bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The construction of national identity among minorities and its manifestation in organisations
Authors: Vedina Rebekka , Baumane Ilona 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to test assumptions made in previous research about the consequences of an identity threat in the construction of national identity among minority populations in Latvia and to discover how their approach(es) to constructing national identity is (are) reflected in their attitudes and in organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies a survey method and uses the original scale for measuring collectivistic attitudes according to various target groups and the original scale for measuring organisational culture along its task and relationship orientation. It also draws on social identity theory, self‐categorization theory and segmented assimilation theories.FindingsWhile the assumptions were not confirmed, it was found that the construction of national identity among minorities in Latvia does not follow the same path and that people with a mixed national identity have significantly lower collectivistic attitudes towards society. Yet, these attitudes are positively related to relationship orientation in organisations in all samples. We propose that while threats to identity have apparently diminished in Latvia in the last four years, the individual's approach to the formation of national identity still moderates his/her attachment to an organisation and support for organisational tasks.Research limitations/implicationsThe reliability of one of the scales – collectivistic attitudes towards peers – was low in all samples. Future studies should categorize more specific target groups and look for differences in the corresponding collectivistic attitudes across various cultural and national identity groups.Practical implicationsSupporting good interpersonal relationships in organisations sustains patriotic feelings among all its members, including those with distinct approaches to constructing a national identity, and can strengthen the individual's orientation towards organisational tasks.Originality/valueResearch on the outcomes of demographic diversity in organisations approaches the issue of nationality as a uni‐dimensional construct. The present paper discloses the formation of national identity by uncovering other possible composites of national identity besides nationality. This paper provides insight for managers, academics and students into the role of the construction of national identity in revealing employee attachment to their organisation.
Corporate social responsibility in Latvia: a benchmark study
Authors: Pētersons Andris , King Gundar J. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this is to present the characteristics of emerging concepts and practices of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Latvia.Design/methodology/approachThe paper includes reviews of CSR concepts and related values, a mail survey of CSR benchmarks, action research on emerging SCR programs, and concluding remarks on prospective CSR development. Survey data are supplemented with validation checks and selected interviews. This empirical survey information is intended be the starting point for comparative studies of CSR in Latvia.FindingsThe survey shows understanding and CSR applications at a very early stage of development. Minimization of external social costs is unknown to most respondents. Conceptual understanding is complicated by traditional beliefs in conflict with remnants of collectivist expectations. Follow up interviews suggest the most common CSR principle is the ethical “doing right” to achieve business goals. As related research done by authors of this study show, these goals are shaped by institutional environment and the personal values. Significant CSR is practiced by larger firms. Education, personal and public communications are the expected change factors.Research limitations/implicationsThe basic weakness is that the external cost concept is new to respondents. Wider CSR acceptance is linkable to a situation where personal and public communications and education are major factors of change.Originality/valueThe information and related analyses of CSR extend the original survey data, first published in Latvian. This first study of externalities leads to further study of CSR and related strategic actions.
Doubling: there's an escape from commodification ...?
Authors: Letiche Hugo 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to pursue the themes of feminine identity, doubling and (in)visibility; first in terms of “signifyin(g)” as a cultural and literary strategy, and second, in terms of quilting seen from the fiction of Alice Walker to the quilting of Gee's Bend. In the background, there plays the relationship between art and commodification.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines “commodification” and “doubling” in the case of the Gee's Bend quilt makers. The quilts foreshadow the modernist aesthetic and are of the highest aesthetic quality. They were made in a traditional rural society by very poor uneducated black women. The quilts were not made to be sold, but were dedicated to familial remembrance and to immediate aesthetic pleasure.FindingsCommodification doubles self and work, life and object, uniqueness and standardization, art and management. For the artist, the unicity, beauty, inspiration and creativity of art is doubled in the sale, marketing, display, distribution and mass production of “art works.” Making art is intimate, personal and individual; selling art requires public display, pleasing the all‐important customer(s) and dealing with many sorts of in‐betweens. What “commodification” is on the artist/art work level, is “doubling” on the I/me, self/persona, private/public, and in‐group/out‐group level.Originality/valueThe author proposes, from the example of quilt‐making, a wide‐ranging interrogation: “Is escape from commodification possible?”
The displaced world of risk: risk management as alienated risk (perception?)
