bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhetoric and reputation: some thoughts on corporate dissonance
Authors: Bernstein David
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the nature and ongoing incidence of what is termed “corporate dissonance”, making explicit reference to developments relating to corporate communications since the publication of Company Image and Reality in 1984 and the founding of the International Corporate Identity Group in 1994.

Design/methodology/approach

Insights and reflections derived from consultancy experience, and from observations made by past and present captains of industry along with leading exponents of corporate marketing and from the literature, form the approach adopted in the paper.

Findings

The paper finds that, although organisations and writers have embraced the language relating to corporate marketing and to corporate‐level marketing concepts such as corporate identity, corporate branding, corporate communications and corporate reputation, corporate performance has not matched the promise of the new corporate language: this phenomenon term is called: “corporate dissonance”. In terms of corporate communications 21 shifts have been identified occurring over 25 years.

Originality/value

The paper presents a salutary reminder that the imperative is to calibrate rhetoric with behaviour and that the basis of corporate and corporate brand reputations is derived from what institutions have done and not what they would ideally do (what has been termed the “promise/performance gap”).
Uncovering the corporate brand's core values
Authors: Urde Mats
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the uncovering of a corporate brand's core values and implications for strategic management of its track record.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the specific track records of Volvo, IKEA, IBM, and Scanpump, focusing on core values and how they evolve. Based on multiple sources of evidence, the track records of the case companies emerge as patterns of values that are: perceived externally by customers and non‐customer stakeholders; and rooted internally within an organisation.

Findings

Four categories of core values emerge, termed true, aspirational, potential, and hollow.

Originality/value

The Core Value Grid is proposed as a managerially useful model on “how to build true values and avoid hollow values”. In principle, a corporate brand cannot be stronger externally than it is internally. Rooted core values with track records supporting a brand promise represent the essence of a corporate brand, guiding internal and external corporate brand building and management. The foundation of a corporate brand risks being undermined by hollow core values and empty promises.
Nutrient composition of products prepared by incorporating amaranth (Amaranthus tricolour) leaf powder
Authors: Singh Surabhi , Punia Darshan , Khetarpaul N.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Amaranth leaves which are an excellent source of calcium, iron, β‐carotene and protein, grow as a weed during the rainy season in Haryana State. This study aims to incorporate nutrient dense dried amaranth leaves powder in products commonly consumed in Haryana State, India.

Design/methodology/approach

Fresh amaranth leaves were dried at 50 ± 5 ○C. The products like biscuits, mathi, matar and sev commonly consumed in Haryana State, were prepared using 5 per cent dried amaranth leaf powder. Amaranth leaf powder was not added in the products which served as control. The nutrient composition of the prepared products was analysed. The nutrient composition of control and supplemented products was compared.

Findings

The supplemented products like biscuit, mathi, matar and sev had significantly higher protein, fat, ash and fibre contents as compared to their control. The total soluble sugar, reducing sugar and non reducing sugar content of supplemented biscuit was significantly higher than control biscuit. The phytic acid and tannin content significantly increased and in vitro protein and starch digestibility significantly decreased in all the supplemented products as compared to their respective controls. Supplemented biscuit had about one and a half times higher Ca and supplemented mathi and matar had double the amount of Ca than their respective controls. The increase in Mg, Fe and Zn content in all the supplemented products was significant.

Research limitations/implications

Amaranth leaves are abundantly available during the rainy season, and can be successfully incorporated in commonly consumed food products without adding any extra cost.

Originality/value

Amaranth leaf powder supplemented products are a very good source of protein, fibre, calcium and iron. Consumption of such value added products may contribute in improving the nutritional status of the population especially the vulnerable section.
Phenolics and antioxidant activity of a ready‐to‐eat snack food prepared from the edible mushroom (Agaricus bisporous)
Authors: Singla Richu , Ghosh Moushumi , Ganguli Abhijit
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the total polyphenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant properties of a ready to‐eat snack food prepared from Agaricus bisporous. A comparison of these properties with the raw, unprocessed mushroom was also carried out.

Design/methodology/approach

Extracts of raw and snack mushrooms (osmotically dehydrated, dried and spiced and following sensorial analysis) were analyzed for antioxidant activities using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging methods. Flavonoids were determined by the method of Jia et al. Total polyphenolics (free and bound) were determined by the Folin‐Ciocalteu method; reducing power and hemolysis inhibition of the extracts were determined by the methods of Oyaizu and Zhang et al.

