bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Government information management during four emergencies in China
Authors: Wan Mingguo 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how emergency management in China was affected by governmental decisions to release or withhold information during a crisis.Design/methodology/approachThis relationship is studied in four case studies: the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome epidemic, the 2005 Songhua water pollution crisis, the 2008 snow storms and the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake.FindingsIn the earlier cases, governmental organizations withheld information in an attempt to retain control over the disaster. The actual effects, however, were often rather unexpected, if not perverse. The control over information eroded citizens' trust in the government's ability to deal with the crisis. This led to behavior on the part of the citizens' that in some cases actually exacerbated the emergency.Originality/valueThese experiences have led to dramatic changes in information disclosure during emergency management, changes that went directly against the dominant practices with the Chinese state apparatus.
Determinants of interest in the acquisition of export skills for Chinese exporters
Authors: Zhou Ting , Lin Gui‐jun , Li Yang 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to comprehensively study the current learning environment of export skills in China and to identify the needs of Chinese firms for skills training. Thus, it proposes a conceptual framework of skills identification and ranking model. Another main purpose of this paper is to expand the domain of export skills and knowledge management by including a broader range of the determinants of interests in export skills acquisition and identification than is normally found in the related literature.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive and thorough survey on the learning environment of export skills acquisition was conducted in this study targeting 800 exporting firms in China. Ten propositions were proposed and the data were complemented through correspondence analysis to study the determinants of interest in export skills acquisition among these firms.FindingsThe results indicate that the overall level of export skills for Chinese exporters is somewhat low and little training resources are invested in export skills acquisition. Furthermore, interest in export skills learning is broad based and unrelated to ownership structure. It is demonstrated that Chinese exporters of greater export development and management commitment show more interest in export skills learning. Those of lower export development need more support from government trade agencies, yet in general, government assistance in meeting the demand of Chinese exporters is still insufficient.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to find the best practice.Practical implicationsThe paper includes implications for the intelligence of learning environment, the identification of determinants of the learning interests in export skills and the development of skills training and knowledge management.Originality/valueThis paper can be used by the exporting firms, the universities and government trade agencies to design more effective skill training programs and to guide their resource allocations.
Towards assessing the leadership style and quality of transformational leadership
Authors: Akhavan Tabassi Amin , Hassan Abu Bakar Abu 
Published: October 2010

PurposeClarifying leadership has been a complicated and difficult task largely because the nature of leadership itself is complicated. Meanwhile, the construction industry stands for one of the most dynamic and complex industrial environments although, not much works has been conducted on leadership in the industry. This paper aims to fill this gap.Design/methodology/approachBased on a combination of literature review and questionnaire surveys, this paper explores the leadership style as well as transformational leadership quality of the leaders of construction companies in Iran. A quantitative research approach was adopted requiring the development and dissemination of a questionnaire survey. The research was conducted by sending 220 sets of questionnaires to the large construction companies. The analysis methods in this research were based on frequency and co‐relational study.FindingsThe research exposes the level of leaders' orientation for people and task in their leadership style as well as their transformational leadership qualities in regards of developing followers into leaders, inspire followers to go beyond their own self‐interest and give employees empowerment.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should try to address how companies and governments adapt to and shape the environmental and organizational settings in such a way that the context optimally stimulates employees' motivation and participation in leadership practices.Originality/valueThe paper offers insight into leadership style and quality of transformational leadership, focusing on construction firms in Iran.
Does the explicit recognition of the commitment and contribution of staff within an organisation's CSR strategy matter?
Authors: Merali Faruk 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and explore the possible underlying reasons for the differences in approaches adopted by organisations regarding the inclusion or exclusion of explicit statements in relation to the personal commitment and contribution of their employees within their publicized CSR strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is based on a longitudinal study involving interviews with 47 UK National Health Service (NHS) managers between 2000 and 2009. Theoretical frameworks and literature related to CSR, organisation culture and institutional theory are drawn upon in an integrated manner to analyse and discuss the findings.FindingsAlthough the majority of NHS managers report holding core altruistic values they believe the general public does not recognize this and views them negatively. It is suggested that a combination of direct and indirect strategies aimed at highlighting the socially responsible role of NHS managers and their overall commitment and contribution to the NHS would help challenge the existing negative public image of NHS managers.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on a relatively small number of London based NHS managers consisting mainly of managers occupying senior and middle management positions and who may not necessarily represent the views of all managers nationally.Originality/valueWhilst issues related to CSR are of concern to a wide range of organisational stakeholders, there appears to be relatively limited research undertaken in the context of directly exploring issues of concern from the employee stakeholder perspective. Within the context of the aims of this paper, this paper addresses this relative gap. The paper is of interest to a wide range of readers including NHS and non‐governmental organisation (NGO) policy formulators and practitioners; academics and students.
