Rexford H. Draman, Archie Lockamy and James F. Cox
Since its inception, cost accounting has provided data to managers for the development of internal organizational performance measures. In the mid 1980s, Dr Eli Goldratt…
Abstract
Since its inception, cost accounting has provided data to managers for the development of internal organizational performance measures. In the mid 1980s, Dr Eli Goldratt introduced a new management philosophy called the theory of constraints (TOC). This philosophy contained a new set of performance measures which linked together the strategic objectives and operational capabilities of the organization. This linkage allows for the maximization of profits. Since its introduction, there has been a growing amount of evidence documenting TOC’s ability to more tightly link local decisions to organizational performance than those of traditional cost accounting. This research used a simple Gedunken experiment to evaluate the difference between strategy driven product‐mix decisions based on TOC accounting and traditional cost accounting. In all cases, the constraint‐based approach to costing outperformed the traditional approach based on cost accounting.
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Vickie Cox Edmondson, Gouri Gupte, Rexford H. Draman and Nathan Oliver
This paper aims to discuss the importance of organisations paying closer attention to their corporate language policies as a strategy for embracing diversity in their workforce.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the importance of organisations paying closer attention to their corporate language policies as a strategy for embracing diversity in their workforce.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory study of the web sites of companies recognized for their diversity efforts is conducted to highlight their communication strategy, in particular the terminology used to refer to non‐whites.
Findings
This research found that the language used in corporate communications to refer to non‐whites varies even among companies that have been highly recognized for their diversity efforts. While the web sites clearly revealed the companies' commitment to diversity, the difficulty associated with this controversial issue can also be seen. An argument is made that organisations should eliminate the use of the term “minority” from their communications in an effort to enhance their diversity climate and more accurately reflect their commitment to diversity.
Research limitations/implications
This research relied on web site content analysis and only the sites of companies that have been highly recognized for their diversity efforts were considered.
Practical implications
The paper shows that as the debate about the use of the term “minorities” continues, companies that embrace diversity should pay close attention to the language used in their corporate communications to ensure that the messages and signals they send consistently mirror their beliefs and perceptions of various stakeholders.
Originality/value
This research may be of special interest to communication strategists and persons within the organisation that are interested in improving their corporate image and addressing the behaviours and attitudes of the organisation's stakeholders.