bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TQM and market orientation's impact on SMEs' performance
Authors: Demirbag Mehmet , Lenny Koh S.C. , Tatoglu Ekrem , Zaim Selim 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe principal aim of this study is to determine the impact of market orientation (MO) and implementation of total quality management (TQM) on organizational performance of SMEs.Design/methodology/approachBased on theoretical considerations, a model is proposed linking the MO and TQM constructs to the organizational performance construct. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses empirically verified and validated the underlying dimensions of MO, TQM and organizational performance. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the model drawing on a sample of 141 SMEs operating in the Turkish textile industry.FindingsData analysis reveals that, while MO has a strong and positive impact on the extent of TQM implementation, it has no significant impact on organizational performance. Similarly, a strong and positive relationship was noted between the level of TQM implementation and organizational performance. It has also been found that the MO has a positive and significant impact on organizational performance through only a mediating role of TQM implementation.Research limitations/implicationsThe data were collected from textile manufacturers in Turkey, which may restrict to some extent generalizability of findings to other industries or firms operating in more stable environments. Given the limitations associated with perceptual measures, findings should be interpreted with some degree of caution. Finally, an implementation of alternative scales on the same sample would provide further insights into the causal links between MO, TQM and organizational performancePractical implicationsSMEs should consider TQM as a facilitating management tool for improving organizational performance in relatively more dynamic environments. Market‐oriented SMEs may not realize an increased performance gains with a successful MO implementation but, when TQM is implemented alongside MO, better financial performance can be achieved. As increasing number of SMEs are being involved in global markets, a double track approach (MO at business level and TQM implementation at functional level) to improve product and management quality becomes inevitable.Originality/valueA triangulation of MO, TQM and organizational performance outperforms two‐way relationship of MO and organizational performance. Direct and indirect effect of each construct on organizational performance was discovered. SMEs should consider TQM as having a mediating role to improve organizational performance under a given set of market orientation.
The impact of total quality management on innovation
Authors: Thai Hoang Dinh , Igel Barbara , Laosirihongthong Tritos 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between total quality management (TQM) practices and innovation performance in the Vietnamese industry context.Design/methodology/approachThe method of confirmatory factor analysis was applied to refine TQM and innovation scales for empirical analysis in Vietnam. The structural equation modelling method was applied to test the theoretical models.FindingsThis study confirms the results of previous studies that considered TQM as a set of practices. It confirms that TQM – considered as a set of practices – has a positive impact on the firm's innovativeness. It discovers that not all TQM practices enhance firm innovativeness. Only leadership and people management, process and strategic management, and open organization showed a positive impact on the firm's innovation performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample was not random. Future research should select different random samples to allow for more generalization of the results. The study assessed the concept of “newness” with the company boundaries. Future research should measure “newness” within the boundaries of the specific industry. The unclear evidence found in this study on the impact of the firm's education and training policy on innovation needs to be further investigated.Practical implicationsThe findings are useful for business managers in developing countries such as Vietnam, who want to enhance business performance through implementing TQM practices that support their firm's product and services innovation efforts.Originality/ valueThe study has contributed to develop a measurement system of TQM practices and innovation performance that facilitates more quality management research in developing countries. It has contributed to clarifying the disputed relationship between TQM practices and the firm's innovativeness, and shows empirical evidence in Vietnam to confirm that the TQM practice set deployed by a firm has a positive impact on its innovation performance.
Extra‐role behaviors challenging the status‐quo
Authors: Chiaburu Dan S. , Baker Vicki L. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate the antecedents of taking charge, an extra‐role behavior (ERB) directed at challenging the status‐quo.Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses were tested using regression analysis on data obtained by surveying 211 employees in one work organization.FindingsSupport was found for the distinctiveness of taking charge, a type of ERB that challenges the status‐quo, from traditional ERB, such as organization‐directed and individual‐directed organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBO, OCBI, respectively), and from in‐role behaviors (IRB). In addition, individual‐related factors, such as propensity to trust, employee exchange ideology, and their interaction, predict taking charge. Supervisor‐related factors, such as output control by the direct manager, are also significant predictors.Practical implicationsPractitioners interested in interventions to enhance taking charge behaviors can rely on these findings by either selecting employees (based on the employees' propensity to trust and exchange ideologies) or by providing appropriate organizational controls.Originality/valueThe findings are valuable for those engaged in theory building and testing and for practitioners. From a theoretical perspective, the paper proposes and tests novel predictors of taking charge on a sample of administrative and line employees. In addition, if the results are properly validated in other organizational contexts, practitioners can use these ideas to design specific interventions.
