Joanne Roberts
University of Southampton, Winchester School of Art, Faculty Member
- Business Services, Communities of practice, Knowledge Economy, Services Internationalisation, International Business, Knowledge Management, and 22 moreOnline Communities, Information Communication Technology, Innovation statistics, Creativity, Knowledge, Knowledge Transfer, Tacit Knowledge, Multinational Corporations, Innovation Systems, Tacit knowledge capture and transfer, Service Economy, International Political Economy, Intellectual Property, Open Access, Open Source and Free Software Studies, Luxury Brands, Knowledge Communities, Critical Luxury Studies, Luxury, Luxury and Fashion Brands, Luxury brand, and Luxury Marketingedit
- Joanne Roberts is Professor in Arts and Cultural Management at Winchester School of Art (WSA), University of Southamp... moreJoanne Roberts is Professor in Arts and Cultural Management at Winchester School of Art (WSA), University of Southampton. She joined WSA in 2013 from Newcastle Business School, University of Northumbria, where she was Professor in International Business and Academic Leader of the International Business subject group. Prior to this Joanne held academic posts at Newcastle University and Durham University.
Her research interests include the internationalization of knowledge intensive business services, new information and communication technologies and knowledge transfer, and critical perspectives on knowledge in organization and economy. Joanne has participated in a number of research projects including a European-wide investigation into 'Patents in Services' funded by the European Union. Most recently she has completed research on Communities of Practice in collaboration with members of the European Dynamics of Institutions and Markets in Europe (DIME) network of Excellence.
Joanne is author of Multinational Business Services Firms (Ashgate, 1998) and co-editor of three books: Knowledge and Innovation in the New Service Economy, with A. Andersen, J. Howells, R. Hull and I. Miles (Edward Elgar, 2000); Living with Cyberspace, with J. Armitage (Berg, 2002); and, Community, Economic Creativity and Organization, with A. Amin (Oxford University Press, 2008).
She is co-founder and co-editor of the academic journal Critical Perspectives on International Business, with Professor George Cairns of RMIT University, Australia. In 2010 this innovative journal was winner of the publisher Emerald's Best New Journal Award. Joanne is also an editor of the academic journal Prometheus: Critical Studies in Innovation. She is an editorial advisory board member for a number of other journals including the Journal of Global Business Advancement, the Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development and the Management International. She regularly reviews for a range of top international journals including the following: British Journal of Management; Human Relations; International Business Review; Journal of Management Studies; Organization; Organization Science; Organization Studies; and, Research Policy.edit
A critical approach to contemporary luxury studies focusing on aesthetic, design-led and media practice with key case studies Assembling the foremost scholars in this innovative, distinctive, and expanding subject, internationally... more
A critical approach to contemporary luxury studies focusing on aesthetic, design-led and media practice with key case studies
Assembling the foremost scholars in this innovative, distinctive, and expanding subject, internationally well-known critical theorists John Armitage and Joanne Roberts present a ground-breaking aesthetic, design-led and media-related examination of the relations between historical and, crucially, contemporary ideas of luxury.
Assembling the foremost scholars in this innovative, distinctive, and expanding subject, internationally well-known critical theorists John Armitage and Joanne Roberts present a ground-breaking aesthetic, design-led and media-related examination of the relations between historical and, crucially, contemporary ideas of luxury.
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Knowledge is power. Since the emergence of knowledge management in the early 1990s, it has become the key competitive resource for firms and nations in an increasingly competitive global economic environment. This affordable and... more
Knowledge is power. Since the emergence of knowledge management in the early 1990s, it has become the key competitive resource for firms and nations in an increasingly competitive global economic environment. This affordable and accessible introduction to knowledge management offers a critical look at the history, nature and future of the field, providing essential reading for those questioning contemporary management practices. Written in a lively, conversational style, the nature of knowledge and the main concepts and theoretical contributions to knowledge management are reviewed and challenged.
Research Interests: Knowledge Management, Tacit Knowledge, Knowledge sharing, Knowledge Codification, Knowledge Transfer, and 10 moreKnowledge Economy, Organizational Knowledge, Knowledge Creation / Generation (Innovation), Intellectual Property Rights, Knowledge, Knowledge Creation, Learning Organizations, Knowledge Communities, Impact of knowledge management on organizational performance, and Ignorance Management
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This chapter considers the role of creativity in the production and delivery of luxury fashion goods and services. The concept of creativity is closely aligned to the idea of luxury goods as rare and highly crafted, often unique, objects... more
This chapter considers the role of creativity in the production and delivery of luxury fashion goods and services. The concept of creativity is closely aligned to the idea of luxury goods as rare and highly crafted, often unique, objects produced through artistic endeavour. Moreover, some luxuries, like expensive cars and private jets, require leading edge design and technologically advanced inputs. Although creativity is essential for the development of new luxury goods and services, this article highlights that some luxuries are timeless and eschew the changes associated with radical creative transformations in favour of maintaining continuity with the past. Following a brief discussion of the nature of luxury and creativity, a number of examples are employed to illustrate the different roles of creativity in the development and delivery of different types of luxury goods and services. To illustrate these differences in the field of luxury fashion retail management a comparison is then drawn between the iconic British luxury fashion brand Burberry and the Australian bespoke tailoring and shirt making company J. H. Cutler. The relationship between luxury and creativity is shown to be varied and complex.
