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21 – 30 of over 3000
Article
Publication date: 30 March 2020

Gustavo Morales-Alonso, Yilsy Núñez Guerrero, Juan Francisco Aguilera and Carlos Rodríguez-Monroy

This study aims at shedding light on entrepreneurial aspirations on both developed and developing economies, in terms of contextual and individual values. Among the former…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims at shedding light on entrepreneurial aspirations on both developed and developing economies, in terms of contextual and individual values. Among the former, economic development and inequalities are sought after, while among the latter national culture is the variable under study.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used are extracted from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor for a panel of countries, where the entrepreneurial aspirations of individuals of each country are measured through the Total early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA). The influence of cultural values as defined by Hofstede (individualism-collectivism (IDV), masculinity–femininity (MAS) and uncertainty avoidance (UAI)), moderated by the development level of the country and the existing inequalities are analyzed through artificial neural network (ANN) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) techniques.

Findings

Results show that in the post-crisis era, entrepreneurial aspirations are negatively linked to individualism in developing countries. In developed countries, however, entrepreneurship is not linked to individualism but to inequalities.

Originality/value

Entrepreneurial aspirations have not been thoroughly studied in the post-crisis era. We prove that entrepreneurial orientations have changed, together with the world, in the last decade. Cultural differences between countries tend to moderate, especially among developed ones, which speak of homogenization of national cultures. In this regard, inequalities are the determining factor. Contrarily, in developing countries, the differences in individualism are noticeable when it comes to analyzing entrepreneurial aspirations.

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1955

J.M. Ruiz‐Morales

Señor Ruiz‐Morales emphasized at the outset the diversity of the economy of Spain. Not only was Spain cut off from the rest of the European continent by the Pyrenees, but land…

Abstract

Señor Ruiz‐Morales emphasized at the outset the diversity of the economy of Spain. Not only was Spain cut off from the rest of the European continent by the Pyrenees, but land communications between one region of Spain and another were greatly handicapped by the mountainous nature of the country. The centres of both industrial and agricultural activity lay along the coastal belt, from Bilbao in the north to Barcelona in the south. In the centre was the meseta, the high plateau, dominated by Madrid. In the case of agriculture it was important to distinguish between the land distribution of the south (on the latifundia system) and the very small holdings (minifundia) of the north. Crop growing was concentrated in the valleys and the semi‐tropical climate of the south enabled Spain to export citrus fruits. Most of Spain's mines had been worked for a long time and were nearly exhausted. The country's deficiency was in two vital sources of power—coal and oil. Hydro‐power was, however, being utilized in the Pyrenees (for the Barcelona industrial region) and where the Douro and the Tagus dropped into Portugal. In the early ‘thirties Spain had a considerable gold reserve, but this had been lost to Russia, for the gold had been sent to that country at the time of the Spanish Civil War. Foreign aid was providing an important incentive to economic progress.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Article
Publication date: 9 December 2022

Mark V. Cannice, Sun-Young Park and June Y. Lee

This exploratory study uses a punctuated equilibrium paradigm (PEP) framework to examine the impact and adaptation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) to the COVID-19 pandemic at…

Abstract

Purpose

This exploratory study uses a punctuated equilibrium paradigm (PEP) framework to examine the impact and adaptation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) to the COVID-19 pandemic at the organizational and ecosystem level. The aim is to provide guidance to EEs on ways to adapt to future external shocks.

Design/methodology/approach

As this study is exploratory in nature, the authors use a sequential mixed method whereby a qualitative method is used first to identify emergent themes from in-depth interviews with EE members, followed by a quantitative method (survey) based on those themes across a broader cross section of EE members.

Findings

Entrepreneurial ecosystem’s geographical advantages have declined during the pandemic as EE firms adapted to this external shock by developing more digitally distributed organizations.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the findings, the authors propose an emerging model of EEs that extends the traditional clustering model focused on geography to account for more digitally distributed entrepreneurial clusters. However, the results, based on an in-depth study of one ecosystem, may not be fully generalizable to all EEs.

Practical implications

Given the widespread pandemic impact, the findings may be instructive to EEs and organizations in EEs that aim to become more resilient in the face of potential future external shocks.

