bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing the role of privilege in free markets, equality‐under‐law and sustainability
Authors: Twomey Teresa M. , Harris Drew L.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide techniques for distinguishing and analyzing privileges. With privileges revealed and categorized, the article provides an analysis of the impact different kinds of privileges have on free markets, equality‐under‐the‐law, and environmental sustainability. From this analysis arise recommendations for public policy aimed at improving efficiency and equality‐of‐opportunity in markets while encouraging more environmentally sustainable corporate behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The article calls upon a technique from sociology (“unpacking a knapsack”) to begin this exploration of privilege. It then uses the Harris‐Twomey typology to categorize various kinds of privilege and analyze their impact on free markets, equality‐under‐the‐law, and sustainability. The article uses examples to illustrate the importance of understanding the impact of privileges in developing effective public policy.

Findings

It is difficult to distinguish otherwise “invisible” privileges; having methods for identifying and categorizing privileges make them more visible. Second, the illustrative examples and accompanying analysis suggest that reducing the number of privileges granted by the state, especially those that are economically inefficient, will improve performance and equity across an economy. Where privileges are necessary for efficient resource use or market development, the state would improve efficiency and equality by charging fees equal to the opportunity costs borne by others or the cost imposed on others by the privilege‐holder.

Practical implications

Using the techniques of analysis and following guidelines for public policies consistent with the principles explored here would be likely to improve access to and efficiency of free markets (making them more “free”), create a more level playing field (greater equality under the law) and diminish the negative environmental impacts of corporate activity by changing the incentive systems that currently encourage monopolistic tendencies in markets, concentration of power, and transference of environmental costs from corporations to the public.

Originality/value

This paper combines analytic techniques from Sociology, Economics, and Management to gain a fresh perspective on the existence and impact of privileges on markets, society, and the environment. This fresh perspective reconciles tensions between equality and efficiency and provides guidelines for effective public policies.
Exploring the logics of corporate brand identity formation
Authors: Blombäck Anna , Ramírez‐Pasillas Marcela
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and analyze the logics at work when companies decide what corporate features to communicate; which eventually also accounts for their corporate brands' identities.

Design/methodology/approach

As a case in point, the paper focuses on the concept of “family business” and investigates the rationale among companies to make particular reference to being such a company on their web sites – a decision the authors interpret as part of the corporate brand identity formation. Interviews are carried out with 14 CEOs in 12 small and medium‐sized family enterprises in a Swedish context. The paper employs a discourse analysis to distinguish patterns of corporate feature selection.

Findings

The results highlight how decisions that define corporate brand identity are not necessarily a consequence of rigorous marketing planning, but are sometimes made without concern for marketing matters. Three logics for the selection and formation of corporate brand identity features are identified: the habit, organic and intended logics. On account of these findings, a three logics model of corporate brand identity formation is developed, proposing differences between intuitive, emergent and strategic processes. In the intuitive process, managers construct brand identity based on tradition, instinctive beliefs and self‐perception. In the emergent process, the decision surfaces from active interplay between self‐perception among managers and the company's identity. In the strategic process, the decision is a product of an explicit brand strategy with focus on corporate communications.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is small. No large firms are included. The paper focuses on one corporate feature, namely, being a family business.

Originality/value

Research on corporate brand identity is still largely conceptual. Drawing on empirical findings, this paper contributes to available theory and to practical insight.
Identity, image and stakeholder dialogue
Authors: Kantanen Helena
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on how corporate and regional identity and image build a framework for stakeholder dialogue in higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on literature related to corporate identity and image. The approach is qualitative and the data consist of strategic documents and 23 focused interviews conducted with university and stakeholder representatives in three Finnish cities.

Findings

The paper outlines how corporate and regional identities are perceived by university managers and universities' local stakeholders. It claims that the identity and image of the university and the region concerned are among the central determinants of stakeholder interaction.

Practical implications

The paper shows that identity and image are central phenomena to manage communication in higher education institutions. It emphasises that when merging institutions, valuable assets such as the history with local stakeholders may be at risk.

