bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personal characters, decision‐making patterns and leadership styles of female managers: a comparative study of American, Taiwanese, and Japanese female managers
Authors: Wu Wann‐Yih , Lin Chinho , Lee Li‐Yeuh
Published: June 2007

Maintains that women in the USA have much more leadership chances, less harassment and more respect from subordinates than Japanese women (who live in a male‐dominated world), who are reluctant to make decisions or take risks without consultations. Observes that women from Taiwan seem to have a much more transactional leadership style – taking risks and making rapid decisions. Discusses, in great detail, using extensive research via a multiple‐item scale to measure each item and lays out the results using figures and tables with great detail. Concludes with full results of the study and what they mean.
Effectiveness of business strategies in the Portuguese culture: an empirical investigation
Authors: Silva Gabriel , Lisboa João , Yasin Mahmoud M.
Published: June 2007

States that owing to foresight and planning by Portuguese business executives, most firms in Portugal survived the difficult 1970s and 1980s and, as a consequence, are stronger in today’s competitive internal and external challenges. Sets out the methodology used and gives data analysis and results in a descriptive way, with the use of explanatory tables. Closes by stating that time‐based differentiation may offer new ways for firms competing in highly differentiated markets.
A model for Chinese management education: adapting the case study method to transfer management knowledge
Authors: Berrell M. , Wrathall J. , Wright P.
Published: June 2007

Considers the transfer of management knowledge to the People’s Republic of China through Western universities as a complex process involving cultural as well as educational issues. Shows that the traditional case study format prevalent in MBA style executive education must be modified for use with Chinese executives. Describes a management education programme for Chinese executives. Attributes a successful outcome of facilitating factors that included using a modified version of Mintzberg’s model of managerial work and a case‐study method attuned to the participants’ learning and cultural needs. Presents a learning model appropriate for use in any high context culture.
Subcultural similarities and differences: an examination of US core values
Authors: Peppas Spero C.
Published: June 2007

States that the end of the last century brought dramatic changes in the composition of the workforce and heightened awareness of cultural diversity in the USA. Highlights the need to identify and understand similarities and differences as we move from the “melting pot” concept to ward off the notion of a multicultural society where subcultures exist and function using specific values. Compares attitudes of African Americans and Euro Americans with respect to ten cultural value statements. Discovers significant differences between the two groups.
Managerial women’s career experiences, satisfaction and well‐being: a five country study
Authors: Burke Ronald J.
Published: June 2007

Examines the relationship of work experiences hypothesized to be related to women’s career satisfaction as well as their psychological well being. Looks at data collected by questionnaires from managerial and professional women in Bulgaria, Canada, Norway, the Philippines and Singapore. Showed that all measures were generally found to have acceptable levels of internal consistency reliability in each country. Describes similar patterns of relationship among the measures, despite country differences in history, culture and economic circumstances. Highlights the critical whole played by particular work experiences in the career success of the sample.
Women in management: a comparative cross‐cultural overview
Authors: Omar Azura , Davidson Marilyn J.
Published: June 2007

Provides a review of the position of women in management in a number of countries. Describes how in almost all countries, management positions are dominated by men. Concludes that, although many similarities were found in women’s work experience across cultures, cultural factors accounted for the unique experiences of women in a given country.
Women international managers: the European experience
Authors: Linehan Margaret
Published: June 2007

Focuses specifically on the experiences of women international managers in Europe. Surveys 50 women in senior positions. Shows how this group consistently reported more difficult lifestyle choices than those facing domestic women managers. Identifies a number of factors associated with increased success in these challenging careers and life pursuits.
Different perspectives on selection for international assignments: the impact of LMX and gender
Authors: Varma Arup , Stroh Linda K.
Published: June 2007

Considers the success of the Leader‐Member exchange (LMX) model tested over various populations. States that it has not been tested in the selection of employees for international assignments. Attempts to use this model to explain why females may not be selected or offered these roles. Concludes that initial results suggest that LMX quality may play a major role in international assignment selection and provides some implications for future research.
Where do American women face their biggest obstacle to expatriate career success? back in their own backyard
Authors: Vance Charles M. , Paik Yongsun
Published: June 2007

Attempts to verify anecdotal and field evidence of an unfounded expatriate assignment selection bias against American females. Surveyed the perceptions of US, German and Mexican managers across six areas for assessing the business success viability of female American expatriates. Shows that American managers were less positive than their counterparts who knew the foreign marketplace better. States that the gender of the manager played a significant role in the US sample, where female managers gave amore favourable assessment.
Labour union policies: gains or pains?
Authors: Evans Jason , Block Walter
Published: June 2007