Findings

Scavenging activity of free extracts of raw and dry snack mushrooms on DPPH radical were 76 per cent and 72 per cent respectively. The ABTS radical scavenging activity of the free extracts of raw sample was 2.76 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/100 g and 2.67 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/100 g snack mushroom. Both free and bound polyphenolic contents in mushroom snacks were slightly higher than raw mushrooms, total flavonoids levels decreased marginally in snack mushrooms. Hemolysis inhibition was decreased (marginally) in free extract of snack mushroom as compared to raw mushroom whereas total reducing power of snack mushroom extract increased significantly. The antioxidant status was unaffected following storage of the snack at ambient temperature for up‐to 15 days.

Research limitations/implications

Mushrooms snacks may serve as a good alternative for currently existing snack foods since they retain a significant amount of polyphenolics and antioxidants; mixed with other commonly used snack foods it may provide beneficial health effects to the consumers economically.

Practical implications

A simple, economical process for preparation of Agaricus bisporous snack using sequential application of osmotic dehydration and drying was optimized; the snack mushrooms possessed functional properties comparable to raw, unprocessed mushrooms.

Originality/value

This paper reports for the first time a simple, economical process for preparation of functional snack food from mushrooms.
Effect of feeding enzymatically detoxified aflatoxin‐B1 diet on liver function test of wistar rats
Authors: Tripathi Smita , Niwas Mishra Hari
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate safety of the enzymatic treatment (garlic peroxidase) for removing aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) from foods.

Design/methodology/approach

An in vivo study was carried out on male wistar rats for three weeks. Since AFB1 is a hepatotoxic; the effect of AFB1 and the enzymatic detoxification of AFB1 on the liver function was studied by determining the serum activities of various hepatic enzymes in different groups of experimental rats.

Findings

The peroxidase (POD) isolated from garlic possess AFB1 degrading properties and the overall detoxification is safe to be used in various foods/feeds as the reaction products produced no toxicity in the adult male wistar rats. Rats fed with aflatoxin contaminated diet possessed increased activities of all the hepatic enzymes investigated; showing symptoms of liver damage compared to rats fed with enzyme treated diet.

Practical implications

The results of this study can be utilized for commercialization of the garlic POD mediated AFB1 detoxification from feeds/foods.

Originality/value

The aflatoxin detoxyfying abilities of garlic POD and its in vivo safety studies have not been reported so far.
Antioxidant properties of selected salak (Salacca zalacca) varieties in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Aralas Sitti , Mohamed Maryati , Fadzelly Abu Bakar Mohd
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Salak (Salacca zalacca) is a species of palm tree native to Malaysia and Indonesia. The fruit is also known as “snake fruit” due to its reddish‐brown scaly skin. Four different varieties of the fruits (i.e. SS1, SS2, SS3 and SS4) have been established by Sabah State Agriculture Department, Malaysia. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and compare the antioxidant properties and phytochemicals content in the edible portion of the fruits.

Design/methodology/approach

Four different varieties of the fruits were collected and analysed for the antioxidant properties (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay), total phenolic and total flavonoid contents using spectrophotometry analysis. Ascorbic acid was determined using titration method.

Findings

The results showed the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the samples were in the range of 12.6‐15.0 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and 4.9‐7.1 mg catechin equivalent/g of dry sample, respectively. The antioxidant activities of the extracts (using DPPH assay) were highly correlated with total phenolic and moderately correlated with flavonoid content. The reducing capabilities of the extracts using FRAP assay were moderately correlated with all phytochemicals tested. The results suggested that the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of salak is mildly affected by variety. The high phytochemicals and antioxidant properties of S. zalacca indicated that the fruit possessed potential health benefits properties.

Originality/value

Salak fruit is now being developed into fruit juice, pickle and other food products. The commercialization of the fruit may be enhanced if more knowledge on its potential health benefits is studied and discovered. The economic and nutraceutical values might increase and will contribute greatly to the local people.
Primary school food environment in Mauritius
Authors: Chan Sun M. , Lalsing Y. , Subratty A.H.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

With the increasing rise in obesity and diabetes in Mauritius, the school food environment in Mauritius is becoming a major concern. No study in Mauritius has so far examined the perspective of school head teachers pertaining to food items sold in schools. The purpose of this paper is to determine the primary school food environment in Mauritius.

