The Double-Edged Nature of Board Gender Diversity: Diversity, Firm Performance, and the Power of Women Directors as Predictors of Strategic Change

2014 | Organization Science | Citations: 0

Authors: Triana, María del Carmen; Miller, Toyah L.; Trzebiatowski, Tiffany M.

Abstract: Diverse boards have been seen as providing impetus for initiating change. Howeve ... Expand

Abstract: Diverse boards have been seen as providing impetus for initiating change. However, diversity may introduce conflict and impede decision making, which could hinder the ability of the firm to make strategic change, especially in times when firm performance is low. Integrating threat-rigidity theory and team diversity research, we examine how board gender diversity, firm performance, and the power of women directors interact to influence the amount of strategic change. Results support a three-way interaction, indicating that when the board is not experiencing a threat as a result of low firm performance and women directors have greater power, the relationship between board gender diversity and amount of strategic change is the most positive. However, when the board is threatened by low firm performance and women directors have greater power, the relationship between board gender diversity and amount of strategic change is the most negative. Results suggest that diversity is double-edged because it can propel or impede strategic change depending on firm performance and the power of women directors. Collapse

Topics: organizational productivity accounting decision making research and development advertising management

Methods: Compustat regression analysis method multiple regression meta analysis theoretical contribution

Theories: agency theory

Allocation of IT Resources in Complex Firms: The Alignment with Business and Corporate Strategy

2013 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Franquesa, Jaume

Abstract: This paper contributes to our understanding of IT organizational arrangements in ... Expand

Abstract: This paper contributes to our understanding of IT organizational arrangements in complex firms by focusing on the question of whether to conduct IT activities at the corporate or division level. It argues that co-location of IT resources at the SBU level is contingent on (i) the extent to which IT activities are a critical success factor in the focal industry, (ii) the competitive strategy followed by the focal SBU, and (iii) the SBU’s role within the internal network of cross-unit business synergies. Hypotheses are tested with data from a sample of 85 business units within 25 large diversified industrial firms. Findings suggest that the dominant logic for the allocation of IT resources in related diversified firms is the role of the SBU as eit her a provider or receiver of cross-unit services in the pursuit of corporate-wide synergies. This complements results from the prior literature on IT governance. Collapse

Topics: IT governance IT workforce digital innovation resource allocation

Methods: survey survey design multiple regression field study statistical hypothesis test

Theories: dominant logic

The determinants of the critical success factors of information systems downsizing

1997 | European Journal of Information Systems | Citations: 1

Authors: Udo, G. J.; Kick, R. C.

Abstract: Competitive advantage in the information age is based, in large part, on a firm' ... Expand

Abstract: Competitive advantage in the information age is based, in large part, on a firm's capability to acquire and use quality information as well as effective and efficient services, with its information technology resources at the least possible cost. One possible strategy for improving the cost-performance ratio of information technology resources is known as downsizing. The downsizing effort is a strategic move that is believed by many organizations to be capable of yielding significant benefits. It can also be a costly endeavour which may leave a firm worse off. Therefore, careful planning and control must be exercised if information systems downsizing is to succeed. This paper reports the results of a study whose purpose is to identify and explain the critical success factors for a downsizing effort. Results of the study show that information systems downsizing may produce benefits such as improved information systems, improved organizational structure, higher productivity, and lower cost. The results also indicate that downsizing success is dependent upon complex linkages of communications, action plans, needs for downsizing as perceived by employees, and the specific method of downsizing used. Collapse

Topics: IS downsizing productivity IS impact critical success factor resource allocation

Methods: multiple regression regression analysis method descriptive statistic path analysis data transformation