bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Origins of green innovations: the differences between proactive and reactive green innovations
Authors: Chen Yu‐Shan , Chang Ching‐Hsun , Wu Feng‐Shang 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the origins of the two types of green innovations: proactive and reactive green innovations.Design/methodology/approachIn order to satisfy the essence of the triangulation in methodology, this study applies a hybrid research method which includes both qualitative and quantitative research to discuss the origins of green innovations based on the two following stages. First, the study uses inductive logic from the perspectives of case study research and grounded theory to build the research framework and selects AU Optronics Corp. (AUO), the worldwide top three manufacturer in the TFT‐LCD industry, as the research object. Second, the study utilizes a questionnaire survey method to test the research framework proposed in the first stage.FindingsThis study divides green innovations into two types: proactive and reactive green innovations, because their origins are different. The results show that both of the internal origins – environmental leadership, environmental culture, and environmental capability and the external origins – the environmental regulations and the environmentalism of investors and clients – can generate reactive green innovation. However, only the internal origins can facilitate proactive green innovation. This study suggests that companies should invest their resources in cultivating the internal origins rather than the external origins.Originality/valueThe paper provides insights into what origins cause proactive and reactive green innovations by means of hybrid research method – qualitative and quantitative research – in Taiwan. This study builds up a theory about the origins of the two types of green innovations.
Starting technologically innovative ventures: reasons, human capital, and gender
Authors: BarNir Anat 
Published: March 2012

PurposeGiven the importance of technology in competitive advantage, this paper seeks to better understand the factors associated with entrepreneurs' decision to incorporate innovative technologies in new ventures. It aims to explore three questions: “Are the reasons given for starting technologically innovative new ventures (TINVs) different from those given for starting ventures based on traditional technologies?”; “What is the role of human capital in the TINV startup decision?”; and “Do gender differences exist in the reasons and human capital associated with starting a TINV?”.Design/methodology/approachData were obtained from the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics II (PSED II), which is a national database of individuals in various stages of starting a business. The overall sample consisted of 950 individuals. Non‐parametric methods and logistic regressions were used to test hypotheses.FindingsResults show that men start the TINV for self‐realization reasons, and that wealth seeking and employment reasons are negatively associated with the technology startup decision among women, but not among men. Human capital positively predicts the decision to start TINV, but gender differences exist as well: specific human capital (industry and occupational background) positively predicts the technology startup decision among men, whereas general human capital (education and employment breadth) positively predicts the decision among women.Practical implicationsBetter understanding of the factors that motivate and encourage entrepreneurs to utilize innovative technologies is useful for policymakers, practitioners, and educators. This understanding can help when allocating resources for the purpose of encouraging innovation and when trying to train entrepreneurs to enhance competitiveness of new ventures.Originality/valueThe study highlights some of the factors associated with the decision to start firms that are technologically innovative. Given that incorporating technology in new venture is often considered a key factor in sustainability and long term competitive advantage, the study provides possible explanations for potential sources of competitive advantage. Implications for the role of motives and human capital in the startup decision and in the decision to incorporate technology are discussed, with specific reference for male and female owned business.
Quality management framework for public management decision making
Authors: Yu Billy T.W. , To W.M. , Lee Peter K.C. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the practice of quality management framework as a strategic tool for public management.Design/methodology/approachThe paper starts with a basic process‐based model; it then enhances the model with the quality management principles for continuous improvement. With identification of concerned factors from the literature, it examines their usefulness in the quality management system.FindingsAn empirical analysis on the framework identifies eight factors: factual approach to decision making, use of quality tools, customer focus, leadership, involvement of people, process approach, mutually beneficial supplier partnership and internal results. The framework shows that leadership and customer focus are much more important than previously anticipated for successful implementation of quality management system.Research limitations/implicationsManagers in public organizations must realize that all high performance organizations, whether private or public, are by principle customer‐driven. In addition, it is imperative for them to enhance their leadership as it is essential for effective quality improvement.Originality/valueWhile the effect of adopting a quality management system on organizational performance has been well documented, the underlying mechanism about how the system works has yet to be empirically identified. This paper contributes to the literature by addressing such a gap and presenting a causal model for quality management principles.
