bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing US Government bulletin boards: problems, policy issues and
recommendations
Authors: Carlo Bertot John , McClure Charles R.
Published: June 2007

Federal government agencies increasingly use electronic bulletin board
technology as a means of providing access to and dissemination of
electronic government information. This paper identifies and analyzes
existing government bulletin boards (BBSs). It also assesses the types
of information available to information users on the BBSs as well as the
cost and technological access issues involved in federal agency use of
BBSs. Furthermore, the paper presents a typology of bulletin boards.
Finally, it discusses information policy implications resulting from BBS
development, especially with regard to access and dissemination of
electronic government information. These “new” access mechanisms are
often‐times difficult to use, are poorly deployed and operated, and may
serve to limit access to some types of government information.
The Clinton electronic communications project: An experiment in
electronic democracy
Authors: Bradley Diane , Frederick Janet
Published: June 2007

The Clinton Electronic Communications Project is the successor to the
Clinton campaign′s e‐mail program. The object of the work reported here
was to determine to which White House material posted to the Internet is
more current and comprehensive than information available through more
traditional sources.
The CICNet rural datafication project: Extending network access and
services
Authors: Hankins John L.
Published: June 2007

The past year has seen increased effort across the country to expand
networking services in rural areas. This note describes the “rural
datafication” activities that CICNet, a regional network in the midwest,
is currently pursuing.
Leadership Strategies for Networked Enterprises: A Personal Perspective
Authors: Evan Peters Paul
Published: June 2007

A rapidly expanding number of organizations have begun to use
high‐performance, completely digital networks, like the Internet, to
coordinate activities and to develop products and services that serve
very wide geographic areas. Now, primarily as a result of the Clinton
Administration′s National Information Infrastructure initiative, the
entire nation has begun to buzz with talk of the whys, wherefores, and
how‐tos of making this way to doing business the rule rather than the
exception of twenty‐first‐century life and enterprise. This paper
surveys the politics and economics of the contemporary networking scene,
and presents four general stratgies for making progress in the current
climate of great change and uncertainty.
The Ethics of Research in Cyberspace
Authors: Alun Jones Robert
Published: June 2007

As computers, the Internet, online digital resources, and eventually the
National Information Infrastructure become increasingly important in our
lives, the study of the use of these technologies has become one of the
fastest growing areas in social science. This research is important,
but, like any kind of social science involving the study of human
subjects, it raises questions of ethics and human dignity. Most major
research universities have guidelines for this kind of scholarship,
based on the Nuremberg Code and/or the Belmont Principles. But research
in cyberspace was clearly not on the minds of those drafting these
guidelines. Some of the difficulties produced by this tension between
traditional guidelines and new technologies are discussed.
Wired Warp and Woof: An Ethnographic Study of a Networking Class
Authors: Lynn Rice‐Lively Mary
Published: June 2007

This paper describes an ethnographic study of the electronic community
formed during an intensive summer school seminar on networking. The
seminar, conducted in a mostly electronic environment, was comprised of
master′s and doctoral students involved in various fields of study.
Ethnographic research techniques facilitated the observation and
description of the actions and events of this networked learning
community, where events reflect both individual personalities and shared
knowledge. This exploration of the cultural meanings of class
pedagogical events led to an enhanced understanding of both the nature
of the online educational environment and the applicability of
ethnographic research techniques to networked communities.
An End to Student Segregation: No More Separation Between Distance Learning and Regular Courses
Authors: Turoff Murray
Published: June 2007

A discussion on the need for integration of distance learning into regular courses to ensure quality of education for all. Face‐to‐face students and distance learners should exist in the same communication environment, and faculty who introduce new technology in this way should be rewarded.
Education at the Trans‐Millennium
Authors: Pearce Snyder David
Published: June 2007

Provides a commentary on education at the turn of the millennium. Compares the changes in for profit organizations who have innovated with educational reform where they have no such widely accepted repertoire of successful reforms – or reformers – to turn to.
Lawyers in Love
Authors: Twigg Carol A.
Published: June 2007

A discussion of the impact of the internet on the provision of education. Starts by looking at how, in the music industry, control of property rights has been taken over by what the internet can offer and then moves on to look at how similar effects can be seen in education. In particular it looks at the effects on the outsourcing of services within education and at distance learning.
Is More Planning Better?
Authors: Brock David
Published: June 2007