Interpersonal characteristics associated with different team roles in work groups
Authors: Davies Martin F. , Kanaki Eleftheria 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate interpersonal characteristics associated with Belbin's team roles in work groups.Design/methodology/approachThe SYMLOG Interpersonal Effectiveness Profile (an interpersonal measure of personality), the EPQ (an intrapsychic measure of personality) and a revised version of Belbin's behavioural checklist measure of team roles were administered to 145 UK managers.FindingsCanonical correlation analysis showed that SYMLOG personality dimensions were much more clearly and strongly related to team roles than were EPQ personality dimensions. The dominance (upward) SYMLOG dimension was positively associated with the roles of implementer, coordinator and resource investigator, and this was the most important canonical variate. The accepting authority (forward) SYMLOG dimension was positively associated with the roles of completer finisher, monitor evaluator and negatively associated with plant and shaper, and this was the next most important canonical variate. The friendly (positive) SYMLOG dimension was positively associated with the roles of team worker and plant and this was the least important canonical variate. Only the extraversion dimension of the EPQ was clearly associated with team roles (implementer, coordinator, resource investigator and team worker).Research limitations/implicationsThe present findings are too dependent on self‐report questionnaires which are prone to biases such as positivity, leniency and halo effects. Research using observational analysis of behaviour in groups would be useful for extending the present findings.Practical implicationsOrganizations might improve the functioning of their teams by analysing the sorts of interpersonal characteristics that are duplicated or lacking in their personnel so that a balanced mix of personalities can be established across different roles.Originality/valueThere has been little research on the interpersonal as opposed to the intrapsychic personality characteristics of different social roles in small groups.
Implicit leadership effects on multi‐source ratings for management development
Authors: Porr Dean , Fields Dail 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo determine the effect that implicit leadership theories have on the relevance of 360‐degree review techniques used to assess managerial behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe relationships of subordinate, superior and self ratings of manager leader behaviors with three performance indicators were examined in 60 retail stores located in the USA.FindingsNearly, all of the subordinate ratings of manager behaviors were significantly related to performance of internal processes, while nearly all ratings of the same manager provided by superiors were related to performance in store merchandizing.Research limitations/implicationsThe performance indicators were derived from company records, independent of influence from the rater groups.Practical implicationsMulti‐source ratings of managerial behaviors may be based on overall work unit performance rather than observation and should be assessed and interpreted cautiously in providing feedback for management development.Originality/valueThe ratings of managerial behaviors may reflect implicit leadership models activated by observation of store performance rather than rater observations of the manager's behaviors.
Gender and age differences in occupational stress and professional burnout between primary and high‐school teachers in Greece
Authors: Antoniou A.‐S. , Polychroni F. , Vlachakis A.‐N. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo identify the specific sources of occupational stress and the professional burnout experienced by teachers working in Greek primary and secondary schools. A special emphasis is given to gender and age differences. Design/methodology/approach – A cross‐sectional design was used. Two self‐report measures were administered to a sample of 493 primary and secondary school teachers, a self‐report rating scale of specific occupational stressors and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (education version).FindingsThe most highly rated sources of stress referred to problems in interaction with students, lack of interest, low attainment and handling students with “difficult” behaviour. Female teachers experienced significantly higher levels of occupational stress, specifically with regard to interaction with students and colleagues, workload, students' progress and emotional exhaustion. Younger teachers experienced higher levels of burnout, specifically in terms of emotional exhaustion and disengagement from the profession, while older teachers experienced higher levels of stress in terms of the support they feel they receive from the government.Practical implicationsThe findings will help to implement effective primary and secondary level prevention programmes against occupational stress taking into account how males and females and younger and older teachers perceive stress at work.Originality/valueThe study is a significant addition to the teacher stress and burnout literature, especially in Greece where few relevant studies exist dealing with these problems.
