bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technology‐based entrepreneurship and regional development: the case of Sweden
Authors: Lindholm Dahlstrand Åsa 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse technology‐based entrepreneurship and its importance for economic growth. Firstly, it discusses the concept of technology‐based entrepreneurship, and, secondly, it moves on to question if the phenomenon is important for regional growth. New technology‐based firms (NTBFs) can influence economic growth both directly, by their own growth, and indirectly, for example, by providing specialised input to other firms. Quite frequently those indirect effects are established within a regional context.Design/methodology/approachThis paper contributes knowledge about the relatively successful Swedish case. Based on several of the author's earlier studies, some empirical data are used to illustrate some characteristics of the Swedish case. The background and origin of Swedish NTBFs, as well as the growth of these firms, are discussed. Since, technology‐based entrepreneurship is a strongly regional phenomena special attention will be paid to one of Sweden's major regions; the Gothenburg region.FindingsThe paper shows that the number of technology‐based new firms corresponds to a small share of general entrepreneurship. Technology‐based entrepreneurship is a highly regional phenomenon, where local large firms are important for the training and breeding of future entrepreneurs. Spin‐off processes are likely to enhance regional knowledge development and learning processes because it involves the diffusion and sharing of technological and managerial expertise within the region.Practical implicationsThe results suggests that a country like Sweden, with high R&D spendings and innovative activities, should be encouraged to increase its entrepreneurial activities in order to benefit even further from its R&D and technology development.Originality/valueIs of value by adding to the knowledge on technology‐intensive firms – how they tend to grow, how frequent they are and their role in economic growth.
Internationalization of small firms
Authors: Esra Karadeniz E. , Göçer Kenan 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that underlie the internationalization of small‐ medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and to identify the most significant factors/variables that are related to the internationalization process of these firms in Turkey.Design/methodology/approachThe data for the analysis conducted in this study were collected from 471 owners/managers of SMEs in Turkey. This study examined the relationship of all variables in the internationalization of the small firms through use of Pearson and regression analysis.FindingsThis study showed that the ability to be an exporter was related to the business age and size, the intensity of R&D, the growth rate of the domestic markets and the planning for export, pursued by SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross‐sectional nature of this study may have limitations in regards to observing the direction and causality of some of the variables. The caution should be also taken when generalizing the findings beyond the scope of this study. The findings are limited to Turkish SMEs.Originality/valueA model in this study combines three classes of variables – firm, environmental, and management. Most empirical research has been concentrated on investigating one of these variables in relation to international performance. Earlier empirical research also concentrates on established larger firms and has not taken small firms into account. This study fills in a gap in the empirical research in terms of combining these variables to explain the internationalization process and studying the effect of these variables on smaller firms.
HRM strategies and MNCs from emerging economies in the UK
Authors: Ying Chang Yi , Wilkinson Adrian J. , Mellahi Kamel 
Published: August 2007

PurposeHRM practices in foreign subsidiaries have been the subject of much attention in recent years. However, research on HRM practices by subsidiaries of multinationals (MNCs) has so far focused largely on subsidiaries of western multinationals in western and or emerging economies. The authors have little knowledge concerning HRM practices of subsidiaries of multinationals from emerging economies in developed western countries. The purpose of this paper is to examine HRM practices of MNCs from emerging economies operating in western developed countries.Design/methodology/approachSurvey.FindingsA blend of practices has been adopted by the subsidiaries, ranging from emulating home country practices, adapting host country practices, and a Melange of home and host country practices.Originality/valueFirst, HRM practices used by emerging economy MNCs in an advanced economy have been identified. Second, the results suggest that MNCs from emerging economies behave differently from MNCs from developed countries such as Japan, the USA and Western European countries. Past research shows that MNCs from advanced economies such as Japanese MNCs in the UK tend to transplant the ideas and practices of so‐called excellent human resource management systems from their own parent companies. However, Taiwanese MNCs deliberately adopt a varied HR approach to operate in an advanced economy as a result of dual pressures of home and host country effect. Consequently, apart from strategic issues wholly made by headquarters in Taiwan, other HR practices either adapt to local practices or use a hybrid style.
