scholarly journals Breaking the vicious circle of subsidiary isolation: a meta-synthesis of subsidiary initiative-taking

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 51-70
Author(s):  
MAIKE SIMON ◽  
SUSANNE ROYER

Purpose of the paper: We aim at contributing to the current controversial discussion on the vicious circle of subsidiary isolation. Therefore, we (1) strive for a better understanding of the different stages of initiative undertaking and (2) investigate how subsidiaries can make use of this process to attract HQ attention and break out of isolation. Methodology: Building on Schmid et al.'s (2014) process model of subsidiary initiative development, we adopt a meta-synthesis as our research strategy and combine and interpret the findings from a set of systematically chosen case studies. Results: Our findings suggest that the impact of subsidiary characteristics varies considerably over time during the process. For the case of isolated subsidiaries, we adapt Schmid et al.'s (2014) process model and show how an isolated subsidiary can attract HQ attention due to subsidiary initiative taking at the subsidiary level. Research limitations: The included case studies have not been conducted to answer our research questions and our search strategy may have excluded further relevant studies. Practical implications: While managers of less-embedded subsidiaries should be aware of possible HQ resistance and show persistence over time, HQ managers should use HQ monitoring and reporting to detect silent, but motivated subsidiaries. Further, HQ managers are challenged to balance their (positive) attention towards subsidiaries. Originality of the paper: The paper is original in its use of a meta-synthesis that enables a more holistic and finer-grained understanding of subsidiary initiative processes and draws the attention to aspects that are underrepresented in the current body of subsidiary initiative research.

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 609-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brigitte Prud’homme ◽  
Louis Raymond

Purpose This study aims to describe and understand how and to what extent hotel managers adopt sustainable development (SD) practices in their establishment, given the presence of barriers to the adoption of such practices by hotel establishments, and the lack of knowledge as to the ways and means by which an SD orientation is developed and implemented. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research strategy was chosen to answer the research questions, that is, a multi-site case study of five Canadian hotels. Findings The study shows why and how hotel managers proceeded to develop and implement an SD orientation, as well as the contextual factors that affected the extent to which SD practices were adopted. Research limitations/implications The initial elaboration and validation of a process model of SD adoption in hotel establishments constitute a conceptual building block upon which this complex phenomenon can be further studied. Practical implications This study demonstrates that in the hospitality industry, implementing an SD orientation is a strategy that can be enabled through the provision of required knowledge and expertise as well as appropriate tools and techniques to hotel managers. Originality/value In describing and understanding the dynamics of implementing a SD orientation in five Canadian hotels, this study has provided a conceptually and practically fruitful answer to the question of “how” and “to what extent” hotels adopt SD practices.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter D. Sly ◽  
Brittany A. Trottier ◽  
Catherine M. Bulka ◽  
Stephania A. Cormier ◽  
Julius Fobil ◽  
...  

Abstract Background An unusual feature of SARS-Cov-2 infection and the COVID-19 pandemic is that children are less severely affected than adults. This is especially paradoxical given the epidemiological links between poor air quality and increased COVID-19 severity in adults and that children are generally more vulnerable than adults to the adverse consequences of air pollution. Objectives To identify gaps in knowledge about the factors that protect children from severe SARS-Cov-2 infection even in the face of air pollution, and to develop a transdisciplinary research strategy to address these gaps. Methods An international group of researchers interested in children’s environmental health was invited to identify knowledge gaps and to develop research questions to close these gaps. Discussion Key research questions identified include: what are the effects of SAR-Cov-2 infection during pregnancy on the developing fetus and child; what is the impact of age at infection and genetic susceptibility on disease severity; why do some children with COVID-19 infection develop toxic shock and Kawasaki-like symptoms; what are the impacts of toxic environmental exposures including poor air quality, chemical and metal exposures on innate immunity, especially in the respiratory epithelium; what is the possible role of a “dirty” environment in conveying protection – an example of the “hygiene hypothesis”; and what are the long term health effects of SARS-Cov-2 infection in early life. Conclusion A concerted research effort by a multidisciplinary team of scientists is needed to understand the links between environmental exposures, especially air pollution and COVID-19. We call for specific research funding to encourage basic and clinical research to understand if/why exposure to environmental factors is associated with more severe disease, why children appear to be protected, and how innate immune responses may be involved. Lessons learned about SARS-Cov-2 infection in our children will help us to understand and reduce disease severity in adults, the opposite of the usual scenario.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The study takes empirical data from three case studies of projects that have faced setbacks to explore the impact of project manager signature strengths on team resilience and finds that four signature strengths, leadership, open-mindedness, persistence and hope, were present in project managers across all three case studies. Originality The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2018 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 1103-1111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joukje C Swinkels ◽  
Marjolein I Broese van Groenou ◽  
Alice de Boer ◽  
Theo G van Tilburg

