bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Importance of company size in long‐term orientation of supply function: an empirical research
Authors: Polo Redondo Yolanda , Cambra Fierro Jesús J. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe study of the relationships established between firms and their suppliers is of great interest at the present time, not only among academics but also among practitioners in business. But, although many works analyze this temporal orientation, fewer analyze the effect of company size on it. This paper sets out to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachAn important proportion of firms is made up of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), and their economic importance is vital. Therefore, this current work, taking the Spanish agro‐food industry as a reference, analyzes the possible influence of the size of the customer firm on the temporal orientation of its supply relationships, specifically differentiating between SMEs and micro‐SMEs. The moderating effect analysis, included in the EQS software, has been used.FindingsThe company size influences the temporal orientation of firm‐supplier relationships. Important conclusions related to trust, commitment and satisfaction emerge. Discussions related to main results and to the main implications of the study are also included.Research limitations/implicationsThe specificity of the sector considered in the empirical analysis may limit the scope for generalization of the conclusions.Originality/valueNo previous research analysing the effect of size on the temporary orientation of firm‐supplier relationships has been identified.
Customer orientation, relationship quality, and relational benefits to the firm
Authors: Macintosh Gerrard 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis research seeks to test a model examining the potential links between customer orientation, expertise, and relationship quality at the interpersonal level and the link between relationship quality and positive service outcomes at the firm level, such as loyalty and positive word of mouth.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a survey methodology to obtain the opinions of 220 business travelers regarding their relationships with their travel agents. The hypothesized relationships were testing using structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe research found significant positive relationships between customer orientation and expertise and respondents' perception of relationship quality. It also found significant links between relationship quality at the interpersonal level and positive outcomes at the organizational level. Interpersonal relationship quality enhanced customer satisfaction with the service firm but was also directly linked to loyalty to the firm and positive word‐of‐mouth about the firm.Research limitations/implicationsThe study reinforces the importance of examining firm‐level and personal‐level relationships in services. Further, it verifies empirically an important link between customer orientation and relationship quality.Originality/valueFor managers, the study demonstrates the importance of having customer‐oriented employees and the importance that the relationship between customers and employees plays in fostering customer loyalty and positive word‐of‐mouth about the firm.
Services purchased at brick and mortar versus online stores, and shopping motivation
Authors: Rajamma Rajasree K. , Paswan Audhesh K. , Ganesh Gopala 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis study seeks to explore the idea that consumers select a particular shopping mode – i.e. bricks and mortar versus online outlet – based on their perceptions about whether a product or service is best bought from one or the other. It aims to posit that this perception is associated with the importance allocated to various shopping motivation dimensions.Design/methodology/approachData for this study were collected using a self‐administered mail survey from 689 internet‐enabled US households. They represent a 28 percent response from 2,500 households that received the survey. Extensive non‐response analysis ruled out serious bias in the data.FindingsThe results from this empirical study suggest that different shopping motivations indeed influence perceptions of service type and shopping mode congruence differently. In addition, the results also suggest that services are more likely to be associated with the online shopping mode, whereas more tangible products are likely to be associated with bricks and mortar stores.Originality/valueThe findings have significant implications for services retail managers of both bricks and mortar and online service outlets in the areas of segmentations, targeting, and retail mix strategies. Apparently, consumers also tend to group related services or products into homogeneous shopping baskets based on their perception of congruence between the product or service and the shopping mode – online versus bricks and mortar store. These findings should help a manager plan for retailing mix strategies, catering to various shopping motivation dimensions, thus enhancing consumer satisfaction. In addition, the results hold important implications in the areas of segmentation and targeting decisions.
The service recovery paradox: justifiable theory or smoldering myth?