Social implications

As part of the qualitative interview process the interviewees were asked what they would change in San Francisco Bay Area if they had a magic wand right now. They discussed a variety of inspiring ideas, but the most frequently mentioned was their wish to change the focus of business to solve societal problems with a global citizen mindset (e.g. recycling energy, climate change, income inequality, access to education and funding, inequity, wealth gaps, housing crisis and homelessness) to make the world a better place. Additionally, the pandemic exposed some inequality in work conditions across demographics. As firms reorganize to increase resiliency, attention to these issues should be addressed.

Originality/value

This study is unique in applying the PEP to EEs to deepen our understanding about how an EE evolves during periods of sudden external shocks.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1997

Robert W. Hetherington

This study examines the impact of bureaucratic structure on morale among hospital staff. Hypotheses are drawn from Hage's axiomatic theory of organizations, including the…

524

Abstract

This study examines the impact of bureaucratic structure on morale among hospital staff. Hypotheses are drawn from Hage's axiomatic theory of organizations, including the predicted negative impact on morale of formalization, centralization and stratification, and the positive impact on morale of task complexity. Contingency hypotheses involving structure and task complexity are also examined. Results indicate morale is either positively affected or unaffected by structure, and negatively affected by process. Some evidence of contingent effects are found. The findings are discussed within the broader context of Weber's theory of bureaucracy. This paper addresses the relationship between several structural features of bureaucracy and workers' morale in a hospital setting. It examines these relationships from broadly defined theoretical perspectives. In this connection, Weber's theory of bureaucracy is treated, as was the case in his original, as part of his general theory of rationalization in modern western society. The study considers the relationship between: 1) Formalization and morale, 2) Centralization and morale, 3) Stratification and morale, 4) Complexity and morale. These structural features of bureaucracy—formalization, centralization, stratification and complexity‐are treated as the means at the command of management for attaining organizational objectives. Worker morale is often referred to as the “level of feeling” about themselves among workers or about the work they perform (Revans, 1964; Veninga, 1982; Simendinger and Moore, 1985; Zucker, 1988). In effect, the term is used in stating that morale is high or low to suggest that something is right or wrong about the organization. Surprisingly, many of these studies do not explain why they are suggesting a particular state of morale, but only that the state of morale is crucial to the performance of the organization. In essence, morale is the level of confidence of the employees. It can vary from one department to the other due to specific or overall structural conditions of the organizations; without giving it routine consideration, performance will degenerate (Nelson, 1989).

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2020

Laxmiprada Pattnaik and Lalatendu Kesari Jena

The purpose of this paper is to explore the inter-linkages of mindfulness, remote engagement and employee morale as a solution to new normal, during the turbulent times of the…

6998

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the inter-linkages of mindfulness, remote engagement and employee morale as a solution to new normal, during the turbulent times of the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Remote engagement is the biggest challenge that is faced by many organisations with their employees working remotely. This paper examines the relevance of mindfulness amidst all distractions that obstruct the employees to stay focussed in their work assignments while performing remotely. Therefore, a thorough literature survey has been made to analyse the conceptual relationship among mindfulness, remote engagement and employee morale. Based on the conceptual analysis, a set of possible frameworks linking the three constructs has been stated for future research.

Findings

This conceptual paper has come up with few possible frameworks to model the assertions by investigating and corroborating it with quantitative or qualitative studies by the future researchers.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has tried to advocate the linkage of the three constructs, which is the need of the hour for setting the organisation to the new normal way of work.

Practical implications

The current paper suggests that the organisations can deal with the toughest challenge of engaging people remotely by practising mindfulness technique, and thereby, it would result in high morale leading to improved performance. This approach paves the way for leading a “new normal” even post-pandemic.

Originality/value

Due to the prevalence of the unforeseen situation of pandemic, organisations have no other way but to resort to remote work. Through the practice of mindfulness, the engagement of employees can be adhered to an extent, which results in enhanced employee morale, which can help the organisation to achieve its business objectives amidst this turbulent time and gradually resorts to function in the new normal.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 August 2019

Juan A. Correa, Pablo Gutiérrez, Miguel Lorca, Raúl Morales and Francisco Parro

This paper aims to study the effect of family socioeconomic status (SES) on academic and labor market outcomes.

3135

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effect of family socioeconomic status (SES) on academic and labor market outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a rich data set of administrative records for test scores, individual background and adult earnings of a cohort of agents, covering a period spanning the agents' upper-secondary education and their early years in the labor market.

Findings

The authors find that students with the highest SES obtained a 1.5 standard deviations higher score in the college admission test than students who had the same academic outcomes in the eighth grade test but belong to the lowest SES. Similarly, among students that obtained the same scores in the college admission test, those with the highest SES earned monthly wages 0.7 standard deviations higher than those with the lowest SES.

