Effective interim leadership and management: development of a cyclical model of interim assignments

Author(s):  
Stephen A. Woods ◽  
Nick Diprose ◽  
Mary Murphy-Diprose ◽  
Geoff Thomas

PurposeThis paper reviews literature on interim leadership and management through the lens of effective interim performance. The purpose of this review is to advance understanding of interim assignment performance and the antecedent individual psychological characteristics of effective interim leaders and managers, to improve the practice of managing interim leaders from a human resources (HR) perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports a targeted review of the literature on interim leadership and management.FindingsThe main proposition from this review is that the influence of individual factors on interim performance operates within the stages and contexts of assignments. Accordingly, the authors propose a framework of the demands on interim assignments (the interim assignment cycle), comprising stages of preparation, entry, delivery and exit. The paper subsequently reviews evidence of the potential individual characteristics (focussing on individual differences in personality, leadership approach, motivation and competencies) of effective preparation and entry to an assignment, actions and performance during an assignment and exit/disengagement.Practical implicationsThe findings of the review have implications for the selection and placement of interims into organizations and their management once appointed.Originality/valueThe main original contribution of the paper is to provide a framework around which interim assignments can be modelled and better understood. The paper discusses implications for future research, theory and human resource management practice and calls for a renewed research effort in this critical area of management and leadership.

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  

Purpose The purpose of this study is to carry out a literature review on interim leadership and management focusing on interim assignment performance and the antecedent characteristics of effective interim leaders. Design/methodology/approach A targeted review of the literature on the literature on interim leadership and management is carried out and reported. Findings A cycle of interim assignments is proposed consisting of four stages, preparation, entry, delivery and exit. Individual characteristics seen as antecedents of effectiveness are then applied to each of these stages. Practical implications The interim assignment cycle proposed in this paper can help to address gaps in the literature and aid the development of methods and tools for selection of interims and management of effectiveness during assignments. Originality/value This paper has an original approach in providing a model through which interim assignments can be better understood.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos F. Gomes ◽  
Mohammad Najjar ◽  
Mahmoud M. Yasin

PurposeAs service organizations move toward the open system strategic customer orientation, they need to ensure consistency among competitive methods, performance measures and strategies utilized. This paper aims to examine the relationships among these important facets of today’s service organizations. The study at hand examines the relationship among competitive methods, implicit strategy and performance measures used by Portuguese service organizations.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a survey-based methodology. Factor analysis, cluster analysis and regression analysis procedures are used to analyze the collected data from Portuguese service organizations.FindingsBased on the results of this study, it appears that some of the studied service organizations are steadily moving toward the open system mode of strategy, competitive methods and performance measurement. However, the majority of the service organizations examined appeared to be in a state of strategic confusion, as they appear to lack the consistency among competitive methods, performance measures and desired strategic orientations.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample used in this study is specific in nature, as it includes only Portuguese service organizations. Therefore, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution. Future research in other cultural service settings is recommended. Such research should emphasize the exploration of theoretical frameworks, which tend to practically integrate competitive methods, performance measures and strategic orientation.Practical implicationsThis study has direct practical implications for service managers, as they attempt to integrate their organizational systems. As such, the research in this study paves the way toward the practical integration and consistency among competitive methods, performance measures and strategic orientations needed to enhance the customer orientation. In this context, such integration and consistency are essential to enhance the strategic competitiveness of today’s service organizations operating in a dynamic marketplace.Originality/valueThis research combines bodies of knowledge dealing with competitive methods, performance measures and their impact on strategic orientations. The conceptual framework offered in this research attempts to facilitate the understanding for consistent practice pertaining to the competitiveness of the open system service organization in a dynamic environment. Such consistency is essential to the competitiveness of the organization in a dynamic environment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 581-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Cunningham ◽  
Matthias Menter

PurposeThis paper examines and discusses the need for micro-level analyses of academic entrepreneurship and outlines a micro-level research agenda for the study of academic entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of academic literature on academic entrepreneurship, this study focuses on individual actors and suggests some future research agendas.FindingsThe authors highlight that more studies dealing with academic entrepreneurship need to take a micro-level perspective, thereby outline several fruitful avenues of research: (1) star scientists and principal investigators, (2) TTO professionals, (3) graduate entrepreneurs, (4) university administrators, (5) policy makers and funders as well as (6) micro-level organisational routines.Practical implicationsThis paper derives three main implications for management practice and policy. First, there is a real need to develop the managerial skills, competencies and capabilities of scientists and individuals. Second, policy makers need to ensure the necessary resources to pursue a paradigm shift towards more entrepreneurial thinking and action and create adequate incentives. Third, firms need to offer support and guidance on how to best commercialise and transfer scientific knowledge and ideally complement support structures of universities and research institutes.Originality/valueThis paper provides an organising framework for the study of micro-level academic entrepreneurship and emphasises the need to focus further on individual actors and how their actions, behaviours and approaches contribute to academic entrepreneurship in different institutional, environmental and cultural contexts.


