bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surviving organizational change: how management communication helps balance mixed feelings
Authors: Nelissen Paul , van Selm Martine 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis study aims to examine the correspondence between the use and evaluation of management communication on the one hand and positive and negative responses to a planned organizational change on the other hand.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted among employees of a Dutch branch of a large international organization which had survived a recent planned organizational change. In a survey, respondents were asked to report on their opinions about the organizational change at the time of the study, and retrospectively report on their opinions about the organizational change at the introduction of the organizational change.FindingsIt was found that positive responses to the planned organizational change increased and negative responses decreased in the due course of the organizational change. In addition, survivors were ambivalent in their attitude towards the organizational change, as positive responses existed next to negative ones. With respect to the role of management communication it was found that satisfaction with management communication is most strongly related to responses to the organizational change as survivors who are satisfied with management communication score high on positive responses and low on negative responses.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has methodological limitations as it employs a one point in time measurement.Practical implicationsThis paper is a source for practitioners in the field of management communication as the results may guide them in focusing on maximizing employee satisfaction with management communication as this communication component is most strongly related to response to the organizational change.Originality/valueThis paper provides empirical evidence of the value of management communication for survivors of organizational change processes.
A communication model of employee cynicism toward organizational change
Authors: Qian Yuxia , Daniels Tom D. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe study was designed to generate and test a model of employee cynicism toward organizational change from the communication perspective in a higher education institution.Design/methodology/approachUsing the theoretical framework of social information processing (SIP), the study investigated the communication processes in the social context, which contributed to employee cynicism toward organizational change in the higher education setting. Path analysis was used to test the overall model fit.FindingsThe findings suggest that the three variables, perceived quality of information, cynicism of colleagues, and trust in the administration, predict change‐specific cynicism, which, in turn, lead to intention to resist change.Research limitations/implicationsAs an initial attempt to explain employee cynicism toward organizational change in higher education settings, this model inevitably has loose ends. Further research is needed to expand the model from a communication perspective.Practical implicationsThe research provided administrators with strategies and advices to cope with employee cynicism during organizational change.Originality/valueThis is the first known study to examine the concept of change‐specific cynicism within the theoretical framework of SIP. It points to a new direction which warrants the attention of communication scholars.
The seven communication reasons organizations do not change
Authors: Salem Philip 
Published: August 2008

PurposeManagement attempts to transform organizations seldom succeed. This paper aims to describe seven common communication behaviors accompanying those failures.Design/methodology/approachThis paper integrates material from three recent communication and organizational change studies, recent change theory, and complexity theory to model communication and change processes. All the studies employed traditional ethnographic methods, but one study employed quantitative methods as well as part of a mixed methods design.FindingsData describe six common communication behaviors during failed organizational change efforts. The combination of these behaviors suggests a seventh pattern. Communication during failed efforts seldom involves enough communication opportunities, lacks any sense of emerging identification, engenders distrust, and lacks productive humor. These problems are compounded by conflict avoidance and a lack of interpersonal communication skills. Members decouple the system, sheltering the existing culture until it is safe for it to reemerge later.Research limitations/implicationsThe integration of data from three studies with theory improves transferability, but more studies would improve the veracity of the results. Only one study employed quantitative data along with qualitative data. Organizational change research may need to employ mixed methods and augment results through simulations to understand time‐dependent processes.Practical implicationsResults point to the limitations of management and impersonal communication. Change is a messy business, and transformational change will not happen unless management is willing to tolerate the ambiguity and the sense that emerges in communication. Results also point to the importance of communication skills in hiring practices.Originality/valueFew essays integrate results from several studies. This paper challenges accepted management practices and extends the growing understanding of the limits of individuals to control social change; it also adds to the literature on and application of complexity theory.
