Copyright (c) 2006 Bryant University All rights reserved. http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework Recent documents in Management Working Papers en-us Wed, 22 Mar 2006 01:21:47 PST 3600 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/30 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/30 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 11:52:31 PST When lives are at stake, zero defects should be the established standard. This philosophy applies whether the federal government is attempting to protect the nation?s drug supply from terrorist attack or in other healthcare environments where patient safety is critically important and where medical errors can result in death or serious injury. Therefore, any technology that can reduce the threat of terrorist attack, reduce medical errors, and increase patient safety should be thoroughly tested and evaluated. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is one technology that holds great promise. In this paper we discuss the potential benefits, the areas of applications, implementation challenges and corresponding strategies of RFID in the healthcare industry.Key Words: Health Care, RFID, Supply Chain Management, Adoption and Implementation, E-BusinessRequest a copy of the paper from the author: Angela M. Wicks (awicks@bryant.edu)Request a copy of the paper from the author: John K. Visich (jvisich@bryant.edu) Request a copy of the paper from the author: Suhong Li (sli@bryant.edu) Angela M. Wicks http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/29 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/29 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 11:44:58 PST "The color of the skin is in no way connected with the strength of the mind or intellectual powers." - Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806)For many years, Cheryl Watkins Snead had been providing value added services for her customers. As President and CEO, she was the driving force behind Banneker Industries, Inc. (Banneker), a provider of outsourcing solutions for her customers. The quality-minded and participative management style of Cheryl Snead converted a failing machine shop into a vibrant and innovative supply chain management (SCM) company whose core strengths focus on strategic sourcing. Due to a downturn in the economy, businesses were increasingly outsourcing their routine duties to Banneker in order for them to focus on their primary business functions. While this has kept Banneker busy and solvent, they have not grown at the rate that they anticipated. Cheryl pondered her successes with her business during the tough economic times but looked to the future for opportunities where Banneker could flourish.Request a copy of the paper from the author: Christopher Roethlein (croethle@bryant.edu)Request a copy of the paper from the author: Cheryl Watkins Snead Christopher Roethlein http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/28 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/28 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 11:34:17 PST A shift in focus from quality to satisfaction (Johnson and Gustafsson, 2000) has created a need for further research into satisfaction and its antecedents (Westbrook and Oliver, 1991, and Oliver, 1993). This paper examines the traditionally used antecedents of satisfaction from the health care management, service operations management, and customer satisfaction literatures to develop the appropriate antecedents of patient satisfaction for an ambulatory surgery center. The original ten dimensions of quality (Parasuraman, et al., 1985) and focus group discussions were utilized to develop and define the antecedents of patient satisfaction.Request a copy of the paper from the author: Angela M. Wicks (awicks@bryant.edu)Request a copy of the paper from the author: Elizabeth Anderson-FletcherRequest a copy of the paper from the author: Wynne E. Chin Angela M. Wicks http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/27 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/27 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 11:21:04 PST This paper describes a new method to link theory and practice using a real-world, two-part, group service project for Operations Management (OM) courses. In Part 1, students determine the mission statement, competitive priorities and antecedents of customer satisfaction for the fast food industry. The students also identify the order winners and order qualifiers related to the competitive priorities and antecedents of customer satisfaction. In Part 2, students conduct a field study of a fast food restaurant selected by the instructor. The service transaction analysis technique introduced by Johnston (1999) is used to evaluate the service process for two visits to the restaurant. During one visit, students use the walk-in service; during the second visit, students use the drive-thru service. A formal written report is required where students compare their views from Part 1 with the outcomes from Part 2, identify the most positive and negative messages received during the visits, determine the root cause(s) for the negative messages, and suggest ways to correct the problems in order to improve customer satisfaction. This project has numerous benefits. Students develop a deeper understanding of what they have learned in the classroom by applying the concepts to a real-world situation. They learn to prepare a detailed analysis of a service process that helps the students understand the importance of designing a service process that ensures customer satisfaction. In addition, the students can easily relate to the project. Students assume the customer role; all students have experience as customer, and the lack of work experience is not a detriment. For instructors, the project minimizes the problems associated with recruiting companies to work with the students. This is especially beneficial to new instructors who have not yet established local industry contacts. The project can be used in undergraduate, graduate, and elective programs, and the project can be adapted for Marketing and Computer Information Systems courses. Request a copy of the paper from the author: Angela M. Wicks (awicks@bryant.edu)Request a copy of the paper from the author: John K. Visich (jvisich@bryant.edu) Angela M. Wicks http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/26 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/26 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 11:13:53 PST A shift in focus from quality to satisfaction (Johnson and its antecedents ) has created a need for further research into satisfaction (Westbrook and Oliver, 1991, and Oliver, 1993). This paper examines the psychology, customer satisfaction, service operations management, and health care management literatures to develop an appropriate definition for overall satisfaction and to develop a definition of satisfaction for each process segment of an ambulatory surgery process.Request a copy of the paper from the author: Angela M. Wicks (awicks@bryant.edu)Request a copy of the paper from the author: Elizabeth Anderson-FletcherRequest a copy of the paper from the author: Wynne E. Chin Angela M. Wicks http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/25 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/25 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 10:54:24 PST This research explores the effect of supervisor and subordinate similarity (in terms of cognitive style and demographics) on the experience of psychological contract breach. Using a sample of 126 African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans working in professional positions, the results of this study indicate that supervisor-subordinate similarity in terms of cognitive style is negatively related to the subordinate?s perception of psychological contract breach. Moreover, the quality of the supervisor-subordinate relationship (measured in terms of leader-member exchange) mediates the relationship between cognitive style similarity and psychological contract breach. However, neither gender nor race differences in the supervisor-subordinate dyad were associated with breaches of the psychological contract. Implications of this research and directions for future research are discussed.Note: Support for this research was provided by a grant awarded to the second author by the Department of Navy, Office of Naval Research (Grant Number: N000144-01-1-0917).Request a copy of the paper from the author: Mark Suazo Mark M. Suazo http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/23 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/23 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 10:40:24 PST Several objective functions have been proposed in the literature to smooth (equalize) work load variations in mixed-model serial assembly lines. In this paper we modified and tested three mixed-model serial line objective functions for the mixed-model, U-shaped assembly line. These objective functions are the absolute deviation from cycle time (ADC), the maximum deviation from cycle time (MDC) and the sum of the cycle time violations (SCV). We compared these objective functions using the well-known smoothness index. We employed a four step smoothing process from the literature and swapped tasks between workstations to minimize our objective functions. Our task swapping procedure was guided by the great deluge algorithm heuristic. We tested three problem sizes of 19, 61 and 111 tasks, and a variety of cycle times and model sequences for a total of 68 problems. We analyzed our results using the non-parametric Friedman?s test in conjunction with the multiple-comparison for use with Friedman test. Our results indicated that across all problems the ADC and the MDC performed significantly better than the MDC. But, when we controlled for high and low cycle times, the MDC was significantly better than both ADC and SCV at low cycle times, while the ADC and SCV were significantly better than the MDC at high cycle times. From the results of this experiment we can conclude that the smoothness index is influenced by both the objective function and the cycle time in the mixed-model, U-shaped assembly line balancing problem. (Assembly Line Balancing, Mixed-Model Production, U-Lines, Layout)Request a copy of the paper from the author: John K. Visich (jvisich@bryant.edu) John K. Visich http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/22 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/22 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 10:32:14 PST This paper uses the methodology of an intervention case study to examine a manufacturing process for bending metal tubes into oven flues. We found that the manufacturer, Stanley Engineered Components (SEC), was producing parts that were not acceptable to its major customer yet its processes were in control. Our analysis of the situation led us to theorize that: (1) manufacturers do not distinguish between out of control and out of specification situations, (2) once this distinction is made then process capability indices should be part of the decision making about the quality of the process, (3) various univariate and multivariate models can be fitted to sample data, and (4) the choice of the best model fit should be based upon the smallest error term and this error term should be chosen to directly relate to the managerial decisions that must be made. In the case of SEC where the decision was to determine if the process drifted from a specified target then the appropriate error measure is the standard deviation.Request a copy of the paper from the author: Christopher Roethlein (croethle@bryant.edu) Christopher Roethlein http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/21 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/21 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 10:20:55 PST Facing rapidly changing markets and increasing competition, the competitive environment of the defense industry has undergone extensive restructuring, significantly more so than for the non-defense sector. This comprehensive survey of defense and non-defense firms offers insight into the defense industry's journey into open competition, as well as insight into different strategic approaches to manufacturing competitiveness during this critical period. The data suggest that the surviving defense firms have strengthened, and that defense and