bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Researching indicators of organizational intellectual capital in Serbia
Authors: Cabrilo Sladjana , Uzelac Zorica , Cosic Ilija
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an appropriate model for IC reporting in the transitional economic system of Serbia.

Design/methodology/approach

The existing methods of IC reporting as well as the actual needs of organizations in Serbia related to measuring IC (i.e. key influencing factors of IC) and their unique features represent the fundamentals of an adequate model for IC reporting.

Findings

A group of selected IC indicators in Serbia differs from typical relevant indicators mainly due to the specifics of the environment. Preliminary investigation of organizational IC in Serbia was carried out and a number of initiatives for improvement and development of the existing IC have been suggested.

Research limitations/implications

An implementation of the proposed model is limited to the observed environment. The suggested group of indicators should be viewed more as a basis for a general application of IC reporting and management in Serbia, rather than an absolutely accurate model for IC measuring. Despite its limitations, the model can be utilized as a starting point for IC management research.

Practical implications

Selecting a group of relevant indicators that are adapted to particular environmental features simplifies IC measuring and contributes to IC reporting and management in Serbia.

Originality/value

Even though there exist numerous methods for IC measuring, this research provides an insight into the specific features of IC and enables the fine‐tuning of the existing methods. An objective and accurate model for general implementation of IC reporting and management is developed for a transitional environment.
Intellectual capital and performance in wood industries of Argentina
Authors: F‐Jardón Carlos Maria , Susana Martos Maria
Published: October 2009

Purpose

There are different models to measure the effect of intellectual capital on firm performance. These models depend on different dimensions of intellectual capital, the interrelations between them and the effects on performance. It is important to analyze several specificities in small and medium sized enterprises (SME) in developing countries. This paper aims to test diverse models to verify the previously mentioned relations applied to wood manufacturer SMEs of Oberá (Argentina).

Design/methodology/approach

A global model including the variables used in the previous literature is used. The paper establishes hypotheses for testing this model and us PLS technique to estimate the parameters of the model in a sample of 113 wood manufacturer SMEs in Oberá (Argentina).

Findings

The only dimension of intellectual capital directly affecting performance is structural capital. The other dimensions exert an indirect effect through structural capital.

Research limitations/implications

The model does not use all the possible variables to characterize intellectual capital. The causality elements cannot be verified in a temporary horizon because the data are cross‐sectional. In addition, when making reference to data of a particular period of time, there may be causes that imply relations of accidental type. Moreover, the measures used were subjective. This paper only studies the SMEs of the Argentine wood industry.

Practical implications

The paper offers several suggestions to implement strategies for local SMEs and to support aid to projects for developing countries.

Originality/value

The paper tests different models to analyze the impact of dimensions of intellectual capital on performance in SMEs of developing countries and provides information on the wood manufacturer SMEs in Argentina.
Human capital measurement: an approach that works
Authors: Robinson Dilys
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper draws on research undertaken by the Institute for Employment Studies exploring what human capital measurement means to organizations and how HR can use it as a means to raise its profile as a strategic business partner within its organization.

Design/methodology/approach

During 2007/2008, 14 organizations participated in action learning workshops, to help them devise a set of relevant people measures for use within their organizations.

Findings

Involvement in measuring people appears to raise HR's status, but only if certain conditions are met. In particular, the information must be genuinely useful to managers and there needs to be a clear link between measures and performance.

Originality/value

Measuring the value people bring to a business can be tricky but is vital to monitoring the health of an organization. Early discussions reveal that the term “human capital measurement” is not in common use and there is confusion around how this type of measurement is best approached.
Measuring return on investment in HR
Authors: Phillips Jack , Phillips Patti
Published: October 2009

Purpose

During difficult times in the economy, nothing is more important to top executives than knowing the true value of a particular project or program. “Show me the money” has become a battle cry for many executives demanding that any new HR project or program shows its value even before it is implemented and, certainly, the impact and return on investment (ROI) after it has been implemented. This article describes the ROI methodology, a measurement process developed almost 30 years ago and refined over the years to the point that it is now becoming a staple for many HR functions.

