Senior Management Research Articles

The effect of stretch goals and moral justification on counterproductive work behavior

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the mediating role of moral justification in the relationship between stretch goals and counterproductive work behavior (CWB). Design/methodology/approach A sample of 149 US-based middle-level managers drawn from an online survey relying on Qualtrics was used for this study. Findings The results show that the level of stretch goals is positively related to CWB. Furthermore, the results show that moral justification partially mediates this relationship. The results suggest that when a goal is set at low or medium levels, stretch goals are not related to CWB. Research limitations/implications The result has managerial implications suggesting that the senior management should avoid setting the level of stretch goals that employees would perceive as high because a high level of stretch goals could suggest extremely challenging but unattainable goals, resulting in employees engaging in CWB. Originality/value The “bright side” of stretch goals can enhance organizational performance however the “dark side” of stretch goals can backfire and undermine organizational performance. This paper examines the “dark side” of stretch goals that show that when employees perceive goals set are extremely challenging but unattainable, such perception of high-performance goals would induce employees’ desire to engage in CWB, especially when they could morally justify (rationalize) such behavior.

Why are women underrepresented in senior management? A study in the Turkish hospitality industry

This study aims to establish the causes for underrepresentation of women in senior management positions in the hospitality industry in Turkey using role congruity theory. The study used the qualitative research method and included semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 women who are managers in the hospitality industry. The study identifies organizational, social, and individual factors that prevent women from rising to senior management positions. This study is crucial to demonstrate how the perceived incongruity between female gender roles and leadership roles hinders the representation of women in senior management. Further, the present study contributes to the literature and benefits hospitality professionals by revealing the challenges that women encounter in their journey to reach senior manager positions.

Patient safety improvement in the ear, nose and throat (ENT) speciality: a scoping review of improvement initiatives and involvement of frontline staff

Abstract Background The success of patient safety improvement initiatives depends on frontline staff engaging with improvement efforts. However, in the ENT speciality, there is less patient safety research compared to other healthcare specialities, and limited evidence on staff perspectives regarding safety improvement and the factors influencing their engagement. Objectives To map the literature on safety improvement efforts in the ENT speciality in UK settings, and to explore staff involvement and engagement with initiatives to improve patient safety in ENT. Methods A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases to retrieve studies reporting the implementation of patient safety initiatives in ENT departments in the UK, and studies exploring frontline staff perspectives on improving safety in ENT. The selected studies were peer-reviewed, written in English and published between 2013 and 2023. Data were extracted and synthesised in accordance with the predefined research questions. Results 1,661 studies were screened, and 10 met the selection criteria. Findings demonstrated evidence of staff initiating, designing and implementing safety improvement initiatives. Frontline staff engagement and senior staff/managerial involvement were identified as key contributors to successful implementation. Only one study addressed frontline staff priorities for safety improvement, in the context of improving tracheostomy, with the author stating that results indicated that frontline staff are unwilling to implement low priority interventions. Conclusion Further research is needed to explore the factors influencing staff perspectives on how patient safety can be improved in ENT and the factors influencing their engagement. This could lead to recommendations for the development of successful, sustainable initiatives. The authors of this review recommend establishing the following as standard practice: (a) appointing staff as quality/safety champions, and (b) involving frontline staff and senior managers in co-developing improvement strategies.

Cia’s evaluation of analytic quality: can it fortify tradecraft?

ABSTRACT The CIA Directorate of Analysis (DA) has conducted post-production evaluations of its analytic assessments to measure and improve their quality since the 1980s. This paper will examine those efforts, conducted by small staffs, which developed criteria used to evaluate systemically the analytic strengths and weaknesses of products provided to senior policymakers. However, for decades these evaluations were regularly restricted and disseminated primarily to a few supervisors and senior managers. Efforts to improve analytic tradecraft – through post-mortems, new training materials, and wide distribution of such product evaluations – briefly improved in 2016, when championed by CIA top officials. At that time the Quality Evaluation Program (QEP) posted analytic products and their evaluations on CIA’s secure, internal web for all analysts to see. Moreover, cumulative results revealed systemic strengths and weaknesses, and in several cases the QEP suggested remedial actions. For undisclosed reasons – but most likely in a ‘shoot the messenger’ reaction – the QEP faced internal resistance and largely died out in 2018. The paper will examine the purposes, results, and challenges of such efforts.