Wal‐Mart's nontraditional banking business and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Yoon Intae , Chung InSoo 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight how a multinational corporation can fulfill its corporate social responsibility while seeking profit by using Wal‐Mart's recent nontraditional banking services as an example.Design/methodology/approachA wide gamut of document reviews about migrant workers in the USA and global remittance businesses was used. Remittance cost changes were also tracked among major US remittance operators over the past two years.FindingsWal‐Mart's competitive business platform has lowered remittance costs in the USA since it launched the new remittance business two years ago.Research limitations/implicationsIn spite of anecdotal evidence, this paper suggests how well‐established multinational business operations can be tools for economic justice across the globe.Originality/valueThis is one of the first reports on the impact of the retailer's nonbanking business on remittance cost and potential for promotion of economic justice for Hispanic/Latino migrants.
Incorporating stakeholder approach in corporate social responsibility (CSR): a case study at multinational corporations (MNCs) in Penang
Authors: Lai Cheng Wong , Ahmad Jamilah 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to gain deeper understanding on how the stakeholders' relationship is incorporated in multinational corporations' (MNCs') corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach.Design/methodology/approachStakeholder theory by Freeman was used as the theoretical framework of this research. A case study of two established MNCs in Penang, Malaysia, were conducted and analysed through within‐case and cross‐case analysis. Three research questions focusing on aspects of CSR (internal and external), concerns of primary and secondary stakeholders based on Carroll's three‐domain approach and factors that influence CSR practices within each stakeholder group were developed.FindingsA main theoretical contribution of the study found that MNCs in developing countries are increasingly addressing new ways to incorporate CSR internal and external aspects in their operations which will eventually alter the fundamental process of evaluation among their stakeholders. Given the tendency among developing countries to regard all forms of CSR concerns, economic, ethical and legal concerns are equally important. Another main theoretical contribution of this study highlighted that different locality between home country and foreign country operation does affect the CSR work. Findings of this study show that the view of increasing investor clout on CSR in the country where they do business does not affect the MNCs and the influence of CSR activist as top CSR issues does not directly influence MNCs' actual CSR work.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has clearly projected the use of stakeholder theory by Freeman. Internal and external aspects of CSR were supported by these organisations as their standard practices. MNCs need to assume these concerns (economic, ethical and legal) for meeting the obligations towards their stakeholders. Stakeholders are significant drivers of CSR which can affect, or is affected by, the achievement of the organisations' objectives.Practical implicationsThe study presents practical implications for policy makers and MNCs in developing countries on new ways of incorporating CSR internal and external aspects in their operations and various concerns (economic, ethical, legal) of stakeholders that have been accepted as necessary for the proper functioning of business.Originality/valueThis research paper provides a strong base for MNCs and academicians to understand the various aspects, concerns and factors that influence CSR practices within each stakeholder group.
Preliminary insights on sustainability reporting and assurance practices in Malaysia
Authors: Sawani Yussri , Mohamed Zain Mustaffa , Darus Faizah 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the development and evolution of sustainability reporting and assurance practices in Malaysia to identify the current practice and trend of reporting and the level of awareness on assurance on sustainability reporting in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachInterviews and questionnaire surveys were used to obtain respondents' perceptions on issues related to sustainability reporting and assurance practices among the ACCA‐MeSRA (Malaysian Environmental and Social Reporting Award) participants in 2007 coupled with content analysis of corporate annual reports and other standalone reports.FindingsResults from the study provide evidence that most of the information relating to sustainability disclosure reported is integrated in the annual report and with no assurance statement due to low level of awareness and the absence of legislative pressure to commission the practice. The study indicates that companies applied selective reporting on issues relating to monetary contribution predominantly due to minority shareholders' insistence on better return for their investment.Research limitations/implicationsThe nature of this study is exploratory and focuses on the evolution of sustainability reporting from the current state of corporate responsibility reporting and the availability of assurance practices in Malaysia. Findings in the study revealed several issues that require further analysis to identify significant factors that would influence sustainability reporting and assurance practices.Practical implicationsThis study creates interest in the sustainability reporting and assurance practices in the Asian developing countries as its adaptation is far from developed.Originality/valueThis paper presents preliminary insights of the current trend and future direction of sustainability reporting and assurance in Malaysia.
