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Article
Publication date: 23 October 2020

Michelle O'Shea and Abel Duarte Alonso

Interviews were conducted with eight family businesses involved in several industries in Western Australia.

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Abstract

Purpose

Interviews were conducted with eight family businesses involved in several industries in Western Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this study is to draw on the experiences of family-owned firms and explore how contemporary human resource management (HRM) and allied developments shape their business practices.

Findings

Significant strengths emerged relevant to “formalised HRM processes” and “familiness”. However, challenges were simultaneously experienced or interpreted as negatively affecting family firm performance. In addition, there was a relationship between challenges and external environmental factors. These challenges are categorised as “labour costs and supply” and “formalising HRM practices”. Further, participants discussed emerging opportunities, and how they were strategically considering the relationship between organisation finance, innovation, future growth, operations and HRM.

Originality/value

From a practical standpoint, the research addresses the complexities of managing contemporary HRM developments in ways that contribute to improved family firm performance. From a theoretical perspective, key insights of the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm and strategic HRM theory are considered to gain a deeper understanding of family firms' adaptive managerial activities.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

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Article
Publication date: 14 May 2020

Abel Duarte Alonso, Seng Kiat Kok, Seamus O'Brien and Michelle O'Shea

The purpose of this study is to examine the dimensions of inclusive and grassroots innovations operationalised by a social enterprise and the impact of these activities on urban…

720

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the dimensions of inclusive and grassroots innovations operationalised by a social enterprise and the impact of these activities on urban regeneration. To this end, the case of Homebaked in Liverpool, UK, is presented and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Face-to-face interviews with members of Homebaked’s management, staff and volunteers were conducted; the interviews were complemented with on-site observations and review of archival information of the social enterprise.

Findings

The data gathered revealed the organisation’s involvement in both types of innovation as a means to achieve long-term urban regeneration related goals. For instance, innovative, strategic and human dimensions, together with the human dimension emerged as key ways of innovating. The impacts of innovative practices comprised encouraging inclusiveness among residents and non-residents, with approaches including hands-on training workshops, job and volunteering opportunities being predominant.

Originality/value

First, the study advances the theoretical and applied understanding of grassroots and inclusive innovation in the context of a social enterprise. For instance, an innovative/strategic and human dimension emerged as predominant ways in which grassroots and inclusive innovation elements were manifested. These dimensions were based on technology uptake, implementation of new product/service concepts or harnessing the skills of local and non-local individuals. Similarly, four dimensions associated with the impacts of these types of innovation were revealed. Second, the study addresses acknowledged gaps in the literature, particularly regarding the limited contributions illuminating processes and determinants of innovation among social enterprises.

Details

European Business Review, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-534X

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Article
Publication date: 31 August 2022

Abel Duarte Alonso, Oanh Thi Kim Vu, Seng Kiat Kok and Michelle O'Shea

The purpose of this study is to examine adaptation to a dynamic business environment from the perspective of family and non-family firms. Furthermore, the study provides a…

366

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine adaptation to a dynamic business environment from the perspective of family and non-family firms. Furthermore, the study provides a comparative component and proposes a theoretical framework to understand firm adaptation, incorporating the dynamic capabilities approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews were undertaken predominantly with firm owners and managers of family and non-family-owned firms operating in Western Australia.

Findings

Regardless of firms’ family or non-family background, valuable, rare, imperfectly imitable and non-substitutable attributes were strongly associated with both groups. Moreover, expertise, tacit and new knowledge, innovation or established brand image emerged as key adaptive responses to challenges posed by new trends, consumer expectations, increased demand or competition. These attributes allowed firms to sense and seize opportunities, and experience transformational processes to remain competitive. Implications of the findings and future research directions will be discussed.

