Description:
High technology idustries are touted as a key aspect of regional development. Ease of information transfer is seen as an important aspect of such development and critical to innovation and synergy. This paper examines these notions using data collected from and investigation into the development of an Information Technology and Telecommunications (IT&T) network in Ballarat, Victoria. It points to the need for free flowing communication amongst inventors in Ballarat in order to develop effective synergy amongst inventors in IT&T industry. Social network data derived from actors in the Ballarat IT&T suggest and inadequate flow of such communication currently exists.
Description:
This paper outlines the rise of women in management worldwide, and considers why so few women achieve senior or executive management positions. This slow advance of women into senior roles is unexpected given that the changes in organisations today are believed to require more ‘feminine leadership’. A decrease in the emphasis on masculine characteristics for managers is reported, and a requirement that more ‘feminine leadership’ needs to be adopted by organisations in order to ensure their survival in the future (Powell, Butterfield & Parent, 2002, p.189). Recent empirical research reports that there are differences in leadership style between male and female managers, and the findings suggest that women exhibit more transformational leadership than their male counterparts, with this style being strongly equated with effective leadership (Eagly, Johannesen-Schmidt, van Engen, 2003). However, these findings are based on western research, and it may be that cross cultural research will yield a different picture (House, Hanges, Javidan, Dorfman, & Gupta, 2004). Leadership and leadership styles may be conceptualised differently in a more paternalistic society. To explore this possibility, a cross cultural study was conducted in Malaysia and Australia. It is hypothesised that countries that are paternalistic in cultural values will exhibit a stronger constraint on women in management roles, which may impact on workplace attitudes, aspirations for promotion and style of leadership exhibited. Therefore, it is possible that the career advancement of women may be more problematic for Malaysian managerial women than their Australian counterparts. Results from an initial pilot study in Malaysia and Australia are outlined, and highlight some interesting similarities and differences to what are reported in the western literature.
Description:
This paper outlines the rise of women in management worldwide, and considers why so few women achieve senior or executive management positions. This slow advance of women into senior roles is unexpected given that the changes in organisations today are believed to require more ‘feminine leadership’. A decrease in the emphasis on masculine characteristics for managers is reported, and a requirement that more ‘feminine leadership’ needs to be adopted by organisations in order to ensure their survival in the future (Powell, Butterfield & Parent, 2002, p.189). Recent empirical research reports that there are differences in leadership style between male and female managers, and the findings suggest that women exhibit more transformational leadership than their male counterparts, with this style being strongly equated with effective leadership (Eagly, Johannesen-Schmidt, van Engen, 2003). However, these findings are based on western research, and it may be that cross cultural research will yield a different picture (House, Hanges, Javidan, Dorfman, & Gupta, 2004). Leadership and leadership styles may be conceptualised differently in a more paternalistic society. To explore this possibility, a cross cultural study was conducted in Malaysia and Australia. It is hypothesised that countries that are paternalistic in cultural values will exhibit a stronger constraint on women in management roles, which may impact on workplace attitudes, aspirations for promotion and style of leadership exhibited. Therefore, it is possible that the career advancement of women may be more problematic for Malaysian managerial women than their Australian counterparts. Results from an initial pilot study in Malaysia and Australia are outlined, and highlight some interesting similarities and differences to what are reported in the western literature.
Description:
This paper analyses the results of a survey of large Australian firms to determine (a) the scale and scope of ethical practices in the firm; and (b) the relationship between the different types of firm manager and the firm's ethical practices. The results suggest that whether or not a firm follows a written code of ethics appears to be strongly related to the age category of the senior manager. The level of education and the employment background of the senior manager do not seem to be related to whether the firm has a written code or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Description:
With the rise of globalisation, technological innovation, diffusion of information via the Internet, and related changes in business values and beliefs, countries, regions, governments and institutions everywhere are facing changing conditions for competitive advantage (Pfeffer & Sutton, 2000). Globalisation allows companies of all sizes, even micro and small and medium size enterprises (SME) which were once unable to compete with larger firms, to participate in new markets and reduce costs. Deregulated markets allow for more competition as well as better product offering and prices for small businesses.
