This dissertation examines how leaders explain the way shifts in leaders responsibilities, shifts in institutional pressures, and minority representation at the Senior Executive Service level influence how they integrate equity and diversity programs in federal agencies. When federal agencies address the issue of minority representation in Senior Executive Service (SES), the degree to which leaders institutionalize diversity and equity programs varies. Leaders at different levels have their own motivation for how they respond to institutional pressures. There have been shifts in responsibilities and pressures over time. Using semi-structured interviews, 18 leaders explain how these shifts influence them. This research, which also includes supporting documents, seeks to contribute to neoinstitutional theory, equity and diversity literature, and representative bureaucracy, extending the perspective of how institutional pressures impact organizations to how pressures influence leaders in federal agencies. / PHD / This dissertation examines how leaders explain the way shifts in leaders’ responsibilities, shifts in institutional pressures, and minority representation at the Senior Executive Service level influence how they integrate equity and diversity programs in federal agencies. When federal agencies address the issue of minority representation in Senior Executive Service (SES), the degree to which leaders institutionalize diversity and equity programs varies. Leaders at different levels have their own motivation for how they respond to institutional pressures. There have been shifts in responsibilities and pressures over time. Using semi-structured interviews, 18 leaders explain how these shifts influence them. This research, which also includes supporting documents, seeks to contribute to neoinstitutional theory, equity and diversity literature, and representative bureaucracy, extending the perspective of how institutional pressures impact organizations to how pressures influence leaders in federal agencies.

Institutional theory has been used to explain the duality of multinational companies and the need to establish legitimacy both internally- within the organisation and externally- with the external operating environment. The concept of liability of foreignness explains the legitimacy pressures posed by the duality of environments that MNCs are exposed to and the strategic responses taken in this context. However it remains unclear how MNCs respond appropriately to the conundrum, more so in the emerging market context. Using deductive qualitative research grounded on institutional theory, the research study sought to establish which liability of foreignness issues posed the greatest challenge for MNC executives in emerging markets, their response to emergent issues and additionally how they deal with conflicting outcomes, if any from the strategic responses taken. The findings support institutional theory precepts that external institutional pressures pose the greatest challenge for MNCs but conversely the firm’s response to the challenges puts the overall efficiency of the firm at risk. Executives of MNCs focused on emerging markets will find the outcome of the research useful as it identifies key LOF issues and the appropriate strategic response. More importantly it also addresses albeit to a limited extent how to mitigate the conflicting outcomes of such actions. An attempt is also made at establishing an optimal mix of strategic actions. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / ccgibs2014 / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

L’objet de ce travail de recherche est de contribuer à l’étude du concept de Performance Sociétale de l’Entreprise (PSE), dont les problématisations jusqu’à présent fournies demeurent largement controversées. En effet, l’examen du corpus de connaissances révèle l’existence d’anomalies de nature théorique, conceptuelle et empirique. Ces insuffisances renvoient aux modes d’opérationnalisation de la PSE, à la manière dont le concept a été relié à la notion de performance, ainsi qu’à l’absence de contextualisation de la PSE en rapport avec son environnement institutionnel. Il importe donc de réorganiser le concept au sein d’un cadre d’analyse consensuel qui reconnaît le caractère dynamique et contingent de la démarche sociétale de l’entreprise. Ainsi, ce travail se propose d’explorer le concept de PSE et d’analyser ses antécédents institutionnels et ses effets sur le niveau de performance organisationnelle.Sur le plan théorique, l’architecture globale de la thèse obéit à un raisonnement à triple phase : déconstruction/reconstruction/validation. La phase de déconstruction (première partie) se traduit par une mise en perspective critique (théorique, conceptuelle et empirique) de la PSE. La phase de reconstruction (deuxième partie) consiste en le développement d’un cadre d’analyse systémique qui se veut être fédérateur et englobant des différentes orientations théoriques. Et enfin, la phase de validation (troisième partie) est destinée à statuer sur les dépendances étudiées et la recevabilité des hypothèses, de manière à tirer un certain nombre de conclusions et d’enseignements.Sur le plan conceptuel, notre cadre d’analyse mobilise l’approche systémique pour décliner les différents niveaux d’analyse, à savoir, les pressions institutionnelles en tant qu’entrée du système, la PSE en tant que processus, et la performance organisationnelle en tant que résultat du système. Le modèle de recherche est articulé par un corps d’hypothèses multi-niveaux (hypothèse