bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Profile‐based circumstances for productivity measurement
Authors: Phusavat Kongkiti , Anussornnitisarn Pornthep , Sujitwanit Supattra , Kess Pekka 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the specific circumstances which require productivity information. It aims to help support the promotion of productivity for manufacturing firms belonging to the Federation of Thai Industries or FTI.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on survey data collected from FTI‐based manufacturing firms. There are five profiles: industrial type; size; years operating in business; ownership; and targeted customer to be studied in a pair‐wise circumstance. There are 40 companies that participated in this study. The statistical analyses include general linear mode with ANOVA. Altogether, there are a total of 138 circumstances (pair‐wise profiles) under study.FindingsIn general, productivity information is important as indicated from most circumstances – the must‐measure and require‐to‐measure circumstances. The findings also indicate that there is no specific prediction for particular circumstances (e.g. the larger‐size firms with longer years operating in business need productivity information than the smaller ones).Practical implicationsThe results show that there is no need for the FTI to single out specific groups to focus on productivity‐measurement efforts. The study helps gain better understanding into the issues regarding when‐to‐measure productivity. It is generally known that there are a few measurement techniques that are communicated to the FTI firms on a regular basis such as multi‐factor productivity measurement and value‐added productivity measurement – what to measure. In addition, their applications are primarily at the organizational and production levels – where‐to‐measure. The process to deploy these measurement techniques is well known and documented – how‐to‐measure.Originality/valueThe findings support the use of both financial and non‐financial information to ensure an effective management process (i.e. measurement, analysis, and improvement).
Knowledge management enablers and outcomes in the small‐and‐medium sized enterprises
Authors: Migdadi Mahmoud 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis paper attempts to accomplish the following aims: first, identify the preliminary knowledge management (KM) critical success factors (CSFs) or enablers that need to be concentrated by small‐and‐medium sized enterprises (SMEs) before launching a full‐scale KM initiative. Second, develop a conceptual research model which comprises both CSFs and outcomes. Finally, empirically assess the relationships between CSFs and performance outcomes in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe approach of this study consists of two phases: first, development of a conceptual model based on the literature. Second, an empirical evaluation of the validity of the conceptual model. This phase is carried out by developing a survey instrument comprising 16 factors. Then, through a postal survey, data are collected from SMEs in Saudi Arabia in order to investigate the relationships between KM CSFs and outcomes.FindingsThe survey instrument is shown to be both reliable and valid. Pertinent statistical analyses are then performed. The overall results from the empirical assessment were positive, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the proposed CSFs and outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe current findings of this research study may indicate some limitations. Although this study shows that CSFs may enhance an organization's capability to manage knowledge effectively and in return achieve better outcomes, the findings of this study are the results of a “snapshot” survey that do not take into account the feedback effects. Hence, further researching such as longitudinal studies into the relationships between CSFs and outcomes in SMEs to further validate the conceptual model is needed.Practical implicationsThe set of CSFs proposed is in itself important because it can act as a list of items for SMEs to address and deal with when adopting KM. This helps to ensure that essential issues and factors are covered during implementation of KM. Later, it can provide a basis for them to systematically evaluate their KM practices. For academics, this study provides insights into the relationships between KM efforts and outcomes.Originality/valueThis study is probably one of the first to systematically determine the CSFs for KM implementation and comprehensively explain the criteria for measuring KM efforts in SMEs. It offers valuable information, which will encourage SMEs to practice KM from the right perspective in order to reap outcomes from KM initiatives.
Managerial view on design for manufacturing
Authors: Mottonen Matti , Harkonen Janne , Belt Pekka , Haapasalo Harri , Simila Jouni 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a tangible example of organisational solutions in effective design for manufacturing (DfM) in a large information and communications technology (ICT) company.Design/methodology/approachAn interview study was carried out in a leading ICT company to clarify the practical realisation of DfM, and the current challenges encountered. The interviews covered all the key persons involved in DfM and related processes, in a case company that has successfully applied DfM for over a decade.FindingsThe paper shows the importance of a separate management organisation for coordinating the requirements of internal functions. With relation to the case company, this organisation, in contrast to the literature, is located in production, not in product development. Despite the successful application of DfM, the case company still has challenges in exploitation of related data systems.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper describes one of the top companies in its field. However, the obtained results could vary to some degree, should a wider set of companies be included in the study.Practical implicationsManagers of other companies could learn from this example at three levels: organisational solutions for DfM, its practical realisation, and the challenges encountered.Originality/valueThe existing literature is relatively scarce on organisational implications of DfM implementation. This paper identifies a functional organisational location, structure and practical realisation for effective DfM.