The impact of political forces on urban land ownership reform in transitional China
Authors: Qin Xiaojing 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically review the process of urban land ownership reform in China. It seeks to illustrate how the detachment of the concept of land ownership from its significance in a planned socialist state has contributed to the development of a real estate sector, and how the concept of land ownership should now be regarded in the new era of marketization. In particular, it focuses on the widespread influences of political forces in these processes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses relevant legislation enacted within the People's Republic of China. This analysis is undertaken within the context of the social, political and economic changes that have occurred within the country during the period under consideration.FindingsTwo findings emerge from the study. First, an economic‐based notion of land ownership has evolved in China as a consequence of the economic and social changes accompanying the process of economic liberalisation. This reflects the elimination of political forces in defining land values in the new era. Second, however, the involvement of political power in the process of land asset distribution is shown to have led to market distortion. This may, in turn, lead to market failure and social conflict. For the development of a healthy real estate market, the influences of these political forces should, therefore, be restricted through a process of ongoing reforms.Originality/valueThe paper presents a detailed analysis of the impact of political forces on the changed patterns of land allocation in transitional China. The country's unique social background and system of land tenure have not previously been subjected to detailed scholarly attention. The research published in this paper suggests further possibilities for China's continuing system of land ownership reform and also contributes to a redefinition of the concept of land ownership in the new era of marketization and globalization.
Emerging scenarios of Japanese corporate management
Authors: Raj Adhikari Dev , Hirasawa Katsuhiko 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to: examine the evolution of Japanese corporate management (JCM); review the Japanese vs American corporate management model; discuss typical corporate strategy of Japanese companies; and evaluate emerging scenarios of JCM.Design/methodology/approachThe paper mainly reviews past and current literature to discuss emerging scenarios of JCM.FindingsDriven by persistent pressures from environmental forces in the postwar period, there have been changes in the way of managing ideas, things and people in Japanese corporations in order to cope in the world of competition.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is mainly theoretical and no empirical evidences are presented to explore the situation of JCM in practice.Practical implicationsWith growing competition in the domestic and international markets in the recent past, Japanese firms have tried to achieve a new level of industrialization and a rapid technological advancement; they have faced an erosion of traditional values, a growing labor shortage and an ever‐increasing complexity in size and operation. Therefore, this paper is mainly useful to academicians and professional to know about how JCM practices have been changing.Originality/valueVery few Japanese researchers attempted to write about emerging Japanese management scenario of the prewar period. The paper contributes by exploring different facts about prewar and emerging scenarios of JCM and adds value in this perspective.
Brand valuation of ICT products: the case of Thailand
Authors: Chiaravutthi Yingyot 
Published: October 2010

PurposeThe paper aims to adopt the hedonic price approach to quantify the brand equity of information and communication technology (ICT) products, narrowed down to laptop computers, laser printers, liquid crystal display computer screens, and mobile phones.Design/methodology/approachThe hedonic price model features the list price as the dependent variable of the regression, whilst the measurable attributes of the product and brand dummies are on the right‐hand side. Additionally, the model can be adjusted to measure brand effects on profit margins as well.FindingsIn most of the price and log price models, brand dummies are significant, and positively linked to the consumers' willingness to pay. Nevertheless, amongst the four ICT products in this study, only the laptop brands show positive values. Negative but significant brand dummies suggest that brands are undoubtedly important; however, other features exhibit higher value to consumers.Research limitations/implicationsAs is the case with other financial approaches to valuing brands, the results do not explain how to exploit those values; rather, it identifies the brand's position as measured against other brands.Practical implicationsNegative brand premiums imply that brand loyalty is not strong in the market, and that the opportunity exists for a new brand's penetration. The construction of brand premium rankings should prove beneficial to firms who wish to evaluate their current position against other competitors. Regarding the products' features, the results suggest that consumers generally focus their decision to purchase a particular brand on its basic or core features.Originality/valueThe paper proposes another approach to assessing brand equity, namely, in terms of both price and profit margin premiums. Though imperfect, the hedonic methodology is relatively simple and relies on available secondary data.