States that labour unions are widely respected institutions in modern society. Argues that this reputation in unearned insofar as these organizations are the only ones, besides that Government, which have not only a de facto warrant to initiate violence against innocent people (e.g. scabs) but a de jure one as well (right to strike). Suggests that in a socieity characterized by economic freedom, organized labour as presently constituted would be banned outright.
Foreign language competence and cultural affinity: a study of UK executives in foreign markets
Authors: Swift Jonathan S.
Published: June 2007

Reports exploratory research which examines the relationship between the extent to which executives have a positive attitude towards a foreign culture and the level of competence they have achieved in that language. Suggests that this was a weak correlation but a much stronger one existed between these two factors within the Spanish market. Cites that cultural liking may be a positive factor in foreign language acquisition but only in some circumstances or cultures and ecnourages further research in this area.
Subcultural approaches to management: a comparative study of African‐ and Euro‐American values
Authors: Peppas Spero C.
Published: June 2007

States that as managing a culturally diverse workforce has become increasingly important to business and government, organizations across the USA have focused considerable attention on diversity and diversity training. Highlights that, despite this emphasis, there is little data in terms of the attitudes of specific subcultures as related to management values. Compares the attitudes of individuals from Afro‐American and euro‐American cultures with respect to 18 value statements related to management. Suggests that there were no significant differences.
The contribution of Spain to managing education in the east with special reference to India
Authors: Pereira Faith M.
Published: June 2007

Discusses the ways in which Spain has influenced both East and West, with particular emphasis on religion with the Jesuits to the fore. Concentrates mainly on Spanish Jesuits in India and shows how they adapted to the Indian culture and way of life. Elaborates on the Jesuits’ clear emphasis on education, instruction and information in addition to spreading religious belief to all. Concludes with the modern role of Jesuits in combating hunger, drug abuse and homelessness in India.
Leading and managing in developing countries: challenge, growth and opportunities for twenty‐first century organisations
Authors: Ba Banutu‐Gomez Michael
Published: June 2007

This article deals with the importance of managing cultural differences in developing countries for
twenty‐first century organisations. With increasing business globalisation and different cultures we have in this world, maintaining and managing cultural differences becomes a challenge for managers and supervisors in the twenty‐first century. Thus, managing cultural differences is an essential skill all managers must master if they are to be successful in the global marketplace. This article also addresses how lack of understanding of cultural differences can cause serious mis‐communication, which can hinder the growth and the productivity of an organisation or company. It looks at how one’s own culture plays an important role in the way one manages, one must strive to learn, not only about the different culture which exists in the country where one wants to do business, but also, how to see one’s own culture in an objective manner. Finally, the article concludes by stressing why organisational leadership in a developing country requires a strong commitment to a high standard of conduct and being able to design and implement a bottom‐up management system which includes a two‐way exchange of ideas, values innovation and creativity that nurtures flexibility and offers members the freedom to experiment.
Patterns of stress, work‐family conflict, role conflict, role ambiguity and overload among dual‐career and single‐career couples: an Australian study
Authors: Elloy David F. , Smith Catherine R.
Published: June 2007

The dual‐career phenomenon has become increasingly prevalent worldwide. This lifestyle often generates stresses and strains, at home and at work, for couples juggling multiple demands, which can have negative consequences for organisations. While most empirical research into this lifestyle has been conducted in the United States and Britain, very little has been carried out in Australia. This particular study, based on data from an Australian sample of 121 lawyers and accountants, was therefore aimed at analysing the levels of stress, work‐family conflict and overload among dual‐career and single‐career couples. The results confirm that dual‐career couples experience higher levels of stress, work‐family conflict and overload than single‐career couples. To enhance labour productivity and organisational effectiveness, human resource managers therefore need to take account of the potential for dual‐career stress, overload and conflict, and respond flexibly to dual‐career employee status.
Cultural implications for the appraisal process
Authors: Groeschl Stefan
Published: June 2007

According to numerous cross‐cultural and comparative management studies, management perceptions and approaches differ across cultures, in particular, the management of human resources (HR). This article presents a number of implications for the appraisal process and its different functions and characteristics when applied within a cross‐cultural context. Culture is identified as an important factor influencing the understanding and interpretation of the appraisal process, its development, implementation, and other appraisal related elements and functions. Challenges for practitioners include the adaptation of HR procedures and practices to local cultures; managers to be aware of and sensitive to employees holding different cultural value and belief systems which might lead them to approach HR tools such as the appraisal process differently. Managers also need to focus on the objectives of the appraisal process and be open to pursuing different routes to get there, depending upon cultural circumstances.
The effectiveness of quality efforts in the Portuguese business culture: an empirica investigation
Authors: Correia Elisabete , Lisboa João , Yasin Mahmoud
Published: June 2007

