bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A causal analysis of formal strategic planning and firm performance
Authors: Glaister Keith W. , Dincer Omer , Tatoglu Ekrem , Demirbag Mehmet , Zaim Selim
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of the strategic planning‐performance relationship by drawing on data from a sample of Turkish firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample frame for the study was derived from the database of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry's 500 largest Turkish manufacturing companies and the database of companies quoted on the Istanbul Stock Exchange. Based on a postal survey, 135 usable questionnaires were returned. Using LISREL causal modeling the moderating effects of a set of contingency factors on the relationship between formal strategic planning and firm performance were investigated.

Findings

The findings show that there is a good deal of support for the study's hypotheses. A strong and positive relationship was formed between formal strategic planning and firm performance, which tends to confirm the arguments of the prescriptive strategic management literature. The test results also verify the moderating roles of environmental turbulence, organization structure and firm size on the strategic planning‐performance link.

Research limitations/implications

Strategic planning and its key dimensions represent a subtle and complex activity, and that to obtain rich data on such phenomena may be best accomplished through research methods that employ qualitative data gathering techniques. Incorporation of qualitative performance measures, in addition to financial measures would enrich our understanding of the planning‐performance relationship.

Practical implications

After almost a decade of relative neglect perhaps this research issue will again begin to attract the kind of attention that it deserves. Although strategy is often considered to be a universal practice, it is better thought of as many different crafts, varying according to its different contexts. So, the impact of various contexts on the planning‐performance relationship should be taken into account.

Originality/value

Prior studies that have examined strategic planning‐performance relationship have tended to focus on firms from industrialized countries. This is one of the first studies that has explicitly modeled and empirically tested the relationship in an emerging country context.
Governance and sustainability
Authors: Aras Güler , Crowther David
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that corporate governance is fundamental to the continuing operation of any corporation; hence much attention has been paid to the procedures of such governance. Similarly sustainability is fundamental to the continuing operation of any corporation, and is arguably the fashionable concept of the moment. While it is clear what is generally meant by corporate governance it is much less clear what is meant by sustainability and the paper starts by investigating this concept.

Design/methodology/approach

For two such fundamental concepts however it would seem that there should be a relationship between the two, although little work has been undertaken on exploring this relationship. The central part of this paper is therefore based upon an exploration of the relationship between governance and sustainability, by investigating the FTSE100 companies and their corporate governance policies.

Findings

This analysis found some strengths – and hence cause for optimism – and some weaknesses – and hence cause for concern. Areas where further work is needed are identified.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has implications in enhancing the understanding of the necessary components of corporate governance, although it is necessarily limited by the size of the sample.

Originality/value

This paper increases the understanding of the relationship between corporate governance, sustainability and sustainable development.
Global leadership in a culturally diverse world
Authors: Robinson David A. , Harvey Michael
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The acceleration of globalization has created a chaotic state of change as businesses struggle to adapt to new paradigms of leadership. The established tried and tested approaches may no longer be effective in a global context. Globalization demands new approaches and the challenge is to find the appropriate leadership imperatives in response to the changing problems of existence. The purpose of this paper is to address the research question: What new skills should be adopted by business leaders to empower them to deal with these new multicultural challenges occurring during globalization? The relationship between follower and leader is critical during these transitional phases.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is introduced that integrates psycho‐social elements of leadership and organizational effectiveness, such as conditioning, power, duty, dependence, and ethics.

Findings

The model then provides a basis for developing appropriate leadership practices that support and enhance corporate culture. The development of values within the organization, that is to say its culture, can be plotted, as it progresses through the identifiable value stations, governed by an essential stepwise progression. Leadership effectiveness demands the pre‐emption of subsequent steps and facilitation of followers' ability to adapt. These imperatives have given rise to the formulation of a values‐based leadership algorithm (VBLA).

