bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between individual values and psychological contracts
Authors: Cohen Aaron 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine whether individual values are related to perceptions of psychological contracts and psychological contract breach when justice perceptions are taken into account.Design/methodology/approachThe study sample comprised staff employees of one of the largest banks in Israel. The sample included 311 employees in the head office of this bank. Data were collected from the employees over a period of about three months.FindingsThe findings show a modest relationship between individual values and perceptions of a relational type of psychological contract. The findings show weaker relationships between the values, perceived transactional‐type contracts, and perceptions of contract breach.Research limitations/implicationsThe study relied upon a cross‐sectional design. Such a design consists of a single observation with no control groups, and so cannot be used to draw conclusions about causal relationships between the variables. In addition, the study examined only one professional group in one culture.Practical implicationsThe significant relationship between conservation and self‐transcendence values and perceptions of relational‐type contracts suggests that organizations should take this into account when making hiring and human resource (HR) management decisions.Originality/valueFew studies have examined how individual values relate to the type of psychological contract individuals perceive themselves involved in, or the way they perceive contract breach. Examining individual‐level values helps to elucidate the attitudes and behaviors of employees in the workplace.
Affiliation motivation and interest in entrepreneurial careers
Authors: Decker Wayne H. , Calo Thomas J. , Weer Christy H. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe goal of this paper is to better understand affiliation motivation patterns among students interested in pursuing entrepreneurial/self‐employment careers as compared to students less interested in pursuing entrepreneurial careers.Design/methodology/approachThe study sample included 424 college students enrolled in upper‐division business courses in a public institution in the Mid‐Atlantic region of the USA. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the effects of four dimensions of affiliation motivation on entrepreneurial aspirations.FindingsInterest in entrepreneurial careers was negatively associated with the need for emotional support and positively associated with the need for positive stimulation from other persons. Therefore, persons with entrepreneurial interests enjoy interacting with other people, but they are not emotionally dependent upon them. Neither the need for social comparison nor the need for attention varied as a function of entrepreneurial aspirations.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should distinguish among persons seeking different types of entrepreneurial and self‐employment opportunities, as well as compare business students both to students studying fields other than business and persons established in careers.Practical implicationsKnowledge of persons' affiliation motivation patterns may contribute to effective career counseling and career development.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to greater understanding of the distinguishing characteristics of persons aspiring to be entrepreneurs by assessing four subcategories of affiliation motivation rather than treating it as a one‐dimensional concept.
Synthesis and characterisation of precipitated CuO · SiO2 oxide composites
Authors: Modrzejewska‐Sikorska Anna , Ciesielczyk Filip , Jesionowski Teofil 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a new method of synthesis of CuO · SiO2 oxide composite based on the reaction of precipitation from water solutions of sodium silicate and copper nitrate.Design/methodology/approachSolutions of sodium silicate and copper nitrate were used as substrates. The effects of direction of substrate supply, concentration, excess of reagents and temperature of precipitation on the physicochemical properties of the products were analysed.FindingsA new method of synthesis of CuO · SiO2 oxide composite based on a precipitation reaction is proposed.Research limitations/implicationsOnly sodium silicate and copper nitrate solutions were used.Practical implicationsThe CuO · SiO2 oxide composite obtained can be used as blue pigment or polymer filler.Originality/valueThe paper determines optimum conditions of CuO · SiO2 oxide composite precipitation to obtain products with desired physicochemical, dispersive and structural properties.
PMMA‐co‐PHFBA‐co‐PHPA acrylic fluoropolymers via an ab initio emulsion atom transfer radical polymerisation with activators regenerated by electron transfer
Authors: Zheng S. , Xiong B. , Xiong Y. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to synthesise the tercopolymer PMMA‐co‐PHFBA‐co‐PHPA in an ab initio emulsion through activators regenerated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerisation in the absence of F‐containing surfactant and organic assistants.Design/methodology/approachTo produce the tercopolymer of methyl methacrylate, hexafluorobutyl acrylate, and 2‐hydrothyl propyl acrylate with a precise macromolecular composition and structure, water used as the dispersion medium, Tween‐80 and SDS as emulsifiers, soluble ascorbic acid as the reducing agent and benzyl bromide as the initiator. The catalyst was CuBr2/O‐phenanthroline complex. The molecular structure of the polymer was characterised by FT‐IR, Raman, and 1H‐NMR. Molecular weight and molecular weight distributions were measured by gel permeation chromatography.FindingsThe polymer molecular composition and structure are controllable during polymerisation as defined without nitrogen protection. However, the average molecular weight of the polymer deviates from the theoretical value when the monomer fractional conversion reaches 90 percent. The molecular weight distribution of the polymer (PDI=1.4) is much broader than those done in bulk or solution polymerisation.Originality/valueIntegrating ab initio emulsion with activators regenerated by electron transfer via atom transfer radical polymerisation (ARGET‐ATRP) technologies could be a significant method for producing functional acrylic‐fluoropolymer with defined macromolecular composition and structure, even in the absence of F‐containing surfactant and organic assistants, both of which are necessary in the normal case.
