bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What do we mean by corporate social responsibility?
Authors: Moir Lance
Published: November 2002

There have long been conflicting expectations of the nature of companies’ responsibilities to society. However, for those businesses that do undertake what might be termed “corporate social responsibility”, what is actually socially responsible behaviour as opposed to management of corporate image management or other activity aimed predominantly at business benefits? This article reviews definitions of corporate social responsibility from both practice and the literature and looks at theories to explain why such behaviour takes place. The literature has strong divides between normative or ethical actions and instrumental activities. The article concludes by posing the question of when instrumental activities become business activities rather than largely social responsibility.
CEO compensation, IOS and the role of corporate governance
Authors: Elloumi Fathi , Gueyié Jean‐Pierre
Published: November 2002

The empirical relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) compensation, the investment opportunity set (IOS) and corporate governance mechanisms is analyzed for a sample of 415 Canadian firms in 1997. Results indicate that firms with high IOS pay higher levels of total compensation to their CEOs. In addition, CEOs of high IOS derive a larger proportion of their compensation from performance‐contingent forms of pay such as bonuses, stock option grants and long‐term incentive plans. However, CEOs with weak boards of directors are compensated more than CEOs with powerful boards. Contrary to our expectation, we find that in high IOS firms with weak boards of directors, CEOs seek to have higher proportions of contingent forms of pay in their compensation. An implication of this result is that contingent compensation practices may be a more value‐enhancing form of remuneration for CEOs.
The role of non‐executive directors in high tech smes
Authors: Barrow Colin
Published: November 2002

Until recently the role of non executive directors (NEDs) in small and medium firms (SMEs) was fairly easy to understand. Such directors were usually imposed by venture capital firms as part of the “price” of getting financial backing. Very often, if or when the business became profitable, no such imposition was made. The role of the NED was simply to see that the money provided by the venture capitalist was spent in the manner prescribed in the business plan or to ensure timely and correct financial information was available to both operating management and the investor. Neither of these roles would feature high on the agenda of a big firm’s non‐executive directors. But with the advent of early initial public offerings (IPOs), perhaps just into the second or third year of an SME’s existence, the role of the NED is set to change. A range of new responsibilities are coming into play. This article reviews the range of responsibilities a NED of a high tech SME must expect to take on.
A critical analysis of the directors’ protocol in new york’s not for profit and business corporations
Authors: Spencer Waters Winston
Published: November 2002

Analyzes the directors’ protocols in both the New York Not for Profit Corporation Law and in the New York Business Corporation Law. Examines the similarities and differences existing in the directors’ roles in not for profit corporations and in business corporations. Highlights the legal responsibilities of a not for profit corporation director and warns that, despite such an assignment being voluntary and without compensation, it carries the potential for significant legal exposure if certain formalities are not kept.
Governance: convergent expectations, divergent practices
Authors: Steane Peter
Published: November 2002

This paper argues that divergence rather than convergence is manifested in non‐profit governance in non‐profit boards in Australia. This reinforces broader literature on governance undertaken in other countries, and suggests expectations of convergence are premature. The inclusion of more women as directors, together with a greater proportion of directors from minority groups in society, supports a view of directorship dissimilar from the corporate sector. Such divergence offers a contribution to the theory and practice of governance because it suggests that policies of convergence need to be built upon a realistic assessment of the ideologies and values that characterise the non‐profit sector.
Towards a transcendent epistemology of organizations
Authors: Gustavsson Bengt
Published: November 2002

Epistemology of organizations denotes how we can gain knowledge of organizations. A critical, postmodernistic analysis suggests that the only knowledge we can gain from our traditional concepts of organization is emptiness. A proposed solution is to increase the understanding of individual and group consciousness. Individual consciousness is categorized in materialistic, dualistic and transcendent views, and group consciousness in interactive – defined in terms of its content and dependence on spatial and symbolic interaction – and collective, dependent on a subliminal transcendent consciousness. The last category is further divided into logically deduced and experiential sub‐categories. It is argued that the present understanding of organizations is based on interactive consciousness and needs to move beyond that level in order to progress. An alternative transcendent epistemology of organizations is introduced, based on transcendent experience, and a model of organization based on the transcendent epistemology is suggested. This model features a transcendent transition – transcition – as a basis for organizational change, and two cases are analyzed. It is concluded that a new paradigm based on a new science of consciousness is needed in order to do justice to the vast potential of human consciousness.
Till shopping us do part – the service requirements of divorced male fashion shoppers
Authors: Christopher M. , Doyle Stephen A. , Thomson Elaine
Published: November 2002

