Strategic Management Research Articles

Optimizing job satisfaction: a configurational framework for integrating HRD, HR, and employee attributes

Purpose Addressing a significant gap in current understanding, this study explores how workforce development, workplace practices, and employee characteristics interact to influence job satisfaction. We introduce a configurational framework to bolster talent development and enhance job satisfaction in organizations. Design/methodology/approach Through conceptual analysis, we identify and propose strategic talent management configurations that include two-way and three-way interactions between HRD initiatives, HR practices, and employee attributes. We demonstrate the potential efficacy of these tailored configurations with real-world examples, such as aligning developmental support with employee learning styles and job design. Findings A configurational model is proposed that offers a practical framework for leveraging the interplay between HRD initiatives (e.g., training and mentoring), HR practices (e.g., compensation and performance management), and employee attributes (e.g., personality and cognition) to create a tailored, supportive, and engaging work environment. Originality/value The findings provide a novel and actionable framework for workforce development. This configurational model emphasizes the strategic alignment of HRD initiatives, HR practices, and employee attributes, equipping practitioners with a valuable tool to enhance talent management, optimize job satisfaction, improve resource allocation, and ultimately boost organizational performance.

“Planetary phase shift” as a new systems framework to navigate the evolutionary transformation of human civilisation

Purpose The paper aims to address a gap in foresight study and practice relating to the lack of unifying theoretical systems frameworks capable of examining empirical data from across a wide range of different ecological, social, political and economic systems. It attempts to develop a new “collective forward intelligence” that can not only make sense of these disparate trends and processes as symptoms of a wider planetary system but also, on this basis, construct accurate and plausible future scenarios to underpin national and international decision-making. Design/methodology/approach This study conducts a transdisciplinary integration of C. S. Holling’s adaptive cycle with phase-transition phenomena across biology, physics and chemistry, applied on societal and civilisational scales. A systems methodology is then applied to integrate historical and empirical data across the energy, food, transport, materials and information sectors of civilisation’s production system. Findings The paper develops planetary phase shift theory as a new collective forward intelligence framework for foresight study and practice, formalising the notion that humanity has arrived at an unprecedented historic and geological turning point. It finds that multiple global crises across both earth and human systems are symptoms of the last stages of the life-cycle of global industrialisation civilisation, which is the potential precursor either for collapse, or for a new civilisational life-cycle that may represent a new stage in the biological and cultural evolution of the human species. Research limitations/implications The research sets out a new empirically grounded theoretical framework for complex scenario analysis. This can develop more robust approaches to foresight study and practice, scenario development and forecasting. It suggests the need for a new research programme to understand the dynamics of the planetary phase shift and its diverse implications for societies, industry, technology and politics. The research is limited in that the current paper does not explore how it can be applied in this way. It identifies broad scenarios for a post-industrial civilisational life-cycle but does not identify the variety of complex subsets of these. Practical implications The paper provides powerful practical implications to develop new methodology based on planetary phase shift theory for strategic planning, risk assessment and management, as well as public policy and decision-making. Social implications The paper suggests the urgency and necessity of bold and radical societal transformation and implies key areas for civil society to focus on in innovating new values, worldviews and operating systems with a focus on the next life-cycle. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper provides the first integrated transdisciplinary theoretical and empirical framework to understand how the interplay of earth system crises, societal change and technology disruptions is driving large-scale civilisational transformation with complex local ramifications.

How to make strategic conversations more AGIL

PurposeThis article addresses the role of communication processes in the formulation and implementation of strategic planning. It seeks to delineate a structured approach to define the contents of strategic conversations among internal stakeholders, to achieve actionable outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs a theoretical approach, derived from Talcott Parsons’ AGIL framework, to conceptualize the contents of strategic conversations in a systematic way. Several examples are proposed to illustrate this framework.FindingsConversations among internal stakeholders in organizations, to be deemed strategic, should be orientated towards the formulation and implementation of priorities, procedures, prospective sensemaking and value patterns, as well as the media of interaction connecting them.Originality/valueThis paper offers original insights for practitioners and scholars aiming to comprehend strategic value in communication processes, thanks to Parson’s theoretical views, which have been seldom used in the strategic management literature. Our framework has the originality to offer a more comprehensive and systematic view of the topics making conversations strategic in organizations.

