Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu, Constantin Bratianu, Dan-Cristian Dabija and Simona Popa
This paper aims to explore the relationships among several key constructs which link the individual’s motivation for knowledge acquisition to his affiliation with online knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the relationships among several key constructs which link the individual’s motivation for knowledge acquisition to his affiliation with online knowledge networks, to further access the intellectual capital of the network as a prerequisite for organizational achievement.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey with 227 members of higher education and research centers from 30 countries was carried out between July and September 2021. The data were analyzed by means of partial least squares structural equation modeling technique, using the statistics software package SmartPLS 3.0.
Findings
Individual motivation to acquire knowledge has a significant influence on the affiliation with online academic networks approached as online knowledge networks. Further, active engagement with the network’s intangible resources leads to a significant harnessing of the three-component intellectual capital, that is, human, structural and relational capital. Human and relational capital is proven to exert a significant effect on organizational achievements, whereas structural capital falls short of reporting a meaningful influence on the dependent variable.
Research limitations/implications
This research adds new knowledge to the capitalization of online knowledge networks and its influence on organizational achievements via intellectual capital.
Originality/value
A novel perspective is advanced in which online knowledge networks are acknowledged as a pivotal bond and nonlinear integrator between the individual level of knowledge fields and organizational knowledge leveraged into organizational achievements.
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Juan-Gabriel Cegarra-Navarro, Constantin Bratianu, Aurora Martínez-Martínez, Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu and Dan-Cristian Dabija
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the generation of civic and public (C&P) engagement as an integrative outcome of a proper balance between emotional, rational and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the generation of civic and public (C&P) engagement as an integrative outcome of a proper balance between emotional, rational and spiritual knowledge, via the mediation of interpersonal competencies.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical analysis relies on a questionnaire-based survey conducted with 294 respondents from two knowledge-intensive organizations. Structural equation modeling, using Smart PLS 4, is used to analyze the data.
Findings
Individual knowledge can be considered as the refined outcome of the underlying transformations of various knowledge sources and resources, which is apposite for the next level of knowledge workers’ acumen. Individual knowledge – which relies on a good balance of rational, emotional and spiritual knowledge – exerts a positive effect on interpersonal competencies, wherein the latter positively influences the C&P engagement of knowledge workers.
Research limitations/implications
Policymakers should capitalize on the development of strong interpersonal competencies; they should be able to understand the social mechanisms of motivating people, of stimulating, harnessing and channeling individual knowledge toward higher C&P as a prerequisite of value creation.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first argumentative undertaking intended to explore the conversion of the three knowledge types into individual knowledge as a premise of interpersonal competencies development and as a relevant antecedent of C&P engagement. The results of this paper support that achieving balance in one's life is essential for increasing interpersonal competencies and C&P engagement. This study not only represents the first contribution to this debate but also helps managers and organizations to recognize that a good balance requires emotional, rational and spiritual knowledge.
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Constantin Bratianu, Dan Paiuc and Laura Brancu
This article aims to delve into the connections between DNA, cultural intelligence (CQ) and knowledge dynamics (KD) as native ingredients of the global mindset of multicultural…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to delve into the connections between DNA, cultural intelligence (CQ) and knowledge dynamics (KD) as native ingredients of the global mindset of multicultural managers and leaders. Cognitive science and knowledge management researchers show that business process decision-making is not entirely rational, based on explicit knowledge. They depend on the dynamics of rational, emotional and spiritual knowledge fields and on the capacity to integrate those dynamics into cultural intelligence. Most business process management studies show that managerial competencies depend on native and educational components. The literature usually addresses the developing process of those competencies through educational programs and leaves a knowledge gap concerning their native ingredients.
Design/methodology/approach
We designed an integrated research approach containing a critical literature review, supported by a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer and a quantitative analysis derived from questionnaires and their statistical processing using SPSS, version 28. Based on VOSviewer variant 1.6.20, the bibliometric approach is used to understand the intricate correlation between DNA, CQ and KD, while the quantitative analysis is rooted in a questionnaire’s results from a sample of 101 managers with cross-cultural experience.
