Full papers
Full Papers
Inconsistent Middle Manager Ethics: An Activity Based View of Interpretation and Expectation. (477)
Author/s: Keiron Fletcher
Track: Risk and Crisis Management
Paper Type: Full Papers
Keywords: Managers, responses, events, ethics, inconsistent
Abstract: Non-routine events require organisations to respond to situations that are novel and unexpected. Such events present dilemmas as middle managers must often respond within timeframes that do not allow consultation or referral to more senior levels, yet in a way that is consistent with the organisations expectations of how they should respond. In the absence of precedent for guidance, managers must interpret the expectations of the organisation and its senior managers. This work undertakes a qualitative case study of multiple events using thematic analysis and highlights four main response types, each exemplifying a way which managers ethics are mobilized. Exploration of middle managers activity exposes the inconsistency that emerges because of these interpretations. This work contributes to the field of organisational ethics. It raises further considerations for those involved in managing ethics education in business schools; whilst also exposing potential difficulties for organisations due to inconsistent responses by middle managers.
Perceptions of Process Safety (575)
Author/s: Charles Ian Cowley David Denyer Elmar Kutsch
Track: Risk and Crisis Management
Paper Type: Full Papers
Keywords: Process Safety, HRO, Repertory Grid, Empirical
Abstract: This paper examines empirically how safe operation of high hazard technology process safety is understood by people at the operational end of organizations operating such plant in the oil and gas and chemical industry. Such organizations tend to be hierarchical, with a reliance on rule following. It is increasingly recognised that major accident events such as explosions, fires and toxic releases are avoided not just by engineering and procedure following but also by adaptive processes of mindfulness, sensemaking and expert improvisation. However, few studies have examined empirically the contribution and interplay of rule following and adaptive practice in process safety and how people experience these tensions in practice. This study addresses this gap by comparing how informed actors construe different kinds of events relating to process safety, potential incidents things identified that could have gone wrong but did not near misses hazard released but contained or mitigated and actual incidents hazard released with significant consequences. Repertory Grid interviews were conducted with 55 people at three separate oil and gas and petrochemical sites in a single multinational company. Systematic analysis of their views revealed that organizational learning and understanding of risk were considered as stronger influences on process safety than compliance with established procedures, and that the influence of leadership on process safety was felt through the perceived relative extent of both work pressure and deference to hierarchy, and through the importance given by the organization to incident investigation and analysis. These findings support the theories of HRO, System Safety and Safety II
Do Indian Equity Markets Herd?: An Empirical Investigation (780)
Author/s: Bharti Joshi Ashish Kumar
Track: Risk and Crisis Management
Paper Type: Full Papers
Keywords: Herd Behaviour, Equity Market, Market Efficiency, Asset Pricing
Abstract: Our study examines the Indian equity market for herd behaviour under normal market conditions and asymmetrical market movements. Using the daily dataset for the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2015 of the CNX Nifty index and its constituent companies, we find no evidence of herd pattern. The analysis also denies the existence of the behavioural bias for asymmetrical market movements. The paper further validates the rational asset pricing models in the context of Indian equity markets. The study is significant as it helps in identification of collective traps that can hamper the efficient functioning of the market and lead to incorrect asset valuations and bubbles. The present study adds to the body of knowledge as most of the prior studies on the subject have ignored Indian equity markets and focused on developed economies. The research has implications for policymakers and market participants as it provides an indication of the effectiveness of the regulatory reforms and implementation of risk management practices.
Keywords: Herd Behaviour, Equity Market, Market Efficiency, Asset Pricing
Understanding The Antecedents of Uncertainty in Projects through Review (1059)
Author/s: Amitabh Anand Laurence Lecoeuvre Alessio Castello
Track: Risk and Crisis Management
Paper Type: Full Papers
Keywords: Uncertainty, Project, Project Management
Abstract: Uncertainty is an increasingly central topic in management theories, and notably in project management. This paper seeks to understand through reviews on the antecedents of uncertainty in projects. To reach our goals, we conducted a systematic review and critical analysis of 190 articles published over the last five decades in peer-reviewed academic journals on the topic of uncertainty in projects. We study the antecedents and categorize them according to an individual, relational, group, organizational, project-oriented, and managerial. Furthermore, through this paper, we also open new avenues for future research studies.