non-defense manufacturers alike are responding competitively to the call of the global economy. Request a copy of the paper from the author: Margaret Noble (mnoble@bryant.edu) Margaret A. Noble http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/20 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/20 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 10:04:37 PST In order to develop well-rounded and knowledgeable students for entry-level positions and careers in Operations Management (OM), the subject matter should be taught in a manner that engages students in an active learning process. A large number of methods exist for teaching OM to students with a wide range of educational backgrounds and work experience. These include case analysis, intensive use of information technology and educational software, and a variety of supplemental and alternative approaches. In addition, instructors rely on well- written and up-to-date textbooks that include a variety of supporting materials. This paper reviews the research conducted on teaching methods and textbooks specifically used in OM courses, and the context and class level in which they are employed. We conclude that the methods used will depend upon such factors as class size and background of students, resources available, faculty interests and time commitments, and support from the university administration, alumni and industry partners. Request a copy of the paper from the author: John K. Visich (jvisich@bryant.edu) John K. Visich http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/19 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/19 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 09:59:28 PST Researchers have described psychological contracts as an employee's beliefs regarding the terms and conditions of a reciprocal exchange agreement between that employee and the employing organization. A key issue in the perceived agreement between the employee and the organization is that the organization will live up to its promises. Psychological contract breach (PCB) refers to the cognitive perception of unfulfilled promises. Psychological contract violation (PCV) refers to a negative and relatively intense affective reaction that sometimes follows an employee?s perception that he/she has not received all that was promised. This research examines potential moderating variables (equity sensitivity, affective disposition) in the relationship between PCB and PCV as well as potential moderating variables (reciprocation wariness, work ethic) in the relationship between PCV and work outcomes (in-role and extra-role work performance). Mark M. Suazo http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/18 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/18 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 09:52:09 PST Four business entities in a connected supply chain are analyzed in a case study analysis. The end product in this supply chain is a life safety system. The investigation focused on passing on and interpreting quality goals, alignment of quality goals and existence of partnership with the connected supply chain. Minimum levels of goal communication were found as well as dissimilar goal alignment. Few entities believed that true partnerships existed and success in this supply chain was attributed to the strength and dominance of the manufacturing entity. The Manufacturer was found to be the dominant entity and the supply chain was found to be successful even though quality communication weakens and essentially disappears at either end of the supply chain.Request a copy of the paper from the author: Christopher Roethlein (croethle@bryant.edu) Christopher Roethlein http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/17 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/17 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 09:44:59 PST Organizations are becoming increasingly aware of the advantages of generating a stream of transformational leaders who will be able to successfully move their companies into the future. Yet, theory providing guidance for developing such leaders is at a premium. In particular, prior research has not explored in detail the complexity of the relationship between mentoring and the development of transformational leaders. To address this important topic, we develop logical links between traditional mentoring activities and the behaviors associated with the "Four I's" of transformational leadership (individualized consideration, idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation). Based upon our review and synthesis of the literature, we conclude that existing models of mentoring may be insufficient for developing transformational leaders. Building on these two literatures, we propose a process of "transformational mentoring" and describe eleven propositions depicting the relationship between transformational mentoring activities and prot駩 outcomes associated with transformational leadership. We also identify and discuss mentor- and prot駩-based barriers that may mediate that relationship. We conclude with directions for future research that capitalize on the overlap between mentoring and the activities identified with transformational leadership. Request a copy of the paper from the author: Lynda St. Clair (lstclair@bryant.edu) Lynda St. Clair http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/16 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/16 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 09:42:51 PST Online adult-themed activities and Internet gambling are behaviors that have a high potential for abuse and are often associated with Internet Abuse (IA) in the workplace. Both can have a detrimental impact on the organization as well as the individual employee. This paper examines workplace issues associated with online sexual behaviors and Internet gambling by employees. Although the Internet has revolutionized how work is done, and created immense gains in productive potential, the ?dark? side of the Internet in the context of the workplace needs further exploration. There is mounting evidence that, for some employees, abuses of the Internet can have a devastating impact on their professional and personal