Subodh Kulkarni, Matteo Cristofaro and Nagarajan Ramamoorthy
How can managers reduce information asymmetry in dyadic manager-external stakeholder relationships in a complex and evolving environment? Addressing this question has significant…
Abstract
Purpose
How can managers reduce information asymmetry in dyadic manager-external stakeholder relationships in a complex and evolving environment? Addressing this question has significant implications for firm survival, growth, and competitive advantage.
Design/methodology/approach
We have adopted a multiparadigm approach to theory building, known as metatriangulation. We integrate the dynamic capabilities, sensemaking, and evolutionary theory literatures to theorize how managers can relate to stakeholders in a complex and evolving environment.
Findings
We propose, via a conceptual framework and three propositions, “evolutionary sensemaking” as the managerial metacognitive dynamic capability that helps managers hone their understanding based on the evolutionary changes in the stakeholder’s interpretations of information quality preferences. The framework unfolds across three evolutionary stages: sensing preferences' variation of the stakeholder, seizing preferences, and transforming for complexity alignment and retention. The propositions focus on managing complexity in stakeholder information quality preference, employing cognitive capabilities to simplify, interpret, and align interpretations for effective information asymmetry reduction.
Practical implications
To develop the metacognitive dynamic capability of evolutionary sensemaking, managers need to train for and foster the underlying complex cognitive capabilities by enhancing their (1) perception and attention skills, (2) problem-solving and reasoning skills, and (3) language, communication, and social cognition skills, focusing specifically on reducing the complexity embedded in stakeholder cognition and diverse stakeholder preferences for information quality. Contrary to the current advice to “keep things simple” and provide “more” information to the stakeholders for opportunism reduction, trust-building, and superior governance, our framework suggests that managers hone their cognitive capabilities by learning to deal with the underlying complexity.
Originality/value
The proposed framework and propositions address research gaps in reducing information asymmetry. It enriches the dynamic capabilities literature by recognizing complexity (as opposed to opportunism) as an alternative source of information asymmetry, which needs to be addressed in this stream of research. It extends the sensemaking literature by identifying the complexity sources – i.e. stakeholder preferences for diverse information quality attributes and the associated cognitive preference interpretation processes. The article enhances evolutionary theory by delving into microprocesses related to information asymmetry reduction, which the existing literature does not thoroughly investigate.
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Henri Hussinki, Tatiana King, John Dumay and Erik Steinhöfel
In 2000, Cañibano et al. published a literature review entitled “Accounting for Intangibles: A Literature Review”. This paper revisits the conclusions drawn in that paper. We also…
Abstract
Purpose
In 2000, Cañibano et al. published a literature review entitled “Accounting for Intangibles: A Literature Review”. This paper revisits the conclusions drawn in that paper. We also discuss the intervening developments in scholarly research, standard setting and practice over the past 20+ years to outline the future challenges for research into accounting for intangibles.
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted a literature review to identify past developments and link the findings to current accounting standard-setting developments to inform our view of the future.
Findings
Current intangibles accounting practices are conservative and unlikely to change. Accounting standard setters are more interested in how companies report and disclose the value of intangibles rather than changing how they are determined. Standard setters are also interested in accounting for new forms of digital assets and reporting economic, social, governance and sustainability issues and how these link to financial outcomes. The IFRS has released complementary sustainability accounting standards for disclosing value creation in response to the latter. Therefore, the topic of intangibles stretches beyond merely how intangibles create value but how they are also part of a firm’s overall risk and value creation profile.
Practical implications
There is much room academically, practically, and from a social perspective to influence the future of accounting for intangibles. Accounting standard setters and alternative standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and European Union non-financial and sustainability reporting directives, are competing complementary initiatives.
Originality/value
Our results reveal a window of opportunity for accounting scholars to research and influence how intangibles and other non-financial and sustainability accounting will progress based on current developments.
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Charis Vlados and Dimos Chatzinikolaou
This study aims to analyze the emergence of a new structural configuration of globalization, with the 2008 global financial crisis serving as the first symptom of this change. By…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze the emergence of a new structural configuration of globalization, with the 2008 global financial crisis serving as the first symptom of this change. By introducing the “Evolutionary Structural Triptych” (EST), this research seeks to understand the basic components of the new evolutionary trajectory of global capitalism post-2008. The study places emphasis on its interdependent and coevolving economic, political and technological dynamic facets.
Design/methodology/approach
This research introduces the EST framework, critically contrasting it with conventional understandings in international political economy (IPE) to provide a comprehensive and structured analysis of global developments after 2008. It traces the phases of global capitalism since Second World War, examines the central dynamic dimensions during each evolutionary phase, identifies the basic patterns and delves into the foundational elements of the emerging era of globalization.
