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Gopesh Anand

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Business Administration, Faculty Member

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Supervisors: Peter T. Ward
Phone: 217 244 8051
Address: 350 Wohlers Hall
1206 S. Sixth St., MC-706
Champaign, IL 61820

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Saint Mary's University (Canada)

Lahore University of Management Sciences

University of Exeter

Armando Marques-Guedes

UNL - New University of Lisbon

Marianna Sigala

University of South Australia

Durham University

Newcastle University

Prof. Demetris Vrontis

University of Nicosia

Kozminski University

Juraj Marušiak

Slovak Academy of Sciences

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Papers by Gopesh Anand

The Role of Explicit and Tacit Knowledge in Process Improvement

In this paper we empirically examine the role of knowledge creation mechanisms in process improve... more In this paper we empirically examine the role of knowledge creation mechanisms in process improvement projects. Using scales adapted from the knowledge management literature, we collect data on 98 Six Sigma process improvement projects and analyze these data using regression. Results support our hypotheses linking knowledge creation mechanisms to project performance. Specifically, we find that the inclusion of softer, socially oriented mechanisms for capturing tacit knowledge explains a significant amount of variance in project performance, over and above that explained by the more technically focused mechanisms that capture explicit knowledge.

Beyond efficiency: the role of lean practices and cultures in developing dynamic capabilities microfoundations

International Journal of Operations & Production Management

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to theorize and test the relationships among lean operations ... more PurposeThe purpose of this study is to theorize and test the relationships among lean operations and lean supply chain practices, learning- and innovation-oriented lean cultures and dynamic capabilities (DCs) microfoundations. Further, this study aims to assess the association of DCs microfoundations with process innovation.Design/methodology/approach The researchers combine primary data collected from 153 manufacturing firms located in five continents using a survey designed for the purpose of this study with archival data downloaded from the Bureau Van Dijk Orbis database and test the hypothesized relationships using structural equation modelling.FindingsResults support the contribution of lean operations and lean supply chain practices to the development of DCs microfoundations, which further lead to greater process innovation. Additionally, while a learning-oriented lean culture positively moderates the relationships between both lean operations and lean supply chain practices a...

The Effects of Hospital-Level and Physician-Specific Surgical Volume on Patient Outcomes

Academy of Management Proceedings, 2014

In this paper, we examine how patient outcomes are related to surgical volume, at both the hospit... more

Manufacturing flexibility through outsourcing: effects of contingencies

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organizational context on the r... more Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organizational context on the relationships between outsourcing and manufacturing flexibility. In doing so, the authors study four types of manufacturing flexibility: product, mix, volume, and labor competence flexibility.Design/methodology/approach– Based on transaction cost economics theory and resource-based view of competitive advantage, the authors focus on economies of scale and scope, asset specificity, organizational learning, and dynamic capabilities as contingencies affecting outsourcing-flexibility relationships. Combining theoretically developed propositions with insights from case studies of 11 manufacturing companies that outsourced some portion of their manufacturing, the authors derive grounded hypotheses.Findings– Empirical results show that in some cases the effects of outsourcing on different types of manufacturing flexibility vary based upon some contingency factors.Research limitations/implication...

Introducing Mobile Technology in Graduate Professional Education

E-Learning and Digital Media, 2014

Purpose: The goal of the article is that to demonstrate the results of the research of the level ... more Purpose: The goal of the article is that to demonstrate the results of the research of the level of students, who belong to various higher educational establishments, in preparation for introduction of mobile technology into educational process. Therefore it permits to diagnose the status of the theme. Design/methodology/approaches: The applied methodology consists of the theoretical analysis of scientific literature on problems of mobile learning of students. The concept «mobile learning» was categorically characterized as a component of more general category-«educational technology». The sociological research among students of higher educational institutions was conducted and recommendations were made. Findings: During the theoretical analysis and the practical research it has been revealed that students use the mobile device to educational process insufficiently, considering the high level of its technical facilities. Nevertheless, almost all of the students are ready to introduction of mobile learning as the main form of education. The received results show that mobile learning effectively takes root into educational life of students. Originality / Value: According to the opinion of the authors, the use of smartphones and laptops in the educational process will begin to increase year by year in the nearest future and give to student an opportunity of a choice of technology of education.