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This article investigates the moral acceptability of contemporary luxury. The meaning of luxury and its manifestations in today’s economically developed countries are explored. The nature of morality is considered, and the evolving moral... more
This article investigates the moral acceptability of contemporary luxury. The meaning of luxury and its manifestations in today’s economically developed countries are explored. The nature of morality is considered, and the evolving moral standing of luxury from the classical period to modern times is reviewed. Based on an elaboration of the significant positive and negative consequences of the production and consumption of luxuries, the moral standing of contemporary luxury and the questions it raises for the super-rich are discussed. The author argues that the moral standing of contemporary luxury is dependent on the social and economic context within which it is situated. This is because the meaning of both luxury and morality vary according to social context. Further, where luxury divides and stimulates degenerate, unethical, and criminal activities, it is morally indefensible; but where luxury unites community and advances human endeavor, it can be defended on moral grounds. How...
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PurposeThrough a critical review of the impact of luxury international business, this study aims to contribute to an understanding of business activities that depend on an unequal distribution of income and... more
PurposeThrough a critical review of the impact of luxury international business, this study aims to contribute to an understanding of business activities that depend on an unequal distribution of income and wealth.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on a wide range of academic and practitioner literature, this study adopts a critical luxury studies approach to provide an assessment of the economic and social impact of luxury international business.FindingsLuxury is an increasingly important sector of the economy, which contributes to the welfare of increasing numbers of people across the world. Alongside its dependence on an unequal distribution of income and wealth and the negative aspects to which this gives rise, luxury business generates significant benefits to the economy and society through promoting economic growth, innovation, cultural enrichment, improved quality of the built environment and environmentally sustainable business practices. Nevertheless, an appropriate level o...
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Purpose– This paper aims to reflect on the future ofcritical perspectives on international business(cpoib) by considering some key developments in the international business (IB) context since the Journal’s launch in 2005. The Journal’s... more
Purpose– This paper aims to reflect on the future ofcritical perspectives on international business(cpoib) by considering some key developments in the international business (IB) context since the Journal’s launch in 2005. The Journal’s mission and scope is refreshed in light of these developments. Changes to the editorial team and editorial advisory board are also announced.Design/methodology/approach– A review of some of the key developments in the IB context provides the background and justification for a revised editorial mission and scope.Findings– Given changes in the IB environment, the need for a journal that takes a critically reflexive view on the activities of IB and issues of relevance to IB is found to be of increasing importance. This finding underlines the need for scholars to undertake empirical and conceptual studies that adopt critical perspectives to identify IB practices that are detrimental to stakeholders broadly defined and to offer alternatives.Originality/va...
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the definitions, dimensions, and classifications of online communities together with their potential to produce value for business. Those value options are then discussed in the context... more
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the definitions, dimensions, and classifications of online communities together with their potential to produce value for business. Those value options are then discussed in the context of empirical vignettes showing examples of business models focussed on one of the two potential benefits coming from online communities – clear financial gains and intangible long-run returns. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses systematic literature review method. In total, 67 academic paper in the area of business and management were chosen for the analysis. Findings The literature review shows multitude of online communities definitions and classifications, but hardly any comprehensive attempt to map the phenomena in full. This paper is looking into recognising potential revenue streams from online businesses and other non-financial benefits that can be combined to create strong and sustainable value proposition. Originality/value Drawing...
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The aim of this article is to introduce and examine the concept of the “spirit of luxury.” Accordingly, we commence by delineating the philosophical idea of luxury, emphasizing its discursive meaning, and contemplating its earliest... more
The aim of this article is to introduce and examine the concept of the “spirit of luxury.” Accordingly, we commence by delineating the philosophical idea of luxury, emphasizing its discursive meaning, and contemplating its earliest historical and etymological origins. We continue through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by means of a discussion of the philosophical, political, and economic writings of David Hume, Karl Marx, Thorstein Veblen, Émile Louis Victor de Laveleye, and Werner Sombart. Employing Sombart’s sociological work on the spirit of capitalism, we advance and elaborate on the notion of the spirit of luxury. Offering a “Sombartian” account of recent luxury research, specifically the core contributions to this special issue of Cultural Politics, we conclude by critically assessing the concepts of luxury, spirit, and capitalism.