An applied organizational rewards distribution system
Authors: Datta Pratim 
Published: March 2012

PurposeHow can managers optimally distribute rewards among individuals in a job group? While the management literature on compensation has established the need for equitable reimbursements for individuals holding similar positions in a function or group, an objective grounding of rewards allocation has certainly escaped scrutiny. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachUsing an optimization model based on a financial rubric, the portfolio approach allows organizations to envision human capital assets as a set (i.e. a team, group, function), rather than independent contractors. The portfolio can be organized and managed for meeting various organizational objectives (e.g. optimizing returns and instrumental benefits, assessing resource allocations).FindingsThis research introduces an innovative portfolio management scheme for employee rewards distribution. Akin to investing in capital assets, organizations invest considerable resources in their human capital. In doing so, organizations, over time, create a portfolio of human capital assets. The findings reduce large variances in rewards distribution yet serving employee and management considerations.Practical implicationsThe research has tremendous implications for managers who can mitigate serious equitable rewards distribution issues by creating a process that exemplifies rewards distribution using four different rewards allocation scenarios based on varying managerial prerogatives.Originality/valueThis research is a unique model that addresses a pressing human resource issue by solution based on a usable and feasible optimization mechanism from financial portfolio theory.
Transformational leadership and job‐related learning
Authors: Loon Mark , Mee Lim Yet , Heang Lee Teck , Lian Tam Cai 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine specifically the impacts of transformational leadership on job‐related learning at the individual level.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted. The survey questionnaire contained measurements of job‐related learning (JRL) and the five dimensions of transformational leadership: idealized influence attributed (IIA), idealized influence behavior (IIB), individualized consideration (CON), inspirational motivation (INSPIRE), intellectual stimulation (INTSTIM). Data were collected from 400 individuals of various organizations on a voluntary and anonymous basis.FindingsThe research results showed that the dimensions of IIB and CON were two significant predictors to job‐related learning.Research limitations/implicationsAll of the data collected in the present study are gathered from a single source through a common method (i.e. a Likert‐scale questionnaire). Also, the use of a cross‐sectional design in the present study restricts inferences being drawn regarding the causal relationships between transformational leadership and job‐related learning.Practical implicationsIt seems that leaders are able to enhance job‐related learning among the employees when they recognize the growth needs of their followers and provide them with personal guidance and goal‐directed development. The findings imply that if a high learning orientation in an organisation is desired, transformational leadership would be the type of leadership needed in the organization.Originality/valueThe present study does provide some evidence that some dimensions of transformational leadership are more influential on job‐related learning than the others.
Antecedent and consequence factors of CEO turnover in Indonesia
Authors: Lindrianasari  , Hartono Jogiyanto 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the usefulness of accounting and market information when considering the issue of CEO turnovers in Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThe samples used in this research were corporations identified to have undergone (routinely or non‐routinely) top management turnovers (which in this case were President Directors). This study used samples from all corporations that experienced CEO turnover during the period of 1998‐2006 and determined the accounting variables that were thought to explain the turnovers. Corporations that did not experience CEO turnovers throughout the observed period were used as the control group. The final samples for both data sources were decided after considering data availability and confounding effects within the period of observation and were tested by using the LOGIT (separately) model, due to the fact that the dependent variables used were binary variables: 1 for turnover and 0 for no‐turnover.FindingsThe overall results indicated that decreasing accounting and market performance within a company, in an average period of three years, encouraged CEO turnovers.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper did not take into account the wider reasons for turnovers, such as CEOs hitting pension age (retirement), death, or forced or voluntary turnovers, all of which in previous research were areas that showed considerable influence. In future research, it would be important to consider those characteristics, along with the personalities of the CEOs who left the firms and those who were brought in.Practical implicationsOwners of firms have to be careful when making decisions to turnover CEOs because the action can generate significant reactions from the market. This market reaction, of course, is the factor that influences the prosperity of the company.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates that when accounting and market performance is good, the probability that the presiding CEO will not be fired is higher, and vice versa.
