Organizational Restructuring Research Articles

Human resource management practices in corporate restructuring: a review and agenda for future research

PurposeAlthough corporate restructuring has the potential to provide performance benefits to firms, it can also bring upheaval and challenges to the restructuring firms’ employees. Further, the frequency of corporate restructuring across the business landscape shows no signs of abating. The purpose of this review paper is to identify and synthesize what is known about the selection, implementation and outcomes of the human resource management (HRM) practices that firms deploy in the context of corporate restructuring, with the additional aim of distilling fertile research areas for scholars and best-practice guidance for practitioners.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based upon a systematic review of 110 articles published in highly-ranked, peer-reviewed journals from 2003 to 2023.FindingsThis review surfaces the predominant ability-, motivation- and opportunity-enhancing HRM practices employed by restructuring firms. It further elucidates the major themes and challenges associated with the use and outcomes of these practices across firms and restructuring settings. The analysis illuminates gaps and opportunities in the literature to suggest future directions for the study of HRM practices and corporate restructuring.Originality/valueThis paper identifies, categorizes and integrates the extant literature on HRM practices and outcomes in corporate restructuring, which is a topic that is salient to both researchers and managers. Papers are classified using the Ability, Motivation and Opportunity framework. An inclusive definition of corporate restructuring, which includes organizational, portfolio, governance and financial restructuring, is applied across two decades of research to provide a comprehensive and holistic assessment.

Management of adverse effects of construction digitalization on the quantity surveying key roles: a qualitative Delphi study

Purpose Digitalization has significantly impacted the job roles of construction professionals globally. This study aims to investigate how to manage the adverse effects of digitalization on roles of quantity surveyor (QS) by assessing the level of digitalization of quantity surveying key roles identifying the adverse effects of digitalization on key roles and proposing mitigation strategies to manage adverse effects. It addresses a critical gap by providing a nuanced understanding of adverse effects faced by QSs due to digital advancement. Design/methodology/approach Adopting an interpretive stance, the research involved three rounds of 16 semistructured interviews with experts selected through heterogeneous purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using code-based content analysis with NVivo12. Findings The study identified ten quantity surveying key roles adopting digital technologies. While digitalization has enhanced efficiency and accuracy, it has also introduced adverse effects such as increased workload, potential burnout due to skills shortages, resistance to digital tools and data security concerns. Effective mitigation strategies include task prioritization, balancing traditional and digital skills and investing in continuous training. The study underscores the need for ongoing professional development for QSs and organizational restructuring to support digital integration, enhance workflow efficiency and reduce resistance to technological changes. Research limitations/implications This study’s novel contribution lies in its exploration of the adverse effects of digitalization on the QSs, usage and the level of adaptation of digital tools by QSs and strategies to manage them. Therefore, the findings of this study serve as precious steerage for QSs to have an in-depth understanding of digitalization’s usage and level of adaptation, its adverse effects and mitigation of the adverse effects. Originality/value This study’s novel contribution lies in its exploration of the adverse effects of digitalization on the QSs, usage and the level of adaptation of digital tools by QSs and strategies to manage them. Therefore, the findings of this study serve as precious steerage for QSs to have an in-depth understanding of digitalization’s usage and level of adaptation, its adverse effects and mitigation of the adverse effects.

From hopelessness to hope: using a desire-based approach to investigate the perspectives of museum specialists in Ghanaian museums

ABSTRACT Drawing on Eve Tuck's (2009. “Suspending damage: A letter to communities.” Harvard Educational Review 79 (3): 409–428. doi:10.17763/haer.79.3.n0016675661t3n15) desire-based research framework, we investigate the perceptions and aspirations of experts within Ghana's museums regarding the future development and improvement of museums in Ghana. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews of nine museum experts who work in Ghanaian museums. While the study’s findings revealed the museums experts’ challenges, including, lack of training, technological deficiencies, and underfunding, their narratives also revealed a profound desire for community engagement, external collaborations, organizational restructuring, and the support of the next generation and the government, all resources they believe will transform their institutions into vibrant, inclusive spaces that are prepared to serve their communities. This study contributes to the literature on museum education and organization in West Africa by moving beyond the prevailing narratives of damage and challenges present in the literature and highlighting the optimism and eagerness of museum specialists who can drive the transformation of these cultural institutions.

