bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing guiding principles: an organizational learning perspective
Authors: Oliver David , Jacobs Claus 
Published: October 2007

PurposeGuiding principles are knowledge structures that call to mind collective narratives with emotional content, and are articulated and used heuristically to guide decision making in organizations. The purpose of this paper is to explore how: guiding principles become integrated in management teams through discursive processes of social learning, and how process techniques from the realm of organizational learning can be used to facilitate the development of guiding principles.Design/methodology/approachDevelops theoretical findings drawing from the organizational learning literature, and explores these findings through use of a two‐part illustrative case study of guiding principles development in a European telecommunications firm.FindingsIt was found that guiding principle development may be facilitated using process techniques similar to those proposed for integrating organizational learning, namely, a dialogue‐intensive process involving stages of inquiry, divergence and convergence.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on dialogue, while future studies may usefully focus on non‐discursive aspects of the conversational setting and structure in which the empirical case was embedded.Originality/valueThis paper combines both theory development with illustrative empirical data to shed light on the process by which guiding principles may be intentionally developed in an organizational setting.
The patterning of limited structural change
Authors: Schwarz Gavin M. , Shulman Arthur D. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeOrganizational change theorists tend to focus on substantive changes and frequently ignore or underplay the significance of the features of structural inertia. The effect of this preoccupation has minimized our understanding of frequently occurring patterns of limited structural change. The purpose of this paper is to encourage theorizing and debate about limited structural change.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a conceptual explanation of the different patterns of limited structural change that arise in organizations undertaking change. It reviews and comments on how different patterns occur at the organization level as a result of the adjustment of component forces around pattern profiling centers of gravity.FindingsA pervasive finding in change literature is that organizations tend to fall back on more of the same, even when they undergo some major structural change. The paper proposes a framework encapsulating four competencies that synergistically complement each other as a foundation for explaining different patterns of limited structural change.Originality/valueThe paper argues for advancing theory accounting for limited structural change, moving away from the dichotomy of change as normal and limited change as atypical. Normative rational change actions and bounded change actions interact and coexist in parallel. A focus on explaining limited change is a starting point for advancing our understanding of this coexistence.
The balanced scorecard in The Netherlands
Authors: Braam Geert J.M. , Benders Jos , Heusinkveld Stefan 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to better understand the production and diffusion of the balanced scorecard (BSC) by analyzing the reception pattern of the BSC in The Netherlands.Design/methodology/approachPrint‐media indicators and content analysis.FindingsThe BSC is popular yet not transient. Consultants are the leading BSC disseminators, while on the “consumption side” the BSC tends to be interpreted differently in varying professional communities. Compared to its intensive discourse actual BSC use in praxis appears to be limited and lags intended use as strategic management system.Research limitations/implicationsUse of secondary data limits insight into use of the BSC in organizations. Further research should focus on the influence of subsets of discourse on the evolution of the BSC in organizational praxis.Practical implicationsDiscourse is loosely coupled to organizational praxis: publications on the BSC may affect organizational behavior but also reflect that behavior. In addition, increased understanding of how and why different interpretations of the BSC exist in organizational practice may assist managers to position their perspectivesvis‐à‐visothers.Originality/valueThe study shows how Dutch BSC‐discourse evolves, gives “windows on BSC‐praxis” and argues that different interpretations of the BSC may be found between disciplines.
TQM: an act of balance between contradictions
Authors: Harnesk Roland , Abrahamsson Lena 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the discussion of organisation and management by uncovering some embedded contradictions in total quality management (TQM).Design/methodology/approachBased on discussions of leadership, TQM and the demands of modern working life, three examples of embedded contradictions that organisations can be confronted with have been discussed: collectivism versus individualism, manipulation versus empowerment and standardization versus innovative learning.FindingsOne conclusion from this paper is that organisations, in a matter of complex navigation, need to find balance between these contradictions, something that can be a significant problem for many leaders and often seems to be handled in an instrumental manner.Originality/valueAlthough these contradictions are a growing concern in TQM research, they are seldom discussed in management literature, and therefore need to be addressed.
