bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The linkages among leadership, trust, and business ethics
Authors: Trong Tuan Luu 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis study aims to endeavor to bridge a gap in literature by examining the three constructs – leadership, organizational trust, and degree of unethical behavior in conjunction through the data from consumer goods firms in Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachFrom the responses by 214 pairs of sales directors and sales managers to self‐administered structured questionnaires, data were collated and processed through analysis of variance and structural equation model to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe findings revealed that transactional leadership is correlated with calculus‐based trust. Transformational leadership, on the other hand, shapes identity‐ and knowledge‐based trust, which are correlated with less degree of unethical behavior. Calculus‐based trust, by contrast, is associated with greater degree of unethical behavior. A direct bridge between transformational leadership and less degree of unethical behavior is also detected.Originality/valueThe research offers insight into the linkage pattern of leadership, organizational trust, and degree of unethical behavior that could be applied in other industries and other geographic markets. The value of this research resides in its significance to practitioners that ethical behaviors can be cultivated by transformational leadership and identity‐based trust or knowledge‐based trust, the former of which can be trained to contribute to the development of the latter.
Environmentally friendly parenting: are cloth nappies a step too far?
Authors: Pendry Louise F. , Mewse Avril J. , Burgoyne Carole B. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe present research aims to investigate parental attitudes towards using either cloth or disposable nappies, to better understand whether and how pro‐cloth initiatives might impact parental decisions.Design/methodology/approachFocus groups were conducted with both cloth and disposable nappy users to gain a better understanding of the factors that underlie their choice. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.FindingsThe paper finds that parents using disposable nappies believed they were marketed as offering a popular, efficient, healthy, good value system. They acknowledged the environmental impact but rationalised this by referring to the equivocal nature of these consequences, and the ability to off‐set this by engaging in other pro‐environment behaviours. Parents choosing cloth nappies did so initially because they were more environment‐friendly and cost‐effective and disposables were disliked. Once using cloth, parents noted additional benefits: performance, fashion, formation of bonds with other users, and getting a buzz out of using them. This reinforced their reasons for continued use.Practical implicationsCloth nappies are unlikely to gain mass appeal, but findings suggest a bigger take up if parents are better informed, and subsidies are provided to reduce set‐up and laundering costs to tackle the “ease of use” barrier. The positive aspects of cloth nappies should be better promoted.Social implicationsMarketing initiatives need to buy into the current “designer parents” trend and play to the aspirational, fashionable aspects of cloth nappies.Originality/valueThis paper, the first to report on parental attitudes and decisions regarding both nappy types, could inform public policy and marketing decisions.
Using brand character when targeting children: what for? An exploration of managers' and children's viewpoints
Authors: Hémar‐Nicolas Valérie , Gollety Mathilde 
Published: March 2012

PurposeBrands that target children frequently use a brand character to improve children's recall and recognition and to develop a relationship with young consumers. This paper aims to explore the reasons why marketers use brand characters to target children and how children perceive and understand them.Design/methodology/approachThis work investigates both managers' and children's experiences, in order to compare them. Two studies are carried out: one with managers in charge of brand characters and another one with children aged between six and ten. In both cases, a qualitative approach based on semi‐focused interviews is adopted.FindingsThis research contributes to a better understanding of the way children infer brand image from brand character. Second, it highlights a success key factor of brand character: its ability to build a close relationship with children. In addition it points out how this relationship can be fostered.Originality/valueBy exploring managers' and children's viewpoints, this research suggests some levers to build children's relationship with brand character and improve children's brand loyalty. This article gives an insight into the way brand character establishes a close relationship with children. In particular, it underlines that a child feels all the closer to a character if the character is used in the long‐term and has experiences that resonate with his/her life.
Investigating relationships between adolescents' liking for an apparel brand and brand self congruency
Authors: Rhee Jongeun , Johnson Kim K.P. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how adolescents' self‐concept and brand image congruency are related to their level of liking for an apparel brand. It also aims to examine whether this relationship varies depending on adolescents' gender and identity development.Design/methodology/approachSelf‐image congruency theory was used to investigate whether adolescents' liking for an apparel brand was related to perceived congruency between aspects of self‐concept and apparel brand. Male and female adolescents (n=140) between 14 and 18 years of age participated.FindingsAdolescent consumers liked apparel brands that they linked to their ideal social self‐concept. This connection was particularly strong for male adolescents with less established identities.Research limitations/implicationsAdolescents liked an apparel brand when they reported a link between the brand and ideal social self‐concept. These adolescents may have used apparel brands to shape the views others formed of them.Originality/valueMany questions concerning the basis for adolescents' apparel brand preferences have not been answered. Our research documents how male and female adolescents use branded apparel products in relation to their identity development status.