générale, hypothèses partielles, hypothèses adjacentes, hypothèses de modération).Sur le plan méthodologique, notre démarche se décline en deux phases qui reprennent les moments forts de notre travail de recherche. Une première phase exploratoire visant à explorer la PSE, à adapter et à reconfigurer notre modèle de recherche. Une deuxième phase déductive qui cherche à tester les hypothèses de la recherche et à établir les apports en termes de connaissances. L’investigation empirique conduite sur 132 entreprises tunisiennes issues de différents secteurs d’activité a permis d’entériner la systématicité de la PSE. En effet, la démarche sociétale de l’entreprise s’apparente à un processus contingent (fortement conditionné par les pressions institutionnelles), finalisé (produit des résultats en termes de performance), piloté (guidé par des principes et des convictions managériales), et soutenu (appuyé par des instruments et des mesures sociétaux). L’originalité de ce travail se justifie essentiellement par une logique multi-nivaux du modèle de recherche ainsi que par une démarche méthodologique adaptée à la complexité de l’objet de la recherche. De surcroît, cette problématique a été largement discutée dans le contexte occidental et essentiellement américain, elle reste encore peu explorée dans le monde Arabe et en particulier le Maghreb / The purpose of this research is to contribute to the study of Corporate Social Performance (CSP) concept, which provided theorizations remain highly controversial. Indeed, examination of the body of knowledge reveals theoretical, conceptual and empirical anomalies. These shortcomings relate on the operationalization of the CSP, the manner in which the concept has been linked to the notion of performance, and the lack of contextualization of PSE in relation to its institutional environment. It is therefore important to reorganize the concept within a framework that recognizes the dynamic and contingent character of CSP. Thus, this research aims to explore the concept of CSP and analyze its institutional dimension and its effects on organizational performance.On a theoretical level, the overall architecture of the thesis follows triple phase reasoning: deconstruction / reconstruction / validation. Deconstruction phase (first part) consists in highlighting theoretical, conceptual and empirical perspectives of the CSP. The reconstruction phase (second part) consists on developing a framework with systemic approach, which aims to unify different theoretical orientations. And finally, the validation phase (third party) consists on testing our conceptual framework. On the conceptual level, our framework mobilizes systemic approach. It declines institutional pressures as input to the system, PSE as a process, and organizational performance as a result of the system. The research model is articulated by multi-level hypotheses (general hypothesis, partial hypothesis, adjacent hypothesis and moderation hypothesis).On the methodological level, our approach is divided in two phases. An exploratory phase that aims to explore CSP, to adapt and to reconfigure our research model. A second phase seeks to test the research hypotheses and establish contributions in terms of knowledge.The empirical investigation conducted on 132 Tunisian companies endorses the systematicity of the CSP. In fact, the process of CSP is influenced by institutional pressures, piloted by the principles and managerial beliefs. Therefore, this process produces results in terms of performance, and it is supported by societal tools and measures.The originality of this work is essentially justified by multi-level research model as well as a methodological approach which is adapted to the complexity of the research object. In addition, this issue has been widely discussed in the American and European context, but it remains unexplored in the Arab world, particularly in the Maghreb

While many large firms have implemented Big Data Analytics (BDA), it is unclear whether Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are ready to adopt and use this technology. This study investigates BDA implementation from the perspective of both managers and data analysts. Managers are mostly influenced by factors from the external environment, while data analysts are mostly influenced by technological factors. Hence, in this study, it is contended that managers imitate the behavior of external institutions, while data analysts mostly evaluate technology characteristics in the process of BDA implementation. The present study draws on institutional, organizational change, and diffusion of innovation theories through the lens of an imitation-evaluation perspective to investigate readiness and adoption behaviours. Accordingly, a theoretical research model was developed to explore the salient variables that impact organizational and data analysts’ readiness for implementing BDA in SMEs. To test these assertions, two surveys were conducted with 340 responses including 170 managers and 170 data analysts in SMEs in North America. The findings demonstrate that: (1) an imitation perspective plays a significant role in organizational readiness to adopt BDA; (2) uncertainty in big data technologies can intensify the effect of normative pressures on organizational readiness; (3) big data complexity, trialability, and relative advantage impact data analysts’ readiness to use big data analytics; and (4) the influence of relative advantage is attenuated by the high level of data analytics skills. These findings provide valuable contributions to the theory and practice of BDA implementation in SMEs in the BDA adoption and use literature. / Dissertation / Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Background: Marketing communication is the process of communicating with the customer, this is all communicative materials that are produced by the firm in order to influence the consumer. Regulations are all the rules, instructions, memos issued by a market authority that dictate the ways a firm may present their brand. Important to gain the firm's understanding of regulations and the ways to work within them. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore how external regulations impact marketing communications from the firm's perspective. Research Question: How do companies understand the impact of regulations on marketing communications and work within them? Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework was established using the marketing communications mix in combination with institutional theory, investigating the research question through the lens of institutional pressures. Methodology: This study used a qualitative and inductive approach, using a case study on the Canadian cannabis industry. Using purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews with three respondents to collect data. Analysing the collected data with a systematic coding process to objectively interpret meaning from the respondents perspectives. Conclusion: The conclusions of this paper were threefold. First, coercive pressure is the most observed form of isomorphic pressure as there has not been enough industry maturity to establish normative pressures which leads to a hesitancy of mimetic behaviour. Secondly, there are multiple layers of institutional pressures from various dominant actors within the shared organisational environment, which leaves firms feeling incapable of marketing. Lastly, personal selling is the most effective tool from the marketing communication mix due to the impacts of the regulations and the infancy of the market.  Contribution: Study confirms the findings of Asquith’s (2021) research. Multiple layers of institutional pressure in the industry. Infant markets are more susceptible to coercive pressure.

Research shows that strong CSR practices have a positive impact on organizational commitment which is crucial when employees are faced with negative events in the organization. Therefore, it is crucial for organizations to adopt CSR practices to retain engaged employees as they are less likely to engage in behaviors disadvantageous to the organization when negative events occur. However, some organizations face difficulties balancing efficiency with sustainable practices and respond to the pressures of CSR by adhering to or actively resisting it. The aim of this study is to explore what employee withdrawal behaviors can be associated with organizations’ strategic responses to CSR. We operationalize this aim by conducting ten semi-structured interviews studying what behaviors employees adopt in reaction to events in the Swedish fast fashion industry. An analytical framework has been created and applied to the findings based on previous research on employee withdrawal behavior and organizations’ strategic responses to institutional pressures. The findings indicate that there is a higher likelihood amongst committed employees to potentially engage in withdrawal behaviors the more organizations actively resisted CSR as a practice. A new dimension of withdrawal behavior is added to complement previous research to ultimately provide inspiration for future research.

Background: Digitalized operations have become praxis for organizations of all shapes and sizes and while the digital tools keep developing, certain aspects make it difficult for certain organizations to keep up. One of the most modern, efficient, and sought-after digital tools is artificial intelligence (AI). With increased efficiency and decreased human errors, it has become the foundation for operations within organizations all over the world. One of these types of operations is the human resource management (HRM) process found in each organization. And while some industries have had a much easier task in adopting AI into their HRM function, others have had more difficulty. Purpose: While there are a few theories of what might affect the process of AI adoption, these are quite old and often known to managers. Yet, certain industries have a hard time adopting AI tools within the HRM function while other industries have fully implemented automated systems that have revolutionized the way they operate. The purpose of this study is to understand why and how AI adoption differs between these industries when it comes to similar operations such as the HRM function. Method:        The methods of this study were based on the grounded theory (GT) as a basis to analyze eight different organizations within the financial industry and telecom industry. Through semi-structured interviews, different aspects could be illustrated as crucial when it comes to the possibility to adopt AI within existing operations.  Conclusion: The results of this study show that the AI-maturity of the organization and industry alike play a crucial part in successfully adopting AI. But the institutional pressures and the available resources are equally important to understand to be able to successfully adopt AI. These two aspects form the outcome of AI adoption and the number of complex combinations that can be formed highlights why AI adoption differs between organizations and industries alike.

