Discussion: Changes of Organizations
J. J. Scholten
Alton W. & Lois H. Overton Graduate School of Business, Liberty University
Author Note
J. J. Scholten
Discussion: Changes of Organizations
For our discussion this week, research was conducted around two ways that organizations have changed over the years. Each of the ways organizations have changed is introduced, complimented with a historical summary of the change, and summarized using theory and personal perspectives. The two changes are an organizational shift from in-person to virtual work environments, and brick-and-mortar sales to eCommerce.
Scott and Davis (2007) suggest that “as we attempt to identify directions and trends that will craft future scholarship, we do not mean to imply that our suggestions are novel or without precedent but rather that, among the many strands of work that make up the tapestry of organizational studies, these seem to be to us the more promising to pursue” (Scott & Davis, 2007, p. 369). This suggestion centers on the theme that we rarely approach a problem with a blank slate and although we make look to take complete direction changes in an organizational approach, the solution almost always is based upon the foundation built in the past.
Virtual Work Environments
The work of Scott and Davis (2007) resonates true to this day as we begin to tackle the new definition of work. Specifically, as it relates to virtual work environments, recent studies address the impact of virtual/remote work environments on quality, career development, and firm performance.
Technological breakthroughs, demographic and economic factors are reconfiguring organizational structure. The new normal, with its technological networks and algorithms, is shaping the traditional work environments with the old organizational structures and job functions being pushed to the virtual workspace, and this affects the availability of jobs (Imhanrenialena, et al., 2021).
Organizations are increasingly embracing the idea of virtual work environments in their pursuit of benefits that range from cost savings to improved productivity and employee morale. The drive toward virtual work from home environments is especially noticeable in knowledge-intensive occupations where both the raw material and the products of labor are information-based rather than physical artifacts. Prevalent internet access and low-cost computing through cloud-based services have made information exchange easier and more efficient, thereby freeing knowledge workers to perform their tasks independently of location. This has resulted in the emergence of virtual organizations, which are entities that rely on a network of geographically dispersed teams and/or individuals, sometimes operating completely without physical locations (Asatiani, et al., 2021).
Virtual mentoring will likely be a trend that has emerged in response to this changed landscape. The self-efficacy of workers to overcome feelings of working alone, persist in remaining engaged, and become empowered makes an important contribution to understanding how workers are taking responsibility for their career success during unanticipated changes to the work environment (Yarberry & Sims, 2021).
New Theory
Social learning theory explains how people learn through observation of role models. There is a significant amount of new knowledge and skills acquired by paying attention, retaining the information observed, reproducing the exercise, and being motivated enough to continue the newly learned behavior (Imhanrenialena, et al., 2021). During the pandemic, continuous learning, effective communication, and maintaining collaboration are essential in the virtual/remote workplace and are significant organizational functions for career success (Yarberry & Sims, 2021). The modern worker will need to adapt to a virtual and remote environment, while applying the concept of social learning theory to their role in order to maximize their likelihood of advancement.
Boundary theory remains the dominant framework used by scholars to explain and deepen the understanding of how individuals build and manage work life and family life boundaries to achieve work-life balance. The boundary theory suggests that work duties and family roles boundaries are interwoven, with significant effects on individuals’ time and efforts. Individuals create diverse role boundaries in reflection of the nature of their work functions and family responsibilities to prevent or minimize conflicts from the interface (Imhanrenialena, et al., 2021). In many cases, the introduction of remote work compliments boundary theory by maximizing the work-life balance.
Media naturalness theory assumes that the human brain has evolved over time to facilitate face-to-face communication, the more natural it is and the lower the cognitive effort required to use it. Media naturalness theory identifies five key characteristics of media naturalness that include, co-location, synchronicity which allows for immediate and spontaneous exchanges of communicative stimuli, the ability to observe and convey facial expressions, the ability to observe and convey body language, and the ability to convey and listen to speech (Kari, et al., 2021). Combining these theories with the media naturalness theory, we have an effective organization capable of continuous learning and professional development with aligned role perceptions, operating in effective remote environments with optimal employee engagement.
E-Commerce
In a narrow sense, e-commerce is financial transactions carried out through the Internet and private communication networks, during which purchases and sales of goods and services, as well as money transfers are made. A transaction in electronic commerce can be a simple confirmation of the desire and possibility of purchasing with a credit card and following the transfer of the necessary amount from one account to another. In a broad sense, e-commerce is any form of business relationship where interaction between actors occurs through the use of internet technologies (Babenko, et al., 2019).
E-Commerce describes the use of the internet to facilitate peer-to-peer transactions between businesses or between businesses and consumers. These traditional transactions have dominated the e-commerce landscape since the 1990s. Recently, technological advancement in the information and communication technology sector have led to a noticeable surge in consumer-to-consumer e-commerce transactions. These transactions, which are conducted among consumers, are for the purpose of renting or sharing. The recent growth of this type of e-commerce transactions has been manifested in a wide variety of collaborative activities in many sectors such as transportation, accommodation and rental, finance and consumer credit, and retail. These activities formed a new type of economy, known as the sharing economy, where people share their skills or resources with others (Fahmy, 2021).
Since, mid-1990s, e-commerce conception has evolved from separate electronic transactions in goods purchase or resource supply based on business-to-customer or business-to-business models, to dynamic business ecosystems based on the merger of separate markets and value chains, which are created in the network communication framework. Within the aspect of business processes, e-commerce can be defined as the use of electronic networks with the objective to simplify and fasten all phases of business processes, from the production of goods to their sale and delivery. E-commerce evolution is related to rapid perfection of information technologies, the growing possibilities of their adoption in various areas, and the decrease of their usage cost. Though the e-commerce boom in 2000-2002 ended in bankruptcies of large companies who based their business solely on e-commerce, the impact of that boom on e-commerce spread was minimal. Today, e-commerce decisions are treated not as a competitive advantage, but as a necessity, which helps to avoid the lagging behind competitors (Barsauskas, et al., 2008).
