South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, Volume 12, Issue 2, Page 122-138, August 2023.
Research on the influence of traditions and religion on cultural entrepreneurship usually focuses on how religion and tradition support entrepreneurial activity. The questions of how traditional ideas and religion can support cultural entrepreneurship remain outside the scope of much research. To understand this phenomenon, where through entrepreneurship the symbols and structures of the national tradition, as well as the religious aspects of the ethnic group, are recreated, an ethnographic study was carried out. In the context of the study, an important place is occupied by the fact that we are considering a period equally divided into a 30-year hibernation of culture (during Soviet rule) and its dynamic revival with Kazakhstan’s independence. In the process of inductive research, a dynamic model of the process was identified, highlighting the factors of accumulation of material within the culture and starting the process of its working and retransmission. This model shows how cultural hibernation served as a trigger for the launch of the process of restoring culture and supporting the national heritage through entrepreneurship. During the period of special intolerance of the Soviet authorities, entering into suspended animation was able to preserve traditions in a state of non-manifestation, creating a shell for the accumulation of all centuries of experience. Gradually, this shell became permeable, and the process of cultural dynamics began. There the skills built in by the environment were transformed into actions and demonstrated through active practices. Thus, the relaying of cultural material could become the basis for supporting religion and tradition through cultural entrepreneurship. The study proposes to consider entrepreneurship as a means of preserving the intangible and material (through objects and processes) cultural heritage, which carries both archaic symbols and constructs and is clothed in a new layer of modern ethnic symbols.
Developing Management Accounting Systems as a Change Process for Economic Sustainability: A Case of Sportswear Manufacturing SME
South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, Volume 12, Issue 2, Page 207-221, August 2023.
This study intends to explore the change process in developing management accounting systems to ensure economic sustainability under the theoretical underpinnings of dynamic capabilities. A single case study design has been incorporated to explore the change process at a sportswear manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Sialkot, Pakistan. The rationale for choosing this case site is that this firm has undergone a recent change in the form of developing and using management accounting systems to address economic sustainability concerns. Data were collected via interviews and documents. We conducted 10 interviews and reviewed some internal documents to comprehend the change process. Due to the involvement of multiple organizational actors, the study finds that dynamic capabilities are reflected collaboratively. Due to the collaborative nature of interactions among organizational actors, sensing, seizing and transformation capabilities were termed collaborative dynamic capabilities. Under these dynamic capabilities, the case firm has successfully implemented the change process by developing management accounting systems. The CEO also arranged two training sessions for the workers to facilitate the change process. Furthermore, replacement and production innovation decisions were taken to reflect the change process by bringing change to the existing resource base. This research has contributed theoretically by addressing recent calls to comprehend the change process in the form of management accounting systems to address economic sustainability in the context of SMEs.
This study intends to explore the change process in developing management accounting systems to ensure economic sustainability under the theoretical underpinnings of dynamic capabilities. A single case study design has been incorporated to explore the change process at a sportswear manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Sialkot, Pakistan. The rationale for choosing this case site is that this firm has undergone a recent change in the form of developing and using management accounting systems to address economic sustainability concerns. Data were collected via interviews and documents. We conducted 10 interviews and reviewed some internal documents to comprehend the change process. Due to the involvement of multiple organizational actors, the study finds that dynamic capabilities are reflected collaboratively. Due to the collaborative nature of interactions among organizational actors, sensing, seizing and transformation capabilities were termed collaborative dynamic capabilities. Under these dynamic capabilities, the case firm has successfully implemented the change process by developing management accounting systems. The CEO also arranged two training sessions for the workers to facilitate the change process. Furthermore, replacement and production innovation decisions were taken to reflect the change process by bringing change to the existing resource base. This research has contributed theoretically by addressing recent calls to comprehend the change process in the form of management accounting systems to address economic sustainability in the context of SMEs.
Resilient Tightroping as Becoming Included: Theorizing from the Journey of Kazakhstani Disabled Entrepreneur
South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, Volume 12, Issue 2, Page 139-151, August 2023.
Scholars of entrepreneurship among people with disabilities suggest that it is necessary to develop deeper insights into the contextual elements that enable or oppose such entrepreneurship. This study problematizes a core premise of the disability entrepreneurship literature that social support, institutional support or both enact disability entrepreneurship. This study modifies the premise by examining a case from the contextual scenario of a post-Soviet country where both societal and institutional attention to disability are largely inadequate and unfavourable. This case study concerns a blind female dancer in Kazakhstan who developed herself into a successful cultural entrepreneur. This inductive study proposes a process model which is labelled resilient tightroping, a model that enables a person with a disability to move towards empowerment and inclusion. The author is well aware that one cannot generalize from a single case. On the other hand, a single case can identify a deficiency in current thinking and point to additional directions where research is needed.