Originality/value

A systematic means for assessing the environment and the appropriate leadership style are developed, to be used as an aid in developing global leaders.
Causal modeling of knowledge‐based economy
Authors: Chen Chih‐Kai
Published: April 2008

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how research on knowledge‐based economy (KBE) has increased noticeably in recent years. However, while some literature is available on construct model and validity analysis, little information is available on causal model. Design/methodology/approach – This work used the Knowledge Assessment Scorecards of World Bank, applying the linear structural relation model to address the causal model of knowledge‐based economy. Findings – The results found that an open innovation system was the key to the knowledge‐based economy competitiveness, and the effective information technology and excellent human resources were over the economic environment. Research limitations/implications – This work is a cross sectional analysis that considers the causality between different KBE endowments. However, focusing on specific group by longitudinal analysis should be further considered. Moreover, this work addresses the causality between different KBE endowments; however, the proposed model did not compare the differences between the different countries, regions, and socioeconomics. Practical implications – This work suggests that every country should construct an open national innovations system, and that not only focuses on the participated public and private sectors but also expands to relative economic structure, regime, and various social cooperation networks that help effectively improve collective learning and knowledge innovation. Originality/value – This work used the 2005 KAS comprising a set of 80 structural and qualitative variables that benchmark how an economy compares with its neighbors, competitors, or countries. The comparison is undertaken for a group of 132 countries that include almost all of OECD economies and about 90 developing countries. Moreover, this work used the path analysis with observed variables (PA‐OV) model under the LISREL to address the causality between different KBE endowments. Overall, this work proposed some important conclusions and suggestions.
Intra‐organizational network resources
Authors: Bozionelos Nikos
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship of intra‐organizational network resources with career success and organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized survey data from 316 British individuals who composed a highly heterogeneous sample in terms of both organizational roles and employment settings.

Findings

The study finds that total intra‐organizational network resources were related to extrinsic and intrinsic career success, and to affective organizational commitment. Instrumental and expressive network resources were differentially related to career success and organizational commitment.

Research limitations/implications

The relationships were identified after controlling for an array of factors and for mentoring received, which attests to the importance of intra‐organizational network resources for career outcomes and attitudes towards the organization. The cross‐sectional design is a limitation of the study. Future research should investigate moderating factors, and must be extended to cultural clusters other from the Anglo‐Saxon one.

Practical implications

From an individual point of view, building networks of relationships within the organization enhances career prospects, regardless of whether a mentor is present. From an organizational viewpoint, organizational designs and human resource systems that promote the development of informal relationship ties foster those aspects of commitment that have positive consequences and inhibit those that have negative consequences.

Originality/value

The study provided original evidence for the link between intra‐organizational relationship ties and commitment towards the organization. In addition, it consolidated evidence on the relationship of network resources to career success, the distinct nature of instrumental and expressive network resources, and the additive value of network resources and mentoring as parts of social capital.
Factors affecting the role of HR managers in international mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Antila Elina M. , Kakkonen Anne
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons behind human resource (HR) managers' participation in the international mergers and acquisitions (IM&A) process building on the general discussion of the factors explaining the roles of HR in organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Six sets of factors can be found to affect the roles of HR managers in general: the orientation of top management to people management; the skills, abilities and competencies of HR managers themselves; the HR function and its characteristics; the expectations that line managers have of HR; external factors; and internal factors. This review forms the basis for subsequent data analysis in the context of IM&As. The factors that contribute to HR managers' participation are studied from HR and other management's perspectives. Based on interviews with 12 corporate level managers in three Finnish international industrial companies.

Findings

The results show that top management sees the participation of HR managers as being very important and agree that it should be a common policy. The factors explaining the roles in the case organisations focused on certain factor groups and were similar across the cases. Based on empirical analysis, this study finds that the most important contributing factors to HR managers' participation are HR managers' own capability and activity throughout the IM&A process.

Originality/value

This study has analysed the reasons related to the roles of HR managers in an IM&A context in general, not just the strategic role within. Based on the case studies it seems, however, that a seat on the management team and HR managers' business competencies as well as personal skills contribute to the strategic role.
Does matching pay policy with innovation strategy really improve firm performance?
Authors: Tsai Kuen‐Hung , Chou Christine , Chen Ming‐Yi
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether matching pay policy with innovation strategy really improves firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Three technology‐based service sectors (software, information system integration, and IC design) comprise the analytical samples. A hierarchical multiple regression method is adopted to examine the research hypotheses.

Findings

Examinations reveal that the positive effect which pay policy combined with innovation strategy has on firm performance is only found in IC design service firms.