In general, the intensity of use e-commerce services, correlates directly with indicators such as the number of Internet users in the country. Stated another way, there’s a positive relationship between a nation’s population with internet access and e-commerce activity. Given the high population density and the rapid spread of information technology, Asia occupies a leading position. Also, it is worth noting the countries of Europe and America, since these regions are highly developed, and the introduction of Internet technologies is part of the active improvement of business efficiency (Babenko, et al., 2019). More importantly, this research helps lay the foundation for baseline requirements for the evolution of e-commerce.
Research on value creation in e-commerce, within the service-logics perspective, has not been widely applied or has rarely been discussed, which is surprising as e-commerce is inherently interactional. In recent years, the development of information and communications technologies, such as the Internet and social media, has provided a platform where customers can engage and interact with stakeholders and other customer communities. The internet therefore contributes a platform where customers can draw upon their own and other resources to co-create value (Paredes, et al., 2014). With increasing internet usage and the high quest for the online shopping experience, countries are witnessing a surge in the number of businesses and workers in the e-commerce sector. The rapid development of e-commerce creates problems for firms trying to develop e-commerce strategies. This is especially difficult give the seemingly uninterrupted flow of new information technologies and software applications. However, companies are promoting their e-commerce strategies, partly fearing that they will lose customers over competitors if they do not have e-commerce strategies (Babenko, et al., 2019).
The internet has created a whole new marketplace, but it has brought with it a whole new set of merchandising challenges for international trade as well. The fast-growing prevalence of the internet and the anticipated boom in e-commerce may well induce and entrepreneurial mindset in government. A government may be incentivized to shield its e-commerce business from foreign competition, while still permitting its own industries to take advantage of the more liberal e-commerce markets of other countries without penalty. Unlike traditional barriers, which are generally applied directly to goods or services, the protection measure is used in today’s digital era often comes in the form of government interventions in the cross-border data flow by imposing internet censorship or arbitrary restrictions (Chu & Po-Ching, 2020).
Biblical Perspectives
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians 10:31 he states, “Whether then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (New American Standard Bible, 2020, p. 1364). This verse serves as a reminder to give glory to God in all that we do. As it applies to our discussion this week, we consider the personal and behavioral benefits of the luxuries associated with the e-commerce industry as well as being afforded the opportunity to work from home. To give glory to God is not to remain stagnant, but rather to continue to evolve and find improved ways to use the skills and talent he has given.
Merida (2015) echoes this sentiment in his text, “Kings is about workshop, the word, and weakness” where kings tell the story about idolatry and misuse of the skills and talent God has provided. This summary provides an example to avoid and a lesson where there are also secondary impacts for our decisions. In the case of Soloman, it is even a nation divided. In contrast, if we seek to learn from Paul’s words, we put the Lord first and He becomes the focus of our effort, and therefore resulting in the advancement of nations.
References
Asatiani, A., Hamalainen, J., Penttinen, E., & Rossi, M. (2021). Constructing continuity across the organizational culture boundary in highly virtual work environment. Information Systems Journal, 31(1), 62-93. https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/doi/full/-10.1111/isj.12293
Babenko, V., Kulczyk, Z., Perevosova, I., Syniavska, O., & Davydova, O. (2019). Factors of the development of international e-commerce under the conditions of globalization. SHS Web of Conferences, 65(1), 1-6. https://www-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/-2276888324?pq-origsite=summon
Barsauskas, P., Sarapovas, T., & Cvilikas, A. (2008). The evaluation of e-commerce impact on business efficiency. Baltic Journal of Management, 3(1), 71-91. https://www-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/208672877?pq-origsite=summon
Chu, C., & Po-Ching, L. (2020). E-commerce mercantilism-practices and causes. Journal of International Trade Law & Policy, 19(1), 51-66. http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1108/JITLP-08-2019-0054
Fahmy, H. (2021). How technological emergence, saturation, and rejuvenation are re-shaping the e-commerce landscape and disrupting consumption? A time series analysis. Applied Economics, 53(6), 742-759. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1080/00036846.2020.1813249
Imhanrenialena, B., Obi-anike, O., Okafor, C., & Ike, R. (2021). The changing nature of traditional work settings and the emerging virtual work environments in Africa: the experience of Nigerian women. Gender in Management, nd, https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1108/GM-06-2020-0181
Kari, K., Peluchette, J., & Aghakhani, N. (2021). Virtual work meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic: The good, bad, and ugly. Small Group Research, 1, 1-23. https://journals-sagepub-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/doi/full/10.1177/10464964211015286
Merida, T. (2015). Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings. B&H Publishing Group.
New American Standard Bible. (2020). Zonderman.
Paredes, M., Barrutia, J., & Echebarria, C. (2014). Resources for value co-creation in e-commerce: a review. Electronic Commerce Research, 14(2), 111-136. https://www-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/1539735244?pq-origsite=summon
Scott, R. W., & Davis, G. F. (2007). Organizations and Organizing: Rational, Natural, and Open System Perspectives. Pearson Education Inc.
Yarberry, S., & Sims, C. (2021). The impact of COVID-19-Prompted virtual/remote work environments on employees’ career development: Social learning theory, belongingness, and self-empowerment. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 23(3), 237-252. https://journals-sagepub-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/doi/full/10.1177/15234223211017850?utm_source=summon&utm_medium=discovery-provide
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