bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust creates an internal‐coaching culture
Authors: Abington Ali
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an independent, solution‐focused evaluation of the Expert Internal Coach program, accredited at level 5 by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and delivered to managers at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust.

Design/methodology/approach

Explains the reasons for the program, the form it took and the results it has achieved.

Findings

Reveals that the program is designed to give participants a solid foundation in core coaching skills, to increase their knowledge and confidence so that they can create an internal team of coaches in the organization – one that can provide a confident, credible, ethical and professional service to support improved performance, change and leadership development.

Practical implications

Describes how the program gives participants a better appreciation of their personal style and the capacity to implement this immediately in the organization.

Social implications

Highlights how employees' new skills are helping Croydon Health Services NHS Trust to provide a more individual service to patients.

Originality/value

Explains that the program has made a significant impact at individual level and the building blocks are in place to move towards provision of a more formalized internal‐coaching service at Croydon.
Festivals, special events, and the “rising tide”
Authors: Litvin Stephen , Pan Bing , Smith Wayne
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The accurate measure of the economic contribution of festivals and special events is a challenge. Using a case study, the purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a previously un‐captured economic contribution from increased hotel rates during the period of festival or event; the “rising tide” effect.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a case study on Charleston's hotel occupancy changes, and how the changes coincide with the occurrence of festivals and events in the community, to demonstrate the increased tourism income due to rising accommodation prices during festivals and events.

Findings

The study validates the increased tourism income due to rising accommodation prices during festivals and events, which can provide a significant boost to the economy of a local community.

Practical implications

Festival organizations, as well as hoteliers and other beneficiaries of tourist spending during festivals and events, should note how this additional contribution benefits them and their communities.

Originality/value

Many economic contributions of festivals/events overstate their values. The current study first demonstrates a previously un‐captured economic contribution using a case study approach.
Festival tourism and the entertainment age: interdisciplinary thought on an international travel phenomenon
Authors: Noelle Bernick Leah , Boo Soyoung
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the success and growth of the modern festival tourism industry as a manifestation of the Entertainment Age, coupled with the repercussions of increasing globalization on global tourism markets. This definition highlights the interdisciplinary fissure between tourism and other social sciences. Additionally, the paper aims to address how modern festivals become successful by matching the proclivities of Entertainment Age consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Redefining festival tourism as a manifestation of a social trend is achieved by reviewing pertinent literature in several academic disciplines and by examining current examples. This approach is meant to inspire further discussion of the trend and provides a solid basis for future research.

Findings

This discussion is important in that it demonstrates the socio‐philosophical impacts of the Entertainment Age on the tourism industry. It stages festival tourism as a viable mechanism for increased tourism and revenue. Examining the festival tourism industry within an Entertainment Age context may enhance the ability of the industry to capitalize on these social trends and philosophical changes.

Originality/value

This paper brings together several disparate concepts in an attempt to enhance the understanding of a current tourism trend, answering the overarching question of why the rise in festival tourism is occurring.
Festivals and special events: making the investment
Authors: Litvin Stephen W.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to motivate hospitality leaders and local festival and special event management to grow their events from simply local events to those that attract tourists and tourists' dollars to the community.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous research is discussed but no new research is offered.

Findings

This commentary challenges event managers to elevate their local events into attractors bringing tourists and tourist spending to the community.

Practical implications

Festivals and special events should consider growing their events such that they attract new monies to the community, put heads in beds, and generate revenue for tourism providers and other merchants across the local economy. The article offers suggestions to tourism officials for the distribution of public support funding to help local festivals successfully grow their events.

Originality/value

Readers will find the Charleston model discussed herein of value as they consider the politics of funding festivals and special events in their community. The paper offers suggestions and warnings for the growth.
The involvement of technology transfer officers in the development of university start‐ups
Authors: Chugh Harveen
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the involvement of technology transfer officers in the development of university start‐ups from a psychological ownership perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A three‐year qualitative study of three university start‐ups was conducted using a longitudinal, case study and theory building design, whereby the theoretical perspective of psychological ownership was linked to the data during the analysis stage.