Frankfurt Book Fair 2011 – a sampling of panel discussions and lectures
Authors: Hrubes Stephen 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis article is a conference report of the Frankfurt Book Fair, compiled so that those not in attendance can read about some of the structured discussions that were programmed.Design/methodology/approachThe author attended lectures and discussions and took notes.FindingsThere are many technological changes on the horizon for the publishing industry, which in turn will affect how readers and researchers will access information.Originality/valueIf you couldn't attend the Frankfurt Book Fair, this conference report will allow you to read about some of the opinions on technology expressed by leaders in the publishing industry.
Sensory cues and shoppers' touching behaviour: the case of IKEA
Authors: Hultén Bertil 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe presented research aims to depict shoppers' touching behaviour in relation to the introduction of visual and olfactory sensory cues at point‐of‐purchase in a retail setting. In the field of retailing research, there is a paucity of knowledge on how visual and olfactory sensory cues impact on consumers' touch behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThe author presents a review of theoretically relevant work from retailing and consumer psychology, and an original study examining the impact of visual and olfactory sensory cues on consumer touch behaviour. The study was a field experiment in the glass department of the Swedish retailer IKEA. The design was quasi‐experimental with a convenience sample of shoppers assigned to a control group (n=451) and an experimental group (n=435).FindingsIn the reported study, the author finds significant differences between shoppers' touching behaviour in a manipulated point‐of‐purchase compared to a conventional one. The findings show that visual and olfactory sensory cues have a positive impact on shoppers' touching behaviour, purchase intentions and total sale.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings demonstrate that sensory cues exert a positive impact on consumers' desire to touch. Sensory cues frame consumers' affective responses and decision making through involving the sense of touch.Practical implicationsThe findings provide guidelines for managers of retail and service outlets, concerning the benefits of sensory cues in enhancing shoppers' touching behaviour at point‐of‐purchase.Originality/valueThe research demonstrates that the introduction of visual and olfactory sensory cues impact consumers' touch behaviour at point‐of‐purchase in a retail setting.
Bridging the gap between brand strategy and customer experience
Authors: Clatworthy Simon 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the development and evaluation of a process model to transform brand strategy into service experiences during the front end of new service development (NSD). This is an important yet poorly understood transformation that occurs early in service development projects. The paper also aims to describe the theoretical basis for this transformation, and introduces a process model that has been developed to understand and assist with this. Further, it seeks to describe early evaluation results and reflections upon its use.Design/methodology/approachA research through design approach using participatory co‐design led to the development of the new process. The development was iterative and carried out together with three service providers. The process model was evaluated using a combination of qualitative methods, including interviews, observation and participatory observation.FindingsThis work underlines the importance of aligning the customer experience to the company brand and suggests how this can be achieved. A key element in this is the development of a service personality and consideration of service touch‐point behaviours through a combination of analytical work and experience prototyping. The suggested process model has received positive evaluation when used in commercial projects, in terms of brand congruence, project team cohesiveness and experiential result. The work advocates tighter integration between brand management and NSD, and has identified multiple issues regarding the content of a service brand strategy. These include the ways in which a brand department should communicate its brand strategy, and how it should be involved in NSD projects to ensure brand alignment.Research limitations/implicationsThe evaluation of the model has limitations, both in terms of number of cases and downstream/long term effects. This should therefore be considered an initial evaluation of the model, requiring further verification.Practical implicationsThe paper describes a structured three‐stage experience‐centric process that improves brand alignment in projects. Further, the work shows that brand specifications for services should increasingly focus upon desired customer experiences, service touch‐points and touch‐point behaviours rather than the current focus upon visual identity.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to suggest a process that transforms a brand strategy into customer experiences during NSD. It also adds original insights into the transition from brand to concept, bridging branding, service design and NSD.
