bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual spirituality, workplace spirituality and work attitudes
Authors: Shankar Pawar Badrinarayan 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the direct effects of three workplace spirituality aspects – meaning in work, community at work, and positive organizational purpose – and individual spirituality on three work attitudes – job satisfaction, job involvement, and organizational commitment. It also seeks to examine the interactive effects of these three workplace spirituality aspects and individual spirituality on these three work attitudes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper briefly outlines the existing workplace spirituality research, indicates the required research and places this study in that backdrop. It then outlines theory building for specifying a set of hypotheses. It uses data from a sample of managerial level employees from India to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe study results provided considerable support for the hypothesized relationships between workplace spirituality aspects and work attitudes but not for the hypothesized relationships between individual spirituality and work attitudes. The results provided only marginal support for the interactive effect model, which hypothesized that individual spirituality will moderate the effect of workplace spirituality aspects on work attitudes.Research limitations/implicationsResearch implications of the findings outlined in this paper will encourage research to link various organizational topics such as leadership with workplace spirituality. They also highlight the need to examine more complex models to examine joint effects of workplace spirituality and individual spirituality on work attitudes.Practical implicationsThe findings can provide some relevant inputs for leadership actions and organization development efforts aimed at implementing workplace spirituality in organizations.Originality/valueThe paper's value partly comes from the outlined research and practice implications.
Transient products but persistent trade patterns
Authors: Cassing James , Husted Steven 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to combine the authors' findings of widespread bilateral trade‐share persistence with some recent empirical evidence of substantial and rapid volatility in the country source of most products in order to extend the implications of this literature in several ways.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on the behavior of aggregate bilateral trade flows for a large number of countries over the period 1980‐2000.FindingsThe paper infers that countries are frequently switching to very different products in their export bundles to particular destinations. It also argues that the evidence of rapid product turnover in trade is not inconsistent with traditional factor endowment trade pattern predictions, as has been inferred in the literature. Finally it finds that sunk costs in international trade appear to be external to particular products going to particular destinations but internal to the sum total of bilateral trade.Originality/valueThe novelty of this paper resides in documenting the remarkably constant bilateral trade shares of 93 countries over the past two decades and the combination of this result with other known trade pattern characteristics to arrive at important new conclusions.
Currency substitution in selected African countries
Authors: Désiré Adom Assandé , Sharma Subhash C. , Mahbub Morshed A.K.M. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the presence of currency substitution in eight African countries.Design/methodology/approachThis study investigates the presence of currency substitution in eight African countries – Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Tunisia and Zambia – for the period 1976 to 2005 using both regional and US dollar as anchor currencies.FindingsThe paper finds that currency substitution is prevalent in Ghana and Nigeria when CFA franc is used as an anchor currency. However, when US dollar is used as an anchor currency there is no evidence of currency substitution in Ghana, but the presence of currency substitution in Nigeria is still observed. The paper also finds the presence of currency substitution in South Africa, but not in Egypt when the US dollar is the anchor currency. For Kenya, Tunisia and Zambia there is no evidence of currency substitution irrespective of the anchor currencies considered. In the case of Morocco, no evidence of currency substitution is observed when the Egyptian pound is used as anchor currency, but there is weak evidence of currency substitution when the US dollar is considered.Originality/valueThis paper provides useful information on the presence of currency substitution in African countries.
Tax evasion and financial repression: a reconsideration using endogenous growth models
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Ziramba Emmanuel 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThis paper aims at developing a theoretical model of a world economy characterized by tax evasion. It seeks to analyze whether financial repression can be explained by tax evasion.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is performed in overlapping generations dynamic general equilibrium endogenous monetary growth models.FindingsThe paper shows that higher degree of tax evasion within a country, resulting from a higher level of corruption and a lower penalty rate, yields higher degrees of financial repression.Practical implicationsFinancial repression can be explained by tax evasion but under specific conditions.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt to analyze financial repression and tax evasion in an endogenous growth model.