Originality/value

There is information on how university identity and image are formed through research merits and education, but very little knowledge on how they are formed through the so‐called third strand, regional service. The paper sheds light on this question.
Visual priming of pharmaceutical advertising disclosures: effects of a motivation factor
Authors: Wang Alex
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This study seeks to examine how consumers perceive a pharmaceutical company's advertisement through visual priming of the disclosure featured in the advertisement.

Design/methodology/approach

An online study with a convenience sample consisting of college students is used to examine the effects of a visually primed pharmaceutical advertising disclosure on attitude toward responsible advertising practice, trust toward the advertisement and attitude toward the advertisement.

Findings

The results reveal that consumers form better attitudes toward responsible advertising practice and higher levels of trust toward the advertisement when the disclosure is visually primed in the advertisement. However, visual priming of the disclosure may not enhance consumers' attitudes toward the advertisement. Further evidence indicates that allergy status, a motivation factor, has the main effect on attitude toward the advertisement. When consumers have allergies, they tend to form better attitudes toward the advertisement.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the inherent limitations of this study that have to be confirmed in future research, this study suggests that visual priming of advertising disclosure may enhance consumers' attitudes toward advertising practice and trust toward the advertisement. However, consumers' attitudes toward the advertisement are enhanced directly by personal relevance to the advertisement instead of visual priming.

Practical implications

Based on the results of this study, the study provides a more realistic and socially responsible advertising disclosure practice for attracting consumer attention and processing toward pharmaceutical advertising.

Originality/value

This paper adds value to the existing literature on corporate social responsibility and promotes the effective management of socially responsible business through two main approaches: adopting visual priming of pharmaceutical advertising disclosure; and implementing more responsible pharmaceutical advertising practices.
Availability and security of blood results to new Foundation 1 doctors: closing the audit loop
Authors: O'Brien David , Pengelly Steven , Lambert Anthony
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This study aims to quantify the provision of blood result logons to new Foundation 1 (F1) doctors in a large teaching hospital over the course of two years, with the audit used to bring about improvement over this time.

Design/methodology/approach

New F1 doctors starting in August 2008 completed a questionnaire assessing their access to blood results and whether they had to resort to using other doctors' passwords. The results were fed back to stakeholders involved in F1 induction, and new F1s were audited again in August 2009.

Findings

On starting the job in 2008, 25 per cent of new F1s had pathology result logons and this rose to 78 per cent at eight weeks. None of the audit targets were met. The results were fed back to the IT department, the medical school and the Human Resources department with the result that in 2009, 90 per cent of the doctors had passwords on starting their jobs, with 100 per cent provision at eight weeks. All of the audit targets were met. Access and security improved considerably from 2008 to 2009.

Practical implications

Ease of access to those staff requiring access to patient data is important for patient safety; this has to be balanced against data security. Extra resources may be required to provide secure access to large numbers of staff starting all at the same time.

Originality/value

This study shows the usefulness of audit as a tool for producing improvements in patient safety and data security in large organisations; very little literature has been produced on this topic.
Medical students' knowledge of data protection legislation
Authors: Naughton M. , Callanan I. , Guerandel A. , Malone K.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Medical confidentiality derives from the Hippocratic Oath and has been affirmed in most codes of professional conduct, including the Irish Medical Council's guide to professional conduct and ethics. The Irish Data Protection Act 1988 and Amendment 2003 bring this responsibility into a legal forum. The aim of this audit is to assess how comprehensively medical tutors/consultants instilled knowledge and appreciation of confidentiality and data protection to medical students in a prominent Dublin University Hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

Breaches in data protection legislation by final year medical students were identified by means of a questionnaire. Changes were made to the curriculum (presentations, notices on students' e‐learning interface and induction manual) and to the exams in psychiatry, to increase awareness of data protection legislation. Students at the same point in their education were re‐assessed one year later to see if the interventions were helpful in increasing knowledge and improving adherence to data protection legislation.

