bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical social sustainability factors in urban conservation
Authors: Kwan Esther Yung Hiu , Wan Edwin Chan Hon
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical factors for enhancing social sustainability of the conservation of built heritage projects and to highlight the importance of addressing social sustainability in urban conservation.

Design/methodology/approach

First of all, a list of social sustainability factors is compiled from the international literature and then verified by a panel of experts in the field of heritage conservation and laymen through a pilot study in Hong Kong. Afterwards, through a questionnaire survey carried out in Hong Kong for an urban conservation project, the citizens' responses were obtained and evaluated. Results were derived from factor analysis.

Findings

The results indicated that social considerations should be incorporated for achieving social sustainability in urban heritage conservation. “Educational and local cultural promotion means”, “Meanings of the place”, “Social inclusion and psychological needs” and “Public participation and opportunity for skills development” were found to be the significant underlying factors for enhancing social sustainability of the case study project.

Social implications

The underlying social factors found in this study can help enhance planning, management and implementation in conservation projects that should promote social well being in society.

Originality/value

The case study provides a valid basis for an interesting analysis on the relevance of the social sustainability aspects to an urban conservation project that also provides insights for other urban conservation projects of a similar nature. The factors identified can form an evaluation framework to measure the social sustainability level of a significant urban conservation and revitalization project in practice.
Export market orientation, managerial ties, and performance
Authors: Chung Henry F.L.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide new insights into the link between export market orientation (EMO) and export performance by examining whether managerial ties act to moderate the relationship. Specifically, the study explores whether the extent to which firms have managerial ties (business and political) alters the ways in which the intelligence generation and dissemination components of export market orientation drive export market responsiveness, and in turn, impact on strategic export performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 100 New Zealand firms exporting to the European Union are used.

Findings

The key findings indicate that: export market intelligence generation and dissemination have positive associations with responsiveness; the strength of business ties enhances the relationship between export market intelligence generation and responsiveness; the strength of political ties reduces the relationship between export market intelligence dissemination and responsiveness; and export market responsiveness is positively related to strategic export performance.

Originality/value

The study has implications for export marketing managers and researchers with respect to managing EMO levels and the development of managerial ties.
International marketing, strategic orientations and business success
Authors: Cadogan John W.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to highlight key themes and issues within the strategic orientation research domain that are in need of research attention by international scholars.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is an essay format.

Findings

The essay identifies six prime issues in need of attention by scholars interested in examining strategic orientations in the context of international business success. These are the need to: examine the relative merits of adopting strategic orientations in firms’ domestic and international business operations; more carefully match international performance metrics to the theory being developed; develop more theory‐rich conceptual models of the consequences of strategic orientations by considering non‐linear and complex moderated relationships; consider the dimensionality of strategic orientations more closely, potentially viewing the constructs in a variety of disaggregated ways, so as to develop models with greater conceptual precision and managerial relevance; go beyond current methodological boundaries to provide better/more robust tests of theories; and integrate theories regarding individual strategic orientations into meta‐theories that accommodate multiple strategic orientations.

Research limitations/implications

For each of the six prime research issues identified as being important within the international strategic orientations field, a variety of specific research avenues and research questions are raised and discussed.

Originality/value

The paper provides researchers with insights into potential avenues for conducting research into strategic orientations in the international marketing arena.
Greening of industries for sustainable growth
Authors: Saxena Ravindra P. , Khandelwal Pradeep K.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to aim in general to understand the perception of industries in India – a fast growing economy, towards green philosophy and to investigate further what initiatives those industries have taken for becoming green.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is exploratory in nature and attempts to understand the behaviour of three types of industries, namely, durable, non‐durable and services towards green philosophy.

Findings

Results of the study reflect that industries in India, in general have a positive view for practicing green philosophy. They feel becoming green will help them in gaining the competitive advantage and will support them in sustainable growth. Also the industries that have a positive attitude towards greening have taken some measures and initiatives in this direction to establish a sustainable competitive advantage for succeeding in today's highly challenging and dynamic global markets.

Research limitations/implications

The present exploratory study provides a starting‐point for further research. Researchers can further explore whether industries using green philosophy were able to register a competitive advantage and could gain added market share and profits by becoming green. They can investigate the reason behind this green attitude, whether industries are using green practices for cutting costs in turn to increase their profits or whether they have a genuine concern for environmental protection and society's welfare and therefore adopting green practices in their industry.

