bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological aspects of succession in family business management
Authors: Filser Matthias , Kraus Sascha , Märk Stefan
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Family firms appear to be an attractive topic in a number of research areas. Probably the most important topic is still the succession process combined with possible hurdles and gaps. This paper aims to focus on the special variable of the psychological dimension. It attempts to summarize findings and implications as well as suggestions for where potential research gaps are.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a two‐stage research design. The first step is a literature review. All articles published in the Family Business Review (FBR) between 1997 and 2011 were collected and analysed regarding their topics, findings, and implications. As a second step, this knowledge has been applied to conduct a thorough literature analysis on psychological aspects of succession.

Findings

Psychological aspects are often used together with other constructs. The authors strongly recommend handling them as an individualized, highly complex topic, even if social, political, and other aspects are often mixed with psychological aspects and therefore difficult to discuss and separate. A separation of these factors will help researchers present findings in a much clearer way.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the article lies in the methodology itself, as the literature review solely concentrates on empirical papers that exclusively investigate psychological aspects with regard to succession. Nevertheless, the aim was to elaborate a focused psychological field model in terms of succession. Likewise, critical aspects considering the family business system have been taken into consideration. Finally, a literature review is commonly seen as a post‐work “dead body”. However, the implications show a clear, directed focus within family business research. The authors recommend an increase in the number of concisely formulated research questions instead of generic approaches.

Practical implications

Businesses should closely heed three imperative problem areas (individual, interpersonal and organizational) as well as the stage in which conflicts arise (preparation, transfer/takeover, and continuation), if they want to be successful in the succession process.

Originality/value

The paper offers an overview of the limited number of existing articles and their implications that address the psychological aspects of the succession process. Furthermore, the psychological issues identified that cause conflicts during succession are consolidated and categorized.
Getting real about ICT
Authors: Fox Stephen
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Hype about information and communication technology (ICT) emphasizes potential positive outcomes; while enabling factors are under‐emphasized and potential negative outcomes are excluded. The purpose of this paper is to broaden the framing of ICT to include enabling factors and potential negative outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a critical realist study. Critical realist research seeks to improve understanding of causal mechanisms and causal contexts.

Findings

Comprehensive enablers for decision making include balanced unambiguous information; specific trustworthy communication; quiet sufficient decision spaces; and independent engaged decision makers. The introduction of a new ICT can make a contribution to, and/or detract from, realization of these principal enabling factors.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper ICT is positioned within a preliminary comprehensive framing of enabling factors for decision making. ICT is used for other purposes. Nonetheless, the positioning of ICT in a preliminary comprehensive framing for decision making support reveals how hype about ICT can be mediated by consideration of enabling factors and potential negative outcomes.

Practical implications

The broader framing of enabling factors can provide a starting point for managers to undertake comprehensive improvement of information, communication, and contexts for decision making.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is that it applies critical realism to mediate hype about ICTs that could be used to support decision making. The value of this paper is that it provides a detailed description of inter‐related factors that need to be managed in decision making support.
Marketing an Islamic index: perceived value of KMI30 Index
Authors: Sayani Hameedah , Stephens Balakrishnan Melodena
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand if there is a customer perceived value for shareholders in investing in Islamic stocks, by using KMI30 index of Karachi Stock Exchange as a case study. The findings are then used to devise a conceptual model, highlighting the value of an Islamic branded index and for companies included on the index for market participants, Shari'ah‐compliant firms, and governments.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory research paper. A detailed literature review is followed by a quantitative analysis of the return series of 18 constituents of the KMI30 index. The analysis looks at performance before and after the launch of the index, to identify if inclusion on the Islamic index has impacted the average returns and volatility of the constituents and if it is considered as value added by the investors.

Findings

Analysis reveals that the KMI30 index is marginally less volatile than the KSE100 index and has relatively better returns, even in the most volatile times at the Karachi Stock Exchange. Most of the constituents under analysis have posted better returns after inclusion on the index, with 40 per cent of them showing less volatility. Though the trends are not clearly visible, there is an indication of increased returns and reduced volatility, both in the Islamic index and its constituents.

