bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employee job satisfaction in engineering firms
Authors: W.Y. Tam Vivian , Zeng S.X. 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship among cultural values, using the dimension of power distance (PD), and employee job satisfaction in engineering firms in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach
– A well-known leading survey design, the Value Survey Module 94 developed by Hofstede (1980), is used in measuring PD as a quantitative methodology in the form of a questionnaire survey in UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Findings
– Power distance index (PDI) show variation not only at country level, but also at firm level. Consultative is found to be the most preferred manager type by the employees. Employees perceiving their managers to be consultative are the least afraid of disagreement with their managers. “Work”, “co-workers” and “operating procedures” find to be the major job satisfaction facets while “opportunities for promotion” and “reward” are the least attracted to job satisfaction. Age is found positively correlated with “pay”, “work”, “opportunities for promotion” and “benefits”. “Work” and educational qualification of the employees are negatively correlated but no significant correlations appear to exist with other job satisfaction facets. No significant correlation existed between education level and PDI is found.

Originality/value
– This paper is one of the first studies on PD and job satisfaction in UAE and Saudi Arabia. This can provide significant insight of how the Middle East countries, UAE and Saudi Arabia, react with globalization in the recent years. Recommendations for improving the existing job satisfaction in the Middle East countries are also explored.
Teaching corporate crisis management through business ethics education
Authors: Simola Sheldene 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this research was threefold, including to provide a four-point rationale for teaching corporate crisis management as a module within a course on ethical decision-making in business and organizations; to provide evaluative data supporting this approach; and to highlight the implications of this approach for human resource development and training.Design/methodology/approach– Thirty-four undergraduates in a required course on ethical decision-making in business and organizations completed pre- and post-course assignments assessing their knowledge about crisis/management, as well as their skills in crisis recognition, evaluation and action planning. Participants also completed a survey on their perceptions of the crisis management module and its placement within the ethics course.Findings– Statistical analyses demonstrated significant knowledge acquisition on crisis/management; significant skill development on crisis recognition, evaluation and action planning; and significantly greater “true positives” and significantly fewer “false negatives” in post-course identification of crisis warning signs. Perceptions of the crisis management module and its placement within the course on ethical decision-making were positive.Research limitations/implications– Although the sample size was relatively small, small samples are associated with a greater risk of failing to detect an effect that is present, rather than the greater predicament of erroneously concluding that an absent effect is actually present. This information, coupled with the fact that the results demonstrated not only statistical significance but also large effect sizes using Cohen’s d, inspires confidence. Nonetheless, additional assessment with larger samples would allow for the possibility of convergent evidence. Similarly, additional assessment within different organizational contexts, including applications in human resource training and development is warranted. Future research should also include assessment of specific underlying teaching strategies and evaluation of whether certain models are associated with greater learning on a broader range of crisis management skills.Practical implications– Programs in business ethics education and training comprise one useful context in which to teach corporate crisis management. The program specified here addresses two training needs previously specified in the human resource development (HRD) literature on crisis management, including identifying specific methods of enhancing recognition or detection of crisis warning signs and also of providing tools and enhancing skills for assessing and containing crisis.Originality/value– Despite the centrality of both ethics and HRD to crisis management, there has been a dearth of research on whether ethics education is a useful context through which to teach this topic. This research addresses this dearth and suggests new avenues for HRD in this respect.
Navigating the ethical maze through design action research
Authors: Tansley Carole , Kirk Susan , Fisher Colin 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to identify how ethical stances can be used to develop a frame set in the design of a web-based decision support system (DSS) for ethical decision-making and to test both the efficacy of these frames and the potential of such a tool for individuals and groups in both leadership development situations and organisational practice. Unethical behaviour by executives is a frequently cited reason for erosion of trust with other stakeholders.Design/methodology/approach– Utilising action research, by choosing ethics frames such as heuristics, a web-based ethics DSS designed to enable users to explore ethical issues from multiple perspectives was constructed and this was beta-tested with a major UK bank and a global oil company.Findings– In orchestrating constant revisions of the ethics frames in the tool, learning from each research cycle was identified, a new form of action research, a design action research, which emphasises the importance of collaboration in the design of such decision-making tools, was offered and the tool for management development and other applications was successfully beta-tested.Originality/value– It was demonstrated to management developers how web-based systems might be designed by non-information technology professionals; the framing literature was added by demonstrating the value of engaging in dialogue about ethical issues of concern to managers and their organisations and thus improving decision-making; and additions were made to the literature on ethics and Information systems (IS) and contribution toward action research in the fields of IS and ethics was done.