The impact of administrative efficiency on SME Growth and Sustainability

enterprises (SMEs). This review examines the relationship between efficient administrative processes and the long-term success of SMEs, emphasizing how streamlined operations, resource management, and decision-making can enhance business performance. SMEs often struggle with limited resources, resulting in operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies that hinder their capacity to scale and sustain growth. By improving administrative efficiency through the adoption of technology, organizational restructuring, and optimized processes, SMEs can achieve greater productivity, reduce costs, and make informed decisions that promote sustainability. The review employs a case study approach, analyzing SMEs across different sectors—manufacturing, retail, and services to demonstrate the tangible benefits of administrative efficiency. The research includes qualitative interviews, operational data analysis, and performance evaluations before and after implementing efficiency-enhancing measures. Key findings highlight improvements in areas such as time management, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction, all contributing to accelerated growth and competitive advantage. Additionally, the study explores how administrative efficiency supports sustainable practices, such as resource optimization and risk management, leading to long-term business viability. Despite these advantages, challenges such as resistance to change, lack of skilled personnel, and financial constraints pose barriers to achieving administrative efficiency in SMEs. The review concludes by offering practical recommendations for overcoming these challenges, including investing in digital tools, employee training, and organizational restructuring. Ultimately, the research underscores the importance of administrative efficiency as a critical factor for SME growth and sustainability, providing insights for policymakers, business owners, and managers aiming to enhance the operational performance of small businesses in a competitive market.

Cross-sector collaboration to reduce health inequalities: a qualitative study of local collaboration between health care, social services, and other sectors under health system reforms in England

BackgroundPolicymakers across countries promote cross-sector collaboration as a route to improving health and health equity. In England, major health system reforms in 2022 established 42 integrated care systems (ICSs)—area-based partnerships between health care, social care, public health, and other sectors—to plan and coordinate local services. ICSs cover the whole of England and have been given explicit policy objectives to reduce health inequalities, alongside other national priorities.MethodsWe used qualitative methods to understand how local health care and social services organizations are collaborating to reduce health inequalities under England’s reforms. We conducted in-depth interviews between August and December 2022—soon after the reforms were implemented—with 32 senior leaders from NHS, social care, public health, and community-based organizations in three ICSs experiencing high levels of socioeconomic deprivation. We used a framework based on international evidence on cross-sector collaboration to help analyse the data.ResultsLeaders described strong commitment to working together to reduce health inequalities, but faced a combination of conceptual, cultural, capacity, and other challenges in doing so. A mix of factors shaped local collaboration—from how national policy aims are defined and understood, to the resources and relationships among local organizations to deliver them. These factors interact and have varying influence. The national policy context played a dominant role in shaping local collaboration experiences—frequently making it harder not easier. Organizational restructuring to establish ICSs also caused major disruption, with unintended effects on the partnership working it aimed to promote.ConclusionsThe major influences on cross-sector collaboration in England mirror key areas identified in international research, offering opportunities for learning between countries. But our data highlight the pervasive—frequently perverse—influence of national policy on local collaboration in England. National policymakers risked undermining their own reforms. Closer alignment between policy, process, and resources to reduce health inequalities is likely needed to avoid policy failure as ICSs evolve.

Patient safety in the pandemic: Experiences of charge nurses.

