Leadership decision-making: A behavioral reasoning theory analysis

Behavioral reasoning theory proposes that context-specific reasons are critical in decision-making, intention formation, and behavior. Reasons are especially important for leaders because of their frequent need to justify their decisions to others. Past behavioral intention theories, such as the theory of planned behavior, have not accounted for the impact of reasons on decision-making processes. Moreover, behavioral reasoning theory hypothesizes that reasons not only influence leaders' attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control to act, they also directly influence leaders' intentions to act (through explicit or implicit processes). We tested theoretical propositions in a special case of executives' decisions to employ youth workforces (N = 283). Results demonstrated support for the theory, including its predictive validity over the theory of planned behavior. Regarding theoretical extensions for future research, the theory suggests that leaders' decisions could benefit from a careful analysis of their attitudinal, normative, and control perceptions as well as an explicit consideration of their specific behavioral reasons that are grounded in relevant fact, objective evidence, and empirical research. Finally, the possible link between leaders' justifiable reasoning and followers' perceived procedural justice and satisfaction is discussed.     

Follower transformation as the linchpin of transformational leadership theory: A systematic review and future research agenda

Transformational leadership theory represents a cornerstone in leadership research. Despite an impressive empirical record highlighted by both the breadth of its nomological network and magnitudes of effects, scholars raise serious construct and content validity concerns. In this article, we address a remarkable oversight in the transformational leadership literature. Few studies have assessed the theory assumption that the positive individual, group, and organizational effects of transformational leadership are due to the transformation of followers in specific and enduring ways. We offer a systematic review of empirical evidence related to follower transformation as the conceptual foundation of transformational leadership theory. Findings from this review highlight the radical leap in the evolution of transformational leadership theory from nascent phenomena to mature paradigm. Calling for a return to nascent and intermediary phases of theory development, we conclude with a research agenda aimed at creating a stronger theory, better measures, and more actionable leadership models.     

Action Research: Exploring Perspectives on a Philosophy of Practical Knowing

In the context of management and organization studies, the potential of action research for generating robust actionable knowledge has not been yet realized. While there are historical reasons for this with roots in different philosophies of social science, there are areas of common ground that may be explored fruitfully. This paper works from the insight that there are two key perspectives on action research: one from inside the action research community and one from outside. It explores how action research is a form of science in the realm of practical knowing and that this perspective provides an insight into how the views of action research from inside and from outside may be engaged. It proposes a general empirical method and the notion of interiority, based on the operations of human knowing, with a focus on how we know, rather than on what we know, as a synthesis, whereby the two perspectives on action research may be engaged.     

双重成本控制标准作用下的员工激励模型研究

成本控制标准的设置以及对员工的激励,一直是管理科学研究的重要议题。随着企业环境的演化和变迁,人们对泰勒单层次的成本控制标准及其激励制度提出了质疑,出现了双重成本控制标准这一新生概念。双重成本控制标准在企业中的作用效度与员工个体理性需求的满足程度以及企业效益的最大化存在密切的关系。本文在分析双重成本标准控制作用下员工效用函数和企业收益函数基础上,建立满足员工个体理性需求和企业收益最大化要求的激励模型。算例对模型求解进一步表明,双重成本控制标准作用下的员工激励模型对于激发员工控制成本积极性,提高企业收益水平都具有重要作用。     

External Knowledge Sourcing and Firm Innovation Efficiency

This study examines the relationship between external knowledge sourcing and firm innovation efficiency. We build on the organizational learning theory to propose that this relationship follows an inverted U‐shape: as the level of external knowledge sourcing increases from low to moderate, firm innovation efficiency increases; as the level of external knowledge sourcing increases from moderate to high, firm innovation efficiency declines. Further, we explore the moderating role of different contextual factors and contend that this inverted U‐shaped relationship is flattened in firms that operate in high‐tech sectors and in firms that face high internal constraints for innovation. Our empirical analysis is based on a sample of 3,204 Spanish firms over the period 2004–2015, and our results provide support for these contentions. We used data envelopment analysis methodology to estimate firm innovation efficiency relative to industry best performers, and truncated regression models for panel data with bootstrapped confidence intervals to test our hypotheses.     

Understanding Patterns of Publishing Activity in Academic Research Occupations*

While it is widely understood that faculty in various disciplines tend to publish at different rates and in different forms, knowledge of these differences is too limited to facilitate systematically differentiated performance appraisal and reward systems. In this study, theory concerning knowledge production system characteristics as influences on individual performance is applied to academic research occupations using a classification scheme developed by Biglan [4]. Regression analysis is applied to a general (industry-wide) sample of United States faculty, with publishing patterns as performance measures. Each dimension of the classification scheme is found to have predictive validity. Output patterns are consistent with a conceptualization of research occupations in terms of (1) transformational/technological processes, (2) research mission, and (3) input/subject matter characteristics. The results offer a basis for generating disciplinary publishing norms and differentiated reward systems.     

