Oecotrophologie · Facility Management (OEF)
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Family firm performance through transformational CEO leadership and familiness-related team forces
(2024)
Purpose. The purpose of this study is to test the role of familiness-related team forces induced by the CEO of family firms. In particular, we report on the effects of the transformational leadership style of CEOs on their respective top-management team (TMT) and firm performance when viewed through a familiness lens.
Design/methodology/approach. Survey measures were taken from a snowballed
sample of 72 CEOs of German family firms as well as from 245 members of their TMTs. We tested the aggregated firm-level data with objective performance indicators of the firms they led.
Findings. Support was obtained for the three hypothesized team-force mediations and the four-path mediation model. The relationship between CEO’s transformational style and
high family-firm performance is found to be serially mediated by TMT cohesion, behavioral integration and efficacy. Together, these three types of collective forces are assumed to be the
familiness effect of a family-member CEO with a transformational leadership style.
Originality. With our model we quantitatively tested familiness-type forces vis-à-vis firm performance. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Stress-eating (eating more or more unhealthily in order to accommodate to stress), contributes to the development and maintenance of obesity. The effect of comprehensive weight loss interventions on changes in stress-eating as well as the contributing role of stress-eating on weight reduction has not been examined. The impact of the 8-week intensive phase of the Healthy Lifestyle Community Programme (HLCP, cohort 1) on emotional, external and restrained eating, as expressions of stress-eating was evaluated in a non-randomized controlled trial. Intervention: 14 seminars (twice per week, including practical units), complemented by stress-regulation and cooking workshops and coaching sessions empowering participants to change their behaviour towards a healthy plant-based diet (ad libitum), stress regulation, regular exercise and to focus on social support. Participants were recruited from the general population. In the intervention group, 91 participants (IG; age: 56 ± 10, 77% female) and in the control group, 52 (CG; age: 62 ± 14, 57% female) were enrolled. At baseline, participants of the IG reported higher levels of stress (9.7 ± 5.4 points [P] vs. 7.6 ± 6.2; p < 0.011), and of emotional eating (27.9 ± 9.4 vs. 20.0 ± 7.1; p < 0.001) and external eating (29.1 ± 4.9 vs. 25.5 ± 5.6; p < 0.001) than participants of the CG. Within 8 weeks, in the IG, scores of emotional eating (− 3.5 ± 5.4 P) and external eating significantly decreased (= − 2.0 ± 3.8 P), while restrained eating increased (2.7 ± 5.0 P; p for all < 0.001). Weight change was negatively correlated with change of external eating (R2 = 0.045; CC = − 0.285; p = 0.014), indicating that a greater weight change was associated with a smaller change of external eating. This is the first study to prospectively investigate the role of stress-eating on the weight reduction effect of comprehensive lifestyle interventions. Our data confirm that overweight is associated with EE and external eating and suggest that the HLCP is capable to reduce both, weight and stress-eating.
There are numerous food safety aspects that must be taken into consideration by organic food producers and processors to ensure the safety and quality of their products. The application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles, together with the implementation of good hygiene practices (GHP), ensures that food safety and process hygiene criteria are met. This study was based on a survey conducted among 316 producers and processors representing the organic food sector in five European countries (Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Italy and Poland). The knowledge and experience of organic food operators with HACCP systems were evaluated. Moreover, their
needs and expectations towards assistance (training, guidance materials) that could improve the level of knowledge and compliance with respective food safety rules and regulations were assessed.
The need for support on a number of issues related to food safety and guidance documents on the application of HACCP principles were also identified. This study provides highlights of the application of HACCP principles, with particular focus on identifying priorities and needs for two types of food operators (food producers and food processors). Although most of the surveyed food operators were confirmed to have basic knowledge regarding the HACCP system, there was a lack of understanding of the system principles. The needs and expectations varied among the studied countries and types of organic operators. Recognition of the full potential of the HACCP system requires assistance, particularly in the preparation of documents and records. Further research is needed to understand the implications of these findings and to identify effective strategies to improve the HACCP knowledge of food operators.
Background
Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease and mortality. The objective of the study was to test the effect of a healthy lifestyle intervention on biomarkers of inflammation (among other risk markers).
