bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimism, overconfidence and entrepreneurial activity
Authors: Trevelyan Rose 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the question of confidence in entrepreneurship, and the impact confidence has on key tasks in the venture development process.Design/methodology/approachPropositions about the relationship between key elements of confidence (optimism and overconfidence) are made in order to unpack the confidence construct. Simple tests of these propositions are conducted using a small sample of Australian entrepreneurs. Further propositions are made about the impact of optimism and overconfidence on activity across different phases of the new venture development process.FindingsTwo elements of confidence, optimism and overconfidence, are distinct in their association with each other and with a third individual difference (regulatory focus). The dual and sometimes opposing impacts of optimism and overconfidence on new venture activity are explored. Optimism and overconfidence are both beneficial when deciding to become an entrepreneur, but overconfidence is harmful when making decisions in response to setbacks.Research limitations/implicationsConclusions are limited by the sample size and simple analytical techniques. Rather, the impact of the paper is in the implications of the independence of optimism and overconfidence. Future research can explore and test the propositions made about when each is harmful and when beneficial.Practical implicationsFor entrepreneurs, it is important to be aware of your optimism and overconfidence in different situations. When optimism is beneficial, use it, but when overconfidence is harmful, mitigate against it by asking the right questions and working with others to check assumptions and strategies.Originality/valueThis paper distinguishes between two individual differences, optimism and overconfidence, that are typically thought to be interdependent and beneficial for entrepreneurs.
Pitfalls in the application of analytic hierarchy process to performance measurement
Authors: Peters Malte , Zelewski Stephan 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe paper seeks to show pitfalls in the application of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to efficiency analysis and performance measurement as well as ways to steer clear of these pitfalls.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines guidelines for avoiding pitfalls in the application of the AHP to efficiency analysis and performance measurement.FindingsThe pitfalls discussed in the paper can be understood as a type of critical reflection of best practice, since they stem from the experiences of the application of the AHP in the area of efficiency analysis and performance measurement.Research limitations/implicationsThe pitfalls discussed are based on a limited number of projects covering only a few industries. Further work may be required to test the general validity of these findings.Practical implicationsThe ways to steer clear of these pitfalls can guide a decision maker to a proper application of the AHP in the area of efficiency analysis and performance measurement.Originality/valueThe paper goes beyond the multi criteria decision‐making literature where only general criticism of the AHP is found and the area of efficiency analysis and performance measurement is neglected.
Measuring cultural perceptions of western project managers operating in the Asian region
Authors: Burchell Richard , Gilden Anthony 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to show how western project managers operating in Asia can employ a survey based on cultural dimensions and continua as a means to assist with managing a team of host national staff.Design/methodology/approachA survey based on a model of national cultural dimensions is described.FindingsThe results for this group of project managers suggest some utility for the Kets de Vries model of cultural dimensions as a means for cross‐cultural studies.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size is a useful means of measuring cultural orientations in cross cultural research.Originality/valuePrevious use of this cultural model in survey form has not been reported and the approach shows promise as a means for improving cross‐cultural understanding.
Reciprocally derived demand and pricing strategy for mature industrial products
Authors: Haley George , Goldberg Stephen 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to determine the effects of a strategy of annual price increases for mature industrial, razors/blades products. Little prior research has looked at pricing strategy for mature industrial products and no prior research has looked at mature industrial products of capital goods (razors) and linked supplies (blades).Design/methodology/approachThe authors surveyed a major industrial manufacturer's 3,000‐strong customer base to determine the price elasticity effects of annual price increases over a four‐year time span.FindingsThe authors found that though price elasticity appeared limited in the early years, it increased exponentially over the years.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors used a single company's 3,000 strong customer base for in‐depth analysis of concepts, with attendant limitations. Specifically, the population of respondents, though large, represents the customer base of a single company. The findings of this exploratory study must be replicated with more diverse populations before they can be generalized.Practical implicationsThe study's practical implications lie in its contribution to understanding pricing strategy in mature industrial markets. Researchers and managers frequently treat these markets as extensions of their emerging or growing product life cycle stages. However, mature product markets exhibit different product‐market characteristics.Originality/valueThe article's originality and value stems from its addressing an increasingly important issue. The lack of research covering mature industrial products' pricing strategy, coupled with the increasing number of products that fall within this life cycle, make the product category increasingly central to many companies' profitability.
