bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of clinical technology-processes for developing countries
Authors: Agarwal Nikunj , Sebastian M.P.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the utility of clinical processes in healthcare institutions of different sizes. The implications of adoption rate of computerized physicians order entry (CPOE) and electronic medical/health records (EMRs/EHRs) in different sized healthcare institutions in the USA were studied in terms of understanding its impact on enhancement of quality of patient care.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study has used secondary data to obtain insights on the processes and technologies used in hospitals of different sizes in the USA and enlighten those in the developing countries to adopt a strategy that would be most appropriate for them. The Dorenfest Institute for H.I.T. Research and Education Analytics database (The Dorenfest Institute, 2011) provided the data for 5,038 US hospitals. Logistic regression was performed to study the impact of the different types of processes and technologies on institutions of different sizes, classified based on the number of beds, physicians, and nurses.

Findings

– The findings show that small sized hospitals had a positive relationship with drug dosing interactions process and nursing and clinician content process. On the contrary, medium sized hospitals had a negative relationship with the usage of CPOE for entering medical records, i.e. <25 percent (p<0.05). In order to be effective, these institutions should increase the usage of EMRs by more than 25 percent to get positive outcomes. Large hospitals showed a positive relationship with the usage of >75 percent of CPOE to enter medical records and usage of medical records >75 percent.

Practical implications

– The authors demonstrate the need for an evaluation of utility of acute care hospitals based on hospital size in terms of number of physicians, and nurses, which have not been dealt earlier by the past studies. Moreover, there is also a need for an evaluation of utility of acute care hospitals for implementation of CPOEs and EMRs that are integrated with clinical decision support systems.

Originality/value

– Although the data are US-centric, the insights provided by the results are very much relevant to the Indian scenario to support the improvement of the quality of care. The findings may help those implementing processes in healthcare institutions in India. No study has addressed the measurement of the positive and negative outcomes arising due to the implementation of different percentages of CPOEs and EMRs in different sized institutions. Further the number of physicians and nurses have not been considered earlier. Therefore, the authors have classified the hospitals based on physicians and nurses and studied their impact on the adoption of CPOEs, clinical decision support systems, and EMRs.
What workers want: a global perspective
Authors: Mayfield Milton , Mayfield Jacqueline
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine the changes in global worker preferences for job attributes and incentives at the national cultural level, knowledge that is key to the architecture of effective human resource systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– A Bayesian latent growth curve (LGC) model was used to test data from the World and European Values Surveys from the time periods 1981 to 2005.

Findings

– Results (based on Bayesian LGC analysis) indicate that employee-related beliefs about what is attractive in a job do change considerably over time, with pay, then employment security having the highest priorities. Equally important, demand for good pay and a job that matches one’s abilities are the fastest growing global worker desires.

Originality/value

– These findings of national culture’s active evolution in the workplace indicate a need for scholars, leaders in practice – especially human resource managers – to rethink our cultural conceptualizations for model building and global job design and reward systems.
How companies from developing and emerging countries can leverage their brand equity in terms of place branding
Authors: Herstein Ram , Berger Ron , D. Jaffe Eugene
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this conceptual paper is to present a new approach that will enable marketers in developing and emerging countries to promote their products, irrespective of their country of origin’s image. Many companies in emerging and developing countries, intent on exporting their products/services, struggle to overcome the negative “made-in” image barrier. Despite tremendous efforts by the governments of these countries to change the unfavorable image of products made there, their good quality products are still perceived as inferior compared to companies whose products are “made-in” in countries with a positive image, mainly developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed conceptual model hinges on two dimensions – global political status and human capital capabilities. Using this framework, four different types of country destination positioning emerge, each with its own country branding strategy.

Findings

– Companies from emerging and developing countries can compete on an equal footing with Western companies by changing their country branding strategy. Companies from countries such as China and Costa Rica can promote themselves better by implementing region and continent branding strategies.

Practical implications

– The proposed conceptual model enables marketers to cope even with the most negative “made-in” country stereotypes and improve their marketplace positions.

