Organizational Theory Research Articles

An eccentricity gradient reversal across high-level visual cortex

Human visual cortex contains regions selectively involved in perceiving and recognizing ecologically important visual stimuli such as people and places. Located in the ventral temporal lobe, these regions are organized consistently relative to cortical folding, a phenomenon thought to be inherited from how centrally or peripherally these stimuli are viewed with the retina. While this eccentricity theory of visual cortex has been one of the best descriptions of its functional organization, whether or not it accurately describes visual processing in all category-selective regions is not yet clear. Through a combination of behavioral and functional MRI measurements in 27 participants (17 females), we demonstrate that a limb-selective region neighboring well-studied face-selective regions shows tuning for the visual periphery in a cortical region originally thought to be centrally-biased. We demonstrate that the spatial computations performed by the limb-selective region are consistent with visual experience, and in doing so, make the novel observation that there may in fact be two eccentricity gradients, forming an eccentricity reversal across high-level visual cortex. These data expand the current theory of cortical organization to provide a unifying principle that explains the broad functional features of many visual regions, showing that viewing experience interacts with innate wiring principles to drive the location of cortical specialization.Significance StatementWhat is the organizing principle of high-level visual cortex? Visual stimuli experienced extensively during childhood, like faces or scenes, give rise to specialized regions in visual cortex. These regions emerge in consistent locations across individuals, thought to result from the retinotopic input of earlier visual cortex. The field has quantified this input as a medial-lateral gradient of retinotopic eccentricity in ventrotemporal cortex that has not yet been mapped beyond the fusiform gyrus. By performing receptive field mapping in limb-selective cortex for the first time we uncover a u-shaped eccentricity gradient which reverses near the lateral Fusiform. These findings produce a parsimonious model of cortical organization incorporating previously uncharacterized regions, offering a new organizing principle of high-level vision.

Ransomware HR: Human Resources Practices and Organizational Support in the Conti Ransomware Group

ABSTRACT Ransomware is widely regarded as one of the most economically damaging cybercrimes. Existing criminological research has focused largely on the structure, routines, and activities of ransomware groups, or traced financial transactions to advance understanding of their associated harms. This paper explores how the Conti ransomware group employed human resources (HR) practices and other organizational supports to recruit, retain, and motivate its employees. Data is drawn from a leaked dataset containing tens of thousands of messages between employees and affiliates of Conti. We analyze this dataset through the lens of organizational support theory (OST), one of the most influential theories in the field of organization and management psychology. Our analysis shows that Conti employed a variety of HR practices to improve worker satisfaction and commitment, many of which are supported by OST research. By better understanding these practices, we aim to provide a novel, theoretically informed perspective through which the operations of ransomware groups can be better understood. The paper concludes with a discussion of how this knowledge can be used to inform the development of law enforcement strategies intended to disrupt ransomware groups.

Institutional Imprinting as a Source of Managerial Attention Priority: A Behavioral Theory of Hybrid Organizations

Institutional Imprinting as a Source of Managerial Attention Priority: A Behavioral Theory of Hybrid Organizations

Analysis of Current Challenges Affecting Business Operations of Two State Enterprises

study sought to establish challenges affecting the effective business operations of two Zimbabwe parastatals under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development namely, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA). The study was prompted by negative media reports and complaints from key stakeholders about the operations of these institutions. The main theory underpinning the study was the Resource-Based Entrepreneurship theory (RBET) by Hussain et al. (2019) complimented by the organisation theory (Oyibo and Gabriel, 2020). The pragmatism philosophy was applied to ensure that both quantitative and qualitative aspects of study were accommodated. The study used the mixed methods paradigm and the explanatory sequential design. The target population was made up of 97 managers from the GMB and the ZINWA, as well as government officials. A sample of 46 respondents was used to obtain quantitative data responses. Purposive sampling the online sample calculator were used to determine the two sample sizes made of those who provided qualitative data and those for quantitative data through use of a self -administered structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide. .The major findings were that the two parastatals did not have management succession plans and suffered from political interference, lacked financial resources to carry out their operations and deliver quality products and/ or services. The major recommendations were; the need to promote autonomy and reduce bureaucracy in their operations, mobilising more resources particularly finances to ensure that daily operational expenses are met, implementing sound corporate governance systems that address corruption and having a coherent and effective performance management system.

