bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new organisational memory for cross‐cultural knowledge management
Authors: Sánchez Bengoa Dolores , Ruediger Kaufmann Hans , Vrontis Demetris 
Published: August 2012

PurposeEffectively managing the cultural environment is an important stepping stone towards international business success. Cultural problems, especially between partners coming from diametrically different cultural categories represent one of the key challenges of knowledge management in international business co‐operations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of controversial cultural attitudes on collaboration and the use of most diverse knowledge capital of employees being regarded as a key resource for innovation and competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachBased on a comprehensive literature review, the very extensive data collection phase, applying the case study method, was carried out over a 13 month period. It mainly consisted of in‐depth interviews requiring 23 of them to reach theoretical saturation, non‐participant and participant observation (seven), focus groups (four) and fieldtrip notes in two culturally diverse Russian and Austrian research settings. Theoretical sampling was used to select the participants. The grounded theory method of constant comparative analysis was used to analyze the gathered data.FindingsThe attitude towards sharing the precious resource of diverse employees' knowledge regarded as a prerequisite to international business success is influenced by national cultures. Protective attitudes for knowledge sharing limit the growth of humans' and the company's development. This paper suggests that providing the appropriate knowledge management tools and environment, especially referring to the soft aspects of emotions, will enhance and even change former institutionalised and ingrained patterns of behaviours. Therefore, the paper sheds light on the knowledge sharing contingency depending more on a social‐cognitive state rather than a static hierarchical status.Originality/valueThe paper poses two innovative organizational memory conceptualizations based on respondents' needs and demands entailing a synthesis of knowledge management and interpersonal interactions to achieve the highest level of efficiency and high degrees of knowledge sharing and absorption. It bridges the gap of purely knowledge based and unemotional management tools towards a lively and engaging tool. This would appear to be the first time that an investigation of this type has been conducted explaining culturally influenced factors of knowledge management in Eastern and Western European co‐operations.
Influences of culture, geography and infrastructure on website localization decisions
Authors: Shneor Rotem 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role played by culture, geography and infrastructure on European airline's decision to launch market‐specific websites.Design/methodology/approachLogistic regression analysis based on 440 observations of home‐target country dyads collected from websites of nine European airlines, and supplemented by additional sources of macro level indicators. The unit of analysis is the country dyad.FindingsCultural distance between home and target country, geographical distance between home and target country, website traffic volumes originating from target country, demand conditions in target country, and competition intensity in target country all influence the decision to launch local sites. The cultural dimensions of individualism, masculinity, power distance, and uncertainty avoidance, as well as the legal, commercial and IT infrastructures in target countries don't impact the same decision.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's findings are limited contextually to B2C e‐service models, the airline industry and the European origin. Other industries, business models or regional origin of firms may exhibit different patterns.Originality/valueThe study shifts the research focus from what constitutes website localization into what dictates localization efforts' implementation. Surprising findings suggest that counter to earlier suggestions, infrastructural conditions and cultural dimensions' levels in target markets do not predict the launch of local sites, and that geographical distance impact decisions related to the geography neutral medium of the internet.
Personal preference or policy? Language choice in a European‐based international organization
Authors: Bouchien de Groot Elizabeth 
Published: August 2012

PurposeMutual understanding and cross‐border synergy in international organizations largely depend on the efficiency of the language(s) used between employees in home and foreign markets. This study aims to provide insights in how language(s) can be applied efficiently in international companies.Design/methodology/approachThe study reports on a cross‐cultural employee survey that was conducted in a Dutch international company intending to improve internal communications between Dutch‐based and German‐based employees.FindingsThe study shows that although English is a popular language in internal contacts with foreign colleagues, it is not perceived to be equally effective across borders. The results indicate that language background affects experiences with passive as well as active language skills. This suggests that an English language policy can be feasible, but that promotion and facilitation of language use is needed for specific language groups.Practical implicationsThe study indicates that quantitative academic research can help international companies in formulating a relevant corporate language policy tailored to the needs of the organization.Originality/valueThe study uses insights from existing qualitative studies on corporate language in established multinationals to create a quantitative research instrument employed within a company with a relatively young internationalization strategy. As such, it contributes to substantiating previous research findings.
