Bernard Arogyaswamy

Organizational Culture: Internal and External Fits

The culture of an organization is increasingly being viewed as an important determinant of its performance. This paper adopts the position that the importance (even relevance) of culture to performance is contingency driven. We conceptualize organizational culture in terms of the degree of internal fit (cohesion and consistency) and externalfit (linkages to strategy and the environment). The needfor tight or loose fits under a variety of conditions (within, and external to, the firm) is investigated. Conclusions are drawn regarding the nature of fits appropriate to an organization facing combinations of these conditions.

Entrepreneurship and National Policy: Growth with Justice

Abstract There are numerous strands of thought and research informing the work on entrepreneurship, and some of these diverse approaches, falling broadly into the demand and supply categories, are reviewed in the paper. A model of entrepreneurship combining these factors is proposed. Among the factors reviewed are a societys history, culture, institutions, government policies, and the creation of trust and legitimacy. The position adopted in this paper is that entrepreneurship is a mechanism by which more rapid economic growth, widespread involvement in society, and greater social justice may be achieved in a capitalistic society. Justice encompasses the norms of equality, freedom, and efficiency. These three concepts are explained in the paper, and their applicability to entrepreneurship in societies such as the United States, and developing countries such as India and China is studied. The paper argues that national performance measures and policies should include the achievement of greater social justice, and that policies be formulated to foster entrepreneurship to that end.

Measuring it Performance: “Contingency” Variables and Value Modes

The magnitude of investment in and the results expected from Information Technology (IT) is burgeoning equally rapidly. The rise in expectations is, however, not accompanied by an enhanced sophistication in the methods used to assess the outcomes of IT employment. Putting IT to multiple uses demands that measures of performance also be flexible and multidimensional. The traditional approach to measuring performance as the ratio between input and output is inadequate in this context. Several studies have utilized some form of input/output production function in measuring the impact of IT on profitability and productivity. There is a great need for taking a comprehensive look at the purpose and strategy underlying IT management and performance (“success”) measurement. Several classifying frameworks have been proposed and our research builds on this body of work. We propose an IT Effectiveness Model that links factors such as the external Environment, Strategy, Structure, and Culture to the mode of IT Deployment (e.g. Cost/Service/Investment Center). The objective of this model is to identify the appropriate measures of performance for each mode of deployment.

Technology Absorption in Emerging Nations: An Institutional Approach

Abstract Technology is becoming increasingly critical to the success of all business firms, and to national economic growth. The process of globalization is driven by technology development and the ability of corporations to leverage technology effectively and rapidly. The technological gap between advanced and emerging nations remains vast, and the first step to narrowing the gap is for emerging nations to absorb technology successfully. This paper argues that a supporting raft of national institutions is essential if technology (developed at home or abroad) is to be absorbed effectively. Economic, political, social, and cultural institutions are evaluated for their relationship to the absorption of technology. We compare four countries in respect of these major institutional characteristics, providing relevant data available on the respective institutions, as well as for technology absorption, in each country. A review of the data indicates broad support for the propositions developed in the paper, and for the overall thesis linking institutional forces to the efficacy of technology absorption.

A Comparative Review of Innovation Systems: Strategies, Practices, and Connections

Innovation is one of the key drivers of growth in any modern economy. There are a variety of ways in which innovation can be fostered, and this paper explores four categories of Innovation Systems-National (NIS), Local (LIS) or clusters, Regional (RIS), situated spatially between NISs and clusters, and Corporate (CIS). The raisons d’etre of the Innovation Systems, their strategic purposes, operational principles, and the conditions under which they work best, are studied. The paper concludes with an exposition of the contrasts and complementarities among the Systems, and by applying the framework to a particular country whose innovation performance appears in need of considerable improvement.

Entrepreneurship, Institutions, and National Policy: Achieving Growth with Justice in Emerging Nations

Entrepreneurship has been a powerful source of economic growth and technological vitality in many parts of the world. We discuss the impact contextual factors (e.g. government policies and culture) have on entrepreneurial activity, as well as the critical role played by institutions. The need for trust and the acceptance of the legitimacy of new ideas are expanded upon. Entrepreneurship is also seen as a potent force for moderating the inequities created by globalization, and for fostering social (and technological) justice. Special attention is paid to entrepreneurship in emerging nations, particularly China and India.