Analysis of Current Management Strategies on Business Operations of Two State Enterprises

The study sought to establish how effective were the business management strategies currently being used by two state enterprises in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development namely, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA). The study was prompted by the negative media reports and the complaints from key stakeholders about the operations of these institutions. The main theory underpinning the study was the Resource-Based Entrepreneurship theory (RBET) by Hussain et al. (2019) complimented by the organisation theory (Oyibo and Gabriel, 2020). The pragmatism philosophy was applied to ensure that both quantitative and qualitative aspects of study were accommodated. The study used the mixed methods paradigm and the explanatory sequential design. The target population was made up of 97 managers from both the GMB and the ZINWA, as well as government officials from the parent ministry from which a sample of 46 respondents was used to obtain quantitative data responses. A self -administered structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide were used. The major findings were that the two parastatals had several strategies which if fully utilised could improve their operations such as outsourcing some non-key services, holding of regular meetings to get updates on the economic activities which might impact on the entities and working with reputable partners to build business growth. The major recommended strategies are that both parastatals should conduct research to facilitate innovation and development, creating and enforcing prudent and transparent financial management systems, adoption of sound corporate governance framework (practices), as well as carrying out organisational restructuring, nurturing appropriate organisational culture and having effective performance management systems.

Enhancing ambidextrous green innovation: the role of green supply chain integration, knowledge capabilities and technology dynamism in manufacturing

PurposeIn the context of the environmental degradation challenge in manufacturing firms, greening the supply chain (SC) is the most widely endorsed method to mitigate the adverse repercussions of climate change. Based on organizational learning and resource dependence theories, the aim of this research is to know how green supply chain external integration (GSCEI) and green supply chain internal integration (GSCII) influence ambidextrous green innovation (AGI). It also examines the mediating roles of green absorptive capacity (GAC) and green knowledge integration capability (GKIC), as well as the moderating role of green technology dynamism (GTD).Design/methodology/approachTo assess the hypothesized model, data were obtained with 386 questionnaires from managers employed in manufacturing firms in Pakistan applying a cross-sectional approach. A partial least square structural equation modeling technique was implemented to evaluate the data.FindingsThe results revealed that GSCEI and GSCII substantially impact AGI. Moreover, GAC and GKIC serve as mediators between GSCEI and AGI. GAC and GKIC also intervene in the relationship between GSCII and AGI. GTD was significant as a moderator for the correlation between GSCEI and AGI. However, it does not moderate the relationship between GSCII and AGI.Practical implicationsThis research offers significant comprehension and an innovative approach for manufacturing organizations to curb environmental corrosion by stimulating AGI through green SC integration. It suggests to practitioners that integrating internal knowledge with external partners expands communication and collaboration to ensure that resources connected with environmental preservation flow smoothly.Originality/valueThis research is a valuable addition to the field, as it explores for the first time the missing link among the studied constructs. It opened the black box of how knowledge-related capabilities facilitate knowledge resources to elicit AGI, an area that has not yet been explored.

Organizational Theory in Understanding Disintegration (the Case of Brexit)

Organizational Theory in Understanding Disintegration (the Case of Brexit)

What's Draining Your Workplace Energy and Joy? Identifying and Addressing Sources of Unhappiness to Boost Productivity and Morale

This article explores the major factors that contribute to employee unhappiness and low engagement based on organizational behavior theory and empirical research. It identifies unclear role expectations, lack of autonomy, poor leadership, and unhealthy workplace cultures as key sources of job dissatisfaction. Research shows only 30% of workers worldwide feel engaged in their jobs, indicating widespread unhappiness comes at a cost to both individual well-being and organizational performance. The article outlines specific strategies organizations can implement to address each issue, such as providing detailed job descriptions, setting clear performance goals, empowering employees with control and input, developing effective leadership skills, and fostering a positive values-driven culture. Additional considerations like workload concerns, growth opportunities, recognition programs, and coworker relations are also discussed. By understanding why jobs so often fail to inspire and implementing targeted improvement initiatives, leaders can systematically transform work into a fulfilling experience that maximizes employee potential and engagement. This enhances organizational competitiveness by differentiating companies as employers of choice.

How to encourage more public participation in marine disaster risk management: Evidence from a survey experiment in China

