bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploration and exploitation across three resource classes
Authors: Aspara Jaakko , Tikkanen Henrikki , Pöntiskoski Erik , Järvensivu Paavo 
Published: March 2011

PurposeLong‐run corporate success requires engagement in two types of innovative activities: exploitation and exploration. However, earlier research has focused on exploration and exploitation concerning a firm's technologies. The purpose of the present article is to explicitly examine exploration and exploitation related to customers and markets.Design/methodology/approachThe article is conceptual in nature, based on marketing, strategic management, and organization literatures.FindingsThe article explains the logic of exploration‐exploitation with respect to two market‐related resource classes – the firm's knowledge of markets and customers (market/customer intelligence) and market actors' knowledge of and bonds to the firm (brands/bonds) – as viewed in combination with the resource class of technologies, processes, and products (technologies/processes). The distinction of these three resource classes enables a three‐dimensional conceptualization of the ideal types of a firm's business development projects, which are seen as combinations of exploration and exploitation of resources across the three classes. The article also introduces the notions of multidimensionality of exploration‐exploitation within the resource classes and relativity of resource newness.Originality/valueThe article explicates how firms can orient their exploration and exploitation strategies not only on the technology dimension but also on the dimensions of market/customer intelligence and brands/bonds.
The role of corporate culture in relationship marketing
Authors: Iglesias Oriol , Sauquet Alfons , Montaña Jordi 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe role of corporate culture in relationship marketing is significantly under‐researched, although there is evident consensus in the literature about the importance of this topic. The purpose of this paper is to present a model for the corporate culture of a relationship‐marketing‐oriented company.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative methodology involving 58 in‐depth interviews that were analysed and interpreted from a grounded theory standpoint was adopted in order to build a conceptual model.FindingsThe two key shared values required to successfully put relationship marketing into effect are client orientation and a high degree of concern for employees. Furthermore, another six shared values (trust, commitment, teamwork, innovation, flexibility, and results orientation) also seem to facilitate the development of a relationship marketing orientation.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the research methodology is qualitative and does not allow statistical generalisation, the study provides valuable insights into the role of corporate culture in relationship marketing.Practical implicationsThe paper offers a guide to the values that should be developed in order to be able to put a relationship marketing orientation successfully into effect.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a model for the corporate culture of a relationship‐ marketing‐oriented company.
Relationships in fast moving consumer goods markets
Authors: Leahy Rose 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to explore relationship marketing and the existence of relationships in mass consumer markets from the consumers' perspective, with the focus on the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.Design/methodology/approachTen focus groups were conducted with consumers from a broad range of demographic and socio‐economic backgrounds to enable in‐depth exploration of the research issue.FindingsThe study highlights the dominant negative attitudes that exist among consumers to relationship marketing as it is operationalised in FMCG markets. It is found that from the consumers' perspective relationships do not and cannot exist in these markets and that the nature of exchange in such markets is not relationship based. Consequently, the research concludes that there is a necessity to move away from relationship rhetoric in FMCG markets, and to explore the true nature of exchange in the quest for effective marketing strategies. The research also suggests that further research on relationship marketing should focus on situations where relationships do and can exist and consequently the boundaries of relationship marketing should be limited to only these situations.Originality/valueBy offering the consumer perspective on relationships and relationship marketing this study broadens understanding of the phenomenon and makes an important contribution to the relationship marketing debate.
What is HRD? A definitional review and synthesis of the HRD domain
Authors: Hamlin Bob , Stewart Jim 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to present the findings of a definitional review and comparative study of HRD definitions. It also reports the results of comparing and contrasting a synthesis of the “intended purposes” and “processes” constituting these definitions against various definitions and conceptualisations of organisational development (OD) and coaching.Design/methodology/approachA targeted literature review was conducted to identify and collate a comprehensive range of HRD, OD, and coaching definitions/conceptualisations. These were then subjected to forms of content and thematic analysis in search of similarities and differences.FindingsThe literature review has revealed many “contradictions”, “confusions” and “controversies” concerning the identity of HRD. Results from the definitional review suggest two or more of four synthesised “core purposes” of HRD are embedded explicitly or implicitly within the respective HRD definitions examined. Furthermore, these HRD “core purposes” and “processes” are virtually the same as those associated with OD and coachingResearch limitations/implicationsThe definitions used in the study were limited to those that define HRD practice at the individual, group and organisational level, and are based on conventional and predominantly western conceptualisations. A challenge and dilemma arising from our findings bring into question the notion of HRD, OD, and coaching as unique and distinct fields of study and practice. Rather, the evidence implies there may be a compelling logic for these three fields to converge into a unified disciplinary domain concerned with “people and organisation development”.Originality/valueThe paper is particularly relevant for scholars interested in HRD theorising and/or developing HRD theories on the basis of empirical evidence. This is because they need to know whether the foci of their studies lie inside or outside the boundaries between HRD and other related domains. It may also be of interest to practitioners who wish to identify themselves as HRD professionals, as opposed to OD or coaching professionals.