Strategic planning in general – not specially within an educational context. It poses the question about choice of planning method and offers an answer that it all depends on the overall strategy. Briefly looks at different planning modes from short, medium to long‐term.
Knowledge Management in Universities: A Strategic Approach
Authors: Rooney David
Published: June 2007

Understanding knowledge management in a higher education environment – knowledge as an intangible, social and ephemeral process cannot be directly “managed”.
Caught in the Rapids of Change
Authors: Abeles Tom P.
Published: June 2007

Looks at the impact the internet has had on education and learning. Notes that knowledge has become ubiquitous with the rise of the internet and that lifelong learning has become increasingly popular. Observes that the industry is in a state of great change but questions whether this will result in positive or negative outcomes.
The Future of Distributed Competence: Constructing a Post‐Education Paradigm
Authors: Harkins Arthur M. , Kubik George H.
Published: June 2007

Introduces the notion of Distributed Competence and Performance Base Learning. Notes that cannot always learn for the future and asserts that DC ensures that people learn for the present. Provides examples of Distributed Competence Intervention and Performance Base Learning in practice.
You Can’t Unscramble Eggs
Authors: Abeles Tom P.
Published: June 2007

Discusses changes that will affect the Academy in the new Millennium. Explores the impact of the Internet on many aspects of academic life, including scholarly communication and publications, collaborative research, e‐education, and entrepreneurship in education.
Peer‐to‐Peer Networking and Lifelong Learning
Authors: Pearch Snyder David
Published: June 2007

A discussion on how file sharing software can assist communications between teachers and students. Explains how Peer‐to‐peer networking can benefit education and improve student feedback.
The Impact of Globalization
Authors: Abeles Tom P.
Published: June 2007

This editorial looks at some of the forces that are acting on the university, both internally and externally. We look at the impact of globalization in this article.
Challenging the Feudal Mind: Alternative Futures for the University
Authors: Inayatullah Sohail
Published: June 2007

Discusses whether, in ten years, campus‐based, nation‐funded, local student oriented universities will exist, and introduces the notion of huge multinational players into the educational market.
Integrating learning outcomes and assessment into the curriculum: a case study
Authors: Ferguson Bob
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify approaches that have worked well into gaining faculty support and administration support for institutional attention to assessment and learning outcomes

Design/methodology/approach

Reflection on ten years of sustained attention to assessment and outcomes at Buena Vista University provides insight into what has made a positive difference.

Findings

The paper finds that for incrementally bringing faculty on board, five strategies have been useful: capitalizing on the familiar, using embedded assessment, initiating substantive discussions, avoiding the “accrediting agency” argument, and identifying early adopters. Administrative leadership and administrative structures were both required to move this forward. Given this attention, there are benefits for faculty, for administration and for students.

Originality/value

Ten years of sustained endeavor at a liberal arts college provide numerous insights, especially on faculty acceptance, that are likely to be applicable in other academic institutions.
Bank ownership and productivity developments: evidence from Turkey
Authors: Isik Ihsan
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper analyzes the responsiveness of different ownership forms to changing business environment by drawing on Turkish experience.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the paper uses Malmquist index theory, to estimate the total factor productivity change, technological change, efficiency change, pure efficiency change and scale efficiency change indexes for the Turkish banks. In the second stage, utilizing the generalized least regression format, it examines the significance of the productivity differences between different ownership forms after controlling for size and changes in the macro‐economy.

Findings

Under the “traditional banking definition,” productivity growth during the period was 1.2 percent for state banks, 3.9 percent for private banks and 14.2 percent for foreign banks. Under the “non‐traditional banking definition,” the productivity gain over the period was 2.9 percent for state banks, 9.5 percent for private banks and 17.0 percent for foreign banks.

Research limitations/implications

The future research can extend the data set and may include more explanatory factors to characterize the bank forms that record the fastest productivity growth.

Practical implications

Private ownership appears to be more adaptive to new environment. Foreign banks can be used as a policy instrument to induce efficiency and productivity improvements in local banking industries. Liberalization of markets through competition boosts economic performance.

Originality/value

In analyzing impacts of reforms, the significance of inter‐temporal change should be tested to better guide regulators, investors and managers.
Bad leaders: how they get that way and what to do about them
Authors: Allio Robert J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The author argues that the causes of this current epidemic of bad leadership include the leaders' personality disorders, akrasia (weakness of will), flawed values, and avoidance of reality. The complicity of followers also contributes.