Findings
The analysis reveals three key findings. First, the emerging restructured globalization indicates a need for a new balance in the contemporary world system; however, this balance cannot be achieved within the architecture of the old system. Second, the new era of globalization necessitates a re-equilibrated approach across different dimensions of geopolitical stability, economic development and innovation. This approach should emphasize sustainability, adaptability, resilience and inclusivity and lean toward responsible, open and organic innovation models for a revamped global structure. Third, while many current IPE theories tend to compartmentalize aspects of the new globalization, the EST advocates for a holistic perspective that integrates politics, economics and technology within the framework of global trends. This perspective bridges existing gaps and offers actionable insights for a dynamic and inclusive global future.
Originality/value
The paper presents the EST as a novel analytical instrument in the realm of the modern IPE. This tool uniquely places technology and innovation at the forefront, parallel to economic and political spheres, to comprehend the progression of globalization. In doing so, it highlights the intertwined relationship of these structural dimensions in shaping the future of the subject of the IPE.
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The study aims to assess the impact of disruptive frugal digital technology and small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs') innovation performance on the food sector in Masvingo…
Abstract
The study aims to assess the impact of disruptive frugal digital technology and small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs') innovation performance on the food sector in Masvingo urban, Zimbabwe. A descriptive research design was used, and quantitative data were obtained using a questionnaire survey on 50 restaurant employees and 100 customers. The empirical findings demonstrated that the performance of SMEs was significantly improved by social media, cloud computing, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and robotics. The study concludes that disruptive digital technologies (social media, cloud computing, AR, VR and robots affect the performance of SMEs by improving food production, streamlining information transfer, and utilizing cutting-edge technical applications. This chapter recommends that the government, through those in charge of formulating policy, educate and encourage the adoption of disruptive digital technology. The application of social media, cloud computing, VR, AR, and robotics will increase local food producers' access to the market. Digitalization will have a significant effect on Zimbabwe's local food system in the future.
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Sharaf AlKheder, Hajar Al Otaibi, Zahra Al Baghli, Shaikhah Al Ajmi and Mohammad Alkhedher
Megaproject's construction is essential for the development and economic growth of any country, especially in the developing world. In Kuwait, megaprojects are facing many…
Abstract
Purpose
Megaproject's construction is essential for the development and economic growth of any country, especially in the developing world. In Kuwait, megaprojects are facing many restrictions that discourage their execution causing a significant delay in bidding, design, construction and operation phases with the execution quality being affected. The objective of this study is to develop a complexity measurement model using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for megaprojects in Kuwait, with a focus on the New Kuwait University multi-billion campus Shadadiyah (College of Social Science, Sharia and Law (CSSL)) as a case study.
Design/methodology/approach
The study applies a hybrid fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method to compare the results with those obtained using the conventional AHP method. This can facilitate the project management activities during the different stages of construction. Data were collected based on the results of a two-round Delphi questionnaire completed by seniors and experts of the selected project.
Findings
It was found that project modeling methodology was responsible for complexity. It was grouped under several categories that include technological, goal, organizational, environmental and cultural complexities. The study compares complexity degrees assessed by AHP and FAHP methods. “Technological Complexity” scores highest in both methods, with FAHP reaching 7.46. “Goal Complexity” follows closely behind, with FAHP. “Cultural Complexity” ranks third, differing between methods, while “Organizational” and “Environmental Complexity” consistently score lower, with FAHP values slightly higher. These results show varying complexity levels across dimensions. Assessing and understanding such complexities were essential toward the completion of such megaprojects.
Originality/value
The contribution of this study is on providing the empirical evidential knowledge for the priority over construction complexities in a developing country (Kuwait) in the Middle East.
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Ridhima Goel, Jagdeep Singla, Amit Mittal and Meenal Arora
Work-from-home (WFH) has gained popularity over the past years. This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis to systematically review and synthesize scholarly literature on…
Abstract
Purpose
Work-from-home (WFH) has gained popularity over the past years. This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis to systematically review and synthesize scholarly literature on the complex interplay between WFH, employee well-being and performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The study incorporates analysis of the bibliometric including performance analysis, content analysis and scientific mapping that is applied to 497 Scopus papers. VOSviewer software was used to evaluate the data.
Findings
This study posits an imbalance between the count of documents and the citations earned by each author. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health was regarded as a leading journal with maximum citations and publications. The highest count of publications came from most Asian countries such as India, China, Indonesia and Japan. The investigation indicated that the writers with the maximum citations were predominantly the authors of the majorly cited papers. Further, the text mining through co-occurrence of keyword analysis generated five clusters and cocited references revealed three themes.