Research limitations/implications

This study is the first step in analyzing if shareholders perceive inclusion of a company on the Islamic index as value added, resulting in increased share prices, better returns, and decreased volatility. Due to the lack of literature on the subject, the nature of the study is exploratory. Further analysis is required to understand if the changes in returns and volatility are due to investor perceptions. This study has implications for the organizations to understand the perception of investors about including companies on the Islamic index. If investors attach value to this proposition then it will be worthwhile for companies to invest resources in making their organization Shari'ah compliant and marketing it from that perspective. Additionally, this study will add to the knowledge of the regulators regarding whether the Islamic index is achieving its objectives of providing investment opportunities to investors offering better returns with less risk, besides being “Halal”.

Originality/value

There is a lack of studies that look at Islamic investments from the marketing perspective. Also, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no studies have analyzed the KMI30 index, either from a finance or marketing perspective. This study is the authors' contribution to the interdisciplinary body of knowledge and ever‐increasing literature on emerging markets in the context of Islamic investments.
Thriving in the post‐crisis economy: managing a nexus of capabilities
Authors: West Page
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this viewpoint is to highlight new management thinking for achieving growth in a difficult economic environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The recent financial crisis has presented challenges for organizations to achieve growth while remaining sensitive to the needs of multiple stakeholders. These challenges were discussed in depth by senior executives attending a recent management conference. This summary is provided by a professor whose teaching and research focus on strategy and innovation, and distills the findings of the conference down to a guideline for strategic action.

Findings

Executives discuss the need for more integrative thinking and coordinated practice, creating more meaning within their organizations, connecting more substantively with external constituencies, and moving beyond mostly short term performance measures. Managing the company as a “nexus of capabilities” provides important competitive benefits while meeting these needs.

Practical implications

Strategic action steps for managing the business as a “nexus of capabilities” are provided in a concise outline format.

Originality/value

Ideas about how management can address the combination of growth and social concerns about business usually stays at a general level. This paper provides an actionable guideline derived from the experiences of companies that have already gone down this path. The paper presents the nature of the challenges and the summary of best practices discussed by strategy executives into a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.
Saying good‐bye to Mr Magoo
Authors: Messer Ron
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a first person account of the differences in organizational vision within the public and private sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

This essay is based on the author's personal experiences and although it may not be generalizable, based on criteria of methodological rigor, it is nevertheless true … it happened! The author's experience was derived from working for two different legislatures and included about a dozen government departments. The observations made were based on interactions with numerous public sector employees, including staff, peers and superiors.

Findings

The concept of “vision” is critical to the successful execution of organizational strategy. For this reason, it requires clarity of purpose and a careful articulation of goals and objectives. Public and private sector firms differ in the way in which they develop this vision and as a result they achieve different outcomes. The failings typically afflicting the civil service can be addressed by changing attitudes and behaviors in such a way that they are better aligned with organizational vision. This includes creating appropriate incentives and making accountability more than just a token notion.

Originality/value

The paper is written by a management practitioner and is meant to generate discussion. It is based on a field study (i.e. “I was there”) and is intended to capture what was viewed through the eyes of a “native”. Consider it an organizational ethnography – it is an honest portrayal of events that were experienced. The essay should strike many who have worked in government as “true”.
Doing well by doing good
Authors: by Gareth Bell Interview
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an interview with Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an interview with Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever.

Findings

The paper discusses Unilever's sustainability initiatives, both in terms of reducing environmental impact, and in safe‐gaurding the business against future uncertainty.

Originality/value

The interview offers advice for leaders operating in a challenging business environment, and those looking to create more sustainable business models.
Sensors for fire detection
Authors: Bogue Rob
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the sensors used in fire detection products and systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction, this paper discusses the sensors used for fire detection according to the variables measured. It considers the sensing of smoke, temperature, flames and combustion products and covers residential and industrial uses, together with a short discussion of wildfire detection methods.

Findings

This shows that a multitude of different sensing techniques are used to detect fires and no single method is universally applicable. This reflects both the differing types of fires that can occur and also the many applications and environments in which fire detectors and systems are deployed.