Originality/value

– The literature review demonstrates that researchers have not dealt with these two dimensions. Consequently, the paper offers marketers a new perspective on the complex issue of country positioning and how to leverage their strengths to maximize their company’s profits.
Helping children with theSteps to Copeintervention
Authors: Templeton Lorna , Sipler Ed
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to summarise the findings from two projects in Northern Ireland which investigated the feasibility of adapting an existing adult intervention, the 5-Step Method, for children affected by parental substance misuse and/or parental mental illness. The structured brief psychosocial intervention is calledSteps to Copeand can be delivered as an individual or group intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

– The two projects recruited and trained 57 practitioners from across Northern Ireland, 20 of whom went on to use theSteps to Copeintervention with a total of 43 children.

Findings

– It appears possible to adapt the intervention for children; to train practitioners, some of whom are able to use the intervention with one or more children; and for the intervention to benefit children in line with the five steps of the intervention targeting areas such as health, feelings, information, coping, support, and resilience. However, there are organisational and practical barriers to delivery which need to be overcome for the intervention to be more widely implemented.

Originality/value

–Steps to Copeis a unique intervention for this population and the findings discussed here suggest that the model has potential in an area where support for children in their own right is lacking.
Cocaine users and self-regulation mechanisms
Authors: Zuffa Grazia , Meringolo Patrizia , Petrini Fausto
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The prevalence of cocaine use has been increasing since the mid-1990s in many European countries, Italy included. There is a large variety of patterns of cocaine use in natural settings, but on the whole, the existence of different patterns of cocaine use remains widely unknown to drug professionals, as well as to public opinion. The purpose of this paper is to investigate patterns and trajectories of use, the meaning of use within the context of users’ life styles, the perception of controlled/uncontrolled use, personal strategies to keep drug use “under control”.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper illustrates findings from a qualitative study among 115 cocaine users. Participants were recruited using the snow ball sampling (a minimum lifetime experience of 20 instances of cocaine use was required).

Findings

– The findings confirm the variability of cocaine use trajectories and the prevalent tendency towards more moderate patterns of use. Such variability is in patent contrast to the disease model of addiction and its assumed predetermined linear trajectories. Set, and particularly setting and all the environmental factors, such as life events, appear to be the variables that can better explain the dynamic course of patterns of use.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limit concerns the non-randomisation in the selection of the nominees. Participants were recruited in the night entertainment scene of the main Tuscan cities through personal contacts of staff from risk reduction facilities: in spite of the personal and confidential approach, the number of “non institutionalized” users willing to collaborate was too low, therefore the authors decided to omit the randomisation.

Social implications

– The findings bear social implications as they can contribute to a change in the social representation of users so as to reduce the stigma. They can also prompt innovation in the operational models of drug services.

Originality/value

– It is the first qualitative research from the “control” perspective ever led in Italy.
Implementation of computer-assisted therapy for substance misuse: a qualitative study of Breaking Free Online using Roger's diffusion of innovation theory
Authors: Elison Sarah , Ward Jonathan , Davies Glyn , Moody Mark
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the adoption and implementation of computer-assisted therapy (CAT) using Breaking Free Online (BFO) in a social care and health charity working with people affected by drugs and alcohol dependence, Crime Reduction Initiatives (CRI).

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews were conducted with service managers, practitioners, peer mentors and service users. Data were thematically analysed and themes conceptualised using Roger's Diffusion of Innovation Theory (Rogers, 1995, 2002, 2004).

Findings

– A number of perceived barriers to adoption of BFO throughout CRI were identified within the social system, including a lack of IT resources and skills. However, there were numerous perceived benefits of adoption of BFO throughout CRI, including broadening access to effective interventions to support recovery from substance dependence, and promoting digital inclusion. Along with the solutions that were found to the identified barriers to implementation, intentions around longer-term continuation of adoption of the programme were reported, with this process being supported through changes to both the social system and the individuals within it.

Research limitations/implications

– The introduction of innovations such as BFO within large organisations like CRI can be perceived as being disruptive, even when individuals within the organisation recognise its benefits. For successful adoption and implementation of such innovations, changes in the social system are required, at organisational and individual levels.

Practical implications

– The learning points from this study may be relevant to the substance misuse sector, and more widely to criminal justice, health and social care organisations.

