bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relating price strategies and price‐setting practices
Authors: Ingenbleek Paul T.M. , van der Lans Ivo A. 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThis article aims to address the relationship between price strategies and price‐setting practices. The first derive from a normative tradition in the pricing literature and the latter from a descriptive tradition. Price strategies are visible in the market, whereas price‐setting practices are hidden behind the boundaries of an organization.Design/methodology/approachThe study deals with the relationship between price strategies and price‐setting practices that refer to the use of customer value, competition, and cost information. Hypotheses are tested on survey data on 95 small and medium‐sized manufacturing and service firms in The Netherlands.FindingsThe results show that price strategies and price‐setting practices are related because strategies are implemented through price‐setting practices. However, some firms do not pursue any of the strategies indicated by pricing theory, some firms engage in practices for no clear strategic reasons, and some firms insufficiently engage in appropriate practices to implement their strategic choices.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are limited to small companies. Researchers should examine why firms may not pursue any price strategy that is offered by pricing theory. They may also focus on organizational learning and pricing capabilities.Practical implicationsManagers need greater awareness about the price strategies they can use, should be cautious about a potential mismatch between price strategies and price‐setting practices, and should reassess whether their firms are capable of engaging in the appropriate practices.Originality/valueLinking price strategies to price‐setting practices reduces conceptual confusion in the pricing literature and may help to specify the gap between pricing theory and practice.
Adventure versus gratification: emotional shopping in online auctions
Authors: Lee Min‐Young , Kim Youn‐Kyung , Lee Hyun‐Joo 
Published: January 2013

PurposeOnline auctions have attracted emotional shoppers through exciting shopping processes such as searching and bidding. The recreational and emotional worth of online auction shopping forces auction retailers to develop tailored strategies for their consumers. To this end, this study aimed to classify online auction shoppers based on their emotional shopping motivations and examine the relations of demographics (i.e. age, gender, income, and education) and psychographics (i.e. impulsiveness, variety‐seeking tendency, price sensitivity, and risk‐consciousness) to online auction shopper groups.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected via an online questionnaire utilizing a pre‐recruited consumer panel that had experience of online auction shopping during the past 12 months. Existing measurement scales were adopted and tested for validity and reliability in the processes of academic expert review, expert debriefing, the pretest, and the main study. The measures consisted of consumer psychographics (i.e. impulsiveness, variety seeking, price consciousness, and risk consciousness), emotional shopping motivations (i.e. adventure and gratification), and demographic variables. The analyses of the study proceeded in two stages. First, a cluster analysis uncovered auction shopper segments that emerged from the two dimensions of emotional shopping motivation. Second, regression analyses determined the predictive powers of demographic and psychographic variables in discriminating auction shopper segments.FindingsThe findings suggested that there were distinct auction shopper segments based on adventure and gratification shopping motivations. Four cluster groups showed significant differences in demographic characteristics of age and gender, and psychographic characteristics of impulsiveness, variety‐seeking tendency, and price sensitivity. The regression results provided information on predictive powers of selected variables (i.e. age, gender, impulsiveness, variety‐seeking tendency, price sensitivity, and risk consciousness) for different segments.Originality/valueThis study identified four online auction shopper segments and their differences in demographic and psychographic characteristics.
Brand communities: loyal to the community or the brand?
Authors: Marzocchi Gianluca , Morandin Gabriele , Bergami Massimo 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the relative emphasis accorded by members of a brand community to identification with that community and identification with the brand‐owner, and thereby close a gap in the literature to date.Design/methodology/approachBased on a review of the literature relating to identification, loyalty, and potentially mediating brand‐related constructs, a cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based survey was carried out at a brandfest organised by a major European motorcycle manufacturer. Data collected from 256 respondents were analysed by structural equation modelling, testing seven hypothesised causal links.FindingsBrand loyalty is primarily influenced by identification with the brand community, through the mediating role of brand affect.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings require confirmation in other settings and industry sectors before they can be generalised with confidence, but point to several fruitful research directions.Practical implicationsBrand strategists have new evidence to guide allocation of effort and resources to the effective cultivation and maintenance of brand loyalty.Originality/valueThe study makes an original contribution, in a real‐world setting, to the understanding of how members of a brand community relate to the brand, and of how their brand loyalty is activated.
Structural equation modelling in marketing and business research
Authors: Martínez‐López Francisco J. , Gázquez‐Abad Juan C. , Sousa Carlos M.P. 