Originality/value

This paper provides details of the sensor technologies and techniques used to detect fires in residential, industrial and natural environments.
A novel image sensor for raised characters based on structured‐light
Authors: Li Xueyong , Lu Changhou , Xiao Rujing , Zhang Jianchuan , Ding Jie
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel image sensor technology for raised characters based on line structured‐light. It can convert raised character's three‐dimensional (3D) features into image's grayscale levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The measurement principle and mathematical model are described. An experimental device is established and system parameters are calibrated. A grayscale conversion algorithm is proposed to convert the distortion of laser stripe to the grayscale intensity of image. The article also introduces a four‐factor method to assess the image quality of characters.

Findings

Experimental results show that the method can get high‐contrast images of raised characters that are conventionally low‐contrast with the background. Besides, the method does not need complicated calibration and mass computation, which makes the system structure simple and increases the speed of image acquisition.

Originality/value

The paper presents a novel image acquisition method for raised characters.
Visualization and measurement of the acoustic field of the piston transducer
Authors: Feng Yanqiang , Zhu Haijiang , Yang Ping
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to characterize the acoustic field radiated by the piston transducer and measure a few parameters through the data visualization method.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the theoretical model of the ultrasonic transducer, the acoustic field data were acquired by scanning the ultrasound field of the piston transducer. And the visualized graphs of the ultrasonic data were displayed through 3D graphs including slice, iso‐surface and volume rendering, respectively. Furthermore, a few parameters of the transducer including beam width and spread angle were measured using the visualized data.

Findings

The visualized graphs of the acoustic field radiated by the piston transducer show that the data visualization method can expose obviously the space distribution of the ultrasound field and describe directly the cylindrical shape. And this method provides the basis of reliable measurement and assess for the ultrasonic transducer.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents a kind of measured method of the acoustic parameters using the visualized data. The measurement range has limitation.

Practical implications

This method is possible used in Medical ultrasonic.

Originality/value

This paper presents the visualized description of the acoustic field of the piston transducer and a measurement of two acoustic parameters using the visualized data.
Open access journal content found in commercial full‐text aggregation databases and journal citation reports
Authors: Cummings Joel
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to conduct a study regarding the indexing of open access journals in three large, commercially available full‐text aggregation databases and using Journal Citation Reports Metrics File to further explore the journals that were being indexed.

Design/methodology/approach

Using publicly available database title lists produced by the full‐text aggregation database publishers, titles and title metadata were analyzed and compared to data from the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and Journal Citation Reports (JCR) metrics file in order to investigate the availability of open access (OA) scholarly journals. Subject Category Impact Factor Ranking Quartiles and Percentiles (SCIFRQs and SCIFRPs) were used as part of this investigation as indicators of the research significance of these OA journals.

Findings

Results showed that very small percentages of open access journals were indexed in each of the full‐text aggregators studied. A total of 7.9 percent of titles included in journal citation reports were OA journals. This study also reports the averaged SCIFRPs of OA journals for all subject areas with more than five journals included in JCR. The average SCIFRP for OA journals included in JCR was 34.49 percent and the averaged SCIFRP for all OA journals indexed by full‐text aggregation databases being studied is 41.2 percent. This study points to large differences in the rate of indexing OA journals by different databases.

Originality/value

Unlike past studies into the indexing of OA journals, this is not limited to selected subject areas and shows indications of the research prominence of OA journals with JCR derived data.
Textbook affordability: the library's role
Authors: Massis Bruce E.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this column is to examine the matter of college textbook affordability and the library's role in the discussion.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

Findings

There are a number of issues to address when approaching the continuing impact of textbook affordability on students and it appears that there will be little finality on the horizon for some time. There must continue to be thoughtful and productive discussion on this topic among stakeholders in their efforts to reach a satisfactory resolution.

Originality/value

The value in addressing this issue is to acknowledge the library's position as a stakeholder in the exchange of ideas on textbook affordability.
GAO reports for undergraduate hot topic research
Authors: Ormes Dorothy
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this article is to promote the use of free government information for undergraduate research, focusing on the online materials provided by the Government Accountability Office.

