bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Between strategic clarity and strategic ambiguity – oscillating strategic communication
Authors: Hoffjann Olaf
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Ambiguity has become a central concept in strategic communication research in recent years. This paper addresses three central deficits in the research to date. First, clarity-focused approaches and ambiguity-focused approaches are in opposition to each other, resulting in an exaggeration of the advantages and opportunities of the respective favored perspective and affording the opposing position little justification at best. Second, research on strategic ambiguity is by and large limited to the organizational perspective and has little interest in societal change. Third, there has been barely any research into concrete practices of strategic ambiguity and these practices have never been systematized.

Design/methodology/approach

The research questions will be answered on the basis of the “Theory of Social Systems” (TSS) by Niklas Luhmann, which can be attributed to the “Communication Constitutes Organization” (CCO) perspective. This perspective seems appropriate because the important concepts of communication and decision making play a central role in the TSS.

Findings

Strategic communication oscillates between clarity and ambiguity in order to defuse the dilemma and paradox. The re-entry of the distinction is a second-order observation and, thus, reveals the blind spots of clarity- and ambiguity-focused approaches. On this basis, a systematic approach is developed that encompasses various different dimensions of strategic clarity and ambiguity.

Practical implications

The paper focuses on the oscillation between strategic ambiguity and strategic clarity, making clear that the aim is not simply to substitute a new dominance of ambiguity for the clarity that has dominated textbooks thus far. Instead, it is a matter of reflective management of the distinction between strategic ambiguity and strategic clarity. The systematization of the practices of strategic ambiguity and strategic clarity can ultimately be used as a toolbox for the concrete application of strategic ambiguity and strategic clarity.

Originality/value

Overcoming the dualism of clarity-focused and ambiguity-focused approaches makes it possible, first, to explore the situational use of strategic clarity and strategic ambiguity. Second, the societal theoretical perspective shows the way in which organizations respond with strategic ambiguity to the increase in social contradictions without, however, being able to abandon strategic clarity. Third, using the systematic approach to the dimensions presented here, these practices can be described and examined in context.
Model order reduction of nonlinear eddy-current field using parameterized CLN
Authors: Tobita Miwa , Eskandari Hamed , Matsuo Tetsuji
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The authors derive a nonlinear MOR based on the Cauer ladder network (CLN) representation, which serves as an application of the parameterized MOR. Two parametrized CLN representations were developed to handle the nonlinear magnetic field. Simulations using the parameterized CLN were also conducted using an iron-cored inductor model under the first-order approximation.

Design/methodology/approach

This work studies the effect of parameter variations on reduced systems and aims at developing a general formulation for parametrized model order reduction (MOR) methods with the dynamical transition of parameterized state.

Findings

Terms including time derivatives of basis vectors appear in nonlinear state equations, in addition to the linear network equations of the CLN method. The terms are newly derived by an exact formulation of the parameterized CLN and are named parameter variation terms in this study. According to the simulation results, the parameter variation terms play a significant role in the nonlinear state equations when reluctivity is used, while they can be neglected when differential reluctivity is used.

Practical implications

The computational time of nonlinear transient analyses can be greatly reduced by applying the parameterized CLN when the number of time steps is large.

Originality/value

The authors introduced a general representation for the dynamical behavior of the reduced system with time-varying parameters, which has not been theoretically discussed in previous studies. The effect of the parameter variations is numerically given as a form of parameter variation terms by the exact derivation of the nonlinear state equations. The influence of parameter variation terms was confirmed by simulation.
Fabrication of vibration sensors using precursor molar concentration varied ZnO nanostructures grown by refresh hydrothermal method
Authors: Gunasekaran Iyappan , Rajamanickam Govindaraj , Narendiran Santhosh , Perumalsamy Ramasamy , Ramany Kiruthika , Sankararajan Radha
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Various approaches have been made to alter the vibration sensing properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) films to achieve high sensitivity. This paper aims to report the experimental study of the fabrication of precursor molar ratio concentration varied ZnO nanostructures grown on rigid substrates using the refresh hydrothermal method. The effect of these fabricated ZnO nanostructures-based vibration sensors was experimentally investigated using a vibration sensing setup.