Findings

When university start‐ups are running low on funds, technology transfer officers develop psychological ownership for the start‐up through the investment of the self and control routes (Pierceet al., 2001, 2003).

Originality/value

There is a paucity of empirical studies that examine psychological ownership in new venture creation. This study shows technology transfer officers develop psychological ownership for the university start‐up they are working with and contributes to both the psychological ownership and entrepreneurship literatures.
Conceptual framework development
Authors: Perry Patsy , Towers Neil
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify the inhibitors and drivers of CSR implementation in fashion garment manufacturing from a supply chain management perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study approach was adopted, using purposive sampling to select seven export garment manufacturers of varying size and business model in Sri Lanka. Primary data was collected through on‐site face‐to‐face interviews with managerial level and operational level informants within each company and through non‐participant observation within factory environments. Data analysis was conducted manually.

Findings

Adopting SCM principles supports CSR implementation in supplier facilities in global fashion garment supply chains by overcoming the negative effects of retail buying practices. It also progresses supplier CSR performance beyond that which is achievable via a coercive, compliance‐based model by encouraging suppliers to be innovative and take ownership of the CSR agenda. Hence, aspects of supply chain relationship management may be more critical in progressing CSR implementation than traditional bureaucratic monitoring and auditing mechanisms.

Practical implications

In an industry sector facing unique pressure on cost as well as lead time, fashion retailers must understand how to align CSR implementation with the unique competitive challenges of the sector. Analysing the success of CSR implementation in the Sri Lankan export garment manufacturing industry enables managers to identify barriers and supporting factors to CSR implementation in global fashion supply chains.

Originality/value

This paper presents industry‐specific data from a key global garment manufacturing country on a commercially sensitive subject. Its contribution to extant literature is the development of a CSR framework that identifies inhibitors and drivers to CSR implementation from a fashion supply chain management perspective.
Multimodal network design for sustainable household plastic recycling
Authors: Bing Xiaoyun , Groot Jim J. , Bloemhof‐Ruwaard Jacqueline M. , van der Vorst Jack G.A.J.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This research studies a plastic recycling system from a reverse logistics angle and investigates the potential benefits of a multimodality strategy to the network design of plastic recycling. This research aims to quantify the impact of multimodality on the network, to provide decision support for the design of more sustainable plastic recycling networks in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

A MILP model is developed to assess different plastic waste collection, treatment and transportation scenarios. Comprehensive costs of the network are considered, including emission costs. A baseline scenario represents the optimized current situation while other scenarios allow multimodality options (barge and train) to be applied.

Findings

Results show that transportation cost contributes to about 7 percent of the total cost and multimodality can bring a reduction of almost 20 percent in transportation costs (CO2‐eq emissions included). In our illustrative case with two plastic separation methods, the post‐separation channel benefits more from a multimodality strategy than the source‐separation channel. This relates to the locations and availability of intermediate facilities and the quantity of waste transported on each route.

Originality/value

This study applies a reverse logistics network model to design a plastic recycling network with special structures and incorporates a multimodality strategy to improve sustainability. Emission costs (carbon emission equivalents times carbon tax) are added to the total cost of the network to be optimized.
Perceptions of quantifiable benefits of local authority risk management
Authors: Hood John , Smith Tom
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The use of risk management strategies and practices in UK local authorities has increased significantly in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of local authority officers and establish the degree to which there is evidence of quantifiable, positive risk management outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used the case study method and two English local authorities agreed to participate in the research. In the course of the case study, interviews were conducted with their risk managers. In addition authority‐specific information was gleaned from council reports, assessments and external audits.

Findings

The results suggest that risk management has a key role to play in the successful delivery of corporate objectives and services to the public and that, despite challenges, there is evidence that positive outcomes can be identified and measured.

Research limitations/implications

Although the methods used do not permit generalisability, this research has found evidence of good risk management outcomes. However, quantifying these is challenging. Local authorities have a large number of data sources to help identify sources of possible evidence; however there appears to be fragmentation and a lack of cohesion in the use of these.

Practical implications

The findings of this research suggest that there are mechanisms which local authorities could put in place to further facilitate better evaluation of risk management outcomes.