Design/methodology/approach

The author offers a twin‐scenario model. In one case stressed leaders become pragmatists. In the other they act out this alternative: The would‐be visionary, seduced by power and a growing sense of certitude, first becomes isolated and then gets lost. When plans fail to deliver wins, the leader grows tyrannical, wields power wrongly, and devolves into a fallen star and self‐serving “decider,” often surrounded by fawning acolytes.

Findings

The subsequent emergence of bad leadership can be averted if leaders will pay attention to the welfare of stakeholders, listen to alternative points of view and perspectives, rely on their team for support, foster a culture of integrity, and cultivate personal awareness. Followers must give honest feedback and develop coalitions to foster a balance of power within the organization. If all else fails, externally‐imposed regulation may be necessary.

Practical implications

The author offers practical advice to both leaders and followers to enable them to avoid the perils of the bad leadership.

Originality/value

By identifying the causes and likely cures for bad leadership and bad followership the author makes it easier for stakeholders to address the problem and take action and for boards to select the right candidates for leadership roles, a critical board responsibility.
Guidelines for CEO‐speak: editing the language of corporate leadership
Authors: Amernic Joel H. , Craig Russell J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper highlights the strategic importance of being alert to the power of the language and words used by CEOs in their various communications – their CEO‐speak.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a close reading analysis of several contemporary examples of one of the most significant genres of CEO‐speak – the CEO's annual letter to stockholders.

Findings

Four perspectives important for understanding corporate strategy are highlighted: the importance of CEO‐speak as a linguistic marker of CEO narcissism; the revealing nature of metaphors chosen by CEOs; the potential rhetorical potency that arises from the way CEO‐speak is framed; and the significance of cultural keywords.

Research limitations/implications

Case examples, such as the close readings in this article, possess the strength of specific instance detail and interpretation, and the ostensible weakness arising from interpretation of small samples. But such research may provide for a reframing of conceptual perspectives and practical approaches.

Practical implications

The case examples and advice provided will help business executives and corporate stakeholders to monitor the quality of CEO‐speak, engage CEO‐speak more effectively for strategic purposes, and improve CEO text and leadership‐through‐language.

Originality/value

Readers are reminded of the power of CEO text, the benefits of subjecting it to greater scrutiny, and are provided with some practical, operational advice.
Periscopic media tour
Authors: Henry Craig
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Over a two‐month period, the editor of this media review has searched worldwide for the most interesting and useful articles, blogs and books on the topic of strategic management.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to his own finds, the editor sorted through suggestions by a team of veteran top managers and senior academics.

Findings

The result is a surprisingly diverse set of media articles about strategy and leadership on such topics as commoditization, myth of market share, blockbuster business model, negative effects of success on creativity, change‐agent trap, innovation and marketing ROI, open‐source economy, Idea engineering, polarized consumer markets.

Practical implications

URL links and references have been provided for the articles so that managers can easily follow up this quick scan of the media by reading the articles in full.

Originality/value

Provides a snapshot of what managers are reading and a guide to trends and fresh thinking.
The real life guide to accounting research: a strategy for inclusion
Authors: Humphrey Christopher , Lee Bill
Published: June 2007

Conventional texts on research methods research have a tendency to provide acontextual prescriptive accounts of how research should be carried out. The authors of this paper have recently compiled an edited collection of accounts of how qualitative research was carried out in a variety of social and organizational contexts. This paper seeks to convey some of the real life stories behind actual research projects. It explains the motivations for the book, reviews its central themes and documents some of the authors’ personal experiences in compiling the collection.
The representativeness of management financial forecasts vis‐à‐vis naïve forecasts
Authors: Hartnett Neil
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to extend the research into company financial forecasts by modelling naïve earnings forecasts derived from normalised historic accounting data disclosed during Australian initial public offerings (IPOs). It seeks to investigate naïve forecast errors and compare them against their management forecast counterparts. It also seeks to investigate determinants of differential error behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

IPOs were sampled and their prospectus forecasts, historic financial data and subsequent actual financial performance were analysed. Directional and absolute forecast error behaviour was analysed using univariate and multivariate techniques.

Findings

Systematic factors associated with error behaviour were observed across the management forecasts and the naïve forecasts, the most notable being audit quality. In certain circumstances, the naïve forecasts performed at least as well as management forecasts. In particular, forecast interval was an important discriminator for accuracy, with the superiority of management forecasts only observed for shorter forecast intervals.

