Top-level Managers Research Articles

A framework of intrapreneurial practices to improve service delivery in municipalities of the O.R. Tambo District Municipality

Background: This article examines intrapreneurship principles that can contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of service delivery in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality.Aim: The aim of this research was to investigate whether municipalities practise intrapreneurship and how intrapreneurship drivers may be incorporated into the municipal environment to improve service delivery to surrounding communities.Setting: This study is based in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality, and the target population is middle- and top-level managers from all the municipalities in the district.Methods: The research is situated within the interpretivist paradigm and employed the qualitative method of semi-structured interviews, which were purposively conducted with 12 middle- and top-level managers. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. Municipal documents were also used for triangulation purposes.Results: The empirical findings revealed that policies, laws and regulatory aspects are a hindrance to the development of intrapreneurial practices. The bureaucratic environment that exists is not flexible enough to encourage intrapreneurial conduct among employees. The blurred lines between the administrative and political wings in the municipalities lead to a constricting environment that hinders intrapreneurial practices in the municipalities.Conclusion: A framework for the integration of intrapreneurship drivers to improve service delivery was developed. The article recommends that employees and the community should play a larger role in the planning process so that they can assist to identify best practices and alternate approaches to certain identified issues. The implementation of projects should be left to the administrative managers and staff, and contingency platforms should be introduced to manage transition periods with new replacements.

Strategic Role of Huduma Centre Initiatives on Public Service Delivery among Residents of Kapsabet Town, Nandi County, Kenya

Purpose: The current study sought to assess the strategic role of Huduma centres on public service delivery among residents of Kapsabet town, Nandi County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study included; to determine the role of change management, strategic communication, strategic leadership and strategic decision making on public service delivery among residents of Kapsabet town, Nandi County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the following theories; the Kurt Lewin’s change management theory, theory of cybernetic, strategic leadership theory and the rational decision making theory.
 Methodology: The study adopted an explanatory research design. The study target population was 750 customers who access Huduma services daily at the Huduma center in Kapsabet town. The sample size was 261 customers. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data in this study. Pilot testing was undertaken at Eldoret Huduma center. This study adopted content validity. Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure reliability of the research instrument. The data collected was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.
 Findings: The study findings indicated that change management has a positive and significant role on public service delivery (β=0.016, p < 0.05), strategic communication has a positive and significant role on public service delivery (β=0.246, p < 0.05), strategic leadership has a positive and significant role on public service delivery (β=0.075, p < 0.05), strategic decision making has a positive and significant role on public service delivery (β=0.519, p<0.05).
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study concludes that change management, strategic communication, strategic leadership and strategic decision making have a significant role on public service delivery. The study recommends that the management of Kapsabet Huduma center should have a policy on stakeholder’s engagement in decision making at the facility. They should implement a policy on information sharing among the target audience of the facility. A policy on human resource development should continue to exist at the facility and also there should be a policy that will operationalize strategic teaming by the top level managers at the facility. The study contributed to existing body of knowledge by forming basis for further research in the area of strategic role of Huduma centers’ and public service delivery.

Archives Management and Service Delivery: The Case of Kenya National Archives and Documentation Services

