Social Responsibility: Measures and Measurement as a Basis for Organizational Systemic Action

European Union (2011) supports conditions favorable to sustainable growth, responsible business behavior and durable employment generation. Social responsibility (SR) supports this effort; hence EU urges its member states and big enterprises to promote SR to innovate habits of humans, societies and especially decision-makers-towards requisite holism, based on ethics of interdependence, i.e. systemic behavior. Related criteria for measurement of SR of organizations are drafted here. In Slovenia, the ‘Horus award’ promotes public awareness about meaning and importance of SR and encourages it in organizations.     

Measurement Preconditions Systemic Action: The Case of Integral Low-Carbon Country and Sustainable Development Indicators

Sustainable development (SD) belongs to objectives of social responsibility (SR), including the ‘integral low-carbon societies’, as an objective and effort. This article presents the concept of low-carbon Slovenia and indicators of sustainable development (SDI) in Croatia and Slovenia that help in measurement efforts. Indicators reflect the national sets of SDI, developed recently; one focuses on EU and comparison with other regions in the world. Key challenges include (1) making a low-carbon country reality, (2) comparability and aggregation variability of SDI determined by SD policies; (3) SR, as a contribution to, and framework of, sustainability, as a requisitely holistic approach to current problems, based on ethics of interdependence of humans and other nature.     

基于目标导向的多属性决策属性价值公度方法

MACBETH方法在多个属性维度上确定出的一组属性Good值(或Neutral值)并不能真地具有保证属性价值公度的完全相同的偏好涵义.为克服该方法缺陷,基于包容性属性价值函数,通过引入数据包络分析技术和马尔可夫理论给出了以目标参照方案为导向的目标导向属性价值函数和多属性决策属性价值公度的方法程序.相比于具有较大随意性确定属性Good值和Neutral值的MACBETH方法,依赖目标导向属性价值函数的多属性决策属性价值公度程序具有更明显的科学合理性,因此具有发展MACBETH方法,推动实际决策应用该方法及相关多属性偏好关联决策模型的创新价值.基于决策实验的应用分析直接验证了多属性决策属性价值公度方法程序的科学有效性,间接验证了包容性属性价值函数和目标导向属性价值函数的科学理性.     

高管团队内部社会资本、交互记忆系统与决策绩效的关系

社会资本为信息提供了渠道，提高了管理者发现新机遇的能力。现有文献表明，高管团队内部社会资本对团队绩效具有积极的影响, 然而，高管团队内部社会资本影响决策绩效的内在作用机理尚未明晰。基于高阶理论和社会资本理论，从认知过程视角提出了高管团队内部社会资本、交互记忆系统和决策绩效关系间的理论模型。基于392份样本数据的结构方程模型表明：高管团队内部社会资本关系维度的信任、认知维度的共同愿景对决策质量和满意度均具有积极影响，但结构维度的网络关系直接影响效应并不显著；高管团队内部社会资本各维度对交互记忆系统的影响强度依次为认知维的共同愿景、关系维的信任和结构维的网络关系；高管团队交互记忆系统对决策质量和满意度具有显著正向影响；交互记忆系统在高管团队内部社会资本与决策质量和满意度之间起中介作用。     

Mobile Information and Communication Technology and Management of Business Changes in Construction Companies in Slovenia

In this paper, we are using the business process reengineering (BPR) concept together with the potentials of mobile information and communication technology (mobile ICT) to interpret the ability for better capturing of business changes that construction companies are faced with. Through our intensive examination of reengineering initiative in construction, we find that relatively low emphasis was placed on the opportunity to use information and communication technology (ICT) more progressively throughout the construction processes. We developed a methodological concept ‘Reengineering of the construction process (RCP-model)’ that captures the BPR philosophy as well as potentials of mobile ICT as technical background. Research assumptions were tested with the implementation of the proposed model in a concrete Construction Company in Slovenia. The reengineering project realization is defined from the viewpoint of the given implementation projects and exposure of the elements that affect adoption of BPR and enable evaluation of the attained results of company reorganization. Difficulties and milestones of the reengineering project, the importance of management and coordination of work are also stressed.     

