bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The determinants of corporate performance
Authors: Shin‐Ping Lee , Tsung‐Hsien Chuang
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants and interrelations between corporate ownership structure and corporate performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The ownership of institutional investors are classified into government institutional ownership, financial institutional ownership, securities investment trust funds ownership, incorporated companies ownership, and other institutional ownership, so as to facilitate a detailed study. Ten‐year (1994‐2003) panel data of 569 Taiwanese listed companies are examined. Furthermore, this study applies the F‐test, LM‐test and Hausman test to determine the best statistical method (ordinary least squares method, fix effects model or random effects method).

Findings

The results show an inverse “U‐shaped” relationship between insider ownership and corporate performance. Government institutional ownership and incorporated companies ownership are found to have a significant negative correlation with corporate performance. However, securities investment trust funds and corporate performance are positively correlated.

Practical implications

These findings provide Taiwanese listed companies with a insights on how to improve their corporate control mechanisms. These results can also serve as a useful reference for companies and the academics concerning future competitive strategies and decision making.

Originality/value

This study further incorporates the ratio of mortgaged/pledged shares of directors and supervisors and different institutional ownership to analyze how the mechanisms of corporate governance function in Taiwan's industries, and whether these mechanisms can effectively lower agency problems to enhance corporate performance.
The value relevance of financial statements and their impact on stock prices
Authors: Dimitropoulos Panagiotis E. , Asteriou Dimitrios
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the relevance of financial reporting. In order to achieve this, a model that includes specific ratios is developed, which have proved to be indicators of falsified financial statements in the Greek capital market, and by estimating accruals quality, measured both by discretionary and non‐discretionary accruals.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from a sample of 101 non‐financial firms listed at the Athens stock exchange. The time frame spans from 1995 to 2004 and the methodology used was OLS regression models.

Findings

The results indicate that the ratios of working capital to total assets and net profit to sales have a negative impact on stock returns, while the ratios of net profit to total assets and sales to total assets affect returns positively. Additionally, both types of accruals have incremental importance – with the non‐discretionary appearing to be more important compared to the discretionary one – in explaining stock return movements. Thus, it is concluded that the Greek stock market depicts prices accruals.

Originality/value

The present study adds to the existing literature by examining the issue of financial reporting relevance within the context of an emerging capital market such as Greece. This is believed to be the first study which considers the aforementioned issues in the Greek accounting setting.
Investors' use of corporate reports in Bahrain
Authors: Al‐Ajmi Jasim
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of an investigation into individual investors' perceptions of the factors affecting buying, holding and selling of stock on the Bahrain stock exchange (BSE). Additionally, the paper investigates the perceptions of individual investors about corporate financial statements as a source of information for individual investors' investment decisions and what specific information such investors would like firms to disclose in these reports.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method involved a mail questionnaire sent to 800 individual investors. The response rate was 42.6 percent. This research method was complemented by a series of field interviews conducted with 20 investors and six stockbrokers for the purpose of gaining additional insights into the topic.

Findings

The study found that individual investors perceived corporate financial statements as the most important source of information for their investment decisions. The results also show a relatively high degree of agreement within the groups (both large and small) as to the ranking in terms of the importance of the topics. Overall, the study found relatively high levels of consensus between the two user‐groups with regards to the majority of questions investigated. The greatest difference between the user‐groups regards the perception of the relative importance of the cash‐flow statement, the income statement and which information items are needed for investors' decision making.

Originality/value

The paper offers rich data on the perceptions and uses of financial and non‐financial information by individual investors. This is the first time this type of research has been conducted in Bahrain.
The association between insider trading surrounding going concern audit opinions and future bankruptcy
Authors: Stanley Jonathan , Todd De Zoort F. , Taylor Gary
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether insider trading surrounding a first‐time going concern audit opinion is associated with a firm's future bankruptcy status.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are developed predicting that insiders of firms receiving going concern opinions (GCOs) trade in a manner consistent with private assessments of the firms' bankruptcy risk. Hypothesis testing involves univariate and logistic regression analysis of 363 firms receiving GCOs between 1996 and 2001.

Findings

As predicted, results indicate that changes in top executives' net selling (i.e. sales less purchases) immediately before and after the GCO are positively associated with the likelihood of bankruptcy over the following two years. Supplemental analysis reveals this finding is a function of insiders within the bankrupt sample reporting fewer purchase transactions surrounding the GCO event.