Design/methodology/approach

A national postal survey of all the 212 public primary schools in Mauritius was undertaken. A pilot study was initially carried out, followed by administration of a mail questionnaire to all head teachers. The methodology included a validity testing phase. Frequency and associated Pearson's and Fisher's χ2 tests were used for data analysis.

Findings

An 82.1 per cent response rate was obtained. The findings showed that a variety of food items were proposed to schoolchildren. Confectioneries were sold in 97.7 per cent schools while deep‐fried foods were on sale in 76.6 per cent schools although canteen guidelines are provided to schools. No school sold a complete meal. No statistical difference has been noted between food items sold in urban primary schools and those sold in rural primary schools (p > 0.05).

Originality/value

This national study highlights that many less healthy food choices are offered to Mauritian school children, thus undermining their health and nutrition status of Mauritian school children. There is need for urgent action to change the school food environment in order to prevent obesity among school children for a healthier Mauritius.
A randomised double‐blind phase II study of lifestyle counselling and salicylate compounds in patients with progressive prostate cancer
Authors: Thomas Robert , Oakes Roger , Gordon Julie , Russell Simon , Blades Mabel , Williams Madeleine
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Salicylate intake and lifestyle have been implicated in the aetiology of prostate cancer, but the purpose of this paper is to evaluate their influence on established cancer progression.

Design/methodology/approach

A randomised, double blind, phase II study involving 110 men whose prostate specific antigen (PSA), had risen in three consecutive values, >20 per cent over the proceeding six months. Men were counselled to eat less saturated fat, processed food, more fruit, vegetables and legumes; exercise more regularly and to stop smoking. They were then randomised to take sodium salicylate (SS) alone or SS combined with, vitamin C, copper and manganese gluconates (CV247). Patients took this daily, without other intervention, but were withdrawn if their PSA doubling time (PSAdt) shortened or their PSA rose >20 per cent from baseline.

Findings

Although there was no difference in outcome between the SS or CV247 (21 v 19 p = 0.92), the intervention slowed or stopped the rate of PSA progression in 40 patients (36.4 per cent) for over one year. A further ten patients were stabilised for ten months. Patients least likely to stabilise had received previous radiotherapy or had a Gleason ≥7. These men welcomed this addition to active surveillance.

Originality/value

A further RCT in the sensitive subgroup, would determine the role adding SS to lifestyle counselling alone. These data suggest that this intervention would be welcomed by patients as if substantiated, it could potentially delay the need for more radical therapy and their associated toxicities
A reflective essaying model for higher education
Authors: Badley Graham
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline a reflective essaying model as a useful way of encouraging learning in higher education. It aims to define reflective essaying as the free and serious play of mind on an interesting topic in an attempt to learn.

Design/methodology/approach

Reflective essaying is first introduced as a unifying concept in the model. Second, the model is introduced and justified especially in connection with De Montaigne's invention of the essai as a process of trying out opinions and testing responses. Third, the role of teachers as essaying mentors is discussed. Fourth, mentoring for essaying is examined as a learning transaction which exemplifies Dewey's transactional theory of experience and knowing.

Findings

Reflective essaying is promoted as an important way of letting students try to learn. Reflective mentors should promote student learning through reflective essaying which would encourage students to develop their own criticality.

Practical implications

The paper has implications for both teachers and students. Teachers are urged to become more like mentors and less like didactic instructors. As mentors they should be encouraging students to see academic writing as trying out, as essaying, as experimenting with, and as learning through the ideas and materials they reflect upon.

Originality/value

The paper is original in its approach in that it draws on a wide range of historical and contemporary sources on essaying in order to re‐evaluate and resurrect essaying as an experimental process of learning.
Foundation degree students and their educational decision‐making
Authors: Greenbank Paul
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the decision‐making process of students who decided to study for a foundation degree.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved interviewing 30 students who were on, or had recently completed, a business‐related foundation degree.

Findings

This study found that students were not adopting a rational/comprehensive approach when making the decision to study for a foundation degree. The students only utilised limited sources of information; they did not consider a range of different options; and they often relied on informally absorbed information and their intuition. This paper argues that these students need impartial “hot” sources of advice that are easy to access. The students should also be provided with the opportunity to critically evaluate their decision‐making and should be encouraged to develop alternative, more comprehensive, approaches to decision‐making.