Authors: Pelzer Peter 
Published: January 2009

PurposeDuring an election campaign in Germany international investors were named “locusts” to discredit their behaviour and the effects of their actions. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the links of this biblical metaphor and the contemporary financial industry, assuming that the common denominator can be seen in risk and the attitudes in dealing with risk. This link, so it is argued here, can be found in the changes of the understanding of risk as developing from punishment over representing evil to a postsocial opportunity to maximise profit in the globalised world of today.Design/methodology/approachThe paper contrasts the origin of a publicly used metaphor about financial industry to describe risk with risk management based on recent research on the financial industry.FindingsDevelopments of the international financial markets of the past three decades undermine the common understanding of risk and risk management at least from two directions. The methods used in risk management and investment represent a level of abstraction only specialists can deal with. And – more important for the everyday experience – certain forms of investment and risk management have developed in a way which is threatening to many people in companies producing goods or providing services. The development of financial industry into a postsocial reality of its own nevertheless has intense effects on other sectors of economy and society.Originality/valueThe author calls for an ethics of markets.
Paying attention to attention: care and humanism
Authors: Plot Frédérique A. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse how one's conception of the other may inform moral understanding. It attempts to argue that the account of the other and of the role ethics ascribes him/her in business or in society must be informed by a certain “attention” to others.Design/methodology/approachTo demonstrate this point, the paper starts with recalling the debate between the ethics of care and the ethics of justice. Then, it challenges the common conception of moral agency in English speaking moral philosophy. The paper then demonstrates how moral understanding is informed by the idea that others are an absolute limit to will and how conception of attention is interdependent with the awareness that others are one's fellows in humanity.FindingsThis paper shows that the traditional conception of moral agency does not allow one to understand why the idea that others are an absolute limit to the will is essential to the understanding of morality and why it plays a crucial role in ethical life. The paper argues that the traditional conception of moral agency understands morality as something based on an independently graspable conception of human nature. Against this idea, the paper argues that one's awareness that others are one's fellows in humanity is interdependent with the moral understanding and with the attention payed to them.Originality/valueThe paper challenges some basic assumptions of business ethics and of corporate social responsibility.
Foucault and creative resistance in organisations
Authors: Dalgliesh Bregham 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThere is a common misperception that Michel Foucault either had nothing constructive to contribute to the relationship between the subject and the other, or that at best he portrayed intersubjective relations as riddled with power that tends to domination and subjection. This paper aims to counter such a fallacy.Design/methodology/approachThe argument first highlights Foucault's concern with the status of the other, initially as a form of biopower that disciplines and regulates and, subsequent to the development of critical history, as a form of biopower that also constitutes the subject. It is then shown why this conception of the other in terms of relations of power/technoscience through which the subject is constructed is both an ethical and political question.FindingsFor organisations seeking to balance control with creativity for the purposes of fostering innovation, it is demonstrated how reflection upon Foucault's as yet unexplored work on the other, which proffers a notion of a subject who practices freedom in the context of disciplinary and regulatory power, might serve as a toolkit for managers who exercise control but who also seek to foster creativity from those subject to them.Originality/valueA subject‐other relationship is put forth in terms of an account of how freedom that is agonistically articulated in the face of control is tantamount to creative resistance, which in turn is translated into a value to be fostered by organisations that pursue creative destruction.
Imaginary epistemic objects in integrated children's services
Authors: Brown Steven D. , Daniels Harry , Edwards Anne , Leadbetter Jane , Martin Deirdre , Middleton David , Warmington Paul , Apostolov Apostol , Popova Anna 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the problem of achieving “organizational justice” for children within integrated children's services. Justice is understood, following Byers and Rhodes discussion of Levinas as respecting the “unique and indivisible” character of a given child.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical material reported here is drawn from a large study of interagency working in children's services in the UK. Data are taken from Developmental Work Research sessions. Methodological details are outlined in Daniels et al. and Leadbetter et al.FindingsThe key finding discussed here is that in order to balance the outcome measures used in children's services, participants use a further abstraction “the outcome of improved outcomes”. The logical and practical consequences of this abstraction are analysed.Originality/valueThe paper offers an empirically grounded contribution to conceptual debates about otherness and ethics in organization. In particular, it argues that a concern for the other need not preclude a high level of concrete categorization and minute target setting. The philosophical debate is seen to be “resolved” in practice.