Practical implications

The results of the study have the potential to influence external stakeholders' assessments of GCOs and insider trading disclosures.

Originality/value

This study extends prior research examining the link between GCOs and clients' subsequent bankruptcy status by highlighting the potential for insider trading activity to serve as an, ex ante, identifier of Type I audit reporting errors. This study contributes to the insider trading literature by identifying the GCO as a specific type of price‐relevant information that potentially underlies insider trades. Consideration of the study's findings should include the possibility of model misspecification and measurement error in the variables of interest. Furthermore, the study's inability to isolate the specific factor(s) underlying the documented changes in insider trading is highlighted.
Blends of pre‐irradiated polypropylene powder and syndiotactic 1,2‐polybutadiene: isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation kinetics
Authors: Zhang C. , Huang Y. , Liu Y. , Wang S. , Zhang X.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation kinetics of pure polypropylene (PP), 1 kGy pre‐irradiated PP and 1 kGy pre‐irradiated PP/syndiotactic 1,2‐polybutadiene (s‐1,2 PB) (90/10) blends by differential scanning calorimetry.

Design/methodology/approach

The Avrami equation, modified Avrami equation, Ozawa equation and the treatment by combining the Avrami and Ozawa equation were used to analyse the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation of various samples.

Findings

The s‐1,2 PB acted as a heterogeneous nucleation agent during the crystallisation of the PP/s‐1,2 PB blends and accelerated the crystallisation rate. The Avrami exponent n of the blends implied that the isothermal crystallisation kinetics of the blends followed a three‐dimensional growth via heterogeneous nucleation. The modified Avrami equation was limited to describe the nonisothermal crystallisation process of pure PP and 1 kGy pre‐irradiated PP, but it was successful for the blends. The treatment by combining the Avrami and Ozawa equation described appropriately the nonisothermal crystallisation process and obtained the kinetic parameter F(T) with specific physical meaning. The crystallisation activation energy for isothermal crystallisation and nonisothermal crystallisation of the blends was reduced due to the s‐1,2 PB acting as a heterogeneous nucleating agent during the crystallisation of the blends and accelerating the crystallisation rate.

Research limitations/implications

The Avrami equation, modified Avrami equation, Ozawa equation and the treatment by combining the Avrami and Ozawa equation were compared for analysis of the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation of samples. The crystallisation activation energy for isothermal crystallisation and nonisothermal crystallisation was also calculated according to the Arrhenius and the Kissinger method.

Practical implications

The fundamental research on the crystallisation properties of PP/s‐1,2‐PB blends is essential to understand the mutual effects of two components on their crystallisation mechanisms, facilitating to improve the mechanical properties of the final materials.

Originality/value

The isothermal and nonisothermal crystallisation behaviours of PP/s‐1,2 PB blends, especially pre‐irradiated PP/s‐1,2 PB blends, have not been studied systematically yet, though PP/s‐1,2 PB blends were promising materials in terms of both PP toughening and the application of s‐1,2 PB thermal plastic elastomer.
Study on gluing reaction between WPI adhesive and bamboo by means of DSC
Authors: Cheng R.X.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study interactions between water‐based polymer isocyanate (WPI) adhesive and bamboo by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

Design/methodology/approach

The method of adapting new reference substance replacing aluminium was used due to the special characteristic of WPI adhesive when studying reactions between WPI adhesive and bamboo.

Findings

The methods of changing reference substance could counteract effect of water in the sample on DSC measurement. The results of DSC analysis showed that hardener of WPI adhesive can react with water and also with ‐OH in bamboo and matrix of WPI adhesives. That is to say that a competition exists between urethane formation (covalent bonding of isocyanate with hydroxyl groups in bamboo and matrix in WPI adhesive) and urea formation (isocyanate consumption due to the reaction with water) during the operation of glued bamboo products.

Research limitations/implications

The method of changing reference substance can be used for other DSC samples in which water cannot be conveniently removed, but this method requires that weight of reference substance to be exactly the same as the sample used in DSC measurement. So accuracy of weighing was very important in this DSC measurement.

Practical implications

The method developed in this paper provides a simple and practical solution to studying interactions between WPI adhesive and bamboo by means of DSC.