The Green Innovation Engine: How GHRM Practices Influence Sustainable Performance in Manufacturing Industries

Green HRM, which focuses on environmental sustainability in the context of HRM, is a relatively new term that has seen a dramatic change in recent years. The individuals who work for a company are its most important valuable asset. Wherever HRM is responsible for the company's environmentally conscious initiatives is the focus of this green HRM practice study. This study takes green innovation (GI) into account as a mediator between green HRM practices i.e., green recruitment & selection (GRS), green training & development (GTD), green compensation benefits (GCB), green performance management (GPM), green employee relation (GER) and sustainable performance (SP) in manufacturing industries of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In order to accomplish the study objectives, this study collect data from 240 managerial level employees who working in manufacturing industries. This study used analysis tool SPSS V25 for data analyzing. Based on findings, GHRM practices i.e., GRS, GTD, GCB, GPM, and GER has significantly and positively influence sustainable performance. Furthermore, green innovation (GI) partially mediates the relationship GHRM practices i.e., GRS, GTD, GCB, GPM, GER and sustainable performance. The research could prove to be helpful in a number of different ways, including in terms of concept, methodologically, and practically. These interested parties include senior management of companies, researchers, human resource professionals, and the Pakistan security exchange commissions.

Tailored transfer and hybridization of collaborative HRM practices in a Mondragon multinational cooperative

In this paper, we examine the cross-national transfer and hybridization of collaborative human resource management (HRM) practices at Mondragon Assembly (MA), a Spanish multinational worker cooperative. Drawing on longitudinal data and in-depth interviews with 16 senior managers at MA’s parent company and its subsidiaries in France, Germany, China, Mexico and Brazil, the study shows how MA transferred its hallmark practices of employee ownership, profit sharing and employee voice to foreign sites in a way that substantially deviated from the original versions. The study illustrates how practice transfer was shaped over time by host-country institutional arrangements, vested interests of co-op member-owners about the extent to which the HRM practices should be transferred, and the agency of subsidiary managers in the adaptation and internalization of the transferred practices. The study also analyses the impact of transferred HRM practices on talent retention and employee commitment at subsidiaries. The paper responds to recent calls in the IHRM literature for fine-grained evidence on how organizational actors at the parent company and subsidiaries engage over time in the adjustment and adaptation of HRM practices to ensure their internal and external fit with a variety of interests, political agendas, market pressures and institutional factors.

The Senior Managers and Certification Regime in UK practice and global context

Abstract Public anger following the 2007/9 financial crisis was exacerbated by the failure to hold people accountable. A Parliamentary Commission recommended new legislation which resulted in the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR). A few other jurisdictions (e.g. Ireland and Australia) adopted similar requirements. In this article we document interviews with individuals who are or have been directly involved in implementing the regime or are currently personally impacted by it. These interviews were conducted to assess the regimes effectiveness 8 years after its introduction and consider how the regime compares to those adopted elsewhere. Our research indicates a perception that when the SMCR was initially implemented in 2016, regulated firms went into over-drive to make the new regime effective, but that regulatory focus has since moved on. Our participants all appear to agree that the quality of documentation and level of accountability has improved, but the impact on culture and professionalism was more conflicted. On top of this there are specific concerns about regulatory process delays, the provision of references and recruitment and retention. Conversely, the question of lack of enforcement, over which concerns have previously been raised, appears to matter little except in relation to its role as a signalling device.

