bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact evaluation, advocacy and ethical research: some issues for national strategy development?
Authors: Streatfield David , Markless Sharon 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the relationship between advocacy on behalf of libraries and impact evaluation in a national public library development context in which the boundaries between these two roles are likely to be blurred, creating ethical issues for all concerned.Design/methodology/approachThe authors draw upon their broad experience of helping various international organisations to develop strategic approaches to impact planning and evaluation for public libraries, as well as their work in helping to develop library practice at national level, in order to focus on and examine the creative tensions between impact evaluation and advocacy.FindingsThere are particular issues for all key participants (international programme funders, policy shapers, service managers, evaluators and advocates) in planning, supporting and delivering impact evaluation programmes. Most of these can be addressed directly but some (such as balancing programme requirements against local priorities, or achieving a balance between collecting evidence based on predetermined impact indicators and progressive focusing) entail management of the tensions between conflicting pressures.Practical implicationsSpecific ways forward are offered to encourage ethical advocacy and impact evaluation at national library development level. These principles are equally applicable to education and health library development and to public library development at regional or local levels.Originality/valueThe particular issues of advocacy and impact evaluation in the national public library development context have not previously been recognized in the international development literature addressing advocacy and evaluation or in the library and information services research literature.
The use of Library of Congress Subject Headings in digital collections
Authors: Walsh John 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper attempts to explain the wide dissemination of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) within digital libraries and presents some of the advantages and disadvantages of using this controlled vocabulary in digital collections. The paper also presents other classifications used in digital collections for subject access and explores ways of improving search functionality in digital collections that employ LCSH.Design/methodology/approachUnlike traditional libraries that use Library of Congress Classification for organization and retrieval, digital libraries use metadata forms for organization and retrieval. The collections exist in cyberspace of the internet which is known for containing the universe of knowledge. The use of LCSH for information retrieval has been widely criticized for its difficulty of use and its information retrieval effectiveness in online environments. The Library of Congress (LOC) has claimed the headings were not based on comprehensive principles nor ever intended to cover the universe of knowledge. Despite these claims and criticisms, LCSH is the most popular choice for subject access in digital libraries.FindingsThe number of digital collections increases every year and LCSH is still the most popular choice of controlled vocabulary for subject access. Of the numerous criticisms, difficulties of use and user unfamiliarity are the greatest disadvantages of using LCSH for subject access. Average users only have a vague notion of what they are looking for when initializing a search. More work is required in automated generation of subject headings and increased usage of LCSH in faceted search retrieval systems. This will provide users with better access to the LCSH used in the back end of information retrieval.Originality/valueThe Greek researchers who developed the Dissertation DSPace system believe this type of module will eventually replace the traditional keyword‐based indexing back ends employed by many information retrieval modules within current digital library systems. The system offers the type of access and interactivity that will acquaint users with how LCSH looks and is used. Faceted search and automated pattern matching using an ontology based on LCSH have the best promise of overcoming the disadvantages that have always plagued the LOC‐controlled vocabulary. These retrieval techniques give LCSH an opportunity to finally achieve the optimal precision and recall it has so far failed to deliver.
Globalization of performance appraisals: theory and applications
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Roy Michel , Gilliland Terry 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide a more complete perspective regarding the “best practices” for performance appraisals of “distant” employees in global organizations.Design/methodology/approachA range of published works (1998‐2009) on multinational corporations and performance appraisals was reviewed. The literature was used to determine human resource challenges associated with globalization as well as the types of performance appraisals, common pitfalls and elements for improvement of appraisal systems. Concepts were then combined to determine the “best practices” for performance appraisal in a global setting. Finally, a small questionnaire consisting of six questions was constructed and sent to managers in two companies in the health care industry meeting the criteria of having “distant” employees. The questions were open‐ended in order to allow for a variety of responses enabling the researchers to view trends and make comparisons with the literature.FindingsAdequate training must be provided to both the appraiser and the appraisee in order to avoid the many rating errors that are common in performance appraisal. Training should include cultural, legal and customer differences by country providing managers with the tools to improve on the process. Managers must also be given the opportunity to build the required relationship with these employees.Research limitations/implicationsA questionnaire was sent to several key managers in two complex pharmaceutical firms meeting the criteria with responses received. Further empirical research on the best practices of performance appraisal for distant employees in global organizations should be pursued.Practical implicationsThis article provides a source of information on what practices are followed in order to support the performance appraisal of “distant” employees in different parts of the world.Originality/valueThere is limited literature dealing with “distant” employee performance appraisal in global organizations and this article attempts to fill this gap.
