Elena Fuetsch and Julia Suess-Reyes
One of the central requirements of research is that the knowledge acquired should not only be academically rigorous, but also socially useful. If an article fails to address…
Abstract
Purpose
One of the central requirements of research is that the knowledge acquired should not only be academically rigorous, but also socially useful. If an article fails to address practical relevance, the audience will question its value and respond with “so what?”. Due to recent criticism regarding the practical relevance of innovation research, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether a similar “ivory divide” prevails in research on innovation in family businesses. More specifically, this paper investigates to what extent and at what depth researchers generate practical implications for innovation in family businesses. Furthermore, different strategies to bridge the “ivory divide” are discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
This literature review systematically analyses the findings of 50 journal articles focusing on innovation in family businesses published between 2004 and 2015. Based on this, the articles are classified according to their degree of practical relevance.
Findings
Although the findings unanimously show the relevance of innovation for strengthening business’s performance, only a minority of articles offer in-depth implications for practitioners in terms of practical guidance for action and application-oriented recommendations. A number of reasons for the development of this “ivory divide” are discussed and suggestions for how the connection between research and practice could be strengthened are provided.
Originality/value
This paper attempts to provide an impulse toward more practically oriented family business research in order to increase its interestingness to academics and its value to practitioners.
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Alessandra Schopf da Silveira, Carmen Brum Rosa and Julio Cezar Mairesse Siluk
This work sought to analyze targeted innovation strategies used during the pandemic to maintain companies’ competitiveness.
Abstract
Purpose
This work sought to analyze targeted innovation strategies used during the pandemic to maintain companies’ competitiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology was a systematic literature review, analyzing how these factors can be used as leverage in decision-making and suggesting a framework tool.
Findings
As a result, nine factors were identified as drivers to stimulate competitiveness, bringing insights to structure actions in times of crisis to support agribusiness.
Research limitations/implications
With this work, it is possible that other companies can base themselves and use the strategic drivers of innovation evidenced to remain competitive in the market during a period of crisis. As this is a systematic review of the literature, the application of a case study, for example, is a limitation, which could be a continuation of the work.
Practical implications
As this is a systematic review of the literature, the application of a case study, for example, is a limitation, which could be a continuation of the work.
Originality/value
This work has high value because it brings insights into strategic drivers of innovation that tend to leverage or maintain the competitiveness of agribusinesses in times of crisis. With the discussion carried out on the data obtained, it is possible that agribusinesses or other types of companies can be based for decision-making in a crisis scenario from innovative actions that generate competitive advantage.
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The technological revolution is fundamentally changing our lifestyle, work, and communication. There is still no accurate information about the future of this great…
Abstract
The technological revolution is fundamentally changing our lifestyle, work, and communication. There is still no accurate information about the future of this great transformation, but one thing is quite clear: the speed of the transformations in terms of scale and complexity, like a storm, will go through all aspects of a society's life and change all the current paradigms. One of the expectations from the fourth industrial revolution will be the expansion of smart cities in accordance with sustainable development criteria. In order for a city to be truly smart and innovative, city officials must pay attention to elements such as renewable and clean energy such as the internet of things, smart networks, smart parking, and smart transportation. In another sense, there must be a balance between economy, environment, and society in order to build a strong, sustainable, and flexible smart city that will survive the test of time. Of course, based on the 7PS model, the dimensions of culture and education are very important and fundamental for high sustainability. Researchers and those involved in the implementation of smart cities have explained the main indicators to identify these cities, which include some of the following items: For example, smart building, environmental protection, smart garbage collection, digitization of all government affairs and administrative work, widespread use of smartphones and electronic devices, complete, convenient, and universal access to the internet, car sharing service and online taxi. Other important indicators include the intelligentization of the traffic system and urban planning, citizen participation, economic ecosystem, optimization in electricity, water and energy consumption, development of electric and electric public transportation fleet, quality control and management, and reduction of air pollution. In this chapter, the theory of i-Sustainability Plus and i-Comprehensive Strategic Urban Plan is introduced as the beating heart of the ubiquitous blue-green smart city design. In such urban areas, it is all about the combination of real life, virtual reality, and in addition the future of clean technologies. In general, it can be said that sustainable smart cities are a solution to combat the challenges of urbanization.
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Pietro Micheli and Matteo Mura
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of comprehensive performance measurement systems (PMS) – i.e. measurement systems that comprise financial and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of comprehensive performance measurement systems (PMS) – i.e. measurement systems that comprise financial and non-financial indicators, and which also consist of indicators related to different aspects of an organisation’s operations – in the relationship between strategy and company performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data of top managers of large European companies were collected and analysed by means of exploratory factor analyses and hierarchical regressions in order to validate the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
This research shows that different strategies lead to the use of different types of performance indicators. Also, it finds that the utilisation of a comprehensive PMS enables the implementation of both differentiation and cost-leadership strategies. Specifically, a comprehensive PMS positively mediates the effect of differentiation strategy on organisational and innovative performance, and of cost-leadership strategy on organisational performance.