Navigating implementation strategies: insights from XPS programmes

PurposeThis study explores how industrial production companies adjust implementation strategies to deliver value with their company-specific production system (XPS) in a multi-site setting. Implementing an XPS is part of operations management and is supposed to mobilise employees resource-efficiently to increase operational performance.Design/methodology/approachBased on a multiple-case study, this study qualitatively explores the patterns of implementation decisions within and between five multi-site production companies. Conclusions were drawn on a mix of timely and retrospective data gathered through individual interviews with senior managers and joint workshops where they interacted and shared experiences.FindingsThis study identifies the fact that companies respond differently to non-unique implementation challenges, constituting various decision patterns when implementing their XPS. This paper identifies four implementation strategies (Education, Tool, Pragmatic and Culture Strategy) that explain various implementation setups. More experienced companies frequently shifted between strategies to return to previously de-prioritised implementation aspects.Originality/valueThis paper offers a dynamic model for XPS implementation in contrast to a simplified tool–system–culture sequence in literature today. Companies that deliberately shift implementation strategy by understanding the benefits and challenges of their decisions are more likely to keep momentum in the XPS implementation.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing the Decision-Making Process "A Field Study on Faculty Members at the College of Technical Sciences, Derna"

The study aims to identify the role of artificial intelligence in improving the decision-making process from the perspective of faculty members at the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Derna. To achieve the study's objectives, a descriptive analytical method was employed, relying on some previous studies. The study population consisted of faculty members at the college, with a sample size of (35) faculty members from various departments within the college. For data analysis, a computer was utilized along with a statistical program from the software services provided in (SPSS), leading to several findings, the most notable of which is that artificial intelligence plays an important and effective role in enhancing the decision-making process within the college. This study aims to explore the role of artificial intelligence in improving strategic decision-making processes in educational institutions. By analyzing performance data and providing recommendations based on artificial intelligence, senior management can make more accurate and effective decisions, such as expanding academic programs or improving operational efficiency. Additionally, the study presented a set of recommendations that are hoped to be followed within the institution. Key words: Artificial Intelligence, Decision-Making Process, The employees, faculty members.

The effect of environmental ethics and spiritual orientation on firms’ outcomes: the role of senior management orientation and stakeholder pressure

Due to their significant environmental impact, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical in improving a green economy. This research examines the influence of firm environmental ethics, spiritual orientation, and stakeholder pressure on the green orientation of SME senior management. Utilizing a sample of CEOs and owner-managers from 489 Chinese SMEs, data accumulated from October 2023 to March 2024 were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The outcomes confirm the significant impact of firm environmental ethics, spiritual orientation, and stakeholder pressure on senior management’s green orientation, which, in turn, improves SME outcomes. In addition, senior management’s green orientation partially intermediates the influence of firm environmental ethics, spiritual orientation, and stakeholder pressure on SME outcomes. Stakeholder pressure further moderates the link between the senior management’s green orientation and SME outcomes, indicating the importance of external pressures in adopting strategic green orientations. These results support the resource-based view, stakeholder theory, and upper-echelon theory, offering practical guidance for businesses seeking to incorporate green strategies into their fundamental operations.

The Impact of Managerial Creative Capabilities on Task Performance: Evidence from Saudi Arabian Companies

Purpose: This research examines the impact of managerial creative capabilities on task performance, addressing a significant gap in the current literature. By integrating the dynamic capability approach, this study considers managerial creativity as a dynamic capability that enables managers to enhance efficiency and foster innovation, ensuring organizational competitiveness in fast-evolving contexts. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing a questionnaire distributed to 457 middle and senior managers across 87 organizations in Saudi Arabia. The study adopted a snowball sampling technique to ensure industry and organizational diversity. Findings: The results validate our hypotheses, emphasizing managerial creative capabilities’ impact on task performance. The ability to sense creative opportunities significantly enhances task efficiency, aligning with prior studies on innovation's role in opportunity recognition. The ability to seize these opportunities translates them into actionable tasks, reinforcing the importance of timely decision-making and execution. Most notably, the study reveals that managerial creative reconfiguring exerts the strongest influence on task performance. This highlights the critical role of resource reconfiguration in leveraging opportunities, confirming its status as a cornerstone of dynamic capabilities. Originality/value: This research advances the understanding of managerial creativity by framing it as a dynamic capability that influences task performance. The findings provide actionable insights for managers to balance creativity with productivity, fostering flexibility and innovation. By addressing an underexplored area, this study contributes to the development of practical strategies for sustainable organizational success.