Power plays: what Shakespeare can teach on leadership
Authors: Etzold Veit 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to look at Shakespearean characters and to help managers to discover their strengths and weaknesses and learn from Shakespeare, one of the best psychologists of all time.Design/methodology/approachSix manager types according to Shakespeare are examined in this piece and comparisons to famous managers of today are drawn.FindingsIt was found that Shakespeare's heroes, in their glory and their faults, do not differ too much from today's managers. So if you study Shakespearean leaders, you can prevent errors you may otherwise make as a manager.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that managers can: learn more about themselves through Shakespeare; use a story as an indirect approach; prevent errors Shakespearean leaders already made; and understand that Shakespeare is one of the best psychologists and executive coaches.Originality/valueWhile there have been some works on leadership in Shakespeare, this paper helps managers to find out more about themselves via Shakespeare. What might look like a detour will turn out to be a shortcut, as it is easier to talk about other people's faults (here: Shakespeare's leaders) than about your own.
Anatomy of dysfunctional working relationships
Authors: Kaufman Barbara 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe objective of this paper is o explore the negative consequences of dysfunctional working relationships on individuals, teams and organizations as a whole. More importantly, this article will equip leaders with the insights necessary to recognize the symptoms of this negative behavior and the skills leaders need to develop in order to minimize its impact on organizations.Design/methodology/approachIllustrate the consequences of dysfunctional working relationships through real‐word examples and offer practical suggestions for identifying and eliminating the resulting negative behavior.FindingsDysfunctional working relationships can wreak havoc on organizational effectiveness. But, there are early warning signs that leaders can recognize in order to intervene with appropriate action.Practical implicationsIn today's environment of corporate downsizing and a sluggish economy, there is increased pressure to produce more innovative solutions to problems with fewer resources. This confluence of factors creates a climate ripe for the growth of dysfunctional relationships.Originality/valueWhile harmony and cooperation are important, we have lost sight of the positive impact that healthy and constructive conflict can bring in terms of developing and applying optimal problem solving skills. Conflict, however, must be managed properly and not allowed to spiral into dysfunctional behavior.
Overachieving leaders: when an “A” is not good enough
Authors: Kaufman Barbara 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the negative consequences of excessive overachieving behavior on leaders, their peers, their subordinates and the organization. Readers will learn to recognize overachiever behaviors and develop the skills to channel that behavior more effectively.Design/methodology/approachIllustrate the consequences of overachievers through research and real‐word examples and offer practical suggestions that overachievers can utilize to maximize their potential for success.FindingsWhen organizations learn to recognize when overachieving behaviors are strengths and when they become an Achilles heel, organizations create healthier environments, which allow a greater number of employees to succeed in achieving organizational goals.Practical implicationsOur society is producing more overachievers than ever before which conflicts with the changing business environment that requires more innovation and collaboration for better decision making.Originality/valueOverachievers are a tremendous asset to an organization when, and only when, the dark side of overachieving behavior is recognized, understood and managed appropriately.
Vested outsourcing: a flexible framework for collaborative outsourcing
Authors: Vitasek Kate , Manrodt Karl 
Published: March 2012

PurposeResearch and studies of successful, collaborative outsourcing relationships have uncovered commonalities that researchers codified into a methodology designed to structure aligned, innovative and cooperative outsourcing arrangements. This paper aims to describe a new methodology for establishing successful collaborative outsourcing relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe design is based on seven years of field research into successful strategic outsourcing agreements completed by the authors and additional colleagues.FindingsResearch into successful collaborative outsourcing relationships has uncovered commonalities that researchers have identified as normative rules which, when followed, lead to aligned, innovative and cooperative relationships. This paper identifies five rules and ten elements that together form a flexible framework for implementing an effective outsourcing partnership. This approach is called “vested outsourcing” because the nature of most highly successful relationships is based on a high degree of collaboration and aligned incentives where the buyer and supplier have a vested interest in each other's success.Originality/valueThe conclusions and principles derived from the original research and fieldwork are described in two books (Vested Outsourcing: Five Rules that Will Transform Outsourcing and The Vested Outsourcing Manual). This paper provides a review of the authors' current research, rather than new research findings.
