Motives in creating an LGBTQ inclusive work environment: a case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 237-260
Author(s):  
Brent S. Opall
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Work Environments ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Duality Pairs ◽  
Multiple Case

PurposeThe purpose of this inquiry is to examine why companies create LGBTQ-inclusive work environments and how these firms advance LGBTQ-inclusiveness through CSR practices and address challenges presented by strategic duality.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative multiple case study design, data was collected and then triangulated from interviews and company documents. NVivo, a qualitative research program, was used to organize, sort, query and model the data.FindingsSeveral themes were identified as reasons why Fortune 500 organizations sought to create LGBTQ-inclusive work environments. Themes include a positive return on investment, advancing human rights issues within the framework of corporate social responsibility (CSR), internal organizational pressure and parity with other Minnesota companies. Findings are examined through the theoretical lens of strategic duality.Research limitations/implicationsPrimary theoretical implications include contributions to our understanding of strategic duality by providing a first-hand account from people in organizations that encountered imperatives that to some degree are in conflict. By design, the multiple case study methodology does not allow generalizations to be drawn beyond the organizations included in this study.Practical implicationsBoth managers and researchers will find this study provides valuable insight on how people and organizations experience and navigate strategic duality (pairs of competing imperatives) within the context of the motivation behind creating an LGBTQ-inclusive work environment.Originality/valueThis inquiry provides a unique and valuable account as to why organizations choose to invest resources in creating a LGBTQ-inclusive work environment, the return on investment (ROI) and examines competing imperatives (strategic dualities) faced by management. Similar multiple case studies of this qualitative nature are rare, possibly even non-existent and, therefore, this study makes a significant contribution to the literature.

Higher authority organizational stressors among higher education deans: a multiple case study

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfred Huan Zhi Chan ◽  
Mohd Dahlan Malek ◽  
Ferlis Bahari
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Higher Education Management ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Stressors ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Education Deans

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify higher authority organizational stressors encountered by higher education deans. Design/methodology/approach This current research employed a qualitative approach utilizing a contextual paradigm with a multiple case study methodology. Findings Out of ten investigated deans in a public higher education institution in Malaysia, nine reported experiences of organizational stressor elements arising from higher authority. Three non-overlapping subthemes were systematically discovered. Practical implications Successful identification of these higher authority organizational stressors has implications for higher education management policies. Policies that reduce or eliminate these stressors may create a positive and progressive environment for deans and the higher education field. Originality/value This study will thus serve to promote a deeper understanding of higher authority organizational stressors encountered by higher education deans.

scholarly journals Information processing for end-of-life coordination: a multiple-case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 647-671
Author(s):  
Marc van den Berg ◽  
Hans Voordijk ◽  
Arjen Adriaanse
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Coordination Mechanisms ◽  
Refined Theory ◽  
Life Strategies ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore how demolition contractors coordinate project activities for buildings at their end-of-life. The organizations are thereby conceptualized as information processing systems facing uncertainty. Design/methodology/approach A multiple-case study methodology was selected to gain in-depth insights from three projects with different end-of-life strategies: a faculty building (material recycling), a nursing home (component reuse) and a psychiatric hospital (element reuse). Using a theory elaboration approach, the authors sought to explain how and why demolition contractors process information for end-of-life coordination. Findings End-of-life strategies differ in the degree of building, workflow and environmental uncertainty posed to the demolition contractor. Whether or not a strategy is effective depends on the (mis)match between the specific levels of uncertainty and the adopted coordination mechanisms. Research limitations/implications The explanatory account on end-of-life coordination refines information processing theory for the context of (selective) demolition projects. Practical implications The detailed case descriptions and information processing perspective enable practitioners to select, implement and reflect on coordination mechanisms for demolition/deconstruction projects at hand. Originality/value Reflecting its dual conceptual-empirical and inductive-deductive focus, this study contributes with new opportunities to explain building end-of-life coordination with a refined theory.

scholarly journals Business value of in-memory technology – multiple-case study insights

2014 ◽  
Vol 114 (9) ◽  
pp. 1396-1414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rieke Bärenfänger ◽  
Boris Otto ◽  
Hubert Österle
Keyword(s):  
Service Sector ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Business Value ◽  
Generation Model ◽  
Organizational Impact ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Study Methodology

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the business value of in-memory computing (IMC) technology by analyzing its organizational impact in different application scenarios. Design/methodology/approach – This research applies a multiple-case study methodology analyzing five cases of IMC application scenarios in five large European industrial and service-sector companies. Findings – Results show that IMC can deliver business value in various applications ranging from advanced analytic insights to support of real-time processes. This enables higher-level organizational advantages like data-driven decision making, superior transparency of operations, and experience with Big Data technology. The findings are summarized in a business value generation model which captures the business benefits along with preceding enabling changes in the organizational environment. Practical implications – Results aid managers in identifying different application scenarios where IMC technology may generate value for their organizations from business and IT management perspectives. The research also sheds light on the socio-technical factors that influence the likelihood of success or failure of IMC initiatives. Originality/value – This research is among the first to model the business value creation process of in-memory technology based on insights from multiple implemented applications in different industries.