The aim of this study was to identify charge nurses' experiences ensuring patient safety during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The research was conducted with charge nurses between July 2021 and February 2022. Research data were collected using a semi-structured interview with two main questions, six sub-questions and an audio recording. Interviews were conducted with 12 charge nurses and lasted ≈30 min. The content analysis method was used to transfer the collected data to written documents and define them to analyse the individual interview data. Content analyses were conducted independently by three different researchers. Inclusion and exclusion criteria for content were established to ensure consistency among all researchers. Researchers independently developed a coding scheme for content analysis based on the research objectives and applied it to the content. Intercoder reliability was assessed with Cohen's kappa coefficient to measure the consistency of coding among researchers. Three main themes were identified as a result of the content analysis. The themes identified after independent examination by the three researchers were 'ensuring safety and protection', 'sustaining motivation and resilience' and 'organizational restructuring and challenges'. This study highlights the challenges faced by charge nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and their critical role in maintaining patient safety. The findings emphasize the importance of organizational adaptability, continuous motivation and comprehensive risk management strategies. Charge nurses played a key role in enhancing safety measures and fostering a culture of resilience among healthcare staff. Moving forward, these insights should guide health policies and practices to better prepare for future public health crises, ensuring the safety of both patients and staff.

Providing a Framework for Aligning Human Resource Practices with Knowledge Management Strategy in the Context of Organizational Restructuring

In all organizations, human resource management occupies a significant and special place, to the extent that it has been referred to as the main concern of managers. The necessity of human resource management is evident, as the productivity of human resources can be equated with the productivity of the organization, which is the very essence of an organization. In the last decade, the role of the human approach in development has received great attention from researchers. The importance of this topic can be seen in the role this factor plays in the development process. The greatest competitive advantage of countries is having a capable workforce. The aim of the present study is to provide a framework for aligning human resource practices with knowledge management strategy in the context of organizational restructuring. The research method is descriptive-correlational. The results of the research, using structural equation modeling software, showed that increasing global interactions and developing the level of companies’ engagement with their environment encourage organizations to undertake activities that lead to gaining competitive advantage and adapting to complex and dynamic environmental conditions, thus meeting current and future needs. Many companies claim that the pressures from competitive forces due to globalization are increasing, and an organization’s ability to cope with these pressures depends on their superior use of human resources. With the growth of industries and knowledge workers, the pressure on the human resources sector has intensified, posing serious challenges to organizational structure.

From Barista to Bytes: How Starbucks Brewed a Digital Revolution

This study examines Starbucks' digital transformation journey, analyzing its strategies, implementation, and impact on performance and competitive positioning. Using a qualitative case study approach, the article explores how Starbucks leveraged an interconnected ecosystem of mobile applications, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data analytics to enhance customer engagement and optimize operations. The research investigates how these technologies synergistically contribute to Starbucks' "Digital Flywheel" framework, driving personalization, streamlining operations, and creating a seamless omnichannel experience. Drawing on company reports, academic literature, and industry analyses, this study provides a comprehensive view of Starbucks' digital initiatives and their collective impact. Findings reveal that Starbucks' success stems from a holistic approach to digital transformation, encompassing technological implementation, organizational restructuring, and cultural change. The study critically examines the effectiveness of the "Digital Flywheel" framework, comparing it with similar models in digital transformation literature. While highlighting the significant impact of these initiatives on Starbucks' financial performance, customer engagement, and operational efficiency, the research also explores challenges in data privacy, technology investment costs, and potential risks associated with digital transformation. The study provides a nuanced analysis of how Starbucks navigated these challenges, offering valuable insights for practitioners. This research contributes to the growing literature on digital transformation in retail, offering a balanced perspective on both the opportunities and challenges of digital innovation. By examining Starbucks' journey, the study critically assesses how traditional retailers can adapt to the digital age, while acknowledging the variability in outcomes across different sectors.

Revolutionising customer service: Shifting from order management to customer experience

This paper aims to explore the critical transition from traditional customer service to a comprehensive customer experience (CX) approach. A Henkel Adhesive Technologies case study, it highlights how integrating a customer-centric mindset within the supply chain can significantly enhance business performance and customer satisfaction. The paper outlines Henkel’s journey in collaboration with Bluecrux to implement a CX-focused strategy, emphasising the importance of state-of-the-art technology, process optimisation and a people-centric culture. Readers will gain insights into the necessity of understanding customer expectations and the impact of emotional engagement on loyalty. The paper provides practical knowledge on developing a CX transformation programme, including key elements such as digital platforms, process documentation, organisational restructuring and employee training. Additionally, it underscores the importance of performance measurement through customer and employee feedback to ensure continuous improvement. By prioritising CX as a strategic imperative, companies can differentiate themselves in a competitive market, foster deeper customer relationships, reduce churn and drive sustainable growth. This comprehensive approach to CX promises tangible business outcomes, such as increased revenue, higher customer satisfaction and enhanced brand loyalty.