Service delivery within the context of public service is key in sustaining the general wellbeing of the nation while contributing towards general development. Therefore, sound management of records contributes towards effectiveness and efficiency in delivery of public services. This also improves the quantity of information available for enhancing the level of accountability. Hence, this study was an assessment of archives management and service delivery with reference to Kenya National Archives and documentation services. The study specifically focused on; examining the effect of Professional archival management establishing the barriers, and assessing the effect of process control, on service delivery at the Kenya national archives and documentation services. The significance of the study would benefit the government for planning purposes to meet her vision 2030 goals in Service quality delivery. The design to be adopted by this inquiry was the case study which took quantitative approach. The sample of the inquiry covered five record management staff, 12 staff in top management levels, 28 action officers, 36 staff at clerical level and 19 staff from registry department. The key tool for gathering the views of the participants were the questionnaire alongside the interview guides. Prior to gathering of the information, the questionnaire was tested to ensure it was valid and reliable enough. The process of the information gathered was done with aid of content analysis for the open ended responses. For the responses in their quantitative form, frequencies, correlation and regression analysis was embraced. The study found that archival service professionals, archival service process control, user perception and barriers had a positive significant influence on service delivery with reference Kenya national archives and documentation services. The study concluded that the archival service professionals provide important benefits and services, such as organizing and maintaining the documentary record of institutions, groups, and individuals. Archival service process control provides user a greater control over their electronic records, easy to locate documents via keywords or a barcode, the documents are held on secure premises and only authorized personnel have access to them. Users had a negative attitude towards the adoption of digital records management and the extent to which they were willing to adopt digital records management was low and the barriers included poor pay for Kenyan civil servants has resulted in poor performance in terms of service delivery. The study recommended that the organization should provide support from the management staff by enabling them to understand both tangible and non-tangible benefits of records. There should be a creation and execution of records management programs, the revision of archival legislation, the integration of archival institutions under significant and influential government ministries, the development of archives and records management capacity, and the improvement of information access. In order to increase user perception, the organization should provide improvements on its current records management so as to enable management to obtain records that can help them make proper short term and long term plans to facilitate effective and efficient service delivery. The government should introduce E-Government library services, which can have a significant impact on how services are delivered to library patrons.

RESOURCE ALLOCATION AND STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION IN COMMERCIAL BANKS BRANCHES IN MACHAKOS SUB COUNTY

Purpose: The implementation of strategies in Commercial Banks in Kenya has been experiencing numerous challenges and only 37% of the strategies are considered to be successfully implemented. Internal constraints during strategy implementation include poor resource allocation. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of resource allocation on strategy implementation in Commercial Banks Branches in Machakos Sub County.
 Methodology: Descriptive research design was used in this study. The target population of the study was 253 staff working in the top level management, middle level management and low level management in the fourteen Commercial Banks based in Machakos Sub County. Since the population of the top level management in the 14 branches is small, a census was utilized. The study adopted stratified and simple random sampling techniques in the selection of 30 per cent of staff in middle level management and low level management of each bank. The study utilized primary data, which was collected by use of questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysing the quantitative data with the help of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 24) statistical software. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Inferential statistics included correlation and regression analysis. The results were presented in pie charts and tables.
 Findings: The study found that resource allocation has a significant effect on strategy implementation in Commercial Banks Branches in Machakos Sub County
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The findings of this study support the Resource Based View Theory which argues that strategic resources have the potential to deliver comparative advantage to a firm. As a regulator, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) should come up with policies to guide the allocation and utilization of resources during strategy implementation so as to protect investors in the commercial banks in Kenya. The study recommends that the management of Commercial Banks’ Branches in Machakos Sub County should ensure timely and adequate allocation of resources in order to ensure that the set objectives are achieved within the set budget during strategy implementation.

A DEMATEL model for identifying the impediments to the implementation of circularity in the aluminum industry

Aluminum is a circular substance that can be recycled repeatedly without losing its initial qualities. Due to its characteristics, it is an essential resource for a climate-neutral and circular economy (CE). It is also the base for applications in critical industries such as transportation, construction, packaging, and renewable energy. These qualities account for the anticipated 40 percent increase in demand for aluminum from 2019 until 2050. This paper investigates the impediments to incorporating a circular economy in the aluminum industry. Initially, fifteen impediments are identified with the help of a comprehensive literature review and discussion with the experts. Next, a DEMATEL model is formed and the lack of suitable material for improving the productivity of Hall–Heroult cells for aluminum production, lack of technical skills among the workforce, and complex supply chains are a few of the most important causes for the incorporation of circularity in the aluminum industry. On the other hand, logistics impediments within processes, Lack of R & D for new ways to reuse local byproducts or wastes in production, lack of strategy development for managing routine processes, and lack of decision-making from the top management level are some of the important effects in incorporating the concept of circularity in the aluminum industry. Moreover the result obtained has been validated by doing the sensitivity analysis of the model.

