The Evolution of Organizations: Suggestions from Complexity Theory About the Interplay Between Natural Selection and Adaptation

There has been much debate in the managementliterature between neo-Darwinists (who believe in thenatural selection of populations of organizations) andadaptationists (who contend that changes in organization structure and behavior occur in response to theenvironment). The general thesis of neo-Darwinism isthat species are blindly selected for survival by theenvironment. The latest empirical support for the dominant neo-Darwinism perspective adopted bymost biologists is based primarily on the experimentsconducted by Salvador Luria who claims to haveconclusively demonstrated that genes mutate randomly.Recently, however, biologists have re-examined Luria sresearch methods and, after replications of hisexperiments, now question some aspects of the validityof his results. Moreover, there is now new researchwhich provides support for the earlier adaptationistposition, namely, the existence of evolutionary driversand directors existing within self-organizing systems.Of particular importance to the present study is the experimental indication thatself-organizing systems play a conscious role in theirown evolution. We propose that similar mechanisms orprocesses operate in organizational adaptation, thuspointing toward a theoretical modification ofneo-Darwinism that embraces both adaptation and naturalselection in a general, unified theory.     

Faire Formeln

The literature on fair division has experienced a renaissance recently. Novel mathematical procedures promising an envy-free, socially efficient solution to conflicts over nearly indivisible goods play a particularly prominent role. This article presents a comparative experimental evaluation of three procedures. We examine to what extent features of the subjects of the procedures influence the choice in favor of one of the three negotiation protocols and the results of the division. Our analysis of the behavior of 119 subjects shows that psychological factors only affect the procedural choice. Dominance-seeking individuals tend to opt for those procedures that promise a fairer outcome than the relatively crude divide-and-choose-mechanism. In contrast, the outcome of the bilateral negotiations is determined by the attributes of the procedures. The strong influence of psychological factors at the initial stage of the bargaining process nevertheless casts strong doubts on the practicability of the procedures, recommended by the normative strand of game-theoretic negotiation analysis. The further development of ”fair formulas” for the resolution of redistributive conflicts should not neglect that the warring parties have to agree with the philosophy of the proposed bargaining protocol.     

The charity: A values-laden institution

Although charitable endeavour has been with us for all time, charities have suffered from archaic or no legislation or regulation, and from a lack of informed accounting and audit attention. The present time is a watershed, with an unprecedented convergence of interest from accountants, auditors, lawyers, the state regulatory body, the consumer and the charities themselves.The article provides the historical, political, and legal background, and the contribution of the theologian and economist. The nature of accountability is discussed, as are issues of efficiency and effectiveness, and the incidence of fraudulent activity. Finally, the roles of the various interested parties are outlined, and the way forward in the light of the convergence is suggested. With all the pieces of the jigsaw in place the charity will be enabled, although not guaranteed, to play its full role in national and international affairs. Much will depend on how successfully the charitable sector can adjust to the changes and challenges now facing it.     

Analyzing the Efficient Execution of In‐Store Logistics Processes in Grocery Retailing—The Case of Dairy Products

In this article, we examine in‐store logistics processes for handling dairy products, from the incoming dock to the shelves of supermarkets and hypermarkets. The efficient execution of the in‐store logistics related to such fast‐moving, sensitive, and essential items is challenging and crucial for grocery retailers' sales, profits, and image. In our empirical study, we survey in‐store logistics processes in 202 grocery supermarkets and hypermarkets belonging to a major retail chain in central Europe. Using a data envelopment analysis (DEA) and simulation, we facilitate process benchmarking. In particular, we identify ways of improving in‐store logistics processes by showing the performance impacts of different managerial strategies and tactics. The DEA results indicate different efficiency levels for different store formats; the hybrid store format of the small hypermarket exhibits a comparatively worse performance in the analyzed execution of in‐store logistics processes. The process simulation analysis reveals that the strategic and tactical design of in‐store logistics processes (such as store locations/layouts, capacity management, reorder time, order period, and safety stock factors) lead to substantial service performance improvements (such as higher on‐shelf availability combined with reduced inventory obsolescence costs). The results also show marginal improvements in the performance figures when delivery delays and damage to products are reduced.     

Determining the expected value of information for new product introduction

Bayesian analysis is an important technique for marketing decision-making. To this point, however, these procedures have been used infrequently by practicing managers. Two major obstacles to the application of Bayesian analysis are the difficulties associated with generating input values and with performing the necessary calculations. In this paper a procedure is presented which, in most cases, removes both of these obstacles. The procedure has assessment needs with which the practicing manager may be more familiar. Tables are developed to alleviate computational difficulties.     

The foundations of the organizational culture literature: An integrative framework

A great deal has been written in recent years regarding aspects of corporate-cultural phenomena. This literature, however, should not be viewed as spontaneously emerging in the late 1970s. While increased international competition and, relatedly, the example of Japanese management appear to have prompted the discovery of culture in Western economic organizations, there is a large body of literature that preceded and has greatly influenced this recent corporate culture phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to take stock of this literature, to present a framework for integrating these earlier works, and to discuss its implications.