A.J.G. Driessen and A. Molenkamp
Describes the function of operational auditing from a management point of view. Due to opinions on decentralization and the integral management of organizations which have…
Abstract
Describes the function of operational auditing from a management point of view. Due to opinions on decentralization and the integral management of organizations which have gradually been generally adopted, changes are taking place in their design and control. The so‐called integral management concept assumes that more responsibilities are included in line management. As the decision making at strategic level can no longer rely on extensive, hierarchically constructed staff departments, a second opinion function should be incorporated in the decision‐making cycle. Operational auditing as a second opinion function will focus on the infrastructure of organization and information.
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Debra A. Noumair, Danielle L. Pfaff, Christine M. St. John, Asha N. Gipson and Sarah J. Brazaitis
The study of group dynamics was central to the field of organization development at its inception. More recently, there has been a move away from considering irrational and…
Abstract
The study of group dynamics was central to the field of organization development at its inception. More recently, there has been a move away from considering irrational and unconscious dynamics in organizational life and more attention focused on rational and observable behavior that can be measured and quantified. We introduce the tool, Beneath the Surface of the Burke-Litwin Model, that invites consideration of how the overt behavior of individuals, groups, and entire systems is linked to covert dynamics. This more comprehensive view of organizational life provides scholar-practitioners with a systemic perspective, a view of covert dynamics by organizational level, and support for the ongoing development of one’s capacity for using self-as-instrument when engaged in organization development and organization change efforts.
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Svetlana Shmulyian, Barry Bateman, Ruth G. Philpott and Neelu K. Gulri
This chapter analyzes the success factors, outcomes, and future viability of large-group methods. We have used an exploratory action research approach focusing on eight variously…
Abstract
This chapter analyzes the success factors, outcomes, and future viability of large-group methods. We have used an exploratory action research approach focusing on eight variously purposed large-group methods (AmericaSpeaks, Appreciative Inquiry, Conference Model®, Decision Accelerator, Future Search, Participative Design, Strategic Change Accelerator/ACT (IBM), and Whole-Scale™ Change). We interviewed nine leading practitioners and creators for each method, as well as six clients who had played key roles in most of these methods' execution at their organizations, asking them to reflect on the current practices and outcomes and the future of each respective large-group method, as well as the methods as a group of interventions. Based on our findings derived through theme and content analysis of interviews, we purport that both the Art (excellence in method execution) and the Artist (the right facilitator) are necessary for achieving desired outcomes of the large-group methods. We stipulate that critical elements of the Art include these five common elements (or five “I”s): having the right Individuals in the room; aiming the method at resolving the right Issue; having Intentional process (including pre-work, intra-method process, and follow-up); having the right Information in the meeting; and using the right Infrastructure (such as appropriate physical space, technology, etc.). We suggest that while these elements of Art are important, the simultaneous requisite role of the Artist is to manage the tension between the rigidity of the Art (the 5 “I”s) and the emerging human dynamics occurring between the large-group method process and the associated evolving client objectives. That is, to achieve desired outcomes, the execution of large-group method needs to be both highly premeditated and ingenious. We supplement our findings with client case descriptions and quotes from the practitioners and conclude that these large-group methods are particularly appropriate for resolving a variety of issues facing today's organizations operating under the conditions of high technology saturation, interdependence, globalization, economic downturn, and others – and that this, with some exceptions, will likely remain the case in the future. However, the future use of these methods will be challenged by the availability of Artists who can execute the methods so they lead to desired outcomes. We close with discussion of open questions and directions for future research.
Said Elbanna and Ahmed Abdel-Maksoud
In today's dynamic and competitive environment, innovation is a key requirement for hotels to survive, be profitable and sustain their competitive advantages. However, because the…
Abstract
Purpose
In today's dynamic and competitive environment, innovation is a key requirement for hotels to survive, be profitable and sustain their competitive advantages. However, because the study of innovation in the hospitality industry has only developed recently, little is still known about its determining factors. Given this, this study aims to theorize and test with empirical data the effects of two key dimensions of strategic planning (i.e. participation and flexibility) on innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a fully standardized questionnaire, data were gathered from a sample of 150 hotels in Dubai, by a professional market research firm, through face-to-face interviews. The study hypotheses are tested with partial least squares structural equation models. The study has three limitations: first, its data are cross-sectional and the analyses are post hoc; second, it uses single informants; and third, the sample was primarily from a single setting, i.e. Dubai.
Findings
The study argues that participation and flexibility in strategic planning are positively related. It also argues that flexibility is positively related to innovation and that flexibility mediates the effects of participation in strategic planning on innovation. Empirical support is found for all the examined relationships.
Originality/value
The study takes place in a unique setting (i.e. Dubai, United Arab Emirates) where research on organizational innovation has been rather limited to date. The findings have important implications for the stream of literature in this field and for practitioners and sustaining competitive advantages of hotels.
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Rutger Kappe, Domien Wijsbroek, Marjon Molenkamp, Olof Wiegert, Gerwin Hendriks, Zuke van Ingen and Jaap van Zandwijk
This chapter describes the emergence and functioning of an interinstitutional research group. The topic of this research group, which was started by five large universities of…
Abstract
This chapter describes the emergence and functioning of an interinstitutional research group. The topic of this research group, which was started by five large universities of applied sciences (UAS) in the western metropolitan area of the Netherlands, is the study success of ethnic minority groups. With only minor funding by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science a dedicated research team, representing each of the UAS involved, set out to address several unresolved research questions and issues. The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture did also provided access to an essential national research data which is normally not accessible for individual institutions. Besides working together on study success research, regular consultation started at the corporate/board level and at the strategic level (directors of education policies) on various study success-related topics, such as new legislation and diversity issues. What differentiates this cooperation from other networks is its multilayered structure and the sharing of detailed data about sensitive strategic issues, policymaking and institutional research by competing UAS. This chapter provides insights on effective working methods, dilemmas and first year achievements of this intensive interinstitutional collaboration. The chapter concludes with ten factors for success in the context described.
