Editorial

ID: 33517

Authors: Herbert Kimura.

Source: Revista de Administração Contemporânea, v. 16, n. 5, p. 1-2, September-December, 2012. 2 page(s).

Document type: Editorial (Portuguese)

Antecedents of the adoption of cloud computing: effects of infrastructure, investment and size

ID: 8220

Authors: Otavio Prospero Sanchez, Alexandre Cappellozza.

Source: Revista de Administração Contemporânea, v. 16, n. 5, p. 646-663, September-December, 2012. 18 page(s).

Keyword: cloud computing , IT infrastructure , IT investments

Document type: Article (Portuguese) Show Abstract

Cloud computing, a peculiar form of storage and of making information available, has attracted much interest for its potential to significantly alter required investment in information technology infrastructure. As a paradox, while organizations can benefit from the possibility of implementing cloud computing, decision makers are faced with the dilemma arising from the possibility that competitors will have access to previously scarce or unique resources, essentially sources of competitive advantage. The question that arises is whether cloud computing increases the complexity of investment decisions or, in contrast, simplifies the analysis by allowing resources to be released for investment in other skills required by the business. This research investigates what antecedents are associated with the decision to undertake cloud computing and evaluates the effects existing IT infrastructure and the size and amount of investments have in this decision. Analysis of secondary data was used to develop a structural model, which is accompanied by explanations of the relationships uncovered. This paper's contributions include a theoretical explanation of the quandary related to IT investments within this context and the decision to adopt cloud computing and, additionally, the presentation of some managerial implications of these findings. Research limitations and suggestions for changes in future studies are also presented.

The impact of Online complaints on consumer loyalty: an experimental study

ID: 8221

Authors: Tatiane Nunes Viana de Almeida, Anatália Saraiva Martins Ramos.

Source: Revista de Administração Contemporânea, v. 16, n. 5, p. 664-683, September-December, 2012. 20 page(s).

Keyword: electronic word of mouth , experimental study , loyalty , online complaints

Document type: Article (Portuguese) Show Abstract

In a constant changing environment characterized by highly informed consumers, the search for long-term relationships through customer loyalty is the goal of many companies. However, studies suggest this loyalty may be affected by negative comments available on the internet. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine if the complaints available in the online environment impact loyalty to a cell phone brand. The research method was experimental, considering the antecedents of loyalty found in the revised NCSB model (Norwegian Customer Satisfaction Barometer). The approach was quantitative, using methods including descriptive statistics, factor analysis, multiple linear regression and non-parametric Wilcoxon test to analyze the data. All five propositions were confirmed. The results showed that complaints available the web may negatively impact consumer perception as it concerns loyalty, as well as its antecedents. These substantiations represent a warning, so that companies can be more attentive to content available on the internet, especially any related to complaints.

The ethnomethodology as a theoretical-methodological way for research in organizational learning from the perspective of practice based studies

ID: 8222

Authors: Marcelo de Souza Bispo, Arilda Schmidt Godoy.

Source: Revista de Administração Contemporânea, v. 16, n. 5, p. 684-704, September-December, 2012. 21 page(s).

Keyword: ethnomethodology , organizational learning , practice based studies

Document type: Article (Portuguese) Show Abstract

Thinking of organizations as symbolic fields where people live in constant interaction mediated by language, thus constructing meaning and sense for their daily activities, makes them a space for learning and knowledge generation that involves negotiation and continuous exchange. The demands on organizations for innovation and change because of the competitive environment in which they live suggest new ways of thinking about what learning and knowledge are. This goes beyond what is available through formal ways of learning, to include the tacit knowledge and collective learning results of everyday social interactions. From this perspective, this paper aims to present and analyze the possibility of investigation into organizational learning from the concept of practice and in the light of ethnomethodology by examining how they articulate these ideas and to what extent they bring new ways of seeing and understanding this phenomenon. Under the lens of garfinkelian ethnomethodology, the article brings a different view to understanding organizational learning based on the concept of practice (Gherardi, 2006). The main reflections of this essay point out that organizational learning under the assumptions of ethnomethodology implies the need to think about this phenomenon through the daily practices of organizations and also discusses the demand for better systematization of ethnomethodology as a possibility for empirical research in management studies.

