The Architecture of Core Competence

In this article, the author first surveys the explanations given by leading writers for corporate success and then goes on to sketch a definition of what he calls "meta-competence": the corporate capacity for building and sustaining core competence. Delving below the popular explanations for Wal-Mart's success, he then uses Wal-Mart to illustrate his argument.     

Is the Creation and Development of Biotech SMEs Localised? Conclusions Drawn from the French Case

The article examines the localisation effects within biotechnology, concentrating in particular on the French case. The paper has two strands of analysis. The first presents a detailed statistical survey of the French biotechnology sector. Among other things, the survey shows that a) localisation effects within France are strong, b) in terms of dependence on local cluster infrastructures (especially universities and related public research institutes), most firms progress from an entry stage in which they are very dependent on local cluster infrastructures, to a mature phase in which their networks become more national/international in focus and c) French firms can be grouped into four general types of firms, ranging from "type 1" growth oriented product firms, to "type 2" niche market players, "type 3" subsidiaries of larger firms, and "type 4" firms that have been acquired. Localisation effects differ across these firms, esp. across type 1 (international) and type 2 (very localised) firms. The second strand of analysis consists of a review of the localisation and related cluster literature, with implications drawn out for localisation and knowledge spillovers within biotech clusters. It examines the relative effects of scientific centres proximity and compares them to the public policy of start-up creation.     

International Executives,Identity Strategies and Mobility in France and China

The strategies of multinational firms increasingly rely in Asia Pacific Region on processes of socialising their employees, who are seeking to develop and reinforce a “global” company culture, without endangering the cultures of local subsidiaries. Specialists have coined the term “cross-cultural management”. A role of “company ambassador” is allocated to a new generation of international executives in Asia whose mission will be to play an effective role as interface between head office its the subsidiaries – and between the subsidiaries themselves – once they have been suitably “impregnated” with the company culture and the particular features of different markets.

The repeated experience of international mobility that executives live through means that the individual may well be living in conflict with previous identities. It is true to say that nobody stays long in an internationally mobile situation without running the risk of there being strong divergence between the domestic and residential worlds, the life of the community and the world of the company. This article has been written as a result of in-depth research into the way executives of a large French oil company built up their identities and as a result of a study examines intercultural learning based on French expatriates' experience in China. We consider how French expatriates experience China and what imaginary underlies their perception. Analysis of daily socialization and interaction processes shows intercultural competence develops along distinct immersion stages: immersion–adjustment, immersion–comprehension, and immersion–integration. Individually, adjustment and comprehension support intercultural practice. The ultimate immersion stage leads to enlightened pragmatism stemming from “nomadic intelligence”. Where a researcher in the social sciences or a business man might have expected to have found an homogenous international elite, international executives building an “international system”, the heterogeneous nature of the identity strategies of international executives give the lie to the myth of the large company as a space for the irreversible assimilation of its members. At an individual level, being an international executive is a unique way of living the experience abroad, or rather, several different ways of experiencing identity strategies linked to the manipulation of one's ethnicity in a context of significant geographical and functional mobility.     

From foreign investors to strategic insiders: Shifting parameters,prescriptions and paradigms for MNCs in China

Multinational corporations (MNCs) entering and operating in China have been significantly changing their dominant strategies over the past two decades to cope with China's shifting competitive and regulatory environments. The new strategies have resulted in a status shift such that MNCs are no longer merely “foreign investors”; they have become “strategic insiders” who view their large-scale China operations as key to their overall corporate success. To provide an overarching picture of this status shift, this article identifies and discusses shifting competitive parameters facing MNCs (from scant to strong competition, from niche to massive competition, from single- to multi-market competition and from structural similarity to multiplicity), as well as the shifting regulatory parameters they face (from entrance to operational intervention, from separation to convergence with domestic policies and from national control to regional regulation). This article also analyzes the shifting dominant strategies MNCs use to deal with changing environmental landscapes, including shifts from parent to national integration, from production relocation to value chain localization, from competence transfer to competence building, from competition to coopetition, from repetition to adaptive diversification and from alliance building to restructuring. This article concludes by discussing how the above strategic shifts provoke the extension and rethinking of extant MNC theories and what future issues merit particular attention.     

An assessment of Colombian managers' perceptions of international strategic alliances

This article reports the results of a survey of Colombian managers concerning their perceptions of strategic alliances with foreign firms. The survey focuses in particular on partner selection and the managerial expectations from such partnerships, as well as the potential difficulties involved in developing interfirm linkages. The survey of Colombian managers shows that international strategic alliances are considered a viable approach to building a competitive advantage, especially in domestic markets, either through acquiring Western technology or marketing know-how. However, the survey results also suggest that a number of obstacles need to be overcome. The important considerations in partner selection, competence building through strategic alliances, and dealing with potential problems in establishing interfirm partnerships are discussed. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Inter-Organisational Relationships and Strategy Development in an Evolving Industrial Network: Mapping Structure and Process

The paper explores the complexity of organisational strategies and relationships within an industrial supply chain. Whilst a considerable body of literature exists on inter-organisational relationships (IORs), our assertion is that much of this takes an overly deterministic view of the complex and sometimes conflicting situations that profoundly affect an organisation's (and, indeed, a network's) ability to perform effectively. Thus we turn for insight to literature beyond the traditional marketing arena, i.e.to sociology and organisational science.

