...Research Dilemmas in Management and Business Studies John Mendy University of Lincoln, UK jmendy@lincoln.ac.uk Abstract: This paper examines some of the philosophical and practical dilemmas that are faced by researchers in management and business studies – in the context of the epistemological and ontological assumptions introduced. The relevant methodological frameworks to be used stem from Strauss and Quinn (1997). The importance of employee language and organisational discourses are presented from the empirical data on “Aspects of Organisational Culture and Change” in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire to demonstrate the epistemological and ontological dilemmas faced by researchers in organisational analysis. Symbolic interactionism and stories are also used to highlight the importance of speech actors within an organisational change context in order to surface some of these dilemmas in business studies in general and management research in particular. These two provide alternative positions to Strauss and Quinn’s “maintained” analysis of how organisations and managers implement change interventions and employees’ reactions to these. Amongst some of my principal objectives is to demonstrate what can be contributed when researchers focus on what can be considered credible and valid knowledge that can be generalised in organisational and management studies. Keywords: language, methodological dilemmas, epistemology, theory and practice. 1. Introduction This paper focuses on...
Words: 7930 - Pages: 32
...from the contribution of those of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Though culture is seen as ‘‘a richly rewarding area to pursue,’’ it is none- theless ‘‘a woefully complex maddeningly dynamic phenomenon’’ (Faure & Rubin, 1993, p. 228)(5). “Unity in diversity” is the perfect principle based on which any organisation succeeds. It is known fact that employees from various cultures contribute more effectively to organisations success than organisation working with single culture employees. But the authors of the article “Managing Multicultural Teams” (henceforth referred as core article) are of the opinion that cultural differences are sometimes capable of exacerbating challenges associated with effective team work. With the belief that multiculturism is timely need of 21st century, this essay strongly emphasises that multicultural teams often generate frustrating management dilemmas and works on solutions that a manger could implement to tackle this problem. A diverse or multicultural team by definition is not homogeneous. A homogeneous team tends to use the same words, meanings, expressions and speak the same language. They usually rely on same verbal and nonverbal cues to meanings. A classic example of this is Indians nod in a particular style. Western people find it difficult to interpret their nod while Indians are pretty comfortable with such style as they belong to same homogeneous group or team of people. On contrary a diverse team consists of people speaking different languages...
Words: 1531 - Pages: 7
...526: Managerial Communication Group MIAA0CWRK6 Barbara Nagle, MA August 11, 2008 An Analysis of Personal Ethics and Decision Making I am running late to work. I have a meeting scheduled with senior management at the start of the business day to propose a new project. The project will generate new revenue for the organization. I am two blocks from the office, and the meeting starts in five minutes. As I approach an intersection, I see the traffic light change from green to yellow. Two cars in front of me pass through the traffic light while it is yellow. I know I will not be able to traverse the intersection before the traffic light changes to red. No other vehicles appear to be crossing the intersection. What do I do? What would you do? Every day one faces decisions resembling the one presented in one’s personal and professional lives. Often one has little or no time to deliberate the alternatives. How does one analyze the available choices and make a decision? What guides the decisions? – Personal ethics. Ethics can be described as a set of values that guide individual or group conduct. One’s “set of values” is derived from one’s personal experience, one’s culture, and one’s workplace (Taft, 2007). Thus, personal, cultural, and organizational values influence one’s decision making process. Types of Values Personal values originate from one’s background and upbringing. Often, these are principles learned from parents and family. Religious...
Words: 1430 - Pages: 6
...Introduction To Management Sharon Toney SUNY Empire State College Ethical Behavior In this chapter we look at the ethical behavior when it comes to business management. Ethics is defined as the code of moral principles that sets standards of good or bad, or right or wrong, in one’s conduct. You learn how ethical dilemmas complicate the workplace and how high ethical standards can be maintained. Social responsibilities and governance plays a part in ethical behavior as well. Ethical behavior is that which is accepted as “good” or “right” as opposed to “bad” or “wrong”. For the reason an action is not illegal does not necessarily make it ethical in a given situation. Values vary, so that brings up the question, “What is ethical behavior? Honestly it can be answered in many ways by different people for the reason of different values.Values help determine individuals behavior. Terminal values are preferences about desired ends, such as the goals one strives to achieve in life. Instrumental values are preferences regarding the means for accomplishing these ends. Among the instrumental values held important by managers are honesty, ambition,courage, imagination,and self discipline. The value pattern for any one person is very enduring, but terminal and instrumental values vary from one person to the next. This variation is a reason why people respond quite differently to situations and their ethical challenges. The utilitarian, individualism...
