bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new approach for prediction of the stability of soil and rock slopes
Authors: Ahangar‐Asr Alireza , Faramarzi Asaad , Javadi Akbar A.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Analysis of stability of slopes has been the subject of many research works in the past decades. Prediction of stability of slopes is of great importance in many civil engineering structures including earth dams, retaining walls and trenches. There are several parameters that contribute to the stability of slopes. This paper aims to present a new approach, based on evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR), for analysis of stability of soil and rock slopes.

Design/methodology/approach

EPR is a data‐driven method based on evolutionary computing, aimed to search for polynomial structures representing a system. In this technique, a combination of the genetic algorithm and the least square method is used to find feasible structures and the appropriate constants for those structures.

Findings

EPR models are developed and validated using results from sets of field data on the stability status of soil and rock slopes. The developed models are used to predict the factor of safety of slopes against failure for conditions not used in the model building process. The results show that the proposed approach is very effective and robust in modelling the behaviour of slopes and provides a unified approach to analysis of slope stability problems. It is also shown that the models can predict various aspects of behaviour of slopes correctly.

Originality/value

In this paper a new evolutionary data mining approach is presented for the analysis of stability of soil and rock slopes. The new approach overcomes the shortcomings of the traditional and artificial neural network‐based methods presented in the literature for the analysis of slopes. EPR provides a viable tool to find a structured representation of the system, which allows the user to gain additional information on how the system performs.
Corporate social responsibility activity reportage on bank websites in Ghana
Authors: Hinson Robert , Boateng Richard , Madichie Nnamdi
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has witnessed a resurgence in the management literature in recent years. This might be due to a renewed focus on corporate governance and ethical practices of companies the world over. This current study seeks to focus on how banks operating in Ghana communicate their CSR programmes and intentions via their corporate websites.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework was adapted from the extant literature and was used as the basis of a content analysis of 16 banks in Ghana. This paper adopts a qualitative research approach drawing upon available information from the websites of these 16 banks.

Findings

One of the banks that had won the most CSR awards at the Ghana banking awards had the poorest CSR communication content on its corporate website. It was also noted that banks that had never won a CSR award previously seemed to have a better organised structure in respect of their CSR activities on their websites. These findings clearly demonstrate the challenges that sometimes exist in transferring bricks‐and‐mortar organisational capabilities to online environments.

Originality/value

Studies focussing on online CSR communications in emerging market contexts are almost non‐existent and this study makes an important contribution in not only addressing this imbalance, but more importantly in improving bank marketing practices in Ghana.
Customer switching behaviour in the Chinese retail banking industry
Authors: Clemes Michael D. , Gan Christopher , Zhang Dongmei
Published: October 2010

Purpose

There is intense competition and increasing globalisation in financial markets. Bank management must develop customer‐oriented strategies in order to compete successfully in the competitive retail banking environment. The longer a bank can retain a customer, the greater revenue and cost savings from that customer. China's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has resulted in the liberalisation and deregulation of China's financial services market. Chinese customers now have greater choices between domestic and foreign banks. This study aims to identify and analyse the factors that influence bank customers' switching behaviour in the Chinese retail banking industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this analysis was obtained using a convenience sample of 421 bank customers in Jiaozuo City, Henan Province, China. The decision to switch banks is hypothesised to be a function of price, reputation, service quality, effective advertising competition, involuntary switching, distance, switching costs, distance, and demographic characteristics. Factor analysis and logistic regression are used to analyse the data and identify and rank the factors that impact on the bank switching behaviour of customers.

Findings

The research findings reveal that price, reputation, service quality, effective advertising, involuntary switching, distance, and switching costs impact on customers' bank switching behaviour. The findings also reveal that the young and high‐income groups are more likely to switch banks.

Practical implications

The results of this research allow service marketers and practitioners to develop and implement service marketing strategies to decrease customer defection rates, and in turn, increase bank profits. Furthermore, this research provides useful information for future researchers investigating customer switching behaviour in the retail banking industry.

