bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Issues on compliance and ethics in taxation: what do we know?
Authors: Ho Daniel , Wong Brossa 
Published: October 2008

PurposeTo better understand the issues on compliance and ethics in taxation, this paper reviews and discusses the extant literature with a focus on individual taxpayers. As prior studies mainly provide tax compliance and ethics information in the USA, this paper attempts to explore similar issues in a non‐US economy by articulating real‐life perspectives of tax compliance behavior in Hong Kong.Design/methodology/approachThe first part of this study undertakes an extensive review of literature on compliance and ethics in taxation. The second part of this study provides real‐life perspectives of tax compliance behavior for individual taxpayers by examining three informal tax cases in Hong Kong.FindingsThe first major finding from literature review is that ethical beliefs could be an effective means to improve tax compliance, particularly for taxpayers with lower levels of moral development. Secondly, as tax compliance rate is higher when taxpayer has a stronger moral belief that tax evasion is not ethical, a stronger enforcement effort might have a positive overall effect on tax compliance.Research limitations/implicationsIn Hong Kong, there is a lack of general ethics education for the public. The authors therefore suggest the introduction of general ethics education for all citizens in Hong Kong to enhance level of moral development in order to improve tax compliance at large.Originality/valueThe examination of the actions of taxpayers provides insightful information on tax compliance and ethics issues as prior research suggests that ethics ultimately lies in actions and hence actions should be used to study the ethical development.
Credit card fraud: awareness and prevention
Authors: Barker Katherine J. , D'Amato Jackie , Sheridon Paul 
Published: October 2008

PurposeTo make readers aware of the pervasiveness of credit card fraud and how it affects credit card companies, merchants and consumers.Design/methodology/approachA range of recent publications in journals and information from internet web sites provide corroboration and details of how fraudsters are using credit cards to steal billions of dollars each year. Numerous schemes and techniques are described in addition to recommendations as to how to help control this growing type of fraud.FindingsCredit card fraud is a healthy and growing means of stealing billions of dollars from credit card companies, merchants and consumers. This paper offers current information to help understand the techniques used by fraudsters and how to avoid falling prey to them.Research limitations/implicationsThis fraud relies on technology currently available and the easy ability to obtain machinery to steal individual identities and account information, and to produce fraudulent credit cards. Information cited is current but could change radically as technological breakthroughs occur. The changing nature of technology also affects the recommendations made to control this fraud.Practical implicationsA very useful source of current information on credit card fraud for bank, credit card companies, merchants, and consumers.Originality/valueThis paper provides specific current information and recommendations regarding a fraud topic that is of interest to a wide audience.
Consumer insurance fraud in the US property‐casualty industry
Authors: Lesch William C. , Byars Bruce 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the management of consumer insurance fraud in the US property‐casualty market, attending to definition, prevalence, insurer and regulatory responses, and outcomes. A social marketing campaign is offered as a partial, long‐term solution.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explicates the difficulties associated with defining and measuring consumer insurance fraud, then models the system of factors now in place in redress.FindingsLittle agreement was found for a common definition of consumer insurance fraud and this was explained in part due to the decentralization of insurance regulation, competitive factors, and inconsistency in claims processing. The paper concludes by offering a social marketing campaign as a tool for reducing the incidence and severity of single‐claims fraud, the latter believed to be the largest source of consumer insurance fraud.Originality/valueThis paper affords a macro‐level view of a common and expensive social problem, suggests a practical solution with the promise of reducing long‐term losses at all levels.
Art crime and the Wealth of Nations
Authors: Hill Charles 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss art crime including the destruction of historical sites of artistic and architectural value.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on two quotations from Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations.FindingsArt crime involves theft by burglary, robbery, deception (frauds, fakes, forgery, bogus provenance and false attribution), and can be done through money laundering, but there is a particular sinister form of theft by means of destruction.Originality/valueArt is a wealth of nations, and provides targets we must protect better.
