bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multidisciplinary approach for a new understanding of corporate communication
Authors: Mazzei Alessandra 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– The aim of this paper is to better understand the concept of communication in organizations through the comparison of definitions given by scholars from different business-related communication disciplines: marketing, public relations, organizational communication and corporate communication.Design/methodology/approach– A review of prevalent definitions in the four mentioned disciplines; discussion of communication aims, communication categorizations, theoretical background and innovations in each of these disciplines; and finally analysis of convergences and differences.Findings– All the disciplines considered in this study converge in looking at the entire communication of a business, adopting a relational perspective, valuing some intangible resources as outcomes of communication. They highlight also some nuanced differences.Research limitations/implications– Higher value should be attached to research results in the communication field that come from considering multiple points of view, because each discipline contributes specific connotations to the comprehension of communication.Originality/value– The paper compares some business-related communication disciplines and considers each as independent while benefiting from cross-fertilization. The multiple points of view allow a multidisciplinary approach and the awareness of the polysemic nature of communication.
Beyond box-ticking: a study of stakeholder involvement in social enterprise governance
Authors: Larner Justin , Mason Chris 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to present the findings from a small study of social enterprise governance in the UK, taking a case study approach to uncover the experiences of internal actors who are involved in their board-level management.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study took a qualitative constructionist approach, focusing on stakeholder involvement in social enterprise governance. Initial theme analysis of 14 semi-structured interviews with board or senior management representatives revealed key issues in the governance of social enterprise, which were then explored through a comparative case study of two organisations.

Findings
– The study found that social enterprises surveyed employed a number of mechanisms to ensure appropriate stakeholder involvement in their governance, including adopting a participatory democratic structure which involves one or more groups of stakeholders, creation of a non-executive advisory group to inform strategic direction and adopting social accounting with external auditing. The research also highlighted the potential of the community interest company legal form for UK social enterprise, particularly in developing the role of the asset-locked body in terms of providing CIC governance oversight.

Research limitations/implications
– This survey was limited to the North West of England; however its findings can potentially support innovation in conceptual developments internationally.

Originality/value
– This research contributes to the under-researched field of social enterprise governance, potentially enabling these organisations to adopt more effective governance mechanisms that appropriately manage the involvement of beneficiaries and other stakeholders.
Collaboration in the context of micro businesses
Authors: Duarte Alonso Abel , Bressan Alessandro 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– Collaboration among businesses, particularly in the current global economic downturn, can be a key strategy contributing to their survival. This study examines the case of micro firms involved in Terracotta art in Impruneta, Italy, and the extent to which collaboration occurs among the local artisans. In doing so, the study aims to consider collaboration theory in the context of micro firms.Design/methodology/approach– Semi-structured, face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted among the owners and managers of ten of Impruneta's 16 Terracotta firms.Findings– Whilst much of the academic literature highlights the multiple benefits of collaborative relationships, most participants acknowledge very limited engagement in collaboration. From the comments gathered, two distinct groups emerged, one composed of members of the local Terracotta association, who to some extent collaborate with one another, and the second, the non-members, who pursue their interests individually, or marginally collaborate outside Impruneta. Further, a number of barriers preventing collaboration were identified.Practical implications– The apparent weak collaborative relationships among respondents may have ramifications for the further development of their sector, for instance, restricting innovation and marketing know-how, both of which could help address such external pressures as competition. The involvement of third parties, such as the local town hall or chambers of commerce, was suggested by several participants to help increase collaboration.Originality/value– The study focuses on micro firms, a group that, despite its relevance for many countries' economies, has received limited attention from academic research, including with regard to collaboration and collaboration theory.
Traceability and supply chain complexity: confronting the issues and concerns
Authors: Sarpong Sam 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the recent horsemeat scandal in European markets. The paper is primarily interested in how this scandal has festered and what perhaps ought to be done to ensure consumers get what they feel they should be getting. It also attempts to identify the lapses that have created the basis for this to happen.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper mainly draws on reports in the media and discussions generated following the scandal to assess the issues under consideration. It also looks at the issues surrounding the global supply chain environment and provides solutions on how to strengthen the weak links in the meat supply chain.