Managerial leadership for total quality improvement in UK higher education
Authors: Osseo‐Asare Augustus E. , Longbottom David , Chourides Pieris 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to increase awareness of the critical role of “managerial leadership” in total quality management (TQM) implementation in UK higher education institutions (HEIs), and to encourage further research on how to sustain management and leadership best practices for total quality improvement in higher education.Design/methodology/approachA critical review of the literature on managerial leadership provides the theoretical scope which led to the setting of research objectives. The objectives were achieved through a survey of academics and non‐academics responsible for teaching and research quality improvement in a sample of 42 UK HEIs between the period 2000 and 2005. A mix of questionnaires, interviews, inductive analysis and hypothesis testing, was used to explore, describe and to explain the nature of the relationship between the degrees of efficiency and effectiveness of quality management practices in the participating UK HEIs.FindingsThe analysis of the survey results revealed “weak” associations between the degrees of efficiency and effectiveness in the quality management practices adopted by participating UK HEIs. It provides examples of weak quality management practices as empirical evidence of “weak” association between “management efficiency” and “leadership effectiveness” in UK HEIs.Research limitations/implicationsInternational generalization of findings requires the sample size to be increased to include more HEIs from the UK and other countries with similar educational systems. Further quantitative research is needed to provide in depth explanation of the nature of the functional relationship between the degrees of effectiveness and efficiency of quality management practices in higher educational settings.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the nature of the association between the degrees of effectiveness and efficiency of quality management practices would provide a conceptual framework which would enable academics and practitioners to reflect critically on the “efficiency” and “effectiveness” of teaching and research quality improvement decisions and actions to ensure successful implementation of TQM best practices.Originality/valueUses the degrees of efficiency and effectiveness as criteria for evaluating managerial leadership in UK higher education, and recommends strengthening of the association between the criteria through continuous improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of teaching and research quality improvement practices.
A conceptual framework for integrating six‐sigma and strategic management methodologies to quantify decision making
Authors: Friday‐Stroud Shawnta S. , Sutterfield J. Scott 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework for merging the strategic management process, the managerial decision‐making process and the six‐sigma process into a single, unified decision model.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology involves each of the three decision‐making processes, noting their similarities and differences, and arguing from the similarities that a single unified model will result in superior decisions.FindingsThe findings were that a single, unified model is possible and the resulting model is presented in the paper.Research limitations/implicationsSince this research results in a conceptual model only, it remains to be tested in actual practice. This testing is intended for a later paper.Practical implicationsIf the testing of the model in practice results in superior decisions, the practical implications of the paper would be use of the Friday‐Stroud/Sutterfield model in practice for better management decisions.Originality/valueThe paper presents an original model, which results from merging the three‐decision‐making process.
A new framework for managing change
Authors: Oakland J.S. , Tanner S.J. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeExperience shows many change initiatives fail to deliver. They are not always a total failure, but they get stalled, misdirected, or only partially achieve the required results. The main purpose of the research reported in this paper was to examine the apparent gap between often‐seen approaches and “best practice”, the output being a helpful framework to support future initiatives. This led to an Organisational Change Framework being developed, based on the experience of many organisations.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 28 organisations, from a variety of industries including the public sector, were interviewed to gain their insights on how to manage change successfully. The research, which was conducted over a six‐month period, examined a number of themes covering the triggers for change, planning for change, and implementing change. The forces for change, as experienced by the respondents, were also captured.FindingsA number of insights were identified through the research. The research showed that successful change focuses on both strategic and operational issues. The key link between the strategic objectives and operational improvement is the core processes, which need to be understood, measured and improved. If the link is broken, then the change is ineffective.Originality/valueThe research led to the definition of two main constructs of change management: readiness for change and implementing change.