Communication, sensemaking and change as a chord of three strands
Authors: van Vuuren Mark , Elving Wim J.L. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to propose practical and theoretical consequences of emerging lines of thinking about communication during organizational change.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper suggests several benefits that a sensemaking approach may have in enhancing organizational success in general and the effectiveness of communicating change in particular.FindingsIt is suggested that the negative effects of a myopic view on information provision during change distracts from the importance of other communication activities. The fact that changes often fail to meet the expected goals can be partly attributed to the misbalance between information and communication. For practical purposes, it is suggested to stress the importance of energy in organizations and work meaning. Future research could benefit from a focus on framing. Three topics that relate to framing, i.e. conflicts, informal communication, and storytelling are suggested.Practical implicationsSuggestions for practice how to organize communication during organizational change and which topics to address are offered.Originality/valueSeveral insights that emerge from new lines of thought in literature on organizational behaviour, organizational communication and change are used in this paper to give practical advise to change agents, and suggest directions for future research.
Examining supply chain networks using V‐A‐T material flow analysis
Authors: Lockamy Archie 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the use of V‐A‐T analysis in the management of supply chain networks.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a conceptual overview of V‐A‐T analysis as a procedure for categorizing manufacturing facilities, and explores the use of V‐A‐T analysis as a technique for the management of supply chain networks.FindingsThere are several challenges to the effective management of supply chain networks. However, organizations can overcome these challenges by understanding the nature of network control points as revealed through the application of V‐A‐T analysis on their supply chains.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is conceptual in nature and must be validated through empirical research studies.Practical ImplicationsThe concepts presented can be used by supply chain professionals to increase the likelihood of effective supply chain management within their organizations, and by supply chain researchers to further explore the use of V‐A‐T analysis as a tool for examining supply chain networks.Originality/valueThe paper makes a start in filling a void in the literature concerning how V‐A‐T analysis can be used as a tool to facilitate improved supply chain management.
A composite framework of supply chain management and enterprise planning for small and medium‐sized manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Towers Neil , Burnes Bernard 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the factors which influence the ability of SMEs to align their enterprise‐planning systems with the requirements and constraints of supply chain relationships in order to meet their own and their customers' strategic and operational requirements. The objectives are to: identify the range of trading relationships that exist between an SME in the manufacturing sector and its customers and suppliers; examine the implications of these external relationships for the SME's internal enterprise‐planning system; develop a composite framework of enterprise planning and supply chain management which allows manufacturing SMEs to understand how these interact and can be aligned.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops a composite framework that allows first‐ or second‐tier manufacturing SMEs to identify the types of relationships in which they are involved and how they can understand and address their internal arrangements in order to meet their external obligations. In developing a composite framework, the primary objective is to understand how short‐term enterprise planning and supply chain trading relationships interact.FindingsThe paper has shown the developed understanding of aligning trading relationships and enterprise planning for the benefit of the supply chain. It has shown the importance of a manufacturing SME's strategic and operational requirements in achieving this alignment.Research limitations/implicationsThe next stage of the research is to undertake an in‐depth longitudinal case study of a number of manufacturing SMEs with the aim of gaining a greater understanding of the issues emanating from the developed composite framework. Since these mechanisms will be the responsibility of a small group of people within the SME it is planned to collect data that focus on the interactions of both short‐term operational issues and a longer‐term strategic view within each of the selected businesses.Practical implicationsA manufacturing SME's strategic and operational requirements may be an area where those supplying products upstream have an advantage over their bigger manufacturing brethren. For a manufacturing SME, these issues and mechanisms will be the responsibility of only a few people whose interactions are likely to focus on short‐term issues, but they can begin to move their perspective from day‐to‐day pressures and take a more holistic, long‐term view of the business. By so doing, they can achieve a more effective alignment of external and internal requirements and mechanisms which will benefit themselves, their customers and the entire supply chain.Originality/valueThis composite framework of supply chain management and enterprise planning should enable those who run manufacturing SMEs to take an overview of their business and better align their internal priorities with the external requirements of their customers. Understanding these convergent topics is central to improving supply chain performance.
