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The purpose of this article is to present a model for sustainable innovation based on learning and knowledge.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to present a model for sustainable innovation based on learning and knowledge.
Design/methodology/approach
Definitions of knowledge, innovation and learning are provided. Followed by a discussion on the link between knowledge and innovation, the concept of the nominal innovation probability space is introduced, built on the definitions of knowledge depth and knowledge diversity. Different learning styles are presented and how these can increase knowledge depth and knowledge diversity, improving a firm's position in the innovation probability space. A final description is provided of a model for the sustainable innovation engine.
Findings
The article finds that learning is essential to ensure sustainable innovation. Innovation probability is impacted by the organisation's knowledge depth and diversity. Learning styles are correlated to the firm's innovativeness and competitiveness. Experimentation as a learning style is essential for discontinuous innovation. Learning effectiveness is increased if supported by a knowledge management approach. Sustainable innovation requires a positive feedback loop between knowledge creation (learning) and innovation.
Originality/value
The article provides useful information on the introduction of the nominal innovation probability space based on a firm's knowledge depth and diversity; the concept of knowledge empathy; and the distinction between innovation and sustainable innovation and its importance for competitive and collaborative advantage.
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Milton Correia de Sousa and Dirk van Dierendonck
The purpose of this paper is to present a meaning‐based framework to understand the motivation of knowledge workers and an effective leadership model that suits that framework.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a meaning‐based framework to understand the motivation of knowledge workers and an effective leadership model that suits that framework.
Design/methodology/approach
Definitions of knowledge worker, meaning, complex adaptive systems and leadership are provided. The concept of meaning in work is explored through the constructs of work orientation and identity. Based on that, a global meaning framework for knowledge workers is outlined. Additionally, the servant leadership model is detailed and analyzed in light of the global meaning framework for knowledge workers and the need for complex adaptive behavior in successful knowledge‐based organizations.
Findings
The motivation of knowledge workers can be well understood from a meaning perspective, taking two constructs into account: work orientation and identity. The global meaning framework of knowledge workers is based on three main characteristics: work as a calling, need for a strong membership association with peers, and need for autonomy. Servant leadership is a model that fits well with those characteristics, potentially enabling the creation of a sense of meaning and purpose and consequently inducing the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers. As a side‐effect, complex adaptive behavior will emerge, leading to both organizational and social performance.
Originality/value
The proposed model combines a meaning perspective with servant leadership theory to provide insight into the motivation of knowledge workers. This is posited in the context of complex adaptive behavior.
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Abstract
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Barbara de Lima Voss, David Bernard Carter and Bruno Meirelles Salotti
We present a critical literature review debating Brazilian research on social and environmental accounting (SEA). The aim of this study is to understand the role of politics in…
Abstract
We present a critical literature review debating Brazilian research on social and environmental accounting (SEA). The aim of this study is to understand the role of politics in the construction of hegemonies in SEA research in Brazil. In particular, we examine the role of hegemony in relation to the co-option of SEA literature and sustainability in the Brazilian context by the logic of development for economic growth in emerging economies. The methodological approach adopts a post-structural perspective that reflects Laclau and Mouffe’s discourse theory. The study employs a hermeneutical, rhetorical approach to understand and classify 352 Brazilian research articles on SEA. We employ Brown and Fraser’s (2006) categorizations of SEA literature to help in our analysis: the business case, the stakeholder–accountability approach, and the critical case. We argue that the business case is prominent in Brazilian studies. Second-stage analysis suggests that the major themes under discussion include measurement, consulting, and descriptive approach. We argue that these themes illustrate the degree of influence of the hegemonic politics relevant to emerging economics, as these themes predominantly concern economic growth and a capitalist context. This paper discusses trends and practices in the Brazilian literature on SEA and argues that the focus means that SEA avoids critical debates of the role of capitalist logics in an emerging economy concerning sustainability. We urge the Brazilian academy to understand the implications of its reifying agenda and engage, counter-hegemonically, in a social and political agenda beyond the hegemonic support of a particular set of capitalist interests.
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Milton Jorge Correia de Sousa and Dirk van Dierendonck
The purpose of this paper is to aim mainly at further understanding how servant leadership can affect engagement during a merger with high levels of uncertainty through the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to aim mainly at further understanding how servant leadership can affect engagement during a merger with high levels of uncertainty through the mediating role of organizational identification and psychological empowerment. In addition, the research aimed at validating the servant leadership survey (SLS) in a new culture and language.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 1,107 respondents from two merging Portuguese companies answered a survey. Structural equation modeling was used to further test the mediation model proposed.
Findings
SLS proved to be valid and reliable in the Portuguese context and language. Servant leadership strongly affected work engagement in conditions of high uncertainty. Organizational identification and psychological empowerment acted as mediating variables.
Research limitations/implications
Future research could include longitudinal studies, the effect of specific servant leadership dimensions and the distinction between servant leadership and other leadership models during a merger in conditions of high uncertainty.
Practical implications
This study extends the applicability of the servant leadership model, and the corresponding SLS in a new national culture and as an effective leadership approach under conditions of high uncertainty, such as in a merge process.
Social implications
Multinational corporations can see servant leadership as a valid model that can permeate the whole organizational culture, inducing greater performance and the well-being of the workforce for increased engagement. Given the increasing uncertainty and volatility of the work environment, servant leadership could be particularly useful in such contexts.