Well begun is half done: Toward an understanding of predictors for initial training transfer

As organizations face a rapidly changing marketing environment, they have an increased investment in training programs that aim to improve employees’ hard skills to successfully execute tasks and soft skills for healthy social relationships. Although managers question the transfer problem in hard- and soft-skills training, researchers have limited knowledge on this topic. This study focuses on improving the initial training transfer, an essential phase of the transfer process. Specifically, drawing on signaling theory, we introduce training characteristics (i.e., training content validity and transfer design) as the antecedents. This study also assesses the potential underlying mechanisms by examining the roles of training engagement and training criticality. Using a sample of 182 employees enrolled in a typical hard- and soft-skills training program (i.e., quality management training), we test a mediation model. As expected, the results indicate that both training content validity and transfer design positively impact initial training transfer. Furthermore, the links between training characteristics and initial training transfer are mediated by training engagement and training criticality. This study contributes to the research on initial training transfer by exploring training characteristics as the antecedents and integrating the research on transfer and personal attitudes under hard- and soft-skills training.     

Notes on the Interpretation of Traffic Accident Data and of Risk Homeostasis Theory: A Reply to L. Evans

A quick and summary comment is made on a paper by Evans, who set out to "definitively answer" the question "whether there is any validity" in risk homeostasis theory (RHT), and who arrives at the conclusion that the "theory should be rejected" because the data "provide the clearest evidence refuting the theory." It will be argued here that the seven cases Evans puts forward against RHT do not justify such a rather boldly-worded conclusion. On the contrary, the data presented by Evans can be seen to be either not inconsistent with RHT (Case 1), in error (Case 2), or fail to take account of relevant economic changes (Case 3) and of pertinent exposure variables (Case 5), incomplete or the product of guess-work (Case 4), irrelevant (Case 6), nonrepresentative (Case 7) and in all cases open to alternative interpretations that do not conflict with the theory under debate. Moreover, Evans' reasoning seems to betray not only careless reading of what RHT does in fact say, but also a fundamental misunderstanding of the notion of target risk in particular. Refuting a "refutation" does not, of course, imply that RHT is valid, or valid at least within as yet to be defined limits. Attempts to address the validity question should preferably take the form of well-controlled field experiments, instead of retrospective analyses of multi-interpretable archival data that can be debated ad infinitum.     

Mode 2 Management Research

The terminology of mode 2 knowledge production has become increasingly prominent in discussions on the nature and purpose of management research. This paper attempts to move our understanding of this terminology forward, by providing a detailed exposition of the five features of mode 2 knowledge production in the context of management research and by offering an empirical account of a research project conducted in mode 2. The paper relates the established problem–solving management research traditions of action research, cooperative inquiry, grounded theory and clinical method to the conceptual territory of mode 2. It then considers a specific form of knowledge production where all five features of mode 2 appear simultaneously. The paper demonstrates how the terminology of mode 2 might provide a useful basis for dialogue between management researchers from different methodological traditions. Moreover, the paper concludes that the specific form of mode 2 where all five features are present (called here 5mode2) does differ, in both its conduct and the character of its output, from any of the established approaches considered in this paper.     

A conceptual replication of ambidextrous leadership theory: An experimental approach

Ambidextrous leadership theory proposes that a leader's interplay between opening behaviors and closing behaviors enhances followers' exploration and exploitation behaviors, which ultimately increases innovative outcomes. Unfortunately, previous research suffers from problems with causal interpretation and endogeneity concerns threatening the validity of the theory. Our aim was to constructively replicate previous research with an experimental design, more rigorous measures, and state-of-the-art data analytical approaches (2SLS). In two randomized experiments (Study 1: N = 395, Study 2: N = 229), we manipulated four leadership styles (opening, closing, ambidextrous, and transformational leadership) and tested their effects on participants' exploration/exploitation behaviors as well as objective innovation outcomes. We only found partial support for the hypotheses from ambidextrous leadership theory. We discuss implications in terms of refining central concepts of the theory and offering more accurate assumptions about timing. We also elaborate on more general insights from our constructive replication studies for the leadership field.     

Asymptotic Distribution Theory for Nonparametric Entropy Measures of Serial Dependence

Entropy is a classical statistical concept with appealing properties. Establishing asymptotic distribution theory for smoothed nonparametric entropy measures of dependence has so far proved challenging. In this paper, we develop an asymptotic theory for a class of kernel‐based smoothed nonparametric entropy measures of serial dependence in a time‐series context. We use this theory to derive the limiting distribution of Granger and Lin's (1994) normalized entropy measure of serial dependence, which was previously not available in the literature. We also apply our theory to construct a new entropy‐based test for serial dependence, providing an alternative to Robinson's (1991) approach. To obtain accurate inferences, we propose and justify a consistent smoothed bootstrap procedure. The naive bootstrap is not consistent for our test. Our test is useful in, for example, testing the random walk hypothesis, evaluating density forecasts, and identifying important lags of a time series. It is asymptotically locally more powerful than Robinson's (1991) test, as is confirmed in our simulation. An application to the daily S&P 500 stock price index illustrates our approach.     

