Wooten, L. P. & James, E. H. (2008) Linking Crisis Management and Leadership Competencies: The Role of Human Resource Development. Advances in Developing Human Resources. Sage Publications.
This study identified a sample of studies from the Institute for Crisis Management data database and studied it qualitatively. The study obtained data 7-years data (2000-2006) on crisis in businesses. The study concentrated on 20 crises for in in-depth qualitative study on issues such as accidents, scandals, product safety or health incidents or employee-related crisis for the seven years.
The data was presented in tables representing varying issues. For instance, table 1 showed each company by name, the year a crisis started and descriptions of the crisis. The researchers then examined the management of each crisis from the press and archival data using more than 550 pages of data. They used at least ten documents for each crisis. The article shows table 2 that has data analyzed using ethnographic content analysis. This method analyses secondary data by trying to understand behavior and meaning of communication in addition to verifying theoretical relationships. Presentation of table 2 data titled “cross-case display matrices: crisis leadership competencies” showed data being interpreted along five possible ways of crisis management. These are signal detection, preparation and prevention, damage control and containment, business recovery, reflection and learning. The crisis management plans used in each of the companies was placed in one or more of these five categories. The use of tables helps readers in the interpretation of the data. There are no other ways the data could have been presented, and the tabular presentation was very adequate and efficient.
There are no variables that appear to have been excluded from the study since the five criteria for categorizing crisis management are all inclusive of any possible variations of the study. The argument is sound and convincing since it offered effective and desirable examples of crisis leadership competencies. It also showed that although companies may handle some crisis poorly, they could be very effective in handling others that show the realism of the study. The article does not include limitations or assumptions but puts the findings into a larger context in term of the current and future research. The implications of this study are in terms of practice since the study examines real life companies such as Alaska Airlines, Abercrombie & Fitch, Coca Cola, Walmart. Other companies can learn from the crisis management issues of the selected companies.
Campello et al (2010) Liquidity Management and Corporate Investment
During the Financial Crisis. JEL classification: G31, G32.
This paper examines datasets to study how firms managed the liquidity crisis during the 2008-2009 financial crises. The study provides insights to internal liquidity, external funds, and corporate decisions such as investment and employment. The study surveyed 31Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) from different countries in North America, Europe, and Asia during the 2008-09 crises. The data has been presented in a tabular format with table 1 showing the use of credit lines in the management of liquidity. Table 2 shows comparison tests of credit lines and the cash holdings over the crisis. Table 3 shows the external funding as a way of managing liquidity. The article presents the tables as appendices. It also includes figures of graphs such as that of cash holding/total assets against credit lines. Although complex, the presentation of the data as tables and graphs aids in the interpretation of the same and in responding the research topic. The article does not provide assumptions and offers a model that would be suitable for both research and practice. Since it studies a real life issue, (the financial crisis of 2008-2009) the article has some practical lessons it can offer to companies in the face of volatile financial situations. It can also offer ground for research into the way and means of preventing adverse effects of financial crises.
1. What are the ways in which qualitative research an offer practical and credible solutions for the business world?
2. How do researchers interpret real life statistics and information to put in place deterrence measures against adverse issues such as financial crises?