We begin by relating aspects of the relationship marketing (RM) literature to a case context wherein the focal firm operates globally, supplying speciality chemicals to the chemical manufacturing market. Next, a brief comparison between the RM and the rather more inductive network (NW) literatures is undertaken. In a section representing the core theoretical underpinning of our study, Giddens' (1984) notion of structuration is then discussed; in particular how it relates to industrial NWs. Further literature from the management sphere is introduced to illustrate how a structurationist perspective might be taken forward in business marketing research.

Thereafter, following a discussion of methodological issues, we describe the case findings. These are presented in the form of "before" and "after" scenarios which illustrate both intra- and inter-firm issues. Our analysis highlights factors and behaviours which we believe can redirect (consciously or not) an organisation's activities away from any intended relationship building and towards a transactional orientation, despite the long term consequences for the NW. In the paper's conclusions, as well as making some pertinent case observations, we discuss the utility of a structurationist approach to research. Finally, we give some recommendations both for the focal case company and for further research into IORs.     

From data problems to questions about sources: elements towards an institutional analysis of population-level organisational change. The case of British building societies, 1845–1980

Abstract

Institutional analyses of population-level organisational change seem particularly well suited to the task of further incorporating historical concerns into organisational theory, as has been advocated by a growing number of authors, both within business history and management and organisation studies. Such an approach has been applied, in particular, to studies of shifts in organisational forms within the early-twentieth-century US thrift industry. The aim of this article, building on the case study of British building societies during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, is to uncover both the promises and the limitations of this approach in terms of historical epistemology and methodology, and suggest ways to further consolidate the historical grounding of similar approaches to organisational change. In particular, detailed attention paid to sources and to periodisation may point towards improvements in methodology, both within historical institutionalism and neo-institutionalist history.     

Putting Ethics on the Agenda for Real Estate Agents

This article uses sociological role theory to help understand ethical challenges faced by Norwegian real estate agents. The article begins with an introductory case, and then briefly examines the strengths and limitations of using legal definitions and rules for understanding real estate agency and real estate agent ethics. It goes on to argue that the ethical challenges of real estate agency can be described and understood as a system of conflicting roles with associated rights and duties, in particular sales agent, intermediary and adviser sub-roles. The arguments are developed using exploratory findings from a survey of Norwegian real estate agents and from several focus groups. The article then suggests the use of various intranet tools as a kind of action research aimed at putting ethics on the real estate agents’ agenda, working to develop a collective conscience and collective self- criticism among the agents, and, in doing so, building bridges between academic research and the practical working world of the agents.     

Taking Stock of the Century‐long Utilization of the Case Method in Management Education

Over the last century, the case method has been a key teaching tool in management education. This article takes stock of the main characteristics of the case method, clarifies its learning goals, and exposes the relationships between these goals and supporting learning theories, in particular active‐learning theory and experiential learning. It then examines the multiple variations of the case method that have developed over the years and discusses arguments against the case method. Finally, four proposals are made in view of strengthening the case method's value: extend case variety, moderate the case method's ambition to foster experiential learning, conduct empirical research about the case method's learning impacts, and emphasize the close relationship between case research and case teaching. Copyright © 2013 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

21世纪的营销:后现代主义视角

“后现代主义”是法国现代哲学的一个流派,越来越多的领域引入这一哲学思想,西方经济学和营销领域也开始研究经济及消费生活中的后现代现象。文章在介绍了后现代主义思想并分析其对消费文化的影响的基础上,提出了新世纪企业应采取的新营销战略。     

From thrifts to universal banks: the sources of organisational change in French savings banks, 1945–2000

This article aims to analyse the processes by which French savings banks have transformed themselves in the past 70 years. Although much is known about how banking has changed in industrialised countries since the late 1970s, in particular through higher competition, regulatory changes and restructuring, we know relatively little about how non-profit banks have been affected. In addition, although the key factors of change highlighted in the literature all reveal an implicit emphasis on exogenous sources of change (i.e. banks respond to changes in their external environment by adjusting their strategy), not much research has been dedicated to investigate the potential endogenous factors of change and, by extension, more complex interactions between banks and their environment have been ignored. This article aims to respond to these two challenges, by drawing on the framework proposed by Haveman and Rao suggesting that organisational change occurs as the outcome of co-evolution between organisations and institutions. Given the key role played by the state in banking, the article proposes an amendment to this framework by taking into account the multiple interdependencies between state and banking actors, and how these interdependencies evolve over time.     

