Fernando Juan Peris Bonet

Integrating transaction cost economics and the resource-based view in services and innovation

This study examines the complementary nature of Williamsons transaction cost theory and that of the resource-based view in the integration or externalisation of activities, with particular reference to services. Assessing comparative costs, idiosyncratic demands and core competences form the criteria for make or buy decisions, although the analysis of services endows idiosyncratic demands with particular relevance when internalisation of services does neither contribute cost advantages nor others related to the core competences of the firm. In addition to these make or buy questions, this study considers the front/back model in cases where the firm manages services internally.

Entrepreneurial success and human resources

Purpose - This paper aims to determine factors that have an influence on human resource management and entrepreneurial success in the context of European innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach - A primary test questionnaire was tested with 50 Spanish entrepreneurs. The feedback from this study was used to improve the survey for a final test. Multivariate regression analysis was used to differentiate the factors that allow the explanation of the variables to be studied and factors that, a priori, seem to be the most relevant in explaining entrepreneurial success. Findings - The study allows the determination of what factors make the European entrepreneur successful on his or her business. Research limitations/implications - Limitations are the sample used in the study and the magnitude used to analyse entrepreneurial success. Future research on the topic of the paper can develop and qualify the variables used. Originality/value - European innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are analysed from countries belonging to the European Union to determine the factors that have an influence on human resource management and entrepreneurial success. The results of the paper serve as a tool to develop a model to predict relevant factors of entrepreneurial activity and which have implications for development policy makers and for entrepreneurs.

Understanding how the strategy formation process interacts with the management of complex work

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse how the strategy formation process takes place studying the relevance of the integrative perspective and the use of the variables rationality, implication and vision, and verifying the relationship between an integrative strategy formation process and the management of work and the consequences of this relationship in terms of performance.Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopted a qualitative methodology, specifically a simple case analysis, following a six‐stage process: establishing the research objectives, the theoretical research framework, unit and the level of analysis, selecting the study cases and a pilot case, and ellaborating the protocol for the case study analysis.Findings – An integrative strategy formation process that combines with certain equilibrium rationality and emergence facilitates a more effective management of work, specifically of complex work. When the organisation permits a greater degree of participation, it is facilitati...

Basis for a general theory of organizations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the conceptual basis shared by different theories, regardless of the unit of analysis they specifically adopt. The different ontological choice (or different segment of reality studied by each theory) does not hinder conceptual common ground for a good number of organisational theories.Design/methodology/approach – The paper highlights the importance of hierarchical, social and institutional relations and of the technological, cognitive, social and institutional contents. It looks at the common conceptual contents of the two main theories examined, and those of a wide set of other theories addressed here. Both of the theories examined are interpreted in terms of relations and contents, taking a closer look at the passageways and walls that exist between them.Findings – Ontological and conceptual bases for the analysis of organisational theories are established.Research limitations/implications – The proposal of a common background from which one can exami...