bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Training employees of a public Iranian bank on emotional intelligence competencies
Authors: Beigi Mina , Shirmohammadi Melika 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the possibility of developing emotional intelligence (EI) as conceptualized in Boyatzis et al.'s competency model.Design/methodology/approachDesigning a context‐based EI training program, the study utilized a sample of 68 fully‐employed members of five branches of a public bank in Iran; each branch underwent an eight‐week (each session 120 minutes) EI training program. Pre‐ and post‐tests were conducted to assess EI development using emotional competence inventory (ECI‐2), a 360‐degree measurement tool.FindingsOnly one EI cluster out of four improved significantly and only some of the specific dimensions showed this significant improvement, while others did not have a clear change and even some self assessments deteriorated.Research limitations/implicationsLack of a control group, small sample size, and short training program are the main limitations of this study.Practical implicationsDetailed explanation of the method could be a guide for service organizations that wish to improve EI.Originality/valueBecause of the lack of empirical studies in this field of research, the paper reports the results of a pre‐/post study on EI training and development and sets out to add to this narrow literature.
Social skills and social values training for future k‐workers
Authors: Sail Rahim M. , Alavi Khadijah 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to determine the extent of acquisition of knowledge on social skills and social values by trainers of institutes and coaches of industries in training of trainers (ToT) programmes. It has been ascertained that social skills and social values can and must be taught to apprentices to enhance their employability skills as well as to remove any barriers for upward mobility in their careers.Design/methodology/approachA four‐day ToT‐cum‐workshop was organized using “hands‐on” experiential outdoor learning activities with lots of interactions, discussions and reflections between participants and participants, and between participants and facilitators. A retrospective post‐ then‐pre‐evaluation design was employed to determine the amount of knowledge acquired by the participants using a four point Likert‐type statements. Using the Handbook of Social Skills and Social Values as a guide, eight core social skills and eight core social values that were relevant to NDTS were identified, emphasized and evaluated in the training programme.FindingsThe overall findings indicate that there was about +20 per cent increase in knowledge among the participants on social skills and social values after the training programme. These findings indicate that social skills and social values can be taught when participants show increases in knowledge on all the social skills and social values studied.Practical implicationsTrainers of institutes and coaches of industries can integrate social skills and social values in their technical curriculum to provide apprentices with the foundation of human and social competence required to be an effective workforce to face future challenges and global competition.Originality/valueThis paper provides evidence that social skills and social values can be taught through appropriate teaching/learning techniques as well as providing the right learning environment.
The moderating role of cultural similarity in leadership training effectiveness
Authors: Xu Qiumei Jane , Jiang Jianfeng 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the moderating role of cultural similarity between leaders and followers on leadership training effectiveness in terms of followers' fairness perception and organizational citizenship behavior.Design/methodology/approachA quasi‐experiment was conducted with 40 managers from international corporations as the subjects. The 40 subjects were equally assigned to a treatment group and a control group. In each group, half share similar backgrounds with the followers while the other half do not. Leadership training was offered to managers in the treatment group, but not to those in the control group.FindingsResults show that leadership training has positive effects on followers' fairness perception and organizational citizenship behavior, and the effects are stronger for those leaders who are similar to their followers in cultural background.Research limitations/implicationsThe study further supports that followers' fairness perception and organizational citizenship behavior will be enhanced if their leaders receive proper leadership training, and it is the first to demonstrate that cultural similarity between leaders and followers plays an important role in influencing leadership training effectiveness.Practical implicationsThe training program described in this study is straightforward, inexpensive, easy to implement, and can be used by organizations with a diverse workforce to improve their training effectiveness and facilitate their leaders' managerial efforts.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to examine how cultural similarity between leaders and followers influences leadership training effectiveness.
