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1 – 10 of 11Marko Lahti, Suvi Päivikki Nenonen and Erkki Sutinen
Future places for learning and working are digitally and physically integrated hybrid environments. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the co-creation process of the remote…
Abstract
Purpose
Future places for learning and working are digitally and physically integrated hybrid environments. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the co-creation process of the remote presence-based digital and physical co-working and co-learning place. The context is cross-cultural when Finnish space approach is applied and further developed in Namibia.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative case study is conducted of the Future Tech Lab (FT Lab) in the University of Namibia’s main campus. The case study of the FT Lab is about 200m2 space with three different zones in the University of Namibia’s main campus. The physical solution encourages collaboration and technical solutions interlink the place overseas by using the remote presence. The data are gathered by using document analysis, observations, participatory workshops and interviews including structured questionnaire.
Findings
The action design research approach is a functional framework to co-create hybrid environments in two ways. It helps to design digital and physical solutions as integrated entity. Additionally, it provides a tool to analyse decision-making processes as well as design initiatives, also from the cultural perspective. Both Finnish and Namibian cultures are normative and feminine, which helped the realisation of the project based on mutual trust. However, the differences in power distance were affecting the process fluency and decision-making processes.
Research limitations/implications
The findings indicate that the co-design of the hybrid-learning environment sets requirements for the physical solution such as surface materials for premises and retrofitting of technology, which need to be considered by co-creation from the shared vision to realisation of the space. The co-creation involves many stakeholders, and cultural differences have a different impact on various stages of the co-creation process.
Originality/value
The cultural context in the case study provides an interesting comparison between the Finnish and Namibian approach. The remote presence and its requirements provide new knowledge and guidelines for co-creation of hybrid environments.
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Adeel Tariq, Muhammad Saleem Ullah Khan Sumbal, Marina Dabic, Muhammad Mustafa Raziq and Marko Torkkeli
As sustainable performance has a central role in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) performance literature, this study aims to examine the influence of networking…
Abstract
Purpose
As sustainable performance has a central role in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) performance literature, this study aims to examine the influence of networking capabilities in enhancing sustainable performance through knowledge workers’ productivity and digital innovation. It also examines the sequential mediating role of knowledge workers’ productivity and digital innovation on networking capabilities and SMEs’ sustainable performance relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 308 knowledge workers in the information technology sector and analyzed using the Hayes Process Macro bootstrapping method to test the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
Results indicate that knowledge workers’ productivity and digital innovation individually and sequentially mediate the relationship between networking capabilities and SME’s sustainable (economic and environmental) performance, surprisingly, they do not act as a mediator between networking capability and SME’s social performance. SMEs should prioritize investments in the professional development of their knowledge workers through training and skill enhancement programs. This investment equips knowledge workers with the tools to effectively use the knowledge and resources acquired through networking. Thus, knowledge workers may improve performance by using these resources to tackle challenges.
Research limitations/implications
Although this research focused on this specific context, it is prudent to acknowledge that additional factors may also exert influence on sustainable performance within SMEs, factors that managers may consider when making decisions. Methodologically, the cross-sectional design of this research poses a potential limitation, as it does not allow for the complete elimination of endogeneity concerns. However, it is worth noting that scholars have endorsed the use of cross-sectional data in cases where management researchers aim to expand beyond well-documented and longitudinal data sets.
Practical implications
This research offers practical recommendations for SMEs to improve their sustainable performance through networking. SMEs should seek partnerships with complementary knowledge to improve operations and for other performance-oriented benefits.
Originality/value
This study adds significantly to the literature on sustainable SME performance by studying the interdependent effects of networking capabilities. It also represents the individual and sequential mediation mechanism that links networking capabilities to SME success through knowledge worker productivity and digital innovation.
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Waqas Tariq, Yinfei Chen, Adeel Tariq and Marko Torkkeli
This study aims to analyze the impact of board gender diversity (BGD) on a bank’s financial stability. Moreover, it also examines whether digitalization and income diversification…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze the impact of board gender diversity (BGD) on a bank’s financial stability. Moreover, it also examines whether digitalization and income diversification act as mediators (individual and serial) in this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Hypotheses were tested using data from Pakistan’s banking sector financial statements from 2017 to 2021. A two-step analytical approach was used: panel regression in STATA for initial hypothesis examination, followed by mediation analyses using bootstrapping in SPSS. In addition, mixed-effect ML regression was conducted to verify causation and ensure robust findings.
Findings
Results demonstrate that BGD, digitalization and income diversification are positively associated with higher financial stability. Moreover, as hypothesized, both digitalization and income diversification individually and sequentially mediate the relationship between BGD and banks’ financial stability.
Research limitations/implications
It is important to acknowledge the study’s limited five-year timeframe. Further investigation is needed to determine the optimal board compositions, especially considering the study’s inclusion of up to 25% female directors on boards.