Explores the impact of divorce upon the fashion consumption of divorced men. Based upon 104 semi‐structured interviews with divorced men, the study identifies four stages of fashion shopping behaviour of divorced male consumers. In particular, the study notes that divorced men expect fashion retailers to provide a range of services in order to minimise the risk and uncertainty that they experience while shopping for fashion. The experiences of respondents indicate that their service expectations are generally left unsatisfied. As such, there are obvious opportunities for fashion retailers to differentiate their positioning through the provision of relevant customer services to all male consumers and not only those that are divorced.
Collaboration and the need fortrust
Authors: Tschannen‐Moran Megan
Published: November 2002

Reform efforts increasingly promote collaboration – admonishing principals to include both teachers and parents in democratic decision processes and encouraging teachers to work toward greater collaboration with their colleagues. The hypotheses that the level of collaboration was related to the level of trust was supported in bivariate correlational analyses. There was a significant link between collaboration with the principal and trust in the principal, collaboration with colleagues and trust in colleagues, and collaboration with parents and trust in parents. Canonical correlation reinforced the importance of trust in predicting the overall level of collaboration within a school. Among the set of trust variables, trust in clients was most influential in predicting the set of collaboration variables. Collaboration with parents was the most potent of the collaboration variables in this analysis. These finding argue for the importance of trust in nurturing collaborative relationships.
Conversations: a means of learning, growth and change
Authors: Healy Lynn , Ehrich Lisa C. , Hansford Brian , Stewart Doug
Published: November 2002

The research reported in this article formed part of a university/industry collaborative grant in which the role of leaders in managing cultural change across an industry site was investigated. The focus of the article concerns the leadership of a district director in a rural setting in Queensland. The study was shaped by the interests of the district director who sought feedback on her leadership style and influence on principals in the district. A team of researchers from the School of Professional Studies in the Faculty of Education at Queensland University of Technology conducted semi‐structured interviews with a sample of six principals with whom she had worked over a period of one year to gauge their perceptions of her influence on their thinking and acting. A key finding of the research was that that well‐led conversations can be an effective professional development strategy for learning, growth and change in educational leaders.
Creating communities of reform: continuous improvement planning teams
Authors: Kruse Sharon D.
Published: November 2002

Presents an analysis of the potential for continuous improvement planning teams to foster organizational learning and professional community in three school district teams. The findings of this three‐year study suggest that carefully orchestrated continuous improvement efforts can succeed in creating conditions responsive to the development of both learning and community. Organizational factors that influence development of both learning and community include: the development of leadership within and among faculty; ongoing focus on data‐driven decision making and the creation of venues for dense interpersonal dialogue related to issues of curriculum and instruction. The findings further suggest that the context of instruction and the work of instruction are important factors in sustaining learning and community.
Total factor productivity and efficiency in Australian colleges of advanced education
Authors: Abbott Malcolm , Doucouliagos Chris
Published: November 2002

The former colleges of advanced education were an important component of the higher education sector in Australia. Uses the Malmquist total factor productivity index to investigate the efficiency and productivity of Australian colleges of advanced education during the 1980s. The results from this analysis indicate that these colleges recorded modest growth in technical change and total factor productivity, but did not fare all that well in terms of growth in technical and scale efficiency during the 1980s. As a group, however, the former colleges of advanced education had attained high levels of technical and scale efficiency.
Literacy to liberate: a bibliography of Freirean pedagogy
Authors: Graceffo Mark
Published: November 2002

Educator‐philosopher Paulo Freire (1921‐1997) is internationally known for his adult literacy work with peasants and workers in his native Brazil. Through a process of “conscientization”, the oppressed become active subjects in the making of culture and history, as opposed to passively accepting that which is imposed on them by society’s élite. Freire’s pedagogy has been embraced by many in the Third World and adapted to a First World context by North American educators. The annotated bibliography that follows presents a selection of Freire’s work, as well as that of other educators who have adopted a “Freirean” approach to education. In addition, several books recount Freirean inspired literacy campaigns instituted in countries rocked by political conflict and revolutionary change.
Library cooperation on overseas Chinese studies: from resource sharing to the development of library collections
Authors: Chao Sheau‐yueh J.
Published: November 2002