Hybrid car purchase intentions: a cross‐cultural analysis
Authors: Oliver Jason D. , Lee Seung‐Hee 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to compare US and Korean consumers' intentions to purchase a high involvement, environmentally friendly product: the hybrid car.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines how social factors and culture shape intentions to purchase a hybrid car using survey data from 1,083 US drivers and 783 Korean drivers.FindingsThe paper shows that self‐image congruence and propensity to seek information about green products have strong positive relationships with intentions to purchase a hybrid car among consumers from both countries. Perceived social value associated with the consumption of hybrid cars also has a strong positive relationship with intentions to purchase a hybrid car among Korean and, contrary to expectations, US consumers. In contrast, social value associated with green products, in general, has a negative relationship with US consumer hybrid purchase intentions.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a web‐based survey of drivers regarding hybrid cars may limit the generalizability of the results to other products and countries. Therefore, it is necessary to replicate the results.Practical implicationsIn light of the results, marketers of hybrid cars in Korea and the USA should consider communicating about the social value of hybrid vehicle adoption and the positive reflection of ownership on the consumer's self‐image, focusing on consumers who actively seek information about green products. However, marketers of hybrid cars in the USA limit references to the social value of green products, in general, which may be a turn‐off.Originality/valueThis paper increases knowledge about the impact of social and cultural factors on decision making regarding hybrid cars.
Gender, store satisfaction and antecedents: a case study of a grocery store
Authors: Helgesen Øyvind , Nesset Erik 
Published: March 2010

PurposeIn social psychology literature, gender is often an important predictor of differential outcomes. However, gender as it influences consumer behavior has not attracted much research interest in a retailing context. The main purpose of this paper is to analyze associations between gender, drivers (antecedents) of store satisfaction and store satisfaction in grocery retailing. It employs various approaches. Thus an additional purpose is to discuss the findings from the various approaches with respect to consumer marketing.Design/methodology/approachThe data source is a survey among customers of a chain‐based Norwegian grocery store. T‐tests, factor analyses and various multiple regression analyses were conducted.FindingsA direct significant effect of gender on store satisfaction was found when controlling for other included antecedents. Gender does not have any moderating effect on the relationships between antecedents and store satisfaction. Females have higher satisfaction levels than males, but the satisfaction drivers are gender independent.Research limitations/implicationsThis research has been applied to a specific grocery store belonging to a specific chain of retailing grocery stores.Practical implicationsFindings that could be perceived as mixed, confusing and difficult to handle in decision making are discussed and clarified, which should provide consumer marketers insights into resource allocation with respect to the “satisfaction‐profit chain.”Originality/valueGender has only a direct effect on store satisfaction. Stable gender‐independent drivers of store satisfaction were identified. These insights can contribute to consumer marketing activities that favorably influence shoppers' attitudes, thus resulting in sustained revenues and profitability in the future.
Choosing non‐conventional treatments: consumers' attempt at controlling health care
Authors: Rajamma Rajasree K. , Pelton Lou E. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the determinants of consumer's propensity to choose non‐conventional treatment protocols using control theory as the theoretical framework.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a consumer panel using a self‐administered questionnaire. The sample consisted of 350 US‐based “Baby Boomer” consumers.FindingsThe results of this study indicate that consumers' health locus of control self‐efficacy, and neuroticism impact their propensity to use non‐conventional treatments. Contrary to previous studies, consumers' health value was not a significant moderator except in the case of internal health locus of control.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide guidance to public policy makers, health care providers, and managers of the conventional and non‐conventional pharmaceutical industries. Specially, the results reify the importance of the collaborative efforts of public policy makers and health care practitioners alike to proactively inform consumers of the issues underlying unsupervised use of non‐conventional medications. The results suggest greater governance is needed to control the marketing of non‐conventional medications. Overall, this research provides prescriptive guidance for marketers of both non‐conventional and conventional treatments, suggesting how better promotional and integrated communications may effectively serve their target markets.Originality/valueThe paper examines an unexplored yet rapidly growing consumption behavior in the USA: the unprecedented use of non‐conventional treatments. Evaluation of this consumer trend has largely focused on demographic factors relative to adopters (and non‐adopters). Control theory affords a conceptual foundation for exploring individual‐level factors that have been overlooked in previous empirical studies.