Findings

Significant breaches of the data protection legislation at baseline and follow up were identified. Examples include: “Data shall be kept for one or more specified, explicit and legitimate purposes” – when asked if they would inform patients that assessments were for submission of a case report, 44 per cent at baseline and 56 per cent at follow‐up said yes. “Appropriate security measures shall be taken against unauthorised access” – 52 per cent password‐protected their computer at baseline and 59 per cent did at follow‐up. Of those that had no password protection at baseline, 70 per cent of their computers were used by others, with little change in this at follow‐up (68 per cent). At baseline 52 per cent kept a copy of reports on USB devices compared to 46 per cent at follow‐up. 26 per cent admitted to losing a USB device in the past. “Data should not be kept longer than is necessary for that purpose” – 63 per cent admitting keeping electronic copies of case reports on their computers following submission at baseline and 64 per cent at follow‐up. “Data should be made anonymous” – 96 per cent at baseline and 100 per cent at follow‐up used initials when submitting case reports to make the data anonymous.

Practical implications

What was disappointing was that, while knowledge and awareness of obligations under data protection legislation improved following intervention, breaches in compliance still remained.

Originality/value

This is the first such audit in Ireland on the provision of educational training in the area of data protection legislation to medical students. It is likely that that such breaches by medical students reflect the tip of the iceberg in relation to probable breaches amongst registered healthcare professionals. The challenge now facing the medical profession and healthcare services is to effect behavioural change to improve compliance with data protection legislation.
Restructuring services to reduce waiting times and prevent complications
Authors: Old Oliver J. , Rogers Timothy
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Inguinal hernias are a common problem amongst neonates, and a potential source of significant morbidity through incarceration of the hernia. Expedited surgical repair can prevent incarceration and reduce complications. The department at Bristol Children's Hospital aimed to minimise waiting times for surgery thereby reducing incarceration and complication rates. This paper aims to examine how this was done.

Design/methodology/approach

Bristol Children's Hospital provides local and regional (tertiary referral) services. Retrospective audit of waiting times from referral to surgery was performed against the departmental standard of four weeks. Data were collected on frequency of incarceration and any complications. Following service restructure, second cycle audit was performed to assess the impact of change.

Findings

First cycle audit (n=74) found median waiting time 20 days, (Mean 28.4 days, Range 0‐138 days). A total of 28 per cent of patients waited longer than the target four weeks from referral. Incarceration occurred in 13 per cent of patients awaiting surgery. Two patients (2.7 per cent) experienced complications. Following service restructuring second cycle audit (n=28) found waiting times were significantly reduced (median two days, mean 7.0, p<0.0001). Only 7 per cent of patients waited over four weeks for surgery. There were no incarcerations or complications.

Practical implications

This study demonstrates a successful model of service for management of neonatal inguinal hernias which could be adopted at children's hospitals throughout the UK.

Originality/value

This study highlights a successful audit process, in which the extent of a problem is quantified and analysed, strategies for improvement are identified and implemented, and second cycle audit confirms the impact of change and an improved service.
Supporting quality improvement in the development of medical guidelines in Austria
Authors: Pferzinger Manfred , Thöni Magdalena , Huber Magdalena , Verena Pferzinger Iris
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Until today a central register for medical guidelines has not been established in Austria. Hence, the study at hand aims to identify important success factors for medical guidelines in Austria in order to fully support the future activities of organisations developing these guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a specially‐developed questionnaire, 137 potential Austrian guideline developers were asked about the anticipated benefits of a common guideline register and a standardised method for guideline development by means of a complete inventory count for Austria.

Findings

Approximately 73 per cent of Austrian guideline developers know of existing online guideline registers. Nearly 77 per cent know neither of an instrument to evaluate the guidelines in a methodical way, nor of the Council of Europe's recommendation. Around 63 per cent expect an improvement in the quality of the guidelines by implementing a standardised method.

Research limitations/implications

The present study provides the results of the first complete inventory count of guideline developers in Austria and can be used as an orientation for future activities.

Practical implications

The realisation of the success factors would increase the quality of national guidelines and would boost the implementation of best practices such as evidence‐based‐medicine into the Austrian health care system.

Originality/value

The study shows for the first time the necessity of support in order to improve the quality of Austrian guidelines from the point of view of potential developers.
Addressing healthcare associated infections prevention through a fellowship training program
Authors: Masters Amanda , Birnbaum David
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the initial experiences in a new option of an established fellowship program, which can serve as a model that strengthens the next generation of our workforce for preventing healthcare‐associated infections.