Originality/value

This paper sets out a novel approach to preparing students for making choices about higher education which involves focusing on the process of decision‐making. It also argues against targeting support at working class students on the grounds that students from middle class backgrounds also exhibit a lack of understanding of higher education and flaws in the way they make decisions.
The effects of attitudes and perceived environment conditions on students' entrepreneurial intent
Authors: Schwarz Erich J. , Wdowiak Malgorzata A. , Almer‐Jarz Daniela A. , Breitenecker Robert J.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine key factors influencing students' intent to create a new venture. Based on Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour and Autio's model of intention, it aims to develop a model of entrepreneurial intent that incorporates both human and environmental factors. Specifically, the proposed model aims to focus on three constructs to predict the entrepreneurial intent, i.e. general attitudes (toward money, change, and competiveness), the attitude toward entrepreneurship, and the perception of the university environment and regional start‐up infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

In June 2005, 35,040 students of medicine, law, and technical, natural, social and business science from seven universities in Austria (electronic survey) were contacted. The response rate was 8.10 per cent. A total of 2,124 cases were considered in the final analysis. A multiple linear regression model with attitudes, perceptions of environment conditions, and selected control variables (age, gender, field of study) was estimated to test the hypotheses.

Findings

With the exception of the attitude toward competitiveness, all other paths regarding general and specific attitudes are significant. Pertaining to the environment conditions, only significant effects of the university on students' interest in business founding were detected. Other environment factors have no impact on entrepreneurial intention among students in Austria. In addition to that, significant differences in entrepreneurial intent regarding age, gender and field of study were found. Despite variation in the intent level between students of different fields of study, any significant differences in the effects of predictor variables on the entrepreneurial intent among the investigated student population were not discovered.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should place more emphasis on interaction between personal and environmental factors. Besides, students' social networks (family and friends) should be included in the analysis of entrepreneurial career decision.Practical implications– The universities in Austria should more extensively address entrepreneurship education to students of other subjects than business sciences. An important component of entrepreneurial training is a social learning process. In this respect, inviting successful entrepreneurs (role models) to the lectures or enabling students small business experience via interaction with local entrepreneurs can be viewed as supportive actions. Developing entrepreneurial skills as crucial life capacities should be the main target of all university faculties.

Originality/value

The paper lays the foundation for a better understanding of the “intent preconditions” in the context of new venture creation, particularly in the context of Austrian students.
Enhancing employability: integrating real world experience in the curriculum
Authors: Ehiyazaryan Ester , Barraclough Nicola
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on pedagogical research into the student experience of an approach to enterprise education integrated into the curriculum in a large metropolitan university. The paper aims to explore the implications which the research findings have for pedagogy for enhancing student employability and to discuss the approach to integrating the employability experience within these students' programme of study.

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory case study approach was adopted which aimed to explore students' perspectives on studying in a simulated work environment. Using the case study approach, phenomena of the student experience and behaviour identified through a survey questionnaire were used as a benchmark to understanding how and to what extent students learn employability skills and attributes within the learning environment. The quantitative questionnaire was followed by in‐depth focus group interviews which explored the ways in which students learned in interaction with each other and with clients and the effectiveness of the simulated work environment approach.

Findings

The findings of research pointed to the value of real world experience to learner employability. Students were most motivated in the subject matter where they could engage in activity or situations which they were likely to encounter in the real world of business. This further influenced their behaviour – students demonstrated reflective thinking and enhanced confidence. The learning environment's design in terms of the interdependent way in which students were expected to work was considered to have equally high implications for learner engagement in employability.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the wider research on learner engagement in employability which is a challenging issue in higher education pedagogy. The paper has some implications for appropriate learning design which would be of interest to academics and practitioners in developing curricula for employability. An emphasis is placed on the need for further research in the areas of teaching transferability to students, effective employer engagement and the value of interdependent learning.
Combining study and employment: a step too far?
Authors: Robotham David
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a survey of part‐time employment among university students. The survey seeks to establish the nature and characteristics of that employment, and to determine the extent to which it is comparable to similar institutions. The research also aims to examine the possible consequences of combining part‐time employment with full‐time study, with particular reference to stress.

Design/methodology/approach

The research consisted of a web‐based survey of full‐time undergraduates within the business school of a post‐1992 university in the UK.

