bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ethical foundations of economics in ancient Greece, focussing on Socrates and Xenophon
Authors: Alvey James E. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeEconomics had a strong linkage to ethics up to the 1930s but this has virtually disappeared today. Amartya Sen first sketched the historical relationship in his bookOn Ethics & Economics. This article seeks to explore the ethical foundations of economics in ancient Greece, focussing on Socrates and Xenophon.Design/methodology/approachVarious ancient Greek primary sources are used to investigate the foundations of economics as an ethical enterprise. For Socrates, the primary sources are the reports of his conversations by two students: Plato and Xenophon. For Xenophon, one has to rely upon his own writings, which are extensive and have survived in good condition.FindingsFor Socrates, human flourishing (eudaimonia) was the goal, rather than great accumulation of material goods. Xenophon accepts private property and the division of labour within certain ethical limits. In his work, the development of the ethical approach to household management (oikonomiaoroikonomikē), or microeconomics, within the context of the Greek city (polis) can be seen. Friendship (philia) and gentlemanship (kalokagathia) are discussed together withoikonomiaas a united package. Further, Xenophon anticipates several elements of Sen's understanding of good human functioning. There is a strong linkage between ethics and economics in Socrates and Xenophon.Originality/valueWhile great efforts have been devoted to tracing the origins of Sen's capability framework back to Aristotle, this article represents the first attempt to trace that framework back further, to Socrates and Xenophon.
A comparative analysis of the Chinese and South African work ethic
Authors: Slabbert Andre , Ukpere Wilfred I. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeSouth Africa is a developing country, and within this context, it is essential to be economically competitive and proactive. Various sources reveal that the national productivity has been traditionally low, and continues to remain low. Within the context of the international arena, this is unacceptable. If South Africa is to become a recognised role player in the international arena, it is imperative to increase productivity like China. This paper aims to focus on the issues involved.Design/methodology/approachA 65‐item inventory which measures seven conceptually and empirically distinct facets of the work ethic construct, i.e. the multi‐dimensional work ethic profile (MWEP) was utilised to critically distinguish between the Chinese and South African workforces. The samples approximated 150 subjects in each grouping. Findings which emanate from this study have distinct ramifications for the South African economy.FindingsIt appears as if a linkage exists between productivity and work ethic, as illustrated by amongst others, Hamilton‐Attwell and Du Gay and Pryke. Paradoxically, a number of other variables exist which impact on the productivity phenomenon, thus rendering a strict causal relationship between work ethic and productivity tenuous in nature. Despite this, it is a recognised reality that there is a substantive “negativity” in the work ethic of the South African labour force, possibly in relation to historical and cultural factors. The Chinese work ethic is diametrically opposed to that of South Africa.Research limitations/implicationsIn discussions with Chinese workers held in 2010, four primary schools of thought emerged: a firm belief that hard work will bring desired results; pride in personal accomplishments and hard work; fear of embarrassment or shame in case of failure; and immense patriotic pride in China and its achievements. It is the present authors' conviction that none of these apply to the South African labour force, and that most certainly could be partly responsible for the economic disparities between the two countries. Hence, additional research should be conducted to improve the current state of affairs.Social implicationsOf the seven facets in the MWEP, six are positively slanted, while the other, leisure, can be construed as negatively aligned with a positive work ethic. Interestingly, if the Chinese sample is compared to the South African, this is the only facet where the latter obtains a superior score. The inference is clear: South Africans are essentially more concerned about having free time. In the overall context of the MWEP, this is a strikingly negative observation.Originality/valueOne of the major challenges confronting South Africa, since the triumph of democracy in 1994, is low productivity of labour. Therefore, comparing South African work ethics with that of China will enable South Africa recognize the gaps in terms of behavior towards work and stimulate the countries international competitiveness.