Originality/value

First, and empirically, the study’s objectives contribute to addressing extant research gaps, including scant research on methodologies and innovative approaches used by family firms to adapt to contemporary challenges. Thus, the study complements entrepreneurship scholarly discourses on firms’ adaptation. Second, the chosen inductive approach results in the development of a framework, which also exhibits various relationships with the adopted dynamic capabilities approach. Both the findings and the developed framework enhance the understanding of adaptive behaviour among both family and non-family firms. Finally, the study contributes to the literature examining firms operating in geographically dispersed and isolated regions.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 46 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8269

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Article
Publication date: 17 February 2021

Abel Duarte Alonso, Alessandro Bressan, Seng Kiat Kok, Nikolaos Sakellarios, Alex Koresis, Michelle O’Shea, Maria Alejandra Buitrago Solis and Leonardo J. Santoni

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects and ways to confront the devastating effects of the COVID-19 crisis and develop a theoretical framework to facilitate…

1346

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects and ways to confront the devastating effects of the COVID-19 crisis and develop a theoretical framework to facilitate understanding of these aspects from the perspective of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In doing so, the fundamental insights of entrepreneurial self-efficacy, bricolage and improvisation are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on data from 56 business owners-managers operating in eight different nations and representing three geographical regions; the data were gathered through an online questionnaire.

Findings

Various differences in responses from participants operating in the featured geographical settings were revealed. For instance, whereas a higher percentage of South American participants acknowledged financial impacts, they and their European counterparts were also more engaged.

Originality/value

The study provides various original and valuable elements. First, by gathering data from business owners-managers operating in different countries and geographical regions, it provides an international perspective concerning ways in which business operators confront an extreme event. Second, and related to the previous point, the study focusses on a business group (MSMEs), which is fundamental for many nations’ economies. Moreover, the experiences of MSMEs could be timely and insightful to industry and business stakeholders. Third, the proposed theoretical framework highlights various emerging dimensions associated with adaptation and responsiveness, with both theoretical and practical implications.

Details

European Business Review, vol. 33 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-534X

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Article
Publication date: 17 June 2021

Abel Duarte Alonso, Michelle O’Shea, Seng Kok and Alessandro Bressan

The purpose of this study is to examine how commercial beekeepers operating in two different nations perceive their role towards their community and society. The realms of role…

200

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how commercial beekeepers operating in two different nations perceive their role towards their community and society. The realms of role theory will be adopted.

Design/methodology/approach

Data among 144 commercial beekeepers operating in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom (UK) were gathered through an online questionnaire. The design of the questionnaire, which allowed extended comments from the participating commercial beekeepers, validated the use of the inductive analysis approach that enabled the emergence of various distinctive themes, and the development of a theoretical framework.

Findings

Participants from both New Zealand and UK recognised similar ways of making a positive impact. Moreover, they agreed that their contribution spanned from pollinating fields and orchards, to improving food production and preserving nature. Nevertheless, the two groups also differed in their views, notably, of the degree of knowledge or awareness among stakeholders concerning beekeepers’ contribution.

Originality/value

By using a comparative view of how commercial beekeepers perceive their role vis-à-vis their wider community, this study addresses a call for rethinking the social value added that emanates from entrepreneurial activities, and how such value can affect society. Furthermore, in adopting social role theory, the study proposes a framework where strong associations between the empirical results and the tenets of social role theory are revealed. This framework affords a lens through which food-producing activities aimed at balancing producers’ commercial and environmental imperatives and their relationship with broader societal expectations could be reflected upon.

Details

Society and Business Review, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5680

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Book part
Publication date: 25 August 2014

Abel Duarte Alonso and Michelle O’Shea

In the highly competitive professional sports industry, managers of a newly established competition face many challenges, including “converting” or gaining the allegiance of new…

Abstract

In the highly competitive professional sports industry, managers of a newly established competition face many challenges, including “converting” or gaining the allegiance of new groups of consumers (fans, spectators) to their colors. One critical aspect in the converting process relates to the “ideal” game-day experience as perceived by would-be consumers. Gaining knowledge about this area could be critical to professional sport marketers in enhancing the perceived quality of sport events. This study examines the ideal football experience among 1,412 fans of an Australian A-League football (soccer) club. The importance of a lively atmosphere, that of high turnouts of spectators and the opportunity to watch quality and attacking football are highlighted in most comments, even relegating the game’s final score (winning) to a more marginal level of importance. Some of the implications of the findings for professional football marketers and avenues for future research are presented and discussed.