Findings

The survey found that 68 per cent of the sample currently holds at least one part‐time job during term‐time and that the majority are employed in excess of ten hours per week. Employment is concentrated in a small number of sectors such as retailing, service and call centres. Previous studies report that combining a degree with employment can have negative consequences with students missing classes, doing less reading and experiencing higher levels of stress.

Practical implications

The growth of student employment is eroding further the concept of the full‐time student and universities may need to consider adaptations to their current programmes to accommodate students. From a recruitment and retention perspective, institutions may also need to consider the mechanisms they can offer to support students working part‐time.

Originality/value

The paper is of value in adding to the existing knowledge base about student part‐time employment, which continues to be a growing phenomenon. It also sheds further light on the consequences of working while studying and the negative outcomes that may arise. In particular it examines the relationship between part‐time employment and stress.
Make your presence known! Post‐bureaucracy, HRM and the fear of being unseen
Authors: Maravelias Christian
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to critical management studies (CMS) by developing an empirically grounded understanding of how post‐bureaucratic control operates implicitly, by seeping into the very identities of individual employees.

Design/methodology/approach

One longitudinal case study of multidisciplinary teamwork in a large insurance company was conducted during a five‐year period, beginning in the late 1990s.

Findings

Evidence from the case study shows how human resource management (HRM) techniques established among employees a desire to be recognised as a trustworthy member, on the one hand, and a constant fear of being unseen, on the other. This drove employees to continuously take initiatives that placed them in a self‐regulating limelight.

Research limitations/implications

The study uses a single case study, which limits the scope of the findings

Originality/value

The paper provides interesting clues as to how post‐bureaucratic control is driven not only by the risk of being “caught misbehavin'”, as CMS primarily has it, but also by the risk of being unseen and by the desire to be recognised.
Spillover effects between work and non‐work adjustment among public sector expatriates
Authors: Selmer Jan , Fenner Charles R.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this pioneering study is to explore spillover effects between non‐work and work adjustment of public sector (PS) expatriates.

Design/methodology/approach

US Department of Defense (DoD) administrators assigned to US embassies world‐wide were targeted by a survey.

Findings

Results indicated that, in contrast with recent studies of private sector expatriates, there were no spillover effects. Neither general adjustment nor interaction adjustment had any positive association with work adjustment. Additionally, the extent of self‐efficacy of the DoD administrators was not associated with work adjustment, neither directly nor indirectly.

Originality/value

Research on PS expatriates is not very common, despite their increasing numbers. This is lamentable, since the much more advanced knowledge about private sector expatriates may be less applicable to their public sector counterparts. Even for private sector expatriates, research on spillover effects between non‐work and work domains is less than abundant and such studies are virtually non‐existent for PS expatriates. The findings are consistent with the view that the situation of PS expatriates may be different from that of private sector expatriates.
The influence of job performance outcomes on ethical assessments
Authors: Selvarajan Rajan , Cloninger Peggy A.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how ethical assessments of employees are influenced by job performance outcomes, that is, by an employee's success or failure as measured by a successful or unsuccessful job appraisal.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 180 employees rated the performance of a fictitious salesperson described in one of four written vignettes as successful/ethical, successful/unethical, unsuccessful/ethical or unsuccessful/unethical.

Findings

Job performance outcomes bias the ethical assessments of raters, even raters with stronger ethical beliefs. Successful employees were judged to have exhibited more ethical behaviors than unsuccessful employees.

Research limitations/implications

Job performance outcomes are a systematic source of bias that should be examined to determine the locus of effect as either rater perception and/or recall of ethical behavior that is biased by the job outcomes achieved by ratees. Studies should also examine other rater characteristics such as cognitive moral development; whether ethical intensity of the incidents in the vignettes influences assessments; whether training or other sources of appraisal (e.g. customers or peers) moderates bias; and field settings.

Practical implications

Managers who reward unethical performance with positive job appraisals will influence other employees to be more accepting of unethical behavior and may undermine organizational processes such as background checks. Organizations may try to counter these effects by other sources of appraisal (e.g. customers or peers), training, or supplementary methods.

Originality/value

The research provides important new empirical evidence regarding incorporating ethical behavior into performance appraisals, and has implications for managers seeking to improve employees' ethical behaviors, and for researchers examining performance appraisals, cognition, ethics, and organizational processes.
Predictors of job satisfaction among IT graduates in offshore outsourced IT firms
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the level of job satisfaction experienced by IT graduates employed full time in offshore outsourced IT firms (OOITF) in Sri Lanka, the demographic characteristics that predict job satisfaction, perceptions towards IT jobs in OOITF, and turnover and job search intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 122 randomly selected individuals who graduated in the information technology field and were employed full‐time in OOITF in Sri Lanka. A survey questionnaire was chosen as the mode for data collection.