Examines the historical overview of library cooperatives, focusing on Baruch College, in the City University of New York. Describes its newly established programs on Asian and Asian‐American studies, its library’s collections on Chinese and Chinese cultural studies, the presence of Asian and Asian‐American students at Baruch, and career development activities both on campus and abroad. Describes the William and Anita Newman Library at Baruch and presents a library cooperative model at Ohio University in Athens where the author presented a paper in the First International Conference of Institutes and Libraries for Overseas Chinese Studies.
Moral decision making in international sales negotiations
Authors: Zarkada‐Fraser Anna , Fraser Campbell
Published: November 2002

International sales negotiations are fast becoming a major part of the marketeer’s mandate in an increasingly globalised economy. To be successful in that role, managers need to be aware of the limits of acceptability of their behaviours, able to anticipate their counterparts’ actions and understand the motivations behind them. Presents a cross‐national study of 332 experienced sales negotiators’ perceptions in Australia, the USA, the UK, Japan, Russia and Greece. It explores the degree to which different tactics are considered morally acceptable in each country and how the decision‐making frameworks the managers employ affect their evaluation. The results demonstrate that, although moral acceptability of specific practices, the overall level of tolerance and the effect of each one of a set of decision‐making variables vary among different nationalities, the mechanism of the evaluation can be analysed by a single explanatory model.
The influence of purchasing strategies on performance
Authors: Janda Swinder , Seshadri Srivatsa
Published: November 2002

The potential of the purchasing function to increase shareholder value is not well publicized and hence not widely recognized. This fact becomes self‐evident when the effect of purchasing strategies on performance is well understood. With an increasing number of organizations embracing long‐term oriented collaborative relationships, studies looking at performance implications of contemporary purchasing practices are particularly timely. Attempts to provide empirical evidence linking four purchasing strategies to two dimensions of procurement performance: effectiveness and efficiency. Results indicate that purchasing managers can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of their purchasing efforts via cooperative negotiation with a small base of suppliers and by establishing collaborative long‐term oriented relationships with them, revealing the impressive ability of the purchasing function to enhance shareholder‐value.
Case study: The network approach to international sport sponsorship arrangement
Authors: Olkkonen Rami
Published: November 2002

Offers a discussion on the interorganizational network approach as an interesting, alternative avenue for the development of sponsorship research. An example of how to describe and analyze a sport sponsorship arrangement case, using the interorganizational network approach as a theoretical frame of reference, is presented. Researching sports sponsorship from a network perspective extends the interorganizational network thinking from a traditional industrial/marketing channel context to the context of sponsorship formed by actors from the fields of sports, media and business. The phenomenon of networking is quite visible in the case of NMP‐FIS sponsorship arrangement. NMP has entered into relationships with various types of organizations in order to more effectively gain benefits from its sponsorship investment. Actors of the NMP’s focal snowboard sponsorship net possess different kinds of resources linked to public relations management, sports management and distribution of television rights. Different network actors bring to the arrangement not only their own resources and capabilities, but also their own networks of value adding relationships. Consequently, when planning international sponsorships companies need to assess not only the sponsored event/organization (its resources) but also its corresponding network (ability to link activities and tie resources with those of other actors), i.e. the “network identity” of the sponsored. The case presented clearly demonstrates the appropriateness of the network approach to sponsorship and other service‐oriented situations different from the “traditional” production situations. Further research could continue to add examples from other kinds of sponsorship relationships and networks, for example, from different kinds of sports and arts sponsorship arrangements. Furthermore, longitudinal perspectives are needed in order to gain understanding of the development processes of sponsorship relationships and networks.
How marketing research affects cycle time: a case of the telecommunications industry
Authors: Barczak Gloria , Sultan Fareena
Published: November 2002

Examines how marketing research affects cycle time (the time from product conceptualization to product introduction), in technology‐driven industries. The key research question to be examined in this study is: how do the collection, dissemination and utilization of marketing research information affect cycle time? Focuses on the telecommunications industry as an industry in which technology often drives the dynamics in the marketplace. Presents an empirical examination of the key research question in an exploratory study of hardware firms in the telecommunications industry. The results suggest that the collection of marketing research does not impact cycle time significantly. However, increased frequency of dissemination of the information collected via marketing research can increase cycle time. Finds also that, while the utilization ofmarketing research in designing products can increase cycle time, utilization of marketing research for strategy development can actually reduce cycle time. Thus, incorporation of marketing research in new product development can aid the introduction of new products in a timely manner.
Service representatives, job control, and white‐collar blues
Authors: Varca Philip E.
Published: November 2002

