Organizational Structures Research Articles

Circular plastic consumption in everyday life: a nexus of practice perspective

Plastic consumption is posing a critical challenge to global sustainability. Yet our understanding of the social and everyday dynamics of how and why people use plastics remains limited. Particularly, significant gaps in understanding exist concerning how plastics are embedded in households’ daily routines and practices and how this varies across different daily life settings. This article aims to bridge this gap by offering an in-depth exploration of the social and material dimensions of plastic consumption in varied Dutch households. Employing a theoretically and methodologically innovative approach, the article advances understanding of the connectivity of daily practices influencing household plastic use. Combining a social practice theoretical framework with a future-oriented, multi-modal imaginary methodology, we explore practice dynamics across diverse households of distinct life stages and compositions. Our analysis uncovers the complex interplay between daily practice arrangements and their systemic integration, revealing how daily life’s material, spatial and temporal dimensions are shaped and enabled by plastics. The study highlights the nuanced ways in which social variations in the organisation and institutional structures of daily life and engagement with socio-technical systems lock people into plastic consumption or enable transformative possibilities for sustainable change. By shedding light on the often overlooked social and everyday dynamics of plastic consumption, the article deepens theoretical understanding of practice connectivity while also opening new avenues for envisioning and facilitating transformation towards circular plastic consumption.

Research on the Impact of Enterprise Digital Transformation on High-Quality Development and Countermeasures

With the rapid development of the digital economy, enterprises face the important task of digital transformation. This paper, based on the analysis of literature, discusses the positive impacts of digital transformation on the high-quality development of enterprises, reveals the main mechanisms of digital transformation, and proposes corresponding countermeasures for the challenges encountered by enterprises during the digital transformation process. The study finds that digital transformation can optimize the talent structure of enterprises, improve organizational governance, nurture new market environments, and thereby promote the high-quality development of enterprises. This paper suggests that enterprises should strengthen the training of digital talents, optimize organizational structures, and innovate business models using digital technologies to adapt to the needs of the digital age.

Navigating digital transformation in financial services: Strategic management: concepts and cases for sustainable growth and innovation

The financial services industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation, driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer expectations, and regulatory changes. This paper explores the strategic management concepts and frameworks essential for navigating this complex landscape. By examining real-world cases of successful digital initiatives, the study highlights best practices in fostering innovation, enhancing customer engagement, and achieving sustainable growth. Key themes include the integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, into traditional financial practices, and the importance of agile organizational structures that support continuous improvement. Additionally, the paper discusses the role of leadership in driving cultural change and aligning digital strategies with overarching business objectives. Ultimately, this research provides valuable insights for financial institutions seeking to leverage digital transformation as a catalyst for competitive advantage and long-term success.

Impacts of industry 4.0 on supply chain management of logistics providers: A methodical review

The arrival of Industry 4.0 transformed and reshaped manufacturing, and the logistics industry is not excluded. As such, there is a need to explore the influence of this latest technological innovation on industries with a focus on logistics providers; this research examines the impact of Industry 4.0 on logistics providers' supply chain management. Using qualitative analysis of secondary sources, this research identifies the key relevance of Industry 4.0 technologies to logistics providers while assessing their adoption and exploring their impact on supply chain performance. Through the series of examination of secondary sources, it was revealed that Industry 4.0 components such as IoT enable real-time tracking, reducing lead times and improving customer service. AI, on the other hand, helps optimize routing and scheduling while also enhancing efficiency. Nevertheless, the industry 4.0 implementation into the logistics provider supply chain is not without challenges; the challenges evidenced through the research include data security, interoperability, and workforce skills. This study recommends investments in technology and skills, data security measures, collaborative organizational structures, agility, change management, and benchmarking to navigate the transformative landscape of Industry 4.0 in logistics supply chain management.