Relationships of personality and job characteristics with organization‐based self‐esteem
Authors: Pierce Jon L. , Gardner Donald G. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the theoretical relationships between core self‐evaluations, perceived job characteristics, and organization‐based self‐esteem.Design/methodology/approachA total 236 employees of a large US‐based mining company were surveyed using well‐established measures of core self‐evaluations, perceived job characteristics, and organization‐based self‐esteem.FindingsCorrelation and regression analyses support the hypotheses that core self‐evaluations and perceived job characteristics jointly relate to organization‐based self‐esteem.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a non‐experimental field study and as such inferences about causality are limited.Practical implicationsThe development of organization‐based self‐esteem is beneficial to both employers and employees. Managers need to consider both the personality of employees and employees' work experiences in trying to enhance organization‐based self‐esteem.Originality/valueThis is the first study to simultaneously study the relationships of personality and perceived job characteristics with organization‐based self‐esteem.
How support‐related managerial behaviors influence employees
Authors: Rooney Jennifer A. , Gottlieb Benjamin H. , Newby‐Clark Ian R. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the current study is to test a model of the psychological processes that mediate the impact of managerial supportive and unsupportive behaviors on employees' job‐related attitudes and strain.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using a cross‐sectional, online survey of employees working in a human services organization who were asked about their managers' support and attitudes toward various aspects of their jobs. The employees included direct service providers, agency administrators, and managers.FindingsStructural equation modeling revealed that perceived job autonomy and perceived manager sentiment explained the relationship between managerial behaviors and job satisfaction, job strain, and turnover intentions. Although job self‐efficacy was significantly related to both supportive and unsupportive managerial behaviors, it did not explain the relationship between managers' support‐related behaviors and the outcomes of interest.Research limitations/implicationsSince these data are based on self‐reports, common method bias may have inflated the relationships among the variables. Also, ratings of supervisor behaviors and work‐related perceptions may have been confounded with other unmeasured individual differences, such as neuroticism, and optimism. In addition, the generalizability of the theoretical model is unknown because it was tested in one organization.Practical implicationsManagerial and leadership development programs can draw on the study findings about particular managerial behaviors that are linked to employees' perceptions of control and to their managers' sentiments about them, which in turn influence how they feel about their jobs and organizations.Originality/valueThree original contributions of the study are that: it capitalizes on a detailed, inductively‐derived behavioral measure of managerial support; it examines the effects of both supportive and unsupportive managerial behaviors; and it responds to the call for studies investigating the mechanisms whereby support influences job‐related attitudes and strain.
Mental toughness: managerial and age differences
Authors: Marchant David C. , Polman Remco C.J. , Clough Peter J. , Jackson James G. , Levy Andrew R. , Nicholls Adam R. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate whether employees at various levels of managerial positions (e.g. senior, middle, and junior) exhibit different levels of mental toughness. In addition, the study seeks to explore possible effects of age on mental toughness.Design/methodology/approachA total of 522 participants working in UK‐based organisations completed demographic information and the Mental Toughness Questionnaire.FindingsResults revealed significant main effects for both managerial position and age. Follow‐up analysis revealed that mental toughness ratings were higher in more senior positions, and that mental toughness generally increased with age.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of the study is its cross‐sectional design. Longitudinal studies investigating the development of mental toughness over time or the effect of mental toughness training are needed. It appears, however, that age plays a role in an individual's mental toughness profile. This suggests that increased exposure to significant life events may have a positive developmental effect on mental toughness.Originality/valueThe results of the study would suggest that mental toughness can be developed through appropriate training programmes.