Design/methodology/approach

Around the globe, HR executives are taking a look at the ROI methodology process as a way to show credible values, including financial ROI. The process is executive friendly, user friendly and almost always passes the test of very critical researchers and professors. This article describes why and how it is being used to show the contribution of HR programs, improve programs so that they add more value, build support for HR, enhance commitments and solidify important business relationships.

Findings

This method can be used to show the value of major programs and projects and establish HR a business partner.

Originality/value

With the ROI process, the HR staff and the client will know the specific contribution of an HR program. Measuring ROI is one of the most convincing ways to earn the respect and support of the senior management team – not only for a particular HR program, but also for other HR projects.
Building culture from the outside in
Authors: Ulrich Dave , Allen Justin , Smallwood Norm , Brockbank Wayne , Younger Jon
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Traditional views of organizational culture have one thing in common; they define culture from the inside out – who we are, what we do and how we do it. In this article, the authors suggest that a more robust and practical approach to leveraging culture is to identify and shape culture from the outside in.

Design/methodology/approach

They define culture as “what we want to be known for by our best customers made real to our employees through systemic processes every day.” With a practical process, the article outlines four straightforward steps to create culture from the outside in. They are: clarify a compelling strategy to identify target customers; create a unity of identity; make that identity real for customers; and make that identity real for employees.

Findings

The paper reiterates that a more robust and impactful approach to leveraging culture is by defining and shaping it from the outside in. When leaders follow the four steps outlined above, they will define the right, customer‐centric culture. In a volatile world of speed and change, customers must be the foundation of organizational culture.

Originality/value

The authors conclude that in a volatile world of speed and change, organizations build winning cultures when their culture efforts begin with customers, then shift to employee behaviors and organizational processes.
Partnering with your leadership development provider: 12 best practices
Authors: Haskins Mark E. , Shaffer George R.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper presents a dozen ways for HR leaders to partner with their executive education leadership development providers in order to promote the tailored design, and most impactful delivery, of a custom leadership development program.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is the culmination of numerous years of working with corporations in the design and delivery of executive education leadership development programs. More precisely, it is based on several recent leadership development client engagements where a number of these best practices have been embraced by the client with positive outcomes.

Findings

The 12 best practices outlined in the paper.

Practical implications

The contemporary, field‐inspired actions presented here are immediately and broadly applicable to those HR managers engaged in partnering with providers of custom leadership development programs aimed at enhancing organizational talent, expanding leadership skills and/or developing a cadre of high‐potential managers.

Originality/value

In a concise and comprehensive manner, readers are provided with a dozen concrete action items to insure the successful and impactful design, development and delivery of custom executive education leadership development programs.
A sociological ethnographic study of clinical governance implementation in one NHS Hospital Trust
Authors: Staniland Karen
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This study aims to give an account of how stakeholders in one NHS Hospital Trust responded to the clinical governance initiative, the effects on quality improvement and the practical accomplishment of legitimacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Sociological new institutionalism theory was utilised to explain the political and ceremonial conformity that marked the clinical governance process. A case study was employed using ethnographic methods. The qualitative data were obtained by documentary analysis, observation of meetings and ward activity and 28 semi‐structured interviews. A grounded theory approach was adopted in the analysis of the interviews.

Findings

Errors and inconsistencies were found in Trust documentation and reporting systems were poor. In practice clinical governance was inadequately understood and the corporate goals not shared. Nevertheless, during the same period the Trust obtained recognition for having appropriate structures and systems in place resulting in external legitimacy.

Research limitations/implications

The results only relate to the Trust considered but the study has identified that, although the organization responded to isomorphic governmental pressures in the production of appropriate institutional documentation, the impact of clinical governance to improve the quality in practice was found to be inconsistent.

Practical implications

The Trust promoted and endorsed clinical governance success but the lack of organizational processes and knowledge management equally promoted its failure by denying the resources to implement the desired actions.