Description:
With the rise of globalisation, technological innovation, diffusion of information via the Internet, and related changes in business values and beliefs, countries, regions, governments and institutions everywhere are facing changing conditions for competitive advantage (Pfeffer & Sutton, 2000). Globalisation allows companies of all sizes, even micro and small and medium size enterprises (SME) which were once unable to compete with larger firms, to participate in new markets and reduce costs. Deregulated markets allow for more competition as well as better product offering and prices for small businesses.
Description:
In this paper, theories of strategic competitiveness are used as the building blocks for alternative models of the regional firm. These models are used to develop a typology of firms that attempts to explain the fit between a small firm and its regional location. The standard theories based on "industry organization", "resources", and "dynamic capabilities" explain much of the variation observed in the case studies , however a more complete coverage of the regional effects on the nature of firm organization and strategy are provided by introducing "evolutionary" and "infrastructure" based paradigms. The typology is illustrated and discussed, using findings from a qualitative, case-based study of small, Western Victorian firms. Economic and social activity in many regional areas of Australia and the world is in decline, and regional enterprises are an important target of many policy initiative designed to rejuvenate and sustain regions. But what is the nature of regional firms, and what drives their successful development and competitiveness?
Description:
In this paper, theories of strategic competitiveness are used as the building blocks for alternative models of the regional firm. These models are used to develop a typology of firms that attempts to explain the fit between a small firm and its regional location. The standard theories based on "industry organization", "resources", and "dynamic capabilities" explain much of the variation observed in the case studies , however a more complete coverage of the regional effects on the nature of firm organization and strategy are provided by introducing "evolutionary" and "infrastructure" based paradigms. The typology is illustrated and discussed, using findings from a qualitative, case-based study of small, Western Victorian firms. Economic and social activity in many regional areas of Australia and the world is in decline, and regional enterprises are an important target of many policy initiative designed to rejuvenate and sustain regions. But what is the nature of regional firms, and what drives their successful development and competitiveness?
Description:
To consider how leadership theories have helped or hindered raising the profile of women in management and leadership roles. The paper reviews the major leadership theories, and links these to a timeframe to illustrate how women were not visible in a management context until relatively recently. Such an omission may have contributed to the continuing low numbers of women who advance to senior management and leadership roles.
Description:
To consider how leadership theories have helped or hindered raising the profile of women in management and leadership roles. The paper reviews the major leadership theories, and links these to a timeframe to illustrate how women were not visible in a management context until relatively recently. Such an omission may have contributed to the continuing low numbers of women who advance to senior management and leadership roles.
Description:
The concept of ‘work-life balance’ has been researched from three main but largely separate perspectives: Business, individual and society. Much research has attempted to link ‘work-life balance’ initiatives to ‘bottom line’ performance and to make a ‘business case’ for their introduction. Studies that have focused on employees using ‘work-life balance’ policies have shown that the issues around a satisfactory combination of work and private life spheres are still mainly perceived as an individual (female) concern. It is only recently that the issues have been regarded as a phenomenon of broader social significance because the negative consequences of the increased inability of finding a ‘balance’ are becoming more and more obvious in Western societies. In this paper, I argue that the discussion around ‘work-life balance’ has to be more inclusive and needs to integrate the three perspectives to take the debate to a new level. The underlying theme is that of values, attitudes and beliefs that are held in organisations, individuals and societies and of the ways in which their interplay predicts the ability to achieve a personal ‘work-life balance’. It is argued that those values, attitudes and beliefs are innately gendered. By adding a ‘society’ perspective to the equation, in the form of a critical ‘gender lens’, it is possible to detect deeply held and widely shared assumptions within national cultures that create gendered social structures which currently hinder the reconciliation of work and private life spheres.
