bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work engagement in eight European countries
Authors: Taipale Sakari , Selander Kirsikka , Anttila Timo , Nätti Jouko
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the level and predictors of work engagement among service sector employees in eight European countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The work seeks to discover if job demands and resources, i.e. job autonomy and social support, affect work engagement in differing ways in different countries when socio‐demographical variables and work‐related factors are controlled. The study is based on a statistical analysis of survey data from Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Hungary, The Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden and the UK in 2007 (n=7,867). The data represent four economic sectors: retail trade, finance and banking, telecoms and public hospitals.

Findings

The results show that the level of work engagement varies not only between countries but also between those four economic sectors within each country. Additionally, the findings indicate that demands decrease work engagement, while autonomy and support increase it. Although the effects are mainly the same across the countries, the article also points out some exceptions in this regard.

Originality/value

Although the paper is built upon established theories about job demands and autonomy, it uses a newer work engagement approach, produces cross‐national knowledge about work engagement and its predictors. Cross‐national approaches to work engagement are still rare.
Unfinished business: Peter Townsend's project for minimum income standards
Authors: Deeming Christopher
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Peter Townsend is one of the greatest social scientists of the twentieth century and best known for his pioneering research into poverty. This paper aims to revisit Townsend's early work discussing the measurement of poverty and attempts to operationalise his ideas for determining minimum income standards for healthy living.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based upon a secondary analysis of data taken from the UK Expenditure and Food Survey, a continuous cross‐sectional survey of household income, expenditure, and food consumption. Here, the sample has been restricted to an older population and the authors observe the relationship between household income and a healthy standard of living (indicated by diet) for people aged 60 years and over.

Findings

Minimum income requirements for healthy living, for this population in the UK, are 37 per cent greater than the British state pension for single pensioners and 37 per cent for pensioner couples. It is also appreciably greater than the official minimum income safety net (after means testing), the pension credit guarantee.

Practical implications

Objective evidence‐based assessment of living standards are practicable but do not presently provide a basis for social policy in the UK or elsewhere apparently. Such assessment could provide a credible basis for helping to establish minimum income standards in official policy.

Originality/value

Recent developments in the design of a British social survey have made it possible to operationalise Townsend's ideas for establishing minimum income standards over half a century after he proposed them.
Applied logistics knowledge impact on financial performance
Authors: Birou Laura , Germain Richard N. , Christensen William J.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between internal process improvement investments, applied channel logistics knowledge, and financial performance for make‐to‐order (MTO) and make‐to‐stock (MTS) manufacturers. This study takes the position that knowledge, specifically tacit or applied knowledge, may serve as a key indicator of organizational performance. In this study, the tacit knowledge exhibited in intentional logistics integration activities is captured in the construct applied channel logistics knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation model, controlling for firm size and demand uncertainty, is used to examine these relationships. A sampling frame of 1,264 senior manufacturing “executives” provided 222 usable surveys representing 210 firms.

Findings

The results show that for MTO firms, higher investments in internal process improvement relate to higher applied channel logistics knowledge, whereas for MTS firms, the relationship does not hold, and this difference is significant. In addition, the results indicate a positive relationship between internal process improvement investment and financial performance for MTO firms, whereas again the relationship does not hold for MTS firms. Both MTO and MTS firms show increased financial performance when applied channel logistics knowledge increases, although the increase in financial performance is significantly greater for MTO firms.

Originality/value

Historically, the success of integration strategies has been postulated to be equally effective for MTO and MTS firms, a “one‐size‐fits‐all” approach to improving system effectiveness. However, given the inherent differences in these manufacturing strategies, this speculation deserves further investigation and serves as the focus of this research. The use of the tacit knowledge construct applied channel logistics knowledge is also unique and of value in understanding supply chain relationships.
Spatially constrained scanning scheme applied for gap measurements
Authors: Omar Mohammed , Reddy Thotti Konda , Parvataneni Rohit , Zhou Yi , Alraoof Mayyas Abed , Qattawi Ala
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate an optical‐based scanning modality for the real‐time measurements of automotive interior gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

The hardware is based on a charge‐coupled device detector acquiring a laser illumination. The laser is projected on multitude of substrates with different reflectivities and surface profiles; while the scanning is progressed manually through a hand‐held setup.