Authors: Magnini Vincent P. , Ford John B. , Markowski Edward P. , Honeycutt Earl D. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to address the discrepancy between research that supports the service failure recovery and that which does not by examining customer satisfaction in the event of a service failure empirically.Design/methodology/approachThe objective of the study was achieved by conducting role‐play experiments on undergraduate business students.FindingsAnalysis showed that a service recovery paradox is most likely to occur when the failure is not considered by the customer to be severe, the customer has had no prior failure with the firm, the cause of the failure was viewed as unstable by the customer, and the customer perceived that the company had little control over the cause of the failure.Originality/valueThis information should benefit service managers since service failures are common and typically trigger heightened customer attention. These findings may stimulate future research because the limitations of this study include the use of undergraduate business students and the examination of only one service setting. Nevertheless, this paper does demonstrate that, under the appropriate conditions, a customer can experience a paradoxical satisfaction increase after a service failure.
A multiple regression model for predicting reference desk staffing requirements
Authors: Murgai Sarla R. , Ahmadi Mohammad 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a multiple regression model that can be used to predict the number of patrons that seek assistance at the reference desk of the library. This will facilitate the scheduling of the reference desk librarians.Design/methodology/approachA multiple regression model is developed, where the dependent variable in the regression model is the number of patrons that seek assistance at the reference desk of the library and the predictor variables (independent variables) are the door count and the semester under study. Data were gathered at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for an entire year. Using these data, a multiple regression model was formulated and tested for significance. Then, the model was used for forecasting the required staff at the reference desk for a period for which data was available.FindingsThe regression model, with the addition of daily variations, proved to be a good predictor of the number of patrons seeking assistance. Hence, the staffing need was estimated. Overall, the regression model with the added daily index proved to be a very good predictor.Originality/valueIt is crucial to be able to predict the number of clients at the reference desk that seek assistance per day. With the use of a sample of data, it was possible to predict the number of clients seeking assistance at the reference desk.
Unseen measures: the need to account for intangibles
Authors: Nash White Larry 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the needs to assess the value and impact of the intangible resources and efforts produced by the library.Design/methodology approachA literature overview is used to provide the background of intangibles assessment and its application in libraries, with examples of library intangible resources used and efforts produced, and reviews the possible benefits for libraries in adopting and effectively utilizing intangible assessment.FindingsThe library has multiple intangible assets, resources, and efforts it produces that are not generally accounted for in annual assessments, accountability reporting, or budget planning. Learning to account for and include the intangibles used/produced by the library will increase the library's capability to address accountability concerns of stakeholders, more effectively align the library's resources with strategic responses, and more effectively utilize intangible assets and resources.Originality/valueIncreased reporting and usage of intangible resources/products by the library could provide library administrators with a proactive means of increasing the effectiveness and scope of library assessment, valuation, and resource planning and usage.
“But it's not my job … ”
Authors: Ercolano Adriana 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to highlight the importance of librarians and library staff in a successful development program.Design/methodology/approachNarrative article to emphasize that successful library development programs require the input and support from librarians and library staff.FindingsLibrary development programs do not operate in a vacuum and in fact draw upon the talents of many key personnel throughout the library.Originality/valuePractical suggestions for incorporating the whole library organization into development and fundraising efforts.
Whose space?
Authors: Maxymuk John 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to consider the appeal and impact of internet social networking sites and reflect upon a likely disconnect between libraries and the current web generation.Design/methodology/approachMakes reference to previous authors' works relating to social bookmarking and portable bookmarks.FindingsFinds that serious academic researchers now utilize social bookmarking software.Originality/valueIs of value to librarians who might consider using social bookmarking tags to reach out to today's net generation.
Teachers' salaries in public education: between myth and fact
Authors: Nir Adam E. , Naphcha Melly 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of research is to attempt to determine to what extent the salary level of teachers working in public educational systems is connected with the trend towards privatization considering that privatization has become nowadays a prominent phenomenon in educational systems around the world.Design/methodology/approachA secondary analysis of the 2003 data coming from 29 OECD countries is conducted attempting to reveal what educational as well as economic antecedents other than the GDP per capita may account for the differences among various countries in the salary level of teachers working in public education.FindingsWhen GDP per capita is controlled in the analysis, it is evident that teacher salary level is correlated with the degree of privatization characterizing a particular educational system. Specifically, the evidence suggests that if less than 15 percent of the students study in private schools in a given state, teachers' salaries are likely to be below the expected salary according to the state's GDP per capita.Originality/valueThese findings enable the conclusion that the existence of a private sector alongside the public one may indirectly contribute to an increase of the salary level of teachers working in the public education sector.