Modernisation of the personnel management system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the context of the ongoing military conflict with Russia

Considering the ongoing military conflict with the Russian Federation, the modernisation of the personnel management system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is of utmost significance. Effective training of new officers is becoming a strategic task to strengthen the country’s defence capability and ensure its national security. The purpose of this research is to thoroughly analyse and justify ways to modernise the personnel management system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the context of the current military conflict, with a focus on improving the education and training of the new generation of officers. The research is based on a statistical analysis of data obtained through expert analysis and a survey of highly qualified professionals. The analysis demonstrated that the existing personnel management system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine requires significant modifications to respond to the current challenges of military operations. In particular, there is a need to introduce advanced teaching methods and use modern technologies in the training of officers. In addition, it is essential to improve the organisational structures that provide training for officers. It includes revision of programmes, adaptation to modern conflicts and implementation of international standards of military training. In addition, the psychological and social aspects of the design and development of the officer corps should be considered to ensure its stability and productivity in the long term. A special emphasis is placed on the need to introduce international experience and cooperation with partner countries, which may include the exchange of experience, and joint exercises and training programmes. The results obtained are essential for the development and implementation of strategic plans for the modernisation of the personnel management system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which will help to increase the effectiveness of military activities and strengthen the country’s defence capabilities in the face of ever-growing security threats.

Modelling the Influence of Management Practices on Sustainable Market Performance in Serbian Enterprises

In the evolving global market, new business conditions necessitate that enterprises adapt and construct organizational structures grounded in new principles and the implementation of contemporary management methods. This is particularly crucial for enterprises in transitional economies, which need to be highly flexible and innovative to meet the increasing demands of users swiftly, employ modern management techniques, and gain a competitive edge. The modern business environment assumes that there are very few products, technologies, services, knowledge areas, or procedures unavailable to interested groups worldwide. This study examines the influence of modern management methods and techniques (MMMTs), human resource management (HRM), quality management (QM), and intellectual capital management (ICM) on the sustainable market performance (SMPC) of these enterprises. A structured survey was conducted among 146 managers from various Serbian industrial enterprises, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, linear regression, and multicollinearity tests. The results revealed significant positive correlations between MMMTs, HRM, QM, ICM, and SMPC, with quality management having the highest impact. These findings provide valuable insights for improving business competitiveness in Serbia’s industrial sector. The results also support the development of an integrated model for sustainable management practices in transitional economies.

Sustainability Practices of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in China: Basis for Strategic Plan

The study presents a comprehensive analysis of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) situated in Rizhao City, Shandong, China, focusing on their profiles, sustainability practices, challenges, and a proposed strategic plan. The respondents, SME managers, play a crucial role in shaping sustainability strategies. Among the key findings, 70% of surveyed companies adopt a corporate organizational structure, while 45% primarily operate in the manufacturing sector. SMEs in China exhibit a strong commitment to economic, social, and environmental sustainability practices, with notable percentages actively seeking cost reduction through sustainability, monitoring financial impacts, and investing in research and development for sustainable innovation. Economic challenges, including difficulties in securing funds for sustainable projects, dominate the SME landscape (88%). Social challenges emphasize meeting community expectations (80%), and environmental challenges center on reducing carbon footprints (90%). The proposed strategic plan advocates phased sustainability investments, diversification of funding sources, talent management, and a circular economy approach to address economic, social, and environmental challenges collectively. The study recommends internal reviews of organizational structures, cross-industry collaboration, exploration of alternative financing, and robust monitoring and evaluation systems to enhance SMEs' success in China's dynamic business environment. These recommendations underscore the importance of adaptive, innovative approaches to foster sustainability and resilience in SMEs while contributing to societal well-being and environmental conservation.

Is Achilles tendon structure associated with functional ability and chronic ankle instability in military recruits?

ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between Achilles tendon (AT) structure, functional ability and chronic ankle instability (CAI) in military recruits. MethodsThree hundred and sixty newly recruited infantry male soldiers recruited in April 2022 were assessed for AT structure by Ultrasound Tissue Characterization (UTC), for functional abilities (included proprioception ability, heel-raise test, dynamic postural balance, and hopping agility ability) and for CAI (recurrent sprains and a positive perceived instability). ResultsSoldiers that were identified with disorganized tendon had significantly lower heel-raise and agility scores compared to those with organized tendon structures (33.6 ± 18.1(n) vs. 49.9 ± 28.9(n), p < 0.001; and 5.39 ± 2.12(n) vs. 6.16 ± 1.90(n), p = 0.002, respectively). The best discriminator between soldiers with organized vs. disorganized structure, was heel-raise test (AUC = 0.741). Moreover, soldiers with disorganized AT structure had a higher prevalence of CAI compared with those with organized tendon structures (p < 0.05). ConclusionRecruits with disorganized tendon structures displayed reduced heel-raise score, agility ability and dynamic postural-balance and greater ankle instability. Inferior tendon quality at the onset of military service is an important physical indicator to consider when seeking to manage future injuries and potential for physical performance. Pre-recruitment screening of the AT structure, CAI, and functional abilities, especially in high-intensity infantry programs, needs to be considered.

Data stewardship: case studies from North American, Dutch and Finnish universities

PurposeAs national legislation, federated national services, institutional policies and institutional research service arrangements may differ, data stewardship programs may be organized differently in higher education institutions across the world. This work seeks to elaborate the picture of different data stewardship programs running in different institutional and national research environments.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing a case study design, this study described three distinct data stewardship programs from Purdue University (United States), Delft Technical University (Netherlands) and Aalto University (Finland). In addition, this work investigated the institutional and national research environments of the programs. The focus was on initiatives led by academic libraries or similar services.FindingsThis work demonstrates that data stewardship programs may be organized differently within varying national and institutional contexts. The data stewardship programs varied in terms of roles, organization and funding structures. Furthermore, policies and legislation, organizational structures and national infrastructures differed.Research limitations/implicationsThe data stewardship programs and their contexts develop, and the descriptions presented in this work should be considered as snapshots.Originality/valueThis work broadens the current literature on data stewardship by not only providing detailed descriptions of three distinct data stewardship programs but also highlighting how research environments may affect their organization. We present a summary of key factors in the organization of data stewardship programs.

Data sharing practices: The interplay of data, organizational structures, and network dynamics

With the proliferation of data and advanced analytics, organizations are increasingly recognizing the potential value of sharing data across organizational boundaries. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence and systematic frameworks to guide the design of effective data sharing practices. Realizing the full potential of data sharing requires the effective design and implementation of data sharing practices by considering the interplay of data, organizational structures, and network dynamics. This study presents an empirically and theoretically grounded taxonomy of data sharing practices drawing on existing literature and real-world data sharing cases. The subsequent cluster analysis identifies four generic archetypes of data sharing practices, differing in their primary orientation toward compliance, efficiency, revenue, or society. From a theoretical perspective, our work conceptualizes data sharing practices as a foundation for a more systematic and detailed exploration in future research. At the practitioner level, we enable organizations to strategically develop and scale data sharing practices to effectively leverage data as a strategic asset.

Building Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Banking through Organizational Agility

The fast development of technology in the banking sector has forced a basic review of organizational strategies and structures since banks want to keep ahead of the curve and satisfy the evolving needs of the digital era. This study examines the mediating role of organizational agility in the relationship between transformational leadership and digital transformation on sustainable competitive advantage in the banking sector. The research sample was drawn from a population consisting of head offices, branch offices, and sub-branch offices of regional banks in Indonesia, totaling 185 units. Based on 185 data points collected through surveys distributed to unit leaders, we used PLS-SEM analysis to test the proposed hypotheses. Empirical results indicate that transformational leadership and digital transformation have no significant effect on sustainable competitive advantage. However, organizational agility can significantly mediate this impact on sustainable competitive advantage. The findings underscore the importance of developing agility as an internal factor of organizations that plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable competitive advantage.

