bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling trust in service relationships: a transnational perspective
Authors: Sekhon Harjit , Roy Sanjit , Shergill Gurvinder , Pritchard Adrian
Published: February 2013

Purpose

– This empirical paper aims to assess the multi-dimensional nature of trust in service relationships. Although trust is deemed to be important for managing service relationships there is a dearth of research looking at its multidimensional nature outside of Western markets.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is undertaken in three countries: UK, Hong Kong and India (September to November 2010). The sample consists of more than 300 sample members from across the three countries with an approximately even split between each.

Findings

– The findings show that cognitive trust does not significantly impact affective trust, but the other relationships in the model are supported. Customer
'
s disposition to trust impacts both cognitive and overall trust.

Research limitations/implications

– The research provides direction for services marketing scholars and practitioners, but there are limitations because not all types of financial institutions are evaluated.

Practical implications

– The practical implications of this work are profound given that transnational operations of most retail banks. Understanding trust dimensions aids relationship managers to devise differentiated strategies to build/re-build and maintain long-term trust relationships with customers.

Originality/value

– This work extends the understanding of relationships, but by rooting the work in retail banking it provides new insights for academics and practitioners. For service marketing scholars, this study calls into question some of the multi-dimensional nature of trust and for practitioners it can help aid strategy development.
Finding a space for story: sensemaking, stories and epistemic impasse
Authors: Islam Gazi
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The current study aims to explore the role of stories in organizational sensemaking processes. Rather than positioning stories as one among many different sensemaking mechanisms, it is argued that stories allow a particular kind of sensemaking that is inherently open‐ended, distinguishing it from theoretical and propositional explanations for organizational phenomena. Drawing on previous Foucaultian discussions of epistemes, the paper aims to introduce the notions of epistemic impasse and epistemic spillover, arguing that cross‐functional interaction can cause tensions between incompatible epistemic bases, and that stories can act as a mechanism to overcome such tensions.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology is used to illustrate the above mechanism in an ethnographic, participant‐observer study of a university student‐support center.

Findings

The results show how storytelling led to an increasingly open and ultimately universalizing tendency with the center, thus demonstrating both the potentials and limits of using stories within organizations.

Originality/value

The current paper adds to the storytelling literature by showing how stories not only act as a sensemaking mechanism, but also reimagine the definition of sense in a way that makes it more polyvalent and open to multiple epistemic standpoints.
“Flexibility” as the rationale for organizational change: a discourse perspective
Authors: Dunford Richard , Cuganesan Suresh , Grant David , Palmer Ian , Beaumont Rosie , Steele Cara
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The concept “flexibility” is ubiquitous as a rationale for organizational change. However, its broad application is accompanied by a general lack of definitional agreement or theoretical cohesion. The purpose of this paper is to propose the merits of an alternative approach – applying a discourse perspective to the use of flexibility as a rationale for organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first illustrates the broad referencing of flexibility as a desired organizational characteristic. It then discusses the associated lack of theoretical coherence associated with the use of the concept “flexibility” before arguing the merits of a discourse perspective on flexibility as a rationale for organizational change.

Findings

This paper identifies a set of questions to frame a discourse perspective on the use of “flexibility” as a rationale for organizational change.

Research limitations/implications

The questions derived in this paper provide a research agenda for an investigation of the use and effects of the concept “flexibility” in the context of organizational change.

Practical implications

The questions derived in this paper provide practice‐based insights into how the concept “flexibility” is and/or could be used in the context of organizational change.

Originality/value

“Flexibility” is a ubiquitous concept as a rationale for organizational change and its use is accompanied by a diversity of definitions and conceptual frameworks. The originality of this paper is that rather than seeking to provide yet another definition – or attempting a resolution of definitional differences – it argues the merits of a discourse perspective on the use and effect of the concept flexibility in the context of organizational change.
Segmenting slot machine players: a factor‐cluster analysis
Authors: Chen Sandy C. , Shoemaker Stowe , Zemke Dina Marie V.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Slot machines and other machine gaming generate between 65 percent and 90 percent of a US casino's revenue. This article aims to examine the motivations, behaviors, and preferences of slot machine customers, and to develop market segments.

