Driving organisational ambidexterity through process management. The key role of cultural change
There is an intense debate in the literature on the impact of process management on innovation, and the division of opinions becomes particularly apparent with regard to radical innovation. Furthermore, organisational ambidexterity, the organisational capability to undertake incremental as well as radical innovation activities, has been underlined as a key source of competitiveness. In this article, we analyse how the cultural divergence driven by process management can affect organisational ambidexterity. Through a survey carried out on a sample of Spanish firms in the furniture and textile sectors, both of which have been drastically hit by competition from Asian firms, we conclude that t…
Building sustainable contextual ambidexterity through routines: a case study from information technology firms
The purpose of this paper is to explain the role that routines play in achieving sustainable organisational ambidexterity in information technology (IT) firms. Our exploratory analysis of four case studies reveals the key importance of routines in setting the context for sustainable ambidexterity. Companies build up contextual ambidexterity through routines derived from normalization of processes, normalization of skills, and normalization of results. The findings of the study show that routines support IT professionals to decide whether to exploit or explore in each particular case. Firstly, the enabling character of explicit routines as a result of the normalisation of work processes and …
The Economy of Communion as a Social Innovation to Humanise Business
The purpose of this chapter is to better understand the growth of EoC, analysing this movement from the perspective of social innovation and examining the innovative activities of EoC businesses. We have found that EoC is based on solid values and principles, and has a clear objective, which is to fight for a better world, eliminating poverty. Companies inspired by human-oriented management practices are those which move to achieve this objective. We argue in this chapter that EoC is a radical social innovation, as it is social in both its ends and its means, meeting social needs and creating new social relationships and collaborations. This paper analyses three Spanish EoC companies, using…
TQM and Innovation: Controversial Issues Surrounding the Impact of Formalization over Radical Innovation
The purpose of this chapter is to better understand the influence of total quality management (TQM) practices on innovation, examining the conflicting issues that surround the impact of process management implementation and the effects of subsequent formalization on radical innovation. We consider several arguments that appear in the literature, as well as empirical research findings on this topic, discussing how TQM can stimulate a context that favors innovation, putting all the experience and competences of the firm at the service of innovation goals, or conversely, considering the potential barriers that process management and formalization can build against radical innovation. An extens…
TQM, innovation and the role of cultural change
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to better understand the influence of total quality management (TQM) practices on incremental and radical innovation, examining the role of diverse cultural change as a mediator, particularly in firms where ever‐increasing competitive pressure demands a combination of quality and innovation.Design/methodology/approachFrom previous research on the influence of TQM practices on innovation, the paper proposes a model which is tested through a survey carried out on a sample of 72 Spanish firms that have been drastically hit by competition from Asian companies, achieving a 51.42 percent valid return rate.FindingsNone of the sets of TQM practices directly affec…
Driving human resources towards quality and innovation in a highly competitive environment
Purpose – Intense competitive environments demand the combination of quality and innovation. The potential of human resource management practices within the total quality framework for promoting innovation is under debate, particularly in relation to radical innovation. The purpose of this paper is to enhance and extend the analysis of the role of cultural change as a mediator. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical study examines a sample of Spanish firms in highly competitive environments in their search for a combination of quality and innovation. To this end, the investigation includes structural equation analysis through partial least square path modelling. Findings – According t…
The Contribution of TQM to Organizational Ambidexterity: The State of the Art and Promising Research Streams
The purpose of this chapter is to present the state of the art of research on the impact of TQM implementation on organizational ambidexterity. The widespread diffusion of TQM in organizations in all sectors and the already established importance of ambidextrous capability for achieving long-term competitiveness make understanding the connection between both fields a worthwhile objective. We underline the need to include in the analysis the broad and complex nature of TQM. Due to the interactions between its principles and practices, total quality management can act as a platform in creating an ambidextrous organizational context. We also underline the importance of clarity in research on t…
From individual to team ambidexterity: the moderating role of collaborative behavior and international experience
The present study examines whether individual ambidexterity affects students’ team ambidexterity. In addition, the moderating role of collaborative behaviour and international experience is examine...
Quality and Innovation in the Organic Agro-Food Sector: Threats and Opportunities of Social and Managerial Innovation
This study seeks to understand how innovation in the organic agro-food sector has evolved, studying the main challenges facing the sector as a consequence of its growth. Through the study and analysis of literature we reflect on the threats and opportunities facing the sector. We also used two expert panels to help us cross-reference and complete the information available from previous studies. The organic agro-food sector was born as a social and radical innovation based on specific values and principles, which include respect for nature and sustainability, ecology, no pollution, equity and a close relationship with consumers. In this chapter, we explain how regulations and the interplay…