bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping with the challenges of indirect sales and distribution controlling in SMEs
Authors: Rickards Robert C. , Ritsert Rolf
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyze problems involved in using a four‐tiered, indirect sales‐and‐distribution (S&D) model and describe how a manufacturing small and medium‐sized enterprise's (SME's) controller can master them.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is an in‐depth case study of an Asian SME selling its homeopathic remedies through European wholesalers and retailers to geographically dispersed consumers.

Findings

The case study provides four main conclusions. First, entering into an indirect S&D relationship with wholesalers and retailers is just one more step along the road to outsourcing an enterprise's non‐core functions in a global economy. Second, as long as an SME is on this road, its controller must make the best of the situation and master the resulting complexity in the areas of sales and distribution. Third, above all, integrating business partners' wholesale and retail trade data into the SME's own management information system represents a major technical challenge. Fourth, presenting a clear, complete, and multidimensional overview of sales figures and inventory levels is a task likely to demand more time and attention in the future.

Research limitations/implications

The research methodology employed here is descriptive, not explanatory. Because the study observes just one firm, it may not be representative of the general SME population. Moreover, much of the information collected is retrospective data and recollections of past events, which may be subject to problems inherent with memory or inadequate recordkeeping. Nevertheless, the findings form a foundation for better understanding the use of a four‐tiered, indirect S&D model.

Originality/value

While much of the literature explicitly or implicitly assumes use of direct S&D models, this article specifically addresses problems arising from an SME's employment of an indirect model and its loss of direct contact with consumers.
Writing to the unknown: bloggers and the presence of backpackers
Authors: Panteli Niki , Yan Lin , Chamakiotis Petros
Published: November 2011

Purpose

In this paper, the aim is to study virtual presence in travel blogs. The paper seeks to argue that though some conceptualization of virtual presence has been made in the literature, this only took account of one's presence among a community of “known” others. Increasingly, however, in blogging and other online communities, users do not necessarily know the “others” but they nevertheless interact with them and develop friendships and lasting relationships. This stresses the multidimensional character of the study; one which sees presence as the core topic by considering different perspectives to it.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory case study is conducted with a backpackers' blogging site, its members and audience; a setting that was considered suitable for finding answers to the research questions. The data are analysed qualitatively following a thematic analysis approach.

Findings

It was found that the invisible and unknown audience has an important role to play in backpackers' presence online. In particular, the study highlights the role played by the audience in shaping the blogging experience and the sense of presence that this experience develops.

Research limitations/implications

The exploratory case study carries a number of limitations. The findings are based on: reflections and views shared with the researchers by the bloggers, through interviews; a discussion forum; and on an enacted audience through their reflections.

Practical implications

For practitioners, the study has implications in the areas of attracting and keeping audiences' interest and also in how to develop and support shared identity among independent travellers.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a better understanding of online communities and virtual social networks in general by showing how virtual worlds reshape social space and social interactions.
Multihoming behavior of users in social networking web sites: a theoretical model
Authors: Mital Monika , Sarkar Sumit
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the multihoming behavior of users on social networking web sites in the absence or the presence of product differentiation.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to build a theoretical model to explain the multihoming behavior of users on social networking web sites.

Findings

Under multihoming without product differentiation, all members of the smaller network multihome to the bigger network and the social networking web site with the bigger network size benefits from multihoming. Under multihoming with product differentiation, when the smaller network differentiates its product from the bigger network, then all members of the bigger network will multihome to the smaller network. Welfare is higher for both sided multihoming and both sided multihoming will happen only when the social networking web sites are differentiated in terms of features.

Research limitations/implications

The model is a theoretical model and will need to be tested empirically.

Practical implications

The results of the model indicate that multihoming results in increased utility for the users of social networking web sites when the two web sites are differentiated in terms of features.

Originality/value

From the literature available in the public domain, the paper has not found any existing theoretical model to explain multihoming behavior of users on social networking web sites. The paper fulfils this objective.
The new supply chain agenda: a synopsis and directions for future research
Authors: Stank Theodore P. , Paul Dittmann J. , Autry Chad W.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is first, to summarize the findings from the book The New Supply Chain Agenda (Slone, Dittmann, and Mentzer 2010). Second, it reviews associated academic research, identifies critical knowledge gaps, and suggests areas for future academic research that will aid scholars and managers in improving supply chain management (SCM) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarizes and extends The New Supply Chain Agenda and juxtaposes the major elements of that book with a content review of existing literature in logistics and SCM to align gaps in knowledge with a call for future research.