Telephone service representatives in a communications company took part in a study investigating perceived job control and work strain. The representatives worked in a controlled environment, where tasks were automated by a sophisticated information system. Although most of the relevant research has occurred in the goods‐producing sector, it was hypothesized that job control impacted workers in a service setting as well. Results support the hypothesis. Higher levels of perceived job control were associated with lower levels of work strain. These findings have implications for management practices and job design in service centers.
The effect of price bundling on consumer perceptions of value
Authors: Naylor Gillian , Frank Kimberly E.
Published: November 2002

Examines the importance of delivering an all‐inclusive price bundle to consumers. A longitudinal study is conducted to test the role of expectations of both price and other costs (e.g. hassle, time spent) associated with a price bundle on perceptions of value across first‐time and repeat guests at an upscale resort/spa. The findings confirm that consumers consider more than just benefits (quality) and price when assessing value. Specifically, finds that providing an all‐inclusive price package, even if actual monetary outlay is higher, will significantly increase perceptions of value for first‐time consumers.
Designing service guarantees – is full satisfaction the best you can guarantee?
Authors: Wirtz Jochen , Kum Doreen
Published: November 2002

Introduces a new guarantee type termed “combined guarantee”, which combines the wide scope of the full satisfaction guarantee with the specific performance standards of the attribute‐specific guarantee. Should the consumer be dissatisfied with any element of the service, the full satisfaction coverage of the combined guarantee applies. Specific performance standards are added to communicate minimum performance levels covered by the guarantee, which reduce customer uncertainty about the intended scope of the guarantee. Proposes that such combined guarantees would be superior to the pure designs, as they combine the wide scope of full satisfaction guarantees with the low uncertainty of attribute‐specific guarantees. Two experimental studies were conducted to examine consumers’ perceptions of the alternative guarantee designs. The findings show that the combined guarantee outperformed all other designs and, therefore, demonstrate that firms can design better guarantees than merely promising full satisfaction.
Attributions of service switching: a study of consumers’ and providers’ perceptions of child‐care service delivery
Authors: Grace Debra , O’Cass Aron
Published: November 2002

The quality of service delivery and maintenance of service performance relationships potentially depend on the extent to which service providers and service receivers share similar beliefs about a service and its delivery. Congruent expectations facilitate maintenance of service relationships, while disparate cognitions of expectations encumber and work toward terminating relationships (switching behavior). An empirical investigation of service switching in a child‐care setting reveals that highly educated child‐care consumers place more importance on the service encounter, and are more likely to engage in negative word‐of‐mouth about the service in the event of failure. However, in terms of service switching, the perceptions of child‐care providers are significantly different from those of consumers when attributing causes of switching, and examining post‐switching behavior. Provides practical implications for childcare providers, and service providers, in general.
Getting their say, or getting their way? ‐ Has participation strengthened the patient “voice” in the National Institute for Clinical Excellence?
Authors: Quennell Pauline
Published: November 2002

Examines the interaction of patient organisations with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) during the first two years of its existence. In particular, it considers the intersection of two policy areas prominent in the Labour Government’s health reforms – patient participation and evidence‐based medicine. Data has been obtained from unstructured interviews with patient/carer representatives from NICE’s committees and patient/carer groups with an interest in NICE’s technology appraisals, supplemented by observation of NICE’s Board and Partners’ Council meetings, and analysis of documentary evidence. The paper focuses on “formal” and “informal” involvement of patient groups in NICE’s structures and appraisals process. Most interviewees felt that the patient voice had been strengthened in these areas, though there was concern about the relative weights of patient and scientific evidence. Thus NICE illustrates two paradoxes in Labour’s policy objectives – centralisation/participation and evidence‐based medicine/patient perspective – which may become problematic.
How goes the night, watchman? ‐ An overview of the first annual clinical governance reports (1999/2000) from acute trusts in an English NHS region
Authors: Franks Antony
Published: November 2002

A review of 21 annual clinical governance reports for the period up to April 2000 reveals significant variation in presentation and content. There are certain common themes discernible, particularly concerns about audit and clinical incident reporting by doctors, and the frequent organisational separation of risk from other elements of clinical governance. Patient involvement and reference to a specific model for quality attainment were infrequent. It is concluded that while these reports can give insights into the perceived priorities of organisations and thus could stimulate others to consider their own approach, the value of these reports as a means of performance management or as a vehicle for informing users is uncertain.
Clinical governance, litigation and human rights
Authors: Harpwood Vivienne
Published: November 2002