lives. Given the seriousness of this issue, there is surprisingly little academic research on Internet abuse in the workplace. In this paper, we explore the nature of Internet addiction and discuss the implications for workplace Internet abuse. Additionally, because employers must manage critical legal, social, and ethical issues when employees are granted access to the Internet, we offer proactive suggestions with regard to appropriate workplace policy and employer response.Request a copy of the paper from the author: Harsh Luthar (hluthar@bryant.edu) Harsh K. Luthar http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/15 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/15 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 09:29:16 PST A review and analysis of studies dealing with the interface between Operations Management (OM) academia and industry practitioners indicates the existence of a persistent gap between what is being taught and what is relevant to practitioner?s daily jobs. This analysis has found that the majority of practitioner studies have been directed at upper management levels, instead of the actual practitioners in OM functions. Yet academia typically educates students for entry level (undergraduate) and mid-management (MBA) positions, indicating a mismatch between the studies and the respondents. A reoccurring finding in our analysis of these studies was that practitioners favor qualitative concepts while academicians prefer to teach quantitative techniques. A review of the OM curriculum literature shows some disagreements between academicians concerning subject matter, and a wide variety of teaching opinions. These divergent opinions are due to the expansion of OM into new topical areas such as service management, international operations, supply chain management and the new E-economy, and this has created an identity crisis within OM. Also, the gap between practitioners and academia has also been accompanied by a declining interest in the study of OM by university level students. This paper provides an extensive analytical review of OM curriculum literature along with their respective authors conclusions. From this analysis we suggest a customer-focused business plan to close the gap between industry and academia, and renew student interest in OM. This plan can be modified to account for faculty teaching and research interests, local industry requirements and institution specific factors such as class sizes and resources.Request a copy of the paper from the author: John K. Visich (jvisich@bryant.edu) John K. Visich http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/14 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/14 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 09:25:00 PST Distributive, procedural, and interactional justice are constructs that are increasingly being recognized as important factors that affect individual perceptions in the workplace environment. This paper presents a theoretical perspective that suggests that justice is perceived through a subjective lens that consists of individualized beliefs and proposes that cultural attributes and demographic characteristics play an integral part in determining the perception of justice. The distinctions between these three constructs are presented in context with the core beliefs of individual employees ? affected by a multitude of perceptual and demographic factors that we briefly identify herein. Based on the theoretical perspective, scales that measure the constructs of justice as perceived by individuals was developed. With a focus on justice within the business setting, hypotheses about attitudes related to justice were tested. Survey results confirm that the three constructs of justice are distinct but correlated. Significant differences were found in the perceptions of African-American respondents with regard to procedural justice. Although the empirical findings do not support all the hypotheses, this research highlights the need for further development of measures to assess the perception of justice in business settings and at an applied level, underscores the importance of recognizing cultural attributes and demographic characteristics in understanding how justice is perceived.Request a copy of the paper from the author: Ranjan Karri (rkarri@bryant.edu) Ranjan Karri http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/13 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/13 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 09:19:54 PST In the past two decades, service organizations have come under intense governmental and societal pressures to become more cost effective and have come under intense stakeholder pressure to become more profitable. These pressures have caused organizations to focus on what actually creates profits from their operations. A consensus exists that customer retention is the key to financial success. The literature establishes that loyalty is an antecedent of retention and that satisfaction is the major antecedent of loyalty; however, prior service operations studies have focused on quality. Therefore, there is a need to establish a framework for measuring satisfaction before attempting to measure loyalty or retention. This study examines the operations management, marketing, and psychology literature to develop a structural equation modeling framework within which to measure customer satisfaction. Request a copy of the paper from the author: Angela M. Wicks (awicks@bryant.edu) Angela M. Wicks http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/12 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/12 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 09:02:31 PST This paper considers the development of some of the most prominent leadership theories of the 20th century: Trait Theories, Organization Specialists Theories, Scientific Management Theory, Behavior Theories, Contingency Theories, Diversity Theories, and Global Leadership Theories. Emphasis is placed on the impact that national and global events as well as cultural trends have on the development of leadership theories. The contention is that the development and acceptance of theories are time and context dependent. Mark M. Suazo