Findings

The findings deepen understanding of the complexities and interrelationships prevalent among the five pillars and help identify new ways to improve the performance impact of SCM initiatives.

Research limitations/implications

Major areas for future research within the broad topics of talent management, technology, internal integration, external collaboration, and change management are identified. Academic research related to each area or pillar is summarized, gaps are identified, and future research directions are suggested to provide avenues in which theoretical grounding and scientific rigor may be applied to each pillar of The New Supply Chain Agenda.

Practical implications

Many of the proposed solutions to the challenges faced by supply chain professionals have not been subjected to the scholarly scrutiny that would determine their validity. This paper presents areas for meaningful academic research to help supply chain practitioners separate truth from hype.

Originality/value

The paper seeks to stimulate thinking and suggest new areas in which to do research related to the book's key premises.
Inter‐firm customer knowledge sharing in logistics services: an empirical study
Authors: Rollins Minna , Pekkarinen Saara , Mehtälä Mari
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine customer knowledge sharing between a buyer of a logistics service and the logistics service provider (LSP). The authors attempt to fill the gap in current research by investigating inter‐firm customer knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey study was conducted. Data were collected from buyers of logistic services. Confirmatory factor analysis and multiple regression were used to analyze data and test hypotheses.

Findings

Results suggest that open and fluent communication mediates the relationship between customer knowledge sharing and satisfaction with a logistics service provider. In addition, the close relationship with the logistics service provider is needed to strengthen the relationship between customer knowledge sharing and satisfaction with the logistics service provider.

Research limitations/implications

This study provided new empirical evidence concerning inter‐firm customer knowledge sharing. The authors suggest that logistic service providers should be incorporated into the customer knowledge management process to ensure open and fluent communication about customers.

Practical implications

This study provides practical insights for companies that sell logistic services.

Originality/value

Customer knowledge sharing has been largely studied in an intra‐firm context, for instance information sharing between marketing and research and development departments. This research extends the concept of customer knowledge sharing to the inter‐firm context.
Factor analytic structure of the Impact of Events Scale – Revised when used with a firefighting sample
Authors: Wagner Shannon L.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The Impact of Events Scale (IES)/Impact of Events Scale – Revised (IES‐R) is arguably one of the most well known tools used to assess post‐traumatic symptomatology. The background literature reveals a significant gap with respect to the structural properties of the IES/IES‐R when used with emergency service populations. In response to these identified gaps, this paper aims to provide an evaluation of the structural properties of the three‐factor IES‐R when used specifically with a firefighting sample.

Design/methodology/approach

Responses to IES‐R for a sample of paid‐professional firefighters (n=94) and a sample of similar comparison participants (n=91) were evaluated for support of the suggested IES‐R subscales – i.e. hyperarousal, avoidance and intrusions. Responses for both groups were entered into a three‐factor maximum likelihood factor analysis with direct oblimin rotation.

Findings

The results provide further support for the use of these subscales when the IES‐R is employed with a community sample. However, the factor structure for the three suggested subscales was not supported for the firefighters' responses. With the firefighting sample, some items for the intrusion subscale loaded as expected, but no discernible pattern was evident for the hyperarousal or avoidance subscales. Given the lack of support for a three‐factor structure with the firefighting sample, scree plot analysis was used to suggest that a two‐factor solution may provide the best fit solution. The two‐factor solution revealed a construct described as general “post‐traumatic symptomatology” and a potential second factor described as “sleep”.

Originality/value

The author suggests a conservative approach to using the IES‐R with first responder samples, in particular firefighters, and recommends the use of an overall score in place of subscale scores. This recommendation is suggested as a temporary approach until additional research can be completed to further evaluate the present lack of support for the three IES‐R subscales when used with a firefighting sample.
Assessment of seismic hazard in Uttarakhand Himalaya
Authors: Kumar Prabhat , Kumar Ashwini , Sinvhal Amita
Published: November 2011

Purpose

For a state like Uttarakhand, which is located in the seismically active Himalayan region and in the vicinity of plate boundaries, estimation of seismic hazards and the preparation of a zoning map are an urgent necessity. This paper aims to focus on this hazard.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 32 potential seismo‐tectonic source zones were identified in a very wide area in and around the state, on the basis of seismicity and tectonics, and the longer ones were segmented. The maximum magnitude that each seismo‐tectonic source zone can support was then estimated. The seismic hazard due to each seismo‐tectonic source zone was assessed at 180 sites, in terms of peak ground acceleration (PGA).

