bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nestlé as corporate citizen: a critique of its Commitment to Africa report
Authors: Jallow Kumba 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper attempts to provide a critique of the Commitment to Africa report in an effort to understand how one large transnational corporation sees its role in the continent and to explain its social responsibility and its approach to citizenship.Design/methodology/approachThe critique analyses sections of the report by identifying the key messages contained therein and reflects on these in the light of other evidence and viewpoints. For instance: On what does Nestlé base its corporate citizenship? What contribution does Nestlé make to economic development in Africa? What wider social issues does Nestlé embrace? How does the report discharge Nestlé's accountability to its stakeholders?FindingsThe report prioritises economic development and indicates that this is the means of achieving poverty alleviation in Africa. There is some engagement with the Millennium Development Goals by the company, which indicates a philanthropic model of corporate social responsibility.Research implications/limitationsThe study is limited to one company but there are implications for other transnational companies as many of these produce reports in a similar vein. The research could therefore be replicated by examining further reports.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the knowledge on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and poverty alleviation. It also provides additional evidence on the role of transnational enterprises in globalisation processes.
Corporate social responsibility and image in organizations: for the insiders or the outsiders?
Authors: Mattila Merita 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide new aspects to corporate social responsibility (CSR) research, especially in a Finnish context. The aim is to compare personnel's perceptions in three case companies (a forest company, a cooperative bank and a retail cooperative) of how the contexts and aims of practicing CSR are understood among the employees. CSR is often referred to good image and reputation outside the companies. Is it only for the outsiders or also for the insiders, the employees? The theoretical frame consists of Carroll's CSR model, including four dimensions: economic – be profitable; legal – obey the law; ethical – do what is right and fair and avoid harm; and philanthropic (discretional) – be a good corporate citizen.Design/methodology/approachIn Finnish companies CSR is taken into account quite well. Although, in this paper the personnel's perceptions are studied further by content analysis. The interview data consist of three different levels: the top management, the middle management and the employee level. This will give a wider perspective to the theme.FindingsThe paper provides information about each company, comparing the personnel's perceptions in different hierarchical levels. The organizational form is also an important factor in CSR, since two of the case companies are cooperative (the bank and the market) and the forest company is an exchange‐listed company. This brings new interesting aspects to the context of CSR.Research limitations/implicationsThe research context is Finnish, so there might be limitations when applying the results to very dissimilar countries to Finland.Practical implicationsThe paper is a useful source of information about CSR “inside” the companies: getting the personnel perspective. Too often CSR is aimed only towards the “outsider” stakeholders.Originality/valueThis paper brings more information about CSR seen by the personnel: very often CSR is studied through stakeholders/owners/customers, etc., but this paper gives the insider picture about CSR in Finnish companies.
Doing well by doing good in Thailand
Authors: Kraisornsuthasinee Suthisak , Swierczek Fredric William 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore whether strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR), the latest stage of conceptual development in CR, is evident in real business practices.Design/methodology/approachUsing Thailand as a context, the paper responds to the call for study beyond the developed economic regions. With a limited number of proactive companies in CSR in the country, this qualitative study employs in‐depth interviews supplemented with reviews of sustainability reports and other available corporate documents to explore the frontier of CSR practices in Thailand. The informants include key executives directly in charge of CSR and corporate direction in the organizations.FindingsThe assessment finds that a small group of recognized CSR leaders have started integrating CSR into their corporate strategy to gain competitive advantages, suggesting a gradual emergence of strategic CSR with various benefits. However, a mixed response from the market implies conditions for management consideration.Practical implicationsCSR can be viable in competitive strategy particularly in gaining a social license to operate and for corporate reputation. Nevertheless, balancing stakeholder interests should be managed with extra care. Positive stakeholder reaction in one issue may alleviate but cannot offset deeply rooted problems in another.Originality/valueBased on the synthesis of several CSR models, this paper proposes a new stratification scheme to identify the stage of CSR development. The empirical results also indicate the development of strategic CSR in the context of emerging economy.