Originality/value

Most of such studies in the field of green marketing and social economics are done in developed countries and remain conspicuously missing in the context of fast developing Asian countries. This research is a step to filling this gap and providing a platform for further research in this area.
The economics of Rawlsian justice: can it be neoclassical?
Authors: Bradford Wylie
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the compatibility of Rawls's account of justice with neoclassical economic theory, upon which Rawls relies strongly.

Design/methodology/approach

This question is approached via a comparison of the implicit account of society and social relations adopted in Rawl's work with that that can be perceived to underly neoclassical economic theory. The purpose of this comparison is to assess how compatible these social visions are.

Findings

It is argued that neoclassical economic theory presupposes a social structure and a social reality that is radically less cooperative than that which underpins Rawls's theory of justice. Rawls presupposes a world in which cooperation is necessary – a specialised world – whereas the equilibrium requirements of neoclassical theory run into severe technical difficulties in such a context, with the result that they are assumed away via a series of theoretical contrivances, along with the role for cooperation that is central to Rawls's theory.

Research limitations/implications

The paper illustrates clearly the pitfalls associated with uncritical reliance in one discipline on theoretical frameworks imported from another. Where there is debate concerning the fundamental bases of theory, a form of sensitivity analysis must be performed to ensure that the final argument does not demand too much of, or become excessively tied to, the imported framework.

Originality/value

The paper provides the beginnings of such a sensitivity analysis on the Rawlsian project and its relationship to economic theory, and shows that the field is open for a reconstitution of the liberal theory of justice on grounds other than its traditional ally, the exchange paradigm as represented by neoclassical theory.
The impact of trades by traders on asymmetric volatility for Nasdaq‐100 index futures
Authors: Kittiakarasakun Jullavut , Tse Yiuman , Wang George H.K.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of trades by informed traders and uninformed traders on the asymmetric volatility relation, a stylized fact that has long been puzzling financial economists. Avramov, Chordia, and Goyal's hypothesized that asymmetric volatility, defined as the negative relationship between daily volatility and lagged unexpected return, is governed by the trading dynamics of informed traders and uninformed traders. However, the hypothesis has not been directly tested due to lack of a measure for informed and informed trades. The authors aim to test the hypothesis using a direct measure for informed trades and uninformed trades.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ the Computer Trade Reconstruction (CTR) data of Nasdaq‐100 index futures for the period of 2002 through 2004. The dataset contains a unique variable distinguishing informed trades and uninformed trades, allowing the authors to directly examine the impact of the trades (i.e. selling activities) on the asymmetric volatility relation.

Findings

Based on the Nasdaq‐100 index futures data, the asymmetric volatility relation is driven by the selling activity of uninformed traders, particularly from small‐size trades. These results are only significant during the first half of the period, which is more volatile than the second half. The selling impact of informed traders on the asymmetric volatility relation is at most weak for both subperiods.

Research limitations/implications

While risk and returns are important for asset pricing and risk management, most financial researchers consider them from a fundamental perspective. This paper's results suggest that selling activity of uninformed traders can significantly influence asset return and volatility and, hence, deserves more attention from the researchers.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to provide a direct test for Avmarov et al.'s hypothesis and shows that uninformed trades cause the asymmetric volatility. The authors contribute to ongoing discussions of how noise trading behavior can impact asset return and volatility.
Synthesis and solvatochromism of heterocyclic bichromophoric dyes derived from 2‐aminothiazole
Authors: Yen M.S.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate some novel bis‐hetaryl dyes containing both azo and azo methine chromophores on their molecular structures: two series of different molecular structures of these dyes were synthesised. The spectral characteristics and the relationships between colour and constitution of these dyes in solvents with different polarities were systematically investigated and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of novel bichromophoric dyes containing azo and azomethine chromophores were synthesized using two kinds of reaction routes. 2‐amino‐4‐(p‐substituted) phenyl‐thiazole derivatives, which are coupling components, were subjected to diazotisation with aniline derivatives and then to condensation with benzaldehyde derivatives. By exchanging the synthesis route, two series of bichromophoric dyes could be obtained.