The Influence of ISO 9000 Certification on Process Compliance

Production and Operations Management, 2014

Decay, Shock, and Renewal: Operational Routines and Process Entropy in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Organization Science, 2012

In this study, we examine decay in adherence to operational routines over time. Our empirical set... more In this study, we examine decay in adherence to operational routines over time. Our empirical setting is the worldwide pharmaceutical industry, and we focus on operational routines used to maintain product quality. Based on an analysis of longitudinal data from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspections, we find that the tendency of operational routines to decay is widespread. Our results also illustrate that FDA inspections act as external renewals that halt decay in adherence to routines. In addition, manufacturing plants are found to vary significantly in their level of decay. Using data on mergers and acquisitions affecting these plants, we find that mergers appear to cause decay in adherence to routines. However, acquisitions appear to serve as renewals and halt such decay. Based on our overall findings, we present theoretical implications for research in organizational routines and practical insights for companies and regulatory authorities.

Job autonomy, trust in leadership, and continuous improvement: An empirical study in health care

Operations Management Research, 2012

This research examines the influence of autonomy in day-today work on commitment of frontline emp... more This research examines the influence of autonomy in day-today work on commitment of frontline employees to continuous improvement. Our hypothesized model links the job characteristics theory of work design that associates job autonomy with responsibility for outcomes, and the total quality management perspective that advocates empowering employees in order to generate commitment to continuous improvement. Further, as leadership is known to have a role in shaping job behaviors, and is considered important for the success of total quality management, the influence of trust in leadership on the relationship between job autonomy and commitment to continuous improvement is also examined. We test our hypotheses on data collected from individual employees working for an outpatient health care organization that is applying lean principles for managing and improving work processes. Based on our results, we present implications for organizations implementing continuous improvement initiatives such as lean, particularly in service environments such as health care.

Outsourcing and its Impact on Manufacturing Flexibility: Contingencies Matter

Working Papers, 2010

Despite the growing prevalence of outsourcing in manufacturing organizations, research examining ... more

Continuous improvement and operations strategy: focus on six sigma programs

... I owe my gratitude to several friends and colleagues for their personal support and practical... more ... I owe my gratitude to several friends and colleagues for their personal support and practical help throughout the Ph.D. program. My thanks go to Rachna and Jatin Shah, for their motivation through life&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#x27;s ups and downs. Thanks to Kathryn and Gregg Marley for ...

Product Recalls, Past Innovations, & R&D Intensity: An Empirical Examination of Interrelationships

Academy of Management Proceedings

Sustainable process improvements: Evidence from intervention‐based research

Journal of Operations Management

Thomas Kuhn on Paradigms

Production and Operations Management

T his study provides key arguments and contributions of Kuhn (1970) concerning paradigms, paradig... more T his study provides key arguments and contributions of Kuhn (1970) concerning paradigms, paradigm shifts, and scientific revolutions. We provide interpretations of Kuhn's (1970) key ideas and concepts, especially as they relate to business management research. We conclude by considering the practical implications of paradigms and paradigm shifts for contemporary business management researchers and suggest that ethical rules of conversation are at least as critical for the health of a scientific community as methodological rules (e.g., the rules of logical positivism) derived from the philosophy of science.

Resource co-specialization in outsourcing of enterprise systems software

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management

Purpose Enterprise systems are commonly implemented by firms through outsourcing arrangements wit... more Purpose Enterprise systems are commonly implemented by firms through outsourcing arrangements with software vendors. However, deriving benefits from these implementations has proved to be a challenge, and a great deal of variation has been observed in the extent of value generated for client and vendor firms. This research examines the role of co-specialization as a strategy to make the most out of outsourced enterprise systems. The authors develop hypotheses relating resource co-specialization with two indicators of success for implementation of enterprise software: (1) exchange success and (2) firm growth. Design/methodology/approach The hypotheses are tested using a unique panel data set of 175 firms adopting Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) software, a type of enterprise system used for managing manufacturing and logistics. The authors identify organizational factors that support co-specialization and then examine how co-specialization is associated with enterprise softwar...

Do qualifications matter? A qualitative study of how villagers decide their health care providers in a developing economy

PLOS ONE

, giving all details of the publication. Upon verification of genuineness of the inquiry, the dat... more , giving all details of the publication. Upon verification of genuineness of the inquiry, the data will be made available. For reference, please quote ethical permission no. 351, dated December 4, 2013. Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work. Conclusion IPs have captured a niche and are often the first contact point in rural settings even when patients ultimately are diagnosed and treated by trained doctors. Merely tackling the undersupply of qualified doctors is not effective or sufficient to impact on the rural healthcare system: the strong and prevalent influence of IPs needs to be addressed also.