Design/methodology/approach

The study's objectives include: understanding the demographic, gambling motivation, and gambling behavioral characteristics of slot machine players; identifying important reasons for choosing one slot machine game over another; examining player attitudes and behaviors pertaining to progressive machines; and investigating player desire for theme‐based games. This was accomplished through an online survey of slot machine players.

Findings

Profiles of slot machine players are developed and the slot players are segmented into four clusters that explain motivations and game preferences.

Practical implications

This article fills in some of the gaps in understanding the gambling behavior of slot players. This study can help gaming machine manufacturers design new products and features to serve existing machine gaming customers and to attract new customers. Casino and other gaming operators can use this information not only to select the right types of machines to provide on‐site, but also to develop advertising and promotions to attract and retain new and existing customers for slot machines and other types of gaming machines.

Originality/value

This is the first published study that segments slot machine players from a marketing perspective and identifies their preferences, behaviors, and demographic groupings.
Hospitality operators' understanding of service: a qualitative approach
Authors: Crawford Alleah
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to begin to answer the question “Can a person as an employee, an individual or a leader be pre‐disposed to deliver service?”.

Design/methodology/approach

To answer this question the research began exploring service from the provider's perspective to better understand how it is understood and how the need to serve is developed. This study used an interpretive phenomenological approach and collected data through semi‐structured interviews. Purposeful sampling produced hospitality management operators as participants. The focus of the interviews was their understanding of service, and how one develops a need to serve others. An editing style of data analysis was conducted.

Findings

Findings included an understanding of how hospitality operators view service, including necessary external and internal attributes. Additionally, a basic understanding of how the need to serve develops in service providers was garnered from the data collected.

Practical implications

Specific implications for service practitioners included training and selection. Selection based on these findings likely produces employees that are a better fit for service provision, resulting in more satisfied employees and guests. Training employees in these key areas is also likely to produce employees that deliver service effectively and are contributing members to the organization.

Originality/value

This research is valuable to service practitioners as it identifies key attributes necessary of service providers that can aid in selection and training. Additionally, this research provides value to other researchers as it notes a spectrum approach to understanding how the need to serve develops.
Food safety practices and managers' perceptions: a qualitative study in hospitality
Authors: Arendt Susan W. , Paez Paola , Strohbehn Catherine
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Foodservice managers are responsible for making sure employees follow safe food handling practices so customers do not become ill from unsafe food. Therefore, this study aims to ascertain managers' perspectives using two methods of data analysis to answer the question, “What would make managers more effective in their role of assuring safe food practices are followed in the workplace?”.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus groups with current and future foodservice managers were conducted. The software program, Atlas.ti™ was used to complement researchers' analyses of focus group transcripts and develop visual representations of qualitative data.

Findings

Major thematic categories identified by the managers in this study included role identification, food safety training, and manager effectiveness. Using Atlas.ti™, data were visually mapped and relationships between different themes and theoretical ideas were represented.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the three major theme areas identified, foodservice operations should focus on improving manager effectiveness, role understanding and training to promote a safe food climate.

Practical implications

Understanding why safe food practices are not followed can help operators delegate resources accordingly. Visual mapping helps clarify areas to improve workplace food safety practices and illustrates linkages.

Originality/value

The use of qualitative analysis software in conjunction with researcher review in food safety research is novel. In addition, although other researchers have evaluated reasons for following or not following safe food‐handling practices, most have done so by assessing employees' perspectives rather than managers' perspectives.
Neural network cost estimating model for utility rehabilitation projects
Authors: Shehab Tariq , Farooq Mohamad
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an artificial intelligent (AI) system for estimating the construction cost of water and sewer rehabilitation projects.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop the proposed system, data pertaining to 54 sewer and water rehabilitation projects was collected. The collected data were analyzed using Pareto analysis technique to identify the most important factors that contribute positively to the cost estimation process. These factors were then utilized to develop a neural network (NN) model that estimates the construction cost of this class of projects.

Findings

The study reveals a set of 23 factors that highly impact the construction cost of water and sewer network rehabilitation projects and presents a NN model that predicts the cost of these projects with high accuracy.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed system was developed using information obtained from the city of San Diego, California, USA. The cost of these projects ranged from $800,000 to $7 million. The diameter of pipes installed in these projects ranged from 1 in. to 36 in. and their length was up to about 2.7 miles.