What is theory?
Authors: Stewart Jim , Harte Victoria , Sambrook Sally 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to examine the meaning and value of the notion of theory as a basis for other papers in the special issue which examine facets of theorising HRD.Design/methodology/approachA small scale and targeted literature review was conducted which focused on writings in the philosophy and sociology of science in order to review the current status of knowledge and debate on the concept.FindingsThe literature review revealed problems with the traditional but still conventional understanding of the concept. These are best illustrated by critiques of “scienticism” which apply in both the natural and social sciences. There are clear and significant problems with simplistic formulations of “theory” as a concept which limit the potential value of applying the term in academic enquiry and which also limit what might be thought possible for theorising HRD.Research limitations/implicationsA number of implications for theorising and so researching HRD are identified. These include a need to locate such theorising in declared and clearly articulated as opposed to assumed positions and to be aware of the paradigmatic principles informing both research and theorising in HRD.Originality/valueThe article has value primarily in relation to setting the scene for the other papers in the special edition and in delineating the aspirations and possibilities of future HRD theorising and research. It suggests a need for working towards achievable outcomes within a context of rejecting the grand ambitions and aspirations of scienticism. While not directly addressed in this article the other papers make clear that such aspirations and ambitions have been characteristic of previous and current HRD theorising.
Theorising and practitioners in HRD: the role of abductive reasoning
Authors: Gold Jeff , Walton John , Cureton Peter , Anderson Lisa 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that abductive reasoning is a typical but usually unrecognised process used by HRD scholars and practitioners alike.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper that explores recent criticism of traditional views of theory‐building, based on the privileging of scientific theorising, which has led to a relevance gap between scholars and practitioners. The work of Charles Sanders Peirce and the varieties of an abductive reasoning process are considered.FindingsAbductive reasoning, which precedes induction and deduction, provide a potential connection with HRD practitioners who face difficult problems. Two types of abductive reasoning are explored – existential and analogic. Both offer possibilities for theorising with HRD practitioners. A range of methods for allowing abduction to become more evident with practitioners are presented. The authors consider how abduction can be used in engaged and participative research strategies.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this is a conceptual paper, it does suggest implications for engagement and participation in theorising with HRD practitioners.Practical implicationsAbductive reasoning adds to the repertoire of HRD scholars and practitioners.Originality/valueThe paper elucidates the value of abductive reasoning and points to how it can become an integral element of theory building in HRD.
Spanning the HRD academic‐practitioner divide: bridging the gap through mode 2 research
Authors: Gray David E. , Iles Paul , Watson Sandra 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis article aims to explore dimensions and tensions in the relationship between theory (usually produced by academics) and practice (the domain, normally of practitioners) in human resource development (HRD).Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines, from a conceptual perspective, the nature of mode 2 research, where knowledge is generated in the context of multi‐stakeholder teams (academics and practitioners) that transcend the boundaries of traditional disciplines, working on problems to be found in working life.FindingsMode 2 research has been seen in dichotomous terms of theory versus practice, referred to in various ways such as: the research‐practice gap; the implementation gap; the research‐practice divide; and the theory‐practice void. This gap is also typified by mode 1 research, an approach which adopts the principles of “normal science” and which generates results, the main beneficiaries of which are the academic community. The authors forward mode 2 research as an approach that requires both academic rigour and practical relevance. The article presents and critically evaluates a number of examples of academic‐practitioner partnerships in action in order to highlight both the potential and the challenges for the development of mode 2 research. It also recommends strategies for the advancement of mode 2 research, including getting academics to attune themselves more closely with the needs of practitioners, encouraging academics to write for practitioner journals, and the use of the kinds of research methodologies that can generate richer stories and cases that resonate with practitioner interests. Practitioners, however, need research that has a practical focus and which can be applied immediately.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a conceptual paper that draws on secondary examples to support the authors' contentions, making it appropriate to gain further background information on bridging the gap between theory and practice.Practical implicationsThe paper critically evaluates a number of examples of academic‐practitioner partnerships in action.Originality/valueThis paper provides an in‐depth analysis of the challenges of undertaking effective and robust practice‐based research, through articulating philosophical differences in research approaches and discussing tensions between academic and practitioner needs.