Refocusing Systems Analysis of Organizations Through a Semiotic Lens: Interpretive Framework and Method

Recent advances in systems theory have significantly raised its utility for supporting problem-structuring activity in organizations. However, this approach has been inadequately developed for representing and evaluating the nature and outcomes of organizational functioning. Toward that end this paper introduces a new method, called interpretive systems analysis, which incorporates ideas from semiotic theory. Using this method, the complex web of agents, actions, means, and circumstances in organizational functioning may be analytically discriminated into multiple courses of action that are emphasized on dimensions of legitimacy, motivation, and power. An integrative appraisal of key elements and factors shaping organizational performance may then be achieved through the formulation of “systems of significance,” formed of oppositional and associative relations. Organizations can thus be illuminated in terms of principle inconsistencies and tensions shaping their operations. The application and utility of this method is illustrated through a case study of customer service operations.     

不完全信息下的群体多属性决策方法

针对群体多属性决策问题,提出一种新的不完全信息下的群体多属性决策方法。该方法假设方案在主观评价属性下的评价值采用区间数的形式来表示专家评价值的不确定性和模糊性。针对每一主观评价属性设定一组与之对应的专家重要性权重值,反映决策者在不同评价属性中的重要性程度,同时考虑到专家评价值的相似度,将专家评价值进行集结得到专家群体关于方案集的决策矩阵。计算各方案与理想方案的相似度,并以此对方案进行优劣排序。通过实例说明所提方法的可行性。     

HEALTH CONSUMER DIVERSITY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS

1. Introduction The health care scene in the Western world is shifting rapidly. Health care consumers have abandoned their traditionally respectful attitudes and behaviours. In the past the roles of the health consumers and providers were quite clear. The patients consumed and the health care providers provided (Edgren 1998). Today theJOURNAL OF SYSTEMS SCIENCE AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING 35 picture is more complex. Many health care consumers no longer want to be passive receiv…     

基于AHP的MANET路由协议重传性能分析

MANET(移动Ad hoc网络)的移动性、有限链路带宽和能量受限性特点是影响网络重传性能的主要因素。而网络重传性能又直接关系到MANET路由协议的能效特性。使用OPNET仿真平台,对AODV、DSR和TORA进行仿真,在仿真结果的基础上,以网络重传次数为切入点,采用层次分析法(AHP)对三种路由方案进行了多准则决策,通过计算分析得出了DSR具有最优的重传性能。最后从协议工作机制的角度分析了决策结果的原因。     

全球发展、雾霾和健康期望寿命的模型数据分析

随着全球范围粗犷式的经济社会发展,空气污染问题日益严重,对公共健康造成极大威胁.基于新开发的动态面板门槛模型和面板向量自回归模型,在充分考虑异质性特征的前提下,探究了经济社会发展和雾霾污染对全球166个国家居民健康期望寿命的综合影响.研究结果表明,社会发展、雾霾污染和健康期望寿命存在动态互动效应,社会发展有利于提高公共...     

The Role of Formalisation, Participation and Context in the Success of Public Involvement Mechanisms in Resource Management

In the face of complex and uncertain issues, one important goal of public participation in resource management and research is to foster communication and the inclusion of non-expert knowledge—thus the effective flow of information between project organisers and stakeholders. We compare different methods (instruments, tools) that were employed in the German–Austrian ‘PartizipA’ project to structure information flows in participatory processes. Depending on their goals and context, more or less ‘formalised’ and ‘participatory’ methods were applied, the most important being guided interviews, focus groups, agent-based modelling, nutrient modelling, cognitive mapping and group model building as well as the development of a common document. Two regional case studies, both concerned with European-induced institutional change, are portrayed in which the specific participatory methods were embedded. The Austrian case study involved the analysis and modelling of agricultural land use in the region of St. Pölten against the background of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, while the implementation of recent European water policy was the issue in the German agricultural region north of Osnabrück. Presenting both cases in their regional context, the applied methods are first described according to the logic of the entire respective process. Subsequently, the specific methods are systematically analysed and compared according to their objective, context and degrees of participation and formalisation. Finally, we evaluate all methods regarding their effectiveness in terms of goal attainment and their potential generalisation, seeking to respond to the question of when a particular method might best be used.     

