bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling e‐service quality and its consequences in India: an SEM approach
Authors: Gera Rajat 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically test a research model of consumer consequences of e‐service quality (e‐SQ) perceptions of general web site users.Design/methodology/approachThe dimensions of e‐SQ are extracted and validated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The uni‐dimensional model of e‐SQ, consisting of web site attributes of ease of access, flexibility, and reliability, is then tested by structural equation modelling using AMOS 4.0 for its linkages with e‐satisfaction (e‐SAT), perceived value, and e‐loyalty‐linked behavioral intentions, i.e. repurchase and recommendation intentions.FindingsIt was found that e‐SQ is a direct antecedent of perceived value, perceived value in turn significantly affects e‐loyalty‐related consumer intentions of repurchase and positive recommendations. e‐SAT is a direct antecedent of positive recommendation intentions. However, e‐SQ was not found to have any consequential relationship with e‐SAT or direct links with behavioral intentions of e‐loyalty.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed model is empirically validated with self‐selected participants and therefore the results need to be further supported through replication with varied consumer and cultural contexts.Practical implicationsThe model of e‐SQ and its consequences would help practitioners frame marketing strategies for web sites of e‐services, which are content rich in India, to enhance consumer loyalty and other favorable behavioral intentions.Originality/valueThe multi‐variate comprehensive model of e‐SQ and its consequences has not been tested earlier in the e‐services context. The research extends the modelling of service quality and its consequences into the e‐services context.
Understanding accountability in social enterprise organisations: a framework
Authors: Connolly Ciaran , Kelly Martin 
Published: October 2011

PurposeSocial enterprise organisations (SEOs) operate across the boundaries of the public, private and not‐for‐profit (NFP) sectors in delivering public services and competing for resources and legitimacy. While there is a rich literature on accountability in the private and public sectors, together with the wider NFP sector, SEOs have received comparatively little attention and remain a relatively under‐researched organisational form. Drawing on accountability, legitimacy and user‐needs theories, the purpose of this paper is to develop a practical framework which can be used to explore how accountability within SEOs is constructed and discharged.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on user‐needs, accountability, legitimacy and impression management theories expounded in relation to the private, public and NFP sectors.FindingsA framework to better understand how accountability can be discharged by SEOs is developed and discussed.Research limitations/implicationsWhile a framework for better understanding SEO accountability is presented, it is not empirically tested. However, the framework has the potential to facilitate a deeper appreciation of the theory and practice of accountability within SEOs and, notwithstanding the inherent difficulties in measuring and managing accountability, could be used to stimulate practitioner involvement.Practical implicationsAs little is known about the current extent of SEO information disclosure or accountability relationships, the framework could be used to assess the discharge of accountability by SEOs, with the findings informing future developments. This should provide useful insights into internal processes and organisational views on accountability bases and mechanisms and can then be used to inform the debate on how SEOs can best discharge their duty to account.Social implicationsUnderstanding the nature of SEO accountability reporting has important implications for those involved in advancing the SEO agenda. At a time of public sector cutbacks, and with the government searching for new and more effective ways of delivering services, the role of SEOs in this process is likely to receive greater attention and scrutiny.Originality/valueSEOs have grown extensively in size and prominence in recent years and policymakers have come to embrace the role that they play in societal development. This paper responds to a gap in the theoretical literature and contributes to the debate by developing a framework which can be empirically tested. Moreover, it can be used to prompt practitioner involvement and facilitate a better understanding of the complex issues surrounding accounting and accountability in this under‐researched area.