Negative and positive spillover between work and home
Authors: Lourel Marcel , Ford Michael T. , Edey Gamassou Claire , Guéguen Nicolas , Hartmann Anne 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to test a model of the relations between positive and negative work‐to‐home interference home‐to‐work interference on perceived stress, and job satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe mediating role of negative and positive work‐to‐home interference (WHI) and home‐to‐work interference (HWI) was examined. Perceived stress as a mediator was also tested. Data were obtained from a sample of 283 French employees.FindingsThe results of structural equation modeling indicated that perceived stress partially mediated the relationship between negative or positive work‐home/home‐work interference and job satisfaction. The implications and methodological limitations are discussed.Practical implicationsThe study suggests the importance of studying relationships between work life and home life in organizational policies. Current research suggests that employee commitment is particularly high in organizations that have work‐life balance policies.Originality/valueHow home and work are related to perceived stress and job satisfaction is thus a crucial issue. In addition to the results reported here, the study conveys the complexity of the positive and negative relationships between the work domain and the home domain in a sample of French employees.
Impacts of cultural dimensions on healthy diet through public self‐consciousness
Authors: Sun Tao , Horn Marty , Merritt Denny 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to introduce and test a path model that explores the effects of Hofstede's cultural value dimensions on consumers' intention to eat a healthy diet, through the mediation of their public self‐consciousness.Design/methodology/approachA total of 21,974 subjects from 25 nations were surveyed in this cross‐cultural consumer study.FindingsAs the model demonstrated, individualism and uncertainty avoidance had negative impacts on public self‐consciousness, while power distance and masculinity positively affected public self‐consciousness, which in turn had a positive influence on consumers' intention to eat a healthy diet.Originality/valueThe study measured each nation's cultural values by assigning the national culture index scores originally computed by Hofstede. This operational approach made it possible to develop and test a hierarchical path model on the relationships among cultural values, mediating variables and consumer behaviors. It also used the 3M model as a theoretical structure for investigating the nomological validity of two new constructs that are relevant to the field of consumer marketing (i.e. public self‐consciousness and intention to eat a healthy diet). Managerial implications are provided.
The interactions of consumption characteristics on social norms
Authors: Lee Richard , Murphy Jamie , Neale Larry 
Published: June 2009

PurposeUsing an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model to test how customer loyalty intentions may relate to subjective and descriptive norms, this study further seeks to determine whether consumption characteristics – product enjoyment and importance – moderate norms‐loyalty relationships.Design/methodology/approachUsing a two‐study approach focusing on youth, an Australian study (n=244) first augmented TPB with descriptive norm. A Singapore study (n=415) followed up with how consumption characteristics might moderate norms‐loyalty relationships. With both studies, linear regressions tested the relationships among the variables.FindingsExtending TPB with descriptive norm improved TPB's predictive ability across studies. Further, product enjoyment and importance moderated the norms‐loyalty relationships differently. Subjective norm related to loyalty intentions significantly with high enjoyment, whereas descriptive norm was significant with low enjoyment. Only subjective norm was significant with low importance.Research limitations/implicationsSingle‐item variables, self‐reported questionnaires on intended rather than actual behaviour, and not controlling for cultural differences between the two samples limit generalisablity.Practical implicationsThe significance of both norms suggests that mobile firms should reach youth through their peers. With youth social pressure may be influential, particularly with hedonic products. However, the different moderations of product enjoyment and importance imply that a blanket marketing strategy targeting youth may not work.Originality/valueThe study extends academic knowledge on the relationships between norms and customer loyalty, particularly with consumption characteristics as moderators. The findings highlight the importance of considering different norms with consumer behaviour. The study should help mobile firms understand how social influences impact customer loyalty.