Design/methodology/approach

ZnO nanostructures have been grown using low temperature assisted refresh hydrothermal method with different precursor molar concentrations 0.025 M (R1), 0.075 M (R2) and 0.125 M (R3). Poly 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene polystyrene sulfonate, a p-type material is spun coated on the grown ZnO nanostructures. Structural analysis reveals the increased intensity of the (002) plane and better c-axis orientation of the R2 and R3 sample comparatively. Morphological examination shows the changes in the grown nanostructures upon increasing the precursor molar concentration. The optical band gap value decreases from 3.11 eV to 3.08 eV as the precursor molar concentration is increased. Photoconductivity study confirms the formation of a p-n junction with less turn-on voltage for all the fabricated devices. A less internal resistance of 0.37 kΩ was obtained from Nyquist analysis for R2 compared with the other two fabricated samples. Vibration testing experimentation showed an improved output voltage of the R2 sample (2.61 V at 9 Hz resonant frequency and 2.90 V for 1 g acceleration) comparatively. This also gave an increased sensitivity of 4.68 V/g confirming its better performance when compared to the other fabricated two samples.

Findings

Photoconductivity study confirms the formation of a p-n junction with less turn-on voltage for all the fabricated devices. A less internal resistance of 0.37 kΩ was calculated from the Nyquist plot. Vibration testing experimentation proves an increased sensitivity of 4.68 V/g confirming its better performance when compared to the other fabricated two samples.

Originality/value

Vibration testing experimentation proves an increased sensitivity of 4.68 V/g for R2 confirming its better performance when compared to the other fabricated two samples.
The double-edged sword effect of social media usage on new product development performance: evidence from Chinese firms
Authors: Sun Biao , Liu Yu
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Research on social media frequently analyze social media usage (SMU)'s positive consequences for organizations and individuals; however, recent innovation studies caution that SMU may not always lead to positive new product development (NPD) outcomes. The competing streams of research highlight a fundamental tension that exists in the social media literature exemplified by the question: Is SMU good or bad for NPD? In this manuscript, the authors suggest that a more appropriate question as follows: What are the positive and negative indirect effects of SMU on NPD performance? The purpose of this paper is to discuss the aforementioned points in detail.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review provides the model and hypotheses. Using a sample of 168 Chinese firms, the authors conducted an empirical test following multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The results demonstrate that SMU facilitates business analytics (ability) and social legitimacy (opportunity) but impairs entrepreneurial proclivity (motivation). These three constructs in turn mediate the effect of SMU on NPD performance. Moreover, this paper explores how technological turbulence moderates SMU's effects on business analytics, entrepreneurship proclivity and social legitimacy.

Research limitations/implications

The results may be affected by both the context (solely in China) and type (cross-sectional) of the data set. Future research might take a decompositional approach to study SMU's effect on innovation in different NPD stages. Furthermore, with widely varying purposes (e.g., marketing, information searching, partner collaboration, new product launch, etc.), there is certainly a need for more clarity and understanding of how firms can leverage each of these different social media activities for successful NPD.

Practical implications

First, we suggest that managers in China should be explicitly aware of the double-edged sword effect of SMU on NPD performance. Second, this study encourages managers to use social media carefully when technological turbulence becomes intense.

Originality/value

Drawing on the ability–motivation–opportunity framework, this is one of the first studies to simultaneously examines the benefits and costs of SMU for NPD. In addition, this paper bridges the separate literatures on social media, business analytics, entrepreneurial proclivity and social legitimacy and contributes to the NPD research.
Towards sustainable cities: the role of residential satisfaction in facing COVID-19 in Makkah City in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsolami Badr
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of residential satisfaction in facing the outbreaks of the COVID-19. It reveals the relationship between personal risk perception (PRP), preventive behavior (PB), residential satisfaction (RS) and level of compliance with government recommendations to stay at home (CGRS) of Makkah residents in Saudi Arabia in its effort toward containing the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional online survey design was used with a sample of 250 respondents from Makkah City selected using a simple random sampling strategy. The instrument for data collection was a developed and validated instruments tag “Risk Perception and Preventive Behavior against COVID-19 Questionnaire (RP-COVID-Q).” The data obtained through the questionnaire were screened and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Similarly, a Partial-Least Square Structural Equation Modeling procedure was adopted to test the hypotheses with a bootstrap mediation effect test.