Innovation returns and the economics of offshored IT R&D
Authors: Datta Pratim , Bhattacharyya Kuntal 
Published: March 2012

PurposeHow appropriate are the innovation returns from offshored information technology (IT) research and development (R&D)? In light of the emergence and spate of IT R&D offshoring, this paper aims to investigate the mechanics of governance in attracting IT R&D inflow in offshored hosts and, more importantly, whether R&D offshoring provides instrumental and legitimate IT innovation returns (intellectual property (IP)) to outsourcing countries as investors.Design/methodology/approachThe authors combine the calculus of host‐country governance and IT R&D inflows with IT innovation returns to the US from its offshored IT R&D investments. They argue on the basis of the golden mean – a principle of moderation where too little or too stringent governance deters IT R&D investments; more importantly, too little and too much IT R&D investments fail to stimulate IT innovation returns to the investors.FindingsAn analysis of 81 World Trade Organization (WTO) countries underscores the authors' argument that the calculus between governance and IT innovation productivity is mediated by IT R&D investments. However, the relationship is non‐linear with diminishing marginal returns‐to‐scale.Research limitations/implicationsThe non‐linear relationships between governance, R&D foreign direct investments (FDI) and patent‐level returns show a threshold effect often overlooked by existing research. Together, this article points out the need for researchers to consider diminishing returns to scale from overarching emphases on governance or IT R&D over‐investments.Practical implicationsAs multinational companies in developed countries increasingly offshore IT‐related R&D, this investigation is relevant, current, and disconcerting – implying the need for multinationals to revisit their IT R&D offshoring strategies and priorities.Originality/valueThese research findings do not support the “win‐win” pitch for IT R&D offshoring. Instead, this research points to the fact that, while there are some economic benefits derived from R&D FDI, there are inflection points beyond which innovations returns diminish. Where the inflection point lies depends on countries as well as specific firms and industries.
Innovation returns from offshored IT R&D: a response article
Authors: Oshri Ilan 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to serve as a response to the article “Innovation returns from offshored IT R&D”.Design/methodology/approachThe paper highlights two aspects relating to captive centres and R&D offshoring: what R&D is offshored, and understanding foreign direct investment decisions in the context of captives.FindingsMany captive centres have gone through a complex evolutionary path during which they have evolved from a cost centre to become a profit centre. WNS and Genpact are just two examples of such behaviour. Such an approach, and in many cases a reality, should change our approach as to how we assess the returns on offshoring investment by simply taking into account the strategic intent behind such an investment.Originality/valueThis article serves as a response to the research paper “Innovation returns from offshored IT R&D” by Datta and Bhattacharyya in this issue.
Prioritization of outsourcing risks from a systemic perspective
Authors: Jimmy Gandhi Shereazad , Gorod Alex , Sauser Brian 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this research is so that project managers can use a systemic approach to prioritizing the risks of outsourcing including an understanding of the external factors that could affect the prioritization.Design/methodology/approachA survey was designed by the authors and distributed to 2,500 outsourcing professionals from different organizations and the hypotheses were tested using the data from these surveys. The logic for forming the hypothesis is discussed for each hypothesis and so are the demographics of the respondentsFindingsExternal factors such as the type of technology involved, type of market targeted, location of outsourcing and the amount of experience the outsourcing professional had, did affect the prioritization of the outsourcing risks. Furthermore, trends were identified among the ranking of the outsourcing risks.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the constraining factors of this research, as in the majority of empirical research initiatives, was the limited sample size, which could potentially affect the rating. An increased sample size could have also provided the researchers with a more detailed insight into the interrelationships between the various outsourcing risks.Originality/valueFor the first time, the outsourcing risks have been prioritized using a systemic approach. The systemic approach has been used in the financial industry while analyzing risk but the authors have applied it to prioritization of outsourcing risks. This includes understanding the interrelationships between the risks and also the effect that external factors can have on the prioritization of those risks.
