bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cultural and legal challenges in implementing code of conduct in supply chain management of mobile phone industries: Sony Ericsson case study
Authors: Zakaria Mohamad , Garanča Zanda , Sobeih Abdallah 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify the practical challenges of implementing a code of conduct in the supply chain management of multinational mobile phone industries from diverse cultural and legal contexts by analysing critically how a multinational company manages the CSR concept in its supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on qualitative interviews, analysis of codes of conduct and the practices of Sony Ericsson as well as of one of its suppliers.FindingsCodes of conduct should be perceived differently within different contexts. Therefore, cultural and legal issues have to be considered when formulating and implementing codes of conduct, and when assessing compliance. The development of codes of conduct in the mobile phone industry is an ongoing process. Both cultural and legal challenges have to be considered.Originality/valueEach company should define its own standards and limits of responsibility within the context of ethical sourcing, while some basic codes of conduct compliance should be forced on the whole mobile phone industry.
Sources of variation in linking corporate social responsibility and financial performance
Authors: Quazi Ali , Richardson Alice 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThis purpose of this paper is to identify the possible sources of variation of results in prior studies linking corporate social responsibility (CSR) with corporate financial performance (CFP).Design/methodology/approachA meta‐analysis was performed on 51 prior studies included in Orlitzky et al. in order to ensure compatibility with previous results. The meta‐analysis is based on sub‐groups of papers in five‐year time intervals focusing on sample size and methodology employed as the sources of variation concerning the nexus between CSR and CFP.FindingsThe major finding of the study is that sample size and methodology are significant sources of variation in measuring the link between CSR and CFP.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are likely to help develop a structural framework towards broadening and deepening our understanding of the debate regarding the sources of variation in the measurement of CSR and CFP link. This research is limited to papers published up to 1999 as included in Orlitzky et al. Future research can update the findings by using data beyond 1999.Originality/valueThis paper can be considered an advance on the previous research as it contributes to broadening our understanding of the possible source of causes of variation in results of studies linking CSR with CFP.
Slack‐resources hypothesis: a critical analysis under a multidimensional approach to corporate social performance
Authors: Melo Tiago 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to test the slack‐resources hypothesis in corporate social performance (CSP).Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the technique of panel data in a sample of 624 American listed companies from 2001 to 2007. The literature review builds on the contradictions between the instrumental stakeholder theory and the slack‐resources hypothesis to argue that both concepts are not fully compatible.FindingsThe results indicate that prior financial performance, measured as market value added, positively affects CSP. The results further confirm that slack resources are assigned to specific areas of involvement of CSP (product issues, community relations, environmental issues, employee relations and diversity of the work force), rather than to a unified conception of CSP.Research limitations/implicationsThe current trend in social responsibility regards Friedman's arguments as old‐fashioned and assumes the instrumental stakeholder to be true. The results presented here indicate that part of Friedman's claims may be occurring in reality, so further investigation is needed before they are disregarded.Practical implicationsThe multidimensional nature of CSP, here proposed and confirmed by the exploratory models, indicates that each dimension of social performance may be impacted by the availability of funds different intensities; and according to the instrumental view (assuming the virtuous circle is true), investment in each particular dimension may provide a different level of return to the firm.Originality/valueThe slack resources hypothesis has been the least researched of the two hypotheses relating to the corporate social and financial performance (CSP and CFP) links. Although the slack resources hypothesis may explain the relation as well as the good management hypothesis, most studies tend to focus on the first one, basing their argumentation on the assumption that superior CFP comes as a result of a strategic CSP.
Corporate social responsibility in post‐apartheid South Africa
Authors: Ramlall Sharlene 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to analyse the relationship between corporate social responsibility and the concept of Black economic empowerment in South Africa. The paper examines whether government interventions in the area of corporate social responsibility post‐1994 have been successful. The paper also assesses critically the level of voluntary commitment that businesses in South Africa have displayed in the area of corporate social responsibility.Design/methodology/approachCorporate social responsibility in South Africa pre‐1994 and post‐1994 is examined and compared. The Broad‐Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (2003), the new South African Companies Act (2008) and the King Codes of Corporate Governance Principles in South Africa are critiqued. A distinction is made between government and business corporate social responsibility initiatives.FindingsThe paper principally concludes that meaningful corporate social responsibility in the area of human rights can be better achieved if it is based on commitment and collaborative partnership.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a basis for empirical research on corporate social responsibility and socio‐economic development in South Africa.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the growing discourse of academic literature that supports a strategic partnership‐based approach to corporate social responsibility.