Research limitations/implications

Industry serves as a moderator in the relationship between the match and firm performance. However, this examination concentrates on the technology‐based service sectors only.

Practical implications

Matching pay policy and innovation strategy cannot be regarded as a panacea for improving firm performance.

Originality/value

This study makes an interesting contribution to understanding the strategic perspective of compensation.
Managerial promotions formulas and a human resource management model
Authors: Service Robert W. , Lockamy Archie
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purposes of this paper are to address the following research questions: what are the factors that result in promotions? A preliminary formula for promotion with testable hypotheses will be presented. What would be a “popular press” list of the formula? A list will be presented to address practitioners concerns. What elements would a human resources management (HRM) model that supports “open‐book strategic partnering” contain? An ideal HRM model, which will be linked to the promotional formula, is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach to addressing these questions begins by examining and categorizing thousands of promotional decisions. The approach continues with an analysis of the popular press writings and academic literature related to HRM models and managerial promotions.

Findings

The findings and writings displayed in the formula and model are blended with the authors' experience to produce a soundly‐based theoretical and practically useful paper.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this paper is the combination of the results of years of data from professionals and hundreds of working MBA students with popular press guidelines and research oriented literature to produces a testable individual promotional formula and a supporting organizational HRM model. The paper's incremental value lies in the introduction of comprehensive sets of facts and suppositions useful as foundations for empirical testing and further research as well as in providing practical implications for those seeking promotions or desiring to improve the way organizations' human resources are led.
User perceptions in workplace productivity and strategic FM delivery
Authors: Tucker Matthew , Smith Andrew
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of user perceptions within an organisational context, and more specifically, how user perceptions are evidenced and positively applied within facilities management (FM).

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual approach is adopted suggesting that user perceptions should be viewed as a holistic process within FM. Via comprehensive literature reviews the paper determines the importance of user perceptions, first, in the context of the user achieving productivity in the workplace as their input and functionalities within the physical environment can inevitably enhance their later experience, and second, in the context of the user later achieving customer satisfaction via strategic FM delivery.

Findings

Argues that user perceptions in FM can be analysed through a two‐fold approach: user perception through their input and functionalities in the workplace, and their consequent application of workplace productivity; and user perception through strategic FM delivery and the achievement of customer satisfaction. Identifies an intrinsic linkage between the two and how they are integral to the overall strategic FM process.

Originality/value

Strategic FM delivery is now essential for business survival, where the impetus on ensuring high customer satisfaction coupled with high workplace productivity is illustrated via the “logical customer performance ladder” (LCPL). This paper provides an intriguing insight into how both of these crucial factors can be strategically implemented into FM.
The impact of facilities management on patient outcomes
Authors: May Daryl , Pinder James
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which practicing National Health Service (NHS) facilities managers thought that the contribution of facilities management (FM) could be measured in terms of health outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was distributed to NHS facilities or estate managers from the majority of NHS trusts in England and Wales.

Findings

In general, there is little or no evidence from pre‐existing research to prove the contribution of FM in terms of health outcomes. However, in spite of this, 59 per cent of facilities managers in the NHS believe that the contribution of FM could be measured yet only a relatively small number of Trusts (16 per cent) have attempted to measure the contribution of FM. The analysis of the secondary data does not show any conclusive evidence of a correlation between FM and health outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of the study did not extend to collecting empirical evidence to prove the contribution of FM to health outcomes – it was only focusing on whether facilities managers thought it was possible, and if so how they would measure the contribution. However, as part of the project some secondary data were tested for a relationship between FM services and health outcomes.

Originality/value

This is the first time any study has gathered opinion from facilities managers as to whether they believe their contribution can be measured in terms of organisational outcomes, in this case patient care or health outcomes. It provides a useful starting point in order to develop a future study to prove the contribution from FM to health outcomes.
Expenditure on operation and maintenance service and rental income of commercial buildings
Authors: Lai Joseph , Yik Francis , Jones Phil
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The recession in the late 1990s in Hong Kong has triggered many commercial building owners to cut operation and maintenance (O&M) cost via outsourcing. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dominant expenditure on O&M service and examine the relation between extent of outsourcing and rental income of the buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

Experienced O&M practitioners were interviewed to collect both quantitative and qualitative data of the commercial buildings they looked after. The in‐house and outsourced O&M costs, air‐conditioning energy costs, rental incomes, and management and air‐conditioning fees for the buildings were analysed.