http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/11 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/11 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 08:57:11 PST Digital Omega Tech Alpha (DOTA) is in the business of taking on special software projects on behalf of large clients like Cisco, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Sun Microsystems and others, that the big corporations don?t have the time, expertise, or resources for. DOTA employs over 200 people in their Chicago office and has offices in India and Ireland where it subcontracts out some of the programming work. The annual revenues in 2002 exceeded 250 million dollars, far above expectations, given the weak nature of the current economy. The Software Engineering Group is central to DOTA as all the code for client software is either written or tested in that department. In addition, the group offers on-line and telephone based software support to many of the clients. The individuals in the Software Engineering department are highly paid with the average salary to be around 110,000 dollars. In addition, bonuses at the end of the year can add almost 50% more pay for the workers in the department.Mike Thompson, President of Digital Omega Tech Alpha (DOTA) International Services, could not believe his ears. Lisa Connors, the HR director at DOTA had just informed him that a third woman in the Software Engineering group had filed charges of sexual harassment with the EEOC. Mike Thompson had hired Lisa Connors 4 years ago right out of college. Because of the excellent work Lisa had done, she had been promoted to the position of the HR director, when the last HR director retired. Lisa was energetic and very current about HR topics and had developed a solid reputation with most of the upper managers. With Lisa watching, Mike picked up the phone and called James Applebee, the manager of Software Services Department. ?Jimmy, come to my office right away. Lisa is here and we all need to talk.? Request a copy of the paper from the author: Harsh K. Luthar (hluthar@bryant.edu) Harsh K. Luthar http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/10 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/10 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 08:37:33 PST The downsizing of the United States defense industry in recent years had a multitude of effects on defense and defense-related manufacturers. Besides the inevitable loss of jobs, these firms essentially had to reinvent themselves in order to compete in the commercial sector more effectively. Moreover, the defense cutbacks also resulted in implications for the U.S. as a whole. These include questionable preparedness for armed conflict, as well as the potential loss of defense-related suppliers that could affect the ability to sustain armed conflict. These and other insights were gleaned from plant-level interviews and tours of several, small defense-related manufacturers.Request a copy of the paper from the author: Margaret A. Noble (mnoble@bryant.edu) Margaret A. Noble http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/9 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/9 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 08:32:28 PST In the last few decades, supply chain success has been achieved through management techniques that have aligned common goals and strategies with the connected entities in the chain. Future supply chain success will be achieved by those companies that can manage the plethora of information that is provided on e-based systems and technologies. Companies that plan for disruptions in the flow of goods and services (possibly due to terrorist activities) will move from just-in-time practices to just-in-case practices.Request a copy of the paper from the author: Christopher Roethlein (croethle@bryant.edu) Christopher Roethlein http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/8 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/8 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 08:23:41 PST The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of a strategically relevant theory of IPO valuation. We argue that the IPO capital market is fundamentally different from the more broadly traded exchanges in that the initial investors are not fully diversified and information is not symmetrically distributed. Our thesis is that the pricing of IPOs is driven largely by factors endogenous to the venture and therefore directly influenced by managerial decisions and actions. Our hypotheses focus on the association between a venture?s ability to minimize agency and strategic risk, and its market value. We develop these hypotheses from recent contributions from financial economics, agency theory, entrepreneurship, and strategy, and test them with data from 199 high growth ventures. Request a copy of the paper from the author: Juan Florin Juan M. Florin http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/7 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/7 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 07:52:59 PST This study built on past research that has identified manufacturing strategies from which a company derives its competitive advantages and related it to a multi-level analysis of manufacturing supply chains in the United States. Through a combination of literature review, structured interviews, and a questionnaire to a large national sample, 28 components of manufacturing strategy upon which a company uses to compete were identified. Factor analysis was used to group components into four factors that clustered logically into coherent manufacturing strategies across the five defined levels of supply chain. Significant differences in the importance of manufacturing strategy among the five levels of supply chain were found. This research provides a snapshot of the status of how present manufacturing companies view their competitive strengths and will help them understand and define strategies for their futures.Request a copy of the paper from the author: Christopher Roethlein (croethle@bryant.edu) Christopher Roethlein http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/6 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/6 