This study empirically examines the impact of quality effort orientation on the financial performance of certified Portuguese firms. The results of factor analysis revealed four quality efforts orientation factors. The results of cluster analysis revealed the existence of three distinct groups of firms with regard to quality efforts orientation and performance. The analysis of variance results revealed that firms with a quality efforts orientation focusing on the customer tends to outperform firms utilising other quality efforts orientation with regard to net profit after taxes.
Language management in multinational companies
Authors: Feely Alan J. , Harzing Anne‐Wil
Published: June 2007

The importance of language management in multinational companies has never been greater than today. Multinationals are becoming ever more conscious of the importance of global coordination as a source of competitive advantage, and language remains the ultimate barrier to aspirations of international harmonisation. The article reviews the solutions open to multinational companies in term of language management. Before that, however, it discusses the aforementioned trend to globalisation outlines the dimensions of the language barrier and illustrates its consequences.
Ethos, culture and reform pattersn: some British‐Yugoslav comparison
Authors: Sevic Zeljko
Published: June 2007

This article analyses value preferences and basic cultural behavioural patterns in two fairly diverse countries/societies: Britain and Yugoslavia. It is, from the very outset, assumed that both countries are undergoing a period of significant social changes, both political and social. The UK is introducing the policy of devolution with significant constitutional changes pending, while the Yugoslav society is recovering from the conflict in the area, economic slowdowns and is searching for its new identity. Due to long‐standing British interests in the Balkans, the attractiveness of a virtually unpenetrated Yugoslav market and the vast opportunities for investment pending the solution of political crises in the Balkans, it is expected that British investors, companies and entrepreneurs will be interested in establishing business links in Yugoslavia, and therefore it is more than useful to analyse basic cultural patterns of both societies, expressed through public opinion polls and informal exchange of opinions (used only in anecdotal manner). It is concluded that although both societies are shaped in the dominant European manner, there are also many differences between them, but none of them so significant as to pose an obstacle to a successful business co‐operation.
The relationship between work‐role characteristics and intercultural transitional adjustment domain patterns among a sample of US and Canadian expatriates on assignment in Ireland
Authors: Morley Michael J. , Flynn Mary
Published: June 2007

Borrowing from earlier contributions in the cross‐cultural management and international human resource management literatures, firstly we conceptualise expatriate adjustment as a multifaceted construct encompassing work, general, interaction and overall adjustment and then we examine the impact of work‐role characteristics in the form of role novelty, role ambiguity, role conflict and role overload on these different domains of adjustment. With respect to adjustment, while our data, drawn from a postal survey of US and Canadian expatriates on assignment in Ireland, show some variations in work, general, interaction and overall adjustment, the composite measure of overall adjustment reveals that, on the whole, respondents are well adjusted to working and living in Ireland. Turning to the impact of work‐role characteristics on adjustment domains, role novelty is positively correlated with work adjustment. Both role ambiguity and role conflict are negatively correlated with work adjustment. Multiple regression results reveal that, combined, role novelty, role ambiguity, role conflict and role overload account for 31.1 per cent of the variance in work adjustment, 13.4 per cent of the variance in general adjustment, 17.2 per cent in the case of interaction adjustment and 17.5 per cent of the variance in overall adjustment.
JIT inventory and competition in the global environment: a comparative study of American and Japanese values in auto endustry
Authors: Aghazadeh Seyed‐Mahmoud
Published: June 2007

The topic of Just in Time (JIT) Inventory is very important and relevant to all operations managers today. It has become a major factor of competitiveness in the global environment. The concept is a minimized costing system that increases efficiency, productivity and quality through economies of scale and control. Current business enterprises need this for both cost benefit and effectiveness to increase their chance of survival in the competitive market of the global environment. This paper delineates the specifics of JIT theory to a more practical level of individual components that are more easily understood and related to the Automobile Industry. This paper benefits Production and Operations Management (POM) in the respect of being another inclusive angle, written comprehension, on a very important aspect of the business world. The paper is an attempt to absorb a better understanding of peripheral concepts and restrictions guided by JIT in the auto industry.
A Cross‐cultural comparison of customer value perceptions for products: consumer aspects in East Asia
Authors: Huang Chih‐Wen , Tai Ai‐Ping
Published: June 2007

