bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of option choice reversibility on product option choices and regrets
Authors: Pornpitakpan Chanthika 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of option choice reversibility on the number of options chosen, total spending, and upset/regret from actions/inaction, using 124 Singaporean adults.Design/methodology/approachThe experiment employs two levels of option choice reversibility: fully reversible without a penalty vs strictly irreversible. Participants add options to a base model or delete options from a full model and are either allowed or not allowed to change options in a condominium purchase scenario.FindingsCompared to participants in the irreversible choice condition, those in the reversible choice select more options and end up with higher total spending. In the irreversible option choice condition, participants anticipate more upset (one aspect of regret) when they take actions than inaction, but in the reversible option choice condition, the reverse is true.Research limitations/implicationsThe study uses only one decision stimulus, which is a condominium purchase, and the purchase scenario might not be as realistic as an actual purchase decision.Practical implicationsRefunds and option change permission policies make consumers feel they can reverse their buying decisions, making them feel the decisions are less risky and thus inducing them to buy more than when no refunds or option change is allowed after purchase. To drive consumers to take actions, marketers should allow consumers to change their mind after making decisions and assure them of such policy.Originality/valueThe paper shows the effect of decision reversibility on the total spending (i.e. the total costs of choices made) and extends the theory about omission biases by demonstrating that regrets from actions/inaction depend on decision reversibility.
Factors influencing tourists' revisit intentions
Authors: Quintal Vanessa A. , Polczynski Aleksandra 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how university students' satisfaction with perceived attractiveness, quality, value, and low risk impact on their revisit intentions (RVI) to a holiday destination.Design/methodology/approachA ten minute pen and paper questionnaire was distributed to undergraduate and postgraduate students in a large Western Australia university through a non‐probability, convenience sampling approach. In total, 228 useable responses were collected, achieving a 60 per cent response rate.FindingsThe empirical results from the structural model suggest that satisfaction (SAT) with the attractiveness, quality, and value provided by the destination positively influenced RVI. Perceived risk did not have the predicted effects on SAT and RVI.Research limitations/implicationsConvenience sampling method restricts the representativeness of results across all university students. Future studies can examine the influences of culture, national and multiculturism on RVI of tourist destinations. This study can also be replicated with larger sample sizes.Practical implicationsThe key finding suggests that perceptions are crucial in achieving customer satisfaction and customer loyalty and therefore must be handled proactively to develop lasting relationships.Originality/valueLimited research in the past has been conducted on RVI of tourism destinations. Influence of perceived risk was also examined towards RVI.
Why a concern for apologia and crisis communication?
Authors: Timothy Coombs W. , Frandsen Finn , Holladay Sherry J. , Johansen Winni 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide context for and a preview of the content for the special issue on corporate apologia.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is a review of literature relevant to crisis communication and the role of apologia within this body of literature.FindingsApologia, a rhetoric of self‐defense, has a strong connection in the creation and development of crisis communication. Current research is moving beyond the parameters of apologia but it remains a strong influence on the field. Future crisis communication research needs to explore further the role of emotion if crisis communication and the implications of international crisis communication. The various contributions the articles in the special issue provide for crisis communication are reviewed as a means of previewing the special issue.Practical implicationsThe paper provides lessons that crisis managers can apply when they need to communicate during a crisis.Originality/valueThe paper provides insights into the development of crisis communication and the role of apologia in that development.
Apologizing in a globalizing world: crisis communication and apologetic ethics
Authors: Frandsen Finn , Johansen Winni 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study three apologies or statements offered by the Vatican and/or Pope Benedict XVI after a much‐debated lecture at the University of Regensburg in Germany in 2006. The rhetorical model of apologizing and apologetic ethics proposed by Hearit is applied and tested in the study with the aim of expanding his theory.Design/methodology/approachThe research design is qualitative and based on a case study methodology combining rhetorical criticism and ethics with crisis communication theory.FindingsThe analysis shows that although Hearit's approach allows us to both describe, explain and evaluate the apologies or statements offered by the Vatican and/or the Pope during the crisis, it does not take into account the globalizing context, or the more complex and less evident sociocultural order, into which their crisis communication is embedded.Originality/valueThe paper introduces and discusses the new concept of meta‐apology, i.e. an apology where the apologist is no longer apologizing for what he or she may have done wrong – because he or she does not have to, according to their own sociocultural order – but for the negative effects that the act committed by the apologist may possibly have caused.