Competence-based management in labor relations: what do the unionists think?

ID: 8223

Authors: Marcus Vinicius Gonçalves da Cruz, Amyra Moyzés Sarsur, Wilson Aparecido Costa de Amorim.

Source: Revista de Administração Contemporânea, v. 16, n. 5, p. 705-722, September-December, 2012. 18 page(s).

Keyword: competence-based management , labor relations , unions

Document type: Article (Portuguese) Show Abstract

The Brazilian macroeconomic environment has pointed to improvements in labor market, employment and income indicators, a context which should help union activity. However, traditional standards in labor relations have been maintained, especially in terms of pressures on workers to improve eligibility requirements and be accountable for results, without unions pressuring the government and organizations back. This article aims to analyze, under the distinct perspective of unions (collective representation of workers), to what extent the implementation of competence-based management systems has become a union issue, since they are considered a modern business management tool and have been adopted by many of the largest organizations. Methodology was based on a qualitative approach, using documentary and field research. Investigation steps consisted of: (a) literature review; (b) analysis of relational database; (c) expert panel; and (d) focus group. The results indicate that competence-based management is an unknown term in collective bargaining by unions, reducing their ability to identify and counter demanding and abusive goals, which is their main purpose. As such, the government doesn't assume its role of promoting skill development and organizations maintain their control over workers.

Nomination Positions: Reflections Based on the Public Entrepreneur in Brazil’s Member State

ID: 8224

Authors: Josiel Lopes Valadares, Magnus Luiz Emmendoerfer.

Source: Revista de Administração Contemporânea, v. 16, n. 5, p. 723-743, September-December, 2012. 21 page(s).

Keyword: appointed positions , public administration , public entrepreneur

Document type: Article (Portuguese) Show Abstract

In a reflective way, the objective of this paper is to identify evidence of the modernization of public administration that a Brazilian state has achieved in terms of filling positions by appointment, such as for public entrepreneurs, rather than by using civil servant exams,. The research used a qualitative approach, treatingprimary and secondary data to content analysis. Contributions of the research include the observation that prequalification processes for public entrepreneurs are an advancement in public administration in terms of filling appointed positions. However, based upon the literature review and data, appointing such positions in Brazil can be a way for governments to gain political support, at least when they don't consist of mere appropriation of government jobs for the purpose of bypassing civil exams, which are usually mandatory in Brazil.

Work well-being: Relationships with Leadership Styles and Support for Ascension, Promotion and Salaries

ID: 8225

Authors: Liliane Lima Sant’anna, Tatiane Paschoal, Eliana Elisabete Moreira Gosendo.

Source: Revista de Administração Contemporânea, v. 16, n. 5, p. 744-764, September-December, 2012. 21 page(s).

Keyword: effect at work , fulfillment at work , happiness at work , leadership , organizational support

Document type: Article (Portuguese) Show Abstract

Well-being has been pointed out as an essential phenomenon for the adequate and competitive performance of organizations. This current study tested the relationships managerial styles and organizational support for ascension, promotion, and salaries have with work well-being. This variable includes the positive effects, the negative effects and personal fulfillment at work. The study was conducted in two private organizations. A total of 157 workers answered a survey composed by using the Evaluation Scale of Managerial Styles (Melo, 2004), Organizational Support Scale (Tamayo, Pinheiro, Tróccoli, & Paz, 2000) and Work Well-being Scale (Paschoal & Tamayo, 2008), all of which have been validated in Brazil. The data was analyzed by means of bivariate correlation and standard multiple regression. The results indicate that managerial styles as well as support for ascension, promotion and salary have significant association with work well-being. The variable support presented stronger associations with well-being factors and it was also the most important predictor. The more positive the perception of support is, the greater the positive affect and worker fulfillment is and the lesser the negative affect is. Organizational actions and practices seem to be of utmost importance for work well-being, rather than specific behavior of managers.