A consideration of organisational sustainability in the SME context
Authors: Darcy Colette , Hill Jimmy , McCabe TJ , McGovern Philip 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to consider organisational sustainability in the small- to medium-sized enterprises (SME) context focussing on a resource-based view. The paper overlays two contrasting perspectives: those of the SME and human resource (HR) perspectives to allow for the development of a composite model of organisational sustainability for SMEs.Design/methodology/approach– The paper overlays four models of Carson’s (1985, 1990) small firm evolution and unique characteristics of SMEs; Wrightet al.’s (2001) pertaining to the application of the resource-based view of the firm perspective to strategic HR and Boudreau and Ramstad (2005) model of effectiveness, efficiency and impact of talentship. The paper, in particular, considers the human resource management (HRM) perspectives pertaining to the overlay and considers how these might impact organisational sustainability.Findings– An outcome of the paper is the development of a composite model to the SME and HR perspectives of organisational sustainability and its applicability to the SME context.Research limitations/implications– The paper suggests a number of emergent areas for future research. Future research should focus on the intangible aspects and softer elements of the organisational resource base. The majority of work in this area is grounded in the positivist paradigm. Future research should consider a pluralists perspective and draw on traditions of the post-positivist paradigm, for example, social constructionism.Practical implications– SME-support agencies and consultants who work with SMEs need, therefore, to work with them in assessing their competency spectra and then to help them develop the talent pools required to effect continued growth and success. In doing so SMEs need to be guided towards a better understanding of the traditional temporal cycle of recruitment; in essence, they need to ensure that they have the right competency set in situ in the early stages of the firms’ development.Originality/value– This paper is unique in its approach to the examination of sustainability within the context of SMEs and, in particular, the HRM aspects which contribute towards organisational survival, growth and sustainability.
The impact of best HRM practices on performance – identifying enabling factors
Authors: N. Theriou Georgios , Chatzoglou Prodromos 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the relationships between best human resource management (HRM) practices, knowledge management (KM), organization learning and organizational capabilities (OC), as well as their impact on organizational performance.Design/methodology/approach– To carry out this research, a structured questionnaire was designed and distributed to 212 manufacturing firms which employ at least 50 employees. The final sample consists of 138 useable questionnaires.Findings– Results indicate that manufacturing firms pursuing best HRM practices achieve higher performance through the interaction of these practices with KM and organizational learning capability and the creation of OC.Research limitations/implications– Possible limitations of the study include the measurement of OC, the use of subjective performance indicators and the data collection approach reflecting mainly HRM managers’ perceptions.Practical implications– HR practitioners and/or managers should focus on establishing the appropriate mechanisms for integrating “best HRM practices” with learning, knowledge and OC in order to improve performance.Originality/value– This paper empirically tests a new composite model which elaborates upon the mechanisms that seem to intervene between the best HRM practices – performance relationship. Moreover, the value of the human factor in KM and organizational learning initiatives, as well as on OC, is explored. While this has already been underlined in the past, there is still no complete model simultaneously describing and testing all those relationships.
The role of mediation in the resolution of two industrial disputes in Ireland
Authors: Curran Deirdre 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of mediation on two long-running collective industrial disputes in Ireland using a theoretical framework established in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper presents a detailed qualitative analysis of two disputes. In both cases a panel of mediators was invited to intervene when the established dispute resolution structures and processes had failed and impasse had been prolonged. Each member of the mediation panels, and the lead union representative, was interviewed about their perception of the mediation process and its impact. Interview questions centred around a set of mediation “Outcome Determinants” identified by Wall et al. (2001). Following Wall et al.'s proposal, Lewin's (1951) Force Field Analysis theory is applied as a theoretical lens for understanding the subtle impact of mediation in these cases.