Determinants and consequences of consumer satisfaction with self‐service technology in a retail setting
Authors: Chih‐Hung Wang Michael 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the antecedents and consequences of consumer satisfaction with the use of self‐service technology (SST) in a retail setting.Design/methodology/approachIn cooperation with a survey firm, a total of 424 respondents were collected from among consumers who had experience of using multimedia kiosks at convenience stores in Taiwan. The conceptual model was tested by using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results show that perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment both, initially, influence perceived control and convenience and then affect consumer satisfaction, which in turn has an impact on consumer continued behavior intention. In addition, perceived enjoyment is found to enhance consumer satisfaction, but perceived usefulness is not.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a conceptual model to synthesize the essence of the ECM‐IT model and two important incentives in self‐service (i.e. perceived control and convenience) in order to provide a theoretical explanation for consumer satisfaction in the self‐service context. This not only extends the ECM‐IT model, but also remedies previous self‐service literature that lacked the theoretical background in investigations of consumer satisfaction.
Employee engagement – a new paradigm
Authors: Millar Guy 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to argue that the relationship between employer and employee needs to change from independent/dependent to interdependent.Design/methodology/approachThe paper puts forward the view that most management training does not work because it does not change behavior. The paper offers a model of training to help people and organizations to evolve.FindingsThe paper describes what is missing in the employee contract – accountability on both sides. It explains what accountability means, why it is critical and how to start creating this in your organization.Practical implicationsThe paper argues that, if you want to have a successful employee‐engagement program, you have to start with employees who are engaged in their own life. Helping to grow people's self‐awareness and personal accountability is a good place to start. In this model of development, self‐awareness is defined as having a strong sense of yourself and the part you play in your world. It is the ability to respond in a positive and effective way to your environment. But the organization also has to step up and ensure all its behavior and actions are aligned with its stated values.Social implicationsThe paper contends that empowering people with these tools allows them to make more sense of their world, make better choices and to start living their best life. Business has the resources and organization to effect more than just economic growth.Originality/valueThe paper advances the view that, with big questions being raised about the integrity of our most fundamental institutions, it is imperative that people's behavior be aligned with the values the organization espouses. If our state of being is not matched by our state of doing we court disaster.
HR as business partner during mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Uday Bhaskar A. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to highlight the important role human resource (HR) plays in organizations during mergers and acquisitions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper looks at the role of HR in various organizations that have undergone mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and captures the criticality of HR getting involved early during the process.FindingsThe paper provides case studies illustrating that if HR is involved from the early stages of the M&A deal, the chances of success are higher than if HR gets involved only after the merger has taken place.Practical implicationsThe paper includes a number of case studies of successful and failed M&As and draws out the lessons for HR.Social implicationsThe paper draws out the factors that help to ensure that mergers and acquisitions are good for the companies and employees involved, as well as for society as a whole.Originality/valueThe paper looks at the process of mergers and acquisitions from a mainly Indian context.
So you want to be an interim manager in pharma
Authors: Evans Perry 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline what it takes to be a successful interim manager in today's pharmaceutical industry, based on the experiences of two people currently in the role.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains when it is and is not appropriate to employ an interim manager, and details the main advantages and disadvantages from the points of view of both the company and interim manager involved.FindingsThe paper describes the main challenges as: working across a range of time zones; traveling between countries; juggling different and demanding clients; recognizing that one has been brought in to solve a specific problem, not to become a permanent employee; guiding without interfering; managing client expectations; and coping with down‐time when the contract finishes.Practical implicationsThe paper demonstrates how interns may help companies to solve a particular problem quickly and easily.Social implicationsThe paper explains that, when companies are feeling the pinch and may have frozen their recruitment of permanent employees, interims offer immediate support and expertise but are dispensable.Originality/valueThe paper contains much to interest companies thinking of taking on an interim and individuals considering interim management as a career.
Why do some people manage phishing e‐mails better than others?