Findings

The total air‐conditioning O&M cost is the principal cost item, with the energy cost being the dominant element. The analysis reveals that the extent of outsourcing bore little correlation with the air‐conditioning O&M cost and the rental income.

Research limitations/implications

Further work may take a similar approach to identify the extent and effect of outsourcing other kinds of services that underpin the core business of an organisation.

Practical implications

Varying the extent of outsourcing O&M service was found to be unpromising for enhancing rental performance or cutting O&M expenditure. This is an important point that the building managers should address when considering whether to go for outsourcing.

Originality/value

The findings imply that in the building O&M service industry, it would be more economical to outsource or undertake in‐house the vast majority of O&M work. The focus for cost minimization should be to improve building energy performance rather than reducing labour resources through outsourcing.
Applicability in Hong Kong of London's experiences on urban redevelopment practices
Authors: Chan Edwin H.W. , Lee Grace K.L.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to: study reviews of the urban renewal practices in Hong Kong and London; compare the perceptions of the design professions in both cities on the importance of different urban design considerations when defining urban renewal strategies; and verify the applicability of London's experiences in achieving sustainable urban renewal in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to compare the urban renewal practices in Hong Kong and London. Questionnaires were sent to design professions in both cities who were actively involved in Hong Kong's and London's urban (re)development projects. ANOVA was adopted to compare the perception patterns in both cities.

Findings

The survey and ANOVA analysis revealed that the urban design considerations short‐listed for this study could contribute towards the sustainability of economy, environment and social equity. It was noted that the distinctive features of cities of various locations do have impacts on certain perception patterns of the professionals.

Originality/value

This article adds to the limited literature in this area and will be of interest to those involved in urban redevelopment practices.
The use of ICTs in Namibia's SME sector to access business information services
Authors: Rufaro T. Chiware Elisha , Dick Archie L.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present current state of the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Namibia's small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME) sector to access business information services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a doctoral research project on business information needs, seeking patterns and utilisation of ICTs in the SME sector in Namibia that was carried out at the University of Pretoria from 2005 to 2007. The survey methodology using both qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed to collect data.

Findings

The findings revealed that there is a very low level of ICTs utilization among SMEs while among business support organisations it is relatively high.

Practical implications

The study presents baseline data that can be used by governments and business support organisations in the provision of ICTs to the SME sector to access business information services.

Originality/value

The study provides data on which future developments in ICTs in the SME sector could be based.
Cataloguers in a global information network environment
Authors: Omekwu Charles O.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the traditional and emerging roles of cataloguing professionals in a global network information environment. That exploration becomes even more critical in view of migration of information resources into digital, electronic and virtual domains.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory research design was adopted. The method was to first examine current issues in library and information practice with specific focus on digital technology, the electronic environment, automation, networking, the internet, cyberspace and virtual libraries. The next approach was to examine the challenges of operating in a globalized information environment.

Findings

Cataloguers have key roles in knowledge segmentation, identification, organization and authentication. They are vital as content and system managers, software specialists and information retrieval system designers. In all, more than 23 roles are articulated for forward‐looking cataloguing professionals.

Originality/value

The paper's originality lies in its argument that roles are correlates of competencies and that as the practice of knowledge organization migrates to a dominantly global information network environment, cataloguers must upgrade their competencies in order to effectively operate in the emerging environment.
An evaluation of the second survey on electronic databases usage at Ankara University Digital Library
Authors: Atakan Cemal , Atılgan Doğan , Bayram Özlem , Arslantekin Sacit
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to encompass the assessment of the effectiveness of the digital library and the value of multidisciplinary databases in terms of user preferences and use frequency by academic ranking.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper compares the results of two survey questionnaires carried out in 2002 and 2005. It examines the level of awareness by academic staff of digital library resources along with their use rate and to evaluate the preferences of faculty for specific electronic databases case studies were undertaken by means of separate questionnaires in both years.