Foreign exchange exposure in emerging markets
Authors: Fornés Gastón , Cardoza Guillermo 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at the impact that unanticipated changes in the exchange rate, specifically the currency crises that took place in Latin America between 1998 and 2004, had on the value of Spanish companies operating in this region. It also studies the strategies, decisions, measures and initiatives that these firms made to improve the effectiveness of their hedging activities. Building upon previous studies in industrialised countries, the study applies a broader perspective as it takes a cross‐functional approach by including finance, strategic planning, marketing and operations management in the analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses qualitative and quantitative analyses to reach its conclusions. The quantitative study involves a time series regression to calculate a foreign exchange exposure (FOREX) coefficient. The qualitative analysis uses a systematic approach to develop categories from the data gathered in the interviews. Finally, the conclusions from both analyses were summarised and combined. The data was collected from interviews containing structured and open‐ended questions with senior managers and directors of the largest Spanish investors in Latin America.FindingsThe research results suggest that foreign companies exposed to exchange risks in emerging markets gain resilience when they take a cross‐functional approach for the assessment and implementation of hedging strategies along with the decentralisation to subsidiaries of the decisions and implementation of hedging initiatives. This helps companies in: elaborating scenarios, assessing the possible impact of exchange rate variations, designing pre‐emptive measures and setting alternative strategies to mitigate potential impacts. This cross‐functional approach to managing risks in emerging markets seems to offer companies higher flexibility and new knowledge that can be shared among subsidiaries working in similar economic and political environments.Originality/valueThe results from this empirical study build upon previous works on FOREX and offer companies an alternative approach to minimise its impacts when operating in emerging markets.
Performance evaluation of Polish mutual fund managers
Authors: Swinkels Laurens , Rzezniczak Pawel 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the investment performance of mutual fund managers who operate in the Polish market.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses monthly mutual fund returns over the period 2000‐2007 to investigate the manager's selectivity and market timing skills. It analyzes three investment mutual fund investment categories: equity, balanced, and bond mutual funds. The paper investigates several performance evaluation models, and shows that the findings are robust with respect to the model choice.FindingsFor each of the three categories, equity, balanced, and bond funds, the paper positive, but insignificant selectivity skill of the mutual fund managers. No evidence is found of bond or equity market timing skills in the sample.Research limitations/implicationsSince not many mutual funds exist over a long period, the sample used is relatively small with 38 mutual funds, while in April 2007 more than 300 funds are listed in the Polish market.Practical implicationsPrivate investors in Poland are not worse off by investing in mutual funds compared to passive market indices. Based on this research, they should select mutual funds that focus on selectivity rather than market timing.Originality/valueThe research on mutual fund manager skill in emerging economies is scarce. In addition, little is known on the performance of balanced and bond mutual funds, even in developed mutual fund markets. This paper contributes by filling both these gaps in the academic literature.
A survey of internet financial reporting in Oman
Authors: Mohamed Ehab K.A. , Oyelere Peter , Al‐Busaidi Munther 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent and variety of practices of internet financial reporting (IFR) by companies listed on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) in Oman. While IFR is fast becoming the norm in most western countries, there is little empirical evidence of the phenomenon in the Middle East region. This paper attempts to fill some of the gap in the literature by providing evidence of IFR practices in Oman.Design/methodology/approachThe 142 companies listed on the MSM were investigated to ascertain whether they maintain websites and/or if these sites are being used for communicating financial information.FindingsOnly 84 of the listed companies were found to operate websites, with even less (only 31) engaging in IFR. However, IFR is not restricted to the publication of annual financial statements only as the companies also disclose financial highlights through their websites.Practical implicationsThe results of this study indicate that IFR is still at an embryonic stage in Oman and there are lots of opportunities and challenges for all stakeholder parties in corporate reporting.Originality/valueThe study highlights the challenges and opportunities for IFR in the Middle East Region, as well as a number of areas for further study.
