Search results
1 – 10 of 13David S. Steingard and Dale E. Fitzgibbons
Offers a postmodern, deconstructive analysis of total qualitymanagement (TQM) theory and practice. Problematizing TQM, uncoversunchallenged assumptions and implicit power…
Abstract
Offers a postmodern, deconstructive analysis of total quality management (TQM) theory and practice. Problematizing TQM, uncovers unchallenged assumptions and implicit power relations cloaked by management science′s veil of objectivity and value‐neutrality. Tracing these assumptions and power relations to the life‐worlds of TQM organizations, regrettably discovers an obsequious and dehumanized subjectivity of TQM workers. These alienated TQM workers are inscribed in a seamless and inescapable network of totalitarian power relations epitomized by authoritarian admonitions of “the one right way”, “quality is Job 1”, and “quality or else”. As hegemonic TQM ideology insidiously permeates all aspects of social life, witnesses an unparalleled threat to the basic individual rights of a liberal democracy. Proclaiming the “death of TQM”, optimistically discusses preliminary suggestions for an emancipatory post‐TQM theory and practice.
Details
Keywords
David S. Steingard and Dale E. Fitzgibbons
Calls into question the widespread, and seemingly inevitable,globalization of Western business practices into every corner of theplanet. Challenges the assumption that host…
Abstract
Calls into question the widespread, and seemingly inevitable, globalization of Western business practices into every corner of the planet. Challenges the assumption that host countries will necessarily benefit from globalization. Stimulates critical thinking and reflection about globalization′s origins, cultural sensitivity, fairness, sources of power and future impact on the wellbeing of our planet. Employs a variation of “deconstruction” and notions of post‐modernism to engender an emancipatory anti‐globalization praxis for teaching and consulting. Offers some preliminary contours of a postmodern anti‐globalization discourse employing examples from The Body Shop International plc.
Details
Keywords
Darlyne Bailey, François Héon and David Steingard
Outlines a post‐modern approach to international and globaldevelopment conceived during a visit to Ghana in the autumn of 1992.First offers a critique of modern development′s…
Abstract
Outlines a post‐modern approach to international and global development conceived during a visit to Ghana in the autumn of 1992. First offers a critique of modern development′s techno‐bureaucratic, unsustainable over‐consumption ethos and its accompanying practices of Western expert imperialism. With the conception of post‐modern de‐velopment, intervelopment, infuses the ailing sustainable development paradigm with an affirmative radical humanist and relationally interconnected manifesto. Envisages a new synthesis between sustainable development and the practice of intervelopment: global interbeing – a way of experiencing an emancipated, harmonious, economically equitable, and culturally diverse world. Discusses the impact of intervelopment and global interbeing on the life and work of organization and international development practitioners.
Details
Keywords
David M. Boje and Robert D. Winsor
Looks at the historical roots of TQM. Finds that TQM, while popularly attributed to W. Edwards Deming, can be linked in Japan to 1920s industrialization and to the importation of…
Abstract
Looks at the historical roots of TQM. Finds that TQM, while popularly attributed to W. Edwards Deming, can be linked in Japan to 1920s industrialization and to the importation of Taylor’s philosophy. Posits that TQM’s neo‐modernism. Concludes with post‐TQM ideas for managing change.
Bringing spiritual and religious perspectives to management and organization research requires clarifying the methodological implications and grappling with the diversity that…
Abstract
Purpose
Bringing spiritual and religious perspectives to management and organization research requires clarifying the methodological implications and grappling with the diversity that characterizes the research community. This article aims to address both of these issues. The focal question addressed here is, how might spiritual and religious researchers effectively engage in interfaith dialogue in the ostensibly secular field of management and organization studies?
Design/methodology/approach
This article takes exception to privileging secularism over other faiths and argues for admitting spiritual and religious perspectives into the field of management and organization studies. It addresses how theological reflection can be carried out within a spiritually and religiously pluralist research community in management and organization studies.
Findings
Section 2 characterizes secularity and raises the possibility of moving beyond secularism to interfaith dialogue in the field of management and organization studies. Section 3 reviews influential perspectives on dialogue to identify attitudes and behaviors conducive to social learning. Section 4 introduces theological reflection as a method for conducting management and organization research and provides guidance and methods for pursuing interfaith dialogue.
Research limitations/implications
This article proposes interfaith dialogue as a way to explore important assumptions, ultimate concerns and innovative practices that currently go largely unraised in management and organization research.
Originality/value
This article adds to the methods available in the field by characterizing effective dialogue and introducing and explaining theological reflection. It contributes general guidance and proposes specific methods for moving to interfaith dialogue among researchers working from diverse faiths.