Originality/value

The developed system saves time, improves the accuracy of the estimates and prevents problems that are usually associated with inaccurate estimates. The system will not only help funding authorities to ensure maximum utilization of resources, but will also help cities to manage their expenditures in a manner that assures satisfactory performance of their buried assets. Furthermore, the developed system is also believed to assist cities in comparing alternatives and the go/no‐go decision making process.
An entry mode decision‐making model for the international expansion of construction enterprises
Authors: Li Heng , Jin Zhigang , Li Vera , Liu Guiwen , Skitmore R.M.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new type of entry mode decision‐making model for construction enterprises involved in international business.

Design/methodology/approach

A hybrid method combining analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE) is used to aid entry mode decisions. The AHP is used to decompose the entry mode problem into several dimensions and determine the weight of each criterion. In addition, PROMETHEE method is used to rank candidate entry modes and carry out sensitivity analyses.

Findings

The proposed decision‐making method is demonstrated to be a suitable approach to resolve the entry mode selection decision problem.

Practical implications

The research provides practitioners with a more systematic decision framework and a more precise decision method.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on the further development of entry strategies for international construction markets. It not only introduces a new decision‐making model for entry mode decision making, but also provides a conceptual framework with five determinants for a construction company entry mode selection based on the unique properties of the construction industry.
Improving performance of construction projects
Authors: Zhang Lianying , Fan Weijie
Published: February 2013

Purpose

As a crucial soft skill, emotional intelligence (EI) is reported to have many benefits, yet it remains largely unexplored in construction project management. The purpose of this paper is to explore further application of project manager's EI to improve project performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire‐based survey covering 112 project managers in construction is used to determine project managers’ EI, and relate that to the performance of their most recent projects, as well as examine the moderating effects of international involvement and contract type.

Findings

Results indicate high expressions of six EI factors in project performance of large and complex scale; whereas the effects of self‐confidence and teamwork have not been confirmed. Additionally, international involvement and contract type are found to moderate the relationships between certain EI factors and project performance.

Practical implications

The paper makes recommendations on selection and appointment of project managers to construction organizations; meanwhile it assists project managers in recognizing the significant competencies that cater for large and complex construction projects.

Originality/value

In this paper, the EI model is modified especially for project managers, to make up for the deficiency of project managers’ EI framework, as well as the project performance criteria for construction projects. Then an analysis takes place of the key EI dimensions or competencies on project performance, which contributes to the body of project managers’ EI.
Toward a parsimonious model of arbitrator acceptability
Authors: Houghton Jeffery D. , Elkin Randyl D. , Stevenson Sarah
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study is to take a construct validation approach toward developing and testing a parsimonious, yet comprehensive, higher‐order factor model of arbitrator acceptability that helps to identify what matters most in the arbitrator selection process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques to examine data from a sample of union advocates attending an arbitration conference to test a hypothesized model of arbitrator acceptability that includes procedural justice, experience, and education as first‐order indicators of arbitrator acceptability. Three competing alternative models that add age, race/gender, and distributive justice, respectively, to the hypothesized model as an additional indicator of arbitrator acceptability were also examined.

Findings

Results suggest that the hypothesized model is the best fitting of the four models tested. In addition, the path coefficients of the added paths in each of the alternative models were non‐significant.

Research limitations/implications

Knowledge regarding the relative importance of the various factors involved in arbitrator acceptability will be of interest to future researchers in determining which variables to study in arbitrator selection research as well as to practitioners seeking to better understand and manage the complex arbitrator selection process.

Originality/value

This study makes an important contribution to the literature by being among the first to examine both arbitrator characteristics and organizational justice concepts simultaneously in a single model. This study also takes an important step toward more clearly defining and validating the arbitrator acceptability construct. Finally, this study helps to provide an answer to the question of what matters most in the arbitrator selection process.
The strategic use of caucus to facilitate parties' trust in mediators
Authors: Poitras Jean
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Mediators' impartiality and empathy are two classical factors in the parties' trust in mediators. However, mediators are often torn between being impartial and being empathetic. The aim of this paper is to explore this empirically.