Findings

The results revealed that Makkah residents’ level of PRP, PB and CGRS was not found to vary with gender; however, the RS of the residents differs with respect to their gender. Moreover, the level of PRP was significantly related to PB, RS and level of CGRS. RS increased the likelihood of the Makkah residents to comply with government recommendations against COVID-19 while adherence to PB, which would contribute to the reduction in the spread of the pandemic in Makkah city. Further, the RS is recognized as a significant mediating factor between PRP and CGRS during the COVID-19.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study help in understanding the role of residential satisfaction during pandemics and, hence, stressing the important of residential qualities that need improvements for better sustainable cities in the future.

Originality/value

While all countries are strategizing to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, it is equally important to access residential satisfaction in the cities with high visitor inflow. Limited research has been done in Saudi Arabia.
Employee perceptions of wellness programs in the hospitality industry
Authors: Varga Susan , Mistry Trishna G. , Ali Faizan , Cobanoglu Cihan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impacts of employee wellness programs on employee and organizational outcomes in the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was distributed on Amazon Mechanical Turk, targeting hospitality employees who have access to employee wellness programs. Descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling techniques were used.

Findings

Employee perceptions of wellness programs significantly impacted turnover intention, job stress (JS) and perceived organizational support (POS). POS had a significant mediating effect between employee perceptions of wellness programs and JS. Employee perceptions of wellness programs did not have a significant effect on emotional labor.

Originality/value

Employee wellness programs are often recommended to human resource managers, but there is little empirical evidence of their effects, particularly for hospitality industry employees. This study investigates the actual employee outcomes of employer-sponsored wellness programs.
Resilience levels in paramedic students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Safori Malek , Alqudah Zainab , Williams Brett
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Paramedics responding to emergencies have proven to have an impact on their mental health and well-being. Therefore, measuring and initiating resilience promotion and development during the educational process could promote health in this group. This study aims to cross-sectionally examine the self-reported resilience levels of bachelor paramedic students at a large Australian university.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of first-, second- and third-year bachelor paramedic students was used from a large Australian university. The student’s resilience was measured using the 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) during 2019.

Findings

Two-hundred and twenty-nine students participated in the study, of which 55% were females. The total mean score for the CD-RISC was 72.6 [standard deviation (SD) = 13.2). The CD-RISC mean score of the first-, second- and third-year levels were 75.3 (SD = 13.2), 70.5 (SD = 14.4) and 73.8 (SD = 10.4), respectively, with no significant statistical difference (p-value = 0.1) and of which the second year formed the major sample (44.5%). Additionally, our findings show no significant variation in the CD-RISC mean score between males [70.8 (SD = 12.9)] and females [74.1 (SD = 13.3)], with p-value = 0.09.

Originality/value

The study findings suggest that paramedic students have moderate levels of self-reported resilience. These results, while specific to one university, provide essential data for the paramedic profession in addressing an important issue facing all paramedics around the world.
All you need is love: the relationship between agape and work outcomes
Authors: Carvalho Fallan Kirby , Mulla Zubin R.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to lay the necessary conceptual and empirical groundwork of agape in organizations. Specifically, the authors reviewed literature on agape; advanced formal definition of agape; explained the relationship of agape with related variables; developed a scale to measure agape and provided evidence of its reliability and construct validity; showed how agape uniquely predicted employee outcomes beyond transformational leadership; and showed how agape compensated for the lack of transformational leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey with 214 working executives who rated their manager on transformational leadership and agape behaviours, and later indicated their own work attitudes. Next, the authors conducted a 20-min between-subjects vignette experiment with 147 business management students who were provided with a description of a supervisor and asked to indicate their work attitudes under the supervisor.

Findings

The authors advanced an operational definition and a scale to measure agape. The findings of this study indicated that agape was a unidimensional construct with high reliability. It had significant positive relationships with followers’ job satisfaction, faith and loyalty, team commitment, satisfaction and risk-taking; explained incremental variance in employee outcomes beyond transformational leadership; and compensated for the lack of transformational leadership.

Research limitations/implications

The present research has the potential to inform recruitment, selection, training, promotion and performance evaluation decisions in organizations.