Originality/value

Research into the delivery of successful risk management outcomes is important for all local authorities, but it appears to be limited as an area of research or practice. This paper identifies both areas of success and the need for further research.
Community empowerment: learning from practice in community regeneration
Authors: Adamson Dave , Bromiley Richard
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Recent UK policies emphasise increased community participation in decision‐making. However, research points to an “implementation gap” whereby policy has not led to genuine community empowerment in practice. This paper aims to investigate community empowerment and influence over service providers brought about by the Communities First programme in Wales, a regeneration programme which aims to empower local communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research analyses nine Communities First partnerships with a mixture of interviews, focus groups and community‐led partnership reviews. The case studies reflect the rural/urban geography of Wales and the varied governance models evident in Communities First.

Findings

Through Communities First, residents feel empowered to manage positive change in their communities. However, key public agencies have not responded adequately to this policy agenda. Notably, there has been a failure to “bend” mainstream services.

Research limitations/implications

The findings point to future research with public sector agencies to identify the exact points at which community “voice” is lost and how it could be better assimilated into policy development and service delivery mechanisms.

Practical implications

Community empowerment requires adequate training for development staff and support mechanisms for community participants. Roles of public sector organisations attending community partnerships need to be clearly defined. At an organisational level, incentives, including funding, and sanctions are needed in order to change ways of working.

Originality/value

Communities and public agencies face challenges in delivering the empowerment agenda. The research identifies key issues in achieving empowerment objectives by examining the eight‐year experience of the Communities First programme.
Placing well‐being and participation within processes of urban regeneration
Authors: Woolrych Ryan , Sixsmith Judith
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The concepts of well‐being and participation are prevalent in current regeneration policy, being seen as crucial to alleviating disadvantage and marginalisation in deprived communities. However little is understood about how such ambiguous concepts are articulated within urban regeneration practice. This paper seeks to present a reflective case study of research in a New Deal for Communities (NDC) area designed to understand different conceptualisations of well‐being and participation in community places and regeneration practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The perspectives of regeneration professionals, local residents and academics were revealed through the development of a multi‐method and participatory research approach using interviews, observations, video diaries and workshops. An action oriented event aimed at developing overlapping communities of practice was held to engage in active dialogue and develop shared understandings between the resident, professional and academic communities.

Findings

Conceptualisations of well‐being and participation articulated through regeneration policy and practice between the different stakeholder groups are contradictory. The absence of a shared vision for regeneration and differing expectations of participation can have detrimental effects on both the well‐being of local residents and the sustainability of the long‐term participation of local residents in the regeneration process. This challenges the recent government approach to creating a Big Society which is underpinned by devolved decision making and the desire for local leadership through realising the potential of communities.

Originality/value

The research has helped to create new relationships between residents and professionals organised around joint working and changed practice.
“How accurately does regeneration target local need?” Targeting deprived communities in the UK
Authors: Shiels Chris , Baker Deborah , Barrow Stephen
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extent urban regeneration programmes were targeted at the most deprived geographical areas and populations within the boundaries of nine local authorities (LAs) in the North West of England.

Design/methodology/approach

For each of the nine LAs, area‐level and individual survey data were used in estimating the proportions of the more deprived neighbourhoods and individuals included in (or excluded from) regeneration target populations after 1995.

Findings

The area‐level approach found that, in general, the more deprived neighbourhoods within local authority districts had been included in a main regeneration programme target area. However there was evidence of inconsistent coverage between LA areas, as well as some cases of very deprived local areas having no involvement at all in major regeneration programmes since 1995. Additional analysis of available survey data found that substantial numbers of residents with one or more individual indicators of deprivation (not in full‐time employment, not owning home, in difficult financial situation) had not been included in a regeneration target population.

Research limitations/implications

The basic nature of the measures of regeneration and deprivation used in the study reflect its status as the first stage of a wider project investigating the association between regeneration activity, social exclusion and health.

Practical implications

The findings of the study highlight the requirement for evaluators of a regeneration programme to consider how successful the intervention has been in targeting those residents for whom it was initially designed. This should precede any measurement of the programme outputs and their impact upon the “well‐being” of the targeted community.