Zypern: Insel ohne Geschäftsmodell?

Cyprus appeared to be a South European success story until the beginning of the economic and financial crisis in 2008. But in early 2013, the country was at the edge of bankruptcy, its leading banks were illiquid, its economy was shrinking and unemployment was rising. Against this background, this article analyses which factors contributed to the Cypriot crash and how the country can achieve an economic revival. Due to the lack of industrial competence, it is suggested to revive the Cypriot service industry in the course of a reunification of Cyprus. A reunification could rebuild confidence lost during the crisis, create synergy effects in tourism and facilitate natural gas production.     

Relationship Value Management: Exploring the Integration of Employee,Customer and Shareholder Value and Enterprise Performance Models

Value as a theme in the relationship marketing literature is gaining increasing attention. In particular, the synthesis of value concepts with a multi-stakeholder approach to relationship marketing has been the subject of recent interest. Building on earlier work, this article explores how key elements of relationship value can be integrated through a focus on three key stakeholder groups: employees, customers and shareholders. The linkages between employee value, customer value and shareholder value, including the research on the service-profit chain, are explored. The paper also explores the extent to which linkage models or enterprise performance models, which integrate these components of value, have been adopted by organisations. Two case studies are used to illustrate the practical application by organisations seeking to develop enterprise performance models.     

Bridging Industrial Segmentation Theory and Practice

Purpose: Segmentation is seen today as a core concept within mainstream marketing. While industrial segmentation has received considerable attention within academic literature, there have been many reports on companies having problems using, applying, and implementing the principles of segmentation. Authors criticize the literature on segmentation for giving too little attention to implementation, providing marketers little help and guidance on how to make segmentation work in a practical environment. This article addresses some of these problems.

Methodology/Approach: The objective of this article is to design a process with methods and activities for segmentation by building on action research case study data from a large Danish industrial company.

Findings: Along with important considerations, this article presents the process of segmentation using a build-up approach based on qualitative market data. The process is practical and easily approachable for companies. The purpose behind segmentation is strategic—identify target segments and facilitate the planning of future product offers. It is argued that segmentation should be dedicated to the purpose and context of the company. This case illustrates how the company adapted segmentation theory to their particular needs.     

学习型组织的内涵及成长机制

本文首先在学习型组织与核心竞争力提升之间建立了一种价值链关系 ,进而对学习型组织进行了界定 ;其次 ,提出了学习型组织结构应从扁平化向水平化发展的观点 ,并认为具有水型特征的组织适宜学习型组织成长 ;再次 ,提出了二段全通道、完全覆盖式学习型组织的信息交流模式、“学习型领袖”的成长及组织创新机制 ;最后 ,提出了传统组织结构向学习型组织结构发展中组织功能的转换模式。     

Revisiting Gender Role Stereotyping in the Sales Profession

This paper revisits the issue of gender stereotypes in sales professions given new views of what makes for effective sales performance and sales management. Women's continued disadvantaged position in the sales profession is documented, and the role of gender role stereotypes in sustaining this situation in the profession is examined. The paper then turns to the newly emerging, ostensibly "pro-female", view of sales. This emphasises the importance of building and sustaining relationships – qualities that women have traditionally been stereotyped as "good" at. Despite the positive emphasis accorded to women's skills in this new sales landscape, the ethical problems which arise from constructing this debate around the issue of gender are explored. In particular, the extent to which the view of women as "good at relationships" constitutes a stereotype is examined, and the value of this stereotype for redressing women's disadvantaged position from the perspectives of justice and utility is set out. In the final part of the paper we look at potential avenues for future theory and research which may help bring into focus a new view of gender role stereotypes in sales.     

中美贸易摩擦中的经济民族主义分析

随着中国国际贸易地位的提高,中美贸易摩擦日益频繁,企业遭受的损失越来越大,其中美国经济民族主义的回潮是一个重要的原因,也是后WTO时期中国对外开放必须直面的问题.美国经济民族主义的根源和其在中美贸易中的表现,兴起原因,其种种现象在中美经济关系中具有客观性和必然性,对此,中国政府和企业应采取应对的策略.     

The First 50 Years of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Business Economics</Emphasis>

This article traces the history of Business Economics, focusing first on its institutional history—its beginnings, key contributors, debates on its content, and shifts in editorial policy. It then turns to discussion of particular articles that are distinguished either by the judgment of Business Economics’ Editorial Board or whose authors have been honored by the National Association for Business Economics for their outstanding service. The article also presents trends in the sources and content of Business Economics over its 50-year history.     

电子商务企业的核心竞争力研究——以典型电子商务企业为例

在电子商务的发展中,一些企业如亚马逊、阿里巴巴等取得了巨大成功,成为行业的典范。它们成功的原因何在?本文试图从核心竞争力方面加以研究。文章首先分析了这两个典型电子商务企业的成功案例,然后论述了核心竞争力构成要素,在此基础上总结出电子商务企业应具备的核心竞争力。