With increasing competition in the global marketplace, a prime and basic question for many enterprises is how to construct a global strategy for existing product mixes through standardization or localization, so as to achieve success in regional or local markets. The purpose of this paper is to investigate customer value perceptions of products, to view what variables are important to consumers, and lastly to make comparisons via a cross‐cultural study. Using the same survey method to collect data from Taipei (Taiwan), Seoul (South Korea), Shanghai (China), and Tokyo (Japan), perceived customer values of products were collected together in a List of customer values. The results yielded a wide array of both crosscultural differences and similarities in East Asia.
Investigating cultural dimensions in a semiconductor manufacturing company in Malta
Authors: Montebello Louis
Published: June 2007

The Maltese culture of the employees of STMicroelectronics was tested for suitability with the participative management concept. The method used was the following: Hofstede’s original questionnaires was used (Hofstede. 1984) to understand this particular subculture. The main methodology was carried out following Hofstede model and testing for differences between the two opposite types of cultures; such as Small power distance societies and large power distance societies, individualistic societies and collectivist societies, feminine societies and masculine societies, weak uncertainty avoidance societies and strong uncertainty avoidance societies and high long term orientation or low long term orientation.
How will market orientation and environment and firm’s character influence performance?
Authors: Kim Yonggyu
Published: June 2007

This study is to investigate relationships between business performance of overseas subsidiary and market orientation, firm specific factors, competitive strategy, market specific factors. Author also tests whether market environment might affect market orientation – performance relationship. As the results of research, market orientation affects performance of overseas subsidiary larger than any other variables and market environment factors might moderate relationship between market orientation and performance.
An empirical investigation of the influence of modernisation on the moral judgements of managers in the People’s Republic of China
Authors: Redfern Kylie , Crawford John
Published: June 2007

This paper investigates the influence of modernisation on the moral judgements of 211 managers residing in the People’s Republic of China, based on their responses to a series of vignettes depicting potentially unethical behaviour in organisations. Results suggest that there is a significant association between moral judgement and modernisation. Managers from the more industrialised and economically advanced provinces in China gave harsher moral judgements, that is, higher ratings of unethicality, in five out of six vignettes. The study reported in this paper offers valueable insights into the nature of value and attitude change, or “convergence”, as China adopts elements of a more modernised market style economy.
Latin American leadership: El Patrón & El Líder Moderno
Authors: Romero Eric J.
Published: June 2007

Previous cross‐cultural leadership research has provided limited information about Latin American leadership. In an effort to address this gap in the literature, this paper is designed to aid in understanding the similarities in Latin American leadership. The author proposes that the core of Latin American cultures is a common culture, which has a consistent effect on leader behaviors. Based on this common culture, it is proposed that leaders in most Latin American countries can be characterized as traditional leaders (El Patrón). In some countries, leadership is evolving toward a modern conceptualization of leadership, El Líder Moderno. Preliminary data supported the dominance of El Patrón and a movement in Mexico toward El Líder Moderno.
Multicultural competence and trust: a new road for logistics management?
Authors: Canen Alberto G. , Canen Ana
Published: June 2007

The present paper aims to discuss the concept of competence from a multicultural perspective, for organisational success. It argues that models that view competence as a sum of competencies for management development within organisations could benefit from a multicultural perspective that put those competencies within the context of cultural sensitivity and understanding, so as to promote a trustworthy organisational environment crucial for any institutional change for competitive edge. It analyses theoretical approaches to the concept of competence in organisations, focusing particularly on those that take into account multicultural concerns and the need for building trust within organisational environments. It then addresses the meanings of competence as understood by executives acting in some organizations in Brazil, depicting emphases and silences in those discourses, as well as implications for logistics and management decision in a multicultural perspective.
Sources of perceived stress among American medical doctors: a cross‐cultural perspective
Authors: Aziz Abdul
Published: June 2007

Empirical research on the sources of stress among US medical doctors is scarce. Most research studies reported in leading journals were done on doctors from other countries. The present study explored the sources of stress among American medical doctors. Six factors, workload, work environment, hospital, nature of work, external environment and role conflict, were extracted from 30 items on sources of stress. Workload explained the maximum amount of variance followed by work environment. Workload was perceived as the highest source of stress and experience was negatively related to stress. The findings suggest that better management of time may help reduce stress for American medical doctors.
Predicting IHRM strategy and practice decisions: development of the IHRM orientation typology
Authors: Lloyd Shannon L.L. , Härtel Charmine E.J.
Published: June 2007