Originality/value

– This study is the first of its kind to use a qualitative approach to examine processes of implementation of CAT for substance misuse within a large treatment and recovery organisation.
Investigating the terminology used to describe Ecstasy
Authors: Turner Alexandra , Gautam Lata , Moore Colleen , Cole Michael
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the changing use of language concerning the drug Ecstasy and their potential consequences over the last ten years.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research used metadata analysis of different resource types to assess the changing frequency with which the terms Ecstasy and MDMA occur.

Findings

– Since 2011 there has been an increase in the use of the term “MDMA” relative to “Ecstasy”. The prevalence of the term MDMA is higher than that of Ecstasy in both academic literature and web based information resources. This is also found in the public's own use of the terms. The shift from one term to the other highlights the lack of uniformity in the way Ecstasy and MDMA are reported. This underlines the need for clarity and consistency in reporting this substance so that correct information is disseminated for use by the general public, law enforcement agencies and healthcare professionals.

Originality/value

– This paper establishes a time line for when the term MDMA began to be used which has not yet been reported on. It compares the relative frequency of the use of the terms Ecstasy and MDMA over time illustrating a change in use and language and whether Ecstasy is still an appropriate term to use.
CLARIFYING THE CONCEPTUAL DEFINITIONS OF GOAL ORIENTATION DIMENSIONS: COMPETENCE, CONTROL, AND EVALUATION
Authors: Heintz Paul , Steele‐Johnson Debra
Published: November 2014

The current study examined relationships between goal orientation dimensions and other individual difference constructs in order to clarify the conceptual definition of goal orientation. Results from a sample of university students (N = 228) revealed that learning goal orientation is related to constructs addressing competence (need for achievement, intrinsic motivation, and private self‐consciousness) and to constructs addressing control (locus of control and dominance). Additionally, results indicated that performance goal orientation is related to constructs addressing individuals' desire for favorable evaluations (social desirability and public self‐consciousness). Finally, we proposed that self‐esteem addresses issues relating to both competence and desire for favorable evaluations, and results revealed support for predicted relationships with learning and performance goal orientation dimensions. Our clarification of the goal orientation construct provides a framework to guide future research.
Physical distribution planning with simulation
Authors: BOWERSOX DONALD J. , KEITH HELFERICH OMAR , MARIEN EDWARD J.
Published: November 2014

The problem considered in this paper is that of long range planning of physical distribution systems and how this may be improved through simulation
Tomorrow's travelers and how to attract them
Authors: Barnet Edward M.
Published: November 2014

The subject, «Tomorrow's travelers and how to attract them» implies some knowledge of the elements that make for the traveler of today, some conjectures of why it may not be the same traveler tomorrow, some knowledge of what makes a destination area, some comprehension of the strategies of marketing and distribution of inducements that bring people in substantial numbers from where they are to some other place.
A dimension of tourism promotion
Authors: Kreck Lothar A.
Published: November 2014

There seems to be a tendency among scholars concerned with tourism to neglect the area of communication in their discussions of marketing or, in specific, promotion. Why this tendency exists is not quite clear. It might be that communication (and the knowledge of it) is taken for granted. The following will show that the communication process is highly complicated and as such should not be taken for granted. Also, Barnet, in his recent article in this journal, described marketing as a consumer‐oriented concept. Since communication is part of the marketing process it is also consumer‐oriented. This moves the concept of communication from a mechanistic to a behavioral basis for discussion. An attempt is made here to use this behavioral basis and to describe a possible total communication framework with the help of the general systems approach, underlying the use of a medium for mass distribution in the area of tourism promotion. In specific, what are some of the necessary considerations when a country, with the hypothetical name SHOMEE, tries to entice nationals of another country, in this case U.S. citizens, to come and visit the host country.
The development of motor coach touring
Authors: Taylor E.L.
Published: November 2014

Touring by motor coach has a longer history than is sometimes appreciated. In Great Britain at least, motor coaches were used for tourist travel from the early days of the twentieth century, succeeding and gradually supplanting the horse‐drawn wagonette or “charabanc”. Chancy vehicles of uncertain temper and impolite habits, churning up dust, belching smoke and sometimes steam, not very comfortable—they yet appealed to the adventurous, and with popular encouragement they improved rapidly. By 1905 or so, parties of people were banding together and taking quite long journeys, which sometimes extended over several days.
A note on the urban‐nonurban imbalance in American recreational research
Authors: Stansfield Charles A.
Published: November 2014