Originality/value

Whilst the study identified that clinical governance had been a “ceremonial success”, it is argued that the practical accomplishment in the improvement of quality of care for patients will remain a paper exercise until organizational and practice issues are addressed.
An audit of electronic CPA documentation
Authors: Rattehalli Ranganath D. , Variend Hannele , Miller Keith , Jayaram Mahesh
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an audit which assessed compliance in documentation of crisis and contingency plans in the electronic Care Programme Approach (CPA) for working age adult patients discharged from an in‐patient setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Two explicit and evidence‐based standards were audited and a full audit cycle was completed. The electronic CPA documentation for all discharges from the adult in‐patient beds of the Trust June 2007 formed the sample for Cycle 1 and the same from June 2008 formed the sample for Cycle 2. Data were obtained from the local electronic database.

Findings

The paper finds that the rate of electronic CPA documentation increased over time, as did the crisis and contingency plan documentation within those CPA documents. Although the electronic CPA documentation improved from 33 per cent in June 2007 to 56 per cent in June 2008 (χ2 7.2, df 1, p < 0.01) with a significant improvement on most items measured, they were still far from achieving 100 per cent standards.

Practical implications

Clear guidance making the electronic CPA documentation mandatory so that it can be easily accessed out of hours in a crisis situation would be welcome. It is an important step in reducing the 90‐day re‐admission rates to in‐patient units in psychiatry.

Originality/value

The paper is the first of its kind and demonstrates that dissemination and re‐audit aimed at better electronic documentation are needed to achieve high standards of clinical practice.
360‐degree appraisal: a simple pragmatic solution
Authors: Mason Robert , Power Sharon , Parker‐Swift Jo , Baker Edward
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of a web‐based process of 360‐degree appraisal in teaching and district general hospital settings.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 554 consultants were appraised by both peers and patients with over 16,000 replies using a web‐based questionnaire and patient survey.

Findings

Overall results were satisfactory, although in the areas of communication, team working and leadership there was evidence of room for improvement in 1 in 12 doctors especially in the fields of psychiatry, medicine and A&E. Those being appraised found the process positive.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates a simple pragmatic solution to consultant 360‐degree appraisal.
Re‐engineering hospital accreditation
Authors: Ratcliffe Rita L.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the first new hospital accreditation option in over 40 years, and the only accreditation scheme for US hospitals which is ISO‐based. It seeks to explore factors prompting design of a fundamentally new approach, patient and provider experiences thus far, outlook for adoption of this alternative, and potential for improving delivery of health services in US hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of a review of available materials, industry and popular press accounts, federal documents; interviews with hospital executives and managers and with prime developers of the new accreditation process; access to personal prior industry research and experiences.

Findings

Frustrated by an established accreditation process seen as wasteful and ancillary to standard operations, administrators and clinicians developed a new approach designed to use accreditation as a strategic business tool to reinforce clinical and business process integration, efficiencies, innovation, accountability, and sustained improvement in day‐to‐day hospital operations. The accreditation process has been approved for hospitals providing care to US Medicare beneficiaries.

Originality/value

Pressures to reform the financing and delivery of health services in the USA – and to address concerns of escalating costs, decreased access, limited improvements in patient safety, poor care coordination, and an absence of accountability – intensify. The introduction of a novel hospital accreditation option into an arena long dominated by a single powerful accreditor provides opportunity for disruptive innovation. The rate of adoption of this new approach and its impact on existing challenges will be of interest to multiple stakeholders.
No country for older people? Age and the digital divide
Authors: Abbey Ruth , Hyde Sarah
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on age and the digital divide by examining the uses of and attitudes toward information and communication technologies (ICTs) by 26 politically senior citizens.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken involved in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews.

Findings

The majority of the respondents are informed and balanced cyber‐enthusiasts who have embraced the opportunities afforded by ICTs to enhance their lives in general, including their political activities.

Originality/value

These findings destabilize the dominant image of older people and their attitudes to and experiences of ICTs that appears in most of the literature on age and the digital divide. Those aged 65 and over represent the last cohort, in Western societies at least, for whom age as such is likely to be a decisive factor in their relationship to ICTs. It is therefore vital to get some insight into their views.
Vulnerabilities and responsibilities: dealing with monsters in computer security
Authors: Pieters W. , Consoli L.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze information security assessment in terms of cultural categories and virtue ethics, in order to explain the cultural origin of certain types of security vulnerabilities, as well as to enable a proactive attitude towards preventing such vulnerabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Vulnerabilities in information security are compared to the concept of “monster” introduced by Martijntje Smits in philosophy of technology. The applicability of different strategies for dealing with monsters to information security is discussed, and the strategies are linked to attitudes in virtue ethics.