Raising public awareness of maritime risk and disseminating information about disaster prevention and reduction are the most frequent ways that the government incorporates citizens in marine disaster risk management (DRM). However, these measures are deemed to be insufficient to drive the participation rate. This study aims to understand the participation trend of citizens in marine DRM. On the basis of the theory of citizen participation’s ladder, public participation within marine DRM is categorized into non-participation, tokenistic participation, and substantive participation. Using organization theory, the government’s strategies for encouraging participation are classified into common approach (raising awareness), structural approach (innovating instruments), and cultural approach (developing citizenship). Considering the vignette experiment of 403 citizens in a coastal city of China that has historically been subject to marine disasters, it was found that effectiveness of the strategies, from highest to lowest, are citizenship development, risk education, and instruments innovation. At the individual level, psychological characteristics such as trust in the government, past disaster experience, and knowledge of marine DRM did not significantly influence citizens’ participation preferences. At the government level, even when citizens are informed about new participatory mechanisms and tools, they still tend to be unwilling to share responsibilities. However, self-efficacy and understanding the beneficial outcomes of their participation in marine (DRM) can positively impact the willingness to participate. The results show that to encourage public participation substantively in the marine DRM, it is important to cultivate a sense of civic duty and enhance citizens’ sense of ownership, fostering a closer and more equitable partnership between the state and society.

Incident response: A structured model from detection to containment and recovery

As cyber-attacks evolve in sophistication; organizations are under constant threat. This necessitates a cohesive approach to prioritize incident response (IR) capabilities and mitigate potential damages. This research paper explores integrating Information Security Management (ISM) and Incident Response (IR) functions; underlining the need for a unified strategy that leverages organizational learning theory. The study comprehensively analyzes the Incident Response Lifecycle; outlining the critical phases of preparation; detection and analysis; containment; eradication; recovery; and post-incident activities. It also investigates the crucial role and structure of Incident Response Teams (IRTs); advocating for tailored team formations that adapt to the dynamic nature of cyber incidents. By fostering collaboration between ISM and IR functions and focusing on technical and socio-technical factors; organizations can enhance their resilience against cyber threats and improve their overall security posture.

Beyond financials: Examining the impact of customer focus, internal processes, and learning & growth on the sustainable performance of commercial banks—Moderating role of management commitment

AbstractThis study examines the key factors influencing sustainable performance in commercial banks, focusing on the impact of non‐financial metrics—customer focus, internal processes, and learning and growth—within the Balanced Scorecard framework on the performance of commercial banks in Ethiopia. Additionally, it examines the moderating role of management commitment in this relationship, grounded in organizational learning theory, upper echelons theory, and the balanced scorecard model. The study adopts an explanatory research design, utilizing covariance‐based structural equation modeling and interaction‐term analysis. A multi‐stage sampling technique, followed by systematic random sampling, was employed, with Soper's formula used to determine a sample size of 480 from a total population of 4990. Mahalanobis distance was applied to identify and remove biased responses. The findings reveal that non‐financial metrics—customer focus, internal processes, and learning and growth—positively affect commercial banks' sustainable performance, and management commitment strengthens this effect. Furthermore, the results empirically validate the proposed hypotheses, emphasizing the value of incorporating non‐financial metrics into performance measurement and highlighting the essential role of management commitment in ensuring their success. This research fills a gap in the literature on sustainable performance measurement within the Ethiopian banking sector and provides actionable insights for managers and policymakers.

Green supply chain management: a bibliometric analysis of global research trends and future directions

ABSTRACT This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of GreenSupply Chain Management (GSCM), examining its evolution andprospective directions across strategic, operational, and economicdimensions. Drawing upon organizational theory, stakeholder theory,operations management, environmental management, accounting, andeconomics, the study applies bibliometric techniques, including wordanalysis and network analysis, to discern significant researchtrends. It emphasizes the necessity of aligning strategic objectiveswith environmental sustainability and implementing operationalmeasures to achieve environmental goals while also analyzing theeconomic implications of sustainable practices. Furthermore, thestudy highlights the long-term financial advantages of thesepractices and the potential contributions of emerging technologies,such as blockchain, the Internet of Things, and ArtificialIntelligence, to the enhancement of GSCM.

ФАКТОРИ НА ЦИФРОВАТА ТРАНСФОРМАЦИЯ

The digital transformation is profoundly changing organizations and creating new comparative advantages but also necessitating new approaches to management and organizational strategy. The majority of research on business’ digital transformation focuses on technological adoption, innovation, value creation and the dynamic capabilities of organizations. However, the question of why different organizations approach the digital transformation in various ways remains less explored. This article examines the possibilities of inferring various factors that have an impact on the adoption of digital technologies in order to improve the understanding of organizations' digital transformation strategies. Factors such as size, internationalization, research and development (R&D) expenses, foreign direct investment (FDI), turnover, wages and salaries have an expected impact on the adoption of new technologies in an organization and its digital transformation. This is supported by organizational theories such as the resource-based view (RBV), the knowledge-based view (KBV) and the technology-organization-environment (TOE) frameworks. Through examples from the scientific literature, a summary is provided on how the study of the interrelationships between these factors and organizations’ digital transformation can contribute to a better understanding of the different strategies in this field.