Originality/value

Changing reference substance was brought forward as a new method of counteracting effect of water in the sample on DSC measurement. The understanding gained through this study could help improve bonding properties of glued bamboo products.
Synthesis of 5‐arylazo‐2‐(arylidenehydrazino)‐thiazole disperse dyes for dyeing polyester fibres
Authors: Abdel‐Latif E. , Amer F.A. , Metwally M.A. , Khalifa M.E.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesise some new 5‐arylazothiazole disperse dyes and study their application in dyeing polyester fibres.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of 5‐arylazo‐2‐(arylidenehydrazino)‐4‐substituted‐thiazole dyes were prepared by cyclocondensation of hydrazonoyl bromides with various thiosemicarbazone derivatives.

Findings

The dyed fibres exhibit very good washing, perspiration, sublimation and light fastness properties with little variation in the moderate to good rubbing fastness. The ease of preparation and the acceptable fastness properties makes these dyes particularly valuable.

Research limitations/implications

In the present paper, the synthesis of 5‐arylazo‐2‐(arylidenehydrazino)‐thiazole disperse dyes was achieved by one step pathway. In addition, the variations in substituents on the aryl and thiazole moieties could also be studied.

Practical implications

The new arylazo‐thiazole disperse dyes are superior in terms of yield, purity, colour strength, and having fastness properties of an order acceptable for commercial utilisation.

Originality/value

The synthesised disperse azo dyes are superior in terms of preparation, yield, purity, and fastness properties.
Monitoring technology trends with podcasts, RSS and Twitter
Authors: Wilson David W.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This paper describes how information professionals can keep up with current technology news by incorporating podcasts, RSS feed readers, and the social messaging service Twitter into their daily routines.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review of technologies and news sources.

Findings

The rapid pace of technology innovation requires librarians to look for simple ways to monitor new trends that may affect library services. Podcasts, RSS readers and messaging networks like Twitter each represent low‐threshold tools that can serve as resources for breaking news, reviews, and technology journalism.

Originality/value

The tools offered in this article provide simple strategies for information professionals to stay abreast of technology innovations as the revelations first emerge. Provides descriptions of technologies and reviews several technology podcasts, blogs, and journalists worth following.
Driving sales through shoppers' sense of sound, sight, smell and touch
Authors: Soars Brenda
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain how sensory stimuli can influence environments, improve the shopper experience and change the nature of behaviour in ways beyond our consciousness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews research gathered over several years and it considers how significant increases in sales can be achieved by attention to shopper “sightlines” and movement through each retail space; how neuro‐imaging is starting to make sense of our reactions to products; how Virtual Reality can save money and how a well‐designed study is a cost‐effective means of ensuring environments are right for shoppers. The latest sensory approaches are also assessed together with thoughts to ponder for the next decade including a word of caution for all to ensure success does not come at the detriment of our planet.

Findings

The current economic gloom need not spell financial disaster for the retail sector. Consumers will simply become more discerning as they spend their limited resources. The savvy retailer will invest in understanding shopper needs and motivations to create an enhanced shopping experience by moving beyond simple POP displays and signage, where “minor plus est”, through to shoppers' sense of sound, sight, smell and touch which will have a clear impact on decision‐making, store choice and spend.

Originality/value

This paper will be of interest to all operating in the retail sector.
Sports celebrity endorsements in retail products advertising
Authors: Lear Karen E. , Runyan Rodney C. , Whitaker William H.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend previous research into sport celebrity endorsements by investigating such endorsements of products ultimately sold by retailers. This is done by updating previous research involving print media in sporting magazines.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis approach is used, examining advertisements in randomly selected issues of sports illustrated from the most recent full six years of publication.

Findings

Changes in the frequency of advertisements using sports celebrities were found compared to previous studies. Additionally, it appears that products which are ultimately sold by retailers are endorsed more frequently by celebrities in certain sports than others.

Originality/value

By including in the investigation the topics of sport played and consumer products, the paper extends the current literature to explore the advertisers' use of athlete endorsers with products directly and indirectly impacting retailers.
A comparison of four strategies to promote fair trade products
Authors: Chen Shih‐Mei , Huddleston Patricia
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is, first, to assess the influence of four promotional strategies on students' purchase intention for fair trade coffee; and second to examine the effect of attractiveness and credibility of two university sports celebrities on purchase intention for fair‐trade coffee in a campus convenience store.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 100 college students at a mid‐western asked them to rate two campus sports celebrities on attractiveness, expertise, and trustworthiness and the relationship of these qualities to purchase intention for fair trade coffee. Influence of four promotional strategies on purchase intention was assessed.