Findings

The results indicate that gender and tenure are significant in job satisfaction measurement. Females are less satisfied with their jobs and feel a loss of interest in IT jobs in OOITF but wish to remain in their present workplace. IT graduates with a longer tenure in their present workplace are less satisfied with their jobs, feel a loss of interest in IT jobs in OOITF and intend to leave their present workplace.

Originality/value

The majority of job satisfaction studies on IT personnel have been undertaken primarily in the West. The extent to which the research findings of those studies could be generalised to the South Asian offshore outsourcing context has not been widely tested.
Labor‐management partnership at Korean firms
Authors: Lee Jiman , Lee Deog‐Ro
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the impact of labor‐management partnership on organizational performance and industrial relations quality at Korean firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 139 firms for organizational‐level research. Hierarchical regression analyses were employed.

Findings

The research showed that the partnership principle and the five practices of management efforts to secure jobs, information sharing, fair financial rewards, investment in employee training, and worker participation in management were significantly and positively associated with the quality of industrial relations. The partnership principle and two of these practices (investment in training and fair financial rewards) had significant and positive effects on organizational performance.

Practical implications

The results suggest that the partnership principle on its own does not necessarily lead to improved organizational performance or industrial relations quality, and that a company needs not only to adopt the principle of partnership but also to implement it effectively through specific practices.

Originality/value

The paper examines the impact of the partnership model in Korean contexts and offers practical implications for managers seeking effective implementation of the labor‐management partnership model.
Entrepreneurial teams: definition and performance factors
Authors: Schjoedt Leon , Kraus Sascha
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to stimulate future research on entrepreneurial teams (ET).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a literature‐driven definition of ET and model of factors influencing entrepreneurial team performance.

Findings

The paper illustrates potential fruitful areas for future research on entrepreneurial teams.

Research limitations/implications

A literature‐driven approach on ET provides an improved basis for future research. Modeling entrepreneurial team performance factors based on a heuristic model provides a basis for both conceptual and empirical research in the future.

Practical implications

By stimulating additional research on entrepreneurial teams, this paper assists in creating a better distinction on how and why the entrepreneurial team influences new venture performance.

Originality/value

Most research on ET is based on an inadequate definition of the concept. This paper adds value by presenting a literature‐driven definition of entrepreneurial teams. Research on ET tends to focus on demographic heterogeneity. This article adds value by illustrating potential fruitful areas of research on ET based on a heuristics team performance model from the organizational literature.
Exploring the roles of social capital and team‐efficacy in virtual entrepreneurial team performance
Authors: Schenkel Mark T. , Garrison Gary
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role various forms of social capital play in the performance of entrepreneurial teams in a virtual context.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationships between various social capital dimensions – i.e. relational capital, cognitive capital, entrepreneurial orientation and team‐efficacy – and entrepreneurial team performance are investigated. Students in an upper division course were assigned to a project team in which they consulted with a company and collaborated virtually among team members to develop a database to add value to an existing company's operations. Respondents’ perceptions of team social capital were measured via an online survey. Team performance was evaluated independently by course instructors.

Findings

Results reveal that the perceptions of social capital in the form of relational capital, cognitive capital and entrepreneurial orientation are significantly positive predictors of team‐efficacy. Moreover, team‐efficacy is a strong positive predictor of entrepreneurial team performance in a virtual context. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Originality/value

This study makes three contributions to entrepreneurship research. First, it extends previous theory by systematically identifying the influence of a number of social capital dimensions as antecedents to entrepreneurial team performance. Second, empirical results extend our understanding of the impact of social capital by highlighting the distinction between social capital as a static and dynamic resource. The third contribution of this study is our explicit focus on how social capital resources might be identified and strategically leveraged in contemporary (e.g. virtual) contexts.
Founder team interaction, customer and competitor orientation in software ventures
Authors: Mueller Thilo A. , Georg Gemünden Hans
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Developments in the software industry have shown the need for sustainable and effective management strategies, especially for new ventures. Entrepreneurship literature suggests marketing to be one of the pivotal predictors of business performance. Previous empirical studies have shown the importance of social interaction and team work quality for new venture performance. The purpose of this paper is to apply founder team interaction quality (IQ), and the customer and competitor orientation concept of marketing research to new software venture performance.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study using a fully standardized questionnaire was conducted in 101 young software ventures. Two founders in each company filled out the questionnaire separately allowing superior tests for reliability and validity of the research framework.

