Inge Neyens

The impact of continuous and discontinuous alliance strategies on startup innovation performance

The open innovation paradigm emphasises the importance of alliances for improving the innovation performance of firms. However, existing empirical research on innovation performance implications of alliances is dominated by cross-sectional studies. As a result, we do not know how the time frame of alliances might influence innovation performance. In this study, we therefore examine the impact of different time frames of alliance strategies on innovation performance. In order to do so, we collected panel data on 217 Flemish startup firms. The results show a positive association between ‘discontinuous alliance strategies’ with suppliers, customers and competitors and ‘incremental’ innovation performance. In addition, we find a positive impact of ‘continuous alliance strategies’ with suppliers, competitors and universities and other research institutes on ‘radical’ innovation performance. These findings encourage startup firms to balance their alliance portfolio not only in terms of different kinds of partners but also in terms of different kinds of time frames.

Alliance Portfolios and Innovation Performance: Connecting Structural and Managerial Perspectives

Whereas existing alliance portfolio studies mainly focus on the structure or management of alliance portfolios, we conceptually explore the connections between them. In particular, we formulate propositions, arguing that the formalization, centralization, and customization of alliance portfolio management moderate the relationship between the structural characteristics of alliance portfolios (i.e., alliance portfolio size and alliance portfolio heterogeneity) and innovation performance. Based on this assessment, we identify different alliance portfolio management bundles for different alliance portfolio structures and formulate interesting avenues for future research.

Organizational correlates of workplace bullying in small- and medium-sized enterprises

Over recent decades, a broad range of studies have investigated organizational antecedents of workplace bullying, predominantly in large organizations. Exploring this topic within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is however important: SMEs differ from large organizations in cultural, structural and strategic ways. Accordingly, the current study aims to investigate organizational correlates of bullying in SMEs based on the Three Way Model as a theoretical framework. Data were gathered from 358 employees in 39 Flemish (Belgian) SMEs with maximum 100 employees. The organizational characteristics explained 29 per cent of the variance of bullying. Regression analyses revealed statistically significant associations between bullying, on the one hand, and organizational change, a people-oriented culture, an (known) anti-bullying policy, working in a family business, on the other hand. In sum, our results suggest that SMEs experiencing organizational change need to be extra vigilant against workplace bullying. Based on our results, bullying also seems more prevalent in SMEs without a people-oriented culture and in family businesses. Finally, the results suggest that the presence of an anti-bullying policy buffers bullying in SMEs.

Beliefs of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors About Competitive Employment for People With Severe Mental Illness in Belgium

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors do not always focus on competitive employment for people with severe mental illness (SMI). Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examines how three types of VR counselors (i.e., gatekeepers, case managers, and specialists) vary in their underlying beliefs about competitive employment. VR counselors (N = 286) from Belgium completed an online TPB survey measuring behavioral, normative, control, and self-efficacy beliefs. Differences in beliefs were analyzed by one-way ANOVAs and post hoc comparisons using Bonferroni correction. Results indicate that counselors differ in their beliefs regarding competitive employment for people with SMI. Specialized counselors are stronger convinced that competitive employment results in latent benefits (e.g., increased integration and self-confidence). In contrast, gatekeepers consider income as the most recurrent and positive effect. The more specialized VR counselors are, the more often they perceive significant others valuing competitive employment and the more often they may comply with these norms. Finally, specialized counselors experience fewer barriers, more control, and more self-efficacy in dealing with problems compared with less specialized counselors. The differences in beliefs determining the focus on competitive employment may result in a lack of an integrated approach. Training, outcome feedback, and intersectoral communication can enhance consistency between different VR services.

Perspectives of hospitalized patients with mental disorders and their clinicians on vocational goals, barriers, and steps to overcome barriers

Abstract Background: People with mental disorders experience difficulties with finding competitive jobs. In countries with longer psychiatric hospitalization periods, the vocational rehabilitation process can start during hospitalization. Yet, rehabilitation can be hindered by a lack of focus by clinicians on the patients’ vocational goals and a lack of agreement between clinicians and patients. Aims: To compare (i) vocational goals, (ii) barriers to employment and (iii) support needed to overcome barriers faced by patients. Method: The paired data-set comprised 733 hospitalized patients and their 279 clinicians. Patients selected their vocational goals and clinicians indicated options that seemed realistic. Patients and clinicians indicated how many barriers exist and what support is needed to overcome barriers. Results: Almost 45% of patients prefer competitive jobs, while 32% of clinicians find this realistic, indicating a moderate relationship between patients’ goals and clinicians’ perceptions. Patients and clinicians also differ in their perception of the level of barriers and types of support to overcome them. Patients perceive fewer vocational barriers than clinicians and prefer less intense vocational support options. Conclusions: Patients and clinicians have different perspectives concerning vocational recovery. Improving vocational rehabilitation requires a stronger alignment between patients and clinicians’ vocational goals and barriers.

Problematisch alcoholgebruik in de praktijk

SamenvattingDe huisarts vormt een belangrijke sleutelfiguur in de zorg voor mensen met problematisch alcoholgebruik. Dit onderzoek gaat na hoe huisartsen met dit problematisch alcoholgebruik omgaan, met name de aspecten die gerelateerd zijn aan de diagnose, de behandeling, de doorverwijzing, hun attitudes en kennis en kunde over problematisch alcoholgebruik.Uit deze bevraging blijkt dat een substantieel aantal huisartsen moeilijkheden ervaart met de diverse aspecten van de omgang met patiënten met een problematisch alcoholgebruik. Vormingen die hierop inspelen, kunnen hieraan tegemoetkomen.