Connecting individual-level creativity to strategic management processes

PurposeThis study examines how structured procedures and psychological safety can enhance six sigma processes’ effectiveness and foster individual creativity within an organization.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a novel methodological approach, combining structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-value qualitative comparative analysis (mvQCA).This combination gave us a unique lens through which to view the complex connections between the constructs that were the subject of the investigation.FindingsThe results substantiate that a well-structured six sigma approach, paired with a psychologically safe environment, fosters knowledge exploration and exploitation as well as triggering conducive learning behaviors. These elements, in turn, augment individual creativity, which is found to be instrumental in boosting six sigma performance.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to combine mvQCA and SEM to investigate the complex interplay between structured methods, psychological safety and individual creativity in enhancing six sigma performance. This research highlights the importance of fostering creativity in strategic management processes and the unrealized potential of combining these methods.

Description of the mitochondrial genomes of Sichuan Tetrastes sewerzowi (Galliformes: Tetraonidae) and phylogenetic relationship.

The Chinese Grouse (Tetrastes sewerzowi), a rare endemic bird in China, belongs to the Galliformes order and Tetraonidae family. Despite extensive research, subspecies classification remains inadequate, especially in Pingwu, Sichuan. This study sequenced the mitochondrial genome of T. sewerzowi in Wanglang Nature Reserve, Sichuan, analyzed its structural features, and reconstructed phylogenetic relationships within Tetraonidae. The results indicate that the high conservation in mitochondrial genome structure and sequence between the T. sewerzowi from Wanglang, Sichuan and Lianhuashan, Gansu indicates that they may belong to the same subspecies. Furthermore, we observed significant differences in the length of the mitochondrial control region between T. sewerzowi and Tetrastes bonasia. Based on the phylogenetic tree constructed using a comprehensive mitochondrial dataset, we propose the reclassification of the Hazel Grouse genus into two independent genera: Tetrastes and Bonasa. This study is the first to sequence the mitochondrial genome of T. sewerzowi from Sichuan and compare it with populations from Gansu, providing important insights into the distribution pattern of T. sewerzowi subspecies and facilitating the formulation of effective conservation strategies.

Habitat use by nomadic ibis and spoonbills post-dispersal from breeding sites

Abstract Context Nomadic waterbirds are highly mobile across a range of spatial and temporal scales, which makes it difficult to monitor, quantify, and predict their habitat use with traditional methods, especially between breeding events when individuals and flocks can move over vast areas. Objectives This study aimed to provide accurate information on habitat use to improve strategic conservation management of these species, particularly the provisioning of environmental water. Methods To overcome the challenges of distance and remoteness, we analysed a 7-year GPS satellite telemetry dataset from 141 individuals. We quantified habitat selection post-dispersal from breeding sites, and predicted habitat preference for two wading waterbird species of the Threskiornithidae family that frequently nest together at the same sites: straw-necked ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis) and royal spoonbill (Platalea regia). Results Both long-term and short-term landscape-scale habitat associations differed between species. Royal spoonbills used fewer and more restricted habitat types than straw-necked ibis. Spoonbills displayed strong preferences for reservoirs, marshes and permanent wetlands, while ibis used both aquatic and terrestrial habitat, including areas of intensive animal production, modified pasture, and woodlands. Analysis of nocturnal versus diurnal space use showed that roosting and foraging habitat requirements for both species are distinct. Conclusions Analysing over 1 million telemetry points revealed species-level variability in habitat use, informing resource allocation for environmental water management. Royal spoonbills are more vulnerable to habitat change due to water regime alterations, highlighting the need for focused conservation management. Differences in day and night habitat use indicate the necessity of considering roosting habitats alongside foraging habitats for effective conservation. This comprehensive understanding of waterbirds' spatiotemporal interactions with their environment is crucial for long-term management aimed at increasing waterbird numbers and maintaining diversity.

Raw Material Management Strategy in The Production Process of Tos-Tos Tortilla Chips (Case Study at PT Dua Kelinci)

PT Dua Kelinci is a company based in Pati that operates in the food industry. The purpose of this study is to analyze the raw material management strategy in the production process within PT Dua Kelinci’s Tos-tos Tortilla Chips division. The focus of this study is the role of the production supervisor in managing raw materials and ensuring efficient processes. This study employed a qualitative descriptive method, utilizing primary data collected through interviews. The data was then analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings of the study indicate that PT Dua Kelinci implements its raw material management strategy by (1) following a production process in accordance with work guidelines that outline monthly food orders, (2) recording input and output materials for accurate tracking, and (3) sourcing materials based on the quantity and variety of food orders, ensuring timely procurement of required flavors. This approach ensures a smooth production process, helps maintain product quality, and fulfills customer demands. Efficient management of raw materials not only reduces the likelihood of production delays but also ensures operational stability and cost control. The study concludes that strategic raw material management is essential for sustaining production efficiency and product quality at PT Dua Kelinci.

