When Logics Collide: How Private Firms In Ghana Can Manage The Relationship Between Commercial And Employee Logics To Help Drive Organizational Excellence

This study investigates the dynamic relationship between commercial and employee logics in the context of Ghanaian private sector organizations striving for excellence. The research acknowledges the unique geographical context’s influence on institutional logics and aims to contribute an additional dimension to the institutional logics perspective. Ghanaian organizations, like many across Africa, struggle to effectively manage the divergent and potentially conflicting demands between the firm’s commercial goals (commercial logic) and employee interests (employee logic) in pursuit of organizational excellence. However, when they are addressed together (as complementary logics), these logics serve as key drivers of organizational excellence. This study employs a qualitative multi-case study methodology involving executive and non-executive staff from Ghanaian private sector organizations. The findings detail what constitutes organizational excellence, commercial logic, and employee logic in a Ghanaian context. The findings further propose a dual approach, consisting of engaged and situational approaches, to effectively manage the interplay between these logics. Balancing mechanisms, such as segmenting, bridging, and demarcating, play pivotal roles in navigating both approaches to ensure an organization doesn’t overamplify one logic for an extended period. Ultimately, this research provides valuable insights for Ghanaian organizational leaders on navigating multiple logics while pursuing organizational excellence, offering practical recommendations for achieving sustained success.