New Zealand's old‐age pension scheme and household saving
Authors: Obben James , Waayer Monique 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe combination of low rates of private saving and projected increases in the fiscal burden of financing a public pension scheme for an ageing population poses a major policy challenge in New Zealand. Policy discourses espouse pension reform and the redoubling of household saving efforts. However, some of the policy options could have offsetting effects. To inform the debate with research findings, the purpose of this paper is to revisit the relationship between social security and household saving.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs a constructed social security wealth (SSW) variable in a hybrid life cycle‐permanent income consumption/saving model pioneered by Feldstein. Time series techniques are used.FindingsThe results show that an increase in the constructed gross SSW variable boosts saving. This suggests that concerns with accumulating assets to match the length of the implicit life expectancy at the current pension eligibility age overwhelm the view that the pension benefit is an adequate substitute for household assets. The other findings are consistent with a priori expectations: increases in disposable income boost saving; there is a significant propensity to consume out of household net wealth; and inflation and unemployment engender significant precautionary saving.Practical implicationsA policy to raise the retirement age may reduce the gross SSW and therefore the fiscal burden of the public pension scheme. However, in shortening the expected post‐retirement period that households have to save for, the policy may also reduce the saving rate.Originality/valueAlthough the Feldstein approach has been used in studies in countries like Australia, Canada and the USA, a comparable study has not been undertaken in New Zealand. This study seeks to fill that void.
A case study: a local‐based social economy project
Authors: Parlalis Stavros K. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the methodology proposed by the non‐governmental organisation (NGO) Anelixi to the Hellenic Ministry of Labour and Social Security, in an attempt to involve socially excluded persons in a local‐based project in Korydallos, Athens. The methods and actions employed by NGO Anelixi are explained and their effectiveness are discussed.Design/methodology/approachNGO Anelixi proposed a local‐based project, which was based on the theory of social economy, to the General Secretariat for Youth (Ministry of Labour and Social Security), under the general project title “Youth Initiatives 2010”. The current project was entitled as “Investigating the Possibilities of Employing Young Persons in the Social Economy Sector”. The specific project lasted six months (September 2010‐February 2011) and aimed to address the economic and social challenges of today, especially in Greece, which faces an economic recession. The ultimate aim of the specific project was placed on the macro‐level; it was aiming to empower young persons (18‐30 years old) in need to investigate the possibility of establishing a social enterprise (their own business) in the municipality of Korydallos.FindingsThe overall project would be successful, if the community was more sensitive and open to accept the new concept of social economy and social enterprises.Originality/valueThe overall value of this project is the fact that similar projects could be a first step towards youngers' motivation and empowerment in local communities, in order to prevent them from being socially excluded.
Testing trade‐off and pecking order models of capital structure: does legal system matter?
Authors: Cotei Carmen , Farhat Joseph , Abugri Benjamin A. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the link between financing patterns, information asymmetry and legal traditions in 37 countries during the 1990‐2004 period.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on three theories: the trade‐off theory, pecking order hypothesis and market timing hypothesis. The authors test the predictions of these theories/hypotheses using regression analysis. The econometric method used is panel data with firm and country fixed effects. The authors develop a modified pecking order model which controls for short‐ and long‐term debt level changes and simultaneously test the predictions of all theories.FindingsConsistent with studies for US firms, the results show that firms across all countries adjust toward the target leverage, but with significantly different rate. The long‐term debt contribution in the rate of adjustment is 64 percent in common law countries and 51 percent in civil law countries. The ability of the model to explain changes in leverage ratios is higher in common law countries. The authors find support for market timing hypothesis but no support for pecking order of financing. These results support their conjecture that stronger investor protection, higher transparency and well‐developed financial markets in common law countries reduce the cost of recapitalization.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of this study comes from lack of data availability to measure contract enforcement, transparency, and corporate governance variables. Future research can incorporate these variables to explain the differences in capital structure decisions across countries with different legal systems.Practical implicationsThe findings show that firms' capital structure decisions are not only a function of their own characteristics but also the result of legal and financial market development in which they operate.Originality/valueThis is the first study that sheds light about rate of adjustment to optimal capital structure and pecking order of financing in 37 countries with different legal traditions and financial market developments. The authors are not aware of any other study that uses a modified pecking order model in an international context.
Bedbugs in our US libraries
Authors: Massis Bruce E. , Gondek Angel 
Published: July 2011

PurposeWhen reports that better clothing stores and hotels in the USA found themselves in the embarrassing position of acknowledging that they had indeed been infested with bedbugs, other organizations and institutions, including some libraries, have been on the alert ever since for similar evidence of such infestations. The purpose of this column is to discuss the recent reports of the re‐appearance of bedbugs and the impact they have had on some libraries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper's approach is a literature review and commentary on this topic.FindingsFrom the library perspective, any sign of bedbugs must be attended to immediately so that the infestation does not spread further. There are two proven and effective measures that can be undertaken by a library to address this issue – exposing the books to extreme heat or extreme cold – but placing the staff at risk should always be a consideration when attempting a self‐eradication in a library as well. Therefore, engaging a professional exterminator at the first visible sign of bedbug infestation should always be seen as a potential solution.Originality/valueThe value in addressing this issue is to create an awareness that the re‐appearance of bedbugs in some libraries is very real as indicated by the reporting of this issue in the media.