Words: 790 - Pages: 4
...Reducing cultural shock with global brands and advertising Eliane Karsaklian - Advancia-Negocia Abstract This paper aims at demonstrating that expatriates represent a specific target for companies as they tend to consume global brands during their stay abroad in order to avoid cultural shock and thus should be addressed with specific communication. The literature review articulates global brands and advertising with cultural shock, explained on the basis of Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner’s dilemmas’ theory. The qualitative method used in this research were 53 in-depth interviews. Results demonstrated that expatriates relay on well-known brands to adapt to new environments when they are abroad and that specific advertising help them to reconcile dilemmas. Key words: Global brands, advertising, expatriates, cultural shock Introduction Economic and social factors are working to increase global competition and global operations, and subsequently an acceleration of traffic in expatriation and repatriation. Johansson and Ronkainen (2005) state that research shows that one of the most common features of a globally integrated marketing strategy is the adoption of one brand name around the world, whereas Callow and Schiffman (2002) talk about how advertising interpretations are dependent on cultural factors of the viewer. Therefore, the present paper is relevant because it demonstrates that particular attention should be drawn to expatriates during their sojourn abroad. While struggling...
Words: 3553 - Pages: 15
...upon knowledge you have gained working with other similar situation. 1. Identify the issues of overlap in the new client organization with others that you have had as client. 2. Explain the ethical dilemma(s) that may arise if you use your expert knowledge of other organizational HRM strategies with the new client. 3. Discuss your approach to customizing HRM strategy to business strategies. 4. Emphasize the importance of establishing HRM strategies to improve a competitive advantage. Issues of overlap in a new client organization. According to Stewart & Brown (2012) good human resource management practices help successful organizations meet the needs of their employees, customers owners and society. .A company must have a strategic plan to for dealing with important changes that are likely to occur both in the marketplace and among its workforce. Employee productivity increases when organizations hire and motivate employees effectively. Good human resource practices create more satisfied employees who in turn work harder to satisfy customers. Organizational leaders use information about environmental opportunities and threats to form their corporate strategies. Important elements of organizational environment include demographic and cultural trends, economic and political conditions, and technological innovations and development. Leadership strategic human resource framework includes Bargain...
Words: 1417 - Pages: 6
...The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at www.emeraldinsight.com/2045-4457.htm SAJGBR 2,1 Profiting from poverty: ethics of microfinance in BOP Linda M. Sama and R. Mitch Casselman Department of Management, Peter J. Tobin College of Business, St. John’s University, New York, New York, USA Abstract Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the ethical dilemmas that emerge when offering microfinance services in BOP markets. Design/methodology/approach – Utilizing the ethical lenses of deontology, teleology, virtue ethics and moral relativism, the paper builds on prior research on ethical issues in BOP markets and the ethics of microfinance to highlight the specific stakeholder impacts facing MFIs. Relevant literature and examples from practice are utilized to illustrate the different ethical perspectives. Findings – In general, many of the key dilemmas represent themselves in the extreme poverty segment of the BOP where commercial business models have the least traction. Research limitations/implications – Propositions are developed for the corrective actions in the paper which might allow future research to uncover differences in intervention success in different BOP markets. Practical implications – The discussion of potential interventions for the various stakeholders may ameliorate criticisms of MFIs, suggest opportunities for cross-sectoral partnerships and improve outreach to the poorest of the poor. Social implications – For each issue...
