Organizational Structures and the Improvement of Working Conditions in Global Supply Chains: Legalization, Participation, and Economic Incentives, WORKING PAPER SUMMARIES, 21 JUL 2017 Yanhua Z. Bird, Jodi L. Short, and Michael W. Toffel's study, "Organizational Structures and the Improvement of Working Conditions in Global Supply Chains: Legalization, Participation, and Economic Incentives," investigates the internal dynamics of over 3,000 supplier firms across 55 countries, focusing on how organizational structures influence working conditions improvement in the face of increasing pressure from both institutional and buyer demands.
The research emphasizes the need to move beyond the superficial aspects of organizational structures and delve into their real-world implementation and impact. It explores the interplay between formal organizational structures such as legalization (adherence to law-like rules) and worker participation mechanisms (e.g., unions) in driving improvements in labor standards within global supply chains. Drawing from economic sociology and organizational learning theories, the study examines the association between these structures and working conditions improvement. It reveals that suppliers adopting legalization structures (e.g., management system standards) and worker participation structures (e.g., unions) exhibit greater improvement in working conditions. Furthermore, the combination of these structures yields amplified improvements. Interestingly, the research identifies a negative relationship between organizational incentive structures, like piece-rate pay, and working conditions improvement. However, this negative association is mitigated by the presence of legalization and worker participation structures, suggesting a nuanced interplay between economic incentives and organizational dynamics. These findings challenge existing theories of decoupling, illustrating how organizational structures can serve as credible signals for improvement and facilitate organizational learning processes. Additionally, the study offers strategic insights for managers selecting supplier factories and provides valuable considerations for designing transnational sustainability governance regimes. In essence, the study underscores the importance of understanding the intricate relationship between organizational structures and working conditions improvement in global supply chains, highlighting the potential for meaningful change through strategic organizational design and governance mechanisms.
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Employee Selection as a Control System, WORKING PAPER SUMMARIES, 13 OCT 2010Dennis Campbell's article, "Employee Selection as a Control System," delves into the significance of employee selection in achieving organizational goals, particularly in the context of a financial services organization undergoing decentralization. The research offers empirical evidence of the correlation between employee selection and alignment with organizational performance objectives.
Key concepts highlighted in the article include the idea that employee selection is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of organizational control systems. Campbell's study provides the first direct empirical evidence linking employee selection to improved management control outcomes. Specifically, employees selected to thrive in a decentralized environment demonstrated a higher propensity to exercise decision-making authority in consumer loan processes and exhibited less risky decision-making compared to their counterparts. The findings support existing models of management control, suggesting that managing "inputs" such as employee selection can effectively influence organizational outcomes, rather than solely relying on "outputs" like explicit financial performance incentives. In summary, the article underscores the importance of aligning employee preferences with organizational objectives through strategic selection processes. It suggests that organizations facing challenges in aligning incentives through traditional means can benefit from prioritizing employee selection as a control mechanism. Updating a Classic: Writing a Great Business Plan, RESEARCH & IDEAS, 06 OCT 2008This article revisits William A. Sahlman's classic piece on writing a great business plan, which was originally published in 1997 and has since become one of the most downloaded articles on Harvard Business Publishing. Sahlman discusses the enduring relevance of his ideas in the face of changing business conditions over the past decade.
Key concepts from the original article, such as the understanding that a business plan is not a rigid prediction of the future but rather a flexible roadmap for change, remain unchanged. Sahlman emphasizes the importance of the people involved in a venture over the numbers themselves, as competent individuals pursuing sensible opportunities are fundamental to success. In response to changes in business conditions, Sahlman suggests that entrepreneurs should be conservative about accessing capital and focus on controlling their destiny. He notes that successful ventures require compelling ideas and talented teams, and that accessing early funding from customers can be more beneficial than relying solely on external investors. Additionally, Sahlman discusses the globalization of entrepreneurial ventures and the diverse formats that business plans can take, ranging from traditional documents to PowerPoint slides or even brief videos. He emphasizes that what matters most is having all the necessary ingredients for success, rather than the exact form of communication. In terms of seeking funding in uncertain capital markets, Sahlman advises entrepreneurs to prioritize obtaining money from customers and maintaining a long-term focus, as short-term uncertainties can present opportunities for those with compelling ideas and strong teams. What Founders Get Wrong about Sales and Marketing, A COLD PODCAST, 05 DEC 2023The article features an interview with Mark Roberge, a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School and former SVP of Global Sales Services at HubSpot. Roberge discusses the importance of sales in startups and offers insights into common challenges faced by founders, sales leaders, and marketing executives. He emphasizes the need for founders to prioritize sales and highlights common misconceptions about hiring the first salesperson, designing sales compensation plans, and scaling revenue. Roberge also explores the role of AI in sales and its potential impact on the future of the profession.