The development of the field of HRD: a Delphi study
Authors: McGuire David , Cseh Maria 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThe study explored the views of leading human resource development (HRD) academics regarding five main issues: the disciplinary bases of HRD, the historical milestones in HRD, the constituent components of HRD, the leading contributions in terms of journal articles and books to the development of HRD and the future of HRD.Design/methodology/approachA Delphi methodology was adopted. The views of editorial board members of the four main HRD journals (Human Resource Development Quarterly, Human Resource Development International, Advances in Developing Human Resources, Human Resource Development Review) and of the Board of Directors of the Academy of Human Resource Development were sought.FindingsAdult learning, systems theory and psychology were identified as the disciplinary bases of HRD. Works by Knowles, Nadler and McLagan were viewed as the leading contributions to the field. Adjusting to changes in work patterns and how work is organized was identified as a key trend influencing the field. Issues of professionalisation and balancing the needs of employees, organizations and society were identified as the key challenges facing the field.Originality/valueExamines key trends and challenges facing HRD.
Relationship betweenσ‐entropy andσ‐similarity measure of fuzzy sets
Authors: Xiaojun Tong , Lin Yi , Hongjiu Tao 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo provide a simplified proof for Liu's results concerning the relationship betweenσ‐entropy andσ‐similarity measure.Design/methodology/approachFirst obtains Liu's clear and simple functional expression ofσ‐similarity measures based on the structure ofσ‐entropy by using expressions of equivalent functions ofσ‐entropy. Then, by employing the general expression of equivalent functions ofσ‐similarity measure of fuzzy sets, provides a different proof of Liu's results.FindingsHere, the proof is much simpler than the original one provided by Liu. And, on the basis of Shannon's probability entropy as introduced by De Luca and Termini, aσ‐similarity measure is constructed, on which a No answer to an open question as proposed by Liu is provided.Originality/valueConstructs a new approach to some known results and provides a definite answer to an open question.
Analysis of smoothing techniques: application to production‐inventory systems
Authors: Wikner Joakim 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo provide an overview of how a number of frequently used smoothing‐based forecasting techniques can be modelled for use in dynamic analysis of production‐inventory systems.Design/methodology/approachThe smoothing techniques are modelled using transfer functions and state space representation. Basic control theory is used for analysing the dynamic properties.FindingsA set of expressions are derived for the smoothing techniques and dynamic properties are identified.Practical implicationsDynamic properties are important in many applications. It is shown that the different smoothing techniques can have very different influences on the dynamic behaviour and therefore should be considered as a factor when smoothing parameters are decided on.Originality/valueDynamic behaviour of production‐inventory systems can be analysed using control theory based on, e.g. transfer functions or state space models. In this paper a set of models for five common smoothing techniques are analysed and their respective dynamic properties are highlighted.
Modelling systems by hypergraphs
Authors: Gazdík Igor 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo present the hypergraph as a systems model that is more versatile than are the single‐purpose models known from literature.Design/methodology/approachParting from a previously known approach, pertinent hypergraph structures are specified, three new propositions are proved and the role of system elements and relations is analyzed.FindingsUnlike a simple graph and a simple logical analysis, hypergraphs make it possible to apply a single theoretical approach to modelling a variety of systems. A worked‐out example illustrates the procedure.Originality/valueHypergraphs as a research tool appear sparsely in scientific literature. This paper fills the gap by presenting the hypergraph‐based systems model as being more versatile than are the models known from literature. It also highlights the effect of system elements and relations on the make‐up of the system in point.
Interdependence of systems theories – potential innovation supporting innovation
Authors: Mulej Matjazˇ , Kajzer Stefan , Potocan Vojko , Rosi Bojan , Knez‐Riedl Jozica 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo show that systems theory (ST) has surfaced as innovation of worldview and thinking, aimed at holism. After ST's subordination to narrow specialists using it inside traditional disciplines, if at all, humankind needs a new innovation of ST. An option is offered.Design/methodology/approachMulej's Dialectical ST is applied as worldview and methodology of requisite holism using Mulej's Dialectical System concept.FindingsMulej's Dialectical System concept applies to synergies of several STs, not only viewpoints. Here, six soft STs and the social responsibility (SR) concept are combined around human subjective starting points aimed at holism and innovation, including ethics of interdependence. Combination offers new insights.Research limitations/implicationsResearch is limited to soft STs and implies knowledge of more STs and SR as well as participants' readiness for creative interdisciplinary co‐operation.Practical implicationsThe new concept offers a new step toward increased innovation capacity, especially toward innovation of culture toward requisite holism and innovation. This is a crucial precondition for survival in the modern global society and economy.Originality/valueThe authors know neither books nor articles presenting synergies of several STs and SR nor their application to preconditions of innovation.