The electronic identification (eID) is a digital representation of our analogue identity used for authentication in order to gain access to personalized restricted online content. Despite its limited and clearly defined scope, the eID has a unique role to play in information society as an enabler of public digital services for citizens as well as businesses and a prerequisite for the development of electronic government (eGovernment). This study shows a tendency of treating public sector eIDs like Information and Communications Technology (ICT) artefacts in general. Hence, a narrow focus on technology is often applied thus placing non-technical aspects in the background. Consequently, social and organizational implications are often unproblematized which in turn becomes problematic in the case of the public sector eID. This study puts forth a need for a broader focus in this area and contributes by focusing on the challenges related to the resistance to introductions of eIDs among affected actors in the public sector. This study assumes that affected actors’ perceptions (translations) of the eID have a potential impact on its introduction on organizational as well as operational level. Research questions focus on the influence of resistance on the introduction and the relationship between resistance and actors’ translations of the eID. The aim is to further develop existing concepts and bring new insights to research as well as practice. The analytical perspectives of sociology and institutionalism aim at developing a tentative analytical framework for investigations of this relationship. Introductions, therefore, become institutional pressures facing resistance as related to affected actors’ translations. The empirical basis consists of two interpretive case studies of eID introductions –a national eID to cover the entire public sector and a professional eID in health care. The result shows that resistance in the form of institutional barriers develops from actors’ negative translations of the eID and main coordinating actors’ tend to fail in their attempts to negotiate these barriers. This confirms a closer relationship between institutional pressures and barriers and a view of pressures, barriers and eIDs as translated institutions transferred across organizational settings is put forth. To facilitate future research and practice related to public sector eID introductions, three propositions are put forth. (1) The importance of acknowledging pressures to introduce eIDs as closely related to barriers. (2) The institutions involved in this process as all translated by the government, coordinating actors as well as affected actors. (3) The importance of a developed understanding of these institutions, translations and relationships in order to facilitate cooperative efforts shaping future public sector eIDs. / Elektronisk identifiering (eID) är en digital representation av vår analoga identitet som används för autentisering i syfte att få tillgång till skyddat innehåll på nätet. Trots ett begränsat syfte, har eID en unik roll i informationssamhället som möjliggörare av offentliga digitala tjänster för medborgare och företag och en förutsättning för utveckling av elektronisk förvaltning (eförvaltning). Denna studie visar att eID i offentlig sektor ofta hanteras som informations- och kommunikationsteknik (IKT) generellt. Därför tillämpas ofta ett tekniskt perspektiv vilket medför att icke-tekniska aspekter placeras i bakgrunden vilket blir problematiskt i fallet med eID i offentlig sektor. Sociala och organisatoriska konsekvenser förblir därmed ofta otillräckligt problematiserade vilket blir problematiskt vid introduktioner av eID i offentlig sektor. Följaktligen för denna studie fram ett behov av bredare fokus inom detta område och bidrar genom att fokusera på utmaningar som rör motståndet mot introduktioner av eID bland berörda aktörer inom offentlig sektor. Denna studie förutsätter att berörda aktörers uppfattningar (översättningar) av eID har en potentiell inverkan på dess introduktion på organisatorisk och operativ nivå. Forskningsfrågorna behandlar hur motståndet påverkar införandet och förhållandet mellan motstånd och aktörernas översättningar av eID. Målet är att vidareutveckla befintliga begrepp och att bidra med nya insikter till forskning samt praktik. De analytiska perspektiven inom sociologi och institutionalism syftar till att utveckla ett tentativt analytiskt ramverk för att undersöka denna relation och med detta se introduktioner som institutionella tryck som möter motstånd kopplat till berörda aktörers