Findings

It is concluded that the present approach can form the basis for dealing proactively with unknown future vulnerabilities in information security.

Research limitations/implications

The research presented here does not define a stepwise approach for implementation of the recommended strategy in practice. This is future work.

Practical implications

The results of this paper enable computer experts to rethink their attitude towards security threats, thereby reshaping their practices.

Originality/value

This paper provides an alternative anthropological framework for descriptive and normative analysis of information security problems, which does not rely on the objectivity of risk.
Globalisation, new technologies (ICTs) and dual labour markets: the case of Europe
Authors: Ramos Javier , Ballell Paula
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that in spite of the widely optimistic held view on the effect of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in promoting the “knowledge society” in Europe and economic development elsewhere, evidence suggests that ICT's could be strengthening labour duality world wide.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper addresses these issues by presenting a brief assessment of the “Washington Consensus” and the emergence of ICTs in terms of trade, growth and inequality in different regions of our planet. The paper also describes the effects of globalisation and ICTs on European economies. Finally, the paper presents the key finding and raises some policy implications to exploit ICT potentialities to ensure welfare systems in advanced economies and development in emerging countries.

Findings

The lack of sufficient institutional mechanism of distribution in developing economies is not only making it more difficult for economic growth to translate into development but it is also favouring relocations of production, pressures to deregulate employment, control salaries and social expenditure in Europe. This feeds complex processes of social segmentation world wide. To meet this challenge Europe has no choice but to opt for the development of avant‐garde sectors. However, measures linked to the development of the knowledge society may not be sufficient to maintain our welfare states in the current context of globalisation. Europe must play a more internationally active role in the design of another model of globalisation that would encompass social policies at a global scale as one of its pillars.

Originality/value

There are very few studies of ICTs' role in the relationship between openness‐growth‐development‐inequality. What are ICTs responsible for? What are ICTs' effects on development and welfare state sustainability?
Crashing a virtual funeral: morality in MMORPGs
Authors: Luck Morgan
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline a case where people's intuitions regarding the ethical status of an action performed in a massively multiplayer online role‐playing game are divided, and provide an argument to resolve this division.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes a philosophical approach, from the analytical tradition. It details the main arguments for each side and provides counter‐arguments in order to indicate the salient points.

Findings

The paper argues that, of the three arguments for the morality of particular virtual action outlined in this paper, none are satisfactory. An argument for the immorality of the action in questions based upon the fairness/sportsmanship distinction is offered.

Originality/value

The development of case‐based ethical studies, which draw upon current and controversial events within popular virtual environments, are useful in the construction of a deeper understanding of moral action within such spaces.
Two‐way communication strategy on CSR information in China
Authors: Chen Hua , Zhang Haibin
Published: October 2009

Purpose

There is strong reaction between a company and its stakeholders on corporate social responsibility (CSR). The premise is that there should be a valid communication between them. The study researches Chinese situations on one‐way communication between company and stakeholders and builds a model on how to implement strategy on two‐way communication on CSR information between company and stakeholders according to the different characteristic of stakeholders. This paper aims to focus on the issues involved

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the analysis on stakeholder's situation using double standards, the study makes future research and builds a valid communication model between company and stakeholders.

Findings

It is found that the company can implement strategy on two‐way communication on CSR information between company and stakeholders according to different stakeholder situations in the Chinese environment. It also benefits a company's CSR performance and stakeholders' decision.

Research limitations/implications

The present study provides a starting‐point for further research on communication between company and stakeholders in the Chinese situation.

Originality/value

The paper hightlights how companies may draw up valid strategy on two‐way communication on CSR information between company and stakeholders in order to gain better performance on CSR action and pursue stakeholders' supports.
Will consumers pay a premium for ethical information?
Authors: Carter Robert E.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that may influence a consumer to pay a premium for a product or service communicating ethical information.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to 77 subjects and a conceptual model of five specific inter‐related constructs was tested using LISREL.