Character as defence
Authors: Vigsø Orla , von Stedingk Wigren Maja 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe incident in 2006 at the Vattenfall owned plant in Forsmark turned out to be one of the most serious ever in Sweden. Vattenfall's communication during this crisis did not meet the accusations, instead their line of defence was not to engage in discussions of the accusations, but to refer only to their own character as safe, thorough and scientific. Apparently, this strategy worked; the company ranked high in public confidence before the incident, and according to polls this confidence remained unharmed throughout the crisis. This paper aims to analyze under which circumstances a defence built on character may meet the demands of the stakeholders, especially those of the general public.Design/methodology/approachThe purpose is reached through a mainly rhetorical analysis of both Vattenfall's press releases during the crisis, and the media coverage.FindingsThe analysis shows that the success of Vattenfall's communication strategy relies on their use of the general reputation held by the company at the start of the crisis. With a high level of general trust, not addressing accusations directly can be a successful move.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that to a company facing a crisis situation, context analysis is crucial. The strategy adapted by Vattenfall could seem potentially damaging to themselves, but worked in the actual circumstances.Originality/valueThe paper shows that not meeting accusations may work as an apologetic strategy, if the reputation established in the pre‐crisis situation is sufficiently strong.
Alitalia's crisis in the media – a situational analysis
Authors: Romenti Stefania , Valentini Chiara 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this investigation is to explore Alitalia and the Italian Government's crisis response strategies (CRSs) implemented in three specific periods of 2008 to understand Alitalia and the Italian Government's approach in communicating with media stakeholders as well as to examine how main Italian and international newspapers framed Alitalia's CRSs.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a content analysis approach to evaluate CRSs used by Alitalia and the Italian Government in their official press releases then reported by the main Italian and international newspapers.FindingsBoth Alitalia and the Italian Government focused mostly on corrective action – however, some differences in their choice of CRSs are visible during the three periods. Alitalia provided more information on the situation through its press releases than the government, whereas the government used in a larger measure excuse strategies, especially in the later period. In terms of news coverage, the content analysis shows that the CRSs reported by the international press correspond to those in the press releases whereas the Italian newspapers preferred other frames than those offered by Alitalia and the Italian Government.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings confirm previous investigations on the importance of applying a context‐oriented approach in crisis communication management, but they also underline the importance of media relations management.Originality/valueThis study extends the body of knowledge in crisis communication management and news coverage and offers some suggestions to manage effective media relations within the Italian media system.
Reinterpreting corporate apologia as self‐discipline
Authors: Chikudate Nobuyuki 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to propose a reinterpretation of corporate apologia and social legitimacy from theoretical perspectives of phenomenology and Foucault's theory of discipline.Design/methodology/approachThe reinterpretation proposed in this paper is based on diagnostic theories aimed at making improvements by guiding practice in a determinate direction and by providing a basis for criticizing practice. The author also provides examples of adequate and inadequate corporate apologia along with the theoretical framework proposed in this paper.FindingsBesides shouldering responsibility corporations cannot help becoming disciplined subjects in order to re‐establish legitimacy with the public.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a view of corporate apologia as self‐discipline for corporations that have undergone mishaps in order to reestablish legitimacy. Some examples of Japanese multinational corporations, such as Toyota and Toshiba, are included to contextualize abstract ideas.
The acceptance of responsibility and expressions of regret in organizational apologies after a transgression
Authors: Pace Kristin M. , Fediuk Tomasz A. , Botero Isabel C. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeWhen organizations face a crisis that is a result of a transgression, crisis scholars suggest that the organization should apologize in order to accept responsibility for the event. In turn, this is expected to reduce the reputation damage to the organization. The assumption is that an apology statement is interpreted by stakeholders to be equal to accepting responsibility; however, this assumption has not been empirically examined. This paper seeks to address that gap.Design/methodology/approachA three (explicitness of accepting responsibility: none, implicit, explicit) by two (expressing regret: none, explicit) between subjects design was employed. Participants read an article about a crisis event, answered questions about perceived reputation, read one of six organizational responses, and responded to questions about reputation and anger caused by the response.FindingsResults indicate that both accepting responsibility and expressing regret affect perceptions of reputation after a crisis and the anger felt by respondents. Additionally, apologies need an explicit statement of responsibility to increase their benefits for the organization.Research limitations/implicationsImplications of this research include understanding the independent effects that accepting responsibility, expressing regret, and anger have on organizational reputation. Results can be useful for both academics and practitioners when thinking about how to respond to a crisis. Different strengths and limitations are discussed in the text.Originality/valueThe paper tests the assumption that an organizational apology is viewed as equal to accepting responsibility and explores some of the basic propositions of situational crisis communication theory. This study is also one of the first to examine the impact of the crisis response on stakeholder anger.