基于相似度的区间二型模糊多准则群决策方法

针对准则权重信息完全的区间二型模糊多准则群决策问题,给出了相似度测量方法以及基于区间二型模糊数相似度的决策方法。该方法首先通过区间二型模糊数的集结算子计算出方案的综合准则值,根据期望值对综合准则值进行比较后确定出正、负理想方案,然后计算各方案分别和正、负理想方案之间的相似度,进一步求出贴近度系数后从而得到方案的排序。最后,算例分析表明了该方法的有效性和可行性。     

A Multi-Criteria Optimization Method for Electrical Distribution System and Its Analysing in Practice

In this paper,the author explains the problem that we have to consider multiple goalsand multiple factors which are usually affected by others at the same time in practical work forelectrical power distribution system programming.A new mathematics model is set up here formultiple goals programming of electrical power distribution system which includes various load controlalternatives.An arithmetic and current software for the multi-criteria optimization of electrical power     

Systemic Development of Leadership: Action Research in an Indian Manufacturing Organization

This insider action research study differentiates between developing leaders and leadership, evolves a systemic leadership model, and intervenes on the human, social and processes dimensions for developing leadership. This is a real-time study and responds to the organizational reality of fast pace of change and its systemic nature. Consequently, the research too is fast to guide actions and influence positive changes in the organization. As the action research addresses a systemic reality, research and contributions are in multiple aspects, with new techniques having huge implications for theory building as well as improving practice. The study provides a structural solution to perceived lack of commitment in senior colleagues—a syndrome I acronym as HILE (High Intentions and Lukewarm Execution)–by re-designing organizational processes and making time available for its effective utilization in developing leadership. A new technique of triggering major changes in organizations termed “concept sublimation” distils concept from the statements of major stakeholder and sublimates it from lower to higher unit of analysis and to higher levels of positivity. Statistical simplification of a competency framework by applying concepts from Euclidian geometry and making it effective is yet a unique contribution of this action research study. The study adapts the competing values framework in developing a method of assessing cultural congruence of a candidate with the culture of the organization. The uniqueness of the study lies in bridging the gap in the literature by actually and systemically developing leadership in an organization and providing pragmatic insights on developing leadership while also creating knowledge for theory building.     

Beyond Acceptance and Resistance: A Socio-Technical Approach to the Exploration of Intergroup Differences in ICT Use and Non-use at Work

Through a socio-technical approach and based on abductive case study analysis, this work explores the antecedents of differences in ICT use between two different employee groups in the same organizations. Prior to the large-scale implementation of a complex ERP system, one of the groups consisted of experienced ICT users, while the other consisted of inexperienced users. The significance of the nature of the interplay between task-technology fit, the leadership and the ICT-organization integration processes, and employees’ levels of self-determination, is investigated in relation to different user practices, and in particular, how it may institutionalize involuntary non-use for the group of inexperienced employees. Previous experience is a moderating variable, together with participation and interaction possibilities in everyday work. In a perspective of sociomateriality where user practices are seen as developing through situated everyday actions and interactions, the relationship between demands, control and support and inherent need satisfaction is elaborated. This study shows that employees’ use or non-use of new ICT has to do with how leadership behaviors affect the ICT-organization integration process and its outcomes, and how this process may serve the experienced employee group over the inexperienced, and as such contribute to involuntary non-use of new ICT for the latter.     