Findings

There is a sequence of events that leads consumers to be willing to pay a premium for a product communicating ethical information. This sequence starts with the need for information which, in turn, leads to socially responsible behavior and social sacrifice and, finally, to the intention to pay a premium. Importantly, this sequence is positively moderated by monetary resources available to spend in the category.

Research limitations/implications

To increase generalizability, this study should be replicated among other sample compositions and for additional products and/or services.

Practical implications

The research details the multi‐step consumer decision‐making process that marketers need to understand in order to market a premium priced product that delivers a social benefit.

Originality/value

Socially responsible behavior is not sufficient by itself for a consumer to pay a premium for a product communicating ethical information. Rather, socially responsible behavior leads to a willingness to make a sacrifice which then leads to intentions to pay a premium price.
Linking corporate social responsibility with admiration through organizational outcomes
Authors: Cegarra‐Navarro Juan‐Gabriel , Martínez‐Martínez Aurora
Published: October 2009

Purpose

From the decision‐maker's viewpoint, the success of a social responsibility program rests heavily on a corporation's ability to create links in the public consciousness between the CSR activities of an organization and its performance to different stakeholders. However, thinking broadly about CSR outcomes often results in a list that is much too long to be of any practical use. The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical study to provide understanding as to why business organizations are increasingly engaging in corporate social responsibility issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates whether CSR initiatives have any impact on six organizational outcomes through an empirical investigation of 100 large firms in the Spanish MERCO (Monitor Español de Reputación Corporativa) using repeated ANOVA measures.

Findings

The results indicate that the benefits of CSR issues fall within five major categories; namely: quality of products and services, global business, innovativeness, corporate culture, and ethical obligations. However, it is surprising to find that CSR had no significant effect on financial soundness.

Research limitations/implications

The use of admiration can enable stakeholders to develop consensus and creative processes relating to the design of new requirements where CSR activities are incorporated into business activities.

Practical implications

The implication for management practice is that CSR activities represent a long‐term programme to change, and a proactive way to improve admiration.

Originality/value

The paper shows that social responsibility is not always detrimental to company goals and performance
(Good) corporate governance and the strategic integration of meso ethics
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Vigneault Louis , Walker Edward , Shapiro Barbara T.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The primary goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of meso ethics from a corporate governance perspective, and the strategic process of integration between corporate and individual ethics for the creation of an ethical culture. A secondary aim is to identify the organizational behavior variables that are affected by the ethical congruence between employee ethics and the prevailing corporate ethical climate.

Design/methodology/approach

By first situating organizational ethics within the broader phenomenon of business ethics, the authors then more aptly examine corporate ethics at the upper and lower permeable meso boundaries where a shared ethic is negotiated. This conceptual paper tries to capture through a phenomenological approach how strategic governance level (macro) and individual ethics (micro) interact in a complex and dynamic way at the organizational level (meso).

Findings

Normative literature suggests that organizations require more than ethical safeguards to ensure ethical conduct. For example, ethics training programs are demanded and perceived as effective by employees. Recent empirical studies on “ethical fit” have converged and support the assertion that it is in an organization's best interest to continually look for ethical congruence between their workforce and the ethical climate that they intentionally foster. Furthermore, these studies show that perceived ethical congruence positively affects an individual's affective commitment to an organization, and reduces turnover intent.

Research limitations/implications

There is a general lack of consensus, cohesion and empiricism in the current literature. Few studies deal with meso ethics, which have wide‐ranging implications for current and future research.

Practical implications

Demand for business ethics is on the rise as is its corporate response commonly defined as corporate social responsibility (CSR). Standard responsive measures taken by executives are shown to generally be unsubstantiated or insufficient for ethical conduct to truly take root in an organization.

Originality/value

The scope of the paper, with its phenomenological approach, identifies the complexities of corporate ethics for academics and managers alike, where traditionally fragmented organizational levels are herein understood to be permeable and dynamic. The meso perspective of this study provides a new foundation for the study of corporate ethics. Its phenomenological approach provides a conceptual common ground and facilitates convergence in the field. Moreover, the conceptual framework of this paper can enable practitioners to formulate the appropriate strategic intent and governance strategy for their organization.
Nestlé as corporate citizen: a critique of its Commitment to Africa report
Authors: Jallow Kumba
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper attempts to provide a critique of the Commitment to Africa report in an effort to understand how one large transnational corporation sees its role in the continent and to explain its social responsibility and its approach to citizenship.