Average surgeon-level volume and hospital performance

International Journal of Production Economics, 2016

This study evaluates the relationships among the average number of procedures per surgeon, calcul... more This study evaluates the relationships among the average number of procedures per surgeon, calculated across the entire hospital, and multiple dimensions of overall hospital operational performance. Hospital administrative data from 154 public and private hospitals in the state of New York were augmented by data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The data included administrative surgical records across all clinical areas for the year 2009. The study used maximum likelihood estimation path analysis to simultaneously test the relationships among average surgical volume and risk-adjusted length of stay, cost, and mortality, across all surgical procedures and clinical areas. The results showed that higher average volume per surgeon, computed across all surgical procedures in a hospital, was directly related to lower risk-adjusted length of stay, and indirectly related to lower risk-adjusted cost and mortality. A higher average number of procedures per surgeon may provide greater hospital-specific experience, including interactions among surgical teams and with other areas of the hospital, leading to better overall outcomes. This study advances the literature in health care operations management by examining the relationships among surgical volume, across all clinical areas and all types of surgeries, and three different dimensions of hospital performance.

Strategy and organization research in operations management

Journal of Operations Management

In a September 2015 editorial (Guide and Ketokivi, 2015), the co-editors-in-chief of the Journal ... more In a September 2015 editorial (Guide and Ketokivi, 2015), the co-editors-in-chief of the Journal of Operations Management restructured the management of submissions into departments by substantive domain. This essay expands upon their brief description of the Strategy and Organization Department. While chiefly seeking to clarify what we see as the department's content domain, we also offer insights on how to maximize the contribution of operations management research to the strategy and organization literature.

Role of in-hospital care quality in reducing anxiety and readmissions of kidney transplant recipients

The Journal of surgical research, Sep 27, 2016

A total of 17,000 patients receive kidney transplants each year in the United States. The 30-day ... more A total of 17,000 patients receive kidney transplants each year in the United States. The 30-day readmission rate for kidney transplant recipients is over 30%. Our research focuses on the relationship between the quality of care delivered during the patient's hospital stay for a kidney transplant, and the patient health outcomes and readmissions related to the transplant. We interviewed 20 kidney transplant recipients at a major transplant center in the United States. Findings from these interviews were used to inform the data collection using structured surveys, which were administered to an additional 77 kidney transplant recipients. We used ordinary least squares regression to predict the effects of two dimensions of in-hospital care quality-information consistency and empathetic care delivery-on level of patient anxiety 1 week following discharge. Further, we estimated a logistic regression to predict the effect of anxiety, combined with the two dimensions of in-hospital car...

The Influence of Psychological Safety and Confidence in Knowledge on Employee Knowledge Sharing

by Enno Siemsen, Aleda Roth, and Gopesh Anand

This research empirically examines the influence of psychological safety on knowledge sharing amo... more This research empirically examines the influence of psychological safety on knowledge sharing among coworkers in manufacturing and service operations contexts. Reconciling conflicting findings in the literature, we demonstrate that whereas psychological safety is an important antecedent of knowledge sharing, the relationship between psychological safety and knowledge sharing is moderated by the level of confidence that employees have in what they know. The greater this confidence in knowledge, the lesser is the importance of psychological safety in facilitating knowledge sharing. Linking this result to social network theory, we find that psychological safety increases with the frequency of communication among coworkers, and that the confidence of employees in their knowledge is related to the codifiability of the knowledge involved. We further investigate direct and indirect antecedents of psychological safety. This research offers insights into actions that managers can take to enhance psychological safety and, consequently, motivate their employees to share knowledge.

Decay, Shock, and Renewal: Operational Routines and Process Entropy in the Pharmaceutical Industry

by Enno Siemsen and Gopesh Anand

In this study, we examine decay in adherence to operational routines over time. Our empirical set... more In this study, we examine decay in adherence to operational routines over time. Our empirical setting is the worldwide pharmaceutical industry, and we focus on operational routines used to maintain product quality. Based on an analysis of longitudinal data from food and drug administration (FDA) inspections, we find that the tendency of operational routines to decay is widespread. Our results also illustrate that FDA inspections act as external renewals that halt decay in adherence to routines. In addition, manufacturing plants are found to vary significantly in their level of decay. Using data on mergers and acquisitions affecting these plants, we find that mergers appear to cause decay in adherence to routines. However, acquisitions appear to serve as renewals and halt such decay. Based on our overall findings, we present theoretical implications for research in organizational routines and practical insights for companies and regulatory authorities.