Published: January 2013

PurposeStructural equation modelling (SEM) is a method that is very frequently applied by marketing and business researchers to assess empirically new theoretical proposals articulated by means of complex models. It is, therefore, a logical thought that the quality of the new advances in marketing and business theory depends, in part, on how well SEM is applied. This study aims to conduct an extensive review and empirical analysis of a broad variety of classic and recent controversies and issues related with the use of SEM, in order to identify problematic questions and prescribe a compendium of solutions for its suitable application.Design/methodology/approachThe main analyses were conducted on a sample of 191 SEM‐based papers and 472 applications, i.e. all the SEM‐based studies published in four leading marketing journals during the period 1995‐2007.FindingsDespite the maturity of SEM, its application in marketing research still has notable room for improvement. This is a general conclusion based on numerous problems detected and discussed here.Practical implicationsThe study provides plausible solutions to the problems identified, a useful guide that is easy to follow and to apply adequately to present SEM issues in marketing and business studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample of SEM‐based papers and applications is limited to four publication outlets. A wider set or/and other journals different to those analyzed here may be preferred.Originality/valueThis is a valuable and timely study of the application of SEM in marketing and business research, and is also useful as a guiding framework for good practice. Likewise, as the problems discussed here presumably occur in other areas of social science, this paper should be welcome beyond the borders of the business disciplines.
Effects of package visuals and haptics on brand evaluations
Authors: Littel Sandra , Orth Ulrich R. 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how visual and haptic package design characteristics singularly and jointly affect consumers' brand impressions.Design/methodology/approachIntegrating and extending design perception with congruence and fluency theories, the paper presents three research propositions that are tested in three studies. Bottled water serves as an example category with data provided by professionals and consumers.FindingsStudy 1 identifies key types of holistic bimodal designs (Modern, Big Grip, Prototypical‐Small, Boxy Billboards, and Prototypical‐Large) based on brand visual and haptic factors. Study 2 relates these types to unique single‐modal brand impressions. Study 3 determines how consumers evaluate brands depending on the semantic congruence between haptics and visuals. Except for the excitement dimension, brand evaluations are more positive under conditions of high rather than low congruence.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are obtained for a single category (bottled water) using experiments designed to highlight and focus consumer attention on the formation of impressions. The findings may thus not fully reflect consumer responses in actual retail purchase situations.Practical implicationsThe paper provides preliminary guidelines on how to utilize visual and haptic cues in the design of brand packages for stimulating desired consumer responses.Originality/valueThe work presented in this paper contributes to the literature on design‐based brand inferences and semantic congruence by integrating the visual with the haptic perspectives.
Influence of personality traits on perceived relationship quality within a franchisee‐franchisor context
Authors: Dant Rajiv P. , Weaven Scott K. , Baker Brent L. 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThis is the first attempt to examine the theoretical and empirical linkages between franchisee personality traits and franchisee‐franchisor relationship quality.Design/methodology/approachA self‐report online survey was used in this research to collect data from a random sample of 225 franchisees drawn across 80 franchise systems. Personality was represented by the Big Five personality traits (IPIP‐B5 scales) and relationship quality was conceptualized as a 23‐item second‐order construct (incorporating trust, commitment and relationship satisfaction). Regression analysis was used to test the hypothesized relationships.FindingsFour of the five personality dimensions had the predicted effect on the outcome variable of relationship quality. Dimensions of “agreeableness”, “conscientiousness”, “emotional stability” had a positive effect on relationship quality, while “extraversion” had a negative effect on the dependent variable. Implications of these results are discussed.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough personality is a valid predictor of work‐related behaviours, future research should investigate the impact of other individual‐level influences (e.g. autonomy, self‐esteem, entrepreneurial fervour) on franchisee‐franchisor relationship quality. Overall, the authors recommend administration of the Big Five tests in franchisee recruitment and ongoing management activities.Originality/valueThe manuscript introduces the need to extend current inter‐organisational approaches to understanding franchise relationships through the inclusion of interpersonal constructs like personality dimensions. In effect, it calls for a marriage of B2B and B2C perspectives to examining the franchising and more generally the relationship marketing phenomenon.
