bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organic food consumers: what do we really know about them?
Authors: Dimitri Carolyn , Dettmann Rachael L. 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe organic trade literature in the USA makes strong claims about the relationship between income, ethnicity, and other factors and the likelihood of purchasing organic food products. However, previous economic research focusing on the socio‐economic characteristics of organic food consumers yields mixed findings. One explanation for the literature's inconsistent findings is that most studies rely on one specific product or one region of the country, or base their analysis on data collected from in‐store surveys. Another shortcoming in the existing literature is the failure to account for how access to organic food influences the likelihood of buying organic food. This paper's goal is to identify what is known, as well as what is not known, about consumers of organic food.Design/methodology/approachThe paper extends the literature through the combination of a novel approach and unique dataset of US consumers, and addresses the relationship between demographic traits and the likelihood of buying organic food. The dataset consists of primary data recording all purchases of food as well as household demographic data, such as income, education, gender, and ethnicity, over a one‐year period for 44,000 households. The study uses different discrete choice models and multiple product categories to explore the likelihood of buying organic food from many angles, in order to assess the robustness of the statistical relationship between income, education, ethnicity, and other factors on the likelihood of buying organic food, as well as the frequency of buying organic food.FindingsThe results indicate that education has a strong effect on the likelihood of buying organic products, and that the impact of marital status, income, and access to organic are consistent across models. The findings also suggest that further research on the links between ethnicity and consumption of organic food is necessary.Research limitations/implicationsOne possible drawback to this dataset is that older, urban households are overrepresented, in comparison to the entire USA.Practical implicationsThese findings will appeal to those interested in consumer behavior in addition to those interested in organic food consumption, from both the research and trade perspectives. The research indicates that access to organic food is an important determinant of the likelihood of a household buying organic food, the industry in the USA can expand sales by increasing consumer access to organic food.Originality/valueThis paper's unique contribution is the exploration of the robustness of the impact of different factors on the likelihood of buying organic food. The inclusion of access to organic food is also new to the literature, and as expected, households with greater access to organic food are more likely to purchase organic food.
Is social responsibility driven by industry or firm‐specific factors?
Authors: Moura‐Leite Rosamaria C. , Padgett Robert C. , Galan Jose I. 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThis study aims to revisit the relative importance of industry and firm level effects on corporate social responsibility (CSR), with the objective of clarifying their diverse effects on CSR.Design/methodology/approachThe authors suggest that CSR is a shared strategic asset based on insights from the industrial organization and institutional schools, taking into account that there are determinants of CSR that may be operating inside the corporation according to the resource‐based view. They employ a variance components method and a sample compiled of 495 US firms from 19 industries using five‐year periods.FindingsThe study indicates that firms retain considerable self‐determinism regarding their CSR trajectories, but the latter also represent a shared strategic asset. Thus, these results combined imply that CSR needs to be examined on both levels simultaneously.Practical implicationsThe results of this study can provide non‐governmental organizations and governmental and regulatory institutions with an indicator that explains the performance variation levels of each dimension of CSR, and can help improve tools designed to promote it. Furthermore, the authors' research provides managers with evidence of CSR variability among CSR dimensions that could help in strategic decision‐making. In addition this research can provide assistance and give perspective regarding selection criteria for investment portfolios in responsible investment funds.Originality/valueThe industry effect is an important factor to consider in CSR intensity. The variation in firm and industry effects on CSR strategies has not been extensively studied; hence, explaining the sources of performance differences regarding industry and firm factors is a key theoretical and empirical issue in the field of management.
Perception of entrepreneurial opportunity: a general framework
Authors: Renko Maija , Shrader Rodney C. , Simon Mark 
Published: July 2012

PurposePrevious research has predominantly approached the concept of entrepreneurial opportunities from either one of two perspectives: opportunities exist as objective phenomena in the environment waiting to be discovered by alert entrepreneurs, or opportunities are subjectively perceived and even created by individual entrepreneurs. This paper aims to put forward a framework of opportunity perception which demonstrates that all entrepreneurial opportunities possess both objective and subjective qualities, thus helping reconcile both perspectives.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework is developed, based on previous literature and insights from entrepreneurship, economics, psychology and related disciplines.FindingsVarious perspectives presented in previous research can be combined into a coherent framework that summarizes the components of entrepreneurial opportunity perception. Testable propositions are provided for future research.Originality/valueThe authors show that elements of both subjective perception and objective market conditions contribute to recognized entrepreneurial opportunities. Also, they show that while the perception and pursuit of opportunity is fundamentally idiosyncratic to each entrepreneur, the success of an entrepreneurial endeavor is constrained by the objective conditions of opportunity.