Rising externality costs and corporate social responsibility case: EU legislation on electric and electronic equipment
Authors: Laudal Thomas 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to study how we may identify the link between rising externality costs and corporate social responsibility (CSR) by using a market‐centric approach to CSR.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses indicators measuring CSR performances triggered by rising externality costs due to EU legislation on electric and electronic equipment (EEE). The case study includes three leading companies in the global electric appliances industry.FindingsThe EU legislation on EEE has increased the externality costs of the electric appliances industry. Some companies only meet the minimum requirements of the legislation, while others go beyond what is required and engage in CSR. It is found that the strongest CSR impact is related to output externalities in the authors' sample in the EEE sector, while the strongest CSR impact in the clothing sector, in an earlier study, is related to input externalities.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that governments need to adapt their CSR policies not only to general sector‐specific features, but in addition to the potential for reducing negative externalities in different parts of the value chain in each sector.Originality/valueThis article contributes to a better understanding of how government policies raise the externality costs of industries, which in turn lead these industries to strengthen their CSR performance. The study also demonstrates the usefulness of a market centric approach to CSR.
Island tourism: destinations: an editorial introduction to the special issue
Authors: Cave Jenny , Brown Keith G. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThis editorial aims to situate the papers chosen for this special issue within academic literature and identify their contributions to new knowledge.Design/methodology/approachThe editorial first discusses tourism research literature pertinent to the idiosyncrasies of destination management in island contexts. Second, the paper identifies the contributions made to this field by the authors and the implications of their innovative research for island tourism and destination management.FindingsEach paper contributes, in its way, to the field of island tourism, either by integration of explorations of theory, shifting paradigms or revealing new knowledge. This special issue contains two seminal papers by top academic leaders of the fields of islandness and HRM in island destinations. It also presents papers that comment on destination management issues at macro and micro levels.Originality/valueCollectively this collection of papers offers new perspectives concerning the challenges of creating destination image in peripheral locations, the impacts of global mobilities (inward and outward) on destination labor markets, models for sustainable destination development, the welcome extended to visitors and returning locals by island communities, destination positioning strategies and service interactions.
North Atlantic island destinations in tourists' minds
Authors: Gudlaugsson Thorhallur , Magnússon Gunnar 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThis study seeks to investigate the image that tourists visiting Iceland in the summer months have of Iceland as a tourist destination, and whether the positioning of Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland together as one area in tourist markets is possible or feasible.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the results of two surveys. The first survey (unstructured) measures the holistic image of Iceland with a qualitative methodology. The second survey (structured) measures the attribute image of Iceland in comparison with five other countries – i.e. Norway, Scotland, Greenland, Finland and the Faroe Islands – with a perceptual mapping technique.FindingsResults from the unstructured survey indicate that tourists have the strongest holistic image of Iceland as a scenic nature destination. Results from the structured survey indicate that tourists consider Iceland to be a safe place to visit, an opportunity for adventure, a friendly and hospitable destination, and a country of scenic and natural beauty. According to the results, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland seem to have a different image in tourists' minds.Research limitations/implicationsThe surveys only report the perception of tourists visiting Iceland.Practical implicationsIt is hoped that the paper will contribute to a better understanding of how to measure image and how to market (position) the North Atlantic Islands.Originality/valueThe study shows the value that image can have in marketing island destinations and the importance for destinations in peripheral areas to cooperate in their marketing activities.
