Behind innovation clusters: Individual, cultural, and strategic linkages

As observed by Porter [1] and Enright [2], clusters occupy a key position in the economy of developed countries, most notably because they bring several benefits resulting from economic and social factors. Although these authors alert us to the importance of social capital mechanisms in clustering processes, they fail to fully explore the psychological and social basis that underlay clusters and clustering processes. In the same vein, while Porter and Sölvell [3] mention that a cluster allows a shared language, social ties, and a set of standards and values to develop, they do not fully expand on how such phenomena develops. Addressing these gaps in the literature, the aim of this study is to investigate the dimensions (i.e. individual and social) which sustain and nurture the existence of macro structures (i.e. clusters). In particular, the current research looked at convergence and divergence mechanisms within a cluster. The exploratory nature of the research required a case study strategy; for this reason a cluster in the Portuguese textile sector was chosen. Data from three companies in the same cluster were gathered using several instruments, namely: a questionnaire, interviews, observation and documentary analysis. The results show that although the three companies operate in the same cluster, they are considerably different in terms of commercial orientations as well as cultural and strategic profiles, which is matched by a low presence of isomorphic mechanisms [4]; this result contradicts that of the Pouder and St. John [5] study. It was also observed that informal relations in the heart of the cluster are commonplace and that managers’ differences play a role. In this way, they strengthen and motivate the aspects of the business that unite the cluster.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Social media and international business : views and conceptual framing

Purpose The objective of this paper is to increase understanding of social media in international business context. To this end, the authors make an attempt to integrate the existing, still somewhat limited views in a framework that advances the knowledge of scholars and decision-makers on this topic. Design/methodology/approach The authors conduct a conceptual study supported by use of a systematic literature review method. Findings This study shows marketing as a dominant area of discussion and reveals that many firm functions where social media plays a role have received relatively little attention. Furthermore, the study shows that the positive features of social media in international activity tend to be more widely acknowledged and better understood than the potentially problematic aspects. Research limitations/implications The number of articles analyzed in this study was relatively small, resonating with the nature of an emerging research area. Research on social media has only taken off over the last years, and it is understandable that there is limited research that connects it specifically to phenomena of international business. Practical implications This study reminds managers to be cautious when using social media in international markets. The relationship between social media and international business exhibits dynamism and is dependent on a variety of factors. Social media does not come without costs, nor is easily transferred from one market to another. Efficient use of this media in the international context may increase the need of specific and qualified human resources, and it may necessitate having the whole process from R&D to delivery, and beyond, ready for adaptation. Originality/value It can be argued that we know too little about the relevant factors and relationships between social media and international business. The authors hope that this study revealing the scarcely studied aspects and suggesting a tentative framework for capturing the dynamics of social media and international business can guide subsequent research and accelerate its emergence.© Matti Saari, Lauri Haapanen and Pia Hurmelinna-Laukkanen. Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcodefi=vertaisarvioitu|en=peerReviewed

Stress and coping connected to higher education study structures: combined views from teachers and students

Experienced stress by students and teachers in higher education has attracted increasing interest, but the two groups are rarely studied together. We combine their perspectives by considering the stress and coping among students and teachers concerning the development of study structures in a business school context. The findings indicate a strong connection between stress experienced by students and teachers, reflecting their interactive nature in this context. We categorize factors causing stress to those for which effective coping mechanisms exist, those causing tensions and requiring active management, and stressors that are difficult to remove because a coping mechanism for one group increases the stress of the other. Our findings add to existing knowledge on stress and coping mechanisms in higher education by combining the perspectives of students and teachers concerning study structures in business education

Climate change, consumer lifestyles and legitimation strategies of sustainability-oriented firms