Balancing trust and technocracy? Leadership training in higher education
Authors: Aasen Petter , Stensaker Bjørn 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to analyse how participants in leadership training programs in higher education value and perceive their training process.Design/methodology/approachA stylized theoretical model is developed indicating that leadership training may be designed along a collegial‐managerial continuum. To study how participants placed themselves on this continuum, a questionnaire was distributed to participants in three different leadership training programs.FindingsThe study shows that leadership training programs are tools to modernize higher education without resulting in a rejection of inherent values and characteristics of the sector.Originality/valueLeadership training programs need to be supplemented with broader organisational development activities and a more systematic follow‐up process after completion of the program.
Competencies for effective leadership in higher education
Authors: Spendlove Marion 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to set out to investigate the role of the Pro‐Vice‐Chancellor, Rector, or Principal of a university, and the competencies (attitudes, knowledge and behaviour) that are needed for effective leadership in higher education.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews were held with Pro‐Vice‐Chancellors at ten UK universities representative of the sector.FindingsMost respondents perceived that academic credibility and experience of university life were crucial for effective leadership in higher education, and continued with their research and teaching activities alongside their managerial roles. People skills, including the ability to communicate and negotiate with others, were also felt to be important. Most universities in the study had no systematic approach for either identifying or developing leadership skills.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this was a relatively small study, the research highlights the need for a more proactive approach to identifying leadership competencies and developing leadership throughout universities.Originality/valueThe effective leadership and management of universities is a crucial issue for policy makers, leaders themselves, and for university staff. The research shows that university leadership is fundamentally different from leadership in other contexts, and demands additional competencies. It adds to debates about whether leaders in higher education should be academics, or professional business administrators.
Negative behaviours in the workplace
Authors: Burnes Bernard , Pope Rachael 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the need to treat negative workplace behaviours which are not perceived as bullying as seriously as those which are. The paper also aims to examine whether or not the National Health Service (NHS) appears to experience a higher level of negative behaviour than private sector organisations and whether lower frequency behaviour has similar levels of effect as higher frequency behaviour.Design/methodology/approachA mixed‐method approach is used whereby a mainly quantitative questionnaire is complemented by the inclusion of qualitative questions and the collection of qualitative data collected within the two NHS Trusts concerned.FindingsThe evidence collected draws attention to the considerable impact that workplace incivility, which may or may not be classed as bullying, has on the well‐being of employees and the effectiveness of organisations. Where aggression is present, the levels of effect are shown to be higher and the behaviour is always classed as bullying. The evidence also shows that the NHS does appear to experience a higher level of negative behaviour than private sector organisations, and that lower frequency behaviour does indeed appear to have similar levels of effect as higher frequency behaviour.Originality/valueThis article shows that the focus placed by many researchers and organisations on countering/eliminating behaviour purely perceived as bullying is unlikely to be effective unless they also adopt a similar approach to the full range of negative behaviours that employees experience/witness in organisations.