Originality/value

This paper provides an empirical analysis of Chinese bank switching behaviour and provides a framework for future studies on the behaviour of bank customers.
An investigation of consumer acceptance of M‐banking
Authors: Wessels Lisa , Drennan Judy
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and test the key motivators and inhibitors for consumer acceptance of mobile phone banking (M‐banking), particularly those that affect the consumer's attitude towards, and intention to use, this self‐service banking technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A web‐based survey was undertaken where respondents completed a questionnaire about their perceptions of M‐banking's ease of use, usefulness, cost, risk, compatibility with their lifestyle, and their need for interaction with personnel. Correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analysis, with Sobel tests, were used to determine whether these factors influenced consumers' attitude and intention to use M‐banking.

Findings

Perceived usefulness, perceived risk, cost and compatibility were found to affect consumer acceptance of M‐banking. The results also support a mediation model, whereby attitude transfers the affects of the consumers' perceptions to their intention to use M‐banking.

Research limitations/implications

The sample used in this study contained a skew toward younger male consumers, affecting the generalisability of the results.

Practical implications

Developing marketing programs that focus on creating a positive attitude toward M‐banking should attract consumers to this emerging electronic banking channel. Specifically, marketers should emphasise M‐banking's usefulness and compatibility with consumers' lifestyle, in addition to designing M‐banking systems that minimise risk and cost to the consumer.

Originality/value

This paper validates and further develops an existing attitudinal model in the M‐banking context, answering the call for additional research to generalise and improve the explanatory power of self‐service technology acceptance models to other groups and countries.
Are inertia and calculative commitment distinct constructs?
Authors: Yanamandram Venkata , White Lesley
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which inertia is distinct from calculative commitment and to extend the knowledge on these constructs in the corporate financial services context in Australia. The study proposes and empirically analyses a research model that considers switching costs as an antecedent to inertia and calculative commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

An e‐mail URL‐embedded web questionnaire was used to collect data online from responding organisations. The psychometric properties of the measures were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis, and the hypothesised relationships among the latent constructs were estimated using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The variance‐extracted test established discriminant validity between inertia and calculative commitment. Switching costs affected both inertia and calculative commitment differently.

Research limitations/implications

The measurement scales should be subjected to further assessment before drawing conclusions on their construct validity. The findings support the contention that inertia occurs from high search and learning costs associated with transaction account products, and that calculative commitment is caused by the existence of sunk costs.

Practical implications

Managers should be cautious in employing barriers as mechanisms for customer retention, because calculatively committed customers might be behaviourally loyal only for as long as it is instrumentally rewarding to be so. However, dissatisfied customers often can become involved in inert buying patterns.

Originality/value

This paper is an important initial step in highlighting the extent to which inertia is distinct from calculative commitment, in addition to providing a measure of inertia.
Managing the threats and opportunities of the open corporation
Authors: Denning Stephen
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This “Masterclass” paper aims to show senior leaders seeking innovation in various degrees of corporate openness how to defend their businesses against the threats and to take advantage of the opportunities posed by social media.

Design/methodology/approach

Openness is not an “anything goes” approach to management. This paper explains the rules for two‐way accountability, with clear delineation of what is expected from each side of the relationship.

Findings

Getting involved in social media can be disturbing to managers because it means dismantling some of the barriers and controls that embodied the 20th Century organization and that filtered communications within and to and from the organization.

Practical implications

One approach is to articulate “covenants” between the parties so that everyone knows explicitly what behavior is appropriate. For example, social media guidelines for employees and customer‐facing guidelines, such as community participation or comment guidelines.

Originality/value

For most organizations, being more open means building relationships that have not existed before. This paper offers leaders a detailed, practical, analytic guide for managing the process.
Delivering on the promise of open innovation
Authors: Rufat‐Latre Jorge , Muller Amy , Jones Dave
Published: October 2010

Purpose

For all the rhetoric – and hype – about open innovation, the reality is that few corporations have institutionalized open innovation practices in ways that have enabled substantial growth or industry leadership. This paper aims to explain how open innovation can achieve its potential in most companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Three cases of companies that practice various types of open innovation are discussed. The principles of establishing an organizational environment for open innovation are outlined.

Findings

The ability to move into and out of different industries by capitalizing on ideas and concepts from inside and outside the organization – open innovation – has tremendous value.

Practical implications

Without the appropriate mindset and, ultimately, operational structure in place, the promise of open innovation cannot be realized.