联盟管理实践获取与联盟成功：被调节的中介效应

近年来,企业间战略联盟在全世界范围内越来越普遍。联盟的高失败率使企业界和理论界人士开始关注如何实现联盟成功。在长期的联盟活动中,联盟企业都积累了各自独特的一整套被称为联盟管理实践的方法、流程和技能,以提高联盟管理能力、实现联盟预期目标。依据组织学习和关系理论,联盟企业能够从合作伙伴那里获取有价值的联盟管理实践并将其应用于自身的联盟管理活动,这一过程必然有益于联盟管理。然而,鲜有研究探讨联盟管理实践获取行为对联盟成功的影响。 基于以上考虑,引入联盟管理能力和共同行动两个概念,分别作为中介变量和调节变量,构建一个被调节的中介效应模型,以更好地揭示联盟管理实践获取对联盟成功的作用机理。为了检验上述被调节的中介效应模型及相关的作用机理,利用从中国大陆收集的调研数据进行实证研究。最终的样本包含205家联盟企业,且每家企业有两位关键信息提供者,综合采用逐步线性回归和被调节的路径分析方法验证假设。 研究结果表明,联盟管理实践获取通过联盟管理能力这一中介机制最终促进联盟成功,共同行动正向调节联盟管理能力与联盟成功的关系,存在假设中的被调节的中介效应。也就是说,联盟管理实践获取对联盟成功的影响需要通过提升联盟管理能力来实现;同时,联盟双方共同行动水平越高,这一过程越容易实现。 联盟管理实践获取为解释联盟成功的作用机理提供了一个新的视角,拓展了联盟管理能力方面的研究,尤其表现为同时关注联盟管理能力的前因和结果,将组织学习理论和关系理论统一整合到联盟成功研究的框架下,这可视为两大理论的创新性应用。此外,研究结果为现实中联盟企业实现联盟成功指出一条新路,即从合作伙伴处获取有价值的联盟管理实践以促进联盟成功。     

A systematic and critical review of research on respect in leadership

Respect is an important psychological and interpersonal phenomenon that has been included in various theoretical and empirical approaches to leadership for nearly 70 years. In this systematic and critical review article, we provide a comprehensive summary and critique of theories, definitions, measures, and empirical studies of respect in leadership. We first provide an overview of the historical and theoretical background, including the most common theories, definitions, and measures that inform empirical studies of respect in leadership. Second, we present a systematic literature review of empirical studies on respect in leadership, including a critical evaluation of research designs and statistical analyses that support claims of the validity of various conceptualizations of respect that pertain to the study of leadership. Finally, we offer a new working definition of respect in leadership, and an accompanying conceptual framework which informs a number of recommendations for future theory development, empirical research, and leadership practice.     

中国本土领导研究的一种框架及操作:基于张瑞敏个案的研究过程示例

基于对中国本土领导的界定与分析,提出中国本土领导研究的一种框架及操作,即从"领导如何成长、如何发挥作用及领导的本质"3个开放性问题出发,基于质性研究策略,采用以问题导向的探索性建构主义扎根理论方法,对中国本土领导数据进行搜集与整理。借鉴POPPER的4段式科学研究逻辑,对数据进行分析,不断地对问题进行诠释,并发现新的问题,从不断的循环中建构构念,发掘潜在的扎根理论,与现有领导理论进行对比,最终形成中国本土领导理论。     

指示优先级的程式化管理科学研究方法——治理学术界与企业界脱节顽症的一种手段

为治理管理学领域学术界与企业界脱节的顽症,基于法理学和指示优先级程式方法,提出指示优先级的程式化管理科学研究方法:将研究复杂管理问题的过程分解成相互关联的4个活动方面和8个主要活动,构成管理科学研究中的"指示优先级轮",以保持各个活动方面和主要活动的均衡为原则,纠正研究过程中的不平衡现象.分析了该方法的理论含义,剖析这一方法为什么有助于促进理论与实践相结合,从而解决理论与实践脱节问题,并阐述指示优先级程式方法的实践应用.实践应用表明:该方法的应用,可避免管理科学研究中重理论轻实践或重实践轻理论2种偏向,使管理研究过程的管理科学理论与管理实践行为相结合.     