scholarly journals Digital Product–Service Innovation and Sustainability: A Multiple-Case Study in the Capital Goods Industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6342
Author(s):  
Alberto de la Calle ◽  
Inmaculada Freije ◽  
Aitor Oyarbide
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Service Innovation ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Capital Goods ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Digital Product ◽  
Product Service ◽  
Multiple Case

Digitalisation, servitisation, and sustainability are keywords for the current and future development of the manufacturing industry. However, their interaction in the context of an organisation and its supply chain is unclear. This study examines how digital product–service innovation (PSI) or digital servitisation affects sustainability, considering the triple bottom line perspective, as well as identifies the underlying causes. Moreover, this study analyses the role played by supply-chain strategic collaboration, both internal and external to the company, in digital PSI and sustainability. Using a multiple-case study methodology and B2B market perspective, four companies belonging to the capital goods industry were analysed. Our findings indicate that digitalisation is leveraging both basic and advanced services in their impact on economic and environmental sustainability dimensions, while the results are limited in social sustainability. In addition, supply-chain integration is relevant for digital PSI. Internal integration is required for both basic and advanced services, while external integration is especially important in advanced services. We conclude by emphasising that companies should acquire digital capabilities to develop defensive and offensive business strategies that ultimately affect sustainability.

Knowledge acquisition via internet-enabled platforms

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charmaine Glavas ◽  
Shane Mathews ◽  
Rebekah Russell-Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Acquisition ◽  
International Business ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Flow Of Information

Purpose Technology has profoundly transformed the international business environment, particularly regarding the flow of information and the way in which knowledge is acquired and shared. Yet, the extent of this transformation is still underappreciated. The purpose of this paper is to examine how small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner/founders acquire and utilize knowledge for internationalization via internet-enabled platforms. Design/methodology/approach The empirical analysis draws on multiple case study methodology to examine 13 Australian SME owner/founders and the knowledge they acquire from utilization of internet-enabled platforms. Findings The analysis reveals four differing types of internet-enabled experiences: “technical internet-enabled experiences,” “operational internet-enabled experiences,” “functional internet-enabled experiences,” and “immersive internet-enabled experiences.” The findings indicate that internet-enabled experiences can generate both explicit and tacit forms of knowledge for the pre, early and later phases of internationalization. Practical implications The findings provide a structured approach by allowing SMEs to “plot” themselves against the classification of internet-enabled experiences to denote their level of technological involvement, and for discerning the types of knowledge that can be acquired. The findings are particularly helpful for owner/founders, highlighting that internet-enabled platforms are affecting the ways in which knowledge can be acquired and applied to international businesses processes. Originality/value The findings extend the conventional notion of knowledge acquisition for international business by highlighting how information and knowledge can be acquired via internet-enabled platforms. The findings lay the necessary groundwork for building an evidence base and theoretically extending the concept of knowledge acquisition via internet-enabled platforms.

scholarly journals Self-protective strategies of parents with ADHD and their children as mediated by sensitivity – a multiple-case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 278-291
Author(s):  
Milla Syrjänen ◽  
Airi Hautamäki ◽  
Natalia Pleshkova ◽  
Sinikka Maliniemi
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Adult Attachment Interview ◽  
The Self ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Parental Sensitivity ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Protective Strategies ◽  
Attachment Strategies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the parental sensitivity and self-protective strategies of parents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and those of their children. Design/methodology/approach Six parents with ADHD and their under 3-years-old children participated. One parent took part with her both children. The data included seven parent-child dyads. The parents were interviewed with the modified Adult Attachment Interview. Parental sensitivity was assessed using the CARE-Index. The self-protective strategies of the children were assessed with The Strange Situation Procedure or the Preschool Assessment of Attachment. Findings The study showed a variety of the self-protective strategies of parents with ADHD as well as those of their children. Three subgroups were formed on the basis of risk as indicated by Crittenden’s gradient of transformation of information. Parents displayed complex self-protective strategies as well as unresolved traumas, which impaired their sensitivity and ability to engage in mutual regulation of arousal and emotion. The parents’ needs of self-protection compromised their ability to protect and comfort their child that is their sensitivity. The children’s protective strategies matched those of their parents in regard to complexity as mediated by parental sensitivity. Originality/value This multiple-case study demonstrates new ideas to be tested with quantitative methods in larger samples. There are no previous studies which have examined both the attachment strategies and sensitivity of parents with ADHD connecting these with the evolving attachment strategies of their children.

