Emerald | Strategic Direction | Table of Contents

Harnessing the strategic power of trust

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Kevin Vaughan-Smith) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the positive strategic impact of building high levels of trust within organizations as a means of engaging employees, generating growth and meeting objectives. Further aims of the paper are to show the negative effect of low levels of trust and to provide tips to help leaders raise trust levels within teams and organizations. Design/methodology/approach – The objectives are achieved by highlighting FranklinCovey's extensive research and experience in working worldwide to help organizations build trust. A key reference was the best-selling book The Speed of Trust by FranklinCovey's authority on trust, Stephen M.R. Covey. The paper was structured around key elements of Stephen's book, including the five waves of trust model which shows the different levels of trust and their inter-dependence. It also covers the four cores of trust – integrity, intent, capability and results – which can raise credibility and build personal trust. Findings – The paper shows the strategic importance of building trust levels within an organization. It also succeeds in highlighting how increased levels of trust help to remove obstacles to growth and progress. Originality/value – The value of the paper is in its specific strategic focus and it will appeal to anyone with an interest in organizational performance and how this can be maximized.

A paradox for the poor: Can online loans and gambling ever be socially beneficial?

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com () — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Ethical dilemmas come in all shapes and sizes, and in business most firms have to deal with them on a day to day basis. Ensuring layoffs are done properly, meeting the requirements for carbon reduction, investing in ethical futures – all of these activities cost money but are necessary to meet the numerous expectations placed on firms as a result of corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies. Practical implications – Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

The town bringing “Big Society” to its table: Todmorden's Incredible Edible project has planted revolutionary ideas

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com () — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – The idea of guerrilla planting – planting where the gardeners have no legal right to do so – is not a new one and the term has been around for several decades. However, nowhere in the UK – and perhaps throughout the entire world – have its principles been carried out to such effect as in Todmorden, a northern market town on the Lancashire-Yorkshire border. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Putting money in poorest pockets: Business taking a lead in tackling world poverty

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com () — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Global ambitions of The Eden Project: Promoting and implementing sustainability management

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com () — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – To a large extent, corporations have recognized the importance of adapting to environmental issues; not only considering external driving forces as constraints and costs, but increasingly implementing strategies to achieve competitive advantage. Even in small firms, being environmental may increase financial performance. Mysen's observations of The Eden Project illustrate how sustainable practices may extend previous conceptions of how to advance social conditions in the communities in which corporations operate, and beyond. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

In the green corner: how IBM, Unilever and P&G started winning again: Why big business is wising up to sustainability

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com () — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – It is a truth universally acknowledged that a large multinational corporation in possession of a good fortune will want a clear environmental strategy. What is less clear is whether desire comes before or after the bottom line. Many companies are able to create value from their environmental credentials or indeed their environmental innovations, which are used to enhance their offer and propel them towards growth and profitability. Many more, one suspects, pay lip service to such commitments and do the minimum their corporate social responsibility and environmental management advisors say they have to do. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Power lurking within individual messages: Word of mouth is making itself heard, and firms know its value

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com () — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

India emerging as innovation hub: Dead-end jobs or a hotbed of imaginative thinking?

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com () — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

L'Oreal finds worthwhile approaches to marketing: Cosmetics leader has proved highly adaptable for more than a century

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com () — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Companies operating in mass markets have to ask themselves lots of questions about the importance of innovation. Innovation is a key factor in encouraging growth but this always has to be balanced with the importance of satisfying existing consumer needs. In other words, a firm sometimes has to concentrate on adapting to market conditions, but sometimes it will seek to change those conditions. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. What is original/value of paper – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to digest format.

Going back to basics with a focus on ethics: Preparing future professionals to be effective contributors to a sustainable society

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com () — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – In recent years we have seen examples of companies whose reputations have been left damaged by their wrongdoing. Customers and employees increasingly want to do business with, or work for, ethical organizations. The increased focus on creating shareholder value has led to increased pressure on businessmen and women to make as much money as possible. Many more chances are being taken by leaders nowadays because they are required to make their organizations as profitable as possible in as short a time as possible. This raises the question, what is business for? In the early days of business schools the answer was to contribute to the well-being of society as a whole as well as to create wealth. Business schools are starting to go back to this by teaching ethics and social responsibility on their business courses. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Want to change the world? Think differently: An interview with Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, part 2

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Interview by Gareth Bell) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents part 2 of an interview with Paul Polman. Findings – Discusses Unilever's presence in emerging markets, and its efforts to create markets in under-developed regions. Originality/value – The interview offers advice for leaders operating in a challenging business environment, and those looking to create more sustainable business models.

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