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides an overview of the Government Accountability website, highlighting publications that would be particularly useful for undergraduate researchers who are new to government information.Findings – The Government Accountability Office provides concise and up to date information on controversial and high‐risk government issues. GAO Reports are excellent research materials for undergraduate students writing documented arguments.

Practical implications

The information in this review presents an overview of the GAO website and suggestions for how librarians can add this free reference resource to their repertoire. The short bibliography gives concrete examples of GAO materials that meet the needs of undergraduates who are creating documented arguments for hot topic research.

Originality/value

There seems to be no literature that specifically addresses the use of Government Accountability Office materials by undergraduate students. This article addresses this.
Moral accounting? Employee disclosures from a stakeholder accountability perspective
Authors: Williams Sarah J. , Adams Carol A.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how disclosure of employee issues by a large UK bank may or may not promote transparency and accountability (as assessed by the completeness of the account) toward the employee stakeholder group, and to shed light on the implications of the organisation‐society relationship for employee accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

The intrinsic stakeholder framework forms the basis of the qualitative, longitudinal analysis. It is adopted as the moral ground for the provision of a “complete” account of employee issues. In seeking to shed light on the organisation‐society relationship and its implications for reporting on employee issues the authors build a broader theoretical framework incorporating various social and political theories dealing with legitimacy, political economy, and language and rhetoric. Interpretive and critical approaches are employed. The analysis draws on an extensive review of published materials relating to employment in the UK retail banking industry and NatWest in particular, impacts of workplace changes occurring in the banking sector, and to the economic, social and political environment over the period of the study.

Findings

The findings indicate that what and how NatWest reported on employee issues was influenced by considerations other than transparency and employee accountability. The analysis highlights the complexity of the role of disclosures in the organisation‐society relationship and consequently the limitations of the use of a single theoretical framework to interpret disclosures.

Research limitations/implications

The longitudinal analysis indicates how reporting practices are issue and context dependent and points to the limitations of theorising in corporate social reporting based on a single time frame and a limited analysis of the reported issues.

Practical implications

In highlighting a lack of accountability to employees, the findings have implications for the development of reporting standards on issues relevant to employees. Over time, it is hoped that development of an employee inclusive reporting framework, along with exposure of the contradictory role that reports may play in promoting accountability, will contribute toward improved employee management practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the corporate social reporting literature by extending the analysis beyond the firm focused stakeholder management perspective to considering disclosures from a moral perspective and the extent to which the complex organisation‐society relationship might work against the promotion of transparency and accountability toward stakeholders (specifically employees). In this way, through an in‐depth longitudinal analysis of disclosures from multiple perspectives, the paper contributes to theorising of the role of social disclosure in the organisation‐society relationship.
Assessing the influence of switching barriers on patients' expectations and tolerance zone
Authors: Roshnee Ramsaran‐Fowdar Rooma
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the influence of switching barriers on patients' private general practitioner (GP) service expectations and tolerance zone

Design/methodology/approach

From 750 questionnaires distributed to a convenience sample, 257 were completed and returned, yielding a 34 per cent response rate.

Findings

There was a significant association between switching barriers and what patients expected from their GPs. Switching barriers did not have a significant association with the tolerance zone.

Practical implications

Private GPs can develop strategies to overcome switching barriers. For example, they can develop personal relationships with their patients, re‐familiarise themselves with the patient's medical history before the consultation and provide better services to patients who perceive high switching barriers and hence higher adequate expectations.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature relating to healthcare service quality.
Exact solutions of extended shallow water wave equations by exp‐function method
Authors: Bekir Ahmet , Aksoy Esin
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply the exp‐function method to construct exact solutions of nonlinear wave equations. The proposed technique is tested on the (2+1) and (3+1) dimensional extended shallow water wave equations. These equations play a very important role in mathematical physics and engineering sciences.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors apply the exp‐function method to construct exact solutions of nonlinear wave equations.