Practical implications
Policymakers and top management should prioritize increasing the number of female directors on boards for diversity. Banks that involve female directors can benefit from the synergies between gender diversity and digitization, along with the unique perspectives these women offer. This cooperative dynamic enables banks to explore and capitalize on innovative income diversification opportunities, enter new markets and ensure financial stability.
Social implications
Research findings emphasize promotion of gender equality and meritocracy through increased female director representation. This fosters a more inclusive and cooperative decision-making culture, benefiting individual banks and setting a model for other sectors. Ultimately, it contributes to greater social acceptance of women executives.
Originality/value
The study reveals a novel mechanism, emphasizing the revolutionary impact of active female directors in tandem with digitalization, amplifying chances for income diversification and accelerating increased bank viability.
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The aim of this study is to investigate how workers' work‐related identity is related to various forms of workplace learning. The study also aims to show how changes in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to investigate how workers' work‐related identity is related to various forms of workplace learning. The study also aims to show how changes in the organization affect both learning and the work‐related identity construction of employees.
Design/methodology/approach
In‐depth interviews with four design engineers were conducted in 2000 and 2007 in Finland. Narrative analysis was used to construct four stories that were compared at two different points in time to find out what changes and development took place in relation to experiences of learning and work‐related identity.
Findings
The findings suggest that learning and work‐related identity are related to one another in many ways. Usually this relationship is individually constituted, but many of its elements are socially shared. Work‐related identity is constructed strategically as one of many identities constituted in the other areas of life.
Practical implications
The findings of this study show that employers should bear in mind the importance of this interrelationship in order to promote employees' commitment and so facilitate their continuous learning and construction of their work‐related identity.
Originality/value
This paper provides useful information on how changes in the organization affect both learning and the work‐related identity construction of employees.
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The purpose of this paper is to address the stages of development of effectuation theory and highlight the progression from the early years’ conceptual articles to the recent…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address the stages of development of effectuation theory and highlight the progression from the early years’ conceptual articles to the recent empirical papers, characterized by specific, measurable research questions.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 81 peer-reviewed academic journal articles featuring effectuation as a main subject were analyzed using Scandura and Williams’ (2000) modified version of McGrath’s typology of research strategies. The framework of Edmonson and McManus (2007) is employed to evaluate the maturity of the research program.
Findings
The main outcome is to introduce four main streams linked to effectuation theory in the current scientific dialogue: innovation and product development, internationalization, effectuation and causation simultaneously, and entrepreneurial expertise.
Research limitations/implications
The current study is reliant on retrospective data, which might influence the accuracy and completeness of this study, which typically leads to rationalized versions of history-associated causal decision making.
Practical implications
This study illustrates why effectuation theory should no longer be associated only with new ventures and startups. The majority of recent studies have presented the results of effectuation logic in the context of established companies.
Social implications
This follow-up review presents evidence that effectuation research has moved on from the nascent to the intermediate stage of development. Furthermore, the results indicate that it has already begun its transition toward the mature stage of development.
Originality/value
This study reveals the ongoing spirited battle between the convergent and divergent groups involved in the scientific debate around effectuation theory.
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Henna Syrjälä, Minna-Maarit Jaskari and Hanna Leipämaa-Leskinen
The current study sheds light on non-human object agency by drawing illustrative examples from a case of horse/horsemeat, and thereby captures the ways in which living and…
Abstract
Purpose
The current study sheds light on non-human object agency by drawing illustrative examples from a case of horse/horsemeat, and thereby captures the ways in which living and non-living animal entities have shifting effects and/or intentions in relation to human entities within heterogeneous networks of cultural resources and practices.
Methodology/approach
Leaning on the post-human approach, the case of horse/horsemeat provides an illustrative empirical entry point into exploring how by looking through the lenses of object agency one can deconstruct the prevailing anthropomorphism-based dualistic views of living and non-living domestic animals as subjects or objects.
Findings
The paper argues that by contemplating both the living horse and non-living horsemeat as ontologically shifting and co-constructive entities in relation to human subjects, we are able to elaborate the contradictions and convergences of object agency that appear in living and/or non-living co-consuming units.
Social implications
The study showcases important aspects of animal welfare, addressing the effects of shifting from a human-centred perspective to a post-human view on equality between various kinds of entities.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the discussions of non-human object agency, addressing the issue from the perspective of an animal entity, which enables participating in deconstructing dualisms such as subject and object as well as living and non-living. In particular, it highlights how in the case of an animal entity, agency may emerge in terms of effects and (some capacity of) intentions both within living and non-living entities.
