Pragmatic learning in family SMEs: a qualitative study of functional overload among family SME owner-managers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Querbach ◽  
Nadine Kammerlander ◽  
Jagdip Singh ◽  
Matthias Waldkirch
Keyword(s):  
Learning Theory ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Family Smes ◽  
Cross Case Analysis

Purpose Learning in organizations is well-recognized as a key determinant of innovation and success in competitive markets, and a rich literature examines learning mechanisms in large-sized and professionally-run organizations. Relatively little is known about the learning processes in family-run firms, most of whom are small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) led by a single family SME owner-manager connected in a family network. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate how family SME owner-managers engage in learning and how those learning processes are affected by family SME-specific characteristics. Design/methodology/approach Using pragmatic learning theory as an interpretive lens, this study conducts a qualitative multi-case study involving 61 interviews in family SMEs with family SME owner-managers, family members, employees and customers. Findings The within- and cross-case analysis helps identify the mechanisms, barriers and enablers of learning and innovation in family SMEs. The study develops and pinpoints the family owner managers’ “functional overload” as a major barrier to learning and employee empowerment, family-members’ support and customer feedback as critical resources in overcoming such functional overload. Yet, these resources turn out to be major amplifiers of functional overload in later phases of the learning process, thus impeding learning and innovation. Originality/value The study provides novel insights into learning processes and innovation within family SMEs, outlines the double-edged involvement of family members, employees and customers for learning processes, and provides nuance to pragmatic learning theory.

Learning during developing and implementing new bank offerings

2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Stevens ◽  
Sergios Dimitriadis
Keyword(s):  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Processes ◽  
Informal Development

PurposeKnowledge of the management issues for developing new bank offerings efficiently is limited. Furthermore, recent research suggests that organisational learning can contribute greatly to the success of innovation projects. The aims of this paper are to provide a detailed description of the development process of a new financial product and to identify learning actions that may contribute to its effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachReports findings from a qualitative, longitudinal case study of a well‐known French bank.FindingsThe results revealed an informal development process consisting of a sequence of issues to solve and decisions to make.Research limitations/implicationsThough observations fit with the theoretical model, the findings cannot be generalized due to the use of a qualitative methodology. Thus, selecting a development project that brings variance to the scope and degree of innovativeness could enrich the observed learning mechanisms. Second, as services are very heterogeneous, further research should be done on the development processes of different new services, for example standardised versus customised. Third, mechanisms of adoption or avoidance of learning procedures remain to be explored extensively. Understanding the reasons of choice and adoption of learning strategies according to the environment and nature of the project could lead to further managerial recommendations.Practical implicationsImplications for banks to encourage learning during innovation are discussed and several opportunities for further research are suggested.Originality/valueAn informal development process is revealed, consisting of a sequence of issues to solve and decisions to make. Multiple learning actions and strategies are identified that enhance process effectiveness and efficiency.

Exploring organizational problem-solving modes: a dynamic capabilities approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matin Mohaghegh ◽  
Andreas Größler
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Fundamental Solutions ◽  
Capabilities Approach ◽  
Dynamic Capability ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
Micro Foundations

PurposeAdopting the dynamic capability perspective, this study aims at exploring which problem-solving capabilities result in fundamental solutions with a potentially low likelihood for problems to recur. This can also shed light on why, despite many attempts, process improvement programs often fail to produce such long-term solutions.Design/methodology/approachA case study is carried out to inductively describe and classify problem-solving in companies and to indicate why problem-solving efforts are typically bounded to short-term solutions. The empirical findings are triangulated with findings from the extant literature.FindingsFirst, the authors propose three problem-solving modes with different characteristics and potential impacts on operational performance: intuitive problem-solving, semi-structured problem-solving and systematic problem-solving. Second, by emphasizing dynamic capabilities' micro-foundations and with the focus on learning mechanisms, the authors show that, among these modes, only systematic problem-solving can serve as a dynamic capability with fundamental solutions. Third, based on insights from the case study, the authors address behavioral and organizational impediments that curb dynamic capabilities and limit systematic problem-solving adoption.Originality/valueThis study is an empirically informed attempt to understand systematic problem-solving as a dynamic capability. The authors uncover the micro-foundations and the learning mechanisms through which systematic problem-solving becomes a dynamic capability. By highlighting problem-solving orientation as a hardly investigated dimension of improvement programs, the authors show that a mixture of a static problem-solving approach and a set of impediments at both individual and organizational levels is the major reason of failures of improvement programs over time.

scholarly journals Incremental and radical open service innovation

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Per Myhren ◽  
Lars Witell ◽  
Anders Gustafsson ◽  
Heiko Gebauer
Keyword(s):  
Service Innovation ◽  
Group Development ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Team Development ◽  
Service Development ◽  
New Service Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Open Service ◽  
Cross Case Analysis