Authors: Pattinson Malcolm , Jerram Cate , Parsons Kathryn , McCormac Agata , Butavicius Marcus 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the behaviour response of computer users when either phishing e‐mails or genuine e‐mails arrive in their inbox. The paper describes how this research was conducted and presents and discusses the findings.Design/methodology/approachThis study was a scenario‐based role‐play experiment that involved the development of a web‐based questionnaire that was only accessible by invited participants when they attended a one‐hour, facilitated session in a computer laboratory.FindingsThe findings indicate that overall, genuine e‐mails were managed better than phishing e‐mails. However, informed participants managed phishing e‐mails better than not‐informed participants. Other findings show how familiarity with computers, cognitive impulsivity and personality traits affect behavioural responses to both types of e‐mail.Research limitations/implicationsThis study does not claim to evaluate actual susceptibility to phishing emails. The subjects were University students and therefore the conclusions are not necessarily representative of the general population of e‐mail users.Practical implicationsThe outcomes of this research would assist management in their endeavours to improve computer user behaviour and, as a result, help to mitigate risks to their organisational information systems.Originality/valueThe literature review indicates that this paper addresses a genuine gap in the research.
Soft skills requirements in software development jobs: a cross‐cultural empirical study
Authors: Ahmed Faheem , Fernando Capretz Luiz , Bouktif Salah , Campbell Piers 
Published: March 2012

PurposeMost of the studies carried out on human factor in software development concentrate primarily on personality traits. However, soft skills which largely help in determining personality traits have been given comparatively little attention by researchers. The purpose of this paper is to find out whether employers' soft skills requirements, as advertised in job postings, within different roles of software development, are similar across different cultures.Design/methodology/approachThe authors review the literature relating to soft skills before describing a study based on 500 job advertisements posted on well‐known recruitment sites from a range of geographical locations, including North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The study makes use of nine defined soft skills to assess the level of demand for each of these skills related to individual job roles within the software industry.FindingsIt was found that in the cases of designer, programmer and tester, substantial similarity exists for the requirements of soft skills, whereas only in the case of system analyst is dissimilarity present across different cultures. It was concluded that cultural difference does not have a major impact on the choice of soft skills requirements in hiring new employee in the case of the software development profession.Originality/valueSpecific studies concerning soft skills and software development have been sporadic and often incidental, which highlights the originality of this work. Moreover, no concrete work has been reported in the area of soft skills and their demand as a part of job requirement sets in diverse cultures, which increases the value of this paper.
Effects of e‐mail addiction and interruptions on employees
Authors: Marulanda‐Carter Laura , Jackson Thomas W. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of e‐mail interruptions on tasks and to explore the concept of e‐mail addiction within the workplace.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a large car rental company in the UK. The first collection method involved observing the effects of simulated e‐mail interruptions on seven employees by measuring the interrupt handling time, the interrupt recovery time, and the additional time required to complete the task given the number of interruptions. The second part of the study involved a questionnaire sent to 100 employees to capture addictive characteristics in employees' e‐mail communication behaviour.FindingsE‐mail interruptions have a negative time impact upon employees and show that both interrupt handling and recovery time exist. A typical task takes one third longer than undertaking a task with no e‐mail interruptions. The questionnaire data show clinical characteristics classify 12 per cent of e‐mail addicts, and behavioural characteristics classify 15 per cent of e‐mail addicts in the workplace.Research limitations/implicationsObservation was constrained by the timeframes and availability of the participating organisation. Measuring an employee receiving e‐mail interruptions over a greater time period might achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the impact.Originality/valueThe small study is the first to determine the impact of e‐mail interruptions on work tasks by observing employees, and to present a method to determine e‐mail addiction. By understanding these factors, organisations can manage workflow strategies to improve employee efficiency and effectiveness.
The effects of employee competencies and IT applications on operations strategy: an empirical study of retail firms in China
Authors: Yu Wantao , Ramanathan Ramakrishnan 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between employee competencies, information technology (IT) applications, operations strategy, and business performance.Design/methodology/approachDrawing upon the resource‐based theory, this study employs a path analytic framework to investigate how employee competencies and IT applications influence the development of competitive operations strategies and business performance for a sample of retail firms in China.FindingsThe findings indicate significant and positive relationships between employee competencies and operations strategy (e.g. low cost, quality and flexibility). IT applications also play a vital role in helping retailers pursue a flexibility strategy. The operations strategies of low cost and flexibility in turn influence business performance.Originality/valueThis study seems to be the first in investigating the impacts of employee competencies and IT applications on operations strategy and performance in the service sector, especially in the Chinese context.