Are marketing management decisions shaped during one's coming of age?
Authors: Cesar Motta Paulo , Schewe Charles 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show the generational cohort gap in values and consequent decision making existing between younger and older marketing managers in Brazil. The study investigates how generational research can innovate in the analysis of marketing management decisions. The truly essential questions are, first, whether cohort analysis can help explain marketing decision contexts, and second, if older cohorts find the younger cohort of managers today confrontational.Design/methodology/approachThe method used in this investigation involved three phases. The first phase explored the validity of the cohorts to explain values brought into the decision context by different cohort members. The second phase asked managers to verify the values that came from phase one. The third phase advanced two questions. The first question identified the most critical value associated with new cohorts today and its implications for the organization's decision making. The second question investigated marketing issues that may develop from the values of younger cohorts coming into the organization. Managers in different cohorts at middle and upper level management were interviewed in all three phases.FindingsThe results show very different values between four investigated cohorts. These values produce different considerations among the cohorts when making marketing decisions. The greatest differences were found between the youngest and oldest cohorts. The lack of the generational understanding within a corporation, or the misapplication of this same understanding, may precipitate age divisions.Research limitations/implicationsData were gathered from small samples and the results should be considered exploratory and not conclusive.Practical implicationsManagement has shown little investigation of cohort differences and their implications for management decision making. This study suggests attention should be prompt since there appears to be a growing schism between newer members of the workforce and their older managers. Younger Brazilian cohort members embrace a strong sense of individualism that they bring to their jobs. This flies in the face of the corporate collective that companies need to survive. Finally, there remains a warning that neither management history nor company's history should be forgotten since they both bear upon marketing decision making.Originality/valueThis paper investigates a perspective on marketing decision making in organizations that has never been addressed in the literature. The eye‐opening findings suggest the need for addressing an issue before it becomes a problem.
Dietary intake in an elderly population living in Athens
Authors: Karaglani Lambrini , Derbyshire Emma 
Published: August 2008

PurposeIt has been proposed that the Greek diet is changing and becoming increasingly Westernized. Although previous studies have assessed the diet of Greek adults, few have focused on the elderly in detail. The aims of the present investigation are to: assess habitual dietary intakes of elderly residents living in Athens and compare the modern Greek diet to the traditional Greek diet and UK recommendations.Design/methodology/approachThirty‐five free‐living males and 27 females (mean age 71.3 years, SD 7.2) living in Athens completed a background information questionnaire and 24‐h dietary recall.FindingsDietary protein, total fat and sodium exceeded dietary guidelines. Energy intake, non‐starch polysaccharide, vitamin D and calcium were below UK recommended levels of intake. Findings indicate that the diet of elderly residents living in Athens appears to be moving away from the traditional Greek diet.Research limitations/implicationsIt was a limitation that a larger study population was not recruited. However, due to limited resources, this was only intended to be a small‐scale preliminary study.Originality/valueThis appears to be one of the few studies to investigate the dietary habits of the Greek elderly, prospectively.
Investigation of selenium in infant starting, special and follow‐on formulae
Authors: Cuderman Petra , Stibilj Vekoslava 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the selenium content in seven different infant starting formulae, eight different follow‐on formulae and in 15 different special infant formulae, from various producers, all commercially available in Slovenia.Design/methodology/approachEach product was taken in various lots during a three‐year period (from 2004 to 2006). For the determination of selenium content in different infant formulae the method of hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG‐AFS) was optimised. The reliability of the method was checked by the independent method of radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA).FindingsThe values for different infant formulae ranged from 20.9 to 207.9 ng/g powder. The paper compared the values obtained with the declared values where possible. The average concentration showed insufficient agreement with the declared value in four out of 30 cases. The paper also found significant variation in selenium content between formulae in the same group. In some cases, large variations between different lots of the same product were found.Originality/valueCalculated from our results, from infant formulae babies obtain from 2.4 to 24.0 ug Se per day, showing insufficient agreement with recommended daily intakes published by D_A_CH and by WHO. Since information on the endogenous Se levels of infant formulae is largely lacking, therefore there is still need for stricter quality control of the selenium content in infant formulae.
