bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating ethics with strategy: analyzing disease‐branding
Authors: Parsons Patricia J. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the ethics of a specific communication strategy to support the contention that ethics needs to be an integrated operational consideration in the corporate communication planning process rather than an afterthought.Design/methodology/approachUsing the marketing communication strategy referred to as disease branding as a case‐in‐point, the “Five Pillars of Ethics for Public Communication” provide a framework for analysis of the need for making ethics an operational consideration in planning.FindingsCommunication strategies attempted by organizations today are subject to public criticism. Disease branding, a prime example, is paradoxically a “non‐branded” approach to marketing pharmaceuticals directly to consumers. Pejoratively referred to as disease‐mongering, this promotion of diseases rather than drugs neatly side‐steps the increasing criticism and even legal obstacles that face or threaten to face direct‐to‐consumer advertising of branded, prescription drugs. It is an innovative, non‐traditional tactic that has been enormously successful in widening markets for specific drug preparations. Application of the “Five Pillars” for ethical analysis finds that this strategy fails to meet the acceptable ethical standard in four out of five.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to the application of one approach to ethical evaluation, although it is one that encompasses a number of widely accepted standards for practice.Practical implicationsAn ethical analysis using the “Five Pillars” can be implemented by any corporate communication professional as a litmus test for determining the ethics of strategies under development during the operational planning process.Originality/valueThis paper fills a gap in the information available to corporate communication professionals about how to operationalize ethics.
A global strategic plan for corporate philanthropy
Authors: Valor Carmen 
Published: August 2007

PurposeCriticisms of corporate philanthropy (CP) are different across cultures. In essence, opponents of CP fear the lack of economic returns or the lack of social efficacy of corporate donations. The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical model that may overcome both set of criticisms, so that CP plans can be globally designed and implemented.Design/methodology/approachTwo theories have been used to ground the model: corporate social responsibility theory and moral capital theory. The first one sets the constraints that will ensure the plan increases social welfare. Constraints stemming from moral capital theory set the conditions for CP to increase economic performance.FindingsOn the basis of these constraints, the model stresses the need for ongoing dialogue with internal and external stakeholders, and the continuous monitoring and reporting of the economic and social impact of implemented projects, as the means of overcoming opponents' criticisms of CP.Originality/valueAfter analysing the main criticisms posed to CP in different cultural settings, a globally acceptable model is offered, which draws on and completes existing managerial and theoretical guidelines for strategic CP.
Communication capital
Authors: Malmelin Nando 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a new model of communication capital which addresses the current challenges of corporate communications within the framework of intellectual capital research.Design/methodology/approachModelling corporate communications from the perspective of intellectual capital research.FindingsCommunication capital consists of four component factors: juridical capital, organizational capital, human capital and relational capital. The proposed model supports the closer integration of organizational communications with business operations and strategies.Originality/valueThe paper provides a new approach to managing and analysing corporate communications. The ideas of communication capital are applicable to the management, development and planning of communications not only in business companies, but also other organizations and associations.
From workplace learning to inter‐organizational learning and back: the contribution of activity theory
Authors: Engeström Yrjö , Kerosuo Hannele 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how activity theory transcends the boundary between workplace learning and organizational learning.Design/methodology/approachActivity‐theoretical analyses examine collectives and organizations as learners. On the other hand, activity theory is committed to pedagogical and interventionist actions to change and learning characteristic of workplace learning.FindingsActivity‐theoretical studies put an emphasis on the object, i.e. onwhatis done and learned together in inter‐organizational networks, instead of studying only connections and collaboration of networks. The theory of expansive learning enables a longitudinal and rich analysis of inter‐organizational learning and makes a specific contribution in outlining the historical transformation of work and organizations by using observational as well as interventionist designs in studies of work and organization.Originality/valueThe paper shows that activity theory and the theory of expansive learning provide useful analytical tools for the enrichment of studies in workplace learning, as reported in the articles included in this special issue.
