bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leading through belief: managing the power of hope
Authors: Razeghi Andrew 
Published: September 2006

PurposeLeaders have long understood the importance a belief system has on the productivity of their team. The authors explain how can such an intangible motivational force be addressed and how leaders have the capability to influence a firm's success by inspiring positive beliefs.Design/methodology/approachBelief management involves recognizing those beliefs that both hinder and promote the advancement of a leader's vision. This includes the leader's beliefs as well as those of the team.FindingsTo begin managing beliefs, executives should take three initial steps: identify core belief, ask others what they believe, brand your beliefs.Research limitations/implicationsDr Gregory Berns, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist at Emory University in Atlanta mapped the neurological effects of a belief exercise on his test subjects. Through the use of magnetic resonance imaging, Berns could see specific changes in cellular activity.Practical implicationsThere's new evidence that a leader's beliefs are the foundations for each team's aspirations.Originality/valueLeaders must not only tell people what they believe but let them know why they believe. If managed correctly, these beneficial beliefs will spread throughout a company to all its stakeholders.
Using grounded theory to model visitor experiences at heritage sites
Authors: Daengbuppha Jaruwan , Hemmington Nigel , Wilkes Keith 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present grounded theory as an alternative approach for conceptualizing and modelling the consumer experience. The basic theoretical tenets of the grounded theory approach are contrasted with more traditional assumptions and methods used in consumer research.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is based on qualitative methods and a series of systematic ethnographic procedures, which along with the simultaneous processes of data collection and analysis, lead to the development of an inductive derived grounded theory of the visitor experience. In order to develop a model of the interactive experience of visitors to heritage sites, case studies are conducted at three World Heritage Sites in Thailand.FindingsThe findings indicate that the grounded theory approach has the potential to reveal a rich and deep understanding of visitor experiences, including the ways that visitors interact with the site, their interpretation of the site, and the meaning of the site for them.Practical implicationsIt is suggested that the grounded theory approach can be a valuable tool in exploring the insights and meanings of visitors' experience and could be applied to future research in consumer behaviour. There are practical implications of this kind of research for the management of heritage sites in terms of visitor expectations, interactions and interpretations.Originality/valueThis study has developed a model of the experience and interaction of visitors to Thai World Heritage Sites which could be applied to other heritage sites. It illustrates the theoretical and practical issues of grounded theory approach to exploration and inductive development “interactive experience” of visitors at heritage sites. This is a qualitative research approach that could be adopted for a range of experience based industries such tourism, leisure and hospitality.
Using a multi‐method qualitative approach to examine collaborative relationships
Authors: Palakshappa Nitha , Ellen Gordon Mary 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a multi‐method approach for examining collaborative relationships.Design/methodology/approachCollaborative relationship performance is examined by combining narratives, structured questionnaires, and perceptual mapping within a case‐based approach.FindingsDetails associated with case selection and subsequent analysis are discussed. Themes emerging from the study are used to illustrate the depth of insights that were gained.Research implications/limitationsThe findings demonstrate the value of the approach in discovering insights that would not have emerged from more commonly utilised methodologies.Practical implicationsThe methodology described in this paper captures the detailed dynamics of collaborative business relationships. As such, it allowed us to identify specific steps that managers can take to improve the performance of their collaborative relationships: in particular by ensuring that everyone involved in the relationship shares an understanding of the purpose of the relationship, and the roles of the participating individuals and organisations.Originality/valueThe paper describes a new approach to studying collaborative business relationships, which is needed since the overall performance of collaborative business relationships is not improving in spite of extensive previous research trying to uncover the factors that influence performance.
