Sonny S. Ariss

Politics and Strategic Change Across Organizational Life Cycles

This paper links research on political processes in organizations with research on organizational life cycles and strategic change. It is proposed that politics accompany strategic changes but are manifested differently at each stage of an organizations life cycle. A political life cycle model is developed in which contextual factors and strategic choices work together to evoke different political tactics during each period of the life cycle. The implications of this model for practicing managers and for research are addressed.

Creating competitive advantage through effective management education

States that the twenty‐first century has brought with it the global marketplace, and with it unparalleled business opportunities which have competitive pressures. Discusses how organizations can use management education to create competitive advantage. Concludes that management education and development is essential in order for an organization to remain competitive.

Computer monitoring: benefits and pitfalls facing management

The Information Age has enabled businesses to improve their efficiency through the use of advanced technology. The increase in the use of computers in the workplace has led to the ease of electronic monitoring of employees. Many feel that monitoring is important for the survival of their business. However, some employees regard this action as negatively impacting their work habits and privacy. This article examines the benefits and pitfalls of computer monitoring and recommends specific steps that need to be taken to monitor employees safely and ethically.

The impact of flexible process capability on the product-process matrix: an empirical examination

Abstract Hayes and Wheelwright (Har. Bus. Rev. 57 (1) (1979) 127). provided the product–process matrix to emphasize the importance of the cooperation of manufacturing (processes) and marketing (products) to achieve the unified goals based on Skinners tradeoff theory. But the environments have dramatically changed, and recently, some authors (Ferdows and De Meyer, J. Oper. Manage. 9 (1990) 168; Noble, Dec. Sci. J. 26(5) (1995) 693) have empirically verified that firms can achieve multiple competitive performances simultaneously. Their research especially illustrates how the high flexible process capability that a firm possesses greatly enlarges the feasible zones and reduces the constrained zone in the product–process matrix. Therefore, the product–process matrix needs some modifications to guide researchers and practitioners. This paper discusses and empirically tests the impact of flexible process capability on the product–process matrix and provides further evidence of the compatibility of multiple competitive performances rather than tradeoffs.

Employee Involvement to Improve Safety in the Workplace: An Ethical Imperative

Companies in general have not lived up to their ethical responsibility in assisting workers in decreasing workrelated accidents and illnesses. This paper presents a systematic four‐stage employee involvement model that was successful in transforming a company’s culture to become a model for preserving workers’ rights to safe working conditions. By changing the prevailing management ideology on safety, the model offers a positive solution to improving workplace safety and morale, while preserving the workers’ rights to be involved in decisions that affect the quality of their lives.

An Integrated Framework For The Study Of Organizational Innovation

Despite the many attempts of researchers to integrate the innovation literature, it continues to be fragmented and its results not cumulative. After a thorough review of the literature, this article proposes an integrative framework that reconciles the theories of innovation by having the types of innovation on one dimension and the degrees of innovation on the other dimension to reduce the confusion in the field and further the development of a workable theory of innovation management. The many factors that influence innovation are then identified and categorized along a four-by-four framework to lead to a comprehensive classification that will reduce the ambiguity and inconsistency in the innovation literature. The implications of this framework for future research on innovation as a profitable product or service are addressed.

Empowerment for the year 2000 and beyond

Analyzes recent thought relating to the forced restructuring of businesses. In general, businesses are unable to compete in the new global environment in their present state because of worldwide competition; national changes involving mergers, bank failures and company takeovers. Companies which can incorporate a team philosophy into their organizations will have a better chance of surviving in the year 2000. Details the new and more stringent requirements that are placed on leadership and the empowerment of teams through leadership. Focuses on information as to how to choose the right leadership and teams. Uses significant examples of businesses which have successfully restructured to illustrate the importance of fostering a leadership style which will advocate teamwork.

Adoption of modern technology in small manufacturing firms: a study of issues and concerns

The manufacturing sector in general, and small manufacturers in particular, are faced with fierce national, regional and global competition. Trade alliances, such as NAFTA, which have been entered into by the USA will add to this competitive burden. Modernisation of manufacturing facilities through the infusion of computerised manufacturing and information processing technology has become imperative in this environment. A body of research is only now beginning to be developed for the identification of the issues and considerations that impede or facilitate modernisation of small manufacturing. This research is an attempt to contribute towards filling the gap in understanding of small manufacturing issues and concerns.