International master franchise agreements
Authors: Brookes Maureen , Roper Angela 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the inter‐organisational processes used to control international master franchise agreements from operational, relational and evolutionary perspectives.Design/methodology/approachThe research is undertaken through a qualitative, in‐depth case study in the international hotel industry. The case comprises an international master franchise agreement between a large US‐based hotel franchisor and its European master franchisee.FindingsThe study identifies the inter‐related nature of operational and relational control processes and how these evolve over the life of a master franchise agreement. It reveals how the perceptions of franchise members serve to enhance or inhibit the development of relational norms and how these, in turn, impact on the predominant type of control and the specific inter‐organisational processes employed.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on a single in‐depth case study within one industrial context and the universality of the findings may therefore be limited.Practical implicationsThe paper offers insights to managers of international master franchise agreements on the interaction between members' perceptions, relational norms developed and the inter‐organisational processes used to control the agreement. It also reveals how the use of contractual controls can inhibit the development of relational norms and negatively impact on relationships between franchisors and master franchisees. The findings presented may have relevance to managers of other types of international alliance agreements.Originality/valueBy drawing on both the alliance and franchise literature and employing a qualitative approach, the study helps to close a gap in the current international franchise literature through the identification of specific inter‐organisational processes for control within international master franchise agreements, how these evolve in respect of relational norms and how these are underpinned by perceptions of franchisor and franchisee members.
Making your online voice loud: the critical role of WOM information
Authors: Huang Minxue , Cai Fengyan , Tsang Alex S.L. , Zhou Nan 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore factors that can help generate a bigger ripple for diffusive Word‐of‐Mouth (WOM) in an online environment. Specifically, the paper aims to demonstrate how the characteristics of WOM information influence the ripple effect.Design/methodology/approachThe paper used a survey based on real posts in online discussion forums to collect the data. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was utilized for analysis.FindingsWOM as diffusive communication could generate a ripple effect. All of the WOM characteristics, which were investigated (quality, authority, authenticity and interestingness), have a positive effect on resenders' acceptance toward WOM, which, in turn, have a significant positive impact on resenders' resending intention. Furthermore, the positive impacts of WOM characteristics on resenders' acceptance exist, regardless of whether the valence of WOM information is positive or negative.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides insights into the role of WOM information in facilitating the WOM ripple effect. However, the specific characteristics of WOM information that influence consumers' perceptions of WOM are not explored in the present research.Originality/valueThe results of the study may help practitioners manipulate and use online WOM information in order to make marketing communications more efficient and influential.
Predictors of academics' career advancement at Malaysian private universities
Authors: Arokiasamy Lawrence , Ismail Maimunah , Ahmad Aminah , Othman Jamilah 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the influence of individual and organizational variables on the career advancement of academics in Malaysian private universities.Design/methodology/approachA correlation study was conducted in six private universities. Data were collected using a structured self‐administered questionnaire. The dependent variable was academics' career advancement and the independent variables were individual and organizational factors. Using stratified random sampling, 105 full‐time academics were chosen as the study respondents. They represented sampling criteria such as pure science and social science disciplines, job positions and academic qualifications.FindingsRegression analysis showed that organizational variables, specifically mentoring, social network and organizational support, were the significant contributors to the career advancement of the academics with 56.1 per cent explanatory power. These results are useful to human resource development (HRD) personnel of the universities as guides for them to plan and implement HRD initiatives.Practical implicationsThis study contributes knowledge to career advancement among academics in private universities. These institutions are rapidly expanding in Malaysia to cater to the needs of achieving the entrance of 40 per cent of the population into tertiary education by the year 2020. At the tertiary education level, HRD is important specifically to create better awareness among academics about their career planning and aspirations, the role organizational‐related factors have in their careers and how they should respond to the services given by the institutions.Originality/valueThe paper examines factors (limited to individual and organizational factors) that are of concern to HRD managers in managing the career advancement of academics in rapidly developing private universities.