Findings

The proposed software identifies the optical gap location automatically and establishes a dynamic field of view.

Research limitations/implications

The study conducts a tool reliability and repeatability study that yield an accuracy of 0.08 mm and a repeatability of less than 6.5 percent as user bias. The developed hardware/software combination, when compared with two commercial systems; a 3D scanner and an industrially packaged sensor unit used for exterior gaps, which provided repeatability values of 24 and 17 percent, respectively, with accuracies of 1.5 and 0.34 mm.

Originality/value

New hardware and software are developed in combination to operate effectively on different deco finish and gap separations.
The influence of gender in academia: a case study of a university college in Sweden
Authors: Määttä Sylvia , Dahlborg Lyckhage Elisabeth
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to describe senior lecturers' experiences of and reflections on the influence of gender on their work and career possibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight informants, four female and four male university teachers, representing different schools at a Swedish university college were interviewed. A qualitative content method was used for analysis.

Findings

The findings revealed that the lecturers at the university college had an experience of academic gender neutrality. The findings also pointed to experiences of gendered practice that had been internalized and made normal. It also revealed that the lecturers did not consider or reflect on the gap between experiences of and reflections on gender neutrality and gendered practice.

Research limitations/implications

Even if the number of informants is small, the findings have something important to tell about the gap between gender‐neutral academia and practice in academia.

Originality/value

The findings imply that although the Swedish model of equality work has been successful in many ways, a confrontation on the micro‐political level is required to achieve a gender equality workplace environment and to increase women's career possibilities.
The logic of the gift and the bonding value: a new perspective for business management
Authors: Faldetta Guglielmo , Paternostro Sergio
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to conceptualize business relationships so as to include in these dimensions of both gift and gratuity, to develop the concept of “bonding value”, and to offer some ideas for the use of this within firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses the concept of “bonding value”, distinguishing it from the concepts of “exchange value” and “use value” that are normally used in business, and attempts to investigate its practical implications.

Findings

The paper shows how evaluating both the relationships within the organization and between firm and stakeholders in terms of “bonding value” can have effects on the economic, organizational and social aspects of a firm's activities.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a starting point of a possible conceptual path that should be directed toward the theoretical and practical use of “bonding value” in business. It is necessary to support the theoretical considerations with future empirical investigation showing the possibility of practical applications of the concept analysed.

Practical implications

The main implication for business management is the possibility to propose “bonding value” and “gift logic” as new parameters in assessing whether or not a firm has achieved its institutional purposes.

Originality/value

In the past, “bonding value” has been studied mainly from a philosophical and sociological point of view. In this article we try to begin to address this issue specifically from a perspective of business management.
Towards a more humanistic understanding of organizational trust
Authors: Guillén Parra Manuel , Lleó de Nalda Álvaro , Santiago Marco Perles Ginés
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to propose a wider and more humanistic understanding of the phenomenon of trust and “trust building” through a dialogue between ethics and social sciences.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper offers a constructive critical review of the explanation of trust proposed by Mayer et al. in their 1995 seminal article, and expands this by considering the ethical dimension and the role of virtues.

Findings

The integrative model of organizational trust by Mayer et al. lacks a specific reference to the role played by human will and the ability to make free choices. When assessing the trust built in a relationship, an explicit consideration of human will should be included in the related model, and specifically, reference to moral virtues and practical wisdom as elements involved in this trust‐building process.

Practical implications

It improves the understanding of the dynamics of trust in human relationships, which is key, as numerous studies in management carried out over the past decades show. Having an increasingly clear and complete understanding of trust is fundamental to understand, analyze, develop and manage interpersonal relationships within organizations.

Originality/value

This article proposes a holistic conception of organizational trust, which allows for a more complete vision of the renowned model of Mayer et al. It does this by specifically considering the role of human will in both the trustor and in the trustee, and by incorporating an ethical vision which considers the trustee's perception on virtues and practical wisdom in the understanding of the phenomenon of trust.
Promoting sustainability literacy in construction students
Authors: Cotgrave Alison J. , Kokkarinen Noora
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The development of a model to promote sustainability literacy in construction students was described by the authors in a previous paper in this journal. This paper seeks to test the applicability of the model to determine whether it is successful in promoting sustainability literacy in a UK university.