Editor's perspective
Authors: Khilji Shaista E. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper (editorial) is to provide a balanced contextual overview of several South Asian countries, in order to present their relevance in international business research.Design/methodology/approachThe author argues that South Asia offers a rich context for studying and advancing international business theory and practice.FindingsSouth Asia presents an interesting paradox; where dynamism and growing challenges (of poverty, corruption, inadequate governance and extremism) exist side by side. The author also discusses that using South Asia as a context of the study is likely to add relevance and rigor to international business theory, therefore addressing the recent calls by many scholars.Research limitations/implicationsCountries in South Asia are under‐researched by many accounts. Hence an exploration of business and management issues is likely to expose phenomena that have the potential to advance international business theory and practice.Originality/valueThis editorial highlights the regional importance of South Asia in international business research. It places South Asian Journal of Global Business Research, with its emphasis on South Asian economies, organizations, diaspora and people, as an important journal for developing a body of knowledge relating to South Asian business practices, deepening our understanding of South Asia, broadening our view of international business theory and research, identifying new phenomena, exploring indigenous methodological tools and increasing the output of research focused on the region that appears in and also has an impact on global research.
Market concentration and pricing behaviour of Sri Lankan banks
Authors: Perera Shrimal , Skully Michael , Nguyen My 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the level of market concentration in Sri Lanka's banking sector is positively associated with bank‐specific interest spreads after controlling for other bank‐specific and exogenous influences.Design/methodology/approachA pooled, time‐series and cross‐section model is utilized which distinguishes between banks’ dominance in loan and deposit market segments. Results are presented for the total sample as well as for a truncated sample of private‐owned banks.FindingsChanges in industry concentration do not affect bank‐level interest margins of Sri Lankan banks. Nevertheless, the dominant Sri Lankan banks seem to extract them and banks’ cost structures are priced in their interest spreads. The less‐capitalized, high risk banks operate with narrow interest margins, possibly due to the relatively higher deposit rates they pay to attract deposits. Although regulatory changes seem to have no effect, the growing capital market exerts negative pricing pressure on Sri Lankan banks.Practical implicationsThe regulators should closely watch banks with larger loan and deposit market shares because they seem to exploit their dominant presence and geographical reach to extract higher spreads. Similarly, state‐owned banks should also draw regulatory attention for they extract higher interest margins, possibly, in lieu of their high operational inefficiency levels.Originality/valueThe authors employ an extended time‐series and cross‐section model which controls for sample heterogeneity using proxies for cost structures, risk profiles, regulatory restrictions and other environmental influences. Moreover, as far as it could be ascertained, this is the first such study on Sri Lanka's banking sector.
Analyzing HRD and NHRD: the road ahead for Afghanistan
Authors: Demartis Walter , Matthews Candice D. , Khilji Shaista E. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the concepts of national human resource development (NHRD) and human resource development (HRD) in order to demonstrate their mutually reinforcing strategic value in the nation building process of Afghanistan.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted an analysis of the national context and organizational context of an international aid agency in relation to Afghanistan's nation building challenges.FindingsThe authors propose NHRD as an effective strategic approach to progressing Afghanistan's nation building strategy to be simultaneously used by the Afghan government and UNDP. Effective deployment of HRD principles in the selected international aid agency may further contribute to the nation building effort within Afghanistan by helping maximize organizational and workforce performances. In conjunction, these human development strategies can assist Afghan government's policy makers, and international aid agencies to successfully achieve human development goals.Practical implicationsThe authors suggest that it is increasingly important for policy makers to understand the significant contribution of NHRD in nation building and organizational development. The authors propose some recommendations toward a sustainable modernization of a nation specifically in the context of the developing country.Social implicationsThe paper advances the mutually reinforcing value of NHRD and HRD and highlights their contribution towards human development, abatement of social injustices and building democracies around the world.Originality/valueThe paper explores a complex environment such as Afghanistan in which human development challenges are a shared responsibility between the national government and the international community. The authors’ discussion can serve as an example to demonstrate the role of NHRD in other post‐war and transitioning countries. This paper is also important for HRD scholars interested in exploring new and challenging contexts as it highlights HRD's role as a valuable policy tool in the context of national and international development.