Survey of IT Governance Influence on Digital Transformation and Bank Organization Performance

The disruption of emerging technologies, startups, changes in stakeholders' behavior, and the COVID-19 pandemic acceleration have forced many companies to perform a digital transformation (DT). However, the facts show many related investment failures because of poor governance practices. Previous research has proven that IT governance (ITG) has a significant role in improving organizational performance. Unfortunately, few studies still show the ITG mechanisms, structures, processes, and relational influence on successful DT. Recent research has found the hybrid ITG influence on DT, but not their relationship to organizational performance. Therefore, we hypothesized the traditional and agile/adaptive ITG mechanisms influence DT and organizational performance. The survey method was used by distributing a questionnaire to the organization's three lines of defense, from the top-level and IT managers (planners, architects, developers, operations, services, security, and quality assurance) to risk managers and internal auditors. The model was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling assisted by SmartPLS. Bank B was chosen because the banking industry is greatly affected in the digital era along with the rise of fintech. The results showed a significant correlation between agile/adaptive and traditional ITG mechanisms on DT and a positive impact on organizational performance. This manuscript contributes to researchers exploring the ITG mechanism details for successful DT and practitioners to implement them in related industries.

The Impact of Total Quality Management and Reward System on Managerial Performance

This study aimed to determine how the overall quality management and reward system of PT INTI (Persero) Bandung affects the productivity of its managers. Quantitative research methods were used. The sample for this study consisted of 43 managers from PT INTI (Persero) Bandung, including 20 division heads and 23 members of the company's expert group. The sample included all the population as this method is based on census. This data analysis method includes normality, heteroscedasticity, multicollinearity, and hypothesis testing through multiple linear regression analysis, partial test, simultaneous test, and coefficient of determination. The research findings show that partial implementation of quality management overall increases managerial efficiency. These results indicate the successful implementation of integrated quality management at PT INTI (Persero) Bandung. Meanwhile, managers' performance is significantly influenced by the reward system. This finding indicates that the company's incentive program is well received by employees, which bodes well for the effectiveness of top-level management.

The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Democratic Party

This study focuses on analyzing the impact of transformational leadership on the intention to stay, as mediated through commitment. This study focuses on transformational leadership at the top level management in Democratic Party that currently led by Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono. This study employs quantitative methods with estimating techniques based on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The primary data used are collected by random sampling from Democratic Party management at the central (DPP) and regional (DPP/DPC) levels. The total number of participants in this study was 304. The stages of data analysis include preliminary analysis, which includes construct validity and reliability, a goodness of fit test, and parameter estimate based on a research model in which transformational leadership is an independent variable, intention to stay is an independent variable, and commitment (commitment) is a mediating variable. The findings indicate that transformational leadership has a positive and significant impact on commitment and that commitment positively influences respondents’ intention to stay with the organization. This demonstrates the significance of transformational leadership in fostering the longevity of political parties due to its ability to improve members' willingness to stay and contribute to the organization. In the framework of political party organizations, idealized influence and inspirational motivation are the most significant roles of transformative leadership.

Overview of 5S Housekeeping Implementation in Covid-19 Buildings in University General Hospital of Malang