Measure Twice, Cut Once: Unit Profitability, Scalability, and the Exceptional Growth of New Firms

By studying three promising venture pairs with different business models in different nascent markets, we explore how some new firms grow into mature firms and some promising peers do not. The successful firms first use a learning process that begins with (1) focused attention on unit profitability (not growth), then broad (not narrow) learning, and finally active delay (not acceleration) of growth. They then use a capability-building process that (2) shifts to focused attention on unit-profitable growth, then makes long-term investments in profit-oriented capabilities, and finally leverages these capabilities into new products. In contrast, peers with focused attention on growth ironically fail to achieve it. Broadly, we contribute a process theory of exceptional growth that fills the gap between the growth of new firms in the entrepreneurship literature and the growth of mature firms in the strategy and organization theory literatures. Further, we add the importance of learning content—not just learning processes—to the entrepreneurship literature on new firm growth and a rare, novel, and grounded account of the origin of capabilities to the strategy literature on the resource-based view and mature firm growth. Finally, we add to practice the significance of product–market–profit fit and a precise definition of premature scaling. Funding: This work was supported by the Strategy Research Foundation [Grant SRF-2018-DP-9167].

Impact of Human Resource Policy Implementation on Service Delivery at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Western Region, Kenya

Efficient implementation of policies has a crucial function in improving service delivery in the public and private domains. The success of policy execution directly impacts how much the policy contributes to enhancing service delivery. To achieve high-quality, efficient, and timely service delivery, the Directorate has adopted a strategy of revamping, retooling, and continuous learning. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) follows the Excellence Charter and adheres to the ODPP Strategic Commitments for the period 2020-2023. In this context, the researcher focused on examining the impact of human resource policy implementation on service delivery at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Western Region, Kenya. Implementation Theory and Organizational Culture Theory guided the study. Descriptive research design was utilized. The target population was 198 individuals working within the ODPP Western Region of Kenya. Individual respondents were selected randomly from Legal, Administration, and Support Staff in region. Data collection was done through questionnaires distributed to staff and document analysis was conducted in the resource centres available in the region. Face-to-face interviews with selected County Heads were carried out by the researcher. Descriptive statistics, such as means, percentages, and frequencies, was used in the research's quantitative and qualitative approaches to analyze the data using SPSS. The findings indicated that human resource has a significant impact on service delivery at the ODPP, Western Region, Kenya. The results upon Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) established human resource policy implementation had an r of 0.265, β = 0.252, t= 3.786, p= 0.05. It was concluded that Policy Implementation had a statistically significant impact on service delivery in the ODPP. The study recommends that ODPP should enhance HR policy implementation and service delivery in the Western Region by improving communication, offering regular training, fostering open dialogue, establishing a robust monitoring framework, deploying dedicated HR Officers, and ensuring transparent and unbiased career progression and training opportunities. The study will be part of references materials for all ODPP Staff, stakeholders, policy makers and other institutions in Kenya as an insightful tool in advancement of efficacy and efficiency in policy implementation.

Learning organizations and sustainability outcomes in tourism: the mediating role of sustainable practices

Purpose This study aims to investigate the influence of learning organization characteristics on sustainability outcomes in the tourism sector, with a specific focus on sustainable tourism practices. It seeks to gain insights into how organizations in the tourism industry contribute to sustainability efforts. Design/methodology/approach This research used a survey method to gather data from employees working in five leading Indian tourism companies. The study was designed based on the theoretical frameworks of triple bottom line theory and organizational learning theory, with quantitative analysis conducted using structural equation modeling through Smart PLS 4 software. Findings This study reveals that learning organizations play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and yielding positive sustainability outcomes in the tourism sector. The results demonstrated significant positive relationships and mediation effects, highlighting the substantial impact of learning organization characteristics on enhancing sustainability efforts within the industry. Research limitations/implications This study’s findings provide actionable insights for refining organizational strategies and formulating policy recommendations to strengthen sustainability initiatives within the tourism sector. In addition, this research contributes valuable knowledge to the expanding field of sustainable tourism management and best organizational practices. Originality/value This study contributes to the field by offering empirical evidence on the interplay between learning organization characteristics, sustainable tourism practices and sustainability outcomes within the tourism sector. Its focus on addressing sustainability challenges in this industry context provides valuable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers, guiding them in formulating effective strategies and decisions to enhance sustainability efforts.

