This paper presents a new theory of institutions. It develops a novel answer to the theoretical question of why social institutions emerge. The theory is general and applies to all forms of incorporation, including religious organizations, business corporations, partnerships, professional...

In the field of finance and accounting, ratio analyses have become the preliminary concentration prior to progressing to any advanced discussion. The same is true for numerous studies on quality of employees. It may be relatively safe to say that the true connections between the two, if any, may...

We examine the influence of common ownership on commonalities in the information environment. Specifically, we study commonalities in financial statements and in the actions of key agents such as financial analysts and firm managers who contribute and respond to the information environment....

In this paper we introduce a Cash Flow Model with Float so as to overcome apparent shortcomings that pervade the Standard Cash Flow Model. We deploy the complex structure the float exhibits and this allows not only for strategic financial decision making but a much more sensible use of sources...

The term ‘incentive' (from Latin incentivum ‘something that sets the tune') is a tangible and/or intangible reward that motivates people and creates favorable environmental conditions to maximize performance to achieve specific goals in organization or competition and/or society

Job rotation denotes employees' lateral transfers between jobs within the same firm (Campion et al., 1994). This study is the first that tests empirically Ortega's (2001) employer learning argument, i.e., the employer learns about the employee if the latter rotates jobs. Consistent with his...

The escalation of commitment process involves a decision-maker continuing commitment to an investment after receiving negative information. This study develops a principal-agent model to explore how escalation decisions are linked with departures of CEOs from the position. With asymmetric...

We hear much about the “democratic ideal” as if it were unreachable within the walls of the organization. Of late, apologists have begun suggesting that there is no need to worry; democracy exists; it’s just that it is often hidden from view right within the requisite hierarchical...

This paper proposes an integrated germ cell model of development based firmly on a cognitive, as distinct from behaviourist, view of learning and on the psychological theory of activity. Uses this to explore how an umbrella concept of skill allied to a learning process suited to modern, flexible...

The title of this essay may alienate some readers, including the very people who may benefit from it most—corporate directors and officers. Specifically, the title directs the reader to a potentially uncomfortable normative conclusion, using what may be an off-putting “f” word. However,...