The hypocrisy‐sincerity continuum in corporate communication and decision making
Authors: Fassin Yves , Buelens Marc 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe disconnect between the corporate social responsibility (CSR) rhetoric and the practical reality experienced within companies calls for improved CSR evaluation systems that take into account the hypocrisy content of the firm's communication. The aim of this article is to contribute to the conceptual underpinning of a sincerity/hypocrisy index that positions an organization on a continuum from idealism to cynicism.Design/methodology/approachStarting with the analysis of the reasons for the dissonance between message and reality, the drivers of ethical corporate behavior, the intention of the actors and the intensity of effort and of corporate communication were analysed.FindingsThe analysis of the reasons for dissonance between message and reality sheds light on the role of communication in the perception of hypocrisy. An underlying model of a sincerity/hypocrisy index is proposed to position the firm on a continuum from idealism to hypocrisy in function of the degree of congruence or dissonance between communication and reality.Practical implicationsThis concept of sincerity index could form a valuable basis for the development of new evaluation instruments for rating agencies, screening institutions and other evaluation bodies.Originality/valueThe instrument can help management to concentrate on the essence of CSR: the effective implementation of a corporate culture with attention for values and responsible business practices.
A performance measurement framework in portfolio management
Authors: Tadeu de Oliveira Lacerda Rogério , Ensslin Leonardo , Rolim Ensslin Sandra 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe main aim of this paper is to present a framework to create a better understanding of the context and aid the portfolio management process. The paper seeks to present a case to illustrate the proposed methodology, identifying and measuring the success parameters for a project in a portfolio.Design/methodology/approachThe research method is a qualitative and quantitative mixture and it is presented as a study case. The primary data were obtained using semi‐structured interviews with decision makers. Bibliographic research is used in order to construct the theoretical framework and the intervention instrument adopted is the multicriteria decision aiding methodology – constructivist (MCDA‐C).FindingsThe methodology allows the criteria that must be taken into account, according to the decision makers' values and preferences in the project selection and sorting processes, to be visualized. The framework supports the ordinal and cardinal measurement of the project performance, making it possible to compare and rank proposals, as well as providing a process to improve project proposals.Practical implicationsThis process has helped in negotiations between stakeholders in a portfolio context and, consequently, has helped the chief project officer (CPO) to select and prioritize strategic projects within the demand for new products.Originality/valueThis paper offers an empirical understanding of the application of performance measurement to portfolio management context and identifies complementary tools in this interdisciplinary area.
Common and un‐common sense in managerial decision making under task uncertainty
Authors: Rachel Dinur Adva 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of “common sense” and to distinguish it from uncommon sense as it applies to managerial decision‐making under conditions of task uncertainty. The paper enunciates the definition of common sense decision‐making and develops the concept of “uncommon” sense making. A typology of common sense is put forth, and a case study is used to illustrate it in practice.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptually developmental paper, which explores and develops the concept of uncommon sense through literature review and typology development. A mechanistic, or internally driven, decision approach is compared with an organic, externally driven one, and the question of how common sense is related to these approaches in varying task uncertainty conditions is explored. A short case study is used as an illustration of the practical managerial implications under low task certainty conditions.FindingsThe concepts of MCS (common sense) and MUS (uncommon sense) are established, as well as O and M errors. It is suggested that within a mechanistic approach MCS is most appropriate in conditions of high task certainty. Within an organic approach MUS is most appropriate in conditions of low task certainty. An O error occurs when a mechanistic approach is taken, using common sense, under low task certainty. Lack of appropriate resources deems such an approach unsuitable. An M error occurs when a more risky organic approach (MUS) is taken when resources exist to make a common sense decision.Practical implicationsIncreasing globalization, work ambiguity, and task complexity, introduce a need for greater managerial adaptability and speed. MUS may therefore play an increasingly greater role in organizational decision‐making as managers seek answers to questions generated by new and unique situations where existing decision rules may not apply.Originality/valueThe theoretical framework offered in this paper looks at the increasingly common situations in which “thinking outside the box” is essential for sound decision making. It suggests a taxonomy that allows for exploration as well as application of “uncommon sense”‐based theory in situations that require such innovative thinking. It takes a significant step in the theoretical and practical understanding of the very relevant issues of inspiration, adventure and creativity in managerial decision making today.
