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1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 7 November 2018

Nicholas Kavish and Brian Boutwell

Criminology has produced more than a century of informative research on the social correlates of criminal behavior. Recently, a growing body of theoretical and empirical work has…

Abstract

Purpose

Criminology has produced more than a century of informative research on the social correlates of criminal behavior. Recently, a growing body of theoretical and empirical work has begun to apply evolutionary principles, particularly from life history theory (LHT), to the study of crime. As this body of research continues to grow, it is important that work in this area synthesizes evolutionary principles with the decades of sociological research on the correlates of crime. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The current paper reviews the brief history of research applying life history concepts to criminology, providing an overview of the underlying framework, exploring examples of empirically testable and tested hypotheses that have been derived from the theory, discussing cautions and criticisms of life history research, and discussing how this area of research can be further integrated with existing theory.

Findings

A growing body of research has, with relative consistency, associated indicators of a faster life history strategy with aggression and violence in humans and across the animal kingdom. Research into these associations is still vulnerable to genetic confounding and more research with genetically sensitive designs is needed. The use of hypotheses informed by evolutionary insight and tested with genetically sensitive designs provides the best option for understanding how environmental factors can have an impact on violent and criminal behavior.

Originality/value

The current paper provides an updated review of the growing application of LHT to the study of human behavior and acknowledges criticisms and areas of concern that need to be considered when forming hypotheses for research.

Details

Journal of Criminal Psychology, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2009-3829

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1962

A.J. CAIN

Living organisms are immensely complicated things, most of which (except the minutest) present at a glance a vast variety of structural and other characters that can be considered…

Abstract

Living organisms are immensely complicated things, most of which (except the minutest) present at a glance a vast variety of structural and other characters that can be considered from many aspects. The analogy between animals and writings would seem to be clear, and the necessity for co‐ordinate classification equally great for both. Certainly, many different sorts of classification are used for animals and their parts, in relation to their genetics, development, functions in the widest sense, distribution, ecology, and evolution. Yet there is one principal classification which bears the principal reference system, and co‐ordinate classification is only subsidiary.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 14 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1994

Alexis V. Jdanko

Investigates the enigmatic phenomenon of information from the two major perspectives of modern cybernetics: the negentropic and the evolutionary. Discusses the meaning of this…

152

Abstract

Investigates the enigmatic phenomenon of information from the two major perspectives of modern cybernetics: the negentropic and the evolutionary. Discusses the meaning of this phenomenon, considering it, ultimately, as the means of combating entropy within cybernetic or control systems which create or receive, process, stock, and use information, eventually with the purpose of regulating their matter‐energy fluxes necessary for struggling against inner entropy. Discusses the sense of information as relating to thermodynamical entropy in a philosophical manner and not in some formal (mathematical) language.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 23 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 11 May 2010

Christian Goeke, Martin Gersch and Jörg Freiling

The paper investigates the role of alliances in periods of industry transformation. It addresses the research question why firms ally in dynamic environments. This takes place…

Abstract

The paper investigates the role of alliances in periods of industry transformation. It addresses the research question why firms ally in dynamic environments. This takes place with an interactive qualitative research design and fieldwork in the changing German health care sector between 2004 and 2007, primarily using qualitative longitudinal data from a focus group panel. From the theoretical side, the resource- and competence-based views have proven useful for alliance research. For our theory-driven investigation we applied the perspective of the competence-based theory of the firm and extended this view by insights from the Austrian School in order to cover developments on multiple levels of analysis in an integrated way.

On an aggregated level we elaborate a taxonomy of three categories reflecting motivations and alliance types against the background of industry transformation:(1)closing resource and competence gaps in so-called “gap-closing alliances,”(2)preparing for unexpected developments in so-called “option networks,” and(3)intending to proactively exert influence on the relevant business environment in so-called “steering alliances” as an alternative way to enhance fit.

For each alliance type, propositions are derived and validated. Summarizing the findings from a meta point of view, a twofold role of collaborative arrangements turned out: On the one hand agents are pushed into cooperation with others in order to manage change and uncertainty in transforming business environments. But on the other hand joint forces themselves act as an accelerator of industry transformation and thereby as a jolt to other economic agents.

