Sergio Bulgacov

Reflections on Actor-Network Theory, Governance Networks, and Strategic Outcomes

In an attempt to instigate discussion in the areas of organizational studies and strategy, this essay focuses on themes related to Governance, Actor-Network Theory, and Strategic Outcomes. We seek to expand understanding of the Governance Network Theory by proposing the inclusion of human and non-human actors from the Actor-Network Theory in its scope. Recent studies concerning the notion of heterogeneous networks have demonstrated the importance of non-human actors for understanding social and organizational phenomena. When combined with a network perspective, strategy is seen as something that people within organizations do and not something that organizations have (Johnson, Langley, Melin, & Whittington, 2007). Networks require interaction, movement, and process; i.e., the active participation of actors involved. Decision making and activities are continuously realized based on the ties between actors and the content they deal with. We believe that this theoretical framework will reveal aspects and issues taken for granted that should be incorporated in the Governance Network Theorys empirical scope of analysis, primarily for research in plural and complex organizations permeated with ambiguous and power-related issues.

Strategy as Communicational Practice in Organizations

Strategy as a social practice and communication as social activity within organizations is a subject of great interest to managers and strategy scholars nowadays. This article concerns a study of the Itaipu Technological Park, which was faced with the challenge of enacting an intensive and strategic communicational process. It indicates some ways in which communication can disclose strategy and strategic processes, at various levels of organizational analysis. Using the case method, this empirical research advances communication and strategic practices theory by contributing an empirical case. The case reveals insights into the interactions of strategies and practices as a fundamental process for creation of meanings whose expressiveness comes from communication and language. This strategy as communicational practice can occur at various levels of organizational relationships, and we are dependent on it to construct an organizational reality. The discussion of this idea is therefore the primary contribution of this study. The key issue is that humans communicatively constitute strategy by way of interaction and social practices that involve the entire organization and its environment.

Differences in sustainability practices and stakeholder involvement

Purpose – This research aims to describe sustainability practices adopted by companies and the influence they have with the involvement of stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative investigation, using case study methodology, was undertaken in 17 companies that use strategic sustainability practices in some way. The companies were observed under the theoretical perspective of social responsibility and sustainability, and with the approach of strategic practices. Findings – Interpreting the data produces an alternative framework of analysis for strategic organizational activities oriented toward the understanding of practices of sustainability, especially in processes aimed at catering to and/or involving stakeholders. The research further supports the idea that sustainability practices, regardless of their level of implementation, have a strong relationship, in these companies, with stakeholder interests. Originality/value – The intent is that the proposed analytical framework will allow further debate toward better understanding of actions focused on environmental determinism and internal company conditions.

EFEITO GOVERNO E CERTIFICAÇÃO NA INDÚSTRIA BRASILEIRA DE SOFTWARE

Este trabalho analisa o papel do Estado brasileiro como agente influenciador das estrategias de qualidade das empresas produtoras de software no Brasil. A partir dos dados coletados entre os anos de 1995-2009, conduziu-se um estudo longitudinal quantitativo e descritivo. Foram estudadas 2.229 empresas de software . Sob a perspectiva dos fundamentos da Teoria da Agencia e da Teoria dos Custos de Transacao, observa-se a conscientizacao da necessidade de certificacao no cenario internacional. A mudanca significativa no perfil das empresas pode ser observada pela adocao de modelos de certificacao para o setor, em especial o MPS.BR, especificamente desenvolvidos por agencias governamentais em parceria com universidades e entidades privadas. A capacitacao tecnologica das empresas foi obtida por meio de subsidios e apoio governamental, como incentivo a busca da competitividade nacional e internacional.

Expandindo a visão de capacidades dinâmicas: Contribuições especiais

espanolPresentacion del foro Dynamic Capabilities, posicionandose con relacion a las diversas vertientesbibliograficas y campos de conocimiento que emplean el abordaje. EnglishIntroducing the Dynamic Capabilities Forum and its position with regard to various bibliographic aspects and knowledge fields using the approach. portuguesApresentacao do forum Dynamic Capabilities, posicionando-o em relacao as diversas vertentes bibliograficas e campos de conhecimento que empregam a abordagem.