Findings
– The paper finds that the scandal has damaged consumer confidence in the industry's ability to regulate itself. It notes that pinpointing risk has become a difficult struggle as retailers are often inundated with data, and suppliers, for lack of time, have become reluctant to “waste time” completing check-lists and audits. The paper maintains that there is the urgent need for adequate inspection and a means to incentivise the food industry to police itself much better. It recognises that lack of visibility and a lack of direct influence over suppliers further down the supply chain have led to distinct problems within the food industry.

Originality/value
– The paper contributes to an ongoing discussion that has been of considerable concern to many consumers. Its importance lies in the fact that it suggests important measures, which, if implemented, could help in ensuring the elimination of fraud in the food chain.
Rigour in research: theory in the research approach
Authors: Johnston Alan 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to reexamine the importance of theory in research. The paper focuses on discussing the underlying principles that influence the research approach.

Design/methodology/approach
– This is a theoretical paper that discusses the importance of theory in research and opens up the area for discussion and debate.

Findings
– The paper contributes to the research methodology literature by adopting a sense making perspective, and focusing on the ontological and epistemological dimension of research. The paper furthers the debate on the link between theory and research, as the basis for developing further theory.

Research limitations/implications
– The paper provides a limited focus to management research and has not at this stage engaged in any practical testing of the ideas.

Practical implications
– There is an opportunity for changing practice at a variety of levels in engaging with research. These include implications for researchers, teachers, students and practitioners.

Originality/value
– The paper re-emphasises the importance in understanding philosophical concerns which underpins research activity. It is designed as a tool for discussion and guidance.
Gender and sexual minorities: intersecting inequalities and health
Authors: Robinson Margaret , E. Ross Lori 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to outline the use of intersectionality theory in research with gender and sexual minorities – that is, with lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) people, and lesser-studied groups such as two-spirited people.

Design/methodology/approach
– First, the paper note the limited way that LGBTQ research has taken up issues of intersecting oppression. The paper outlines why theoretical and methodological attention to overlapping oppressions is important, and why theorists of intersectionality have identified the additive model as inadequate. The paper presents a sketch of current best practices for intersectional research, notes special issues for intersectional research arising within qualitative and quantitative paradigms, and finishes with an overview of how these issues are taken up in this special issue of Ethnicity and Inequalities in Health and Social Care.

Findings
– Current best practices for intersectional research include. Bringing a critical political lens to data analyses; contextualizing findings in light of systemic oppressions; strategically using both additive and multivariate regression models; and bringing a conscious awareness of the limitations of current methods to our analyses.

Originality/value
– This paper addresses the use of intersectionality theory in research with gender and sexual minorities, highlighting methodological issues associated with qualitative and quantitative paradigms in LGBTQ research.
Transgender women of color: discrimination and depression symptoms
Authors: Jefferson Kevin , B. Neilands Torsten , Sevelius Jae 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– Trans women of color contend with multiple marginalizations; the purpose of this study is to examine associations between experiencing discriminatory (racist/transphobic) events and depression symptoms. It uses a categorical measure of combined discrimination, and examines a protective association of transgender identity on depression symptoms.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data from a subset of trans women of color participants in the Sheroes study were analyzed with linear and logistic regression. Associations of depression symptoms with racist and transphobic events, combined discrimination, coping self-efficacy, and transgender identity were assessed with odds ratios.

Findings
– Exposure to discriminatory events and combined discrimination positively associated with depression symptom odds. Increased transgender identity associated with increased coping self-efficacy, which negatively associated with depression symptom odds.

Research limitations/implications
– Cross-sectional study data prohibits inferring causality; results support conducting longitudinal research on discrimination's health effects, and research on transgender identity. Results also support operationalizing intersectionality in health research. The study's categorical approach to combined discrimination may be replicable in studies with hard to reach populations and small sample sizes.

Practical implications
– Health programs could pursue psychosocial interventions and anti-discrimination campaigns. Interventions might advocate increasing participants’ coping self-efficacy while providing space to explore and develop social identity.

Social implications
– There is a need for policy and health programs to center trans women of color concerns.

