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Human capital and strategic persistence: An examination of underperforming workers in two emerging economies

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  • Amankwah-Amoah, Joseph
  • Ifere, Simeon Emezana
  • Nyuur, Richard B.

Abstract

Despite the considerable research on strategic persistence, there remains a lack of understanding as to why companies persist with underperforming workers. Our study seeks to fill this gap in the literature by integrating the concepts of the paradox of success, external legitimacy, nepotism and the escalation of commitment perspectives to develop an integrated explanation for persistence with underperforming workers. Drawing on insights from two emerging economies in Africa: Ghana and Nigeria, we uncovered that persistence with underperforming workers stems from information hoarding, favouritism through tribalism and externally imposed constraints. Our study also articulates the underlying processes inherent in such persistence. The wider implications for theory and public policy are examined.

Suggested Citation

  • Amankwah-Amoah, Joseph & Ifere, Simeon Emezana & Nyuur, Richard B., 2016. "Human capital and strategic persistence: An examination of underperforming workers in two emerging economies," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(10), pages 4348-4357.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:69:y:2016:i:10:p:4348-4357
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2016.04.063
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    Cited by:

    1. Sarah Hudson & Helena V González-Gómez & Cyrlene Claasen, 2019. "Legitimacy, Particularism and Employee Commitment and Justice," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 157(3), pages 589-603, July.
    2. Amankwah-Amoah, Joseph, 2017. "Integrated vs. add-on: A multidimensional conceptualisation of technology obsolescence," MPRA Paper 86353, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Amankwah-Amoah, Joseph & Debrah, Yaw A. & Honyenuga, Ben Q. & Adzoyi, Paulina N., 2017. "Business and government interdependence in emerging economies: Insights from hotels in Ghana," MPRA Paper 81320, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    4. Amankwah-Amoah, Joseph, 2019. "Big data analytics and business failures in data-Rich environments: An organizing framework," MPRA Paper 91264, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Amankwah-Amoah, Joseph, 2017. "Cultivating greater self-confidence in African management research," MPRA Paper 79751, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 2017.
    6. Amankwah-Amoah, Joseph, 2020. "Talent Management and Global Competition for Top Talent: A Co-Opetition-Based Perspective," MPRA Paper 101113, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    7. Adomako, Samuel & Amankwah-Amoah, Joseph & Danso, Albert & Danquah, Joseph Kwadwo & Hussain, Zahid & Khan, Zaheer, 2021. "R&D intensity, knowledge creation process and new product performance: The mediating role of international R&D teams," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 719-727.

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