A self‐representation analysis of the effects of individualist–collectivist interactions within organizations in individualistic cultures
Authors: Fujimoto Yuka , Härtel Charmine E.J. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeIncreasingly, organizations in the Asia‐Pacific region are recognizing the importance of cross‐cultural management to the sustainability of their competitive edge. Although the literature is replete with cross‐cultural studies of individualism and collectivism, little information is available on the factors that foster effective individualist–collectivist interaction (ICI) within organizations. This paper attempts to provide a theoretical description of individualists and collectivists at the individual level of analysis, which offers specific testable hypotheses about the effect of self‐representation on prejudice between individualists and collectivists (ICs).Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a theoretical model is presented in which intergroup prejudices and interpersonal prejudices mediate the effects of ICI and bicultural orientation toward cross‐cultural experiences and, in which, the dissimilarity openness of the climate moderates the level and outcome of prejudices flowing from ICI.FindingsThe model depicts that the outcomes of ICI are mediated by the intergroup prejudices of collectivists and the interpersonal prejudices of individualists, which are moderated by the extent of diversity‐oriented HRM policies and practices and individuals’ orientation to cross‐cultural experiences. When workforces become culturally diverse, organizations should modify HRM practices to enable the full use of the range of skills and talents available from the diversity, and to ensure affective and behavioral costs are minimized. As globalization and international competition will continue to increase, organizations including those in the Asia‐Pacific region, should seriously re‐evaluate their HRM policies to adapt and take advantage of an increasingly culturally diverse workforce.Originality/valueThe model provides a useful basis upon which organization researchers and practitioners can base their respective agendas.
Strategically optimum maintenance of monitoring‐enabled multi‐component systems using continuous‐time jump deterioration models
Authors: Gupta Aparna , Lawsirirat Chaipal 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis article aims to analyze strategically optimal maintenance actions for a multi‐component system whose deterioration is observed through a monitoring system set in place to support condition‐based maintenance.Design/methodology/approachDeterioration of a multi‐component system is modeled by a continuous‐time jump diffusion model which incorporates interaction between the components of the system. A simulation‐based optimization heuristic is developed to obtain strategically optimum maintenance actions. The methodology is applied to an illustrative example.FindingsThe article finds that the framework facilitates analyzing at a strategic level the role of degree of response to the deterioration of components for the overall functionality of a multi‐component system. The optimal solution for the illustrative example recommends a provider to perform a variety of opportunistic maintenance.Practical implicationsIn this article, a framework is developed to determine strategically optimal maintenance actions for a multi‐component system whose deterioration is observed in real‐time through embedded monitoring units set in place to support condition‐based maintenance (CBM). The framework facilitates analyzing at a strategic level the role of degree of response to the deterioration of components for the overall functionality of a multi‐component system. A strategically optimal maintenance policy can then be enhanced to develop a detailed tactical maintenance strategy. This approach is expected to benefit the management of long‐term service agreements, where a service contract is sold bundled with a product, which makes a provider responsible for maintaining the product over a specified contract period.Originality/valueBesides a tactical approach for performing maintenance, in order to stay profitable in the long‐run, a decision maker needs to assess the strategic performance of maintenance strategies adopted. This framework is a first attempt to facilitate this analysis at a strategic level for a monitoring‐enabled multi‐component system.
Theory and practice converge: a proposed set of corporate communication principles
Authors: Bishop Bojinka 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo report on empirical research which tested the use and value of ten specific characteristics of communication, the principles of authentic communication, and based on the findings, to recommend them as corporate communication best practices.Design/methodology/approachThe principles of authentic communication were grounded in both professional and academic literature to establish their applicability in corporate communication and their role in cultivating symmetrical communication. A survey was mailed to large US water utilities to determine various aspects of their communication programs. Analyses were conducted using SPSS.FindingsData analyses showed that all ten principles of authentic communication were correlated with communication success.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the study include a fairly low response rate and the self reporting of success. Suggestions for further research are testing the principles with larger samples, in different industries, and/or in a multiple‐industry mix. In addition, defining the concept of success within the survey instrument might render insight into the respondents' interpretations of the term.Practical implicationsBased on this study, it is recommended that the principles of authentic communication be utilized to a high degree in professional practice.Originality/valueAlthough each principle has been recognized in communication literature, it is the first time that these ten characteristics have been specified as a set of ten and have been shown through empirical research to be correlated with success. The value of this work is that it provides hard evidence to support the use and value of the principles of authentic communication in corporate communication.