Design/methodology/approach

Historical narrative.

Findings

The CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellowship has a long history of success in producing future leaders for the public health workforce. As it expands into a healthcare‐associated infections option, it is addressing an area new to traditional public health departments. However, this also is an area where public health must be viewed as part of the continuum of healthcare systems, where tomorrow's professionals must be credible in a number of settings (health departments, hospitals, clinics and extended care facilities).

Practical implications

CSTE's first class of HAI Fellows offers a new model for producing the type of professionals necessary for the field of hospital epidemiology and infection control to achieve its full potential.

Originality/value

This is the first published description of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists new Applied Epidemiology Fellowship “HAI” graduating class.
Corporate governance and the timeliness of financial reporting: a comparative study of the People's Republic of China, the USA and the European Union
Authors: McGee Robert W. , Yuan Xiaoli
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Timeliness of financial reporting is one of the attributes of good corporate governance identified by the OECD and World Bank. Shareholders and other stakeholders need information while it is still fresh and the more time that passes between year‐end and disclosure, the more stale the information becomes and the less value it has. This paper aims to examine the timeliness of financial reporting in the People's Republic of China and to compare it to timeliness in the USA and the European Union (EU).

Design/methodology/approach

The timeliness of financial reporting was measured by counting the number of days that elapsed between year‐end and the date of the independent auditor's report for Chinese companies listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and a selection of public companies in the USA and EU. Results were then compared to determine whether there was a significant difference. This study also compares timeliness data on the basis of audit firm to determine whether companies audited by one of the Big‐4 firms are more timely in their financial reporting than are companies audited by Chinese audit firms.

Findings

The paper finds that Chinese companies took significantly longer to report financial results than either the EU or US companies. EU companies took significantly longer to report financial results than US companies. The vast majority of Chinese company audits were not conducted by the Big‐4 accounting firms.

Practical implications

Companies that are not timely in their financial reporting practices find it more difficult to attract capital. Their corporate governance practices are also seen as less than ideal, which has a negative effect on a company's reputation within the financial community. Thus, Chinese companies that are slow in reporting their financial results may suffer negative consequences in terms of reputation and ability to raise capital, all other things being equal.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to compare the timeliness of financial reporting for the People's Republic of China, the USA and the European Union.
The voluntary disclosure of internet financial reporting (IFR) in an emerging economy: a case of digital Bangladesh
Authors: Nurunnabi Mohammad , Alam Hossain Monirul
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The present study seeks to paint the current state of voluntary disclosure of internet financial reporting (IFR) in Bangladesh as an example of an emerging economy and to investigate empirically some company characteristics as determinants of such practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 83 listed companies in Bangladesh in the year 2009 and the disclosure index of Deller et al., Marston, Xiao et al. and Marston and Polei and comments from the users and investors of Bangladesh, the study employs statistical analysis to investigate the association between a number of company characteristics and the extent of voluntary disclosure of IFR.

Findings

The findings revealed that only 29.12 percent (83) companies had web sites out of the 285 listed companies and only 33.34 percent (28) companies' provided financial information. Out of seven variables, only big audit firms and non‐family ownership variables were significantly associated with the levels of voluntary disclosure. Another important result revealed that despite the mandatory requirements of having audit committee in Bangladesh, the companies without the audit committee were disclosing voluntary information more and it raised the question on the lack of regulatory enforcement in Bangladesh.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of this study is limited to a single country; it would be interesting to replicate this study to a group of emerging countries which have many similarities to the Bangladesh environment.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no studies have been conducted on IFR in a South Asian emerging country, in particular Bangladesh. The study also is the first of its kind to examine the whole population of a period in any country which enhances contribution to IFR literature. Unlike the prior studies conducted in emerging countries, the study contributes not only to the present state of IFR by the listed companies in Bangladesh but also the connectivity problem between the dream and reality of the digital Bangladesh concept. The study also finds that the companies' IFR practices are not influenced by “Digital Bangladesh” concept.
Mediating effects of funding strategies and profit maximization: Indian non‐banking finance sector
Authors: Thiyagarajan G. , Arulraj A.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The mobilization of funds was severely affected with the linking of their funds mobilization to their internal owned funds. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to identify the mediating effects of funds with profitability and to focus on the funding strategy to maximize profits in the non‐banking financial sector in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses various approaches to maximize profits. The study also examines trends in sources of funds using key financial variables. A formative model to capture the mediating effects of funds with profitability is tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. The paper includes various financial variables including external and internal funds. These variables' relationship with the core operating profit is tested in a graphical structural equation environment using package software.