Details

A Focussed Issue on Identifying, Building, and Linking Competences
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-990-9

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1995

Alexis V. Jdanko

Describes a functional‐structural scheme of cybernetic or control systems. Analyses, from the evolutionary point of view, some fundamental problems of evolutionary cybernetics…

159

Abstract

Describes a functional‐structural scheme of cybernetic or control systems. Analyses, from the evolutionary point of view, some fundamental problems of evolutionary cybernetics (EC) or Evolutionary Cybernetic Systems Theory (ECST). Discusses Norbert Wiener’s cardinal idea that information is a measure of order in contrast with entropy (of thermodynamics) as a measure of disorder, and that, therefore, control, communication and other phenomena of informational nature are means, ways, forms, methods and manifestations of cybernetic systems’ struggle against their (internal) physical entropy, this peculiar character of such systems being expressed in their principal structures and functions.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 January 2012

Shelby D. Hunt

The purpose of this paper is to provide a personal retrospective on six of the key events/experiences that influenced the development of the structure, foundational premises, and…

2831

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a personal retrospective on six of the key events/experiences that influenced the development of the structure, foundational premises, and models of the resource‐advantage theory of competition.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a personal retrospective approach.

Findings

The paper finds that six key events influenced the development of resource‐advantage theory: B.J. “Bud” LaLonde emphasizes the works of Alderson; Rob Morgan suggests an article on the resource‐based theory of the firm; Roy Howell suggests a presentation on R‐A theory; Randy Sparks shows a “socialist calculation” article; Kim Boal suggests the Journal of Management Inquiry as a publication outlet; and Bob Phillips discusses his work on “firm effects vs industry effects”. The paper then relates each of the six events to the paths, routes, or procedures that are often proposed as (or reported to be) likely to lead to the development of theories.

Originality/value

By providing the evolutionary history of resource‐advantage theory, the paper provides implications for developing marketing theories.

Details

Journal of Historical Research in Marketing, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-750X

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Review of Marketing Research
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-85724-723-0

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2018

Catherine Marie Clark and Christian Harrison

The purpose of this paper is to advance contemporary cognisance of the leadership field and its current state, through the synthesis and development of earlier contributions. A…

2768

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance contemporary cognisance of the leadership field and its current state, through the synthesis and development of earlier contributions. A taxonomy of evolutionary eras is tendered, from which future research opportunities can be extrapolated.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a narrative literature review of significant leadership literature. There is a focus on prominent contributions which are considered to have been highly influential within the field, while acknowledging other notable influences.

Findings

Leadership is found to be a multifaceted and evolving field, which continues to produce further research fields. This dynamism hinders the progression of leadership to achieve integration. Eleven interrelated eras of leadership, which hold varying research value, were found. While some eras superficially appear to be discredited, there is arguably scope for these to be developed in contemporary context. Currently, the leadership approaches which are replete with research opportunities include servant leadership, a skills approach and an entrepreneurial leadership.

Research limitations/implications

Leadership is a vast research area with numerous contributions to its body of work; therefore, this review has focused on prominent contributions and has not attempted to include all available literature. The dissemination of leadership literature has allowed for research gaps to emerge and future research recommendations to be drawn.

Originality/value

While there is an extensive body of leadership literature, there are few reviews of the literature. A comprehensive contemporary review facilitates an examination of the current complexities and state of the leadership field.

Details

European Business Review, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-534X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2004

Shelby D. Hunt and Caroline Derozier

Determining the strategic thrust of the firm, it may be argued, is the principal task of top management. This task is aided by recent theories of business and marketing strategy…

6526

Abstract

Determining the strategic thrust of the firm, it may be argued, is the principal task of top management. This task is aided by recent theories of business and marketing strategy, including the normative imperatives based on industry factors, resource factors, competences, market orientation, and relationship marketing. Choosing wisely from among the various theories of strategy requires an accurate understanding of the contexts of competition. This article argues that resource‐advantage theory, an evolutionary, disequilibrium‐provoking process theory of competition, provides that understanding. That is, resource‐advantage theory grounds theories of business and marketing strategy.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2001

Shelby D. Hunt

Resource‐advantage theory is an interdisciplinary, evolutionary, process theory of competition that is proving to be extraordinarily provocative. A General Theory of Competition…

3525

Abstract

Resource‐advantage theory is an interdisciplinary, evolutionary, process theory of competition that is proving to be extraordinarily provocative. A General Theory of Competition: Resources, Competences, Productivity, Economic Growth pulls together many of the articles that develop the theory. This article provides a brief overview of resource‐advantage theory, reports on two queries that have been raised by the theory’s critics, responds to the two queries, and extends an invitation to readers.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 35 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

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