bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status consumption in cross‐national context
Authors: Shukla Paurav
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Limited attention has been paid to the issue of status consumption in cross‐national context. The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of status consumption among British and Indian consumers, using the industry context of alcoholic beverages, focusing on three antecedents namely, the socio‐psychological, brand and situational antecedents.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employed a cross‐sectional, survey‐based methodology. The British sample included 271 respondents residing in the Southeast of the UK. The Indian sample included 273 respondents residing in the North and Northwest regions of India.

Findings

The findings reveal that socio‐psychological, brand and situational antecedents significantly influence status consumption.

Practical implications

The findings support the notion that some key status consumption characteristics may be common among all cultures and countries however, their degree of influence may differ dramatically. Furthermore, others key variables may be single culture or country specific and therefore must be adjusted for national or regional variations. The results will help managers dealing with status consumption to better understand and manage their marketing strategy in a cross‐national context.

Originality/value

The paper is first of its kind to investigate the impact of socio‐psychological, brand and situational antecedents in a cross‐national context for status consumption products. The findings of the paper are likely to enhance our grasp of the status consumption process in a individualistic and mature developed market (the UK) in comparison to collectivist and rapidly growing emerging market (India) by shedding light on the issues affecting status consumption and how that relates to country‐specific marketing strategies.
Introduction to the special issue on employment discrimination against immigrants
Authors: Dietz Joerg
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This editorial aims to introduce the special issue on employment discrimination against immigrants.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part is a commentary on key issues in the study of employment discrimination against immigrants. The second part presents the five articles in the special issue.

Findings

The papers in this special issue focus on a variety of issues associated with employment discrimination against immigrants. For example, they consider: discrimination based on accents; differences among justice perceptions among immigrants and non‐immigrants; the effects of negative stereotypes on workplace outcomes; the treatment of Hispanic immigrants; and the reasons for the lack of research on Hispanic immigrants.

Research limitations/implications

The author comments on key issues that researchers of employment discrimination against immigrants have to take into account. These issues include: the appreciation of the diversity among immigrants; an understanding of the complexity of employment discrimination research; openness to cross‐disciplinary approaches; and the consideration of employment discrimination within the context of the immigrant experience. The five articles that make up the special issues vary in their nature (empirical, critical), methodologies (quantitative, qualitative), locations (United States, Germany, and Canada), and implications.

Practical implications

The issues discussed in the papers have important implications for understanding and overcoming employment discrimination against immigrants.

Originality/value

The Journal of Managerial Psychology invited this special issue to initiate psychological research on employment discrimination against immigrants. The intent is to draw the attention of organizational scholars to the large, yet under‐studied immigrant segment of the workforce.
The effects of foreign accents on employment‐related decisions
Authors: Hosoda Megumi , Stone‐Romero Eugene
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Although statistical evidence clearly demonstrates discrimination against foreign‐accented individuals in the workplace, surprisingly little research attention has been paid to how such individuals are evaluated when they apply for jobs. Thus, the aim of this paper is to examine the effects of applicant accent on access‐related employment decisions across four jobs that differed on job status and communication demands.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a 3 (applicant accent: Standard American English, French, and Japanese) × 2 (job status: low vs high)×2 (communication demands: low vs high) mixed‐factorial design, and data from 286 college students at two different locations.

Findings

Results show that in comparison with French‐accented applicants, Japanese‐accented applicants fared worse on employment‐related decisions, especially for jobs that had high communication demands, even after controlling for applicant understandability and location. French‐accented applicants were viewed as favorably as, or more favorably than, Standard American English‐accented applicants.

Research limitations/implications

Applicant accent was confounded with applicant names. Thus, it is not known whether the obtained results are due to applicant accent, names, or both.

Practical implications

It was found that organizations could do one of the following: use structured interviews; train interviewers on potential biases against foreign‐accented applicants; and provide more individuating information to reduce the effects of accent‐based stereotypes on employment‐related decisions.

Originality/value

The paper considers the communication demands of jobs and job status as influences on the evaluation of foreign‐accented applicants.
Overworked in America?
Authors: Avery Derek R. , Tonidandel Scott , Volpone Sabrina D. , Raghuram Aditi
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Though a number of demographics (e.g. sex, age) have been associated with work overload, scholars have yet to consider the potential impact of immigrant status. This is important because immigrants constitute a significant proportion of the workforce, and evidence suggests many employers believe they are easier to exploit. This paper aims to examine work hours, interpersonal justice, and immigrant status as predictors of work overload.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested using a large, national random telephone survey of employees in the United States (n=2,757).