International human resource management (IHRM) is becoming increasingly fundamental to organisational success, as globalisation forces demand organisations to design and implement a global strategy. One of the most critical choices faced by IHRM practitioners is whether and when an organisation should adapt its human resource policies and practices to the local context (localisation). A typology of International Human Resource Management Orientations (IHRMO) that clarifies what IHRMO’s are and what they entail is developed from a review of the literature on localisation and globalisation, convergence and divergence and Perlmutter’s management typology. Additionally, two theoretical models are developed that predict which IHRM orientation identified in the typology should be adopted. The article takes a step towards elucidating effective IHRM strategy and practice decision‐making by showing that culture and institutional pressures, amongst other tings, do make a difference.
From West to East: the impact of culture on personality and group dynamics
Authors: Chan Bobbie
Published: June 2007

This article examines how personality types of tutors affect group interaction at a distance learning institution in Hong Kong. All participants of this study are Chinese, and they were given two personality assessment tools to complete: (1) the Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator which was developed in the West in the early 1940s; and (2) the Chinese Personality Assessment Inventory which was developed in Hong Kong in the early 1990s. The CPAI consists of personality constructs of specific interest to people of Chinese culture but that were not covered in most of the translated personality inventories. The purpose of using two personality tests is to explore whether a culturally specific instrument will be a more comprehensive measure that can reveal particular distinctive factors in the relevant culture.
A comparative study of the impact of leader‐member exchange in US and Indian samples
Authors: Varma Arup , Srinivas Ekkirala S. , Stroh Linda K.
Published: June 2007

In this empirical study, the authors compared the workings of LMX between two countries: India and the United States. Data from 162 supervisor‐subordinate dyads in India and 102 dyads in the US was analysed to examine the impact of subordinate LMX ratings on their evaluation of supervisor performance. Results revealed significant differences in the workings of LMX in the two countries, especially as viewed from the subordinate’s point of view.
Organisational commitment in the small entrepreneurial business in Singapore
Authors: McKenna Steve
Published: June 2007

Using qualitative data from 20 managers in four small Singaporean businesses in the services sector this article explores the issue of organisational commitment. The findings generally support those in the positivistic literature on organisational commitment. It also argues, however, that continuance commitment, largely seen as negative for organisations and performance, can be both positive and negative in certain circumstances. The article further suggests that owner/manager style in the businesses may have an important impact on manager commitment and that the future growth and development of these businesses may be stunted as a consequence of negative aspects of the entrepreneurial management style.
The influence of industrialisation on ethical ideology of managers in the People’s Republic of China
Authors: Redfern Kylie
Published: June 2007

An individual’s ethical ideology has been identified as one of the key components in fluencing ethical decision making in organisations. The Ethics Position Questionnaire is designed to measure ethical ideology in relation to two dimensions, namely Idealism and Relativism. This study investigates the factor structure of this measure in a sample of Chinese managers, and compares the dimensions found to those found in the original study. In addition, a regional comparison is under taken and the results show that there are significant differences in ethical ideology across different regions in China. These results are discussed and suggestions for future research are made.
Job related attitudes and ethics in countries with different histories
Authors: Alas Ruth
Published: June 2007

This article compares people from different countries according to their job related attitudes and ethical values based on empirical data from 15 countries. The results indicate that countries with a socialist past have to deal with the satisfaction of needs at a lower level than traditional capitalist countries and this consequently influences attitudes and expectations toward society, organisations and work. Attitudes toward society and facets of job satisfaction predict ethical values differently in countries with a different history as well. In traditional capitalist countries ethical values were influenced by attitudes toward society and almost not connected with facets of job satisfaction. In former socialist countries facets of job satisfaction better predicted ethical values of employees than in traditional capitalist countries.
Cultural impact on investment destination choice of US‐multinational corporations in Australia
Authors: D’Souza Clare , Peretiatko Roman
Published: June 2007

Theories frequently used by researchers’ only offer limited insight, they do not explain why some multinationals continue to invest in some countries despite being rated low on the reasons explained by economic and comparative advantage theories. The paper examines the attractiveness of Australia as an investment destination for US based multinational corporations. By using Porter’s national advantage theory and other variables of country attractiveness, it examines what makes Australia an attractive destination. Within the fast moving consumer goods industry, Australia was found to be attractive for three reasons: incentives offered by the government, low risk and cultural distance. There is evidence that culture has an effect on the choice of foreign investment venture structure well ahead of market size, tariffs, growth and location to cultural similarity. The aim was not only to generate ideas for future more rigorous research but also to investigate the impact critical to elements, such as culture, that make foreign investments attractive.
Building business relationships: a preliminary study of business executives’ views
Authors: Zhu Yunxia , Bhat Ravi , Nel Pieter
Published: June 2007