Design/methodology/approach

The critique analyses sections of the report by identifying the key messages contained therein and reflects on these in the light of other evidence and viewpoints. For instance: On what does Nestlé base its corporate citizenship? What contribution does Nestlé make to economic development in Africa? What wider social issues does Nestlé embrace? How does the report discharge Nestlé's accountability to its stakeholders?

Findings

The report prioritises economic development and indicates that this is the means of achieving poverty alleviation in Africa. There is some engagement with the Millennium Development Goals by the company, which indicates a philanthropic model of corporate social responsibility.

Research implications/limitations

The study is limited to one company but there are implications for other transnational companies as many of these produce reports in a similar vein. The research could therefore be replicated by examining further reports.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the knowledge on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and poverty alleviation. It also provides additional evidence on the role of transnational enterprises in globalisation processes.
Corporate social responsibility and image in organizations: for the insiders or the outsiders?
Authors: Mattila Merita
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide new aspects to corporate social responsibility (CSR) research, especially in a Finnish context. The aim is to compare personnel's perceptions in three case companies (a forest company, a cooperative bank and a retail cooperative) of how the contexts and aims of practicing CSR are understood among the employees. CSR is often referred to good image and reputation outside the companies. Is it only for the outsiders or also for the insiders, the employees? The theoretical frame consists of Carroll's CSR model, including four dimensions: economic – be profitable; legal – obey the law; ethical – do what is right and fair and avoid harm; and philanthropic (discretional) – be a good corporate citizen.

Design/methodology/approach

In Finnish companies CSR is taken into account quite well. Although, in this paper the personnel's perceptions are studied further by content analysis. The interview data consist of three different levels: the top management, the middle management and the employee level. This will give a wider perspective to the theme.

Findings

The paper provides information about each company, comparing the personnel's perceptions in different hierarchical levels. The organizational form is also an important factor in CSR, since two of the case companies are cooperative (the bank and the market) and the forest company is an exchange‐listed company. This brings new interesting aspects to the context of CSR.

Research limitations/implications

The research context is Finnish, so there might be limitations when applying the results to very dissimilar countries to Finland.

Practical implications

The paper is a useful source of information about CSR “inside” the companies: getting the personnel perspective. Too often CSR is aimed only towards the “outsider” stakeholders.

Originality/value

This paper brings more information about CSR seen by the personnel: very often CSR is studied through stakeholders/owners/customers, etc., but this paper gives the insider picture about CSR in Finnish companies.
Doing well by doing good in Thailand
Authors: Kraisornsuthasinee Suthisak , Swierczek Fredric William
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore whether strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR), the latest stage of conceptual development in CR, is evident in real business practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Thailand as a context, the paper responds to the call for study beyond the developed economic regions. With a limited number of proactive companies in CSR in the country, this qualitative study employs in‐depth interviews supplemented with reviews of sustainability reports and other available corporate documents to explore the frontier of CSR practices in Thailand. The informants include key executives directly in charge of CSR and corporate direction in the organizations.

Findings

The assessment finds that a small group of recognized CSR leaders have started integrating CSR into their corporate strategy to gain competitive advantages, suggesting a gradual emergence of strategic CSR with various benefits. However, a mixed response from the market implies conditions for management consideration.

Practical implications

CSR can be viable in competitive strategy particularly in gaining a social license to operate and for corporate reputation. Nevertheless, balancing stakeholder interests should be managed with extra care. Positive stakeholder reaction in one issue may alleviate but cannot offset deeply rooted problems in another.

Originality/value

Based on the synthesis of several CSR models, this paper proposes a new stratification scheme to identify the stage of CSR development. The empirical results also indicate the development of strategic CSR in the context of emerging economy.
A journey into silence: students, stakeholders and the impact of a strategic governmental policy document in the UK
Authors: Sinfield Sandra , Holley Debbie , Burns Tom
Published: October 2009

Purpose

In the UK, higher education (HE) is being positioned as the new global business, and the power relations between its various stakeholders – society, the business community, management, staff, students – makes this not only uncharted, but also contested ground. This paper aims to map the new terrain with a focus on, and analysis of, one key government policy document: The Harnessing Technology (2005).

