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Article
Publication date: 20 September 2011

Yoram Mitki and Ram Herstein

Radical changes and increasing competition in the global economy and markets lead enterprises to change their business policy and activities. This process demands the creation of…

3272

Abstract

Purpose

Radical changes and increasing competition in the global economy and markets lead enterprises to change their business policy and activities. This process demands the creation of effective organizational learning mechanisms. This paper seeks to illustrate how three service organizations designed and utilized organizational learning mechanisms to introduce a successful, new corporate brand.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology was based on interviews and hard data collection. These techniques were found most appropriate for learning and understanding in‐depth organizational transformation processes.

Findings

Two main research findings can be noted. The first is that there are various mechanisms of learning organizations that can improve organizational performance and reputation. The second is that any organizational learning mechanism should be based on the on‐going active involvement of internal stakeholders (employees) both as individuals and as teams.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique understanding of three dimensions of organizational learning (cognitive, structural and procedural) and their impact on designing a new corporate brand strategy. The research, conducted in three different service organizations, gives new significance to the notion of collaboration

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2007

Yoram Mitki, Ram Herstein and Eugene D. Jaffe

The traditional approach to building a corporate identity relies on a managerial advertising view and is conducted mainly by external consultancy companies. The aim of this study…

1858

Abstract

Purpose

The traditional approach to building a corporate identity relies on a managerial advertising view and is conducted mainly by external consultancy companies. The aim of this study is to introduce a different approach to building a corporate identity that is based on an effective learning mechanism focused on internal stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews with senior bank management were conducted to determine the way in which a new corporate identity was designed and implemented. In addition, written documentation relating to the process of managing the identity was examined as a case study of a subsidiary of an Israeli bank.

Findings

The case demonstrates that designing an effective learning mechanism based on internal stakeholders' participation is crucial for the assimilation of a new corporate identity. It has also meaningful impact on increasing profitability and improving satisfaction both among workers and clients.

Practical implications

On the basis of this case study, a practical framework of designing and implementing a corporate identity is presented, based on learning objectives and a learning mechanism. This conceptual framework can serve managers interested in adopting a systemic and holistic approach to building a sustainable corporate identity as well as researchers who may use the framework for the study of companies who are in the process of changing their identity.

Originality/value

The study provides an important insight to the process of designing of corporate identity in the banking industry and better understanding of learning mechanisms that foster its assimilation.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 25 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2008

Yoram Mitki, A.B. (Rami) Shani and Torbjörn Stjernberg

The purpose of this paper is to advance a framework for the exploration of system transformation that includes leadership roles, contextual mess and triggering events, designing…

3403

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance a framework for the exploration of system transformation that includes leadership roles, contextual mess and triggering events, designing and managing sustainable learning mechanisms, managing a variety of balancing acts, creating shared understanding and, transforming shared understanding into action.

Design/methodology/approach

A five‐phased longitudinal research of one organization – Kibbutz Shefayim– during 12 years: semi‐structured interviews (60‐120 minutes each) with Kibbutz members representing a wide range of views and experiences in 1993; collecting and reviewing of Kibbutz internal “raw” documents that related to changes that occurred during the past 12 years, and; follow‐up semi structured interviews in 1998, 2001 and 2005. The interviewed members were asked to describe the nature of the changes that had taken place since the previous interview, including reasons, mechanisms, results and impacts.

Findings

The findings suggest that leading system change requires managerial orientation that is centered on balancing acts embedded in on going dialogue and the design of learning mechanisms. The paper advances a specific set of balancing acts and discusses their implications for leading system wide transformation.

Research limitations/limitations

This research was conducted within one organization. Further longitudinal replications in other Kibbutz‐based systems are under way.

Practical implications

The proposed view of leadership as a balancing act seems to capture the experience of many managers in the twenty‐first century. The findings suggest that some of the critical success factors for system‐wide transformation centers on the leaders' ability to sustain the following activities: continuous effort at bringing the outside forces into alignment with the internal forces; utilizing triggering events as levers for continuous change, and the purposeful design and management of learning mechanisms.