The role of emotions in crisis responses
Authors: Jin Yan , Pang Augustine , Cameron Glen T. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend current theories in crisis communication, by developing a more systemic approach to understanding the role of emotions in crises and the strategies organizations can use to respond. The authors' integrated crisis mapping (ICM) model is premised on a public‐based, emotion‐driven perspective where different crises are mapped on two continua, the organization's engagement in the crisis and primary public's coping strategy.Design/methodology/approachContent analysis was used to analyze 259 stories in US mainstream newspaper covering five different crisis cases.FindingsThe initial test suggests theoretical rigor. It found that publics involved in crises pertaining to reputational damage, technological breakdown, industrial matters, labor unrest, and regulation/legislation, are likely to feel anxious, angry, and sad. At the same time, they are likely to engage in conative coping.Originality/valueUnderstanding publics' emotions in crisis is a rarely studied area. This model is arguably the first to suggest a framework of emotions. This study is the first of a series of tests to generate what Yin termed “analytic generalization” for the ICM model.
Examining how image restoration strategy impacts perceptions of corporate social responsibility, organization‐public relationships, and source credibility
Authors: Haigh Michel M. , Brubaker Pamela 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to test Benoit's five image restoration strategies to examine how each strategy impacts perceptions of the organization‐public relationship (OPR) and corporate social responsibility (CSR). It also examines how the strategy used impacts the credibility of the source cited in the crisis response message.Design/methodology/approachAn experiment measures stakeholders' reactions to the different crisis messages and the messages' impact on perceptions of the OPR, CSR, and source credibility measures.FindingsResults indicate the reducing the offensiveness strategy led to higher perceptions of the OPR and CSR. The image restoration strategy employed does impact stakeholders' perceptions of the credibility of the source.Practical implicationsThe paper indicates organizations should try to bolster, minimize, transcend, and differentiate when preparing crisis messages during a product recall crisis. These types of messages protect the OPR and perceptions of CSR.Originality/valueIt adds to the experimental literature (whereas previous research uses cases studies). It expands Dardis and Haigh by examining the impact image restoration strategies have on OPR and CSR. It also extends current literature by examining the source of the message and how the image restoration strategy employed impacts the credibility of the source.
Fraud in London local authorities: a comparative appraisal
Authors: Wesley Lane Simon 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a comparative appraisal of structures, fraud loss and performance data in London local authorities (LAs) with that of the National Health Service (NHS) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in order to test the Fraud Review's contention that LAs are “less well equipped” to deal with fraud than central government departments.Design/methodology/approachPrimary research was undertaken through questionnaires to all London boroughs and interviews with key personnel in two comparator organisations.FindingsLondon boroughs are no less competent or effective in investigating fraud. Each has a specialist anti‐fraud response and has similar levels of performance as comparator organisations. Whilst London boroughs outperform in some areas such as sanctions per officer against the NHS and detection levels in benefit fraud against the DWP, there are concerns over higher per unit staffing cost, principally caused by the autonomous and diverse nature of local government. Further that some authorities are unaware of, or unwilling to deal with, certain fraud typologies.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was limited to London local government and further work is needed outside the capital.Practical implicationsRecommendations are made for the introduction of an explicit statutory requirement for LAs to have an anti‐fraud resource, standardisation of definitions and consideration of borough‐based multi‐agency fraud teams.Originality/valueThere has been no previous research of this type and it may be useful to government when considering how to deal with fraud, LAs and those with an interest in public sector fraud.