Research limitations/implications
Further research could be undertaken in other contexts and consider additional factors, such as the structure, maturity and different uses of PMS, and the cost of measuring performance. Qualitative studies could examine the role of PMS in dynamic environments, as well as the evolution of PMS during strategic transitions.
Practical implications
Greater consideration should be given to the utilisation of different types of performance indicators when implementing and re-formulating strategy.
Originality/value
This study clarifies the links between strategy and performance measurement, and it is the first to identify the mediating effect of comprehensive PMS between strategy and company performance.
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Strategic planning in many companies has become an impotent process, largely devoid of imagination. These companies must revamp their thinking if they are to create truly…
Abstract
Strategic planning in many companies has become an impotent process, largely devoid of imagination. These companies must revamp their thinking if they are to create truly innovative strategy embodied with the power to win. The author postulates four fundamental business laws that form the foundation for achieving outstanding results: the law of thinking first and thinking different; the law of anticipatory thinking and disciplined execution; the law of trusting in and respecting people; and the law of customer enthusiasm. The article includes specific corrective actions that an organization can take to alleviate current deficiencies.
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Anuj Singla, Inderpreet Singh Ahuja and APS Sethi
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the significance of various technology push (TP) and demand pull (DP) practices substantial for achieving sustainable development in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the significance of various technology push (TP) and demand pull (DP) practices substantial for achieving sustainable development in Indian manufacturing industries. The research crucially examines the effectiveness of TP-DP practices in manufacturing companies.
Design/methodology/approach
An extensive survey of 92 companies in India has been executed to identify improvements made by TP-DP practices, to achieve sustainable development in manufacturing industries. The companies in the survey include medium- and large-scale manufacturing enterprises. The correlations between various TP-DP practices and sustainable development parameters are evaluated and validated using various numerical methods and tools.
Findings
The focus of the paper is on the distinguishable contributions made by TP-DP practices like innovative capability, research and development, corporate strategy, export orientation, stringent implementation of government regulations, transforming capabilities, unionized labor and customer attributes toward achieving sustainable development in manufacturing industries. The inter-relationships between different TP-DP practices with sustainable development parameters are evaluated to effectively manage the goals and objectives of industries related to sustainability and growth. However, it is also acknowledged that manufacturing firms need to work more actively on managing certain practices of TP-DP.
Research limitations/implications
In the present investigation, contributions made by TP-DP practices are evaluated to accomplish sustainable development in Indian manufacturing industries. Hence, the results obtained may need some modifications before applying to other countries. Moreover, issue-wise independent modeling can also be performed to assess the importance of TP-DP practices under specific orientations.
Practical implications
The research gives priority to enhancement in the planning among various TP-DP practices and sustainable development indicators in the industries, to impart TP-DP as important practices to meet the challenges of competent markets worldwide.
Social implications
It has been exhibited from the observations that adequate TP-DP practices can efficiently contribute toward recognition of sustainable development to compete in the highly progressive global market. The results of various inter-relationships among TP-DP practices and sustainable development parameters represent the effectiveness of TP-DP practices for accomplishment of social as well as organizational objectives.
Originality/value
The investigation shows that TP-DP practices are significant initiatives employed by the manufacturing industries for performance improvement and sustainable development. The paper peeks into the research to find out TP-DP issues that need to be assessed efficiently by companies to avail the benefits of sustainable development to meet the challenges posed by international markets.
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Philip Bromiley and Mark Washburn
This study aims to compare alternative search behaviors managers enact with regard to firm aspirations.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to compare alternative search behaviors managers enact with regard to firm aspirations.
Design/methodology/approach
The behavioral theory of the firm predicts that poor performance relative to aspiration levels leads to search for ways to raise performance over aspirations. Most researchers have assumed search leads to risk‐taking or innovation. However, firms might search for ways to raise performance without incurring additional risk, such as reducing expenses. This paper compares the two models of search using data on research and development (R&D) spending.
Findings
The results generally support the cost cutting argument; R&D spending increases monotonically with performance relative to social aspirations.
Research limitations/implications
These results suggest researchers need to consider searches that emphasize cost reduction, as well as searches that emphasize innovation.
Originality/value
Overall, this paper extends behavioral work on risk‐taking and R&D to provide a more complex view of the interactions between kinds of aspiration levels and both innovation and search behavior.
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Kumar Verma Bhupendra and Shirish Sangle
This paper aims to present an empirical test to analyze a structural process model based on constructs of organizational innovativeness types considering sustainability aspects…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present an empirical test to analyze a structural process model based on constructs of organizational innovativeness types considering sustainability aspects. It explores interdependency among constructs of organizational innovativeness identified as product, process, behavioral, market, strategic and risk innovativeness. It integrates a dynamic capability perspective to strengthen the existing literature.