Effects of team tenure and leadership in self‐managing teams
Authors: Stoker Janka I. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis study seeks to identify the relationship between leader behaviour and the effectiveness of the members of a self‐managing team (SMT) in terms of perceived individual performance and emotional exhaustion. In particular, it aims to examine the moderating role of individual team tenure.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire study was conducted involving 154 team members of 21 SMTs. Two leadership dimensions were measured, plus team tenure and effectiveness (in terms of perceived individual performance and emotional exhaustion) of the individuals involved.FindingsTeam members with a short team tenure reported higher levels of individual performance when their team leader demonstrated directive behaviour. Conversely, these relatively new team members reported lower levels of individual performance and experienced greater emotional exhaustion when their team leader adopted coaching behaviour. For team members with longer team tenure, however, individual performance was greater and emotional exhaustion less when their team leader exhibited a coaching style of behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThe data were self‐reported and the cross‐sectional design of the study precludes conclusions about the direction of causality.Practical implicationsLeaders of SMTs can benefit from insights into how the team tenure of the individual team members affects their responses to their leadership behaviours. By adapting their leadership styles to suit the characteristics of individual team members, leaders may be able to increase the effectiveness of the individual team members.Originality/valueThis study has examined the effectiveness of different leadership styles within real‐life SMTs and shown the importance of attending to the moderating effect of individual team members' team tenure.
“No time to stand and stare”
Authors: Lightbody Margaret 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically examine the imagery of flexible work arrangements in professional accounting employment, as presented in the Australian professional accounting journals from 2004‐2007.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of a critical analysis of discourse in articles in professional accounting journals.FindingsWhile talk of “balance” and “flexibility” is widespread in the professional accounting journals in Australia, accountancy is portrayed as an environment dominated by a “work hard, play hard” culture. Flexible work arrangements are presented as acceptable work practices when they provide a means of facilitating this culture, rather than as an alternative method of working.Research limitations/implicationsThe Australian accounting professional bodies continue to actively portray the long hours culture of professional work (and play) as the foundation of success, despite widespread concern about, first, the long‐term implications of such a lifestyle for employees’ personal wellbeing and, second, the lack of appeal of such working conditions for both existing and potential employees.Practical implicationsDespite the rhetoric of the need for flexible work practices to attract/retain accounting talent, accountants may find that there is limited support within the profession to facilitate career development while utilising such arrangements as part‐time work.Originality/valueThe imagery of the contemporary accounting work environment as presented in the professional journals has not been examined in the accounting literature. As these journals are a primary means by which the profession communicates with its members, they present a good basis for examining how the accounting profession wishes itself to be perceived.
Industrial relations in Namibia since independence
Authors: Klerck Gilton 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe paper seeks to examine the changes and continuities in industrial relations in post‐independence Namibia. In particular, it aims to explore some of the key elements in the process through which the distribution of the costs and rewards of economic and industrial restructuring is institutionalised.Design/methodology/approachThe paper concentrates, through in‐depth interviews with key role players, on how the attempts at sustaining a durable and redistributive trade‐off between economic efficiency and social equality led to a contradictory fusion of neo‐liberal and neo‐corporatist forms of labour market regulation.FindingsThe research reveals that changes in the regulation of the labour market since independence have created opportunities for advancement and participation by groups of more skilled and organised employees, while weaker and less skilled groups have generally experienced a decline in employment conditions and the absence of collective representation. These developments reflect and reproduce patterns of racial and gender discrimination, industrial structure, trade union membership and collective bargaining across the various sectors and occupations.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that a system of low‐skill, low‐wage and low‐trust relations – with an emphasis on cost reduction and employment “flexibility” – is fast becoming embedded in industrial relations in Namibia. Given the prevailing economic policies, industrial strategies and labour market structures, Namibia's integration into the global economy will most likely involve the increasing dislocation and exclusion of vulnerable and “peripheral” workers from the formal economy.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the ways in which the transformation of industrial relations in Namibia is shaped by the legacy of apartheid‐colonialism and the pressures of globalisation. Specifically, the conjunction of increasingly deregulated product markets and increasingly regulated labour markets has driven a wedge between the pursuit of short‐term objectives and the attainment of long‐term transformational goals.