Conducting research interviews
Authors: Rowley Jennifer 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to draw on experience in supervising new researchers and the advice of other writers, to offer novice researchers, such as those engaged in study for a thesis, a pragmatic introduction to conducting research interviews.Design/methodology/approachAfter a brief introduction, the paper is organized into three main sections: designing and planning interviews, conducting interviews, and making sense of interview data. Within these sections, 11 questions often asked by novice researchers are posed and answered.FindingsNovice interviewers need to conduct some research interviews in order to start to develop their skills in the craft of interviewing. This paper is designed to give novice interviewers the advice and support that they need before starting on this journey.Originality/valueOther research methods texts offer advice on research interviews, but their advice is not tailored specifically to new researchers engaged in research for a thesis. They tend to offer options, but provide limited guidance on making crucial decisions in interview planning, design, conduct, and data analysis.
Disability and low income persistence in Italian households
Authors: Parodi Giuliana , Sciulli Dario 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of the probability of low income for households with disabled members in Italy, over the period 2004‐2007, with special focus on the role of persistence.Design/methodology/approachHouseholds with disabled members are compared with those without disabled members, and those with disabled members temporary limited. Alternative definitions of disability are considered. The probability of low income is estimated adopting dynamic probit models accounting for unobserved heterogeneity, state dependence and endogenous initial conditions.FindingsEvidence is found of significant true state dependence for households with disabled members. However, true state dependence does not significantly differ from that of other households. The probability of low income for households with disabled members is also determined by some structural variables, such as employment of disabled individuals, living in the South, household's partner employment and household size.Practical implicationsIn the short run, money transfer is effective to lift households with disabled members from low income and to prevent the risk of low income in the future. Structural policies are possibly relevant in reducing the long‐term risk of low income. These include interventions to favour employment of disabled members and development of caring services for disabled members to free family members for outside work.Originality/valueNot much is known about how disability affects the conditions of households with disabled members. The paper contributes to this literature with a novel analysis of low income persistence, providing some policy suggestions.
Talking about the Pigou paradox
Authors: Ernesto Caroleo Floro , Pastore Francesco 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to point to the inefficiency of the Italian educational system as a key factor of persistent differences between the distribution of incomes (skewed) and that of talents (normal), stated in the Pigou paradox. In fact, against the intention assigned to it by the Italian constitution, the educational system is designed in such a way to reinforce, rather than weaken, the current unequal distribution of incomes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors study the socio‐educational background of AlmaLaurea graduates by way of correlation and regression analysis. The AlmaLaurea databank is the most important source of statistical information of its type in the country. The authors, consider several indicators of performance, such as the probability of getting a degree, the final grade achieved and the length of studies.FindingsParents’ educational level appears to be the main determinant of the grade achieved at secondary high school and at the university. The effect of family background on children's success at the university is not direct, but through the high school track. In fact, although any secondary high school gives access to the university, nonetheless lyceums provide students with far higher quality of education than technical and professional schools. Parental background affects also the length of studies, which suggests that the indirect cost of tertiary education is much higher for those with a poorer educational background and limited means.Practical implicationsIncreasing the average educational level was one of the promises of the “3+2” university reform implemented in 2001. This objective has been achieved only in part, due to the continuing high indirect cost of tertiary education, which particularly affects individuals with limited means. More coordination in the interpretation and implementation of the aims of the reform would have prevented the main actors of the reform from failing it. School tracking should be reformed so as to allow more consideration for low school grades in the choice of parents and provide more on‐the‐job training to students in the professional/technical schools.Originality/valueThe paper proposes an interpretation of the Pigou paradox in Italy, based on the inefficiency of the university system, due to the peculiar school tracking and the ensuing high indirect cost of education. On this, the paper provides new circumstantial evidence based on the AlmaLaurea database almost ten years after the “3+2” reform.