Characterizing disagreement and inconsistency in experts' judgments in the analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Lin Shi‐Woei , Lu Ming‐Tsang 
Published: July 2012

PurposeMethods and techniques of aggregating preferences or priorities in the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) usually ignore variation or dispersion among experts and are vulnerable to extreme values (generated by particular viewpoints or experts trying to distort the final ranking). The purpose of this paper is to propose a modelling approach and a graphical representation to characterize inconsistency and disagreement in the group decision making in the AHP.Design/methodology/approachThe authors apply a regression approach for estimating the decision weights of the AHP using linear mixed models (LMM). They also test the linear mixed model and the multi‐dimensional scaling graphical display using a case of strategic performance management in education.FindingsIn addition to determining the weight vectors, this model also allows the authors to decompose the variation or uncertainty in experts' judgment. Well‐known statistical theories can estimate and rigorously test disagreement among experts, the residual uncertainty due to rounding errors in AHP scale, and the inconsistency within individual experts' judgments. Other than characterizing different sources of uncertainty, this model allows the authors to rigorously test other factors that might significantly affect weight assessments.Originality/valueThis study provides a model to better characterize different sources of uncertainty. This approach can improve decision quality by allowing analysts to view the aggregated judgments in a proper context and pinpoint the uncertain component that significantly affects decisions.
Delphi method applied to horticultural cooperatives
Authors: Campos‐Climent Vanessa , Apetrei Andreea , Chaves‐Ávila Rafael 
Published: July 2012

PurposeAgricultural cooperatives have been able to become a strong and consolidated organizational form, although the new challenges of globalization and trade liberalization require changes in the strategic approach. The requirements of the distribution companies, consumers and government about the concentration of demand, traceability, food safety and respect for the environment had led to a thorough reorganization of agricultural food systems. So it is necessary to undertake a strategic review of horticultural cooperatives in order to conduct a strategic assessment and hence identify the strategic actions to be followed in the coming years. This paper seeks to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study has been carried out during the first half of 2011 consisting in the application of the Delphi method and sending a questionnaire to experts whose purpose was to gain a view of the strategic situation of horticultural cooperatives in Spain. The Delphi method is a projection technique of the qualitative and subjective type which is appropriate for studies where there is little information on the subject to be analysed, and also for exploratory studies, as it is the case study of examining the role of agricultural cooperatives in coming out of the crisis of Mediterranean agriculture.FindingsThe performed Delphi analysis revealed that Mediterranean agriculture suffers from a severe crisis for which the solutions are hard to find, although the existence of the agricultural cooperatives and certain specific forms of performance and financing can partly improve the described situation. The application of the SWOT analysis based on the opinions of the experts provided sufficient detailed insights of the actual situation of the cooperatives. Thus, from the Delphi SWOT applied to Mediterranean agriculture and agricultural cooperatives, the authors can make some important assessments which are included in their paper.Originality/valueIt is a forward‐looking analysis that tries to give measures to the sector, but measures that come from the sector, in order to face the Mediterranean agriculture crisis.
Do microblog postings influence consumer perceptions of retailers' e‐servicescapes?
Authors: Tran Gina A. , Strutton David , Taylor David G. 