Words: 11409 - Pages: 46
...Martin 077915 Individual Case study A: 4 BMA258 Services Marketing 2015 Simon Martin 077915 Contents Introduction 1 Body 2 Conclusion 4 References 5 Introduction This report will provide information obtained through a case study, regarding the revenue management of gondolas. The report, will pay particular attention to the capacity of gondolas, revenue impacts, revenue maximisation and the difficulties whilst trying to balance heritage and culture, pricing structure, and will highlight recommendations and customer’s reactions. The report will contain definitions, strategies and theories gathered from relevant marketing texts. Body Case facts The case Revenue Management of Gondolas: Maintaining the Balance between Tradition and Revenue shows the history, importance, and role of the Gondola/Gondoliers in Venice. The key facts are there has been a heavy decline in the number of Gondolas from when they were initially produced and that demand of customers can be segmented into high and low seasons. The cultural background and strict regulations in Venice keep uniforms and boats traditionally designed. This also applies to the restriction of Gondoliers, requiring their birth to be in Venice. Many dilemmas are present including; capacity issues limiting their supply for market demand, and the pressure to maintain the tradition of Gondolas. Thus increase revenue difficult to achieve. In the past the core service product would be classified as transportation. However,...
Words: 1113 - Pages: 5
...International Legal and Ethical Issues Contemporary Business Law-LAW/421 Dina Centifanti Gledhill May 28, 2012 International trade is important and beneficial to business. However international trade must be guided with a safeguard of interests, specific business contract, defined law, forum of dispute settlement, and understanding of contract clauses. “A working knowledge of international law helps business owners and managers with global interests reduce risk and increase profits” (Melvin, 2011, P. 631). This enlightenment will address the international legal and ethical issues involved in international business transactions and compare such to domestic business operations. Resolving legal disputes Business internationally, enviably creates change in legislation, interest conflict, and rise of ethical dilemmas. When international business arises, business owners, and management must use precaution to avoid ethical, legal, and cultural issues. Business must prepare for the unexpected to ensure success. Often conducting foreign business requires the parties to set standard law, determine how to settle disputes, and define contract clause to determine the correct business decision applicable through contracts. Foreign businesses commonly use contracts for the international sale of goods as standard law. “Contracts for the international sale of goods was created by the U.N. Commission on International Trade Law to establish uniform rules for drafting certain international...
Words: 652 - Pages: 3
...Introduction Cultural intelligence will be assessed through this report, analysing whether such thesis can be utilized within our organisation to enhance staff development. Cultural intelligence also called cultural quotient (CQ), can be defined as ‘'the ability to engage in set of behaviours that uses skills and qualities that are tuned appropriately to the culture-based values and attitudes of the people with whom one interacts'(Peterson,2004). Respect for basic rights, human dignity and good citizenship are core human values(Donaldson 1996), understanding differing cultures present through our employees and foreign dignitaries will improve our relations with different cultural belief systems, and adorn more sophistication in our diplomacy. Globalization has dramatically increased foreign trade due to the falling trade barriers, easier emigration possibilities, improved transportation and technological revolutions. ‘Growing interconnections bought about by the globalization process require that both managers and organizations expand repertoires of roles’(Parker,2005). Hence effective communications with differing cultures is more important than ever(Tannen,1985). Culture is man-made part of the environment(Herkovits,1948),management must consider the relativity in such analysis, since absolute meanings cannot be derived due to the differing meanings of cultures explained either through the actor or observer. One may assume cultural idioms using models such as ‘Hofstede’s...
Words: 2376 - Pages: 10
...Q1. Briefly describe the dilemma presented in this case study. Who are the key players and what are some of the antecedents that have led to the present problem? In today’s workplace communication is key, collaboration crucial and teamwork a top management buzzword. These facets encourage knowledge sharing, co‐operation and a joint sense of purpose. However, such an increase in interpersonal relationships too often creates an unwanted side effect: conflict. In the case study, Bob’s Meltdown, Jay Nguyen, CEO Concord Machines, has to handle a situation of psychological harassment owing to work related stress. Jay needs to discover a suitable arrangement to abstain from being sued by Annette. Jay’s dilemma is that on one hand he cannot let Bob go as he is his best manager and on the other hand Annette has made it clear that if Bob stays, she’ll leave. The problem started when Bob yelled at Annette in the cafeteria. She currently feels exposed and violated by this event and can hardly concentrate on her work. On the other hand Bob, is suffering from stress. He is being pressurized at work and is also facing problems in his personal life. With many things already on his mind, when Annette informed him regarding the formation of the Knowledge Protocols Group, he lost his temper and on meeting Annette face-to-face he couldn't control but burst out at her. ...