översättningar. Den empiriska grunden består av två tolkande fallstudier - ett nationellt eID införande och ett införande av eID för tjänstebruk inom vården. Resultatet visar att motståndet i form av institutionella hinder utvecklas från aktörers negativa översättningar av eID och samordnande försök att hantera dessa hinder misslyckas ofta. Detta bekräftar också en tydlig relation mellan institutionella tryck, hinder och eID som översatta institutioner vilka överförs mellan olika organisatoriska sammanhang. För att underlätta framtida eID-införanden och för nya insikter till forskning, förs följande tre påståenden fram: (1) Vikten av att erkänna institutionella tryck som närbesläktade med hinder vid införande av eID. (2) De institutioner som deltar (tryck, hinder och eID) är alla översatta av förvaltning, samordnande och berörda aktörer. (3) Vikten av en utvecklad förståelse av dessa institutioner, översättningar och relationer för att underlätta samverkan kring framtidens eID inom offentlig sektor.

Cette thèse se donne pour objectif principal l’explication de l’hétérogénéité que l’on observe en matière de conformité au sein des multinationales. En particulier, je m’intéresse à ce qui pousse les filiales d’une multinationale à mettre en œuvre des pratiques conformes à la politique définie par le siège. Compte-tenu des pressions normatives croissantes exercées sur les multinationales, leur gestion de la conformité interne prend une importance stratégique. Et la responsabilité sociale d’entreprise (RSE) compte au nombre de ces normes émergentes. Mon travail repose sur des données uniques (dont des enquêtes, des données d’archive et des entretiens) sur la mise en œuvre de pratiques RSE que j’ai collectées de 2012 à 2014 au sein d’une multinationale. Dans l’ensemble, les résultats de mes trois essais démontrent que les niveaux hétérogènes de conformité que l’on observe au sein des multinationales résultent certes des différentes pressions internes et externes exercées sur leurs filiales, mais également (1) de leurs divers niveaux d’attention aux demandes normatives en fonction de la conformité de leurs pairs, (2) de leur internalisation de la politique groupe qui limite l’influence du siège et de leurs pairs et (3) des caractéristiques spécifiques et des niveaux d’institutionnalisation des diverses pratiques. / The main objective of this dissertation is to explain heterogeneity in conformity within multinational enterprises (MNEs). More specifically, I focus on what makes an MNE’s subsidiaries implement practices that are consistent with the policy designed by the MNE’s headquarters. Given the increasing normative pressures on MNEs, managing conformity within them is of strategic importance. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an example of such mounting norms. My work relies on a unique set of data (including surveys, archival data and interviews) I collected on CSR practices in one MNE between 2012 and 2014. Overall, the findings of my three essays show that heterogeneous conformity within MNEs stems not only from diverse internal and external pressures exerted on subsidiaries, but also from (1) the subsidiaries’ varying levels of attention to normative demands that depend on peers’ behaviors, (2) their heterogeneous internalization of the Group policy which reduces peers’ and headquarters’ influence and (3) the specific characteristics and institutionalization levels of different practices.

The Covid-19 pandemic has created sudden changes in society and in the organisational landscape where working from home practices have been applied on a large scale to reduce the spread of the virus. The restrictions from governments and changing working environments have affected people's lifestyles. Furthermore, certain countries have also initiated formal lockdowns which has not been the case in Sweden where recommendations have been given to work from home. This research aims to find out how managers are adopting to and dealing with changing organisational practices that are impacted by different institutional pressures such as values, regulations and change. This study focuses on managers to find out how they have adjusted to working from home practices and managed challenges from it but also to understand their arguments and considerations about future work constellations. By this material we aspire to provide managers with information in terms of organising working practices when society is going back to normal which highlights risks and opportunities with working from home and future hybrid working arrangements.