Selection criteria of Lebanese consumers in the global snack food industry: country of origin perceptions
Authors: Zbib Imad J. , Wooldridge Barbara R. , Ahmed Zafar U. , Benlian Sarkis 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to study country of origin perceptions of Lebanese consumers with respect to potato chips, the correlation involved between country of manufacture and consumer behavior; purchase intent; and product quality.Design/methodology/approachFour hypotheses in respect to country of origin perceptions on potato chip purchases were tested. The research was conducted in three phases: qualitative research was done to determine key attributes in potato chip selection, these findings were used to create a questionnaire, and a sample from 326 Lebanese consumers was collected.FindingsThe paper finds that there are demographic differences in the evaluation of potation chips. The evaluation of specific attributes did not vary by country of origin and there were no differences in overall quality perceptions by country of origin. Snack food purchases appear to be low involvement purchases based on experiential qualities. Brand awareness and purchase appear not to be linked.Research limitations/implicationsIt appears that country of origin is of secondary importance; yet, it is important to note the limited number of countries tested in this study. Given the tainted food scandals involving China country or origin may play a larger role in studies testing a wider variety of countries. Future research should include products not currently available in the market.Originality/valueGiven the potential for high growth in the snack food market in developing countries, this study provided valuable insight into one such market. The results indicate that more study is warranted in this area.
Accelerating structured consumer‐driven package design
Authors: Gofman Alex , Moskowitz Howard R. , Mets Tõnis 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore approaches to consumer‐driven optimization of package design utilizing a novel modified conjoint analysis approach. The approach allows for dynamic creation and testing of a large number of design prototypes with consumers and finds optimal solutions on an aggregated, segmented (pattern‐based latent mindset segmentation) and individual basis.Design/methodology/approachThe approach extends the consumer insights‐driven process, Rule Developing Experimentation (RDE), introduced by the authors (AG and HM) and developed in cooperation with Wharton School of Business (University of Pennsylvania), to graphical concepts.FindingsDisciplined experimentation based on individual permuted experimental designs produces more targeted package designs with higher appeal to the consumers. The proposed steps describe fast, parsimonious and actionable process of application of RDE to package optimization, which provides valuable input for designers about consumer preferences.Practical implicationsThe paper demonstrates that consumer research could and should be a central part not only at the final stages of the package design but at the initial stage as well. The steps of fitting the research into the package design process are shown providing a parsimonious way to include consumers in the early stages of package design.Originality/valueThe approach could help the marketers efficiently create better packages that consumers like and which will help marketers to differentiate their respective products from the competition.
Accounting for the city
Authors: Lapsley Irvine , Miller Peter , Panozzo Fabrizio 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the study of cities as an important and neglected focus for accounting researchers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a case study approach to visualizing and calculating the city.FindingsThere is a major preoccupation with the study of cities from numerous disciplinary perspectives. The positioning of cities is reaffirmed as a key part of modes of governing. This reveals tensions between disciplinary approaches based on space and design with the financial imperative of cities managed within a world which is dominated by New Public Management ideas and in which finances have primacy.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based on one case study, and it demonstrates the need for longitudinal and interdisciplinary approaches to increase understanding of the twenty‐first century city.Practical implicationsThe significance of accounting as a technology, which is embedded within the public management of cities is profound. This has major implications both for the design of financial information systems and their capacity for, and the manner of, their interactions with other disciplines in planning and managing cities.Originality/valueThis study is distinct in the manner in which it studies and reveals the importance of accounting in the management of cities. There is an increasing trend to visualize the city and represent it in numbers. This study reveals that accounting provides the most important numbers in shaping and visualizing the city.
Do environmental and task characteristics matter in the control of externalized local public services?
Authors: Cristofoli Daniela , Ditillo Angelo , Liguori Mariannunziata , Sicilia Mariafrancesca , Steccolini Ileana 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanisms adopted by cities to control the provision of externalized public services and to explore the determinants of such control choices.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the results of a multiple case study based on the experiences of three cities and three public services (transport, solid waste collection and home care services for the elderly), where control mechanisms and their possible antecedents were analyzed.FindingsThe results show that the control models found in the cases analyzed do not correspond to the “pure” patterns described in the private sector literature and that the factors identified by management control contributions do not seem to be exhaustive in explaining the configuration of control systems in the public sector. While environmental and task characteristics only partially explain the adoption of certain configurations of control, the features of the control systems seem to be rather influenced by variables that are related to party characteristics.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the combinations of control mechanisms are more multifaceted than those presented in the literature, and that the factors identified in the private sector literature do not seem to explain comprehensively the configuration of control systems in the public sector.