Research Interests: Sociology, Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, Cultural Politics, and 15 moreCapitalism, Luxury, Luxury Brands, Luxury and Fashion Brands, Luxury Marketing, Luxury Products Communication, Luxury Goods, Communication and media Studies, Brand Management in Luxury, International Marketing Luxury Goods, Luxury Market, Luxury Brand Management, B, Luxury Management, and Veblen good
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A communities of practice perspective is used to unravel the actions and activities that facilitate the dissemination of management knowledge between organizations across space and time. In so doing, the local embedded nature of knowledge... more
A communities of practice perspective is used to unravel the actions and activities that facilitate the dissemination of management knowledge between organizations across space and time. In so doing, the local embedded nature of knowledge is recognized, as is the manner in which interactions between the pervasive and the specific provide a creative dynamic that facilitates the widespread dissemination and a multiple creation of knowledge. Knowledge interactions are explored in terms of boundary processes involving interactions between management gurus, management consultants, business schools/management academics, managers and business media. Moreover, by making a clear distinction between management knowledge and management ideas and techniques, important differences between the groups engaged in the dissemination of management knowledge are revealed.
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Purpose– This paper aims to add to the understanding of knowledge sharing in online communities through an investigation of the relationship between individual participant’s motivations and management in open source software (OSS)... more
Purpose– This paper aims to add to the understanding of knowledge sharing in online communities through an investigation of the relationship between individual participant’s motivations and management in open source software (OSS) communities. Drawing on a review of literature concerning knowledge sharing in organisations, the factors that motivate participants to share their knowledge in OSS communities, and the management of such communities, it is hypothesised that the quality of management influences the extent to which the motivations of members actually result in knowledge sharing.Design/methodology/approach– To test the hypothesis, quantitative data were collected through an online questionnaire survey of OSS web developers with the aim of gathering respondents’ opinions concerning knowledge sharing, motivations to share knowledge and satisfaction with the management of OSS projects. Factor analysis, descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis were used...
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Research Interests: Business, Marketing, Higher Education, Internationalization, China, and 12 moreGlobalization And Higher Education, Higher Education Management, Higher Education Policy, Tourism, Internationalization of higher education, Case Study, Personal Network, Subsidiary, Joint Venture, Market Entry, Lb, and Service Industries
PurposeThis article seeks to explore the micro‐dimensions of knowledge transfer partnerships (KTPs) with the aim of developing an appreciation of the personal interactions that facilitate the success of these university‐industry... more
PurposeThis article seeks to explore the micro‐dimensions of knowledge transfer partnerships (KTPs) with the aim of developing an appreciation of the personal interactions that facilitate the success of these university‐industry collaborations.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical evidence concerning the operation of three KTPs, collected through interviews with the key partners and the review of relevant documentary material, is analysed through the lens of the communities of practice approach to situated learning.FindingsThe analysis of three case studies provides evidence to support the value of conceptualising the process of knowledge transfer between universities and industry as one of learning taking place within communities in which the development of mutual engagement, joint enterprise and shared repertoires play important roles facilitating successful collaborations. Moreover, the analysis highlights the significance of the boundary spanning roles of the KTP partners in faci...
Research Interests: Sociology, Computer Science, Knowledge Management, Situated Learning, Collaborative Design, and 10 moreKnowledge Transfer, Communities of practice, University-Industry Linkages, Knowledge, Community of Practice, Case Study, Information Transfer, Boundary Spanning, Empirical evidence, and Communities of Practice
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Research Interests: Sociology, Economics, Political Economy, Intellectual Property, Knowledge Management, and 13 moreKnowledge Economy, Information and Communication technology, Communication Technology, Open Development, Business and Management, ICTs, Access to Knowledge, Design Methodology, Communication and Development, Knowledge base, Business environment, Intellectual Property and the Global South, and ICTs and Governance
Purpose: Through a critical review of the impact of luxury international business, this study aims to contribute to an understanding of business activities that depend on an unequal distribution of income and wealth.... more
Purpose: Through a critical review of the impact of luxury international business, this study aims to contribute to an understanding of business activities that depend on an unequal distribution of income and wealth.
Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on a wide range of academic and practitioner literature, this study adopts a critical luxury studies approach to provide an assessment of the economic and social impact of luxury international business.
Findings: Luxury is an increasingly important sector of the economy, which contributes to the welfare of increasing numbers of people across the world. Alongside its dependence on an unequal distribution of income and wealth and the negative aspects to which this gives rise, luxury business generates significant benefits to the economy and society through promoting economic growth, innovation, cultural enrichment, improved quality of the built environment and environmentally sustainable business practices. Nevertheless, an appropriate level of regulation and taxation on the excesses of contemporary luxury consumption could improve the welfare of all. Hence, luxury international business warrants investigation by critical scholars who recognize the complexity of the benefits and dark sides arising from luxury.
Research limitations/implications: This study draws on an extensive review of academic and practitioner literature. However, primary research is required to investigate further the key issues identified.
Social implications: Through an exploration of the impact of the production and consumption of luxury, this study reveals how luxury businesses serving the super-rich can contribute to the welfare of society whilst also giving rise to negative outcomes.
Originality/value: By adopting a critical luxury studies approach, this study offers an original contribution to the field of international business and introduces avenues for future critical international business research.
Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on a wide range of academic and practitioner literature, this study adopts a critical luxury studies approach to provide an assessment of the economic and social impact of luxury international business.
Findings: Luxury is an increasingly important sector of the economy, which contributes to the welfare of increasing numbers of people across the world. Alongside its dependence on an unequal distribution of income and wealth and the negative aspects to which this gives rise, luxury business generates significant benefits to the economy and society through promoting economic growth, innovation, cultural enrichment, improved quality of the built environment and environmentally sustainable business practices. Nevertheless, an appropriate level of regulation and taxation on the excesses of contemporary luxury consumption could improve the welfare of all. Hence, luxury international business warrants investigation by critical scholars who recognize the complexity of the benefits and dark sides arising from luxury.
Research limitations/implications: This study draws on an extensive review of academic and practitioner literature. However, primary research is required to investigate further the key issues identified.
Social implications: Through an exploration of the impact of the production and consumption of luxury, this study reveals how luxury businesses serving the super-rich can contribute to the welfare of society whilst also giving rise to negative outcomes.
Originality/value: By adopting a critical luxury studies approach, this study offers an original contribution to the field of international business and introduces avenues for future critical international business research.
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This article investigates the moral acceptability of contemporary luxury. The meaning of luxury and its manifestations in today’s economically developed countries are explored. The nature of morality is considered, and the evolving moral... more
This article investigates the moral acceptability of contemporary luxury. The meaning of luxury and its manifestations in today’s economically developed countries are explored. The nature of morality is considered, and the evolving moral standing of luxury from the classical period to modern times is reviewed. Based on an elaboration of the significant positive and negative consequences of the production and consumption of luxuries, the moral standing of contemporary luxury and the questions it raises for the super-rich are discussed. The author argues that the moral standing of contemporary luxury is dependent on the social and economic context within which it is situated. This is because the meaning of both luxury and morality vary according to social context. Further, where luxury divides and stimulates degenerate, unethical, and criminal activities, it is morally indefensible; but where luxury unites community and advances human endeavor, it can be defended on moral grounds. However, in the contemporary period, growing economic inequality is increasingly overshadowing any positive moral impact of luxury.
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The label “luxury” evokes vague and often unknown qualities that give a good or service the capacity to command a substantial price premium. Hence, in this article, I argue, firstly, that a core component of luxury is ignorance, or the... more
The label “luxury” evokes vague and often unknown qualities that give a good or service the capacity to command a substantial price premium. Hence, in this article, I argue, firstly, that a core component of luxury is ignorance, or the unknown. To support this argument a systematic examination of the place of ignorance in the promotion and consumption of luxury goods and services is provided. In this way, a typology of ignorance of relevance to luxury is developed. Secondly, I argue that ignorance is deployed by both promoters and consumers in their separate and collaborative engagements with luxury. To illustrate this, ignorance in the promotion of luxury is analyzed through the case of Louis Vuitton’s “Savoir-Faire” print advertising campaign. Bringing to light the interactions between luxury and ignorance provides insights into the unknowns that constitute an inherent element in all that is classified as luxury.
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The aim of this article is to introduce and examine the concept of the “spirit of luxury.” Accordingly, we commence by delineating the philosophical idea of luxury, emphasizing its discursive meaning, and contemplating its earliest... more
The aim of this article is to introduce and examine the concept of the “spirit of luxury.” Accordingly, we commence by delineating the philosophical idea of luxury, emphasizing its discursive meaning, and contemplating its earliest historical and etymological origins. We continue through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by means of a discussion of the philosophical, political, and economic writings of David Hume, Karl Marx, Thorstein Veblen, Émile Louis Victor de Laveleye, and Werner Sombart. Employing Sombart’s sociological work on the spirit of capitalism, we advance and elaborate on the notion of the spirit of luxury. Offering a “Sombartian” account of recent luxury research, specifically the core contributions to this special issue of Cultural Politics, we conclude by critically assessing the concepts of luxury, spirit, and capitalism.
Research Interests: Luxury, Luxury Brands, Social media, fashion and luxury, branding, Luxury and Fashion Brands, Luxury Marketing, and 9 moreLuxury Products Communication, Luxury Goods, Brand Management in Luxury, International Marketing Luxury Goods, Luxury Market, Branded, Luxury and Experiential Spaces, Luxury Brand Management, Luxury Management, and Critical Luxury Studies
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Purpose – This paper aims to reflect on the future of critical perspectives on international business (cpoib) by considering some key developments in the international business (IB) context since the Journal’s launch in 2005. The... more
Purpose
– This paper aims to reflect on the future of critical perspectives on international business (cpoib) by considering some key developments in the international business (IB) context since the Journal’s launch in 2005. The Journal’s mission and scope is refreshed in light of these developments. Changes to the editorial team and editorial advisory board are also announced.
Design/methodology/approach
– A review of some of the key developments in the IB context provides the background and justification for a revised editorial mission and scope.