What I learned from the article that I did not know before is the concept of using customer retention as a leading indicator of product-market fit. Roberge suggests that instead of focusing solely on revenue milestones, startups should prioritize customer satisfaction and retention as key metrics for assessing product-market fit. In terms of life experiences, I can relate to the importance of effective communication and building trust in sales interactions. Roberge emphasizes the significance of understanding the customer's needs and tailoring the sales approach accordingly, which resonates with my own experiences in communication and negotiation. The article relates to what I've learned in class about the strategic importance of sales and marketing in startups and established businesses alike. Roberge's insights underscore the need for alignment between sales strategies and overall business objectives, which aligns with the principles of strategic management discussed in class. In the future, I can use the knowledge gained from this article to better understand the complexities of sales and marketing in startups. Roberge's recommendations for hiring sales talent, designing compensation plans, and leveraging AI align with current trends in the business landscape and offer valuable insights for navigating the challenges of scaling a venture. Can Business Transform Primary Health Care Across Africa?,COLD CALL PODCAST, 01 AUG 2023The article tells the story of mPharma, a Ghana company that wants to transform healthcare in Africa. MPharma, led by CEO Gregory Roxon, seeks to expand access to primary care and affordable medicines across the continent. Rockson has been challenged to prioritize ways to grow the company, including launching telemedicine services, expanding pharmaceutical services and implementing a new payment system Conversations between Rockson and Harvard Business School professor Regina Herzlinger’s line explores the intersection of business and health care.
What I learned from the case that I didn’t know before were the unique challenges and opportunities in African healthcare, and the innovative ways companies like mPharma addressed them. In relating the story to my life experiences, I can relate it to similar issues I see in my community or through global healthcare initiatives, the importance of access to healthcare, and challenges faced by underserved communities. Knowledge gained from this case could be valuable in the future for understanding complex healthcare delivery in emerging markets and the potential for performance-based solutions to have a positive impact. It also highlights the importance of balancing social impact with economic development in projects aimed at addressing social challenges. Does It Pay to Be a Whistleblower?,COLD CALL PODCAST, 14 FEB 2023 Does It Pay to Be a Whistleblower?" A case study of Ratik and Mehta, two employees in the asset management business of a bank who discover an unknown conflict of interest. Rathik believes that the bank's operations are inconsistent and decides that he will report Mehta, on the other hand, is more wary of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) after reporting findings to the U.S. and wants to solve the problem internally.The product seeks their opinions, their motivations for reported, potential risks and rewards.
What stood out for me in the story was the difficulty of the reporter’s decision-making. Motivated in part by the concept of nightly news and the idea of economic incentives and moral obligation, questions are raised about the balance of personal benefit and moral responsibility as well as discussions of fiduciary duty and eligibility for law and expressed ethical considerations of financial transactions. The most shocking part of the story was the aftermath of the nightclub, where he won a big cash prize from the SEC. Although whistleblowing is often portrayed as a potentially negative outcome for the whistleblower, Ratik’s case suggests that there can be substantial economic gains This raises questions about the structure of motivated whistleblowers for the efficacy of the custom and its ability to promote reporting for personal gain rather than solely for its own sake. Overall, the case provided valuable insight into the complexity of whistleblowing and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in corporations. The Entrepreneurial Journey of China’s First Private Mental Health Hospital, COLD CALL PODCAST, 23 MAY 2023 Mental health is a global crisis that hasn't been fixed yet. Many try to solve it, but problems remain. Governments and businesses play roles in battling this issue. A Cold Call podcast talks about Wenzhou Kangning Hospital in China, founded by Guan Wei Li. It's a different way to do mental healthcare there. Focusing on patients' needs, it provides various therapies. This place does mental healthcare in an innovative, remarkable way in China. Guan Wei Li had an entrepreneurial spirit and commitment in solving mental health issues. From running a cigarette lighter factory to starting a pioneering mental health hospital shows business skills and desire to help people. While the 2013 mental health law is progress, many in rural areas still lack quality mental healthcare. This reflects global healthcare inequality issues that call for ongoing mental health advocacy and investment.
The articles reveal a deep involvement of many people in publishing books. I didn't know how collaborative this whole process is. Editors, reviewers, designers - all contribute importantly. Each role matters for things to go smoothly. Everyone needs to communicate well, be open to suggestions, and cooperate easily. Working with others nicely is key in jobs like these. It shows that getting along with colleagues extends beyond what seems obvious initially. Good relationships help everything run better.
Digital citizenship encompasses the duties, rights, and values that people anticipate while surfing the Internet. It’s like good acquaintances however in a digital neighborhood. In these days’s linked society, it’s essential to recognize a way to navigate the web world with appreciate, authenticity and empathy. When completed proper, on-line postings can expand our voice, make stronger the network, and encourage fine trade. It lets in us to express ourselves creatively, percentage information and build community. However, there are also ability downsides. Sharing personal statistics can compromise privateness and protection. Cyber bullying can affect people emotionally and psychologically. Creating a healthy and inclusive virtual surroundings is critical to shaping our views on our on line behaviors and interactions.
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