Published: July 2012

PurposeConsumers are increasingly connected to each other through electronic devices. Consequently, the potential for online retailer (hereafter, e‐tailer) initiated communications delivered through electronic media to inspire viral‐like e‐WOM processes among consumers is also expanding. Microblog postings and e‐mails may impact consumers' perceptions of retail web sites (e‐servicescape). These perceptions may trigger other outcomes (i.e. greater trust, patronage, or e‐WOM) that redound to e‐tailers' interests. The first purpose of this paper is to expand online e‐tailers' (e‐tailers') understanding of how and whether microblog postings affect consumers' e‐servicescape perceptions. The second purpose is to investigate how and whether e‐servicescape perceptions influence consumers' trust in e‐tailers' web sites, patronage of e‐tailers, and propensity to engage in e‐WOM about e‐tailers' messages.Design/methodology/approachBy integrating the e‐servicescape construct with the Network Coproduction Model of WOM theory, a model is developed. This model examines how e‐communication efforts affect consumers' perceptions of e‐servicescape, trust, e‐tail patronage and e‐WOM. Each relationship is investigated through a consumer survey.FindingsFindings suggest: microblog postings may have a negative impact on consumers' e‐servicescape perceptions; retail web site's usability, financial security, customization, and entertainment value positively affect consumers' trust; and consumers' trust positively impacts retail patronage and e‐WOM intentions.Practical implicationsPrescriptive insights for managing microblogging in ways that more favorably influence consumers' perceptions of e‐tailers' e‐servicescapes – and subsequently consumer trust in, patronage of, and e‐WOM about the retailer and its web site – are developed.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to integrate word‐of‐mouth theory with e‐servicescape to test a model examining how microblog postings affect e‐servicescape perceptions, consumer trust, consumer retail patronage, and e‐WOM intentions.
The civil society route to social cohesion
Authors: Taylor‐Gooby Peter 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the theoretical basis of the claim that social cohesion is served better by processes within civil society than by government policies. This paper also aims to provide an empirical test using recent UK data. This paper combines literatures from sociology, political science and social psychology in an innovative way.Design/methodology/approachThe approach used was analysis of a range of relevant literatures. Statistical analysis of the DCLG Citizenship Survey to examine aspects of cohesion was also undertaken.FindingsThe civil society argument has both strengths and weaknesses. Group processes and group interests in civil society may lead towards exclusion rather than inclusion. In the UK context, the civil society route to social cohesion is uncertain: the groupings that develop do not necessary promote commitments broadly across society and particularly between advantaged and disadvantaged citizens.Research limitations/implicationsThis article shows the value of social psychological as well as sociological and political science material. It identifies severe limitations as well as strengths in the kind of civil society approaches that have been promoted in recent discussion of the “Big Society”.Practical implicationsThe civil society route to social cohesion is no substitute for the welfare state.Social implicationsMoves to re‐centre social cohesion on civil society processes are unlikely to be successful.Originality/valueThe paper uses a combination of theoretical literatures from different disciplines, including social psychology. The paper uses an empirical test of the civil society thesis using up to date material.
Municipal subsidiary policy toward professional sports teams
Authors: Galily Yair , Yuval Fany , Bar‐Eli Michael 
Published: July 2012

PurposeLocal authorities around the world provide different forms and different amounts of direct and/or indirect assistance to professional sport teams, which in most cases are owned by private business entrepreneurs. Findings from various studies indicate that professional sports teams do not make a significant contribution to a city in terms of its economy, tourism or even image. The purpose of this paper is to explore and question, from a local public policy standpoint, the justification for financial assistance from the local authority to privately owned professional sports teams that provide a public service or a public good.Design/methodology/approachIn order to shed light on the process, a two‐staged study was used: an examination of the financial subsidies of ten cities in Israel, focusing in particular on Herzliya, an affluent community north of Tel Aviv. In the second stage, a representative sample of Herzliya's adult residents (18 years old and above) was surveyed with regard to the city's current policy on sports and the policy they would like to see enacted.FindingsThe findings show that both public officials and professional sports officials place subsidizing popular sports rather than professional sports higher on their priorities. The study concludes that the combination of a number of processes has brought about a democratic deficit.Originality/valueLack of transparency and the exclusion of the public in decision making processes has led to a democratic deficit in the local authorities. Once it was armed with empirical information and included in the decision making process, the public was able to reallocate the budget to meet its needs.
Socio‐cultural characteristics of physical activity habits in Israel (1992‐2008)
Authors: Galily Yair , Tamir Ilan , Meckel Yoav , Eliakim Alon 
Published: July 2012

PurposeIn spite of the fact that the health, mental, and educational benefits of physical activity are well documented, information is still lacking regarding the physical activity patterns in Israeli society. The purpose of the present study is to shed light on the changes of physical activity practices between the years 1992‐2008 and to analyze the main reasons for such changes.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted among 501 adults (ages 18‐69) representing the Jewish Hebrew‐speaking population of Israel.FindingsThe percentage of Israelis who engaged in physical activity more than doubled between 1992 and 2008. Almost 56 percent of Israelis took part in some activity on a regular basis in 2008.Originality/valueThis investigation of some of these factors uncovers a cultural transformation as well as demographic, global, and cognitive processes, all of which affected and reflected upon physical activity in Israeli society during that period.