Originality/value

The study is original in its use of both aggregated and individual level data in its consideration of how regeneration targets “need”.
Regeneration and well‐being: research into practice
Authors: Trueman Myfanwy , Cornelius Nelarine , Franks Tom , Lawler John
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This article aims to introduce the special issue which arose from a conference about urban regeneration in post industrial cities hosted at Bradford University in 2008. The event focused on the sustainable and intangible aspects of individual and community well‐being.

Design/methodology/approach

The article discusses the background to urban regeneration and introduces the papers in the issue.

Findings

The papers investigate and understand how policies, programmes and projects can increase well‐being in the built environment, and what this means for those involved. Specifically the papers address key features of well‐being in terms of the economics of regeneration, participation, sustainability, social enterprise, migration, partnership, management, and the importance of place and space.

Originality/value

The article focuses on the papers of the special issue that encourage pragmatic and workable solutions based on sound theory and practice.
Attitudes and arrangements at workplace and sickness absence among blue‐ and white‐collar workers
Authors: Siukola Anna , Nygård Clas‐Håkan , Virtanen Pekka
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the associations of employees’ attitudes and human resource arrangements to sickness absence from the perspective of absence culture and work ability.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in one of the largest food industry companies in Finland. Sickness absence register data were obtained from the years 2003 to 2005 and a survey from 2005. This survey included single propositions about work arrangements (five propositions) and attitudes (three propositions) during sickness absence. These were analysed by absence days and short (1‐7 days) and long spells (>7 days).

Findings

The attitude of blue‐collar workers who agreed that it is a matter of course that someone is absent was statistically significant regarding sickness absence. They had increased risk for sickness absence days and for short spells. From work arrangements during absence the fact that jobs will wait returning to the workplace decreased the risk for short and long sickness absence spells in both groups. In addition, the fact that the employer will take a substitute during workmates’ absence increased the risk for all measured sickness absence rates among white‐collar workers.

Practical implications

These findings should be noted in enterprises’ human resource management and occupational health services to manage and understand sickness absence.

Originality/value

Although sickness absence has been widely studied, very little is known about sickness absence related work arrangements and attitudes associated with sickness absence. This study increases knowledge about these issues.
The effects of interpersonal customer mistreatment on employee retaliation
Authors: Mullen Jane E. , Kevin Kelloway E.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between customer mistreatment and employee retaliation. The moderating effect of employee psychological strain on the relationship between customer mistreatment and employee retaliation is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 107 contact centre customer service representatives completed a survey. Moderated multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between customer mistreatment and psychological strain on employee retaliation.

Findings

Customer mistreatment emerged as a significant predictor of employee retaliation against the customer (customer mistreatment: β=0.252, p<0.01), providing support for hypothesis 1. Psychological strain was found to significantly moderate the effects of customer mistreatment on employee retaliation against the customer, (β=0.197, p<0.01) supporting hypothesis 2.

Originality/value

The results provide a greater understanding of individuals’ responses to customer incivility. Previous research has demonstrated that uncivil customer behavior leads to emotional exhaustion and absences from work within the call centre industry. Our results suggest that call centre customer service employees may also engage in retaliatory behavior when they perceive that they have been treated unjustly by customers. The positive relationship between customer mistreatment and employee retaliation against customers was stronger when employees reported high (versus low) psychological strain.
Sporting family business generations
Authors: Joshi Manoj , Srivastava Apoorva , Ashwini Aggarwal Varun
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The case aims to deal with multigenerational entrepreneurship. The family business of sports goods was initiated by Yashpal Aggarwal and his friends in the 1950s. Yashpal acquired the art of doing business and started initially with trading of sporting goods in Mumbai. Yashpal had three sons, Ashok, Ashwini and Rajesh, who ventured into sports trading business as well. After the demise of Yashpal, Ashok shifted to Jalandhar and started a manufacturing unit, producing roller skates. Ashwini, being entrepreneurial and innovative, had always desired to professionalise the business and hence started with Okini Sports. Okini Sports emerged as the first organised professional sports mall in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on case research, individual interviews at different levels, testing the case several times and filling the case gaps during the process to authenticate information, multiple sources of information have been used.