Originality/value

The results imply a level of “disclosure management” regarding company IPO forecasts and normalised historic accounting data, with forecast overestimation and error size more extreme in the absence of higher quality third‐party monitoring services via the audit process. The results also raise questions regarding the serviceability of normalised historic financial information disclosed in prospectuses, in that many of those data do not appear to enhance the forecasting process, particularly when accompanied by published management forecasts and shorter forecast intervals.
Reflections on the mentoring process with academics entering a “new” educational experience
Authors: Watty Kim , Hilliar Kaye , Ji Sophia , Magdziarz Sonia , Simpson Melissa
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Increasingly, academics new to higher education find themselves in a “publish or perish” environment, with little if any formal or informal support structures. This is a situation that many academics have faced and lamented. The discussion in this paper emanates from the objective of seeking to change this environment. The mentoring provided an opportunity to work collaboratively with accounting academics who are new to the higher education sector, and focuses on developing and/or enhancing a scholarly approach to teaching and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The reflective practitioner model provides the theoretical framework that underpins this mentoring process. The discussion in this research paper provides an opportunity to explore this mentoring process, primarily aimed at developing and encouraging a scholarly approach to teaching and learning by academics new to the environment. Data on the process were collected using a survey questionnaire and as a result of informal discussions during the mentoring process.

Findings

The findings indicate an overall positive response to the process for both the mentor and the mentee and the achievement of the planned research outcomes.

Originality/value

The discussion in this paper outlines a framework and process that others may follow when mentoring academics entering a “new” educational experience.
Environmental engagements through the lens of disclosure practices
Authors: Yusoff Haslinda , Lehman Glen , Mohd Nasir Noraini
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to examine environmental disclosure practices among Malaysian public‐listed companies in an attempt to interpret corporate motivations for their environmental engagements and commitments.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates corporate motivations using content analysis by examining the corporate annual reports. Discourse analysis was used to analyse and then interpret the environmental information. In particular, the reasons that have inspired companies in Malaysia to engage in environmental matters are the focus of the research.

Findings

The results revealed high levels of information in environmental disclosures concerning current environmental engagements and future environmental plans/strategies. The environmental information was found to contain messages that revealed the corporate motives of certain environmental engagements. Three key motivating factors were found to be: “stakeholders' concern”, “self‐environmental concern” and “operational improvements”.

Research limitations/implications

The paper advocates interpretation of the discourse of environmental information to determine the comprehensive scope on corporate environmental reporting.

Originality/value

Disclosure practices (through the use of language) are utilised by business corporations to articulate messages concerning their environmental engagements and the motives behind such engagements. Furthermore, the paper offers some insights into current environmental reporting practices in a developing country.
Disclosure harmonization of accounting practices: the case for South Asia
Authors: Jahangir Ali Muhammad
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent of disclosure harmonization in selected accounting disclosure practices in three South Asian countries, namely, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a sample of 566 non‐financial companies for the financial year 1998. A total of 91 disclosure items were selected from 13 common IAS‐based accounting standards. The I index and chi‐square statistics are used to measure the degree of disclosure harmonization.

Findings

The values of the I index show a relatively higher degree of disclosure harmonization in the areas of inventories, cash flow statements, consolidated financial statements, investment in subsidiaries, and borrowing costs. A lower level of harmonization is observed in the areas of taxes on income, leases, retirement benefit costs, and investments.

Originality/value

These finding have implications for the national standard setters and regulators as well as the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA). These bodies may work together for the improvement of comparability of financial reporting in the region.
An analysis of current trends in accounting professional development in People's Republic of China
Authors: Senarath Yapa P.W. , Ping Hao Zhen
Published: June 2007

Purpose

With the introduction of open door policy in 1978 and recent entrance to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), there seems to be a continuous growth of world business between China and the rest of the world. The purpose of this article is to make a comparison between Chinese professionalisation of accounting with other Western countries focusing on three professional themes: profession and the state, entry qualification to the profession and the relationship between higher education and the profession.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative method and it is based on using unstructured interviews with Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA) (Beijing office), CPA Australia (Beijing Representative Office) and National Accounting Institute (NAI) (Beijing office) – all conducted in March 2005. Further information about the current accounting development in China is collected through secondary sources.

Findings

The results show that current accounting professionalisation project in China has been derailed mainly due to lack of coordination among accounting educational institutions. It seems that the CICPA purposely exert control over the supply of accountants by limiting the membership only to those who complete its own examinations mainly to maintain the “local status” of its members.