Findings
– Given changes in the IB environment, the need for a journal that takes a critically reflexive view on the activities of IB and issues of relevance to IB is found to be of increasing importance. This finding underlines the need for scholars to undertake empirical and conceptual studies that adopt critical perspectives to identify IB practices that are detrimental to stakeholders broadly defined and to offer alternatives.
Originality/value
– This is the first effort to reassess and renew cpoib’s mission and scope in the light of the changes in the IB context since the Journal’s launch in 2005.
– This paper aims to reflect on the future of critical perspectives on international business (cpoib) by considering some key developments in the international business (IB) context since the Journal’s launch in 2005. The Journal’s mission and scope is refreshed in light of these developments. Changes to the editorial team and editorial advisory board are also announced.
Design/methodology/approach
– A review of some of the key developments in the IB context provides the background and justification for a revised editorial mission and scope.
Findings
– Given changes in the IB environment, the need for a journal that takes a critically reflexive view on the activities of IB and issues of relevance to IB is found to be of increasing importance. This finding underlines the need for scholars to undertake empirical and conceptual studies that adopt critical perspectives to identify IB practices that are detrimental to stakeholders broadly defined and to offer alternatives.
Originality/value
– This is the first effort to reassess and renew cpoib’s mission and scope in the light of the changes in the IB context since the Journal’s launch in 2005.
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This article considers the role of creativity in the production and delivery of luxury. The concept of creativity is closely aligned to the idea of luxury goods as rare and highly crafted, often unique, objects produced through artistic... more
This article considers the role of creativity in the production and delivery of luxury. The concept of creativity is closely aligned to the idea of luxury goods as rare and highly crafted, often unique, objects produced through artistic endeavour. Moreover, some luxuries, such as expensive cars and private jets, require leading-edge design and technologically advanced inputs. Although creativity is essential for the development of new luxury goods and services, this article highlights that some luxuries are timeless and eschew the changes associated with radical creative transformations. Following a brief discussion of the nature of luxury and creativity, a number of examples are employed to illustrate the different roles of creativity in the development and delivery of different types of luxury. The relationship between luxury and creativity is shown to be varied and complex.
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In this article, we are concerned with how the contemporary cultural-theoretical concept of luxury, an idea of deep-seated importance for Christopher J. Berry (1994), can be considered as a good or service that is effortlessly... more
In this article, we are concerned with how the contemporary cultural-theoretical concept of luxury, an idea of deep-seated importance for Christopher J. Berry (1994), can be considered as a good or service that is effortlessly substitutable since the desire for it lacks passion. Against Berry, we argue that, in the present period, any deliberation on luxury must entail a multifaceted engagement with the intensification of our sense of alienation intertwined with our fervent sense of an existence governed by outside powers, which apparently establish new modes of social control together with new modes of inauthenticity that disaffect “us” from “our” “selves.” To theorize these outside powers, and reintroducing the somewhat neglected critical theory of the Marxian philosopher Herbert Marcuse (1964), we identify the ongoing cultural form of what we conceptualize as “luxury new media.” We argue that luxury new media is a novel type of luxury, one that is not interpersonally relative, as Berry proposes, but relationally dubious, which is creating innovative varieties of luxury new media goods and services. We subsequently investigate how the luxury new media of what we, extending Marcuse, call “euphoria in unhappiness” nurtures the contemporary development of “false social needs.” Lastly, we question the growth in importance of luxury new media as a form of managed choice today when such luxurious choice is, counter to Berry, not simple or lacking in intensity but in fact problematic and steeped in economic desire.
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International strategic alliances are notorious for their high failure rate. Increased inter-partner conflict resulting from ineffective cross-cultural management is perceived to be one of the key reasons for unsatisfactory alliance... more
International strategic alliances are notorious for their high failure rate. Increased inter-partner conflict resulting from ineffective cross-cultural management is perceived to be one of the key reasons for unsatisfactory alliance performance. Driven by globalization, universities are extending into foreign markets through the establishment of various types of strategic alliances (SAs). Through an empirical investigation, this study reveals that although cultural differences (CDs) exist in China–UK higher education (HE) SAs their impact depends on the structure of the SA. Although cultural conflicts occur more frequently in equity joint ventures than in non-equity modes, the impact of conflict arising from CDs is more serious and significant in non-equity arrangements. Moreover, partners perceive CDs as sources of mutual interest. The findings imply that the negative impact of CDs can be ameliorated to varying degrees depending on the type of China–UK HE SA.
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Purpose: This article seeks to add to understandings of knowledge sharing in online communities through an investigation of the relationship between individual participant’s motivations and management in Open Source Software (OSS)... more
Purpose: This article seeks to add to understandings of knowledge sharing in online communities through an investigation of the relationship between individual participant’s motivations and management in Open Source Software (OSS) communities. Drawing on a review of literature concerning knowledge sharing in organisations, the factors that motivate participants to share their knowledge in OSS communities, and the management of such communities, it is hypothesised that the quality of management influences the extent to which the motivations of members actually result in knowledge sharing.