Findings

In total, four forms of the extended shallow water wave equation have been studied, from the point of view of its exact solutions using computational method. Exp‐function method was employed to achieve the goal set for this work. The applied method will be used in further works to establish more entirely new solutions for other kinds of nonlinear wave equations. Finally, it is worthwhile to mention that the proposed method is straightforward, concise, and it is a promising and powerful new method for other nonlinear wave equations in mathematical physics.

Originality/value

The algorithm suggested in the paper is quite efficient and is practically well suited for use in these problems. The method is straightforward and concise, and its applications are promising.
Homotopy analysis method for the one‐dimensional hyperbolic telegraph equation with initial conditions
Authors: Raftari Behrouz , Khosravi Heidar , Yildirim Ahmet
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain approximate analytical solution of the second order hyperbolic telegraph equation with initial conditions, by the homotopy analysis method (HAM).

Design/methodology/approach

The HAM solutions contain an auxiliary parameter which provides a convenient way of controlling the convergence region of the series solutions.

Findings

Approximate analytical solution of the second order hyperbolic telegraph equation with initial conditions is obtained by the HAM. The HAM solutions contain an auxiliary parameter which provides a convenient way of controlling the convergence region of the series solutions.

Originality/value

In this work, approximate analytical solution of the second order hyperbolic telegraph equation with initial conditions is obtained by the HAM. To show the efficiency of the present method, several examples are presented.
Effect of ion‐slip current on the thermal instability of natural convection flow in a boundary layer flow past a horizontal flat plate
Authors: Lin Ming‐Han , Chen Chin‐Tai
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of ion‐slip current and Hall current on the formation of longitudinal vortices in natural convection flow over a heated horizontal plate.

Design/methodology/approach

The criterion on the position marking on the onset of longitudinal vortices is defined in the present paper. The results show that the onset position characterized by the Grashof number depends on the Prandtl number, the Reynolds number, the wave number, the Hall parameter, the ion‐slip parameter, and the Hartmann number.

Findings

The flow becomes more stable as the magnetic field increases. However, the destabilizing effect is found on the flow when the Hall and ion‐slip currents are presented.

Research limitations/implications

The standard method of linear stability model is applied, with terms higher than first order in disturbance quantities being neglected.

Practical implications

The problem of MHD natural convection flow with Hall and ion‐slip currents has many important engineering applications, e.g. power generators, Hall accelerators and flows in channels and ducts.

Originality/value

This study is to check the validity of the assumptions that the conditions of Hall and ion‐slip currents can be ignored.
The converging divergence of labor relations in automobile industry: the case of China
Authors: Tang Linghui , Fitzsimons Brian
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate recent labor unrest in China's automobile industry and the implications for the debate on the future of the country's labor relations and cost competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data between 1999 and 2007, the authors examine how differences in work organizations in China, Germany, Japan and the USA affect wages in the automobile industry.

Findings

It is found that market forces play a more prominent role in Germany and the USA than in China and Japan and the difference is attributed to cultural, economic, political, and regulatory factors in each country.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first that uses systematic data to conduct comparative analysis of labor relations in the automobile industry.
Knowledge management practices and enablers in public universities: a gap analysis
Authors: Devi Ramachandran Sharimllah , Chong Siong‐Choy , Wong Kuan‐Yew
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the gap between knowledge management (KM) practices and key strategic enablers in public universities. For this purpose, a 57‐item survey on two dimensions – “use” and “importance” – was used as the instrument for this study.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire was administered to academics of four public universities which fall under the Malaysian Technical University Network.

Findings

The results from 191 responses show that the academics of public universities find the KM practices and key strategic enablers to be important but are not used as much.

Research limitations/implications

This research has overcome the gaps identified through the use of a set of KM practices and key strategic enablers. These variables could be replicated in different settings, across different economies, with the possibility of incorporating more constructs. The small sample size and the cross‐sectional nature of the study suggest that a larger sample size through a longitudinal study is required in future research.

Practical implications

The recommendations proposed will provide strategic directions for the management of public universities to deal more effectively with the KM practices and key strategic enablers.