Co‐creating ONE: rethinking integration within communication
Authors: Susanne Johansen Trine , Esmann Andersen Sophie 
Published: August 2012

PurposeIntegration is a key component within marketing‐ and corporate communication. Benefits include synergetic representations, increased credibility and transparency. However, integration may be problematic. With the purpose of re‐conceptualizing integration, this paper aims to discuss how organizational self‐understanding and self‐presentation are challenged by consumer resistance as integrative communication practices prevent organizations from fully engaging in meaningful stakeholder dialogue.Design/methodology/approachFramed by a cross‐disciplinary review of integration as a concept, Arla Foods' “ONE” is analyzed by way of a qualitative content analysis as an exemplary case of integrated communication. Subsequently, the case is approached from a critical consumer perspective, drawing on empirical studies of consumer responses to and conversations with Arla Foods.FindingsAn alternative approach to integration is presented replacing the notion of “one voice, one sound, one story” with an emersion of the organization into consumer narratives and market cultures. Integration is re‐conceptualized as moving from an intra‐organizational perspective towards a co‐creative perspective.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need for further re‐conceptualization of integrated communication in order to develop a theoretical framework and definition that articulates a co‐creative view on integration.Practical implicationsRe‐articulating integration based on co‐creation carries different potential consequences for communication management, e.g. listening to consumer voices, self‐reflection and co‐development.Originality/valueThe original contribution lies in re‐conceptualizing integration as moving from an intra‐organizational perspective towards a co‐creative perspective with both practical and research implications.
How large companies react to negative Facebook comments
Authors: Dekay Sam H. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeOf Fortune 100 companies 79 percent use some form of social media to communicate with customers and other stakeholders. However, these media pose the risk of providing a forum for comments critical of corporate leadership, services, or products. Most marketing specialists recommend that negative comments should be treated as opportunities to resolve potential problems. This paper seeks to assess whether large companies adopt the recommended approach when reacting to negative comments.Design/methodology/approachThe study identifies official Facebook pages sponsored by the top ten companies (as defined by the Forbes 2000 for 2010) in four industry groups – banking, retailing, software and services, and household and personal products. The number of negative comments posted to these pages is calculated and corporate reactions to the comments analyzed.FindingsThe study concludes that large corporations do not generally approach negative comments as public relations opportunities, but prefer to censor, or ignore, critical feedback.Practical implicationsResults of the investigation indicate that negative comments are most likely to be posted in response to explicit marketing messages initiated by sponsoring corporations. Companies that combine marketing messages and “fun” postings attract significantly fewer negative comments.Originality/valueThis study is the first quantitative examination of the manner by which major corporations respond – or fail to respond – to negative feedback generated by Facebook “fans”.
The extent and patterns of multi‐stakeholder communications in annual report letters
Authors: Hutt Roger W. 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine whether CEOs use multi‐stakeholder communications in their annual report letters and to describe any patterns observed in those communications.Design/methodology/approachAnnual report letters of the ten largest US companies were examined using content and text analysis procedures.FindingsCEOs made little use of multi‐stakeholder communications in their annual letters. Some variations were found among the sample companies' letters, including differences in word counts, reading ease scores, and number of word types.Research limitations/implicationsA small sample of companies and one medium of communication were used in carrying out the study. Increasing the sample size, the array of industries represented, and the variety of media may yield more robust results.Practical implicationsRecommendations for communicating with a multi‐stakeholder audience are proposed.Originality/valueThe paper examines how stakeholders relate both to the organization and to one another, a focus not examined in great depth elsewhere in the literature.