A Collaborative Approach to Understanding the Intersections of Practice and Policy for Peers in the Alcohol and Other Drugs Sector.

Peers in the alcohol and other drug sectors possess lived-living experience (LLE) crucial for shaping community care. However, genuine consumer collaboration is often confounded by stigma. This study examined peers' perceptions, exploring their experiences regarding workforce dynamics, policy implications, and impacts on health equity. In presenting the research, we sought to synthesise the research methods and illustrate the methodological innovation and knowledge production in substance use research through authentic collaboration. We purposively sampled peer networks and community organisations, involving peer-researchers in planning, design, and analysis. We conducted semi-structured digital interviews with 18 peers and applied iterative coding to analyse the data. This collaborative process provided nuanced insights into sectoral challenges. Peers expressed emotional strain revisiting personal substance use experiences, blurring personal and professional boundaries. Tokenistic peer involvement critiques underscored the need for genuine leadership and organisational support. We advocate for a shift towards equitable and inclusive policy development through both organisational and systemic restructuring. However, these changes are hamstrung by broader policy frameworks, which require a shift to peer-led principles, ensuring the expertise of peers is genuinely valued. Policymakers should invest in expanding peer frameworks, acknowledging the diversity within communities of people who use drugs to improve health equity and public health outcomes. This innovative approach to substance use research emphasises the transformative impact of integrating LLE into research.

Leading program curriculum reform: reflections on challenges and successes

ABSTRACT Major curriculum review and redesign at the higher education level demand transformative academic leadership and significant time commitment. However, the traditional university culture characterised by change aversion, complex bureaucratic processes, and a research dominated academic workload allocation and promotion system poses significant obstacles to teaching quality enhancement. This article presents the critical reflections of a Program Director (academic middle leader) at an Australian university on the challenges and successes experienced while leading a major accounting curriculum reform project. Conducted between October 2019 and May 2021, this project encountered constant disruptions due to the Global Covid-19 pandemic, organisational restructuring, the new external professional accreditaiton requirements. Academic middle leader’s insights on the positive impacts and obstacles of major curriculum reform at the whole of a program level within a constantly evolving institutional environment provide valuable perspectives for both business education practice and policy reforms. The reflection has policy implications for university management to reassess strategic priorities with more balanced support for teaching and research in practice.

Healthcare Professional Perspectives on the Impact of the Physical Health Nurse Consultant.

Early mortality experienced by people living with mental health issues (hereon termed consumers) is largely preventable. Healthcare professionals perceive healthcare system inadequacies such as diagnostic overshadowing, stigma and fragmentation of physical and mental healthcare services can be resolved through effective integration approaches. Service- and individual-level integration approaches involve multidisciplinary teams collaborating and coordinating care to holistically meet consumers' physical and mental health needs. Evidence suggests appropriately trained healthcare professionals can deliver effective integrated treatment without financial or organisational restructuring. Specialist nursing positions such as Physical Health Nurse Consultants can support and integrate physical and mental health care. Consumers report the Physical Health Nurse Consultant as providing dedicated, integrated, coordinated and holistic mental and physical health care. This study aimed to explore the Physical Health Nurse Consultant role from the perspectives of healthcare professionals. A qualitative exploratory study design was used. Fourteen healthcare professionals participated in individual interviews or focus groups. Interview recordings were transcribed, and thematically analysed. Three themes were identified: (i) role functions, including integration of physical and mental health care, (ii) impact on consumer physical health outcomes and (iii) impact on service delivery. Healthcare professionals perceive the Physical Health Nurse Consultant effectively integrates physical and mental health care and subsequently support the continuation and embedding of the role in routine practice. Future research is required to explore healthcare professionals' experiences and perceptions of how these roles be translated to routine clinical practice. Examining the professional development requirements, service provider constraints and economic implication to achieve these outcomes also warrants attention.