Explores the relationship between doctors, lawyers and the government in the context of the explosion in clinical negligence litigation, clinical governance and the introduction of the Human Rights Act 1998. Examines these issues from a legal perspective. Concludes that successful risk management, careful monitoring and the implementation of authoritative guidelines hold the key to legal change.
Getting the fuzzy end of the lollipop: the problems with devolved budgets in further education colleges
Authors: Scott Gill
Published: November 2002

Discusses the benefits of using devolved budget models in further education and the tensions that may arise from their introduction. The author’s research into caseloading models in further education are the basis of the findings and discussion of the implications of decentralising power for managers and teams. The reasons for the prevailing centralised model of resource management are discussed and the benefits to the organisation, managers and teams of using decentralised, devolved budget models are outlined. The discussion covers areas of resistance and reluctance to the change and the cultural and management style prerequisites for successful implementation of devolved budgets. The view of devolution of control as an empowerment tool for managers and teams is considered and alternative views of the model are highlighted, including the uncomfortable realities it may force upon middle managers.
Supplier management in German manufacturing companies ‐ An empirical investigation
Authors: Szwejczewski Marek , Goffin Keith , Lemke Fred , Pfeiffer Rolf , Lohmüller Bertram
Published: November 2002

A key issue for manufacturers is supplier management, i.e. organising the optimal flow of high quality, value‐for‐money materials or components from appropriate innovative suppliers. Many companies now recognise the central role that supplier management plays in achieving long‐term competitive advantage. This paper presents the results of a study of supplier management practices in Germany, contrasted against those in the UK. It identifies a key difference – German manufacturers have not reduced their supplier base as much as the companies in the UK. However, it appears that German manufacturers will be reducing their supplier base in the near future, although they are likely to follow a policy of multiple sourcing rather than single‐sourcing from suppliers. The results of the research have strong implications for German companies as they clearly indicate the potential for performance improvement through the adoption of best practices in the field of supplier management.
JIT, system integration and customer service
Authors: White Richard E. , Pearson John N.
Published: November 2002

Recent literature indicates there has been an absence of top management involvement in the development of customer service policies and integration of these policies into the organizational decision making process. This paper discusses the importance of integrating customer service activities into the decision making process of today’s manufacturing organizations and thus enhancing development of an organization’s competitive advantage. Just‐in‐time systems and new technologies (product, process and information) provide the mechanisms for integration of the various activities across the supply chain. Porter’s value system concept is presented as the framework for integrating a firm’s activities within the supply chain and improving their performance.
Using environmental paradigms to understand and change an organization’s response to stakeholders
Authors: Johnson Douglas B. , Macy Granger
Published: November 2002

A model is developed which allows an organization to assess its environmental perception and how that perception may impact its response to stakeholders. The model differentiates an organization’s socioecological responsibility across four dimensions for placement on Colby’s five‐paradigm continuum, which ranges between the frontier economic paradigm and new ecological paradigm. This article provides a useful means of assessing the ecological paradigm utilized by firms and offers criteria that may assist the organization in developing a competitively valuable environmental stance.
Effects of personal values on auditors’ ethical decisions
Authors: Shafer William E. , Morris Roselyn E. , Ketchand Alice A.
Published: November 2002

This study investigates the effects of personal values on auditors’ ethical decision making. Previous accounting research has investigated the value profiles of practicing CPAs and accounting students, and the effects of values on accounting students’ ethical decisions. However, the current study is the first to empirically address the role of values in the ethical decision processes of professional auditors. We surveyed a random sample of AICPA members to assess their value preferences and reactions to an ethical dilemma involving client pressure for aggressive financial reporting. Contrary to our hypothesis, personal value preferences did not influence auditors’ perceptions of the moral intensity of the ethical dilemma. As hypothesized, perceptions of moral intensity influenced both ethical judgments and behavioral intentions.
In the name of accountability ‐State auditing, independence and new public management
Authors: Gendron Yves , Cooper David J. , Townley Barbara
Published: November 2002

This article investigates the role of the state auditor in Alberta. An analysis of the Office of the Auditor General of Alberta’s annual reports shows that the role of the Office has significantly changed to promote and encourage the implementation in the public sector of a particular type of accountability informed by new public management. The authors argue that the Office has increased its power to influence politicians and public servants about the merits of its specific understanding of what accountability should be. However, as the Office becomes more powerful, it also becomes more vulnerable to complaints about a lack of independence from the executive. Indeed, the Office is now so closely associated with new public management that we believe that it is difficult for the Office to sustain the claim that it is able to provide independent assessments of public‐sector administration.
After ANT ‐ An illustrative discussion of the implications for qualitative accounting case research
Authors: Lowe Alan
Published: November 2002