Ethical performance evaluation (EPE) in business practices: framework and case illustrations
Authors: Svensson Göran , Wood Greg 
Published: August 2007

PurposeA set of principal parameters (i.e. time, context, gap, outcome, and consequence) influences the ethical performance evaluation (EPE) of business practices in the marketplace and society. The purpose of this paper is to describe a managerial framework of EPE based upon these parameters.Design/methodology/approachCase illustrations are used to underpin the introduced managerial framework of EPE.FindingsThe EPE of business practices is not only dependent upon the ethical values and principles of today, but those principles of tomorrow may be equally, or even more, crucial. The EPE of business practices is also dependent upon the surrounding context and its specific ethical values and principles. Furthermore, it is dependent upon the gap between different perceptions of ethical values and principles and if the outcome of the corporation's ethical values and principles are proactive or reactive in relation to the reigning ethical values and principles in the marketplace and society. Finally, it is also dependent upon the potential and eventual consequences of ethical values and principles.Research limitations/implicationsThe only way that we can “objectively” evaluate past ethical values and principles is through the use of ethical values and principles at the time and in respect to the context at hand. Research tends to fail when considering the longitudinal and evolutionary dimensions in the exploration of ethical values and principles in business practices. There is too much focus upon on‐the‐spot‐accounts in the past and in current research efforts. An important area for further research is how to deal with the durability and variability of ethical values and principles in business practices in the marketplace and society. The key may be a stronger emphasis on longitudinal research efforts that may explore them over time and as contexts evolve. Ethical values and principles are connected and re‐connected over time and across contexts in one way or another. They have a past, a current status and a future.Practical implicationsThe decision as to whether business practices are ethical or unethical is – relatively speaking – easy to determine from a narrow perspective, however, the decision whether business practices are ethical or unethical becomes complicated as the perspective is widened and deepened. An introduced managerial framework of EPE provides a generic foundation and structure to examine the acceptability versus unacceptability of business practices.Originality/valueThe paper introduces a managerial framework of EPE, followed by case illustrations. It addresses the impact of time on ethical values and principles in any context on the potential and eventual gaps, outcomes and consequences in business practices. The managerial framework of EPE may also be used in non‐business areas whenever found applicable and convenient to use.
Collaborative practice: a model of successful working in schools
Authors: James C.R. , Dunning G. , Connolly M. , Elliott T. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop the notion of collaborative practice from theoretical and empirical bases.Design/methodology/approachThe research analysed the concepts of collaboration, reflective practice and the primary task. It also examined the ways of working of 18 primary schools in Wales where the level of student attainment in national test scores was high, despite the pupils experiencing considerable social and economic disadvantage.FindingsFrom the conceptual analysis, we contend that established models of joint working accord insufficient significance to the work task and that reflective practice is essentially a social process, which requires a task focus to be successful. In the schools we studied, there was a particular way of working which we have called “collaborative practice”. It contributed substantively to their success. Collaborative practice is highly developed and inclusive joint working on a clearly defined main task, or primary task, in a reflective way. There are thus three elements to collaborative practice: collaboration, reflective practice and focus on the primary task. All three elements must be present for collaborative practice to be successful.Originality/valueThe collaborative practice model provides a straightforward framework for analysing work in schools. It also gives a secure foundation on which to base successful practice in educational institutions. The collaborative practice model therefore has implications for research and practice in educational settings, for the practice of educational leaders and managers, and for the professional development of those who work in schools.
Academic optimism and student achievement in urban elementary schools
Authors: Smith Page A. , Hoy Wayne K. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe aim of this study was two‐fold: to demonstrate a general construct of schools called academic optimism and to show it was related to student achievement in urban elementary schools, even controlling for socioeconomic factors, and school size.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 99 urban elementary schools in Texas and multiple regression and factor analyses were used to test a series of hypotheses guiding the inquiry.FindingsThe major hypotheses of the study were supported; academic optimism was a second‐order construct comprised of collective efficacy, faculty trust, and academic optimism. Moreover, academic optimism is a school characteristic that predicts student achievement even controlling for socioeconomic status.Practical implicationsThe results support Bandura's social cognitive theory, Coleman's social capital theory, Hoy and Tarter's work on organizational climate, and demonstrate the existence of a cultural property of schools called academic optimism. Further, the findings have practical implications for developing strategies to improve the academic performance of urban schools.Originality/valueThe findings demonstrate the existence of a new collective construct, academic optimism, which has the potential to help improve the effectiveness of schools.