Findings
– The empirical evidence suggests that while mediation did not lead directly to settlement, it influenced the resolution of these disputes. The disputes were a-typical in that most collective disputes in Ireland are resolved through established industrial relations structures and processes, either at firm level or through State-funded agents/agencies. However, intractable disputes occur periodically and there is an on-going need of this type of specialised ad hoc mediation. The Wall et al. framework combined with Force Field Analysis theory, provide a theoretical lens through which these disputes can be analysed and understood.

Practical implications
– An understanding of the nuanced impact of mediation is useful for justifying the continuation of this valuable approach. There is also some scope for predicting the likely impact of mediation in advance of engagement or at least allowing the mediators to explore the status of the Outcome Determinants related to a specific case in order to develop a tailored mediation strategy.

Originality/value
– This paper is unique in that it takes an existing theoretical framework and tests its application in two case disputes. The value of the framework is thus highlighted. Further application of the framework to other dispute scenarios would facilitate its development as a tool of understanding and some limited prediction. Mediation in this type of context has not been formally researched before. Public policy and theoretical implications of the work are highlighted in the concluding section.
Africa as a source location: literature review and implications
Authors: Nnamdi Oguji , Owusu Richard 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the scope of sourcing research in Sub-Sahara African (SSA) from scholarly journals published from 1980 to 2013 on sourcing-related issues. The study identifies what is known about sourcing from this region and the implications for managers and researchers in supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach
– Totally, 40 scholarly journals (supply chain journals and other journals publishing on diverse business topics) were found relevant and reviewed. Content (all field) search using the names of each SSA countries (e.g. Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, etc.) was carried out in the supply chain journals to filter out articles discussing sourcing-related topics. For other business journals, keyword search was performed (procurement, sourcing, purchasing, outsourcing, supplier relations, supplier selection, supplier development, supply management, offshore, supply chain and logistics).

Findings
– The literature review suggests that studies discussing sourcing issues in SSA have focussed mainly on challenges of sourcing from SSA, and they provide some insights on implementation of supply chain tools such as total quality management, negotiating and selecting suppliers from SSA, and just-in time purchasing. However, the authors found that there is an under-representation of this region in supply chain management literature. More so, the articles discussing sourcing issues in Africa are limited in scope empirically and theoretically in comparison with the large amount of contributions in other emerging economies of Asia and developed economies.

Research limitations/implications
– The limited amount of publications and contributions does not allow us to provide an integrated framework for sourcing from SSA.

Practical implications
– There is a need for future research to explore how the SSA context could enhance theorizing in supply chains. Also, there is need for researchers to extend the sourcing debate from the over emphasis on technology sourcing, knowledge intensive service outsourcing and component sourcing to other lower value-added products such as agricultural products and other raw materials sourced in SSA.

Originality/value
– This paper is one of the first to explore the scope of sourcing in Africa. As the findings suggest, there have been limited amount of papers published about this region. The review provides a perspective for researchers to explore this region and to aid theory development in supply chains. It also provided implications on how to support research publication focussing on this region and how to inform managerial perceptions on sourcing from SSA.
The impact of inward international licensing on absorptive capacity of SMEs
Authors: Reza Saeedi Mohammad , Dadfar Hossein , Brege Staffan 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– This study aims to examine the impacts of inward international licensing (IIL) on the absorptive capacity (ACAP) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a developing economy.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study is explorative, qualitative and elaborative in nature. Therefore, a multiple case study was selected and performed as the research strategy. The data were collected from four pharmaceutical SMEs licensed from European pharmaceutical large-scale enterprises.

Findings
– The results confirm that IIL has a strong effect on acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation as absorptive factors. Furthermore, the results have been enhanced by several contextual factors of ACAP human resources, inter-and intra-firm relationships, internal knowledge and managerial and strategic aspects. These contextual factors have also been influenced by IIL.