Findings

There was a positive and significant relationship between attractiveness and trustworthiness of the sports celebrities and customers' purchase intention for fair‐trade coffee. However, a “buy one get one free cup coupon” stimulated higher purchase intention than sports celebrities, flyers, and packaging.

Research limitations/implications

Results are based on a student sample. Advertising stimuli were written scenarios with no illustrations.

Practical implications

Less expensive promotional strategies (e.g. coupons) rather than celebrity endorsements may be equally effective in eliciting purchase intention for fair trade products.

Originality/value

The paper is innovative in its examination of the effectiveness of promotional strategies (including sports celebrity influence) to promote fair trade products in a small business context.
Delineating the outcomes of sponsorship
Authors: Tsiotsou Rodoula , Alexandris Konstantinos
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a model in which fans' team attachment is the determinant of three sponsorship outcomes: sponsor image, purchase intentions, and word of mouth. Furthermore, following the sponsorship literature, the role of sport fans' involvement on the development of team attachment was examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were collected from fans of a professional basketball team in Greece (n=354). Structural equation modeling was employed in order to test the model fit and estimate the model coefficients.

Findings

The findings supported the premise that highly attached fans are more likely to develop positive image for their team sponsor, exhibit higher intentions for purchasing and recommending the sponsor's products.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model on sport sponsorship outcomes was supported. The results of the study contribute to our understanding of the role of team attachment and sponsor image in predicting sponsorship outcomes.

Practical implications

The findings from this research have practical implications for both sport team marketers and sponsors. Both parties need to have a good understanding of how and when sponsorship works to maximize its value.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the incorporation of sport involvement, team attachment, sponsor image, purchase intentions, and word of mouth within an integrated sponsorship model, and the testing of their interrelations. While these variables have been used in the sponsorship literature before, they have not been empirically tested in an integrated model.
Consumer‐brand relationships in sport: brand personality and identification
Authors: Carlson Brad D. , Todd Donavan D. , Cumiskey Kevin J.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between the brand personality of a sports team and the related consumer outcomes of identification and retail spending.

Design/methodology/approach

A field study was conducted with games watched and retail spending as outcomes. Structural equation modeling was used to explore the relationships among constructs.

Findings

The two brand personality dimensions of wholesomeness and successfulness are mediated through prestige to predict the consumer's identification with the team. The two brand personality dimensions of imaginativeness and toughness positively influence identification with the team while successfulness has a negative influence on identification with the team. Once a consumer identifies with the team quasi‐brand, retail spending and viewership increase.

Practical implications

Sports teams can utilise information gleaned from this study to better promote an attractive image, thereby increasing the number of games watched and retail spending.

Originality/value

This paper presents an original twist on personality research by looking at the influence of the brand personality of an intangible sport brand on consumer identification and retail spending.
A cognitive walkthrough of Autopsy Forensic Browser
Authors: Bennett David J. , Stephens Paul
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the usability of the Autopsy Forensic Browser in order to improve future versions of this, or similar, tools.

Design/methodology/approach

The software Autopsy Forensic Browser was analysed for usability using a cognitive walkthrough approach.

Findings

The results of the evaluation indicate that there are many areas where usability could be improved and these are classified into areas of eight overlapping areas. Examples from each area are presented, with suggestions as to methods to alleviate them.

Research limitations/implications

The review is limited by the use of the “expert evaluator” approach rather than using a user‐based evaluation. This would tend to mean that some of the usability errors would be “false positives”, while some usability issues were not uncovered. A user‐based evaluation could be a future project.

Practical implications

Usability could be improved of the Autopsy Forensic Browser and developers of such systems should engage with the usability and interaction design community to enhance their software. It would be helpful for users, if future versions of the software take account of the findings of the paper.

Originality/value

This is one of the first reviews of the usability of forensic analysis software and the first for the Autopsy Forensic Browser system. The value is the findings suggest practical ways to enhance usability, which will impact on the effectiveness of investigators.
Knowledge source and small business competitiveness
Authors: Abeson Felix , Taku Michael A.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This paper seeks to show that information acquired by owners of small firms from certain sources helps the firms to be competitive.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected by mail from small business owners in three rural counties in West Texas.