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically tests the strategic use of caucus to improve the interaction between impartiality and empathy by splitting them into two phases: impartiality in joint sessions and empathy in caucus.

Findings

The strategy did create significant synergy between impartiality and empathy with the main impact of reducing the time needed to reach an agreement.

Research limitations/implications

All research data come from workplace mediation and from the same organization. Although it can be reasonably postulated that the results can be generalized to other mediation settings, this remains to be proven.

Practical implications

When mediators use the trust caucus strategy, impartiality and empathy work better together and parties put more weight on empathy than on impartiality. While the use of the trust caucus does not increase the likelihood of reaching agreement, it does significantly decrease the time needed to conclude an agreement.

Originality/value

The study uses a quasi‐experimental design to test its hypothesis. Furthermore, the study uses real mediation cases.
The exit option: mediation and the termination of negotiations in the Northern Ireland conflict
Authors: O´ Dochartaigh Niall , Svensson Isak
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediation exit option, which is one of the most important tactics available to any third party mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes a crucial intermediary channel between the Irish Republican Army (hereafter IRA) and the British Government utilizing unique material from the private papers of the intermediary, Brendan Duddy, including diaries that cover periods of intensive communication, extensive interviews with the intermediary and with participants in this communication on both the British Government and Irish Republican sides as well as recently released official papers from the UK National Archives relating to this communication.

Findings

The study reveals how the intermediary channel was used in order to get information, how the third party and the primary parties traded in asymmetries of information, and how the intermediary utilized the information advantage to increase the credibility of his threats of termination.

Research limitations/implications

The study outlines an avenue for further research on the termination dynamics of mediation.

Practical implications

Understanding the conditions for successfully using the exit‐option is vital for policy‐makers, in particular for peace diplomacy efforts in other contexts than the Northern Ireland one.

Originality/value

The paper challenges previous explanations for why threats by mediators to call off further mediation attempts are successful and argues that a mediator can use the parties' informational dependency on him in order to increase his leverage and push the parties towards settlement.
The effect representatives have on their client's perceptions of justice and fair treatment in workplace dispute resolution processes
Authors: Farmer Kevin P. , Miller Jane K.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical framework for assessing the effects representatives have on their client's perceptions of justice, outcome and satisfaction, as well as the treatment received by clients from other stakeholders, in workplace dispute resolution processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Research propositions are advanced based on constructs and theories drawn from the literature on organizational justice, in particular, as well as social psychology in general.

Findings

Representatives are hypothesized to have a profound effect on their client's perceptions of voice, participation and satisfaction as well as on the treatment accorded the client by the other side and third‐party neutral. Representation,per se, is heralded as neither a positive nor a negative force in workplace dispute resolution processes.

Research limitations/implications

The framework of a representative's effects is limited by a focus on individual employees who pursue disputes arising out of the employment relationship against management and, therefore, excludes disputes involving groups as well as non‐employment related disputes.

Practical implications

Suggestions for expanding or contracting the role of representatives in workplace dispute resolution are discussed.

Originality/value

Although it is ubiquitous in US jurisprudence and is a growing presence in alternative dispute resolution, the representative‐client dyad has been unexplored. The impact representatives have on the client's perceptions of justice, and the effects representatives have on other stakeholders in the process, bear scrutiny.
Form and function of luxury flagships
Authors: Manlow Veronica , Nobbs Karinna
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Luxury shopping touches upon many facets of experience, ranging from the strategic objectives of the brand to the subjective, interpersonal experiences of individuals. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the flagship's form and appearance: including architecture, decor, arrangement of space, symbolic elements, location, and its function to better understand the role of the aesthetic environment of the flagship as a means of communicating the brand's objectives, which are mediated by a consumer's perception of the brand and store, the goals he or she brings to the experience, and the situational determinants of the shopping experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explore the strategic role and customer experience of flagships in major international locations through interviews with luxury flagship managers and customers. Site visits were made to multiple brands. Ethnographic research on the consumer experience was carried out in two locations of a major brand's flagship store.