Findings

The maximum PGA at each site varied between 0.06g and 0.50g. The seismic hazard was highest around the main central thrust and the main boundary thrust, and five other thrusts between these two thrusts. This assessment was adapted to make a seismic zoning map of Uttarakhand, with five distinct zones.

Research limitations/implications

If seismo‐tectonic source zones from the contiguous regions of Nepal and Tibet were included as part of this assessment, then a higher hazard would be expected in Uttarakhand.

Practical implications

Threat perceptions of a potential earthquake disaster can be assessed in this zoning map. Disaster mitigation strategies will vary geographically, with priorities defined by the zoning map presented here. The methodology evolved has the potential to be extended to other vulnerable states in the Himalayan arc.

Originality/value

The seismic hazard assessed has been adapted to formulate a seismic zoning map of Uttarakhand.
Site manager safety training
Authors: Hare Billy , Cameron Iain
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present findings on research funded by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) on factors contributing to superior safety performance amongst construction firms in the UK – specifically, the level of training received by site managers.

Design/methodology/approach

A random sample of 100 construction firms provided details of the type and duration of health and safety (H&S) training received by their site managers. This was analysed against a three point scale: up to two days training; the Site Managers Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) five days training; and, National/Scottish Vocational Qualification for H&S – Level 3 or above. This was cross‐tabulated with their Accident Incidence Rate (AIR).

Findings

The results were as follows: up to two days training gave a mean AIR=1825; SMSTS mean AIR=1566; N/SVQ 3 or above mean AIR=211. This shows that increased durations of training are associated with lower accident rates. If duration is accepted as a measure of “level” of training then the findings support the hypothesis that increased levels of training lead to increased safety performance.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was skewed with over 70 per cent having accident rates lower than the industry average. This is common in such studies and is difficult to control without losing data. It also meant non‐parametric tests were used. The findings cannot be reliably extended to organisations with turnover less than £4m.

Practical implications

These findings add a new dimension to previous studies that have generally compared the mere presence, or otherwise, of training with safety performance.

Originality/value

The paper establishes a baseline in relation to the minimum level of H&S training for site managers as well as providing evidence for increased investment to achieve superior performance.
Strategies for potential owners in Singapore to own environmentally sustainable homes
Authors: Yean Yng Ling Florence , Gunawansa Asanga
Published: November 2011

Purpose

With global climate change, it is increasingly necessary to develop the built environment in an environmentally sustainable way. The aim of this study is to investigate the strategies that are needed to enable potential owners to own environmentally sustainable homes. The specific objectives are to: determine the extent to which potential homeowners are willing to pay for homes that are environmentally sustainable; uncover the green features that potential homeowners are willing to pay for; and provide recommendations on how more green features can be incorporated in homes.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey research method was adopted and data were collected using a specially designed structured questionnaire. Self‐administered questionnaires were distributed to randomly selected potential homeowners in Singapore.

Findings

Based on the data received, the findings show that the majority of the respondents are willing to pay more to own an environmentally green building. However, they are very price sensitive and only willing to pay 1 percent more in upfront costs.

Practical implications

The study found that the green features that potential homeowners are willing to pay relates to siting for natural ventilation, provision of greenery, and water conservation. It is concluded that the extent to which homeowners are willing to pay higher upfront costs is limited.

Originality/value

The research provides several recommendations on how to enable more green features to be incorporated to homes owned by price sensitive individuals.
Constructability improvement in seawater intake structure
Authors: Surya Bakti Erman , Zaimi bin Abdul Majid Muhd , Muhamad Zin Rosli , Trigunarsyah Bambang
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the process, and analyse the implementation of constructability improvement and innovation result during the planning and design for seawater intake structure of fertilizer plant project.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology approach is case study method at the project level. This constructability improvement process was investigated by using constructability implementation checklists, direct observation, documented lessons learned analysis and key personnel interviews.