Author(s):  
Patrick M. Wright ◽  
Anthony J. Nyberg

Purpose This paper aims to explore some of the practical challenges boards face in setting chief executive officer (CEO) pay to show why the failure to see considerable overlap between pay and performance may not be due to poor governance. Design/methodology/approach This paper critically explores the different types of pay reported in public sources (actual vs realized) and the types of performance measures used in CEO pay research. This paper then conceptually reviews the broader governance responsibility of boards, particularly the hiring and firing of CEOs and the impact these decisions have on CEO pay. Findings The authors suggest that much of the lack of overlap between pay and performance may be because of misaligned timing of the pay and performance measures, differences between internally promoted and externally hired CEOs and severance packages of fired CEOs. They conclude that the lack of overlap may not signal failure on the part of boards, but rather may reflect the risk and uncertainty those boards face in hiring and firing of CEOs. Research limitations/implications The analysis shows how using publicly available sources of pay and performance data ignores the practical challenges that boards face in setting pay, and suggests greater care be given to future research purporting to show that boards are failing in their governance responsibilities. Practical implications CEO pay may not be as misaligned with performance as many researchers conclude, but may be due to the risks and uncertainty inherent in governance. Social implications The distributive justice critique of CEO pay may not be valid. Originality/value As opposed to simply mining public databases, this paper more accurately describes some of the variables that impact how boards set CEO pay.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Andersson ◽  
Helena Forslund

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an indicator framework for measuring sustainable logistics innovation (SLI) in retail. Design/methodology/approachA literature review in different theory areas was conducted to generate a literature-based SLI indictor framework. The literature-based framework was then compared to five-year sustainability reports of three Swedish retailers to identify SLI indicators and how to measure them. This comparison led to a developed framework. FindingsThe developed framework combines sustainability dimensions with logistics activities. It identifies SLI indicators and how to measure them. Significant gaps between the framework and sustainability reports prompted the creation of an agenda for future research. Items that further research should consider include broadening or deepening the framework, developing specifically social SLI indicators for all logistics activities and developing measurement scales for the SLI indicators. Research limitations/implicationsThe study presents an SLI indicator framework as an initial contribution towards knowledge creation, and following the agenda for further research could generate even more implications for research. Practical implicationsManagers need inspiration concerning which indicators to use to measure SLI and how. Social implicationsThe study addresses both environmental and social sustainability, as well as suggests SLI indicators. Originality/valueNo identified study has merged sustainable logistics innovation and performance measurement in retail.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Raoufi ◽  
Aminah Robinson Fayek

Purpose This paper aims to cover the development of a methodology for hybrid fuzzy Monte Carlo agent-based simulation (FMCABS) and its implementation on a parametric study of construction crew performance. Design/methodology/approach The developed methodology uses fuzzy logic, Monte Carlo simulation and agent-based modeling to simulate the behavior of construction crews and predict their performance. Both random and subjective uncertainties are considered in model variables. Findings The developed methodology was implemented on a real case involving the parametric study of construction crew performance to assess its applicability and suitability for this context. Research limitations/implications This parametric study demonstrates a practical application for the hybrid FMCABS methodology. Though findings from this study are limited to the context of construction crew motivation and performance, the applicability of the developed methodology extends beyond the construction domain. Practical implications This paper will help construction practitioners to predict and improve crew performance by taking into account both random and subjective uncertainties. Social implications This paper will advance construction modeling by allowing for the assessment of social interactions among crews and their effects on crew performance. Originality/value The developed hybrid FMCABS methodology represents an original contribution, as it allows agent-based models to simultaneously process all types of variables (i.e. deterministic, random and subjective) in the same simulation experiment while accounting for interactions among different agents. In addition, the developed methodology is implemented in a novel and extensive parametric study of construction crew performance.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Higor Leite