Economic convergence of income distribution worldwide from 1986 to 2000
Authors: Mora Rodriguez Jhon James , Núñez Velázquez José Javier 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of Markovian transitions related to the economic convergence among countries. Thus, the paper aims to develop an overview of several classical approaches, including an analysis of fallacies exposed through the literature.Design/methodology/approachThe number of modes in the distribution of the RGDPL for 100 countries in the period from 1986 to 2000 is calculated. Next, the results obtained from the relevant transition matrices are discussed and the existence of twin peaks in the distribution of income is analyzed. Finally, the adequacy of both Markovian and (time) homogeneity hypotheses in connection with the stochastic process that underlies income distribution is studied.FindingsThe results across the period 1986‐2000 show the evolution of countries into convergence clubs, instead of the existence of economic convergence.Originality/valueThe paper discusses two important issues on the convergence hypothesis. First, the discretization process really matters. If quartiles or quintiles are used the ergodic distribution does not show twin peaks because the process shows an equiprobabilistic ergodic (stationary) distribution in the long term. Second, the twin peaks results need a Markov (time) homogeneous chain as a model for the underlying income process, and then Chapman‐Kolmogorov's equation must be satisfied. However, the paper finds empirical evidences of failure in such an argument.
RFID‐based intra‐supply chain in textile industry
Authors: Keung Kwok Siu , Wu Kenny K.W. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the design of a radio frequency identification (RFID)‐based intra‐supply chain (intra‐SC) system to facilitate coordination and integration of supply chain functions and activities, thus eventually enhancing the overall performance of a supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe architecture of the proposed RFID‐based intra‐SC system is designed specifically for a chain made up of a fiber producer, fiber dyeing producer, yarn spinning producer, knitting and finishing producer, distributor, and a textile retailer.FindingsCompared with the traditional approach, operational time, costs, lead time, and accuracy of inventory holding and of cycle time operations are noticeably improved.Practical implicationsThe proposed RFID‐based intra‐SC system is implemented for trial at a distribution warehouse in Zhuhai, China. It is of benefit to the manufacturer who is able to seek obsolete stock effectively and capture real‐time data automatically.Originality/valueThe RFID‐based intra‐SC system is designed to overcome issues of information invisibility, which is considered a huge cost lost for obsolete stocks and ineffective intra‐SC operations in the textile industry. In this industry, the products are highly dependent on seasonal factors. Short product life cycle and high forecast errors are also critical difficulties encountered by supply chain parties. Thus, the RFID technology is suggested to be adopted in similar supply chains. In this paper, a textile manufacturing site is selected to test the proposed RFID system. Some advantages, critical issues for implementation of the RFID system, and lessons learned from the case study are shared with other interested parties.
IT capabilities, interfirm performance, and the state of economic development
Authors: Patrakosol Buraj , Lee Sang M. 
Published: November 2009

PurposePrior studies have found that productivity gains associated with information technology (IT) adoption, measured at either the firm‐ or aggregate‐economy levels, differ between developed and developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to extend prior cross‐country research to the interfirm IT capabilities and relationship‐level.Design/methodology/approachA two‐country comparative study is conducted: the USA, a developed country; and Thailand, a developing country. The measurement constructs for the interfirm IT capabilities and performance are derived from the existing literature. Data are collected from IT managers who oversee interfirm relationships as follows: 68 from the US firms; 107 from Thai firms. Several statistical tools are used to test the developed hypotheses, including correlation, regression, and t‐test analysis.FindingsThe important results of the paper indicate the following: IT technical capabilities are positively associated with interfirm performance across two countries. However, IT personnel IT capabilities had a positive relationship with interfirm performance only in Thai firms. Also, Thai firms realize higher innovation performance as a result of IT adoption than the US firms.Research limitations/implicationsThis is an exploratory study as it is based on data from only two countries. Thus, a new causal theory about interfirm relationship‐level performance is not sought. The future research needs include data collection from more countries and longitudinal analyses of trends based on advances in IT capabilities in different countries.Originality/valueIn today's networked global economy, many organizations have value chains that involve interfirm relationships. This paper is the first attempt to explore productivity gains associated with IT adoption, measured at interfirm relationship‐level, based on cross‐country comparative analysis.
