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Article
Publication date: 22 May 2007

351

Abstract

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Business Strategy Series, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-5637

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Article
Publication date: 1 February 2006

This article looks at why BMW rewards employee mistakes.

3456

Abstract

Purpose

This article looks at why BMW rewards employee mistakes.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

The strategy really aims to bring about big cultural change, challenging accepted practice in the name of improving business within today's highly competitive marketplace.

Originality/value

This paper gives executives and researchers a brief example of rewarding employee mistakes.

Details

Strategic Direction, vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0258-0543

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Article
Publication date: 22 May 2007

Bernd Kriegesmann, Thomas Kley and Markus G. Schwering

The article seeks to highlight an unconventional way out of the “innovation dilemma”, relevant to many business organizations. Innovative management and risk friendliness are…

1891

Abstract

Purpose

The article seeks to highlight an unconventional way out of the “innovation dilemma”, relevant to many business organizations. Innovative management and risk friendliness are necessary, but the way in which failure is handled and the resulting fear of making mistakes block the (innovative) efforts of specialists and managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The article draws on theoretical as well as empirical work. First, the seemingly crystal‐clear concept of “error” is elaborated and the rare category of “creative errors” is introduced. Second, illustrative findings from a case study in the automotive sector are reported.

Findings

The paper suggests that a culturally exacerbated antipathy towards errors ultimately leads to a situation of pronounced innovation incompetence in which creative behavior is avoided. The article points out that it is not an “absolution of mistakes” that is required, but a tolerance for legitimate errors which should only occur under exceptional circumstances. The authors underlines that fairness in dealing with errors is considerably more important than a misguided attempt to create or maintain harmony. In addition to the philosophy and potential of this unusual incentive system, possible practical implementation problems are considered.

Research limitations/implications

Generalization is limited because the findings are based on only one case study. However, because of the vital importance of the so‐called “innovation dilemma”, the exploratory findings of the study may trigger further empirical research on “creative errors”.

Practical implications

An initiative like the “Creative Error of the Month” may help to bring about cultural change towards a climate of trust and confidence in which innovative commitment is treated fairly even if it does not in fact succeed.

Originality/value

Common approaches to enhance organizational innovativeness reward “success stories” or praise “zero‐based cultures”. This case study suggests that a sophisticated initiative revolving around the “hidden” innovative potential of “creative errors” and “tragic failures” might prove to be a successful offbeat attempt at stimulating creativity and innovative behaviour in enterprises.

Details

Business Strategy Series, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-5637

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2005

Bernd Kriegesmann, Thomas Kley and Markus G. Schwering

To highlight an unconventional way out of the “innovation dilemma,” relevant to many business organizations, innovative management and risk friendliness are necessary, but the way

2484

Abstract

Purpose

To highlight an unconventional way out of the “innovation dilemma,” relevant to many business organizations, innovative management and risk friendliness are necessary, but the way in which failure is handled and the resulting fear of making mistakes block the (innovative) efforts of specialists and managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on theoretical as well as empirical work: first, the seemingly crystal‐clear concept of “error” is elaborated and the rare category of “creative errors” is introduced. Second, illustrative findings from a case study in the automotive sector are reported.

Findings

Suggests that a culturally exacerbated antipathy towards errors leads ultimately to a situation of pronounced innovational incompetence in which creative behavior is avoided. Points out, that not an “absolution of mistakes” is required, but a tolerance for legitimate errors which should only occur under exceptional circumstances. Underlines, that fairness in dealing with errors is considerably more important than a misguided attempt to create or maintain harmony. In addition to the philosophy and potential of this unusual incentive system, possible practical implementation problems are considered.

Research limitations/implications

Generalization is limited because the findings are based on only one case study. However, because of the vital importance of the so‐called “innovation dilemma,,” the exploratory findings of the study may trigger further empirical research on “creative errors.”

Practical implications

An initiative like the “Creative Error of the Month” may help to bring about cultural change towards a climate of trust and confidence in which innovative commitment is treated fairly even if it does not in fact succeed.

Originality/value

Common approaches to enhance organizational innovativeness reward “success stories” or praise “zero‐based cultures.” This case study suggests that a sophisticated initiative revolving around the “hidden” innovative potential of “creative errors” and “tragic failures” might prove to be a successful off‐beat attempt at stimulating creativity and innovative behavior in enterprises.

Details

Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0275-6668

Keywords

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Book part
Publication date: 21 July 2022

Sofia Persson and Katie Dhingra

Abstract

Details

Rape Myths: Understanding, Assessing, and Preventing
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80071-153-2

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Book part
Publication date: 16 January 2012

Wolfgang Schade, Fabian Kley, Jonathan Köhler and Anja Peters

Purpose – Electric vehicles are very topical in developed countries. The breakthrough of new battery technologies and changing conditions driven by climate policy and growing…

Abstract

Purpose – Electric vehicles are very topical in developed countries. The breakthrough of new battery technologies and changing conditions driven by climate policy and growing fossil fuel prices has caused all major car manufacturing countries in the developed world to initiate R&D programmes to gain competitive advantage and to foster market diffusion of electric vehicles (EVs). This chapter looks at developments in China and compares them with observations from developed countries to draw conclusions about differences in their future paths of development.

Methodology – This chapter escribes the potentials and R&D approaches for different types of EVs in developing countries, using China as example, in comparison with developed countries. It looks at innovation strategies, policy framework and potential diffusion of EVs.