Findings

Findings were consistent that positive results have been observed in two studies conducted in two years, 2002 and 2005. According to the results of the current survey, increased numbers of the faculty members of Ankara University know about the existence of the digital library. Another result of the survey is that many of the faculty members, although not all, use electronic databases. The most preferred databases have been Web of Science, Science Direct and Ebsco. When use of the electronic databases is analyzed, in respect of faculty rank and level of awareness, associate and assistant professors, assistants are ranked first.

Originality/value

The study presents the first case study in the field in Turkey that compares the current situation of the digital library usage with the initial survey data.
Moving from knowledge to wisdom, from ordinary consciousness to extraordinary consciousness
Authors: Bennet Alex , Bennet David
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships among knowledge, wisdom, consciousness and extraordinary consciousness.

Design/methodology/approach

After introducing knowledge, this paper provides: a short review of the literature on the concept of wisdom; an introduction to the concepts of ordinary and extraordinary consciousness; and a brief exploration of the relationships among these concepts.

Findings

Tacit knowledge is in relationship to wisdom. Since extraordinary consciousness by definition is heightened sensitivity to, awareness of, and connection with our unconscious mind, extraordinary consciousness is in support of wisdom.

Originality/value

Introduces concept of extraordinary consciousness.
Analysis of The New Knowledge Management: guidelines to evaluate KM frameworks
Authors: Fernando de Barros Campos Luiz
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the application of some guidelines to evaluate new knowledge management (KM) models and frameworks, by means of the presentation and analysis of The New Knowledge Management, a model developed by the North‐American consultants Joseph M. Firestone and Mark W. McElroy, and the associated knowledge life cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an analysis that encompasses epistemological issues and KM theory, intending to review some fundamental concepts and make comparisons to preeminent works. The KM framework examined is grounded on the philosopher Popper's ideas and has in its core the process of knowledge claim validation, which distinguishes it from other information‐oriented approaches. Based on the guidelines pointed, some of the aspects of the KM model exposed are outlined and criticized, among them the difficulty of establishing a meta‐theory that could support the judgment of diverse knowledge claims.

Findings

The guidelines found useful to analyze KM models are: the observance of the adopted scope, the concern over the fundamental concepts, the extension of the employed interdisciplinary procedures, the authors' intentions and background, and the possible comparisons and analogies to concepts and theories of related fields.

Practical implications

Many KM solutions and practices are implemented in the organizations without a solid theoretic background. The guidelines can help to choose from the myriad KM models and frameworks that show up uninterruptedly.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on providing methodological means to analyze and evaluate new KM models, not on merely discussing one of them.
Engaging tacit knowledge in support of organizational learning
Authors: Bennet David , Bennet Alex
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to identify and develop an understanding of the aspects of tacit knowledge that play a significant role in enabling organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking a multi‐dimensional approach, this paper moves toward an understanding of tacit knowledge through the lens of neuroscience, evolutionary biology, psychology, competency theory and knowledge management. The paper begins with the definition of knowledge, then discusses explicit, implicit and tacit knowledge and their relationships. Then individual learning is explored through the four aspects of tacit knowledge (embodied, affective, intuitive, and spiritual). Next the concept of extraordinary consciousness is developed and a four‐fold action model proposed for working with tacit knowledge to improve organizational learning. Finally, this model is engaged to begin the exploration of the role of leadership with respect to tacit knowledge and organizational learning.

Findings

The recognition that tacit knowledge resides beyond ordinary consciousness leads to the search to develop greater sensitivity to information stored in the unconscious to facilitate the management and use of tacit knowledge. Surfacing, embedding and sharing tacit knowledge are approaches for mobilizing tacit knowledge in support of individual and organizational objectives. In addition, it was forwarded that participating in or exposing ourselves to situations that induce resonance engages our personal passion in developing deeper knowledge and expanded awareness of that knowledge, that is, moving us toward extraordinary consciousness.