Originality/value

This study has extended knowledge in KM, specifically concerning the importance and use of key strategic enablers of KM. Moreover, it is amongst the first empirical works to examine the use and importance of KM practices and key strategic enablers in unison.
Modelling the SCM enablers: an integrated ISM‐fuzzy MICMAC approach
Authors: Gorane S.J. , Kant Ravi
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the supply chain management enablers (SCMEs) and establish relationships among them using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and find out driving and dependence power of enablers, using fuzzy MICMAC (Matriced' Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement) analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

A group of experts from industries and academics was consulted and ISM is used to develop the contextual relationship among various SCMEs for each dimension of SCM implementation. The results of ISM are used as an input to fuzzy MICMAC analysis, to identify the driving and dependence power of SCMEs.

Findings

This paper has identified 24 key SCMEs and developed an integrated model using ISM and the fuzzy MICMAC approach, which is helpful to identify and classify the important SCMEs and reveal the direct and indirect effects of each SCME on the SCM implementation. The integrated approach is developed, since the ISM model provides only binary relationship among SCMEs, while fuzzy MICMAC analysis provides precise analysis related to driving and dependence power of SCMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The weightage for ISM model development and fuzzy MICMAC are obtained through the judgment of academicians and a few industry experts. It is only subjective judgment and any biasing by the person who is judging the SCMEs might influence the final result. A questionnaire survey can be conducted to catch the insight on these SCMEs from more organizations.

Practical implications

This study has strong practical implications, for both practitioners as well as academicians. The practitioners need to concentrate on identified SCMEs more cautiously during SCM implementation in their organizations and the top management could formulate strategy for implementing these enablers obtained through ISM and fuzzy MICMAC analysis.

Originality/value

This is first kind of study to identify 24 SCMEs and further, to deploy ISM and fuzzy MICMAC to identify and classify the key SCMEs that influence SCM implementation in the organization.
Branding in the Asian context: a Malaysian perspective
Authors: Faridah Syed Alwi Sharifah , Melewar T.C.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a compendium of small research studies that have been conducted in Malaysia. Issues of branding and its related constructs have gained widespread recognition amongst practitioners and academics in this country.

Design/methodology/approach

Inter alia, this paper examines six facets of branding across different industries and contexts. The first study examines issues of branding in the Islamic financial services. The second paper investigates airline brand reputation. The third paper explores employer branding in the context of hotels. The fourth study explicates online brand personality in the banking sector. The fifth project evaluates the aspect of brand loyalty in the telecommunication industry and the final paper unfolds the industrial brand loyalty and ethical brand.

Findings

The paper highlights six findings across six different industries in Malaysia.

Originality/value

The paper gives a Malaysian perspective on branding in Asia.
Regional and country ethnocentrism: broadening ASEAN origin perspectives
Authors: Seidenfuss Kai‐Uwe , Kathawala Yunus , Dinnie Keith
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report an application of the CETSCALE measuring consumer ethnocentrism for high‐value consumer goods in the emerging markets of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The study examines how regional markings can be thought of as variants of national markings and then goes on to establish a regio‐centric scale, thereby taking up calls for ethnocentrism studies to be conducted across multiple countries that actively trade with one another.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on an empirical investigation of consumer ethnocentrism (CE) that includes simultaneous manipulation of country‐of‐assembly and region‐based country‐of‐components. The study surveys a sample of 720 car owners equally divided between the three largest automotive markets of ASEAN: Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Findings

Statistical analysis of this study's empirical results confirms that for the three‐country sample of 720 respondents, this newly derived regional ethnocentrism construct is as relevant as the classic country‐based construct. The research concludes that regional use of campaigns with a (potentially collaborative) Made‐in‐ASEAN theme may reach the target group of regio‐centric consumers.