Findings

Knowledge acquired by owners of small firms from colleagues, salespeople, trade publication family members, seminars, and social contacts is significantly associated with perceived competitiveness. Only three of these sources – colleagues, family members and seminars, have a positive effect on perceived competitiveness. The results suggest the importance of tacit and explicit knowledge for decision making and provide a framework for knowledge acquisition in small firms.

Research limitations/implications

The data for this study were collected from a few rural counties in Texas, more research is required to enhance the generalization of the findings of this study. Future research is to extend this study should examine specific knowledge components associated with marketing effectiveness that are acquired from seminars, family members, and colleagues by small business owners.

Practical implications

The practical implications for this study include the need for small business owners to increase their knowledge acquisition efforts especially from sources such as colleagues, family members and seminars if they want to be competitive.

Originality/value

This study clearly extends the understanding regarding the importance of tacit knowledge as a source of a firm's competitiveness.
How we communicate about cultures
Authors: Wilhelms Ralf W. , Shaki Mohammed K. , Hsiao Cheng‐Fu
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new perspective on existing definitions of culture and systems for classifying cultures, leading to a standardized model for describing and categorizing cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature on definitions of culture and systems for classifying cultures is presented; a model for standardization of these definitions and systems is proposed, illustrated, and described; the potential benefits to cultural researchers of a comprehensive, standardized model are presented.

Findings

There is a need for a comprehensive, standardized model for definition and classification of cultures; creation of such a model is possible by combining elements from existing, segmented definitions and classification systems.

Research limitations/implications

A standardized classification model is offered as a basis for cultural research, subject to adoption and validation by researchers worldwide.

Practical implications

If the proposed standardized model is adopted and validated by researchers worldwide, study findings will be communicated more clearly and more widely, and the quality and global application value of cultural research will be enhanced.

Originality/value

A review of the literature reveals segmented studies on cultures but no generally accepted model for looking at the “big picture” of human cultures, their evolution and interactions; the proposed model offers a framework for such a perspective.
Glass ceiling: role of women in the corporate world
Authors: Pai Kalpana , Vaidya Sameer
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the existence of the glass ceiling in Texas.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on publicly traded corporations registered in the state of Texas was used to examine the existence of the glass ceiling effect in Texas. The data for this study were gathered from ReferenceUSA, which is a subscription database that contains information on more than 12 million US businesses and one million Canadian businesses.

Findings

The study found the existence of the glass ceiling based on the analysis of the sample. Of the 257 corporations in the sample, there were only two that had women chief executive officers (0.78 percent).

Research limitations/implications

The dataset used was not a comprehensive list of corporations registered in Texas.

Practical implications

Given the increase in ethnic and gender diversity at the work place, it is critical that women feel assured of an equal opportunity to reach top‐management positions.

Originality/value

Although there have been other studies in the field, none have focused on Texas which is the second largest US state in area (after Alaska) and in population (after California). It is hoped that the results add value to the existing literature.
The Vioxx recall case and comments
Authors: Tong Carl H. , Tong Lee‐Ing , Tong James E.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a succinct description of the Vioxx recall in 2004 and discuss the fundamental reasons why Merck got into this trouble.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of literature has been conducted to provide key facts about the Vioxx disaster and to shed light on the operations of its maker Merck. The Vioxx recall case is analyzed from a perspective including both company profits and public interest.

Findings

Merck aggressively marketed an unsafe drug, under the brand name Vioxx, without properly disclosing its serious side effects to consumers. After the facts were revealed, the company faced costly lawsuits, angry investors and falling profits. This case clearly shows how a disaster can occur when a company becomes greedy and seeks undeserved profits at the expense of ethics and social responsibility.

Practical implications

Building a successful and competitive business requires managers to make decisions that balance profit and social responsibility. When business managers run their business solely for profit, problems will almost certainly occur. Such problems can cause severe damage not only to the company's customers but also to the company itself.