Has the Bologna reform enhanced the employability of graduates? Early evidence from Slovenia
Authors: Farčnik Daša , Domadenik Polona 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the school‐to‐work transition of graduates in different fields of study, as well as to study programmes in three subsequent generations of graduates in the 2007 to 2009 period. The paper focuses on graduates from the new Bologna‐harmonised programmes and investigates their early career outcomes by comparing them to those of graduates from pre‐harmonised programmes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors apply a probit regression to calculate differences in the probability of employment for different fields of study and propensity score matching to investigate the effect of different study programmes in each field of education on early career outcomes, such as being employed within the first three months of graduation and the first nine months of graduation.FindingsThe authors find that graduating from a particular field of study affects the probability of employment in all three years. In general, regardless of the field, the authors observe decreasing probabilities of employment in 2008 and 2009. Using propensity score matching, the authors estimate the effect of the new Bologna‐harmonised programmes on the probability of employment and find a statistically significant negative effect compared to counterparts who finished pre‐Bologna programmes. The findings are robust to the use of different matching criteria.Practical implicationsIn the institutional framework of a tuition‐free system in higher education and collective bargaining in the labour market, performance indicators such as employability can provide relevant information regarding student choice and a proxy measure for the quality of higher education in each participating university. In addition, this provides a rare insight into the employability of graduates from Bologna‐harmonised programmes, as well as for a post‐transition country such as Slovenia.Originality/valueBy covering entire populations of full‐time graduates in 2007, 2008 and 2009 who entered the labour market for the first time after graduation, the authors calculate the probability of employment within the first three and nine months of graduation. This allows the authors to infer about the effect of the new Bologna‐harmonised programmes as well as the impact of the recent financial crisis. The paper offers rare evidence of the school‐to‐work transition in a post‐transition and tuition‐free country.
Youth unemployment rate and impact of financial crises
Authors: Tanveer Choudhry Misbah , Marelli Enrico , Signorelli Marcello 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of financial crises on the youth unemployment rate (YUR). The authors consider different types of financial crises (systemic banking crises, non‐systemic banking crises, currency crises and debt crises) and different groups of countries, according to their income level.Design/methodology/approachAfter a review of the existing (theoretical and empirical) literature on the determinants of the YUR in general and at the occurrence of economic crises, the authors present empirical estimations on the impact of past financial crises on young workers. The relationship between financial crises and YUR is investigated by employing fixed effects panel estimation on a large panel of countries (about 70) around the world for the period 1980‐2005. The “persistence” over time of the impact is also investigated. Finally the Arellano‐Bond dynamic panel is estimated, confirming the significance of the results.FindingsAccording to the authors’ empirical estimates, two key results are relevant: financial crises have an impact on the YUR that goes beyond the impact resulting from GDP changes; and the effect on the YUR is greater than the effect on overall unemployment. The inclusion of many control variables – including in particular GDP growth – does not change the sign and significance of the key explanatory variable. The results suggest that financial crises affect the YUR for five years after the onset of the crises; however, the most adverse effects are found in the second and third year after the financial crisis.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough fully aware of the peculiarities of the last crisis, the authors believe that the econometric results facilitate a better understanding of the impact of the 2007‐2008 financial crisis on the youth labour market.Practical implicationsThe main policy implication is that effective active labour market policies and better school‐to‐work transition institutions are particularly needed to reduce the risk of persistence and structural (long‐term) unemployment, since young people have been worst affected by the last crisis.Originality/valueThere are many studies on the characteristics and causes of youth unemployment; considerable research has also been carried out into the labour market impact of financial crises. This paper brings the two strands of literature together, by econometrically investigating the impact of financial crises on YUR.