Findings

Businesses largely compete on the basis of available talent, competency and capability. Family businesses must be open to induct competent people within the family with the required skills to lead the company. If a family nurtures a member with requisite skills, values, to keep shareholders, key customers, and suppliers loyal to the business, then family leadership is the best option. As the business grows in dimension, differential capabilities are required to run the business competitively, hence, inducting talented individuals as professionals is a better option. A family must be realistic about the talents available internally.

Research limitations/implications

This case is restricted to sports family business entrepreneurship in the context of India, but has a great learning towards multigenerational entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The case is original with the family in its fourth generation, the youngest looking to diversify and professionalize the business, set his family dreams of setting up the biggest sports mall in India.
Sales growth of Chinese private owned enterprises (POEs): an exploratory analysis
Authors: Powell Benjamin C. , Donohue Joan M. , Liang Xiaoya , Fox Jeremy B.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This study aims to provide an exploratory analysis of a broad range of factors that may help to explain the rapid growth of Chinese private owned enterprises (POEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis in this study takes advantage of an archival dataset constructed by the third author from proprietary data collected for a practitioner conference in China.

Findings

Consistent with research on entrepreneurs in Western economies, the individual characteristics of the Chinese founders showed weak correlations with sales growth, but measures of founder motivation did correlate with sales growth. While the results for company characteristics were also weak, most of the factors related to company governance, strategy, competitive advantage, and stakeholder trust all showed significant correlations with the POE's rates of sales growth.

Practical implications

The motivations of Chinese founders appear to matter more than their traits in explaining their ability to grow sales. Solid structure, strategy, and competitive advantages are important also. Building trust with stakeholders may facilitate growth by helping Chinese POEs bridge the institutional voids that they face.

Originality/value

The rapid growth of the Chinese economy and of Chinese POEs offers a unique content in which to study factors that may affect growth rates. However, obtaining reliable data on Chinese POEs is difficult; this study uses a proprietary dataset to offer a rare glimpse into the factors that may affect the sales growth rates of Chinese POEs.
Corporate real estate asset management: aligned vision
Authors: Haynes Barry P.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between corporate strategy and corporate real estate (CRE) strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper will identify, and evaluate, a number of components that collectively form the CRE strategy. Linkages between the business environment, the aims and objectives of the organisation and the real estate solution will be explored.

Findings

The paper will illustrate the alignment of the CRE strategy to the corporate strategy through the development of a CRE alignment model. The model will demonstrate that only when optimum alignment is achieved can the CRE strategy deliver added value and enhanced organisational performance.

Practical implications

CRE managers can use the model to evaluate the alignment of their CRE strategy with their corporate strategy.

Originality/value

The paper fills a void by proposing a framework that seeks to identify the true impact of real estate to business by examining the benefits of optimal alignment between, planet, position, purpose, place, paradigm, processes and people to produce performance and productivity.
Green performs better: energy efficiency and financial return on buildings
Authors: Cajias Marcelo , Piazolo Daniel
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of energy consumption on the financial performance of German residential buildings in a large panel framework. The authors provide evidence that energy efficiency in the residential sector is a relevant factor affecting both tenant investment decisions and consequently the performance of investor portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the IPD Database and information from the German statistical office, the authors create portfolios of buildings across several energy consumption levels in order to describe the energy pricing mechanism in the context of total return and rent price. Furthermore, the authors apply conditional and unconditional regressions over the period of 2008 and 2010, to accurately quantify the energy price premium in the German residential market.

Findings

The descriptive portfolio results show that energy‐efficient buildings yield an up to 3.15 percent higher return and 0.76 €/m2 higher rent than inefficient buildings. Furthermore, the regression results indicate that a one percent decline in energy consumption affects the total return of buildings positively by +0.015 percent. The hedonic results additionally show that one percent energy conservation boosts rent prices by +0.08 percent and market value by +0.45 percent, ceteris paribus.