Originality/value

This paper is a new treatment of tacit knowledge that is consistent with recent findings in neuroscience and evolutionary biology. Further, it begins the exploration of ways to achieve extraordinary consciousness, thereby enhancing the capacity of an organization to learn.
From friendly turns towards trade – on the interplay between cooperation and markets
Authors: Mann Stefan
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Many transactions are partly carried out within social networks and without payment, partly commercially on the market. The paper aims to explore the interdependencies between shrinking cooperation in society and a growing service sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The author tries to categorize cooperation and to set it into relation to services carried out against payment. Examples are found where a clear switch from cooperation to the service sector have been taken place.

Findings

The paper diagnoses a broad societal switch from socially driven cooperation to the market. Tour reps at holiday clubs, psychologists and nurses for the elderly are all rising professions and are used as cases in point. Utility theory sees such switches as a rise in GDP and therefore as something positive. From a happiness research perspective, however, switching from cooperation to markets will probably lead to declining social capital.

Research limitations/implications

The overall impact to societal utility remains unclear.

Originality/value

This is an example for a phenomenon where happiness research leads to very different results from welfare economics.
Redefining Maori economic development
Authors: O'Sullivan John , Dana Teresa
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate the process of economic development within a Maori context in order to identify successful processes for economic development that can be utilised by Maori for future economic progress. This study seeks insights into how to set up an appropriate framework to achieve suitable outcomes for these peoples, taking into account their world view.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study followed the tiaki or “mentor” model, where authoritative Maori individuals facilitate the research process. To ensure that the individuals interviewed were appropriate spokespeople, and that a variety of views on the topic of Maori economic development was solicited, judgment sampling was utilised to identify a list of potential interviewees.

Findings

Maori economic development requires that appropriate structures be put in place and that these structures must involve identifying the Maori community and meeting community aspirations. Achieving sovereignty and economic independence are goals of Maori economic development. Maori also seek acknowledgment of their authority in managing natural resources within the boundaries of historical tribal land. For Maori, it is important to view economic development as a vehicle for achieving social outcomes and reducing disparities.

Originality/value

This study uncovers underlying issues that need to be addressed when developing social‐ and economic‐development structures for an indigenous group.
A survey of alternative livelihood options for Hong Kong's fishers
Authors: Teh Louise , Cheung William W.L. , Cornish Andy , Chu Clarus , Rashid Sumaila U.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Hong Kong's largely unregulated fisheries are in a state of biological and economic decline. The government has proposed new fisheries management regulations which will likely restrict fishing effort. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate: fishers' willingness and capacity to switch to alternative jobs or livelihoods; and the feasibility of the marine recreation sector to provide alternative employment options for fishers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted interviews to find out about perceptions and attitudes towards the proposed management regulations, and alternative livelihood options for fishers. They interviewed participants in the fisheries sector (mainly fishers) and the marine recreation sector. A questionnaire was also mailed or faxed to marine recreation businesses throughout Hong Kong.

Findings

It was found that up to 75 per cent of fishers interviewed were generally willing to leave the fishery if they were provided with adequate compensation, but they were not optimistic about finding suitable jobs due to their limited skills and education. About 55 per cent of marine recreation respondents said they would consider hiring fishers; however, there were unlikely to be sufficient jobs for all the potentially displaced fishers. Hence, fishers have to look outside the marine sector for alternative livelihoods.

Practical implications

The results highlight that a sizable portion of fishers are willing to depart from “their way of life” under the right conditions. This indicates that, the government can help restore Hong Kong's fisheries and fisher livelihoods by providing appropriate training and designing acceptable compensation packages for fishers.

Originality/value

The study reported in this paper is significant because it shows that fishing is no longer economically profitable for Hong Kong's fishers, a situation which can largely be attributed to the lack of fisheries management in Hong Kong, which has dissipated biological and economic productivity of the fisheries' resources.
Bank mergers, equity risk incentives, and CEO stock options
Authors: Williams Melissa A. , Michael Timothy B. , Rao Ramesh P.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the risk‐incentive effect of CEO stock options in the banking industry.

Design/methodology/approach

For a sample of industrial mergers, Williams and Rao find that the risk‐incentive effect of CEO stock options is associated with higher post‐merger risk. This result indicates that stock options may be effective in mitigating the agency problem of Jensen and Meckling wherein managers take too little risk on behalf of shareholders. The authors extend the method of Williams and Rao to the banking industry. In particular, they are interested in determining whether the same relationship holds for these highly regulated and leveraged firms.