This study explores the links between climate change, consumer lifestyles, and legitimation strategies of sustainable firms. Our findings offer new insight into this under-researched area based on qualitative case studies of four Nordic firms operating in industrial and consumer contexts. We find that climate change consciousness is a major driver for all case firms’ sustainability-focused operations, but the dynamics differed. Achieving sociopolitical legitimacy emerges as an important factor for the case firms operating in the energy sector, especially as it connects to government incentives and regulative pressures. However, cognitive legitimacy is increasingly important for them also, and the firms are trying to connect to their consumers’ lifestyles as well. In turn, for the case firms operating in the consumer (clothing) industry, functionality and the use of products are highlighted even though cognitive legitimacy based on linking to their consumers’ lifestyle is visible. Finally, the findings reveal that despite the sustainable lifestyles are increasingly important and better recognized in firm strategies and practices, other practicalities of running the business successfully in a highly competitive marketplace are relevant. Building legitimacy in such a way that captures and justifies different approaches, therefore, emerges as the connecting factor between the changing consumer behavior and pro-environmental firm practices.publishedVersio

In the riptide of control and trust: Emergence of control practices, suspicion, and distrust in new technology deployment

In this study, we focus on the unintended consequences of new technology deployment for control-trust dynamics. When addressing these dynamics, managers and management researchers often focus on consciously designed and implemented controls and management actions that build, repair, or preserve trust. At the same time, unowned processes—processes that have no single source or purpose—easily go unnoticed. These processes may have effects that are inadvertent and sometimes detrimental. A close-up ethnographic study of a technology deployment provides insight into the emergence of unintended control practices and shifts in trust. Our findings demonstrate how deployment of new technology prompted a shift in the loci and forms of control and how trust, suspicion, and distrust surfaced asymmetrically as organizational members interpreted in different ways how others were using the new technological features. These developments contributed to the emergence of four unintended control practices: incidental monitoring, organizational surveillance, individual concealment, and collective resistance. Our study highlights the role of unowned processes in the control-trust dynamics and emphasizes that whether or not control and trust are consciously addressed, both play interactive and evolving roles in organizations.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Adaptive learning in cross-sector collaboration during global emergency: Conceptual insights in the context of COVID-19 pandemic

This paper addresses the important role of cross-sector partnerships and collaboration in global emergency management, relevant in situations such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and grand global challenges. We offer a conceptual discussion that explicates the vital role of such partnerships in global emergencies. We also highlight the instrumental role of adaptive learning in cross-sector partnerships, which can help multiple stakeholders create and deliver value in response to an emergency like a global health pandemic caused by the COVID-19. Along with the conceptual discussion, we further offer practical examples of cross-sector partnerships in emerging economies of Pakistan, Turkey, and Nigeria—undertaken in response to the recent pandemic—emphasizing that such partnerships are crucial to mitigate the emergencies and their consequences on society. Finally, the paper offers theoretical and practical implications for cross-sector collaboration and partnerships in response to the global crisis

Opportunities and implications related to future mobile communications

This chapter discusses the research, managerial, and policymaking-related future opportunities and implications that stem from the discussions presented in the preceding chapters. With a focus on overarching themes that concern everyone, the paper presents research questions to direct future research, advises managers in themes that may become of increasing interest in future 5G and 6G, and summarizes key concerns for policymaking that should be considered to reach a global 6G and beyond world

Exiting and entering relationships:a framework for re-encounters in business networks

Abstract In the networked business environment, the same actors come together and part in various situations. Addressing this, existing research describes the lifecycle of business relationships and network participation: stages from relationship formation to termination and network exits have been covered. Less is known about the phases following a termination of relationships in networks. Especially, literature is relatively silent on those situations where the actors’ paths cross again after a past exit. That is, re-encounters remain poorly understood. Building on existing literature and illustrative examples on business networks and relationships, this conceptual study suggests that a longitudinally integrated view connecting the exit and post-exit developments to later encounters is needed. This study points out that the crossing of paths may, or may not, give start to the re-establishment of business relations, depending on the re-encounter itself and the preceding steps. Moreover, it is suggested that these antecedents derive from individual, organizational, relationship, and network levels. Therefore a vertically integrated approach further explains the re-encounter outcomes. The aim is to capture dynamics behind re-encounter outcomes — categorized here as (1) refraining from future interaction, (2) retribution, (3) reactivation characterized by reframing, or (4) full reactivation of relationships and collaboration — to assist future research