Originality/value

The professional accounting project should be closely linked with China's entrance to the WTO and the World Bank initiatives on accounting development. The results indicate that the accounting profession in China has so far been failed to take appropriate measures to align the professional accounting development with that of parallel professions as found in Western countries.
Accounting education in modern China: an analysis of conditions and observations
Authors: Woodbine Gordon Francis
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The object of this paper is to analyze and discuss the form and substance of accounting education in the People's Republic of China during the period 1998‐2003 as observed by an educator during his employment as a foreign expert with a major university in a Special Economic Zone.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses education policies in China and applies this knowledge in a descriptive fashion to an explanation of curriculum processes used in a modern regional university. Curriculum content is compared with equivalent Australian courses of study.

Findings

Accounting education programs in China are highly regulated. Methods of teaching and assessment are also inadequate and rely on tried and trusted teacher‐centred methods that encourage rote learning and plagiarism. Reforms in education are occurring at an incremental rate, but underlying administrative and curriculum management issues reflect mindsets that appear reticent to change in the short term.

Originality/value

China's centrally managed business curricula for university studies provides substantial challenges which, when combined unique administrative practices and cultural differences, presents issues of concern for education researchers and practitioners.
The consumer competence of young adults: a study of newly formed households
Authors: Grønhøj Alice
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The consumer competence concept is loaded with ambiguity in the academic as well as in the public use of the term. The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept theoretically and empirically.

Design/methodology/approach

Consumer socialization theories were compared and combined for the theoretical background, and a mixed‐methods methodology was applied for the empirical part. The study included young adults aged 18‐25, who had recently established their first household. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to explore the way in which young consumers establish their first household, particularly with respect to how new, complex buying decisions are managed.

Findings

Guidance from family and friends was found to be of major significance as regards complex consumer decisions made in the transition period from home to first household. The young adults did not display very high levels of consumer competence in actual consumption decisions, however, more competent approaches were reported when respondents were faced with hypothetical purchase situations. The young consumers' own understanding of what consumer competence requires showed some degree of correspondence with traditional notions of “desirable consumer socialization,” but also added a fundamental consumer competence to the list: to carefully consider one's need to make a purchase.

Research limitations/implications

The study included only a certain segment of young consumers. Future studies of consumer competence may include consumers of other age groups, consumers at different transitional life stages, or consumers with other cultural backgrounds to make comparative studies of the consumer competence of different segments of the population and across nations.

Originality/value

The study highlights a concept of importance to both consumers and marketers, which has previously been largely overlooked or only implicitly referred to.
Concept articulation and web research: a case study using quali‐quant methods
Authors: Moskowitz Howard , Rabino Samuel , Beckley Jacqueline
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how consumer researchers have used experimental design of ideas to understand emotions.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach was “quali‐quant,” mixing the insights of qualitative research with the numerical rigor of quantitative research. Consumers were presented with small, easy to understand test concepts created by experimental design to obtain their reactions. The paper looks at the impact of emotion‐language on acceptance, through individual‐level regression modeling.

Findings

Models were developed for each respondent. It was found that the emotion elements are not key drivers of interest in the product. The paper did, however, find individuals who were sensitive to some emotion elements, but not to others, leading to the conclusion that responses to emotion in concepts may emerge out of the interaction of individual respondents and the concept elements.

Research limitations/implications

The key limitation of this type of research is that it requires a specific internet‐based program (IdeaMap.Net) which does all the combinations, acquires the data, and then analyzes it.

Practical implications

The paper shows how to better understand the role of emotions in written concepts.

Originality/value

The paper presents a totally new treatment of emotion, by looking at emotion in terms of the stimulus and the respondent together. It shows that emotion is an emergent or new entity, not inherent in the predisposition of a group of individuals, nor in the nature of the stimulus.
Projective techniques for brand image research
Authors: Hofstede Anouk , van Hoof Joris , Walenberg Natascha , de Jong Menno
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Since it is hard for consumers to express their feelings and views regarding brand images, market researchers increasingly use projective and enabling techniques to collect rich and meaningful data. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and use of two methods of brand image research based on personification. Both methods were used to investigate the personality of four beer brands.

Design/methodology/approach

The first method was based on mood boards: participants were asked to make collages of celebrity photographs representing the beer brands (n=16). The second method used a job‐sorting task: participants were asked to connect jobs with the beer brands (n=100). The results of both methods were related to a list of brand personality traits.