Findings

The authors arrive at definite characteristics comprising branding strategies, retail practices, and the consumer experience. The findings contribute to a more comprehensive delineation of the meaning and purpose of luxury flagships.

Research limitations/implications

The exploratory study focused broadly on managers’ views, and on the customer experience of one brand in two major cities. Comprehensive interviews and survey research should be conducted in targeted stores with a focus on customers at these flagships.

Practical implications

The paper yields practical information which can be used by brands to more effectively provide a satisfying customer experience. The paper adds to the empirical research on the aesthetic dimensions of flagship stores, its function in relation to the brand, and the experience it provides customers.

Social implications

This empirical study explores the meaning and usage of branded spaces and retailing strategies to those who experience the environment: managers and customers.

Originality/value

The paper explores the phenomena of the luxury flagship experience along two pivotal points: the point of view of managers who are charged with promoting the goals set forth by the brand and that of customers who experience the luxury environment on their own terms, as well as responding to the sensorial environment they encounter.
Self‐initiated expatriation
Authors: Doherty Noeleen , Richardson Julia , Thorn Kaye
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This special issue seeks to scope the past, present and future study of those individuals who independently journey abroad for work – the self‐initiated expatriate – a topic which is now attracting increasing attention among management scholars and practitioners alike.

Design/methodology/approach

This introductory paper takes the form of a brief commentary of the development of the field and a synthesis of the papers in this special edition.

Findings

Beginning in the late 1990s with a slow trickle of papers exploring the experiences of individuals who had initiated their own expatriation, our understanding of self‐initiated expatriates (SIEs) and self‐initiated expatriation (SIE) has developed exponentially. This development has given rise to a growing awareness of this form of mobility as a potentially powerful force in the increasingly varied global labour market. Yet, as this special issue will argue, there is still a range of conceptual, theoretical and empirical challenges in the study of SIEs, not least of which is a lack of clarity in how the term is used and understood. Despite the expansion of the field, it has hitherto focused primarily on the experiences of professional SIEs moving from and between developed countries. The papers in this issue therefore, address the need for both greater conceptual clarity and for greater empirical diversity.

Originality/value

The papers included in this special issue each address fundamental issues in the study of the SIE population and offer perspectives that further our understanding of this group and their experiences.
Narratives of identity of self‐initiated expatriates in Qatar
Authors: Scurry Tracy , Rodriguez Jenny K. , Bailouni Sarah
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The paper aims to contribute to the discussion about how SIEs articulate narratives as cognitive efforts to expand, restrict or adapt their repertoire of identities in highly regulated environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from a social constructivist positioning, the paper explores situated social and relational practices using a qualitative framework that relied on primary data gathering through semi‐structured interviews. Qatar is a context of particular interest for exploring identity narratives of SIEs given the highly regulated environment and the large numbers of non‐nationals within the overall workforce. The study was conducted in an anonymous Qatari public shareholding company.

Findings

Findings suggest that narratives of self are framed in relation to structural constraints and patterns of adaptation. These reveal the interplay between identity, careers and self‐initiated expatriation at macro‐country and micro‐individual levels. As part of these themes, narratives of mobility and opportunity emerged in reference to career experiences and discussions about themselves (lives, identities, and expectations).

Originality/value

The paper contributes to our current understanding of SIEs and encourages us to consider the importance of context in shaping the SIE experience. Similarly, the scarcity of literature about SIEs in GCC countries makes this paper a timely contribution. These contributions have significant implications not only for theoretical discussions about SIEs, but also for discussions on the interplay between migration, identity and global careers.
The positive effects of a protean career attitude for self‐initiated expatriates
Authors: Cao Lan , Hirschi Andreas , Deller Jürgen
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The authors sought to explain why and how protean career attitude might influence self‐initiated expatriates' (SIEs) experiences positively. A mediation model of cultural adjustment was proposed and empirically evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 132 SIEs in Germany containing measures of protean career attitude, cultural adjustment, career satisfaction, life satisfaction, and intention to stay in the host country were analysed using path analysis with a bootstrap method.

Findings

Empirical results provide support for the authors' proposed model: the positive relations between protean career attitude and the three expatriation outcomes (career satisfaction, life satisfaction and intention to stay in the host country) were mediated by positive cross‐cultural adjustment of SIEs.