Findings

The case study shows that the implementation of constructability during planning and design stage for this seawater intake structure has increased the project performance as well as improved the schedule by five months (14.21 percent) and reduced the project cost by 15.35 percent.

Research limitations/implications

This case study was limited to three previous seawater intake projects as references and one new method seawater intake structure at a fertilizer plant project.

Practical implications

A constructability improvement checklist using theory and lessons learned for the specific construction project was documented.

Originality/value

The findings support the relevant study of constructability and provide specific lessons learned for three previous projects and one of the new methods of the construction project and which are documented by the company.
Western consumers' understanding of carbon offsets and its relationship to behavior
Authors: Polonsky Michael Jay , Garma Romana , Landreth Grau Stacy
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Western consumers' levels of general environmental knowledge and specific knowledge related to carbon offsets and the relationships between specific types of environmental knowledge and consumers' related behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveyed consumers from Australia (n=345) and the USA (n=340) who were sourced through national online panels. The analysis looks at differences between knowledge and behaviors, both across the samples as well as whether there are differences between consumers with high and low levels of environmental and carbon offset knowledge, and whether demographics impact on knowledge levels.

Findings

The results found that consumers had higher levels of general knowledge than carbon offset knowledge and the two types of knowledge were not related. ANOVA results considering country differences and demographic factors found that general knowledge was affected by education, age and gender, with carbon knowledge being affected by education. Environmental behavior was affected by age and gender as well, and no demographic factors influenced carbon‐related behavior. Respondent's location (i.e. USA or Australia) did not influence knowledge or behaviors, but interacted with education in regard to carbon knowledge and behavior.

Social implications

This research suggests that consumers are not acting on their carbon knowledge, which may be due to the debate surrounding carbon issues and/or because the information is based on complex scientific foundations, which the average consumer may have difficulty grasping, regardless of country.

Originality/value

This is one of the first pieces of academic research to explore consumers' understanding of carbon‐related information and how this knowledge impacts behavior. It also proposes a measure for evaluating carbon offset knowledge, which could be used to broaden environmental knowledge assessments.
The effect of perceived quality on brand equity: an empirical study on generic drugs
Authors: Nath Sanyal Shamindra , Datta Saroj Kumar
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out the relationship between the qualities of generic drugs perceived by the physicians and brand equity of the branded generics and to examine the physicians' perceptions of prescribing generic drugs for selective medical conditions in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out across six major cities in Eastern India with 392 physicians. Here components of perceived quality, i.e. intrinsic cues and extrinsic cues are hypothesized to influence perceived quality of branded generics which in turn influence brand equity. It is also hypothesized that respondents' quality experience is assimilated towards their quality expectations, independent of small variations in objective quality of the drug.

Findings

Results showed that perceived quality of branded generics significantly, but indirectly, affected brand equity through the mediating variables, intrinsic cues and extrinsic cues. The results also showed that physicians' quality experience leads to quality expectations, independent of small variations in drug quality on five common yet serious diseases in India.

Practical implications

Current research finds that for prescription‐based branded generic drugs, perceived quality mainly depends on intrinsic cues; therefore, managers should be interested in intrinsic cues that increase brand equity and necessary marketing actions should be implemented accordingly.

Originality/value

No other scholarly article has been developed, so far, analyzing the effect of perceived quality on brand equity in the Indian branded generic drug segment. Besides providing evidence from the Indian pharmaceutical context about the impact of quality cues, the paper also presents evidence on physicians' quality observation of branded generics on five common yet serious diseases in India.
Enliven corporate brands in Chinese
Authors: Jaw Yi‐Long , Wang Ru‐Yu , Ying‐Yu Hsu Carol
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Although the concept of branding has been considered extensively in products and services, branding in Chinese is a relatively emerging phenomenon. This paper aims to present the enlivenment of branding in Chinese within the cross‐strait markets of Taiwan and Mainland China, which underlies various ideologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study primarily reviews literatures of brand and brand name translation, defines the essentiality of brand naming, and outlines the branding strategies for entering cross‐strait markets. Furthermore, this study validates the using of substantially interpreted brands that support the authors' four developed propositions.

Findings

This study compares substantially interpreted brands in cross‐strait markets with a reference to commonly used translation methods. The results illustrate interesting ideologies among cross‐strait markets and can help managers achieve global brand recognition.