Words: 1744 - Pages: 7
...There are a variety of moral and ethical issues that involve management. Managers will be faced with moral and ethical issues during the duration of his or her career. As a manager, the individual may have to use what was taught to them and re-evaluate what is to be moral and ethical, it is not only for themselves but for the company itself, the employees, and especially the customers. Management in all business and organizational activities are the acts of getting people together to accomplish desired goals and objectives effectively and efficiently. It can also be referred to the person or people who perform the acts of management. In management there are many different duties that comprises this department in any business or company. They do all the planning, organizing, staffing, leading, directing, and controlling of the organization which is compiled of a group of one or more people or entities and all the various aspects of the business in effort to accomplish their desired goals and accomplishments. It is very important that a manager knows all aspects of the company they are managing. It is also vital that they know what the policies are for the company when deciding what is ethical or morally right. When knowing this information, the manager can then implement and enforce the company's policies on ethical behavior. Consistency is very important for managers when dealing with ethical issues. If one employee...
Words: 956 - Pages: 4
...Understanding Cross-Cultural Management Second Edition Marie-Joëlle Browaeys & Roger Price Part One CULTURE AND MANAGEMENT Concept 1.1 Facets of culture Introduction to Part One Setting the scene This introductory chapter will give an outline of the research in the field of culture and management, which in turn serves as a framework for Part One. The concept of culture Many experts in their fields have wracked their brains to come up with what they consider to be their concept of ‘culture’. Those working in the field of cultural anthropology, alone, for example, have come up with a long list of definitions of the concept, based on their analysis of ethnological, social, psychological and linguistic data. The attempt made by Bodley (1994) to summarize these (Table I.1) gives an idea of all the facets of culture that need to be taken into account from an anthropological perspective. Although acknowledging the multiplicity of cultures, the authors of this book consider that the fundamental aspect of culture is that it is something all humans learn in one way or another. It is not something people inherit, but rather a code of attitudes, norms and values, a way of thinking that is learnt within a social environment. Family, the social environment, school, friends, work – all these help to form this code and determine how people see themselves and the world. The national culture and the particular region which people live in also help to shape a...
Words: 97340 - Pages: 390
...Ethical Issues in Management Jaceson Bradford MGT 216 May 3, 2010 Bill Link Introduction In today’s workplace it is important to understand how making an accurate hiring decision can affect the organization. With jobs becoming increasingly difficult to arrive at because of the economy, applicants for employment are willing to misrepresent their credentials in the application process. Managers are faced with ethical and legal aspects of hiring along with social issues that make ethically responsible management practices increasingly important. This paper will provide information about ethical and legal aspects associated with hiring and provide moral and ethical issues faced by managers. This paper will also describe the relationship between social issues and ethically responsible practices that relate to hiring. Moral and Ethical Issues Many people don’t understand the cost related to making a poor hiring decision. From productivity, customer service, and liability prospective have been widely studied and has been estimated to be three times the annual salary of the individual involved (Calvasina, Calvasina, & Calvasina 2008). Therefore, it is important for managers to make their decisions of an applicant based on skills as well as moral and ethical values. It is very difficult at times for managers because their responsibilities include not only hiring, but also promotion, conduct of employees, and motivation. But it is even more important...
Words: 1143 - Pages: 5
...increase in its global business revenue has lead the company building factories strategically in different part of the world so that it will be able to streamline its logistic reaching target market. This can be said to many companies increasing their global business by building plants in other countries away from their local market especially in an undeveloped countries that are poor and corruption are high. All these factories that are been built around the world have led to mangers communicating with one another which can cause cultural conflict. The reason for the conflict is examines in an article called the cultural roots of ethical conflicts in global business. I grew up in Nigeria where the author wrote is far more corrupt than Finland. “Many of the people inhabiting poorer countries are more concerned with survival than success, the argument goes, and higher ethical standards are often considered a luxury people cannot afford" (Sanchez-Runde, Nardon and Steers 2013). For example, in Nigeria it is highly unlikely to import a product into the country without paying some kind of bribe to officials at the port authority who are paid low wages, and have to supplement their income with bribery for survival. A manger in Nigeria who works for a global industry will factor the cost of the bribery, and add the cost to the clearing of the product from the port authority despite it been an unethical practice. “In fact, recent research shows that cultural differences influence...
Words: 977 - Pages: 4