Human resource management in tourism: a small island perspective
Authors: Baum Tom 
Published: June 2012

PurposeConceptually, this paper aims to consider the nexus created when the characteristics of the tourism sector workplace environment intersect with the contextual influences of the economic, social and labor market attributes of small islands.Design/methodology/approachSeveral studies relating to the employment and skills environment of human resource management and development in small island tourism contexts are synthesized.FindingsSeasonality, limited skills within the local labor market, access to formal education and training are identified as issues that impact on sustainability of employment, service and product quality. Further, while sourcing and recruitment of staff, employee retention, training and development, and career progression appear to mirror those faced by larger, frequently metropolitan locations. However, small islandness imposes particular nuances upon the management of human resources, directly related to location and scale. Thus, small island environments, the global economy, technology and employee mobility (inward and outward) exacerbate structural and cultural dimensions and issues in island tourism.Research limitation/implicationsThis paper provides an invaluable framework for future research, both comparative and specific.Practical implicationsManagement responses should be both local and global in focus, acknowledging the particularities of small islands, generic tourism sector influences and the effects of global mobility on the workforce and on management.Originality/valueThis synthesis addresses the effects of global, local and location specific dynamics on human resource management and development issues and demonstrates that the challenges faced by organizations in island tourism contexts have dimensions that set them apart in both kind and extent from other tourism environments.
Navigating through tourism options: an island perspective
Authors: Nicely Annmarie , Palakurthi Radesh 
Published: June 2012

PurposeSustainable tourism demands a positivistic and holistic look at the true costs and benefits of the industry to host communities. To aid leaders in starting the process, the article proposes a tourism options navigation model looking at varying number of visitors, their average daily spend and leakages, on the socio‐economic, cultural and environmental landscape of island communities. The article aims to identify various tourism options, their expected effects and potential strategies to mitigating negative outcomes and to later apply the model to the case of the rural parish of St Thomas, Jamaica.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the objectives outlined a comprehensive review of related literature was conducted. The researcher interviewed six of Jamaica's national tourism leaders and analyzed their responses.FindingsIt was posited that by employing strategies that impact the number of visitors to the area, their average daily spend and industry‐related economic import leakages, leaders can control the economic, social, cultural and environmental effects of tourism on communities but the process must begin with a clear articulation of the desired effects.Research limitations/implicationsThe model could be a useful decision‐making tool for leaders considering tourism as a developmental option or in analyzing the current state of their communities' tourism industry. It could also form the basis for a more objective look at tourism success by researchers.Originality/valueThe model is unique as it provides a single comprehensive look at the causes and effects of tourism and possible ways forward.
Come visit, but don't overstay: critiquing a welcoming society
Authors: Baldacchino Godfrey 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to conceptualize and illustrate how some island societies – in spite of their apparent openness, vibrant tourist economies and generally welcoming disposition – develop exclusionary attitudes to a range of immigrants, resulting in effective limits to their much vaunted hospitality culture.Design/methodology/approachIn the context of a global review, the paper reports a qualitative study of immigrant experiences and perceptions from 2005 empirical survey data, as well as the personal observations of the author on Prince Edward Island, Canada's smallest and only fully island province.FindingsWhile the bonding social capital of island communities tends to be strong, their bridging social capital tends to be weak. Other aspects of island life – including perceptions of smallness, affirmation of island identity, high population density, gentrification, the threat of invasion and the fear of the other – impact on the interaction of the “come heres” with the “from heres”. The paper shows divisions in islander attitudes between (short‐term stay) tourists and (longer‐term stay) immigrants in sharp relief.Research limitations/implicationsThis analysis queries research assumptions about service, hospitality and tourism and provides a conceptual framework for the dynamics of visitation to island destinations.Practical implicationsThese findings critique service quality, relationship management and attitudes to potential clients.Originality/valueThe paper connects immigration research to attitudes to tourism, using an island studies lens as its analytical tool and provides an insightful view of the contested dynamics of place, notions of hospitality and exclusion.
Segmenting the market of first‐time visitors to an island destination
Authors: Hennessey Sean , Yun Dongkoo , Macdonald Roberta 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to segment the market of first‐time visitors based on the activities travelers engage in while at a destination using demographics, socio‐economic variables, and trip‐related characteristics.Design/methodology/approachThe research analyzes 1,104 exit surveys completed by first‐time visitors to the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island. Clustering analysis identifies three segments that are refined and tested by multivariate and bivariate analyses.FindingsThe results indicate that there are three distinct segments of first‐time visitors based on travel activities: culture‐oriented (26 percent of the market), active (37 percent), and casual (37 percent). The key differences among the three segments are demographic, socio‐economic, trip‐related characteristics, and spending patterns. These results confirm the sustainability and profitability of the market segments.Practical implicationsSegmenting markets for products or services, in any industry, is vital to gain a better understanding of the customer, and to better allocate scarce tourism resources to product development, marketing, service, and delivery. Therefore, all tourism industry stakeholders must be aware of the market segments that are currently visiting the destination.Originality/valueTourist segments based on activities are not absolutes, but a continuum. The majority of first‐time visitors to a destination engage in a variety of travel activities across the segments, running from more to less involved. Successful tourism destinations are those that meet the various activity needs of their segments in both their marketing and on the ground.