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 07:37:38 PST Successful firms of today succeed through supply chain success rather than individual entity success. Key points to supply chain success include good communication and effective quality goals within the complete supply chain. This paper examines a connected supply chain whose end product is an oven range. All seven entities involved in one of the connected supply chains (from the retailer, Sears, to the manufacturer, Whirlpool, to the sheet metal supplier, J & F Steel) were interviewed. This multiple case study investigated definitions of quality for each entity in the chain along with the inter-organizational effects of quality within the connected supply chain. Request a copy of the paper from the author: Christopher Roethlein (croethle@bryant.edu) Christopher Roethlein http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/5 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/5 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 07:33:37 PST Prior research grounded in institutional economics recommends bonding strategies that managers of new ventures can pursue to minimize both the percentage equity these firms need to give away and the percentage of board seats they need to relinquish to venture capitalists in exchange for equity capital. Grounded in entrepreneurship and venture capital research this paper questions the wisdom of pursuing these strategies and shows their potentially detrimental effect on firm performance.Request a copy of the paper from the author: Juan Florin Juan M. Florin http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/4 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/4 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 07:09:23 PST Empirical evidence suggests that small firms tend to grow organically and that large firms tend to grow through acquisitions. However, a large proportion of small tecnology-intensive new ventures acquire other firms during the two years after their initial public offering (IPO). This paper tests the effects of alternative growth strategies on firm and founder performance of high-growth new ventures. We measure firm performance using a composite measure of sales and asset growth, and explore performance of the founders with objective measures, a focus not addressed in prior research.Request a copy of the paper from the author: Juan Florin Juan M. Florin http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/3 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/3 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 07:01:09 PST Theories of leadership have traditionally focused on leadership traits, styles, and situational factors that influence leadre behaviors. We propose that The Four Umpires Model described herein, which examines how four leadership types view reality and perception, provides a useful example of an effective steward leader. We use the Five Beliefs Model identified by Edgar Schein and Peter Senge to frame the implicit assumptions underlying the core beliefs and mental models of each of the four unpires. We suggest that the stewardship model of Umpire Number Four, the Facilitating Idealist, is the best model for leadership of the four unpires described. In our review of the Four Umpires Model we also explain why it is important for every leader to thoughtfully assess the assumptions that form the ethical basis for their leadership decisions and actions.Request a copy of the paper from the author:Ranjan Karri (rkarri@bryant.edu) Ranjan Karri http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/2 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/2 Tue, 21 Mar 2006 06:21:20 PST Would e-retailing lower prices? Preliminary empirical studies report mixed results. Drawing from theoretical perspectives on organizational coordination, the first of the two primary objectives of this research is to reconcile expectations (lower prices) with inconclusive empirical evidence (higher prices and lower prices in some instances) to frame the Internet pricing problem. The second objective of this research is to provide an outline for managers to devise pricing strategies for selling merchandise over the Internet. The potential of e-retailing lies in the capability of Internet technology to make information less costly for both customers and retailers. E-retailers have greater access to consumer related information, providing them significant opportunities for customizing prices to infinitesimal customer segments. This research presents pricing models from a price discrimination perspective in the Internet context.Request a copy of the paper from the author:Ranjan Karri (rkarri@bryant.edu) Ranjan Karri http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/1 http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/managework/1 Mon, 20 Mar 2006 12:20:50 PST This paper outlines a theoretical framework that may be useful for understanding how and why employees become psychologically attached to the organizations that employ them, in spite of growing evidence that many of these organizations are not reliable sources of security. Building on attachment theory from developmental psychology, I develop the concept of organizational attachment and distinguish between it and concepts of organizational commitment and organizational identification. Attachment theory suggests that individuals have attachment styles that reflect their beliefs and expectations about themselves in relation to the broader social system. I extend this theory and apply it to relationships between individuals and the organizations for which they work. Thus, I posit that individuals have "organizational attachment styles" that can be used to predict how employees will perceive and respond to situations that may threaten their relationship to their employing organization. This theoretical framework may be helpful in identifying the characteristics of future employment relationships that can meet individuals' needs to be psychologically attached to their organizations and, at the same time, provide the flexibility that organizations need to be competitive. Request a copy of the paper from the author: Lynda St. Clair (lstclair@bryant.edu) Lynda St. Clair