Research limitations/implications

Since China and Taiwan share the same Chinese culture, the qualitative method proposed by the present authors is more applicable to practitioners who are eager to pursue branding in cross‐strait markets. Thus, the relevant techniques may not be applicable to people less familiar with Chinese culture.

Practical implications

The qualitative case study provides an advisable method for branding in Chinese. The results of this study can provide greater understanding of the various ideologies in cross‐strait markets, as well as help managers achieve global brand recognition.

Originality/value

The various ideologies from branding is complex, especially for those involved with linguistic essentials. Previous research has mainly focused on managerial‐based branding and customer‐based branding. This paper extends the interest into enlivening inspirations.
Global vs local brand perceptions among Thais and Turks
Authors: Dogerlioglu‐Demir Kivilcim , Tansuhaj Patriya
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Market researchers often treat Asian consumers as a single entity and compare them with their Western counterparts. The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast consumers in two Asian countries, Thailand and Turkey. Since global and local brands co‐exist in many regions of the world today, this study, by examining two Asian cultures, examines the impact of personality traits and values on individuals' intentions to purchase global versus local brands. The authors also investigate the role of priming (local versus global cues) in the relationship between these individual traits and purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involves a series of pretests and an experiment conducted among 240 participants from Thailand and 142 participants from Turkey. Though exploratory in nature, content analysis also suggests interesting avenues for future research.

Findings

The findings suggest that although both societies are perceived as traditional and collective, consumers from both Thai and Turkish cultures exhibit some striking differences. There were differences in the ways in which individual traits and values impacted global vs local brand purchase intentions. For instance, while it was discovered that traditionalism and susceptibility were important among Thai individuals, ethnocentrism and materialism were at similar levels in both samples. Traditionalism had an important effect on intentions to purchase local brands in Thailand, while it did not have a very meaningful impact among Turks. Similarly, in Thailand, susceptibility affected global brand purchase intentions. However, a similar pattern was not seen among Turks.

Originality/value

The research is valuable in understanding that two seemingly similar Asian cultures (Thailand and Turkey) are – in effect – dissimilar on key variables such as traditionalism and ethnocentrism and that impacts how these two cultures perceive global and local brands. As marketers aim to satisfy consumer's needs by offering goods and services, it is extremely important to understand consumers' evaluations of these brands and how these perceptions are formed in the first place. Such an understanding will help marketers in their positioning strategies as well as marketing communications design.
The relationship between business orientations and brand performance
Authors: Viet Ngo Liem , O'Cass Aron
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to adopt a customer‐centric value creation perspective to provide insights into the contribution of business orientations, especially marketing orientation and innovation orientation to the creation of customer‐centric value (customer equity and brand performance).

Design/methodology/approach

To undertake this examination, a model was developed and then tested to validate its applicability in the context of both developed and developing economies. The paper includes partial least squares.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that being marketing‐oriented and innovation‐oriented appears to be important in creating customers, keeping them, and increasing add‐on selling to them and rewards the firm with greater brand performance in the marketplace. Importantly, these relationships are universally held across developed and developing business environments. Interestingly, marketing orientation was found to contribute more to the creation of customer‐centric value than innovation orientation in developing business environment, whereas the opposite was found in the context of developed business environment.

Research limitations/implications

The data incorporate only the subjective measures of customer‐centric value. Future studies can use financial measures to complement the self‐reporting approach used in this paper. This dual‐approach to measuring the value of customers to the firm (customer equity) and brand performance would provide additional insights into the customer‐centric marketing literature.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that managers should strive to develop a high level of marketing orientation and innovation orientation as two efficient ways to achieve higher levels of customer equity. They are also advised that if their firms are more effective in acquiring potential customers, retaining current customers, and enhancing add‐on selling, they see their brands perform better. Importantly, the findings also provide guidance for managers on how to allocate their resources to key business activities (e.g. marketing and innovation) in the context of international business (developing versus developed business environments).

Originality/value

This study contributes to customer‐centric marketing theory by enhancing understanding of the contribution of marketing and innovation to the creation of customer‐centric value in different business environments. This study also contributes to the business orientation literature by demonstrating the utility of a cultural‐behavioral approach in measuring marketing orientation and innovation orientation.
Managerial insights into sachet marketing strategies and popularity in the Philippines
Authors: Sy‐Changco Joseph A. , Pornpitakpan Chanthika , Singh Ramendra , Bonilla Celia M.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide managerial insights into how consumer goods companies adopt the traditional mini‐sized retail modalities and adjust their strategies to market sachets successfully in the Philippines.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses case studies through semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with marketing managers from major multinational and regional companies that have used sachets as part of their marketing strategy.