Findings

Mediating effects of borrowings with profitability are established. The paper concludes that the gap in funds can be matched effectively through mobilization of funds of short duration. The study establishes that a combination of fund raising strategies such as flotation of debentures, bank borrowings and short term funding program can affect profits.

Research limitations/implications

The study is confined to non‐bank finance companies in a particular state in India. The geographical and demographical differences may affect generalization. However, care has been taken to match the geographical and demographical characteristics of the country.

Originality/value

The findings of this paper are of immense value for industry managers, lenders and for financial forecasting within the sector. New entrepreneurs can use the findings in their funding plans.
Dividend policy in Indonesia: survey evidence from executives
Authors: Kent Baker H. , Powell Gary E.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This study aims to survey managers of dividend‐paying firms listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) to learn their views about the factors influencing dividend policy, dividend issues, and explanations for paying dividends. The study also aims to focus on Indonesia, the largest national economy in Southeast Asia, because relatively few studies examine why Indonesian firms pay dividends.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary means of gathering data is a mail survey. The two‐page survey instrument consists of three main sections: 22 factors for determining a firm's dividend policy; six questions that provide background information about the respondents and their firms; and 27 statements about dividend policy in general. Of the 163 firms surveyed, 52 firms responded, resulting in a response rate of 31.9 per cent.

Findings

The evidence shows that managers view the most important determinants of dividends as the stability of earnings and the level of current and expected future earnings. They also believe that the effects of dividends on stock prices and needs of current shareholders are important determinants. The evidence shows that managers of Indonesian firms perceive that dividend policy affects firm value. Managers seem to agree that multiple theories including signaling, catering, and life cycle explanations help to explain why their firms pay dividends.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on a limited number of factors and issues involving dividend policy. While non‐response bias could potentially limit making generalizations to the population of IDX firms, statistical tests show no significant differences between respondents and non‐respondents on various firm characteristics.

Practical implications

The evidence suggests that no universal set of factors is likely to be applicable to all firms when setting dividend policy.

Originality/value

This study presents new evidence on the perceptions of managers of dividend‐paying IDX‐listed firms about the factors influencing dividend policy, dividend issues, and explanations for paying dividends.
An exploratory study of a risk neutral pricing model of accumulators
Authors: Kwong Thomas , Fok Daisy , Kwong Kern , Fok Lillian
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Accumulators are cutting‐edge stock derivative investments that have been the subject of much controversy in Hong Kong over the past year. Accumulators are exotic options composed of a full year of daily long up‐and‐out call options and short up‐and‐out put options. Because accumulators are so new, the understanding of accumulators is currently very limited. This paper attempts to characterize and understand the properties of this fairly unknown and new stock derivative investment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzed and characterized accumulators based on observations from past history of 11 stocks of the Hang Seng Index. Using historical stock data covering from January 3, 2006, and onward, the profit and loss for each accumulator contract was calculated.

Findings

Through the research it is understood that the profit and loss of accumulator contracts depends primarily on the following factors: knockout percentage, discount percentage, variability of the underlying stock, and the overall market trends, among other factors.

Originality/value

This pioneer simulation is an empirical exploratory post factum study that gives researchers and practitioners further insight how to formulate a risk neutral pricing model for accumulators in the future.
The futures of critical perspectives on international business
Authors: Roberts Joanne , Dörrenbächer Christoph
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this extended editorial is to elaborate on the possible future trajectories of critical perspectives on international business. In addition, the content of the current issue is introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

This editorial reviews recent reflections on the field of international business to identify the concerns of mainstream scholars and to contrast these with those of central concern to critical scholars of international business. In the light of this, consideration is given to how critical perspectives on international business seeks to facilitate the development of academic debates that continue to question orthodox approaches to international business whilst also offering relevance for all stakeholders in international business activities from managers, shareholders and policy makers to workers, consumers and citizens, including future generations.