Design/methodology/approach

A short intervention in the form of a project was designed to simulate the curriculum. Students were administered questionnaires before, during and after the intervention to track changes in their sustainable knowledge, skills and attitudes. A mixed method approach was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The model was successful in changing student attitudes significantly.

Research limitations/implications

Construction educators may find the Paradigm for Sustainable Construction Curriculum Design model useful in revamping the way in which sustainable literacy is incorporated into construction courses which meet both student learning outcomes and professional body requirements.

Originality/value

This and the previous paper present a model which has been rigorously tested for its effectiveness and other higher education institutions may adopt the model to green their curricula.
Social networks and knowledge creation in the built environment: a case study
Authors: Akhavan Farshchi Mahtab , Brown Mark
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The production of the built environment, as any other industrial production, is a knowledge‐intensive process. Knowledge resides in many teams/parties who are involved in the creation or production process. This paper seeks to discuss the feasibility of social network analysis as a tool for understanding the process of knowledge creation through communication among team members in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review of the characteristics of innovation, knowledge and social networks in a built environment context, a case study is presented. The case study investigates the networks in one project team in a planning and engineering consultancy, employing 5,500 people worldwide.

Findings

The network analysis revealed a problem with the project caused not by a widespread failure in social networks, but the isolated failure of one or two sub‐networks; however, these had a major impact on the performance of the project as a whole. The cause of this failure, while not clear, can be postulated as being in some part due to the lack of a collaborative culture across disciplines. Multi‐disciplinary projects are vulnerable because, while most (disciplinary) teams may function well, failure of just one will jeopardise the project as a whole – a chain is only as strong as the weakest link. Mechanisms do not exist for addressing failure, mid‐project, in social networks. The project‐centric nature of the sector is also an issue, in that project teams are in a constant state of flux with relationships being established, then staff moving on and a new set of relationships being developed. This does not support long‐term stable and trusting relationships.

Originality/value

The paper concludes that the use of SNA techniques has practical benefits for inter‐ and intra‐transfer of knowledge and information among team members.
A post‐occupancy evaluation (POE) study of student accommodation in an MMC/modular building
Authors: McGrath Paddy T. , Horton Marianne
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The use of modern methods of construction (MMC) has been advocated as a way of addressing some of the criticisms of the construction industry made in the Latham and Egan reports. This paper seeks to examine the current position of accommodation that has been built using modern methods of construction (MMC) particularly, volumetric/modular construction.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is followed by a survey of student occupants of such accommodation in Nottingham.

Findings

The main finding was that students chose their accommodation because of its locality to the university and factors that relate to the construction type are not high priorities. The main concern of the residents in the student accommodation is intrusive noise, which may come from external unspecified sources that are not related to the residents in neighbouring rooms. A low level of dissatisfaction indicates that the majority of residents were satisfied living in MMC/Modular build accommodation.

Originality/value

Modular build accommodation, if built within the requirements of its residents, is a satisfactory form of construction for multi‐space accommodation that could be used for future multi‐occupational premises. Modern methods of construction could benefit the UK's construction industry.
Evaluating the effectiveness of e‐learning system in uncertainty
Authors: Tseng Ming‐Lang , Lin Ru‐Jen , Chen Hui‐Ping
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Electronic learning (e‐learning) has gradually become an important part of university education. There is a trend among universities in Taiwan to offer more and more e‐learning courses. The effectiveness of teaching or learning in an e‐learning system can be quantified by multi‐criteria measures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching or learning in an e‐learning system measures in linguistic preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

A generalized quantitative evaluation model that considers both the interdependence among measures and the fuzziness of subjective perception is currently lacking in the literature. The results indicated that the fuzzy analytical network process is a simple, suitable, and effective method of identifying the primary measures that influence the effectiveness of e‐learning, specifically in the context of interdependent measures and varying linguistic preferences.