Originality/value

For corporate leaders, the paper identifies a key first step – to deliver on the promise of open innovation an organization must start by making the change from a competition‐focused, market‐share mindset to a competence‐based mindset.
Henry Singleton: a pioneer of corporate strategic leadership and value creation
Authors: Calandro Joseph
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper profiles the leadership and Financial Strategy principles of Dr. Henry E. Singleton, the late founder of Teledyne Corporation.

Design/methodology/approach

The main sources of this paper are a private study prepared by Leon G. Cooperman, Chairman and CEO of Omega Advisors, Inc., who knew Dr. Singleton and who was a long‐term Teledyne investor, as well as a 2007 book that was published by Teledyne's former president.

Findings

The leadership and financial strategy principles of Henry Singleton have broad applicability to executives across industries and to researchers across disciplines including strategy, finance, management, and entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications

Singleton's principles, especially in the area of Financial Strategy, could be used by executives in the challenging times that likely lay ahead, and could serve as the basis for applied‐based research, most particularly case studies, on entrepreneurship, growth by acquisition, capital allocation, stock buybacks, and spin‐offs.

Originality/value

Long‐time associates of Singleton believe this is the first academic analysis of his leadership and financial strategy principles.
Social media, reputation risk and ambient publicity management
Authors: Aula Pekka
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the emergence of corporate reputational risk in terms of social media, exploring its threats to and possibilities for organizations' strategic reputation management.

Design/methodology/approach

Reputation risk, the possibility of damaging one's reputation, presents a threat to organizations in many ways. Little is known, however, about the connections between reputation risk management and social media as a mediated business environment. Following the latest conceptualizations of strategic reputation management and social media, the paper identifies several challenges for organizations. To make sense of this issue, the paper proposes a novel context for strategic reputation management, founded on the metaphor of ambient publicity, which involves not only social media, but also organizations and their stakeholders.

Findings

The paper argues that social media expands the spectrum of reputation risks and boosts risk dynamics, and that social media can have notable effects on corporate‐level strategic endeavors, which must be considered in order to be successful in the modern business environment. Nine tenets for corporate leaders involved in strategic reputation management are presented.

Originality/value

The paper offers new insights on social media's relation to reputation risk and its management. The ambient publicity, for example, has value to leaders involved in strategic reputation management when trying to identify factors characterizing the changing business environment. Understanding ambient publicity as an environment of meaning indicates that organizations, their stakeholders, and the public create a “complex narrative web” surrounding reputation. The more unified this web is, the stronger the organization is in terms of reputation risk.
Knowledge transfer: de‐constructing the entrepreneurial academic
Authors: Bicknell Ann , Francis‐Smythe Jan , Arthur Jane
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illuminate motivations and “pull” factors of academics engaging in knowledge transfer (KT).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 15 in‐depth interviews were conducted with experienced, KT active (KTAs) academics to reveal their motivations and pull factors for engaging. Data were transcribed and submitted to template analysis to achieve qualitative conceptual “saturation”, from which a conjuctural analysis of conceptual relations was derived.

Findings

From the data, seven thematic areas were inducted: values‐in‐practice, motivations and “buzz moments”, purposive activities, the academic context, the journey of the KTA, pedagogy and perceptions of risk.

Research limitations/implications

The interview sample (12 males, three females) of active KTAs can be seen as a representative and authentic regional sample from the Midlands – who had carried out both teaching, research and KT aspects within their academic roles. In total, 120,000 words of dialogue were candidly reported, attesting to conceptual coherence.

Practical implications

The results concur with some existing literature on conceptualising the KTA as an academic intrapreneur, but also highlight aspects of how this role conceptually differs from non‐KTA academics. This has implications for the recruitment, development and retention of KTAs, in addition to facilitating their roles in higher education institutions (HEIs).