Recreation is a many‐faceted phenomenon. It is curious that so dominant a place in American recreational literature has been held, virtually without exception, by studies of recreational activities in dominantly rural settings. The necessity of examining and understanding the characteristics of and utilization of recreation facilities within nonurban environments is not in question. The rapidly increasing economic and social significance of leisure in American life certainly requires studies of recreation in all its forms. Such frequently publisized trends in the American economy as the rising percentage of employment within the service industries, including recreation, should encourage interest in the economic aspects of the approaching era of greater leisure among more people. Accelerating urbanization has led understandably, to a search for additional nonurban sites for recreation, and to a program of analysis of the trends within and problems associated with outdoor recreation.
An optimal target cost contract with a risk neutral owner
Authors: Mahdi Hosseinian S. , G. Carmichael David
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Target cost contracts are commonly used to share the monetary outcome of work or a project. However, discussion is ongoing, as to what constitutes optimal sharing. The purpose of this paper is to examine optimal sharing and derives a result for defined risk assumptions on the owner (risk neutral) and contractor (risk-averse ranging to risk neutral).

Design/methodology/approach

– The derivation is based on solving a constrained maximization problem using ideas from principal-agent theory. Practitioners were engaged in a designed exercise in order to validate the approach and propositions. The influence of the contractor's level of risk aversion, the cost uncertainty and the contractor's effort effectiveness are examined.

Findings

– The paper shows that, at the optimum, the sharing ratio between contractor and owner needs to reduce and the fixed fee needs to increase when the contractor becomes more risk-averse, the level of the cost uncertainty increases, or the effectiveness of the contractor effort decreases.

Practical implications

– The paper's findings provide practitioners with a useful benchmark for outcome sharing in target contracts.

Originality/value

– Existing work on outcome sharing in target contracts is limited to being qualitative and anecdotal in nature. This paper extends existing knowledge by providing a quantitative treatment of optimal sharing.
Impact of values on the learning approaches of Chinese construction students in Hong Kong
Authors: Leung Mei-yung , Dongyu Chen , M.M. Liu Anita
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of personal values on students’ learning behaviours. Hong Kong construction students are often criticized, by both practitioners and educators, as rote learners. To improve students’ learning processes, extensive research on a variety of aspects of construction education has been conducted. However, limited attention has been paid to the influence of personal values on students’ learning behaviours. The impact of personal value factors on the learning approaches of Chinese construction students in Hong Kong is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire survey was conducted to ethically Chinese construction students in four universities in Hong Kong. A total of 820 questionnaires were distributed and 431 valid returns were collected.

Findings

– The survey identified six influential values (namely, personal integrity, conservatism, determination, discipline, interpersonal relationships, and achievement), and shows that students who emphasize the virtues of personal integrity, determination, and a positive attitude toward achievement are better able to handle their interpersonal relationships, which will eventually lead them to engage in deep learning.

Originality/value

– Work to develop appropriate value systems is thus recommended in freshmen courses, as is the use of cooperative learning approaches. Such value systems will have a long-term influence on the learning approaches of construction students.
Just Falafel: a success story of an international expansion
Authors: Jabeen Fauzia , Katsioloudes Marios I.
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Entrepreneurship, strategic management and international business management.

Study level/applicability

This case is intended for teaching entrepreneurship, strategic management, international business courses at the undergraduate as well as graduate levels.

Case overview

This is a field-researched real case about a growing fast food business started by local UAE entrepreneurs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Just Falafel, a UAE based fast food pioneer company in the vegetarian and healthy food category is one of the most popular food outlets in the UAE. The company was poised for growth as demand was exceeding all expectations. Newer markets were being considered for expansion. By taking into consideration the present economic conditions as well as market stability it is possible to make a detailed calculation of market growth. There were many challenges Just Falafel had to face: increasing demand and brand awareness of Western fast food giants; and the future skills Just Falafel needed to develop to meet the regional and global challenges. Just Falafel specializes only in falafel and the company devised different flavors to differentiate its sandwiches based on each culture. This in turn expanded the outlet greatly and it gained high revenues in a short period of time. But there are many challenges and hurdles which the company has to consider if it is continue in the future. The owners and management are wondering what their next step ought to be in light of the economic recession. Should they expand? If so, where? If not, why not?