Findings

Holistic interpretations of the mood boards and the jobs associated with the beer brands reveal highly similar results among the two methods, which strongly discriminate between the four beer brands. A translation of these findings to scores on personality dimensions further underlines the similarity of the two methods used, but does not convincingly distinguish between the four beer brands.

Research limitations/implications

The similarities in the results underline the congruent validity of the two methods. The observation that the two methods lose their discriminating value when holistic impressions are translated to personality dimensions scores calls for more research into the way projective research data may be interpreted and used.

Originality/value

This study is a first attempt to compare the results of two different but related projective techniques for brand image research. It demonstrates the importance of methodological research in this area.
Teamwork and defining group structures
Authors: Miklavčič Šumanski Martina , Kolenc Igor , Markič Mirko
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper is based on the presumption that sustainable organisational performance cannot be achieved without continuous organisational development as well as continuous development of the employees. The paper is of the opinion that, in a company or any other organisation, creating the conditions for knowledge development is of utmost importance. These conditions should enhance innovation processes fostered by employees. The paper aims to investigate this premise.

Design/methodology/approach

The basic idea for the research in the paper arose from the findings that proved that organisational structures do substantially facilitate creativity processes. The main part of the paper focuses on researching team cohesion and obtaining information on interpersonal relationships as a starting‐point for new knowledge to emerge.

Findings

The main finding of the qualitative case study, conducted on 172 employees of a certain manufacturing company, are that interpersonal relationships in smaller groups of people are of better quality than those in larger groups.

Originality/value

As a consequence of research on the company involved in the case study, suggestions in terms of improving knowledge management were made and concrete measures were taken.
Leadership for collective thinking in the work place
Authors: Ringer T. Martin
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The intention of this paper is: first, to raise awareness in organizations of the ubiquitous nature of thinking in teams and informal groups; second, to provide the reader with conceptual tools for understanding the subtle dynamics of “team‐level” thinking; and third, to offer some practical suggestions to leaders and consultants on ways of actively working to increase the quality of collective thinking in work places.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is largely theoretical and extends current theory about the utilization of knowledge and intelligence in teams and organizations.

Findings

The four core elements to effective collective thinking are proposed as: shared clarity of purpose; emotionally and psychologically mature functioning on the part of key players; the necessity for psychologically safe “thinking spaces”; and shared responsibility for building, maintaining and utilizing the thinking space. It is further proposed that many essential influences on collective thinking exist outside the usual limits of awareness – that is, they occur as unconscious processes – and so developing powerful collective thinking requires that attention be paid to symbolic, non‐rational and intuitive patterns in teams and organizations.

Practical implications

The paper provides theoretical and practical frameworks that enable members of organizations directly address factors influencing the quality of collective thinking in the systems in which they are involved.

Originality/value

The fresh contribution of this paper is largely that it integrates intuitive, subtle and unconscious dynamics with rational logical principles so as to create powerful new principles to enable leaders and consultants to enhance organizational effectiveness.
The effect of distributive preferences on decisions: an empirical study of Chinese employees
Authors: Fang Yongqing
Published: June 2007

Proposes that decisions on reward distribution are affected by preferences for various distributive principles and by the social context within which distribution takes place. Using a Chinese sample this relationship is tested. Identifies that the strength of preference for a particular distributive principle was a major predictor for a corresponding decision, however such influences were neutralised by secondary preferences for competing principles. Provides some insight into the Chinese psychology.
Communication and management styles in Australia: understanding the changing nature of its corporate affairs
Authors: Tixier Maud
Published: June 2007

Looks at the distinctive Australian background and the features of the national communication culture that may impact on business life as well as those of the traditional executive culture. Brings out the specifics of the Australian management style from a foreign viewpoint, looking at what differences exist compared to New Zealand, the United States and Asian countries. Concludes that Australians need to develop understanding of the global market whilst retaining their easy regard in which they are held.
Learners training approach preference: national culture as a determinant
Authors: Rodrigues Carl A , Bu Nailin , Min Byung
Published: June 2007

Discusses the effectiveness of different training approaches in other cultures. Highlights differing learning preferences in different societies. Proposes that traineers in nations which contain a lack of individuality or confucianism prefer more teacher centred methods to those with an emphasis on individualism who require a more hands on approach.
The implications of differences in cultural attitudes and styles of communication on peer reporting behaviour
Authors: King Granvill
Published: June 2007