Strategic Approaches to Municipal Bond Management in West Java’s Debt Management Unit

The research on the "Debt Management Unit (DMU) Strategy in the Issuance of Municipal Bonds in West Java Province" addresses critical challenges local governments face in optimising financial resources for infrastructure development. This study is significant within the realm of Social Sciences, especially public policy, as it explores innovative financial strategies that could potentially reshape regional economic development. The background of this study stems from the suboptimal performance of the DMU in managing municipal bonds, a crucial tool for financing public infrastructure. The research aims to analyze the role of the DMU, identify key factors influencing its effectiveness, and propose strategic solutions to enhance its performance. Using a qualitative methodology, the study gathers data through interviews, observations, and document analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of the DMU's operational challenges. The findings contribute both academically and practically by highlighting the importance of strategic management in public finance, particularly in a developing region like West Java. The proposed strategies, developed through SWOT analysis, offer actionable insights for policymakers to optimize debt management, thus ensuring sustainable infrastructure development. This research not only enriches the academic discourse on public financial management but also provides practical solutions for local governments facing similar challenges, making it a valuable contribution to both scholarly and applied fields.

Strategic management of employee churn: Leveraging machine learning for sustainable development and competitive advantage in emerging markets

AbstractEmployee churn or attrition presents significant challenges, especially in emerging markets, where it can disrupt business operations and inflate recruitment costs. This research leverages machine learning techniques to predict employee churn, focusing on developing sustainable and inclusive retention strategies that enhance business competitiveness. By analyzing a range of predictive algorithms and key variables associated with churn, the study identifies the most effective models for predicting attrition. A comprehensive exploratory data analysis was conducted using an indigenous machine learning model, offering practical insights for human resource management in emerging markets. The findings align with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), promoting decent work, and economic growth. This study contributes to business strategy by proposing data‐driven solutions for workforce stability and sustainable development.

Organizational Performance Improvement Strategies Through the Implementation of Balanced Scorecard at KPPN Jakarta VII

KPPN Jakarta VII is a vertical agency under the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Treasury of DKI Jakarta Province, Directorate General of Treasury, Ministry of Finance which has the task of carrying out the authority as the State General Treasurer, distributing financing at the expense of the budget, and administering budget receipts and expenditures through and from the state treasury based on statutory regulations. In carrying out the tasks and objectives of the organization, KPPN Jakarta VII carries out performance management based on a balanced scorecard. Balanced scorecard is a strategic management system that guides leaders and members of the organization to translate the vision, mission, and strategy of the organization into real measurable actions. Organizational performance is measured so that it can reflect the achievement of organizational goals. This is very important as part of the implementation of good governance. This paper provides an overview of the implementation of the balanced scorecard at KPPN Jakarta VII as a tool in managing organizational performance. The method used is descriptive qualitative with primary data in the form of performance improvement strategies and organizational performance achievements. As a result, the consistent and continuously improved implementation of the balanced scorecard results in an increased organizational performance score of KPPN Jakarta VII and encourages the creation of service innovations as a form of adaptive organization.

Strategic program management: Performance accountability driving use in national governments

AbstractStrategic program management (SPM) is an approach for advancing the aspirations of programs and their impact. While programs are omnipresent in government, concerns exist that they are not always strategically managed. Studies that examine SPM are lacking. This study defines and conceptualizes SPM, examines it in two national governments (Brazil and Indonesia), and focuses on felt performance accountability as a driver of SPM use. SPM use is highly uneven, and despite concerns about the effectiveness of performance accountability in the public sector, a key finding is that program managers' felt performance accountability is associated with increased SPM use by program officials. Managers' performance accountability also increases political appointees' support for programs and decreases their interference with program priorities. These findings are important because they provide a means for program officials, typically civil servants, to strengthen the strategic direction of public programs. Recommendations are made for strengthening the performance accountability of managers.