ANALISIS BEBAN KERJA KARYAWAN DENGAN METODE FULL TIME EQUIVALENT PADA DEPARTEMEN LABORATORY PT X

Workload is a challenging factor that is often faced by organizations or companies in the process of achieving the desired targets. Workload is a challenge for companies because workload will have a major effect on employee performance. If the company cannot identify the workload on employees properly, it will cause uneven distribution of work. The phenomena that will often appear are overload which causes employees to experience physical and mental fatigue or the phenomenon of underload which causes employees to often have a lot of free time in working hours and results in inefficiency in work. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the workload using the Full Time Equivalent (FTE) method to determine how much workload is ideal for employees to receive. This workload analysis will be conducted in the Laboratory Department of PT X. In the Laboratory department there is an unequal distribution of work. The positions of Vice President Laboratory, Senior Manager Laboratory, and Strength Test Technician are overloaded. For positions that fit occurs in the position of Laboratory Supervisor and Consolidation Technician. For positions that are underloaded occur in the positions of Data Processing, Sample Handling, Compaction & CBR Technician, Index Properties Technician. The need for implementation and evaluation of the workload measurement and determination system to be useful for future recruitment planning. Keywords: workload, distribution, overload, underload, Full Time Equivalent

When MNC Subsidiaries Are Caught in a Political Crisis: The Case of Mozambique

ABSTRACTIn political crises, subsidiary‐level managers of multinational corporations (MNCs) face critical decisions around managing investment risk. Given the potentially existential threat posed by political crises, this study examines subsidiary responses to political risk. The focus is on the effect of firm crisis experience, threat perception, and managerial social embeddedness on the stay‐or‐exit decisions. With data from senior managers of 107 MNCs in Mozambique, we test three hypotheses. We find that the crisis experience of the MNC is a significant predictor of managers' threat perceptions (H1). While threat perception positively affects the likelihood of subsidiary exit (H2), the social embeddedness of the subsidiary manager dampens that relationship (H3). Threat perception does not necessarily drive exit likelihood, as subsidiaries led by socially embedded managers with high levels of social interactions with Mozambican and foreign friends are less likely to exit. These findings contribute to the literature on subsidiary‐level political risk management and underscore the significance of social embeddedness and crisis experience in shaping subsidiary resilience to political instability. For managers, these results highlight the value of fostering strong local networks and crafting flexible risk management strategies. Such insights are crucial for navigating the complexities of international markets during political turmoil.

The Economic Impact of Fintech Innovation in Somalia

Purpose – This study aims to explore how the Financial Technology (Fintech) industry contributed to the country’s economic growth.Design/methodology/approach to meet the research goals, the study used a mix of methods, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches. First phase conducted detailed interviewswith senior and mid-level managers from 25 financial institutions and Fintech companies of different sizes and backgrounds. In the second phase, 44 participants were selected together quantitative data, including employees from Fintech, academics, employment agencies, insurance firms, technology centers, incubators, and start-ups.Findings – The Somali shilling is nearing extinction, and it is predicted that Somalia will become a fully cashless society in the coming years. However, financial technology (Fintech) is stepping in to fill this gap, playing an increasingly significant role in daily transactions. The rise of digital money,like EVC Plus, has brought about various platforms for contactless payments in many areas, such as business deals, buying goods and services, sending money to rural and vulnerable communities, paying army salaries, collecting government taxes, reducing corruption and supporting those affected by floods, droughts, and conflicts. Fintech in Somalia is considered a key driver for promote inclusivity and boost economic participation for all citizens.Research limitations/implications – Since the research was conducted on Economic Impact of Fintech Innovation in Somalia, the findings may not be applicable to other service sectors.Originality/value – This research explores how financial technology (Fintech) industry contributed to the Somalia’s economic growth. The findings aim to help Somalia and other similar nations improveFinancial Technology (Fintech) in their economic sectors.