Extracellular invertase is involved in the regulation of clubroot disease in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: SIEMENS JOHANNES , GONZÁLEZ MARIA‐CRUZ , WOLF SEBASTIAN , HOFMANN CHRISTINA , GREINER STEFFEN , DU YEJIE , RAUSCH THOMAS , ROITSCH THOMAS , LUDWIG‐MÜLLER JUTTA 
Published: October 2010

SUMMARYClubroot disease of Brassicaceae is caused by an obligate biotrophic protist, Plasmodiophora brassicae. During root gall development, a strong sink for assimilates is developed. Among other genes involved in sucrose and starch synthesis and degradation, the increased expression of invertases has been observed in a microarray experiment, and invertase and invertase inhibitor expression was confirmed using promoter::GUS lines of Arabidopsis thaliana. A functional approach demonstrates that invertases are important for gall development. Different transgenic lines expressing an invertase inhibitor under the control of two root‐specific promoters, Pyk10 and CrypticT80, which results in the reduction of invertase activity, showed clearly reduced clubroot symptoms in root tissue with highest promoter expression, whereas hypocotyl galls developed normally. These results present the first evidence that invertases are important factors during gall development, most probably in supplying sugars to the pathogen. In addition, root‐specific repression of invertase activity could be used as a tool to reduce clubroot symptoms.
Correlates of (inappropriate) benzodiazepine use: the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA)
Authors: Manthey Leonie , van Veen Tineke , Giltay Erik J. , Stoop José E. , Neven Arie Knuistingh , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Zitman Frans G. 
Published: October 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are not only used as a treatment for anxiety and depression (besides epilepsy), but also inappropriately for chronic insomnia, pain, somatic illnesses[1]and uncontrollable stress.• In spite of lack of effectiveness and adverse health consequences in chronic BZD use, over 50% are long‐term users.• The relative importance of sociodemographic, psychological and physical determinants of BZD use in general and inappropriate use has never been investigated in a comprehensive, multivariable model.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• BZDs were used by a considerable proportion of the NESDA participants and BZD use was rarely in accordance with all guidelines, mainly because of an extended duration of use.• Mentally or physically vulnerable subjects were most likely to use BZDs as well as to use it inappropriately.• Clinicians should be vigilant when initiating BZD prescriptions for vulnerable subjects, particularly when patients are chronically ill and old, as those subjects are at high risk of inappropriate use.AIMResults on determinants of benzodiazepine (BZD) use in general and inappropriate use were inconsistent and mostly univariate. The relative importance of sociodemographic, psychological and physical determinants has never been investigated in a comprehensive, multivariate model.METHODSWe included 429 BZD users and 2423 non‐users from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA) in order to investigate sociodemographic, psychological and physical determinants of BZD use and inappropriate use by logistic and linear regression analyses.RESULTSBZDs were used by a considerable proportion of the 2852 NESDA participants (15.0%). BZD use was independently associated with older age, singleness, unemployment, treatment in secondary care, higher medical consumption (more severe) anxiety, depression (OR [95% CI]= 1.95 [1.29, 2.93]), comorbidity, insomnia, SSRI (OR [95% CI]= 2.05 [1.55, 2.70]), TCA and other antidepressant (OR [95% CI]= 2.44 [1.64, 3.62]) use. Overall, BZD use was rarely in accordance with all guidelines, mainly because most users (82.5%) exceeded the recommended duration of safe use. Inappropriate use was independently associated with older age (β= 0.130) and chronic illnesses (β= 0.120). Higher scores on agreeableness were associated with less inappropriate use.CONCLUSIONSMentally or physically vulnerable subjects were most likely to use BZDs. The most vulnerable (i.e. the old and physically ill) BZD users were at highest risk of inappropriate BZD use. Without further evidence of the effectiveness of BZDs in long‐term use, caution in initiating BZD prescriptions is recommended, particularly when patients are chronically ill and old, as those are most likely to display inappropriate use.