The main aim of this article is to shed some light on the way in which actor network theory (ANT) might contribute to case research in accounting. The paper will seek to explain some of the theoretical suppositions which are commonly associated with ANT and which have so far made little impact on the accounting literature. At the same time the accounting literature has shown a particular reluctance to engage with the central concept of ANT which Lee and Hassard characterise as the desire to bring together the “human and non‐human, social and technical factors in the same analytical view”. The article also features a discussion of a research project which used an approach giving emphasis to both humans and objects in order to understand how “facts” have come to be settled as they are. In taking such views into the research it is hoped to provide insight into both the detail of accounting as it is practised within organisations and the manner in which human actors and objects of technology may combine to constitute networks within organisations.
Critical incident techniques
Authors: Edvardsson Bo , Roos Inger
Published: November 2002

The traditional critical incident technique (CIT) and variants of the same have frequently been applied in service research for several decades. The technique has often been used to capture data on and analyse both negative and positive critical incidents. While one technique displays hosts of critical incidents in benchmark‐type series (SIT), another variant describes the dynamism in one discrete critical incident and a third the dynamism of the configuration of critical incidents (SPAT). In this article the different variants are discussed in relation to psychological theory focusing on the concepts of time, history and memory. To be able to analyse the criticality from the individual customer’s perspective, we argue that one must understand the significance of critical incidents in the light of human memory mechanisms and judgement processes. The discussion forms the basis for suggesting a new, tentative framework for analysing the criticality of critical incidents. We call this criticality critical incident technique (CCIT).
Relative attitudes and commitment in customer loyalty models
Authors: Zins Andreas H.
Published: November 2002

Relationship marketing requires a thorough understanding of the long‐run perspective of the supplier‐customer interaction. The concept of customer loyalty can be applied to emphasize the behavioural and attitudinal aspects of this interaction. This study investigates the antecedents of future customer loyalty in the commercial airline industry by applying structural models under four prototypical past loyalty conditions. These conditions are based on behavioural and situational descriptors and labelled in analogy to Day’s compositional approach. It is shown that the superiority of relative attitudes claimed by Dick and Basu cannot be confirmed. Corporate image of the service provider is, along with service quality and customer satisfaction, a powerful and illustrative component for explaining future customer loyalty. When comparing the a priori defined conditions (low, latent, spurious, and true loyalty) it turns out that the structural evaluative differences can be partially interpreted by the phenomena which are described as affective and calculative commitment in the literature. However, it is claimed to consider situational factors such as the character of the buying and decision‐making process in much more detail.
Linking service structural complexity to customer satisfaction
Authors: Martínez‐Tur Vicente , Peiro´ Jose´ M. , Ramos Jose´
Published: November 2002

The literature shows a paradox in the understanding of the relationship between structural complexity (defined as the diversity of services offered by an organization) and customer satisfaction. Structural complexity tends to be a popular strategy designed to satisfy different customer needs. However, a negative relationship between structural complexity and customer satisfaction has also been argued. Based on the research on the public versus private distinction, this paper proposes that type of ownership is associated with the paradox mentioned, moderating the relationship between structural complexity and customer satisfaction. The authors tested this hypothesis using a sample of 60 managers and 897 customers of service organizations. The results indicated that as structural complexity increases, public organizations are less able to maintain customer satisfaction than private organizations. Ownership appeared to be an important contingency factor in understanding the paradoxical relationship between service structural complexity and customer satisfaction.
Developing and validating an international business negotiator’s profile
Authors: Shi Xinping , Wright Philip C.
Published: November 2002

Reports on the development and the validation of a measurement scale of International Business Negotiators (IBNs), derived from the literature and confirmed byself‐perceptions of Chinese business negotiators. Following a qualitative approach, the authors analyzed literature based on prior works in international business negotiations, cross‐cultural management, international business executives, and Sino‐Western business negotiations, to derive themes and items for developing an IBNs measurement scale. The key‐informant method was used to survey Chinese business negotiators (N1=92, N2 =478) for operationalizing the IBNs scale. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as structural equation modeling analysis, were carried out to examine and to validate factor structures, internal consistency, unidimensionality and the construct validity of the IBNs. The results justify a ten‐factor IBNs scale with significant psychometric properties.
Machiavellianism in Belbin team roles
Authors: Macrosson W.D.K. , Hemphill D.J.
Published: November 2002