Originality/value

The study is original in providing a new perspective on the ethnocentrism debate by adding and testing for a regional dimension reflecting realities in the marketplace for a major product category. The study is also one of the few to focus upon the ASEAN region rather than the more commonly studied regions such as Europe or North America.
Keeping silver surfers on the crest of a wave – older people's ICT learning and support needs
Authors: Damodaran Leela , Olphert Wendy , Phipps Stephen
Published: March 2013

Purpose

There is recognition that digital ICTs have the potential to support older people to live independently, to “age well”, to promote social inclusion and to facilitate access to commercial and government services. Research conducted by the Sus‐IT project under the “New Dynamics of Ageing” Programme has focused on how to help older ICT users to remain digitally engaged given the barriers that they can face and which can quickly erode their confidence or capability. Access to appropriate learning and support resources is a key issue for sustaining older ICT users. The aim of this paper is to investigate older people's ICT learning and support needs.

Design/methodology/approach

Older people themselves have been central to the research; more than 1,000 older people have participated in this research through open workshops, established formal and informal panels and groups across the UK, and through contacts with a number of organisations working with older people. Key research users (e.g. organisations representing older people and those providing services and products to be used by older people) have also collaborated in the research in a variety of roles.

Findings

Findings show that older people value very highly the benefits and independence that computer use gives them, and they are often exceptionally tenacious in trying to remain digitally connected – persisting in the face of many obstacles, and often without awareness or use of existing aids to accessibility. If disengagement begins, it is usually a gradual process, rather than a single event, and likely to result from a combination of factors – changes in physical and cognitive abilities, in support, in technology and in personal circumstances. The availability of help and support emerges as a factor of paramount importance to sustaining digital connection.

Practical implications

The conceptual model of the risks of sustaining digital engagement of older people arising from the research has significant implications for both policy and practice – for instance, in relation to “digital by default”. A user‐generated strategy for provision of sustainable, community‐based ICT learning and support for older people is a key output from Sus‐IT.

Originality/value

The issues surrounding sustaining digital inclusion in older age are multi‐faceted and complex – and addressing these will have significant benefits not only for older people but also for the economy and society.
Internet addiction as a manageable resource: a focus on social network services
Authors: Kang Inwon , Shin Matthew M. , Park Chanuk
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reinterpret addiction to social network services (SNSs), not from the traditional clinical perspective as a disorder, but from a management perspective as consumer behaviour to examine its possibility as a manageable resource.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted on heavy users of SNSs. Based on the data the authors performed an exploratory factor analysis to define SNS addiction and to construct its dimensions.

Findings

The authors termed SNS addiction as an “addictive consumption trait” (ACT) of SNS and its underlying dimensions are salience, euphoria, immersion, compulsion, and association.

Research limitations/implications

The authors used SNS user behaviour as the sample for their empirical analysis. However there is a variety of other internet services available and different internet services may show different consumer behaviour. Therefore, for future research, the authors suggest conducting a comparative study on the influence of addiction on different types of internet services.

Practical implications

With the newly constructed dimensions of ACT of SNS, firms could find out the causal relationships between the attributes of their SNSs on each dimension of ACT of SNS. Once firms understand the influences of each one of the attributes on ACT of SNS, they can re‐strategise their resource allocation for maximising consumers' ACT of SNS.

Originality/value

SNS addiction has been viewed as a clinical disorder for treatment. The paper considers SNS addiction from the marketing perspective, which is a novel approach in the study of addiction. Through this study the authors hope to trigger academic discussions about ACT of SNS as consumer behaviour and as a manageable resource.
Social network loyalty: evaluating the role of attitude, perceived risk and satisfaction
Authors: Currás‐Pérez Rafael , Ruiz‐Mafé Carla , Sanz‐Blas Silvia
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyse the determinants of social networking site loyalty, paying special attention to the roles of user attitude, perceived risk and satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of uses and gratifications of social networking sites, attitude, perceived risks and satisfaction on social networking site loyalty is tested through structural equation modelling techniques. The sample consisted of 811 Spanish social networking site users collected through a personal survey. Risk is measured as a formative construct.

Findings

Data analysis shows that attitude is a key variable in increasing satisfaction and loyalty towards social networking sites. Sociability and entertainment gratifications and perceived risks (psychological, time loss and social) are the main drivers of user attitude towards social networking sites.