Holacracy: redefining organizational ontology and epistemology

Purpose This paper aims to examine Holacracy as a self-management system and its implications for organizational theory. By exploring its distinctive ontology and epistemology, the paper explains how Holacracy redefines organizational structures and contributes to organizational change. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a conceptual approach, this essay draws upon existing literature to explore Holacracy’s departure from conventional organizational theories. Findings The paper discusses how Holacracy challenges traditional organizational concepts, defining its holarchical approach, and emphasizing dynamic hierarchies and role-based organization. It also highlights Holacracy’s focus on emergent intelligence, continuous feedback loops and structured knowledge acquisition through roles and organization spaces. By examining its unique ontology and epistemology, the paper offers insights into how Holacracy aligns with an emergent paradigm known as integral, metamodern or teal. Research limitations/implications Further empirical research is needed to assess its practical implementation and long-term effects on organizational performance and employee well-being. Future studies could also explore challenges and limitations associated with adopting Holacracy in different organizational contexts. Practical implications Organizations considering alternative ways of working should examine Holacracy. Implementing Holacracy requires understanding its principles and may involve significant changes, with potential benefits such as increased agility and employee engagement. Social implications Holacracy’s departure from traditional structures and approach to power can have broader social implications and contribute to more democratic and participatory cultures. Originality/value This paper is a pioneering contribution to the under-researched domain of alternative organizational models. It sheds light on the originality and distinctiveness of Holacracy, highlighting its unique approach to hierarchy, role-based organization and consciousness within organizations.

Typology and Development of Value Chains in Science, Technology and Innovation Organizations: Efficiency of Operating Model

The structure and activities of science, technology and innovation organizations should be reviewed in planning for change in accordance with (a) a framework operating model, (b) principles of organizational structures and (c) value chains in order to identify (1) areas of inefficiency, (2) the existence and maturity of chain links as well as (3) gaps with best practice. The operating model of organizations, whose support, development and effectiveness are influenced by legislation, budget and external factors, includes many components, from management policy to culture. Changes in organizational charts together with renaming of departments sometimes look like promising reforms. However, in any case, values brought by organizations should be put on the agenda. Social effect of science, technology and innovation as a contribution to public good or a measure of the social good extend to groups in society or to the whole of society both directly and indirectly, for example, through other values and social mechanisms of influence. In this article, the following typology of values is used in the context of the innovation ecosystem and discussions on public good: internal, economic, social and humanitarian ones. The last three values are often generalized by the term “impact”. Internal values of science and technology express the essence of development that knowledge is built on knowledge, and thereby increase the level and readiness of organizations. We consider links in the value proposition chains produced by these organizations, from planning to legal support management. Current national macro factors that influence them are formulated. The contemporary generation of the innovation ecosystem in the Republic of Kazakhstan is characterized by a lack of a group of elements that determine national internal and external goals, ways to achieve them, as well as monitoring the results of activities and impact. This article aims to formulate and study the linking of management at the level of the principles of the organizational structure and the framework operating model to the values at the level of the introduced typology, which are created in a certain way by science, technology and innovation organizations. In terms of research and practical significance, this allows for a detailed review, identification of areas of inefficiency and gaps with best practice. And then, by formulating and implementing initiatives, this allows to increase their capabilities and effectiveness taking into account the ambiguity and delayed nature of results of scientific, technological and innovative activities, as well as specific external national and international factors that influence organizations. Comparing value chain links to the typology of values, we have identified a specific distribution of their influence of on the types of these values. In terms of academic and theoretical significance, this study also attempts to reveal contradictions between resulting and procedural values in science, technology and innovation organizations by examining the development of value chains and the context of public good.