Business is about building relationships and hence relationship building is becoming increasingly important for cross‐cultural management. Current research findings in this area have mainly focused on relationship marketing or on cultural dimensions of business relationships. This preliminary study attempts to break the boundary and aims to explore relationship building from a culture‐specific perspective while in corporating a social constructivist dimension. Specifically, it compares relationship building across four cultures including European, New Zealand, Chinese, Indian and South African cultures. The research method is interpretive, based on an analysis of interview results with business executives from the four target cultures.
Chinese negotiation practice: a perspective from New Zealand exporters
Authors: Stark Anna , Fam Kim‐Shyan , Waller David S. , Tian Zhilong
Published: June 2007

Negotiation is crucial to business alliances, but this process can become more complicated if there are language barriers and differences in cultural values, customs, and lifestyles, such as Western businesses negotiating in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Previous studies have presented models of the Chinese negotiating process but these are primarily from the US. This study examines the negotiating experiences of selected New Zealand investors who have had experiences negotiating either Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) or short‐term sales agreements in the PRC to create two conceptual models. The results provide some interesting insights for doing business in China.
Patterns of feelings in face‐to‐face negotiation: a Sino‐Dutch pilot study
Authors: Ulijn Jan , Françoise Rutkowski Anne , Kumar Rajesh , Zhu Yunxia
Published: June 2007

We conducted a pilot study to compare the emotions experienced by Dutch and Chinese students during a face‐to‐face negotiation role play. Emotions play an important role in negotiations because they influence the behaviour and judgments of negotiators. The Data Printer case developed by Greenhalgh was used to examine the patterns of feelings that emerge during negotiations. One hundred and four participants (62 Chinese and 42 Dutch post graduate students) role‐played two different characters who were confronted with a payment dispute regarding the servicing of a defective printer. The results of the MANOVA and of the Factorial Analysis demonstrates that culture as a carrier of social values and norms did influence the emotional reactions of the people socialised in different cultural contexts. The paper concludes that in order to facilitate conflict resolution and interpersonal communication amongst protagonists in mono as well as in inter‐cultural negotiation context individuals should learn to manage their emotions constructively.
Importance of information sources and media evaluations: a cross‐national study
Authors: Ashill Nicholas J. , Yavas Ugur
Published: June 2007

The study reported in this article investigates whether or not consumers from Turkey and New Zealand attach similar levels of importance to various information sources in their purchase decisions and whether they are similar (dissimilar) in their opinions on advertisement in various media. Customers surveyed in Istanbul and Wellington serve as the database. Study results and their implications are discussed.
Job candidate attributes: a comparison of Chinese and US employer evaluations and the perceptions of Chinese students
Authors: Peppas Spero C. , Yu Tie‐liu
Published: June 2007

Successful staffing in organizations requires that job applicant qualifications be properly matched with job requirements and corporate culture. With rapid economic expansion in China and predictions for continued growth, there has been a substantial increase in the staffing needs of companies operating in China or servicing this market from afar. Working with university placement offices and/or actively recruiting on campuses, many organizations are looking to undergraduate and graduate business programs in China as a source of job candidates.
Islamic work ethic in Kuwait
Authors: Ali Abbas J. , Al‐Kazemi Ali A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To investigation the centrality of islamic work ethic (IWE) in the lives of managers in Kuwait and provide a useful insight into the nature of work environment and organizational culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The participants were 762 managers randomly selected from government and private sectors. Among participants 50 per cent were female; 73 per cent were Kuwaitis. Two measures were used: IWE and Loyalty scales. Correlation analysis and one‐way multivariate analysis along with frequency distribution were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results indicated that managers scored high on IWE and loyalty scales. There was a positive high correlation between the two measures. Demographic and organizational variables had significant influence on managerial orientations. In particular, it was found that expatriates scored higher than Kuwaiti managers on both IWE and loyalty and men scored relatively higher than women on IWE.

Practical implications

Based on findings specific implications related to work environment, strengthening work involvement, and enhancing organizational loyalty were identified. Furthermore, the interplay of tradition and economic prosperity and their impact on IWE were briefly examined.

