bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Service quality in the language training market in China
Authors: Walley Keith , Custance Paul , Zhang Ruxin
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the service quality concept in the context of the rapidly growing Chinese language training market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a mixed methodology that includes secondary research, eight qualitative depth interviews, and a quantitative survey of 200 language students studying in Beijing.

Findings

The study identified and quantified the key aspects of service quality relating to language training in China and an importance/performance analysis (IPA) finds that management should focus their attention on improving the cost of training, the availability of learning materials, and lectures starting and finishing on time.

Research limitations/implications

Although the findings are statistically significant, it is not quite at the level normally considered acceptable for research studies. In addition, because the data was collected in a single geographic location (Beijing), it is possible that the findings may not be representative of the Chinese market as a whole.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that there is a considerable gap between the expectations of the students and the performance of organisations delivering language training in China. This gap represents a weakness of those organisations already operating in the Chinese language training market but an opportunity for organisations considering entry. Managers are advised that they should improve the quality of the service offering in terms of the cost of training, the availability of learning materials, and lectures starting and finishing on time.

Originality/value

This paper makes an original contribution to knowledge regarding service quality in the language training market in China. The paper also provides insight into the measurement and conceptualisation of service quality.
Judging marketing mix effectiveness
Authors: Brooks Neil , Simkin Lyndon
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the differing structural constraints between corporates and small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the area of measuring marketing effectiveness and, using the premise that an imperfect measure is better than none, demonstrate a practitioner‐developed tool for “judging” marketing mix effectiveness through a case study from the automotive sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses literature review, SME practitioner experience and a case study from the global automotive sector.

Findings

There is no single “magic bullet” metric for measuring marketing effectiveness. Whilst multiple metrics might therefore be used, SMEs’ variances from corporates can render this approach “too difficult”. This can lead to SMEs managing their marketing without adequate planning/control, relying instead on anecdotes/myths. The case‐examined practitioner tool assumes an incomplete measurement system is better than none and that the most pragmatic start‐point is the marketing mix itself. It is demonstrated to deliver positive outcomes in a number of areas.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the volume of research data on measuring marketing effectiveness, the authors have focused on those metrics that they have observed more commonly in use in UK businesses. The research into the practitioner tool is based on its observed outcomes with 28 UK SMEs since 2005 and highlights a single implementation with an automotive sector firm.

Practical implications

The practitioner tool offers a pragmatic starting‐point in an SME environment where there might otherwise be no rational measurement of marketing effectiveness (in whole or in part) at all.

Originality/value

The paper's contribution is to question the applicability of current academic thought in the context of certain business situations, whilst offering an illustrative example of a pragmatic solution for SME practitioners. It is posited that by making use of this solution, SME owner/managers would be better equipped to understand the strategic linkages between marketing mix elements, customer groups and the outcomes of past marketing actions, leading to a more considered approach to future marketing decisions in line with business objectives.
Segmenting blood donors in developing countries
Authors: Zhou Yanfeng , Poon Patrick , Yu Chunling
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that there are three major blood donor segments in China, namely benefit‐oriented donors, altruistic donors and health salience donors, with the use of factor‐cluster segmentation approach. It also investigates the blood donation attitudes, group characteristics, and preference for information acquisition of the identified donor segments.

Design/methodology/approach

A factor‐cluster segmentation approach was used in this study. A questionnaire survey on Chinese respondents who had just completed a blood donation process was conducted in China and 7‐point Likert‐type questions were used to measure the respondents’ attitude toward blood donation, their motivation to donate blood, lifestyles, demographics and information acquisition. K‐means non‐hierarchical clustering method was used to segment groups of blood donors. ANOVAs were conducted to assess the differences regarding the blood donation factors across the cluster segments.

Findings

Results demonstrate that there are three blood donor segments as predicted. Benefit‐oriented donors are found to be the largest cluster (42.6 per cent), followed by altruistic donors (29.6 per cent) and health salience donors (27.8 per cent). The three clusters of donors show some extent of differences in attitudes toward blood donation, lifestyles and preference for information acquisition.

Social implications

Through a better understanding of the donor segments, a more effective marketing communication strategy can be formulated. This can promote more blood donation by the first‐time and repeat blood donors and may save many more lives in a society.