Visitor interactions with hotel employees: the role of nationality
Authors: Prayag Girish , Ryan Chris 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to report the results of a study into visitor evaluations of interactions with hotel employees in Mauritius. Given that the island's core tourism product is based on luxury resorts, tourist‐hotel employee interactions possess a potential for determining satisfactory or unsatisfactory holiday evaluations on the part of visitors.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 103 visitors is interviewed using a semi‐structured guide comprising open‐ended questions. This approach reflects the lived experiences of guests and helps to better assess the role played by nationality when reporting visitor‐staff interactions. Data are analyzed using both thematic analysis and textual analysis software.FindingsNationality, ethnicity and languages spoken are found to be factors that determine differences in requirements from hotel staff on the part of tourists. Nationality is the strongest discriminator of these requirements.Research limitations/implicationsAs with many examples of qualitative research, the findings are time and place specific. Yet nonetheless, the concepts of personal construct theory permit some generalization.Practical implicationsResort complex staff and management need to note the differences required by guests of different national groupings, and to appreciate that less than warm responses by some clients are not indicative of dissatisfaction.Originality/valueThe paper distinguishes between guests not only on the basis of nationality and ethnicity, but also languages spoken. No similar study relating to resort complexes in Mauritius has been identified. The study also uses two modes of textual data analysis to support the interpretation offered.
The role of real estate agents on housing prices and rents: the Iranian experience
Authors: Gholipour Fereidouni Hassan 
Published: June 2012

PurposeIn recent years, housing prices and rents have recorded impressive growth in Iran. Several observers believe that real estate agents have had a significant effect on this phenomenon. However, some do not agree with this viewpoint and argue that the role of real estate agents is not that much and housing prices and rents are affected by macroeconomic factors. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether real estate agents can influence housing prices and rents across provinces of Iran.Design/methodology/approachApplying panel data technique, this paper uses observations from 28 provinces of Iran covering 2000 and 2003 to examine the role of real estate agents on housing prices and rents.FindingsThe empirical results indicate that the increased number of real estate agents and their activities positively significantly stimulate housing prices and rents.Research limitations/implicationsTo the author's knowledge, most studies in this area cover the US and European real estate markets. Since findings for developed countries might not be directly transferable to emerging market economies such as Iran, more work is necessary to obtain a clearer picture of the role of real estate agents on housing prices and rents in emerging economies.Originality/valueAlthough there has been a series of cross‐sectional studies published in this area, few empirical works have examined the effects of real estate agents on housing prices and rents by applying panel data set. The paper begins to fill this gap by analyzing a data sample of 28 provinces of Iran covering 2000 and 2003.
An assessment of the relative impact of factors influencing inaccuracy in valuation
Authors: Kayode Babawale Gabriel , Omirin Modupe 
Published: June 2012

PurposeTo address the phenomenon of inaccuracy in real estate valuation successfully, it is imperative to ascertain the sources and how valuers are influenced. The purpose of this paper therefore is to identify and assess both the predictive and relative importance of the factors that significantly influence inaccuracy in residential property valuations in Lagos metropolis.Design/methodology/approachData obtained from 250 firms of Estate Surveyors and Valuers were analyzed by a combination of descriptive and inferential statistics including factor analysis, and correlation/regression analysis.FindingsThe study identified: valuers' knowledge and experience; valuers' approach to valuation; and individual characteristics of valuers and valuation firms, in that order, as having significant influence on valuation accuracy in the study area.Originality/valueIf valuers know the factors that significantly influence inaccuracy and understand how they are affected, it would be possible to reduce the incidence of inaccuracy, together with its potential grave consequences to the housing market in particular, and the economy as a whole.