Findings

The most significant measures of e‐learning effectiveness were the quality of the e‐learning system and learner attractiveness. Enhanced usage of multimedia features can attract learner attention and may eventually increase learner attractiveness. Reducing the waiting time for learning materials to load may improve the quality of the system. Furthermore, the management should actively maintain and improve the responsiveness of instructors to learner inquiries.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this study are twofold. First, the evaluation can be considered as a complex‐dependence, hierarchical decision‐making problem. This study contains a review of the literature and identifies 21 criteria and five aspects to measure e‐learning system effectiveness. Second, this study integrates fuzzy set theory and the ANP to develop an evaluation model that prioritizes the relative weights of the proposed measures. The proposed method can be used to handle dependence within a set of measures and to construct a hierarchical structure.
Collaborative networks of memory institutions in digitisation initiatives
Authors: Manžuch Zinaida
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to research the approach of memory institutions to collaboration by analysing collaboration patterns in the networks developed in digitisation initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative and quantitative content analysis of the comments about partners and contractors made by respondents of the NUMERIC survey on the progress of digitisation in European cultural institutions was performed. Several attributes of collaborative networks of memory institutions were analysed: their size, members by type of organisation, and visibility of collaborators of particular type. Additionally, comparative analysis of collaborative networks of archives, libraries and museums was carried out.

Findings

Memory institutions did not approach collaboration strategically. They exhibited a low engagement in collaboration and focused on establishing resource‐sharing networks. Many of them established networks with the institutions of the same type.

Research limitations/implications

The number of archives which provided comments about their networks was much fewer than the number of libraries and museums. It suggests that additional research on archives and their networks is needed to obtain more reliable data.

Practical implications

The results of this research are useful for managers responsible for digitisation initiatives, evaluating and revising collaboration strategies; professional associations, governmental and advisory bodies working with memory institutions for planning, and providing support and advice in digitisation.

Originality/value

The results of this research would be relevant for professional associations, governmental and advisory bodies, working with memory institutions.
Applying the technology acceptance model to Iranian engineering faculty libraries
Authors: Sheikhshoaei Fatemeh , Oloumi Tahereh
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study the determinant factors in the acceptance of information technology (IT) by librarians in the libraries of engineering faculties of public universities in Tehran.

Design/methodology/approach

The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is used as the research framework and the applicability of this model on the research population is studied. The constructs of TAM include its perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward use, and the intention to use IT. These are the independent variables that affect the dependent variable of IT use. The first six hypotheses of the research have been based on inter‐relationships between each pair of variables in the TAM. The applicability of the TAM model on the population of librarians is the seventh hypothesis. The survey method was applied for collecting data, using a questionnaire. The studied population included 160 librarians and the questionnaire was sent to all of them.

Findings

The research findings indicate that all independent variables in the framework of TAM affect the acceptance of IT, but the final results (R=0.033 for Model) indicate that the applicability of the TAM model to study this group is weak.

Originality/value

There is a lack of research of the acceptance of IT using the TAM model in Iranian organizations and libraries, as well as in libraries and in library science around the world.
Study on a SaaS‐based library management system for the Korean library network
Authors: Cho Jane
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Recently emerged Software as a Service (SaaS)‐based services show that it is possible to curtail cost on operation and maintenance and also to reduce additional expenses required for system upgrades. It also allows creating new values by consolidating resources of individual users on a provider's platform, which is effectively applicable to library networks for resource sharing. The aim of this study is to present a next‐generation SaaS‐based library management system and its operational model. In addition, the paper seeks to discuss the availability of knowledge‐based services for the system.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this study analyzes trends in open library environments, as well as issues in the operation of library management systems. Second, it examines differences between reference models of SaaS and those of ASP solutions, and case studies on recent applications of the approaches are also performed. Third, the study forecasts effects expected when the SaaS model will be fully applied to the library network. And finally, the study presents functional requirements and an operation model of SaaS‐based library management systems.

Findings

In this study a model of a SaaS‐based system which can apply library network is presented. The model is composed of: SaaS platform comprising application service layer, common service layer and service resources; network service platform to support information sharing between participating libraries and local libraries clients.