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Juha Hagberg, Marko Pudas, Seppo Leppävuori, Ken Elsey and Alison Logan
The resolution of conventional graphical gravures is limited to about 50 to 100 microns depending on the technology used. For these gravures the depths are dependent on the widths…
Abstract
The resolution of conventional graphical gravures is limited to about 50 to 100 microns depending on the technology used. For these gravures the depths are dependent on the widths of the grooves. For electrical circuitry, the target is to achieve 25 microns line and space widths in the near future. To obtain a reasonably high sheet resistance, the printed ink height must be reasonably high. The stated requirements require further development of the whole printing process together with the associated inks. The first step was to evaluate the gravure manufacturing method, which is capable of producing gravures of sufficient accuracy and uniform depth. In this paper a new gravure printing plate manufacturing method with high accuracy is presented. Printing results made with the manufactured gravure and tailored inks are reported.
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Negar Jalilian and Seyed Mahmood Zanjirchi
Development of each domain of knowledge depends on aggregation of knowledge and documentation of available research. This paper aims to review the articles in the field of…
Abstract
Purpose
Development of each domain of knowledge depends on aggregation of knowledge and documentation of available research. This paper aims to review the articles in the field of innovation ecosystem (IE), do a bibliographic analysis of the information available about each document, explain the process of developing the concept of IE in research during the past years and introduce the forerunner countries, major, top journals, main scientific documents and authors contributing so far to the development of the concept of IE.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, 1,233 papers published between 1990 and 2021 April were collected and analyzed by applying life-cycle analysis, bibliometrics and content analysis to provide a full thematic overview of the IE filed.
Findings
Results showed that initial concepts of IE emerged in 1990 and entered its life-cycle growth period in 2006 due to being accepted by researchers. This growth will continue until 2035. Moreover, top 20 countries (i.e. the most influential and productive countries), most frequently cited journals, top publishing authors and the most important topics as considered by researchers are also identified by employing bibliometrics and content analysis. According coincidence of key words, the most important topics in IE field categorized into four groups.
Originality/value
Unlike other works recruiting content analysis solely to identify theoretical areas within this concept, the present study used content analysis in the field of scientific research methodology, and then the most popular tools to develop the concept of IE were identified.
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Tünde Erdös, Joshua Wilt and Michael Tichelmann
Little is known about how individual differences play out in the process of authentic self-development (ASD) through workplace coaching. This article explores whether the Big Five…
Abstract
Purpose
Little is known about how individual differences play out in the process of authentic self-development (ASD) through workplace coaching. This article explores whether the Big Five personality traits and affective, behavioral, cognitive and desire (ABCDs) components of the Big Five personality traits were relevant to ASD, specifically examining the role of affect as a potential mediator.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 176 clients' personality was assessed pre-coaching. Aspects of ASD (perceived competence, goal commitment, self-concordance and goal stability) were assessed post-coaching. Clients' affect balance (AB) scores were obtained post-session.
Findings
Multilevel path models showed that higher levels of mean AB (but not the slope) mediated the associations between personality and perceived competence and goal commitment. Personality predicted goal self-concordance, but these effects were not mediated by AB, neither personality nor AB predicted goal stability.
Research limitations/implications
The authors encourage randomized controlled trials to further test findings of this study. Ruling out method variance is not possible completely. However, the authors put forth considerations to support the authors' claim that method variance did not overly influence our results.
Practical implications
These results suggest the necessity of an optimal experience of affect for ASD in workplace coaching and the understanding of how ABCDs, AB and ASD are related beyond coaching psychology.
Social implications
A deeper understanding of personality processes is important for fostering ASD to meet the challenges of management development in the authors' volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) world.
Originality/value
This is the first study to test personality as a process in workplace coaching linking personality to one of the most valued leadership skills: authenticity.
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Chen Lou, Quan Xie, Yang Feng and Wonkyung Kim
This study aims to test the role of branded content marketing on YouTube in brand building and explicates the mechanism through which brand content influences brand loyalty and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to test the role of branded content marketing on YouTube in brand building and explicates the mechanism through which brand content influences brand loyalty and purchase intentions.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a quantitative, Web-based, three-step randomized intervention design and recruits YouTube users through the Amazon Mechanical Turk (n = 925).
Findings
Post-intervention results (n = 596) show that consumers’ repeated exposure to branded content facilitates their social learning processes. Consumers derive value from the relevant content and subsequently form more favorable brand attitudes, greater brand loyalty and heightened purchase intentions. Brand loyalty mediates the effect of perceived brand content value on purchase intentions.
Practical implications
This study’s findings support the advantages of investing in the creation and dissemination of valuable brand content through a brand’s own social media channel(s). While informative content and entertaining content can both drive brand loyalty, high product-involvement brands are advised to emphasize on informative content to precipitate brand–consumer attachment. Low product-involvement brands, on the other hand, are advised to feature more enticing and captivating content to stimulate consumer devotion.
Originality/value
This study reveals the positive impact of branded content marketing within social media on consumers’ brand attitudes, brand loyalty and purchase intentions. It also explicates the mechanism through which content marketing influences brand evaluation and purchase intentions by coordinating consumer learning and value derivation.
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