Scholars of entrepreneurship among people with disabilities suggest that it is necessary to develop deeper insights into the contextual elements that enable or oppose such entrepreneurship. This study problematizes a core premise of the disability entrepreneurship literature that social support, institutional support or both enact disability entrepreneurship. This study modifies the premise by examining a case from the contextual scenario of a post-Soviet country where both societal and institutional attention to disability are largely inadequate and unfavourable. This case study concerns a blind female dancer in Kazakhstan who developed herself into a successful cultural entrepreneur. This inductive study proposes a process model which is labelled resilient tightroping, a model that enables a person with a disability to move towards empowerment and inclusion. The author is well aware that one cannot generalize from a single case. On the other hand, a single case can identify a deficiency in current thinking and point to additional directions where research is needed.
Perceptions of Management Control in Post-acquisition Integration Context Through Sense-making: An Interpretive Case Study
South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, Volume 12, Issue 2, Page 222-236, August 2023.
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore perceptions of a management control system (MCS) in a post-acquisition integration context through sense-making using interpretive case study methodology. The study draws from the theories of the two types of bureaucratic formalization, sense-making in organizations and MCSs. The study material consists of semi-structured interviews with the managers at the corporate, divisional, and business unit levels. At the time of the study, the case company was growing through several acquisitions per year, which created constant challenges with post-acquisition integration and a need for more formal MCS. The article shows how the backgrounds of the acquired business units are related to the perceptions of the MCS. We found that the identity threat and retrospection were properties of sense-making that explained the business unit managers’ attitudes towards the corporate MCS. Particularly prior experiences of production-centred line-manager positions in small entrepreneurial firms seem to foster coercive perceptions of MCS. The results of this study contribute to MCS literature.
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore perceptions of a management control system (MCS) in a post-acquisition integration context through sense-making using interpretive case study methodology. The study draws from the theories of the two types of bureaucratic formalization, sense-making in organizations and MCSs. The study material consists of semi-structured interviews with the managers at the corporate, divisional, and business unit levels. At the time of the study, the case company was growing through several acquisitions per year, which created constant challenges with post-acquisition integration and a need for more formal MCS. The article shows how the backgrounds of the acquired business units are related to the perceptions of the MCS. We found that the identity threat and retrospection were properties of sense-making that explained the business unit managers’ attitudes towards the corporate MCS. Particularly prior experiences of production-centred line-manager positions in small entrepreneurial firms seem to foster coercive perceptions of MCS. The results of this study contribute to MCS literature.
Matkasym: An Entrepreneurial Journey from Bazaar to Factory
South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, Volume 12, Issue 2, Page 194-206, August 2023.
This case study examines the entrepreneurial journey of Ubai Matkasymov and his company, Matkasym. Started as a small shop in a bazaar in Kyrgyzstan, the company grew rapidly to become within six years the country’s leading manufacturer of goods made from metal sheets. Three key transition events that led to the company’s success are highlighted: tapping into the digital television switch by adoption of reverse engineering, establishing a relative distinction with the large Safe City Project and dominating the supply of key goods during COVID-19. Based on his decision-making patterns during times of uncertainty, a comment is made on Matkasymov’s entrepreneurial characteristics, such as his clear vision, curiosity and risk-taking. The study provides insights into how an entrepreneur with a venturesome approach can seize opportunities to build a competitive advantage and transform a small business into a successful manufacturing enterprise.
This case study examines the entrepreneurial journey of Ubai Matkasymov and his company, Matkasym. Started as a small shop in a bazaar in Kyrgyzstan, the company grew rapidly to become within six years the country’s leading manufacturer of goods made from metal sheets. Three key transition events that led to the company’s success are highlighted: tapping into the digital television switch by adoption of reverse engineering, establishing a relative distinction with the large Safe City Project and dominating the supply of key goods during COVID-19. Based on his decision-making patterns during times of uncertainty, a comment is made on Matkasymov’s entrepreneurial characteristics, such as his clear vision, curiosity and risk-taking. The study provides insights into how an entrepreneur with a venturesome approach can seize opportunities to build a competitive advantage and transform a small business into a successful manufacturing enterprise.
A Process Model of Combining Life Trauma and Life Passion into Cultural Entrepreneurship: A Case Study of Art-Shelter Bunker Theatre
South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, Volume 12, Issue 2, Page 152-165, August 2023.
A case study of Art-Shelter Bunker theatre explores the fascinating story of how a traumatic event, a dog bite, inspired the creation of a successful theatre company. Drawing on a narrative inquiry approach, we examine the personal experiences and reflections of the theatre company’s founder, who, after being bitten by a dog, underwent a profound transformation that ultimately led to the creation of a unique and impactful theatre company. Our examination underscores the significance of trauma and resilience within the dynamic model of the creative process, underscoring the crucial role that personal narrative plays in shaping artistic expression. Through this inquiry, we hope to better understand the complex and multifaceted relationship between personal experience, trauma, and creativity.