Research limitations/implications

All data were cross‐sectional from a single source. The sample size was small and included a large portion of Chinese participants. The study should be replicated with samples in other destination countries, and longitudinal research is suggested.

Practical implications

By fostering both a protean career attitude in skilled SIE employees and their cultural adjustment, corporations and receiving countries could be able to retain this international workforce better in times of talent shortage.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the scarce research on the conceptual relatedness of protean career attitude and SIEs, as well as to acknowledging the cultural diversity of the SIE population.
Peer coaching as an institutionalised tool for professional development
Authors: Adejare Aderibigbe Semiyu , Adekemi Ajasa Folorunso
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of college tutors on peer coaching as a tool for professional development to determine its formal institutionalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was used for data collection, while analysis of data was done using descriptive statistics.

Findings

The findings reveal that peer coaching is mostly perceived as a collaborative effort to enhance professional development. They also show that the tutors mainly hold that peer coaching is experienced as organised endeavour by participating tutors while some tutors hold that it takes place informally at any time or anywhere. Inadequate training and financial problems appeared to be highly rated as potential impediments to the use of peer coaching, while investment in training and commitment by all is highly rated as a possible means to strengthen the use of peer coaching among the college tutors.

Research limitations/implications

The descriptive research design has the potential to explore existing conditions as the research indicates that the formal introduction of peer coaching would be appreciated and if educational leaders and tutors are committed and training in peer coaching is given, the use of peer coaching can be effective.

Originality/value

There is a need to conduct research on peer coaching in the Nigerian context. Thus, this paper provides an insight into tutors' perception about peer coaching in Nigeria. It also offers insights into means by which peer coaching can be facilitated for improved practices among tutors.
Knowledge mapping: encouragements and impediments to adoption
Authors: Lee Joseph , Fink Dieter
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Knowledge maps (KMaps) are a relatively new concept. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that encourage or impede the adoption of KMaps by computer software maintenance professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, six prototypes were developed for a muti‐national software organisation and demonstrated during 19 semi‐structured interviews conducted to establish adoption factors. Data were analysed qualitatively through NVivoTMsoftware, according to the steps in Carney's Ladder of Analytical Abstraction.

Findings

Encouragement factors were found to be those that organisational management has direct control over such as communicating and promoting KMaps and appointing a management champion. Impeding factors were those under the control of software maintenance management and are more difficult to manage. They focused on personal factors (staff's perception of the usefulness and ease of use of KMaps), subjective norms (peer influence and culture), behavioural control (training) and the design of the KMap itself.

Research limitations/implications

While the research has provided an exploratory KMap Adoption (KAM) Model, it has done so through the lens of innovation adoption and diffusion theories. There are opportunities to examine the topic in a wider manner to provide a more holistic view of KMap adoption.

Practical implications

From adoption factors, the study's explanatory framework, named the KAM, was synthesized and recommendations are made for push and pull strategies to maximise encouragement and minimise impediment factors identified in KAM.

Originality/value

KMaps are ideally suited for resolving many of the traceability problems in computer software maintenance. They improve the ability to find the right “expert” to help solve a software problem quickly when it arises.
Knowledge transfer across dissimilar cultures
Authors: Fong Boh Wai , Nguyen T.T. , Xu Yun
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that impact knowledge transfer from the parent corporation to subsidiaries when there are differences in the national culture of the parent corporation and the subsidiary. Transferring knowledge can be especially difficult when the source and recipient do not share common beliefs, assumptions and cultural norms. Therefore, this study examines how trust, cultural alignment, and openness to diversity influence the effectiveness of knowledge transfer from the HQ to the employees in the subsidiary.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, the study examines knowledge transfer between the headquarters of a multinational corporation in Norway and its Vietnamese subsidiaries, making use of a survey administered to all 70 employees in the Vietnamese subsidiaries.

Findings

The results show that individual's trust of the HQ and their openness to diversity are key factors influencing local employees' ability to learn and obtain knowledge from foreign HQ. The extent to which there is alignment between the organization's corporate culture and the individual's cultural values, on the other hand, appear to make little difference to knowledge transfer from the HQ.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to the literature in cross border knowledge transfer, showing that due to geographical distance or cultural differences between the HQ and the subsidiary, the cultivation of trust and openness to diversity on the part of local employees is critical for knowledge transfer.