Methods
We conducted a non-randomized controlled trial with mostly middle-aged and elderly participants from the general population in rural northwest Germany (intervention: n = 114; control: n = 87). The intervention consisted of a 1-year lifestyle programme focusing on diet (largely plant-based; strongest emphasis), physical activity, stress management, and social support. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was assessed at baseline, 10 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Homocysteine (Hcy) was assessed at baseline, 10 weeks, and 1 year. Adiponectin (Apn) was assessed at baseline and 10 weeks. An exploratory analysis of these inflammatory markers assessing the between-group differences with ANCOVA was conducted.
Results
The 1-year trajectory of hs-CRP was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to control (between-group difference: -0.8 (95% CI -1.2, -0.3) mg/l; p = 0.001; adjusted for baseline). The 1-year trajectory of Hcy was non-significantly higher in the intervention compared to control (between-group difference: 0.2 (95% CI -0.3, 0.7) µmol/l; p = 0.439; adjusted for baseline). From baseline to 10 weeks, Apn decreased significantly more in the intervention group compared to control (between-group difference: -1.6 (95% CI -2.7, -0.5) µg/ml; p = 0.004; adjusted for baseline).
Conclusions
Our study shows that healthy lifestyle changes can lower hs-CRP and Apn levels and are unlikely to significantly affect Hcy levels within 1 year.
Trial registration
German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS; reference: DRKS00018775, registered 12 Sept 2019; retrospectively registered; www.drks.de).
A sustainability transition (ST) of the agri-food system (AFS) is necessary due to manifold environmental and social exigencies. Scholars widely refer to the multi-level perspective (MLP) in the analysis of those transitions. The fast pace of articles covering AFS transitions, the evolving research on spaces between the three levels, and the consisting unclear conceptualization of MLP levels call for a systematic update on literature utilizing MLP in AFS articles covering ST. As a basis for reporting, this systematic literature review uses the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search was conducted on the database Scopus encompassing the period from 2018 to 2022. After the selection procedure, 58 articles were included in the review. We extracted data based on a combination of a concept-driven and data-driven coding scheme. Qualitative research approaches outweigh and interrelated activities within the AFS are being analyzed, predominantly in the agricultural sectors. The focus lays on ongoing transitions. The concept of sustainability and its direction is considered as given (e.g., through the case lens), without further elaborations. The niche constitutes the most prominent object of study and scholars refer to rather socially innovative activities than technological innovations, providing distinct views on radicality and strategies to breakthrough. A space between niche and regime is being presented, with slightly distinct conceptualisations. Actors from both levels collaborate and exert transformative power. The regime is presented as static but also more vividly evolving views on the regime are demonstrated. The landscape receives the least attention and the focus lays on immaterial characteristics. Combinations of MLP with other frameworks have proven useful, for instance, regarding elaborations on the agency on the landscape level. Generally, an unclear conceptualization of regime and landscape persists, lacking a theoretical elaboration. Further research applying MLP should aim for a deeper examination of its theoretical construct, especially in terms of regime and landscape. More quantitative or mixed-methods research could supplement the current dominating qualitative approaches by testing and validating qualitatively constructed theories and phenomena.
Background The potential of adopting a healthy lifestyle to fight non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is not fully used. We hypothesised that the Healthy Lifestyle Community Programme (HLCP, cohort 1) reduces weight and other risk markers compared with baseline and control.
Methods 24-month, non-randomised, controlled intervention trial. Intervention: intensive 8-week phase with seminars, workshops and coaching focusing on a healthy lifestyle (eg, plant-based diet, physical activity, stress management) and group support followed by a 22-month alumni phase. Weight reduction as the primary outcome and other NCD risk parameters were assessed at six time points. Participants were recruited from the general population. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted.
Results 143 participants (58±12 years, 71% female) were enrolled (91 in the intervention (IG) and 52 in the control group (CG)). Groups’ baseline characteristics were comparable, except participants of IG were younger, more often females, overweight and reported lower energy intake (kcal/day). Weight significantly decreased in IG at all follow-ups by −1.5 ± 1.9 kg after 8 weeks to −1.9 ± 4.0 kg after 24 months and more than in CG (except after 24 months). Being male, in the IG or overweight at baseline and having a university degree predicted more weight loss. After the intervention, there were more participants in the IG with a ‘high’ adherence (+12%) to plant-based food patterns. The change of other risk parameters was most distinct after 8 weeks and in people at elevated risk. Diabetes-related risk parameters did not improve.
Conclusion The HLCP was able to reduce weight and to improve aspects of the NCD risk profile. Weight loss in the IG was moderate but maintained for 24 months. Participants of lower educational status might benefit from even more practical units. Future interventions should aim to include more participants at higher risk.