Findings

The findings suggest that companies use sachet marketing to facilitate trials of new products and to deliver value across the market by making products more affordable and accessible. The extensive network of corner stores provides the distribution system needed to reach the farthest and remotest markets. To be successful, the brands must be popular and priced in a manner compatible with the coinage system in a market.

Originality/value

There has been little analysis of consumer goods companies' strategies that cause quick acceptance of sachets. This study fills this gap in research and shows how companies have adopted the piecemeal retailing and adapted their strategies to create a burgeoning sachet market.
Assessing trade friendliness of logistics services in ASEAN
Authors: Gupta Sumeet , Goh Mark , Desouza Robert , Garg Miti
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Free trade agreements have been employed, either unilaterally or as a bloc, as an instrument to overcome the inefficiencies in trade brought about by the prevailing barriers and regulatory measures. During the tenth summit the leaders of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed to integrate their priority sectors with a vision to developing an ASEAN economic community whereby there would be a free flow of goods, services, investment and a freer flow of capital, equitable economic development, and reduced poverty and socio‐economic disparities. This market would have no price discrimination for commodities and against foreign goods, services, capital and labor. The purpose of this paper is to assess the current state of the cross‐border trade in logistics services among ASEAN. The extent of the ease of cross‐border trade is measured in terms of trade friendliness. The trade friendliness is a measure of the openness of ASEAN towards conducting free cross‐border trade.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a series of semi‐structured interviews with 35 logistics and related firms operating in ASEAN.

Findings

It was found that the unwieldy customs procedures and inspections, lack of coordination, and arbitrary rulings are some barriers to freer cross‐border trade within ASEAN.

Practical implications

In this paper, the authors have identified several barriers that influence logistics services across ASEAN. ASEAN must address these barriers before any further attempt of freer trade can be made.

Originality/value

Studies have been conducted for the USA and Europe but not for the Asia‐Pacific. The Asia‐Pacific is a growing region for global trade and therefore assessing the trade openness or friendliness in the logistics sector is useful for taking further policy initiatives for developing an ASEAN economic community.
Learning from pondlife and fishermen: towards a modular financial services industry
Authors: Walsh Aidan
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Haldane has suggested that modularity would add sustainability to the financial system. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a route by which such modularity might be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper attempts to explore the micro‐foundations of regulatory regimes as rule bound orders and demonstrate that externally imposed rules may not be absolutely necessary to constrain the behaviour of individuals or organisations. Voluntarily self‐agreed rules may allow for greater communication and monitoring among the participants in a group. This in turn can result in greater sustainability. The paper uses examples from the work of Ostrom on sustainable common‐pool resources to support this view. Examples are also given from the financial services industry.

Findings

The paper suggests that non‐legislative, informal rules of behaviour may be a useful source of constraining unsustainable behaviour in the financial services industry. In turn these self‐enforcing rule‐bound regimes may facilitate one feature of sustainable systems – modularity.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that stakeholders in financial systems may find it useful, on a bottom‐up basis, to facilitate the creation of groups of financial institutions that would create and then adhere to self‐enforcing rules that could result in sustainable practices.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper is on the focus on self‐created and self‐enforced rule‐following and on using the work of Ostrom in a financial services setting.
Post‐crisis financial reform: where do we stand?
Authors: Giustiniani Alessandro , Thornton John
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of current progress in financial sector reform and outline some of the remaining challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an analytical survey of recent developments.

Findings

The reform agenda is broad, ranging from strengthening prudential regulation; to enhancing supervision; from mitigating pro‐cyclicality to integrating micro‐ and macro‐prudential oversight; from reducing the systemic risk associated with large and complex financial institutions to expanding resolution process and fortifying financial market structure. Reforms are proceeding slowly but important building blocks have been laid down, such as Basel III; other difficult reforms are in the making, such as the resolution framework for cross‐border financial institutions or how to deal with systemically important financial institutions.