Assessing the Performance of Flux Imbalance Prediction Models Using Large Eddy Simulations Over Heterogeneous Land Surfaces

Accurate representation of heat fluxes is crucial for understanding land–atmosphere interactions and improving atmospheric simulations. However, a common issue arises with flux imbalance, where the measured turbulent heat flux tends to be underestimated due to the nonlocal effects of atmospheric secondary circulations. This study evaluated four flux imbalance prediction models by analyzing data from large eddy simulations performed over heterogeneous land surfaces. For that, a checkerboard pattern of soil moisture was used to define the lower boundary conditions for the atmosphere, across heterogeneity scales ranging from 50 m to 2.4 km. The results show that the selected models can effectively predict flux imbalance when provided with proper semi-empirical factors. The presence of two distinct secondary circulations, thermally-induced mesoscale circulation and turbulent organized structures, account for the nonlinear effect of the heterogeneity scale on the flux imbalance, but it does not affect the performance of the selected models. This study suggests that the flux imbalance prediction models are useful for improving e.g. eddy-covariance measurements. Additionally, a quadrant analysis showed an increasing difference between ejections and sweeps with height, which explains the decrease and increase of the turbulent heat flux and flux imbalance, respectively, and underscores the importance of accounting for vertical variations in turbulent fluxes to represent atmospheric processes accurately.

University-business linkages influence on international business competence: An in-service training perspective

Firms often rely on the skills and mindsets of individual employees and managers rather than on organizational structures and capabilities to execute entrepreneurial activities. These individual-level factors, which may originate from educational and business experiences, also support the development of international business competencies when firms engage in international operations. Accordingly, this study investigates educational collaborations in university-business linkages that influence international business competence at the individual level. Survey data were collected from 489 in-service-trained business executives pursuing (Executive) Master of Business Administration degrees while concurrently holding supervisory and managerial responsibilities in firms in Ghana. Factor analysis revealed four dimensions of educational collaborations in university-business linkages. Results from hypothesis testing, conducted using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM), indicate that the diversity and internationality of study content and research dimensions positively and significantly influence these executives' global mindset, entrepreneurial orientation, and international marketing skills in performing foreign business operations. Similarly, interactions with international resource persons positively and significantly influence the executives' global mindset and international marketing skills. However, while participation in international affairs shows positive effects, these are not statistically significant. We discuss these findings and highlight their implications for developing international human capital through a university-business educational collaboration framework useful for executives, business schools, academics, and global higher education development partners.

Efficiency metrics for performance measurement: a review in higher education of main methods and determinants

PurposeThis study aims to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art in efficiency measurement within higher education (HE). Specifically, it seeks to gather all relevant articles on the topic and subsequently categorize these studies using a flowchart based on two core aspects of the topic.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs bibliometric and content analyses to conduct a systematic literature review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) framework is used to identify the search protocol, followed by analyses to classify and categorize articles.FindingsThe bibliometric analysis identifies prominent themes, methodologies and literature gaps. The content findings highlight key insights on higher educational institution (HEI) efficiency, including organizational structures, services and operational activities.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the existing knowledge by synthesizing global literature on HEI’s efficiency. Utilizing the flowchart developed by the authors, the study captures the state-of-the-art based on two critical aspects: methodologies and content. Insights from the analysis and subsequent classification of previous literature provide valuable directions for future research.

Global Integration vs. Local Responsiveness: Managing Strategic Dilemmas in Multinational Corporations

In the dynamic landscape of multinational corporations (MNCs), achieving a balance between global integration and local responsiveness poses a significant strategic dilemma. This study investigates how MNCs navigate this dual challenge to maintain competitive advantage and operational efficiency in diverse global markets. theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to understand the strategic choices made by MNCs in integrating global operations while responding to local market demands. the tensions between standardized global strategies aimed at achieving economies of scale and localized strategies tailored to meet unique customer preferences, regulatory requirements, and cultural nuances. Key aspects analyzed include the strategic decision-making processes, organizational structures, and management practices that facilitate or hinder effective global-local integration. The study reviews case studies and comparative analyses of MNCs across different industries to illustrate successful strategies and best practices in managing these strategic dilemmas.