Dynamic capabilities from an institutionalist viewpoint

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the effects of strategic, technical and institutional response, in the perspective of dynamic capability facing environmental changes, considering that the literature has few references on how institutional factors contribute to a firm’s dynamic capabilities. A case study was conducted on the oldest journalistic enterprise in Brazil. It was found that the organizational practices with dynamic capabilities were conditioned by mechanisms and factors that have extrapolated intentions, expectations, and planning skills of the firm’s own Board of Directors. The new social structure found in the organization is based on the interpretations of the journalists themselves, regarding the social reality of the field of journalism, was supported by the coherent interpretative schemata of some managers in order to reduce the uncertainty caused by institutional demands of the rapidly changing reading habits of people. The study revealed that strategic practices such as making the newspaper known at schools, development of a digital newspaper, showed the influence of institutions as a new normative order, social responsibility, greater legitimacy, and at the same time, a higher capacity of the organization to adapt to its business environment. These aspects, reflect a cultural structure that is reproduced at the company in its practices for the continuous use of new technologies and new social demands.

A efetividade dos estrategistas da responsabilidade social empresarial

The importance of the individual in the construction, maintenance, and change of institutions characterizes Social Practice Theory. The purpose of this study is to analyze the profile and involvement of strategists in social responsibility. This begins with the identification of the role, agency, experience, and characteristics of the practitioners who operate in the environmental certification of Brazilian companies. The discussion of the results is based on the concepts of corporate social responsibility and the theory of Strategy as Practice. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first stage, consisting of a qualitative and exploratory nature, a case study was implemented at the Suzano Paper and Cellulose Company. In the second stage, a quantitative survey of 23 companies was conducted. These companies account for 41% of the population of certified companies. This study contributes to the field by highlighting the different dimensions of the profile of practitioners and their relationship with collective practices and their involvement in the certification process.

The Effectiveness of the Strategists of Corporate Social Responsibility

The importance of the individual in the construction, maintenance, and change of institutions characterizes Social Practice Theory. The purpose of this study is to analyze the profile and involvement of strategists in social responsibility. This begins with the identification of the role, agency, experience, and characteristics of the practitioners who operate in the environmental certification of Brazilian companies. The discussion of the results is based on the concepts of corporate social responsibility and the theory of Strategy as Practice. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first stage, consisting of a qualitative and exploratory nature, a case study was implemented at the Suzano Paper and Cellulose Company. In the second stage, a quantitative survey of 23 companies was conducted. These companies account for 41% of the population of certified companies. This study contributes to the field by highlighting the different dimensions of the profile of practitioners and their relationship with collective practices and their involvement in the certification process.

A Efetividade dos Estrategistas da Responsabilidade Social Empresarial

The importance of the individual in the construction, maintenance, and change of institutions characterizes Social Practice Theory. The purpose of this study is to analyze the profile and involvement of strategists in social responsibility. This begins with the identification of the role, agency, experience, and characteristics of the practitioners who operate in the environmental certification of Brazilian companies. The discussion of the results is based on the concepts of corporate social responsibility and the theory of Strategy as Practice. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first stage, consisting of a qualitative and exploratory nature, a case study was implemented at the Suzano Paper and Cellulose Company. In the second stage, a quantitative survey of 23 companies was conducted. These companies account for 41% of the population of certified companies. This study contributes to the field by highlighting the different dimensions of the profile of practitioners and their relationship with collective practices and their involvement in the certification process.

A configuração da organização e sua relação com o planejamento estratégico formal e emergente

Abstract The aim of this paper is to understand the relationships between organizational configuration and the strategic planning practices. The research, qualitative with an exploratory nature, approaches in a comparative manner two case studies of companies which achieved success above average when compared to their competitors. The methodological procedures are based on in-depth content analysis of interviews, observation, and secondary data. Data triangulation suggests that both companies present planning practices strongly related to the contrasting characteristics of the organizational configuration elements. Emergent planning characteristics are identified in the building material stores network (MC). Formal planning characteristics are identified in the technology company (HT). As a basis for further studies, the research suggests that organizational configuration conditions the planning process in a recursive manner. Keywords: Strategic planning. Organizational configuration. Emergent planning. Formal planning.