Findings

The results show team IQ to be a powerful predictor of both customer orientation and competitor orientation. Furthermore, a positive, linear relationship between competitor orientation and technological performance has been found. There is a curvilinear U‐shaped relationship between customer orientation and all examined success dimensions, i.e. economic, market and technological success.

Originality/value

Based on a theoretical research framework and a comprehensive empirical study, the paper contributes to a limited body of research and provides insight for managers of young ventures in the nature of teamwork and IQ and its effects on market orientation and company performance.
Entrepreneurial teams vs management teams
Authors: Tihula Sanna , Huovinen Jari , Fink Matthias
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer whether or not entrepreneurial teams and management teams are a common phenomenon in small firms and to identify differences in the reasons for the formation of these different kinds of joint management. Additionally the impact of joint management on the performance of small businesses is tested.

Design/methodology/approach

To answer the research question a questionnaire survey (n = 119, response rate = 48 per cent) of small firms (20‐49 employees) in Eastern Finland was supplemented by a secondary data collection on financial issues.

Findings

The results show that in nearly four‐fifths of the firms a team was involved in the management. The logistic regression model revealed statistically significant differences between firms with entrepreneurial teams and such with management teams regarding the formation motives turnover, liability distribution and efficiency. Even though secondary data suggested that the firms managed by management teams were bigger, more profitable and faster growing, the differences were not statistically significant.

Research limitations/implications

This study suggests that teams are common in the management of small firms, and that the future research in this field should focus more on the small firm context.

Practical implications

The importance of teams in the management of small firms has to be realized by entrepreneurs, their employees, the consultants as well as by those who create the legal and institutional condition for the creation and development of businesses.

Originality/value

Although the impact of management teams and entrepreneurial teams has been widely studied in large‐firm settings, the studies in the field of small business are rare. With its multi‐perspective approach and its focus on small firms this study breaks new ground in this research field.
Entrepreneurial team characteristics that influence the successful launch of a new venture
Authors: Leary Myleen M. , DeVaughn Michael L.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the characteristics of an entrepreneurial team that influence the likelihood a new venture will successfully launch.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a sample of prospective start‐up banks that applied for a charter application in Florida between 1996 and 2005. Logistic regression was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Analysis suggests that entrepreneurial teams where: the CEO is strongly embedded into the team; no team member holds 10 per cent or more of the firm's total equity; team members have less rather than more industry experience; and more team members have prior founding experience, all point to a successful new venture launch.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on start‐up success in a single industry and thus may not be generalizable to other research contexts.

Practical implications

Results suggest that bank regulators in charge approving new bank charters would be well advised to revisit their guidelines and recommendations for prospective new bank founders.

Originality/value

Given the unique regulatory requirements of the US banking industry, the successful as well as failed efforts to launch a new bank can be identified and the “success bias” present in many entrepreneurship studies can be averted.
Attitudes towards immigrants, other integration barriers, and their veracity
Authors: Constant Amelie F. , Kahanec Martin , Zimmermann Klaus F.
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study opinions and attitudes towards immigrants and minorities and their interactions with other barriers to minorities' economic integration. Specifically, the minority experts' own perceptions about these issues, the veracities and repercussions of unfavorable attitudes of natives are to be considered.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing newly available data from the IZA Expert Opinion Survey 2007 main trends in the integration situation of ethnic minorities in Europe are depicted in a comparative manner.

Findings

Robust findings show that: ethnic minorities face integration problems; natives' general negative attitudes are a key factor of their challenging situation; discrimination is acknowledged as the single most important integration barrier; low education and self‐confidence as well as cultural differences also hinder integration; minorities want change and that it comes about by policies based on the principle of equal treatment.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should not only investigate how negative attitudes are formed but also study their dynamics with respect to integration policies.

Practical implications

Well‐designed integration policies, that take the specific situation of the respective ethnic minority into account, are persistent and enforcement of anti‐discrimination laws is desirable.