Findings

The maximum absorption wavelengths of the obtained dyes would be attributed to the higher bathochromic shift in basic organic solvent with high polarity, such as dimethylformamide, as compared with the solvent with low polarity, such as chloroform.

Research limitations/implications

In the present study, a series of novel bichromophoric dyes were synthesized by means of two‐step pathway. In addition, the effects of substituent on the primary aromatic amine and on benzaldehyde moieties will also be discussed.

Practical implications

This novel synthesis method of the thiazole ring would lead to the formation of 2‐amino‐4‐(p‐substituted)phenyl‐thiazole with heteroaromatic coupling component position at C‐5, and consequently would produce the heteroaromatic diazo component at C‐2 for the preparation of the heteroaryl diazo dyes.

Originality/value

In this paper, the bichromophoric dyes obtained by different synthesis routes would indicate that the effect of solvent polarity should be responsible for the bathochromic shifts of the dyes.
Study of anthocyanin stability derived from the fruit pulp of Melastoma malabathricum in a coating system
Authors: Aziz N. , Mat Nor N.A. , Mohd‐Adnan A.F. , Taha R.M. , Arof A.K.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the stability of anthocyanin colorant with and without ferulic acid (FA) stabilising agent in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) binder coating system.

Design/methodology/approach

The anthocyanin colorant was extracted using methanol acidified with 0.5% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). FA was added to improve thermal stability of the colorant. The FA added colorant was mixed with PVA to develop a coating system. To test the ability of the coating mixture to withstand heat in the liquid state, spectroscopic studies were carried out in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum when the liquid samples had cooled down to room temperature after being heated at 80 and 90°C for 30 minutes. This procedure was repeated six times until a total heating time of 180 minutes has been accomplished. The liquid samples were also coated on glass slides, cured and then stored in different incubators at 30, 40 and 50°C. The visible spectrum was taken everyday for 30 days to study the effect of storage temperature. Spectroscopic results were analysed in terms of intensity rate percentage (IRP).

Findings

In the liquid state, the anthocyanin‐PVA mixture without FA showed lower absorbance compared to the mixture containing FA after heating at 80 and 90°C. This shows that FA can enhance the intensity of absorbance of the liquid coating mixture. The mixtures containing FA show increase in absorbance with increase in heating time. The same results are obtained for the coating on glass substrate where FA containing coatings show increase in IRP with time for all storage temperatures. Coating with 1% FA content showed better enhancement and stability.

Research limitations/implications

The colour of the untreated samples quickly faded during heating and storage at different temperatures. In this study, the addition of 0.5% and 1% FA stabilised and enhanced the colour intensity at 30, 40 and 50°C. Further improvements may find the mixture suitable as paint or coating materials and as nail varnish.

Practical implications

The results indicate the possibility of applying the FA stabilised anthocyanin‐PVA, colorant‐binder composition in a coating system.

Originality/value

The use of anthocyanin from M. Malabathricum as a colourant in a coating system or nail varnish is original. Anthocyanin pigments are normally used as colorant in foods.
Educational leadership in a competitive state: a contradiction in terms?
Authors: Moos Lejf
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how important the choice of theoretical perspective is on the analyses of empirical data from a Danish case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical bases for the analyses are qualitative, longitudinal case studies of school leadership in the International Successful School Principalship Project (ISSPP). This article discusses and compares analyses from two analytical perspectives. The first is a welfare state perspective, which includes education for democracy and social justice. The second perspective is a competitive state perspective. Here the educational focus is on educating for employability on a labour market.

Findings

School leaders are seen to comply with most of the demands of the competitive state: e.g. demands for negotiations and effectiveness. Leaders also intended to lead schools and education for democracy and social justice.

Originality/value

The limitations and possibilities are described more clearly than usual. They therefore provide deeper insights into the complexities of school leadership.
Successful secondary principalship in Cyprus
Authors: Pashiardis Petros , Kafa Antonios , Marmara Christiana
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into successful secondary school principals in Cyprus, focusing on identifying their actions and behaviours through the adoption of a systemic view of the quality of leadership in school organizations from multiple stakeholders (i.e. self, parents, students and teachers).