Findings

As expected, employees who worked more hours tended to perceive more work overload. Importantly, however, this effect interacted with interpersonal justice differently for immigrant and native‐born employees. Justice attenuated the effect of work hours for the former but seemed to exacerbate it somewhat for the latter. Of note, the interactive effect was more than five times larger for immigrants than for natives.

Practical implications

The study shows that supervisors might require their employees to work longer hours without necessarily being perceived as abusive (i.e. overloading them). Doing so, however, requires treating employees justly in the form of respect, courtesy, and dignity. Though this form of just treatment is important for all employees, its effects are especially pronounced for immigrants.

Originality/value

The relationship between the number of hours worked and perceptions of work overload is examined for immigrant and non‐immigrant workers in the USA.
Examining the effect of negative Turkish stereotypes on evaluative workplace outcomes in Germany
Authors: Baltes Boris B. , Rudolph Cort W.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact that negative stereotypes have on suitability ratings of Turkish applicants in a simulated hiring scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes a within subjects experimental design in which participants assessed four fictitious male candidates ostensibly applying for a managerial position; two of German descent, two of Turkish descent. Participants also completed a newly developed measure designed to assess the degree to which people endorse negative stereotypes of Turkish males in managerial positions.

Findings

The results suggest that the endorsement of a negative Turkish stereotype significantly predicts suitability ratings for highly qualified Turkish candidates.

Research limitations/implications

Stereotype endorsement should be considered when investigating, and making claims about the impact of demographic characteristics on evaluative workplace outcomes.

Practical implications

In the service of diversity, organizations should be acutely aware of how stereotyping may impact human resources processes.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the literature regarding the impact of bias on evaluative workplace outcomes, furthering the notion that explicitly endorsed stereotypes do indeed affect such outcomes.
Barriers and paths to success
Authors: Turchick Hakak Luciana , Holzinger Ingo , Zikic Jelena
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine perceived barriers and paths to success for Latin American immigrant professionals in the Canadian job market.

Design/methodology/approach

Findings are based on 20 semi‐structured interviews with Latin American graduates of Canadian MBA programs. Interviews were analyzed for emergent categories and common themes.

Findings

Despite their strong educational backgrounds, participants perceived several challenges to their success in the Canadian workplace, specifically, language barriers, lack of networks, cultural differences and discrimination. They also identified factors that influenced their professional success in Canada, such as homophilious networks and their Latin American background.

Research limitations/implications

By investigating stories of Latin American immigrant professionals, the study explores subjective views of immigration experiences and discrimination in this unique and rarely examined group. A larger sample will increase the confidence of the study's findings and future studies should examine dynamics of these issues over time.

Originality/value

This paper presents insight onto the labor market experiences and coping mechanisms of the currently understudied group of Latin American immigrant professionals in Canada. The study's qualitative approach enabled the examination of challenges experienced by immigrant professionals beyond those typically studied in this literature (e.g. devaluation of foreign credentials) and led to the finding that being Latin American can act both as a disadvantage in the form of discrimination and as an advantage as it differentiates immigrant professionals from other job seekers.
Immigrants
Authors: Bell Myrtle P. , Kwesiga Eileen N. , Berry Daphne P.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the invisibility of immigrants in diversity research in the management field.

Design/methodology/approach

Reasons for the paucity of immigrant research, focusing on discrimination, exploitation, and abuse of low‐skilled Hispanic immigrants in the USA, are examined. Considerations of what can be applied to the study of immigrants from extant diversity research are explored.

Findings

Experiences of Hispanic immigrants to the USA are largely absent from diversity literature even though immigrants are significant contributors to the diversity of the USA. There are clear differences in the employment experiences of native‐born Hispanic‐Americans and those who are immigrants, with the latter, both documented and undocumented, generally faring worse in wages, benefits, and interpersonal treatment when compared with those who are native‐born.

