Analysis and Validation of Models for Trust Dynamics

Treur, J. [Promotor]Hoogendoorn, M. [Copromotor

The entry of multinational companies to the base of the pyramid: A network perspective

Multinational corporations (MNCs) have traditionally ignored low-income markets, usually referred to as the base of the pyramid (BOP). Despite the dominant poverty in this market, a growing number of MNCs are attempting to learn about successful strategies for entering this market segment. Some of the studies suggest that establishing relationships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is crucial at the BOP. In this paper, we focus on relationship between MNCs and NGOs and try to explain how they facilitate MNCs? entry into this market. A network perspective has been adopted in this research and the relationship between MNCs and NGOs has been analysed in relation to this theoretical framework. Interviews with four MNCs and their NGO partners in India suggest that corporations can enter the BOP market by building trust in their relationships with NGOs and consequently the BOP, demonstrating their commitment and strengthening their legitimate position among NGOs and BOP communities

Industrial districts as organizational environments: resources, networks and structures

The paper combines economic and sociological perspectives on organizations in order to gain a better understanding of the forces shaping the structures of industrial districts (IDs) and the organizations of which they are constituted. To effect the combination , the resource based view (RBV) and resource dependency theory are combined to explain the evolution of different industry structures. The paper thus extends work by Toms and Filatotchev by spatializing consideration of resource distribution and resource dependence. The paper has important implications for conventional interpretations in the fields of business and organizational history and for the main areas of theory hitherto considered separately, particularly the Chandlerian model of corporate hierarchy as contrasted with the alternative of clusters of small firms coordinated by networks

What Drives Organizations To Share Knowledge With Their Supply Chain Partners?

Based on knowledge based view of the firm ’knowledge’ is an important productive resource. Organizations need to acquire required knowledge not only from internal sources but also from other organizations. If appropriate conditions for knowledge sharing are provided, an organization is able to obtain knowledge from its supply chain partners. One of the fundamental requirements of knowledge sharing is intention to share knowledge which has been widely investigated at individual level. Intention to share knowledge needs to be investigated at organizational levels especially between supply chain partners. The current study aims to identify drivers of the intention of an organization to share knowledge with its supply chain partners. By conducting literature review, three sets of factors have been identified and described in the form of a conceptual model. These are ‘contextual factors’, ‘organizational factors’ and ‘the nature of knowledge’. Both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies are planned to investigate such relationships. However, the present study only reports the conceptual model and results of the qualitative part of the study in automotive industry. The quantitative investigation that complements the current study is the subject of a future stage of the study although overall guidelines for conducting a survey are provided

Understanding Teacher Effectiveness with Complexity and Network Theories

This study seeks to understand teacher effect on student test scores with perspectives from complexity and network theories. The assumptions are that network relationships and interactive dynamics are important to individual productivity in knowledge intensive organizations such as schools. Data were collected from students, faculty and staff in ten elementary schools in one school district in the southeast US. The analytical framework included: network analyses, hierarchical linear modeling, Lenth\u27s analysis, response surface methodology and multiple regression. Results support the assumptions. Teacher\u27s network measures exhibited complex linear, curvilinear and interactive effects on student test scores. Teachers who are central in the advice network and who broker trust are especially effective. Implications and future studies are discussed

Industrial districts as organizational environments: resources, networks and structures

The paper combines economic and sociological perspectives on organizations in order to gain a better understanding of the forces shaping the structures of industrial districts (IDs) and the organizations of which they are constituted. To effect the combination , the resource based view (RBV) and resource dependency theory are combined to explain the evolution of different industry structures. The paper thus extends work by Toms and Filatotchev by spatializing consideration of resource distribution and resource dependence. The paper has important implications for conventional interpretations in the fields of business and organizational history and for the main areas of theory hitherto considered separately, particularly the Chandlerian model of corporate hierarchy as contrasted with the alternative of clusters of small firms coordinated by networks.clustering; dynamics; resource-based views; resource dependency

River basin planning project: social learning (Science Report SC050037/SR1)

This report documents the findings of a 12-month Environment Agency science project on social learning for river basin planning. Our aim was to use social learning approaches and soft system methods to inform the development of the River Basin Planning Strategy and improve the effectiveness of the Environment Agency's Water Framework Directive (WFD) Programm