Originality/value

The paper highlights not only the importance of work ethics in a relatively rich country but also provides a useful insight into the linkage between IWE and loyalty and the changing nature of work in a country that has recently experienced profound social and economic changes.
The cultural value of resilience: the Singapore case study
Authors: Low Kim Cheng Patrick
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight that Singaporeans are adopting the value of continuous effort and being resilient. Several explanations are put forth on why Singaporeans are resilient. That being the case, Singapore companies can also be said to be resilient.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviewing method.

Findings

Influenced by its geography, history and the value of achievement, Singaporeans and Singapore Companies are adopting “continuous effort” and “are being resilient” as the value they work and live by. Goal‐oriented, they do their homework, plan their work before plunging and work their plan.

Research limitations/implications

Limitation: time and costs constraints, otherwise more interviewing sessions could have been held. Future research, if a budget permits, can employ more inteviewers.

Practical implications

Being resilient is an advantage, it can also lead to strengthen the Republic's economy. In business, being resilient is vital since it gives the people the necessary fighting power. However, it is said that any culture is dynamic, and events may change perceptions and values, and hence, a highlight on whether Singaporeans are, in fact, “becoming softer” is also discussed.

Originality/value

The article provides a new/continuing perspective on cultural value of resilience in Singapore.
Service quality assessment: a comparison of Turkish and German bank customers
Authors: Yavas Ugur , Benkenstein Martin
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The study first seeks to determine the underlying configurations of service quality perceptions between Turkish and German bank customers and then tries to ascertain the extent of cross‐cultural congruence.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples of Turkish and German bank customers serve as the study setting. Usable responses were obtained from 156 Turkish and 226 German customers.

Findings

Results show that the underlying configurations of service quality items decompose into three factors for both groups. The extent of congruence between the two groups is strong.

Research limitations/implications

Replications among other samples are needed to validate the current findings.

Practical implications

The overall consistencies between the Turkish and German consumers suggest that a standardized approach is feasible for multinational banks operating in the two countries.

Originality/value

The factor congruency technique was employed to determine the extent of similarities and disparities between the two groups. Emergence of cross‐cultural similarities carries implications for bank managers.
Negotiating with Chinese: a cultural perspective
Authors: Herbig Paul , Martin Drew
Published: June 2007

Talks about the cultural aspects of negotiating in China and compares this with Western approaches. Focuses on cultural factors (and the dominant role of Confucianism), followed by steps in the negotiating process. Explains Confucian ethics and how that translates into everyday behaviour of how to treat and address other people. Points out that the Chinese will only do business with people they know and trust, so the importance of first building good personal relationships cannot be overstated. Suggests ways to make a good first impression, including attending banquets and other social occasions, although that opens up a further behavioural minefield. Recommends viewing doing business with the Chinese as a marriage contract based on old‐fashioned courting, rather than in the West, where entering a business relationship could be deemed the equivalent of a marriage of convenience.
The effect of corporate social responsibility on employee counterproductive behavior
Authors: Viswesvaran Chockalingam , Deshpande Satish P. , Milman Claudio
Published: June 2007

Surveys 200 Malaysian students at a US midwestern university to investigate attitudes towards corporate social responsibility. Refers to previous studies exploring the link between corporate social responsibility and financial performance but asserts that there is little empirical evidence on corporate social responsibility and employee attitudes – hence this study. Describes how the survey was carried out (a questionnaire measured on a four‐point Likert scale). Uses t‐tests to evaluate the data. Aims particularly to establish whether or not individuals who value corporate social responsibility exhibit less tolerance of 17 identified counter productive behaviours (such as using organizational services for personal use, padding expense accounts and pilfering organizational supplies). Finds support for the notion that individuals who value corporate social responsibility rate the 17 behaviours as more unethical than individuals who do not especially value corporate social responsibility. Indicates, therefore, that these (more ethical) individuals are less likely to indulge in counter productive behaviour. Recommends ways to back up and extend this research.
Cultural values: a cross‐national study
Authors: Nicholson Joel D. , Stepina Lee P.
Published: June 2007

Reports on a survey of 980 Chinese, 964 Venezuelan and 1,878 US managers, professionals and business students, to examine cross‐national differences in individualism‐collectivism, masculinity‐femininity, uncertainty avoidance, power distance, and paternalism. Provides a brief overview of each country’s national characteristics. Describes the methodology used and analyses the data using multivariate analysis of variance. Records the findings for each of the categories measured – cultural values differ across the three nations but nothing startling or new is revealed. Advises that multinationals need to understand cross‐cultural values if they are to succeed in a global business environment.
Models of national culture – a management review
Authors: Morden Tony
Published: June 2007