Originality/value

Using a unique dataset, the innovative study is the first to gauge the perspectives of expert stakeholders and ethnic minorities on their integration situation and the main barriers that hinder it.
Ethnic segregation in The Netherlands
Authors: Hartog Joop , Zorlu Aslan
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the degree of ethnic residential segregation and diversification in Dutch neighbourhoods.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data on neighbourhood level, the authors calculate segregation and diversification indices, and illustrate the distribution of main origin groups by cumulative distribution functions. A preliminary analysis is conducted to quantify the relationship between neighbourhood ethnic composition and economic outcomes (income and welfare dependency).

Findings

No evidence is found on the existence of mono‐ethnic neighbourhoods in The Netherlands. The higher concentration of non‐Western immigrants in the large cities occurs in neighbourhoods with a high degree of diversity from several origins. An apparent strong correlation between the concentration of non‐Western immigrants and the prevalence of social benefits is likely due to the composition effect. The findings counter the public opinion that ghetto‐like neighbourhoods are dominant. They suggest that neighbourhood housing composition plays possibly an important role to attract immigrants with a weak socio‐economic position, who are often from a variety of non‐Western countries, rather than from a single origin.

Practical implications

Social policies aimed at improving neighbourhood quality affect non‐Western immigrants from different source countries simultaneously, as they tend to live together in immigrant neighbourhoods. But integration policies targeted at neighbourhoods are insufficient, as many immigrants live in areas with low immigrant density: policies targeted at individuals (and families) remain indispensable.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to document segregation and diversity in The Netherlands, using unique neighbourhood level data. Applying cumulative distribution functions to these issues is also novel.
Ethnicity and the immigration of highly skilled workers to the United States
Authors: Jasso Guillermina
Published: May 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine ethnicity among highly skilled immigrants to the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines five classic components of ethnicity – country of birth, race, skin color, language, and religion – among persons admitted to legal permanent residence in the USA in 2003, as principals in the three main employment categories (EB‐1, EB‐2, and EB‐3), using data collected in the US New Immigrant Survey.

Findings

The visa categories have distinctive ethnic configurations. India dominates EB‐2, European countries and Canada EB‐1. The ethnicity portfolio contains more languages than religions. Language is shed before religion, and religion may not be shed at all, except among the ultra highly skilled of EB‐1. Highly skilled immigrants are mostly male; they are not immune from lapsing into illegality; they have a shorter visa process than their cohortmates; smaller proportions than in the cohort overall intend to remain in the USA. Larger proportions in EB‐2 and EB‐3 sent remittances than in the cohort overall. A little measure of assimilation – using dollars to describe earnings in the country of last residence, even when requested to use the country's currency – suggests that highly skilled immigrants are more likely to “think in dollars” than their cohortmates.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is like an aerial reconnaissance. It is necessary to now go under the ledges and into the caves.

Originality/value

The data used are the first ever collected on a probability sample of new legal immigrants to the USA. It is expected that many researchers will use these data to generate valuable new knowledge.
Implicit prejudice and ethnic minorities
Authors: Agerström Jens , Rooth Dan‐Olof
Published: May 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine whether Swedish employers implicitly/automatically hold negative attitudes toward Arab‐Muslims, an ethnic minority group subjected to substantial labor market discrimination in Sweden and, more specifically, associate members of this minority group with lower work productivity, as compared with native Swedes.

Design/methodology/approach

Adapted versions of the Implicit Association Test (IAT; Greenwald et al., 1998) designed to measure implicit attitudes and productivity stereotypes toward Arab‐Muslims were used. Corresponding explicit measures were administered.

Findings

The results clearly show that employers have stronger negative implicit attitudes toward Arab‐Muslims relative to native Swedes as well as implicitly perceiving Arab‐Muslims to be less productive than native Swedes. Notably, the explicit measures reveal much weaker negative associations.

Practical implications

Since Arab‐Muslims are automatically perceived as being less productive, the present findings suggest that negative implicit productivity stereotypes could have significant effects on labor market outcomes, such as when employers make hiring decisions. Given that many hiring decisions are presumably based on “gut‐feelings”, implicit attitudes and stereotypes, more so than their explicit counterparts, may exert a substantial impact on how employers contemplate and make decisions regarding human resources.

Originality/value

Whereas traditional research has focused on self‐conscious, explicit work‐related attitudes toward various ethnic minority groups, the study offers a novel approach to understanding work‐related prejudice.