Research limitations/implications

Suggestions for research are provided to increase the inclusion of immigrants in diversity research.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on integrating the experiences of discrimination of low‐skilled Hispanic immigrants, who comprise the bulk of newcomers to the USA, into the mainstream diversity literature in management studies and provides questions to stimulate research in the area.
The ba of blogs
Authors: Martin‐Niemi Fa , Greatbanks Richard
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between the characteristics of a blog community and the enabling conditions of knowledge conversion using the knowledge creation cycle and the enabling context (ba) in which knowledge is converted from individual to collective and from tacit to explicit.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is used to identify environmental factors and enabling conditions for knowledge conversion and the sense of community within blog communities as well as a blog‐based virtual ethnography of a blog community.

Findings

The paper proposes ten potential enabling conditions that influence the sense of community in blog environments, and which facilitate the ba of socialisation (originating ba) and externalisation (conversing ba) necessary for conversion of tacit knowledge between individuals.

Research limitations/implications

This study observed one blog community over a five‐month period of time. Future research could be extended to examine multiple networked blog communities from the inception of the communities.

Originality/value

Previous research on the ability of virtual environments to facilitate ba for tacit knowledge conversion is limited. The paper develops an important connection between virtual environments and tacit knowledge conversion, which have implications for organisations whose members are not physically co‐located but must share knowledge.
University libraries: step towards a web based knowledge management system
Authors: Rah Javeed Ahmad , Gul Sumeer , Ashraf Wani Zahid
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Web based knowledge management systems have opened new arrays in the present web based world. Because of innumerable features, they have become the first hand choice of every organization. The objective of this paper is to propose a web based knowledge management system for university libraries that will support the creation, organization, storage, dissemination and utilization of the institution's digital knowledge assets. The paper also aims to illustrate the requirements of a web based knowledge management system (WBKMS) for university libraries along with their key advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing web based knowledge management systems were surveyed and a model framework was developed keeping in view the prevailing loopholes in the present systems.

Findings

The study evolves into a model web based knowledge management system catering for the needs of the users in the present bit and byte world.

Research limitations/implications

Further research can be conducted into designing web based knowledge management systems keeping in view the needs and behavior of the users they serve. Deep log analysis of the academically endeavored web based systems can be carried out for working out a better and productive WBKMS.

Practical implications

The outcome of the research will improve staff professionalism and will help in achieving coordination with other libraries and library users. Knowledge innovation in a web‐based environment will help in the creation of better and enlightened knowledge based society.

Originality/value

The technologies discussed will help in achieving satisfaction levels both on the part of users as well as library professionals. The whole behavior of seeking information and knowledge will change because of generation, sharing and management of information and knowledge in a virtual mode. Such systems will help organizations strategically when their branches are located in different geographical locations and this will give a platform to the members/employees to share best practices, problems, customer interactions, and prevent reinvention of the wheel.
Making MAKCi
Authors: Garcia Blanca C.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Following a third‐generation knowledge management (KM) approach, this article aims to report on a three‐year series of practitioners' experiences engaged in a consensus‐building exercise known as the MAKCi exercise.

Design/methodology/approach

Designed to illustrate a real‐world KM case, this research work used participant observation, on‐line interactions and interviews as methodological tools to explore how knowledge management as a discipline has benefited from the use of Web 2.0 technology.

Findings

The first part of the article depicts the Most Admired Knowledge City (MAKCi) exercise as a research and learning space networked and tightly connected on‐line by common interests of participants. The second part of the article brings further understanding on how networked learning and knowledge creation has been made possible by the use of Web 2.0 tools. It is advanced that higher levels of knowledge co‐creation at a global scale can take the shape of networks of practice (NoPs) in knowledge‐based development contexts such as the one explored for the MAKCi exercise.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to a three‐year recording of practitioners' experiences.

Originality/value

Knowledge‐based social systems, such as networks of practice (NoPs) are identified as emerging social configurations fostering knowledge‐intensive networked learning. NoPs clearly depend on collaboration within networks. Thus, the paper advances that some emerging models of knowledge‐intensive networks such as (NoPs) are natural KM vehicles to foster and promote intensive tacit knowledge conversion into explicit scholarly knowledge regardless of geographical location, becoming highly relevant to knowledge‐based development (KBD) practitioners.
Segmented multimedia document access for knowledge management
Authors: Abiodun Robert Charles , Kingsley Attamah Maduka
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a solution to discontinuity experienced when rendering web‐based multimedia due to buffering; and a solution to access to specific region of web‐based multimedia rendering for annotation.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used was based on a Javascript multiplexer to segment and multiplex multimedia document for separate access to sections of the document.