Originality/value

The SaaS‐based system will enhance the economic efficiency of local library operations and make available new functionalities on an on‐demand basis. Also, its feature, such as sharing a single platform among several libraries, facilitates resource sharing and knowledge‐based services.
Ethical reputation and value received: customer perceptions
Authors: Mulki Jay Prakash , Jaramillo Fernando
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This research seeks to explore the role played by ethical reputation in amplifying the positive impact of value received by the customer on satisfaction with the supplier and ultimately loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey responses derived from 299 customers, concerning two large financial institutions within Chile, are used to test relationships among ethical perceptions, customer value, satisfaction, and loyalty. Hypotheses are tested with a structural equation model.

Findings

Results show that ethical perceptions about the organization amplify the impact of customer value on customer satisfaction and eventually loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the existing literature by showing that ethical perceptions from customers can help financial institutions achieve higher levels of satisfaction and loyalty. Study findings rely on customer survey responses collected in one country and one industry. Generalizability of findings is yet to be tested.

Practical implications

Ethical reputation helps financial institutions retain their customers.

Originality/value

This is the first study showing that customer perceptions about company ethics amplify the positive impact of customer value on customer satisfaction.
Team‐based rewards in computer‐mediated groups
Authors: Rack Oliver , Ellwart Thomas , Hertel Guido , Konradt Udo
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare effects of different monetary team‐based reward strategies on performance, pay satisfaction, and communication behavior in computer‐mediated groups.

Design/methodology/approach

In a laboratory experiment, 32 groups of undergraduate students, each consisting of three individuals, interacted electronically and performed a consensus‐reaching task. Team‐based incentives were distributed either equally (each team member received an equal share) or equitably (each team member's share depended on her/his individual contribution). A control group received no team‐based (or other) incentives.

Findings

Hierarchical multilevel analyses revealed that both types of team‐based rewards increased team members' motivation and pay satisfaction compared to the control condition. Moreover, the effects of team‐based rewards on performance were moderated by group members' assertiveness. In addition, team‐based rewards lead to more cooperative and task‐oriented communication in the computer‐mediated groups. Finally, equally divided rewards led to higher pay satisfaction on average than equitably divided incentives.

Originality/value

On a research level, this study shows that team‐based rewards have positive effects not only on performance but also on communication behavior in computer‐mediated groups. As a practical implication, reward effects should be considered cautiously as they might be influenced by team members’ personality. Moreover, whereas no major differences were found between equity and equality principles in terms of performance, the latter seems to be preferable when satisfaction is a major issue in virtual teams.
Internal audit involvement in enterprise risk management
Authors: de Zwaan Laura , Stewart Jenny , Subramaniam Nava
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of internal auditors' involvement in enterprise risk management (ERM) on perceptions of their willingness to report a breakdown in risk procedures and whether a strong relationship with the audit committee affects such willingness to report. The study also investigates the use of ERM and the role of internal audit in ERM in Australian private and public sector entities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an experimental design, manipulating the internal auditor's involvement in ERM and the strength of the relationship between internal audit and the audit committee. Participants are 117 certified internal auditors. The study also gathers descriptive data on the use of ERM.

Findings

The study indicates that a high involvement in ERM impacts the perceptions of internal auditors' willingness to report a breakdown in risk procedures to the audit committee. However, a strong relationship with the audit committee does not appear to affect their perceived willingness to report. The study also finds that the majority of organisations have recently adopted ERM. Internal auditors are involved in ERM assurance activities but some also engage in activities that could compromise objectivity.

Research limitations/implications

There are internal and external validity threats associated with the experimental design.

Practical implications

The findings reinforce the need for organisations to adhere to the recommendations of the Institute of Internal Auditors and to ensure that internal auditors do not play an inappropriate role in ERM.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to our understanding of the impact of involvement in ERM on internal audit objectivity and of the current role of internal audit in ERM in Australia.
The effectiveness of audit committees for low‐ and mid‐cap firms
Authors: Sil Kang Won , Kilgore Alan , Wright Sue
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of recommendations made by the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) relating to audit committees in Australia, and whether they have improved financial reporting quality for low‐ and mid‐cap listed firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the relation between characteristics of the audit committee and financial reporting quality for listed companies not mandated to comply with these requirements, i.e. low‐ and mid‐cap firms. For a sample of 288 firms, the authors regress measures of audit committee independence, expertise and activity and size on alternative measures of earnings management.