Findings

Using a sample of 131 bank mergers that took place between 1993 and 2002, the authors determine that the risk‐incentive effect of CEO stock options is positively related to the post‐merger level of equity risk. The results of this study also show that the interaction of size and the risk‐incentive effect is negatively related to volatility following the merger, which agrees with the original study.

Originality/value

This paper extends the literature by examining an industry that is largely ignored because of its highly regulated nature.
CEO duality and compensation in the market for corporate control
Authors: Dorata Nina T. , Petra Steven T.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This study seeks to examine whether CEO duality further exacerbates CEOs' motivation of self‐interest to engage in mergers and acquisitions to increase their compensation.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression tests using CEO compensation as the dependent variable, and CEO duality, firm size and firm performance as independent test and control variables. The regression tests are used for various sub‐samples of the firms, those that merge and those that have CEO duality.

Findings

The results indicate that for merging firms CEO compensation is positively associated with firm size. However, this association is unaffected by CEO duality. For non‐merging firms, the results indicate that CEO compensation is positively associated with firm size and firm performance. CEO duality moderates the positive association between CEO compensation and firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to the extent that it does not observe the deliberations of compensation committees in their setting of CEO compensation, but only examines the outcomes of those deliberations. A future area of research is to examine compensation schemes of merger/acquisition CEOs in the context of other government structures, such as board independence and composition.

Practical implications

Shareholders who desire to keep CEO compensation levels positively associated with firm performance may consider supporting the separation of the positions of CEO and Chairperson of the Board.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by concluding that governance structure influences CEO compensation schemes and CEOs of merging firms command higher compensation in spite of governance structure and firm performance.
Strategic market orientation and business performance
Authors: Gladson Nwokah N.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the extent to which market orientation impacts the business performance of an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

While much empirical work has centered on market orientation, the generalizability of its impact on the performance of food and beverages organizations in the Nigerian context has been under‐researched. The commentary adopts a triangulation approach by examining the theoretical and researched issues on market orientation and their influence on the business performance of food and beverages organizations in Nigeria.

Findings

The commentary validates earlier instruments but does not find any strong association between market orientation and business performance in the Nigerian context using food and beverages organizations. The reasons underlying the weak relationship between the market orientation and business performance of food and beverages organizations include government policies, new product development, diversification, innovation and devaluation of the Nigerian currency.

Research limitations/implications

One important contribution of this paper is that market orientation leads to business performance through some moderating variables. The commentary recommends that the Nigerian Government should ensure a stable economy and implement economic policies that will enhance existing business development in the country. Also, organizations should have performance measurement systems to detect the impact of investment on market orientation with the aim of learning how the organizations work.

Originality/value

The paper significantly refines the body of knowledge concerning the impact of market orientation on the performance of organizations, and thereby offers a model of market orientation and business performance in the Nigerian context for marketing scholars and practitioners. This model will, no doubt, contribute to the body of existing literature on market orientation.
Factors influencing word of mouth effectiveness: receiver perspectives
Authors: Sweeney Jillian C. , Soutar Geoffrey N. , Mazzarol Tim
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Word of mouth (WOM) is becoming increasingly recognized as an important form of promotion, particularly within professional services environments, where credence qualities play a critical role in consumers' choices. The present paper seeks to explore the factors that are likely to enhance the chances that receivers of positive word of mouth might be influenced by such information.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines findings from six focus group discussions and 103 critical incident forms.

Findings

The findings suggest that the potential for WOM to impact on perceptions or on actions depends on the nature of the sender‐receiver relationship, the richness and strength of the message and its delivery, and various personal and situational factors.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are tentative and based on a relatively small sample; however, they provide a useful framework for future research into the process of WOM.

Practical implications

The importance of WOM in marketing, particularly professional services marketing, is widely accepted; however, little is known about how to enhance its occurrence. The paper provides marketing managers with a better understanding of the factors likely to influence receivers of WOM.