Originality/value

The major advertising appeal for blood donation is altruistic in nature, particularly in Western countries. However, in other emerging countries such as China, some other appeals may be even more effective. Benefit appeal or health fitness appeal may be a better option in marketing communication strategy.
The purchasing impact of fan identification and sports sponsorship
Authors: Chih‐Hung Wang Michael , Jain Megha , Ming‐Sung Cheng Julian , Kyaw‐Myo Aung George
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically verify the conventional cause‐and‐effect relationship of fan identification and purchase intention in the context of Asian fans when both the sponsoring firm and the sponsored team are Western. The paper also proposes and examines the mediating role of sponsor credibility and attitude towards sponsor in the relationship between fan identification and purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A field study was conducted in Bangkok, Thailand, where 350 questionnaires were collected from football fans.

Findings

The findings reveal that, even when both the sponsoring firm and the sponsored sports team are western (i.e. foreign), Asian fans’ identification with the team increases their purchase intention for sponsoring firm's goods. The research also confirms that sponsor credibility and attitude towards sponsors partially mediate the fan identification‐purchase link.

Originality/value

The paper provides valuable insights into the under‐researched aspect of sports sponsorship, by examining the effect on Asian fans’ purchase intension when both the sponsoring firm and the sponsored sports team are western. Moreover, most of the prior literature on sports sponsorship focuses on the direct effect of fan identification on purchase intention. The current study extends the scope of knowledge on sports sponsorship by focusing on the under‐researched but crucial mediating effects of sponsor credibility and attitude towards sponsor.
Antecedents of trust in asymmetrical business relationships
Authors: Viitaharju Leena , Lähdesmäki Merja
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the different perceptions of the antecedents of trust in asymmetrical business‐to‐business relationships between food producers and retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data consist of semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews with 38 small food businesses and 54 retailers. The analysis combined both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Findings

The main differences identified in the antecedents of trust concerned the role of price, market potential, customer orientation, size, organisational/personal competence, marketing spirit, previous experiences, distribution of liabilities, communication, intimacy, reputation and references. In an asymmetrical business relationship, the characteristics of the less powerful partner are emphasised while the role of the more powerful partner in the development and maintenance of trust is minor.

Practical implications

If business partners are not aware of the particular antecedents of trust valued by the other party, this may create a sense of mistrust and hinder the development of the relationship at more profound levels. By revealing the essential differences in the perceptions of antecedents of trust, the paper enables both researchers interested in business relations and practitioners to better understand the challenges that businesses in dyadic relationships encounter, especially where the relationship is marked by asymmetry.

Originality/value

As there is a lack of dyadic approach to trust, studying both sides of the relationship dyad simultaneously makes visible the asymmetrical features inherent in the relationship between retailers and small food businesses. The paper contributes to the gap in the literature on trust by presenting new insights on asymmetrical buyer‐seller relationships.
The pragmatics of branding: an application of Dewey's theory of aesthetic expression
Authors: Jo Hatch Mary
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This article aims to explore the potential of Dewey's theory of aesthetic expression to expand knowledge about aesthetics in branding and better understand how brands work. The paper aims to mine the pragmatic theory of aesthetic expression as involving artistry, intention and imagination to reveal the role beauty plays alongside usefulness in defining and refining brand image and meaning.

Design/methodology/approach

Dewey's dialectical method of holistically combining tensions such as beauty and usefulness is applied to brand theory and used to critique current brand management practices.

Findings

The application of the theory of aesthetic expression emphasizes: understanding humans holistically in order to explain how beauty and expression create value and enrich lives; redefining brand ownership and use to accommodate the aesthetic ways people handle expression/expressiveness; and managing brands with appreciation of how beauty empowers them to attract users.

Research limitations/implications

Seven dialectical tensions featured in Dewey's theory are identified and developed into holistic propositions for the future study of brands and branding: beauty/usefulness, act/object, inner/outer material, private/public, expression/statement, appreciation/control, symbolic/instrumental.

Practical implications

The primary practical implication derived from application of the theory of aesthetic expression to brands and branding is that the most beautiful brands emerge from acts of co‐creation that respect the artistry, intention and imagination of the brand's stakeholders.