Housekeeping is necessary in the workplace, especially in healthcare facilities. Housekeeping involves several aspects such as 5S. 5S is a systematic technique used by organizations that comes from five Japanese words: Seiri (sort), Seiton (set in order), Seiso (shine), Seiketsu (standardize), and Shitsuke (sustain). A comfortable working environment will improve the efficiency, productivity, quality and safety. This study aimed to describe and evaluate the application of 5S in the Covid-19 infectious installation at a hospital in Malang, especially in the patient care rooms in the intensive care unit, the operation rooms, and the patient care ward. This study used observational and descriptive approaches with a cross-sectional design. The sample included authorized officers in each area. According to the findings, the implementation of 5S in the Covid-19 infectious installation needs to be increased, become the priority, and be supported by top-level management. However, it is recommended that a longitudinal study be conducted to investigate whether there are long-term benefits attained from 5S implementation in the Covid-19 infectious installation.
 Keywords: housekeeping, 5S, Covid-19 and infectious installation

E- Accounting Practices of Manufacturing Firms in Bangladesh

Technology plays a key role in today’s business environment. E-accounting practice is a newly emerging concept in the field of accounting. In accounting documents and records exist in digital form as a substitute for a paper. The purpose of this study is to investigate the E-accounting practices of manufacturing firms in Bangladesh. The population of the study consisted of all listed companies have been operating in Dhaka Stock Exchange Ltd (DSE). Questionnaires were distributed among them through email; the researcher designed the questionnaire to target employees who worked at these companies. The hypotheses of the study were tested using the appropriate statistical methods, which are demographic data, descriptive and reliability statistics, a correlation matrix, and regression analysis were used for the analysis. The software used was the IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. The results of this study indicate that implementation of e-accounting practice at these companies caused to effect on properly implementing keeping document in digital form. Results also show that measures of practical e-accounting practices items are more closely associated with record keeping documents and will effect on using e-accounting systems in these companies. It is recommended that the national regulators in collaboration with the accounting bodies should organize accounting training programmes for top level managers of manufacturing firms on proper e- accounting practices.

Corporate culture: The interview evidence

Corporate culture: The interview evidence

한국 기업의 다양성관리 현황과 발전 방향

This study reviews changes in diversity and diversity management over the past several decades in Korea and suggests ways to respond to challenges in addressing diversity. Korean firms have historically introduced management strategies, organizational structures and human resource management practices based on the homogeneity of their workforce and collectivistic culture. These traditional human resource practices have been challenged by democratization, the openness of society, and the needs of firms themselves. The recent increase in workforce diversity demands that Korean firms develop a systematic way to efficiently address the social and economic changes that come with this diversity. Most Korean firms have attempted to homogenize the differences or done the minimum to meet the legal requirements addressing discrimination and fairness. Some firms have begun to proactively utilize diversity to help them achieve their business objectives and establish social legitimacy, but true integration and learning based on respect for diversity are rare. As such, this paper suggests organizational structures, diversity-friendly HR (human resource) practices and organizational climates to help firms manage diversity within a Koran context. It also discusses the role of top-level management as well as the initiatives of leadership to facilitate diversity management. In this era of digital transformation and ESG, diversity management has a significant impact on individuals, firms and society and the co-evolution thereof, and each part has its own roles and responsibilities in that process. The limitations of this paper and future research directions are also discussed.

Effects of Organizational Structure on Management of Public Hospitals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

This study explored the effects of organizational structure on the management of hospitals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The study sought to answer the question: What effects does the existing organizational structure have on the management of hospitals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines? The study took a qualitative approach. The participants consisted of a purposively selected sample of forty-five (45) top level and senior managers in the health care system, assigned to the four public hospitals on the island of St. Vincent and managers within the administrative arm of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The findings revealed that poor problem-solving strategies and the lack of or inadequate input from middle managers as it relates to operations of the organization were some of the ways in which the existing organizational structure affected hospital management. The results also highlighted challenges which included inadequate communication, poor distribution, and management of resources as well as poorly defined and inflexible roles. Lack of support from top level managers, contradictory decisions made by the managers and poor accountability measures, were also stated as challenges of the existing structure. The results of this study have informed the conclusion that the organizational structure of Hospital Services impacts performance, prompting a call for review of the existing organizational structure of hospital services in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Keywords: Hospital services, Management, Organizational structure, public hospitals.