Trial registration number DRKS00018821.
Common carotid intima-media thickness (ccIMT) progression is a risk marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD), whereas healthy lifestyle habits are associated with lower ccIMT. The objective of the present study was to test whether a healthy lifestyle intervention can beneficially affect ccIMT progression. A community-based non-randomised, controlled lifestyle intervention was conducted, focusing on a predominantly plant-based diet (strongest emphasis), physical activity, stress management and social health. Assessments of ccIMT were made at baseline, 6 months and 1 year. Participants had an average age of 57 years and were recruited from the general population in rural northwest Germany (intervention: n 114; control: n 87). From baseline to 1 year, mean ccIMT significantly increased in both the intervention (0⋅026 [95 % CI 0⋅012, 0⋅039] mm) and control group (0⋅045 [95 % CI 0⋅033, 0⋅056] mm). The 1-year trajectory of mean ccIMT was lower in the intervention group (P = 0⋅022; adjusted for baseline). In a subgroup analysis with participants with high baseline mean ccIMT (≥0⋅800 mm), mean ccIMT non-significantly decreased in the intervention group (−0⋅016 [95 % CI −0⋅050, 0⋅017] mm; n 18) and significantly increased in the control group (0⋅065 [95 % CI 0⋅033, 0⋅096] mm; n 12). In the subgroup, the 1-year trajectory of mean ccIMT was significantly lower in the intervention group (between-group difference: −0⋅051 [95 % CI −0⋅075, −0⋅027] mm; P < 0⋅001; adjusted for baseline). The results indicate that healthy lifestyle changes may beneficially affect ccIMT within 1 year, particularly if baseline ccIMT is high.
Background: Stress and cortisol dysregulation are linked to NCDs. Moreover, stress favours unhealthy lifestyle patterns, which increase the risk for NCDs. The role of the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) and the effect of lifestyle interventions on the same remain unclear. Methods: The impact of the intensive 8-week phase of the Healthy Lifestyle Community Programme (HLCP, cohort 1) on parameters of the CAR, ie cortisol values 0 (sample [S]1), 30), 45 and 60 minutes post-awakening, average peak, S1-peak delta and area under the increase curve (AUCI), and perceived stress levels (PSL) was evaluated in a non-randomized, controlled trial. Covariates of the CAR (eg sleep measures) and irregularities in sampling were assessed. The intervention focussed on stress management, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and social support. Participants were recruited from the general population. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Results: 97 participants (age: 56 ± 10 years; 71% female), with 68 in the intervention group (IG; age: 55 ± 8, 77% female) and 29 participants in the control group (CG; age: 59 ± 12, 59% female), were included in the analysis. The baseline characteristics of both groups were comparable, except participants of IG were younger. On average, the PSL at baseline was low in both groups (IG: 9.7 ± 5.4 points; CG: 8.5 ± 6.9 points; p = .165), but 22% (n = 15) in the IG and 20% (n = 6) in the CG reported a high PSL. Most participants reported irregularities in CAR sampling, eg interruption of sleep (IG: 80% CG: 81%). After 8 weeks, most CAR parameters and the PSL decreased in the IG and CG, resulting in no differences of change between the groups. In the IG only, a decrease of PSL was linked to an increase of CAR parameters, eg AUCI (correlation coefficient = −0.307; p = .017). Conclusion: The HLCP may potentially reduce PSL and change the CAR, but results cannot be clearly attributed to the programme. Methodological challenges and multiple confounders, limit suitability of the CAR in the context of lifestyle interventions. Other measures (eg hair-cortisol) may give further insights. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS); DRKS00018821; www.drks.de
Emotionally intelligent top management and high family firm performance: Evidence from Germany
(2022)
Executives in family firms are often confronted with emotionally loaded issues, in part due to the need to include the interests of the owning family. Given this context, we hypothesize how high family-firm performance is affected by the emotional intelligence (EI) of a family-based CEO and top-management team (TMT), in addition to the CEO's transformational leadership (TFL) and TMT's behavioral integration. Survey measures were taken from a random sample of 72 CEOs of German family firms and 245 members of their TMTs. We found that TMT behavioral integration mediates between CEO TFL and objective firm performance while CEO EI is significantly related to both CEO TFL and TMT EI. Implications are discussed for future research thereby suggesting an extension to upper-echelon theory.
Purpose.