University resources and student complaints in Malaysian higher education institutions

PurposeThis paper examines the relationship between university resources and student complaint management in Malaysian higher education institutions (HEIs). The paper is premised on organisational justice theory (OJT), which conceptualizes complaint handling, satisfaction and fairness among stakeholders in the educational domain.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts a quantitative method using a survey research design. An online survey is administered to 381 students in three selected HEIs in Malaysia. Data are analysed and tested using the SmartPLS 3.0 algorithm to evaluate measurement and structural models.FindingsStudents’ experience in the use of online and offline university resources varies across different levels of education. The findings indicate that offline and online resources contribute substantially to students’ complaints. This study establishes the significance of an effective complaint-handling mechanism for continuous feedback and improvement in HEIs.Originality/valueWithin the context of policy in HEIs, the originality of this paper lies in its focus on the relationship between resources and student complaints based on the diverse complaint-handling mechanisms in Malaysian HEIs.

‘Your Very Existence Goes Against Our Community Guidelines’: Interrogating norms of contributorship through poetic speech acts on Instagram

Platform organizing does not unfold in a neutral realm. While interconnected communicative acts such as posts, shares, or likes constitute organizing on social media platforms, platform organizations condition how such platform organizing unfolds through content moderation. This study engages with the concept of contributorship, which is anchored in communication constitutes organization (CCO) scholarship, and theorizes content moderation as a process of authorization based on ‘norms of contributorship’. Applying queer theorizing to engage with norms as a site of power vis-a-vis embodied difference, we investigate poetic speech acts as queering endeavours that interrogate norms of contributorship in the constitution of platform organizing. Drawing upon a qualitative analysis of Instagram posts that challenge content moderation related to nudity as embodied difference, the findings reveal three practices of poetic speech – playfully altering, juxtaposing wor(l)ds and satirical challenging. Such practices skilfully repoliticize the entanglement of communication, control and normativity, and lay the foundation for collectively queering norms of contributorship in platform organizing. Building upon these insights, we highlight how organizational theory and practice are always implicated in normative regimes and underscore the need for attending to the existence of organizational subjects at and beyond the margins through queering organizing writ large.

Institutional Imprints and Corporate Misconduct: Unravelling the Interplay of Economic History and Firm Choices on Earnings Manipulation in an Emerging Economy

This study investigates the impact of firms’ legacy institutional imprints on its engagement in corporate misconduct. We discover that a closed economic regime’s protectionist policies inscribe imprints in the form of opaque organizational routines and cause incumbent firms to develop competitive limitations. Utilizing the theoretical principles of the organizational imprinting theory, this research attests to the endurance of corruptive routines and argues that the degree of closed economy imprints increases firms’ engagement in income-increasing earnings management in the post-liberalization period. Furthermore, we find that the impact of imprints is weakened by firms’ choices on international exposure and internal innovation. By utilizing the historical data on Indian economic policies from 1956 to 1991 and analyzing a sample of 18,432 firm-year observations for 2,396 listed Indian manufacturing firms from 1997 to 2007, we find support for our hypotheses.

Mapping Green Supply Chain Practices: An Extensive Bibliometric Review with the SPAR-4-SLR and TCCM Framework

Purpose: The growing global awareness of environmental sustainability and the threat of climate change has prompted organisations to embrace green supply chain practices (GSCP) to minimise their ecological footprint and improve their competitive edge. The primary objective of this study is to offer a comprehensive, insightful analysis of the GSCP utilising the TCCM (theory, context, characteristics, and methods) framework. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study conducts an extensive bibliometric analysis, incorporating the TCCM framework and SPAR-4-SLR (Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews) protocol, to delve into the dynamic field of GSCP spanning 2004 to 2023. Findings: This article offers a nuanced exploration of the intricacies of GSCP research dynamics, shedding light on influential articles, distinguished authors, prominent academic institutions, publication sources and nine key thematic research clusters that have had a substantial impact and propelled this pivotal domain forward. TCCM framework is used to construct an all-encompassing citation network, elucidating five significant domains guided by the theoretical framework. These domains include social and economic theories, resource and strategy theories, innovation and change theories, systems and interdisciplinary theories, and management and organisation theories. Every subcategory within the GSCP realm represents a distinct and unique facet and is supported by an individual theoretical framework and scholarly contribution. Practical Implications: The findings from the bibliometric review yield significant insights for researchers and green supply-chain practitioners. This article aims to guide future research endeavours and policy formulation by evaluating the existing knowledge base and pinpointing diverse research avenues. It underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among academics from different domains to address the complex aspects of sustainability in supply-chain operations, thus highlighting the multidisciplinary character of green supply-chain research. Originality/Value: To the best of our knowledge, this review study is the first to present a bibliometric analysis of GSCP using the TCCM framework and the SPAR-4-SLR protocol.