生命网络体系的熵和演化

通过引入格林函数和子动力系综体系得出生命网络体系的复熵(complexentropy),并通过推迟或超前格林函数得出它们分别描述了限域子传播(传播子)衰减或增加的速率及其生命时间长短情况。构建的生命网络的新颖之处在于:找到了节点之间的关联作用影响实熵的正负,这就决定了演化方向和耗散的方向;而节点和环境间的相互作用影响着虚熵,这决定了生命网络中生命演化或耗散的趋势速率。     

Towards an Effective Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Process: Applying the Imagine Method in Context of Abu Dhabi’s Education Policy

This paper is concerned with the many interleaving issues that emerge when engaging multiple stakeholders in decision-making. Whilst recognising the intrinsic value of group work and keeping in mind the numerous issues that obstruct group work (including multiple roles for participants, bias due to domination and distortion emerging from uneven group inputs), we applied the Imagine method to propose a new framework—the ‘Multiple Formation Consultation Framework’ (MFCF)—for organising effective multi-stakeholder consultations along the Policy Sciences Framework. Our proposed framework was applied in the context of education policy in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, where 24 small group formations were tasked and assessed in a systemic manner. Evidence from the exercise suggests that: (1) when moving participants from heterogeneous to homogenous groups, the working of the groups became more focused and the outcomes gained greater clarity in terms of the thinking of group members. (2) Yet, when groups moved from homogenous formations to heterogeneous, they became more inquisitive and explored broader aspects of the tasks at hand. (3) A repeat of the process over 2-day period where different members of the groups experience both homogenous and heterogeneous formations back and forth (in order to capture the unique value emerging from each composition) have led to more efficient and effective working and outcomes of the groups.     

跨国股权战略联盟体现金流交互影响的分析

用复合现金流的方法分析了跨国股权战略联盟中一些因素对跨国公司、东道国公司的现金流变化量的影响.通过因素变动与复合现金流的变动的关系来说明哪些因素对跨国股权战略联盟效益产生了正的效益,哪些产生负的效益.指出了我国企业在与跨国公司结成联盟时应当注意的问题.     

中国煤矿重大事故中故意违章行为影响因素结构方程模型研究

研究了中国煤矿重大事故中的煤矿工人故意违章行为的影响因素,以煤矿工人个体层面和煤矿组织层面的各类因素作为外源变量,行为效价和行为成本感知为中介变量,以煤矿工人高成本-高效价和高成本-低效价两类特征性故意违章行为作为内生变量,构建故意违章行为影响因素的结构方程模型,研究发现煤矿工人的传记特征对两类特征性故意违章行为具有直接的正向影响;煤矿生产条件对两类特征性故意违章行为没有显著影响;煤矿生产任务性质通过感知效价间接正向影响两类特征性故意违章行为;煤矿组织特征和关系特征变量均对两类特征性故意违章行为具有间接的负向影响.     

Dialogue and Revolution: Proposal for Critical-Pragmatic Recursive Praxis to Support Operationalisation of Methodological Virtues

Systemic Practice and Action Research (SPAR) denotes a family of approaches with different theoretical foundations, the constructive encounter between which may propel the movement forward. A persistent scholarly debate persists between the so-called emancipatory and pragmatic strands, motivating perceptions of the impossibility to jointly accomplish both ‘dialogical’ and ‘revolutionary’ commitments of the movement. This reflects that SPAR is still grappling with how to maintain a normative foundation while prioritising local change processes, thus reconciling what is universally ‘right’ with the locally ‘good’ in order to foster an operational view of the nature of reciprocity and justification. In this paper, I mobilise experiences from five action research projects in the field of natural resource governance to undertake a methodological introspection to examine how we as SPAR professionals may negotiate our approach during project implementation and the encounter of concrete realities and stakeholder interests. The objective is to offer an alternative view on the relationship between the ‘dialogical’ and the ‘revolutionary’ elements of SPAR; a view which rejects a dichotomisation in favour of a critical-pragmatic recursive praxis that depends on the capacity of the researcher to negotiate methodological virtues with co-researchers in the process.