Originality/value

The article offers increased depth to the study of the expressive/emotional/aesthetic aspects of branding and offers an enriched aesthetic foundation for studying and practicing brand co‐creation.
Segmentation and brand positioning for Islamic financial services
Authors: Muhamad Rusnah , Melewar T.C. , Faridah Syed Alwi Sharifah
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the different segments of consumers in the Islamic financial services industry (IFSI) and their relationship with product/brand positioning for Islamic financial services (IFS).

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews were conducted with individuals in managerial positions among the key market players in the IFSI to explore the segmentation of consumers and their buying motives.

Findings

Four segments of IFS consumers emerged, namely, Religious conviction group; Religious conviction and economic rationality group; Ethical observant group; and Economic rationality group. These segmentation groups were appropriately categorized through a psychographic (value)‐based approach.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical findings of this study pave the way for embarking on promising and relevant future research, which is needed to substantiate and enrich the academic understanding and managerial practice of linking market segmentation and brand positioning for IFS in the global market. Future research should focus on analysing these issues from the perspective of consumers of IFS to identify the purchase trend.

Practical implications

The study provides empirical evidence of the bases or initial dimensions of consumer segmentation for IFS. The findings are useful in guiding the management of institutions offering IFS in making decisions relating to the marketing communication and promotion strategy as well as product and brand positioning strategy.

Originality/value

For both academia and the IFSI, this study provides useful knowledge in strategically using market segmentation to position IFS in the global market.
Self‐congruity, brand attitude, and brand loyalty: a study on luxury brands
Authors: Liu Fang , Li Jianyao , Mizerski Dick , Soh Huangting
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of three self‐congruity constructs: the brand's personality congruity (BPC), the brand's user imagery congruity and the brand's usage imagery congruity, in consumers' attitude and brand loyalty toward two luxury fashion brands.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of Australian consumers, this study examines two luxury fashion brands (CK and Chanel) from two product categories, watches and sunglasses. Structural equation modeling is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study finds that user and usage imagery congruity are stronger predictors for brand attitude and brand loyalty than BPC in the context of the luxury fashion brands tested. Both user and usage imagery congruity have significant effects in brand attitude and brand loyalty in most analyses. This study finds no significant effect of BPC in either brand attitude or brand loyalty for the two brands tested.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies should include more populations, product categories and more brands in each category.

Practical implications

Symbolic benefits are key motivations behind luxury brand purchases. Symbolic benefits are from non‐product‐related attributes like imagery. One important implication of the study is that user and usage imagery are more important to build than attempts to develop a brand's personality. Because most luxury brands market in multiple product categories, attention should be paid to the core perceptions of user and usage imagery for the brand when designing communication strategies for different categories.

Originality/value

This study provides the first evidence that these self‐congruity concepts may represent different imageries that lead to different effects in brand attitude and brand loyalty. Findings from this study add to the understanding of the consumption of luxury brands.
Exploring consumer brand name equity
Authors: Griff Round D.J. , Roper Stuart
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Academic literature generally regards the brand name element as central to consumer brand equity. Unfortunately scant research has been carried out to justify such a position for established products and services. The purpose of this study is to address this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of 25 semi‐structured qualitative interviews was carried out with consumers, exploring functions performed by brand name for established products and services. In order to isolate the brand name element this focused on global marketing induced brand name changes.

Findings

Many of the corporate‐led functions performed by brand name within the literature received validation. This suggests that a concept of consumer brand name equity for established products and services can be justified. The study also indicated that a material proportion of the equity from a brand name was determined by the consumer. It revealed that many consumers had created their own associations for the brand name, positive and negative, independent of and different from those driven by the corporation.

Originality/value

It provides needed empirical support for the concept of consumer brand name equity for established products and services. It also suggests that this may be usefully considered as a co‐creation between corporation and consumer.
Corporate social responsibility brand leadership: a multiple case study
Authors: Lindgreen Adam , Xu Yue , Maon François , Wilcock Jeremy
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this empirical case study is to apply several existing frameworks to consider the notion of integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) with a brand leadership strategy. The investigation focuses on two main questions: What are the core components for the development of a CSR brand? What capabilities are necessary to implement a CSR‐related brand strategy?