Findings

A significant association is found between all three characteristics and lower earnings management. The significant measure for independence is the proportion of independent directors on the audit committee; for expertise, it is that at least one member of the audit committee has an accounting qualification; and for activity and size, it is the frequency of audit committee meetings.

Practical implications

The results provide support for the mandatory establishment of audit committees for the top 500 (high‐ and mid‐cap) firms introduced by the ASX and suggest those audit committee characteristics which could improve financial reporting quality for low‐ and mid‐cap firms.

Originality/value

The paper examines low‐ and mid‐cap firms in order to complement previous similar studies done for high‐cap firms. It identifies the effects on financial reporting quality of voluntarily choosing to have an audit committee and of the choice of audit committee characteristics, in the period after substantial corporate governance reform. It includes a new measure among audit committee characteristics, industry expertise, which is required in Australia and is new to the literature.
The ethical foundations of economics in ancient Greece, focussing on Socrates and Xenophon
Authors: Alvey James E.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

Economics had a strong linkage to ethics up to the 1930s but this has virtually disappeared today. Amartya Sen first sketched the historical relationship in his bookOn Ethics & Economics. This article seeks to explore the ethical foundations of economics in ancient Greece, focussing on Socrates and Xenophon.

Design/methodology/approach

Various ancient Greek primary sources are used to investigate the foundations of economics as an ethical enterprise. For Socrates, the primary sources are the reports of his conversations by two students: Plato and Xenophon. For Xenophon, one has to rely upon his own writings, which are extensive and have survived in good condition.

Findings

For Socrates, human flourishing (eudaimonia) was the goal, rather than great accumulation of material goods. Xenophon accepts private property and the division of labour within certain ethical limits. In his work, the development of the ethical approach to household management (oikonomiaoroikonomikē), or microeconomics, within the context of the Greek city (polis) can be seen. Friendship (philia) and gentlemanship (kalokagathia) are discussed together withoikonomiaas a united package. Further, Xenophon anticipates several elements of Sen's understanding of good human functioning. There is a strong linkage between ethics and economics in Socrates and Xenophon.

Originality/value

While great efforts have been devoted to tracing the origins of Sen's capability framework back to Aristotle, this article represents the first attempt to trace that framework back further, to Socrates and Xenophon.
A comparative analysis of the Chinese and South African work ethic
Authors: Slabbert Andre , Ukpere Wilfred I.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

South Africa is a developing country, and within this context, it is essential to be economically competitive and proactive. Various sources reveal that the national productivity has been traditionally low, and continues to remain low. Within the context of the international arena, this is unacceptable. If South Africa is to become a recognised role player in the international arena, it is imperative to increase productivity like China. This paper aims to focus on the issues involved.

Design/methodology/approach

A 65‐item inventory which measures seven conceptually and empirically distinct facets of the work ethic construct, i.e. the multi‐dimensional work ethic profile (MWEP) was utilised to critically distinguish between the Chinese and South African workforces. The samples approximated 150 subjects in each grouping. Findings which emanate from this study have distinct ramifications for the South African economy.

Findings

It appears as if a linkage exists between productivity and work ethic, as illustrated by amongst others, Hamilton‐Attwell and Du Gay and Pryke. Paradoxically, a number of other variables exist which impact on the productivity phenomenon, thus rendering a strict causal relationship between work ethic and productivity tenuous in nature. Despite this, it is a recognised reality that there is a substantive “negativity” in the work ethic of the South African labour force, possibly in relation to historical and cultural factors. The Chinese work ethic is diametrically opposed to that of South Africa.

Research limitations/implications

In discussions with Chinese workers held in 2010, four primary schools of thought emerged: a firm belief that hard work will bring desired results; pride in personal accomplishments and hard work; fear of embarrassment or shame in case of failure; and immense patriotic pride in China and its achievements. It is the present authors' conviction that none of these apply to the South African labour force, and that most certainly could be partly responsible for the economic disparities between the two countries. Hence, additional research should be conducted to improve the current state of affairs.