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The purpose of this paper is to distinguish between corporate accountability and corporate governance, explore the development of corporate accountability and examine the role of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to distinguish between corporate accountability and corporate governance, explore the development of corporate accountability and examine the role of the tripartite audit function in securing this accountability.
Design/methodology/approach
A normative approach has been adopted and the research is based, primarily, on an examination of relevant literature.
Findings
Society facilities the growth of economic entities by providing them with resources. As their command over resources increases, these entities gain significant economic, social and political power and accountability is demanded of their managers as a check on possible abuse of this power. Historically, as companies have increased their power in society, those to whom and that for which their managers are held accountable have been extended. Today, the managers of large public companies are considered to be accountable to society as a whole for a wide range of corporate activities. The discharge of corporate accountability traditionally relied on the preparation and audit of accountability reports (financial statements). However, from the 1990s, responding to the increasing severity of the impact on society of unexpected corporate failures – and continued failures – responsible corporate governance was added as an accountability requirement. Further, as the activities for which companies are accountable have been extended (paralleling the growth of their “power” in society), so corporate responsibility information has featured as an element in their accountability reports. As these changes have occurred, the importance of the tripartite audit function in securing corporate accountability has come to be recognised and its members – the company's external and internal auditors and its audit committee – have become increasingly multi‐disciplinary in nature.
Originality/value
The paper explores the questions of why corporate accountability arises and how it is discharged. It explains the relationship between corporate governance and accountability and the role of the audit function in securing corporate accountability. It also provides insights into changes occurring in the audit function and how these might develop.
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John Weng and Lea Hubbard
There exists a variety of programs designed to prepare future leaders. In the arena of graduate programs in leadership, the International Leadership Association (2020) provides…
Abstract
There exists a variety of programs designed to prepare future leaders. In the arena of graduate programs in leadership, the International Leadership Association (2020) provides over 350 programs in their database. Guthrie and Jenkins (2018) have outlined dozens of strategies for leadership education that are utilized in degree programs. As such, there exists a need for informed choices when experiential learning pedagogies are incorporated in leadership education curriculum. One methodology, known as case-in-point, was designed at the Harvard Kennedy School to teach adaptive leadership (Heifetz & Linsky, 2017). There lacks empirical research in demonstrating the effectiveness and impact of case-in-point pedagogy. This qualitative study explored the perceived impact of 12 alumni who took a case-in-point course embedded in a leadership master’s program across a decade. Alumni’s retrospective experiences were collected to understand the impact the course had on them during the time they were in their leadership program and the impact of the learning for their professional lives. Key themes that emerged from the participants included increased levels of awareness in race and power dynamics, an increased use of self-as-instrument, awareness of relationships to authority, and shifts in views of leadership. All participants viewed the case-in point pedagogy as powerful or positive after having graduated from the program despite many recollections of mixed or negative experiences during their time in the course/s. Implications of the findings suggest important considerations relating to scaffolding and proper processing to enhance or improve outcomes for case-in-point pedagogy designed to enhance leadership ability.
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R. Bennacer, K. Sefiane, M. El‐Ganaoui and C. Buffone
A computational model is developed to describe convection in volatile liquids evaporating in capillary tubes. Experimental work has demonstrated the existence of such convective…
Abstract
A computational model is developed to describe convection in volatile liquids evaporating in capillary tubes. Experimental work has demonstrated the existence of such convective structures. The correlation between this convection and the phase change process has been experimentally established. Temperature distribution on the liquid‐vapour interface is considered in order to characterise the minimum of radial temperature gradient required to initiate and orientate Marangoni convection. Direct numerical simulation using finite volume approximation is used to investigate the heat and mass transfer in the liquid phase. The case of a capillary tube filled with a volatile liquid is investigated for various Marangoni numbers, to characterise heat and mass transfers under conditions close to realistic operating parameters. The simulation shows that a minimum irregularity in evaporative flux along the liquid‐vapour interface is necessary to trigger thermocapillary convection. The enhancement of heat and mass transfer by Marangoni convection is also investigated.
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Jørgen Brandt, Jesper H. Christensen and Zahari Zlatev
Describes a tracer model, DREAM (the Danish Rimpuff and Eulerian Accidental release Model), developed for studying transport, dispersion, and deposition of air pollution caused by…
Abstract
Describes a tracer model, DREAM (the Danish Rimpuff and Eulerian Accidental release Model), developed for studying transport, dispersion, and deposition of air pollution caused by a single but strong source. The model is based on a combination of a Lagrangian short‐range puff model and a Eulerian long‐range transport model. It has been run and validated against measurements from the two European Tracer Experiment (ETEX) releases and from the Chernobyl accident. An air pollution forecast system, THOR, is under development, to make forecasts of various air pollutants on a European scale. Some preliminary results are shown. DREAM will be implemented in THOR for calculations of real time predictions of transport, dispersion and deposition of radioactive material from accidental releases (e.g. Chernobyl). Some applications of the DREAM model and examples of model results are described.