Cybernetically sound organizational structures I: de Sitter's design theory
Authors: Vriens Dirk , Achterbergh Jan 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use de Sitter's design theory to show how organizational structures can be designed so as to attenuate organizational disturbances and amplify regulatory potential. It is argued that organizational structures with low values on so‐called design‐parameters are themselves no source of disturbances and have the required built‐in regulatory potential.Design/methodology/approachKey concepts from de Sitter's design theory are introduced and used to show how structures can attenuate disturbances and amplify regulatory potential.FindingsThe analysis in this paper deepens our understanding of the role of organizational structures for dealing with organizational complexity, and of the design parameters that should be manipulated to achieve structural attenuation and amplification.Practical implicationsHaving a structure permitting organizations to attenuate and amplify is a crucial condition for organizational viability. This paper provides guidelines for the design of such structures.Originality/valueThis is one of a limited number of studies that makes apparent how general insights from (management) cybernetic (e.g. viability, attenuation and amplification) may be realized in organizations by their structural design.
Cognitive Centres: technology for designing the future
Authors: Ototsky Peter , Manenkov Sergey 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce and conceptualize the topic of Cognitive Centres. It emphasizes the importance of complexity management and cognitive technologies in management practice.Design/methodology/approachIt elaborates the relevance of different types of models for management: Stafford Beer's operations room, viable system model, subject‐object and subject‐subject management models, expert‐based mathematical modelling and computational experiment, organizational‐activity games theory and cybernetic (Viplan) methodology.FindingsThe paper suggests models and approaches for strategic management. It shows the inadequacy of a subject‐object management model for industrial or regional governance. It integrates a communicative management approach, complexity management methods, the USSR's Gosplan experience of long‐term planning, the Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics experience of modelling extremely complex systems and modern cognitive and information technologies into the concept of a Cognitive Centre.Practical implicationsCognitive Centres can enhance the adaptation and viability of a large network of small organizations: public enterprises, business and not‐for‐profit regional industries. The paper describes two cases of practical implementation.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to research on management models that integrates cybernetics, cognitive technologies and computational experiments.
A remark on the arms race spiral
Authors: Tsaganea Doru 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the tendency of escalation of a regular bilateral arms race, or the arms race spiral.Design/methodology/approachInspired by the Richardson‐type models, a system of two differential equations is used for describing a bilateral arms race. But the variation of one adversary's armaments and/or military expenditures is not associated with the amount of the other's armaments and/or military expenditures as it is usually done in this type of model. It is linked instead with their variation, as it practically happens in governments' decision‐making processes.FindingsThe association of the two variations suggests that when one adversary tends to match the increase of the other's armaments and/or military expenditures, these tend to increase to infinity for a given fixed point in time.Originality/valueThe mathematical result indicates that the tendency of completely matching the increase of adversary's armaments or military expenditures acts as an accelerator that causes the continuous escalation of the arms race. Therefore, as long as a substantial change in the relationship between the two adversaries – implying a complete change of the model's coefficients – does not happen, the arms race escalates, and the so‐called spiral is observed.
Effects of coupling agents on structure and properties of polyimide/Al2O3 nanocomposite films
Authors: Liu L.Z. , Weng L. , Song Y.X. , Gao L. , Zhao H. , Lei Q.Q. 
Published: July 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of coupling agents on the structure and properties of the nanocomposite films and clarify their mechanism. Polyimide (PI)/Al2O3 nanocomposite films were prepared using different coupling agents.Design/methodology/approachPoly(amic acid) (PAA) was firstly synthesised from appropriate pyromellitic diannanocomposite and oxydianiline in N‐dimethylacetamide. Calculated amount of nano‐Al2O3 particles modified by different coupling agents (KH550, KH560, KH570 and AE3012) were added to PAA solution by an ultrasonic‐mechanical method and PI/nano‐Al2O3 film was fabricated by heat curing. The microstructure, thermal stability, mechanical properties and electric breakdown strength of the films were characterised.FindingsThe addition of coupling agents could greatly improve the dispersion homogeneity of Al2O3 nano‐particles in PI matrix. Results of corresponding characterisations indicated that both the thermal stability and mechanical properties of PI/Al2O3 nanocomposite film with KH550 were greater/better than others, while AE3012 could improve the electric breakdown strength.Research limitations/implicationsIn the present discussion, the effects of different coupling agents, KH550, KH560, KH570 and AE3012, were investigated. Results of this research work would be beneficial to an in‐depth understanding on the relationship between microstructure and properties of PI composites, and further promote the development of the high‐performance PI insulating materials.Originality/valueThe four coupling agents, KH550, KH560, KH570 and AE3012, were firstly used to disperse the nano‐Al2O3 particles in PI matrix. The effects of coupling agents on microstructure and properties of composites were discussed by the authors in detail.