The risk free rate of return in UK property pricing
Authors: Hutchison Norman , Fraser Patricia , Adair Alastair , Srivatsa Rahul 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to consider the appropriate benchmark risk free rate sui for pricing of property investments in the UK and, in doing so, investigate the financial characteristics and performance of the UK gilt yields. European investors have been significant players in the UK commercial property market during the last decade and in order to be competitive in bidding situations with UK‐based investors, require to be aware of the pricing criteria adopted.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyses the stability, yield distribution and volatility of both conventional gilts and index‐linked gilts with different maturities over the period 1980‐2010. It considers the changing structure of the UK commercial property market and reports on a questionnaire survey of the UK property investment community, which focused on the rationale behind the selection of the appropriate risk free rate of return.FindingsThe analysis suggests that ten‐year index‐linked gilts have been the most stable, but that if conventional gilts are preferred, then five‐year nominal appear to be more stable than ten‐year nominal; ten‐year real yields are smoother and relatively less volatile. In the authors' survey of the UK property investment fund managers and their advisors, the majority, but by no means all of the respondents, used the ten‐year nominal gilt yield as their risk free rate of return. However, questions were raised as to whether it was appropriate to use spot or average gilt yields, particularly when rates in 2009/2010 had fallen to such low level.Originality/valueThe findings provide a better understanding of how the different maturities of gilts behave. Insight is given on the criteria adopted by investors when selecting the risk free rate.
Systematic risk factors in European real estate equities
Authors: Schulte Kai‐Magnus , Dechant Tobias , Schaefers Wolfgang 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the pricing of European real estate equities. The study examines the main drivers of real estate equity returns and determines whether loadings on systematic risk factors – the excess market return, small minus big (SMB), HIGH minus low (HML) – can explain cross‐sectional return differences in unconditional as well as in conditional asset pricing tests.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws upon time‐series regressions to investigate determinants of real estate equity returns. Rolling Fama‐French regressions are applied to estimate time‐varying loadings on systematic risk factors. Unconditional as well as conditional monthly Fama‐MacBeth regressions are employed to explain cross‐sectional return variations.FindingsSystematic risk factors are important drivers of European real estate equity returns. Returns are positively related to the excess market return and to a value factor. A size factor impacts predominantly negatively on real estate returns. The results indicate increasing market integration after the introduction of the Euro. Loadings on systematic risk factors have weak explanatory power in unconditional cross‐section regressions but can explain returns in a conditional framework. Beta – and to a lesser extent the loading on HML – is positively related to returns in up‐markets and negatively in down markets. Equities which load positively on SMB outperform in down markets.Research limitations/implicationsThe implementation of a liquidity or a momentum factor could provide further evidence on the pricing of European real estate equities.Practical implicationsThe findings could help investors to manage the risk exposure more effectively. Investors should furthermore be able to estimate their cost of equity more precisely and might better be able to pick stocks for time varying investment strategies.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to examine the pricing of real estate equity returns in a pan‐European setting.
Narrative approach to corporate strategy: empirical foundations
Authors: Carriger Michael 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to present theoretical and empirical foundations for the use of a particular type of narrative skillfully deployed by senior leaders in an organization as an effective tool for creating, disseminating and executing corporate strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents original research on the effectiveness of the use of a “springboard story” as a leadership tool.FindingsData are presented to substantiate that a “springboard story” presentation of corporate strategy and competitive advantage is more effective at producing a consistent and confident choice of competitive advantage among an audience than a presentation of corporate strategy using a PowerPoint style, bulleted list approach. Theoretical implications for leaders leading change, especially change in corporate strategy, are suggested.Originality/valueThe paper explores the implications for the practical use of this type of narrative in strategy implementation and execution by leaders.
Patenting as a competitive tactic in multipoint competition
Authors: Reed Richard , Storrud‐Barnes Susan F. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe paper's aim is to build a model that predicts the optimum tactics for capitalizing on inventions within the context of competitive interaction among large firms. For patenting, the paper seeks to show how invention value and firm rivalry drive the tactics of competing, deterring competitors, retreating from markets, and cooperating. It also aims to explore the effects of the contingencies of patent bulking, technology complexity, spheres of influence, resource similarity, and complementary‐resource tacitness.Design/methodology/approachThe work is conceptual.FindingsThe base model shows that patenting can be used to protect markets where there is high invention‐value and high rivalry. When both invention‐value and rivalry are low, the best tactic is to cooperate. When value is high and rivalry low, patenting can be used as a signaling and deterring mechanism, but when value is low and rivalry is high the best option is to let patents lapse and retreat from markets. The moderating effects of patent bulking, technology complexity, spheres of influence, resource similarity, and complementary‐resource tacitness affect rivalry and the amount of patenting that will be done.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides propositions for empirical testing that are predictive of firm performance, rivalry, and patent bulking. Despite the authors' attention to key contingencies, it is impossible to be completely comprehensive in addressing all contingencies.Practical implicationsThe framework provides tactics for competing and, consequently, maximizing income and minimizing costs.Originality/valueThe work synthesizes extant thinking on patents and multipoint competition. While the base model should be valuable for managers, the overall work should be valuable for academics.
