bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategy development processes in Central and Eastern Europe: a cross-regional perspective
Authors: Koles Bernadett , Kondath Balakrishnan 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to assess strategy development processes in organizations operating in the Central and Eastern European region, and compare them with those headquartered in Western Europe.Design/methodology/approach– Strategy development processes are measured using a multidimensional scale, incorporating elements of the following six dimensions: command, planning, incremental, political, cultural, and enforced choice. The study includes 366 participants from 52 organizations, with close to 40 percent headquartered in CEE countries.Findings– While responses of western top management were consistent with previous findings, differences prevailed in comparison to the current sample reports of CEE top management. For example, managers in CEE organizations tended to place more emphasis on the top executive, while internal politics were significantly more pronounced in western firms.Research limitations/implications– Additional variables potentially influencing strategy development processes could be explored, using a more targeted sample.Practical implications– The results suggest that despite surface level appearances, the overall management trends and business dealings characterizing CEE societies are still not identical to those in the west, highlighting the importance for top management teams to consider local approaches and practices when entering novel markets.Originality/value– This study addresses a gap in the available literature by concerning strategy development processes through multiple dimensions, and in organizations operating in the relatively under-represented region of CEE countries.
To understand EMNEs a dynamic IB contingency theory is called for
Authors: Aharoni Yair 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– This paper argues that international business (IB) theory needs to adapt to the changes that have occurred in the global economy when the world was divided into rich market economies, communist countries and poor economies. Changes in ideologies and technologies has opened up opportunities for emerging market multinational enterprises and the paper offers guidelines for a dynamic IB contingency theory to acknowledge these changes and learning.

Design/methodology/approach
– This is a conceptual paper which is designed to offer an alternative contingency perspective on IB theory.

Findings
– IB scholars should recognize the influence of several contingent variables such as the institutional environment, political systems, government-business-NGO relations, social norms-ethical behavior, country size and industry. The structural characteristics of an industry, their importance to the country and the regulatory regime are major variables in understanding how and whether firms can become emerging multinational enterprises (EMNEs). The paper finds that emerging market government and enterprises have strategies for building knowledge intensive industries through mergers and acquisitions and exploit these on a global scale.

Research limitations/implications
– IB scholars should recognize that multinational enterprises learn and they adapt to the global environment. Scholars should develop strategies or a way of thinking which is different to the status quo to take advantage of the new and changing circumstances where the rules of the game are different to those in the researcher's home country.

Practical implications
– The removal of trade barriers and government restrictions on trade and technological developments means that EMNEs and governments should not rely on protection and subsidies but should compete on being unique and adopt differentiated strategies in niche but global marketplaces.
A developmental view on implementation of quality management concepts
Authors: Gremyr Ida , Elg Mattias 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the value of a developmental learning view on implementation of quality management (QM) concepts. QM concepts are common in various organizations; some implement them smoothly, others struggle and sometimes even abandon the initiatives. What is then a successful implementation – is it the use a specific QM method as a standard problem solving approach, or is it that learning has occurred during implementation?Design/methodology/approach– The paper is based on an illustrative case study carried out at a hospital in western Sweden. The data have been collected through about 130 hours of participation in project work by the first author and through seven face-to-face interviews of about one hour each.Findings– It is shown that a Design for Six Sigma pilot project with a narrow view on implementation could be regarded as a failure, but it gave rise to much learning and new improved ways of working. Hence, it is argued that a developmental view on implementation can support learning by an emergent and experimental approach to implementation processes.Originality/value– Much research has been done on how to increase the success rate of implementations of QM initiatives, e.g. procedures to follow to reach an outcome where the new way of working is standard procedure. Less research has problematized the implementation process, questioning what a successful outcome of an implementation is.
Attitudes toward quality improvement among healthcare professionals
Authors: Siverbo Kristian , Eriksson Henrik , Raharjo Hendry , Moonen Michaela 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this article is to describe how the training of healthcare professionals in improvement work can be performed, and evaluate potential changes in attitude as a result of the initiative.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study was carried out at a University Hospital in Sweden. There were 443 participants in the study. The response rate before the intervention was 55 per cent (242 respondents) and six months later, it was 43 per cent (190 respondents). A two-day training program about quality improvement was performed on seven different occasions and after the training had been concluded, participants were encouraged to translate their newly acquired knowledge into improvement projects. Surveys on attitudes toward improvement work were completed by the participants right before the training and six months afterwards. The results were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney test.