Details

Advances in Hospitality and Leisure
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-746-7

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Article
Publication date: 13 May 2014

Abel Duarte Alonso, Alessandro Bressan, Michelle O’Shea and Vlad Krajsic

For many wineries, internationalisation strategies, particularly in the form of exports may provide opportunities and financial gains. However, as more wine producers enter and…

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Abstract

Purpose

For many wineries, internationalisation strategies, particularly in the form of exports may provide opportunities and financial gains. However, as more wine producers enter and compete in an increasingly convoluted wine market, accordingly the “playing field” in the wine industry becomes increasingly complex. To shed more light into wineries’ internationalisation efforts through exports in the currently uncertain business climate, this preliminary study investigates a group of predominantly micro, small, and medium wineries from both New and Old Worlds of wine. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was designed to gather data from winery owners and managers that invited to participate voluntarily in the study; a total of 499 usable responses were obtained.

Findings

Diversifying and entering new markets, especially due to domestic competition are respondents’ main reasons for embarking in exports, while unfavourable currency exchange, issues of trust, or entry barriers are key challenges many of them face. Further, despite the relatively limited wine production of most participating wineries, respondents perceive a necessity to be present internationally. Indeed, rather than fitting into a specific business model/cycle, the current complex business environment is triggering export strategies among entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

The fiercely competitive wine market and continuously changing consumer trends significantly contribute to the complexities the wine industry faces. However, few academic studies have investigated some of the complexities that wineries located in different geographic, economic, political, and social environments face. In this regard, the study makes a contribution by identifying several developments related to complexity theory, including the impacts of globalisation, competition, and change, and the resulting complexity in the wine sector.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Available. Content available
Book part
Publication date: 11 July 2013

Abstract

Details

Advances in Hospitality and Leisure
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-746-7

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Article
Publication date: 12 December 2016

Rebecca Brewer, Lucy Pomroy, Michelle Wells and Joanne Ratcliffe

The purpose of this paper is to provide wider research evidence for the use of the Short Dynamic Risk Scale (SDRS) in risk management with individuals who have an Intellectual…

206

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide wider research evidence for the use of the Short Dynamic Risk Scale (SDRS) in risk management with individuals who have an Intellectual Disability (ID) and reside in a secure psychiatric inpatient setting. The outcomes are supportive of previous research, showing that outcomes on the SDRS are related to maladaptive behaviours recorded for individual with ID.

Design/methodology/approach

All participant data taken from the hospital healthcare reporting system were entered into a PASW database. The ratings for each of the SDRS and Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) items were entered and totalled, with a separate total score for the SDRS with the additional three items. In order to capture the behavioural monitoring data, average severities weightings of each of the Overt Aggression Scale-modified for neuro-rehabilitation (OAS-MNR) categories for the three weeks following completion of the individual’s SDRS were calculated and recorded. In addition, average severity weightings reflecting the presence of sexualised behaviour (St Andrew’s Sexual Behaviour Assessment (SASBA) in the subsequent three weeks following SDRS completion was included. Using the most recent START assessment completed allowed for analysis of the predictive ability of the START of the same behavioural data.

Findings

A series of Spearman’s correlations were run to determine the relationship between outcomes on the SDRS and engagement in risk behaviours as rated by the OAS-MNR scales. There was a moderate positive correlation between all 11-items of the SDRS and OAS-MNR recordings. A series of Spearman’s correlations were conducted to determine the relationship between outcomes on the START Vulnerability items and engagement in risk behaviours as rated by the OAS-MNR scales. There was a weak negative correlation between all individual START vulnerability item ratings and OAS-MNR recordings.

Research limitations/implications

The current pilot study provides wider research evidence for the use of the SDRS in risk management with individuals who have an ID and reside in a secure psychiatric inpatient setting.

Originality/value

This paper compares outcomes on the START and SDRS in relation to an individual’s risk recordings to support identification of whether either have practical and clinical utility. To the authors’ knowledge, this has not been completed before.

Details

Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, vol. 7 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-8824

Keywords

Available. Content available
Book part
Publication date: 28 November 2024

Olga Suhomlinova and Saoirse Caitlin O'Shea

Abstract

Details

Transgender and Non-binary Prisoners' Experiences in England and Wales
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80071-045-0

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