Mergers & acquisitions (M&As) can be an effective way to expand into new markets or business opportunities. Yet, a considerable number of failed M&As can be attributed to disregarded human resource (HR) concerns. In particular, an organization’s leadership tends to hail the advantages of a merger or acquisition during the early stages, raising employees’ expectations (honeymoon effect). Many documented failures in such corporate transactions indicate organizational members’ declining satisfaction following a deal (hangover effect).
Design/methodology/approach. Drawing on in-depth interviews with senior M&A experts at a global big-four accountancy firm and focus group sessions with their respective clients, this study investigates in two cases the interplay between HR issues and M&A transactions and infers effective risk management actions.
Findings. A honeymoon hangover after a transaction may appear in organizations if HR issues are neglected. Study results provide notable implications for HR departments and HR professionals facing a merger or acquisition. These implications include (1) focusing on HR risks, (2) involving HR executives to manage the HR due diligence efforts, (3) setting up transition teams that communicate well, (4) creating policies for learning and knowledge sharing, (5) developing new competencies for the NewCo, (6) being sensitive to cultural differences and (7) considering legal aspects.
Originality/value. Although M&As have been much researched, relatively little has been written on practical managerial adaptation from a human resource perspective and its implications for organizational learning. This article helps address this imbalance by providing a people-oriented approach for effectively managing M&As from beginning to integration.
Research limitations/ implications. The two transactions studied revealed patterns that are important for successful change. However, we should not underestimate the individual perspective in M&As. Further studies with interview data directly from stakeholders are important to analyze further the relationships between HR due diligence, organizational learning, effective knowledge transfer, and culture. Due to our research approach, we cannot claim that the results can be generalizable to all major M&As. Further research is needed to measure the impact of the HR Due Diligence aspects outlined on M&A success.
Purpose. Experience suggests that a loss of trust may occur on both sides of the merger and acquisition (M&A) equation – acquirer and acquiree – though the latter is more generally considered the most affected. The purpose of this paper is to explore how a loss of trust during the M&A process in family firms can be avoided. An acquisition potentially triggers a loss of trust in the workplace and, as a result, a loss of productivity thereby causing the merged business to totter. Moreover, trust in a firm’s owner tends to be a key driver in merging family firms.
Design/methodology/approach. The authors investigated an expanding German family firm that recently acquired other family firms. They conducted in-depth interviews on all hierarchical levels in both the acquiring and the acquired firm. These cases are taken from a wider study of acquiring family firms completed in 2019.
Findings. Value congruence, integrity and openness are found to enhance trust during M&As, in particular, if the new owner of a merged enterprise is also a family entrepreneur. Under certain circumstances, the trust of employees in the acquired firm’s previous owner can be transferred to the new owner.
Originality/value. This study explores how specific circumstances of family firms impacts organizational trust in M&A processes. The developed framework helps family firms to use characteristics of their specific nature as an asset to maintain their employees’ organizational trust before, during and even after M&As.
Effect of a 6-Month Controlled Lifestyle Intervention on Common Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
(2021)
Effect of a community-based lifestyle intervention programme on quality of life among German women
(2021)
Background
Quality of life is an important concept in the field of health, which can be influenced by various lifestyle factors. The objective was to test if a community-based lifestyle programme would beneficially affect the health-related quality of life of German women.
Methods
The controlled intervention study had a total duration of 24 months. Quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), anthropometrics, vital and blood parameters as well as diagnosed diseases and health economic parameters were collected at baseline (t0), after 10 weeks (t1) and after 6 months (t2). For the intervention group (n = 65) a 10-week intensive lifestyle programme followed by monthly alumni meetings were conducted. The intensive phase consisted of 14 consecutive seminars about a healthy lifestyle, which focused on a plant-based diet, physical activity, stress management and community support. The control group (n = 35) received no intervention.
Results
The first descriptive health profile results of the subgroup analysis showed that 59% women of the intervention group at t0 (t1: 37%; t2: 48%) and 60% of the control group at t0 (t1: 54%; t2: 49%) reported problems in at least one of the EQ-5D dimensions (mobility, selfcare, activities, pain, and anxiety). A significant difference in EQ VAS change between women in intervention (7,15 [95% CI 4,32; 9,98]; EQ VAS t0: 75,35 [SD 13,71]) and control group (-2,63 [95% CI -5,40; 0,15]; EQ VAS t0: 78,80 [SD 18,51]) from t0 to t1 was observed (p < 001; adjusted for baseline). No significant differences in mean EQ VAS change from t0 to t2 and in mean EQ-5D index change from t0 to t1 and t0 to t2 between the groups were observed (p > 0,05; adjusted for baseline).