Findings

The paper shows that without extra equipment or software, users of web multimedia documents can access documents just like cards are accessed in a card game.

Practical implications

With this approach, it is possible for a group of users to share a multimedia document on the internet with their specific comments on a specific segment of the document. It is also possible to evaluate users in a group based on their comments and their environment.

Originality/value

The paper shows a new way of sharing multimedia web documents integrating users' perspectives for knowledge management
Adaptations in a supplier‐manufacturer network: a research note
Authors: Hagberg‐Andersson Åsa , Grønhaug Kjell
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine suppliers' adaptation to a major buyer, and to contribute to the findings of past research.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a survey conducted among the suppliers to a major manufacturing firm as well as personal interviews with key personnel in the buying firm.

Findings

It is found that the suppliers make major internal adaptations, and that the adaptations are beneficial for the suppliers.

Originality/value

The research adds to present insights by demonstrating that adaptations are purposeful and interrelated, and demonstrates that autonomous adaptations, as suggested in past research, may be inadequate to explain the dynamics of buyer‐supplier relationships.
A conceptual model for public relations in museums
Authors: Gürel Eda , Kavak Bahtışen
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to present a conceptual model for public relations specific to museums.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on relevant literature, a contingency model is developed for the public relations practices of museums.

Findings

The model offers the market orientation level of the management and the interest level of the publics as the major factors that influence the effectiveness of the public relations programs in museums. The interest level of the publics is offered as a moderating variable.

Practical implications

The model suggests that the effectiveness of the public relations programs of museums depends on two major factors. Although the interest level of the publics may seem to be uncontrollable at first glance, its negative impact can be largely controllable by managers by changing their own market orientation level – by adapting the public relations strategy to the targeted public depending on the interest level of that public.

Originality/value

The model is specifically designed for museums. It can be accepted as the first public relations model specifically offered for museums. The model here recognises the relationship between marketing and public relations.
A study of compatibility variation across Chinese buyer‐seller relationships
Authors: Trimarchi Michael , Liesch Peter W. , Tamaschke Rick
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study compatibility variations in buyer‐seller relationships between Mainland Chinese firms and Hong Kong Chinese buyer firms that act as intermediaries to markets in the West.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are drawn from 19 multiple in‐depth case study interviews with Mainland and Hong Kong Chinese firms and buyer firms from the West.

Findings

Compatibility dimensions that provide further evidence of factors that underpin the nature of classical‐type exchange arrangements,vis‐à‐visrelational relationships, within Chinese buyer‐seller interactions are identified. Compatibility variations based on political and legal factors are driven by interpretation and application of Chinese state laws at the business and provincial levels rather than at the national level. Mainland Chinese tend to exhibit authoritativevis‐à‐visConfucian‐based practices and a short‐term orientation within interactions.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need to expand the psychic distance composite to elucidate compatibility variations within the distinct provincial business regions of China. Quantitative studies to test for compatibility variability in China business practices across China are needed next. A better understanding of the nature of classical inclinations used by the Chinese is crucial, as is an understanding of how firms, both domestic and foreign, are able to leverage classical and relational relationships within Mainland China.

Practical implications

Uncertainty associated with the entrepreneurial behaviours of Chinese businesspersons and a varying emphasis on traditional Confucian values in business result in a hybridisation of interactions across classical and relational types.Guanximay be evolving beyond traditional social and personal trust as Mainland Chinese business relationships have advanced from the smaller scale CFB stage to the state‐owned enterprise stage, and now to the larger and increasingly important world trade stage.