PurposeGlobally, the presence of non-urgent patients in emergency departments (EDs) is considered one of the main reasons for creating excessive waiting times and overcrowding in units. This paper aims to understand the impact of non-urgent patients in EDs' operations.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on qualitative case studies conducted within two Brazilian EDs, and uses interviews and observations to access the data.FindingsFrom a thematic analysis, three key themes emerged: characteristics of non-urgent demands in EDs, negative aspects of non-urgent patients in EDs, and the impact of the healthcare system model on EDs. These themes bring to light the impact that non-urgent patients have in EDs' operations, and provide theoretical and practical implications.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of this work is bound by the understanding of the non-urgent demands in EDs. Therefore, a benchmarking approach (investigating state-of-the-art practices to avoid such impact) was not applied but was suggested for future research instead.Practical implicationsThe research provides significant contributions to practitioners and policymakers, aiding future discussions to improve healthcare coverage and performance.Social implicationsThe research provides significant contributions for managers and policymakers, aiding future discussions to improve healthcare. For instance, the use of well-known techniques (e.g. lean, six sigma) are discussed and suggested to enhance healthcare capacity and performance. Furthermore, the policymakers are called upon to evaluate the healthcare access and provide regulations that involve innovative approaches to widen healthcare access.Originality/valueBased upon empirical data, this research extends the discussions related to non-urgent patient in EDs and is not limited merely to descriptive analysis, but by providing practical propositions and discussions related to the impact of these patients' presence in EDs' operations. Finally, the research provides a range of suggestions for future research related to the EDs' operational performance.


2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arshad Ahmad ◽  
Chong Feng ◽  
Shi Ge ◽  
Abdallah Yousif

Purpose Software developers extensively use stack overflow (SO) for knowledge sharing on software development. Thus, software engineering researchers have started mining the structured/unstructured data present in certain software repositories including the Q&A software developer community SO, with the aim to improve software development. The purpose of this paper is show that how academics/practitioners can get benefit from the valuable user-generated content shared on various online social networks, specifically from Q&A community SO for software development. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review was conducted and 166 research papers on SO were categorized about software development from the inception of SO till June 2016. Findings Most of the studies revolve around a limited number of software development tasks; approximately 70 percent of the papers used millions of posts data, applied basic machine learning methods, and conducted investigations semi-automatically and quantitative studies. Thus, future research should focus on the overcoming existing identified challenges and gaps. Practical implications The work on SO is classified into two main categories; “SO design and usage” and “SO content applications.” These categories not only give insights to Q&A forum providers about the shortcomings in design and usage of such forums but also provide ways to overcome them in future. It also enables software developers to exploit such forums for the identified under-utilized tasks of software development. Originality/value The study is the first of its kind to explore the work on SO about software development and makes an original contribution by presenting a comprehensive review, design/usage shortcomings of Q&A sites, and future research challenges.


2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 296-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Kewley

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline current police risk assessment and management practice when working with those convicted of sexual offences. The paper introduces the newly implemented Active Risk Management System (ARMS), a risk- and strengths-based tool used by the police across England and Wales. Design/methodology/approach A brief review of the literature and current practice is discussed. Findings The paper notes that in order for practitioners to work in a context of rehabilitation and reintegration, particularly one that supports clients convicted of sexual offending, there is a real need for practitioners to have the skills and experiences to work with this group. They also need to hold core values that support the notion of change and they ought to be fully supported through formal supervision and training. Practical implications Following are the practical implications of this paper: ∙training ought to be regular and ongoing; formal supervision sessions should be made available for all ARMS assessors; assessors ought to be assessed and observed in practice; and performance measures must be related to the quality and effectiveness of the design and implementation of risk management plans rather than the quantity of plans or home visits. Originality/value Very little has been written about this unique group of police practitioners who work to assess and manage people with sexual convictions. Even less is known of the effectiveness and applicability of the ARMS tool. Thus, this review is of value to academic and practitioner audiences.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 555-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Gibbs

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse a new piece of Dubai legislation, Dubai Law No. (4) of 2016: The Dubai Economic Security Centre (DESC) Law, in respect of its role and impact on economic crime mitigation in the emirate and in the country as a whole.Design/methodology/approachThe jurisdiction’s various risks and vulnerabilities were examined to determine weaknesses and gaps in the current legislative and regulatory framework.FindingsThe findings highlight that despite numerous legislative efforts targeting economic crime, bringing economic criminals to justice has remained an issue in Dubai. Creation of the Dubai Economic Security Centre (DESC) may mark a significant change in that emirate’s approach to tackling this issue.Research limitations/implicationsThough the DESC itself is (as of this writing) still in a formative state, it is clearly intended to be a comprehensive response to expedite and streamline investigative processes and mitigate the multi-jurisdictional problems with which law enforcement has hitherto contended.Practical implicationsThe DESC is also intended to serve not only as an informational clearinghouse but also as an organisational entity with significant roles in law enforcement and even legislation.Social implicationsRegardless of its ambitious and promising results, the effectiveness of its organisational structure and performance is yet to be determined.Originality/valueThis research can be beneficial for the government officials in charge of establishment and launch of the DESC, as well as for future research as it points to its potential ambiguities and misinterpretations.


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