States that peer reporting of co‐worker wrongdoing is attracting research attention. Attempts to extend the current research by suggesting that differences in cultural attitudes and styles of communication may affect reports of unethical behaviour by employees. Identifies some organisational and methodological concerns.
Cultural diversity in learning: developing effective learning for South Asian hospitality management students
Authors: Maxwell G. , Adam M. , Pooran J. , Scott B.
Published: June 2007

Focuses on issues of pedagogy among South Asian students studying undergraduate hospitality at Glasgow Caledonian University. Discusses learning adjustment in terms of students educational experiences, expectations, inclinations and the corresponding academic staff interpretation and facilitation of effective learning. Draws from student questionnaire, participant observation and staff/student focus groups in order to consider cultural differences.
Cross‐cultural perspectives for quality training
Authors: Grahn Joyce L. , Swenson David X.
Published: June 2007

Suggests ways to improve the quality of cross‐cultural training by the analysis of needs within expatriates. Identifies the countries for this training and matches the indicated needs with global business growth patterns. Reports on an internet survey of trainers and a review of global commerce which reveals a high mismatch between countries identified and emerging global markets. Cites a strong need for reformulating cross‐cultural training strategies and processes together with suggestions for the enhancement of global training.
A comparative analysis between American Indian and Anglo American leadership
Authors: Grahn Joyce L. , Swenson David X. , O’Leary Ryan
Published: June 2007

Identifies the contrasts and similarities between the American Indian and Anglo American style of leadership. Finds the results show differing values in areas of communication, strategic initiative, technology, decision‐making, and vision. Discusses the implications for enhancing American Indian/Anglo American relationships in light of these differences.
Cultural and business ethics
Authors: Seitz Paul
Published: June 2007

Compares and contrasts the cultures of Japan, the USA and the European Union in relation to business ethics. Focusing on three main areas – employees, environment, and consumers – states that these three items are common to any business regardless of country or culture. Shows that businesses grouped by culture can be compared and evaluated on each of these items and their priorities. Suggests the differences can then be said to stem from each region’s development in business ethics.
Differences and similarities in future managerial values: a five cultures comparative study
Authors: Mellahi Kamel
Published: June 2007

Highlights the opinion that the importance of national culture in cross‐cultural management is diminishing, suggesting that the world is moving towards a single, global management culture that is basically Western and, more specifically, American. Attempts to test this hypothesis by examining values held by future managers from five different cultures. Uses the Kruskal‐Wallis One Way ANOVA and the Mann‐Whitney tests to show that future managers from different cultural backgrounds will neigher adopt a mirror image of current management style in their cultures nor a global unified management style regardless of local culture.
Human competency engineering and world class performance: a cross‐cultural approach
Authors: Wright Philip C. , Geroy Gary D.
Published: June 2007

Outlines how human competency engineering can be used as a change maangement or organizational development tool, based upon studies conducted in Canada, Hong Kong and Indonesia. Suggests that a change model based on the practical application of social science and physical science concepts can be applied over several cultures.
An examination of the impact of economics variables and cultural values on Iranian business organisations
Authors: Yasin Mahmoud M. , Alavi Jafar , Zimmerer Thomas W.
Published: June 2007

Offers a rare insight into the dynamics, realities and potential of the Iranian business community. Uses a sample of 40 Iranian executives to empirically study the impact of the economic constraints and the values of executives on the performance of Iranian business organisations. Emphasizes the implications of this study to Iranian business organisations and their current and potential trading partners during this period of proposed economic change in Iran.
Individualism and collectivism: toward a strategy for testing measurement equivalence across culturally diverse groups
Authors: Azevedo Ana , Drost Ellen A. , Mullen Michael R.
Published: June 2007

Examines critically the bulk of cross‐cultural research involving the constructs of individualism and collectivism. Highlights some of the main conceptual and methodological shortcomings in the use of these constructs and the need for refinement and synthesis in definition and measurement. Suggests a research strategy that integrates previous empirical findings in a theory‐driven approach. Proposes multiple group confirmatory factor analysis as a technique for confirming a 2‐2 factor structure for individualism and collectivism and for testing the equivalence of their measures across culturally diverse groups.
Trust and decision making: are managers different in the People’s Republic of China and in Australia?
Authors: Yuan Wang Karen , Clegg Stewart
Published: June 2007

Examines the relationship between trust and participation in decision making and the cultural differences and similarities between Chinese and Australian managers. Finds that the level of trust placed by managers in th eir subordinates has a direct impact on the managers’ attitudes towards employee participation in management. States that while there is a significant difference between Australian and Chinese managers on levels of trust in employees’ psychological maturity, managers from both countries display similar trust in employees’ ability to perform their jobs.
Deliverity a graduate course in cross‐cultural management in Portugal: observations, experiences, and academic axioms
Authors: McGee Jeffrey E. , Festervand Troy A.
Published: June 2007