Evolution of industries based on systemic technologies
Authors: Manral Lalit 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe extant “supply‐side” frameworks of industry evolution fail to predict the evolutionary patterns in industries based on systemic technologies. This paper aims to describe the complex demand environment in industries based on systemic technologies and to explain how the continuously evolving demand structure influences the choice and level of firm investments in the above context.Design/methodology/approachThe paper identifies a conceptual gap in the “technology‐centric” literature on industry evolution by conducting a detailed interpretive survey of the literature that focuses on the demand‐side determinants of firm‐ and industry‐level technological processes underlying industry evolution, and co‐evolution of the technological system underlying an industry and the consumer applications based on the same.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a set of empirically verifiable mechanisms to explain competing firms' choice and level of investment under conditions of technological and demand uncertainty in industries based on systemic technologies. On one hand, firms' investments influence the evolution of both the technological system(s) and their constituent components that underlie such industries and, on the other, firms' investments influence the consumption of the array of consumer applications that are generated in these industries.Originality/valueThe theoretical explanation provided herein not only enhances the understanding of the role of demand‐side factors as determinants of rate and direction of technological advances but also lies central to the understanding of the evolution of industries based on systemic technologies. More specifically, the paper explains how the interaction between continuously evolving demand structure in the downstream market(s) for consumer applications and the technological components comprising the technological system influences competing firms' choice and level of investments.
Empowering leadership and the influence of a humorous work climate on service employees' creativity and innovative behaviour in frontline service jobs
Authors: Slåtten Terje , Svensson Göran , Sværi Sander 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and explain the relationships between empowering leadership and a humorous work climate; and service employees' creativity and innovative behaviour in frontline service jobs.Design/methodology/approachA model of causal relationships is presented, along with formulated hypotheses. The data were collected with a survey answered by frontline service employees in hotels.FindingsThe findings indicate a strong relationship between frontline cognitive creativity production of novel ideas and the behavioural implementation of these ideas into their respective work role. Moreover, the empirical findings indicate that both empowering leadership and a humorous work climate are able to trigger frontline service employees' creativity. In addition service employees' creativity appears to be a mediating variable in the relationship between empowering leadership, a humorous work climate, and the service employees' innovative behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThis study limits its focus on two factors: the stimulation of service employees' creativity and innovative behaviour in frontline service jobs, both of which offer opportunities for further research.Practical implicationsThis study has indicated that both leadership practice and work climate play important roles in explaining service employees' creativity and innovative behaviour. In particular, managers should be aware of their empowering practices, as well focusing on the degree of a humorous work climate. An important practical managerial implication from the findings is to take humour into account and consequently to develop and implement strategies followed by necessary actions to manage humour in an appropriate manner in service organizations.Originality/valueThe reported study contributes to enhancing the knowledge of the roles of empowering leadership and a humorous work climate for service employees' creativity and innovative behaviour in frontline service jobs.
Application of QFDE on greenhouse gas reduction strategy
Authors: Otani Satoko , Yamada Shu 
Published: October 2011

PurposeGlobal warming has become one of the most important issues in today's world, and business behavior to prevent global warming is receiving more attention from stakeholders. Mandatory domestic emission trading schemes have not been implemented in Japan as of June 2011, resulting in more discretion being given to companies to set their carbon management strategies, especially in selecting optimal targets and measures to achieve them. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that quality function deployment for environment (QFDE), developed by incorporating environmental aspects into quality function deployment (QFD) in order to simultaneously handle environmental and traditional product quality requirements, can provide a framework for selecting targets and measures.Design/methodology/approachThe authors apply a three‐step approach: first, a framework for selecting measures is derived through a review of good‐practice activities in two leading companies; second, a framework based on QFDE is generalized by collecting key elements through a literature review of environmental and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports published by 35 companies; and third, the usefulness of the framework is verified through case studies.FindingsThe main outcomes of this study are the derivation of a hierarchical framework with QFDE as its base and verification, through the use of case studies, of the applicability of the framework as a template, as well as an effective communication tool to be used for setting targets and selecting measures.Originality/valueThe framework will be useful for companies which voluntarily set targets and select measures that could form an essential part of their carbon reduction strategies, based on QFDE concepts.