Design/methodology/approach: To test the hypothesis, quantitative data were collected through an online questionnaire survey of OSS web developers with the aim of gathering respondents’ opinions concerning knowledge sharing, motivations to share knowledge, and satisfaction with the management of OSS projects. Factor analysis, descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were employed to explore the survey data.
Findings: The analysis of the data reveals that the individual participant’s satisfaction with the management of an OSS project is an important factor influencing the extent of their personal contribution to a community.
Originality/value: Little attention has been devoted to understanding the impact of management in OSS communities. Focused on OSS developers specialising in web development, the findings of this article offer an important original contribution to understanding the connections between individual members’ satisfaction with management and their motivations to contribute to an OSS project. The findings reveal that motivations to share knowledge in online communities are influenced by the quality of management. Consequently, the findings suggest that appropriate management can enhance knowledge sharing in OSS projects and online communities, and organisations more generally.
Design/methodology/approach: To test the hypothesis, quantitative data were collected through an online questionnaire survey of OSS web developers with the aim of gathering respondents’ opinions concerning knowledge sharing, motivations to share knowledge, and satisfaction with the management of OSS projects. Factor analysis, descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were employed to explore the survey data.
Findings: The analysis of the data reveals that the individual participant’s satisfaction with the management of an OSS project is an important factor influencing the extent of their personal contribution to a community.
Originality/value: Little attention has been devoted to understanding the impact of management in OSS communities. Focused on OSS developers specialising in web development, the findings of this article offer an important original contribution to understanding the connections between individual members’ satisfaction with management and their motivations to contribute to an OSS project. The findings reveal that motivations to share knowledge in online communities are influenced by the quality of management. Consequently, the findings suggest that appropriate management can enhance knowledge sharing in OSS projects and online communities, and organisations more generally.
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This article aims to bring organizational ignorance to the attention of management scholars and practitioners and thereby initiate the development of a managerial perspective on the unknown. Although managing every aspect of the unknown... more
This article aims to bring organizational ignorance to the attention of management scholars and practitioners and thereby initiate the development of a managerial perspective on the unknown. Although managing every aspect of the unknown is beyond reach, the development of an appreciation of organizational ignorance can offer a valuable means of reflecting on management issues, particularly given the bounded rationality of organizational actors in contexts characterized by ever increasing supplies of knowledge and information, growing complexity, and the need to respond quickly to opportunities and challenges. The article begins with an account of why organizational ignorance warrants attention. The nature of ignorance and organizational ignorance is then considered and a typology of organizational ignorance is presented. The article concludes with a call for the development of a managerial perspective on the unknown, together with the elaboration of research questions that can usefully direct future investigations into organizational ignorance.
Keywords: Ignorance; Knowledge; Organizational Ignorance; Ignorance Management, the Unknown."""
Keywords: Ignorance; Knowledge; Organizational Ignorance; Ignorance Management, the Unknown."""
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Knowledge sharing through cross-border strategic alliances has been seen by firms as one of the critical strategies to pursue sustainable competitive advantage. However, empirical investigations on how knowledge sharing occurs in... more
Knowledge sharing through cross-border strategic alliances has been seen by firms as one of the critical strategies to pursue sustainable competitive advantage. However, empirical investigations on how knowledge sharing occurs in strategic alliances are limited and are rarely concerned with strategic alliances in the higher education industry. Based on an empirical investigation of China–UK educational alliances, this research sheds light on this under explored area. Findings reveal that the scale of academic and organizational knowledge sharing is affected by knowledge attributes and partner characteristics. While knowledge sharing in China–UK higher education alliances displays numerous similarities with that occurring in other industries, this study reveals features that are distinct to this important and increasingly international sector. In so doing, this paper offers valuable insights for managers and policy makers concerned with the internationalization of higher education.
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This article contributes to understandings of the internationalization of Higher Education by investigating the extent to which a stages approach is evident in the overseas expansion of universities such that they beginning with exports... more
This article contributes to understandings of the internationalization of Higher Education by investigating the extent to which a stages approach is evident in the overseas expansion of universities such that they beginning with exports before moving on to contractual arrangements, then joint ventures and finally the establishment of wholly owned subsidiaries. Focusing on the expansion of UK universities into the Chinese market, the findings from ten case studies reveal that universities do not follow a uniform market entry pattern. Moreover, evidence suggests that access to high level personal networks in China determines the development of high commitment entry modes.
Keywords: Higher Education, Universities, Internationalization, Market Entry, Stages Approach, UK, China.
Keywords: Higher Education, Universities, Internationalization, Market Entry, Stages Approach, UK, China.