Describes the experiences of an American professor who taught a graduate course in cross‐cultural management at a Portuguese university. Outlines the overall experience before detailing several pedagogic issues which were unforeseen/problematic. Proposes ten axioms to guide similar future internal exchange experiences. Emphasizes four areas of difficulty, preparation, expectations, conduct and relationships.
The cultural boundedness of theory and practice in HRD?
Authors: McGuire David , O’Donnell David , Garavan Thomas N. , Saha Sudhir K. , Murphy Joe
Published: June 2007

Argues that cultural influences may not only affect a professional’s implicit concept of what constitutes effective practice, but may also affect researchers’ explicit theories. Suggests that this means that many HRD practices, processes, procedures and language are specific to cultures. Explores some of the reasons underlying the increasing importance placed on cultural issues by multinational companies, touching on a number of theoretical and epistemological debates. Draws no firm conclusions but attempts to locate various positions and boundaries on the universalism‐relativism continuum.
The cultural impact of globalisation: economic activity and social change
Authors: Asgary Nader , Walle Alf H.
Published: June 2007

The term “globalisation”, although ubiquitous, has lost precision due to the fact that it can be applied in diverse ways. Here, multiple implications of globalisation are discussed in order to clarify its impact upon modern business and vice versa. In specific, the concepts of homogenisation, polarisation, and hybridisation are examined. By comparing these models to earlier paradigms (such as those provided by the Enlightenment and the Romantic Movement), more precise discussions of globalisation result. The concept of dialectics, furthermore, provides a valuable tool to use when analysing the process of hybridisation.
Trust and managerial transition: evidence from three small Asian economies
Authors: Chatterjee Samir R. , Pearson Cecil A.L.
Published: June 2007

This article explores trust in the managerial context of integrity, performance and benevolence in contemporary Asian societies. Empirical evidence is drawn from three small Asian societies where reform and transitions characterise the current socio‐economic scene. As these countries attempt their recovery process from the severe economic downturn of mid 1997, managers of work organisations are calling on unique Asian ways of responding to global imperatives. Trust may be considered as a unique feature in these countries and it may be considered to be a central element defining the managerial frameworks. Indeed, the study findings allow us to suggest that trust is perceived strongly by the managers in these countries to be not only as the key critical assumptions but also it defined internal and external relationships.
Attitudes towards business ethics: where East doesn’t meet West
Authors: Peppas Spero
Published: June 2007

In culturally homogeneous groups there is a greater likelihood that values, including ethics values, of individual group members will coincide. Due to globalisation, changing demographics, and a desire for increased diversity, corporate cultures are becoming less homogeneous, thus increasing the likelihood that individuals working side by side to maximise shareholder value will not see eye to eye when it comes to business ethics. Given that many international students who earn US graduate business degrees find employment with US companies either in the US or abroad, the objective of this study was to examine whether international graduate business students, in particular Asian nationals, an d their US counterparts share similar attitudes with regard to business codes of ethics and ethics values. It was hypothesised that there would be significant differences in the attitudes of US and Asian students. It was believed that if similarities and differences with regard to ethics could be identified, universities and businesses would be better equipped to address ethics in their operations.
Cultural dynamics of corporate fraud
Authors: Watson Douglas M.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between cultural heritage and attitudes toward fraud. The data indicates that the culturalisation process is complex, with no apparent absolutes. People claiming different cultural heritage do differ in how they approve of fraud in general, but what is equally significant is how these same people universally evaluated specific types of fraud. A comprehensive analysis of the results, taking into consideration all the potential correlates – cultural heritage as well as age, education, gender and occupation – indicates that the respondents may have been influenced by an overarching “corporate culture” that tends to assimilate diverse attitudes into a more universal standard of behaviour.
Coordination economies, advertising, and search behaviour in retail markets by Kyle Bagwell and Garey Ramey: a comment
Authors: Block Walter
Published: June 2007

Discusses Bagwell and Ramey’s theory that advertising can promote sales even if mostly informative. Posits there must be method in what would perhaps seem to be the madness of customers railing against firms’ lack of communication. Highlights the various slogans employed via jingles, etc. Criticises the analysis by Bagwell and Ramey and shows how their overall explanation fails.