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Article
Publication date: 24 January 2019

Maher Alatailat, Hamzah Elrehail and Okechukwu Lawrence Emeagwali

Drawing on a number of strategic management theories, the purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between strategic thinking (in other words, systems perspective…

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Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on a number of strategic management theories, the purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between strategic thinking (in other words, systems perspective, focused intent, intelligent opportunism, thinking in time and hypothesis-driven analysis) and organizational performance. It also investigates whether the notion and content of high performance work practices, as identified in developed countries, can be used to amplify the effects of strategic thinking within the banking industry in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing cross-sectional data obtained from commercial banks in Jordan, this paper applied structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the banking sector in a developing country. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires.

Findings

According to the results, focused intent, intelligent opportunism, thinking in time and hypothesis-driven analysis have positive impacts on organizational performance, except when considered from the systems perspective. Consequently, high performance work practices were found to only moderate the relationship between focused intent, intelligent opportunism, thinking in time and organizational performance.

Originality/value

The authors examined the impact of strategic thinking on the organizational performance through the moderation role of high performance work practices. The results of this paper extend the existing literature by providing evidence from Jordan, a developing country outside of the western world.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2015

Sushma Mishra

The purpose of this study is to develop theoretically grounded and empirically derived organizational security governance (OSG) objectives. Developing organizational security…

2084

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop theoretically grounded and empirically derived organizational security governance (OSG) objectives. Developing organizational security governance (OSG) objectives pose significant challenges for organizations considering the ever-increasing vulnerability from lack of or misuse of appropriate controls. In recent years, there have been several cases of colossal losses to businesses due to inadequate security governance measure. In many cases, organizations do not even know as to what their ISG objectives might be. Following an extensive empirical study, this paper proposes 6 fundamental and 17 means objectives for designing security governance. The objectives were developed from individual values of information technology and security executives across a wide range of firms. The study comprised 52 interview respondents across 9 firms, which resulted in 23 OSG objectives. Theoretically, the study was grounded in Catton’s (1959) value theory and Keeney’s (1992) value-focused thinking. The objectives provide a useful basis for strategic planning for information security governance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is grounded in value-focused thinking methodology. Step 1: develop a comprehensive list of personal values underlying the problem being explored. The researcher undertakes extensive interviews, using relevant probes, to elicit underlying values of respondents. Step 2: change the values enlisted to a common form and convert them into objectives. The data collected in Step 1 is collated and presented in a common form, which enables cross-comparison and easy interpretation. Step 3: classify the objectives as means and fundamental for the decision context. Objectives are clustered into groups and then classified into fundamental and means.

Findings

This study uses a value-focused approach to develop OSG objectives. Incorporating individual values in developing governance objectives would facilitate alignment of individual and organizational values about OSG. This study proposes 6 fundamental and 17 means objectives for OSG. The study provides a comprehensive list of OSG that is rooted in values of stakeholders in an organization.

Originality/value

The main contributions study can be classified in two categories. First, it represents a collective set of OSG objectives which touch upon technical, formal, informal, moral and ethical dimensions of governance. This is a unique, synthesized and cohesive framework for OSG, which incorporates several aspects of OSG into one platform, thus allowing the development of a comprehensive security management program. Second, some of the objectives developed in this research (“establish corporate control strategy”, “establish punitive structure”, “establish clear control development process”, “ensure formal control assessment functionality” and “maximize group cohesiveness”) have not been emphasized enough in security governance literature.

Details

Information & Computer Security, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2020

Gaki Tshering and Shang Gao

The purpose of the research is to assess security concerns in government's use of Blockchain technology through the lens of value focused thinking (VFT) approach.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the research is to assess security concerns in government's use of Blockchain technology through the lens of value focused thinking (VFT) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methods such as open ended questions and interviews were used to gather data and the data was analysed in a structured approach to formulate a means-ends network of objectives. The data were collected from eight interviews of selected participants.

Findings

The findings are 35 objectives of which ten are fundamental objectives related to the values of identity, trust, data privacy, transparency, integrity, public service delivery, cost, availability of public information, responsibility and usability.

Practical implications

The study implies that governments or private organisations building blockchain solutions for governments can benefit from insights on values to focus on in blockchain security; and the current research serves as a base to understand more on blockchain use in the governments as well as security values and application of VFT approach for future academic researchers in this area.

Social implications

It is a need-driven approach in which blockchain is assessed to ensure its fit to societal needs and public values.