Originality/value

The paper challenges shortcomings in research that has centred exclusively on the relational nature of Chinese business interactions, and it builds on previous research to study compatibility variations underpinning these Chinese interactions. It predicts a hybridisation of interactions amongst Chinese actors and provides a foundation for future quantitative research to study compatibility variations, and also classical‐type business practices across China. Increased international market awareness may also be leading to the inclusion of an economic trust factor, driving classical‐type Chinese buyer‐seller relationships, as is more characteristic of arrangements found in Western exchanges.
Interpersonal trust in commercial relationships
Authors: Guenzi Paolo , Georges Laurent
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore drivers and consequences of customer trust in the salesperson in the financial services industry. Its theoretical foundations are based on literature on customers' interpersonal relationships with salespeople and front‐line employees, as well as on literature in the area of customer trust.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model, specifying a set of hypotheses linking a salesperson's behaviours to customer trust, and the latter to behavioural loyalty intentions, was tested using partial least squares (PLS) on a sample of 150 customers in the Italian banking industry. Multiple models were compared in order to evaluate the mediating role of customer trust.

Findings

The results of the empirical study show that both salesperson's customer orientation and expertise positively influence customer trust in the salesperson. Conversely, selling orientation has a negative impact on it. Moreover, a salesperson's likeability does not influence customer trust. Finally, trust in the salesperson positively influences a customer's intentions to re‐buy/cross‐buy and to recommend, while it decreases a customer's intention to switch to competitors.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests that different relational antecedents may have different impacts on different relational mediators and outcomes. Since the mechanisms of interpersonal relationship formation and development are multifaceted, to understand fully the complexity of relational phenomena researchers should develop and test models incorporating multiple relational antecedents and outcomes.

Practical implications

The study provides sales managers with some evidence of the behaviours that salespeople should adopt to influence successfully the creation of long‐term relationships, especially in the context of “credence” services. The findings suggest that the optimal behaviours of salespeople may vary, depending on the ultimate goal of the sellers' relational strategy. The authors suggest drivers that managers can leverage to stimulate salespeople to perform the desired behaviours.

Originality/value

The model tested in the empirical study highlights the mediating role of customer trust and incorporates a broad set of drivers and consequences of interpersonal trust. As such, it improves knowledge of trust‐building processes in the context of credence services, where trust and interpersonal relationships are very relevant.
The impact of marketing strategy creation style on the formation of a climate of trust in a retail franchise setting
Authors: White Darin W.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

It is the purpose of this study to demonstrate theoretically and empirically how the marketing strategy creation style implemented by a channel leader in a franchise system impacts the overall climate of trust within the channel system. Specifically, this study seeks to answer two important research questions: should franchisors direct franchisees in prescribed behaviors, or should the franchisees be allowed to play a more fundamental role in the strategy‐making process? How does this decision affect the overall level of trust within the franchise system relationship?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the impact of four common strategy‐making styles in a study of 244 fast food franchise businesses and compares the findings with those previously obtained in other settings.

Findings

Support was found for the hypotheses, which stated that the channel climate of franchise systems implementing the symbolic, generative, or transactive modes of strategy‐making would be characterized by a higher degree of trust than would the climate of franchise systems implementing the rational mode.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical test considered only one industry (the fast food industry), and only one side of the franchisor‐franchisee dyad (the franchisee's perceptions) was used for the empirical tests.

Originality/value

The findings of the paper contribute significantly to an overall understanding of the development of effective, successful franchise channel relationships.
Does sponsorship work in the same way in different sponsorship contexts?
Authors: Olson Erik L.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive model of high‐level sponsorship effects that works well in both sports and cultural sponsorship contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The sponsorship model is tested using survey data from target market representative samples in two professional sports contexts and two cultural contexts.

Findings

The model works almost equally well in both contexts. Furthermore, a more parsimonious mediated effects model provides virtually the same results as the full model. Improving attitude towards the sponsorship and object equity are found to be the most important factors for improving sponsor equity. The model also confirms earlier research on the importance of sponsor sincerity and sponsor‐object fit in determining sponsorship effects.

Research limitations/implications

The explained variance of the sincerity and object equity constructs was not as high as for other constructs in the model.

Practical implications

Sponsorship managers should pre‐test potential objects and sponsorship communications to make sure that constructs in the model such as fit, sincerity, sponsorship attitudes, and object equity are maximised to provide optimal sponsor equity.