Design/methodology/approach

This article is the sequel to another paper on successful principalship which was written about successful primary school principals in Cyprus. A multi‐case study methodology was followed where data were gathered from a wide range of school stakeholders such as the principal, teachers, students and parents employing a common, semi‐structured interview protocol developed specifically for the International Successful School Principalship Project (ISSPP) which was translated into Greek and adopted to Cyprus’ educational context.

Findings

This paper argues that the principals exhibit behaviors and actions such as developing relationships, being committed, being visionary and promoting a collaborative learning environment which, in combination with their passion, devotion and commitment, lead to successful principalship.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into the implications for principals’ training by informing policies for recruitment and retention leading to the designing of more effective leadership training programs.
LinkAge Plus: lessons for third sector organisations and commissioners
Authors: Harradine Donald , Greenhalgh Kirsten
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the relationship between commissioners of service and the third sector arising from research undertaken during aLinkAge Plusproject by comparison to the eight principles of commissioning. It seeks to explore the issues concerning the development of services and the implications in an era of austerity for rapid changes to the implementation of policy nationally in the UK and internationally.

Design/methodology/approach

The main methods employed are interview, document analysis and observation. This research re‐evaluates research undertaken for aLinkAge Pluspilot evaluation.

Findings

The framework provided by the eight principles of good commissioning appeared to rely on the premise that the contracts entered into are long‐term in nature, however, where short‐term contracts are entered into the principles appear somewhat unachievable.

Research limitations/implications

The paper examines the findings arising from oneLinkAge Pluspilot site only, however, the authors contend that the findings offer genuine insights into the relationship between commissioners of services and the third sector, owing to the number of projects undertaken for the scheme.

Practical implications

The findings offer organisations and policy makers an insight into the issues faced by the third sector when dealing with large commissioners particularly with regards to the rapid change of service provision and short‐term contracts. This has considerable relevance in the changing economic climate and the associated austerity measures being imposed. The paper also fulfils the need for greater empirical work required in the important area of third sector delivery of services.

Originality/value

LinkAge Plusoffered a unique opportunity to examine how a commissioner can use third sector organisations to develop services quickly and the associated issues that arise.
Three‐dimensional thermal investigations at board level in a reflow oven using thermal‐coupling method
Authors: Lau Chun‐Sean , Abdullah M.Z. , Che Ani F.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop thermal modelling to investigate the thermal response of sample boards (at board level) during the preheating stage of the reflow process and to validate with experimental measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

A thermal‐coupling method that adopted the Multi‐physics Code Coupling Interface (MpCCI) was utilized. A forced‐convection reflow oven was modelled using computational fluid dynamic software (FLUENT 6.3.26), whereas structural heating at the board level was conducted using finite‐element method software (ABAQUS 6.9).

Findings

The simulation showed a complex flow pattern having characteristics of a free‐jet region, stagnation‐flow region, wall jet‐region, recirculation region and vortices. A sharp maximum heat‐transfer coefficient was detected in the stagnation region of the jet, resulting in a spatial variation of local heat transfer on a thermal profile board (TPB). This coefficient affected the temperature distribution in the TPB with different specific heat capacitances and thermal conductivity of the structure. The simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental data and analytical model. The cold region and temperature uniformity (ΔT) increased with increasing complexity of the TPB. The cold region can occur in two possible locations in the TPB. Both occurrences can be related to the flow field of the reflow oven. ΔT of the TPB decreased when the conveyor speed (v) was reduced. A suitable conveyor speed (1.0 cm/s) was determined to maintain ΔT below 10°C, which prevented the thermally critical package from overheating.

Practical implications

The paper provies a methodology for designing a thermal profile for reflow soldering production.

Originality/value

The findings provide fundamental guidelines to the thermal‐coupling method at the board and package levels, very useful for accurate control of ΔT at the board and package levels, one of the major requirements in achieving a high degree of reliability for electronic assemblies.
Oxidation and Au‐Sn reaction of laser reflowed micro‐solder joints protected by N2 or exposed to air atmosphere
Authors: Liu Wei , Tian Yanhong , Yang Lei , Wang Chunqing , Sun Lining
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate oxidation and the Au‐Sn reaction of laser reflowed (LR) micro‐solder joints when different protective atmospheres were applied.