Fractal planning for integral economic development
Authors: Dyck Robert G. 
Published: October 2006

PurposeTo conceptualize a new approach to economic development that fully embraces its fractal complexity, providing a basis for sustained socioeconomic welfare within cultures that encourage collaborative democracy and social learning.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the premise that healthy development must follow the natural laws of growth that apply to all ecosystems, the paper examines fractal intricacy as the basis of economic systems that are able to sustain sufficient flows of energy and information to all sub‐systems. Two methodological approaches that emerge for planning are called hierarchical (fractal) coherence and fractal connectivity. The first refers to sufficient density and variety of nodes (firms, economic processes, customers, etc.) at all scales in the hierarchy of an economic system; and the second denotes multiple paths of connection between the nodes, to handle the necessary flows.FindingsThis approach highlights the fundamental importance of locally‐based entrepreneurship and democratic control, and also suggests new methods for measuring system interconnectedness at all scales, supplementing economic growth measures such as GDP.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper indicates the need for empirical research to calibrate and further refine the approach in real‐world settings.Practical implicationsThe paper outlines a fresh planning strategy for dealing with the geometrically worsening dimensions of uneven economic development and poverty, at all levels of scale from the local to the global.Originality/valueThe paper articulates a viable cybernetic alternative to prevailing economic development approaches that are based on the neo‐classical, neo‐liberal, and neo‐conservative models embodied in our present system of economic globalization.
Systemic approach to innovations – standards vs software
Authors: Ženko Zdenka , Marn Jure 
Published: October 2006

PurposeIn this paper we tried to apply some system theory in the complex problems of intellectual property management by presenting some relevant current issues regarding standards and possibilities of computer software protection. Systemic approach to involvement in lucrative business of software is examined, from the point of innovations incorporated within standards and software.Design/methodology/approachTwo competing concepts are confronted: public accessible standards, and public exclusionary patents, both in the area of software development and software patenting. Actual examples of controversies are presented, and commented.FindingsPatents are legalized monopolies. Monopolists exact higher prices than free market enterprises. Our results indicate that there needs to be balance between public interest in free access to technological information and monopolies. Owing to the lack of system theory applied in this problem solving processes the issues remain unsolved and also unclear to many involved in the process.Research limitations/implicationsMore research in different fields of specialization and selected view points would be needed to present, understand and excellently manage this area of intellectual property to balance the advantage of general public benefits versus inventors. In this paper only some economic and legal views are presented.Practical implicationsImplications for managers strategies are discussed. Managers should take active role in standard setting, and software patenting. Public interest should be in influencing these developments and regulations.Originality/valueThe subject of standards and software is a less studied one and is becoming more important.
Communication and information technologies to enable viable organizations
Authors: Pérez Ríos José 
Published: October 2006

PurposeThis paper attempts to show how the new communication and information technologies and the internet in particular can help in the design of viable organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a set of specific software tools based on internet, created for the purpose as given above. The tools are bundled in two packages. The VDMod package supports the application of Beer's viable system model (VSM) and the inclusion of system dynanics simulation models into the VSM model, as well as easy access to other tools such as team syntegrity. The SystemsNet package allows the members of the systems community to communicate with each other and gain swift access to these tools through the internet.FindingsCommunication and information technologies are enablers which help in the design of viable organizations by means of internet‐based software tools. They make the application of systemic approaches such as Beer's VSM and its combined use with System Dynamics (SD), or other methodologies and tools, easier and more readily accessible.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper refers mainly to Organizational Cybernetics and SD and does not take into consideration all other systems‐thinking methodologies.Practical implicationsThis paper reveals the possibility of very easy access to software tools for applying the VSM and its combined use with SD as well as facilitating communication among systems‐thinking field members.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the design of more viable organizations by providing researchers and practitioners of Organizational Cybernetics with the requisite software tools.