Findings
– The analysis showed some statistically significant changes in attitude among the participants. There were also differences between groups of participants based on their profession and the number of years in their current position.

Research limitations/implications
– A limitation of the study is that it was solely based on attitudes expressed during the survey and did not include any observed changes in behavior. Another limitation is that attitudes after the intervention were only measured once.

Originality/value
– It is possible to use training to change attitudes toward improvement work. The result differs among groups of participants, which raises the question as to whether training should be tailored to better suit the needs of different groups to create positive change. Further research is needed regarding how to reach and fully implement a quality improvement mindset.
An empirical analysis of usage dynamics in a mobile music app: evidence from large-scale data
Authors: Chung Sunghun 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to quantify how mobile app usage relates to the unique characteristics of behavioral orientations and content types, focussing on the interrelationship among content usage in the context of in-app purchase.Design/methodology/approach– Using a large-scale data set of individual content usage in a particular music mobile app, the author builds a simultaneous equation panel data model to examine dynamic interdependent usage of mobile app.Findings– The paper finds a positive temporal effect of self-oriented content usage (download) on other-oriented content usage (gift), based on behavioral orientation, and also a temporal interdependence between external (ringtone) and internal usage (mp3) based on types of content. The paper also finds that the fourth generation communications standard increases content usage in this mobile app.Practical implications– These findings provide useful insights for mobile app developers, mobile network operators, content providers, and mobile device manufacturers.Originality/value– This paper is one of the first to consider and empirically test the interrelationship between various kinds of content usage in music apps.
The effect of customized information on online purchase intentions
Authors: Ha Hong-Youl , Janda Swinder 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to employ a cross-cultural perspective to propose and empirically evaluate four models focusing on the role of satisfaction and trust in the formation of online travel purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach
– A proposed model is compared with three alternative models of the relationships among, and impact of, independent variables on purchase intentions. Data from South Korea and UK are used to examine the proposed relationship and select the best model among four alternative models.

Findings
– Results suggest that there are significant differences as well as similarities across consumers in South Korea and the UK. Customized information has a direct affect on both satisfaction and trust. The effect of satisfaction on purchase intentions is mediated by attitude toward web site only in the UK sample, while it has direct and indirect effects on purchase intentions in the South Korean sample. However, the relationship between trust and purchase intentions is not supported in both data sets.

Originality/value
– This study proposes four alternative models that include customized information as a key variable influencing purchase intentions. Hierarchical structural model analysis is utilized to evaluate these models and select the best fitting model.
Leveraging social media to enhance recruitment effectiveness
Authors: A. Carrillat François , d’Astous Alain , Morissette Grégoire Emilie 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how firms can use social media such as Facebook to recruit top job prospects.Design/methodology/approach– In the context of a fictitious event presumably sponsored by a potential employer, a sample of university students became members of a new private and secret Facebook user group dedicated to this event for a period of four days. They were exposed to event sponsorship activation messages varying systematically with respect to the mode of processing (i.e. passive or active) and their focus (i.e. the brand or the event).Findings– The results show that their expectations as regards the salary that they would require to become employees were higher in the active mode of processing. Also, their attitude toward the sponsor as an employer was more favorable when the activation messages focussed on the brand rather than on the event. In addition, further analyses showed that the effects of message focus and mode of processing on the attitudinal responses toward the sponsoring employers were mediated by the degree of elaboration and richness of social interactions of the Facebook group's members as well as their attitude toward the activation messages.Practical implications– Managers seeking to gain a recruiting edge through their social media presence should use online messages that stimulate more active processing and that have high entertainment value since this leads to more favorable responses toward the employer. These messages should insist more on the brand than on the event that is sponsored.Originality/value– This study is the first study to foray into the usage of social networking sites for recruitment purposes. It represents one of the few research efforts to monitor the interactions of users in a social media platform by means of a controlled experiment performed in situ through the creation of an ad hoc Facebook group.
Small and medium enterprises’ internationalisation and business strategy: some evidence from firms located in an emerging market
Authors: Zamberi Ahmad Syed 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the international business strategy, key driving factors and the major barriers that may hinder the internationalisation progress of Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approach– Based on the aims of the study, the paper encompasses both quantitative and qualitative data. For quantitative data, structured questionnaires were used, and a total of 216 SMEs that engaged in international business participated using purposeful sampling, covering all the states in Peninsular Malaysia. For the collection of qualitative data, the study involved in-depth interviews with 25 owners/managers of SMEs.Findings– The findings indicate that the motives of SMEs for international expansion are varied, and that SMEs still face many institutional challenges, which have prevented them from making a greater contribution.Research limitations/implications– Due to lack of resources, firms from West Malaysia were included. West Malaysian firms may well possess characteristics concerning the challenges and issues to internationalisation that are unique to their region.Originality/value– The paper addresses a knowledge gap in respect of the internationalisation process of SMEs in the context of Southeast Asia. The findings of this paper will have relevance for policymaking and supportive measures at the government level to create an environment that will stimulate the competitiveness of SMEs in their attempts for internationalisation.
Long-run causal nexus between share price and dividend
Authors: Nirmala P.S. , Sanju P.S. , Ramachandran M. 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper was to examine the long-run causal relations between share price and dividend in the Indian market.