Enhancing decisions and decision‐making processes through the application of emotional intelligence skills
Authors: Hess James D. , Bacigalupo Arnold C. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeLittle research has been contributed to how the behaviors associated with emotional intelligence may be practically applied to enhance both individual and group decision‐making. The purpose of this paper is to identify practical approaches to the application of emotional intelligence to the decision‐making process. These practical approaches are designed to instruct and aid decision makers in the utilization of emotional intelligence skills to improve decision‐making.Design/methodology/approachGoleman's and Boyatzis et al.'s four essential elements of emotional intelligence and their associated 20 behavioral competencies are utilized to develop a methodology for the practical application of emotional intelligence skills to decision‐making. A series of questions and observations are outlined to assist decision makers in the improvement of emotional intelligence awareness, as well as the utilization of emotional intelligence skills to enhance decision‐making processes.FindingsOrganizations and individuals may benefit from the development and utilization of behaviors attributed to emotional intelligence. The practical application of emotional intelligence skills can enhance individual and group decisions and outcomes.Originality/valueThe practical application of emotional intelligence skills becomes a strategy for the development of the individual's and organization's ability to assess the impact and consequences of decisions, while simultaneously improving the quality and effectiveness of the decision‐making process.
Social capital as a decision aid in strategic decision‐making in service organizations
Authors: Jansen Rob J.G. , Curşeu Petru L. , Vermeulen Patrick A.M. , Geurts Jac L.A. , Gibcus Petra 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the role of social capital as a strategic decision aid in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in different service sectors.Design/methodology/approachData on 434 strategic decisions in service SMEs was gathered through computer‐aided telephone interviews and analyzed using structural equation modeling to test the mediating role of level of risk acceptance and confidence in the relationship between the breadth of social capital and decision effectiveness.FindingsEvaluative judgments (risk acceptance and confidence) explain the negative effects of social capital on decision effectiveness. Service delivery and dependency on tacit know‐how account for differences between SMEs in different service sectors and serve as explanations for different effects of social capital as a decision aid.Research limitations/implicationsThe study sheds light on the psychological underpinnings of social capital effects in strategic decisions. Higher varieties of actors make decision makers more tolerant for risk and decrease their confidence, which in turn hampers decision effectiveness.Originality/valuePrevious work on social capital suggests that it is beneficial to outcomes. The literature and policy initiatives also stress the beneficial effects of social capital and networking. This research on strategic decision‐making shows that the positive effects of social capital are not as pronounced as expected for the service SMEs. This paper draws explicit attention to the negative effects for strategic decision‐making.
Technology‐based service proposal screening and decision‐making effectiveness
Authors: van Riel Allard C.R. , Semeijn Janjaap , Hammedi Wafa , Henseler Jörg 
Published: May 2011

PurposeDecision‐making in early stages of technology‐based service (TBS) innovation projects proves to be challenging. Current failure rates in service innovation are high, while the investments in innovation projects are substantial. Research suggests that enhancing decision‐making in the screening stage could substantially increase success rates. By investigating the screening decision process from an information processing perspective, this article aims to identify antecedents of effective TBS screening decision‐making, and could thus help companies to enhance their decision‐making and reduce innovation project failure rates.Design/methodology/approachReviewing literature regarding service innovation, new product screening and decision‐making under uncertainty, we identify antecedents of decision‐making effectiveness in the TBS screening stage. Hypotheses are developed and tested with data from 251 TBS innovation projects.FindingsThe study demonstrates the importance of decision‐making team composition, information use and decision perspective for innovation success. Decision‐maker experience and perspective mediate effects of team composition.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed to investigate screening decision‐making. The authors provide a research agenda based on our findings.Practical implicationsThe study helps screening committees enhance their decision‐making process, by optimizing committee composition, and making better use of decision maker experience and information.Originality/valueLittle is known about how decision makers exploit information and previous experience in dealing with the high levels of ambiguity, complexity and uncertainty in a TBS proposal screening setting. This is the first study to approach the problem from an information processing perspective.