Design/methodology/approach

Critical theory and textual analysis are used to research and analyse power relations as inscribed in policy discourse – the structures, the language, and the voices. The document is explored particularly in relation to its impact on prime stakeholders within the new contexts of today's HE; a HE that is embracing information communications technology (e‐learning) – “for business”.

Findings

Harnessing Technology boasts a heteroglossia and the capturing of many authentic voices in its composition which should open up a dialogic between its stakeholders; in fact power is revealed as refined, unified – deferring to centralised authority. Textual analysis reveals HE as a journey into silence for the student as stakeholder, where the voices that are not repressed are those with economic and institutional power. This analysis shows the student is constructed as either silent or deficit and the conclusions suggest that rather than a discourse of transformation, “regulation not education”, is the real goal of the dominant educational stakeholders.

Originality/value

The critical approach to policy analysis in the paper can be adapted by others seeking to critique policy in a variety of different policy contexts. This is particularly significant where policy is not interrogated, but where nevertheless it influences institutional mission statements and the seepage pollutes practice.
Management by values
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Dolan Simon , Zhou Yu
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to integrate cultural value management into the high level of human resource management to propose a new direction of strategic human resource management (SHRM) development through management by the values (MBV) concept.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes an integrative MBV SHRM model for Chinese management, incorporating Neo‐Confucian values for responsible, pragmatic and humanistic management, as well as two dynamic SHRM elements: leadership and learning. First SHRM in China is described; then the MBV concept and model are introduced. At that point, the evolution of cultural studies and Chinese Neo‐Confucianism is introduced before proposing an integrative MBV SHRM model for Chinese management.

Findings

Instead of the economic approach most often adopted by SHRM researchers, a harmonious managerial approach is argued for, based on the MBV triaxial model: ethical, economic, and emotional values, to orient the operations of the organisation.

Originality/value

This integration of three angles in values, management, and performance is novel in the field of SHRM. It not only contributes to the further development of the field, but also implies healthier and more sustainable practices in management, both in China and in the rest of the world.
The strategic role of HR in MNC subsidiaries in China between 1999 and 2006
Authors: Sumelius Jennie , Smale Adam , Björkman Ingmar
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that have influenced the strategic role of the HR department in Western MNC subsidiaries in China between 1999 and 2006.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on two sets of quantitative questionnaire data collected in 142 subsidiaries in 1999 and 2006. Qualitative interview data from 2006 are also used to shed light on the findings of the quantitative analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that the role of the HR department was more strategic in 2006 than in 1999. Furthermore, subsidiary size and the size of the HR department were positively associated with the strategic role of the HR department.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature on HRM in MNCs by examining the role of the HR department, which has received surprisingly little attention in previous research, especially the role of the HR department, in foreign MNC subsidiaries. The study also responds to calls for more empirical research examining the development of HRM in China over time.
A guanxi model of human resource management
Authors: Fang Law Siew , Jones Sandra
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual model of guanxi‐oriented human resource management (HRM) appropriate for organisations located in China that wish to maximise knowledge sharing and exchange. The recognised need by Western‐based organisations to develop trusting relationships through appropriate HRM approaches presents the setting to introduce the importance of guanxi in Chinese culture. The added complexity for Chinese organisations that employ a diversity of what are termed, in this paper, Conventional and Foreign Educated Chinese and Acculturated and Newly Arrived Expatriates is also presented.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on a review of literature about what challenges the knowledge revolution is having on the way that Western organisations manage their human resources, the paper presents an overview of the notion and function of guanxi in the Chinese context. The paradoxical and ambiguous nature of guanxi and its implications for interpersonal interactions are explained as being important for HR practitioners to understand.

Findings

The paper presents a conceptual guanxi‐oriented HRM model that incorporates the Chinese mindset that is, at one and the same time, paradoxical, holistic, dynamic, interdependent, flexible and reciprocal in nature.