Practical implications

This research enables managers to know what aspects to highlight in their communication strategies to increase social networking site use and positive word‐of‐mouth. The research findings show managers that social networking site content should provide fun and foster user interactions in order to improve user attitude. Practical recommendations to increase social networking site satisfaction and loyalty and guidelines to reduce perceived risk dimensions are also provided.

Originality/value

Despite the importance of social networking sites for companies, only limited work has been done to identify motivators and barriers of social networking site loyalty. This work aims to combine the influence of gratifications provided by social networking sites, perceived risks, attitude and satisfaction in order to construct an improved model for social networking site loyalty formation. Furthermore risk is measured as a formative construct because there is no reason to expect that risk dimensions in social networking site use are correlated.
Foreign ownership and bank performance metrics in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abraham Abraham
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the performance metrics of Saudi banks against the background of the proportion of foreign ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

One of the empirical challenges in addressing small developing markets is the analysis of small samples. The current study looks at a population of ten publicly traded banks in Saudi Arabia over a two‐year period. While the results of traditional parametric tests of difference are reported, the study also employs more robust distribution free non‐parametric tests of differences in location measures between the two groups.

Findings

Surprisingly though, the evidence provided in this paper shows that while banks with foreign ownership are indeed more aggressive in terms of capital structure, loan portfolios and regulatory tier 1 capital, they are unable to translate these into higher performance outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation is drawing inferences from small samples. The study overcomes this by using non‐parametric methods.

Practical implications

The study provides potential investors in the Middle‐Eastern region with information about the banking sector in Saudi Arabia.

Social implications

The results of the study may provide banking regulators with insights into the behavior of foreign owned banks in developing countries.

Originality/value

This is the first study that looks at this very important sector in the largest country within the GCC.
Hisbah and the promotion of ethical business practices
Authors: Bello Dogarawa Ahmad
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the role of the hisbah institution in ensuring ethical business practices in Nigeria. The aim is to correct the erroneous impression that the institution is meant only to serve spiritual and social purposes in the society devoid of economic contribution.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a literature survey approach to describe the economic dimension of the institution and its specific role in ensuring that businesses are conducted in line with Islamic business ethics.

Findings

The paper confirms that absence of discussion on the economic role of the hisbah institution in complementing the effort of regulatory and monitoring authorities in the inspection of weights and measures, quality of food products, manipulation of prices, supplies and production, monopolistic collisions, cheating and fraud, has made many people in Nigeria mistake it for an institution whose primary occupation is to prevent and control moral decadence and social vices in such societies.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that the task ahead of shari'ah implementing states in Nigeria therefore is to maximally exploit hisbah's economic role in view of its relevance to the modern economy.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to fill the vacuum in the contemporary literature on the economic role of hisbah in Muslim societies.
Theorizing about gender and entrepreneurship: bridging the gap with social psychology
Authors: Max Sylvain , Ballereau Valérie
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to approach women's entrepreneurship from a social psychological perspective, with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the entrepreneurial phenomena and to its development as a field of research.

Design/methodology/approach

The gender aspect of entrepreneurship is essentially socio‐psychological in nature. First, the authors define the social psychology research scope and present a selection of social psychology theories that are particularly relevant to the domain of women's entrepreneurship. Concepts such as stereotypes, stereotype threat and role models are introduced. Second, the authors instantiate how the social psychology experimental method can address core questions in the women's entrepreneurship field, such as women's under‐representation in entrepreneurial positions.

Findings

The conclusion of this paper is twofold: on the one hand, social psychology theories can address crucial issues in women's entrepreneurship and on the other hand, experimentation as a research methodology enables us to determine causal relationships. However, given the specificities of both social psychology and women's entrepreneurship, we strongly recommend collaborative research between researchers in the two areas.

Research limitations/implications

The authors propose concrete though non‐exhaustive areas of study in women's entrepreneurship research, where social psychological theories can be successfully employed.

Social implications

Using applied social psychology research, the authors suggest practical ways to reject negative stereotypes that prevent women from being entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

Although women's entrepreneurship is a social psychological phenomenon, this field of study still rarely makes reference to social psychology as a discipline for theorizing the relationship between gender and entrepreneurship.