Contending legitimations
Authors: Rautiainen Antti 
Published: March 2010

Purpose“Contending legitimations” (Meyer and Scott) in cities – and especially multiple conflicting institutional pressures on decision makers – have not received sufficient accounting study. Therefore this paper aims to analyse the multiple institutional pressures on the performance measurement (PM) practices of two Finnish cities and answer why the developments and the coupling of budget or PM rules and routines were different in these relatively similar case cities.Design/methodology/approachIn this interpretive study, a comparative case setting (e.g. including several semi‐structured interviews) was used.FindingsContending legitimations affect the coupling of city budgeting and PM rules and routines. It was found that a city is likely to experience decoupling of formal PM rules and routines if there are conflicting normative institutional pressures among decision makers (especially among City Board members).Research limitations/implicationsAs case studies cannot be generalized, further research on the institutional pressures on accounting PM in cities is encouraged.Practical implicationsNoting the contending legitimations may facilitate the management of projects for accounting change in cities.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to accounting literature by illustrating the multiple institutional pressures and their effects on PM developments and on PM coupling in the case cities. As a refinement to the works by Abernethy and Chua, Granlund, and Ribeiro and Scapens contending legitimations can explain some complexities of PM related decision making as well as the will of key actors to promote or postpone changes.
Asset management in cities: polyphony in action?
Authors: Arnaboldi Michela , Lapsley Irvine 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine asset management in three cities. It is informed by polyphony as a theoretical perspective and draws on the fact‐building process to explore the practice of asset management in these study settings.Design/methodology/approachA comparative case study approach was adopted to have a broader understanding of the levels of complexity in the study of polyphony in asset management. With this aim, the three Scottish cities were analysed presenting a spectrum of city types.FindingsThe paper finds evidence of polyphony. The three cases show different degrees of controversies and achievements, providing a highly variegated picture of the effectiveness in pursuing an asset management policy.Originality/valuePolyphony recognises the many voices of actors present in organisations. This perspective on asset management is an important, but relatively neglected facet of this aspect of city management. The paper provides an insight in this, showing the potential for the multiple voices of the many different actors within local government, all of whom may have distinct views on asset utilisation.
Translation impossible? Accounting for a city project
Authors: Czarniawska Barbara 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the complexity of accounting for the city, on a specific example of an urban project in Rome.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a study consisting of various accounts of the project, including a photo reportage done by the author.FindingsThe study revealed that in spite of, and perhaps because of, a multitude of accounts, it was difficult if not impossible to follow the chain of translations from a political decision to actual events in the city. One of the reasons is the politicians' tendency to manipulate accounts; another is the hermetic character of technical accounts, including accounting, which makes actual processes more opaque rather than more transparent.Research limitations/implicationsWithin research perspective, a conceptualization of city management as a construction and maintenance of an action net might be helpful in attempts to render the complexity of translations of events and actions into words and numbers, and vice versa.Practical implicationsThe practical implication is that a more focused and consistent translation is needed, leaving open the question who should accomplish it. The possible candidates are the media, citizens' organizations and researchers.Originality/valueThe paper offers a possible interpretative frame for studying city management, enriching it by the inclusion of visual reporting.
Emerging logics of competition: paradigm shift, fantasy, or reality check?
Authors: Kinra Aseem , Antai Imoh 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to elicit the subtle but progressive shift in organizational/institutional interaction with its rivals within a competitive framework, and thereby discusses and analyses paradigm shifts in competition and competitiveness. The paper argues that interorganizational networks and the recent concept of supply chain management may have induced a change in how competitiveness is viewed at the national, industry, and firm levels of interaction.Design/methodology/approachThe paper conceptualizes extant literature into distinct themes of (organizational and institutional) analysis – micro, macro, and meso – and based on this review the paper seeks to identify emerging logics and shifts within mainstream competitiveness literature over the last decade.FindingsThe paper suggests that the micro‐macro theme of competition and competitiveness remains dominant in mainstream literature. Results from the analysis also support the notion of emergent logics of competition and competitiveness, which could then imply that a paradigm shift may well have begun within the area of competition and competitiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe limited findings point towards more detailed forays into competition of interorganizational forms such as networks and supply chains, before a paradigm shift may be claimed.Practical implicationsThe paper serves to trigger the consciousness of stakeholders to think realistically with regards to claims that competition and competitiveness are carried out on the network level, e.g. a supply chain vs supply chain playing field.Originality/valueWhile networks and supply chains have generally been inferred as new frontiers for contemporary competition in different functionally‐oriented literature domains, analysis and performance of such emergent logics is yet to be shown. The classification of different competition logics put forth in this paper aid in systemizing the competitiveness/competition rhetoric.