Intellectual capital statements in the Danish utility sector: materialisation and enactment
Authors: Nikolaj Bukh Per , Kjærgaard Jensen Isa 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how three similar utility companies have adopted intellectual capital statements as a management technology, incorporated it into existing practices, developed and adapted it.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on ethnomethodology using accounts where the data collection was mainly through semi‐structured interviews with practitioners. The analysis is based on the actor network theory where the idea of an intellectual capital statement is enacted and materialised.FindingsThe paper finds that the local context and the local actors have a decisive influence on the network creation taking place around the intellectual capital statement as an object, where the objects create room for different actions. It is concluded that the intellectual capital statement in the companies functions as a conceptual framework where existing initiatives can be integrated into a whole. Further, it is concluded that an actor with a strong position is necessary in order for the intellectual capital statement to be part of the management practice.Originality/valuePrevious studies of intellectual capital reporting have been based on surveys or studies of the written reports and how they at a specific point in time were used in companies. This study is based on the researchers being present in the companies while the intellectual capital statements are developed, and on following the companies for three to four years. Thus, the focus is on the construction of the statements. Further, the methodology opens up new ways of understanding intellectual capital statements.
Association between independent audit committee members' human‐resource features and underpricing
Authors: Mitchell Van der Zahn J‐L.W. , Singh Harjinder , Singh Inderpal 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe primary objective of this paper is to examine the association between the seven human‐resource features (spanning three major themes: qualifications and credentials; business and initial public offering (IPO) launch experience; and diversity) of independent audit committee members and the level of underpricing.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 410 Singapore IPOs listing on the stock exchange of Singapore from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2006 was used.FindingsEmpirical results overall suggest no overwhelming association between the human‐resource features of IPO audit committees and underpricing. Rather, the findings suggest only some specific human‐resource features (e.g. presence of an independent audit committee member with accounting qualifications and credentials) are of significance. Others (e.g. gender diversity of independent audit committee members) have little or no association. Also, results do not suggest a major category of human‐resource features (i.e. qualifications and credentials, business and IPO launch experience, or diversity) is associated with underpricing. Time also does not appear to affect the results.Practical implicationsAs human‐resource features tended to increase rather than lower an IPO's cost of capital, or had not influence at all, our findings generally do not support some policymakers' arguments for the introduction of mandated uniform audit committee structures. Rather, the results support flexibility to determine the properties of the audit committee.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first (particularly outside the USA) to investigate linkages between audit committee human‐resource features and underpricing. Whilst acknowledging some caveats associated with this study, such as focusing on a single nation, this paper contributes relevant insights to the debate about audit committee effectiveness.
Intellectual capital disclosure in India: content analysis of “TecK” firms
Authors: Kamath Bharathi 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the extent of voluntary intellectual capital disclosers in India's emerging information, communication and technology sector and the relationship between the size of the firm and the extent of disclosures.Design/methodology/approachContent analysis of the 30 technology, entertainment, communication and other knowledge (TecK) companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange is carried out. A list of intellectual capital (IC)‐related terms is searched for its presence or absence within the annual reports of these forms for the financial year 2005‐2006. The list of terms is determined based on the extensive survey of literature on content analysis and IC.FindingsThe results find significantly small extent of IC disclosures in Indian firms. Information technology industries disclosures are more than any other sectors disclosures, closely followed by the telecommunication industry. Entertainment industry shows the minimal disclosures. There was no significant correlation between the occurrence of the term and the size of the firm based on its market capitalization.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to the 30 TecK forms for one financial year. However, these firms are considered as an appropriate representative of the sector as they are knowledge and IC intensive in nature. Content analysis is well‐accepted methodology among researchers for analyzing the extent of IC disclosures; the search terminology used may be further classified or sub‐classified. Research can be extended across sectors and time period.Practical implicationsFirms, policy makers and the stakeholders get a new dimension to evaluate the performance of the firms. The implication for the firms is that a new model of IC measurement and disclosures must be developed as the traditional financial reporting models may not be sufficient to disclose the IC index and the relationship between the disclosure patterns and the firm's performance. As voluntary disclosures are negligible, the implication for the policy makers is that IC disclosures made statutory in the interest of the stakeholders.Originality/valueThis paper is a pioneering attempt to study the extent of IC disclosures using content analysis in the context of Indian firms.