Originality/value

The model combines constructs from various literatures into a comprehensive model of high‐level sponsorship effects. Furthermore, while most previous sponsorship research has used convenience samples and/or fictional and/or single sponsorship contexts, the comprehensive model tested here is shown to have high external validity by its consistently good performance in predicting sponsorship effects using four real sponsorships and representative samples.
Field‐capital theory and its implications for marketing
Authors: Tapp Alan , Warren Stella
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the applicability and implications of Bourdieu's field‐capital theory for marketing using original research with a typical European society. Bourdieu's field‐capital theory proposes that people acquire economic, social and cultural capital which they deploy in social arenas known as “fields” in order to compete for positions of distinction and status. This exploratory study aims to examine how Bourdieu's theory may explain competitive behavior in fields of interest to marketers.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 61 in‐depth interviews were completed with respondents that were representative of each of 61 geodemographic “types” – clusters that enable marketers to segment an entire population.

Findings

The findings suggest that examining human behaviour through the lens of field and capital theory highlights the importance of the competition motive in explaining consumers' behaviour. New “fields” were identified which seem to have assumed primary importance, particularly in middle‐class people's lives.

Research limitations/implications

Viewing consumer behaviour as social competition implies that new segmentation approaches may yield successful marketing outcomes, and opens consumer psychology and behaviour itself to new interpretations.

Originality/value

Very few research papers that apply field‐capital theory to marketing are present in the literature. It is hoped that this work addresses an important area, and one that is particularly prevalent in twenty‐first century consumerism.
Explaining the entry mode choice among Tunisian exporting firms
Authors: Khemakhem Romdhane
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Managers involved with export marketing are concerned first with entry mode decisions for their foreign expansions. The purpose of this paper is to examine the key factors that influence the exporting firm's foreign market entry mode choice. It aims to test empirically the hypothesized relation between three kinds of determinants – i.e. transaction costs, export behavior, and channel environment – and the likelihood of selecting an integrated as opposed to an independent mode.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an analytical review, research hypotheses were built. An empirical investigation was carried out among 420 exporting firms, which were surveyed to explore the determinants of their entry mode choice decision. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis are employed to extract and test key influential factors on the basis of the data of this sample. Then, logistic regression models are used to determine the likelihood relationships between the exporting mode and the declined variables.

Findings

The results show that not all constructs hypothesized with the entry mode relationship were introduced into the model, and only three variables were retained that were significant in predicting the entry mode choice: two transaction costs variables and one export behavior variable. None of the channel environment variables was maintained by the main effects model; they constituted only pure moderators of the relationship between the transaction costs factors and the entry mode choice decision.

Research limitations/implications

Although probably classified within the category of classical research, the paper can easily contribute to the current literature in more than one way. But the research does contain certain limitations, mainly with sampling procedures. The main limitation is that the sample was one of convenience and did not respect the heterogeneous character of the subjects, with the result that the different empirical tests are not easily generalizable.

Practical implications

This research should help managers to identify some of the circumstances under which direct exporting modes might be deployed to enhance international marketing performance in foreign markets. Direct exporting should be considered in the area of small and medium‐sized exporting firms at the outside of a new industrialized economy. It might be concerned within an adaptive marketing approach where the environment pressures have only moderating effects.

Originality/value

The paper offers interesting insight into the decision tools in international marketing. Principally, the empirical study makes a major contribution to the limited body of empirical knowledge on entry mode choice for the exporting activities of small and medium‐sized enterprises in the context of an emerging economy. It points out the fundamental value of the transaction costs approach and verifies the theoretical assumptions of the moderating effects of the environment variables.
Implementing competitive strategies: the role of responsive and proactive market orientations
Authors: Voola Ranjit , O'Cass Aron
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This study seeks to draw on the strategy implementation approach and the resource‐based view of the firm (RB theory) to investigate the relationships among competitive strategies (i.e. differentiation and cost‐leadership), responsive market orientation (RMO), proactive market orientation (PMO) and firm performance. The purpose is to show that competitive strategies have a significant effect on market orientation and market orientation has a significant effect on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper designed a mail‐survey that was sent to senior executives, which resulted in 189 usable surveys. Data were analysed using partial least squares (PLS) to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings show that both competitive strategies influence RMO and PMO, which then influence firm performance. However, the results show that differentiation strategy has a stronger influence on RMO and PMO than cost‐leadership strategy, and that PMO has a stronger influence on performance than RMO.

Research limitations/implications

The study examined one set of capabilities (RMO and PMO); research opportunities exist for identifying other firm capabilities (e.g. organisational learning) and their relationships with competitive strategies.