In the description of his team model, Belbin describes certain “allowable” weaknesses in the roles, the true‐life experience of teamworking, however, sometimes reveals behaviour among colleagues which is far from “allowable”. The Belbin model is silent on such behaviour, so an investigation of Machiavellianism within each of the Belbin team roles was undertaken to explore this darker side of team behaviour. The instrument chosen for the investigation was the Christie and Geis Machiavellianism IV scale. Sizeable correlations in the experimental data were obtained which were readily interpreted within the framework of the Belbin theory. Suggestions regarding aspects of team management were made based on the experimental findings.
Examining the motivation process of temporary employees
Authors: Wheeler Anthony R. , Buckley M. Ronald
Published: November 2002

Temporary labor is a widespread phenomenon in the workforce. Motivating the temporary worker (temp) requires a different framework than managing the permanent workforce. This issue appears to have received only scant attention and, paradoxically, applies to 90 percent of all private employers. We have reviewed the issues that surround the motivation of temps and have suggested a research framework and some research issues which may be used to help us gain some insight into this process.
Reflections
Authors: Goldsby Michael G. , Neck Christopher P. , Koerber Charles P.
Published: November 2002

In today’s society, health and fitness are given much publicity. Advertisements, magazine articles and television shows, trumpeting the benefits of exercise, encourage people to undertake a fitness regimen. Indeed, for the busy executive, an exercise program can lead to a less stressful and more productive life. However, due to busy schedules and the challenge of maintaining interest once the novelty of an activity has faded, many managers quit these programs soon after starting them and return to their sedentary lifestyles. We believe that most people stop exercising because they are not mentally prepared for the difficult realities of maintaining a regular workout program. While most health articles provide the initial spark for beginning athletes, very few offer guidance for the person in the middle and latter stages of an exercise program. This article, which we have based on our personal experience as athletes (the authors have run 15 marathons between them) and on an extensive review of psychological, organizational, and sports‐related research, provides executives with five mental strategies for developing a mindset for maintaining physical fitness during these challenging stages.
Numerical solution of radiative transfer equation coupled with nonlinear heat conduction equation
Authors: Asllanaj F. , Jeandel G. , Roche J.R.
Published: November 2002

A new way of solving the steady‐state coupled radiative‐conductive problem in semi‐transparent media is proposed. An angular discretization technique is applied in order to express the radiative transfer equation (RTE) in an inhomogeneous system of linear differential equations associated with Dirichlet boundary conditions. The system is solved by a direct method, after diagonalizing the characteristic matrix of the medium. The RTE is coupled with the nonlinear heat conduction equation. A simulation of a real semi‐transparent medium composed of silica fibers is illustrated. Comparison with results of other methods validates the new model. Moreover, the general scheme is easy to code and fast. The algorithm proved to be robust and stable.
Unsteady laminar hydromagnetic flow and heat transfer in porous channels with temperature‐dependent properties
Authors: Chamkha Ali J.
Published: November 2002

The problem of unsteady laminar fully‐developed flow and heat transfer of an electrically‐conducting and heat‐generating or absorbing fluid with variable properties through porous channels in the presence of uniform magnetic and electric fields is formulated. The general governing equations which include such effects as magnetic field, electric field, porous medium inertia and heat generation or absorption effects are non‐dimensionalized and solved numerically by the implicit finite‐difference methodology. A representative set of numerical results for the transient and steady‐state velocity and temperature profiles, the skin‐friction coefficients at both the upper and lower walls of the channel as well as the heat transfer coefficient at the lower wall are presented graphically and discussed. Favorable comparisons with previously published work are performed and the results are in excellent agreement. A comprehensive parametric study is performed to show the effects of the Hartmann number, electric field parameter, inverse Darcy number, inertia parameter, heat generation or absorption coefficient, exponents of variable properties and the Eckert number on the solutions.
Variable porosity and thermal dispersion effects on coupled heat and mass transfer by natural convection from a surface embedded in a non‐metallic porous medium
Authors: Khaled Abdul‐Rahim A. , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: November 2002

The problem of coupled heat and mass transfer by natural convection from a vertical impermeable semi‐finite flat plate embedded in a non‐uniform non‐metallic porous medium in the presence of thermal dispersion effects is formulated. The plate surface is maintained at constant wall temperature and concentration. The resulting governing equations are non‐dimensionalized and transformed using a non‐similarity transformation and then solved numerically by an implicit, iterative, finite‐difference scheme. A parametric study of all involved parameters is conducted and a representative set of numerical results is illustrated graphically to show typical trends of the solutions. It is found that the variable porosity of the porous medium and the effect of thermal dispersion result in increases in the local Nusselt number.
Objective setting in the micro‐business
Authors: Greenbank Paul
Published: November 2002