Workplace learning in the New Zealand apple industry network
Authors: Hill Roberta , Capper Phillip , Wilson Ken , Whatman Richard , Wong Karen 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how, from 2004‐2006, a New Zealand research team experimented with the “change laboratory” learning process to create a new method of government policy development and implementation, referred to as “practice‐making”. The apple industry in Hawke's Bay was chosen because of the level of tension among government agencies and small/medium‐sized firms in the industry, particularly around the scarcity of seasonal labour, amid growing concerns about the possible collapse of the industry.Design/methodology/approachThe team stimulated a cycle of expansive learning among the network of activity systems in the industry. Laboratory participants were growers, labour contractors, pack house operators, quality controllers, horticultural consultants and government officials. The expansive learning cycle is a core concept in developmental work research (DWR) and cultural‐historical activity theory (CHAT).FindingsParticipants created a shared “object” for apple production and its government policy and regulation built around quality, making a substantive shift from adaptive learning to transformational learning, and creating a major redesign of the industry. Many of the new practices are now being implemented in the industry and government.Practical implicationsThe CHAT/DWR approach seems particularly well suited for complex problem solving in any network where there are intractable systems contradictions and a strong desire among participants to make real change.Originality/valueIt is understood that this is the first time a change laboratory process has been used for government “practice‐making” with industry, in contrast with traditional policy development and implementation that frequently does not address systemic problems.
E‐learning in a large organization
Authors: Netteland Grete , Wasson Barbara , Mørch Anders I. 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide new insights into the implementation of large‐scale learning projects; thereby better understanding the difficulties, frustrations, and obstacles encountered when implementing enterprise‐wide e‐learning as a tool for training and organization transformation in a complex organization.Design/methodology/approachInformation‐sharing disturbances, one of five categories of disturbances that emerged from a grounded theory open coding procedure applied to empirical data collected through a longitudinal field research, are in focus. Third generation activity theory, specifically the notions network of activity systems, disturbances, tensions and contradictions, is used as an analytical lens through which to understand the role of information sharing in a large‐scale implementation.FindingsThe study has identified how information sharing disturbances became a critical factor in the implementation of e‐learning in a large company. A number of tensions that point to potential contradictions have been identified. Ways in which to deal with such tensions in future implementations of e‐learning have been suggested.Research limitations/implicationsActivity‐theoretical discussion of e‐learning in a large organization, identifying underlying tensions, is of relevance to large organizations introducing new technologies for working and learning.Practical implicationsThe study has identified the causes of an important type of problem that can slow down or hinder e‐learning adoption in an organization, and thereby pointing out shortcomings of standardised e‐learning applications.Originality/valueEmpirical studies of enterprise‐wide implementations of e‐learning have rarely been reported on in the research literature.
An evidence‐based taxonomy of intellectual capital
Authors: Choo Huang Ching , Luther Robert , Tayles Michael 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThough intellectual capital (IC) has received much attention for more than a decade, there is a lack of consensus on its components and definition. IC is a multi‐disciplinary concept and the understanding of it varies across different business‐related disciplines. This paper seeks to propose a grouping of IC items based on empirical evidence in the form of managers' responses to questions about the availability of information about IC inside their companies.Design/methodology/approachA postal questionnaire was implemented across 520 companies listed on the main board of Bursa Malaysia. The empirical grouping of IC derived by factor analysis is compared with a priori groupings constructed from the IC literature.FindingsIt is found that the conventional three a priori categories – namely human capital, customer capital and structural capital – expand into eight facets. Nevertheless, there is remarkable consistency between literature‐based expectations and empirical groupings.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper takes a broad scope perspective and in this rapidly evolving field, is based on information in place in 2005. In addition, the usual limitations of postal questionnaire surveys apply. Extension of this research approach to other cultures may reveal a different set of groupings and such research is encouraged.Practical implicationsManagers and designers of information systems may use the findings as a benchmark against which to evaluate their own systems or proposals. More significantly, the eight‐factor model facilitates conceptualisation, measurement and management of IC and the preparation of IC reports.Originality/valueThis evidence‐based confirmation of the broad three‐category model, together with the empirical identification of more detailed facets, makes a contribution to the as yet largely normative literature on the classification of the components of intellectual capital.