Sales manager training practices in small and large firms
Authors: Shepherd C. David , Gordon Geoffrey L. , Ridnour Rick E. , Weilbaker Dan C. , Lambert Brian 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine practices of and differences between small and large organizations as they relate to the training of sales managers.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing a survey approach, data were collected from a sample of sales managers and trainers employed by firms across the USA. Analysis was conducted between “small” and “large” organizations based on sales force size.FindingsWhile many similarities do exist between small and large firms' sales manager training practices, some significant differences also exist in terms of teaching approaches, types of instructors, training locations, methods, and content utilized. Results of the current study exhibit both similarities and differences as compared to results of sales manager training practices found in earlier studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was based on a sample of sales managers and trainers employed by firms within the USA. Sales manager training practices could differ due to cultural differences, the industry the firm competes in, and other factors.Practical implicationsFirst, sales manager training activities show more similarities than differences between small and large firms. Second, internet‐based training methods are becoming prevalent in large firms while still struggling for acceptance in smaller ones. Third, no one type of instructor is viewed as being highly effective in either small or large firms. Fourth, senior management must support and encourage positive behavioral changes associated with sales manager training or else efforts will fail.Originality/valueThe current study answers the call for research to identify contemporary sales manager training practices, building upon results of previous studies.
Examining the differences in salesperson motivation among different cultures
Authors: Moberg Christopher R. , Leasher Megan 
Published: October 2011

PurposeAlthough salesperson motivation has been widely researched within the USA, the purpose of this paper is to examine similarities and differences in salesperson motivation in different countries and cultures.Design/methodology/approachHypotheses of differences in motivation dimensions between Eastern and Western sales forces are proposed based on previous cross‐cultural and motivation research. An archival assessment database with data from over 120,000 salespeople is used to examine the hypotheses.FindingsSalespeople from Western cultures are more motivated by the needs for achievement, relationships, and power than salespeople from Eastern cultures. The results for the relationship hypothesis were unexpected.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides an important first step to conduct more research on global sales force motivation.Originality/valueIdentifying or confirming the salesperson motivations that exist in other countries will provide critical insight to sales managers as they recruit and develop a global sales force operating in multiple markets. Recruiting a sales force with motivations consistent with the cultural norms of a foreign market could lead to a significant competitive advantage.
A change of direction: a social worker beginning work in the field of acquired brain injury
Authors: Stewart Helen 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore an Australian social worker's experiences of beginning work in the field of neurodisability in the voluntary sector in the UK.Design/methodology/approachThis paper documents the social worker's experiences of the differences in practice between Australia and the UK; between working in the statutory and voluntary sector in the UK; and between different fields of social work. It also documents the social worker's initial thoughts about working in the field of acquired brain injury (ABI).FindingsThrough this journey, the social worker reflects upon their own development as a practitioner.Practical implicationsThe social worker identifies points which may help other social work professionals who are new to this complex area of practice.Originality/valueThis paper provides an insight into a social worker's experience of working in different settings and in different countries. It also illustrates how for this social worker, varied experiences cannot always prepare you for working in ABI.
Your life, your choice
Authors: Gardner Andrew 
Published: October 2011

PurposeWith the introduction of the personalisation agenda (Department of Health, 2008) within social care (and health), this paper aims to discursively explore two themes: improving the lives of people with acquired brain injury through the introduction of more personalised services and support; and the impact of the culture shift on Headway Cambridgeshire as a service provider.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents examples to illustrate how it is possible to plan in a way that is broad enough to meet the needs of the majority whilst being flexible enough to deal with differing individualised circumstances.FindingsThe paper highlights the challenges faced by individuals and service provider organisations when introducing personalised services and suggests some approaches that can be taken to overcome them.Practical implicationsRecommendations for good practice in personalised services.Originality/valueThis paper sets out a framework for organisations working with people with acquired brain injury in a social care setting in the community and how the principles embodied by the personalisation agenda can be introduced into existing service provision.