Towards a framework for improvement in the management of demand in agri‐food supply chains
Authors: Taylor David H. , Fearne Andrew 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo highlight the problems with and propose a framework for improving demand management in retail food supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on empirical evidence from multiple case studies and develops a framework for improvement in demand management for retail food supply chains.FindingsAnalysis of the characteristics of demand within a number of retail food supply chains demonstrates a propensity for misalignment of demand and supply due to issues such as demand amplification, inappropriate production policies and inconsistencies with information systems and data handling procedures.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study evidence on which the conceptual framework is based is drawn exclusively from the UK, where retail food supply chains are generally more mature than in other parts of the world. The proposed framework is based on empirical evidence but has not been formally tested.Practical implicationsMore collaboration, information sharing and joint planning beyond the manufacturer‐retailer interface is critical if retail food supply chains are to function efficiently and effectively in retail environments where promotional activity creates significant uncertainty.Originality/valueDemand management in retail food supply chains has received little attention from supply chain researchers to date. This paper proposes a framework for improvement based on greater collaboration and joint planning from farm to fork.
Enhancing agility by timely sharing of supply information
Authors: Li Gang , Lin Yi , Wang Shouyang , Yan Hong 
Published: September 2006

PurposeAlthough a lot of attention has been paid to demand information sharing in the recent decade, few studies look at the value of supply information sharing. The purpose of this paper is to address the importance of timely supply information sharing to the supply chain management under disruption is addressed.Design/methodology/approachBy introducing a Directed Acyclic Supply Network (DASN) model and an Impact Network (INet) model, the impact of a disruption on the performance of the supply chain is quantified. A comprehensive algorithm is developed to calculate the time and cost impact of the disruption. Insights about the value of timely supply information sharing are further discussed, based on quantitative relationships of material flows. Finally, an application of the above model in a main manufacturer of China is introduced. It is then compared to its performance in the case of timely supply information sharing with cases where information is not shared or is shared late.FindingsBy timely sharing of supply information, firms at downstream stages can alert a disruption at an upstream stage, derive the correct early warning time, and make proper decisions to offset the impact of the disruption. Information sharing therefore enhances the agility of firms while improving the stability and performance of the whole supply chain.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper only considers the time and cost impact from a single source of disruption. Further work may investigate other disruptions, which may arise from multiple sources.Practical implicationsThis paper provides an effective method to quantify the impact of a disruption. The method has been successfully applied in a supply chain management information system.Originality/valueThis paper is among the initial studies of understanding and quantifying the value of supply information sharing. The work indicates the importance of timely supply information sharing to improve the performance of a supply chain.
Niche market strategy in the textile and apparel industry
Authors: Parrish Erin D. , Cassill Nancy L. , Oxenham William 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how the textile and apparel industry can utilize a niche market strategy in order to compete with lower priced imports.Design/methodology/approachThe research design used for this study was an in‐depth case study method. The sample consisted of selected companies from the fiber, textile, apparel, and auxiliary sectors who are considered leaders in the US textile and apparel industry.FindingsResults indicated that firms can approach a niche strategy from either a market or a product perspective. Findings also indicated variables that are used by firms for both approaches. The most important factor in which a firm needs to focus is understanding the consumer.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the limited sample size of US textile and apparel firms, the results can only be generalized to those companies that participated in the study and not the entire textile and apparel industry.Practical implicationsThis research study showed that a niche strategy is a promising global competitive strategy for the textile and apparel industry that can be used to compete with lower priced imports.Originality/valueThis study clarifies not only how a niche market/product is defined by the industry, but also how firms can implement and maintain a successful niche strategy.
Personality predictors of participation as a mentor
Authors: Niehoff Brian P. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the personality characteristics of mentors.Design/methodology/approachThe five factor model of personality was used to examine relationships between personality and participation as a mentor. A sample of 194 practicing veterinarians were surveyed on the five factor model of personality and a scale assessing their participation as a mentor across junior professionals, interns and high school students.FindingsResults indicated that extroversion, conscientiousness, and openness to experience were positively correlated with participation as a mentor. Personality traits also explained significant variance in participation as a mentor after controlling for prior experience with a mentor. These results suggest that participation as a mentor could be influenced to some degree by personality. Mentoring involves active engagement in an environment requiring social, task, and idea‐related capabilities, thus individuals who are extroverted, conscientious, and open to experience would likely feel more comfortable.Research implications/limitationsThe study was only a survey study with data gathered from a single source, so any causal inferences are limited.Practical implicationsIf individuals volunteer for mentoring based primarily on personality tendencies, then it is possible that many talented employees would not be attracted to a mentoring situation due to their personalities. In order to have the best mentors, organizations might have to develop mechanisms to attract, select, motivate, and train talented employees to volunteer for and remain in such service.Originality/valueRelatively little research has focused on the personality characteristics of mentors.