Originality/value
This study benefits both leadership scholars and practitioners by providing evidence on the value of servant leadership in ensuring workforce engagement in conditions of high uncertainty, as in dynamic merger processes. The fact that the study was conducted right in the middle of the change process is rather unique. Moreover, servant leadership effectiveness is for the first time tested in Portugal, a country typically with a relatively strong power distance culture.
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Sofia Almeida Costa, Sofia Vilela, Daniela Correia, Milton Severo, Carla Lopes and Duarte Torres
This study aims to evaluate in the Portuguese population the consumption of packaged food (PF) vs non-packaged food, the associated factors and to estimate the contribution of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate in the Portuguese population the consumption of packaged food (PF) vs non-packaged food, the associated factors and to estimate the contribution of specific food groups to the use of packaging materials.
Design/methodology/approach
A representative sample of the population was evaluated within the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2015–2016 (n = 5,811, 3 months-84y). Dietary data were collected by two non-consecutive food diaries (children) or 24-h recalls, using a software program which integrates FoodEx2—Food classification system. Food packaging materials were measured according to the amount of PF by linear regression. The results were analyzed considering the distribution of the Portuguese population.
Findings
The reported amount of PF was 1,530 g/person/day (57%), in which PF in plastic was the most reported (69%), mainly associated with “Non-alcoholic beverages” (38%). “Fruit and vegetables” food group is most frequently reported without a package (35%). Men consumed significantly more quantity of PF for all materials, excepted for “paperboard/paper”, but also significantly more quantity of food without a package (β = 135.3 [95%IC: 63.7; 207.0]). Children and adolescents consumed more quantity of PF in multilayer materials (β = 177.8 [95%IC: 154.8; 200.9]) and significantly less quantity of food without a package (β = −343.8 [95%IC: −408.9; −278.6]). Also, more educated people consume more food without a package (β = 106.9 [95%IC: 33.2; 180.7]).
Originality/value
The Portuguese population presents a large consumption of PF. Male population and adults were identified as groups with higher consumption of PF.
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Nima Ravi, Suresh Subramoniam, Hareendrakumar VR and Ravi Chinta
Social enterprises are organizations striving to address social issues. These enterprises sell products to be self-sustainable. Social entrepreneurial success depends on the…
Abstract
Purpose
Social enterprises are organizations striving to address social issues. These enterprises sell products to be self-sustainable. Social entrepreneurial success depends on the intention of consumers to purchase social enterprise products. This study aims to assess and understand the consumer intention to buy social enterprise products.
Design/methodology/approach
This descriptive study integrates consumers’ emotional values with the theory of planned behaviour as a framework. The intention is to investigate the role of customer emotion in mediating the relationship between predictor and predicted variables. A mixed sampling technique is adopted to select sample units from the consumers with a consideration for regional balance. Data from 336 respondents were collected using a survey instrument administered online.
Findings
Structural equation modelling shows that among the three predictor variables, only attitude has a direct impact on consumer’s purchase intention, while subjective norms have an indirect impact through the mediating variable (emotional value). Behavioural control showed no effect on consumer’s purchase intention of products sold by social enterprises.
Originality/value
The results of this study have theoretical as well as practical implications. The success of social enterprises depends on the acceptance of their products by consumers. The social enterprise can strategize its marketing communications to strengthen the emotional values, attitudes and subjective norms of the consumers so that the market acceptance for these products can be increased.
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Biswajit Mohapatra, Sushanta Tripathy and Deepak Singhal
As the COVID-19 epidemic ravages the world in the fourth industrial revolution era, the manufacturing sector faces its worst situation in a century. Lean philosophy, renowned as a…
Abstract
Purpose
As the COVID-19 epidemic ravages the world in the fourth industrial revolution era, the manufacturing sector faces its worst situation in a century. Lean philosophy, renowned as a “warrior philosophy,” can be an able rescuer to these industries. This study aims to identify the hurdles to lean strategy implementation and conduct an analysis to provide cognizance to policymakers, practitioners and decision-makers.
Design/methodology/approach
This study aims to identify the obstacles that obstruct lean implementation into seven primary barriers/components, with the fuzzy DEMATEL approach being used to evaluate the critical factors as well as the cause and effect factors among them. Expert opinions are sought to obtain the relevant data for evaluation purposes.
Findings
The results reveal that a firm should focus on firm cultural conflict scenario, resources–responses incapability, improve on suppliers’ attitude and execute a proper planning and logistics equation to alleviate the hindrances of implementing lean. As these causal factors influence the effect factors, namely, top management vision, management–employee relationship and human resource building, focusing on them automatically improves the effect factors; thus, the surge to overcome resistance to lean implementation is alleviated.
Practical implications
This research aids in identifying and analyzing lean implementation issues in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. The observations, results and insights drawn can act as a guiding force to rupture the resistance envelope covering the domain of lean implementation and possibly reinstating industries to survive and excel in the business post-COVID era.
Originality/value
This research introduces barriers to lean implementation in a unique way, as it articulates all sections of an industry and group the barriers based on the classification. It further prioritizes the barriers for their importance in the Indian industrial scenario. This would help the industry professionals and managers access the barriers and generate insight on how and where to start implementing lean.
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