Strategic technological innovation investment: enhancing resilience in the age of digital transformation

PurposeIn the current business landscape, organizations are increasingly investing in digital transformation initiatives such as the adoption of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, blockchain, deep learning, to optimize their operations, maintain competitiveness and efficiently address customer demands. However, this heightened dependence on digital technology introduces elevated risks to cybersecurity and privacy. This study aims to investigate the relationship between investments in digital transformation and cybersecurity and privacy protection efforts.Design/methodology/approachTo address this, a survey was conducted among 44 managers from diverse industries. The survey explored the correlation between digital transformation investments and cybersecurity measures, as well as assessed senior managers’ awareness of associated risks.FindingsOur study reveals that, despite investments in digital transformation, insufficient efforts and resource allocation toward cybersecurity such as the failure to implement industry-standard practices like vulnerability assessments, data encryption, ISO 27001 and NIST guidelines may increase the likelihood and severity of future security breaches. Our study identified third-party integration as a major concern, with data breaches involving the theft of sensitive company and customer data being the most frequently reported security issue among participants. Our findings demonstrate the need for senior managers to improve their focus on cybersecurity in digital transformation projects.Originality/valueThis research highlights the gap between digital transformation investments and cybersecurity practices; presents actionable strategies including resource allocation, integrating cybersecurity into company culture, investing in human resources, evaluating third-party risks, and applying data protection principles; and emphasizes the need for a stronger managerial focus on cybersecurity.

South Africa’s service delivery in the 4IR era: The need for responsible leadership

Background: It is argued that fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and its technologies need not just ethical leadership but also a more effective kind of leadership known as responsible leadership to be successfully implemented and adopted. Technology has the potential to enhance significantly existing service delivery mechanisms.Aim: This research examines the 4IR through the perspective of responsible leadership of senior managers in public administration, a cornerstone of public sector ethics at the helm of public institutions.Setting: This study focusses on the South African public sector in general with a consideration of a few public services.Methods: A qualitative research approach was used in the study, and the study reviewed the literature on the phenomenon under investigation. The reviewed literature consisted of secondary sources of data such as peer-reviewed articles, information on credible websites, scholarly books, and institutional and technical research reports.Results: This research suggests that leadership that is not responsible among South African administrative officer-bearers is to blame for the country’s chronic service delivery problems. In addition to influencing the job satisfaction of those directly under the leader’s supervision, responsible leadership reflects the authority the leader holds, can reduce unethical behaviour among the major stakeholders and reflects the leader’s moral compass.Conclusion: The study concluded that ineffective leadership among South African government officials is to blame for the country’s chronic service delivery problems.Contribution: This article seeks to contribute to the continuing discussions about the significance of innovation and leadership in the period of the 4IR.

Leveraging green artificial intelligence for green competitive advantage: testing a mediated moderation model

PurposeIn today’s competitive business landscape, organizations are increasingly recognizing the strategic advantage of implementing sustainable practices to gain a competitive edge. This study aims to investigate the effect of green artificial intelligence (AI) on achieving a green competitive advantage, examining the mediating roles of green organizational learning, green product innovation and green process innovation. Additionally, the research explores the moderating role of perceived green climate in the relationship between green AI and these mediating factors.Design/methodology/approachThis research examined companies in Isfahan, Iran, that have varying levels of artificial intelligence adoption within their business processes. The target population consisted of 148 senior managers from these companies. This study uses structural equation modeling to examine the proposed model.FindingsGreen AI positively impacted green organizational learning and green process innovation but not green product innovation. In addition, the results showed that green organizational learning, green product innovation and green process innovation had positive effects on green competitive advantage. Finally, the results showed that the perceived green climate did not play a moderating role in the relationship between green AI and these mediating factors.Practical implicationsOrganizations should prioritize green AI initiatives, foster a culture of green learning and invest in green innovation to achieve sustainable growth and outpace competitors in the environmentally conscious marketplace.Originality/valueThis study positions itself at the forefront of research on green AI and green competitive advantage. It offers a unique framework by examining the combined effects of green AI, green learning and both product and process innovation on achieving a sustainable competitive advantage.