Patents and corporate value creation: theoretical approach
Authors: Striukova Ludmila 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to provide a taxonomy of values created by corporate patents.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an extensive literature review, value created by corporate patents is analysed according to four categories: embedded in individuals; embedded in systems and structures; market; and non‐market. This paper demonstrates that the value created by a company can reside in any of these four dimensions.FindingsOne of the main findings is that value created by corporate patents can be both market and non‐market and can be embedded both in individuals and in systems and structures. Organisations can apply this framework to assess their needs and abilities with regard to value creation from patents.Research limitations/implicationsThis research sets the background for an empirical study which can be conducted to confirm the theory.Practical implicationsThe paper is a useful resource for patent managers and policy‐makers, as it provides them with a tool to analyse value embedded in patents and guidelines how to develop this value further.Originality/valueThe analysis presented here differs from the traditional evaluation of patents through patent statistics and it offers a theoretical framework which can be used by companies for the analysis of their patent portfolio. This paper provides insight into the possibilities and problems that underpin value creation from patents and shows what type of value can be created and how this value can be extracted.
Evaluating the scope of IC in firms' value
Authors: Enrique Valladares Soler Luis , Jesús Cuello de Oro Celestino Diego 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to discuss empirically and contrast the hypothesis of the Theory of Intellectual Capital, which maintains that the difference between the market value of a firm and its book value can be explained exclusively in terms of internal, intangible assets that are peculiar to the firm.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a conceptual discussion, graphical analysis, basic descriptive statistics and basic correlational statistics.FindingsNot all overvaluation of corporate assets can be explained by intangible assets of an internal nature. A significant portion can be explained by external factors, unrelated to the management of the firm, such as the general economic cycle or the sector of economic activity in which the firm is active. Hence, any economic importance that intellectual capital might hold for business management is bounded.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited to the upper echelons of the largest US firms according to their ranking and the database of theFortune500 magazine. Subsequent phases in the research will attempt to observe other populations of firms.Practical implicationsThe purpose of the new accountancy of the firm in the information and knowledge society must not be to balance financial positions with the market valuation of the firm. There are external factors that are beyond management's control. Prudent accounting practices preserve their value. Corporate leadership must focus its action on the internal assets that are open to management, on those that are a source of value creation.Originality/valueThis article reviews, discusses and empirically contrasts a fundamental hypothesis of the Theory of Intellectual Capital and points to a more reasonable path through which to establish the relation between intangible assets and the difference between the market value and the book value of a firm.
Drivers of voluntary intellectual capital disclosure in listed biotechnology companies
Authors: White Gregory , Lee Alina , Tower Greg 
Published: August 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to investigate the key drivers and level of voluntary disclosures in biotechnology company annual reports.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an intellectual capital disclosure index score of voluntary disclosures in a large sample of listed biotechnology companies, and tests the relationship between voluntary disclosures of intangible firm value with traditional agency theory variables. The relationships are tested statistically using correlation and multiple‐regression analysis.FindingsThe key drivers of voluntary intellectual capital disclosures were the level of board independence, firm age, level of leverage and firm size. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that board independence, leverage and size had a significant relationship with the level of voluntary intellectual capital disclosure. Separate regression controlling for large‐sized and small‐sized firms demonstrated that voluntary intellectual capital disclosure was only driven by board independence and the levels of firm leverage in large firms. Small firms did not demonstrate this relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications of this research are that smaller biotechnology companies' managers are not motivated by external debt‐holder demands to make voluntary disclosures about intangible firm value. In addition, large biotechnology companies, which are better able to establish independent board oversight, appear more effective at driving voluntary intellectual capital disclosures, perhaps in response to greater demand by owners. A limitation of this study is its Australian context and that data is analysed only from 2005 financial year annual reports.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge this is an original paper whose findings have valuable implications for managing intellectual capital at the firm level. The paper clearly demonstrates that disclosures about intangible firm value is being driven by traditional agency theory variables and more contemporary corporate governance issues, and that small firms may be ignoring the importance of disclosing more about their intellectual capital.