Findings – Market diffusion strategies in developed countries and China may differ, since, in the former manufacturers try to implement a premium strategy (i.e. offer high-price sophisticated EVs), while in the latter market, diffusion will probably appear at the lower end of vehicle types, i.e. via electric scooters and small urban vehicles. It is concluded that the market introduction strategies of EVs in developing countries and developed countries could converge because signs of downsizing of vehicles can be observed in the developed world, while upscaling from bikes and electric scooters can be expected for China, so that large-scale market introduction could occur via small city cars.

Implications for China – Instead of following the Western motorisation path, an option for China could be to develop a new one-stop-shop mobility concept integrating small EVs into such a concept.

Details

Sustainable Transport for Chinese Cities
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-476-3

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Article
Publication date: 9 November 2015

Manoj T. Thomas

This paper aims to address the broad question of how organizations capture value from foresight exercises. Through a comparative case analysis, this paper looks at what firms do…

1321

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to address the broad question of how organizations capture value from foresight exercises. Through a comparative case analysis, this paper looks at what firms do to make the information usable and create value. It explores factors that cause different firms to respond differently to the same trends. It analyzes the passenger car segment of the automobile industry and the response of six major firms to fossil fuel and changing environmental regulations through an analysis of their policies and strategic activities, such as new product development. It finds foresight to be an important link between firm capabilities and environmental changes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts the case approach to capture the linkage between the issue and the context (Yin, 1994) and uses multiple cases to explore the variables by comparing and contrasting the cases on key aspects (Eisenhardt and Graebner, 2007). As the paper ' s objective is to understand the similarities and differences between dominant firms in the sector, it chooses through theoretical sampling, six firms that have a presence in all the major regions of the world – two each from the USA, Europe and Japan – Ford, General Motors, Volkswagen, Renault, Toyota and Honda. This sample represents the firms and regions traditionally strong in the passenger car industry.

Findings

Thus, it is seen that the relationship that was posited in the conceptual model between the goal of the firms, the vision of the future and the nature of products and approach to technology/competence development seems to be valid. However, in addition, the paper perceives that some additional linkages that link between foresight and the goals and vision of the future seem to be influenced by the extent of uncertainty. In addition, the decisions regarding portfolio of products and approaches to technology and competence development seem to be also influenced by the perception of existing competencies and the external competitive context.

Research limitations/implications

This paper was based on multiple cases created out of secondary information, hence the constructs used are those which are perceived and stated.

Practical implications

The paper could help firms understand decisions related to technology choices in field involving high levels of uncertainty and competition.

Social implications

This paper could improve learning processes from foresight exercises, and enable strategic decisions to be taken on these.

Originality/value

Thus, this paper has explored the linkages between what firms perceive and state, and what is reflected in their actions. It has looked at this linkage from the perspective of foresight, and the strategic perspective of the firm. It has come up with additional issues and questions that influence this relationship. These can inform future research in this domain.

Details

Foresight, vol. 17 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

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Article
Publication date: 17 May 2018

Jil Weisheit

Employees’ readiness to relocate abroad plays a crucial role for the success or failure of expatriate assignments. Hence, companies should consider employees’ international…

649

Abstract

Purpose

Employees’ readiness to relocate abroad plays a crucial role for the success or failure of expatriate assignments. Hence, companies should consider employees’ international relocation mobility readiness (IRMR) when selecting candidates for international postings. However, past research has conceptualized and measured IRMR heterogeneously, hampering the interpretation and comparability of IRMR research results. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to provide a new conceptualization of IRMR and to give recommendations for its measurement.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the business, psychological and sociological literature, this paper reviews and categorizes how IRMR has been conceptualized and measured. To structure the findings, a directed content analysis was applied. The sample comprises 88 journal articles.

Findings

The results reveal that studies seldom provide a conceptualization of IRMR. While the authors often find a misfit between the studies’ explicit conceptualization and the actual measurement of IRMR, most scales actually measure willingness (i.e. usually a predictor of risky and spontaneous behavior).

Research limitations/implications

Based on the results and the Rubicon model of action phases (Heckhausen and Gollwitzer, 1987), the authors recommend future research to conceptualize IRMR as a dynamic multidimensional construct, covering the different phases of an individual’s decision to relocate internationally. Future, IRMR measurements should also cover the complexity of IRMR, e.g. regarding specific location characteristics.

Practical implications

Companies should consider the whole decision-making process regarding IRMR to apply specific measures at the best possible time.

Originality/value

This paper investigates IRMR scales according to their scientific validity and hence provides the basic ground for future scale development studies.

Details

Journal of Global Mobility: The Home of Expatriate Management Research, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-8799

Keywords

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Book part
Publication date: 31 December 2003

Abstract

Details

A Research Annual
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-574-1

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Book part
Publication date: 11 December 2006

Geoffrey M. Hodgson

In much of philosophy and social theory since classical antiquity, human belief and reason have been placed in the driving seat of individual action. In particular, social theory…

Abstract

In much of philosophy and social theory since classical antiquity, human belief and reason have been placed in the driving seat of individual action. In particular, social theory has often taken it for granted, or even by definition, that action is motivated by reasons based on beliefs. In contrast, a minority has criticized the adoption of this ‘folk psychology’ that explains human action wholly in such ‘mind first’ terms. Critics point out that such explanations are a mere gloss on a much more complex neurophysiological reality. These dualistic and ‘mind-first’ explanations of human behavior are unable to explain adequately such phenomena as sleep, memory, learning, mental illness, or the effects of chemicals or drugs on our perceptions or actions (Bunge, 1980; Churchland, 1984, 1989; Churchland, 1986; Rosenberg, 1995, 1998; Kilpinen, 2000).

Details

Cognition and Economics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-465-2

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