Originality/value

The authors responded to calls for developing a clear and consistent conceptualization and operationalization of agape for improving scholarly research and leadership training and development.
Value-added intellectual capital and productive efficiencies: evidence from Taiwan listed electronics companies
Authors: Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Lu Wen-Min , Kweh Qian Long , Ren Chunya
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study examines the effect of value-added (VA) intellectual capital on business performance from the perspective of productive efficiency, which is derived from its main contributors, namely, profitability and marketability efficiencies in two stages.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this study applies a dynamic network slacks-based measure in a data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to estimate productive efficiency and its components of 766 Taiwan listed electronics companies over the period of 2010–2018. Second, this study performs regression analyses of the association between intellectual capital (IC), which is proxied by VA intellectual coefficient (VAICTM) and estimated DEA efficiency scores through various regression techniques.

Findings

Empirical evidence shows a significantly positive association between VAICTM and productive efficiency. This study finds the same result from the IC components after splitting VAICTM into (1) IC efficiency, which comprises human capital efficiency (HCE) and structural capital efficiency and (2) capital employed efficiency. Further examination reveals that HCE is the sole main contributor of the productive efficiency, and profitability and marketability efficiencies of a company.

Practical implications

The findings of this study highlight the need to discuss the values of intellectual coefficient (IC) from the perspective of productive efficiency for better comprehensiveness.

Originality/value

Although previous studies have shown that IC is a contributor of business performance, this study further zooms in VAIC and examines its effect on the efficiency of a company in transforming its inputs into outputs.
Emojis and assertive environmental messages in social media campaigns
Authors: Baek Tae Hyun , Kim Seeun , Yoon Sukki , Choi Yung Kyun , Choi Dongwon , Bang Hyejin
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The authors aim to examine how emojis interact with assertiveness in social media posts to encourage social media engagement and cooperation in environmental campaigns.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experiments were used to test three hypotheses.

Findings

Study 1 shows that when assertive Twitter messages include the smiley-face emoji, study participants indicate stronger social media engagement and behavioral intentions to recycle used jeans. In Study 2, participants indicate stronger social media engagement and behavioral intentions to sign a petition for reducing plastic pollution when (non) assertive Facebook messages (do not) include emojis.

Originality/value

The current research advances our understanding about how emojis interact with assertive and nonassertive message tonality in environmental social media campaigns. This research also provides new insights showing that positive emotion is the psychological mechanism underlying matching effects of emoji and message assertiveness.
Information disclosure willingness and mobile cloud computing collaboration apps: the impact of security and assurance mechanisms
Authors: Nikkhah Hamid Reza , Sabherwal Rajiv
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In this research, the authors focus on mobile cloud computing (MCC) collaboration apps that are multiplatform and send the users’ data to the cloud. Despite their benefits, MCC collaboration apps raise privacy concerns, as the users’ information is sent to the cloud where users lack direct control. This study aims to investigate why users disclose information to MCC apps despite privacy concerns and examine the effect of security and assurance mechanisms (i.e. privacy policies and ISO/IEC 27018 certification) on users’ perceptions and information disclosure. Based on three surveys conducted in 2016 (n = 515), 2017 (n = 505) and 2018 (n = 543), this study finds mixed results regarding the relationships among security, assurance mechanisms, utilitarian benefits and information disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted three scenario-based surveys in the USA in 2016 (n = 515), 2017 (n = 505) and 2018 (n = 543).

Findings

This study finds mixed results of relationships among security, assurance mechanisms, utilitarian benefit and information disclosure.

Originality/value

With proliferation of MCC apps, the investigation of how users make privacy decision to disclose personal information to these apps is sparse. This study, for the first time, investigates whether the signals of assurance mechanism decrease users’ privacy concerns. This study also examines the interplay between security and privacy within information disclosure behavior. Finally, this study was conducted in 3 years to enhance the generalizability and robustness of findings.
Information technology and online resources in the professional activities of preschool teachers
Authors: Batrakova Irina , Ushanov Alexander , Ioseliani Aza
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The research objectives are to interview rising preschool teachers studying at Russian universities, highlight the categories of information technologies used in preschool institutions based on the survey results and possible difficulties that may arise when working with them and develop tips for working with interactive technologies for preschool teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of the survey showed a high level of involvement of information technology in the educational process. The majority of respondents (87%) use information technology in teaching and learning. The analysis of the answers shows relatively identical indicators of the use of different types of information technologies: 65% prefer more technological and 35% – applied. It was shown that the use of technological and applied ICT categories isn't similar among participants of the survey. To increase the level of students' and teachers’ knowledge with modern information technologies the program was created.