Originality/value

It is first of its kind in studying security in blockchain use by government through the lens of VFT approach, and it provides insights of values that are of importance to further blockchain use in the government.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 July 2020

Thiago Poleto, Thárcylla Rebecca Negreiros Clemente, Ana Paula Henriques de Gusmão, Maisa Mendonça Silva and Ana Paula Cabral Seixas Costa

The information technology (IT) outsourcing (ITO) decision is a key issue in strategic and operational management and is considered a main critical factor influencing successful…

Abstract

Purpose

The information technology (IT) outsourcing (ITO) decision is a key issue in strategic and operational management and is considered a main critical factor influencing successful organizational performance and technology assessment. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework combining value-focused thinking (VFT) methodology and the FITradeoff method to support decisions regarding ITO.

Design/methodology/approach

This study answers the following questions: How to identify, in a structured way, the objectives that should be considered in an ITO decision process in a changing environment? How to identify new IT services to be outsourced from the established objectives? The VFT method is recommended in this case to structure and model the problem. Moreover, the FITradeoff multicriteria method was considered in this study to support the evaluation and prioritization of IT services in an ITO decision

Findings

The framework provides promising results for ITO decisions. This study revealed that a lack of strategic and fundamental objectives is a critical issue in making ITO decisions. Although the VFT methodology is subjective in nature, it promotes a better understanding of goals and values, and FITradeoff allows the decision-maker to make comparisons of consequences based on his/her preferences.

Research limitations/implications

The recommendations of the study are restricted to the case study and cannot be generalized. In addition, applying the method requires attention in determining the criteria used for outsourcing IT.

Practical implications

The strategic analysis of ITO provides a holistic view of the current situation since (i) the VFT methodology enables the IT manager to generate new alternatives to assist future decisions and (ii) FITradeoff has been demonstrated as a suitable option to evaluate ITO decisions.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to utilize a problem structuring method (VFT) to identify criteria and alternatives based on the organizational values and objectives. This is integrated with a multicriteria method that uses partial information and may consequently lead to fewer inconsistencies (FITradeoff) in the context of ITO.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 58 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 June 2018

Kane J. Smith, Gurpreet Dhillon and Karin Hedström

In this paper, using values of individuals in a Swedish health-care organization, electronic identity management objectives related to security are defined.

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, using values of individuals in a Swedish health-care organization, electronic identity management objectives related to security are defined.

Design/methodology/approach

By using value-focused thinking, eliciting values from interviews of three groups of health-care staff’s objective hierarchies for three stakeholder groups are identified and defined. Objective hierarchies allow comparison across multiple stakeholder groups such that strategic objectives for identity management can be compared and contrasted.

Findings

This qualitative investigation, which used value-focused thinking, revealed 94 subobjectives, grouped into 12 fundamental and 14 means objectives, which are essential for developing measures that address potential value conflicts in a health-care organization around electronic identity management. The objectives developed in this study are grounded socioorganizationally and provide a way forward in developing measures aimed to reducing potential conflicts at a policy level.

Originality/value

In a final synthesis, congruence (or lack thereof) in the electronic identity management approach for a Swedish health organization is suggested. This also creates a foundation to evaluate and weight different objectives for strategic decision management.

Details

Information & Computer Security, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 November 2007

Rona Lynn Fitzpatrick

The research aim has two purposes: to clarify the concepts of values, collaboration and conflict and their relationship with one another within organizations; and to provide data…

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Abstract

Purpose

The research aim has two purposes: to clarify the concepts of values, collaboration and conflict and their relationship with one another within organizations; and to provide data that supported or disconfirm values alignment as a proactive approach to conflict management.

Design/methodology/approach

An interdisciplinary review of literature was undertaken, as current literature on the topic of values as it relates to conflict was very limited in scope. The key concepts investigated were the connection between values (including alignment and congruence) and decision making, behavior, collaboration, strategy, prioritization and conflict within an organization. Research was guided using constructionism, chaos and complexity theories within a framework of Chaordic systems thinking.

Findings

The paper provides documentation that previous values research practices have been fragmented and have had limited practical applications. Support is provided indicating that values alignment fosters collaboration and could be a proactive approach to conflict management.

Research implications/limitations

No long‐term studies were found on the topic of inquiry, although some documentation on business performance is starting to appear. Further research using values alignment as an organizational process would be beneficial. Practical implications – The framework presented appears to have a pragmatic application that would benefit organizational development and effectiveness. Originality/value – This paper expands previous studies by examining values research across domains and suggesting a different research approach. A model is discussed that provides meaningful linkage between business strategy and organizational values.

