Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen
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Item Planning to kill innovation? Towards a better understanding of the relationship between strategic planning and organizational ambidexterity(2024-07-03) Wobben, StefWhilst highly used in practice, the proposed effects of strategic planning are strongly debated and contradictory, where much remains unknown of its effects on the crucial capability of organizational ambidexterity. This study introduces new moderators aimed at countering the proposed negative effects of strategic planning, thereby seeking to provide new insights for both the organizational ambidexterity and the strategic planning literature. This study seeks to answer the following research question: What is the effect of strategic planning on organizational ambidexterity, and how is it moderated by the degree of improvisation in the execution of plans and the entrepreneurial orientation of an organization? An online survey was sent to a list of randomly selected Dutch SMEs. 84 Responses were used in the analysis. Strategic planning was found to positively predict organizational ambidexterity, whilst a negative effect was hypothesized. The moderators ‘improvisation in the execution of plans’ and ‘entrepreneurial orientation’ were found to be non-significant in the main relationship. The findings of this research challenge and advance our current understanding of the relation between strategic planning and organizational ambidexterity, where this research appears to be the first study to identify it as a positive predictor of organizational ambidexterity.Item Women on Boards and Board Norm Changes A qualitative study on the presence of women on boards and the roles directors take in board norm change processes(2024-07-01) Nelissen, YvonAlthough we know that women’s presence on boards can affect board norms, we have only limited understanding of how women’s presence changes these norms. To address this gap in the literature, this study utilized a qualitative approach, interviewing both men and women directors with collective board experience in over 40 Dutch companies. This study reveals novel theoretical mechanisms, underlying how women directors influence the behavioural roles directors take in board norm change processes. Specifically, this study contributes to the literature by finding that in the presence of women, board compositions and dynamics change, resulting in an increased overall demand for norm changes, which is expressed by both men and women directors. Although both genders are also found to supply board norm changes as change agents, how changes are initiated differs. While men mostly initiate norm changes by acting in new ways, women mostly do this by providing new patterns of social sanctions to influence other directors’ behaviour. While taking on a change agent role does not depend on gender, this study found this does depend on directors’ heterogeneous attributesItem Artificial Intelligence: Our Future Recruiter? Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Rational and Irrational Decision-Making in Selection Processes: An Analysis Through Sci-Fi Novels(2024-08-13) Tillmann, JasperThe rapid technological advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings several advantages and disadvantages. More and more organizations are adopting AI within their day-to-day operations. This thesis explores how the evolving role of AI might impact rational and irrational decisions made during the selection process of possible future employees in organizations. Through a qualitative thematic content analysis, this research examines the prospects of future decision-making by AI in the form of a multiple case study. The cases in this research are three different sci-fi novels: "The Employees" by Olga Ravn, "Machines Like Me" by Ian McEwan, and "The Circle" by Dave Eggers. The findings suggest that although the integration of AI facilitates selection processes, it is characterized by some potential complications and irrational outcomes, particularly when integrated with human-like traits. AI could be used to improve the objectivity and speed in decision-making by AI; however, it is subject to risks related to algorithmic bias and other ethical issues. What the future regarding AI and selection processes will bring is still unsure, this study attempts to create a view of what this future might look like. Humankind stands in front of a choice of using AI as a tool to make decisions more efficiently and objectively, or place AI into the decision-maker’s seat. Practical implications revolve around the monitoring of AI systems and increasing awareness among employees through training and development initiatives regarding AI. Furthermore, this research adds to existing literature in the fields of artificial intelligence, human resources, and decision-making. It emphasizes technological growth and ethical considerations needed to consider during the Fifth Industrial Revolution.Item Sustainability reporting and circular innovation: the best thing since sliced bread?(2024-07-21) Zwartjens, EmmaSustainability reporting (SR) is not yet widely integrated into the strategies of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), despite the European Union's efforts to change this with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This directive aims to enhance supply chain transparency, particularly in areas like the circular economy, which is often underutilized. In the Netherlands, bread is the most frequently wasted food product, and implementing circular innovation practices (CIP) could help reduce this waste. This study assesses the role of SR in managing innovative practices, in the realm of the circular economy, among SMEs in the Dutch bread production sector. Using strategic niche management theory, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to understand the place of SR in management of circular innovation practices in these businesses. The study has shown that while SR is commonly used in the sector, its role in management remains minimal and usage is often unconscious. However, evolving regulations and stakeholder pressures are likely to increase its importance. SR can define expectations, foster network-building, and enhance learning processes, all of which are essential for managing circular innovation practices. Future efforts should focus on providing SMEs with the necessary resources to make SR a standard practice, thereby strengthening strategic niche management and eventually foster circular innovation practices.Item Socio-economically Fruithal Food Forest as agricultural alternative(2024-08-11) Tolmeijer, GijsThis exploratory research analyses how agricultural intensity change influences the socio-economic sustainability of food forestry in the Netherlands. Food forestry is a highly nature-inclusive agricultural method deeply embedded in strong ideological values, resulting in generally small-scale and socio-ecologically oriented landscape management. Widespread adoption in professional agricultural settings has the potential to increase the total positive environmental impact. However, the capacity of food forests to intensify and professionalise whilst ensuring socio-economic sustainability outcomes remains to be tested. This research applies the integrated sustainability assessment from the sustainable intensification literature to create an in-depth analysis of professionalised food forestry. The framework helps to identify how mechanisms of agricultural intensity change affect the socio-economic sustainability indicators. Semi-structured interviews were held with 16 food forestry experts with diverse backgrounds. In addition, a content analysis of non-academic reports, articles, and economic figures provided additional data, complementing the interviews. However, little empirical economic data on (intensified) food forests are available due to most forests' early, unproductive, experimental stage. Findings demonstrate how intensification of the food forest design has the potential to increase annual yields, especially in the first decade. Establishing a short food supply chain is crucial for selling products for a sufficient price. Combined with appropriate income diversification, the net income is expected to be sufficient to support the farmer and provide additional meaningful employment. The sales channels and beneficial local cooperation demand a highly socially engaged farmer with excellent entrepreneurial skills. Results show that society benefits from a healthy food supply, recreational opportunities, and stimulation of local craftsmanship. Thus, the study concludes that agroecological intensification of food forests can deliver economic sustainability, contrary to mainstream assumptions about alternative production models. Social sustainability is also achievable through intensification, but food forests may have to shift from an ideological to a business-oriented stance towards production. The findings confirm that the social and economic dimensions are intertwined through similair intensification mechanisms. This study contributes a detailed view of food forestry within the academic debate on agroecological intensification and the future of sustainable agriculture. The findings underscore the potential of food forests as a sustainable agricultural alternative that balances productivity with environmental and social benefits. Future research should further diversify participant samples, gather additional empirical data on yields and costs, and expand geographic scope.