Design/methodology/approach
– Panel vector error correction model is estimated to examine the long-run causal relations between share price and dividend. Prior to this, panel unit root tests and panel cointegration tests are carried out to test the unit root properties of the data and test for the existence of long-run cointegrating relationship between the variables, respectively.

Findings
– The results of empirical investigation reveal that there exists bi-directional long-run causality between share price and dividends.

Research limitations/implications
– For the chosen sample, data on share price are available only for limited years. This limits the time dimension of the sample. Hence, in the future, the analysis can be extended to cover longer time series.

Practical implications
– The interplay between share prices and dividends needs to be given due consideration by firms while framing their policies. A change in dividend policy would have an effect on the market value of the firm; hence, firms need to frame dividend policy in such a way that it would enhance their market value. Similarly, investors need to take into consideration the influence of share prices and dividends on each other. While making investment decisions, they need to consider the dividend history of shares, as better dividends would lead to better share prices.

Originality/value
– To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first attempt in the Indian market to examine the long-run causal relations between share price and dividend. The results of this study would be helpful to the investors in taking wise investment decisions. It would also enable firms in formulating appropriate dividend policies.
The effects of terrorism on work attitudes and behaviors: a literature review and a proposed model
Authors: Farooq Malik Omer , Abdullah Haslinda , Anak Uli Jegak 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The paper examines terrorism in its relationship to the workplace. The purpose of this paper is to review research findings and propose a model of the effects of terrorism on work-related outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach
– A literature review was undertaken mainly using academic sources.

Findings
– Potential or actual terrorist attacks create a significant fear level for the individual, causing negative work attitudes. In turn, negative attitudes lead to undesirable work behaviors.

Research limitations/implications
– Relatively little research has been conducted to determine how organizations may be affected by terrorism via the reciprocal relationship between employee and organizational well-being.

Originality/value
– This paper explores important yet still under-researched areas of management and organizational interventions to mitigate the deleterious effects of workplace terrorism.
Homophobic bullying: evidence-based suggestions for intervention programmes
Authors: James Minton Stephen 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of the basic factors of age and gender in homophobic bullying behaviour, in order that recommendations for the design of anti-bullying programmes specific to homophobic bullying could be made.

Design/methodology/approach
– In total, 475 fifth year students (ca. 16-17 years old) and 561-second year students (ca. 13-14 years old) at six secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland completed an English-language translation of a questionnaire previously used in a Norwegian study of sexual orientation and bullying behaviour (Roland and Auestad, 2009).

Findings
– No evidence of “age-related declines” were found in reports of either bullying or homophobic bullying. Males were significantly more likely than females to report involvement (as both perpetrators and targets) in both bullying and homophobic bullying.