Analyzing FDI trends in emerging markets: Turkey vs CSEE and the Middle East
Authors: Apaydin Marina 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to deconstruct the economic position of Turkey in comparison to its immediate neighbors, Central and South‐Eastern Europe (CSEE), and the Middle East, with a specific emphasis on Japanese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).Design/methodology/approachSeveral determinants of FDI intensity identified in the extant research are used to conduct this comparative analysis. The data is based on the foreign subsidiaries of Japanese firms.FindingsThe results confirm the ambiguous position of Turkey. It enjoys a high Gross Domestic Product growth despite a relatively low openness to trade. From cultural and political risk perspectives it is closer to the Middle East than to CSEE. In spite of its location advantages, the institutional environment continues to be an impediment, preventing Turkey from realizing its full investment potential. Thus, Japanese investors choose to invest in CSEE economies, which are slightly closer culturally to Japan, and significantly less risky.Research limitations/implicationsThe descriptive nature of this study is due to a limited sample size. The comparison of a country with two regions might be too simplistic. Focus on Japanese FDI limits generalizability.Practical implicationsThe results of this analysis confirm the importance of continuous market liberalization and political stabilization measures for attracting FDI. Government policies in the region should not only attempt to remedy local deficiencies but strive to create a comprehensive institutional framework.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the emerging market research in the region with paucity of data. Although comparisons among various European regions are common, such tri‐lateral analyses are rare.
Becoming an outstanding management historian in the USA
Authors: Reed Abraham D. , Chad Gibson M. , Novicevic Milorad M. , Robinson Robert K. 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to make a specific attempt of historicizing outstanding academic leadership in the field of management history.Design/methodology/approachBy using the biographical method and applying it to the material contained in Hodgetts's video interview of Wren and Bedeian's autobiography, the authors examine how outstanding management laureates, Wren and Bedeian, look back on their own lives and the people who influenced them.FindingsThe intellectual and institutional origins of their life stories are traced and the factors in Wren's and Bedeian's lives that might explain their pathways to becoming the US outstanding management historians as the Academy of Management Fellows are assessed.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the most outstanding achievements of the past in a manner that might be valuable when addressing the present day concerns about outstanding teaching and research in the field of management history.Originality/valueThe unique contribution of this study is its focus on showing how the manner in which outstanding management historians narrate the past may explain their present‐day achievements, and thus help readers understand that very past.
Joseph N. Scanlon: the man and the plan
Authors: Wren Daniel 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe paper aims to describe the career and contributions of Joseph Scanlon in gaining labor‐management cooperation through employee participation and sharing the gains from cost savings.Design/methodology/approachThe paper makes use of archives and unpublished sources; correspondence with Scanlon's daughter and a previous colleague; Scanlon's writings; and secondary sources as needed.FindingsJoseph Scanlon used his experiences to develop a plan that encouraged union‐management cooperation and workers and managers sharing gains from improved productivity. Scanlon's background is examined and how his colleagues at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, especially Douglas McGregor, provided the venue for his ideas to flourish and gain widespread acceptance. An analysis of 117 studies over a period of six decades is used to identify the conditions that appear to promote or to interfere with the Scanlon Plan.Practical implicationsThe Scanlon Plan illustrates a means to promote labor‐management cooperation and a means to involve employees through sharing cost savings.Originality/valueThis is the first biographical study to use archival and unpublished sources to provide new insights into Scanlon and how his plan for cooperation and Gainsharing developed.
Louis D. Brandeis and his role promoting scientific management as a progressive movement
Authors: Savino David 
Published: January 2009

PurposeThe paper aims to highlight the fact that Louis Dembitz Brandeis, well known for his time as a US Supreme Court Justice, was also very influential in promoting the virtues of scientific management in its early period of development while America was experiencing progressivism. In addition to his well known brilliance as a legal scholar, he was also a proponent of the importance of the role of efficient business practices in benefiting the worker and society in general. This paper aims to discuss the relationship between Brandeis and the scientific management movement that evolved over a period of decades that ultimately led to their mutual success.Design/methodology/approachThrough a discussion of the key relationship developed between Brandeis and scientific management the paper shows how each was able to thrive during progressive times.FindingsOver the span of his career Brandeis was adept at blending his appreciation and understanding of efficient business practices based on scientific management concepts with his view of a legal society. His legal and judicial temperament were best illustrated by his well known Brandeis brief which methodically combined economic facts and statistics of work performance with sound and convincing legal recommendations.Originality/valueThis is a historical account that provides a better understanding of the key role that Brandeis played in highlighting the field of scientific management while at the same time applying its concepts in a unique way to issues in the law and society.