Design/methodology/approach

A N2 atmosphere at room temperature, 60°C, 100°C and 130°C, or an air atmosphere at room temperature were utilized in this study. The solder balls were composed of Sn‐2.0Ag‐0.75Cu‐3.0Bi, and 120 μm in diameter. The surface finish of one pad of the joints was 4.0 μm Au/0.1 μm NiFe/0.01 μm Ta, another pad was made of Cu plated with 3.0 μm Au. The laser reflow process time was controlled to within 10 ms. Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) was used to identify the oxidation condition of LR solder joints with or without protection from a N2 atmosphere at room temperature. The appearance and cross‐sections of the joints protected by a N2 atmosphere at different temperatures were evaluated using SEM analysis.

Findings

Oxidation of LR solder joints from an air atmosphere was extremely severe, and the surfaces of solder were rough as compared with joints protected by a N2 atmosphere. Au‐rich phases and needle‐like AuSn4 intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formed at the interfaces of the solder and the pads. As the temperature of the N2 atmosphere was increased above 100°C, almost all of the Au‐rich phases disappeared. More needle‐like AuSn4 IMCs formed at the interfaces, as compared with that in joints protected by a N2 atmosphere at room temperature and 60°C. In addition, the orientation of the IMCs had clearly changed.

Originality/value

The results may provide a guide for controlling oxidation and the Au‐Sn reaction of micro‐solder joints during the LR process, and improving the properties of joints between solder and pads with Au surface finishes, by regulating the protective atmosphere.
Psychic distance and environment: impact on increased resource commitment
Authors: Freeman Susan , Giroud Axèle , Kalfadellis Paul , Ghauri Pervez
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a theoretical driven model, explaining the interaction between psychic distance and environment on increased (subsequent) resource commitment decisions made by firms in their internationalization process. Increasingly, contrary to the Uppsala internationalization process (IP) model, firms are engaging in direct investment, rather than exporting as an initial step into overseas markets. Yet, it remains unclear how psychic distance affects firms engaged in increased resource commitment, especially in the initial phase of their international expansion when uncertainty is higher.

Design/methodology/approach

Building theory by integrating two key theories of internationalisation (IP model and eclectic paradigm), the paper explains increased resource commitment. Comparing firm types, the study also fills the research gap of recognising multinational enterprises (MNEs) as heterogeneous in their internationalization experience. Psychic distance and environment are analysed across three groups of firms (born‐global, recent and older entrants) to observe the moderating effects of firm experience and related uncertainty. A model and propositions of the relationships between psychic distance and environment, providing an increased commitment perspective, are presented.

Findings

There are mixed responses to the three groups of firms for psychic distance factors (political, geographic, social, information and commercial and economic development); and environmental factors (near‐market effects and sunk costs). Surprisingly born‐global and recent entrants are less affected by psychic distance, and more influenced by external factors, but for different reasons, in making early increased resource commitment decisions in the host market, than are older entrants.

Practical implications

Firms need to consider the strategic objectives of the parent company, psychic distance, local environment and international experience when engaging in increase resource commitment in host economies.

Originality/value

The paper provides theoretical insights and practical implications for those involved in international business and marketing.
Identifying the attributes of blue ocean strategies in hospitality
Authors: Yang Jen‐te
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of a blue ocean strategy (BOS) in selected hotels in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews and the grounded theory approach were applied in this study. A total of 32 senior and top managers working in the corporate executive office and the divisions of rooms and marketing were selected from international tourist chain hotels and resorts for semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

The results show that the features of BOS are identifying guest value perceptions, innovating distinctive added‐value offerings, developing new market segments, branding and re‐branding, creating a unique hotel ambience, adjusting distribution channels, and establishing strategic alliances.

Practical implications

The study suggests that in the sampled hotels, hoteliers should integrate a demand‐based pricing strategy with a supply‐based product‐development strategy. Organizational effectiveness could be further advanced in those hotels by the introduction of revenue management based on the determination of variations in guest demand, making it possible to offer different pricing strategies to diverse market segments.

Originality/value

The results show that the sampled hotels should be able to create unique products and services for customers that strengthen their competitive positions in the marketplace of international tourist hotels in Taiwan. This study advances academic knowledge in the field of organizational effectiveness, particularly with respect to managing customer demand and capacity in the hotel industry.
The visually impaired and consumption in restaurants
Authors: Dias de Faria Marina , Ferreira da Silva Jorge , Brantes Ferreira Jorge
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The objective of this study is to determine the relative importance that the visually impaired give to restaurant service attributes during leisure outings, and the relative utility they allocate to the various levels of these attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in two stages. The first stage consisted of exploratory research using focus groups; the second consisted of a survey using a structured questionnaire administered to 203 visually impaired consumers; conjoint analysis was used.