Purpose Open service innovation is an emergent new service development practice, where knowledge on how to organize development work is scarce. The purpose of the present research is to identify and describe relevant archetypes of open service innovation. The study views an archetype as an organizing template that includes the competence of participants, organizing co-creation among participants and ties between participants. In particular, the study’s interest lies in how open service innovation archetypes are used for incremental and radical service innovation. Design/methodology/approach For the research, a nested case study was performed, in which an industrial firm with nine open service innovation groups was identified. Forty-five interviews were conducted with participants. For each case, first a within-case analysis was performed, and how to perform open service innovation in practice was described. Then, a cross-case analysis identifying similarities and differences between the open service innovation groups was performed. On the basis of the cross-case analysis, three archetypes for open service innovation were identified. Findings The nested case study identified three archetypes for open service innovation: internal group development, satellite team development and rocket team development. This study shows that different archetypes are used for incremental and radical service innovation and that a firm can have multiple open service innovation groups using different archetypes. Practical implications This study provides suggestions on how firms can organize for open service innovation. The identified archetypes can guide managers to set up, develop or be part of open service innovation groups. Originality/value This paper uses open service innovation as a mid-range theory to extend existing research on new service development in networks or service ecosystems. In particular, it shows how open service innovation can be organized to develop both incremental and radical service innovations.

Learning crisis unit through post-crisis: characteristics and mechanisms

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 198-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hela Chebbi ◽  
Aline Pereira Pündrich
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Learning Cycle ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Oil Company ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Mixed Framework

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the characteristics that a crisis unit should have to achieve effective learning after crisis. Literature has identified many relations between learning organizations and crisis; yet, there is a dearth of research on specific studies about crisis units and their post-crisis learning features. Thus, this paper aims to fill such a gap by giving some practical answers to this question: How can the crisis unit reduce defensiveness phase and extend openness and forgetfulness while learning after the crisis? Design/methodology/approach – This research mobilizes a framework composed by three theoretical grids: the post-crisis learning cycle (Kovoor-Misra and Nathan, 2000); the characteristics of a learning organization (Senge, 1990); and the mechanisms of crisis learning (Mitki and Herstein, 2011). A qualitative investigation is conducted to study a crisis within an oil company (PON). Findings – This paper shows that the duration of the learning cycle depends not only on the organization context but also on the characteristics of the crisis unit. Along with the cognitive, structural and procedural mechanisms, which contributed differently in each phase, the mixed framework allowed operationalizing Senge’s dimensions. Research limitations/implications – The elaboration of a single case study could be considered as a limitation, although it allows a deeper analysis of events within the organization. Practical implications – This paper pinpoints the characteristics that organizations should have as well as the learning mechanisms they should use during each phase of the post-crisis learning cycle. Originality/value – This paper analyzes crisis units as learning structures, which has not been seen yet in known literature.

Virtuous CSR: an Islamic family business in Malaysia

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohar Yusof ◽  
Leilanie Mohd Nor ◽  
James Edward Hoopes
Keyword(s):  
Virtue Ethics ◽  
Family Business ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Popular Discourse ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Important Concern ◽  
The Family ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to postulate, in addition to “moral” and “strategic” considerations, a third general standard for corporate social responsibility (CSR). That third approach is what moral philosophers call “virtue ethics.” Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a single organization case study of a Malaysian publisher to put forward the practice of virtuous CSR based on Islamic values and principles in a family business. Findings – By focussing on creating or maintaining virtuous habits in the family and the firm, the family business has avoided the equally unrealistic notions that CSR must be entirely selfless or entirely strategic to be legitimate. Virtues that foster a successful strategy such as vision and competence can be enhanced rather than hindered by virtues such as integrity and generosity. Research limitations/implications – This is a case study of a single family. Nevertheless, this paper has implications for strategy and CSR for non-family business as well because it brings into the discussion virtue ethics which is largely absent from popular ethical discourse in the West, including popular discourse about business ethics and CSR. Practical implications – While moral and strategic interests merit consideration, virtue is often the most important concern of all. Virtuous CSR aims to improve or at least preserve the character and the soul of the family and its enterprise. Originality/value – This paper shows that in family business moral freedom and CSR do not have to be purchased at the expense of an effective business strategy. Paradoxically, an effective business strategy may be partly non-strategic and partly non-business – i.e. partly focussed on virtue. Further research may show that family business can be a leader in CSR, teaching managerial techniques to non-family business.

scholarly journals Family members as hybrid owner-managers in family-owned newspaper companies: handling multiple institutional logics

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Börje Boers ◽  
Thomas Andersson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Institutional Logics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Empirical Material

PurposeThis article aims to increase the understanding of the role of individual actors and arenas in dealing with multiple institutional logics in family firms.Design/methodology/approachThis study follows a case-study approach of two family-owned newspaper companies. Based on interviews and secondary sources, the empirical material was analysed focussing on three institutional logics, that is, family logic, management logic and journalistic logic.FindingsFirst, the authors show how and in which arenas competing logics are balanced in family-owned newspaper companies. Second, the authors highlight that family owners are central actors in the process of balancing different institutional logics. Further, they analyse how family members can become hybrid owner-managers, meaning that they have access to all institutional logics and become central actors in the balancing process.Originality/valueThe authors reveal how multiple institutional logics are balanced in family firms by including formal actors and arenas as additional lenses. Therefore, owning family members, especially hybrid owner-managers, are the best-suited individual actors to balance competing logics. Hybrid owner-managers are members of the owner families who are also skilled in one or several professions.