“I just want to teach”
Authors: Timms Carolyn , Graham Deborah , Cottrell David 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe present study seeks to elucidate observed mismatches with workload in teacher respondents to a survey exploring aspects of the work environment.Design/methodology/approachThis phase of the study constituted a pen and paper survey of 298 currently serving teachers in independent schools in Queensland, Australia. Measures used in the research included the Areas of Worklife Survey (AWLS), which identifies matches or mismatches between the worker and organization on six areas of worklife, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES).FindingsOne sample t‐tests revealed respondents reported significantly higher matches in the control, community, fairness and values areas of work life than previously surveyed populations, whereas they reported no difference in reward, and significantly more mismatch with workload. Respondents reported significantly higher levels than previously established norms on the OLBI dimension of exhaustion, but similar levels of disengagement. Responses to the UWES revealed significantly higher dedication and absorption and lower vigor than previously established norms. In addition, respondents reported working long hours in order to fulfill all obligations. Expansion of the quantitative data with respondent comments indicated that teachers working independent schools in Queensland have reached a level of workload that is unsustainable and which constitutes a serious risk to their mental and physical health.Originality/valueThis article pinpoints the many reasons why demands made on teachers have extended to a level which is making their work unsustainable and will be of interest to those involved in the teaching profession.
Pre‐service teachers' beliefs and other predictors of pupil control ideologies
Authors: Rideout Glenn W. , Morton Larry L. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThis study aims to examine a variety of demographic, experiential, and philosophical orientation variables that may be predictive of pupil control ideologies (PCI) for teacher candidates at the beginning of a pre‐service program. In particular, it sets out to provide empirically grounded generalizations regarding the relationship between philosophical orientations and PCI. Philosophical orientation variables identified candidates' beliefs about key educational concepts.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative methodology was used in this study. Data from approximately 720 pre‐service participants in a pre‐service teacher education program were analysed via a series of correlational and multiple regression analyses.FindingsThese data supported the conclusion that while demographic and experiential variables were predictive of PCI at the beginning of the teacher preparation program, the most predictive variables were contained within the philosophical orientations variable cluster.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings provide empirical evidence of a link between what beginning teachers believe about education and their approach at the beginning of their teacher education program to pupil control in the classroom.Originality/valueThese findings identify circumstances that may assist in attracting males into elementary teaching at a time when major teacher organizations are highlighting this perceived weakness in the teacher recruitment process. Additionally, the study recommends inclusion in teacher preparation programs of curriculum units pertaining to pre‐service teachers' beliefs about education, and provides suggestions for the content of such units.
The social characteristics and demographics of Australian Vice‐Chancellors, 1960‐2000
Authors: O'Meara Bernard , Petzall Stanley 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the key demographics and social characteristics of Vice‐Chancellors of Australian universities so that an accurate profile of Vice‐Chancellors can be established. At present, there is no contemporary profile of incumbents despite the high level of responsibility associated with these roles.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was used in the research that required the collation and analysis of public domain material regarding vice‐chancellors. Multiple sources were used in order to ensure depth, breadth and accuracy of data collected. A questionnaire that was used as part of the PhD research allowed new data to be accessed and existing data verified. Finally, interviews with various incumbents allowed pertinent information to be discussed where applicable.FindingsThe research outlines the changes in the roles of Vice‐Chancellors that have occurred since 1960. The changes in the role reflect changes in government policy and social trends. Further, the research demonstrates that incumbents are now chief executive officers and require a broader range of business competencies and academic experience compared to their predecessors in order to meet contemporary challenges. These changes are reflected in the demographics and social characteristics of incumbents.Originality/valueThis paper addresses this gap in knowledge and provides information about the people who are appointed vice‐chancellors. The research gives an insight into all incumbents between 1960 and 2000 and where possible, examples of post‐2000 trends have also been given. The creation of this profile will allow further and more in‐depth research to be undertaken.
