Paths to positivity: exploring the dynamics of positive organizing

This paper advances a theory about the way patterns of positive and negative organizing unfold. It is grounded in data collected from 58 individuals. We followed an inductive logic and used critical incidents to collect information on positive and negative processes and outcomes. From this we extracted six dimensions, which are present in different combinations in the 116 incidents narrated by the participants: recognition/ indifference, communication/silence, interaction/separation, confidence/distrust, loyalty/betrayal, and organizational transparency/organizational secrecy. We then analyzed how these dimensions fit together and discovered that they could be organized around four major patterns combining the clarity/opacity of organizational rules and the considerate/ detached behavior of leaders. We assert that positive leaders are essential in the creation of positive organizations, regardless of the features of the external context.positive organizing; organizational energy; leadership

Digital tools disrupting tertiary students’ notions of disciplinary knowledge: Cases in history and tourism

This paper reports on the findings from a two year research project that explored the potential of digital tools in support of teaching–learning across different disciplinary areas at a New Zealand university. Two courses (in History and Tourism) are case studied using data collected through interviews with lecturers, tutors and their students, and an online student survey. Findings from the research revealed that both lecturers and students were challenged in learning about the affordances and use of the lecturer selected digital tools as a mediational means. The tools were not initially transparent to them, nor were they able to be easily deployed to undertake their primary task—teaching for the lecturers, and, learning and demonstrating learning for the students completing assigned tasks. The process of learning and using the tools disrupted participants’ prior thinking and led to new understandings of both disciplines and of effective pedagogies for the two disciplines. The findings increase our understanding of the ways digital tools can develop, challenge and expand tertiary students learning and have implications for practice

An analysis of the pricing approach of a small importer/distributor enterprise: A case study

Import Co. Limited (not its real name) imports specialised equipment from overseas manufacturers and distributes them to retailors and other users New Zealand wide. The current owners brought the existing business three years ago. The owners of Import Co. Limited have suspicions that the profit margins on a number of their products are minimal. The owners are interested to explore how effective pricing can achieve maximum profits, without requiring any other changes to the business or its market. This study’s aim is to select the most appropriate pricing method for Import Co. Limited. The research presentation intends to answer this aim by exploring two questions. Is there any potential for changes to the method of identifying product costs and determining mark up? And secondly, how will these suggested changes alter the company’s profitability long term? To answer these research questions, a product sample of 76 products were chosen to be analysed. The selection process was based on selecting the most frequently sold items, while considering the product’s manufacturer. The study calculated a suggested selling price of the sample products, based on cost plus pricing methods theory. The suggested selling prices were higher than the current list prices for manufacturers 2, 4, and 5, while suggested prices were lower than the current list prices for manufacturer 3. Manufacturer 1 presented some current prices higher, and some lower. Additionally, average current profit percentages were found for each manufacturer’s sample products, with manufacturer 3 concluded as having high profit to cost and expense ratios. The study recommends establishing more constant shipping expenses for all manufacturers, excluding 1. It also recommends immediately increasing prices of product costs with a current profit percentage of 40% or under, and exploring the prices of products from manufacturers 1, 2, 4, and 5, where the current profit is under a satisfactory level. These changes will see a large increase in product price profitability

Learning Strategies in Coopetitive Environments

The objective of this chapter is to explore the learning strategies that can be deployed by firms in coopetitive configurations with no other choice than deploying an “adverse learning” mechanism to reach their customers through cooperation with their competitors. After exploring the mechanisms of asymmetric learning in a first section, the chapter adopts an ecological perspective (Hawley, 1950) in drawing parallels between animal organization and groups of firms in gaining a strategic advantage through asymmetric learning.coopetition; Learning Behavior; Learning Strategy.

Stimulating innovation in Russia: the role of institutions and policies

This paper examines the potential role of innovation policy in enhancing long-term productivity growth in Russia. It begins by exploring the role of framework conditions for business in encouraging innovative activities, particularly with respect to intellectual property rights and competition. Realising Russia’s innovation potential will also require reform of the large public science sector. This raises issues pertaining to the organisation and financing of public research bodies and, in particular, to the incentives and opportunities they face in commercialising the results of their research. Finally, the paper looks at the potential role of direct interventions, such as special economic zones and technoparks, as well as the scope for improving the tax regime for private-sector R&D