Strategic management of tax disclosure: asymmetric timeliness of tax footnote modifications

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that qualitative disclosure contains information that facilitates the assessment of future firm outcomes. We first connect to this literature on early signals by showing that qualitative disclosure also specifically contains information about future ETR as one relevant firm outcome. Using the tax footnote from 10-K filings of all publicly traded U.S. firms over the period from 2000 to 2021, we show that year-over-year tax footnote modifications are an early signal of impending changes in ETR. When specifically considering the timeliness of this signal, we find that tax footnote modifications are associated with future changes in ETR at least three years in advance. Second, we investigate, as our main focus of analysis, asymmetry in timeliness. Here, we find that tax footnote modifications preceding increases in ETR occur relatively earlier (and are greater) than do (are) tax footnote modifications preceding decreases in ETR. We additionally use word lists to directly identify relevant underlying processes for changes in ETR and to investigate asymmetric timeliness conditional on the underlying process. Overall, our results indicate that firms strategically manage their tax disclosure in accordance with the ”accounting conservatism” hypothesis proposed by Basu (1997).

What do the sustainable development goals reveal, and are they sufficient for sustainable development?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent the current perceptions of humans regarding understanding and monitoring development. Achieving all 17 goals simultaneously is unrealistic. Considering the interconnected nature of SDGs, identifying their critical dimensions, goals, indicators, and mutual relationships is necessary. In addition, with increasing reservations about the sustainability of SDGs, it is crucial to explore consistency across different dimensions to ensure policy coherence in maximizing synergies and minimizing trade-offs. Our study employed multiple factor analysis (MFA) and hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) to investigate these issues and analyze the results based on the public value (PV) theory. The results indicated that the Human Development Index (HDI) and gross domestic product per capita (GDPP) constitute the first principal component (PC) and are determinants in differentiating country clusters. However, they contradict environmental indicators such as CO2 emissions per capita and ecological footprint gha per person (EFP) and have low synergy with the Happy Planet Index (HPI). Additionally, the relationships between income level, inequality, and environmental quality correspond to a combined Kuznets curve and an environmental Kuznets curve (EKC). Moreover, governance capacity has become increasingly crucial in sustainable development, particularly in the capability to prioritize different PVs in a timely and strategic manner. Finally, despite the novelty of EFP and HPI, they cannot reveal the entire development story. SDGs require embracing more such indicators to enrich the value bases of development and achieve a sustainable future.

Strategic Modal Management for Enhanced Stimulated Raman scattering in Optical Fibers

Strategic Modal Management for Enhanced Stimulated Raman scattering in Optical Fibers

Storm resilience of subtidal soft‐bottom mussel beds: Mechanistic insights, threshold quantification and management implications

AbstractWith the projected escalation of extreme storm events, coastal ecosystems risk undergoing catastrophic shifts and losing essential ecosystem services. Subtidal soft‐bottom mussel beds, vital components of these ecosystems, are particularly vulnerable to hydrodynamically‐induced dislodgement (i.e., detachment of mussel clumps from the bed), especially during storms. However, the mechanisms underlying the resilience—comprising both resistance and recovery—of these beds to storms remain unclear, despite being essential for informed management.This study addresses this knowledge gap regarding subtidal soft‐bottom mussel beds by: (i) quantifying their dislodgement threshold (i.e., the hydrodynamics causing widespread dislodgement of mussel clumps) using novel in situ monitoring methodologies in a representative region, namely the Dutch Wadden Sea; (ii) unveiling the influence of prior life history (here, wave exposure extent) and storm durations on their dislodgement thresholds through a flume study; and (iii) assessing the impacts of repeated storms and prior life histories (here, wave exposure extent and substrate types) on their recovery (i.e. mussel re‐aggregation) through mesocosm experiments.Integrated experimental evidence indicates that: (i) hydrodynamic‐induced dislodgement is a sudden process characterized by distinct near‐bed orbital velocity thresholds, which were identified at our study site to be between 0.45 and 0.50 m s−1; (ii) peak storm intensity, rather than storm duration, primarily drives the dislodgement of subtidal soft‐bottom mussel beds, and prior wave exposure extent regulates the dislodgement threshold; (iii) repeated storms do not seem to affect the recovery of these beds following storm‐related disturbances when the conditions between storms are conducive to mussel re‐aggregation, whereas substrate type significantly impacts recovery.Synthesis and applications. Overall, concerns regarding subtidal soft‐bottom mussel beds degradation primarily stem from increasing storm intensity and their limited resistance to such events. The methodology we developed enables low‐cost quantification of mussel resistance thresholds across broad spatiotemporal scales, facilitating the pinpointing of vulnerable areas. Our findings inform strategic management by highlighting the influential role of prior life histories in shaping mussel bed resistance and the potential to accelerate mussel bed recovery through substrate modification (e.g., shell additions). Both our methodology and findings hold promise for application in comparable ecosystems, such as oyster and coral reefs.