Originality/value

Adds to the literature on the exploration of system transformation and includes leadership roles, contextual mess and triggering events, designing and managing sustainable learning mechanisms, managing a variety of balancing acts, creating shared understanding and, transforming shared understanding into action.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2007

Yoram Mitki and Ram Herstein

To present the role of innovative training in the design and assimilation process of a new corporate identity.

3274

Abstract

Purpose

To present the role of innovative training in the design and assimilation process of a new corporate identity.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a description of the design process of a new corporate identity and its assimilation by a hotel chain management company. Data were gathered by in‐depth interviews with members of the company's management, namely its CEO, marketing manager and human resources manager and five hotel managers. In addition, written material was analyzed, including business and operational reports.

Findings

The innovative training approach, which is based on continuous involvement of all organization members, is an effective mechanism for designing, building and adapting corporate identities in an era characterized by significant changes in the business‐marketing environment. This approach enables the company to rapidly assimilate the new identity and improve business results. The active involvement of internal stakeholders during the formulation stages of the organizational vision, and later, when determining the training mechanism for its assimilation, contributes to the satisfaction of both employees and clients, minimizes employee turnover, and enhances the organization's reputation.

Originality/value

This article illustrates how innovative training assists organization managements in designing and assimilating new corporate identities. It differentiates between supportive training and innovative training, indicating both the connection between innovative training and organizational learning and the contribution of the employees in implementing the corporate identity.

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 39 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2007

Ram Herstein, Yoram Mitki and Eugene D. Jaffe

In recent years, the field of corporate identity management has grown substantially in importance in the hospitality industry. Managers of hotels have become increasingly…

4171

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, the field of corporate identity management has grown substantially in importance in the hospitality industry. Managers of hotels have become increasingly interested in learning methods that have been successful in communicating a new corporate identity. The purpose of this case study is to document the design and implementation of new corporate identity communication process.

Design/methodology/approach

This article describes a holistic process of designing a new corporate identity for a leading hotel management group, with a focus on implementation of its corporate communication process.

Findings

The case study described here suggests that corporate identity communication occurs at four levels – internal and external, formal and informal – and provides a strategic framework for any hotel chain management in implementing a new corporate identity.

Originality/value

This case study adds a new element to the process of communicating image/identity to internal and external stakeholders in the hospitality industry.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 19 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2008

Ram Herstein and Yoram Mitki

The purpose of this case study is to trace the process by which the new management of an airline company sought to implement a premium service strategy and to assimilate this

2174

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to trace the process by which the new management of an airline company sought to implement a premium service strategy and to assimilate this strategy into its organizational culture, with the aim of positioning the company as a high‐quality airline with a place among the leading international airline companies.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth semi‐structured interviews with the chairman, CEO, marketing manager, service manager, human resource manager and employees from different units were held during a period of four months. In addition, documents (reports, industry analyses, newspaper publications, and periodical reports) relating to the change process were collected and reviewed.

Findings

The case study suggests that any attempt by an airline company to change its service culture and to reach high‐quality standards should be led by a planned strategy which fully involves employees, utilizing their knowledge and experience. This should be done through a well‐thought‐out process designed to ascertain customers' concerns and needs, the types of service changes required to meet these needs, and practical steps that can be taken to implement these changes.

Originality/value

This case depicts a unique process of creating a premium‐service culture based on the provision of high‐quality personal service both before the flight, during the flight and after landing.

Details

Strategy & Leadership, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1087-8572

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 April 2008

Ram Herstein, Yoram Mitki and Eugene D. Jaffe

The objective of this case study is to present the Israel Cancer Association's (ICA) focused approach to promoting the concept of fighting breast cancer, using an integrated…

943

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this case study is to present the Israel Cancer Association's (ICA) focused approach to promoting the concept of fighting breast cancer, using an integrated marketing communication (IMC) strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a field‐based case study. In‐depth interviews have been used for data collection with the CEO, marketing management and spokesperson. The case is presented in a chronological order and presents the move from a corporate identity based on monolithic approach to an endorsed corporate identity strategy.