The Role of Explicit and Tacit Knowledge in Process Improvement

In this paper we empirically examine the role of knowledge creation mechanisms in process improve... more In this paper we empirically examine the role of knowledge creation mechanisms in process improvement projects. Using scales adapted from the knowledge management literature, we collect data on 98 Six Sigma process improvement projects and analyze these data using regression. Results support our hypotheses linking knowledge creation mechanisms to project performance. Specifically, we find that the inclusion of softer, socially oriented mechanisms for capturing tacit knowledge explains a significant amount of variance in project performance, over and above that explained by the more technically focused mechanisms that capture explicit knowledge.

Beyond efficiency: the role of lean practices and cultures in developing dynamic capabilities microfoundations

International Journal of Operations & Production Management

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to theorize and test the relationships among lean operations ... more PurposeThe purpose of this study is to theorize and test the relationships among lean operations and lean supply chain practices, learning- and innovation-oriented lean cultures and dynamic capabilities (DCs) microfoundations. Further, this study aims to assess the association of DCs microfoundations with process innovation.Design/methodology/approach The researchers combine primary data collected from 153 manufacturing firms located in five continents using a survey designed for the purpose of this study with archival data downloaded from the Bureau Van Dijk Orbis database and test the hypothesized relationships using structural equation modelling.FindingsResults support the contribution of lean operations and lean supply chain practices to the development of DCs microfoundations, which further lead to greater process innovation. Additionally, while a learning-oriented lean culture positively moderates the relationships between both lean operations and lean supply chain practices a...

The Effects of Hospital-Level and Physician-Specific Surgical Volume on Patient Outcomes

Academy of Management Proceedings, 2014

In this paper, we examine how patient outcomes are related to surgical volume, at both the hospit... more

Manufacturing flexibility through outsourcing: effects of contingencies

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organizational context on the r... more Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organizational context on the relationships between outsourcing and manufacturing flexibility. In doing so, the authors study four types of manufacturing flexibility: product, mix, volume, and labor competence flexibility.Design/methodology/approach– Based on transaction cost economics theory and resource-based view of competitive advantage, the authors focus on economies of scale and scope, asset specificity, organizational learning, and dynamic capabilities as contingencies affecting outsourcing-flexibility relationships. Combining theoretically developed propositions with insights from case studies of 11 manufacturing companies that outsourced some portion of their manufacturing, the authors derive grounded hypotheses.Findings– Empirical results show that in some cases the effects of outsourcing on different types of manufacturing flexibility vary based upon some contingency factors.Research limitations/implication...

Introducing Mobile Technology in Graduate Professional Education

E-Learning and Digital Media, 2014

Purpose: The goal of the article is that to demonstrate the results of the research of the level ... more Purpose: The goal of the article is that to demonstrate the results of the research of the level of students, who belong to various higher educational establishments, in preparation for introduction of mobile technology into educational process. Therefore it permits to diagnose the status of the theme. Design/methodology/approaches: The applied methodology consists of the theoretical analysis of scientific literature on problems of mobile learning of students. The concept «mobile learning» was categorically characterized as a component of more general category-«educational technology». The sociological research among students of higher educational institutions was conducted and recommendations were made. Findings: During the theoretical analysis and the practical research it has been revealed that students use the mobile device to educational process insufficiently, considering the high level of its technical facilities. Nevertheless, almost all of the students are ready to introduction of mobile learning as the main form of education. The received results show that mobile learning effectively takes root into educational life of students. Originality / Value: According to the opinion of the authors, the use of smartphones and laptops in the educational process will begin to increase year by year in the nearest future and give to student an opportunity of a choice of technology of education.