Expected learning outcomes

The case will help students to identify and evaluate the business strategy and the business model adopted by the company for international expansion. This will also enable students to critically think in various facets and reach a decision based on the facts provided.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Going international through successful partnerships: the case of GIAS
Authors: Koubaa Yamen , Tabbane Rym Srarfi , Hamouda Manel
Published: November 2014

Subject area

International business.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for Bachelor and Master level students of business studies.

Case overview

In the actual global economy context, firms are trying to be more competitive by accelerating their efforts to integrate foreign markets. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from emerging markets are increasingly internationalizing to capitalize on opportunities in foreign markets. To get into internationalization SMEs can use different successful expansion strategies. One of these strategies is the establishment of a win-win partnership with partners that distribute the company products on the foreign markets. The case deals with a successful experience of a win-win partnership from an emerging country SME, the Tunisian food industry firm GIAS, which began its internationalization in 1996. The case presents first the reasons of internationalization of GIAS. Then an explanation of the strategic choices of internationalization of the firm is provided. The selection of the most appropriate foreign markets is described later. The win-win partnership approach is then detailed and the case finishes with the future internationalization plans for GIAS.

Expected learning outcomes

The expected learning outcomes include: the selection of a foreign market; the determinants of the foreign mode of entry; the process of integrating an internationalization strategy; how to choose the most appropriate partner; the follow up and the management of the relationships with foreign partners; and the monitoring of international markets. The case provides a space to think about practice and help learners, therefore, to connect theory and practice.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Anhui Xuanjiu Group: creating happiness for employees
Authors: Ci-sheng Wu , Zhen Zhou
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Labour relations management, business management, HRM, focusing on the labour relations of Chinese enterprises.

Study level/applicability

This case is designed for students in schools of business or management, undergraduate MBA or executive MBA classes. Students should already have a basic knowledge about Chinese labour relations, HRM, and organizational development.

Case overview

In 2004, a deal transformed Anhui Xuanjiu Group from a state-owned enterprise (SOE) to a private company. Li Jian, the Chairman of Xuanjiu Group, focused on creating happiness for employees. Thanks to Li Jian's efforts, Xuanjiu emrged from its crisis which was formed in the planned economy system. After several years of development, the labour relations management of Anhui Xuanjiu Group became a model among private enterprises in China.

Expected learning outcomes

Students can gain new insights into labour relations in China. The case provides an example of building friendly labour relations to avoid labour disputes. It provides a set of measures for retaining and motivating workers.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Aavaran: creating niche through contemporary traditional textiles
Authors: Mishra Jagriti
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Marketing.

Study level/applicability

The case is aimed at Business Administration students.

Case overview

Udaipur based Aavaran – the echos of rural India – is a concept by COS-V, a leading non-governmental organization (NGO), which aims at connecting the tribal women of rural India with the mainstream. The NGO, set up in 1988 by Smt. Girija Vyas, was initially involved in imparting vocational training to the rural poor. Later, COS-V was taken up by Alka Sharma, a graduate from the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, Jaipur, who completely changed the direction of the NGO. Her interest in textiles and crafts led to the genesis of the concept “Aavaran”. Aavaran is a retail outlet which was opened with a vision to provide the Indian market with traditional yet contemporary textiles and clothing. It offers a collection of women's and children's clothing and home textiles using a variety of traditional textiles and crafts. It is an artisan driven concept where the supply chain incorporates the essence of Indian textiles and crafts at every level. From the dyeing, printing, sampling and assembly of garments everything is done by the local women trained by COS-V with the support of DC-Handicrafts. The raw materials – the textiles, grey fabrics, etc. – are sourced directly from the rural weavers and artisans across India. The case study discusses how Aavaran developed the unique positioning of a retail platform for contemporary products made from traditional techniques, skills and hand-based processes; how it could revive the diminishing arts of Dabu and Phetia and how it carved a niche through its channelized marketing efforts.

Expected learning outcomes

The case will familiarize management students with the concept of niche marketing with Udaipur based firm Aavaran as an example which developed a unique positioning through its traditionally developed products. It will also acquaint students with a basic understanding of a supply chain with a cooperative firm in focus.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Healthcare underutilization in overweight Mexican Americans with chronic pain
Authors: N. Rutledge Dana , Rakovski Carter , Zettel-Watson Laura
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– To determine healthcare utilization issues for low-income Hispanic immigrants who have both excess weight and chronic pain.