Design/methodology/approach

Five firms provide input for a multiple case‐based approach.

Findings

Intuitive and intended approaches for CSR brand leadership emerge from the multiple case study results. Different capabilities are required at each stage of the development and implementation process for CSR brand leadership.

Research limitations/implications

This research extends three prior studies – Aaker and Joachimsthaler's brand leadership framework, Maonet al.'s proposed integrative framework for designing and implementing CSR, and Beverlandet al.'s capabilities view on the development of global brand leadership – and fills a theoretical gap.

Practical implications

Managers can use the proposed integrated and implementable framework to determine the impact of dynamic factors, such as ownership, culture, executive leadership, and the specific context of product and corporate branding, on the development and implementation of their CSR brand.

Originality/value

No studies examine how to leverage CSR in brand‐building activities. Specifically, no empirically grounded research examines the required path to create and manage CSR brands and associated benefits, nor is the number of capabilities required to develop a credible CSR brand clear. Comprehensive models of the processes for developing and implementing CSR brands and the capabilities that underlie them are needed. The proposed model emphasizes the contextualized need to rely on different capabilities at different stages of this development process to generate constructive and sustainable outcomes.
Public‐private collaborations: branded public services?
Authors: Guzmán Francisco , Sierra Vicenta
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The objective of this article is to understand how to optimize partnerships between the public and business sectors. It aims to use a reference group influence model to help identify which kinds of public services are best suited to this type of collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

Consumer data were collected in two stages using surveys. Data were analyzed using two‐sided paired t‐tests and a mixed factorial MANOVA. The model is validated in the two largest Hispanic consumer markets – Mexico and Spain.

Findings

The paper finds that reference group influence has a greater impact on brand decisions for publicly consumed public services, and on service decisions for public services for which consumers pay extra. Reference group influence varies between contexts/countries.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the economic, development and cultural differences between Mexico and Spain, countries with even greater differences, or additional countries, could have been included in the study. Although commonly accepted for theory testing and reference group research, the use of a student sample during the second stage of this study limits the extendibility and generalization of the results.

Originality/value

Decision‐making shortcuts have been studied for years by behavioral scientists. However, to the authors' knowledge no research has explored how reference group influence affects public service consumption, and this understanding leads to the optimization of public‐private collaborations.
Multiple stakeholders and multiple city brand meanings
Authors: Merrilees Bill , Miller Dale , Herington Carmel
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether multiple stakeholders imbue a single or multiple meanings to a city brand.

Design/methodology/approach

The branding literature hints at multiple stakeholders but most studies take a single stakeholder perspective. A two‐stage quantitative study was used to examine similarities and differences between two stakeholder groups. The context for the study is city branding.

Findings

The evidence suggests that different external stakeholders do have different brand meanings associated to a city brand. Each stakeholder group applies their own filter to interpret the meaning of the city brand. Essentially, a new conceptualisation of the city brand is provided.

Research limitations/implications

Although the samples are reasonably large, it is important to apply the framework to other city brands to test for generalisability. Future research might also test the filter concept in the more general context of corporate branding.

Practical implications

Organisations need to recognise the multi‐faceted, multiple meanings of the brand as a whole. Corporate communication requires adjustment from a convergence approach to one that recognises different brand purposes for each stakeholder group. The ideas are readily usable in not‐for‐profit communities.

Originality/value

The paper joins a small number of studies that challenge the conventional wisdom that convergence of brand meaning across stakeholder groups is an ideal state. The paper develops a filter concept as a way of showing that different stakeholder groups might use a different filter or lens to interpret a city brand.
Corporate identity, corporate branding and corporate reputations
Authors: Abratt Russell , Kleyn Nicola
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to explore, define, reconcile and depict corporate identity (CI), corporate brand (CB) and corporate reputation (CR) in a framework that reflects the dimensions of these constructs, discriminates between them and represents their inter‐relatedness.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on key literature relating to CI, CB and CR.

Findings

The paper develops a framework that explains and aligns the drivers of CB and CR.