Decision making in online auctions
Authors: Huang Yi‐Chun , Jim Wu Yen‐Chun , Wang Yu‐Chun , Boulanger Nolan Christopher 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThe aim of this study was to draw on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and attempt to identify the factors influencing the customer decision to purchase via online auctions, focusing on how managers selling via online auctions can modify product positioning and promotion decisions in order to make their offerings more congruent with these factors.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a survey instrument to collect data from Yahoo!Kimo website consumers in Taiwan, obtaining 450 samples which were analyzed with structural equation modeling.FindingsAttitude toward online auctions, perceived behavioral control and past related experiences significantly and positively influence the intention to purchase on online auctions, whereas subjective norm does not have such influence. Additionally, past related experiences have a positive effect on perceived behavioral control.Research limitations/implicationsThere has been a relative dearth of work on online auction customer behavior. By applying the TPB to online auction research, it was empirically supported that behavioral intention to purchase via online auctions is determined by attitude and perceived behavior control. Past related experiences were further integrated, discovering that they can strengthen perceived behavioral control.Practical implicationsRecommendations are put forward in order to help better align product positioning and promotion decisions in online auctions with customer attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and past related experiences. These constructs may also be capable of explaining employee actions in general managerial contexts, thus extending the contribution of the paper beyond the limited world of online auctions.Originality/valueThis study integrated online auctions, the theory of planned behavior and consumer decision‐making philosophies in order to develop and empirically test a theoretical framework of consumer decision making in online auctions.
Strategic reactions to technology competition
Authors: Schiavone Francesco 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to develop a conceptual decision‐making model aimed at supporting managers' selection of alternative strategic reactions to technological change.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins with a literature review of strategic reactions incumbent firms have made to technological change. This is followed by an analysis and indication of the data needed/available in the strategic reaction decision‐making process.FindingsThe ability for an organization to understand its strategic position with regard to six items: possibility of old product revitalization; extent of disruption of innovation; old market competitive position; difficulty in entering in the new market; dynamic capabilities; old core capabilities; is critical when deciding a course of action in technologically competitive markets. Therefore, the hiring of external consultants (e.g. technology experts) is advisable beyond the normal knowledge managing practices used by the organization.Originality/valueThe paper extends literature on technology competition proposing a model (and a multiple‐item scale) for decision‐makers of incumbent firms in order to strategize when technological competition occurs.
Theory X/Y assumptions as predictors of managers' propensity for participative decision making
Authors: Russ Travis L. 
Published: May 2011

PurposeThis study aims to explore whether McGregor's theory X/Y assumptions are determinants of managers' propensity for participative decision making (PDM).Design/methodology/approachSurveys measuring theory X/Y assumptions and propensity for PDM were administered to 144 full‐time managers from divergent industries across the USA. The hypotheses were tested using linear regressions.FindingsResults generally support McGregor's assertion that managers' theory X/Y assumptions are linked to PDM. Findings suggest that theory X managers perceive that PDM negatively impacts their power while theory Y managers perceive a positive consequence of soliciting employee participation on their supervisory power and organizational effectiveness.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough respondents represented diverse industries and organizations, the use of convenience sampling may temper generalizability of the findings. Also, the use of self‐reports may have elicited socially desirable responses. Greater attention is needed from researchers and practitioners to understand how managers' assumptions influence the adoption or avoidance of PDM.Practical implicationsFindings suggest that managers' predisposition for PDM is predicted to a large extent by their theory X/Y assumptions. These results provide a compelling case for managers to continuously question their assumptions about employees and critically examine whether their biases influence their decision‐making practices.Originality/valueThis study expands the landscape of PDM literature, adding further evidence that individual‐difference variables, in this case theory X/Y assumptions, greatly influence supervisors' biases about employee participation.