Workforce Configuration in Charity Settings: A Forward-Looking Approach

Problem definition: Volunteers, the primary workforce for many charities, represent a complex labor pool; they are unreliable and exhibit substantial heterogeneity in both performance and affinity to the organization. Additionally, many volunteers engage not only to contribute but also to immerse themselves in a volunteering experience that, if rewarding, can inspire them to become future donors. However, practical approaches to volunteer management commonly neglect these traits and the consequential impact that tactical decision-making can have on nurturing potential future donations. Methodology/results: Building on a previous study, we propose a forward-looking volunteer scheduling model that accounts for the heterogeneity among volunteers, mitigates both understaffing and overstaffing costs, and explicitly correlates individual time contribution with their monetary donations. We provide analytical solutions when the charity can reliably estimate distributions (e.g., uniform distribution) from data and suggest a distribution-free method to offer actionable insights where data are limited or uncertain. Managerial implications: At the strategic level, by viewing volunteers as potential donors, the optimal staffing strategy balances meeting the charity’s labor needs and maximizing volunteers’ satisfaction, as this satisfaction influences their likelihood of becoming future donors. We show that charities could avert substantial losses by adopting an integrative approach, thereby challenging conventional organizational structures that compartmentalize volunteer and donor management. Our model suggests that building robust data infrastructures can significantly advance the charity’s core mission. Paradoxically, efforts to increase labor productivity may inadvertently undermine this objective. At the operational level, we provide an Excel-based decision support tool and a decision-tree framework to navigate optimal policies, determining when and how a charity can rely on episodic (less reliable) volunteers. Our results confirm that reducing uncertainty in volunteer turnout benefits charities. However, we also find that when labor value is low, episodic volunteers are preferred, whereas formal (reliable) volunteers are favored when labor value is high. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0363 .

MeSsy identities: an ethnographic exploration of a multiple sclerosis support group.

The following is an ethnographic study of a multiple sclerosis (MS) support group. This study underscores the importance of access to counternarratives for individuals with chronic illness and disabilities through organizational structures such as support groups. This work can help those with disabilities/chronic diseases, such as MS, because it provides a space for discussing the communicative forces that shape individual experiences of living with disability and chronic illness. Thus, this study seeks to understand how pharmaceutical representatives' and doctors' grand medical narratives influence the communication of MS support group attendees and their construction/performance of self. This study shows that participation in support groups provides a space to renegotiate identity in which new forms of self can develop external to the dominant discourse. The support group becomes a space where counternarratives of empowerment develop in the face of master narratives.

THE NEW WORK REVOLUTION: TECH, TELECOMMUTING, AND FLEXIBILITY REWRITE THE RULES

The rapid transformation of workplace dynamics, driven by technological advancements and evolving workforce expectations, has been significantly accelerated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Telecommuting and workplace flexibility have emerged as critical trends, reshaped traditional organizational structures and influenced employee experiences. This paper explores the intersection of these trends with technological innovations, assessing their implications for organizational success and sustainability. Through a comprehensive analysis of 261 academic publications sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection, this study employs both trend analysis and sentiment analysis to examine the evolving discourse on telecommuting and flexibility. The trend analysis reveals the increasing adoption and prominence of these models in scholarly research, highlighting key moments of growth and decline in publication activity. Sentiment analysis further elucidates the prevailing attitudes towards these trends, uncovering both optimistic perspectives—emphasizing benefits such as enhanced productivity, employee well-being, and work-life balance—and critical views that focus on challenges, including professional isolation, technological dependence, and the erosion of organizational cohesion. The findings demonstrate the dual role of technology as both an enabler and barrier to the successful implementation of flexible work models. The study concludes by discussing the long-term implications of these trends for leadership, organizational culture, and future research, emphasizing the need for holistic strategies that address both the opportunities and challenges posed by telecommuting and workplace flexibility.