Female senior managers and the gender equality environment: Evidence from south Korean firms

This study investigates whether the presence of women at the senior management level improves the gender equality environment in South Korea. I find strong empirical support for the proposition that when the proportion of female senior managers is large, the gender gap in terms of salary and employment decreases. Furthermore, I empirically show that once the glass ceiling is cracked at the senior management level, female managers are more likely to sit at the top level of corporate management. This is suggested as the mechanism underlying the impact of the presence of female senior managers on the gender equality environment. Finally, I document that female senior managers indirectly enhance firm performance through an improved gender equality environment, while they also directly improve firm performance.

Emerging Paradigm of Employees’ Involvement in Decision Making and Organizational Effectiveness: Further Evidence from Nigerian Manufacturing Firms

This study explored employees’ involvement in decision making and organizational effectiveness of manufacturing firms. The cross-sectional survey research design was employed. Data were elicited from the middle and lower level employees of manufacturing firms registered under the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (M.A.N.), Edo/Delta Chapter retrieved as at 31st October, 2021. For the purpose of the research, ten firms were selected with a total staff population of 1,839. Taro Yamane’s formula was used in arriving at a sample of 329 employees and 216 responses retrieved were analyzed using the simple percentage, mean statistics, and hypotheses tested with linear regression after multicollinearity test and correlation matrix revealed no collinearity problem. Results of hypotheses tested showed that employees’ involvement in decision making has significant effect on organizational productivity, organizational adaptability, and organizational flexibility. Accordingly, the study recommended that the top management level of manufacturing firms should see the need to constantly involve the middle and lower level employees in their decision making processes whether directly or through advisory participation, to continually gain more effectiveness.

Relationship of ethical leadership, organizational culture, corporate social responsibility and organizational performance: a test of two mediation models

PurposeThe sound leadership style can be indicative of organizational success and explanatory of quality performance. Besides this, there are various factors that can impact organizational performance. To this end, this study aims to investigate the effect of ethical leadership on organizational performance, with the mediating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and organizational culture.Design/methodology/approachThe service sector in Jordan was targeted by this research, and data were collected from 371 middle-level and top-level managers working in service companies. These responses were analyzed by using analysis of a moment structure.FindingsThe result conveyed that ethical leadership does not only influence organizational performance, but it also, and positively so, affects the organizational culture and CSR. In addition, CSR and organizational culture significantly mediate the relationship between ethical leadership and organizational performance.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study are a guide for managers and owners of service companies who are aiming to enhance organizational performance. If they follow the ethical leadership approach and emphasize CSR initiatives and organizational culture, they can attain, and naturally so, the maximum level of organizational performance.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research paper is the first to analyze ethical leadership in the context of the service sector in Jordan and highlight its influence on organizational culture, CSR and ultimately organizational performance. Moreover, it examined the mediating effects of organizational culture and CSR between ethical leadership and organizational performance.

The effect of chief sustainability officers on sustainability reporting—A management perspective

AbstractMore and more companies worldwide are appointing a chief sustainability officer (CSO) to anchor the topic of sustainability at the top management level. This study examines how a CSO on the management board influences the quantity and quality of sustainability reports. While quantity is measured by the amount of information disclosed (sustainability disclosure), quality is measured as the decision for external assurance of the sustainability report, using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines as a reporting framework and publishing a combined report. Using a sample of German listed companies for the years 2017–2020, regression analysis is first conducted to analyse the impact of CSOs on sustainability reports. Second, the study shows how a chief executive officer (CEO) and a chief financial officer (CFO) impact sustainability reports when they also serve as CSOs. The results suggest that CSOs improve sustainability disclosure. In addition, a CSO positively impacts the decision for external assurance of the sustainability report but shows no impact on using the GRI guidelines and publishing a combined report. The results also show that a CFO positively influences sustainability disclosure, while a CEO does not. This study contributes to the growing literature on sustainable governance and how having a CSO on the management board impacts sustainability reporting. The study has numerous implications for regulators and practitioners. The most important insight is which management position should be responsible for sustainability to improve reporting and the limitations of that decision.