Towards a stage theory for industrial management research
Authors: Gottschalk Petter , Solli‐Sæther Hans 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how stages of growth models have been applied to a number of organizational phenomena in management research. One class of models consists of maturity models for IT outsourcing relationships. There is a need for an improved theoretical foundation for stage models.Design/methodology/approachBased on a literature review of theory research as well as stage research, a stage of growth theory is proposed in this paper. Also, a procedure for stages of growth modeling is suggested.FindingsA theoretical foundation for stages of growth models enables trust worthier modeling.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research modeling organizational phenomena can follow the suggested modeling procedure. This paper can be used in teaching by discussing industrial management phenomena along stages of growth by applying dominant problems and benchmark variables.Practical implicationsIn strategy work, this paper helps in providing a framework for assessing current stage as well as determining future strategic direction for an industrial organization.Originality/valueTheory development in this paper includes four important propositions on which this theory is based.
Weight regression model from the sales comparison approach
Authors: Shih‐MingYou  , Chang Chin‐oh 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to construct a weight model from the sales comparison approach.Design/methodology/approachAlthough weighted average of comparables into sales comparison value is commonly applied in the past, most papers only focus mathematical calculation. This paper examines the correlation between weight and attributes of 6,345 sales comparable properties adopting the multiple regression model.FindingsThis paper finds the price type, proximity of transaction date, inside the neighborhood area or not, total gross adjustment as percent, numbers of adjustments and the attributes of other comparables considered in one appraisal are significant on the weight of comparables. The expected MAPE and Hit rate criterions are passed after forecasting 10 percent validation samples modeled by 90 percent samples randomly surveyed.Practical implicationsThe weighted average to determine the sales comparison value is reasonable since the value conclusion will “correlate” to indication of value derived by different comparables.Originality/valueThis paper discusses the weight model and forecasts weights directly instead of only forecasting value. By elaborating on the core question of weights, this paper hopes to assist the degree of science and objectivity of appraisal.
Brain drain: why top management bolts after M&As
Authors: Krug Jeffrey A. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to analyzes merger, firm, and country characteristics that may explain the root causes of long‐term executive instability in target company top management teams.Design/methodology/approachMergers involve two different groups of executives – executives in place at the time of the acquisition (“incumbents”) and those brought into the target after the acquisition (“new‐hires”). In order to understand why many target companies experience long‐term instability in their top management teams, patterns of turnover in these two distinct groups were analyzed over a 17‐year period in 730 target companies.FindingsAnalysis of the data revealed that a range of factors create conditions in target companies that lead to prolonged leadership instability. Different deal types such as tender offers, hostile takeovers, divestitures, and leveraged buyouts, the nature of merger negotiations, growth and profitability of the target company, headquarters location of the acquirer–whether foreign or domestic, and foreign investment experience of the acquirer all lead to significantly higher turnover rates for both incumbent and new‐hire executives. These effects may continue for ten or more years after the acquisition.Practical implicationsAcquisitions create instability within target company top management teams. This instability can be traced back to conditions that existed at the time of the merger. Organizations involved in mergers and acquisitions (M&As) might leverage these new insights to more effectively deal with leadership issues early in the post‐merger integration process. This may be an important first step in reestablishing long‐term leadership continuity in acquired firms.Originality/valueThis research is the first to provide insight into the root causes of long‐term leadership instability in target companies. It is also the first to examine the effects of M&As on executives who join a company several years after its acquisition. Future research by the author will report on the relationship between leadership stability and long‐term performance in target companies. A deeper understanding of this relationship may provide new insights into why so many M&As fail.
Engaging China: strategies for the small internationalizing firm
Authors: Cremer Rolf D. , Ramasamy Bala 
Published: November 2009

PurposeTo date, more than 400 of the Fortune 500 companies have already established their presence in China. Like their larger counterparts, smaller multinationals are also attracted by the huge potential market and cheap resources that China has to offer. Thus, the purpose of this paper to examine key strategies that small internationalizing firms (SIFs) need to focus on for a successful China engagement.Design/methodology/approachThe findings of this study are based on a year‐long research of New Zealand firms in China. The study involved a survey of senior managers of New Zealand companies at home as well as a focus group discussion among executives in China.FindingsThe study identifies three dimensions of strategy that SIFs need to pay particular attention – the attributes of the China bound manager, the business focus of the enterprise, and the guanxi building capabilities.Originality/valueThis paper is based on the premise that the SIF cannot mirror the exact strategies of larger multinationals. Previous literature tends not to distinguish the size of the firm when discussing the China engagement. The paper emphasizes a carefully designed effort to choose the right general to lead the assault on the world's largest market.