Creativity and workplace attractiveness in professional employment
Authors: Marks Abigail , Huzzard Tony 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the notion of attractive workplaces in the specific context of creative professional employment.Design/methodology/approachBased on observations and interview data at knowledge‐based firms in the UK, the paper looks at the extent to which employees are “rewarded” with the offer of creative work and the degree to which this offer really involves greater benefits for employees in terms of professional prestige and the confirmation of their identities as professional workers in the creative industries.FindingsThe paper finds that creative needs remain important components of the attractive workplace, but increasingly also of importance are the extrinsic rewards of an acceptable work‐life balance as the age profile of the technology worker changes and technology stagnates.Research limitations/implicationsThis research focused on one group of workers within one specific country. Whilst it was found that work in the software sector is becoming less creative, this may not be the case across all contexts.Practical implicationsThere is clearly a problem, of developing young technology specialists within Scotland. In order to maintain the “Smart, Successful Scotland” propounded by the Scottish Government, drastic steps need to be taken to educate the IT workers and indeed, entrepreneurs of the future.Originality/valueThis paper is new as there has been little recent research undertaken examining the IT sector in Scotland. More generally, there is a scarcity of work focusing on workplace attractiveness for IT specialists.
Sovereign‐wealth funds
Authors: Das Dilip K. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeOver the last two decades global cross‐border investment has increased. State‐owned and managed, sovereign‐wealth funds (SWFs), largely from the emerging‐market economies, have started playing a decisive role in underpinning, sustaining and expanding financial globalization. This paper aims to provide the reader with basic conceptual strands on the SWF, their genesis, coming into prime and recent spurt in their operations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on defining SWFs and tracks their origin and growth. It explores the present and future market size of SWFs and examines the ramifications of this group of large institutional investors. It also answers the query whether anxieties about their operations are exaggerated and attempts to provide answers regarding some of the prickly policy questions.FindingsThe paper finds that, although they are an instrument of enhancing liquidity and financial resource allocation in the international capital market, they have become a source of controversies and threaten and escalation in financial protectionism.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on the concept of SWFs and the recent spurt in their activities and significance.
Benchmarking developing Asia's manufacturing sector
Authors: Felipe Jesus , Estrada Gemma 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to document the transformation of developing Asia's manufacturing sector during the last three decades.Design/methodology/approachThe paper briefly discusses the transformation during the last 30 years and benchmarks the sector by estimating a regression based on the logistic pattern of growth. It then summarizes the main findings.FindingsIt is found that: the share of developing Asia in world manufacturing output has increased significantly since the 1970s; the increase is concentrated in a number a countries, mostly the NIES, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand; and there has been an important technological upgrading as the share of more technologically advanced manufacturers has increased. However, the increase is also concentrated in a reduced group of countries.Originality/valueThe findings in the paper should be of value to both other researchers and policy makers trying to understand industrialization.
Post‐socialist transformation and growth regime: some comments about the Chinese case
Authors: Charles Sébastien , El Karouni Ilyess 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper attempts to show that Chinese post‐socialist transformation has involved a deep change in growth regime.Design/methodology/approachThe authors begin by detailing the institutional background of the study: the Chinese post‐socialist transformation. They compare growth regimes both in Maoist and post Maoist eras. Therefore, by using official data, the paper deals with the difficulties and challenges of the current growth regime.FindingsThe new growth regime could be particularly difficult to manage regarding China's dependence on external demand in a context of low domestic demand. In particular, the main difficulty to which this growth regime could be confronted with concerns the occurrence of an external contraction in the US. The authors then try to assess why such an event may appear by providing a list of external risks to emphasize the economic vulnerability of China.Practical implicationsThis paper is essentially intended for Chinese policy‐makers who wish to adopt a more balanced growth strategy in the long‐run.Originality/valueThe paper develops an alternative view on the macroeconomic situation of China. In particular, it insists on its vulnerability through external demand.