A case study of Art-Shelter Bunker theatre explores the fascinating story of how a traumatic event, a dog bite, inspired the creation of a successful theatre company. Drawing on a narrative inquiry approach, we examine the personal experiences and reflections of the theatre company’s founder, who, after being bitten by a dog, underwent a profound transformation that ultimately led to the creation of a unique and impactful theatre company. Our examination underscores the significance of trauma and resilience within the dynamic model of the creative process, underscoring the crucial role that personal narrative plays in shaping artistic expression. Through this inquiry, we hope to better understand the complex and multifaceted relationship between personal experience, trauma, and creativity.
Should we be Conservative or Aggressive? SME Managers’ Responses in a Crisis and Long‐Term Firm Survival
Abstract
Past research shows that during a crisis, managers of publicly-held firms often adopt a ‘conservative’ approach focused on protecting the existing core of their firms by decreasing investments and hoarding precautionary cash. By doing so, managers decrease firms’ short-term failure rates. However, the literature says little about how managers of private, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) (should) act during a crisis. To address this question, we draw on the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory. Empirically, we use longitudinal data from 38,885 Belgian SMEs’ responses to the 2008–09 financial crisis. Consistent with our expectations, we find that an ‘aggressive’ approach focused on resource investment during the crisis decreases SMEs’ failure rates for up to a decade after the crisis. Further, younger SMEs, and especially those in industries with more growth opportunities, adopt aggressive approaches. Overall, the results show that SMEs need to be aggressive during the crisis to ensure their long-term survival. Moreover, contrary to current depictions of younger SMEs as being vulnerable, and especially so in crises, our evidence highlights that they are surprisingly aggressive when being confronted with a crisis, relative to their older peers.
Trust in Difficult People: A Social Network Perspective
Abstract
We all know people we find difficult to deal with. Some we trust despite major past transgressions, others we do not. What explains the difference? Rather than looking for explanations inside the trustor–trustee dyad, we focus on the embedding social structure. Our argument focuses on two features: network closure around the trustor and the embeddedness of the difficult contact. We test and confirm our argument using data from 384 Chinese managers. Our results show that managers who cite colleagues as difficult following a major transgression report higher trust the more the difficult contact is embedded within the manager's network. The effect is smaller (larger) if the manager is surrounded by a rather closed (open) social network. At a practical level, our study helps distinguish between social situations that facilitate trust and those that impede trust once interpersonal conflicts have tainted a relationship.
An intervention approach to reducing threat appraisal and avoidance associated with intergroup interactions
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Opposing forces of business model innovation in the renewable energy sector: Alternative patterns and strategies
The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ahead of Print.
An increased focus on renewable energy use and the liberalisation and digitalisation of the energy market has led to the adoption of innovative business models by energy businesses. This paper explores business model innovation in the electrical sector. Using multiple case studies of businesses in the electrical market in Scandinavia, this study shows why and how their business models have changed. Change forces and environmental strategies leading to certain patterns of business model innovation serve as the main study objectives. The pricing models, servitisation and appearance of new actors have mostly pronounced patterns of innovative business models of energy businesses. These patterns are predetermined by external pressures, such as industrial advancements and social trends, and are supported by businesses’ efficiency-oriented strategies. The study outcomes have implications on practice, showing the need for proactiveness and a consequent action plan for energy businesses to implement alternative environmental strategies. This study contributes by providing a novel insight into business model innovation by revealing mechanisms catalysing change from the multidimensional perspective – embracing the ‘cause’ and ‘effect’ of the change within energy businesses.
An increased focus on renewable energy use and the liberalisation and digitalisation of the energy market has led to the adoption of innovative business models by energy businesses. This paper explores business model innovation in the electrical sector. Using multiple case studies of businesses in the electrical market in Scandinavia, this study shows why and how their business models have changed. Change forces and environmental strategies leading to certain patterns of business model innovation serve as the main study objectives. The pricing models, servitisation and appearance of new actors have mostly pronounced patterns of innovative business models of energy businesses. These patterns are predetermined by external pressures, such as industrial advancements and social trends, and are supported by businesses’ efficiency-oriented strategies. The study outcomes have implications on practice, showing the need for proactiveness and a consequent action plan for energy businesses to implement alternative environmental strategies. This study contributes by providing a novel insight into business model innovation by revealing mechanisms catalysing change from the multidimensional perspective – embracing the ‘cause’ and ‘effect’ of the change within energy businesses.