Manuela Pardo del Val

Resistance to change: a literature review and empirical study

This paper examines organizational change, focusing on the distinction of changes according to their scope and presenting a typology of evolutionary and strategic changes. It also offers an in‐depth study of resistance to change. Through empirical research, the paper analyzes the importance of the sources of resistance to change defined theoretically, and considers both types of changes. The article shows which sources of resistance differ most, according to the scope of change, offering hints about where organizations should pay special attention when initiating a change process.

Analysis of the implementation of ISO 9000 quality assurance systems

Examines the literature relating to the implementation of quality assurance systems and then uses a questionnaire to a number of organisations and consultants to compare “practice” with “theory”. Analyses the implementation process for quality assurance systems designed to meet the requirements of the ISO 9000 standard to identify the role of the different “actors” to find out which factors facilitate the implementation or make it more difficult. Suggests that the primary motivation for introducing ISO 9000 systems is to improve image and reputation rather than processes.

Longitudinal study of the results of continuous improvement in an industrial company

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show a real experience of how a scheme of continuous improvement has been gradually transformed, from a very unsuccessful start, passing through different phases and finally delivering results for the firm.Design/methodology/approach – The authors analyse the evolution of the formal programs of continuous improvement of a firm in a traditional sector (food). The data for the research were gathered by means of participatory observation over the course of 18 months spent in the firm attending the meetings of the improvement teams.Findings – Both programs (individual and group) have proved to be very profitable for the company. However, there is no magic formula for the correct operation of the system of continuous improvement. The existing system has to be continually improved, correcting faults and trying always to contribute something new to re‐launch the system regularly.Practical implications – This study has also permitted the authors to highlight the importanc...

An Empirical Study about the Effect of Cultural Problematic on Organizational Learning in Alliances.

In an environment where favoring organizational learning is imperative, the option of business cooperation is considered an optimal means to transmit knowledge between companies and to encourage the generation of new ones. But differences in organizational cultures of the cooperation partners can make this process difficult. Through an empirical study of small and medium‐sized companies that had established international cooperation agreements during 1997 and 1998 in the Valencian community (Spain), the influence of the differences in size and in national culture of the partners in organizational learning is observed.

The impact of training and ad hoc teams in industrial settings

Abstract This paper aims to reflect the use of training via ad hoc teams to adopt lean production practices. In our research, eleven automobile manufacturer suppliers implement training interventions to achieve better results through lean production, concluding that training helps companies to develop lean production systems and to improve performance indicators.

The impact of ad hoc teams in the automobile industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of training on ad hoc teams in an industrial setting.Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, data were collected from 11 Spanish automobile manufacturer suppliers and included the assessment of the current situation, the creation and holding of different workshops followed by the collection of the results.Findings – The paper finds that ad hoc teams are really effective especially in lean companies.Originality/value – This paper breaks new ground in analysing the effect of training ad hoc teams in an industrial setting.