Findings

In preschool education, the kindergarten teacher or supervisor should act as the leader of the learning process, including the interactive one. The teacher should encourage children to independently use the ICT tools and guide the process.

Originality/value

Given the rapid pace of development of science and technology, the curriculum needs to be deepened and expanded by diversifying activities. It is worth paying attention to modern methods of teaching and learning, which require the use of pedagogical innovations, the acquaintance of students and teachers with possible ways to expand the activities and update the latest teaching methods in educational process.
Successful school principals in primary and secondary education: a comprehensive review of a ten-year research project in Cyprus
Authors: Pashiardis Petros , Kafa Antonios
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore successful school principalship in Cyprus based on a ten-year research project, and in particular, by analysing leadership knowledge based on concrete actions of successful school principals derived from multiple case studies from the primary and secondary education sectors in Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

The initial type of evidence was original qualitative empirical research undertaken through the examination of 11 case studies of successful primary and secondary school principals across Cyprus. Following, for the purposes of this paper a cross-case reanalysis was performed in order to extract successful actions from the participating school principals.

Findings

Based on the emerging actions from the cross-case analysis, findings indicate that successful school principals, both in primary and secondary education, develop external relations, as well as networking with all relevant actors; create a collaborative and shared ownership feeling among their members and within their school organization; and finally promote a clear vision, based on a specific number of values.

Originality/value

This overall effort led us to the articulation of certain successful actions, which could be related and compared to the results in other successful school principalship contexts. Furthermore, it could contribute to the cross-country comparative knowledge body on successful school principalship, with different educational policies and different social contexts.
The role of entrepreneurship in reducing poverty in agricultural communities
Authors: Dzingirai Mufaro
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Entrepreneurship has increasingly become a subject of interest for scholars and policymakers in an attempt to reduce poverty in agricultural communities across the world, especially in Africa. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to examine the role of entrepreneurship in reducing poverty in agricultural communities of Lower Gweru, Zimbabwe.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory research design informed the data collection and analysis in this study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 owners of agribusinesses from various socio-economic backgrounds. The collected data from the field were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that entrepreneurship plays a catalytic role in poverty reduction in agricultural communities through food security, skill transfer, employment creation, income generation and a decrease in food costs.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on four agricultural communities in Lower Gweru which can limit the generalizability of the results to other contexts. Furthermore, this inquiry is a cross-sectional study that did not capture the longitudinal factors that can affect entrepreneurship and poverty reduction in agricultural communities.

Practical implications

The research outcomes have some practical implications for the Zimbabwean government and microfinance institutions in designing policies and programs to reduce poverty in marginalized agricultural communities. The findings are also useful for non-governmental organizations in designing, monitoring and evaluating poverty reduction programs in agricultural communities.

Originality/value

This study advances, contextualizes and enriches the body of knowledge concerning agricultural entrepreneurship and poverty reduction in the under-researched setting of agricultural communities. Notably, this study captures the African flavor in the agricultural entrepreneurship and poverty reduction discourse by focusing on the unique Zimbabwean context.
Critical success factors (CSFs) for motivating end-user stakeholder’s support for ensuring sustainability of PPP projects in Nigerian host communities
Authors: Toriola-Coker Luqman , Owolabi Hakeem , Alaka Hafiz , Bello Wasiu Adeniran , Pathirage Chaminda
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate two public private partnership (PPP) road projects in Nigeria for exploring factors that can motivate end-user stakeholders for contributing towards sustaining a PPP project in the long-term.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study methodology approach, this study adopts two-way data collection strategies via in-depth interviews with PPP experts and end-user stakeholders in Nigeria host communities and a questionnaire survey to relevant stakeholders.

Findings

The study identifies an eight-factor structure indicating critical success factors for ensuring end-user stakeholders support PPP projects on a long-term basis in their host communities.

Originality/value

Results of the study have huge implications for policymakers and project companies by encouraging the early integration of far-sighted measures that will promote long-term support and sustainability for PPP projects amongst the end-user stakeholders.
Extraction of underlying factors causing construction projects delay in Nigeria
Authors: Egwim Christian Nnaemeka , Alaka Hafiz , Toriola-Coker Luqman Olalekan , Balogun Habeeb , Ajayi Saheed , Oseghale Raphael
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to establish the most underlying factors causing construction projects delay from the most applicable.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducted survey of experts using systematic review of vast body of literature which revealed 23 common factors affecting construction delay. Consequently, this study carried out reliability analysis, ranking using the significance index measurement of delay parameters (SIDP), correlation analysis and factor analysis. From the result of factor analysis, this study grouped a specific underlying factor into three of the six applicable factors that correlated strongly with construction project delay.

