Mika Gabrielsson, Hannu Seristö and John Darling
Because of globalization, an increased focus on more effective team‐building has become a greater priority. The purpose of this paper is to suggest and describe a new paradigm of…
Abstract
Purpose
Because of globalization, an increased focus on more effective team‐building has become a greater priority. The purpose of this paper is to suggest and describe a new paradigm of key leadership perspectives that is of major importance and value to this effort.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on extensive research by the authors regarding the leadership perspectives global managers consider to be of major importance in the team‐building that has helped them achieve success.
Findings
The key leadership perspectives are: paradoxical thinking that nurtures understanding based upon use of both hemispheres of the brain; controlled reflecting that fosters reactions based on internal self‐talk rather than external events; intentional focusing that facilitates the ability to be centered on expected outcomes; instinctive responding that cultivates the ability to recognize and use intuitive impulses; inclusive behaving that nurtures actions based upon a concern for the whole; purposeful trusting that places confidence in events and processes that accompany change; and relational being that fosters strength by maintaining positive interactions with others.
Research limitations/implications
This new paradigm will contribute to science within the field of global strategic management by filling the gap of developing a global leadership model.
Practical implications
Firms must find new and creative ways, such as the proposed new management leadership team‐development paradigm, to interact with, motivate and mentor management teams to achieve the desired levels of global operations.
Originality/value
In this paper, a new array of leadership perspectives is presented that can appreciably impact the effectiveness of management and team‐building in a globally‐based organization.
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Summarizes European airline executives’ views on the reasons for the cost problem in major airlines and on the potential areas and measures of cost reduction in airline…
Abstract
Summarizes European airline executives’ views on the reasons for the cost problem in major airlines and on the potential areas and measures of cost reduction in airline operations. Presents a survey where 28 executives from 17 European airlines were respondents. In the executives’ opinion the cost problem in major European airlines is primarily due to high salaries and inflexible work rules. Of the various functions in airlines, general administration was seen as the least cost efficient, whereas flight operation was seen as an area with most potential for cost reduction. Most respondent airlines had made route and fleet changes after the beginning of 1991 to reduce costs. Concludes from the survey results that privatization would be an important step towards more efficient airline operations. Also, flexibility from the labour unions would be very much welcomed.
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Mika Gabrielsson, John Darling and Hannu Seristö
In a world‐wide environment strongly influenced by the issues and perspectives of globalization, internationally‐based business firms must be focused on transformational…
Abstract
Purpose
In a world‐wide environment strongly influenced by the issues and perspectives of globalization, internationally‐based business firms must be focused on transformational leadership team‐building across the cultural boundaries with which they are involved. The purpose of this paper is to juxtapose the leadership dimensions and national culture dimensions, and particularly to explore one aspect of that transformational leadership team‐building process, the application of the key paradigm of leadership style balance and support within the parameters of an operational team.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a literature review the paper identifies four basic leadership styles, the strengths and weaknesses of each of the styles are identified, communication preferences are discussed, primary back‐up styles that come into focus due to high levels of stress are analyzed, and the all‐important skill of style flex is described. These dimensions will be examined in association with the case of UnitedTel Ltd (a pseudonym), and also include observations relating to the authors' experiences in several other arenas that have been encountered in management and consulting activities.
Findings
Two interactive dimensions at the heart of a leader's behavior – assertiveness and responsiveness – are foundations of that person's leadership style. The basic interactive dimensions of assertiveness and responsiveness thereby form the two axes of the framework of the leadership styles paradigm and the four primary quadrants, which represent the four leadership styles – analyzer, director, creator, and connector.
Research limitations/implications
The paradigm of leadership styles can be a valuable tool for the further research, and understanding of, the process of transformational teambuilding across cultural boundaries.
Practical implications
Importantly, it is not enough just to understand one's leadership style or the style of others in a leadership team; one must also exercise style flex that can enable the parties to function in a mutually‐beneficial situation congruent with the needs of the individuals and the organization.
Originality/value
The leadership styles paradigm can be a very important reference point in the process of transformational teambuilding across cultural boundaries. An interesting view and contribution of the paper are the way that the leadership styles and cultural dimensions can be linked.
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John Darling, Mika Gabrielsson and Hannu Seristö
The contemporary business arena continues to hold great promise for dramatic innovational developments unheard of in previous eras. The purpose of this paper is to suggest ways to…
Abstract
Purpose
The contemporary business arena continues to hold great promise for dramatic innovational developments unheard of in previous eras. The purpose of this paper is to suggest ways to achieve organizational excellence through entrepreneurship in today's dynamic environment of opportunities.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors' research has focused on the foundation of successful entrepreneurial management leadership in the achievement of organizational excellence. Data were collected primarily from well‐known entrepreneurs identified during the past ten years in various publications.
Findings
Research shows that the major reflections of operational excellence in organizational entrepreneurship revolve around the care of customers, constant innovation, committed people and managerial leadership.
Research limitations/implications
Many relatively creative ideas regarding entrepreneurial management and leadership have been put forward in this treatise, which clearly require further validation by future research.
Practical implications
Successful leadership has been found to be based upon four key strategies: attention through vision, meaning through communication, trust through positioning, and confidence through respect. Research further suggests that at the heart of successful leadership strategies rest a concern for people and the interpersonal values of joy, hope, charity and peace. These values provide a new paradigm of interactive cues and a foundational core for the successful fulfillment of those key strategies.
Originality/value
This research contributes by developing a model of keys to organizational excellence, and leadership strategies and values. Furthermore, this paper may benefit companies that are trying to reinvent themselves by fostering innovativeness within their organizations.
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John R. Darling and Hannu T. Seristö
This article focuses on a paradigm of ten key steps for successful decision making in export marketing for the European business firm. These ten steps are: analyze market…
Abstract
This article focuses on a paradigm of ten key steps for successful decision making in export marketing for the European business firm. These ten steps are: analyze market opportunity; assess product potential; establish market entry mode; make a firm commitment; allocate necessary resources; identify technical issues; develop strategic marketing plan; organize operational team; implement marketing strategy; and evaluate and control operations. Tables of basic what, who, and how questions help to guide the reader through the decision‐making process, leading to successful export marketing operations. The article provides a decision‐making paradigm that is useful to top‐level management personnel as well as export managers. This model has been developed by the authors based upon over 25 years of consulting work with European business firms.