Originality/value
– From the licensee perspective in a developing context, examining the extant literature on non-equity strategic alliances shows that very few studies have empirically examined the impact of this kind of alliance, such as IIL, on SMEs’ ACAP. On this basis, the study provides evidence that non-equity strategic alliances, particularly IIL, enhance SMEs’ capabilities such as ACAP. In other words, to overcome SMEs’ resource limitations and inadequate capabilities, IIL provides opportunities for them to obtain capabilities and critical resources.
Assessing lean’s impact on operational integration
Authors: Gamme Inger , H. Aschehoug Silje 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to establish a major project to create new insights on lean in the specific Norwegian context and further build on international research. Lean is relevant for the manufacturing industry, service, finance, healthcare and public sectors in Norway. There are, however, still many research questions to be raised.Design/methodology/approach– Two case companies have been studied, to identify what these companies have experienced as important enablers and disablers in their lean implementation process. The following research questions will be addressed: In what way(s) does lean contribute to greater operational integration? In what way(s) does lean hinder operational integration? The research methodology is based on semistructured interviews with selected persons from different levels within the companies.Findings– From this study, several common contributing factors have been found: the importance of commitment and presence on the part of management, use of visualization tools for information exchange, formal meeting arenas and cross-functional work. Furthermore, the companies perceived the following as hindrances to achieving operational integration: insufficient involvement in implementation and design of tools, lack of commitment within the management, lack of customer focus, working in functional silos, lack of dissemination within the company and distance.Practical implications– Based on empirical findings from initial mapping of each company’s experiences with operational integration after a lean implementation process, recommendations on how to achieve better operational integration will be presented.Originality/value– The research initiative provides knowledge experience from lean implementation processes in two different Norwegian case companies within different sectors.
Market orientation and service quality: opponents or colleagues
Authors: Pantouvakis Angelos 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to investigate the effects of market orientation (MO) and service quality (SQ) logic on business performance. It is generally believed that MO and SQ are different philosophies, as the first, mainly, focuses on the “external orientation or market based considerations”, whereas the second mainly falls into the “internal orientation or resource based” of the firm. However, very little empirical evidence is provided to examine their relationships and comment on their role in achieving superior business performance.

Design/methodology/approach
– Drawing evidence from 400 shipping firms, this study examines the role of these two concepts (MO and SQ) on shipping companies’ business performance and attempts to classify cases according to their score on those constructs.

Findings
– Analysis revealed that despite what was thought by most managers inside and outside the maritime sector, all shipping firms are strongly market-oriented and that SQ and business performance are closely related to each other.

Originality/value
– The present survey, using a sample of 700 maritime professionals from some 400 shipping companies in Greece, aimed at exploring the combined effects of marketing orientation and quality on their performance. It further discriminates among three types (states) of companies based on their MO and SQ scores.
Organisational paradigms and sustainability in excellence
Authors: Brown Alan 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to focus on how organisations can benefit from adopting an organic paradigm of management to maximise the benefits of quality and business excellence strategy. Mechanistic approaches do not offer long-term sustainability and do not facilitate learning and innovation. Insights from research on business excellence award-winning organisations show how they embed quality into their culture for long-term sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper provides both a conceptual review of two organisational paradigms and relates this to the findings of a qualitative study of Australian Business Excellence Award winners. Interviews with company managers and case material from the organisations provided the information relating to strategies for sustaining business excellence.

Findings
– Organisations using a business excellence framework and those who have reached award status have adopted a range of approaches to maintain and sustain their performance. These include measures relating to leadership, processes, people, communication and strategy. Specific strategies focus on embedding, relentless driving values and engagement of people throughout. These support ongoing learning and innovation and fit the organic organisational paradigm.

Research limitations/implications
– Insights into how organisations sustain their use of business excellence frameworks show how business excellence principles can be embedded into organisations so that it becomes “the way we do things around here”.

Originality/value
– This paper offers insights into key issues faced by organisations that have already achieved high levels of performance on the business excellence frameworks and how they sustain this.