Findings

Taking stock of recent reflections on the future of the field of international business is useful in determining possible topics for future contributions to critical perspectives on international business.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to review reflections on the future of international business since the Global Financial crisis of 2008. As such it offers an assessment of the current thinking in the field and offers directions for the development of critical perspectives on international business.
Markets, organizations, institutions and national identity
Authors: Hartt Chris , Mills Albert J. , Helms Mills Jean , Durepos Gabrielle
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Through a case study of Pan American World Airways (Pan Am), this paper sets out to explore the roots of twentieth century globalization and the postcolonial nature of the trading relations involved.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on Foucault's broad notion of “the archive” a critical hermeneutics approach is used to examine a series of company‐produced texts, including minutes, travelogues, company narratives, annual reports, film, diaries, and published histories.

Findings

The paper argues that Pan Am contributed to the “idea of Latin America” and, in the process contributed to practices of dependency that served the interests of the USA. Drawing on a case study of Pan Am, the paper further argues that multi‐national corporations help to establish the contours of international trade by influencing the very character and boundaries of the territories traded in, with troubling implications for the countries traded in.

Research limitations/implications

As a detailed case study extension of the findings to other global trading arrangements needs to take into account to social‐political context and relational histories of the players involved.

Practical implications

The paper generates insights into the role of rhetoric in developing trading relationships and its roots in embedded notions of postcolonial thinking and generalizations.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to an understanding of the role of language and the social construction of national identities involved in the development of international business.
Americanizing Brazilian management
Authors: Alcadipani Rafael , Caldas Miguel P.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss, from a post‐colonial perspective, the context and process of the Americanization of Brazilian management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first briefly discusses post‐colonialism and “Latin‐America”. After this, it analyzes the content of US management and its prevalence in the world. The paper then presents the process of the intentional Americanization of Brazil, in order to contextualize this process in management. It follows an essayist style.

Findings

The paper argues that the Americanization of Brazilian management is an intentional process that resembles colonialism.

Originality/value

The paper's contribution is to analyze the establishment and growth of what is one of the largest management academies in the world, showing how it was created under colonial logics. This case may also suggest how these logics have a wider influence on how management knowledge is produced and reproduced in developing economies.
Stimulating competition in the liberalized railway freight market
Authors: Laisi Milla , Mäkitalo Miika , Hilmola Olli‐Pekka
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the main market entry barriers confronted by the new operators in liberalized railway freight market (Poland and Sweden), as well as to analyze the inaugurating market of Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

Swedish and Polish markets were scrutinized utilizing qualitative case study, implemented through semi‐structured theme interviews. Among primary observations, numerous second‐hand sources were used to gain triangulation. Research was conducted during early 2009. The Finnish material was collected with Delphi technique‐based questionnaires in 2005.

Findings

The main findings support previous studies arguing that the main barriers to entry are rolling stock acquisition, needed investments and bureaucracy. In Sweden, companies were start‐ups established on the grounds of the incumbent. The Polish market obtained new operators via vertical integration with a significant competitive presence of a governmental operator. Inaugurating Finnish market is identified as a combination of these two. Therefore, it is easier to understand why new entrants are not operating in the Finnish market.

Originality/value

The research contributes novel, first‐hand data to the subject, which earlier have been studied mostly via second‐hand data and literature analyses.
Contagion of financial crises: what does the empirical evidence show?
Authors: Paas Tiiu , Kuusk Andres
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of variability of empirical results of several financial contagion studies, taking into account the role of financial markets, data sets and the applied definitions and methods that may explain the variability of empirical evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used qualitative analysis of published research materials about previous financial crises and analyzed the variability of empirical results of around 75 studies of financial contagion, taking into account the particularities of financial markets, data sets and tests methods.

Findings

The results of the analysis show that empirical studies provide heterogeneous results depending on applied definitions and methods, as well as chosen crises, destination countries and financial indices. Summing up all the relevant empirical findings the results supporting the contagion hypothesis are in clear dominance, but taking into account differences in definitions and testing methodologies the research did not reveal clear results as to which evidence dominates or should dominate.