Description:
The concept of ‘work-life balance’ has been researched from three main but largely separate perspectives: Business, individual and society. Much research has attempted to link ‘work-life balance’ initiatives to ‘bottom line’ performance and to make a ‘business case’ for their introduction. Studies that have focused on employees using ‘work-life balance’ policies have shown that the issues around a satisfactory combination of work and private life spheres are still mainly perceived as an individual (female) concern. It is only recently that the issues have been regarded as a phenomenon of broader social significance because the negative consequences of the increased inability of finding a ‘balance’ are becoming more and more obvious in Western societies. In this paper, I argue that the discussion around ‘work-life balance’ has to be more inclusive and needs to integrate the three perspectives to take the debate to a new level. The underlying theme is that of values, attitudes and beliefs that are held in organisations, individuals and societies and of the ways in which their interplay predicts the ability to achieve a personal ‘work-life balance’. It is argued that those values, attitudes and beliefs are innately gendered. By adding a ‘society’ perspective to the equation, in the form of a critical ‘gender lens’, it is possible to detect deeply held and widely shared assumptions within national cultures that create gendered social structures which currently hinder the reconciliation of work and private life spheres.
Description:
It has been suggested that work-life balance policies are good weather policies, which have been implemented in times of a favourable economic environment and/or high demand for labour but may be withdrawn once those conditions deteriorate. This paper outlines three critical limitations of the management-oriented work-life balance literature. I argue that organisational approaches alone cannot bring about more balanced work-life conditions and that the scope of the current discussion needs to be systematically broadened to incorporate insights provided by research in other disciplines.
Description:
Innovation and the environment are perceived as being in conflict within mainstream economics. Both are neglected themes in post-Keynesian economics, despite their prominence in general business discourse. A post-Keynesian ‘eco-sustainable framework’ is specified, which can stimulate innovation with supportive public policy tools for the attainment of sustainable economic and ecological development. The framework aims at satisficing towards a ‘sustainable society’ based on the work of Micha
Description:
Innovation and the environment are perceived as being in conflict within mainstream economics. Both are neglected themes in post-Keynesian economics, despite their prominence in general business discourse. A post-Keynesian ‘eco-sustainable framework’ is specified, which can stimulate innovation with supportive public policy tools for the attainment of sustainable economic and ecological development. The framework aims at satisficing towards a ‘sustainable society’ based on the work of Micha
Description:
This article is based on recent Ph.D research. The practices for appointing Vice Chancellors (VC’s) in Australian Universities were examined, together with the changing role of the VC and new demographic patterns in VC backgrounds. A number of other issues were also examined, including the training and preparation of VC’s, mentoring and the changing skill base required to be effective in the role. In addition, the paradox was investigated of appointing academics from the ranks of individuals with non-business backgrounds, to run large enterprises which are being compelled to adopt an increasingly business-oriented focus.
Description:
This article is based on recent Ph.D research. The practices for appointing Vice Chancellors (VC’s) in Australian Universities were examined, together with the changing role of the VC and new demographic patterns in VC backgrounds. A number of other issues were also examined, including the training and preparation of VC’s, mentoring and the changing skill base required to be effective in the role. In addition, the paradox was investigated of appointing academics from the ranks of individuals with non-business backgrounds, to run large enterprises which are being compelled to adopt an increasingly business-oriented focus.
Description:
The rural decline in Australian industry restructuring and the withdrawal of infrastructural services (ABS, 1998), gives rise to the hope of a turnaround in regional and rural Australia arising from the growth of new business ventures. There has been a trend towards an increase in both small business and the involvement of women in recent years (ABS 1301.0, 1997). This combination is important for a sustainable rural future, and therefore, a greater understanding is needed of how women stand in relation to sound business preparation, and attitudes to professional training.
Description:
The rural decline in Australian industry restructuring and the withdrawal of infrastructural services (ABS, 1998), gives rise to the hope of a turnaround in regional and rural Australia arising from the growth of new business ventures. There has been a trend towards an increase in both small business and the involvement of women in recent years (ABS 1301.0, 1997). This combination is important for a sustainable rural future, and therefore, a greater understanding is needed of how women stand in relation to sound business preparation, and attitudes to professional training.