Carol M. Sánchez

Motives for Corporate Philanthropy in El Salvador: Altruism and Political Legitimacy

This paper discusses how Salvadoran companies practice corporate philanthropy in El Salvador, and what might motivate it. First, I briefly discuss three principal theories of corporate philanthropy, and explore some current trends in international corporate philanthropy to highlight some of the motives Salvadoran companies may have to participate in charitable activities. Then, I discuss the history of the Salvadoran private sector to help us understand philanthropic activity today. Next, I suggest that philanthropic acts by Salvadoran firms are driven by altruistic and politically strategic motives, and reflect individualistic and paternalistic attitudes. In the discussion, I include examples of Salvadoran corporate philanthropy as it is practiced today, based on recent field research in El Salvador.

Environmental regulatory influence and product innovation: the contingency effects of organizational characteristics

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between environmental regulatory influence and product innovation in a multi-industry sample of manufacturing organizations. Our theory argues that the influence of environmental regulation on the level of product innovation in a manufacturing organization is at least partially contingent on the organizations internal characteristics—in particular, its structural flexibility and production process flexibility. Hypotheses are derived from our theory and tested, and the results are consistent with the conclusion that structural flexibility and production process flexibility moderate the environmental regulatory influence–product innovation relationship. Whether environmental regulation inhibits or promotes product innovation seems to depend at least in part on certain internal features of an organization. We discuss implications of our results for future organization studies research on environmental regulation, and for research on other types of external constraints on organizational performance.

Environmental Regulation and Firm Level Innovation The Moderating Effects of Organizational and Individual Level Variables

Many analysts argue that environmental regulation is a barrier to innovation in business firms. A competing view holds that environmental regulation contributes to firm level innovation. This article attempts to partially reconcile these two views. The article argues that organizational and individual level variables moderate the effect of environmental regulation generally on the radicalness of innovation at the firm level. It proposes that four moderating variables the degree to which information analysis about environmental issues is centralized, firm size, the intensity and integration of research and development (R&D) units within the firm, and whether regulation is perceived as an opportunity change the sign of the relationship between environmental regulation and the radicalness of firm level innovation. Empirically testable propositions are presented and a regulation innovation profile is suggested. Directions for future research and implications for practicing managers are highlighted.

Why Do Gen Y Students Study Abroad? Individual Growth and the Intent to Study Abroad.

We propose that Generation Y college students’ motivations to study abroad are rooted in the desire for individual growth, which, combined with other motivation factors—gender, parents’ educational level, prior international experience, age, and household income—drives the intent to study abroad. The study samples juniors and seniors in business majors, thereby attempting to shorten the temporal distance between study abroad intent and action. A significant number of students declare intent to study abroad as freshmen, yet fail to act on those intentions when the opportunity presents itself a year or two later. Results showed that the desire for individual growth was significantly and positively related to Gen Y business students’ intention to study abroad. Students’ prior experience visiting foreign countries and younger age positively moderated the effect of the desire for individual growth on intent to study abroad. The time lag between intent and action, and the fact that study abroad is a high involvement activity creates promotional challenges on how to best promote study abroad to Gen Y students. The article suggests practical implications and suggests how schools might increase study abroad participation among Gen Y college students.

Base of the pyramid success: a relational view

Purpose – The paper uses a relational view of strategy framework to measure and assess the sustainable success of base of the pyramid (BoP) projects. The authors posit that the relational view is a powerful way to determine if a firms project might lead to sustainable competitive advantage, because if partner resources combine to create relation‐specific capabilities and competences, they may provide sustainable value, and the paper applies this method of strategic analysis to selected BoP projects.Design/methodology/approach – The paper separates the secondary data analysis from the primary data analysis and offers four propositions, based on the combined relational view and BoP criteria. The authors apply the relational view framework to two BoP projects from Michigan‐based organizations. Each case is analysed using the framework, and the authors discuss how the resources of each of the BoP project partners create value, how tailored and scalable the projects are, how BoP end user needs are addressed, ...

Managing Strategic Relationships: The Key to Business Success

The article reviews the book “Managing Strategic Relationships: The Key to Business Success,” by Leonard Greenhalgh.

The Human Side of M&A: How CEOs Leverage the Most Important Asset in Deal Making

The article presents a review of the book “The Human Side of M&A: How CEOs Leverage the Most Important Asset in Deal Making,” by Dennis C. Carey and Dayton Ogden.

Value Shift: Why Companies Must Merge Social and Financial Imperatives to Achieve Superior Performance

The article presents a review of the book “Value Shift: Why Companies Must Merge Social and Financial Imperatives to Achieve Superior Performance,” by Lynn Sharp Paine.

Emotional Value: Creating Strong Bonds with Your Customers

This article presents a review of the book “Emotional Value: Creating Strong Bonds With Your Customers,” by Janelle Barlow and Dianna Maul.

High Price for Change: Privatization in Mexico

The article reviews the book “High Price for Change: Privatization in Mexico,” by Jacques Rogozinski.