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and the mafia must now welcome organizational crime
Authors: Baldwin F.N. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore organized crime on Wall Street and expose the lack of regulatory control thus impacting upon innocent investors in the money market. Organized crime has for many years reaped rewards from unsuspecting investors. This exploration, however, aims to turn away from organized and focus on organizational crime. Specifically, the “highly respected” investor Bernard Madoff.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines the impact upon innocent investors of the US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) response to repeated efforts by a whistle blower to investigate an “alleged” out‐of‐control “Ponzi” scheme.FindingsBernard Madoff's multi‐billion dollar Ponzi scheme was never uncovered by the SEC. The fact is that the economic recession did the SEC's work. The SEC appeared to be willfully blind. Without the economic recession, some suggest that the Madoff Ponzi scheme might have involved close to 100 billion dollars.Originality/valueThe SEC's regulatory effectiveness in regulating the financial industry was found wanting for over ten years. No regulatory agency ever determined Madoff to be in serious violation of any laws, hence others within the financial industry continued to engage in similar illicit organizational activity. The question remains whether regulatory agencies have learned a lesson from the Madoff episode or is the organizational Ponzi scheme alive and well?
Economic crimes in the construction industry: case of Finland
Authors: Kankaanranta Terhi , Muttilainen Vesa 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to analyse economic crimes in the construction industry with special reference to dealing in receipts. First, its purpose is to obtain knowledge on the extent of economic crimes as well as dealing in receipts in the construction industry. Second, it seeks to find more detailed information about cases, suspects and companies involved with these crimes. Finally, it aims to assess financial losses to society.Design/methodology/approachThis analysis is based on economic crime suspicions, which were recorded in the national police information system in 2007, and whose pre‐trial investigation was concluded before the end of March 2009. Open source information was utilized as well.FindingsIn 2007, there were 1,590 economic crime suspicions and one‐seventh was related to the construction industry. Results indicated that almost three‐quarters of the economic crimes in the construction industry were related to dealing in receipts. Aggravated forms of crimes were most common.Originality/valueThis is the first register‐based study analysing economic crimes in the Finnish construction industry. Also, internationally there are only a few studies focusing on the construction industry, even if it is one of the core areas of grey economy due to the high level of subcontracting.
Enhancing corporate governance in listed companies with concentrated shareholdings
Authors: Rachagan Shanthy 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to focus on diverse ownership structures, especially the controlling shareholder system and their impact on corporate governance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper deliberates the agency problems in concentrated shareholder‐listed companies in general which are related transactions involving controlling shareholders, significant corporate actions, and control transactions. The paper further studies agency issues in Malaysian‐listed companies specifically relating to government‐linked companies and family‐owned companies.FindingsThe paper identifies agency problems in concentrated shareholding‐listed companies which are government linked or family owned and then provide solutions to overcome these problems.Originality/valueSpecific agency problems in Malaysian‐listed companies and solutions to overcome them are presented in this paper.
Categories of financial crime
Authors: Gottschalk Petter 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a systematic approach to classify financial crime into main categories as well as sub categories.Design/methodology/approachBased on a literature review, the main four categories were labeled corruption, fraud, theft, and manipulation, respectively.FindingsThere is a massive variety of crime types and crime names in the literature that can successfully be allocated to main categories of financial crime.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based on exploratory research to stimulate future research in refining and improving the categories suggested here.Practical implicationsThe great variety of criminal activities is classified in this paper so that practitioners can organize their thinking around crime themes rather than crime examples when mapping crime.Social implicationsThe public and society at large will be able to understand the confusing variety of financial crime in terms of main categories.Originality/valueThere has been some confusion among both researchers and practitioners when communicating about examples of financial crime. The organizing framework in this paper will help allocate crime examples to main categories of financial crime.
Incorporating with fraudulent intentions
Authors: Singh Dharmvir 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe objective of this research paper is to identify specific attributes associated with the shell companies, so that the frauds committed by misuse of the corporate vehicle are curbed. The presence of an identified attribute increases the fraud risk the company poses to the economic system. The efficient allocation of limited investigative resources may accordingly be made by the regulator.Design/methodology/approachThe research was designed as a case study involving documentary evidence corroborated by archival records and semi‐structured interview. The paper discusses the identification of attributes associated with shell companies and suggests recommendations for corporate regulatory machinery in India.FindingsThe research paper has identified a few attributes associated with the shell companies. These attributes are directly related to the fraud risk an incorporated entity may pose to the economic system. Limited resources may be efficiently deployed on the basis of the risk an entity poses to the system.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the research are yet to be verified and authenticated by an independent study. However, the findings have a wider implication with respect to more efficient deployment of investigative resources dependent on the risk parameters.Originality/valueThe research paper is a pioneer effort in the field of frauds by misuse of a corporate vehicle.