Originality/value

The findings highlight that family socioeconomic background continues to influence outcomes during individuals’ upper secondary education and early years in the labor market.

Details

Applied Economic Analysis, vol. 27 no. 79
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2632-7627

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2005

Elizabeth C. Thach, Ms Thoraya Halhoul and Jay Robertson

What types of wine business practices have the most impact on employee productivity, leading to profitability? This qualitative study attempts to answer this question based on…

Abstract

What types of wine business practices have the most impact on employee productivity, leading to profitability? This qualitative study attempts to answer this question based on interviews and survey data from 109 winery and vineyard operations across the US. A total of 33 management practices were identified using a qualitative content analysis methodology; including the major categories of management communication, hiring, training, and positive incentive systems. Results suggest areas for future research, as well as simple and cost‐effective management practices which wineries and vineyards can implement now.

Details

International Journal of Wine Marketing, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-7541

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 March 2022

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

248

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

The authors concluded that mindfulness practice has a positive effect on engagement, boosting morale and raising performance levels

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format

Details

Human Resource Management International Digest , vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0967-0734

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2013

José Antonio Belso‐Martínez, F. Xavier Molina‐Morales and Francisco Mas‐Verdu

Despite the sizable amount of previous research on this topic, little is known about the reasons why firms decide to start collaboration projects with innovation advanced service…

1412

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the sizable amount of previous research on this topic, little is known about the reasons why firms decide to start collaboration projects with innovation advanced service providers, such as universities and technological institutes. This paper aims to investigate which factors at an individual firm level are involved in these collaborative strategies on supporting product and management improvements offered by local institutions to innovative firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is contextualized in the Valencian region and applies the resource based view and the regional innovation system approach as theoretical frameworks. Methodologically, the paper adopts a cross‐sectional analysis and employs ordered regression models on a sample of innovative firms during 2009.

Findings

Firstly, this paper endorses previous research suggesting the crucial role of cooperation and external knowledge on SME innovation. Secondly, it evidences how internal resources and capabilities determine a firm's use of public supported innovation. Thirdly, previous experience appears to be extremely relevant in explaining successful engagement in both technological and managerial innovation programs.

Research limitations/implications

Because the case study approach and qualitative methodologies are used, the authors advise readers not to generalize their findings. The research on the subject matter is offered as a means to substantiate or refute the latest research premises, and provide empirical evidence on the selected region.

Originality/value

Although this paper corroborates recent contributions, it does provide some novel findings. High‐level managerial capabilities seem to discourage the use of public programs supporting innovation practices (either in technological or managerial aspects), while engagement in university programs relies heavily on the firm's technological capabilities or exposure to global competition, and less on other characteristics. Policy makers should pay particular attention to both pieces of evidence when designing programs.

Article
Publication date: 30 September 2014

Jorge A. Malaver Copara

This paper aims to analyze Brazil’s governmental positions during two international conflicts involving major Brazilian firms and two South American countries: the nationalization…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze Brazil’s governmental positions during two international conflicts involving major Brazilian firms and two South American countries: the nationalization of Petrobras in Bolivia in 2006 and the expulsion of Odebrecht from Ecuador in 2008. Brazil’s government officials showed themselves to be not only open to negotiations but also understanding and cooperative with Bolivia. The same policymakers, however, showed no trace of this accommodating behavior toward Ecuador. This paper focuses on the explanatory power of the ideas of the ruling Workers’ Party and sustains that this party has played a crucial role on shaping the current government–business relations in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

This research applies process tracing analysis within two case studies; and content analysis to operationalize the concept “Workers’ Party’s ideas” using 14 Workers’ Party’s official documents. It investigates the circumstances under which political ideas guide policymaking.

Findings

This work found a correlation between Workers’ Party’s ideas and Brazil’s governmental positions which first benefited Bolivian demands. On the other hand, these ideas found no representation during negotiations with Ecuador. To explain this variation, this study tested the link between uncertainty and influence of ideas. Uncertainty was both an “activating condition”, allowing ideas to come into play in policymaking, and a “magnifying condition” showing the dynamic relationship between the level of uncertainty and the level of influence of ideas.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the evolving debate on business and government relations in Brazil by focusing on the role of ideas and interests on policymaking.

21 – 30 of over 3000