New Labour, Network Rail and the third way
Authors: Jupe Robert 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe paper aims to examine the role, funding and status of Network Rail, a very significant example of New Labour's attempt to operationalise the “third way”. The analysis of Network Rail is used to critique the “third way” approach to policy‐making in Britain.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines Network Rail, and the significant changes that have occurred since its creation, in the context of the claims originally made for the company by Transport Secretary Byers. It employs critical financial analysis and non‐financial performance indicators to examine the “third way” approach to rail privatisation, drawing on the work of its leading supporter in the UK, Giddens, and its leading critic, Callinicos.FindingsThe paper demonstrates that Network Rail is an expensive mechanism for channelling public money to private companies. It argues that the “third way” is really a smoke screen for the neo‐liberal ideology, behind which there is a continuing transfer of wealth from taxpayers to the private sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses on one significant example of the “third way” approach to policy making. It demonstrates the strength of the neo‐liberal ideology, particularly the belief in the value of privatisation, in the UK.Practical implicationsThe findings of the paper have implications for public policy and for those affected by rail privatisation, including employees, passengers and taxpayers.Originality/valueResearchers and practitioners working in the area of public sector management and reforms should find the paper of value.
Inertia and management accounting change
Authors: van der Steen Martijn 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate ways in which inertia obstructs the adoption of new management accounting rules. Drawing on the view of management accounting as organisational rules and routines, it aims to suggest various ways in which inertia can become more pronounced when new accounting rules challenge existing routines.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal case study was conducted at one of the largest banks in The Netherlands. This bank introduced a program called “Results Oriented Management”, which produced various new management accounting rules.FindingsThe paper identifies various ways in which inertia manifested itself when new management accounting rules were introduced. Moreover, the paper shows that ambiguity and contradictions play an important role in the presence of inertia.Research limitations/implicationsThe identification of individual‐level habits and scripts is a difficult undertaking. Through a focus on the performative and ostensive aspects of routines, some of the processes of inertia and change on an individual level are identified. This is a relevant method for students of management accounting change.Originality/valueAlthough it is well known that routines can produce inertia, the process by which this inertia is manifested and how this affects the adoption of new management accounting rules is still unclear. The paper aims to contribute to this understanding.
Responsibility and accountability without direct control?
Authors: Agyemang Gloria 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to extend understanding of how being responsible and accountable for performance impacts on control processes between organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses empirical findings gathered from officers of two local education authorities about their control relationships with schools. It provides a Habermasian theoretically informed analysis of these control relationships. Control is studied as the steering processes that occur between organisations in response to regulation from government.FindingsThe LEA officers employ the language of influence to conceal ongoing direct forms of control over schools. As the officers attempt to demonstrate their accountability to the Department of Education and Skills, they use communication and information strategically to steer schools towards their ways of thinking.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses only on the views of LEA officers. Further research is required to ascertain the views of schools and other stakeholders in local education.Practical implicationsWhere regulatory bodies demand performance accountability from organisations, appropriate control mechanisms are necessary to ensure that organisations work in transparent ways towards regulatory objectives.Originality/valueSteering, responsibility, accountability and control are discussed in an educational context.
Methodological Insights
Authors: Brennan Niamh M. , Guillamon‐Saorin Encarna , Pierce Aileen 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to develop a holistic measure for analysing impression management and for detecting bias introduced into corporate narratives as a result of impression management.Design/methodology/approachPrior research on the seven impression management methods in the literature is summarised. Four of the less‐researched methods are described in detail, and are illustrated with examples from UK annual results' press releases (ARPRs). A method of computing a holistic composite impression management score based on these four impression management methods is developed, based on both quantitative and qualitative data in corporate narrative disclosures. An impression management bias score is devised to capture the extent to which impression management introduces bias into corporate narratives. An example of the application of the composite impression management score and impression management bias score methodology is provided.FindingsWhile not amounting to systematic evidence, the 21 illustrative examples suggest that impression management is pervasive in corporate financial communications using multiple impression management methods, such that positive information is exaggerated, while negative information is either ignored or is underplayed.Originality/valueFour impression management methods are described in detail, illustrated by 21 examples. These four methods are examined together. New impression management methods are studied in this paper for the first time. This paper extends prior impression management measures in two ways. First, a composite impression management score based on four impression management techniques is articulated. Second, the composite impression management score methodology is extended to capture a measure for bias, in the form of an impression management bias score. This is the first time outside the USA that narrative disclosures in press releases have been studied.