Findings

The ideal restaurant profile for survey respondents is one in which: the menu is read by the server; service is provided by empathetic servers; low‐intensity light and sound are used; round tables are preferred over rectangular tables; and the server can be summoned using a button.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a non‐probabilistic sample may limit the generalizability of findings.

Practical implications

This study's results can be useful to restaurant managers by improving their understanding of the needs of visually‐impaired consumers.

Social implications

The study contributes to the inclusion in society of the visually impaired as consumers by giving them a voice to express their needs and wants.

Originality/value

Previous studies have not considered the relative utility conferred to restaurant attributes by consumers. The use of conjoint analysis allows the evaluation of the relative importance of these attributes and their levels, while at the same time shedding light on tradeoffs made by the visually impaired consumer in selecting restaurant attributes.
Investigation of Malaysian higher education quality culture and workforce performance
Authors: Mohd Ali Hairuddin , Borhandden Musah Mohammed
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the quality culture and workforce performance in the Malaysian higher education sector. The study also aims to test and validate the psychometric properties of the quality culture and workforce performance instruments used in the study.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 267 academic staff from the International Islamic University Malaysia completed the survey questionnaires. A principal component analysis (PCA) technique was performed to extract the underlying factors, followed by the application of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test factorial validity of the constructs.

Findings

The analysis yielded a nine‐factor‐indexed quality culture construct, while the workforce construct constituted two factors. The findings of the study postulate statistically significant correlation between quality culture and workforce performance.

Practical implications

The findings of the study suggest that a quality culture initiative can be used effectively in the context of the Malaysian higher education sector to enhance academic staff performance.

Originality/value

The results are important since there have been few published studies on quality culture that examine its effects on academic staff performance in the Malaysian higher education sector.
The impact of apologies and promises on post‐violation trust
Authors: Tomlinson Edward C.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

This research aims to separate the effect of a promise from an apology, examine interactional justice as a theoretical mechanism explaining the relationship between these accounts and post‐violation trust, examine how message content compares to the gesture of sending a message, and test offense severity as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed the Trust Game.

Findings

Results indicated significant apology × promise and apology × promise × offense severity interactions on interactional justice, and interactional justice fully mediated the relationship between promises and post‐violation trust.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study was completed using a laboratory game with anonymous partners, results suggest that interactional justice provides a means for relationships to quickly get back on track after a violation. Specifically, promises provide “forward‐looking” information (trustworthy intent) and interpersonal sensitivity (demonstration of courtesy and concern) that enable interactional justice to affect subsequent trust.

Practical implications

These findings attest to the efficacy of clear accounts to foster interactional justice; in particular, apologies lead to higher interactional justice for less serious offenses. Furthermore, accounts that are “forward‐looking” lead to higher post‐violation trust via interactional justice perceptions.

Originality/value

Recent empirical studies suggest that apologies are associated with higher post‐violation trust, but, unlike this article, have not explicated this process or its boundary conditions.
Building future coexistence or keeping people apart
Authors: Fissuh Eyob , Skarlato Olga , Byrne Sean , Karari Peter , Kawser Ahmad
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of cross‐communal cooperation and its contribution to peacebuilding and reconciliation in Northern Ireland through the opinions of 752 respondents.

Design/methodology/approach

A multivariate analysis of the respondents' opinions was gathered through a Public Opinion Survey (MBU 2006), which addresses the issue of physical separation of the Catholic and Protestant communities in the context of the Northern Ireland peace process.

Findings

Findings indicate that religion is a key variable in any discussion of the sustainability of the Northern Ireland peace process in relation to cross‐community initiatives, social and economic integration as well as existing divisions between both communities. Moreover, professional and skilled worker respondents disagreed that the impacts of physical separation between both communities supports the peace process. Catholic Nationalists and respondents from Belfast city and the Western region of Northern Ireland were less likely to perceive the physical separation of both communities as negatively impacting the peace process.