The validity of quality practices on performance of outsourced professional housing services
Authors: Lam Terence Y.M. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the actual impact of competition and management practices on performance quality of the outsourced professional housing maintenance services in Hong Kong. Much of the literature is theoretically based and there is a knowledge gap in empirical confirmatory testing of the validity of performance quality theories.Design/methodology/approachIt was hypothesized that there was positive correlation between output performance quality and input competition and management factors. A triangulation methodology was used to develop and test the correlation. The literature review and qualitative interviews with the maintenance consultancy management practitioners of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) were used to generate hypothesis, which was then tested by quantitative regression, using data from the maintenance consultancies of the Authority.FindingsThe main hypothesis was transformed into sub‐hypotheses which considered the relationships between service quality and individual input factors of competition level, past performance, project leadership and quality benchmarking. The results of the qualitative and quantitative studies confirmed and validated the hypotheses, and hence substantiated the main hypothesis that there is a significant correlation between performance quality and the relevant competition and management practices adopted in the outsourcing process of professional housing maintenance services.Research limitations/implicationsWhilst the correlation is validated in the context of professional housing maintenance services of the HKHA, it forms a conceptual baseline from which further research can build to provide a regression model in many other public and private sector settings, and for other housing services, including integrated housing maintenance and management professional services. Effective competition and management practices can then be identified to optimize performance quality.Practical implicationsThis paper establishes the validity of the impact of quality practices which the housing or facility managers can apply to enhance the performance quality of outsourced professional housing maintenance services for the benefit of their organization and customers.Originality/valueThis study contributes to quality management of the outsourced professional housing services. Housing organizations can enhance the performance quality of their professional consultants by applying effective competition and management practices so that they can attain best service quality to satisfy the ever‐increasing tenant and owner expectations of value for money housing services from outsourcing.
EFQM model self‐assessment using a questionnaire approach in university administrative services
Authors: José Tarí Juan , de Juana‐Espinosa Susana 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model self‐assessment using a questionnaire approach in eight university administrative services.Design/methodology/approachCase study methodology on eight services provided by a public university in Spain.FindingsThe findings show the steps that an administrative service may follow in order to apply the questionnaire approach to self‐assessment in a successful manner.Originality/valueProvides lessons for managers from other universities, or other public sector organisations, who wish to develop an exercise in self‐assessment using a questionnaire approach.
Innovative new product development: a study of selected QFD case studies
Authors: Augusto Cauchick Miguel Paulo 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the use of quality function deployment (QFD) may contribute to developing innovative products. Its point of departure is the author's earlier research that investigated the application of QFD to product development in companies operating in Brazil.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach with companies from different industries is employed in this paper. A questionnaire was used to gather data from four companies by checking some aspects of QFD projects with regard to innovation. Typical QFD projects with respect to product typology (platform or derivative) and their level of complexity are also analysed.FindingsThe main results indicated that QFD may assist in developing innovative products, but is limited to additions to existing lines, product repositioning, and product improvement.Research limitations/implicationsOne constraint was the limited number of companies and projects analysed so that replications among other samples are needed to validate current findings.Originality/valueAlthough QFD is extensively explored in the literature, this paper is one of the few published studies that report and discuss the relationship between QFD and innovation.
How employees learn about corporate strategy
Authors: Al‐Ghamdi Salem M. , Roy Matthew H. , Ahmed Zafar U. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess which communication channels are most frequently used by employees to gain corporate strategic information and the impact of seniority on communication channel chosen.Design/methodology/approachA Saudi Arabian manufacturing company employing a wide range of both professionals and rank and file workers was used as the source of data. A total of 187 responses (85 per cent response rate) to an empirical questionnaire provided the data for analysis.FindingsThere are indications that employees are not satisfied with what they currently know and are eager to learn more about strategic direction. Results also show that rich communication channels such as one‐on‐one dialog and group meetings are preferred to lean ones such as bulletin boards, memos, and newsletters. Finally, more experienced employees utilize a wider variety of communication channels in garnering strategic information.Research limitations/implicationsFindings may not be generalizable to other populations or other companies within the same population.Practical implicationsPracticing managers need to consider the communication sources for strategic information. Further efforts must be made to maximize the communication of strategic intent through the use of rich communication channels for all employees.Originality/valuePresently there is little research explaining the importance of different communication mechanisms for the transference of strategic information. This research fills that void as it shows the relationship between employee tenure and communication mechanism used to understand strategic direction. This research shows that practicing managers should use rich communication channels (face‐to‐face or group meetings) when communicating strategic intent.