Originality/value
– This study examines combined discrimination and identity in relation to depression symptoms among trans women of color, an underserved population.
Intersecting impacts of transphobia and racism on HIV risk among trans persons of colour in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Longman Marcellin Roxanne , R. Bauer Greta , I. Scheim Ayden 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– Minority stress theory suggests enhanced HIV risk for those experiencing social marginalization, while an intersectionality framework posits that forms of marginalization may interact. The purpose of this paper is to understand how race/ethnicity- and gender-based discrimination may impact HIV risk among transgender or transsexual (trans) people.

Design/methodology/approach
– The Trans PULSE project – a community-based research study in Ontario, Canada – used respondent-driven sampling to survey 433 trans participants, including 35 Aboriginal persons and 62 non-Aboriginal persons of colour. Descriptive and regression analyses were weighted to adjust for recruitment probabilities.

Findings
– Most Aboriginal persons (65 per cent, 95 per cent CI: 37-90) and persons of colour (90 per cent, 95 per cent CI: 74-100) reported at least one experience of racism or ethnicity-based discrimination, and the vast majority had experienced transphobia (90 and 92 per cent, respectively). Among non-Aboriginal trans persons of colour, experiences of racism and transphobia interacted in increasing odds of engagement in high-risk sex. Increases in experience of one type of discrimination had strongest effects on HIV risk when coupled with high levels of the other.

Research limitations/implications
– Persons of colour were ethno-racially diverse; it is possible that different experiences of racism, with divergent effects, were collapsed. Odds ratios may overestimate actual risk ratios.

Originality/value
– While some sub-groups of trans people of colour have been identified as highly vulnerable to HIV, few studies have explored the impact of discrimination. This paper explores the roles of two types of discrimination in engendering HIV-related risk, and suggests potential limits to resiliency in the face of high levels of discrimination targeting multiple facets of identity.
Sexual health determinants in black men-who-have-sex-with-men living in Toronto, Canada
Authors: George Clemon , Makoroka Lydia , Husbands Winston , D. Adam Barry , Remis Robert , Rourke Sean , Read Stanley 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to develop a profile of the sexual behavioural characteristics of black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada who constitute a unique mixture in terms of background, race, ethnicity, and culture. Having a profile of the sexual health and risk taking behaviours of these men is important since it provides information on these black Canadian men in comparison other black MSM.Design/methodology/approach– Data were collected as part of a cross-sectional study of black MSM in GTA. Survey participants completed a questionnaire requesting information on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour, general and mental health, and awareness of social marketing strategies for gay men. The study was conducted in 2007-2008, through convenience sampling. Based on the data collected, the authors characterized the profile of black MSM with respect to sexual risk behaviours.Findings– The authors collected data on 168 black MSM. These men perceived their general health to be good. However, a large proportion of them practiced inconsistent condom use but this varied according to the ethnicity of the partner. Inconsistent condom use also varied by place of birth with Canadian-born men and Caribbean-born men less likely to consistently use condoms than African-born men. In multiple regression analysis, being born in Africa favoured condom use. Men were also more likely to practice inconsistent condoms use when the sexual partner was non-black. Further, when sex with other black men was examined, those who were older (30 years) and had not disclosed their sexuality were more likely to stop using condoms. Other variables which were expected to have associations with inconsistent condom use, based on studies in other jurisdictions – such as previous sexually transmitted infections, sex with women, sex while travelling, and drug use were not related to inconsistent condom use.Research limitations/implications– While the survey data were based on a relatively small sample size and may not be representative of the entire black MSM population in the GTA, it provides a basis for ongoing and targeted support for black MSM particularly those born in Canada. Older men who are not open with their sexuality may be at a risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV. Future research should focus on these men.Originality/value– This report provides a perspective on the sexual health and risk taking behaviours of black MSM in Canada. This is particularly important since their social history and health determinants are different from those of US African Americans. The results will stimulate further research targeting this group, and support HIV programmes and services for these men.
The top ten reasons that key managers leave
Authors: Longenecker Clinton , S. Fink Lawrence 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– Presents the top ten reasons that senior managers identified for business leaders voluntarily leaving their current employers. Offers recommendations to prevent organizations from unnecessarily losing their managerial talent.

Design/methodology/approach
– Presents the top ten reasons that senior managers identified for business leaders voluntarily leaving their current employers. Offers recommendations to prevent organizations from unnecessarily losing their managerial talent.