Conclusions
The preliminary results suggest that the lifestyle intervention programme can have a positive short-time effect on some aspects of quality of life, such as the health profile and EQ VAS. However, the long-term results will be shown in the future.
Key messages
- A healthy lifestyle can affect the quality of life in a positive way.
- The community-based lifestyle programme had a short-time influence on the descriptive health profile and EQ VAS of German women, whereby the EQ index didńt change significantly between the groups.
Background
Common carotid intima-media thickness (ccIMT) is an established risk marker for cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which are of high public health relevance. While a higher fruit intake is generally considered beneficial for cardiovascular health, recent studies have shown that a fruit intake of > 2 portions per day may be harmful. Therefore, we tested if there is an association between categories of fruit intake and mean ccIMT.
Methods
We conducted an exploratory, non-prespecified, cross-sectional analysis of baseline values of 167 mostly middle-aged participants of a controlled lifestyle intervention, recruited from the general population in rural northwest Germany (male: n = 58; female: n = 109). Fruit intake was classified into low (<1 portion of fruit/day), intermediate (1-2 portions of fruit/day), and high (>2 portions of fruit/day). Mean ccIMT was measured in accordance with the Mannheim consensus. Between-group differences in mean ccIMT were assessed with analysis of covariance.
Results
Mean age was 57.3 ± 0.7 years (mean ± SEM). Mean fruit intake was 1.6 ± 0.1 portions/day. Average mean ccIMT was 0.679 ± 0.010 mm. There was a significant difference in mean ccIMT between subjects with low (0.676 ± 0.020 mm; n = 50), intermediate (0.653 ± 0.014 mm; n = 72), and high fruit intake (0.724 ± 0.019 mm; n = 45; p = 0.016). But this difference was attenuated when adjusting for age, sex, and homocysteine (p = 0.418).
Conclusions
We found only a non-significant association between consuming >2 portions of fruit per day and ccIMT. Thus, our study could not confirm a negative effect of fruit intake on ccIMT. Age, sex, and homocysteine may confound this association.
Key messages
Current recommendations of 2 portions of fruit per day seem adequate and do not negatively influence carotid intima-media thickness.
Future studies should address confounding of the association between fruit intake and cardiovascular risk markers.
Despite widespread recognition of the need to transition toward more sustainable production and consumption and numerous initiatives to that end, global resource extraction and corresponding socio-ecological degradation continue to grow. Understanding the causes of this persistent failure is a necessary step towards more effective action. This article contributes to that understanding by synthesizing theory and evidence that links unsustainable production-consumption systems to power and inequality. While sustainable consumption and production research and action mostly focuses on technological or behavioral change, the socio-ecological inequalities driving production-consumption systems built into the organization of our global political economy, remain largely overlooked. In response, we propose a structural political economy orientation that seeks explicitly to reduce these inequalities and advance environmental justice and, thus, create the conditions for sustainable production-consumption systems. We then propose three important arenas of research and action towards sustainable production-consumption systems: justice, governance, and co-production of knowledge and action. These arenas, collectively and individually, can serve as entry points to study and act on the dynamics of (un)sustainable production-consumption systems. This can be done at the micro level, with respect to specific commodity chains or systems of provisioning, or at meso and macro levels with respect to national and global production networks. Our proposed orientation helps distinguish research and practice proposals into those emphasizing management and compensation resulting often in persistence of unsustainability, from those proffering structural changes in unsustainable production-consumption systems. We invite critique and collaboration to develop this research and action agenda further.
Purpose. Several studies of family firm failures have pointed to non-family members in leading positions as a reason. However, non-family members have often played a key role in family-firm longevity, while non-family executives’ involvement in family firms is increasing. These non-family executives who (co-)run family firms are thought to require an almost impossible set of behavioural qualities. The aim of this exploratory study is to find out how specific leader behaviours of effective family executives and non-family executives may differ.
Design/methodology/approach.
Based on Dulewicz and Higgs’ (2005) broad leadership frame, the authors draw attention to a large range of behaviours of family-firm executives. In-depth interviews were conducted with successful German executives, both family and non-family ones. Their answers had to contain specific behavioural examples.