Findings

The paper finds all factors from the reliability test to be consistent. It suggests project quality control, project schedule/program of work, contractors’ financial difficulties, political influence, site conditions and price fluctuation to be the six most applicable factors for construction project delay, which are in the top 25% according to the SIDP score and at the same time are strongly associated with construction project delay.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is recommending that prospective research should use a qualitative and inductive approach to investigate whether any new, not previously identified, underlying factors that impact construction projects delay can be discovered as it followed an inductive research approach.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the policymakers in the construction industry in Nigeria to focus on measuring the key suppliers’ delivery performance as late delivery of materials by supplier can result in rescheduling of work activities and extra time or waiting time for construction workers as well as for the management team at site. Also, construction stakeholders in Nigeria are encouraged to leverage the amount of data produced from backlog of project schedules, as-built drawings and models, computer-aided designs (CAD), costs, invoices and employee details, among many others through the aid of state-of-the-art data driven technologies such as artificial intelligence or machine learning to make key business decisions that will help drive further profitability. Furthermore, this study suggests that these stakeholders use climatological data that can be obtained from weather observations to minimize impact of bad weather during construction.

Originality/value

This paper establishes the three underlying factors (late delivery of materials by supplier, poor decision-making and Inclement or bad weather) causing construction projects delay from the most applicable.
Decision making in highway construction: a systematic review and future directions
Authors: Radzi Afiqah R. , Rahman Rahimi A. , Doh Shu Ing
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Various approaches have emerged to assist practitioners in making more informed decisions in highway construction projects. However, industry practitioners are still using subjective ways to make decisions. Also, researchers have developed tools and techniques with similar objectives. Lack of information on what has been developed might lead to those issues. Therefore, this paper aims to review trends of evolution, pinpoint strengths and gaps in the literature and identifies potential future directions for decision-making research in highway construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was conducted on published articles on decision-making in highway construction projects using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) technique.

Findings

The analysis of 101 articles revealed that existing decision-making research in highway construction projects targets improvements in four areas: feasibility, conceptual, detailed scope and detailed design. The four areas consist of sixteen subthemes that are detailed in this study. In addition, most research involved developing decision support tools and systems as well as decision-making models, techniques and frameworks. Lastly, several research areas have emerged, such as adding more decision criteria including those with uncertainties, expanding existing decision-making models into decision support systems, benchmarking decision criteria between different sample populations and exploring inter-and intra-relationships between decision criteria.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of existing research on decision-making in highway construction projects. Also, it reveals research gaps in the body of knowledge to point out directions for future research. Finally, industry practitioners can use the findings to develop strategies for effective decision-making processes.
Adoption of online pharmacy applications during COVID-19 pandemic; empirical investigation in the Indian context from push-pull and mooring framework
Authors: Nayak Bishwajit , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar Sekhar , Kulkarni Onkar , Mehdi Syed Nawaz
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify antecedents of adoption and post-adoption switching of online pharmacy applications (OPA) in Indian society. A push-pull-mooring (PPM) model was formulated to evaluate the impact of various constructs upon “consumers’ switching intention” (CSI).

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was sent to 252 users of OPA in India. Hypotheses were generated to examine the push, pull and mooring effects of constructs developed. The relationships between dependent and independent variables were evaluated using structured equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The study explicated the effect of PPM constructs on CSI in the context of OPA adoption. “Perceived usefulness,” “perceived ease of use” and “alternative attractiveness” had a significant “pull” effect on CSI. “Switching cost” had a “mooring” effect on CSI, whereas the degree of “customer involvement in decision-making” was found to have a “push” effect upon CSI.

Research limitations/implications

This study theoretically established that the constructs of “perceived usefulness,” “perceived ease of use” and “alternative attractiveness” had significant “pull” effect on “consumers’ switching intention.” The construct of “switching cost” had a “mooring” effect on CSI, whereas the degree of “customer involvement in decision-making” was found to have a “push” effect upon CSI.