Digitalization tensions in the management accounting profession: Boundary work responses and their consequences

This study examines senior finance professionals' experiences and responses to digitalization tensions by applying a boundary-work theoretical lens. Based on interview data, we find that individuals use six boundary work strategies to respond to digitalization, namely, 1. Expansion into business partner roles; 2. Expansion into other specialisms; 3. Defensive boundary work; 4. Cross-functional collaborative boundary work; 5. Boundary spanning/bridging work; and 6. Organizational restructuring work. We also examine finance professionals’ different perceptions regarding the permeability of accounting boundaries and the effects of digitalization, which underpin the use of different strategies. Finally, we shed light on the unintended consequences of these boundary work activities for inter-professional competition, for the nature and scope of accounting roles, and for the future of the management accounting profession, more broadly.

Strategic Bureaucracy: The Convergence of Bureaucratic and Strategic Management Logics in the Organizational Restructuring of Universities

AbstractOver recent decades, one can identify two key narratives associated with changes in university organization and governance. The first narrative focuses on the administrative consequences of an off-loading state relinquishing direct control over some of universities’ internal operations while at the same time driving bureaucratization at the institutional level. The second narrative focuses on the emergence of an increasingly competitive and uncertain environment driving universities to transform into strategically managed organizations. In this paper, we argue that while the organizational logics associated with these two narratives imply differently accentuated forms of legitimation, they converge and combine with respect to key dimensions of universities’ internal organizing, ultimately giving rise to a hybrid form of organizational governance we label ‘strategic bureaucracy’. Such strategic bureaucracy, we illustrate, is characterized by a strong focus on strategic leadership and the associated management techniques while also intensifying organizational features traditionally associated with bureaucratic governance such as formalization and hierarchical authority.

Job insecurity amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: a systematic review and research agenda

PurposeThe catastrophic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have considerably impacted the labour market and increased job insecurity among workers. This study systematically reviews the literature on job insecurity conducted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic with three key objectives. First, to identify the key antecedents of job insecurity during the pandemic. Second, to identify the outcomes associated with job insecurity during the pandemic. Third, to identify the underlying boundary conditions that strengthened or alleviated the association between the antecedents of job insecurity and its associated outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe study followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines for the selection and inclusion of scientific literature by systematically searching five electronic databases, namely, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science and Psych Info.FindingsA perception of health-related risks, negative economic consequences and organizational restructuring during the pandemic were the primary factors contributing to job insecurity among workers. The consequences encompassed detrimental impacts on health and well-being, proactive measures undertaken by employees to alleviate the threat of job loss, and a variety of tactics employed to cope with stress arising from job insecurity. The boundary conditions elucidate the factors that alleviated job insecurity among workers and influenced both their work and non-work outcomes.Originality/valueThis is the first systematic review summarizing the literature on employees' experiences with job insecurity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a systematic review, this study provides doable steps that HR managers can take to effectively manage job insecurity among workers, particularly during a crisis.

Exploring Empathy in Management: Compassionate Leadership - The Ratan Tata Way

Empathy in management has increasingly become recognized as a pivotal determinant of organizational success, influencing not only workplace culture but also overall performance metrics. This research paper undertakes a comprehensive exploration of empathetic leadership, spotlighting Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, as a quintessential example of compassionate leadership. By delving into empirical evidence and employing detailed case studies, this study seeks to illuminate the multifaceted impacts of empathetic leadership within organizational contexts. The paper examines how empathetic leadership practices, as exemplified by Ratan Tata, foster heightened levels of employee engagement, thereby cultivating a workforce that is not only more motivated but also more committed to organizational goals. Furthermore, it explores how such leadership styles contribute to enhancing organizational resilience in the face of challenges, fostering an environment where adaptability and cohesion thrive. Through the lens of Tata's leadership journey, the research aims to uncover specific strategies and behaviors that promote empathy within leadership roles. It analyzes pivotal decisions and interactions where empathy played a critical role in shaping outcomes, such as during significant acquisitions, organizational restructuring, or crisis management scenarios. By drawing on both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including interviews, archival analysis, and comparative case studies, the paper endeavors to provide actionable insights into the practical application of empathetic leadership principles. Ultimately, this research paper not only underscores the theoretical underpinnings of empathetic leadership but also offers practical implications for organizational leaders and managers seeking to cultivate a more empathetic and inclusive workplace culture. By elucidating the linkages between empathetic leadership and organizational success, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of leadership dynamics in contemporary business environments and advocates for the integration of empathy as a core competency in leadership development programs and organizational strategies