Findings. More behavioural similarities than differences are shown between family- and non-family-based executives. Yet, the self-reflective communicative behavioural qualities of the non-family executives could balance a lack of such qualities among the family-based executives. Based on the three major differences – decision-making style, communication versatility and self-awareness – specific new research propositions are distilled about effective family firm leadership.
Originality/value. Practical suggestions for recruiting non-family executives are offered. Future quantitative longitudinal research on how to pair specific behavioural qualities of family and non-family based executives that optimise family-firm longevity is urgently needed.
Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to examine the successful implementation of a digital work method named Building Information Modelling (BIM) and make recommendations to help organizations better test and implement innovative work approaches. Learning experiences not only provide insights into the building sector, but also into any organization interested in culture and effective response mechanisms during technological change.
Design/methodology/approach.
By applying a critical incident technique, BIM experts at one mid-sized case organization were interviewed to examine the learning experiences from converting implementation intentions into actions. The information from these interviews was used to formulate a number of practical recommendations.
Findings. The interviews outlined the various development opportunities that implementing new digital methods may offer for senior management and staff. Investing in small projects that work and the corresponding behavioral change required, together with regular project reviews, all help to build unique capabilities and to frame a culture that supports organizational development.
Originality/value. The discussion of the various benefits and conditions under which new technology implementation can improve organizational learning provides practitioners with insights into how effectively to convert change intentions into action.
Familiness is considered one of the most valuable assets of family firms. But how familiness-related forces at the top management level of family firms may work their way into positive firm performance has not been addressed empirically before. The present field study couples upper-echelon theory with team-leadership theory and examines the effects of the transformational leadership style (TFL) of family- based CEOs in top management team (TMT) processes and on firm performance. Survey measures were gathered from 72 CEOs of German family firms as well as from 245 members of their TMTs. We tested the aggregated firm-level data, including objective firm-performance indicators of the 72 German family firms they led. Support was obtained for a four-path mediation model, in which three distinct familiness-related team forces (TMT cohesion, behavioral integration, and efficacy) serve as mediators between CEO TFL and family-firm performance in a series. With our model we focus on the under- researched area of familiness vis-à-vis family-firm performance. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed, and suggestions are offered for new avenues of family-firm familiness inquiry.
In the last decade, in many European Countries more and more measures have been initiated aiming at the prevention of food losses and wastes along the entire value chain. In order to evaluate or monitor such important measures it is crucial to obtain quantitative information on generated food waste amounts, subsequently enabling the quantitative evaluation of the measure’s outcomes and efficiency. Currently there is a paucity of quantitative information, particularly on food losses that are directly generated during harvesting processes. Up to date, no method is available or standardised aiming at the in-situ or on-site quantification of food losses during harvest. Using the example of the potato harvest, this study presents a practical approach for determining potato losses. To test the applicability of the developed method, on-site measurements were conducted directly on the field at five different locations in Austria and Germany. Our method enables the quantification of food losses based on defined areas along the harvested potato rows, where the analyser manually collects potatoes during their harvest. Hereby, two types of potato losses needs to be considered: non-harvested, under-sized potatoes that remain under the earth and the harvested ones, which are rejected on-site because of quality requirements regarding their size, shape, and state of health. Our study shows that between 1 and 9% of field losses (based on yield potential) can be generated during the potato harvest. In future, this method may be the basis for standardised protocols in order to be able to derive cultivar-specific benchmarks and, consequently, to develop measures for preventing food losses. In general, more case studies and evidence-based ground-up measurements on other cultivars and for other regions are needed focusing on the on-site quantification of post-harvest losses.
Family-Firm Transformational Leadership, Familiness and Performance: A Four-Path Mediation Model
(2019)
An important strength of family firms is the familiness of these firms. We examined how the transformational leadership style could strengthen firms’ performance levels through familiness. In this cross-sectional field study, survey measures were obtained from family CEOs of 72 German family firms, and the members of their non-family-based TMTs (245 TMT members). Support was obtained for a four-path mediation model, in which three distinct familiness-related team forces (TMT cohesion, behavioral integration, and efficacy) serve as mediators between CEO TFL and family-firm performance in a series. It is argued here that positive familiness results from a specific leadership style.
Is German family firm performance affected by CEO and TMT behavior and emotional intelligence?
(2019)
Purpose. Organization renewal through innovation represents a difficult managerial challenge in family firms. Our research reveals a framework for sustaining innovation capabilities through a perspective of value and process principles.