Defines national culture, summarizing and comparing various models of national culture, including single and multiple dimension models, historical‐social models in high and low context and monochronic and polychronic cultures. Discusses their relevance to the study and practice of local and international management, and tabulates the main features of each model.
Turkish firm’s success factors in the former Soviet Union (FSU)
Authors: Toduk Akis Yesim
Published: June 2007

Evaluates the perceptions of 63 Turkish Firms with regards to success factors when trading in the former Soviet Union. Outlines the historical position including treaties and agreements which have existed between the two nations and considers the ethnic geography of the former Soviet Union. Concludes that most firms have been partially or completely successful in their aims and cites the early exploitation of new market potential as the most important factor. Suggests that other factors include uncertainty handling and adaptability, logistics, language and cultural similarities and government support. Advocates Turkey as a good alternative base for western markets looking to expand into this new market.
Organisational significance and application of computer skills: a culturally‐based empirical examination
Authors: Yavas Ugur , Yasin Mahmoud M.
Published: June 2007

Looks at the findings of a survey of 115 Saudi Arabian managers who had completed their undergraduate education in the United States in relation to the informational and computing resources and their applications in Saudi organisations. Considers the role of computers in business and highlights the lack of specialists able to train within the country. Concludes that whilst the skills to use information technology exist, they are limited by cultural resistance to change, traditional viewpoints, authoritarian leadership and bureaucracy. Advocates government encouragement and ties with developed nations to help change such attitudes.
Impact of the financial system of reunification of Hong Kong and Mainland China
Authors: Monahan Joseph
Published: June 2007

Outlines Hong Kong’s financial system during the pre‐unification era. Looks at recent issues, regulatory changes and its development as an international financial centre. Considers banking, the stock market, the bond & futures market, the gold market, regulatory bodies and monetary and currency policies. Contrasts these with the pre‐unification system in China. Outlines the way that these two systems propose to exist together, looking at the potential benefits and problems this may bring.
The Deming leadership method: A behavioural and technical approach
Authors: Mauro Joyce A. , Mauro Nicholas J.
Published: June 2007

Provides an explanation of Deming’s Theory of Profound Knowledge, which includes the four core values. Cites these as appreciation for a system, some knowledge of the theory of variation, a theory of knowledge and some knowledge of psychology. Defines leadership and the actions required to implement the Deming leadership method. Argues this implementation will clear most barriers which exist when starting any total quality management programme and will allow managers/supervisors to acquire enough knowledge to make the transformation from supervisory management to leadership excellence. States that only through applying the Deming principles first will any future improvement be successful.
A structured approach for the assessment of system availability and reliability using Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Crespo Marquez Adolfo , Iung Benoît
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper proposes a method to model and assess the availability and reliability of a system when numerous factors such as system complexity, wide range of failure modes, environment, and sustainability may influence system behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach for reliability/availability study is using continuous time stochastic simulation (Monte Carlo simulation) and is based on seven steps for covering logical phases from system description to simulation result discussion. The feasibility and benefits of this approach are shown in a case study on cogeneration plant.

Findings

Owing to the factors influencing the system behaviour, the opportunity to carry out system availability/reliability assessment through analytical models will be many times very restrictive. Thus a general approach to this problem is proposed based on Monte Carlo (stochastic) simulation. The simulation of the system's life process will be carried out in the computer, and estimates will be made for the desired measures of performance. The simulation will then be treated as a series of real experiments, and statistical inference will then be used to estimate confidence intervals for the performance metrics.

Practical implications

Individuals, companies as well as society in general are becoming more and more dependent on increasingly complex technical systems. Moreover, failure of these complex systems often causes a major loss of service with potentially serious consequences (i.e. critical risk). Thus their dependability with its facets such as reliability, availability, safety has become an important issue. For example, the ability of reliability/availability assessment of such systems is invaluable in industrial domains. Indeed reliability/availability assessment is used for various purposes such as maintenance strategy selection, maintenance planning, production planning, risk and cost evaluations. To face with this complexity, the existing analytical models are not well adapted to carry out system modelling and assessment due mainly to assumptions that are difficult to validate. This paper looks into this issue by proposing a generic approach based on Monte Carlo (stochastic) simulation.

Originality/value

The Monte Carlo simulation method allows one to consider various relevant aspects of systems operation that cannot be easily captured by analytical models. The utilisation of this method is growing for the assessment of overall plants availability and the monetary value of plant operation.