Practical implications

The study provided valuable insights regarding consumer behavior regarding OPAs. These findings could be applied by managers in framing effective strategies to grow and retain the customer base of OPAs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was one of the first empirical investigative studies to assess precursors of adoption and post-adoption characteristics of consumer behavior through the PPM model, in the context of Indian OPAs.
The effect of teaching style and academic enthusiasm of accounting and auditing students on stress, aggression, and anxiety
Authors: Arianpoor Arash , Khayoon Hameed Mohsen
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of teaching style and academic enthusiasm of Iraqi accounting and auditing students on their stress, aggression and anxiety.

Design/methodology/approach

The statistical population in this study consists of two parts. The first is the Iraqi accounting and auditing students in Iran and the second is the Iraqi accounting and auditing students in Iraq. By available non-probability sampling method, 62 people (Iraqi students in Iran) and 102 (Iraqi students in Iraq) were selected as samples. In this research, a questionnaire was used to collect information. The validity of the questionnaire’s structure was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Also, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients in this study indicating the measurement tool’s reliability. In this research, structural equation modeling has been used to analyze and test the hypotheses. The primary criteria for determining the coefficient and evaluating the path coefficients were used to evaluate the structural model.

Findings

Findings indicate that in Iraqi students in Iraq and Iraqi students in Iran, teaching style negatively affects stress, aggression and accounting and auditing students’ anxiety. Also, in the group of Iraqi students in Iraq and the group of Iraqi students in Iran, the eagerness to study has a significant negative effect on accounting and auditing students’ stress and anxiety. In contrast, the effect of the desire to study accounting and auditing students’ aggression was confirmed only in Iraqi students in Iraq.

Originality/value

As the accounting and auditing professions are among the most stressful occupations that increase the characteristics of aggression and anxiety in the employees of that profession, the results of leading research can show that the stress, anxiety and aggression of accounting and auditing students how to reduce through training so that their stress, anxiety and aggression do not appear in the workplace and the reports of accountants and auditors are not affected.
Apparel shopping styles of Ghanaian female young adults
Authors: Appiadu Dora , Kuma-Kpobee Mercy , Vandyck Efua
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to identify the apparel shopping styles of Ghanaian female young adults and to assess the applicability of the consumer styles inventory (CSI) within the Ghanaian context.

Design/methodology/approach

A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 405 Ghanaian female undergraduate students aged 18–25 years from the University of Ghana. The CSI was used to collect data and these were analyzed using principal component analysis.

Findings

The results showed that the subjects adopted multiple shopping styles when scouting for stores and selecting apparel for managing their appearance. Seven of the CSI dimensions were confirmed (perfectionism, brand consciousness, novelty-fashion consciousness, confused by over-choice, impulsive carelessness, recreational hedonism and habitual brand loyalty). A new shopping style, indifference shopping orientation was identified.

Practical implications

Market segmentation, product development and marketing strategies should be tailored to the shopping styles of female young consumers in Ghana.

Originality/value

This study, for the first time, uses the consumer characteristic approach and the CSI to identify the apparel decision-making styles of young adult female Ghanaians. This fulfils the need for the study of shopping styles, which is vital for producers and marketers to enable them to make informed decisions to meet specific needs and expectations of these cohorts of consumers.
How do polychronicity and interfunctional coordination affect the relationship between exploratory innovation and the quality of new product development?
Authors: Yi Yaqun , Ji Jing , Lyu Chongchong
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of exploratory innovation on the quality of new product development (NPD), and how do polychronicity of the top management team (TMT) and interfunctional coordination (IFC) moderate the above relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested by the survey data of 210 Chinese enterprises. Hierarchical regression analyzes were used to test the hypotheses in this research.

Findings

The results indicate that exploratory innovation facilitates NPD quality. TMT polychronicity weakens the effect of exploratory innovation on NPD quality. IFC strengthens the effect of exploratory innovation on NPD quality.

Practical implications

This study provides managers with insight on the relationship between exploratory innovation and NPD quality. To improve NPD quality, managers should be paying more attention to exploratory innovation. Furthermore, this study helps managers to understand how the relationship changes with the increases of TMT polychronicity and IFC.