The Influence of ISO 9000 Certification on Process Compliance

Production and Operations Management, 2014

Decay, Shock, and Renewal: Operational Routines and Process Entropy in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Organization Science, 2012

In this study, we examine decay in adherence to operational routines over time. Our empirical set... more In this study, we examine decay in adherence to operational routines over time. Our empirical setting is the worldwide pharmaceutical industry, and we focus on operational routines used to maintain product quality. Based on an analysis of longitudinal data from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspections, we find that the tendency of operational routines to decay is widespread. Our results also illustrate that FDA inspections act as external renewals that halt decay in adherence to routines. In addition, manufacturing plants are found to vary significantly in their level of decay. Using data on mergers and acquisitions affecting these plants, we find that mergers appear to cause decay in adherence to routines. However, acquisitions appear to serve as renewals and halt such decay. Based on our overall findings, we present theoretical implications for research in organizational routines and practical insights for companies and regulatory authorities.

Job autonomy, trust in leadership, and continuous improvement: An empirical study in health care

Operations Management Research, 2012

This research examines the influence of autonomy in day-today work on commitment of frontline emp... more This research examines the influence of autonomy in day-today work on commitment of frontline employees to continuous improvement. Our hypothesized model links the job characteristics theory of work design that associates job autonomy with responsibility for outcomes, and the total quality management perspective that advocates empowering employees in order to generate commitment to continuous improvement. Further, as leadership is known to have a role in shaping job behaviors, and is considered important for the success of total quality management, the influence of trust in leadership on the relationship between job autonomy and commitment to continuous improvement is also examined. We test our hypotheses on data collected from individual employees working for an outpatient health care organization that is applying lean principles for managing and improving work processes. Based on our results, we present implications for organizations implementing continuous improvement initiatives such as lean, particularly in service environments such as health care.

Outsourcing and its Impact on Manufacturing Flexibility: Contingencies Matter

Working Papers, 2010

Despite the growing prevalence of outsourcing in manufacturing organizations, research examining ... more

Continuous improvement and operations strategy: focus on six sigma programs

... I owe my gratitude to several friends and colleagues for their personal support and practical... more ... I owe my gratitude to several friends and colleagues for their personal support and practical help throughout the Ph.D. program. My thanks go to Rachna and Jatin Shah, for their motivation through life&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#x27;s ups and downs. Thanks to Kathryn and Gregg Marley for ...

Product Recalls, Past Innovations, & R&D Intensity: An Empirical Examination of Interrelationships

Academy of Management Proceedings

Sustainable process improvements: Evidence from intervention‐based research

Journal of Operations Management

Thomas Kuhn on Paradigms

Production and Operations Management

T his study provides key arguments and contributions of Kuhn (1970) concerning paradigms, paradig... more T his study provides key arguments and contributions of Kuhn (1970) concerning paradigms, paradigm shifts, and scientific revolutions. We provide interpretations of Kuhn's (1970) key ideas and concepts, especially as they relate to business management research. We conclude by considering the practical implications of paradigms and paradigm shifts for contemporary business management researchers and suggest that ethical rules of conversation are at least as critical for the health of a scientific community as methodological rules (e.g., the rules of logical positivism) derived from the philosophy of science.

Resource co-specialization in outsourcing of enterprise systems software

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management

Purpose Enterprise systems are commonly implemented by firms through outsourcing arrangements wit... more Purpose Enterprise systems are commonly implemented by firms through outsourcing arrangements with software vendors. However, deriving benefits from these implementations has proved to be a challenge, and a great deal of variation has been observed in the extent of value generated for client and vendor firms. This research examines the role of co-specialization as a strategy to make the most out of outsourced enterprise systems. The authors develop hypotheses relating resource co-specialization with two indicators of success for implementation of enterprise software: (1) exchange success and (2) firm growth. Design/methodology/approach The hypotheses are tested using a unique panel data set of 175 firms adopting Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) software, a type of enterprise system used for managing manufacturing and logistics. The authors identify organizational factors that support co-specialization and then examine how co-specialization is associated with enterprise softwar...

Do qualifications matter? A qualitative study of how villagers decide their health care providers in a developing economy

PLOS ONE

, giving all details of the publication. Upon verification of genuineness of the inquiry, the dat... more , giving all details of the publication. Upon verification of genuineness of the inquiry, the data will be made available. For reference, please quote ethical permission no. 351, dated December 4, 2013. Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work. Conclusion IPs have captured a niche and are often the first contact point in rural settings even when patients ultimately are diagnosed and treated by trained doctors. Merely tackling the undersupply of qualified doctors is not effective or sufficient to impact on the rural healthcare system: the strong and prevalent influence of IPs needs to be addressed also.