Determinants of cross‐buying intentions in banking services in collectivistic culture
Authors: Hong Jung‐Kee , Lee You‐il 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to be the first to explicate the determinants of customers’ cross‐buying intentions in the banking services of Korea and Taiwan, and then explore the influence of cross‐cultural values, such as “Collectivism”, to the relationships between these determinants and customers’ cross‐buying intentions.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employed a triangulation approach of structured surveys to 700 actual customers, and six interviews with professional senior managers engaged in customers’ cross‐buying activities of banking services in two countries – Korea and Taiwan. Confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchal multiple regression were conducted on these data using AMOS 10.1 and SPSS 12.0.Findings“Perceived value”, “Trust”, “Image”, and “Satisfaction” were found to be the determinants of customers’ cross‐buying intentions in the banking services of Korea and Taiwan, out of which “Trust” and “Satisfaction” were significantly influenced by “Collectivism”. The research also confirms that, even between countries with similar level of “Collectivism”, its influence can differ according to the determinants of cross‐buying intentions in banking services.Originality/valueThe conceptual model presented in this paper could be extended and tested on customers in an “Individualistic” culture, in future research. The analysis in the research could also be further elaborated for specific segments of customers.
Methods of improving the physical spaces of banking establishments
Authors: Reinares Pedro , Garcia Luis 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address physical space management in customer service establishments and recognise the importance for such establishments to consider the experiences of customers in these spaces. For this purpose, the authors suggest constructs that enable service companies to focus appropriately on clients and to create and manage the experiences of customers in these facilities.Design/methodology/approachThe data for the analysis were gathered using a purpose‐designed structured questionnaire that was administered by computer‐assisted telephone interviewing (CATI). Quotas were established to ensure a reliable and accurate representation of the general Spanish population with current accounts at a retail branch of any bank. The data collected included 1,600 valid responses.FindingsChanges in the physical spaces of banking establishments must be determined by “how such establishments want to be perceived” by customers. This research indicates that current management is inadequate, as evidenced by the resoundingly negative customer evaluations. Consequently, banking establishments must be redesigned to ensure that clients are placed at the centre of such spaces.Practical implicationsThe authors’ practical recommendation is that banks should introduce changes to the environmental and physical components of their facilities to generate a more positive response from their customers.Originality/valueThe categorisation of the physical customer service space described in this paper will enable such spaces to be used to facilitate positive consumer experiences, to assist companies in achieving an improved client‐oriented atmosphere.
Determinants of internal governance quality: evidence from Sweden
Authors: Franck Peter , Sundgren Stefan 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess whether ownership concentration, leverage and demand for equity financing is associated with internal corporate governance quality. The paper focuses on dimensions of governance quality that are related to financial reporting quality.Design/methodology/approachThe authors measure internal governance quality by an indicator variable that takes on higher values depending on whether a company has an audit committee, has a sufficient number of audit committee meetings during the year, has financial expertise on the audit committee, has an internal auditing function, a risk management function, a code of conduct and whistle blower provisions in the code of conduct. The sample consists of 91 Swedish listed companies of which 39 companies had to follow the Swedish Corporate Governance Code. The development of hypotheses is based on agency theory. Ordered logistic regressions are used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe paper finds a strong negative association between leverage and the internal governance quality score for companies that do not have to follow the Corporate Governance Code. The paper also finds a positive association between the governance quality score and dispersed ownership among companies that have to follow the code.Research limitations/implicationsThe negative association between leverage and governance quality is opposite to the typical agency theory prediction. A number of other studies have also documented negative or insignificant associations with leverage in related settings. The research suggests there is a demand to develop theories related to leverage and the implementation of governance characteristics beyond the typical agency theory based predictions.Practical implicationsThe results raise the question whether lenders more actively directly or indirectly should influence the governance quality of borrowers.Originality/valueBased on the conjecture that governance quality increases with the number of governance elements, the paper studies a governance score that is built up by several elements of good corporate governance. Furthermore, the authors study a setting dominated by voluntary choices of governance quality, which makes it possible to study supply effects.