Practical implications

Managers will be able to use the framework to help them align and optimise brand and reputation building efforts of their organisation. Academics will be able to use the framework as a basis for empirical research.

Originality/value

The article reconciles disparate views from a number of theoretical streams that have investigated CI, CB and CR and develops a comprehensive framework that shows that although the management and measurement of the constructs may overlap, the constructs themselves are not interchangeable.
Corporate brands and identity: developing stronger theory and a call for shifting the debate
Authors: Cornelissen Joep , Thøger Christensen Lars , Kinuthia Kendi
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to engage with the issue of construct clarity in corporate communications research giving particular attention to corporate branding and identity whereby a critique of existing alignment models provides a basis for a shift in the debate geared towards an alternative approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The commentary offers a discussion of a particular challenge to theory development around the clarity and specification of key constructs such as corporate identity and corporate brands. This leads to an elaboration of existing models of corporate branding and identity management and the subsequent suggestion for a shift towards alternative analytical interpretive models that are not premised on ontological assumptions of a conduit model of communication and objectivist assumptions of alignment and consistency. Shifting the debate in this direction has significant implications for research as well as practice.

Findings

There is a need to move away from sender‐dominated conduit models of communication and towards a constitutive model. This emphasizes the constitutive character of communication thus giving credence to the role of language and framing in the processes and products of organizational branding and identity. It also considers the relational or social process in the ascriptions of identity.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a new approach to corporate branding and identity and highlights the need for a more integrated understanding of the role of communication in the creation and promotion of these brands and identities.
A journey to award‐winning employee engagement
Authors: Powis Anna
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to describe how the introduction of an innovative approach to employee engagement – including a new performance‐management process with performance‐related pay, an employee‐engagement group and its approach to continuous communication – helped Rainbow Trust Children's Charity to become a Sunday Times Top 100 Not‐For‐Profit organization in the first year it applied.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the reason for embarking on the journey and the various initiatives and processes employed. It highlights how continuous improvement and an ambition to become a high‐performing organization are driving positive results.

Findings

The paper details how the new initiatives have resulted in a marked increase in understanding of the business priorities/purpose and a greater sense of trust in managers, colleagues and the organization as a whole.

Practical implications

The paper shows that working together as one team has focused performance and created a more open and rewarding work environment. The positive changes helped the charity to achieve 52nd place in the Sunday Times annual list as one of the 100 best not‐for‐profit organizations to work for in the UK in 2012. In addition, the charity achieved a one‐star rating from Best Companies – a Michelin‐style elite accreditation system which recognizes organizations by star status. The one‐star rating acknowledges Rainbow as a first‐class organization for workplace engagement.

Social implications

The paper highlights how working together with a clear sense of purpose creates a more productive workforce, reinforcing the idea that employees who feel engaged and heard are more likely to go the extra mile.

Originality/value

The paper describes an effective leadership approach designed to help geographically isolated teams to work together as one organization. It emphasizes the importance of running a charity in the same way as any business.
Working mothers in the boardroom
Authors: Parke Chris
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the importance of ensuring that enough women take their place on boards of directors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides statistics to underline the under‐representation of women in the higher echelons of companies. It looks at how the problem is being confronted in a number of countries. It examines what governments and companies could and should be doing to ensure adequate representation of women on boards of directors, and the advantages that flow from this.

Findings

The paper stresses the importance of career crunch points – particularly around childbirth – when women have to make the decision about how best to balance their home and working lives. It urges companies to support women through these periods through coaching.

Practical implications

The paper reveals that companies with strong representation of women on the boards of directors tend to perform better than those with all‐male boards.

Social implications

The paper highlights the cost to society of the under‐representation of women at the top of companies.

Originality/value

The paper examines, from an international perspective, the problem of under‐representation of women on boards of directors.
Covenant creates a healthy talent pool
Authors: Vanderpyl Tim H.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to describe how Covenant Health has developed an ongoing talent pool of health‐care aides (HCAs) to staff its health‐care facilities at St Therese Villa (STV), a designated assisted‐living (DAL) seniors' care facility in Southern Alberta.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the reasons for the initiative, the form it takes and the results it is achieving.