Design/methodology/approach

– Community health workers conducted at-home interviews with 101 middle-aged and older Mexican Americans (aged 40-79 years,M=52.1±8.8) associated with a community agency in southern California to evaluate healthcare underutilization and reported reasons for not using medical or pharmaceutical care.

Findings

– Almost all participants (91 percent) reported having received at least some medical care in the year preceding the study interview. However, at some point during the prior year, 62 percent had not seen a doctor when it was needed and 45 percent had not taken a prescribed medication. While the primary reason for underutilization was financial, communication, and trust reasons were also reported.

Research limitations/implications

– Although cross-sectional and geographically restricted, this study lays the foundation for additional research on reasons for underutilization of recommended healthcare and lack of pain management in low-income Hispanic immigrants who are overweight and have chronic pain.

Social implications

– Policy implications include the urgent need for health insurance.

Practical implications

– Implications for providers include the need for accurate pain assessment and better communication about medication to prevent non-adherence in this population.

Originality/value

– The current study highlights the existence of healthcare underutilization among overweight and obese Mexican Americans with chronic pain and identifies specific barriers to care, care seeking, and pain management.
Does social identity affect residents’ attitude toward tourism development?
Authors: Haobin Ye Ben , Qiu Zhang Hanqin , Huawen Shen James , Goh Carey
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this study is to examine the roles of social identity and perceived cultural distance in forming the attitude of Hong Kong residents toward the relaxation of the individual visit scheme (IVS).

Design/methodology/approach

– Face-to-face interviews with local Hong Kong residents were conducted. A total of 24 respondents’ interviews were qualified for qualitative analysis using the snowball sampling technique.

Findings

– The perceived positive and negative impacts, social identity and perceived cultural distance of Hong Kong residents were important in explaining their attitude toward tourism development. Perceived cultural distance influenced both the perceived negative impacts and social identity of residents, which, in turn, affected their attitude toward mainland Chinese tourists and tourism development.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample size for the interviews was relatively small; however, it was acceptable for qualitative studies.

Practical implications

– First, the Hong Kong Government should enhance civic education among mainland Chinese tourists to reduce their cultural conflicts with Hong Kong residents. Second, the Hong Kong Government should enhance national education among Hong Kong residents to mitigate the negative influence of the relaxation of the IVS.

Originality/value

– This study sheds light on the roles of perceived cultural distance and social identity in the attitude of residents toward tourism development, thus narrowing research gaps. Moreover, the current study applies an intercultural-interaction perspective, social identity theory, common in-group identity theory and social distance theory to understand resident attitude toward tourism development.
Understanding CSR from the perspective of Chinese diners: the case of McDonald’s
Authors: Xu Yueying
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The study aims to explore the expectations and perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies among Chinese fast-food diners, and to investigate the relationships among CSR strategies, consumer satisfaction and customer loyalty behaviors. Chinese diners’ knowledge about a real world brand’s CSR activities was also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

– Setting the research context on the fast food industry in China and selecting McDonald’s as the subject brand, a survey study was conducted in a Southern Chinese mid-scale city. A convenience sample of 320 was withdrawn, and the data were analyzed with SPSS 18.0.

Findings

– Results from the study show that the Chinese fast food diners expect restaurant companies to attach more importance to “(product) nutrition and well-being (of customers)” and “environment sustainability” to be considered socially responsible. CSR performance was found to be the most influential factor in the consumers’ loyalty behaviors compared to customer satisfaction with service, product and the total visit experience. The study also found that many of McDonald’s CSR activities were unknown to the Chinese respondents.

Originality/value

– China is an attractive market to most global companies including fast food chain companies. Understanding Chinese diners’ expectations and perceptions toward companies’ CSR strategies will contribute to the success rate of companies operating in China. In addition, by using a real-world brands as the research context, the study tries to avoid perception bias of respondents due to the different interpretations of CSR in different organizations and industries.
How and when the effect of ethical leadership occurs? A multilevel analysis in the Chinese hospitality industry
Authors: Qin Qianqian , Wen Biyan , Ling Qian , Zhou Sinian , Tong Mengshi
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the mechanism of action of ethical leadership by testing the direct and indirect effects of ethical leadership on employee work outcomes (i.e. individual job satisfaction, work engagement and customer-oriented behavior) and the moderating effects of group job satisfaction on the relationship between ethical leadership and its consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

– A hierarchical linear model is used. The valid sample is composed of 285 front-line service personnel in 56 work groups from five hotels and five golf clubs in South China.