Networks: a social marketing tool
Authors: Barrutia Jose M. , Echebarria Carmen 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThis research aims to extend the social marketing literature by considering the network effect as a social marketing tool. The network effect is seen as complementary to traditional social marketing tools.Design/methodology/approachThe authors study the implementation of a good practice, Local Agenda 21 (LA21), in the Basque Country. The empirical test involves 134 surveys conducted with municipal organizers of LA21. A SEM model is developed and tested.FindingsThe network effect significantly impacts embrace of LA21 (social product) by municipalities.Research limitations/implicationsThe study refers to a single regional context. Future investigations are required in broader geographical contexts.Practical implicationsThis research aims to indicate possible alternative marketing‐related paths towards a more across‐the‐board diffusion of locally based sustainable development (SD) strategies. This approach could be used to achieve strong adoption of other good practices.Originality/valueThe authors adopt an uncommon perspective. Social marketing is viewable as a relationship‐oriented government‐to‐government tool.
The quality and determinants of voluntary disclosures in annual reports of Shari'ah compliant companies in Malaysia
Authors: Ahmed Haji Abdifatah , Anum Mohd Ghazali Nazli 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the quality of voluntary disclosure practices by Shari'ah compliant companies (ShCCs) in Malaysia. The study also examines factors influencing the quality of voluntary disclosures.Design/methodology/approachUsing a weighted disclosure analyses approach, a self‐constructed disclosure checklist was developed to measure the quality of corporate voluntary disclosures (CVDs). The study examines the annual reports of a sample of 76 ShCCs selected from various sectors listed on Bursa Malaysia in the year 2009.FindingsThe results indicate that the quality of voluntary disclosures by ShCCs is in overall low consistent with prior studies that gauged the quality of CVDs in Malaysia. The multivariate regression analyses reveal that board size is significant in explaining the quality of CVDs at the 5 percent significance levels. Company size and leverage as control variables are also significant at the 1 and 10 percent significance levels in determining the quality of CVDs by ShCCs. The reduced regression model further indicates that government ownership is highly significant at the 1 percent significance level in explaining the quality of CVD by ShCCs while leverage is significant at the 5 percent levels.Practical implicationsThe low level of corporate disclosures by the ShCCs in Malaysia suggests that these companies require awareness on matters relating to the concepts of accountability and full disclosures in becoming accountable to the community. Hence, the Shari'ah Advisory Council of the Securities Commission Malaysia should provide awareness on matters relating to accountability and transparency which could lead to socio economic justice. The commission may also introduce a detailed reporting guideline for the companies to follow.Originality/valueThis study provides useful insights on the disclosure quality of ShCCs in Malaysia which remained largely unexplored. The study also represents the first empirical investigation toward the association between voluntary disclosures by ShCCs and corporate governance attributes in the Malaysian context.
Measurement model of corporate zakat collection in Malaysia
Authors: Owolabi Yusuf Muhammad‐Bashir , Mat Derus Alias 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe aim of the study detailed in this paper is to conceptualize the model of the determinants of individual decision to adopt corporate zakat collection in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a conceptual work that identified a number of factors that influence the adoption of an innovation as it relates to zakat collection in Malaysia by surveying a number of acceptance model.FindingsA total of nine factors that are likely to contribute to the success of corporate zakat collection in Malaysia were identified and formulate hypotheses concerning them.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a conceptual paper and hypotheses need to be tested to ascertain their veracity.Practical implicationsThe likely outcome of this research work from testing the final model will be an extension of the existing behavioural models (IDT, TAM, Trust), through new constructs validated within Muslim community, using zakat payers. The model, hopefully, will provide motivation for further research in the area of zakat collection in Malaysia.Originality/valueThis is a pioneer work seeking to develop a model for corporate zakat collection.
Quality function deployment in healthcare: a literature review and case study
Authors: Gremyr Ida , Raharjo Hendry 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThis article aims to provide a literature review on the use of quality function deployment (QFD) in healthcare and a case study in order to provide contextual knowledge as a means of improving applications of QFD in healthcare.Design/methodology/approachThe literature search was done via Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Web of Science using the keywords “quality function deployment” and “healthcare”; focusing on journal publications and their related citations. The case study was done within a design for Six Sigma project (DFSS) in a Swedish hospital. Empirical data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews and project documentation.FindingsFour potentials (better understanding of customers' needs and wants, identification of opportunities for process improvement, effective system thinking approach, and better communication and more transparent process) and three antecedents (understanding the customer, understanding the customer's needs, and finding ways to prioritize and translate those needs) of QFD application in healthcare were identified from the literature review. From the case study, the application of QFD leads to an increased awareness of a complex multiple‐customer concept, traceability of the improvement strategies in a more structured way, and the formation of a new process organization. A time study at one clinic (cardiology) before and after the project within which the QFD was used showed that the time spent on prescription of medication has decreased by more than 20 percent. This has increased the time that doctors can spend with their patients.Practical implicationsThis paper highlights the potentials and antecedents of applying QFD in healthcare from previous research. Furthermore, the practical findings obtained from applying QFD in the project can also provide some useful insights for practitioners.Originality/valueThe novel contribution is two‐fold. First, it is the identification of the potentials and antecedents of using QFD in healthcare context. Second, it is the findings and learning from a practical application of QFD for improving a medication process in the hospital.