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This article argues that the study of biblical prophets offers a profound contribution to understanding the experience, role and attributes of whistleblowers. Little is known in the literature about the moral triggers that lead... more
This article argues that the study of biblical prophets offers a profound contribution to understanding the experience, role and attributes of whistleblowers. Little is known in the literature about the moral triggers that lead individuals to blow the whistle in organisations or why whistleblowers may show persistence against the harshness experienced as a result of their actions. This article argues that our understanding of the whistleblower’s work is highly informed by appreciating how moral values and norms are exercised by prophets in seeking to become agents for change. This article identifies three core implications that have practical and theoretical relevance. The first concerns how the whistleblowing activity challenges the established order of an organisation as this is comprised of institutional structures, policies and procedures. Institutions display an unusual fragility against the seemingly powerless individual who helps reveal the wrongdoing. By disclosing ‘hidden’ knowledge concerning illegitimate intentions and actions, the seemingly powerless individual creates tension that has implications for the stability and order of the organisation. The second implication concerns the degree of social concern and the individual’s interpretation of morality. Whistleblowers, like prophets, display concern for moral values that have implications for the welfare of others, and which they seek to promote through their whistleblowing act. The third implication concerns the importance of agency. By taking a moral stance, the whistleblower assumes an important agentic role facilitating change through his/her intervention. Although such change is sudden and unpredictable it brings about new conditions for the organisation and its members.
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Purpose – The purpose of this extended editorial is to elaborate on the possible future trajectories of critical perspectives on international business. In addition, the content of the current issue is introduced.... more
Purpose – The purpose of this extended editorial is to elaborate on the possible future trajectories of critical perspectives on international business. In addition, the content of the current issue is introduced.
Design/methodology/approach – This editorial reviews recent reflections on the field of international business to identify the concerns of mainstream scholars and to contrast these with those of central concern to critical scholars of international business. In the light of this, consideration is given to how critical perspectives on international business seeks to facilitate the development of academic debates that continue to question orthodox approaches to international business whilst also offering relevance for all stakeholders in international business activities from managers, shareholders and policy makers to workers, consumers and citizens, including future generations.
Findings – Taking stock of recent reflections on the future of the field of international business is useful in determining possible topics for future contributions to critical perspectives on international business.
Originality/value – This is the first attempt to review reflections on the future of international business since the Global Financial crisis of 2008. As such it offers an assessment of the current thinking in the field and offers directions for the development of critical perspectives on international business.
Design/methodology/approach – This editorial reviews recent reflections on the field of international business to identify the concerns of mainstream scholars and to contrast these with those of central concern to critical scholars of international business. In the light of this, consideration is given to how critical perspectives on international business seeks to facilitate the development of academic debates that continue to question orthodox approaches to international business whilst also offering relevance for all stakeholders in international business activities from managers, shareholders and policy makers to workers, consumers and citizens, including future generations.
Findings – Taking stock of recent reflections on the future of the field of international business is useful in determining possible topics for future contributions to critical perspectives on international business.
Originality/value – This is the first attempt to review reflections on the future of international business since the Global Financial crisis of 2008. As such it offers an assessment of the current thinking in the field and offers directions for the development of critical perspectives on international business.
Research Interests:
Purpose – This article seeks to explore the micro-dimensions of knowledge transfer partnerships (KTPs) with the aim of developing an appreciation of the personal interactions that facilitate the success of these university-industry... more
Purpose – This article seeks to explore the micro-dimensions of knowledge transfer partnerships (KTPs) with the aim of developing an appreciation of the personal interactions that facilitate the success of these university-industry collaborations.
Design/methodology/approach – Empirical evidence concerning the operation of three KTPs, collected through interviews with the key partners and the review of relevant documentary material, is analysed through the lens of the communities of practice approach to situated learning.
Findings – The analysis of three case studies provides evidence to support the value of conceptualising the process of knowledge transfer between universities and industry as one of learning taking place within communities in which the development of mutual engagement, joint enterprise and shared repertoires play important roles facilitating successful collaborations. Moreover, the analysis highlights the significance of the boundary spanning roles of the KTP partners in facilitating the knowledge transfer process through engagement in both the university and industry communities.
Research limitations/implications – By illuminating the dimensions of the inter-personal interactions involved in the knowledge transfer process the CoPs analysis provides the foundations for recommendations to improve university-industry KTPs, in particular, and, inter-organisational knowledge transfer initiatives in general. A limitation of this research is its focus on the UK context. Moreover, given the exploratory nature of this study further research is required to verify the findings reported here.
Originality/value – The article makes an original empirical and conceptual contribution to understandings of university-industry knowledge transfer collaborations.
Article Type:Research paper
Keyword(s):Information transfer; University-industry collaboration; Communities of practice; Boundary spanning.
Design/methodology/approach – Empirical evidence concerning the operation of three KTPs, collected through interviews with the key partners and the review of relevant documentary material, is analysed through the lens of the communities of practice approach to situated learning.
Findings – The analysis of three case studies provides evidence to support the value of conceptualising the process of knowledge transfer between universities and industry as one of learning taking place within communities in which the development of mutual engagement, joint enterprise and shared repertoires play important roles facilitating successful collaborations. Moreover, the analysis highlights the significance of the boundary spanning roles of the KTP partners in facilitating the knowledge transfer process through engagement in both the university and industry communities.