Originality/value

This paper constitutes a unique induction of a conceptual model for a relatively new economic and operational phenomenon in HEIs: the KTA. The paper contrasts with existing literature on the barriers and challenges to KTA work by emphasis on the positive and motivational aspects of the role.
The story of a university knowledge exchange actor‐network told through the sociology of translation
Authors: Smith Sue , Rose Mary , Hamilton Ellie
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to tell the story of the evolution of knowledge exchange (KE) activity within a department in a university in the north west of England and to understand this activity through the lens of actor‐network theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying the sociology of translation to one qualitative interview shows how different actors were enrolled and mobilized into a KE actor‐network. The process of translation consists of four stages, problematisation, enrolment, interessement and mobilisation of allies which have been applied to the data to tell the story of the KE actor‐network. This is a cross‐disciplinary approach using a theoretical framework from sociology and applying it to a management/organizational context.

Findings

This framework brings fresh ways of looking at the importance of KE networks within universities. Although limited to one interview, the methodology allows for an in‐depth reading of the data and shows how resilient and flexible this actor‐network is to withstand and respond appropriately to shifts in policy and subsequent provisions for small‐ and medium‐sized enterprise business support.

Originality/value

Building from one case, the paper concludes that this account adds to an historical understanding of how universities become involved with KE activities. The inclusion of non‐human actors allows for a deeper understanding of the actor‐network and shows the importance of actors such as White Papers, pots of funding and physical buildings to the role of KE within higher education.
HEI engagement with SMEs: developing social capital
Authors: Gordon Ian , Jack Sarah
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The need to develop a greater understanding about the creation of social capital and how this might impact on entrepreneurship and the development of the small‐ to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) sector requires further research. This paper aims to consider to what extent engagement with higher education institutions (HEIs) by SMEs creates social capital and network benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows the experiences of five SME owners who participated in the Lancaster University LEAD programme (a leadership programme for owner/managers who want to develop their leadership capabilities and grow their business) between 2004 and 2006. Qualitative techniques are used to consider networking activities, use and development of social capital and experiences. A framework for data collection and analysis was developed from the literature review.

Findings

Results show that the experience of engaging with the HEI sector was beneficial. Networks provided the opportunity to create social capital and had a positive impact on the development of the SME and the individual. A number of key elements supported this process namely trust in the individuals running the programme, the creation of a supportive environment where individuals were able to share experiences and social events.

Originality/value

This paper has implications for practitioners and the designers of SME engagement programmes at HEIs. For practitioners, this paper demonstrates that by engaging with the HEI sector, entrepreneurial networks can be extended. For designers, this paper demonstrates that the creation of trust and sociability are key aspects for the success of the experience of engaging. However, this must be coupled with content that is rich in reflection.
Recognising “open innovation” in HEI‐industry interaction for knowledge transfer and exchange
Authors: Johnston Lorraine , Robinson Sarah , Lockett Nigel
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to stimulate debate among academic and policymaking communities as to understanding the importance of social processes and open innovation contexts within existing models of knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) between higher education institutions (HEIs) and industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted through a number of case studies connected to UK HEIs and through extensive interviews with representatives of HEI, industry and policy makers over a two‐year period.

Findings

The results confirm that social processes are often under‐explored in collaborative HEI‐industry settings. The study identified seven emerging themes which are important to HEI‐industry relationships: the importance of network intermediaries; flexibility, openness and connectivity of network structures; encouraging network participation; building trust in relationships through mutual understanding; active network learning; strengthening cooperation through capacity building; and culture change.

Practical implications

This research raises implications for policymakers and practitioners engaged in developing KTE collaborative activities. The paper argues for greater attention to be placed upon the social processes that affect collaborative innovation and working. Policymaking in particular needs to take account of these processes as they are neither easy to establish nor sustain.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on HEI‐industry interactions for enhanced KTE activity and partnership working which demonstrates value to wider scholarly and practitioner readership. In the context of “open innovation”, the paper argues in favour of greater attention to be paid to the social processes involved in engaging HEI academics with industry professionals. Moreover, the paper further contributes to wider perspectives on the importance of international HEI‐industry research activities.
Supporting black businesses: narratives of support providers in London
Authors: Nwankwo Sonny , Akunuri Jaya , Madichie Nnamdi O.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how narrative discourses frames entrepreneurial knowledge – in the form of understandings and meanings – focusing the role of business support in stimulating black entrepreneurship. It reveals the assumptions and values associated with business support from the point of view of the providers – who themselves are categorized as “black”.