Findings

– Results indicate that group job satisfaction has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between ethical leadership and employee work engagement. That is, compared with that in groups with high job satisfaction, the relationship between ethical leadership and employee work engagement is significantly more positive in groups with low job satisfaction. Employee work attitudes (including individual job satisfaction and work engagement) mediate the effect of ethical leadership on employee customer-oriented behavior.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitations are as follows. First, some of the reported relationships may be affected by common method bias, as our study collected data from a single source. Second, whether the findings can be generalized to other industries in other countries remains unknown. Third, as the current study is based on a cross-sectional design, establishing causality is difficult among the study variables.

Practical implications

– The findings show that the managers in hospitality and tourism companies should adopt ethical leadership to enhance employee customer-oriented behavior by improving positive work attitudes. At the same time, hospitality and tourism companies should improve group job satisfaction as a substitute for ethical leadership in the absence of ethical leadership.

Originality/value

– A key contribution of this research is demonstrating how and when the effects of ethical leadership occur by analyzing the mediating and moderating effects in the same study. This study systematically examines the mediating effect of employee work attitudes on the influence of ethical leadership on employee work behavior and discusses the moderating effect of the group-level variable. The findings extend ethical leadership theory and make a contribution to the existing research on discussing the substitutes for the leadership model.
Superintendent leadership under shifting governance regimes
Authors: Merok Paulsen Jan , Johansson Olof , Moos Lejf , Nihlfors Elisabet , Risku Mika
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the superintendent position, its relation to the local political system and the function as superior of principals in the school district in order to illuminate important district-level conditions for student learning. Influences from historical legacies and policy cultures are investigated by means of cross-country case analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on data from national surveys of superintendent leadership in Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway.

Findings

– A key point is the observation of a mix-mode system of hard and soft governance. Municipalities, schools, teachers and pupils are – in different degrees across the Nordic countries – subjected to external evaluation and assessment by central control agencies, where the streams of reports, assessments and performance data are assembled. However, shifts in the governance systems are only modestly reflected in the self-reports on the superintendents’ role. Overall, superintendents in the cases express a self-preferred leadership style as professional learning facilitators who focus on pupil orientation, which positions the superintendent in “crossfires” between conflicting stakeholder demands.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper reinforces the importance of superintendent leadership in local school governance. It underscores the importance that superintendents facilitate learning conditions for school leaders, teachers and students, which we see as a promising path for further research.

Originality/value

– The paper provides empirical evidence regarding superintendent leadership situated in local social and political contexts within the Nordic countries. The cross-country analysis illuminates how path-pendent historical legacies mediate current reform trends.
School boards and superintendents doing local curriculum work
Authors: Skott Pia
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The paper is about a specific part of the Swedish governing system: the municipality, which has the responsibility of implementing national school goals. The starting point is an identified local governing chain including the chairman of the politically elected school board, the superintendent, principals and head teachers. It is the first link in this chain which is in focus, between chairmen and superintendents. The purpose of this paper is to investigate their role understanding and enactment: what roles do they have, formally and enacted? Is it a clear or blurred line between them? What can be seen as causing conflict or success?

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is part of a larger research project focussing on what happens when national policy meets local governing structures. The project as a whole has a mixed method design and includes surveys with superintendents, politicians and principals. It also includes interviews with chairmen of local school boards, superintendents and principals. In this paper the focus is on interviews made with politicians and superintendents in six (of 290) municipalities followed over time (including a political election between the authors visits). The municipalities are spread over the country, with shifting political majorities.

Findings

– The authors identify that there seem to be a shared formal role understanding in that politicians are responsible for the what-side and superintendents for the how-side of the local work. The roles are, however, enacted in a blurred zone with role intrusion as an active component. What causes a conflict or not is if the two have a shared understanding of how to play the game. This makes the local work sensitive to changes on the positions. Success comes from a relationship built on trust and where there is a mutual understanding of how to work.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is built on a small selection of municipalities and must be complemented by further ones to be able to generalize the results. What it can say something about is, however, how actors in six different local settings enact the same kinds of assignments and if there are similarities and differences between their role enactment.