Originality/value

Vioxx is one of the biggest marketing mistakes in recent business history. This paper provides valuable learning insights and should be useful to corporate executives, government regulators and business scholars.
Corporate social responsibility in global supply chains
Authors: Andersen Mette , Skjoett‐Larsen Tage
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The paper aims to present a conceptual framework for analysing CSR practices in global supply chains. It also seeks to demonstrate how a pioneering Swedish company, IKEA, implements and manages CSR practices at its suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

A case analysis of IKEA illustrates the implementation and management of CSR practices in supply chains. The focus is on internal and external integration of CSR practices in the supply chain. IKEA holds a leading position in its supply chain and is a global brand‐owner. Personal interviews are performed with employees from one of the company's trading areas.

Findings

Practising CSR in supply chains requires that CSR is embedded within the entire organisation, including subsidiaries abroad and offshore suppliers. It includes employee training and sharing of experience, training of key personnel at the supplier level, positive incentives for suppliers in the form of long‐term contracts and enlarged purchasing orders, and regular auditing of suppliers' performance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on CSR practices in a specific company's supply chain. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalised to other companies. Also, the practices have been studied from the perspective of the focal company.

Practical implications

The CSR practices of IKEA can serve as inspiration for other companies that are considering adopting corporate codes of conduct.

Originality/value

The paper presents a company that has a long tradition for working with environmental and social issues. The paper demonstrates how the actual management of CSR practices is determined by context‐dependent factors.
The many and the few: rounding up the SMEs that manage CSR in the supply chain
Authors: Rahbek Pedersen Esben
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the anatomy of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) that try to manage corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used for analysis stem from a large‐scale survey of 1,071 Danish SMEs carried out in 2005.

Findings

It is concluded that CSR activities directed towards the supply chains still remain the privilege of a small group of SMEs with quite advanced CSR systems.

Research limitations/implications

The survey was not specifically designed for this article. Moreover, only Danish SMEs participated in the survey. Whether the evidence from Denmark can be generalised to cover SMEs in other countries is left to determine.

Practical implications

The results indicate that there may be a need for more differentiated initiatives to promote CSR that will enable smaller enterprises to address CSR issues in the supply chain. Thus far, CSR has often been associated with large, high‐profile multinationals that have been trying to protect their image and brands from negative press, NGO activism, consumer boycotts and governmental sanctions. Little has been done to examine how SMEs can improve social and environmental conditions in cooperation with suppliers.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the existing body of literature by examining how a number of key SME characteristics affect the management of CSR.
Codes to coordinate supply chains: SMEs' experiences with SA8000
Authors: Ciliberti Francesco , de Groot Gerard , de Haan Job , Pontrandolfo Pierpaolo
Published: March 2009

Purpose

Contracts and trust are mechanisms to coordinate processes in supply chains. However, contracts are incomplete and trust takes time to develop. The aim of this paper is to show how Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000) can help to manage supply chains (in particular small and medium‐sized companies as its partners) by solving the problem of incomplete contracts as well as replacing trust in new partnerships, especially with respect to intangible performance indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

Supply chain management (with an emphasis on coordination) and corporate social responsibility (with an emphasis on codes, especially SA8000) are briefly described, based on a literature review. These descriptions led to three research propositions. In the second part, four cases describe the practice of SA8000. The richness of the cases provides both literal and theoretical replication. Finally, the theoretical and empirical results are compared, with specific regard to the research propositions.

Findings

Codes facilitate coordination between immediate partners in a supply chain, especially when the most powerful one enforces the code. However, indirect coordination with second‐ or third‐tier partners is hardly influenced. Chain directors can impose SA8000 certification in the supply chain and the latter can benefit from reduced information asymmetry. Transaction costs are reduced without a loss in flexibility.

Research limitations/implications

The three propositions introduced are supported. Further research could further strengthen the validity of the propositions or show the need for refinements in them. The results show managers that certification can facilitate coordination of intangible aspects of performance to reduce information asymmetry with at least no negative results.

Practical implications

Firms that use SA8000 should take more advantage of it because it reduces information asymmetry and transaction costs, not only between direct partners but also further up‐ and downstream in the chain. Chain directors can use codes to complement incomplete contracts. Third‐party monitoring should be strengthened, especially with respect to second‐ and third‐tier partners.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper is in the analysis of the position of the second‐ and third‐tier participants in the chain, questioning whether codes like SA8000 are a sufficient instrument to make them real partners in the chain. SA8000 increases traceability of proper processes by customers and partners in the chain, which facilitates the coordination and the management of the chain.
Current status of CSR in the realm of supply management: the case of the Korean electronics industry
Authors: Lee Ki‐Hoon , Kim Ji‐Whan
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is two‐fold: to survey research on supply management and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reported over the past two decades; and to carry out an empirical study of the current status of supply management and CSR in the Korean electronics industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on an explorative approach, wherein “triangulation” is adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. A questionnaire survey with a 132‐company sample is employed as a quantitative method and the telephone interviews with 23 samples are used as a qualitative method. By adopting a triangulation approach, rich data and explanatory power can be obtained to answer the research question.