Practical implications

Strategy implementation is a valid route to firm performance. Therefore, marketing managers must simultaneously develop competitive strategies and RMO and PMO to obtain increased firm performance outcomes.

Originality/value

The study conceptualises market orientation as RMO and PMO, and suggests that this treatment of market orientation is important in understanding its role in the competitive strategies of firms and consequent firm performance.
Gender differences in supermarket choice
Authors: Beynon Malcolm J. , Moutinho Luiz , Veloutsou Cleopatra
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: to outline and analyse the issue of gender differences in supermarket choice; and to demonstrate the nascent CaRBS technique as an appropriate analysis tool on incomplete data.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a CaRBS analysis of survey‐based data with emphasis on the visualisation of the evidence on the reasons for supermarket choice in discerning the gender of those making the decision of which supermarket to visit.

Findings

Using the original incomplete data, there are certain reasons, such as range of stock, that are viewed differently by male and female consumers when deciding which supermarket to choose.

Practical implications

CaRBS provides the ability to analyse incomplete data without the need to manage the missing values that are present, and the ability to optimise the classification of respondents based on their gender through minimising ambiguity but not the inherent ignorance in the evidence from the questionnaire‐based responses. The relevance of characteristics can be found, even though many of the response‐based data values are missing.

Originality/value

The paper provides a clear demonstration of the ability to analyse original incomplete data, mitigating having to interpret results from managed data. The paper also introduces the CaRBS technique as a practical analysis tool in marketing research.
The theory‐practice divide: thoughts from the Editors and Senior Advisory Board of EJM
Authors: Lee Nick , Greenley Gordon
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this editorial is to bring together thoughts and opinions from the Editors and Senior Advisory Board of EJM regarding the nature of the long‐debated “theory‐practice divide” in marketing scholarship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors synthesise diverse opinions from senior academics in order both to inspire further debate in marketing scholarship, and to draw some important conclusions for marketing academia as a whole.

Findings

The authors propose that, for marketing scholarship to mature and progress, room must be found for those who wish to focus both on practical and on pure marketing scholarship. Career advancement from both routes is vital.

Research limitations/implications

The topic of the theory‐practice gap is complex. Many diverse opinions are cited and, due to space constraints, the coverage of many issues is necessarily brief.

Practical implications

Scholars should find the thoughts contained in the paper of significant interest.

Originality/value

The paper appears to be the first to bring together such a set of diverse opinions on the subject, and to try to draw some overall pragmatic conclusions, while still recognising the multiplicity of valid thought in the area.
Knowledge management in academic institutions
Authors: Raj Adhikari Dev
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a concept of knowledge among the campus chiefs and other university leaders to make them aware of how important knowledge management (KM) is to achieve quality education criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of the article is basically conceptual and descriptive. The article was presented at three different seminars of professors and campus chiefs and their suggestions are also incorporated.

Originality/value

The article deals with KM and quality education relations. The author believes that this article is valuable to academic leaders to know the issues and challenges of Nepalese academic institutions and apply the concept of KM to achieve quality education goals.

Practical implications

The article was prepared to familiarize Nepalese educational leaders with the tools and processes of KM.

Originality/value

This is a conceptual article and there is still a need for research in Nepalese academic institutions to know the real situation of KM. However, the article helps educational leaders to know how important are KM concepts, tools and practices to fulfill the objective of quality education.
Steps toward promoting consistency in educational decisions
Authors: Klein Joseph
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The literature indicates the advantages of decisions formulated through intuition, as well as the limitations, such as lack of consistency in similar situations. The principle of consistency (invariance), requiring that two equivalent versions of choice‐problems will produce the same preference, is violated in intuitive judgment. This paper aims to examine the contribution of the simple decision process (SDP) to invariance in intuitive educational decisions. The SDP integrates intuitive and systematic techniques by breaking down a dilemma into simple problems that can be processed intuitively with little or no perturbation by bias.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 40 teachers resolved a complex educational dilemma three times intuitively, with the same data presented in a different order in each iteration. Content analysis revealed inconsistency in the conclusions reached with the three formats. This is explained in the literature by the anchoring effect. Thereafter, the three‐step procedure was repeated, with the participation of 246 teachers using SDP. A statistical analysis showed significant invariance with respect to decisions made during the three trials.