Originality/value

The paper presents a concise, comprehensive, and timely survey of the myriad financial reform efforts.
Basel III's ability to mitigate systemic risk
Authors: Schwerter Stefan
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The financial crisis 2007‐2009 calls for a regulatory response. A crucial element of this task is the treatment of systemic risk. Basel III gains centre stage in this process. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate Basel III, examining its ability to reduce systemic risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper highlights the importance of reducing systemic risk to achieve the goal of overall financial stability. By first focusing on the theoretical foundations of systemic risk, this paper explores and analyzes the crucial aspects of this almost impalpable risk type. It further investigates the current regulation of systemic risk, clearly showing Basel II's inability to reduce it. Then, it evaluates the Basel Committee's efforts to address these weaknesses through Basel III by investigating its incentives and its ability to reduce obvious drawbacks of Basel II as well as systemic risk factors.

Findings

The findings show that there are still adjustments necessary. Although the development of Basel III is well advanced, providing some stabilizing incentives, there are still issues calling for closer consideration to counter all Basel II drawbacks and systemic risk factors adequately. These include: a risk‐weighted leverage ratio; a more thorough treatment of procyclicality; adjustments for the NSFR (Net Stable Funding ratio); and most importantly, the mandatory issue to internalize negative externalities from financial institutions, that is, the call for pricing systemic risk.

Originality/value

The paper not only examines the new Basel III framework, as a response to the Financial Crisis 2007‐2009, but also draws attention to specific areas which the Basel Committee and regulators need to focus on more thoroughly.
Framing expertise: a cross‐cultural analysis of success in framing contests
Authors: Dan Viorela , Ihlen Øyvind
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This article seeks to analyse the skills and knowledge that have a positive impact on the reproduction of the core frames of social actors in the mass media.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical discussion is accompanied by a cross‐cultural case study of the debate surrounding the leaked e‐mail correspondence between climate researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in 2009. First, the authors analysed the framing work of the three main actors with their respective views, namely UEA and the blogs “Real climate”, “Climate audit” and “The air vent”. Second, they conducted an analysis of the media coverage of the issue in the UK, the USA, Germany and Norway, focusing on the importance of cultural factors, psychological biases and conformity to journalistic needs.

Findings

The literature review came to the conclusion that public relations practitioners stand good chances to succeed with their framing when they are able to conceive a message in a way that: is resonant with the underlying culture; appeals to psychological biases; and conforms to journalistic needs. The authors use “framing expertise” as an umbrella term for the knowledge and the skills related to these aspects when designing and promoting frames. In the case study, these theoretical assumptions were tested. While three different frames dominated the discourse, no clear winner of the framing contest was observed. Though qualitative differences in their framing expertise were noted, the frames of all of the strategic actors were accepted in the media, perhaps due to the norms of journalistic balance.

Research limitations

As this study is based on a single case, more research is needed to back up the findings and elaborate on the knowledge and skills needed when framing an issue.

Originality/value

The article pulls together, discusses and elaborates on a body of literature that thus far has been scattered, and makes contributions towards a better understanding of what it is that public relations practitioners actually do.
An explorative study on discrepancies in communication and action of German companies
Authors: Seiffert Jens , Bentele Günter , Mende Lars
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The article seeks to present first findings regarding the nature of discrepancies in communication and action and draws conclusions to induce further research. Although (internationally) operating organisations are far too complex to avoid discrepancies at all in corporate communication and action, monitoring discrepancies and developing strategies to deal with them, can be a contributing factor in avoiding losses of public trust or public trust crises.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the theory of public trust and the ongoing corporate trust study conducted by the University of Leipzig and PMG Presse Monitor GmbH, the authors designed a content analytical study researching the role of discrepancies in the process of public trust.

Findings

Owing to the nature of the mass media system and the public sphere emerging out of it, discrepancies start to unfold their effect when crossing the barrier of publics awareness. The upcoming of a large number of discrepancies within a short period of time, and their remainder in the public conciousness for a certain period, makes it more likely that the issue which is subject to the discrepancies is going to be discussed in the public arena and leads to a change in the behavior of the audience and the environment of the organizational system.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the nature of content analysis, only published public trust was researched. Researching public trust would have meant using a survey design, which has to be done in future research.

Practical implications

The study suggests three steps, monitoring and distinction of, and focussing on discrepancies in order to organize corporate communications more effectively.