A journey into silence: students, stakeholders and the impact of a strategic governmental policy document in the UK
Authors: Sinfield Sandra , Holley Debbie , Burns Tom 
Published: October 2009

PurposeIn the UK, higher education (HE) is being positioned as the new global business, and the power relations between its various stakeholders – society, the business community, management, staff, students – makes this not only uncharted, but also contested ground. This paper aims to map the new terrain with a focus on, and analysis of, one key government policy document: The Harnessing Technology (2005).Design/methodology/approachCritical theory and textual analysis are used to research and analyse power relations as inscribed in policy discourse – the structures, the language, and the voices. The document is explored particularly in relation to its impact on prime stakeholders within the new contexts of today's HE; a HE that is embracing information communications technology (e‐learning) – “for business”.FindingsHarnessing Technology boasts a heteroglossia and the capturing of many authentic voices in its composition which should open up a dialogic between its stakeholders; in fact power is revealed as refined, unified – deferring to centralised authority. Textual analysis reveals HE as a journey into silence for the student as stakeholder, where the voices that are not repressed are those with economic and institutional power. This analysis shows the student is constructed as either silent or deficit and the conclusions suggest that rather than a discourse of transformation, “regulation not education”, is the real goal of the dominant educational stakeholders.Originality/valueThe critical approach to policy analysis in the paper can be adapted by others seeking to critique policy in a variety of different policy contexts. This is particularly significant where policy is not interrogated, but where nevertheless it influences institutional mission statements and the seepage pollutes practice.
Management by values
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Dolan Simon , Zhou Yu 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to integrate cultural value management into the high level of human resource management to propose a new direction of strategic human resource management (SHRM) development through management by the values (MBV) concept.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes an integrative MBV SHRM model for Chinese management, incorporating Neo‐Confucian values for responsible, pragmatic and humanistic management, as well as two dynamic SHRM elements: leadership and learning. First SHRM in China is described; then the MBV concept and model are introduced. At that point, the evolution of cultural studies and Chinese Neo‐Confucianism is introduced before proposing an integrative MBV SHRM model for Chinese management.FindingsInstead of the economic approach most often adopted by SHRM researchers, a harmonious managerial approach is argued for, based on the MBV triaxial model: ethical, economic, and emotional values, to orient the operations of the organisation.Originality/valueThis integration of three angles in values, management, and performance is novel in the field of SHRM. It not only contributes to the further development of the field, but also implies healthier and more sustainable practices in management, both in China and in the rest of the world.
The strategic role of HR in MNC subsidiaries in China between 1999 and 2006
Authors: Sumelius Jennie , Smale Adam , Björkman Ingmar 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that have influenced the strategic role of the HR department in Western MNC subsidiaries in China between 1999 and 2006.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on two sets of quantitative questionnaire data collected in 142 subsidiaries in 1999 and 2006. Qualitative interview data from 2006 are also used to shed light on the findings of the quantitative analysis.FindingsThe results indicate that the role of the HR department was more strategic in 2006 than in 1999. Furthermore, subsidiary size and the size of the HR department were positively associated with the strategic role of the HR department.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the literature on HRM in MNCs by examining the role of the HR department, which has received surprisingly little attention in previous research, especially the role of the HR department, in foreign MNC subsidiaries. The study also responds to calls for more empirical research examining the development of HRM in China over time.
A guanxi model of human resource management
Authors: Fang Law Siew , Jones Sandra 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual model of guanxi‐oriented human resource management (HRM) appropriate for organisations located in China that wish to maximise knowledge sharing and exchange. The recognised need by Western‐based organisations to develop trusting relationships through appropriate HRM approaches presents the setting to introduce the importance of guanxi in Chinese culture. The added complexity for Chinese organisations that employ a diversity of what are termed, in this paper, Conventional and Foreign Educated Chinese and Acculturated and Newly Arrived Expatriates is also presented.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on a review of literature about what challenges the knowledge revolution is having on the way that Western organisations manage their human resources, the paper presents an overview of the notion and function of guanxi in the Chinese context. The paradoxical and ambiguous nature of guanxi and its implications for interpersonal interactions are explained as being important for HR practitioners to understand.FindingsThe paper presents a conceptual guanxi‐oriented HRM model that incorporates the Chinese mindset that is, at one and the same time, paradoxical, holistic, dynamic, interdependent, flexible and reciprocal in nature.Research limitations/implicationsWhile conceptual, the paper is based on a model developed from research by one of the authors that identified a guanxi‐oriented model of conflict resolution. The paper acknowledges that this model requires further research to test its applicability.Originality/valueThe paper is original in its attempt to link guanxi to HRM practices on Western concepts of human resources.
