Necmi Karagozoglu

Environmental Management: Testing the Win‐Win Model

The debate over the possibility of seeking competitive advantages through greener strategies versus the scarcity of such opportunities is not yet resolved. This study is an attempt to test the win-win model. The role of the variables at the core of the win-win model, such as the regulatory factors, environmental strategy and environmental innovativeness, was examined. The results validated the positive competitive and financial impact of progressive environmental strategies contingent upon the presence of favourable external and internal conditions. From purely a profitability standpoint, it is important to seek a balance between the environmental measures and market expectations. Comprehensive superiority in relative environmental performance will not necessarily lead to environmental competitive advantage.

Adaptive responses by conservative and entrepreneurial firms

Over time, most corporate managements face the necessity of adapting their organizations to new environments. The style of such adaptation depends both on the original strategy of the company and its new objectives and environment. Necmi Karagozoglu and Warren Brown report the results of research which explores the changes in the organizations rate of innovation in response to environmental shifts. The changes in the innovative behavior of conservative firms (which emphasize stability, standardized products and cost-minimization strategies) are contrasted with that of entrepreneurial firms (which emphasize flexibility, rapid product change and state-of-the-art product features). Organizational competence and managements willingness to change are some of the key independent variables used in the project. The data are from a study of 56 manufacturing companies representing 26 industries.

Electronic commerce strategy, operations, and performance in small and medium‐sized enterprises

Explores the electronic commerce (e‐commerce) involvement of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in terms of the strategic, operational, and performance aspects. Findings are reported from a survey of SMEs in northern California. The results show that SMEs tend to pursue e‐commerce strategies associated with customer base expansion and customer service consistent with their bricks‐and‐mortar competitive strategies and build e‐commerce operations consistent with their e‐commerce strategies. These e‐commerce strategies also contribute to the SMEs’ sales growth and profitability. However, e‐commerce strategy associated with purchasing management is the least favored alternative and does not affect profitability. The implication of the findings for managers and future research are discussed.

Global strategies of US and Scandinavian R&D-intensive small- and medium-sized companies

The study analyses approaches that small and medium-sized R&D-intensive companies use in order to face up to global competition. Most literature on internationalization and international strategies is directed at large companies. But how are small- and medium-sized R&D-oriented firms coping with global competition? Do small companies behave like large corporations, when they venture abroad? Are there differencies in the strategic behaviour of US and Scandinavian small- and medium-sized companies?

A multilevel, multiphase framework for viewing technological innovation

Problems of research in technological innovation are often based on limited perspectives, e.g., studies with only a macro or micro focus. This paper discusses the limitations of such approaches, and then develops a multilevel, multiphase framework for such research by utilizing five hierarchical levels: Government, industry, organization, subunit and individual. Using this hierarchical framework the nature of the innovation process is explored under various contextual conditions. The management problems of interlevel integration and goal conflict are given special consideration.

Innovative behavior of firms in a developing country: An empirical study

Abstract It is a widely held notion that innovation is of critical importance for developing countries to achieve industrial progress and economic prosperity. Although this issue has often been tapped in macro-economic studies micro-level examinations have been rather limited. This study explores the influence of the various contextual variables on a firms innovative behavior. The data are based on 61 medium-to-large firms in Turkey.

Managing technological dependence in the developing countries: Analysis at the firm level

This paper explores the strategies pursued by the firms in the Developing Countries to cope with technological dependence. It is proposed that the firms in the Developing Countries are showing trends toward developing an organizational infrastructure to facilitate technological innovations in order to reduce their technological dependence to the foreign suppliers of technology. This proposition is tested by utilizing the data collected from 61 Turkish firms. The implication of the emerging trends for the practicing managers are also offered.