The impact of key indicators on the overall performance of Saudi Arabian telecommunication companies

Performance management helps organizations to ensure that they are on the right path. Thus, this requires increasing the ability of organizations to understand their own key indicators to manage and measure their performance. The purpose of this study is to determine the key performance indicators used in Saudi Arabian telecommunication companies. Moreover, it examines whether these indicators impact the overall performance of Saudi Arabian telecommunication companies. This study adopted a quantitative method based on a survey questionnaire. Participants were reached through human resources officers in the telecommunication companies. Questionnaires were distributed to 247 employees at middle and top management levels in Saudi Arabian telecommunication companies using a convenience sampling technique. However, 212 responses were returned completely filled with a response rate of 85.8%. This study used statistical software of SPSS and SmartPLS for data analysis. The results revealed that customer satisfaction, delivery reliability, learning and growth, employee satisfaction, cost, financial performance, flexibility, and quality are the key indicators used in Saudi Arabian telecommunication companies to measure performance. The results also revealed that customer satisfaction, delivery reliability, learning and growth, employee satisfaction, cost, financial performance, flexibility, and quality have an impact on the overall performance of Saudi Arabian telecommunication companies. These indicators can be used to determine the state of organizations, help measure the implementation of strategies, evaluate the organization’s current performance, design strategies for improvement, and evaluate organization’s departments and employees. AcknowledgmentThis paper was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research, Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia [GRANT348].

The expectations of employability skills in the Fourth Industrial Revolution of the communication and media industry in Malaysia

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the industry's expectations on the key employability skills of fresh graduates in the communication and media industry. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has raised the question of whether the university should produce work-ready graduates with employability skills. Driven by the theory of human capital, society expects higher education to produce graduates with skills that are useful in their workplace.Design/methodology/approachThe data were gathered primarily through a quantitative survey, which was later extended to include qualitative interviews. Quantitatively, questionnaires were completed by 313 employers from the middle and top-level management from the communication and media industry. This study also expands on qualitative data through in-depth interviews with nine respondents who were among key decision-makers of recruiting graduates to garner their insights on required employability skills.FindingsThe findings revealed the following employability skills required by the industry in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: communication, ICT or digital, leadership, interpersonal, and personal qualities skills.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings are beneficial to education providers as well as media and communication industries in preparing students and developing their skills to adapt to the changes in the workplace.Originality/valueThe authors provide an empirical understanding of industry expectations towards employability skills in the Fourth Industrial Revolution of the communication and media industry within the Malaysian context.

Assessment of Human Resource Development Practices of Oromia Cooperative Promotion Agency, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The development of human resource is as important as managing it. This current study examines the current practices of Human Resource Development on Employees’ Performance of Oromia Cooperative Promotion Agency”in Oromia regional state. Descriptive survey design was adopted in this study. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches employed. Oromia Cooperative Promotion Agency was purposively selected out of Oromia Regional State Sectors and from these selected Oromia Cooperaative Promotion Agency 132 total of employees included under the study using census method and the individual respondents stratified into top level management ,expertise and supportive staffs used for data collection. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources to achieve the objectives of the study. Data analyzed using descriptive statistics through SPSS –software. The finding of the study reveals that employees promotion, salary,, reward systems, refreshment and induction training were practiced and have positive influence on the human resource development in the Ormia Cooperative Promotion Agency. Whereas employees performance appraisal system, frequent feedback giving is less practiced in the Oromia Cooperative Promotion Agency. Therefore, the researcher concluded that time based, performance based and frequently giving feedback were over jumped in this selected sector. The researcher suggested that the leaders of the employees should give performance feedback and employees performance appraisal system, for their employees to bring change in the organization. Keywords : Human Resource, Training and Development DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/13-15-04 Publication date: August 31 st 2022