Originality/value

This study is the first study researching the role of discrepancies in the process of losing/gaining public trust/confidence, regarding organizations in economy.
Victimization, stress and use of force among South Korean police officers
Authors: Cheong Jinseong , Yun Ilhong
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This study aims to assess the direct and indirect impact of stress on police use of force among a sample of male South Korean frontline officers (n=574).

Design/methodology/approach

Largely drawing on a methodological approach adopted by Manzoni and Eisner the paper employs a structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

The study discovered a direct positive influence of operational stress on use of force frequency, even while controlling for police routine activities and police victimization.

Originality/value

The findings of this study and their implications are discussed in depth against the unique South Korean background where frontline officers are routinely victimized by suspects and citizens.
Correlates of police academy success
Authors: Wright Benjamin , Dai Mengyan , Greenbeck Kathryn
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the current study is to expand the existing knowledge base that seeks to determine which pre‐employment factors can predict which police candidates will successfully complete the training academy.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study were collected from application and personnel records of 503 police recruits accepted into the Baltimore County police academy. The dependent variable, success in the academy, was measured as a dichotomous variable (1=graduated; 0=not graduated). The independent variables were routine employment factors.

Findings

A key finding was that general work experience was better at predicting successful completion of the training academy than prior police experience and prior military experience.

Research limitations/implications

In this particular study it was determined that police recruits who had a prior arrest record or prior illegal drug use and also had prior work experience could successfully complete the police training academy. However, these results are limited to those police organizations that give individuals who had a negative encounter with law enforcement a second chance.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined the relationship between background characteristics and successful completion of the police training academy. This study broadens the understanding of the need for police applicants to have a solid record of general work experience.
Adolescent attitudes toward the police in a western Canadian city
Authors: Chow Henry P.H.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to examine attitudes toward the police in a sample of Canadian adolescents.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data collected from 262 students attending 14 different high schools in a western Canadian city, the paper analyses adolescents' attitudes toward the local police. Criminal victimisation experience, police harassment or mistreatment experience, engagement in delinquent behaviour, and attitudes toward school among respondents were also explored.

Findings

The results demonstrated that respondents were only marginally positive in their evaluations of the police. Multiple ordinary least‐squares regression analysis demonstrated that respondents who were older and those who held more positive school attitudes, experienced no police mistreatment or harassment, reported no criminal victimisation, and exhibited lower propensity to engage in unlawful activities were found to rate the overall police performance significantly more favourably.

Research limitations/implications

As this study reports data based on a non‐random sample of high school students in one Canadian city, caution must be exercised in interpreting the results. Continued research attention should be devoted to high school student populations in other geographical locations.

Practical implications

Survey findings underscore the importance of the implementation of programs to foster a positive relationship between the police and young people, the promotion of student engagement with school, and the adoption of intervention strategies to reduce delinquent behaviour among at‐risk adolescents.

Originality/value

As only very few studies have explored police‐youth relations in Canada, this analysis offers insights into adolescents' perceptions of the police and factors contributing to their attitudes.
Enhancing police legitimacy by integrating Compstat and community policing
Authors: Willis James J.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine how Compstat and community policing, two of the most highly‐touted police reforms to have emerged in the US over the last 25 years, might be integrated to help enhance police organizational legitimacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The article provides a conceptual framework to illuminate the different ways that each of these reforms, at least in theory, tries to promote legitimacy. In doing so, it proposes that Compstat's focus on outcomes might be more tightly linked to community policing's emphasis on the processes through which police interact with community members.

Findings

The article suggests three possible ways for police organizations to develop public trust and support: systematic reporting of community problems at Compstat meetings; involving the community in problem‐solving efforts; and using Compstat maps and statistics to help mitigate perceptions of unfairness.

Research limitations/implications

The article highlights the value of alternative conceptualizations for co‐implementing Compstat and community policing and the need for testing these ideas.

Practical implications

Identifying some different ways that Compstat and community policing may help foster favorable social judgments of police organizations could lead law enforcement agencies to reconsider how these reforms are currently co‐implemented in their departments.

Social implications

A more integrated Compstat and community policing model could potentially contribute to fairer and more responsive policing practices.

Originality/value

The paper is valuable to scholars, practitioners, and policymakers because it lays out a framework for understanding the legitimacy‐conferring benefits of these reforms and provides some practical suggestions for how they might be more closely linked.