Contends that micro‐business owner‐managers invariably have objectives, although they do not always make them explicit. These objectives tend to relate to personal rather than business criteria. In addition, the vast majority of micro‐business owner‐managers indicate little inclination to maximise profit or pursue growth. The supposed non‐existence and ambiguity of objectives amongst owner‐managers probably arise because they often subconsciously set objectives, rather than make them explicit as part of a written business plan. In practice, micro‐businesses generally pursue a number of economic and non‐economic objectives relating to factors such as income levels, job satisfaction, working hours, control and flexibility. These objectives were derived from the influence of the micro‐business owner‐manager’s individual, social and economic contexts. Moreover, the behaviour of owner‐managers is most appropriately characterised in terms of satisficing behaviour. The impact of this is very important, because it means that there is often no drive to improve the business in terms of growth, sales and profitability. Furthermore, the willingness of owner‐managers to alter their aspiration levels, if objectives were not being easily achieved, often means that they do not initiate changes in the way they run their business when perhaps they should.
Understanding strategic adaptation in small firms
Authors: Schindehutte Minet , Morris Michael H.
Published: November 2002

Examines the concept of adaptation as it relates to the start‐up and survival of small businesses over time. Adaptation is approached as the making of appropriate adjustments to the business and its strategic focus, as the venture evolves from an initial idea to a successful business. It is proposed that adaptation has three relevant components: the firm’s capacity to adapt, how much it actually adapts, and the strategies it relies upon to adapt. A conceptual model and hypotheses are proposed, relating the entrepreneur, the organizational context and the external environment to these three components of adaptation, and relating the components of adaptation to performance. Results from a cross‐sectional survey of small business founder/owners suggest that characteristics of the entrepreneur and levels of environmental change are especially important determinants of the three components of adaptation, and that levels of and strategies for adapting are related to organizational performance. A number of implications are drawn from the findings and suggestions are made for ongoing research.
Input versus output‐based performance mesurement in the NHS – the current situation
Authors: Heavisides Bob , Price Ilfryn
Published: November 2002

The concept of service provision through output specifications rather than input‐based specifications is currently occupying directors and managers within the service. While the debate continues, little research has been undertaken to find out the current spread of the new output specification and how it operates in NHS Trusts compared to the longer established input‐based service specification. This paper presents a study of around one‐third of the Trusts in England and provides a comparative analysis of the different specifications in use, whether in‐house or outsourced providers deliver the services to these Trusts, and how these providers are assessed for satisfactory performance. In addition, through a series of structured discussion forums, users’ requirements for the development of standardized performance metrics are established for the future management of output specifications.
Facilities management: a “Jack of all trades”?
Authors: Tay Linda , Ooi Joseph T.L.
Published: November 2002

Despite its rapid development in the last decade, facilities management (FM) stills suffers from an identity crisis as the definition and scope of FM remains a contentious issue. To this end, three fundamental issues are re‐examined in this paper: what FM constitutes; what a facility manager is; and how the FM profession can be enhanced. These issues remain critical as they represent the building blocks of the FM discipline. Without a common platform, the development of FM is likely to be fragmented. An evaluation of the definitions of FM provided in the past suggests that the focus of FM is clearly on the workplace. The key issues confronting FM are the location, type, quantity, quality, content and allocation of the workspace. A professional facilities manager is one who is formally trained and whose main responsibility is the strategic management of the workplace. Three factors are suggested to be important for the development of FM as a professional discipline. They include a clear role and scope of FM in the industry and firm, contribution to the bottom‐line of the firm, and development of specialist knowledge and toolbox for addressing the problems of strategic workplace management. Some potential areas for theoretical developments have been suggested in this paper.
Economic development and environment in Southeast Asia: an introductory note
Authors: Iwami Toru
Published: November 2002

Economic development in Southeast Asia hasbeen connected with environmental degradation. Its cause is mainly attributed torapid industrialization, coupled with urbanization and export growth, whereas thevicious circle of the poverty and the contamination is a minor case. The environmental damage in those countries will be partly reduced along with the rising income level, as the hypothesis of the “environmental Kuznets curves” argues. However, some of the major problems, CO2 emissions for example, would not be solved automatically on the basis of the market mechanism. The governments have indeed tried to prevent contamination, drawing lessons from experiences in the industrialized countries, but their continued efforts are indispensable for the well‐being of the people.