Originality/value

Overall, the study presents an alternative methodology for describing and estimating hedonic datasets and offers some initial empirical evidence on the energy price premium in German residential markets. The paper contributes to prior European studies regarding the use and implications of energy performance certificates and confirms their significant impact on residential housing performance variables.
An empirical analysis of CO2 emission in Pakistan using EKC hypothesis
Authors: Ahmed Khalid , Long Wei
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to fill the gap between energy and growth literature in Pakistan. In this regard, the authors investigated the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis and concluded the relationship between carbon emission and other four variables (energy consumption, economic growth, trade openness and population) at the same time. It is hoped that the policy implications of this research will provide a strong base to address the problem of environmental degradation in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the relationship between CO2 emission, economic growth, energy consumption, trade‐liberalization, and population density by using the EKC hypothesis for Pakistan. The cointegration analysis with Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound testing approach is employed over time series data from the period 1971 to 2008. The stability of model was also checked at the end.

Findings

The results of the study do not support EKC in a short‐run, whereas the long‐run inverted U shaped hypothesis was confirmed between carbon emission and growth, energy consumption, trade openness and population density. Thus, findings of the study confirmed that EKC was a long‐run phenomenon in the case of Pakistan and most interestingly, with all other explanatory variables, population density also appeared to be a contributor to environmental degradation in Pakistan.

Originality/value

This work is original and a new contribution to single country analysis. It is first time that carbon emission is empirically tested for all four major determinants (economic growth, energy consumption, trade‐liberalization, and population density) at the same time. The long ranged time series data of 38 years enhances the validity of results. The most surprising finding of this research is that the population density also contributes to environmental degradation in Pakistan.
The effect of trade and institutions on pollution in the Arab countries
Authors: Gani Azmat
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of trade and institutional quality on pollution in the Arab countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based in fixed estimation procedure. It utilises cross‐country data for 13 Arab countries into a reduced form equation.

Findings

The empirical findings provide strong evidence that across the Arab countries, trade, industrial activity and income have a positive effect on pollution. The test of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) is found to be negative, providing strong support for the EKC hypothesis. The results also provide strong evidence that regulatory quality has a significant negative effect on pollution.

Originality/value

This paper makes a new contribution on the effect of trade and institutional quality on emission levels in the Arab countries.
A study on factors influencing claims in general insurance business in India
Authors: Joji Rao T. , Pandey Krishan K.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The fact that complaints regarding general insurance claims are three times as numerous as those of life insurance claims suggests that claims behaviour of general insurers be investigated to minimize operating losses and ensure operational excellence. This paper seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Study of variance and factor analysis has been undertaken to achieve the objective of identifying factors which govern claims in general insurance business. In order to understand the dependency of claims over the sectors and segments, statistical hypothesis testing along with cross tab analysis has been conducted. The study also evaluates the relationship of these factors over the sectors and segments by running a multiple regression.

Findings

An empirical result of the study proves that there exists an association between type of sectors, i.e. public and private and segments of insurance namely fire, marine and miscellaneous. The study also suggests a claim projection model for the general insurance players.

Research limitations/implications

Exclusion of specialized players due to the reason being new entrants and in order to maintain common parlance of sectors may be a limitation to this study.

Originality/value

The study recommends that insurance players should not treat the claims settlement strategies in isolation of segments. The claims projection model as suggested in the study may prove to be extremely helpful in projecting the claims and in turn reduce the increasing underwriting losses.
Modeling the effect of CEO power on efficiency
Authors: Bahloul Walid , Hachicha Nizar , Bouri Abdelfettah
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Many factors like CEO (“the chief executive officer”) decision can influence efficiency and productivity in insurance firms. This paper seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the effect of CEO power on the efficiency and the productivity of the European insurance industries, the authors use the flexible Fourier cost function and they decompose the total factor productivity growth.

Findings

The result shows that after the integration of the CEO power score, not only efficiency scores in each country have changed, but also the order of non‐life insurance systems. Also, the CEO power influences the growth of productivity and an optimal power of the CEO can allow the insurance firm to be more productive and more efficient.