Findings

The paper reveals that the STV training program starts with 15 days in a classroom dealing with proper lifting procedures, medication delivery and caring for dementia patients. Each candidate then job shadows other experienced HCAs for 12 shifts. They are evaluated by their future peers and the experienced HCAs submit written evaluations. Successful candidates are then offered a casual HCA position and begin covering shifts. They then serve a 500‐hour probationary period and complete a recognized HCA certificate through an accredited Canadian college.

Practical implications

The paper explains that the program allows STV consistently to have a pool of people available who are trained exactly how the facility wants them to be. It anticipates turnover and provides recruits in advance of that turnover, who can step into a position immediately. This process also allows employees to learn and grow in a safe environment with constant supervision around them.

Social implications

The paper highlights how a similar type of training program could be adapted in some other high‐labor‐turnover fields.

Originality/value

The paper provides the inside story of a successful succession‐planning initiative.
How does learning intent affect interlocking directorates dynamic?
Authors: Simoni Michele , Caiazza Rosa
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Literature on board interlocks agrees that these inter‐organizational ties are effective channels to exchange information and share knowledge. However, studies that consider the nature and the amount of knowledge that firms exchange are still relatively absent. Filling this gap, this paper aims to identify four types of mechanisms that can be recognised as drivers of interlocks' creation. The first two types deal more strictly with the nature of the knowledge that directors sitting on the board of other firms possess. The other two respond to the willingness of firms to increase their exposure to different sources of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a statistical analysis the authors study the relationship between the presence of board interlocks and the type of knowledge embedded in these inter‐organizational ties. To test the hypotheses the authors conduct a longitudinal analysis of the whole population of Italian listed firms covering the period from 1998 to 2006.

Findings

It is shown that interlocking directorates are mainly associated with an exchange of knowledge in the usual domains of the firm while they are rare in the case of new knowledge. That is, ties among firms of the same industry proliferate while interlocks with organizations of different sectors are infrequent. The only exceptions are links between manufacturing and financial firms driven by the need to share sensible information typical in a borrower‐lender relationship.

Originality/value

The paper introduces and tests a knowledge exchange perspective in analysing interlocking directorates. Differently from previous studies it argues that interlocks can be seen as means to link, through shared directors, different knowledge domains. Thus the paper contributes to the understanding of formation and deletion of these kinds of inter‐organizational ties.
Learning creativity in the client‐agency relationship
Authors: Suh Taewon , Jung Jae C. , Smith Bruce L.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This study aims to investigate creativity‐related determinants of learning in the context of business‐to‐business services and client‐agency relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model includes client encouragement, agency creativity, campaign creativity, and perceived performance. The study involved conducting a questionnaire survey in 150 publicly‐traded companies in South Korea.

Findings

The results show that client learning from agency services is the result of the creative process of the agency and the creativity of the service outcome itself. Client learning from marketing services also varied depending on different performance ratings.

Originality/value

The study elucidates client learning as the central process of value co‐creation in the brand value chain. It produces several unique findings and managerial takeaways for building up better co‐creation environments in the context of business‐to‐business services.
The ethical culture of organisations and organisational innovativeness
Authors: Riivari Elina , Lämsä Anna‐Maija , Kujala Johanna , Heiskanen Erika
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the ethical culture of organisations and organisational innovativeness.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative empirical analysis was conducted on the basis of a survey of 147 respondents within the public sector in Finland. A multivariate linear regression analysis was done to examine how the ethical culture of organisations is related to organisational innovativeness.

Findings

A positive link was found in the ethical culture of an organisation and organisational innovativeness: ethical culture was important to behavioural, strategic and process innovativeness. Within the ethical culture of an organisation, the dimension of the congruency of management in particular had an important role in organisational innovativeness.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected from the public sector, and therefore, future studies from the private sector organisations are needed. The results lend support to previous research arguments for the positive effect of an ethical organisational culture on organisational outcomes, particularly the organisational innovativeness described in this paper.

Practical implications

It is suggested that congruency of management, discussability and supportability are the organisational virtues which can most effectively enhance organisational innovativeness, specifically behavioural, strategic and process innovativeness in practice.