Social implications

Of the seven facets in the MWEP, six are positively slanted, while the other, leisure, can be construed as negatively aligned with a positive work ethic. Interestingly, if the Chinese sample is compared to the South African, this is the only facet where the latter obtains a superior score. The inference is clear: South Africans are essentially more concerned about having free time. In the overall context of the MWEP, this is a strikingly negative observation.

Originality/value

One of the major challenges confronting South Africa, since the triumph of democracy in 1994, is low productivity of labour. Therefore, comparing South African work ethics with that of China will enable South Africa recognize the gaps in terms of behavior towards work and stimulate the countries international competitiveness.
New Zealand's old‐age pension scheme and household saving
Authors: Obben James , Waayer Monique
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The combination of low rates of private saving and projected increases in the fiscal burden of financing a public pension scheme for an ageing population poses a major policy challenge in New Zealand. Policy discourses espouse pension reform and the redoubling of household saving efforts. However, some of the policy options could have offsetting effects. To inform the debate with research findings, the purpose of this paper is to revisit the relationship between social security and household saving.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a constructed social security wealth (SSW) variable in a hybrid life cycle‐permanent income consumption/saving model pioneered by Feldstein. Time series techniques are used.

Findings

The results show that an increase in the constructed gross SSW variable boosts saving. This suggests that concerns with accumulating assets to match the length of the implicit life expectancy at the current pension eligibility age overwhelm the view that the pension benefit is an adequate substitute for household assets. The other findings are consistent with a priori expectations: increases in disposable income boost saving; there is a significant propensity to consume out of household net wealth; and inflation and unemployment engender significant precautionary saving.

Practical implications

A policy to raise the retirement age may reduce the gross SSW and therefore the fiscal burden of the public pension scheme. However, in shortening the expected post‐retirement period that households have to save for, the policy may also reduce the saving rate.

Originality/value

Although the Feldstein approach has been used in studies in countries like Australia, Canada and the USA, a comparable study has not been undertaken in New Zealand. This study seeks to fill that void.
A case study: a local‐based social economy project
Authors: Parlalis Stavros K.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the methodology proposed by the non‐governmental organisation (NGO) Anelixi to the Hellenic Ministry of Labour and Social Security, in an attempt to involve socially excluded persons in a local‐based project in Korydallos, Athens. The methods and actions employed by NGO Anelixi are explained and their effectiveness are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

NGO Anelixi proposed a local‐based project, which was based on the theory of social economy, to the General Secretariat for Youth (Ministry of Labour and Social Security), under the general project title “Youth Initiatives 2010”. The current project was entitled as “Investigating the Possibilities of Employing Young Persons in the Social Economy Sector”. The specific project lasted six months (September 2010‐February 2011) and aimed to address the economic and social challenges of today, especially in Greece, which faces an economic recession. The ultimate aim of the specific project was placed on the macro‐level; it was aiming to empower young persons (18‐30 years old) in need to investigate the possibility of establishing a social enterprise (their own business) in the municipality of Korydallos.

Findings

The overall project would be successful, if the community was more sensitive and open to accept the new concept of social economy and social enterprises.

Originality/value

The overall value of this project is the fact that similar projects could be a first step towards youngers' motivation and empowerment in local communities, in order to prevent them from being socially excluded.
Testing trade‐off and pecking order models of capital structure: does legal system matter?
Authors: Cotei Carmen , Farhat Joseph , Abugri Benjamin A.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the link between financing patterns, information asymmetry and legal traditions in 37 countries during the 1990‐2004 period.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on three theories: the trade‐off theory, pecking order hypothesis and market timing hypothesis. The authors test the predictions of these theories/hypotheses using regression analysis. The econometric method used is panel data with firm and country fixed effects. The authors develop a modified pecking order model which controls for short‐ and long‐term debt level changes and simultaneously test the predictions of all theories.

Findings

Consistent with studies for US firms, the results show that firms across all countries adjust toward the target leverage, but with significantly different rate. The long‐term debt contribution in the rate of adjustment is 64 percent in common law countries and 51 percent in civil law countries. The ability of the model to explain changes in leverage ratios is higher in common law countries. The authors find support for market timing hypothesis but no support for pecking order of financing. These results support their conjecture that stronger investor protection, higher transparency and well‐developed financial markets in common law countries reduce the cost of recapitalization.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study comes from lack of data availability to measure contract enforcement, transparency, and corporate governance variables. Future research can incorporate these variables to explain the differences in capital structure decisions across countries with different legal systems.