The conversation age: the opportunity for public relations
Authors: Capozzi Louis , Berlin Zipfel Laura 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to describe the opportunity for public relations professionals in the new communications environmentDesign/methodology/approachThe authors developed a point of view, and conducted secondary research to confirm and supplement it.FindingsThe communications environment has changed. The new climate requires organizations to engage in a two‐way dialog with their constituencies. “Push” communication has lost effectiveness. In this environment, people trained in public relations are in a unique position to take the lead in forming communications strategies for their organizations or clients.Originality/valueThis work is based on the authors' personal views of the current communication environment, and is supported by the views of many of the leading players in the public relations world.
Sustainable purchasing and supply management: a structured literature review of definitions and measures at the dyad, chain and network levels
Authors: Miemczyk Joe , Johnsen Thomas E. , Macquet Monica 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThis paper provides a structured literature review of sustainability in purchasing and supply management, moving beyond the traditional environmental and social sustainability. The paper reviews the concept of sustainability at three levels of inter‐organizational analysis – i.e. dyad, supply chain and network. The paper distils the nature and scope of existing research and synthesizes measures used to research sustainability across organizational boundaries.Design/methodology/approachThis literature review systematically analyzes existing literature. In particular, the review focuses on definitions and measures of sustainable purchasing and supply management to obtain an accurate view of current research.FindingsThis paper uncovers two distinct trends in the type of research carried out. First, internal or dyadic issues are in focus and second, a tendency to deal with environmental, as opposed to social, sustainability. Despite the need to look beyond the dyad given the risks associated with the extended network, few studies do so in any of the sustainability dimensions.Research limitations/implicationsThis review is limited by the method employed focusing on definitions and measures. Although the review considers supply chain and network research, it does so purely from a purchasing perspective, thus excluding issues such as logistics and transport.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies areas open to future research and provides practical insights into how sustainable purchasing and supply are measured. It also synthesizes existing measures of sustainability at different levels and organizes these into a taxonomy.Originality/valueThe paper examines studies across multiple levels of analysis and integrates multiple fields of knowledge to show how research on sustainability in purchasing and supply is structured.
Making connections: a review of supply chain management and sustainability literature
Authors: Ashby Alison , Leat Mike , Hudson‐Smith Melanie 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to investigate systematically the discipline of supply chain management (SCM) within the context of sustainability. The two concepts are increasingly aligned, and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) represents an evolving field where they explicitly interact. Given their complex and holistic nature, breaking down the literature to understand its structures, processes, connections and limitations can provide an objective view of the status of research in these highly important fields, identifying key areas for future research/theory development.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review of current SCM literature is carried out, specifically in relation to the social and environmental dimensions of sustainability.FindingsSSCM and the integration of sustainability into supply chains is a significant but evolving field evidenced by a current bias in the literature towards theory development and highly qualitative research methods. The environmental dimension is significantly better represented in the literature through specific processes at all stages of the supply chain. The social dimension is recognised, but receives less emphasis than expected given SCM's focus on interaction, relationships and communication. These two dimensions are treated separately in the literature with limited insight on how to integrate them and current SCM and sustainability research provides limited practical outputs.Research limitations/implicationsThe review focuses on environmental and social sustainability within supply chains without explicit consideration of the economic dimension.Practical implicationsThe review highlights the key themes and issues for supply chain managers faced with implementing sustainability. It also illustrates a number of areas for future research, along with the need for researchers to develop more practical tools for implementing SSCM.Originality/valueIndicates the extent to which sustainability is integrated within SCM and where the research emphasis currently lies. The environmental dimension is significantly more defined and developed in the literature. SCM literature emphasises the importance of long‐term supplier relationships, but this “people‐focused” approach does not appear to translate into socially responsible supply chains. It suggests that the more process‐driven nature of environmental sustainability makes it easier to put into supply chain practice. There is also limited research or evidence on how the two dimensions can be integrated despite recognition of their inter‐relationship.