The increasing complexity of the internationally mobile professional
Authors: McKenna Steve , Richardson Julia 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a research agenda and raise practical issues relating to the increasing complexity of the internationally mobile professional.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers the developing issues in the use of alternative forms of international assignment (short‐term, commuter, flexpatriate) and the existence of the independent internationally mobile professional and raises questions for research and practice.FindingsThe paper suggests that alternative forms of international assignment and assignee are under‐ researched. Additionally, the large number of independently mobile professionals in the global economy need to be further researched, while organizations should recruit for international assignments from the external as well as internal labour markets when circumstances allow.Originality/valueThe paper raises under‐researched questions in the study of international assignments and suggests more strategic approaches to the practice of managing international assignments.
Chinese ethnicity and values: a country cluster comparison
Authors: Soontiens Werner 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare value clusters of people from the same ethnic group living in different circumstances and conditions by describing the conditions and measuring various value dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThe nature of the concept values is teased out, particularly by considering pressures towards convergence and divergence and the validity of scaling values. A brief description of the socio‐economic and cultural environment of the various countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China) leads into the analysis of data. Collected data were analysed through factor analysis to consider clustering of values and to facilitate comparison.FindingsThe paper indicates that there is a significant overlap between clustered values across different locations, which, however, shows minor differences. The paper implies that ethnicity and cultural heritage determine values more than socio‐economic circumstances.Research limitations/implicationsIt is not an in‐depth analysis of Chinese culture and Chinese values and represents a selected population. Findings are likely to differ when considering an older segment of the population.Practical implicationsThe paper confirms the cultural similarity between people of the same ethnic group yet points out important nuance differences between people of different countries.Originality/valueIn view of the rising importance of China as a world player, this paper sheds light on the notion of “being Chinese” and its subsequent value system amongst ethnic Chinese people in selected countries.
Comprehending core cultural orientations of Iranian managers
Authors: Yeganeh Hamid , Su Zhan 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to shed light on key features of Iranian managerial culture by discussing underlying social and organizational consequences.Design/methodology/approachThe paper has been organized in two major parts: conceptualization and discussion. First, the notions of culture and cultural orientations are treated and then, based on the framework proposed by Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck, cultural orientations of Iranian managers are investigated.FindingsThe findings suggest that Iranian managerial culture is characterized by traditional values such as collectivism, past orientation, high hierarchical distance and evil orientation expressed in terms of mistrust and conspiracy.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this research are limited in terms of scope, cultural orientations and sample size. Further studies may incorporate more cultures and take into account the effects of existing sub‐cultures to present a more enlightening picture.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study might be useful for MNEs, NGOs, international negotiators, businessmen/women, expatriate managers and those who are concerned directly or indirectly with this part of the world.Originality/valueWhile most cultural research in the area of organizational science has been based on severely narrow, ahistorical and linguistically naïve concepts, this study takes into account not only explicit manifestations of culture, but also implicit and semiotic ones which need to be comprehended. Therefore, the paper is of potential significance at both the theoretical and the practical level.
Negotiating with Chinese: success of initial meetings is the key
Authors: Zhu Yunxia , McKenna Bernard , Sun Zhu 
Published: October 2007

PurposeNegotiating with the Chinese is an important topic in international business and cross‐cultural management since China is playing an increasingly active role in doing business with the western countries. The purpose of this paper is to study initial meetings with the Chinese during business negotiation processes. In particular, it seeks to explore the processes of negotiation between the Chinese, Australian and American cultures.Design/methodology/approachThe discussion is based on authentic cases collected from meetings which took place in both China and Australia, and the negotiation cases are analysed in the theoretical framework based on cross‐cultural negotiation processes and intercultural dimensions.FindingsThe findings indicate that success of initial meetings is an important key to determine success for business negotiations.Originality/valueThe paper is of value through highlighting the fact that initial meetings with the Chinese can be seen as essential to negotiation since the Chinese tend to develop relationship or guanxi first before the actual negotiation takes place.