Findings
The analysis reveals that DNA diversity can play a notable role as a vector and predictor of CQ and KD. The results demonstrate the connection between geo-genetic diversity, CQ and the ability to be effective in multicultural business environments. Furthermore, the study highlights the impact of DNA on knowledge dynamics, revealing how geo-genetic variations impact the transfer and transformation of knowledge within sociocultural contexts—with implications for organizational behavior and cross-cultural and multicultural management.
Research limitations/implications
This study may encounter limitations in establishing a direct and unique causal relationship between DNA, cultural intelligence and knowledge dynamics, as the complex interplay of various factors, such as individual experiences, social environment and education, could influence the interpretations of the findings. Additionally, generalizing the results across diverse populations would be challenging due to the potential ethnic and geographic variations in genetic and cultural contexts (Alexander et al., 2021). Also, for future research, we could reverse the process and measure a self-reported CQ before the DNA test in order to avoid any potential cultural bias or extended perception. Business process management within a multicultural environment is strongly nonlinear and more complex models should be developed to reveal the inner correlations between main constructs.
Practical implications
This research extends beyond academia into practical domains such as organizational behavior, cross-cultural and multicultural leadership, and sustainable business processes. Acknowledging the role of genetic diversity in these phenomena encourages further inquiry, prompting scholars and practitioners to investigate the organization’s concrete ways to increase creativity and innovation, adaptability and resilience toward successful navigation in the international business environment based on diversity, inclusion and global mindset.
Social implications
Comprehending the genetic underpinnings of cultural intelligence and knowledge dynamics has potential implications for various fields, such as education, cross-cultural communication and even policy-making. By acknowledging and harnessing the influence of genetic diversity in these domains, we aim to create more inclusive and opportunity-rich environments that foster intercultural learning and cooperation. We also aim to generate more sustainable business approaches based on flexibility, continuous learning and cultural adaptation.
Originality/value
Previous literature mainly concentrated on environmental and individual factors acting on CQ and KD; however, this study is focused on uncovering DNA’s influence on these concepts and topics. The originality of this study lies in challenging conventional views on CQ and KD by introducing genetic factors to understand individual differences. Recognizing the impact of diverse genetic roots on CQ and KD, this paper emphasizes values like respect for the culture and historical background, understanding others' values, diversity and inclusion, and learning and agilely adapting. These vectors are the foundation for modern business processes in multicultural environments.
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Juan Gabriel Cegarra-Navarro, Agustín J. Sánchez-Medina, Constantin Bratianu and Jorge Cegarra-Sánchez
Practical wisdom involves making sound decisions in complex, uncertain situations by addressing emotions, moral virtues and context-rational knowledge. This issue is crucial for…
Abstract
Purpose
Practical wisdom involves making sound decisions in complex, uncertain situations by addressing emotions, moral virtues and context-rational knowledge. This issue is crucial for SMEs when there is a sudden increase in the dynamics of emotions or moral virtues, particularly in rural companies. Rural managers need practical wisdom (PW) to effectively integrate rational, emotional and spiritual knowledge in making decisions with a sense of purpose, adaptability and hope.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts concepts derived from the knowledge management (KM) field to shed light on two research questions: Is PW different from an individual’s point of view compared to a collective one? How can PW be achieved from a collective standpoint? Examples from the recent history of Gran Canaria are mentioned, and valuable lessons for rural companies are also derived from three companies.
Findings
This paper contributes to raising the managers’ awareness of practical wisdom by exploring how SMEs, particularly in rural contexts, can use knowledge that is deeply intertwined with values, emotions and community considerations, thus enriching the thermodynamics model of KM.
Originality/value
No previous studies have analysed the connection between knowledge and PW of rural companies. Therefore, this paper not only strengthens interpersonal relationships within the rural business community but also encourages the exchange of valuable experiences. By striking the right balance between emotional, ethical and rational capacities, rural businesses can more effectively leverage shared knowledge, creating a support network that fosters resilience and sustainable growth.