Design/methodology/approach

A collaborative narrative approach is adopted to locate knowledge of business support within the “life‐world” of black business support providers. The research was conducted at two levels: focus group and narrative interviews.

Findings

The paper highlights the ways in which dominant discourses guide as well as constrain the representation of black businesses. Low take‐up of business support is contested. Public‐funded business support programmes are perceived as unwholesome, unwieldy and inherently inadequate in meeting the strategic development needs of black businesses.

Research limitations/implications

Focusing on actual engagement rather than content aspects of the business support policy framework reveals a need for more dialogic research to explore more deeply whether, and to what extent, alternative and new perspectives on supporting black businesses are needed.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper lies in attempting to unravel the complex processes of business support provision in the context of black entrepreneurship by decoding the narrative discourses used by support providers who are themselves categorized as “black”. Such intrinsic examination of views and beliefs is relatively unique and provides an interesting platform for further research.
Decision of institutional cooperation on R&D
Authors: Serrano‐Bedia Ana Ma , Concepción López‐Fernández Ma , García‐Piqueres Gema
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the differences between manufacturing and service sector firms regarding the determining factors for the decision to cooperate with research institutions to perform R&D activities. The second key contribution provided is the identification of institutional cooperation profiles, based on the determining variables of institutional cooperation.

Design/methodology/approach

On the one hand, drawing on the Community Innovation Survey for Spain, a Logit Regression Model is used to study the determining factors for institutional cooperation decision. On the other hand, in order to identify institutional cooperation profiles a confirmatory analysis was carried out applying the cluster methodology.

Findings

The empirical study confirms that the differences are fundamentally related to transaction cost theory and resource‐based view with respect to the costs. Specifically, these theories' proposal dealing with the variable cost is not empirically confirmed for firms in the service sector.

Research limitations/implications

The principal limitation of this paper derives from the data available, which made it impossible to extend the research to cover a longer time period and affected the manner in which some variables were constructed.

Practical implications

The main implication of the paper can be understood in terms of managerial implications due to the importance of the institutional cooperation on R&D as an innovation management decision. Along this line, the results of the study indicate the existence of various options associated with the active posture on institutional cooperation.

Originality/value

The contribution of the paper is the identification of institutional cooperation profiles, based on the determining variables of cooperation with institutions on R&D activities as well as the identification of the differences between manufacturers and services related to them.
Organizational culture as determinant of product innovation
Authors: Naranjo Valencia Julia C. , Sanz Valle Raquel , Jiménez Jiménez Daniel
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study empirically the relationships among organizational culture and product innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper formulates some hypotheses from the literature review. These hypotheses are tested using structural equations modelling with data collected from 420 firms.

Findings

Organizational culture is considered to be one of the key elements in both enhancing and inhibiting innovation. The findings provide evidence about this proposition. While ad hocratic cultures could enhance the development of new products or services, hierarchical cultures inhibit product innovation.

Research limitations/implications

First, the data in the study were collected from one source. A second limitation is the cross‐sectional design of this research. Finally, only four of the six features of the competing value model have been evaluated. Apart from overcoming these limitations, suggestions for future research are: use longitudinal studies and multiple informants; study the moderator effect of some variables on the culture‐innovation relation, such as the type of innovation; and include other cultural types, that is, clan culture and market culture.

Practical implications

The paper provides evidence that, first, in order to increase product innovation, companies should foster cultures with external and flexibility orientations. Moreover, the paper suggests that values, beliefs and assumptions that are coherent with ad hocratic culture are key drivers for developing new products or services.

Originality/value

The paper jointly examines in the same model the little‐researched links between organizational culture and product innovation.
Measuring performance in R&NPD
Authors: Bassani Ciriaco , Lazzarotti Valentina , Manzini Raffaella , Pellegrini Luisa , Santomauro Stefano
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Implementing a performance measurement system (PMS) for research and new product development (R&NPD) is fundamental for supporting decision making but is a challenging task, because effort levels are not measurable and success is highly uncertain. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the design of a PMS in R&NPD in a case study based on the balanced scorecard and Lynch and Cross's pyramidal framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study regards Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei that was thought to be a proper company for the empirical analysis for its strong reliance on R&NPD activities, the adoption of a PMS in the R&NPD department and the lack of contributions in the literature that investigate the design of a PMS for R&NPD function in the context of the military industry.