Research limitations/implications

While conceptual, the paper is based on a model developed from research by one of the authors that identified a guanxi‐oriented model of conflict resolution. The paper acknowledges that this model requires further research to test its applicability.

Originality/value

The paper is original in its attempt to link guanxi to HRM practices on Western concepts of human resources.
Job satisfaction and turnover in the Chinese retail industry
Authors: Tian‐Foreman Wei (Amy)
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate employee turnover in a leading Chinese retail organisation, where high turnover rates are recognised as being a major issue for human resource strategy. The study seeks to focus on the job satisfaction‐turnover relationship, examining how this is moderated by occupation.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review on employee job satisfaction and employee turnover provides the basis for the research model and hypotheses. A self‐completion questionnaire survey, involving 164 respondents (95.4 per cent response rate) from a leading Chinese retail organisation was used to gather data and test existing theory in a Chinese context.

Findings

The results provided strong support for the hypothesised negative relationship between employee turnover intention and job satisfaction. Occupation is also significantly associated with job satisfaction, turnover intention and the job satisfaction‐turnover relationship: non‐management/frontline employees expressed higher levels of intention to leave their job than management/office employees.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was limited to one retail organisation in China. It may not be appropriate to generalise the findings across other populations or settings. However, the sample can be viewed as a representative case typical of many other organisations in the same industry.

Practical implications

The results provide insight into the impact of employee job satisfaction on turnover intention in the particular Chinese retail setting which could benefit managers and policy makers in the focus organisation as well as other organisations operating in the same sector in general.

Originality/value

The paper studies problems that characterise the Chinese retail sector.
A preliminary investigation of entrepreneurial women in Potohar region of Pakistan
Authors: Rajput Ansir Ali , Ali Murad
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Given the importance of women entrepreneurship in today's world and lack of research in this domain, the purpose of this paper is to identify the status of entrepreneurial women in male dominated Pakistani society and to excavate the primary issues being faced by the entrepreneurial women in Potohar region of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a survey and will facilitate to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship among the women of Pakistan to face the challenges in the future.

Findings

The findings of the study point out that, in Pakistani society (Potohar region) entrepreneurial women are working on a very small level due to little or no knowledge and lack of resources.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is restricted to urban territories of Potohar region. It is absolutely descriptive and is not explanatory.

Practical implications

It is due to gender‐based stereotypes that entrepreneurial women face certain barriers in gaining access to resources for their start up ventures. If the authors empower the women economically it will inturn improve the economic condition of the country.

Originality/value

Owing to lack of research in this particular area, the paper will contribute to identifying and resolving the primary challenges of women entrepreneurship in Pakistan. The paper will also provide grounds for further in‐depth research on women entrepreneurship in Pakistan.
Entrepreneurship and marketing: an exploratory study in Mauritius
Authors: Gungaphul Mridula , Boolaky Mehraz
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance that successful entrepreneurs in Mauritius attach to marketing in operating their business and how marketing is actually practised or is prevalent in their enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper forms part of a broader study undertaken by the authors. The survey instrument is a personally administered semi‐structured questionnaire. A sample of 30 successful entrepreneurs for this paper is drawn judgmentally from the broader study.

Findings

The results indicate that entrepreneurs surveyed use marketing to a large extent although some apply it unknowingly. Respondents tend to emphasize product development rather than improving product offering based on customer needs and wants. The results also reveal that some of the entrepreneurs practice marketing in mostly unconventional ways although there is evidence of convergence with traditional marketing in many respects. On the whole, the results of this survey indicate that entrepreneurs view marketing as an important function in achieving their business goals.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the scant literature on the importance and relationship of the marketing function with respect to entrepreneurial activities and small and medium enterprises in Mauritius. The findings of this paper confirm that entrepreneurs attach significant importance to marketing, although in certain areas such as the elaborate marketing mix they practice marketing in their own style. The paper helps entrepreneurs to realize how marketing can be an asset to achieving success in their business. Some success factors in marketing practice are highlighted to benefit future and potential entrepreneurs. The study also cautions entrepreneurs about some marketing practices to which they ought to pay more attention instead of taking them for granted.