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Constantin Bratianu and Ruxandra Bejinaru
The purpose of this paper is to examine the knowledge dynamics process based on the energy metaphor and the thermodynamics framework. Knowledge dynamics is analyzed as a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the knowledge dynamics process based on the energy metaphor and the thermodynamics framework. Knowledge dynamics is analyzed as a transformational process that goes beyond the Newtonian logic used to date.
Design/methodology/approach
The research design is based on metaphorical thinking, critical analysis of the mostly used knowledge metaphors to date, and the logic of thermodynamics, which is the science of energy transformation.
Findings
Knowledge is conceived as a field, composed of three fundamental forms: rational knowledge, emotional knowledge and spiritual knowledge. Each form of knowledge can be transformed into another form, thus generating an iterative and interactive dynamics. The unity of knowledge is supported by the brain’s organic structure.
Practical implications
Understanding knowledge dynamics as a transformational process helps managers in their problem-solving and implementation of strategies in their organizations. Knowledge dynamics is fundamental to the learning and unlearning processes, and for stimulating innovation. Knowledge dynamics, as a transformational process, is influencing both organizational behavior as well as consumers’ behavior.
Originality/value
The present research uses for the first time a thermodynamics approach in understanding and explaining the knowledge dynamics, which is a transformational process of three fundamental forms of knowledge: rational, emotional and spiritual.
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Ettore Bolisani and Constantin Bratianu
Knowledge strategy and its planning are affected by uncertainty and environmental turbulence. This paper aims to discuss these issues and present knowledge strategy planning as an…
Abstract
Purpose
Knowledge strategy and its planning are affected by uncertainty and environmental turbulence. This paper aims to discuss these issues and present knowledge strategy planning as an integrated approach for facing these conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on an extensive survey and an original re-elaboration of the literature, the paper addresses these research questions: What is the meaning of knowledge strategy, and how can it be related to concepts such as strategic thinking, business strategy and knowledge management (KM) in organizations? What are the limitations of a pure rational approach to knowledge strategy in turbulent environments and under uncertainty? and What approaches can be consequently proposed to formulate knowledge strategies?
Findings
The study provides a critical reading of the current literature. Also, it proposes an integrated approach that sees planning as a continuous effort of learning and adaptation to needs and opportunities that dynamically emerge from daily practices.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed framework can inspire a new research agenda to detect how knowledge strategies are planned in companies and how they are continuously adapted on the basis of a dialog between rational contributions and perceptions of reality, practical views, intuitions and emotions. This can also inspire a new agenda for company strategists and KM professionals.
Originality/value
In the literature, little attention has been devoted to knowledge strategy planning. The paper contributes to fill this gap and proposes a new way to see knowledge strategy as an integration of rational thinking and dynamic learning.
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Constantin Bratianu and Elena-Madalina Vatamanescu
The classical approach of teaching and learning mostly based on knowledge transfer is questionable as knowledge life cycle is shortening and new type of jobs appear every day with…
Abstract
Purpose
The classical approach of teaching and learning mostly based on knowledge transfer is questionable as knowledge life cycle is shortening and new type of jobs appear every day with new knowledge request. In this vein, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how to switch the focus from learning knowledge to learning generic skills liable to help future professionals to think and learn by doing.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is based on a 30-item questionnaire that was addressed to over 500 students involved in management and business undergraduate and graduate programs from two well-reputed Romanian universities. Three hundred and forty questionnaires were filled in and processed using SPSS, version 19. Additionally, a factorial analysis was performed, with a view to extract the most important factors that are involved in developing generic skills in university programs.
Findings
Results demonstrate that most of the students from the undergraduate programs prefer the classical approach – less implication and responsibility in doing a harder conceptual work – while most students from the master programs are open to the new perspective of learning to learn, namely, to developing generic skills.