Originality/value

This study highlights the value of exploratory innovation in increasing NPD quality based on the knowledge-based view. By incorporating TMT polychronicity and IFC based on the attention-based view, it offers much richer understandings of how exploratory innovation affects NPD quality.
Non-majority student perceptions of diversity and inclusion at a PWI and an HBCU
Authors: Campbell-Whatley Gloria , O’Brien Chris , Reddig Kim , Sun Ting , Freeman-Green Shaqwana
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Using survey research, the purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of diversity to examine perceptions of diversity and inclusion among majority and non-majority students at a predominately White university (PWI) and a historically Black university (HBCU) observing any patterns of difference between majority and non-majority groups to make inferences regarding students’ sense of belonging, given current national efforts to establish inclusive excellence on university campuses.

Design/methodology/approach

Results based on Likert-scale responses on a validated questionnaire were analyzed using independent samples t-tests to identify differences for each survey item. Eta squared was used as an effect size measure. The PWI and HBCU were then compared by item analysis. A two-way factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the independent impact of each of the universities (i.e. PWI, HBCU) and the interaction of those two factors in their effect on the dependent variables (i.e. race, gender, sexuality).

Findings

Results indicated significant differences between the majority and non-majority groups on multiple items within each university site. Further, significant differences were observed between the universities in perceptions and experiences of diversity and inclusion.

Originality/value

Unique in this study was an examination of perceptions of inclusion at a PWI and an HBCU based not only on non-majority status of race, but also on gender and sexuality with the intention of expanding the research base associated with “sense of belonging” to other groups who have existed as “diverse others” in the context of majority culture dominance.
Conspicuous consumption of luxury experiences: an experimental investigation of status perceptions on social media
Authors: Siepmann Carolin , Holthoff Lisa Carola , Kowalczuk Pascal
Published: September 2021

Purpose

As luxury goods are losing their importance for demonstrating status, wealth or power to others, individuals are searching for alternative status symbols. Recently, individuals have increasingly used conspicuous consumption and displays of experiences on social media to obtain affirmation. This study aims to analyze the effects of luxury and nonluxury experiences, as well as traditional luxury goods on status- and nonstatus-related dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

After presenting the theoretical foundation, the authors conduct a study with 599 participants to compare status perceptions elicited by the conspicuous consumption of luxury goods, luxury experiences and nonluxury experiences. The authors investigate whether experiences that are visibly consumed on Instagram are replacing traditional luxury goods as the most important status symbols. Furthermore, the authors examine the effects of the content shown on nonstatus-related dimensions and analyze whether status perceptions differ between female and male social media communicators. Finally, the authors analyze how personal characteristics (self-esteem, self-actualization and materialism) influence the status perceptions of others on social media.

Findings

The results show that luxury goods are still the most important means of displaying status. However, especially for women, luxury experiences are also associated with a high level of social status. Thus, the results imply important gender differences in the perceptions of status- and nonstatus-related dimensions. Furthermore, the findings indicate that, in particular, the individual characteristics of self-actualization and materialism affect status perceptions depending on the posted content.

Originality/value

While the research has already considered some alternative forms of conspicuous consumption, little attention has been given to experiences as status symbols. However, with their growing importance as substitutes for luxury goods and the rise of social media, the desire to conspicuously consume experiences is increasing. The authors address this gap in the literature by focusing on the conspicuous display of luxury and nonluxury experiences on social media.
“I want to be as trendy as influencers” – how “fear of missing out” leads to buying intention for products endorsed by social media influencers
Authors: Dinh Thi Cam Tu , Lee Yoonjae
Published: September 2021

Purpose

As social media use rises, the impact of social media influencers on customer buying decisions increases, due to customers viewing influencers as ideal role models who they try to imitate. Nevertheless, this phenomenon is still under-researched. This study examined the impact of the imitation of influencers on customer buying intention toward endorsed products, which is mediated by social comparison, materialism and the fear of missing out (FOMO).

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of 243 respondents was conducted via Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform. This study employed structural equation modeling to test for direct and indirect effects among the constructs.

Findings

The results revealed that imitation of influencers has a significant impact on social comparison, materialism and FOMO, which affect buying intention toward endorsed products. The analysis results highlight the critical role of FOMO in explaining buying intention toward endorsed products in the context of social media influencers.

Originality/value

This study proposes a new theoretical model and empirically tests the power of influencers to affect consumer buying intention for endorsed products. It also explains the influencers' effects through FOMO, which have hardly been examined in earlier research although it is an important factor in understanding customer behavior. The implications are discussed for the academic literature and for online marketing strategies in marketing and advertising management.