Design/methodology/approach. We examined findings from consulting projects in high performing family firms and literature from the areas of family firm strategy and leadership.
Findings. We describe how combining patterns of innovative organizations with patterns of high-performing family firms can help leaders to sustain innovation. This study indicates that a value- and process-driven perspective is important for effective innovation. In particular, the four value principles are continuity-, community-, connection- and command-related factors (4C’s). The four process principles, in turn, are profession-, project-, product- and purchaser-related factors (4P’s).
Originality/value. This paper is part of a wider study of innovative German family firms initiated in 2012. Our 4C’s and 4P’s framework suggests a practical means to better implement innovation by reconciling the firm’s innovation strategy, leadership behavior
and organizational learning.
Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in industrialized countries and worldwide. The concentrations of serum total and LDL cholesterol as well as a higher intima media thickness of the common carotid artery (ccIMT) are associated with higher CVD risk. Measuring ccIMT makes it possible to already assess the atherosclerotic process at the subclinical stage. Methods: A two-year nonrandomized, controlled intervention study with 6 times of measurement (baseline; at 10 weeks; at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months). Participants of the intervention group (n = 112) took part in a ten-week intensive lifestyle program (including bi-weekly group sessions, workshops, and personal health coaching at baseline and at 10 weeks), followed by a less intensive phase (monthly lifestyle education group sessions). The control group (n = 87) did not take part in any program. In both groups, CVD-related parameters were assessed, including cholesterol (total, LDL, HDL), ccIMT (not assessed at 10 weeks), as well as health behavior (questionnaires). In between group means were compared with ANOVA using IBM SPSS 24. Results: After 10 weeks, the intervention group showed a reduction in total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol values compared to baseline (p < 0.01). In the control group, these parameters did not change. After 6 months, there was no statistically significant difference in ccIMT change between intervention and control. The 6-month blood results are not available
yet. Conclusion: Our lifestyle program led to clinically relevant reductions in total and LDL cholesterol. Continued follow-up will show whether the improvement of cholesterol levels will be maintained in the intervention group and whether ccIMT will differ between intervention and control.
Lifestyle diseases are linked with hyper-reactivity of inflammatory and immune cells. These cells generate free radicals in the patients, which results in oxidative stress. Recent studies have brought attention to the role of oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. Our research was focused on studying the effects of a community-based lifestyle intervention program on oxidative stress paraments in the plasma of a rural German community. In our study, we examined 105 participants in the intervention group and 70 participants in the control group. The intervention group received 10 weeks of intensive intervention in the form of seminars and workshops. The plasma levels were analyzed at baseline and after 10 weeks of intervention. This is a first-of-itskind study which elucidates the impact of an intensive lifestyle intervention program on the oxidative stress markers in German rural participants. The primary focus of our study was to motivate and encourage participants to switch over toward a healthier lifestyle by improving their knowledge and making them more aware of the principles of healthy living. This may be a useful community program approach, modifiable for different communities by health-services planners in the coming future.
Selenium and Immunity
(2019)
Social Sustainability through Social Interaction—A National Survey on Community Gardens in Germany
(2018)
Towards an Omni-Channel Framework for SME Sales and Service in the B2B Telecommunications Industry
(2018)
The objective of this paper is to compare food consumption by Cambodian garment workers with and without access to a free model lunch provision through a factory-based canteen. Data from an exploratory randomised controlled trial were analysed. In total, 223 female Cambodian garment workers were allocated to an intervention arm (six-month lunch provision) or a control arm. Dietary intake on workdays was assessed by qualitative 24-h recalls at baseline and twice at follow-ups during the period of lunch provision using the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) guideline on assessing women's dietary diversity. In total, 158 participants provided complete data on the dietary intake over workdays at all interviews. Lunch provision resulted in a more frequent consumption of dark green leafy vegetables (DGLV), vitamin A-rich fruits, other fruits, and oils and fats during lunch breaks. In contrast, flesh meats, legumes, nuts and seeds, as well as sweets, were eaten at a lower frequency. Except for a higher consumption rate of vitamin A-rich fruits and a lower intake frequency of sweets, lunch provision had a less clear impact on total 24-h intake from different food groups and was not associated with a higher women's dietary diversity score (WDDS). A more gap-oriented design of the lunch sets taking into account underutilised foods and the nutritional status of the workers is recommended.
The organic food system as a model links agriculture, diet and lifestyle – Presenting the case
(2017)