Originality/value

Most WOM research focuses on the sender of WOM. In contrast this paper provides insights on the impact of WOM on the receiver, something that is currently a “black box” in the marketing literature.
Servicescape and loyalty intentions: an empirical investigation
Authors: Harris Lloyd C. , Ezeh Chris
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks better to conceptualise, operationalise and subsequently to test a multi‐dimensional and more social view of servicescape and the direct and moderated linkages with loyalty intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey research method was used to study servicescapes in the context of UK restaurants.

Findings

In furtherance of conceptualisation efforts, a model is developed to evaluate the linear influences of nine servicescape variables on customers' loyalty intentions. Additionally, the model appraises the impact of personal and environmental factors which moderate the servicescape‐loyalty intentions relationship. Analysis of survey responses finds a number of significant associations with loyalty intentions.

Practical implications

The results of the study indicate that practitioners should reflect carefully on a range of servicescape variables and judiciously manage such factors to improve the extent to which consumers are likely to foster positive intentions to be loyal.

Originality/value

The paper contributes a multi‐dimensional and more social framework of servicescape that is subsequently operationalised and tested. It also supplies a measure of servicescape that future researchers may find useful.
The organisation of integrated communications: toward flexible integration
Authors: Thøger Christensen Lars , Fuat Fırat A. , Torp Simon
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Marketing organisations increasingly talk about the importance of integrating their communications, of aligning symbols, messages, procedures and behaviours across formal organisational boundaries. Often this implies tighter central control over communications and other organisational processes. This paper sets out to discuss potential negative consequences of such tight control in terms of organisational incapability to react to market changes in increasingly fluid environments due to a loss of sufficient corporate complexity and diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

In response, a flexible integration approach that draws attention to the handling of difference and variety within the context of an integrated communications project is articulated. The paper proposes a framework that balances centralisation and decentralisation through attention to dimensions of endogenous control, tight and loose couplings, networks, and common process rules.

Findings

The paper demonstrated that, in order to integrate its communications, an organisation needs to embrace diversity and variety and to balance the wisdom of its many voices with the effort to secure clarity and consistency in its overall expression.

Practical implications

The flexible integration approach advanced in this paper opens new avenues of research, practice and pedagogy, encouraging scholars, practitioners and teachers to explore the following dimensions of integrated communications: reception, variability, organisation, voice, couplings and transferability.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on integrated communications and corporate communications by addressing the organisational dimensions of integration and suggesting a new avenue of integrated communications research that is far more sensitive to the organisational context in which projects of integration exist and unfold.
Intra‐functional conflict: an investigation of antecedent factors in marketing functions
Authors: Harris Lloyd C. , Ogbonna Emmanuel , Goode Mark M.H.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to contribute empirical evaluation of the factors, behaviours and processes that lead to intra‐functional conflict, and in so doing to contribute to theory building on these issues, which have important contemporary relevance for theorists and practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 1,000 firms was conducted to elucidate the associations between both functional and dysfunctional intra‐functional conflict and a number of intra‐ and extra‐organisational variables.

Findings

Evidence was found indicating that participative decision making (positively), heterogeneity and centrality of marketing (both negatively) are linked to functional intra‐departmental conflict, while leadership quality of senior staff, team spirit and risk‐taking proclivity are positively associated with functional intradepartmental conflict and negatively with dysfunctional intra‐departmental conflict. No support was found for the claims that departmentalisation and organisation size were associated with either form of conflict.

Research limitations/implications

The study supplies an empirical contribution through conceptualising, and subsequently empirically verifying, a model of the antecedents of intra‐functional conflict. Empirical contributions stem from findings that, while some parallels exist between the antecedents of intra‐functional and inter‐functional conflict, differences are evident, and in some cases even orthogonal. This study further reinforces suggestions that marketers have over‐emphasised the negative dimensions of conflict and have overlooked the positive (that is, the functional) aspects of conflict.

Practical implications

The findings of the study also have numerous implications for practitioners. At a strategic level, the study suggests that executives should acknowledge in their change processes that decisions at an organisational level could have a profound effect on both the functional and dysfunctional conflict in their organisation. Further, given the significant effect of inter‐group dynamics, managers of functions may find it beneficial to manipulate a range of intra‐functional variables to enhance functional conflict.

Originality/value

The value of the current study centres on the conceptual and empirical contributions regarding the drivers of intra‐functional conflict.