Practical implications

The implication for practice necessitates that the liberal peacebuilding model includes hybrid approaches to harness external economic aid in post‐accord societies that are inclusive of local people, ideas and concerns.

Originality/value

The value of the paper to practitioners and policymakers is that the research on the impact of external economic aid on cross community conflict must include the triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative methods to fully grasp its complexity.
A mediation model of task conflict in vertical dyads
Authors: McMillan Amy , Chen Hao , Richard Orlando C. , Bhuian Shahid N.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The current study seeks to provide predictions for task conflict in supervisor‐subordinate dyads and to test empirically the mediation effects of task conflict between organizational culture/subordinate values and subordinate outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was employed to test the theoretical model.

Findings

It was found that task conflict mediates the relationship between a clan culture and intention to quit. Additionally, support was also found for the mediating effect of task conflict on the relationship between individualistic values and intention to quit.

Research limitations/implications

More research is needed to take into consideration the variables influencing task conflict in both vertical and horizontal dyadic relationships. A dynamic view of conflict may further contribute to the existing literature.

Practical implications

More remedies are needed in organizations to foster positive employees' attitudes and wellbeing through the generation of task conflicts. For example, fostering a clan culture instead of a hierarchy may be vital.

Originality/value

The current study demonstrates that organizational culture/subordinate's values may be linked to different subordinate outcomes through task conflict.
A case study of service desk's performance measurement system
Authors: Siti‐Nabiha A.K. , Thum W.Y. , Sardana G.D.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Performance of service desk is critical to an organization. The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance measurement system of a technical assistance center at one of the largest semi‐conductor manufacturers in the world. The study examines top performance issues faced by the service desk and provides recommendations to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach has been adopted. An analysis is first carried out as to how the performance system has been developed in the organization. A number of employees associated with the service desk have been interviewed, to take into account the employees' views on the performance measurement and the appraisal and reward system of service desk agents. In addition, secondary data as available in public domain have been used. Data from the customer satisfaction survey were analyzed to determine performance issues faced by the service desk and to ascertain the root cause of the performance gap.

Findings

The top performance issues faced by the service desk of the case organization are in areas of poor communication, high time consumption in service delivery, poor trouble shooting, poor knowledge of the agents, and confusing phone menu. The top four areas that need focus and improvement are Resolution Rate (RR), Customer Satisfaction (CSAT), Total Utilization, and Tickets per Agent per Week (TAW). In addition, there are mismatches between the employees and the management of the service desk regarding the rewards and recognition system.

Practical implications

Both customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction are vital for the survival of an organization. Performance measures as suggested are effective tools to plan initiatives for improvement.

Social implications

Satisfaction of employees is closely linked with a performance measurement system which determines appraisal and incentives. A wrong or inappropriate measurement system can bring down motivation levels, creating low productivity, low earnings, low customer satisfaction, and social tensions. There are larger social implications: ineffective performance measures will bring down employment levels because of attrition.

Originality/value

Performance measurement in service is comparatively new. The study described in the paper should prove to be a valuable addition and the paper offers methods to improve performance and action plans to close performance gaps, to enhance customers' experience in a service organizational setting.
Implementing appreciative sharing of knowledge in the US Army Command and General Staff College
Authors: Long Kenneth E.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the application of Thatchenkery's Appreciative Sharing of Knowledge (ASK) to a professional military college.

Design/methodology/approach

ASK is a seven‐step research and intervention methodology grounded in the positive psychology discipline. ASK uncovers behaviors and processes already in existence that are highly valued by stakeholders, and then applies a disciplined organizational development structure to develop action plans for improvement that have strong stakeholder support, in order to effect transformation within the organization.

Findings

The case study reports on a set of high‐payoff priorities that were nominated by students and faculty, and supported in principle and with resources by college leadership to transform the direction of the college towards a new vision of collaborative education.

Research limitations/implications

The case study demonstrates that the ASK methodology can be very effective in traditional professional and educational organizations with strong hierarchical cultures.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrates the seven‐step ASK methodology in detail.

Social implications

The paper describes how ASK can support initiatives to increase participation and commitment of stakeholders and improve the probability of successful implementation of transformational projects.