Human resource management at the negotiating table
Authors: Bolton Sharon C. , Way Roz 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the role of various management functions within the complex multi‐layered and multi‐faceted history and structure that is the National Health Service (NHS) hospital service and explore the legitimacy of the role of human resource management (HRM).Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews with senior medical professionals and HR managers of one particular Hospital Trust are presented within a conceptual framework based upon an interpretivist notion of “vocabularies of motive”.FindingsQualitative research at an executive level demonstrates vocabularies of motives in action, where it appears that the role and status of HRM is potentially more dominant and influential than has previously been suggested.Research limitations/implicationsData are limited to a small group of senior managers and medical professionals and, therefore, does not represent generalisable knowledge. It does, however, offer insights from actors employed in senior roles in one particular hospital trust employing a conceptual framework that may have relevance for other studies concerned with the role of HRM and the dynamics of organisational change.Practical implicationsThe paper offers insights into the complexities of change in a complex bureaucracy such as the NHS hospital service. It suggests that government policy and management practice can benefit from an understanding of the various vocabularies of motive at play and how these may effect the successful interpretation of policy into practice.Originality/valueThe paper offers original data and a useful conceptual framework which offers the potential for a more nuanced understanding of the implementation and interpretation of government policy in the NHS hospital service
HRM and the management of clinicians within the NHS
Authors: McHugh Marie , Johnston Karen , McClelland Donna 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe management of human resources is of crucial importance in enabling the delivery of efficient and effective services. The purpose of this paper is to explore one issue relevant to Human Resource Management, that is, the management of hospital doctors in the NHS. The present‐day UK National Health Service faces countless challenges at both the macro and operational level.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the implications for the NHS in general, and the medical profession in particular, of the continued dominance of the medical profession over the career management of hospital doctors.FindingsThe paper argues that HRM must play a pivotal role in the management of clinicians to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of NHS reforms. The challenges to HRM and the medical profession that are inherent in this process are outlined.Research implications/limitationsIt is argued that the potential long‐term gains to be derived from the development of closer working relationships between human resource managers and medical managers are crucial for the delivery of an effective health service.Originality/valueA new and innovative way of looking at the management of doctors and their careers within a changing NHS.
Theorizing engagement: the potential of a critical dialogic approach
Authors: Bebbington Jan , Brown Judy , Frame Bob , Thomson Ian 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to discussions about engagement in social and environmental accounting, drawing on dialogic theory and philosophy. A dialogic approach, building on existing critical inquiries, is introduced to derive principles to inform “on the ground” engagements. Applying dialogic thinking to social and environmental accounting encourages the development of dialogic forms of accountability, more authentic engagements and is more likely to contribute to sustainable social and environmental change.Design/methodology/approachContains a synthesis of literature from within and beyond social and environmental accounting to shed light on the issues addressed by the special issue.FindingsResearch engagements in social and environmental accounting need not be taken in a haphazard manner uninformed by theory. In particular, the “learning turn” in social sciences has generated a large body of theorizing (informed by concrete engagement activities) that can be used to shape, guide and support engagement.Practical implicationsThe principles developed can be used to inform future research design, with the aim of increasing the likelihood that such engagements will yield outcomes of “value” usually defined as emancipatory changes.Originality/valueThis paper develops a new (to accounting) theoretical perspective.
Making a difference
Authors: Adams Carol A. , McNicholas Patty 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to contribute to the understanding of corporate processes for developing a sustainability report, the hurdles faced by organisations and the way in which organisational change towards improved accountability occurs and can lead to changes in sustainability performance.Design/methodology/approachThis research involves engagement through an action research approach involving the observation of corporate meetings, the provision of feedback on those meetings by the researchers and review of internet and hard copy sustainability reporting.FindingsThe study identified a number of impediments to the development of a sustainability reporting framework and its integration into planning and decision making, as well as forces for change. These were analysed using the organisational literature, particularly Kurt Lewin's integrated model of planned change. Differences were observed between the state‐owned organisation and prior studies of shareholder owned companies in their motivations for achieving sustainability and greater accountability.Practical implicationsFrom the organisation's perspective, the study provided immediate feedback which enhanced reporting practices and the incorporation of sustainability issues into decision making. The study has the potential to improve practice in other organisations through the identification of impediments to and forces for change not considered in prior theorising.Originality/valueThe action research approach contributes to knowledge and theorising in a way which could not have been achieved through interviews alone. It assisted change within the organisation in: adopting a sustainability reporting framework; integrating sustainability issues into planning and decision making; and, further embedding sustainability and accountability values. The findings in the state owned organisation contrast recent findings for shareholder‐owned companies.