A comparative analysis of exchange rate fluctuations and economic activity
Authors: Kandil Magda , Nergiz Dincer Nazire 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe paper aims to examine the effects of exchange rate fluctuations on real output, the price level, and the real value of components of aggregate demand in Egypt and Turkey.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on a theoretical model that decomposes movements in the exchange rate into anticipated and unanticipated components, the empirical investigation traces the effects through demand and supply channels.FindingsIn Turkey, anticipated exchange rate appreciation has significant adverse effects, contracting the growth of real output and the demand for investment and exports, while raising price inflation. Random fluctuations in Turkey have asymmetric effects that highlight the importance of unanticipated depreciation in shrinking output growth and the growth of private consumption and investment, despite an increase in export growth. In Egypt, anticipated exchange rate appreciation decreases export growth. Given asymmetry, the net effect of unanticipated exchange rate fluctuations, in Egypt, decreases real output and consumption growth and increases export growth, on average, over time.Research limitations/implicationsIn light of the country‐specific evidence, future research should extend the investigation using panel estimation, incorporating various demand and supply shocks along with exchange rate fluctuations, to establish the relative importance of various shocks on macroeconomic performance across MENA countries.Practical implicationsWhile adhering to a flexible exchange rate policy to boost competitiveness, managing fundamentals to reduce excessive volatility impinging on the economic system over time should top the policy agenda.Originality/valueExcessive volatility in the real effective exchange rate could be detrimental to real growth, over time, as the evidence for Turkey and Egypt illustrates.
Pro‐poor growth: explaining the cross‐country variation in the growth elasticity of poverty
Authors: Chhibber Ajay , Nayyar Gaurav 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to analyse the cross‐country variation in the growth elasticity of poverty across a sample of developing countries during the period from 1990 to 2000.Design/methodology/approachIn order to identify variables that may explain the cross‐country variation in the growth elasticity of poverty, the paper sets up a theoretical framework. Subsequently, the explanatory power of these variables is tested empirically by panel data econometric analysis.FindingsFor a sample of 52 low and middle income countries, it is found that the level of initial income inequality, credit available to the private sector, literacy, the extent of business regulations and trade openness are important determinants of the growth elasticity of poverty.Practical implicationsCountries that reduce regulatory burdens, improve literacy, increase access to finance, undertake land reforms (asset redistribution), and provide safety nets while liberalizing trade can create more growth and ensure that it is pro‐poor.Originality/valueThe paper identifies variables (at a cross‐country level) that may guide the conscious policies which create pro‐poor growth.
The development of corporate real estate asset management in New Zealand
Authors: McDonagh John 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis research paper aims to review the development of corporate real estate asset management (CREAM) in New Zealand since 1992.Design/methodology/approachThe first research into CREAM in New Zealand was carried out by Wei Kium Teoh. Lincoln University staff and post graduate students have subsequently undertaken several CREAM research projects involving surveys of organizations in New Zealand. These were spread over a 14 year time period and led to the opportunity to carry out a time series analysis of the development of CREAM practice in New Zealand.FindingsSubstantial improvement in some aspects of CREAM practice was observed, for example, in the qualifications of those responsible for CREAM and the development of strategic plans for those assets. However, other aspects of CREAM have remained remarkably stable or plateaued, for example the percentage of organizations with a separate real estate unit, reporting levels to management and the allocation of real estate costs.Research limitations/implicationsBoth academic and industry attention in New Zealand can now be focused on those areas of CREAM development that appear to be lagging or otherwise warranting further research due to inconsistent results across the different studies.Originality/valueCREAM research in a New Zealand context is limited. This paper collates and interprets much of that research with the added benefit of hindsight and trend analysis. The similarities in the findings with research carried out in other countries means international developments in CREAM are likely to be also applicable in a New Zealand context.
Boosting organizational performance and CRE credibility through occupancy planning
Authors: Knapp Curtis A. , Oliver Jennifer 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the merits of occupancy planning as a means for improving strategic decisions regarding real estate portfolios and strengthening the credibility of corporate real estate (CRE) professionals.Design/methodology/approachThe authors' extensive experience is combined with survey results and case examples of how two global companies are benefiting from occupancy planning.FindingsOccupancy planning programs lead to better data and forecasting, which in turn create a more accurate portfolio‐wide view and improved space utilization.Originality/valueThis article demonstrates the link between effective occupancy planning and sound CRE decisions.