Themes and challenges in making supply chains environmentally sustainable
Authors: Abbasi Maisam , Nilsson Fredrik 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explore themes and challenges in making supply chains environmentally sustainable.Design/methodology/approachThe study began with a systematic review, and content analysis of articles in top‐ranking related journals from logistics, transport, sustainability and environmental areas, and ended with research propositions contributing to the further advancement of supply chain management.FindingsThe findings illustrate the major themes published in 18 journals concentrating on sustainable supply chains with special focus on environmental issues. From the systematic review five major areas of challenges for supply chain management are derived: costs, complexity, operationalisation, mindset and cultural changes, and uncertainties. From all of these areas synthesising discussions are provided and research propositions suggested. It is concluded that there is a great need for models and frameworks that consider the complexity involved, take holistic perspectives, and challenge the basic assumptions underlying most of the research published (i.e. reductionism, positivism and economic growth).Research limitations/implicationsSustainability in this article is mainly related to environmental issues. Analysis of complex interactions between environmental, social and economic aspects might provide opportunities for future research.Practical implicationsThe results presented in this paper provide a systematic structure for classifying issues related to logistics sustainability; something which will be beneficial for managers and policy‐makers when they approach sustainable supply chain management challenges.Originality/valueThis paper provides propositions for research based on the emergent outcome of challenges that can guide research, industry and policy‐makers in future sustainability efforts.
Conducting content‐analysis based literature reviews in supply chain management
Authors: Seuring Stefan , Gold Stefan 
Published: August 2012

PurposeInconsistent research output makes critical literature reviews crucial tools for assessing and developing the knowledge base within a research field. Literature reviews in the field of supply chain management (SCM) are often considerably less stringently presented than other empirical research. Replicability of the research and traceability of the arguments and conclusions call for more transparent and systematic procedures. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the importance of literature reviews in SCM.Design/methodology/approachLiterature reviews are defined as primarily qualitative synthesis. Content analysis is introduced and applied for reviewing 22 literature reviews of seven sub‐fields of SCM, published in English‐speaking peer‐reviewed journals between 2000 and 2009. A descriptive evaluation of the literature body is followed by a content analysis on the basis of a specific pattern of analytic categories derived from a typical research process.FindingsEach paper was assessed for the aim of research, the method of data gathering, the method of data analysis, and quality measures. While some papers provide information on all of these categories, many fail to provide all the information. This questions the quality of the literature review process and the findings presented in respective papers.Research limitations/implicationsWhile 22 literature reviews are taken into account in this paper as the basis of the empirical analysis, this allows for assessing the range of procedures applied in previous literature reviews and for pointing to their strengths and shortcomings.Originality/valueThe findings and subsequent methodological discussions aim at providing practical guidance for SCM researchers on how to use content analysis for conducting literature reviews.
Agency theory and supply chain management: a structured literature review
Authors: Fayezi Sajad , O'Loughlin Andrew , Zutshi Ambika 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe paper aims to explain how agency theory can be used to inform our understanding of the dynamics surrounding supply chain behaviours and relationships.Design/methodology/approachA structured review of the literature using a three‐stage refinement process is used. The articles were sourced through online databases and keyword classifications, such as “agency theory”, “principal‐agent relationships” and “supply chain management”. The search initially identified over 86 articles. After further screening these were reduced to 19 for final assessment and comparison.FindingsDespite agency theory's prevailing descriptive and predictive qualities there is scarcity in its application to the SCM discipline. The authors posit that agency theory provides valuable insights for relationship engineering within supply chains where social, political, legal and behavioural dynamics dominate.Practical implicationsIt is a critical task for managers to understand and mitigate abnormal behaviours across the supply chain. Agency theory serves this need by providing them with a useful tool to respond to transaction cost dilemmas through contractual and non‐contractual remedies.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies that examines the current state of agency theory application in the SCM literature and suggests potential avenues for future research.