Originality/value

The research paper provides empirical evidence on the interrelation between the ethical culture of organisations and organisational innovativeness; evidence which is scarce in existing literature on organisational innovativeness. Thus, the paper helps fill this gap in the literature in the field.
The generation of common purpose in innovation partnerships
Authors: Gillier Thomas , Osman Kazakci Akin , Piat Gerald
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Scholars and practitioners have both emphasized the importance of collaboration in an innovation context. They have also largely acknowledged that the definition of common purpose is a major driver of successful collaboration, but surprisingly, researchers have put little effort into investigating the process whereby the partners define the common purpose. The purpose of this paper is to explore the generation of common purpose (GCP) in innovation partnerships.

Design/methodology/approach

An action‐research approach combined with modeling has been followed. The authors’ research is based on an in‐depth qualitative case study of a cross‐industry exploratory partnership through which four partners, from very different arenas, aim to collectively define innovation projects based on micro‐nanotechnologies. Based on a design reasoning framework, the mechanisms of GCP mechanism are depicted.

Findings

Regarding GCP, two main interdependent facets are identified: the determination of existing intersections between the parties’ concept and knowledge spaces (“Matching”); and an introspective learning process that allows the parties to transforms those spaces (“Building”).

Practical implications

The better understanding of the GCP and the specific notion of “C‐K profiles”, which is an original way to characterize each partner involved in a partnership, should improve the capabilities of organizations to efficiently define collaborative innovation projects.

Originality/value

The paper explores one of the cornerstones of successful collaboration in innovation: the process whereby several parties define the common purpose of their partnership.
Valuing the land component of improved investment property
Authors: Boyd Terry , Boyd Steven
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Many taxing authorities use unimproved land (site) values as a tax base. In highly developed urban areas this may require the use of indirect valuation methods, such as an extraction technique to arrive at the land value. The purpose of this paper is to propose that the land extraction (residual) valuation calculation of an investment property should incorporate productivity variables, rather than cost based figures, in order to simulate market value principles.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the assessment of the land component of investment property as an ad valorem tax base. It justifies a valuation methodology using the market comparison approach before developing a model to meet specified criteria. The model incorporates productivity based benchmarks and differentials appropriate for shopping centre properties. The model is then tested on an Australian shopping centre.

Findings

This paper found that the land value component of a major shopping centre in Australia could be derived from comparable vacant and improved sales using the variables of moving annual turnover (MAT) and gross lettable area (GLA) as key value determinants.

Research limitations/implications

This exploratory research identified a model that is appropriate for major shopping centres in Queensland, Australia. The model could form the framework for other types of investment property but the key productivity determinants would require re‐examination.

Practical implications

This study provides a practical solution to an ongoing valuation problem arising from the rating legislation in Australia, which requires the determination of site value for all property types.

Originality/value

This paper uses productivity variables to assess the site value of investment property. This innovative methodology can provide a more accurate appraisal of site values.
Excess return sources of active property management: a case study
Authors: Füss Roland , Richt Johannes , Thomas Matthias
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the sources of direct real estate portfolio returns and their relative performance against Investment Property Databank (IPD) benchmark returns. Active property management consists of the concepts of property transaction execution and operational management, which can be classified as the main drivers of excess return sources.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of three different portfolios managed by two institutional investors, the paper is able to estimate the relevant factors of active property management on annual excess returns for commercial and residential property sectors via a panel regression technique.

Findings

Empirical evidence shows that property‐specific effects exhibit significant sources of excess returns, but property management cannot be identified as their main driver. Furthermore, the sources of excess returns do not differ significantly across sectors; when controlled for property age and size, it is found that their influence is rather limited.

Practical implications

Information about the drivers of excess returns and their variations among property types may lead to superior investment decisions during portfolio rebalancing, and thus promote more efficient capital allocation. Information about return factors, i.e. about property and operational management, can substantially improve property selection and market timing in the asset allocation process. Hence, investors basing their property investment strategies on the impact of selected return factors could enhance the risk‐adjusted performance of their property portfolios.