Practical implications
– It was concluded that senior secondary school students, as well as their younger counterparts, should be involved in anti-bullying interventions; that males should be especially focused upon; and that programmes specific to anti-homophobic bullying, potentially targeting pre-adolescent students, should be supported.

Originality/value
– This paper suggests evidence-based priorities for intervention programmes specific to homophobic bullying, accounts of which have been, to date, absent in the research literature.
Public relations as expectation management?
Authors: Olkkonen Laura , Luoma-aho Vilma 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to assess how expectation management can contribute strategically to communication management, and how understanding and managing expectations can increase organizations’ sensitivity toward stakeholder voices and concerns.

Design/methodology/approach
– An example of mapping and identifying expectations is presented as a result of a thematic analysis of qualitative interview data, collected from six stakeholder groups of the media industry.

Findings
– Expectation types and gaps can be identified through the use of systematic expectation mapping, conceptualized in this paper as “expectation management.” Expectation management analyzes expectation types and priorities, and it assists in crafting response strategies. Four types of expectations (must, will, should, and could) were identified in an empirical study of the media industry.

Research limitations/implications
– As the empirical study focussed on one industry in one country, the findings should be considered an introduction to expectation mapping and expectation management, to be further developed in other settings.

Practical implications
– Organizations can gain strategic advantages by using expectation management to deepen communication management. New skills and processes may be needed to enable communication professionals to analyze and understand the core level of expectations.

Social implications
– Expectation management can help organizations respond to current societal pressures and help publics voice their concerns toward organizations.

Originality/value
– A new concept with strategic value is presented. The reported study of mapping and identifying expectations helps to clarity and interpret factors that shape stakeholder relationships and satisfaction on a deeper level.
Financial crisis, oil shock and trade in Asia
Authors: Komail Tayebi Seyed , Yazdani Mehdi 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– In this paper the authors address the questions whether global financial crises cause oil shocks worldwide, then whether such shocks affect trade flows of both oil importing and oil exporting countries of East-West Asia. The purpose of this paper is thus to explore such effects by specifying basically a dynamic export model using data of the Asian economies countries over the period 1980-2008.Design/methodology/approach– An ARDL specification is applied to show the dynamic effects of main determinants, including financial crisis and the world oil price, on the export flows of each country in the sample. The data for financial crisis have been compiled by Hatziuset al.(2010).Findings– The results, as a whole, imply that both financial crisis and oil price have a cross-effects on Asian trade flows in the short run, while this effects could not occur in the long run.Originality/value– The goal is to estimate an econometric model of exports to examine how recent crises affect export flows in the selected Asian countries. Different from previous studies in the literature, this paper first explores the interaction between financial crisis and oil shocks and second uses an extended and dynamic export model, based on ARDL approach. The core of the study relies on the question whether a cross-relationship between oil price and financial crisis affects the export flows of the Asian countries: China, Japan, Iran, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Turkey which are both oil importing and exporting.
Multilevel marketing and pyramid schemes in the United States
Authors: W. Keep William , J. Vander Nat Peter 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– This paper aims to analyze the evolution of direct selling – a retail channel that successfully sold products ranging from cosmetics to radios to automobiles – to multilevel marketing (MLM), an industry now apparently heavily reliant on selling to itself. As the courts have found some MLM companies to be pyramid schemes, the analysis includes the overlap between the legal MLM model and an illegal pyramid scheme.Design/methodology/approach– The development of direct selling in the USA was examined, followed by the factors contributing to the design and growth of the MLM model and its non-commission-based compensation structure. Then, the key legal decisions regarding illegal pyramid schemes operating under the guise of MLM, the relative stagnation of direct selling and the state of the MLM industry were examined.Findings– As the MLM model operates on the dual premise of retailing through a network of distributors and recruiting new distributors to do the same, it was found that federal regulators and the courts consistently focus on the “retail question” – the existence and extent of sales to consumers external to the distributor network. The authors argue that without a significant external customer base, internal consumption by an ever-churning base of participants resembles neither employee purchases nor a buying club.Social implications– As the MLM model facilitated the growth of pyramid scheme fraud, creating victims rather than customers, this research highlights successful efforts to regulate this type of consumer fraud.Originality/value– Few papers have been written on MLM and pyramids schemes, and none thus far has taken an historical perspective.