barriers to internationalisation and increase the degree to which they benefit from globalisation.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper using the resource‐based view (RBV) of the firm to investigate the importance of work force diversity.FindingsThe paper identifies a series of mechanisms that link ethnic workforce diversity to increased internationalisation of SMEs as well as a range of contingencies of this relationship. It calls for a stronger appreciation of individual employees' external, co‐ethnic networks and knowledge as a hitherto largely ignored resource in the initiation, management and expansion of SMEs' international operations.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the paper have implications for research and practice by shedding light on the importance of this so far largely neglected phenomenon. The findings are limited in as far as they are yet to be tested empirically.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a framework of mechanisms that can sensitise practitioners with regard to the importance of workforce diversity for internationalisation activities as well as human resource management practices.Originality/valueThe paper addresses an issue that is shown to be of increasing importance to SMEs, but has so far been largely neglected in research on SMEs.
The impact of performance management on the results of a non‐profit organization
Authors: de Waal André , Goedegebuure Robert , Geradts Patricia 
Published: November 2011

PurposeIn recent years many organizations have implemented performance management because this technique leads to better organizational results as reported in many articles and case studies. However, often the reported improvement relates to qualitative performance and there is little solid empirical evidence of the actual effects performance management has on the quantitative results of organizations. This article aims to describe the results of a study that explored the quantitative impact of performance management on the results of a non‐profit organization.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative performance data of the organization, before and after the introduction of performance management, were collected and linked to key activities and events that occurred in the organization during and after the implementation.FindingsThe research shows that several key activities related to the introduction of performance management have an impact on the results of an organization although not always in an expected positive way.Research limitations/implicationsA research limitation is that it is always difficult to isolate the effects of a particular event on the overall results of an organization. Although the effects of other events have been taken into account, it cannot be ruled out that unlisted events and factors are in play.Practical implicationsThe results support managers who want to introduce performance management to improve the results of their non‐profit organisation. At the same time, the research indicates that introducing and using performance management needs continuous attention of management in order to become and stay successful in the long run.Originality/valueThis article contributes to the literature as it is one of the few longitudinal research studies into the effects of performance management, specifically in non‐profit organizations.
Measuring university performance using a knowledge‐based balanced scorecard
Authors: Zangoueinezhad Abouzar , Moshabaki Asghar 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThe application of fuzzy multiple attribute decision making (FMADM) approach in evaluation of organizations has grown recently, and it is combined with knowledge‐based university evaluation parameters in this study. The paper seeks to propose a FMADM approach for measuring university performance on the four knowledge‐based perspectives of a balanced scorecard.Design/methodology/approachThe approach first summarizes the evaluation indexes extracted from the university performance literature. Then, the relative weights of the chosen evaluation indexes are calculated using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP). The fuzzy sets theory was adapted to university performance analysis.FindingsThe results reveal the critical aspects of the evaluation criteria as well as the gaps to improve university performance in order to achieve the aspired/desired level.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper reveals the key issues in the existing performance evaluation method, especially in the university context.Practical implicationsThis research analyses the performance of a university based on the knowledge‐based indexes in the four BSC perspectives, using a FME‐MADM approach. It considers specific knowledge‐based metrics for each perspective.Originality/valueAlthough implementation of the performance measures in universities are now widespread, there is no considerable literature that sufficiently addresses the various issues faced by organizations during university implementation. The paper proposes application of the balanced knowledge‐based scorecard to universities aiming at evaluating performance annually.
Effects of unbalanced incentive measures on buyer performance – an empirical study in Taiwan
Authors: Chu Hsuan‐Lien , Cho Chia‐Ching , Liu Shuen‐Zen 
Published: November 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the performance effects of an incentive plan that links buyers' compensation to financial measures, namely sales and gross margin, in the retail industry. It seeks to examine the issue using field data obtained from the 3C (computers, communications, and consumer electronics) company, the largest electronics chain store business in Taiwan.Design/methodology/approachIn addition to t‐tests, the authors use a multiple regression model to examine the impact of the buyer incentive plan on purchasing performance.FindingsIt was found that the gross margin return on inventory investment (GMROI), the most critical purchasing performance measure in retailing, deteriorated after implementing the incentive plan. Further analysis showed that although sales and gross margins increased as a result of the plan, the benefits were completely offset by a significant decrease in inventory turnover.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has two limitations. First, the case study involved a specific retail chain. Thus, the extent that the results can be generalized to other organizations or other industries has yet to be explored. Second, to obtain a more comprehensive dataset and more observations, procurement team data was used instead of individual buyer data to measure the purchasing performance.Practical implicationsManagers should be aware of possible negative impacts when they design incentive plans, e.g. dysfunctional behavior among employees.Originality/valueAn incentive plan should incorporate all critical components related to buyer performance if there is to be improvement in terms of the key performance measures. The paper contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence about the appropriateness of the performance measures used in buyer incentive plans designed for the retail industry.