Findings

Relevant managerial implications can be drawn: there is the need for different perspectives in measuring performance in an NPD environment, beyond the iron triangle (time, cost and quality); the use of different perspectives/indicators allows tailoring PMS to the specific object of control, coherently with the need to identify specific responsibilities for each measured performance; the adoption of different performance perspectives/indicators should not prevent a holistic view of performance, in which the different performance perspectives/indicators are related with the overall R&NPD economic performance and implementation matters: sharing with people the measurement aim/characteristics make the PMS understandable and acceptable.

Originality/value

Although this subject has been debated in the literature, more study of applications in real contexts is needed.
Suggestion systems in organizations: what motivates employees to submit suggestions?
Authors: Buech Veronika I.D. , Michel Alexandra , Sonntag Karlheinz
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Suggestion systems offer the opportunity for organizations to benefit directly from their employees' innovativeness. The purpose of this paper is to investigate processes underlying employees' involvement with suggestion systems. It examines the relationship between interactional justice of the suggestion system, valence of the suggestion system (VSS), employees' wellbeing, and their motivation to submit suggestions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in a German manufacturing company. In total, 142 questionnaires were completed (response rate: 71 percent). The paper applies the bootstrapping method in order to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Results support the hypothesized moderated mediation model, in that VSS mediated the positive relationship between interactional justice and motivation to submit suggestions when wellbeing was high or moderate, but not when wellbeing was low.

Research limitations/implications

The results reflect only subjective appraisals. However, the studied variables are ultimately based on what employees perceive. Nonetheless, future research should generate and include more objective measures.

Practical implications

The paper provides evidence, first, that companies should consider the important role of employees' wellbeing in the innovation context and try to enhance it. Second, the interactional justice and the VSS contribute to employees' motivation to submit suggestions and should be strengthened.

Originality/value

While the existing literature mostly focuses on innovative behaviour in general, this paper analyzes employees' motivation to submit suggestions.
Using technology to connect with people on employee engagement
Authors: Winston Sally
Published: October 2010

Purpose

In 2008, the UK Civil Service took the decision to bring together all departments' staff satisfaction surveys, creating an overarching employee engagement survey across the entire civil service. Infogroup/ORC International was charged with the unprecedented task of organizing and implementing this survey, ensuring that it met the complex requirements of Civil Service managers. This paper aims to focus on this initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

It was critical to understand the challenges associated with communicating a survey and its results to such a large and diverse population. Through the use of user‐centered design, client‐panels and best practice, ORC International designed an online tool, called “highlights,” to meet the Civil Service's needs, ensuring that the survey and its findings achieved the outlined aims.

Findings

Since its launch, highlights has received over 300,000 hits, demonstrating the importance placed on the Civil Service People Survey and the success of the tool in communicating the survey results in an effective, user‐friendly format. Analysis of the use of the tool has shaped the future development, in preparation for the 2010 survey.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the challenges associated with communicating a survey and its results to such a large and diverse population.
Getting social with recruitment
Authors: Doherty Richard
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This article aims to discuss the growing popularity of social networking as a recruitment tool and to outline some of the key considerations that organizations must take when embarking on social recruiting.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a best practice guide based on Jobpartners' experience of providing e‐recruitment solutions to a number of blue‐chip global companies.

Findings

The article outlines best practice when it comes to social recruiting, highlighting how one major global retail brand has successfully integrated social media tools into its recruitment strategy.

Originality/value

The article will be of interest to HR professionals at organizations of all sizes interested in how to get best value from social recruiting.
Open for business: bringing digital engagement and strategy to life
Authors: Holt Andy , Diggins Paul
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Bringing corporate strategies to life and engaging with staff have become key concerns of HR directors and CEOs alike in recent years. Active engagement and meaningful involvement in that strategy are difficult to achieve. This paper aims to document two successful internal communication projects in a multinational company, T‐Mobile.

Design/methodology/approach

“Open” was already an award‐winning paper‐based internal communication that, as part of T‐Mobile UK's overall strategy for multi‐channel internal communication, was migrated to a digital platform. This represented a cultural shift for the employees within the organization.