Average surgeon-level volume and hospital performance

International Journal of Production Economics, 2016

This study evaluates the relationships among the average number of procedures per surgeon, calcul... more This study evaluates the relationships among the average number of procedures per surgeon, calculated across the entire hospital, and multiple dimensions of overall hospital operational performance. Hospital administrative data from 154 public and private hospitals in the state of New York were augmented by data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The data included administrative surgical records across all clinical areas for the year 2009. The study used maximum likelihood estimation path analysis to simultaneously test the relationships among average surgical volume and risk-adjusted length of stay, cost, and mortality, across all surgical procedures and clinical areas. The results showed that higher average volume per surgeon, computed across all surgical procedures in a hospital, was directly related to lower risk-adjusted length of stay, and indirectly related to lower risk-adjusted cost and mortality. A higher average number of procedures per surgeon may provide greater hospital-specific experience, including interactions among surgical teams and with other areas of the hospital, leading to better overall outcomes. This study advances the literature in health care operations management by examining the relationships among surgical volume, across all clinical areas and all types of surgeries, and three different dimensions of hospital performance.

Strategy and organization research in operations management

Journal of Operations Management

In a September 2015 editorial (Guide and Ketokivi, 2015), the co-editors-in-chief of the Journal ... more In a September 2015 editorial (Guide and Ketokivi, 2015), the co-editors-in-chief of the Journal of Operations Management restructured the management of submissions into departments by substantive domain. This essay expands upon their brief description of the Strategy and Organization Department. While chiefly seeking to clarify what we see as the department's content domain, we also offer insights on how to maximize the contribution of operations management research to the strategy and organization literature.

Role of in-hospital care quality in reducing anxiety and readmissions of kidney transplant recipients

The Journal of surgical research, Sep 27, 2016

A total of 17,000 patients receive kidney transplants each year in the United States. The 30-day ... more A total of 17,000 patients receive kidney transplants each year in the United States. The 30-day readmission rate for kidney transplant recipients is over 30%. Our research focuses on the relationship between the quality of care delivered during the patient's hospital stay for a kidney transplant, and the patient health outcomes and readmissions related to the transplant. We interviewed 20 kidney transplant recipients at a major transplant center in the United States. Findings from these interviews were used to inform the data collection using structured surveys, which were administered to an additional 77 kidney transplant recipients. We used ordinary least squares regression to predict the effects of two dimensions of in-hospital care quality-information consistency and empathetic care delivery-on level of patient anxiety 1 week following discharge. Further, we estimated a logistic regression to predict the effect of anxiety, combined with the two dimensions of in-hospital car...

The Influence of Psychological Safety and Confidence in Knowledge on Employee Knowledge Sharing

by Enno Siemsen, Aleda Roth, and Gopesh Anand

This research empirically examines the influence of psychological safety on knowledge sharing amo... more This research empirically examines the influence of psychological safety on knowledge sharing among coworkers in manufacturing and service operations contexts. Reconciling conflicting findings in the literature, we demonstrate that whereas psychological safety is an important antecedent of knowledge sharing, the relationship between psychological safety and knowledge sharing is moderated by the level of confidence that employees have in what they know. The greater this confidence in knowledge, the lesser is the importance of psychological safety in facilitating knowledge sharing. Linking this result to social network theory, we find that psychological safety increases with the frequency of communication among coworkers, and that the confidence of employees in their knowledge is related to the codifiability of the knowledge involved. We further investigate direct and indirect antecedents of psychological safety. This research offers insights into actions that managers can take to enhance psychological safety and, consequently, motivate their employees to share knowledge.

Decay, Shock, and Renewal: Operational Routines and Process Entropy in the Pharmaceutical Industry

by Enno Siemsen and Gopesh Anand

In this study, we examine decay in adherence to operational routines over time. Our empirical set... more In this study, we examine decay in adherence to operational routines over time. Our empirical setting is the worldwide pharmaceutical industry, and we focus on operational routines used to maintain product quality. Based on an analysis of longitudinal data from food and drug administration (FDA) inspections, we find that the tendency of operational routines to decay is widespread. Our results also illustrate that FDA inspections act as external renewals that halt decay in adherence to routines. In addition, manufacturing plants are found to vary significantly in their level of decay. Using data on mergers and acquisitions affecting these plants, we find that mergers appear to cause decay in adherence to routines. However, acquisitions appear to serve as renewals and halt such decay. Based on our overall findings, we present theoretical implications for research in organizational routines and practical insights for companies and regulatory authorities.