Simulation team training for improved teamwork in an intensive care unit
Authors: Sandahl Christer , Gustafsson Helena , Wallin Carl‐Johan , Meurling Lisbet , Øvretveit John , Brommels Mats , Hansson Johan 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThis study aims to describe implementation of simulator‐based medical team training and the effect of this programme on inter‐professional working in an intensive care unit (ICU).Design/methodology/approachOver a period of two years, 90 percent (n=152) of the staff of the general ICU at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden, received inter‐professional team training in a fully equipped patient room in their own workplace. A case study method was used to describe and explain the planning, formation, and results of the training programme.FindingsIn interviews, the participants reported that the training had increased their awareness of the importance of effective communication for patient safety. The intervention had even had an indirect impact by creating a need to talk, not only about how to communicate efficaciously, but also concerning difficult care situations in general. This, in turn, had led to regular reflection meetings for nurses held three times a week. Examples of better communication in acute situations were also reported. However, the findings indicate that the observed improvements will not last, unless organisational features such as staffing rotas and scheduling of rounds and meetings can be changed to enable use of the learned behaviours in everyday work. Other threats to sustainability include shortage of staff, overtime for staff, demands for hospital beds, budget cuts, and poor staff communication due to separate meetings for nurses and physicians.Originality/valueThe present results broaden our understanding of how to create and sustain an organizational system that supports medical team training.
Pro‐diversity practices and perceived insider status
Authors: Guerrero Sylvie , Sylvestre Julie , Muresanu Doina 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to study the effects of pro‐diversity practices on perceived insider status, and explore the moderating role of leader‐member exchange in this relationship. The main and interactive effects on PIS are studied for cultural minority and majority groups.Design/methodology/approachResearch hypotheses are tested with a questionnaire administered to 210 employees working in three Canadian organizations engaged in diversity management.FindingsResults indicate that the main and interactive effects of organizational fairness and leader‐member exchange on perceived insider status are significant. The interactive effect on perceived insider status is higher for cultural minorities than for other employees.Research limitations/implicationsThis study shows the importance of perceived insider status in the field of diversity, identifies organizational fairness and leader‐member exchange as two significant organizational antecedents to perceived insider status, and describes the mechanisms linking these antecedents to perceived insider status (the interaction effects).Originality/valueThe main contribution of the research resides in the identification of perceived insider status as a variable that deserves more attention in the field of diversity. The article invites future research to explore the behavioral consequences of perceived insider status in diverse teams, and to pursue the understanding of mechanisms leading to feelings of inclusion.
Workforce diversity in strategic human resource management models
Authors: Martín Alcázar Fernando , Miguel Romero Fernández Pedro , Sánchez Gardey Gonzalo 
Published: January 2013

PurposeWorkforce diversity is considered one of the main challenges for human resource management in modern organizations. Despite its strategic importance, the majority of models in this field implicitly consider workforce as a generic and homogeneous category, and do not take into account cultural differences among employees. The aim of this paper is to present a systematic review of the literature on diversity among employees in strategic human resource management (SHRM). The objective of this conceptual analysis is to identify limitations in previous research and unresolved issues that could drive future research in this field.Design/methodology/approachTo develop this conceptual analysis, the paper reviews previous literature on SHRM, drawing on the distinction between the universalistic, contingent and configurational perspectives. Each of these approaches is explored, looking for the way in which they have treated workforce diversity and cross‐culturality.FindingsThe paper concludes that managing a heterogeneous workforce requires a holistic transformation of human resource strategies. Nevertheless, efforts to define cross‐cultural and diversity‐oriented models still remain undeveloped. Limitations of previous research in the diversity‐SHRM field are indentified in the paper.Research limitations/implicationsDrawing on the limitations of the treatment given to diversity in SHRM research, the paper identifies four research questions that still need to be addressed: deeper analysis of the concept of diversity, introduction of psychological processes mediating the diversity‐performance relationship, development of diversity oriented SHRM typologies and redefinition of performance indicators to measure the effects of diversity.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a theoretical model to illustrate present state of the art and future research lines in the fields of diversity, cross‐cultural management and SHRM.