Gender differences in policing: reasons for optimism?
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , Richardsen Astrid M. , Martinussen Monica 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis exploratory study compared job demands, work attitudes and outcomes, social resources and indicators of burnout and psychological health of male and female police officers in Norway.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 173 male and 48 female police officers using anonymous questionnaires.FindingsMany demographic differences were present in that male officers were older, had longer organizational and job tenure, worked more hours and overtime hours, were more likely to work full‐time, worked in smaller units and were at higher organizational levels. Few differences were found on job demands but male officers experienced more autonomy.Research limitations/implicationsThe two groups were generally similar on work attitudes, work and career satisfactions, social resources and psychological health. Female police officers did indicate more psychosomatic symptoms, however. While other studies have reported gender differences, few appeared here.Originality/valueThis research indicates that police forces can create a work environment where males and females are treated similarly.
Consumer beware: a few words about accreditation
Authors: Brownell Sally 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to point out the dangers inherent in choosing schools or programs from the internet, particularly in the field of health services, which may not be accredited, and therefore not recognized either by other institutions or by employers.Design/methodology/approachThe problem is described and some of the better known American accrediting agencies are listed.Practical implicationsThe paper has practical implications in terms of providing useful steps for anyone interested in exploring a health services career through ongoing education.Originality/valueThe paper represents a viewpoint from the perspective of an American accreditation consultant who is familiar with the organizational and program accreditation system in the USA.
The effect of family business size as firms grow: a USA‐France comparison
Authors: Lussier Robert N. , Sonfield Matthew C. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how family businesses change as they grow in size, and to compare differences between the USA and France.Design/methodology/approachThe research design is survey research, statisticallyt‐testing 12 hypothesized differences between smaller and larger firms in the USA (n=159) and in France (n=116).FindingsThe research finds that both countries' larger firms have significantly (p< 0.05) more non‐family members within top management and make greater use of outside consultants, advisors, and professional services than smaller firms. However, family businesses in France had no other significant differences, while those in the USA had four. Larger US firms have a smaller percentage of women family members working in the firm and less conflict and disagreement between family members; they also spend more time in strategic management activities, and use more sophisticated methods of financing.Research limitations/implicationsThere are some variations between the two country samples.Practical implicationsUnderstanding whether and how family business management activities, styles and characteristics change with growth can help those who own and manage such businesses. It can also be of value to those who advise and assist family businesses, as well as researchers who study them.Originality/valueThis is the first study to analyze the effect of firm size on family business management and to conduct a cross‐national comparison.
A classification model to support SME e‐commerce adoption initiatives
Authors: Stockdale Rosemary , Standing Craig 
Published: September 2006

PurposeAdoption and effective use of e‐commerce remains low among small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) despite substantial investments. This paper aims to analyse the e‐commerce adoption paths of SMEs to identify a specific group that would benefit the most from e‐commerce initiatives.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative study builds on a government‐funded research project that aimed to improve SMEs' understanding of on‐line trading. Data were drawn from case studies of smaller businesses, stakeholders and a series of seminars. A literature review supported the empirical data.FindingsThe paper finds that SMEs have significantly different attitudes to online business and cannot be regarded as a homogenous group for e‐commerce initiatives. Rather, specific targeting would enhance participation and lead to more effective use. Using categories derived from the literature, a classification of five SME groupings based on firms' motivations is proposed. It is recommended that adoption initiatives are targeted at two groups which have the need or desire to become e‐enabled.Research limitations/implicationsBy providing recommendations for targeted initiatives the paper contributes to the development of effective support for SMEs' e‐commerce adoption. Motivators and inhibitors to adoption are discussed within the context of existing literature to confirm and challenge current thought and present the case for more research into SMEs' motivations.Originality/valueValue lies in the paper's use of empirical data derived from three separate methods of data collection and informed by the literature. This provides rich data to enable wider implications of the subject area to be discussed and contributes new perspectives to the SME e‐commerce adoption debate.