Determinants of manufacturers' selection of distributors
Authors: Lin Jiun‐Sheng Chris , Chen Ching‐Rung 
Published: August 2008

PurposeHow manufacturers select distributors who can contribute to distribution efficiency has become an important issue for channel management. While the last decade has seen large shifts in manufacturing and distribution practices, there has been very little empirical research investigating manufacturers' selection of distributors. This study attempts to fill this research gap by proposing and empirically evaluating factors important to manufacturers when selecting distributors.Design/methodology/approachThe study developed a research framework for manufacturers' selection of distributors. Four key constructs were derived from marketing, supply chain, and logistics literature to investigate their influences on distributor selection: firm infrastructure, marketing capabilities, relationship intensity, and logistics capabilities. Four hypotheses were developed and tested with a sample of Taiwanese information technology (IT) manufacturers.FindingsMulti‐item scales were developed and validated through standard psychometric procedures. Hypotheses were tested with ordinary least squares regression analysis. The four constructs were found to have positive influences on manufacturers' selection of distributors.Originality/valueThe paper represents the first study to propose and empirically test a research model examining factors affecting manufacturers' selection of distributors. Distributors can strengthen their competitive advantage by improving their competence in the four dimensions.
Reason has no sell‐by date
Authors: Gerber Adam , Godet Michel 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to respond to Richard Slaughter's essay on “Is America the ‘land of the future’?”Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on a variety of literature and the authors' opinions to present the case in favour of Enlightenment values.FindingsThe paper finds that the USA is perhaps the most faithful political expression of the eighteenth century Enlightenment whose values have since been assimilated throughout the world. Enlightenment values are not beyond criticism, but that does not justify uninformed anti‐American attitudes.Originality/valueThe paper provides a counter‐balance to Slaughter's essay by arguing for a reasoned debate on the issues.
American culture, corporate culture, and the transformation of business practice: the role of social foresight in a restorative economy
Authors: Morgan Dennis 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify the role of American culture in social foresight as practiced by American futurists. It also seeks to describe how American culture has been expropriated by corporate culture, which is global. Finally, the paper seeks to depict various scenarios of the future of the USA and to consider an imperative of the futurist to reform the role of the professional futurist consultant in the capacity of social foresight that sets as its chief aim the transformation of business practice towards a sustainable, restorative economy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a critical approach to American and corporate culture by exposing major assumptions behind business ideology and practice. It also applies the same critical approach to the way futures has been practiced within the capitalist paradigm during the past 50 years. It is a civilisational critique that also points towards an integral solution for sustainable, restorative business practice.FindingsIt was found that superficial efforts at sustainable solutions will not be enough to manage the impending collapse of industrial civilization. What is required is a wholesale transformation that is indicative of a paradigm shift towards a natural capitalism in which business practice is totally guided by sustainability and restoration of the natural systems rather than mere, narrowly focused “bottom line” ideology. It finds that social foresight can play a positive role in directing this transition and crisis of humanity.Originality/valueHopefully, the paper will contribute to the progress of futures towards a more specifically focused matter of social foresight. It should help futurists to recognize their leadership role, which should guide business entrepreneurs and social innovation towards the realization of sustainability and restoration. At the same time, it emphasizes the need to embrace rather than shun activism, to link with other progressives who seek to redefine the relationship of government and business through democratic means. The paper emphasizes the need to protect and restore a future that is being systematically undermined and destroyed.
The United States as a land of the future1
Authors: Richardson Jacques , Robinson Berol 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the USA can maintain a position of leadership in a world of growing competition and constraints.Design/methodology/approachThe paper points out elements of both strength and correctable weakness of the USA in the foreseeable future.FindingsIt was found that today's shortcomings are not overlooked, while the conditions of future national self‐expression and external rivalry are considered in a world becoming smaller and more closely interacting by the day.Originality/valueThe thrust of the essay is that of constructive self‐criticism, sorely needed at a moment of serious self‐doubt among the US population.