试论中国管理研究的话语权问题

新中国成立以后,中国管理研究与实践经历了3个阶段,其话语权经历了从萌芽到催生到完全西化的演进过程.西方管理学在中国的话语权可以解构为:引领学术共同体的学者;先入为主成为管理理论的主流;自诩为普世的管理学理论;控制大量国际学术期刊;借力强势组织管理实践活动;扩散和推广其研究方法与范式;依托国际化的英语语言等.当前,需要统筹"中国管理的理论"与"中国的管理理论"2条研究路线,在争取话语权利的同时,提升自己的话语能力,并以国内话语权的建构为切入点,继而争取国际话语权.在此过程中,要借助一切可以借助的力量,在学者个体话语权和中国管理研究集体话语权2个方面齐头并进,坚持问题导向的本土化研究思路,通过理论研究与组织管理实践的共同努力,最终重构中国管理研究的话语权.     

Assets of Foreignness: A Theoretical Integration and Agenda for Future Research

International business scholars are increasingly focusing on the unique advantages of being foreign, or assets of foreignness (AOFs). Although scholars have identified a broad range of AOFs, it is unclear why they exist. In this paper, we bring together extant yet disparate literature and integrate insights from the institution-based view, resource-based theory, and transaction cost economics to advance theory of the underlying sources and workings of AOFs. In doing so, we elucidate the conceptual underpinnings of AOFs as well as their relation to multinational enterprise (MNE) success, complementing scholarship regarding the liability of foreignness. Critically, we also distinguish AOFs from related concepts, such as ownership advantages, explaining how and why they differ conceptually. We put forth several testable propositions that stem from our synthesis of theory in this research stream, bolstering the conceptual foundations of the drivers, dynamics, and longevity of AOFs. Finally, we draw attention to under-researched aspects of AOFs, thereby propelling a theory-based agenda for future research on AOFs and, consequently, MNE success.     

Construct validation in leadership research: Explication and illustration

The field of leadership typically employs constructs—variables that cannot be directly measured—in its research. Yet, our measures are rarely subjected to systematic assessment of their construct validity. This paper presents arguments about the importance of the construct validation process and illustrates why such concerns are well founded by examining the most commonly used measure of subordinate-perceived leader–member exchange, the LMX-7 scale. Using bakery workers (N = 379) and employed MBA students (N = 350), discriminant validity was investigated by exploratory factor analysis in the first sample, confirmatory factor analysis in the second sample, and correlation and multiple regression analysis in a subset of the second sample (N = 220). The results suggested poor subordinate LMX-7 discriminant validity and that subordinate LMX-7 scores were substantially predicted by measures of supportive leadership and supervisor satisfaction (R² = .71). Implications for future LMX theory and research are discussed as well as the types of construct validity evidence that we need to gather on our research instruments before and while they are employed in substantive studies of leadership phenomena.     

Efficient Job Scheduling Algorithms with Multi-Type Contentions

In this paper, we consider an interesting generalization of the classic job scheduling problem in which each job needs to compete not only for machines but also for other types of resources. The contentions among jobs for machines and for resources could interfere with each other, which complicates the problem dramatically. We present a family of approximation algorithms for solving several variants of the problem by using a generic algorithmic framework. Our algorithms achieve a constant approximation ratio (i.e., 3) when there is only one type of resources or certain dependency relation exists among multiple types of resources. When the r resources are unrelated, the approximation ratio of our algorithm becomes k+2, where k≤ r is a constant depending on the problem instance. As an application, we also show that our techniques can be easily applied to optical burst switching (OBS) networks to design more efficient wavelength scheduling algorithms.This research was supported in part by an IBM faculty partnership award, and an IRCAF award from SUNY Buffalo.     

Leadership as social identity management: Introducing the Identity Leadership Inventory (ILI) to assess and validate a four-dimensional model

Although nearly two decades of research have provided support for the social identity approach to leadership, most previous work has focused on leaders' identity prototypicality while neglecting the assessment of other equally important dimensions of social identity management. However, recent theoretical developments have argued that in order to mobilize and direct followers' energies, leaders need not only to ‘be one of us’ (identity prototypicality), but also to ‘do it for us’ (identity advancement), to ‘craft a sense of us’ (identity entrepreneurship), and to ‘embed a sense of us’ (identity impresarioship). In the present research we develop and validate an Identity Leadership Inventory (ILI) that assesses these dimensions in different contexts and with diverse samples from the US, China, and Belgium. Study 1 demonstrates that the scale has content validity such that the items meaningfully differentiate between the four dimensions. Studies 2, 3, and 4 provide evidence for the scale's construct validity (distinguishing between dimensions), discriminant validity (distinguishing identity leadership from authentic leadership, leaders' charisma, and perceived leader quality), and criterion validity (relating the ILI to key leadership outcomes). We conclude that by assessing multiple facets of leaders' social identity management the ILI has significant utility for both theory and practice.