Details
Keywords
Joonwhan David Lee, Angelica Bahl, Gregory S. Black, Darrin C. Duber-Smith and Nicole S. Vowles
Using broad definitions of sustainable and non-sustainable consumer behavior, identifying key elements of these types of consumer behavior and differentiating between spirituality…
Abstract
Purpose
Using broad definitions of sustainable and non-sustainable consumer behavior, identifying key elements of these types of consumer behavior and differentiating between spirituality and religiosity, the purpose of this study is to develop and test a research model.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was conducted to identify elements of the research constructs. Literature on sustainable business practices was particularly important. Once elements were identified, measures used in previous consumer behavior research were used to collect data from 116 undergraduate students enrolled in marketing and management classes at a major university located in the southwestern USA.
Findings
Results indicate that the level of a consumer’s spirituality affects both sustainable and non-sustainable consumer behavior. In addition, the model predicts that the level of a consumer’s religiosity has no impact on non-sustainable consumer behavior, and this prediction is verified by the study results.
Practical implications
As it is important for businesses to conduct sustainable business practices, it may also be beneficial to consumers to practice sustainable behavior. A significant predictor of this sustainable consumer behavior is spirituality, and it is important to distinguish spirituality from religiosity.
Originality/value
Sustainable consumer behavior is more thoroughly described. Also, religiosity and spirituality are delineated. Finally, for the first time, the separate and distinct impact of religiosity and spirituality on sustainable and non-sustainable consumer behavior is assessed.
Details
Keywords
David Knights and Darren McCabe
This article presents a research framework that understands any management innovation, such as total quality management (TQM), as discursive knowledge that can have certain power…
Abstract
This article presents a research framework that understands any management innovation, such as total quality management (TQM), as discursive knowledge that can have certain power effects. It may transform individuals into subjects that secure some sense of their own meaning and identity through participating either as managers or employees in the practices the knowledge embraces. But TQM can also have the opposite effect, resulting in subjects resisting or distancing themselves from, rather than embracing, the discourse. The paper reviews three interpretations of TQM, which are described as rational managerialist, critical control, and processual. It critiques each of these approaches so as to offer an alternative way of understanding TQM, which would also have application to a wide variety of other innovations. In short, it attempts to build upon earlier approaches in the anticipation that we might move beyond our present understanding of innovations such as TQM.
Details
Keywords
Introduction‐Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Do you have trouble concentrating in meetings? Do you find yourself forgetting what you just read? Do you constantly fight a…
Abstract
Introduction‐Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Do you have trouble concentrating in meetings? Do you find yourself forgetting what you just read? Do you constantly fight a losing battle at “getting organised”? Do you become “depressed” too often?
Will Rifkin and Liz Fulop
Examines popular theories of learning in organizations to highlight their limitations for reform and change. Divides learning approaches into four general strategies …
Abstract
Examines popular theories of learning in organizations to highlight their limitations for reform and change. Divides learning approaches into four general strategies ‐ organizational learning, learning organization, learning environment, and “learning space”. Examines how issues of power, diversity, indeterminacy and hierarchy are treated in each approach and the extent to which multi‐vocal strategies of learning are engendered. These issues have been central to concerns raised in the literature about organizational control. However, much of what is popularly promoted as prescriptions for learning in organizations ‐ on dimensions such as teamwork, leadership, and culture ‐ have significant elements in which there is little evidence of reflection on issues of control. Gives particular attention to Peter Senge’s book, The Fifth Discipline, which has become the blueprint for many organizational learning projects and other learning approaches. Also gives attention to a popular account of learning, an address by the CEO of the Australian telecommunications firm, Telstra. The analysis provides a basis for raising questions about popular learning strategies and underlines the need for managers to reflect on the complex, contextualized, and contentious nature of learning and its macro‐level constraints and its micro‐level impacts.
Details
Keywords
Jim Rooney and Suresh Cuganesan
The purpose of this study is to examine how managers in financial institutions satisfy themselves of the effectiveness of risk mitigation strategy and management control. It…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine how managers in financial institutions satisfy themselves of the effectiveness of risk mitigation strategy and management control. It studies the co-opting of accounting tools within a single financial institution case study, examining the recursive and emergent characteristics of risk management practice.
Design/methodology/approach
Adopting a field study approach within the strategy-as-practice perspective, the paper provides insights into the role of actor perceptions of risk and accounting as a calculative practice in the adaptive enactment of risk strategy.
Findings
Results highlight the interactions between risk management strategy, management controls and actor interests at Lehman Brothers. The actions and reactions of risk management decision-makers such as Executive Committee and Board members are examined to better understand the role of accounting and leadership.
Research limitations/implications
Results of this study may not be generalised beyond this single case study.
Practical implications
The paper emphasises that concern for the social relations and the performative interests of actors in a risk management network needs to be understood and considered in accounting research. It is argued that the market prices of tradable financial asset will continue to be opaque without these insights.
Originality/value
This study explores an under-researched topic in the accounting literature in examining how management controls are affected by and, in turn, affect risk strategising.
Details