The illusion of smart decision making: the past is not prologue
Authors: Finkelstein Sydney , Whitehead Jo , Campbell Andrew 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the role of misleading experiences, and how decision‐makers' experience can sometimes lead them to think they are right when they are really wrong.Design/methodology/approachLiterature was reviewed in neuroscience, cognitive psychology and decision theory on how people make decisions and what decision‐making biases influence thinking. A total of 83 strategic decisions were studied to understand what potential biases existed and how those biases affected the quality of decision making.FindingsDecision making is more often an emotional than rational process, in large part because of how our brains are wired. This process works most of the time, but not always. As a result, it is critical to identify those red flag conditions where our decisions are most vulnerable to error, with misleading experiences being one of the most central of these red flags. The paper discusses how to identify whether misleading experiences are potentially dangerous.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the paper relies on multiple literatures and the authors' own original empirical work, a topic as complex as how our brains make decisions clearly cannot lead to definitive conclusions. Future research might investigate more of the contingency situations where misleading experiences might be dangerous.Originality/valueThis study is the first that highlights how central misleading experiences can be to mistaken decision making. It is based on significant original research, and has implications that are clearly practical for business leaders.
Re‐energizing a product portfolio: case study of a pharmaceutical merger
Authors: Rao Sanjay K. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeIn 2007 global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity totaled a record $4.38 trillion, up 21 percent from 2006. Despite current turbulence in the world financial markets, 44 percent of privately held businesses globally are planning to grow through acquisition in the next three years. Following a merger or an acquisition, a combined firm may need to streamline an inefficient product portfolio so as to increase revenues and profitability. The consequences of retaining inefficient portfolios can be more than internal competition and inadequate financial returns. This paper seeks to illustrate key processes, methods and the value of strategic marketing research and science in helping make critical decisions that reshape an inefficient portfolio of 12 pharmaceutical products, created as the result of a merger of two large, global pharmaceutical firms.Design/methodology/approachUsing a case study, the paper posits that taking a customer‐centric, market‐driven view of the value of products in a portfolio almost always results in significant insight that helps streamlining. Applying relevant tools and techniques from the disciplines of strategic marketing, market research and marketing science crystallizes insight into objective criteria that can then be used to make informed and valid decisions.FindingsResults illustrate the importance of customer‐centric, market‐driven constructs in influencing critical market outcomes, which, in turn, provide rational insight into structuring existing product portfolios. Product, customer and market drivers that drive product and portfolio performance are explicated and recommended for analysis and ongoing tracking. Results are presented in terms of altered customer behaviors, product and portfolio revenue and profitability.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the critical role of relying on the core elements of strategic marketing and research in solving one of the most common and important business issues of our time. Key themes are stressed through focusing on insights reiterating the role of core marketing principles such as differentiation, positioning and strategy simulations. When combined with the insights provided by comparable other business functions such as financial modeling and valuation, this can only result in smart business strategy.
Examining the academic/commercial divide in marketing research
Authors: Baines Paul R. , Brennan Ross , Gill Mark , Mortimore Roger 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to comment on the differences in perceptions that exist between academic and professional marketing researchers, as creators of new marketing knowledge, and explore how academics and practitioners can work together better on areas of mutual interest or separately on areas where their interests do not coincide.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is via two focus groups, one with researchers in marketing from universities and one with commercial market researchers, and via online surveys of the same target groups, with 638 respondents in all.FindingsThe study indicates that the two sample groups have relatively congruent views about the advantages and disadvantages of each other's approach to research but both groups believe they could do more to make their research more comprehensible and accessible to each other.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical study was conducted in the UK only, and the response rate from the university marketing research community was disappointingly low. These represent limitations on the generalisability of the findings.Practical implicationsIt is argued that marketing research can be undertaken separately by academics and practitioner researchers but that joint working between academic and commercial marketing researchers represents another dimension to marketing research which could be facilitated by the creation of joint initiatives, including industry‐inspired academic‐practitioner research projects and the development of government‐funded academic‐practitioner research projects, building on both groups' unique sets of skills.Originality/valueThe paper reports on the outcome of an empirical study that has implications for the conduct of marketing research in universities and market research agencies.