Adoption strategies of social media in B2B firms: a multiple case study approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 730-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Lashgari ◽  
Catherine Sutton-Brady ◽  
Klaus Solberg Søilen ◽  
Pernilla Ulfvengren
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Multiple Case

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to clarify business-to-business (B2B) firms’ strategies of social media marketing communication. The study aims to explore the factors contributing to the formation and adoption of integration strategies and identify who the B2B firms target.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study approach is used to compare four multinational corporations and their practices. Face-to-face interviews with key managers, and extensive readings and observations of the firms’ websites and social media platforms have been conducted.FindingsThe study results in a model, illustrating different processes of selection, adoption and integration involved in the development of social media communication strategy for B2B firms. Major factors involved in determining the platform type, and strategies used within different phases and processes are identified.Research limitations/implicationsAs the chosen methodology may limit generalizability, further research is encouraged to test the model within a B2B context especially within small and medium enterprises as only large multinational corporations were investigated in this study.Practical implicationsThe paper provides insight into how B2B marketers can align social media with their firms’ goals through the strategic selection of platforms to reach the targeted audience and communicate their message.Originality/valueThe study uncovers the benefits gained by B2B firms’ through interaction with individuals on social media. This is a significant contribution as the value of such interaction was previously undefined and acted as a barrier for adopting social media in some B2B firms.

Warehouse configuration in omni-channel retailing: a multiple case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 509-533
Author(s):  
Joakim Hans Kembro ◽  
Andreas Norrman
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Conceptual Models ◽  
Construction Material ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Consumer Electronics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Automation Systems ◽  
Multiple Case

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore warehouse configuration in omni-channel retailing. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study is conducted with six large omni-channel retailers from three different sectors. Findings The study shows an increase in the number, variation and frequency of flows passing through omni-channel warehouses. Along with an increased variety of stock keeping units (including singles vs multipacks), there is an increase in the complexity of planning and coordination of order fulfillment. Retailers test a mix of different solutions for storage and picking and partly shift focus to advanced sorting operations. The companies already have or plan to invest in substantial automation systems, which emphasize the importance of capturing and using accurate master data. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the need to understand the interrelations and co-development of configuration elements in omni-channel warehousing. The findings also suggest that a successful transformation requires increased collaboration with upstream and downstream partners. Conceptual models are developed to illustrate strategies and development paths in omni-channel warehousing, and suggestions for future research are summarized in a research agenda. A research limitation is the focus on Swedish retailers in three sectors (fashion, consumer electronics and DIY/construction material). Future studies can include additional sectors, extend the geographical scope and explore cross-regional differences. Practical implications As one of the few deeper case studies on omni-channel warehousing, practitioners will find new configurations described and analyzed here. Along with conceptual models, a synthesis of challenges and potential solutions are presented to support retailers’ practical analysis and decision making. Originality/value This is one of the first multiple case studies that go deeper into omni-channel warehouse configuration, which is of increasing importance to both scholars and practitioners in the field.

Successful approaches for implementing additive manufacturing

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-148
Author(s):  
Robert Martens ◽  
Susan K. Fan ◽  
Rocky J. Dwyer
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Qualitative Multiple Case Study

PurposeThe purpose of this qualitative, multiple-case study was to explore the successful strategies that managers of light and high-tech small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in the Netherlands, use to adopt additive manufacturing (AM) technology into their business models.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative, multiple-case study approach was used. The participants for this study consisted of executive-level managers of light and high-tech manufacturing companies in the Netherlands. Company documents were studied, and individual interviews were undertaken with participants to gain an understanding of the strategies they used to adopt AM technology into their business models.FindingsThree significant themes emerged from the data analysis: identify business opportunities for AM technology, experiment with AM technology and embed AM technology.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study could be of advantage to industry leaders and manufacturing managers who are contemplating to adopt AM in their business models.Originality/valueThis study may contribute to the further proliferation of AM technology. Industry leaders may also gain a clearer understanding of the effects of 3DP on local employment. The results of the study may also work as a catalyst for increased awareness for manufacturing firm leaders who have not yet considered the opportunities and threats AM technology presents to their organizations.

Factors influencing maintenance-related investments in industry: a multiple-case study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla Lundgren ◽  
Jon Bokrantz ◽  
Anders Skoogh
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Sustainable Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Investment Process

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to ensure productive, robust and sustainable production systems by enabling future investments in maintenance. This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the investment process and thereby facilitate future maintenance-related investments. The objectives are to describe the investment process, map the decision support and roles involved and identify factors influencing the process.Design/methodology/approachThe study was designed as a multiple-case study, with three industrial cases of maintenance-related investments. A structured coding procedure was used to analyse the empirical data from the cases.FindingsThis paper provides a deeper understanding of the process of maintenance-related investments. Eleven factors influencing the investment process could be identified, three of which were seen in all three cases. These three factors are: fact-based decision-support, internal integration and foresight.Practical implicationsInvestments in modern maintenance are needed to ensure productive, robust and sustainable production in the future. However, it is a challenge in manufacturing industry to justify maintenance-related investments. This challenge may be solved by developing a decision-support system, or a structured work procedure, that considers the findings of this study.Originality/valueFrom this study, an extended view of the relation between quantifying effects of maintenance and maintenance-related investment is proposed, including surrounding factors influencing the investment process. The factors were identified using a structured and transparent coding procedure which is rarely used in maintenance research.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document