Originality/value

In this paper the authors model a new cost function in which they include the CEO power score; they also decompose the total factor of productivity in which they include the effect of the growth in the CEO power score.
Self‐disclosure on the web
Authors: Gabisch Jason A. , Milne George R.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Rewards and safety cues are frequently used by online marketers to enhance privacy attitudes and to encourage self‐disclosure of personal information. The purpose of this paper is to study the relative effectiveness of these influence strategies and test the boundary condition of regulatory focus.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct an online scenario‐based experiment with a sample of adult consumers. The results were analyzed using multivariate and univariate analysis of variance.

Findings

The findings show that the use of rewards and safety cues has varying effects on privacy attitudes and self‐disclosure, and that these effects depend on consumers' regulatory focus.

Originality/value

The relative effectiveness of rewards and safety cues for enhancing privacy attitudes and encouraging self‐disclosure is not clear from prior research, and boundary conditions have not been established. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine regulatory focus as a moderating variable in the relationship between online influence strategies and privacy outcomes.
Social media's slippery slope: challenges, opportunities and future research directions
Authors: Schultz Don E. , Peltier James (Jimmy)
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Academics and the business community are interested in learning how social media can benefit (or harm) consumer‐brand engagement. As more branding activity goes social, marketers are not always welcome in all social media spaces. In this invited commentary, the authors aim to lay out the challenges that social media faces for enhancing consumer‐brand engagement. In doing so, they seek to turn social media challenges into future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews prior literature on social media and brand engagement.

Findings

The majority of social media marketing initiatives take the form of communicating sales promotions to already engaged consumers.

Practical implications

Marketers need to find ways to use social media to create lasting brand engagement rather than to merely utilize this communication technology to enhance short‐term revenue.

Originality/value

This critical review provides marketing academics and practitioners avenues for future research and applied considerations. It is an adaptation and extension of Schultz's 2013 paper.
Getting the most of management training: the role of identical elements for training transfer
Authors: van der Locht Martijn , van Dam Karen , Chiaburu Dan S.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Focusing on management training, the purpose of this paper is to establish whether identical elements in a training program (i.e. aspects resembling participants' work situation) can improve training transfer and whether they do so beyond the contribution of two well‐established predictors – motivation to learn and expected utility. In an effort to establish mechanisms connecting identical elements with training transfer, the authors aim to propose and test motivation to transfer as a mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected online from 595 managers who participated in a management training program. Structural equation modeling was used to test the model.

Findings

Identical elements, expected utility and motivation to learn, each had a unique contribution to the prediction of training transfer. Whereas motivation to learn partially mediated these relationships, identical elements and expected utility also showed direct associations with training transfer.

Research limitations/implications

Identical elements represent a relevant predictor of training transfer. In future research, a longitudinal analysis from different perspectives would be useful to better understand the process of training transfer.

Practical implications

Participants may profit more from management training programs when the training better resembles participants' work situation. Organisations and trainers should therefore apply the concept of identical elements in their training, to increase its value and impact.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the training literature by showing the relevance of identical elements for transfer, over and above established predictors.
Unitary practice or pluralist empowerment?
Authors: Thursfield Denise , Kellie Jean
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore management development in five trade unions. It investigates senior trade union managers' interpretations of management development, in particular, the extent to which they view management development as relevant to trade unions. The article also explores the link between managers' interpretations and the external environment for trade union activity. It considers the potential discord between the unitarist values and assumptions that arguably frame much management development literature and the democratic and pluralist values of trade unionism.

Design/methodology/approach

This research takes an interpretive qualitative approach. In‐depth interviews with nine key “elite” individuals representing five trade unions were carried out, in order to elicit their subjective interpretations of management development.

Findings

Trade union managers view management development as necessary in the context of environmental uncertainty. Moreover, although management development in trade unions retains some unitarist assumptions, it is also linked to core trade union values of fairness and justice.

Research limitations/implications

The in‐depth qualitative interview design allows for exploration of management development activities in a small number of unions and from a management perspective. Further research is needed to explore the issues in a wider context.

Practical implications

The paper begins to highlight and theorise management development in trade unions.

Social implications

The article has implications in relation to the role of trade unions as employers.