Findings

Results of the new communication process showed that the percentage of people in the general Israeli public who perceive the ICA as an organization that has the objective to fight against breast cancer has increased by more than 20 percent since the campaign was launched. As a result of the association's focus over the past five years on promoting the fight against breast cancer, the amount of money it has raised among the general public and businesses has risen by 15 percent since the start of the new promotional campaign. Research data show that the percentage of women being checked jumped from 50 to 62 percent during this period.

Originality/value

This marketing approach has increasingly become the modus operandi of cancer associations throughout the world. These associations have moved from their out‐dated work patterns to IMC strategy approaches. Other non‐profit organizations pondering the issue of how to cope with a large number of objectives, on the one hand, and many target audiences, on the other hand, may find this framework useful.

Details

International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6123

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 October 2008

Ram Herstein, Yoram Mitki and Eugene D. Jaffe

The importance of corporate image management in the airline industry has increased substantially in recent years. More and more managers of airline companies have found themselves…

4762

Abstract

Purpose

The importance of corporate image management in the airline industry has increased substantially in recent years. More and more managers of airline companies have found themselves changing their company's corporate image in order to ensure a more modern and updated identity. The purpose of this case study is to trace the new corporate image communication design and implementation phases of the privatization process of El Al airlines.

Design/methodology/approach

This article explores the transition process of a government‐owned airline with a popular‐national image to a private company with an exclusive‐national image, focusing on the implementation of its new corporate image communication process.

Findings

The case study described here suggests that the corporate image communication process of a company that has become a private entity should be holistic and takes place on four levels – internal and external, formal and informal.

Originality/value

This unique case study adds a new element to the process of communicating image to internal and external stakeholders in the airline industry and other service sectors that are becoming increasingly privatized. El Al airlines transitioned from government ownership to private hands, a process that required the implementation of drastic changes in terms of service quality management standards. It is quite rare to find companies in the airline sector that have undergone privatization.

Details

Corporate Communications: An International Journal, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-3289

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1997

Yoram Mitki, A.B. (Rami) Shani and Zvi Meiri

The firm’s structural inertia seems to be a crucial roadblock in continuous improvement efforts. The management paradigm shift required in the transition towards a continuous…

3351

Abstract

The firm’s structural inertia seems to be a crucial roadblock in continuous improvement efforts. The management paradigm shift required in the transition towards a continuous improvement culture is from individual‐based learning to system‐based learning. Explores the role of an organizational learning mechanism in overcoming the barriers for continuous improvement. Examines the implications of the creation of a parallel learning structure mechanism and its concomitant impact on continuous improvement in a paper mill firm over an eight‐year period. Concludes with the identification and discussion of some theoretical issues.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 10 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2008

Ram Herstein and Yoram Mitki

During the past several years, many hotel management firms have changed their corporate identities. Such corporate identities are based primarily on one of the following three…

1707

Abstract

Purpose

During the past several years, many hotel management firms have changed their corporate identities. Such corporate identities are based primarily on one of the following three approaches: monolithic, endorsed and branded. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of designing a corporate identity for a hotel chain management firm based on the transition from a branded corporate identity to an endorsement corporate identity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the transition from a branded corporate identity to an endorsement corporate identity as undergone by the Fattals Hotel Management Group, which manages a chain of 12 hotels. The paper examines the various stages of the process, from the decision to change the company's identity up to the final stage of examining the results.

Findings

The case presented here illustrates the extent to which assimilating the new identity requires the cooperation of all members of the organization and must be executed both vertically (top‐down and bottom‐up) and horizontally.

Originality/value

This case study, which presents differences between the various strategies adopted by the company during its identity change from one extreme approach to another, adds a new element to the process of creating and assimilating corporate image in the hospitality industry.

Details

Tourism Review, vol. 63 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1660-5373

Keywords

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