The year I found my voice: Transforming self-confidence through a women’s leadership programme

Women-only leadership development programmes are vital for reducing the global gender gap in senior management; however, research on their impact is limited. This study explores the effect of a transformational women’s leadership development programme on self-confidence among female academics in a South African higher education institution. A mixed methods approach combines quantitative analysis to assess the changes in women leaders’ communication confidence, while the qualitative analysis explores the women leaders’ experiences in adopting new behaviour patterns. The quantitative results reveal significant enhancements in women leaders’ confidence, underscoring the programme’s ability to drive transformational change. The qualitative insights uncover a four-phase transformational learning process, which includes encountering a disorienting dilemma, meaning-making, achieving transformational insight and integrating these insights into leadership practice.Contribution: This study provides new insights, recommendations for future research and guidance on developing, evaluating and implementing women’s leadership programmes in higher education. It contributes significantly to understanding the role of women-only leadership development in addressing gender equity.

The Impact of Total Quality Management on Academic Accreditation (An Analytical Study of Some Employees at the University of Nahrain, College of Business Economics)

The research aimed to know the total quality management and its impact and relationship with academic accreditation in higher education institutions. The research community included the administrative staff and teaching staff at the College of Business Economics - University of Nahrain, and to determine the role of the research variables of total quality management and its dimensions (supporting senior management, continuous improvement, focusing on students, building work teams, training and empowering employees) and the second variable, academic accreditation, in the success and education of educational institutions and achieving scientific and educational goals in terms of job qualifications and their impact on the institution in addition to improving the solidity of these educational institutions. The research shed light on the academic accreditation system, which is considered one of the main and important systems in managing the activities and programs of higher education institutions. To achieve the research objectives, the descriptive analytical approach was used, as studies and research related to the research variables were used in the theoretical aspect. As for the practical aspect, the researcher used the questionnaire to analyze and describe the paragraphs of the questionnaire and the dimensions and variables of the research, and to shed light on the variation and distribution of these elements in the College of Business Economics. The researcher formulated a set of hypotheses that show the relationship of correlation and influence between the variables. The researcher distributed the questionnaire to the research sample of the teaching and administrative staff, whose number was (136). To analyze this questionnaire, the statistical program SPSS and AMOS, one of the SPSS add-ons, were used. This program was used to reach the results and confirm the validity of the hypotheses. In conclusion, a set of conclusions and recommendations were reached, the most important of which is that the teaching staff enjoys efficiency and excellence, which qualifies them to provide a distinguished scientific level. In addition, the college suffers from a shortage in periodic maintenance programs for equipment and means. As for the recommendations, we summarize them by providing material and moral support to faculty members to participate in scientific research and publish in prestigious journals. And encouraging cooperation between departments and various research centers to enhance interdisciplinary research.

Female Garment Workers in Bangladesh Facing Human Rights Violation; A Search to Find the Root Causes

Among the most important productive sectors of Bangladesh is the garment industry. The total contribution of the garment industries to the national foreign exchange earnings is 83%. Though the garment sector has created substantial employment for female workers, female workers face numerous human rights violations at the workplace including sexual harassment, forced labor, maltreatment of supervisors, maternity leave problems, safety problem, and health problem etc. This qualitative study gathered data from male and female garment workers, as well as from senior managers and owners, and experts from NGOs and from universities. This study revealed social-cultural, economic, structural and organizational causes behind human rights violations of female garment workers. Some of the causes are deficiency of education, fear of losing employment through complaining, lack of awareness and government oversight, weakness of the National Human Rights Commission and human rights organizations, unwillingness of owners to face the issue, poverty, and entrenched patriarchy.