Necklace or noose? Challenges to American hegemony
Authors: Burman Stephen 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the most likely future for the American empire. It is a speculative essay that takes as its starting‐point Slaughter's argument that the American Empire is unsustainable.Design/methodology/approachThe paper shows that at this moment of flux in international affairs America enjoys unprecedented power but is meeting growing opposition. After a review of how America came to be in its current position the argument develops along different lines, exploring the capacities of states that might challenge the USA and exploring the new networks between states and other agencies that exclude America.FindingsThe paper finds that, while these networks have become increasingly dense, they are as yet insufficiently coherent to challenge US hegemony. If the USA adopts a less aggressive approach to the management of globalization it can build a new international architecture that will adorn its hegemony and avoid the new networks becoming a noose that will strangle its power. The US reaction to the new web of interstate and non‐governmental relationships that exclude it, and are motivated to some extent by a desire to challenge its authority, has the potential to determine the longevity of American power and the future path of international affairs.Originality/valueThe paper provides a measured perspective to distinguish between the idea of America and the reality of its foreign policy.
Emerging human capital analytics for investment processes
Authors: Royal Carol , O'Donnell Loretta 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to respond to the increasing pressure on financial markets to more systematically value the intangible assets in listed firms.Design/methodology/approachUsing qualitative research techniques on the trading floor of Merrill Lynch Investment Bank in Sydney and Hong Kong, four tools for human capital analysis have been developed by the authors.FindingsThese tools provide mechanisms for securities analysts to more systematically analyse the intangible aspects of publicly listed firms on global stock exchanges.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the complex regulatory requirements on securities analysts in many developed economies, these tools are predicated on analysts using publicly available information.Originality/valueSpecifically, the tools use a systems approach and can assist securities analysts to be more systematic in their analysis of management quality of publicly listed companies, as it is manifested in a firm's management systems.
Managing IC by antennae: evidence from cultural organizations
Authors: Donato Fabio 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to point out whether Italian cultural organizations recognize, measure and manage intellectual capital (IC).Design/methodology/approachAn empirical research on the subject of (IC) in cultural organizations has been carried out. Interviews have been realized with directors of Italian cultural organizations and a questionnaire submitted to a sample of 100 individuals involved in the Italian cultural sector.FindingsItalian cultural organizations recognize the importance of IC, but they do not measure IC. Nonetheless, they claim to manage IC, even if they do not measure it through numerical indicators. A non‐metric approach for the visualization of IC has been rejected, as well. Controversial and ambiguous statements are discussed.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a gap between the directors' statements and their organizational behaviour. Most of them declare the need for IC numerical indicators, but only in one case is an overall IC performance measurement system in place.Practical implicationsThe usefulness of the paper is that practitioners may reflect on the obstacles to the implementation of an IC measurement system in cultural organizations.Originality/valueCultural organizations are “unknown terrain” in terms of research into IC and may therefore suggest an innovative path for the analysis of IC. In this context, the paper discusses the need for either a metric approach or a non‐metric approach for the representation – and then the management – of IC.
Intra‐industry variety as an outcome of intellectual capital
Authors: Peltoniemi Mirva 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that the kind of variety among firms that is a condition for economic progress is fundamentally based on the intellectual capital (IC) of each firm.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical analysis is illustrated with case study findings from the Finnish games industry.FindingsThe firm heterogeneity essential for the development of a knowledge‐intensive industry cannot be accurately captured with the concepts “routines” or “dynamic capabilities”. Instead, IC should be adopted for this purpose as it emphasises the skills, actions and determination of people and their interactions, thus capturing the uniqueness of each firm.Research limitations/implicationsCase study findings from other knowledge‐intensive industries would be needed to make the argument more general.Originality/valuePapers approaching IC from the industry‐level have been scarce, likewise papers tying IC to the evolutionary theory of economic change.
The hidden face of intellectual capital: social policies
Authors: Tomé Eduardo 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the societal supply of intellectual capital (IC).Design/methodology/approachConceptual analysis supported by statistical data.FindingsThe supply of IC is closely related to the existence of Welfare States (WS).Research limitations/implicationsA wider and deeper study should complement this one.Practical implicationsPoliticians, Non‐Governmental Organizations and private organizations should understand that they can help the creation of the IC level they need in their countries and organizations, by supporting the creation of WS and social policies.Originality/valueSocial policies are neglected in the IC discussions, and this paper puts them at the core of the IC problematic, with wide and deep practical implications.