Originality/value

The paper also contributes by examining knowledge transfer in an international context.
Synthesizing seeming incompatibilities to foster knowledge creation and innovation
Authors: Zelaya‐Zamora Jader , Senoo Dai
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an example of how an apparently incongruent combination of organizational variables can have a positive effect on innovation through knowledge creation.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on previous theory, four original hypotheses were developed and later tested with empirical data collected from 125 research and development organizations in Japan, using analysis of variance and regression analysis.

Findings

Managerial influences and resources can significantly interact to generate a combined impact on the knowledge creation capability of organizations, which in turn is positively associated with their innovation performance. In particular, long‐term managerial influences were found to have a greater impact on knowledge creation when combined with knowledge‐exploitation resources. Synthesizing short‐term managerial influences with knowledge‐exploitation resources is not better than combining them with exploration resources. This holds true especially for organizations of small and medium size.

Research limitations/implications

This study only evaluates one case of many possibilities of seemingly antithetical combinations that can also have a beneficial impact in organizations. A larger and diverse sample, together with enhanced dimensions of managerial influences and organizational resources can make this study's implications much more universal.

Practical implications

An ingenious and purposeful synthesis of organizational variables conventionally seen as incompatible and contradictory can in reality benefit organizational goals related to knowledge creation and innovation.

Originality/value

This study puts forward a unique framework and perspective highlighting the importance of combinatory effects and the management of duality in organizations.
SME top management team and non‐executive director cohesion
Authors: Boxer Rosie , Perren Lew , Berry Aidan
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Research into top management team (TMT) performance and consensus has been equivocal; furthermore, research into the role of non‐executive directors (NEDs) in UK SMEs concluded that multiple perceptions of “reality” exist between directors. By adopting an innovative methodological approach to analysis, the “black box” complexity of SME board information processes, perceptions and TMT relationships are made visible. This allows the tension caused by differing perceptions of the NED role on a small company TMT to be explored. The aim of this paper is to do this.

Design/methodology/approach

In an in‐depth case study of one SME board, four directors' information and perception differences are investigated using a combined Johari window and set theory framework.

Findings

Application of this innovative analytical framework allowed the information process and differing perceptions of multiple directors to be plotted systematically. This surfaces the normally hidden “generative mechanisms” underlying the “real domains” of the SME board processes by explaining why and how the directors choose to share and hide information about the NEDs' role. Surfacing the nature of this information sharing and hiding is at the heart of appreciating the process of precarious equilibrium that achieves a fragile cohesion within the TMT.

Research limitations/implications

This study reveals the fragility of TMTs to the process of information sharing and hiding. It demonstrates the sensitivity of the group to perceptions of the NED role and the influence the NED can have on information processes within the group and potentially its cohesion. NEDs joining small company boards need to be sensitive to the existing informational asymmetries that may be vital to maintaining precarious equilibrium and cohesion. In their role they are likely to become the confidant of more than one director and thus nodal points of “secret” information. They need considerable interpersonal sensitivity and tact if they are to fulfil their role of challenging the directors without detrimentally disrupting the group dynamic.

Originality/value

This paper answers the call for more qualitative research to investigate the “lived experience” and “behavioural processes” of directors by adopting the combined Johari window and set theory framework. This analysis tool offers an innovative method that will be of value to other researchers and practitioners investigating TMT group dynamics. It provides a rare opportunity to understand the information process and perceptions of a small company TMT and the influence on the equilibrium and cohesion of the group.
Levels of innovation within SMEs in peripheral regions: the role of business improvement initiatives
Authors: Harris Richard , McAdam Rodney , McCausland Irene , Reid Renee
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of business improvement methods (BIM/TQM) in contributing to innovation implementation in SMEs within peripheral regions.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey with responses from 606 SMEs in the North West European peripheral regions was administered. The survey explores the role of a range of business improvement methods (BIM/TQM) as an antecedent or stimulant in helping to achieve three levels of effective innovation implementation: introducing new products/services; engaging in innovation that resulted in major product/service innovation (radical), and engaging in innovation activities that did not result in major product innovation (incremental), and non‐innovative.