Practical implications

The findings show that firms' capital structure decisions are not only a function of their own characteristics but also the result of legal and financial market development in which they operate.

Originality/value

This is the first study that sheds light about rate of adjustment to optimal capital structure and pecking order of financing in 37 countries with different legal traditions and financial market developments. The authors are not aware of any other study that uses a modified pecking order model in an international context.
Bedbugs in our US libraries
Authors: Massis Bruce E. , Gondek Angel
Published: July 2011

Purpose

When reports that better clothing stores and hotels in the USA found themselves in the embarrassing position of acknowledging that they had indeed been infested with bedbugs, other organizations and institutions, including some libraries, have been on the alert ever since for similar evidence of such infestations. The purpose of this column is to discuss the recent reports of the re‐appearance of bedbugs and the impact they have had on some libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper's approach is a literature review and commentary on this topic.

Findings

From the library perspective, any sign of bedbugs must be attended to immediately so that the infestation does not spread further. There are two proven and effective measures that can be undertaken by a library to address this issue – exposing the books to extreme heat or extreme cold – but placing the staff at risk should always be a consideration when attempting a self‐eradication in a library as well. Therefore, engaging a professional exterminator at the first visible sign of bedbug infestation should always be seen as a potential solution.

Originality/value

The value in addressing this issue is to create an awareness that the re‐appearance of bedbugs in some libraries is very real as indicated by the reporting of this issue in the media.
International master franchise agreements
Authors: Brookes Maureen , Roper Angela
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the inter‐organisational processes used to control international master franchise agreements from operational, relational and evolutionary perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is undertaken through a qualitative, in‐depth case study in the international hotel industry. The case comprises an international master franchise agreement between a large US‐based hotel franchisor and its European master franchisee.

Findings

The study identifies the inter‐related nature of operational and relational control processes and how these evolve over the life of a master franchise agreement. It reveals how the perceptions of franchise members serve to enhance or inhibit the development of relational norms and how these, in turn, impact on the predominant type of control and the specific inter‐organisational processes employed.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on a single in‐depth case study within one industrial context and the universality of the findings may therefore be limited.

Practical implications

The paper offers insights to managers of international master franchise agreements on the interaction between members' perceptions, relational norms developed and the inter‐organisational processes used to control the agreement. It also reveals how the use of contractual controls can inhibit the development of relational norms and negatively impact on relationships between franchisors and master franchisees. The findings presented may have relevance to managers of other types of international alliance agreements.

Originality/value

By drawing on both the alliance and franchise literature and employing a qualitative approach, the study helps to close a gap in the current international franchise literature through the identification of specific inter‐organisational processes for control within international master franchise agreements, how these evolve in respect of relational norms and how these are underpinned by perceptions of franchisor and franchisee members.
Making your online voice loud: the critical role of WOM information
Authors: Huang Minxue , Cai Fengyan , Tsang Alex S.L. , Zhou Nan
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore factors that can help generate a bigger ripple for diffusive Word‐of‐Mouth (WOM) in an online environment. Specifically, the paper aims to demonstrate how the characteristics of WOM information influence the ripple effect.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used a survey based on real posts in online discussion forums to collect the data. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was utilized for analysis.

Findings

WOM as diffusive communication could generate a ripple effect. All of the WOM characteristics, which were investigated (quality, authority, authenticity and interestingness), have a positive effect on resenders' acceptance toward WOM, which, in turn, have a significant positive impact on resenders' resending intention. Furthermore, the positive impacts of WOM characteristics on resenders' acceptance exist, regardless of whether the valence of WOM information is positive or negative.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides insights into the role of WOM information in facilitating the WOM ripple effect. However, the specific characteristics of WOM information that influence consumers' perceptions of WOM are not explored in the present research.

Originality/value

The results of the study may help practitioners manipulate and use online WOM information in order to make marketing communications more efficient and influential.