Job satisfaction and turnover in the Chinese retail industry
Authors: Tian‐Foreman Wei (Amy) 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate employee turnover in a leading Chinese retail organisation, where high turnover rates are recognised as being a major issue for human resource strategy. The study seeks to focus on the job satisfaction‐turnover relationship, examining how this is moderated by occupation.Design/methodology/approachA literature review on employee job satisfaction and employee turnover provides the basis for the research model and hypotheses. A self‐completion questionnaire survey, involving 164 respondents (95.4 per cent response rate) from a leading Chinese retail organisation was used to gather data and test existing theory in a Chinese context.FindingsThe results provided strong support for the hypothesised negative relationship between employee turnover intention and job satisfaction. Occupation is also significantly associated with job satisfaction, turnover intention and the job satisfaction‐turnover relationship: non‐management/frontline employees expressed higher levels of intention to leave their job than management/office employees.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was limited to one retail organisation in China. It may not be appropriate to generalise the findings across other populations or settings. However, the sample can be viewed as a representative case typical of many other organisations in the same industry.Practical implicationsThe results provide insight into the impact of employee job satisfaction on turnover intention in the particular Chinese retail setting which could benefit managers and policy makers in the focus organisation as well as other organisations operating in the same sector in general.Originality/valueThe paper studies problems that characterise the Chinese retail sector.
A preliminary investigation of entrepreneurial women in Potohar region of Pakistan
Authors: Rajput Ansir Ali , Ali Murad 
Published: October 2009

PurposeGiven the importance of women entrepreneurship in today's world and lack of research in this domain, the purpose of this paper is to identify the status of entrepreneurial women in male dominated Pakistani society and to excavate the primary issues being faced by the entrepreneurial women in Potohar region of Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a survey and will facilitate to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship among the women of Pakistan to face the challenges in the future.FindingsThe findings of the study point out that, in Pakistani society (Potohar region) entrepreneurial women are working on a very small level due to little or no knowledge and lack of resources.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is restricted to urban territories of Potohar region. It is absolutely descriptive and is not explanatory.Practical implicationsIt is due to gender‐based stereotypes that entrepreneurial women face certain barriers in gaining access to resources for their start up ventures. If the authors empower the women economically it will inturn improve the economic condition of the country.Originality/valueOwing to lack of research in this particular area, the paper will contribute to identifying and resolving the primary challenges of women entrepreneurship in Pakistan. The paper will also provide grounds for further in‐depth research on women entrepreneurship in Pakistan.
Entrepreneurship and marketing: an exploratory study in Mauritius
Authors: Gungaphul Mridula , Boolaky Mehraz 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the importance that successful entrepreneurs in Mauritius attach to marketing in operating their business and how marketing is actually practised or is prevalent in their enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThis paper forms part of a broader study undertaken by the authors. The survey instrument is a personally administered semi‐structured questionnaire. A sample of 30 successful entrepreneurs for this paper is drawn judgmentally from the broader study.FindingsThe results indicate that entrepreneurs surveyed use marketing to a large extent although some apply it unknowingly. Respondents tend to emphasize product development rather than improving product offering based on customer needs and wants. The results also reveal that some of the entrepreneurs practice marketing in mostly unconventional ways although there is evidence of convergence with traditional marketing in many respects. On the whole, the results of this survey indicate that entrepreneurs view marketing as an important function in achieving their business goals.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the scant literature on the importance and relationship of the marketing function with respect to entrepreneurial activities and small and medium enterprises in Mauritius. The findings of this paper confirm that entrepreneurs attach significant importance to marketing, although in certain areas such as the elaborate marketing mix they practice marketing in their own style. The paper helps entrepreneurs to realize how marketing can be an asset to achieving success in their business. Some success factors in marketing practice are highlighted to benefit future and potential entrepreneurs. The study also cautions entrepreneurs about some marketing practices to which they ought to pay more attention instead of taking them for granted.