Intellectual capital and performance indicators: Taiwanese healthcare sector
Authors: Peng Tzu‐Ju Ann , Pike Stephen , Roos Göran 
Published: August 2007

PurposeWhile the intellectual capital perspective has been widely applied to research in knowledge‐intensive industries, less attention has been paid to the healthcare sector. This exploratory study aims to investigate how hospitals view the importance of intellectual capital and performance in the healthcare sector. It identifies the elements and relative importance of intellectual capital and performance measurement in the Taiwanese healthcare industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study was executed by a developmental process comprising four phases: the generation of critical elements; expert review and perceptual assessments of the elements; data collection; and data analysis. This study developed a preliminary checklist with detailed IC elements and performance indicators derived from both literature reviews and practices. The questionnaire was refined by expert review. The pilot study collected data from 30 healthcare managers.FindingsThe critical intellectual capital elements and performance indicators regarded as important for performance management practices in the Taiwanese hospital industry were identified. They reveal the relative importance and ranking of human, organizational and relational capitals, and performance indicators.Practical implicationsBy using the intellectual capital navigator (ICN) and the Effector Plot, this study analyzed resource transformations and resource influence among human, organizational and relational capital. This study highlighted five noteworthy issues.Originality/valueThis study will contribute to both theory and practice. Theoretically, it generalizes IC in the healthcare setting and is a starting point for exploring healthcare IC and performance in Taiwan. Practically, it contributes to references for healthcare managers, giving a prioritized array of critical resources and performance measurements in practice.
‘Evidence‐based implementation’ of paediatric asthma guidelines in a rural emergency department
Authors: Doherty Steven , Jones Peter , Stevens Helen , Davis Linda , Ryan Nicholas , Treeve Verity 
Published: August 2007

Aim:  To determine if an evidence‐based implementation (EBI) could lead to improved compliance with guidelines for acute asthma in children aged 1–15 years presenting to a large rural emergency department.Methods:  Pre‐intervention, post‐intervention and 12‐month follow‐up audits were performed to determine the impact of an EBI strategy used to increase compliance with current asthma guidelines. The pre‐intervention audit was conducted from 1 April to 30 June 2004, and follow‐up data were collected from 1 September to 30 November 2004. The 12‐month follow‐up audit was conducted from 1 August to 31 October 2005. All audits were chart reviews. The intervention was an EBI strategy that was devised and then used to implement established guidelines for the emergency department management of paediatric asthma.Results:  There were 51 presentations pre‐intervention, 66 post‐intervention and 68 at 12‐month follow‐up with no differences noted in the severity of asthma between the groups. At 12‐month follow‐up, there were significant increases in the documentation of asthma severity (45% to 90%, P < 0.001), use of spirometry (32% to 66%, P = 0.012), use of spacers (5% to 53%, P < 0.001) and use of written short‐term asthma management plans (16% to 69%, P < 0.001). There was a reduction in the use of ipratropium bromide in mild asthma (31% to 3%, P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the use of systemic steroids (74% to 62%, P = 0.29) or antibiotic use in afebrile patients (15% to 6%, P = 0.175). For the seven clinical indicators (CIs) combined, compliance with the guideline increased from 47% to 79% (P < 0.001). Positive changes in clinical behaviour occurred immediately and compliance with all seven CIs was 83% immediately post intervention before falling, non‐significantly, to 79% at 12‐month follow‐up (P = 0.142).Conclusions:  The pre‐intervention audit identified a low rate of compliance with current asthma guidelines across seven CIs of asthma care. The intervention significantly increased compliance with five of the CIs and for the seven CIs aggregated. Positive changes in clinical behaviour were immediate and the gains were sustained at 12 months.