Details

International Journal of Conflict Management, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1044-4068

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2005

Janet Moore

This paper describes a set of recommendations that will aid universities planning to create sustainability education programs. These recommendations are not specific to curriculum…

8758

Abstract

Purpose

This paper describes a set of recommendations that will aid universities planning to create sustainability education programs. These recommendations are not specific to curriculum or programs but are instead recommendations for academic institutions considering a shift towards “sustainability education” in the broadest sense. The purpose of this research was to consider the possible directions for the future of sustainability education at the university level.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a series of workshops using a “value focused thinking” framework, a small team of researchers engaged a large number of stakeholders in a dialogue about sustainability education at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada. Recommendations were compiled from workshop data as well as data from 30 interviews of participants connected with decision‐making and sustainability at UBC.

Findings

The recommendations include infusing sustainability into all university decisions, promoting and practicing collaboration and transdisciplinarity and focusing on personal and social sustainability. Other recommendations included an integration of university plans, decision‐making structures and evaluative measures and the integration of the research, service and teaching components of the university. There is a need for members of the university community to create space for reflection and pedagogical transformation.

Originality/value

The intention of the paper is to outline the details of a participatory workshop that uses valuefocused thinking in order to engage university faculty and administration in a dialogue about sustainability education. Students, faculty and staff working towards sustainability education will be able to adapt the workshop to their own institutions.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1995

Martin Fojt

This special “Anbar Abstracts” issue of the Leadership & Organization Development Journal is split into four sections covering abstracts under the following headings: Culture…

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Abstract

This special “Anbar Abstracts” issue of the Leadership & Organization Development Journal is split into four sections covering abstracts under the following headings: Culture, Change and Intervention; Management Styles and Techniques; Leadership and Decision; Communications.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Article
Publication date: 12 March 2018

Shekhar Shukla, B.K. Mohanty and Ashwani Kumar

The purpose of this paper is to highlight an innovative approach to explore and evaluate the sustainability perspectives in e-commerce channels for additive manufacturing (AM)…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight an innovative approach to explore and evaluate the sustainability perspectives in e-commerce channels for additive manufacturing (AM). This approach helps the stakeholders to perform strategic planning dependent on a scenario-based analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper structures the problem of understanding the sustainability perspectives of e-commerce channels for AM using value-focused thinking to identify the related fundamental objectives. These objectives assist in creating dynamic scenarios based on fuzzy cognitive maps of different e-commerce channels for AM.

Findings

To evaluate the proposed research methodology, four scenarios were developed for each e-commerce channel for AM. The exploration and evaluation of one of these scenarios assisted in explaining the whereabouts of the process to aid in strategizing decision situations and understanding these channels better from the sustainability perspective.

Practical implications

The approach presented in this paper can be used by the practitioners to perform strategic planning for prioritizing sustainability in e-commerce channels for AM; considering the consequences and trade-offs wrt the other factors. Moreover, the scenario-based analysis can be performed depending on the problem requirements of the stakeholder.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the gap of understanding the theoretical aspect of the sustainability perspective in e-commerce channels for AM and the practical aspect of exploring and evaluating them. A scenario-based analysis for each e-commerce channel based on the fundamental objectives of sustainability provides insights for implementation and directions for future research.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 118 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2007

Carlos Braziel, Alfred E. Thal and Jeffrey D. Weir

Government‐owned utility systems at many locations are old, obsolete, and unreliable. Replacement of these systems has become more technically and operationally complex, thereby…

Abstract

Purpose

Government‐owned utility systems at many locations are old, obsolete, and unreliable. Replacement of these systems has become more technically and operationally complex, thereby making them more difficult for personnel to operate and maintain. In response, some governmental agencies are conveying ownership of these systems to the private sector through utility privatization as a way to efficiently operate and upgrade them. For utility privatization to be successful though, independent audits are necessary to ensure desired quantitative and qualitative factors are balanced. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains how the valuefocused thinking (VFT) methodology was used to develop a multi‐objective decision analysis (MODA) model to determine the effectiveness of utility privatization efforts.

Findings

The VFT MODA model was determined to be a suitable tool to evaluate a complex decision problem such as utility system evaluation. The model captured 28 values and 47 measures relating to utility privatization program's objective of improving the overall quality, reliability, and responsiveness of utility systems.

Research limitations/implications

The VFT MODA model lacks real‐world data for evaluation, senior leader stakeholder input and a value and measure to evaluate energy efficiency.

Practical implications

The paper provides organizations faced with utility privatization decisions with an effective decision‐analysis tool.

Originality/value

The paper explores the first documented use of VFT to assist organizations and governments in providing insight into the performance of its privatized utility systems.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

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