Findings

The findings show that BIM/TQM was likely to stimulate and encourage the development of incremental levels of innovation in the SMEs where there was an emphasis on the people, or organic aspects of BIM/TQM applied, rather than more mechanistic BIM/TQM approaches. However, there was a lack of a clear link between BIM/TQM and radical innovation where newness in products/services and markets was required.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of studies that probe the effectiveness of applying business improvement methods in stimulating innovation implementation, especially in peripheral regions and involving multiple levels of innovation.
Entrepreneurial competencies of women entrepreneurs pursuing business growth
Authors: Mitchelmore Siwan , Rowley Jennifer
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Entrepreneurial competencies have an impact on firm performance and growth. The purpose of this paper is to report empirical research into the entrepreneurial competencies reported by female entrepreneurs who are committed to the growth of their business.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire‐based survey of female entrepreneurs in England and Wales was conducted. The core of the questionnaire was a list of entrepreneurial competencies compiled from previous theoretical and empirical frameworks, coupled with Likert scales through which the entrepreneurs were invited to rate their ability in relation to each competency. PCA was conducted in order to identify clusters of competencies, and to identify the competencies that loaded onto those clusters.

Findings

Four main clusters of competencies were identified: personal and relationship, business and management, entrepreneurial, and human relations competencies. Whilst previous research on the competencies of entrepreneurs has identified the two clusters of business and management, and entrepreneurial competencies, the competencies in the other two clusters have received less attention and have not been identified as clusters. Arguably, competencies in these clusters are valued more highly by female entrepreneurs than by their male counterparts.

Originality/value

This study is the first to offer a comprehensive analysis of the competencies of female entrepreneurs. By identifying four key groups of competencies, the research provides the basis for an agenda for focus in education, and development of female entrepreneurs. More specifically, the Female Entrepreneur Competence (FEC) framework generated by this research can be used to support female entrepreneurs in the self‐assessment of their competencies.
Age driven influence of role‐models on entrepreneurship in a transition economy
Authors: Lafuente Esteban M. , Vaillant Yancy
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the differential impact of entrepreneurial role models over entrepreneurial activities at different stages of an individual's life cycle in Romania.

Design/methodology/approach

To attain this objective, the paper adopts a socio‐institutional approach to entrepreneurship. The authors carry out a rare‐events logit model using a robust Romanian dataset from 2006 comprising 1,449 individuals.

Findings

The results indicate that the effect of entrepreneurial role models on entrepreneurial activities differs across age groups. The results indicate that for older individuals the positive effect of role models over entrepreneurship is diluted. In contrast, younger individuals, who have been mainly exposed to a market‐based economy, have a more positive societal valuation of entrepreneurial examples, which increases the positive effect that the knowledge of an entrepreneur has on their attitudes towards entrepreneurial activities.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the study lies in the identification of the specific effect that role models have over individuals' level of implication in entrepreneurial activities. This gives ammunition to the argument that, rather than uniform entrepreneurship support programmes, the effective implementation of policies aimed at fostering entrepreneurship should be designed according to the specific profile of the targeted group of beneficiaries. In this case, the implementation of role models as an effective entrepreneurial promotion tool should take into account the differential impact that entrepreneurial examples have over individuals' behaviour towards entrepreneurship.
Innovation characteristics of young and old family‐owned businesses
Authors: Laforet Sylvie
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine characteristics and factors affecting innovation in young and old family‐owned businesses. The research focuses on three important factors to innovation: organisation type, age and size; covering gaps in existing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A postal survey of 500 small family‐owned businesses across sectors in the UK is conducted. The study uses regression analysis to test effects of environment, innovation strategy, family culture, family involvement, owners' background and learning on innovation in young and old family businesses as well as innovation effect on their financial performance.

Findings

The findings suggest social capital theory to be extended to include non‐family employees in the innovation process of family firms, and formal learning has a positive impact on young firms' innovation. Market condition, industry sector, business goal and long‐term orientation positively affect family firm innovation.

Originality/value

This paper makes valuable contributions to the understanding of theory and practices of innovation in family businesses. It has policy implications.