Findings

An SDP formulated decision is not affected by the order of data presentation. The principle of invariance, a sine qua non in analyzing rational choices, is maintained

Originality/value

The article sheds light on the potential inherent in integration of intuition and common sense with analytical thought‐patterns in educational decisions and in other fields that involve probabilistic determinations.
Harnessing ICT potential
Authors: Dawson Shane , Heathcote Liz , Poole Gary
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how effective higher education institutions have been in harnessing the data capture mechanisms from their student information systems, learning management systems and communication tools for improving the student learning experience and informing practitioners of the achievement of specific learning outcomes. The paper seeks to argue that the future of analytics in higher education lies in the development of more comprehensive and integrated systems to value add to the student learning experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature regarding the trend for greater accountability in higher education is reviewed in terms of its implications for greater “user driven” direction. In addition, IT usage within higher education and contemporary usage of data captured from various higher education systems is examined and compared to common commercial applications to suggest how higher education management and teachers can gain greater understanding of the student cohort and personalise and enhance the learning experience much as commercial entities have done for their client base. A way forward for higher education is proposed.

Findings

If the multiple means that students engage with university systems are considered, it is possible to track individual activity throughout the entire student life cycle – from initial admission, through course progression and finally graduation and employment transitions. The combined data captured by various systems builds a detailed picture of the activities students, instructors, service areas and the institution as a whole undertake and can be used to improve relevance, efficiency and effectiveness in a higher education institution.

Originality/value

The paper outlines how academic analytics can be used to better inform institutions about their students learning support needs. The paper provides examples of IT automation that may allow for student user‐information to be translated into a personalised and semi‐automated support system for students.
Early antecedents to students' expected performance
Authors: Garger John , Thomas Michael , Jacques Paul H.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to confirm the predictive validity of several antecedents to students' early perceptions of future performance in collegiate courses.

Design/methodology/approach

A non‐experimental design was used to test a proposed model based on a review of relevant literature. Students completed surveys capturing the constructs researched.

Findings

Students' internal locus of control predicted student perceptions of social integration, academic self concept and grade point average (GPA) and social integration significantly predicted academic self concept. Moreover, academic self concept significantly predicted early perceptions of expected grade beyond the student's current level of performance as measured by his/her current GPA.

Research limitations/implications

Subjects were from one academic program in one university. Also, expected performance was measured with one item, which focused on expected grade, only one aspect of performance. Other aspects of performance and outcomes such as perceived learning or satisfaction with the course could shed more light on the relationships among the constructs under study

Practical implications

Students with an internal locus of control orientation can better leverage self‐confidence to social and academic ends in the classroom and more readily exhibit the sustained goal‐related behaviors requisite for success during transitions to college and subsequent professional placements. Also, students who are encouraged to take personal responsibility for relationships with peers and adjust behaviors are likely to maintain and enhance the quality of these relationships.

Originality/value

The paper's results suggest that instructors who foster/reinforce students' concept of connections between choices and outcomes may be rewarded with enhanced student motivation to perform well in the course.
Educational value: how students choose university
Authors: Petruzzellis Luca , Romanazzi Salvatore
Published: February 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to measure students' perceptions of value that are influenced by differences in costs (monetary and non‐monetary), students' attitudes and socio‐demographic features. It seeks to investigate the components of the university value that affects students' choice.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was developed in order to measure students' beliefs and perceptions about the offer and service attributes of the university. All variables, primarily drawn from the literature, were measured using multiple items. ANOVA and a PLS regression was used to investigate the effects of the various value dimensions as perceived by students.

Findings

The findings suggest that, although universities could improve student retention by attempting to increase their level of satisfaction, their efforts will be more effective if focussed on demonstrating the way that the service provided has helped their customers to achieve their objectives, highlighting the strategic importance of the social value.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the limitations, such as the sample size and the convenience sampling strategy, future research should be addressed to define the student lifetime value from both the university and the student point of view. Additionally, it could be interesting to investigate a kind of “student equity” as a function of: student satisfaction, student sacrifice and word‐of‐mouth.

Originality/value

Since little empirical research concerning student value and its formation exists, this paper develops a value approach that measures the total student experience. Moreover, very few studies exist in the Italian context, which proves to be interesting due to the recent changes in the university system structure.