Findings

T‐Mobile and Words & Pictures co‐developed an approach involving cartoon characters, each representing a strategic business focus, which captured the imagination of the mobile operator's employees and delivered impressive online statistics of engagement, including increased reader time and 95 percent readership enjoyment. This was supported by an increased employee understanding of key strategic issues.

Practical implications

Words & Pictures concludes that other organizations wishing to achieve similar digital engagement should first understand the employees and their needs for communication and secondly should see the digital platform as a genuine opportunity to reinforce the brand.

Originality/value

This T‐Mobile and Words & Pictures case study focuses on two award‐winning internal communications projects that were successful in improving employee engagement through the transferal from paper to digital communication.
Technology transforms retailer's recruitment
Authors: Proctor Lisa
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate how technology can improve the recruitment process.

Design/methodology/approach

The author discusses how the replacement of a paper‐based system with online technology has greatly improved recruitment efficiencies and the candidate experience at high street retailer, River Island. Because of the high volume of applications received, the organization acknowledged it needed to revise and refresh its approach to recruitment. The business needed a robust, flexible and candidate‐focused recruitment system to enable it to attract and sign up the most talented people that will see it stay at the top of the high street. River Island researched suppliers and different online platforms before working with Changeworknow to design a system to meet the needs of the brand.

Findings

The combined impact of moving from a manual to a technology‐led process and transferring recruitment from front line managers to HR has improved the process to the extent that the system is being expanded in functionality and across the organization.

Originality/value

As a retailer, River Island has seasonal recruitment demands that impact directly on the success of the business and on the brand. The paper shows how technology can help to overcome the associated challenges of seasonal recruitment.
The power of HR outsourcing
Authors: Brown Peter
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how a business can create a high performing workforce that provides a competitive advantage that is difficult to replicate. It seeks to provide a brief history of outsourcing to demonstrate that HR is neither too sensitive nor complex to outsource as a function. It aims to suggest a common sense approach on how to determine which pieces of the HR function could be better delivered by third‐party suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is the result of Accenture's work in HR business process outsourcing and its research into the business benefits of outsourcing.

Findings

HR functions are increasingly being asked to align HR with business strategy, support growth goals through a scalable infrastructure, and collect and provide data to support fact‐based decision making, all while reducing the cost base. Outsourcing can play a strategic role in helping HR departments deliver these goals.

Practical implications

The article introduces a framework to assist HR departments in understanding the value that should be created for both the business and the employee at each stage of the employee lifecycle.

Originality/value

The article is based on original work conducted by Accenture with clients in many different sectors.
Avoiding cultural misconceptions during globalization of tourism
Authors: Bickle Marianne C. , Harrill Rich
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this editorial is to introduce the current special issue of research related to cultural misconceptions during the globalization of tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

The four peer reviewed articles presented in this special issue are introduced.

Findings

All of the research articles examine the potential or actual result of misconceptions when different cultures interact. Culture identity is a common theme throughout the articles. Sub‐themes include how cultural identity is changed (positively or negatively) when other cultures interact. The data collection sites include: Zakopane, a small village of 30,000 residents located in the Tatra Mountains in the South of Poland; Ubud, a village in Bali, Indonesia; Great Britain and Ireland; Shandong, China; and a framework to compare data collected throughout different cultures in Asia. The first two articles presented examine the influence of tourism on a village. The third article focuses on service providers working in large cities. The fourth article examines what is considered to be the fastest growing tourist destination (i.e. China). Finally, the last article provides the reader with a theoretical framework.

Originality/value

The special issue on misconceptions addresses how the interaction of different cultures, for all the benefits, may also have negative repercussion on the host country and tourist. Instead of the traditional all white American sample, this call generated global insight. This article provides an introduction
Culture, identity, and belonging in the “culinary underbelly”
Authors: Palmer Catherine , Cooper John , Burns Peter
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Drawing on social anthropology this paper aims to focus on the role of culture in identity formation through an examination of the results of research into the culture of the chef – culture manifest in what has been referred to as the “culinary underbelly”.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews were conducted with head chefs of Michelin‐starred restaurants and celebrity chefs with the aim of exploring the social and cultural processes underpinning the formation of chef identity.