Findings

The results of the study show that “environmental” pressures and standards are widely accepted and implemented for supply management in the Korean electronics industry. However, “social” pressures and standards are still not commonly used and there is a lack of implementation in the entire supply chain in the industry. The main reason for adopting CSR standards is to identify risks and problems in the supply chain, and to avoid or at least reduce the consequences for the final manufacturer. Although most manufacturers in the Korean electronics industry demand certified environmental standards such as ISO 14001 from their suppliers, there is generally a lack of integration of social standards in supplier management or requirements.

Practical implications

Companies today face a growing number of restrictions from national legislations and international standards influencing the environment, labour standards, and human rights issues. Within the Korean electronics industry as a whole there appears to be consensus that it is not easy being “socially responsible”. Vague notions about CSR issues for supply management practices have not provided suppliers with adequate guidance as they seek to improve their performance vis‐à‐vis company standards. The development of evaluation standards to assess suppliers can be a critical factor in improving a firm's performance. Another critical factor is documenting all CSR activities for external requirements such as auditors.

Originality/value

This study is the first empirical attempt to explore CSR adoption and implementation in supply management in the Korean electronics industry.
Developing supply chains in disaster relief operations through cross‐sector socially oriented collaborations: a theoretical model
Authors: Maon François , Lindgreen Adam , Vanhamme Joëlle
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This study seeks to provide insights into corporate achievements in supply chain management (SCM) and logistics management and to detail how they might help disaster agencies. The authors aim to highlight and identify current practices, particularities, and challenges in disaster relief supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Both SCM and logistics management literature and examples drawn from real‐life cases inform the development of the theoretical model.

Findings

The theoretical, dual‐cycle model that focuses on the key missions of disaster relief agencies: first, prevention and planning and, second, response and recovery. Three major contributions are offered: a concise representation of current practices and particularities of disaster relief supply chains compared with commercial SCM; challenges and barriers to the development of more efficient SCM practices, classified into learning, strategising, and coordinating and measurement issues; and a simple, functional model for understanding how collaborations between corporations and disaster relief agencies might help relief agencies meet SCM challenges.

Research limitations/implications

The study does not address culture‐clash related considerations. Rather than representing the entire scope of real‐life situations and practices, the analysis relies on key assumptions to help conceptualise collaborative paths.

Practical implications

The study provides specific insights into how corporations might help improve the SCM practices by disaster relief agencies that continue to function without SCM professional expertise, tools, or staff.

Originality/value

The paper shows that sharing supply chain and logistics expertise, technology, and infrastructure with relief agencies could be a way for corporations to demonstrate their good corporate citizenship. Collaborations between corporations and disaster agencies offer significant potential benefits.
Explaining patrol officer drug arrest activity through expectancy theory
Authors: Johnson Richard R.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the ability of expectancy motivation theory to explain patrol officer drug arrest productivity, with the hope of identifying ways to influence patrol officer work outputs.

Design/methodology/approach

According to expectancy motivational theory, the individual patrol officer's number of drug arrests should be explained by the expectation to make drug arrests, the capability to do so, the opportunity to do so, and the likelihood that these arrests will be rewarded. The present study used survey data from a sample of 401 municipal police officers representing 23 suburban police agencies in one metropolitan area in the Midwestern USA. Multivariate analysis was used to investigate correlations between the officers' perceived work environment characteristics and their individual drug offense arrest productivity.

Findings

As predicted, officers who produced the most drug arrests were more likely to have perceived that drug arrests were rewarded by their agency, perceived that management saw drug enforcement as a priority, received specialized training in drug interdiction, and perceived that they had sufficient time in their shift to properly investigate suspected drug offenses.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study include the fact that the sample is limited to suburban police officers in one metropolitan area, and the reliance on primarily self‐reported data on officer arrest outputs.