Findings
– Reveals that: bad bosses drive out good leaders; toxic and dysfunctional work cultures drive up management turnover; unethical or illegal business dealings tell managers it is time to go; when managers are consistently disrespected and disempowered it leads to them having a sense of being disenfranchised; professional stagnation creates a powerful incentive to leave; when business leaders find themselves consistently working in an environment where they are asked to pursue overly aggressive goals and performance outcomes without the requisite tools, staff, information, budget, authority, planning or access, they experience high frustration and frequent failure; less-than-competitive compensation causes managers to look for new employment; being on a sinking ship will cause managers to exit when hope is lost; and when managers are not challenged or feel bored they look for greener pastures.

Practical implications
– Challenges organizations to review the key lessons derived from the study and to use this knowledge to reduce the loss of critical managerial talent.

Social implications
– Highlights how organizations can gain competitive advantage by holding on to their key personnel.

Originality/value
– Unlike most previous studies, which concentrate on lower-level employees, looks at the factors that cause managers to resign.
Overcoming the identity crisis in human resources
Authors: Flynn Stephen 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– Dissects “partnership” and “strategy” in the context of the work of HR.

Design/methodology/approach
– Shows that it is not that HR is unclear about its role in the corporate world but that the exhortations of commentators are too simplistic.

Findings
– Reveals that the continuing and continual debate over HR's role is a product of the role conflict inherent in the HR profession itself. Emphasizes the importance of balancing the needs of employees with those of managers, which is at the heart of HR.

Practical implications
– Contends that divorcing the operational from the strategic denies the strategic the field intelligence that informs and proves strategy. The disparate, mundane operational tasks associated with HR specialists aggregate into the field intelligence that feeds their strategic perspective. Severing the connection between HR strategy and HR operations impoverishes any kind of strategic input available to HR.

Social implications
– Advances the view that managers and employees see their day-to-day requests as important and that these apparently mundane matters are the nuggets that inform HR's strategic input.

Originality/value
– Emphasizes that there is an organizational and employee aspect to every element of HR and that the HR specialist should accept both of these.
Strategic, future-proof succession planning connects Telefónica with success
Authors: Brooks Sue 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– Outlines the barriers to efficient, strategic and future-proofed succession plans, centered on a case study example of Telefónica.

Design/methodology/approach
– Draws on information provided by the company's UK and Europe talent manager.

Findings
– Describes the journey taken by Telefónica to build a succession plan that is both relevant now and adaptable to future demands, including key advice for HR specialist and resourcing teams.

Practical implications
– Shows that current succession plans are not working as effectively as they might. A fresh approach to the process can lead to HR developing a plan that is future proof, addresses the emerging talent market and is a true reflection of the current workforce.

Social implications
– Emphasizes the importance of effective talent management in a constantly evolving business world.

Originality/value
– Provides a useful case-study example of successful talent management and the main issues that a future-proof plan ought to consider.
Promotion and shoppers' impulse purchases: the example of clothes
Authors: Hultén Peter , Vanyushyn Vladimir 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– This paper draws attention to the fact that impulse buying is common behaviour among modern shoppers and that a consumer's impulse purchases of items such as clothes may be a result of the retailers' promotional activities. The purpose of this paper is therefore to investigate how promotion through channels such as direct-mail marketing, TV commercials and special in-store displays affects consumers' impulse purchases of clothes.Design/methodology/approach– Data for the testing of five hypotheses was collected by distributing a questionnaire to randomly selected households in North Western France and Northern Sweden. The data collection rendered 493 complete questionnaires, of which 332 were from France and 161 from Sweden. Seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) is the principal estimation technique.Findings– The results suggest that shoppers with a positive attitude towards direct-mail marketing and TV commercials also respond positively to in-store promotion. Hence, there are interactive effects between the three promotional channels that increase shoppers' general impulse purchase tendency. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that the frequency of exposure to in-store promotion has a significant effect on this tendency.Originality/value– This paper contributes to extant knowledge on impulse buying behaviour by examining the product-specific impulse tendency, which is defined as the degree to which consumers make impulse purchases of a particular product category.