Cultural proximity consists in shared language, codes ,and norms of communication and exchange between actors. It is generally considered important for organizations, enhancing communication and facilitation interaction between actors. In such situation, diversity is often seen as a source of richness and originality. However, high levels of proximity might create some risk, leading to lock-in and inertia, with a negative impact on the innovativeness of the organization. While the role of cultural proximity is subject to much debate within organizations studies, a comprehensive understanding of cultural proximity remains elusive. This book explores the organizational implications of the concept of cultural proximity, delving into the managerial challenges posed by diversities and similarities in culture within a business environment using different levels of analysis. The key messages of the present book, grounded on original empirical evidence, can be summarized as follows: cultural proximity is a key factor for managing innovation in present times; innovation requires a deliberate orchestration of the dichotomy between cultural proximity/cultural diversity; there are specific circumstances where proximity can be beneficial for managers and entrepreneurs. The book will be of value to researchers, academics, managers, and students in the fields of management science, human resource management, innovation studies, and organizational studies.

Cultural proximity consists in shared language, codes ,and norms of communication and exchange between actors. It is generally considered important for organizations, enhancing communication and facilitation interaction between actors. In such situation, diversity is often seen as a source of richness and originality. However, high levels of proximity might create some risk, leading to lock-in and inertia, with a negative impact on the innovativeness of the organization. While the role of cultural proximity is subject to much debate within organizations studies, a comprehensive understanding of cultural proximity remains elusive. This book explores the organizational implications of the concept of cultural proximity, delving into the managerial challenges posed by diversities and similarities in culture within a business environment using different levels of analysis. The key messages of the present book, grounded on original empirical evidence, can be summarized as follows: cultural proximity is a key factor for managing innovation in present times; innovation requires a deliberate orchestration of the dichotomy between cultural proximity/cultural diversity; there are specific circumstances where proximity can be beneficial for managers and entrepreneurs. The book will be of value to researchers, academics, managers, and students in the fields of management science, human resource management, innovation studies, and organizational studies.

This book is the first to systematically explore the integrated solutions business model. The path towards the provision of solutions poses a number of challenges for manufacturers in terms of capabilities development and configuration: firms that offer solutions must shift from manufacturing to service capabilities, as they are required to provide services previously carried out by business users. Federica Ceci delves deeply into the nature, dimensions, and dynamics of this new business model, deploying research and analytical techniques from a variety of disciplines including the theory of the firm, operations management, strategic management, and innovation studies. This enlightening book will be warmly welcomed by graduate students, scholars, consultants and practitioners in the fields of business strategy, technology strategy, operations management, management of information systems and technological change.

Innovation is occurring at a rapid pace in digital work and demands increasing attention from academic scholars. In line with this demand, this book aims to provide an overview of recent advances in studies of innovation and technology in the digital space. The book addresses the cultural elements influencing the diffusion and adoption of digital technologies, the pervasive role of social media, the organizational challenges of digital transformations, and finally specific emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and distributed ledger technology. The plurality of views offered makes this book particularly relevant to practitioners, academics, and policymakers, and provides an up-to-date view of the latest developments in Information Systems. It gathers a selection of the best papers (double-blind peer-reviewed) presented at the annual conference of the Italian AIS Chapter in October 2020 in Pescara, Italy.