Increasing Digital Transformation Readiness in Small and Medium Apparel Enterprises Through Maturity Model Evaluation

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in the Indonesian economy, contributing significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has diminished SMEs' GDP contribution. Digital transformation emerges as a crucial solution amidst these challenges. While many SMEs have adopted digitalization, they face obstacles such as product marketing, access to capital, raw material supplies, and effective application of digital technologies. Nevertheless, digitalization presents opportunities to enhance efficiency and expand global market access via the Internet in Indonesia. This study utilizes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to formulate a digital transformation strategy, focusing specifically on optimizing internal business processes within apparel SMEs. Key findings from the AHP analysis highlight the critical importance of integrated production management systems, document scanning and digitization, customer data analysis, and basic digital skills training. These findings underpin strategic recommendations aimed at enhancing efficiency, productivity, and adaptability through technology adoption, employee training, and organizational restructuring. The strategy outlines short-term (6-12 months) and long-term (5 years) goals to guide SMEs toward achieving advanced digital transformation maturity. By prioritizing internal business processes, these initiatives aim to propel SMEs in the apparel sector towards greater success in the digital era.

Building towards organisational resilience and complexity leadership: a case study of impacts and changes in a Dutch blood establishment during COVID-19

ObjectivesThis study examined how one large blood-related establishment coped and adapted during the first 1.5 years of the pandemic by evaluating the impacts and changes on its resources, communication, collaborations,...

CEO military experience and corporate restructuring strategies

Given its emphasis on value-based training, military experience has the potential to shape a person’s character and professional decision-making. In this study, we explore the influence of CEO military experience on corporate restructuring strategies. Drawing from imprinting theory, we argue that CEOs with military experience are more likely to pursue corporate restructuring strategies compared to their non-military counterparts, given the alignment between the values espoused by ex-military CEOs (e.g., discipline, efficiency, and goal-oriented behavior) and the refocusing objectives of corporate restructuring strategies. Furthermore, we propose that longer tenure weakens this relationship. Our analysis of data from publicly traded firms paints a mixed picture. Firms led by ex-military CEOs are more likely to acquire and engage in financial restructuring via asset sell-offs but are less inclined to pursue divestitures. As proposed, longer tenure weakens the impact of ex-military CEOs on portfolio and organizational restructuring. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Change Management And Employee Engagement Impact To Transformational Lead-ership And Organizational Restructuring Processes At PT. XZ

As an Agent of Development and an extension of the hands of the government, BUMN provides significant influence both for the development of the national economy, as well as providing services in meeting the needs of the community. The establishment of the BUMN Holding is a strategic government effort to regulate the management of the company following its affiliation. On April 11, 2018, the government through the Ministry of BUMN formed the Oil and Gas Holding (Migas), and PT XZ became one of its subholdings. This study aims to identify and study the impact of change management and employee attachment on transformational leadership and the process of organizational restructuring at PT XZ, during the holding process. The research method is quantitative through a questionnaire conducted against the employees of PT XZ of 220 respondents, with the method of data analysis using the program Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) 26.0. The results of the research show that: 1) change management has a significant influence on transformational leadership, 2) employee engagement has a meaningful influence upon transformational leadership, 3) change management have a significant impact on the process of organizational restructuring, 4) employee engagement has a significant influence over the organization's restructural process, and 5) transformation leadership has a signifying impact on organization restructuration process.