Influence of Strategy Implementation on Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya: Case Study of Bungoma County

Strategy management is crucial for organisational success, but the relationship between strategy management and performance remains unclear. In the context of public secondary schools in Kenya, the Ministry of Education has directed schools to develop and implement strategic plans. However, some schools face challenges in their strategy management. This study aimed to examine the impact of strategy implementation on academic performance in public secondary schools in Bungoma County, Kenya. The study population included 258 principals, 1,290 heads of departments, 258 bursars and quality assurance officers from 258 public secondary schools in the county. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. The results indicated a strong positive relationship between strategy implementation and academic performance in public secondary schools. It is concluded that schools that successfully implement strategies to improve education outcomes are more likely to achieve higher academic performance than schools that do not. Recommendations of the study are that streamlining strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation processes in public secondary schools, enforcing policies to enhance education quality and access, and empowering schools to develop tailored strategic plans are highly encouraged. These findings can inform the Ministry of Education and other education stakeholders in improving policies and practices related to strategy implementation and academic performance in secondary schools

Strategic tone management in ESG reports and ESG risk

In this study, we investigate whether strategic tone management in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reports can serve as an indicator of future ESG risk. Our baseline results reveal a positive association between abnormal positive tone in ESG reports and future ESG risk. The findings suggest that firms employ impression management strategy in their ESG reports to provide misleading information. Analyst coverage and media attention can mitigate this positive association. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive correlation is stronger for firms mandated to disclose ESG reports and those adhering to the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines. Additional tests indicate that abnormal positive tone is positively associated only with future environmental risk, not with future social and governance risk. We observe this positive association exclusively in government-reported ESG risk, not in media-reported ESG risk. Our results offer valuable implications for mitigating the adverse impact of strategic tone management on corporate sustainability practices.

Comparative analysis of T-cell immunity between Streptococcus agalactiae susceptible and resistant tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the important economic fish species cultured worldwide. However, Streptococcus agalactiae has emerged as a significant bacterial threat, severely impacting the economy of tilapia industry. The immune response underlying the resistance of tilapia to S. agalactiae are not well understood, hindering the reasonable evaluation of breeding and the formulation of effective strategies. In this study, we investigated the differences in T-cell immunity between S. agalactiae-resistant and -susceptible tilapia. Compared with susceptible tilapia, resistant tilapia exhibited a higher percentage of T cells and BrdU+ T cells during infection, indicating a superior proliferative capacity. Whether infected or not, T cells from resistant fish demonstrated a greater ability to resist apoptosis. Additionally, T cell effector genes, including interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)-γ, perforin A, and granzyme B were expressed at higher levels in resistant tilapia after infection. Along with these T-cell immune responses, resistant fish showed more effective clearance of infection. Our study elucidates the T-cell immune responses in resistant tilapia, which may contribute to the high resistance of tilapia to S. agalactiae, and providing valuable theoretical references for the selection and evaluation of disease-resistant fish strains in the future.

Strategic Risk Management and Organizational Resilience in Rwanda: A Case of Military Medical Insurance

Strategic Risk Management and Organizational Resilience in Rwanda: A Case of Military Medical Insurance

Innovative Benchmarking of Offshore Wind O&M Strategies via AIS Data Analysis

Abstract By analyzing AIS data, this study provides independent insights into the diverse logistic concepts deployed by wind farm operators. The benchmarking framework developed herein facilitates the evaluation of logistic efficiency, resilience, and sustainability, thereby contributing to the identification of best practices in offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M) logistics. The methodology encompasses data collection, preprocessing, and analysis phases. By providing a transparent and data-driven mechanism for benchmarking offshore wind O&M logistics, this study aids in the identification of inefficiencies and the formulation of strategies to enhance logistic operations. The results indicate significant variations in logistic efficiency across different offshore wind farms (OWF), suggesting that the adoption of best practices could lead to substantial improvements.