Design/methodology/approach
Sample for data analysis covers 389 managers of firms demonstrating some traits of sustainability orientation and operating in a developing economy like India. Structural equation modeling is applied to test the causal model.
Findings
Study reveals that risk innovativeness along with strategic innovativeness leads to behavioral innovativeness which further causes product innovativeness and business process innovativeness. Business process innovativeness supports product innovativeness leading to market innovativeness of a firm. Characteristics of organizational innovativeness linked with the risk-taking ability of top management can be a critical differentiating factor between conventional and sustainability-oriented firms.
Research limitations/implications
The factor of risk innovativeness was applied as per the existing measurement scale and has a scope for further exploration. It also offers an opportunity to reassess organizational innovativeness processes considering sustainability aspects.
Practical implications
The study may help organizations to develop a systemic approach to evolve and develop business processes linked to organizational innovativeness considering sustainability challenges and uncertain market conditions.
Social implications
Development of organizational innovativeness considering sustainability aspects may lead to innovative and disruptive products/services leading to mitigate climate change issues, thus helping global societies in long run.
Originality/value
The study offers common ground linked to the bodies of research related to dynamic capabilities, micro-foundations of dynamic capabilities, innovative capability and sustainability.
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Jörg Rainer Noennig, Filipe Mello Rose, Paul Stadelhofer, Anja Jannack and Swati Kulashri
Digitalising cities requires new urban governance processes that account for rapidly changing environments and technological advances. In this context, agile development methods…
Abstract
Purpose
Digitalising cities requires new urban governance processes that account for rapidly changing environments and technological advances. In this context, agile development methods have become valuable, if not necessary. However, agile development contradicts public administration practices of risk aversion and long-term planning. The purpose of this study is to discuss practical avenues for navigating these two contradictions by adapting agile development to the needs of public sector organisations.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors review the collaborative elaboration of Dresden’s smart city strategy as a critical case study. Dresden’s smart city strategy was developed using agile development and quadruple-helix innovation. The year-long co-creation process involved stakeholders from various groups to conceive an integrated and sustainable vision for digitalisation-based urban development.
Findings
Despite the apparent contradictions, this study finds that key aspects of agile development are feasible for public sector innovation. Firstly, risks can be strategically managed and distributed among administration and non-administration stakeholders. Secondly, while delivering value through short iterative loops, adherence to formal processes remains possible. Informal feedback cycles can be harmoniously combined with official statements, allowing iterative progress.
Research limitations/implications
The empirical material is based on a single case study and thus risks overemphasising the general applicability of the proposed methods.
Practical implications
This paper outlines practical steps to greater agility for public administration engaged in digitalising cities. The paper conceptualises a forward and lateral momentum for the agile development of a smart city strategy that aims to reconcile formal policymaking processes with short-term loops and risk aversion with experimental value creation. This approach balanced risks, created value and enhanced the strategy‘s alignment with strategic frameworks, ultimately promoting innovation in the public sector.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a novel, empirically grounded conceptualisation of implementing agile methods that explicitly recognises the peculiarities of public administrations. It conceptualises the orchestrated and pragmatic use of specific agile development methods to advance the digitalisation of cities.
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Kumar Verma Bhupendra and Shirish Sangle
The paper aims to explore the attributes and systemic characteristics of organisational innovativeness types in sustainability oriented firms in India. In dynamic business…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to explore the attributes and systemic characteristics of organisational innovativeness types in sustainability oriented firms in India. In dynamic business environment amid sustainability challenges, benchmarking organisational innovativeness of sustainability oriented firms may pave a way for many other firms to develop suitable strategies. The paper also presents the role of innovativeness in risk-management.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to gather the responses from 689 managers of 60 firms operating in India and displaying traits of sustainability orientation. Generic organisational innovativeness characteristics of these firms are presented based on result of factor analysis and variances explained by respective factors. Innovativeness characteristics have been discussed in context of sustainability and environmental management.
Findings
Study provides the glimpse of variability in steps taken by firms to remain competitive in current and future markets. The paper also offers a new factor of organisational innovativeness as “risk-innovativeness” and presents its role in disruptive and sustainable innovation.
Research limitations/implications
The study adds to existing literature by providing a measure of organisational innovativeness types and proposes a definition of “risk-innovativeness” and opens a new avenue for further exploration.
Practical implications
The study may help organisations operating in emerging economies to benchmark and develop attributes of organisational innovativeness types considering sustainability challenges and uncertain market conditions.
Social implications
The study may guide other firms to benchmark their current innovativeness standing and may help in developing suitable attributes leading to combat negative impacts of climate change by developing sustainable innovations.
Originality/value
There are no existing studies which offer organisational innovativeness types of sustainability oriented firms, especially in emerging and developing economies context.