Originality/value

This paper aims to contribute to the existing literature by identifying and quantifying the excess return sources of a given property portfolio over a predefined benchmark. Due to the lack of property‐related data, there is only limited research on the sources of direct property returns, such as property characteristics or active property management. The authors explore three main questions in this paper. First, they examine sources of excess returns over a benchmark index for several property sectors. Second, they analyze whether the drivers of excess returns vary significantly across these sectors. Third, they determine to what extent excess property returns are influenced by the “economic age” and “rentable area” of a building.
Strategic sourcing, sourcing capability and firm performance in the US textile and apparel industry
Authors: Su Jin , Gargeya Vidyaranya B.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

With the intense competition in the global textile and apparel industry and the uncertainty of the global textile and apparel business environment, sourcing has increasingly assumed a pivotal strategic role in textile and apparel supply chain management. Strategic sourcing is crucial for firms to obtain or sustain competitiveness in world marketplace. The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically how strategic sourcing and sourcing capability impact firm performance in the US textile and apparel industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical survey‐based research methodology was implemented to examine the research questions and model. Data were collected from the 152 firms in the US textile and apparel industry.

Findings

The findings show that strategic sourcing leads to greater emphasis on sourcing capability and positively impacts firm performance.

Originality/value

The study contributes to understanding of supply chain management using data from the US textile and apparel industry to investigate the relationships between strategic sourcing, sourcing capability, and firm performance and to test the research hypotheses by quantitative survey‐based research method. The textile and apparel industry is dynamic, global, diverse, and complex, and is a prime exemplifier of globalization. The study clearly demonstrates that strategic sourcing plays a vital role in a firm's business operations and puts greater emphasis on developing the sourcing manager's business capability.
Survey results: are client organizations responding to anti‐offshoring pressures?
Authors: Khan Shaji , Lacity Mary
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Given the global economic recession, anti‐offshoring political campaign platforms and proposed anti‐offshoring legislation in many developed countries, organizations face pressure to keep jobs in their home country. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which organizations are responding to anti‐offshoring pressures. It aims to ask whether client organizations are changing their buying patterns for information technology outsourcing (ITO) and business process outsourcing (BPO) services because of anti‐offshoring pressures.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to respondents representing 84 client organizations that purchase ITO and BPO services. Nine countries are represented, but the data primarily capture US client responses.

Findings

Overall, it was found that client organizations are not changing their buying patterns because of anti‐offshoring pressures. Client respondents report strong satisfaction with offshore outsourcing of IT and business services. In particular, clients favorably reported on the costs savings and increased flexibility with offshore ITO and BPO. Consequently, the majority of respondents have not altered how they select service providers or service locations because of anti‐offshoring pressures.

Practical implications

The economic recession is prompting at least two pressures on client organizations: reduce costs and keep jobs at home. Based on the authors' findings, the former is more influential. Even though respondents indicated a moderate to high level of uncertainty about possible anti‐offshoring legislation being passed, client organizations continue to source IT and BP services without much consideration to anti‐offshoring pressures.

Originality/value

Academic researchers have conducted very few studies that examine the effects of public pressure on sourcing strategies of client organizations. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by filling that gap. ITO and BPO clients and practitioners, as well as politicians, lobbyists, and labor advocates will find the results pertinent.
“Something in our hearts”: challenges to mental health among urban Mayan women in post‐war Guatemala
Authors: Godoy‐Paiz Paula , Toner Brenda , Vidal Carolina
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the long‐term mental health consequences of war from the perspectives of urban Mayan women in post‐war Guatemala.

Design/methodology/approach

Ethnographic methodologies, namely participant observation and in‐depth qualitative interviews were carried out during 12 months of fieldwork in Guatemala City.

Findings

The findings indicate that urban indigenous women confront a range of unresolved war‐related traumas and psychosocial distress that require specific attention by researchers, policy makers and service providers. It is argued that psychosocial interventions aimed at addressing the traumas of war must take into account present day conditions of post‐war violence, poverty, and social inequity that threaten the health and well‐being of indigenous peoples.

Practical implications

Recommendations are provided for promoting the mental health of urban indigenous women affected by war.

Originality/value

Research that has been conducted on the mental health effects of war has tended to focus on rural areas of the country. This article advances the research on post‐war Guatemala through a focus on urban Mayan indigenous women.