Start‐up and growth constraints on small‐scale trading in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Serazul 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to ascertain the reasons for starting the new small business by the people and also to find out the difficulties they experienced at the time of and after starting their business at Pabna and Gazipur – two districts of Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachTo attain the objectives, both primary and secondary data have been used. To collect the primary data, an interview schedule has been used to interview the selected 250 small entrepreneurs. For secondary sources, the journal, article, web site, textbooks, etc. have been consulted.FindingsThe paper reveals that money earning for family, self‐employment, relief from the curse of unemployment, family business tradition, previous experience of the similar or different line of business, lack of higher formal education, etc. are the broad general reasons for start‐up of new business. Shortage of fixed and working capital, lack of training and business skill, lack of collateral free institutional support, lack of experienced and reliable employees, etc. are the common factors that inhibit the entrepreneurs to start and run their business smoothly.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is limited to two districts and trading enterprises only. Owing to time and resource constraints and non‐availability of official records of the number of small‐scale traders, statistically representative sampling cannot be chosen. In order to capture a large sample size, almost all trading concerns of Pabna and Gazipur will have to be visited, which is almost impossible. However, some of the limitations are overcome by synthesizing information from a number of sources. The present paper provides a starting‐point for further research in the small‐scale trading of suburban areas of other districts.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information about the starting of new small businesses and initial difficulties.
The transformation from entrepreneurship to technology entrepreneurship development in Malaysia
Authors: Abdullah Syahida 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss Malaysia's industrial development since achieving its independence in 1957 to 2007. The industrial development in Malaysia has gradually shifted from mere trading type of activities to technology based entrepreneurial activities.Design/methodology/approachThe transformation of Malaysia's industrial development from entrepreneurship to technology entrepreneurship is studied by applying the World Bank framework introduced by Bessantet al.The improvised framework has eight key dimensions that are developed as the key activities of technology entrepreneurship to assess the presence of technology entrepreneurship activity during the study period.FindingsThe initiation of the government's heavy industrialization drive in the 1980s had given rise to the growth of the manufacturing sector, and consequently, the implementation of public policies and government programmes in the 1990s have led to the shift of the economy from labor intensive manufacturing to high technology with higher value added activities. The findings thus indicate that the government's effort and support through the implementation of different policies and various state‐led programmes have basically driven Malaysia's entrepreneurial activities to be technology oriented.Research limitations/implicationsAs for the limitation, it is represented by the difficulties in identifying the key technology entrepreneurship activities and using them to analyze the entrepreneurship development at the macro level. Having analyzed at the macro level, this study hopes to contribute to the policy makers in drafting the government policies strategically so as to foster the growth of technology entrepreneurship in Malaysia generally, and to develop capabilities in particular industrial sectors.Originality/valueThe paper provides an overview of the industrial development in Malaysia as a background to the discussion on the transformation to technology entrepreneurship development.
Problems of small‐scale entrepreneurs in Nellore District
Authors: Lavanya Latha K. , Murthy B.E.V.V.N. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the problems faced by small‐scale entrepreneurs in Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh, India and also to study the opinions of entrepreneurs regarding what are the different factors which are helpful for success of entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachThe present paper is conducted by choosing a sample size of 30 per cent (196 units) randomly from the total population of 653 units. The data are collected through a structured questionnaire, informal interview and analyzed by using mean, ANOVA and Z‐test.FindingsIt is found that high price of raw materials, lack of marketing information and marketing of products are major problems faced by the entrepreneurs, followed by competition from small industries and absenteeism of labour. The majority (about 90.3 per cent) of the respondents did not want to make any complaint to government agencies.Originality/valueThe findings help to know the problems faced by small‐scale entrepreneurs in a developing country such as India and also help the policy makers to solve these problems.
Industrial clusters and regional economic development in China: the case of “green” food
Authors: Adams John , Wang Jialiang 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to find if and to what extent industrial clusters boost the regional economy in Heilongjiang Province of China and to more clearly define the relationship between the province's economic development and its industrial cluster strategy. The case of green food is the focus of the paper.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is designed to answer a series of research questions regarding the role of the green food industry in Heilongjiang Province as an actual or potential industrial cluster and the extent to which there is export potential within this.FindingsAlthough a small proportion of output is being exported, there are still some barriers that need to be overcome if the export potential is to be realized.Research limitations/implicationsThe research results to date are useful but limited due to certain data issues. However, they are sufficient even at this stage to determine a number of practical implications.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on the development of industrial clusters in Heilongjiang Province with a specific analysis of the development of the “green” food industry. This is done using statistical trends, volume, varieties, and value data to examine the export potential capacity in Heilongjiang Province. These data are brought together for the first time.