Abstract
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Abstract
Details
Keywords
Mitchell Langbert, Michael Stanchina and Donal Grunewald
This case study aims to illustrate the interaction of organizational culture, human resource (HR) policy and firm performance. It contrasts the cultures of two science‐driven…
Abstract
Purpose
This case study aims to illustrate the interaction of organizational culture, human resource (HR) policy and firm performance. It contrasts the cultures of two science‐driven organizations – the Navy's nuclear submarine force and Merck, the large pharmaceutical firm – and traces the reaction of one individual to two organizations – the United States nuclear navy and Merck & Co., a large pharmaceutical firm.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a case study based on field interviews and secondary sources.
Findings
The task‐oriented culture of the submarine fleet is compared to Merck's relations and team‐oriented corporate environment. Management skills such as flexibility, power and influence, interpersonal communication, self‐awareness and goal setting can influence career outcomes. Managerial skills are important in all settings, but a given style's efficacy is contingent upon organizational context. Adaptability is important, as is personal mission. Thus, the case examines how organizational culture, HR policies and leadership interact with an individual's career outcomes and organizational performance as well.
Research limitations/implications
Because this is a case study it is not generalizable. However, the issues depicted in the case have been recognized in the managerial skills literature. The case study serves to illustrate and deepen managerial skills concepts.
Practical implications
This case study has illustrative value as well as hypothesis and theory‐building value, but is not generalizable.
Originality/value
There is relatively little research on the specifics of how to apply managerial skills in a corporate setting. Hence, the case covers important, sensitive material of practical and theoretical value.
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In our chapter we describe the analysis of categorisations as an important part of narrative criminology. Categorisations of people (as offenders, victims, witnesses, etc.) are a…
Abstract
In our chapter we describe the analysis of categorisations as an important part of narrative criminology. Categorisations of people (as offenders, victims, witnesses, etc.) are a central component of the communicative construction and processing of crime. Categories are associated with assumptions about actions and personal characteristics. Therefore, categorisations play a prominent role in the question of whether and how someone should be dealt with or punished. Narratives essentially consist of categorisations as well as the representation of a temporal course of interactions and actions. Analysing categorisations can therefore provide decisive insights for narrative criminology. With the research method of ‘Membership Categorisation Analysis’, categorisations can be reconstructed in detail. We describe this potential by reconstructing how the defendant ‘Dave’ categorised himself in the context of his main trial and how he was categorised by others in order to justify a judgement against him. Our analysis shows that categorisations, which are socially impactful and often controversial, must be established by particular narrative manoeuvres.
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Amna Shibeika and Sonja Oliveira
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) have been promoted as a solution to address housing shortages and meet sustainability goals in the UK. However, the practical functioning of…
Abstract
Purpose
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) have been promoted as a solution to address housing shortages and meet sustainability goals in the UK. However, the practical functioning of MMC, particularly in relation to early-stage environmental analyses, remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by providing empirical insights into how architects engage in environmental analysis in early-stage MMC housing designs.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative pilot study is based on a detailed case study of a UK architectural firm specializing in modular housing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight architects with varying MMC experience. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data allowed for the exploration of key themes influencing early-stage environmental analysis, offering a narrative account of architects’ experiences in MMC practices.
Findings
The study reveals that environmental analysis in MMC is shaped by social, organisational and project-based factors. Three key themes emerged: uncertainty in environmental assumptions, dependencies on external consultants and the dominance of Passivhaus principles in design decisions. These factors challenge the integration of environmental considerations during the early design stages of MMC projects.
Research limitations/implications
As this is a single case study, the findings might not be generalizable. Future research should expand on multiple firms and project settings to validate and broaden these findings.
Originality/value
This study provides an in-depth understanding of the challenges architects face when integrating environmental analysis into MMC. This reveals the relational and interdependent nature of environmental analysis in MMC projects, where decisions are shaped by multiple social, organisational and project-specific factors. By emphasizing these interdependencies, this study provides original insights into how environmental considerations can be integrated more effectively into the early design stages of MMC projects.