Research limitations/implications
In the new turbulent business landscape, universities face a significant change in teaching their students. Although the research adds to the value of the extant literature on generic skills (also known as core skills), it is mainly focused on a Romanian sample, thus reflecting a context-based perspective.
Originality/value
The current study provides a preliminary insight into the perception of Romanian students about developing generic skills and into their readiness to assume the role of main actors in the learning process.
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Constantin Bratianu, Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu, Sorin Anagnoste and Gandolfo Dominici
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influences of different types of knowledge and their inherent dynamics on the effectiveness of the decision-making (DM) process…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influences of different types of knowledge and their inherent dynamics on the effectiveness of the decision-making (DM) process. Knowledge dynamics (KD) is envisioned through the lens of the knowledge fields theory while effective DM process is objectivised via organisational appreciation and reward, higher business performance, sustainable partnerships and managerial satisfaction with previous achievements.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 275 middle managers from companies operating in the business consulting field. The conceptual and structural model was tested using the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique.
Findings
The study advances novel insights into the significant positive influences of various knowledge fields on KD on the DM process within real-life business environments. Even though rational knowledge exerts a noteworthy effect on DM, its influence is exceeded by the KD, which proves that integrating emotional and spiritual knowledge in the decisional equation may become a pivotal input to making good managerial decisions regardless of the level of regulation and standardisation in the field.
Research limitations/implications
The research relied on threefold knowledge fields as predictors for the DM process, thus providing a starting point for the development of more complex models.
Originality/value
The study emerges as a groundbreaking approach via the integration and application of the knowledge fields theory within a more comprehensive and empirical outlook on the DM process. Simultaneously, it places DM beyond the unidimensional outcomes of rationality and intuition by urging its intricate and interactional nature.
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Constantin Bratianu, Dan Florin Stănescu and Rares Mocanu
The purpose of the present research is to introduce a combined framework that integrates innovative work behavior, product innovation process and customer knowledge management;…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the present research is to introduce a combined framework that integrates innovative work behavior, product innovation process and customer knowledge management; then, to explore the mediating effect of customer knowledge management in the relationship between innovative work behavior and the product innovation process.
Design/methodology/approach
The basis for the present research is a cross-sectional design. Data collection from 154 employees occurred using the following structured questionnaires: Customer Knowledge Management (CKM), Innovative Work Behavior (IWB) and Product Innovation Process (PIP). Data processing used SPSS version 26.0, including the PROCESS (3.5) macro analysis.
Findings
The results show positive relationships between innovative work behavior and the product innovation process (r = 0.420, p < 0.01). Pearson's correlation shows a coefficient of 0.42, meaning that 42% of the variations in perceived product innovation are due to variations in innovative work behavior. The second condition of the mediation test involved testing the relationship between the independent variable (Innovative Work Behavior) and the mediating variable (Knowledge Management) and showed a significant relationship (r = 0.272, p < 0.01). The findings suggested that knowledge management that other determinants supported, such as collaboration in idea exploration, idea championing and encouragement of participation in idea implementation, significantly contributed to the product innovation process (r = 0.509, p < 0.01). The bootstrapping method confirmed that innovative work behavior supports product innovation through the mediation of customer knowledge management (z = 3.01, p = 0.002).
Research limitations/implications
The cross-sectional design, along with the relatively low number of participants and the self-reporting nature of the questionnaires, represent the current study's main limitations. Developing the research model could integrate new variables, such as customer co-creation processes, performance-based compensation, employee citizenship activities and transformational leadership.
Practical implications
This research has both theoretical and practical implications. These emphasize the importance of further investigation into the factors influencing companies' innovation processes. They also provide managers with a means of finding a fit between the deployment of customer knowledge mechanisms and the achievement of innovative workplace behavior, to improve innovation process efficiency.
Originality/value
The current study broadens the empirical research area of customer knowledge management and its impact on both innovative work behavior and the product innovation process, particularly in knowledge-intensive market scenarios that require organizations to be innovative.
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Constantin Bratianu, Alexeis Garcia-Perez, Francesca Dal Mas and Denise Bedford