A discourse approach to theorising HRD: opening a discursive space
Authors: Lawless Aileen , Sambrook Sally , Garavan Tom , Valentin Claire 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss how a discourse approach to theorising human resource development (HRD) can open a “discursive space” to challenge dominant discourses within the field; enabling a more critical discourse to emerge.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses two approaches to discourse analysis, a “practice” and a “critical” approach, and illuminates how both approaches can contribute to theorising HRD.FindingsThe notion of what constitutes HRD is being constantly renegotiated both in theory and in practice. While contemporary HRD discourses are many and there is fluidity in the field a dominant discourse can be identified. The authors argue that a focus on the discourses which construct and constitute HRD need to consider both the “practice” and “the order of discourse” enabling the emergence of alternative discourses within the field.Research limitations/implicationsDue to word restrictions an empirical example has not been included. However, future work will address this limitation.Practical implicationsThe two approaches to discourse analysis discussed provide a useful framework; enabling an analysis of the dominant and competing discourses within the field of HRD.Originality/valueDiscourse analysis is rarely discussed in business settings despite the evidence that applied discourse analysis focuses on questions that are of relevance to the field. This paper contributes to a perceived gap and demonstrates how discourse analysis can contribute to researching alternative notions of HRD in order to encourage a variety of conceptual developments.
Theorising critical HRD: a paradox of intricacy and discrepancy
Authors: Trehan Kiran , Rigg Clare 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to advance theoretical understanding of the concept of “critical human resource development”.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper.FindingsForegrounding questions of power, emotions and political dynamics within the analysis of organisational learning and development activity, critical approaches in HRD pay particular attention to the importance of context, interests and patterns of inter‐relationships amongst organisation stakeholders. It is notable that much of the work in this area operates on a theoretical plane, and is often light on practical guidance or recognition of the distinctive contexts of HRD practice, compared to other areas of critical learning.Research limitations/implicationsEmpirical investigations that have systematically applied critical approaches to HRD are in short supply, and their potential to enrich HRD practice has rarely been explored. This paper contributes to addressing these gaps.Originality/valueFirstly, it elucidates the concept of critical HRD through illuminating the diversity of theoretical perspectives; secondly, it demonstrate some of the intricacies and discrepancies within current theorising on critical HRD; thirdly, it raises questions for the practical significance of tools and insights informed by critical HRD.
Management control system support of initiatives for disruptive students
Authors: Scott Colin 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to investigate the management control system (MCS) support of school initiatives to develop the school climate and to re‐engage disruptive students.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts an approach of critical action research interviews with management and document reviews informed by Habermasian concepts to investigate practical concerns of schools with a complex problem and which add to the body of knowledge.FindingsUsing Habermas's discourse ethics distinction between the pragmatic, ethical and moral it was observed that both schools had gone beyond pragmatically informed strategic initiatives to include more rational problem solving responses: one school is more ethical the other more moral. Both schools' MCS are better explained by Otley's categorisation based on three concerns of MCS, the transactional, the strategic and stakeholder aspirations. Both schools' MCS displayed a stakeholder concern.Research limitations/implicationsAs only two schools where investigated the generalised conclusions need to be considered cautiously.Practical implicationsSchools should be supported to take initiatives to develop a supportive school climate and improve the rationality and justice of their practices. In schools, MCS cannot just be developed from strategic considerations.Originality/valueThe paper uses Habermasian social philosophy to illuminate MCS support in schools of their response to a complex problem.