Smart factories for single-family wooden houses – a practitioner’s perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-84
Author(s):  
Alexander Vestin ◽  
Kristina Säfsten ◽  
Malin Löfving
Keyword(s):  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Building Industry ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wooden House ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
House Building

Purpose The meaning of Industry 4.0 has started to be outlined for the construction industry, but there is still limited knowledge on the implications for the single-family wooden house building industry. The purpose of this paper is to expand the understanding of what the fourth industrial revolution implies for the single-family wooden house industry. The paper contributes with practitioners’ view of the content and meaning of a smart single-family wooden house factory. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory multiple case study was carried out at two Swedish single-family wooden house builders, combined with a traditional literature review. Findings As a result of a multiple case studies, the content and meaning of a smart single-family wooden house factory was elaborated on. In total, 15 components of a smart single-family wooden house factory were identified, of which 8 corresponded to the components of Industry 4.0 as described in other sectors. Research limitations/implications The study can be expanded to also include multi-family wooden house builders and other branches of the offsite wooden building industry. Practical implications Managers in the house-building industry who want to improve and strive for a smart single-family wooden house factory can learn from this study, get an insight of what other companies consider as important and how it relates to Industry 4.0. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is a first attempt to understand what Industry 4.0 mean and how it can be accomplished for the single-family wooden house offsite manufacturing industry.

Success factors for hackathons: German banks collaborate to tame the economic crisis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Feldmann ◽  
Frank Teuteberg
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Banking Industry ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cross Case Analysis

Purpose This paper aims to focus on the banking industry and its hackathon formats, which have been created by various banking groups. Other industries can learn from these findings and adopt best practice solutions. Design/methodology/approach A multi-case study was conducted with three hackathon formats (Collabothon, GENOhackathon and Symbioticon) from the banking sector in which qualitative interviews with members of the organization team were held and used to summarize the differences and similarities of hackathon formats in the banking industry. Findings A model was developed to demonstrate how the different hackathon formats in banking overlap and what differences exist. Originality/value This study used a cross-case analysis to summarize differences and similarities of hackathon formats in the banking industry in Germany.

Pedagogical content knowledge of sustainability

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 841-856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandy Singer-Brodowski
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Pedagogical Content Knowledge ◽  
Content Knowledge ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pedagogical Content ◽  
Self Organized

Purpose This paper’s purpose is to describe students’ learning processes in a project-based and self-organized seminar on sustainability. A detailed knowledge of typical learning processes is part of a pedagogical content knowledge of sustainability and can therefore contribute to the professional development of university educators. Design/methodology/approach In a project-based and self-organized seminar, a case study has been conducted with the grounded theory’s methodological approach. Data were collected from student interviews, group discussions and observations of students’ planning and organization meetings. Findings The results of the case study show that students’ learning processes vary depending on their pre-seminar sustainability experiences. Two types have been established: sustainability newcomers and sustainability experts. Furthermore, the results indicate the importance of emotions in the involvement with sustainability. Research limitations/implications The significance of the case study is limited by a small number of cases. Also, the results are specific for a seminar self-organized by the students and can therefore not simply be transferred to other seminars. Practical implications Knowledge of specific learning processes and a possible conceptual change in sustainability classes could be an important issue in the professional development of university educators because it would increase the educators’ pedagogical content knowledge. Originality/value The triangulation of qualitative data mainly served the investigation of students’ perspectives and therefore the understanding of subjective preferences, experiences and learning processes in the field of higher education for sustainable development (HESD).

scholarly journals Biological Children Versus Stepchildren: Interorganizational Learning Processes of Spinoff and Nonspinoff Suppliers

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 3258-3287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bilgehan Uzunca
Keyword(s):  
Learning Processes ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
Interorganizational Learning ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Shared Identity ◽  
Biological Children ◽  
External Sources ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Organizational Imprinting

Interorganizational scholars have long thought about how firms learn through buyer relationships. However, it is not clear whether dyadic learning gains are susceptible to imitation or are only inherited and whether these gains decay over time or are of an enduring nature. In this paper, I import ideas from the organizational imprinting literature into the interorganizational literature and apply the knowledge-based and learning views of the firm to examine how suppliers with differing initial endowments learn to work together with a buyer. The findings from an inductive multiple case study of spinoff and nonspinoff suppliers of an automotive manufacturer parent in Turkey reveal the following three learning mechanisms: informal relationships and social capital, transfer of routines, and shared identity. Although nonspinoff suppliers also exhibit evidence of several learning processes to a certain extent, spinoff suppliers’ deeper relationship, in particular their shared identity, with their parent based on their direct parental heritage tends to be more difficult for them to copy. No matter how hard nonspinoff suppliers try, they have “one hand tied behind their back,” they remain stepchildren, and they never truly become a biological child. By providing a novel setting and a rich set of qualitative data on the learning behaviors of these two types of suppliers, this study teases apart the knowledge and resources that can be “learned from external sources” versus those that can “only be inherited.”

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