The absence of women's voices in Hofstede's Cultural Consequences
Authors: Moulettes Agneta 
Published: August 2007

PurposeEmbedded in Western scientific rationality, Hofstede's model on national culture is constructed on a quantitative method, which among other things is characterized by its carefully selected sample consisting of a group of well educated white “men” from the middle classes working for the same company and sharing identical or similar occupations. The appointment of well educated men from the middle classes as the norm for national culture might mislead one to believe that Hofstede perceives of culture as equally distributed among men and women and that there are no differences in regard to the possession of power. However, considering that he has dedicated one of his five dimensions to gender and constructed his model on a bipolar distinction between masculinity and femininity this is clearly not the case. The purpose of the paper is to show that Hofstede's masculine/feminine dimension unveils a distinct perception of gender differences, even though women's voices were kept silent in his survey.Design/methodology/approachThe paper approaches Hofstede's masculine/feminine dimension from a postcolonial angle, and focuses on how he discursively makes use of a gender dichotomy in his construction of national culture.FindingsThe analysis supports the argument that Hofstede's masculine/feminine dimension contributes to reproducing a collective and prejudiced understanding of both culture and gender.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is in its attempt to urge for a relocation of research on culture and gender from logocentrism and dichotomies to a discourse that take local variations and multiplicity into consideration.
British army leadership: is it gendered?
Authors: Dunn Michael 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the female British Army officer, to determine whether female Army officers lead in different ways to male Army officers.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual framework was transformational and transactional leadership theory. Data were gathered in semi structured interviews with 24 Army officers, split 50:50 between men and women using repertory grid, and critical incident methods.FindingsWomen and men Army officers interviewed do lead in different ways with women demonstrating a gender management aspect to their leadership. The research also identified that women officers experience an “armoured glass” ceiling in terms of career progression, the research developed a conceptual model of military leadership that differs from the transformational/transactional leadership model. It also disconfirms contemporary leadership theory that conflates leadership and change management.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper makes no claims for generalisability because of the unrepresentative sample. Further, research is needed on a representative sample basis.Practical implicationsThe paper may inform policy on the management and development of female Army officers. It may also have utility in improving leadership development in the British Army and other UK Armed Services.Originality/valueThe paper makes a contribution in two areas; it adds to the growing body of research that indicates men and women lead in different ways and assessing the implications that flow from this. It is also a research‐based contribution to conceptualising leadership in the British Army officer cadre below 1 star level.
Understanding intention to continuously share information on weblogs
Authors: Lu Hsi‐Peng , Hsiao Kuo‐Lun 
Published: August 2007

PurposeWeblogs, or blogs, have been a significant new development in recent years. Many businesses have begun using blogs to stimulate discussions, garner ideas, and provide further visibility. Thus, blog usage as well as individual motives behind continued usage is an important area of research. This research aims to examine behavioral motivations underlying individual intention to keep using blogs.Design/methodology/approachBased on social cognitive theory and related technology adoption literature, this study considered knowledge self‐efficacy, subjective norms, feedback, and personal outcome expectations as the determinants of continuing to share information on blogs. The proposed model was empirically evaluated using randomized survey data collected from 155 users of a popular web site in Taiwan (WRETCH blog).FindingsThe results revealed that although both self‐efficacy and personal outcome expectations affected directly the intention of sharing information on blogs, personal outcome expectations had stronger impacts on behavioral intention. In addition, social persuasion has no direct but indirect impact via self‐efficacy and personal outcome expectations on the intention of sharing information.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to a theoretical understanding of the factors that promote the usage of weblogs. For web log service providers, the results help them better develop tools to enhance people's intention to share information.Originality/valueThe paper verifies the effect of knowledge self‐efficacy, personal outcome expectations, and social persuasion on the behavior of blog users. Furthermore, verifies the determinants of knowledge self‐efficacy.
Classification and synthesis of quality approaches in e‐government services
Authors: Halaris Christos , Magoutas Babis , Papadomichelaki Xenia , Mentzas Gregoris 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a multi‐faceted summary and classification of the existing literature in the field of quality of service for e‐government and outline the main components of a quality model for e‐government services.Design/methodology/approachStarting with fundamental quality principles the paper examines and analyzes 36 different quality approaches concerning public sector services, e‐services in general and more specifically e‐government services. Based on the dimensions measured by each approach the paper classifies the approaches and concludes on the basic factors needed for the development of a complete quality model of e‐government services.FindingsBased on the classification of literature approaches, the paper provides information about the main components of a quality model that may be used for the continuous monitoring and measuring of public e‐services' quality. The classification forms the basis for answering questions that must be addressed by the quality model, such as: What to assess?; Who will perform the assessment? and How the assessment will be done?Practical implicationsThis model can be used by the management of public organizations in order to measure and monitor the quality of e‐services delivered to citizens.Originality/valueThe results of the work presented in this paper form the basis for the development of a quality model for e‐government services.