The components and determinants of preschool teacher organisational citizenship behaviour
Authors: Oplatka Izhar , Stundi Masada 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the components and determinants of preschool teacher organisational citizenship behaviours (OCB), i.e. role behaviours that are discretionary, unrewarded and beyond formal‐role expectations.Design/methodology/approachA total of 12 Israeli kindergarten teachers and four supervisors participated in semi‐structured interviews during 2008‐2009.FindingsIt was found that preschool teacher OCB appears in professional (e.g. instructional innovations, diverse teaching methods, helping colleagues) and in inter‐personal (e.g. the children, the parents, the local community) arenas. Likewise, both personal and organisational determinants may account for the occurrence of this behaviour in preschool teaching.Research limitations/implicationsIt is recommended that education districts and superintendents facilitate preschool teacher OCB by promoting greater job autonomy for kindergarten teachers and forms of participative leadership among their supervisors.Originality/valueUnderstanding preschool teacher OCB may fill in gaps in the theoretical knowledge about the nature of OCB among a group of employees that tends to work at small educational settings and has a limited scope of interactions with co‐workers and superiors.
Student life balance: myth or reality?
Authors: Doble Niharika , Supriya M.V. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeStudent life stress, student family conflict and student life balance are issues that are scarcely researched. This paper aims to develop a scale for assessing the concept of student life balance.Design/methodology/approachThe study evaluated a 54‐item scale for assessing the construct. The data are obtained from 612 Indian students.FindingsThe study identified 15 key factors that students perceive to affect student life balance. These factors could account for 64.48 per cent of the observed variance. This research adds to the understanding of the interface between academics and other roles.Social implicationsThe implications for academic administrators who are concerned with the holistic growth of students are discussed.Originality/valueThis study makes a modest attempt to develop an instrument to understand sources of imbalance in student life. The instrument is valid and reliable and can be used to determine student life balance perceptions among students enrolled in academic institutions.
Effects of vice‐principals' psychological empowerment on job satisfaction and burnout
Authors: Schermuly Carsten C. , Schermuly René A. , Meyer Bertolt 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the relationship between psychological empowerment, job satisfaction, and burnout among vice‐principals (VPs) in primary schools.Design/methodology/approachA total of 103 VPs at 103 different primary schools in Germany were surveyed with a questionnaire that assessed the four dimensions of psychological empowerment (competence, meaning, self‐determination, and impact), emotional exhaustion, and job satisfaction. Participants also reported demographic data, including days absent from work over the past year. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsRegarding the consequences of empowerment, SEM revealed a strong indirect relationship with emotional exhaustion via job satisfaction. The direct relationship between empowerment and emotional exhaustion did not reach statistical significance. Of the dimensions of empowerment, competence and meaning were the strongest predictors of the outcomes. Emotional exhaustion and days absent from work were positively related.Practical implicationsJob related burnout can cause serious consequences for the individual and the school, because VPs have a central role in the functioning of primary schools. Since the empowerment dimensions competence and meaning have the strongest influence, measures should be implemented to foster them. Because job satisfaction is highly related to emotional exhaustion, it could serve as an early alert system. For this reason, VPs should be surveyed at regular intervals regarding their job satisfaction.Originality/valueThe study is the first that examines the relationship between psychological empowerment, satisfaction, and burnout among VPs in schools.
Chinese students' satisfaction of the study abroad experience
Authors: Wang Qinggang , Taplin Ross , Brown Alistair M. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeBuilding upon McLeod and Wainwright's paradigm for rigorous scientific assessment of study abroad programs, this paper aims to use social learning theory to assess mainland Chinese students' satisfaction of the Chinese Curtin Student Accounting Academic Programme.Design/methodology/approachA sample of mainland Chinese students enrolled in Curtin units were invited to complete a short survey on their perspectives of the study abroad programme.FindingsThe author's results suggest that preparation for study in Australia, in addition to differences between Australia and China concerning culture and technical teaching, is essential for a mainland Chinese student to flourish in the programme.Research limitations/implicationsMcLeod and Wainwright's social learning theory proposes that behaviour is predicted by the expectancy that if a person behaves in a certain way that person will be rewarded by the extent that the person values the reward. The expectancy which is linked to a local of control is reflected in the mainland Chinese students' preparation of studies in China.Social implicationsMainland Chinese students who feel they are better prepared for study in Australia showed higher satisfaction. Preparation is, therefore, an important factor in getting satisfaction out of the study abroad programme.Originality/valueThe paper offers some helpful practical implications for managers and administrators wanting to continue the study abroad programmes. There is a clear need to convey to prospective students the need for sound preparation when students consider taking on a study abroad programme.