Research limitations/implications

The authors conclude that solely qualitative analysis of published research materials about previous financial crises does not give sufficient information to elaborate proper management measures to prevent serious consequences of financial crises. The authors propose that it is possible to obtain a more adequate picture of financial contagion by using a meta‐analysis, which the authors are planning to do in future studies.

Practical implications

The paper provides information about some reasons that explain the variability of the results that are presented in the empirical studies about financial contagion. This information can be used for elaborating policy proposals and regulations that can help alleviate possible negative consequences of financial contagion. The paper shows the way for future articles summarising financial contagion.

Originality/value

The study sums up previous findings on the field of financial contagion and shows the insufficiency of the traditional literature review to accomplish that task.
The contribution of corporate social responsibility to internal employee motivation
Authors: Skudiene Vida , Auruskeviciene Vilte
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on internal employee motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among 274 employees from medium and large enterprises engaged in CSR activities in Lithuania. The research hypotheses were tested using correlation and regression analysis using factor scores from a principal component factor analysis.

Findings

The findings suggest that internal and external CSR activities positively correlate with internal employee motivation. Internal CSR was found to be stronger related to internal employee motivation than all the external CSR dimensions. Regarding the external CSR, customer‐related activities indicated stronger correlation with internal employee motivation than local communities and business partners related CSR activities. The weakest relation was found between internal employee motivation and business partners related CSR activities.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to one country under investigation, therefore further research needs to be extended to other countries. The survey is conducted in the period of economical recession. In order to assess the generality of the findings, it is suggested to repeat the research in a stable economy situation.

Practical implications

Executives could use the results of the research to resolve practical dilemmas by giving priority to the areas of CSR which facilitate employee internal motivation enhancement.

Originality/value

By revealing the importance of CSR activities to employee internal motivation enhancement, this study contributes to the CSR investigation arena.
How can we improve the effective engagement of doctors in clinical leadership?
Authors: Greening Jayne
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This article aims to review some of the literature relating to the concept of effective engagement of doctors with health service redesign and delivery and discuss the relevance in light of recent developments from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is a literature overview and personal reflection. It contains elements of personal reflection on the recent historical policy changes that have the potential to lead to frontline changes in the development of managerial training for doctors and how this could benefit healthcare systems

Findings

For services to be effective doctors need to be engaged in their design. Historically the engagement of doctors in this process has been haphazard and often taken on by doctors who have been provided with little management training. This has led to internal and external conflict and possibly been a contributing factor to lack of clinical engagement. The recent suggestions by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement around mandatory management training for doctors throughout all stages of their training as doctors has the potential to improve effective clinical engagement of doctors in service redesign and delivery and therefore their potential for success.

Originality/value

This paper has been written by a consultant psychiatrist who is involved with frontline delivery of services, medical management and training of doctors and medical students.
Complex adaptive systems for management of integrated care
Authors: Edgren Lars , Barnard Keith
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how a complex adaptive systems (CAS) approach can be used to promote the integration of health and social care for the benefit of the user.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a research review and a conceptual analysis of key issues identified in the growing literature on CAS. An application of the CAS approach to the field of integrated care is presented. The paper identifies crucial issues, notably: bringing together different providers and the place of the user as a co‐producer of care.

Findings

The benefits of the CAS approach to integrated care are distilled. Above all CAS provides managers of health and social care with an alternative mindset. Guiding principles are offered to these managers to facilitate development towards a more integrated system of health and social care. The possibility to benefit from the user's own resources is increased when organizations are viewed from a CAS perspective. CAS promotes emergent ways of working.

Practical implications

The CAS approach makes possible a significant improvement in relationships between providers and users and managers and providers; a possibility of more productive relationships and better care outcomes, not least in terms of user satisfaction.

Originality/value

The paper shows that CAS literature applied to the health and social care field points the way for managers to rethink the functioning of the field, specifically to go beyond the present dominant but outdated machine model to one which encourages the cooperation of providers and users for better outcomes.
The development of a comprehensive community health center in a rural community
Authors: Peltzer Jill N. , Teel Cynthia S.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify strategies that promote the development and sustainability of a successful comprehensive community health center located in a rural Mid‐western state.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a qualitative case study methodology, using a purposive sample of 15 employees and board members of a rural community health center. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed for common themes and sub‐themes that would describe the strategies used to develop and sustain the successful center.