Findings

These illustrate what it feels like to belong on the basis of such signifying structures as language, community, and kinship. Being a chef is more than just a job, it is sacred work involving sacrifice and pain leaving a physical imprint on the individual in the form of burns, cuts and scalds. Such marks are the physical manifestation of chef culture.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are not generalizable to all chefs. Further research should focus on issues of gender and ethnicity, and on chefs working in different types of establishment and at different levels/status to those interviewed here.

Originality/value

The findings and the analysis provide valuable insights into chef identity. This analysis is important because the significance of concepts such as culture and identity for understanding specific job roles is still under explored within a hospitality context. Managers need to be able to understand and work with the cultural dynamics inherent in job roles because these impinge on key issues such as recruitment, retention and team building of all staff, not just chefs.
Residents' attitudes toward tourism development in Shandong, China
Authors: Wang Sujie , Bickle Marianne , Harrill Rich
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test the reliability of six tourism scales based on Ap and Crompton's research.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to test the scale, the authors examine differences between genders' tourism beliefs, tourism evaluation, and perceptions of the impact of tourism throughout Shandong China. The sampling frame in this study includes residents over 18 years of age and living more than a year in Shandong Province. As an experimental study, a convenience sampling method is employed to select samples. The sample distribution of each of the 17 cities of Shandong Province equals the multiplied products of the total samples (760) and the percentage of its population in the total population of Shandong.

Findings

The tourism scale is shown to be reliable. The data illustrate the benefits and challenges of an emerging destination within an emerging national tourism product. In Shandong, residents acknowledged tourism's positive social benefits such as better shopping facilities, while at the same time recognizing the negative impact of tourism on the natural environment.

Originality/value

Residents' perceptions of tourism and its impact to the community has primarily been conducted in the USA. Of the research, limited data exists which examines differences between genders' perceptions of the benefits tourism may bring to a region. This study compares males' versus females' perceptions of the changes tourism development has to the Shandong province in China. This study offers insights into different perspectives by gender and culture.
Individualism/collectivism and group travel behavior: a cross‐cultural perspective
Authors: Meng Fang
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The article aims to discuss the relationship of culture and tourist behavior. The focus of the study is to propose an extended research framework related to individualism/collectivism culture and group travel intention. The article seeks to argue that group travel intention and behavior is not only influenced by the cultural background of individualism or collectivism, but also a function of several factors including social, political, and economic influence, as well as personal background of individual travelers.

Design/methodology/approach

The article investigates the major current research and methodological issues in cross‐cultural tourist behavior studies. By reviewing and assessing important concepts related to this particular theoretical topic, the study proposes a conceptual framework based on the extensive literature review and discussion.

Findings

The study proposes that personal background, as well as social, political, and economic factors all moderate the relationship between culture and group travel behavior, making tourist behavior in collectivism or individualism cultures more similar or different from one another. The research also tests whether social conditions of marginality contribute to the differences.

Practical implications

The study helps avoid the stereotypes of individualism/collectivism culture related to group travel behavior, and provides better understanding of the function of various personal, social, political, and economic factors on tourist behavior.

Originality/value

Cross‐cultural studies in tourism are limited, especially in the tourist behavior sector. The article offers insights into the cultural differences and tourist behaviors on a more detailed market basis.
Tourism industry impact on Efik's culture, Nigeria
Authors: Ogaboh Agba A.M. , Ikoh Moses U. , Bassey Antigha O. , Ushie Ekwuore M.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine the development of the tourism industry in Cross River State and its implication on the culture of Efik people of Calabar, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken was a survey method which employed both open‐ and closed‐ended questionnaires. These were administered to 300 respondents with responses from 293. The data from respondents were analyzed using simple percentage and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The study reveals that the carnival concert and carnival float do not include most aspects of the Efik's culture. As a result of this culture diffusion has been one sided and favors the incursion of foreign culture.

Practical implications

The paper calls for the revival of Efik culture and recommends that government takes a deliberate stand in promoting Efik culture through the niches of cultural heritage tourism.

Originality/value

This paper is the first empirical work to evaluate the impact of the tourism industry on the culture of the Efik people of Calabar. It provides evidence from the field that could assist in redesigning tourism policy in the state.