Practical implications
The current research might benefit both research groups as well as human resource professionals since it also reveals the research necessity and gaps in the WFH domain.
Originality/value
This research delves into unexplored facets of WFH beyond traditional studies over the past decade by examining remote work arrangements in today’s economy, revealing previously unnoticed dynamics affecting employee well-being and performance. This innovative viewpoint enhances the literature and provides an empirical foundation for strategic organizational decision-making and future study.
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The circular economy (CE) has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential in combining the economic growth positively with businesses, society and the…
Abstract
Purpose
The circular economy (CE) has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential in combining the economic growth positively with businesses, society and the environment simultaneously. The purpose of this review is to provide a concise summary of the existing literature regarding how CE strategies can help mitigate climate change.
Methodology
A comprehensive review of extant literature is undertaken on the topic of CE and climate change. Six sectors are explored in this chapter; although these sectors are different, but still, they are interdependent and are not completely separate.
Findings
Thorough study of literature reveals that the energy, transport and manufacturing sectors have the greatest potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while the waste and building sector have a moderate potential for savings. The agriculture sector, on the other hand, is predicted to have the lowest potential for savings.
Implications
This chapter provides implications for achieving a sustainable future in terms of economic growth, social harmony and environment conditions by developing efficient and affordable methods to achieve the goal of CE.
Originality
This chapter is a unique endeavour to explore the intricate relationship between CE and climate change. Although both concepts have been explored individually by various studies, but our study is one of the few attempts made to emphasise the crucial role of CE to mitigate the climate change.
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This chapter shifts focus from the underlying causes of offending to current rehabilitation approaches and models. It begins with an overview of the rehabilitation movement…
Abstract
This chapter shifts focus from the underlying causes of offending to current rehabilitation approaches and models. It begins with an overview of the rehabilitation movement, emphasising the principle of ‘what works’ in offender reform. The discussion then moves on to explore two major frameworks: the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model and the Good Lives Model (GLM). Each model will be briefly outlined and critically evaluated for its effectiveness in preventing re-offending and supporting desistance. The chapter concludes with a rationale for introducing a new approach to rehabilitation, the Compassionate Positive Applied Strengths-based Solutions (COMPASS) model, summarising its potential benefits for enhancing desistance support.
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This study aims to explore school health promotion (HP) as a set of institutionally embedded professional practices.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore school health promotion (HP) as a set of institutionally embedded professional practices.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative study using data from nineteen interviews with school professionals in Sweden. Data analysis was informed by practice theory and an institutional logic perspective.
Findings
School professionals constructed practical understandings of HP at the intersection between institutional directives and professional values. Professionals were challenged by multiple and occasionally ambiguous policy directives as well as by multiple tiers of governance. Professional understandings of institutional directives were mediated by a bureaucratic logic and three instantiations of a professional logic (competence, pragmatic and entrepreneurial). School leadership was perceived as a crucial link between institutional directives and professional practices.
Practical implications
The findings draw attention to the need for policy revision and disambiguation as well as the need for establishing dynamic institutional dialogues across levels of governance. These measures can foster sage leadership and fruitful interprofessional collaboration within school HP.
Originality/value
The findings provide a multi-perspective view of school HP and link professional values to institutional ones. The study sheds light on the explanatory relevance of human cognition in practice contexts.
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The involvement of organizational development (OD) consultants in schools has become widespread in recent years. In Israel, their presence increased in the past 2 decades when the…
Abstract
Purpose
The involvement of organizational development (OD) consultants in schools has become widespread in recent years. In Israel, their presence increased in the past 2 decades when the Ministry of Education encouraged their entry as support for the self-management reform and improvement of failing schools. Despite accumulated experience and the research literature, little is known about their work patterns and how they contribute to school improvement. Therefore, our main research question is what they do and how their actions contribute to the school. We investigated this question based on an innovative conceptual framework that combines the focus of organizational intervention (individual, group and organization) and professional skills (diagnosis, intervention and inference).
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Israeli OD consultants, and content analysis revealed a total of 86 consulting events.
Findings
The findings of this study show significant events at individual and group levels, and only a few at the organization level. It was also found that while all the events focused on intervention, very few presented the professional skills of diagnosis and inference. We conclude that while the involvement of OD consultants in schools might contribute to immediate relief for the educational staff and to the symbolic appearance of rational management, their contribution to school improvement is still uncertain. Further theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Originality/value
The conceptual framework of organizational level and professional skills bridges the gap between organizational development goals and the professional skills needed to implement these goals, indicating areas that require further theoretical and practical development.