Research limitations/implications – By illuminating the dimensions of the inter-personal interactions involved in the knowledge transfer process the CoPs analysis provides the foundations for recommendations to improve university-industry KTPs, in particular, and, inter-organisational knowledge transfer initiatives in general. A limitation of this research is its focus on the UK context. Moreover, given the exploratory nature of this study further research is required to verify the findings reported here.
Originality/value – The article makes an original empirical and conceptual contribution to understandings of university-industry knowledge transfer collaborations.
Article Type:Research paper
Keyword(s):Information transfer; University-industry collaboration; Communities of practice; Boundary spanning.
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This article explores the role of community in the field of international business. In particular, the turn towards community in the general business environment is considered before the scope for international production and innovation... more
This article explores the role of community in the field of international business. In particular, the turn towards community in the general business environment is considered before the scope for international production and innovation to occur in global communities is investigated through the example of international software production. The global production of software is examined through a comparison of the commercial software organization of the Microsoft Corporation and the non-commercial Mozilla Open Source Software (OSS) community. Insights gained from this comparison together with findings from extant research are employed to construct a range of scenarios that capture potential roles for community in the prospective futures of international business.
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This chapter considers the role of creativity in the production and delivery of luxury fashion goods and services. The concept of creativity is closely aligned to the idea of luxury goods as rare and highly crafted, often unique, objects... more
This chapter considers the role of creativity in the production and delivery of luxury fashion goods and services. The concept of creativity is closely aligned to the idea of luxury goods as rare and highly crafted, often unique, objects produced through artistic endeavour. Moreover, some luxuries, like expensive cars and private jets, require leading edge design and technologically advanced inputs. Although creativity is essential for the development of new luxury goods and services, this article highlights that some luxuries are timeless and eschew the changes associated with radical creative transformations in favour of maintaining continuity with the past. Following a brief discussion of the nature of luxury and creativity, a number of examples are employed to illustrate the different roles of creativity in the development and delivery of different types of luxury goods and services. To illustrate these differences in the field of luxury fashion retail man- agement a comparison is then drawn between the iconic British luxury fashion brand Burberry and the Australian bespoke tailoring and shirt making company J. H. Cutler. The relationship between luxury and creativity is shown to be varied and complex.
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Research Interests: Luxury, Luxury Brands, Social media, fashion and luxury, branding, Luxury and Fashion Brands, Luxury Marketing, and 7 moreLuxury Products Communication, Luxury Goods, Brand Management in Luxury, International Marketing Luxury Goods, Luxury Market, Branded, Luxury and Experiential Spaces, and Luxury Management
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This chapter explores the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the international development of South African banks. It is argued that South African banks derive important advantages from the use of ICTs in their... more
This chapter explores the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the international development of South African banks. It is argued that South African banks derive important advantages from the use of ICTs in their expansion into
neighbouring countries. Using Dunning’s (1989, 1988) eclectic approach as a mechanism with which to assess the evidence supporting this argument, ICT is explored both as an ownership specific capacity, as a locational specific factor influencing the
geographical pattern of international expansion, and as a facilitator of the internalization of cross-border banking networks. Through an investigation of the significance of digital technologies in the cross-border expansion of South African
banks, including case studies of Stanbic and ABSA, this chapter highlights the opportunities and challenges confronting such organizations. In so doing, the chapter will contribute to the understanding of intra-African foreign direct investment in the
banking sector and the emerging digital economy in developing countries.
neighbouring countries. Using Dunning’s (1989, 1988) eclectic approach as a mechanism with which to assess the evidence supporting this argument, ICT is explored both as an ownership specific capacity, as a locational specific factor influencing the
geographical pattern of international expansion, and as a facilitator of the internalization of cross-border banking networks. Through an investigation of the significance of digital technologies in the cross-border expansion of South African
banks, including case studies of Stanbic and ABSA, this chapter highlights the opportunities and challenges confronting such organizations. In so doing, the chapter will contribute to the understanding of intra-African foreign direct investment in the
banking sector and the emerging digital economy in developing countries.
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Books reviewed:R. Woodhead and J. McCuish, Thomas Telford., Achieving Results: How to Create ValueGrazia D. Santangelo, Innovation in Multinational Corporations in the Information Age: The Experience of the European ICT IndustryCharles... more
Books reviewed:R. Woodhead and J. McCuish, Thomas Telford., Achieving Results: How to Create ValueGrazia D. Santangelo, Innovation in Multinational Corporations in the Information Age: The Experience of the European ICT IndustryCharles Edquist, Edward Elgar, The Internet and Mobile Telecommunications Systems of InnovationTakuji Hara, Edward Elgar, Innovation in the Pharmaceutical Industry: The Processes of Drug Discovery and DevelopmentNiko Marcel Waesche, Edward Elgar, Internet Entrepreneurship in Europe: Venture Failure and the Timing of Telecommunications Reform