A Bisignano

Interstanding the industrial district: contrasting conceptual images as a road to insight

In this paper we offer an approach to learning about the unique features of industrial districts as a socio-economic phenomenon that is based on differences. Instead of searching for one generic theory that may explain the unique construction of an industrial district or one universal way of getting under the skin of its subjects we propose ‘interstanding’ as a road to insight. The title alludes to different relationships: between theoretical frameworks and empirical approaches, between writing and reflecting on the one hand, creating conversations, talking and listening on the other, between teacher and student, between the academic and business communities. In the paper this ‘interstanding’ perspective of knowledging is demonstrated in the context of an annual international doctoral course on SMEs in economic and regional development. The participating doctoral students are organized into research teams, each furnished with a specific theoretical perspective on localized economic development, and subsequently jointly brought to the industrial district of Gnosjö in Sweden in order to meet with owner-managers and further local stakeholders. The student groups report on their field experiences, thereby creating maps as diverse as the different theoretical frameworks being used. These contrasting images of the districts generic features and sustainability are used as an input to a conclusive polylogue seminar that offers an ‘interstanding’ that, on the one hand, reminds the participants that any, including scientifically investigated, reality is socially constructed, and, on the other, communicates that tensions between alternative conceptual constructs, especially if substantiated in empirical research, offer an inspiring road to knowledge.

Habitus emerging: the development of hybrid logics and collaborative business models in the Irish craft beer sector

This article analyses data from 25 Irish craft beer entrepreneurs supplemented by associated web and press material, to explore how habitus emerges in a nascent entrepreneurial field. Welter’s frame of entrepreneurial contexts – business, social, spatial and institutional – is combined with Bourdieusian theory to explain the emergence of habitus. Findings show that emerging habitus is enacted through hybridisation of diverse global and local field logics, via the adoption, development and extension of their logics. It is also path-dependent on the life and career histories of a critical mass of habitus members, previously exposed to these fields. The study shows both local and global strategies of collective resource sharing – a novel approach to tackling the resource paucity typically faced by partitioned specialists facing large-scale generalists.

Organizational Renewal in Family Firms

The authors investigate whether organizational renewal impacts on the performance of family firms and identify aspects of ‘familiness’ acting as facilitators or inhibitors of organizational renewal. A survey instrument captured data on relevant family-related characteristics, organizational renewal and firm performance from the CEOs of 140 family firms in Greece. Regression analysis was used to test hypotheses. Strong evidence was found that organizational renewal impacts positively on the profit growth of family firms. Where CEOs had a strong growth aspiration for the future and were firm founders, and where succession planning was taking place, renewal was more likely to be enacted. Efforts are focused on creating a business that will thrive in the future, and not on curating an organizational heirloom shaped and constrained by the past. Their strong future focus liberates these family firms from possible cross-generational path dependency, allowing the special resources of their familys business to act instead as a springboard for ongoing organizational renewal. Conversely, those family firms with a high level of family altruism indicated by extensive kin employment seem to be more likely to be destined for stagnation than stewardship, as they promote (past-focused) historical family sentiment and tradition. The dangers of cross-generational path dependency indeed seem pronounced in such past-focused firms.

The Design of International Dual Degree Programmes as Effective Transnational Education Experiences

International Dual Degree (IDD) programmes recently emerged as an attractive transnational education (TNE) opportunity for both prospective students and higher education institutions. Students can experience different education systems, increase their international networks, and ultimately boost their employability. Organizations can develop their international presence, exchange best practices, and exploit efficiencies. Despite their numerous advantages and some distinguished cases of success, IDD programmes remain marginal in the global offer of TNE. Multiple processes intertwine to configure them as complex ventures that often intimidate education managers. The chapter builds on a case study to present decision-makers with a framework for designing and implementing a successful IDD programme. The WHEEL framework aims at equipping education managers with practical signposts for successfully engaging with such strategic opportunity.