Practical implications

The present study lends further support to the use of expectancy motivation theory as a viable framework for managing patrol officer work outputs in a law enforcement organization.

Originality/value

The present study holds value for police administrators who seek to better manage patrol officer behavior in the field. It also holds value for scholars of policing who seek to better understand how the organizational work environment influences general tendencies in officer arrest behavior.
Impact of network ties on change in police agency practices
Authors: Roberts Aki , Roberts John M.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

Organizational research has suggested that network ties influence adoption of innovations and other organizational behavior. This paper aims to study the impact of network ties on change in police agency practices in a sample of city and county police agencies for which Weiss provided data on informal communication ties between agency planners.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed change in six agency practices from 1997 to 2000, as indicated in law enforcement management and administrative statistics (LEMAS) data, with a variable indicating whether an agency's network contact engaged in the practice.

Findings

Network ties appeared to influence change in computer use for crime mapping, with change more likely when the agency and its network contact initially differed with respect to the practice. Statistically significant network influences were not found for change in the other practices (existence of a formal community policing plan, geographic assignment of detectives, encouragement of scanning, analysis, response, and assessment (SARA) problem‐solving, computer use for resource allocation, and patrol access to criminal histories).

Research limitations/implications

Results suggest that network ties may affect change in policing practices and innovation, but that this does not necessarily hold across all types of practices.

Practical implications

With at least some evidence of network influences, results suggest that policymakers should attempt to take advantage of network structure when encouraging beneficial changes in agency practices.

Originality/value

This paper studies the impact of network ties on change in police agency practices in a sample of city and county police agencies.
Exploring agency policing models and response to domestic violence
Authors: Clement Keith , Tatum Kimberly M. , Kruse Matthew J. , Kunselman Julie C.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between law enforcement agency domestic violence standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Florida's model policy for domestic violence, as well as type of police agency and policing management model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study include the SOPs and self‐reported policing model for Florida law enforcement agencies (n=72), which were collected through an e‐mail request to all Florida agencies. The policing model was dichotomized into “traditional policing” and “community oriented policing” styles. Content analysis was used to analyze each agency's SOPs.

Findings

Findings suggest there are no differences in SOP content across “traditional” versus “community oriented policing” policing models. Agencies self‐reporting as community oriented policing agencies were not necessarily any more likely to include preventative or long‐term goals within their domestic violence SOPs than agencies self‐reporting as “traditional” policing agencies. There were also no differences in SOP content across type of police agency.

Research limitations/implications

This research suggests that although SOPs are used to formalize policy for officer decision making, they may not be representative of the policing management model of an agency.

Practical implications

Agencies that identify as community policing agencies should examine whether written policies demonstrate an adherence to the core tenets of community policing.

Originality/value

There is no research that examines the link between written domestic violence policies and agency policing models. This paper adds to the extant literature and suggests topics for future research in this area.
Nurturing isolation in the South African police service
Authors: Meyer Michael E. , Steyn Jean
Published: March 2009

Purpose

The article aims to report on an examination of South African Police Service (SAPS) recruits for indicators evincing the presence of the police culture theme of isolation. The research also seeks to determine if the presence of isolation as characteristic of SAPS recruits is gender neutral as well as whether indicators of social isolation change over the period of basic recruit training as well as during the first period of encounter, field training.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey format, the research employs a quasi‐experimental pre‐test/post‐test repeated measures research (longitudinal) design: a pre‐test at the beginning of SAPS recruit basic training; post‐test at the end of the SAPS basic training; and a second post‐test upon completion field training.

Findings

Although there is significant variance among the police recruits, overall there are indicators of police isolation already present among the recruits upon arrival at the police training colleges. These indicators became stronger during the period of basic training but appeared to weaken during field training. However, upon closer observation this change was true only for female recruits. Indicators of isolation were also stronger among female recruits at all three times despite the decrease following field training.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that the basic training be evaluated for its differential, and somewhat negative, impact on female recruits. That attitudes evincing isolation from the public are present among police recruits also raises a serious question regarding community policing as the preferred mode of police service delivery.

Originality/value

This paper reports on a preliminary investigation of the police culture theme of isolation among South African Police Service recruits entering basic police training in January of 2005 and changes that may have occurred in these attitudes over the period of the six‐month basic training and the subsequent six‐month field training experience.