Originality/value

– Although the study is built on a small selection of municipalities it is unique in that it follows interlinked actors over time, making it possible not only to discuss municipality stereotypes but study human relationships over time. This also makes it possible to discuss new aspects of governing chains.
Heroic leadership in Australia, Sweden, and the United States
Authors: Drysdale Lawrie , Bennett Jeffrey , T. Murakami Elizabeth , Johansson Olof , Gurr David
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to draw from data collected as part of the International Successful School Principalship Project (ISSPP) and present cases of democratic and heroic leadership from three countries, discussing to what extent successful school principals in each of their research sites (Melbourne, Australia; Umeå, Sweden; Arizona and Texas in the USA) carry old and new perspectives of heroism in their leadership. In particular the paper explores two questions: first, how do school principals describe aspects of heroic and post-heroic leadership in their practices? and second, how do these heroic and post-heroic leadership practices meet contemporary demands such as accountability standards and build inclusive and collaborative school communities in challenging contexts?

Design/methodology/approach

– Multiple-perspective case studies involving semi-structured individual and group interviews with principals, teachers, students, parents and school board members were used to understand the contribution of principals and other leadership to school success.

Findings

– The definitions of heroic and post-heroic leadership are inadequate in defining successful principal leadership. The Australian, Swedish and American principals showed characteristics of both heroic and post-heroic leadership. They showed heroic qualities such as: inspiring and motivating others; challenging the status quo; showing integrity in conflicting situations; putting duty before self; taking risks to champion a better way; showing courage to stand up to those in authority; advocating for students in struggling neighbourhoods under the scrutiny of both district and public expectations; and, showing uncommon commitment. Yet our principals showed post-heroic leadership such as involving others in decision making and recognising that school success depended on collective effort, and being sensitive to community needs through a deep respect for the local culture.

Originality/value

– The research shows that we may need to redefine and recast our images of who school principals are today, and what they do to generate academic success for students. Both heroic and post-heroic images of leadership are needed to explain successful school leadership.
Turkish UAV capabilities as a new competitor in the market
Authors: Kahvecioglu Sinem , Oktal Hakan
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the main Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) projects proceeded by Turkey and to reveal the future targets and the status of Turkey among the countries securing enhanced UAV experience.

Design/methodology/approach

– The historical development and the future of the UAV systems are analyzed by using the roadmaps, and reports about the UAV market.

Findings

– It is found that the development and the production of indigineous UAV systems/subsystems will reduce the costs, and enable Turkey to be independent with respect to when, where, and how to use its own UAV systems.

Originality/value

– This study provides historical context for recent developments in UAV sector in Turkey and presents some proposals for the future of the market.
Workforce nationality composition and workplace flexibility in Britain
Authors: B. Whyman Philip , Ileana Petrescu Alina
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper, with an organisational focus, is to offer a novel examination of the association between workforce nationality composition and workplace flexibility practices (WFPs), an under-researched topic with high potential benefits at microeconomic and macroeconomic level.

Design/methodology/approach

– British data are used, as the UK has experienced significant immigrant flows and has a relatively high level of labour market flexibility. The Workplace Employee Relations Survey 2011, sampling 2,500 British workplaces, offers for the first time data on workforce nationality. Via zero-inflated regressions, the number of non-UK nationals employed in a workplace is assessed against a wide range of numerical, functional and cost WFPs.

Findings

– There are significant links between WFPs and the employment of non-UK nationals, and these are distinct for non-UK nationals from the European Economic Area (EEA) when compared to non-UK nationals from outside the EEA. The former are more likely to be in “good” employment, with job security, working from home, job autonomy and training. Yet, both types of non-UK nationals are more likely to be employed in workplaces making high use of causal contracts. The implications of these results are discussed.

Originality/value

– The paper addresses the need to research migration from a relatively new perspective of WFPs while also taking into account the diversity of non-UK nationals. The topic is of importance to organisations, as well as to labour market and migration policymakers. Timely results are of value in view of heightened interest in migration.