Originality/value

The article explores and theorises management development in relation to trade union management practices. It explores trade union education from the management development perspective rather than from an industrial relations or political education paradigm.
Comprehensive examination on antecedents of cultural intelligence: case of South Korea
Authors: Koo Moon Hyoung , Kwon Choi Byoung , Shik Jung Jae
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively investigate the antecedents of expatriates' cultural intelligence (CQ) by simultaneously considering previous working experiences in one's home country prior to expatriation, the number of co‐expatriates from their home country and local employees from the host country, perception of promotion opportunities, and self‐monitoring. In addition, the paper aims to examine the moderating effects of expatriates' portion of interaction with local employee and knowledge on length of expatriation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 165 Korean expatriates using self‐reported survey. Hypotheses were tested using multiple hierarchical regression analyses.

Findings

Hypotheses were partially supported. Expatriates' previous working experiences with foreign nationals and in an overseas department in their home country were positively related to CQ. As expected, whereas the number of co‐expatriates from home country was negatively related to CQ, the number of local employees in the host country was positively associated with CQ. Expatriates' perception of a promotion opportunity and self‐monitoring were positively related to CQ. In addition, moderating effects of expatriates' portion of interaction with local employees and knowledge on the length of their foreign assignment were found.

Originality/value

This study contributes to deepen understanding about expatriates' CQ by considering various antecedents, such as previous experiences, human resource practices, and dispositions. The authors' results provide practical implications for multinational companies.
Coping with the media in a crisis: succeeding where BP and Toyota have failed
Authors: Maddocks Tom
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address some of the media‐handling implications when a company is hit by a crisis that could affect its corporate reputation.

Design/methodology/approach

The author categorises some of the types of crisis that can affect an organisation and looks at possible media messages.

Findings

The author shows the importance of preparing appropriate messages in advance for relevant groups of stakeholders.

Originality/value

The paper gives cogent reasons as to why effective crisis media training is vital for organizations.
Ethical dilemmas of young economists: the case of Warsaw School of Economics students
Authors: Aluchna Maria , Mikołajczyk Olga
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss initial results of the research conducted on a group of 244 Warsaw School of Economics students. The research focuses on ethical dilemmas of students graduating from business, finance and economics.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was based on the methodology proposed by Eweje and Brunon and focused on examining the existence of ethical dilemmas identified on the basis of 11 case scenarios and analyzed with reference to the selected characteristics of respondents. The characteristics included the participants' gender, age, study year, study program and faculty, the place of birth, professional experience, international experience and financial situation.

Findings

The research obtained on the sample of Polish students confirms the international results stressing the key importance of their gender, age, study faculty and professional experience for identifying ethical dilemmas.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis delivers some initial evidence and does not allow the formulation of strong conclusions. It requires replication and the use of a larger and better balanced sample.

Practical implications

The ethical dilemmas are crucial for soon to be managers since their decisions shape corporate activity and business development. Research results may also play an important role for shaping educational programs.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes the ethical dilemmas of students from one of the top business schools in Central and Eastern Europe, contributing to understanding the ethical issues of soon to be managers and opening a discussion on the role of university education for shaping the conduct of future managers.
Corporate social responsibility decisions: a dilemma for SME executives?
Authors: Dincer Banu , Dincer Caner
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors that move the decision‐makers in small businesses to expend company resources for corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative phenomenological study used a Van Kaam method as modified by Moustakas with in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews to explore the factors and priorities considered by SME executives in CSR decisions.

Findings

The study revealed that small business executives are generally influenced by personal feelings, financial conditions, friends and family, and religion in making decisions on CSR activities. In addition, these decision‐makers prefer local CSR activities, are concerned with the environment, and go beyond the basic legal requirements. The sole focus on profits was not evident in these small business executives.

Research limitations/implications

The results imply that small business management does not rely simply on the analytical but on the relational and emotional. Management theories for small businesses may need to include the factors such as local community, personal feelings and religion as determining the direction of overall decision‐making in the small business community. This study is also significant to leadership in that it identifies factors that influence the decision process in small businesses.

Originality/value

The results of this study may open new discussions and lead to the development of new theories on leadership and management in small businesses.