Abstract Background and Objectives The general view is that partner-caregiver burden increases over time but findings are inconsistent. Moreover, the pathways underlying caregiver burden may differ between men and women. This study examines to what degree and why partner-caregiver burden changes over time. It adopts Pearlin’s Caregiver Stress Process Model, as it is expected that higher primary and secondary stressors will increase burden and larger amounts of resources will lower burden. Yet, the impact of stressors and resources may change over time. The wear-and-tear model predicts an increase of burden due to a stronger impact of stressors and lower impact of resources over time. Alternatively, the adaptation model predicts a decrease of burden due to a lower impact of stressors and higher impact of resources over time. Research Design and Methods We used 2 observations with a 1-year interval of 279 male and 443 female partner-caregivers, derived from the Netherlands Older Persons and Informal Caregivers Survey Minimum Data Set. We applied multilevel regression analysis, stratified by gender. Results Adjusted for all predictors, caregiver burden increased over time for both men and women. For female caregivers, the impact of poor spousal health on burden increased and the impact of fulfillment decreased over time. Among male caregivers, the impact of predictors did not change over time. Discussion and Implications The increase of burden over time supports the wear-and-tear model, in particular for women. This study highlights the need for gender-specific interventions that are focused on enabling older partners to be better prepared for long-term partner-care.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 461-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuno Castela ◽  
Paulo Dias ◽  
Marielba Zacarias ◽  
José Tribolet

Business process models are often forgotten after their creation and its representation is not usually updated. This appears to be negative as processes evolve over time. This paper discusses the issue of business process models maintenance through the definition of a collaborative method that creates interaction contexts enabling business actors to discuss about business processes, sharing business knowledge. The collaboration method extends the discussion about existing process representations to all stakeholders promoting their update. This collaborative method contributes to improve business process models, allowing updates based in change proposals and discussions, using a groupware tool that was developed. Four case studies were developed in real organizational environment. We came to the conclusion that the defined method and the developed tool can help organizations to maintain a business process model updated based on the inputs and consequent discussions taken by the organizational actors who participate in the processes.


Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds his/her own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The aim of the research here was to investigate the impact experiential learning can have on an organization, and what kind of factor the stress of leadership can be. It was found that increased heart rate and engagement can improve learning in stressful situations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Paul Mynott

Purpose Lesson study (LS) research is disadvantaged by a lack of clarity surrounding the potential outcomes an LS cycle can produce for participant learning. The purpose of this paper is to set out a model of the potential outcomes an LS cycle can achieve. The model identifies the limitations that can occur in LS groups and how these limitations impact on the overall outcomes for participants. Design/methodology/approach Case studies are used to exemplify the different outcomes in the model taken from five years of LS work in a primary school in England. The case studies shape the four different outcomes of the model, defining and contextualising the attributes and characteristics of each outcome. Findings The model presented indicates that there are four key outcomes for LS cycles, with the most common outcome being a form of limited learning. The paper explores the limitations of time, collaboration and expertise to articulate how each of these limiting factors has a bearing on the overall outcome for an LS cycle. Research limitations/implications The model is currently based on a singular educational setting. This means that each outcome needs further exploration through wider LS work in order to clarify and refine the outcome model. Practical implications The outcome model will support the development of a shared vocabulary for discussing LS cycles. By articulating where on the outcome model an LS is, it is possible for researchers to discuss how to reduce the impact of limitations and other challenges to LS, enabling research to develop a more evaluation-led approach to using LS. Originality/value The outcome model supports LS researchers in articulating the outcomes of their LS cycles with a shared vocabulary. It addresses understudied areas of LS research, namely failed and dysfunctional LS cycles and identifies that while an LS can bring the potential for participant learning, the cycle outcomes are the starting point for participant change.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 396-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulio Toscani ◽  
Gerard Prendergast

PurposeTo date the vast majority of sponsorship research has focused on the perspective of sponsors. The purpose of this paper is to use this research to identify factors that sponsored institutions and organizations (sponsees) should be cognizant of before entering into a sponsorship arrangement, and to propose a research agenda based on these factors.Design/methodology/approachThe authors leverage sponsorship research that has been published in business journals with an impact factor above 0.5 (Reuters, 2015).FindingsThis paper argues that sponsees should be aware of the benefits that sponsorship brings to sponsors so that they can better appeal to potential sponsors. A sponsee also needs to be aware of the impact a sponsorship partnership may have on its own brand, image, and equity.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a conceptual paper grounded in the literature that aims to stimulate further research in the domain of sponsorship and provide deeper understanding for sponsees. Empirical research addressing the research questions posed is required.Practical implicationsIn a holistic manner, this literature review offers insights into factors that sponsees should consider before entering a sponsorship relationship.Originality/valuePrevious research in the sponsorship domain has focused primarily on dyadic sponsors. This paper considers sponsorship from the sponsee’s perspective.


2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 37-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Linacre

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings What is the best antidote to stress? For those of us working in modern corporations, we see the impact of stress all too frequently. The CEO who ages before your eyes; the director who is over 60 years old and failing to keep pace with those 20 years younger; the over-reaching young executive sleeping too little and having much touch of caffeine and other stimulants. The result all too often is sub-optimal performance and eventual burnout – the exact opposite of what everyone involved would intend. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 5-7

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This research paper concentrates on the impact that the managerial characteristics of age, educational background, and in-company tenure and in-role tenure have on a manager's ability to handle paradoxical priorities. The results reveal that an organization's strategic paradoxes are most effectively managed by older managers and by managers with longer tenure in their role and at the company overall. Unexpectedly, managers with an economics/business educational background were found to manage paradoxes less well than those with other educational backgrounds. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


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