The Nigerian informal economy
Authors: Fajana Sola 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to address the issue of unionisation of the largely non‐unionised informal economic activities as a strategy for achieving decent work and pay as well as promoting national development in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe adopted methods include review of archival information and survey of the perspectives of the stakeholders in Nigeria's industrial relations system. To facilitate the realisation of expected developmental objectives, monitoring, evaluation, capacity building, organising and advocacy roles are recommended jointly and severally for the stakeholders.FindingsIt was found that decent work and pay, which would assist poverty minimisation and thus national development, would be furthered by unionisation of the informal sector. At the same time, there are many barriers faced by unions in seeking to organise in the latter area.Research limitations/implicationsThe research focuses only on aspects of informal working; the informal economy represents a multi‐facetted and spatially diverse phenomenon.Originality/valueThis paper provides a detailed review of employment relations in non‐standard work in Africa, an area much neglected in the literature.
Employee relations in Algeria: a historical appraisal
Authors: Branine Mohamed , Foudil Fekkar Ahmed , Fekkar Otmane , Mellahi Kamel 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe paper seeks to examine the evolution of, and assesses current trajectories of change in, the Algerian employee relations system.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews a range of literature on employee relations in Algeria and draws on the authors' research over the years in the field, including recent interviews with unions' representatives.FindingsThe paper provides evidence to suggest that the Algerian system of employee relations is a product of interactions and intersections between historical circumstances and different institutional arrangements and configurations to enable the state to hold together its power and control over unions. The paper shows how the preferential treatment of the UGTA by the government created an uneven playing field favouring the UGTA over independent unions.Research limitations/implicationsA major limitation of the paper is lack of strong empirical evidence.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that the single most important factor determining unions' ability to manoeuvre is the continuing support they obtain from the government and its institutions. The analysis provides practical suggestions for independent unions.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper on recent developments in employee relations in Algeria.
The making of a foreign “labour aristocracy” in Botswana
Authors: Mogalakwe Monageng 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether expatriate workers in Botswana are a labour aristocracy.Design/methodology/approachThis is a case study based on documentary research methodsFindingsThe evidence presented supports the case for the existence of a foreign labour aristocracy in Botswana. The labour aristocracy thesis has come under attack for describing the better‐paid workers as labour aristocrats and for its failure to take cognizance of the heterogeneity of the working class. Although it appears that the thesis has now been relegated to the periphery of labour studies debates, evidence from Botswana of a two tier wage structure, one for citizens and another for “expatriates”, resonates with the basic tenets of the labour aristocracy thesis.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need to revisit the debate and for more case studies from different Third World countries.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the difficulties faced by citizen employees in Botswana in seeking to improve their material conditions.Originality/valueThis paper reveals a linkage between a wages policy and the notion of national development in a specific society.
Union power and new managerial strategies: the case of South Africa
Authors: Wood Geoffrey , Glaister Keith 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis study aims to assess the relationship between unionization and employee collectivism, and managerial strategies for employee participation and involvement, within an emerging market economy that has prioritized export competitiveness.Design/methodology/approachThis paper centres on a survey of South African employeesFindingsThe paper reveals the coexistence of high levels of union power, with a range of mechanisms for participation and involvement.Practical implicationsThe South African experience underscores the extent to which greater regulation of the employment contract (through law and unions) can be complementary to both high value added manufacturing strategies and robust export performance. The South African case further highlights both the bounded and institutionally constrained nature of strategy formulation, yet also the willingness of clusters of firms to experiment with alternative strategies, albeit with mixed results: strategy and action represent a product of both setting and real strategic choices.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the extent to which greater collectivism and regulation within the workplace may contribute to economic success within an emerging market context.