Originality/value

The paper provides unique insights into the application of ASK in a professional military educational setting among organizational level leaders; it shows how to incorporate organizational values and decision criteria effectively into transformation projects. The paper will be of interest to curriculum designers, education policy makers, teachers, and organization development specialists.
Firm size, disclosure and cost of equity capital
Authors: Embong Zaini , Mohd‐Saleh Norman , Sabri Hassan Mohamat
Published: June 2012

Purpose

Prior studies argue that larger firms could get more net benefit from higher disclosure compared to smaller firms due to economies of scale (lower relative costs to produce) and lower proprietary cost (risk of information disclosed being used by competitor). However, this has not been empirically tested. Thus, the purpose of this study is to provide a formal test on whether larger firms benefit more from higher disclosure compared to the smaller firms.

Design/methodology/approach

In prior studies, size is included as a control variable because it has been found to influence cost of equity capital. However, this study treats firm size as a moderating variable to the relationship between disclosure and cost of equity capital. The sample comprises 460 firms listed under the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia.

Findings

The result shows that there is a significant negative relationship between disclosure and cost of equity capital for large firms and not significant for small firms. The managers of firms could strategize the firm's disclosure policy by taking into consideration that the benefit of disclosure in reducing the cost of equity may depend on the size of the firms.

Originality/value

This is the first study that investigates the effect of size on the disclosure and cost of equity relationship. Thus, the evidence can support Diamond and Verrecchia's argument that larger firms benefit more from their disclosure policy compared to smaller firms. The nature of the information environment in the Malaysian capital market as well as legal background in Malaysia provides the authors with enough variations in disclosure and cost of equity to investigate this issue.
The limits of personalisation
Authors: Duffy Simon
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The paper's aim is to explain the development of the concept of personalisation and its dependence upon prior innovations such as independent living, person‐centred planning and individual budgets and explore its meaning, limitations and future prospects.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of an analytical and historical review of ideas that have been important in the recent history of public policy for people with learning disabilities.

Findings

People with learning disabilities, along with other disabled people, have been engaged in a struggle to achieve full citizenship. The recent reforms that go by the name of “personalisation” may mark an important stage in the development of a fairer system, but on their own they will be insufficient to achieve that objective.

Originality/value

Personalisation is placed, with all its strengths and limitations, within the wider context of the development of policies for people with learning disabilities.
Exposing secrets: mental health tribunals held in public. An “ongoing media circus” or justified transparency?
Authors: Watts John , Mackenzie Robin
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss and examine the implications of holding mental health tribunals in public.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the functioning of tribunals, compares tribunals with other legal processes in the UK and elsewhere, and reviews the legal reasoning for holding tribunal hearings in public.

Findings

The first tribunal hearing has already been held in public and another public hearing is agreed. Public hearings should allow for greater transparency and scrutiny than has thus far been possible, and may change the behaviour of attendees.

Originality/value

Public tribunal hearings have not yet been widely discussed in the academic literature, yet are expected to have implications for all involved.
Young Australian consumers’ preferences for fashion apparel attributes
Authors: Jegethesan Kavisha , Sneddon Joanne N. , Soutar Geoffrey N.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of functional, hedonistic and ethical attributes of denim jeans attributes and the trade‐offs young adult Australian consumers made within these attributes when making a purchase decision.

Design/methodology/approach

A two‐stage mixed‐method approach was used to explore the importance of denim jeans attributes and the trade‐offs made within these attributes. First, focus groups were used to identify attributes that were important to young Australian adult consumers. In the second stage, conjoint analysis was used to estimate the relative importance of the product and ethical attributes that were identified in the focus groups and the trade‐offs made within this attribute set.

Findings

Focus group participants identified style, price, brand, country of origin and ethics as attributes that they used to evaluate denim jeans. In the conjoint analysis respondents identified price as having the highest relative importance, followed by brand, country of origin, style and ethical attributes. It was clear multiple attributes were valued and, although the ethical attributes that were included were not as important as garment attributes, respondents appeared to make trade‐offs between garment and ethical attributes when purchasing denim jeans.

Originality/value

The paper identifies attributes of denim jeans that are valued by young Australian adult consumers. That product attributes were more important than ethical attributes suggests a focus on ethical credentials may not be effective. Denim jeans are more likely to be purchased by young Australian adults if they are reasonably priced, made in Italy and have a designer brand.