Findings

Leading with Consideration was identified as the dominant theme in the interviews, field notes and archival data. Four sub‐themes: Living the Mission, Fostering Individual Growth, Building a Community, and Encouraging Innovation, emerged from the narratives. Leadership was the most important theme that emerged from the data, resulting in a workforce culture that upholds the mission of the center, leadership that seeks to inspire the growth of both employees and clients. As a result, there is a sense of community and innovative health care endeavours that have created a sustainable holistic health care model.

Research limitations/implications

The themes that emerged from the narratives of the participants may not be transferable to other community health centers. The case selected for this study was located in a rural, primarily Caucasian setting, so the findings may not be transferable to urban or more racially diverse settings.

Practical implications

Transformational leadership may be an important concept for safety net clinics to promote a positive work environment that continually addresses the important mission of the organization, promotes retention of staff, and promotes staff to provide quality, continuity of care to clients to promote their health. Within current safety net organizations, the findings from this research may affirm leaders' servant leadership styles and how they positively impact their organization. Healthy work environments guided by transformational leaders promote retention of quality health care professionals, who in turn, provide quality care in medically underserved communities.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first qualitative studies to describe concepts that support the development of a successful, sustainable community health center.
Disaggregating household expenditures on food away from home in Beijing by type of food facility and type of meal
Authors: Bai Junfei , Zhang Caiping , Qiao Fangbin , Wahl Tom
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors influencing household food consumption away from home in Beijing by type of food facility and type of meal.

Design/methodology/approach

Derived from the Becker's household production and consumption theory, the authors econometrically specified household expenditure function on food away from home. Box‐Cox transformed double‐hurdle models were estimated. The data were collected in 2007 in Beijing China by the authors, using a diary‐based method designed specifically for this study.

Findings

Household income, time opportunity cost and other socio‐demographic and economic factors were found to be important determinants of household participation and expenditure decisions for dining out. However, the importance of these factors varied by type of food facility and type of meal. Meanwhile, the estimated elasticities with respect to income were correspondingly higher than those for developed countries, suggesting that the demand for food away from home by Chinese households is still in an upward trend.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to analyze Chinese household food consumption away from home by type of food facility and type of meal. Besides, this study uses an exclusive dataset collected from a seven‐day diary‐based survey. The data include more specific information on food away from home than the Urban Household Income and Expenditure (UHIE) survey data conducted by National Bureau of Statistics of China. The UHIE data were extensively used in previous studies on food consumption in China, but are believed to significantly underestimate food away from home consumption.
The rise of middle class in rural China
Authors: Yuan Zhang , Wan Guanghua , Khor Niny
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Using official and household survey data, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the size of middle class in rural China, its trend and geographical distribution. Determinants or drivers of changes in the size of middle class are explored.

Design/methodology/approach

An absolute definition of middle class, adjusted by rural purchasing power parity (PPP) and spatial price index, is employed to measure the size and geographic distribution of rural middle class in 1988, 1995, 2002, and 2007. Biprobit models and OLS models are estimated to investigate the determinants and consumption behavior of middle class in rural China.

Findings

Major findings include: in 2007, as many as 398 million rural residents or almost 54 percent of China's rural population belonged to the middle class; the size estimate of China's rural middle class based on income is broadly consistent with that based on assets; factors enhancing the probability of a household entering the middle class include human capital, political capital and non‐farming employment while industrialization, urbanization and development of TVEs also play significant roles; and the middle class not only consume more, but also consume more durables.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the paper is the use of 2002 data. However, more recent data are not available.

Originality/value

The size of the middle‐class is crucial for the stability of China, and the growth of the middle class in rural China is crucial for rebalancing the Chinese and global economy. Thus, the measurement results, the identified drivers, and the consumption behavior of rural middle class revealed in this paper can help shed light on nurturing middle class and adjusting development strategy for China to achieve a more sustainable and balanced economic growth.