bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is “regional culture” a meaningful concept? Cultural differences across 60 Russian regions
Authors: Minkov Michael , Sokolov Boris , Ponarin Eduard , Almakaeva Anna , Nastina Ekaterina 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThere is an increasing interest in the international management literature in cultural differences between in-country regions. Yet, the regions of any country may be merely political products and not necessarily cultural units. The goal of this article is to propose clear empirical criteria for deciding if a set of entities, such as a country's administrative regions, can be legitimate units of cross-cultural analysis and to test these criteria in an empirical study.Design/methodology/approachThe authors review the literature on what constitutes a unit of cross-cultural analysis and propose empirical criteria. For instance, the regions of a given country are meaningful units of cross-cultural analysis if one can replicate (an) established dimension(s) of culture at the regional level, including some of the dimension(s)' antecedents and predictive properties. The authors apply this test in the context of the Russian Federation (RF), using an RF database (18,768 respondents from 60 administrative regions) with items borrowed from the World Values Survey.FindingsThe RF regions pass the authors’ test. At the regional level, the selected items yield an individualism-collectivism (IDV-COLL) dimension that is similar to its nation-level counterpart in the revised Minkov-Hofstede model in terms of concept and antecedents (wealth differences and geographic latitude) and outcomes that are relevant in business (innovation rates and quality of governance). The authors also find other patterns that confirm the properties of RF regions as meaningful units of cultural analysis.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors’ criteria and the test based on them are suitable for large countries, with significant geo-climatic variety and ethnic diversity, but may be inapplicable in small countries with less diversity. It is questionable if the latter countries contain enough cultural variation to justify a cross-cultural analysis of their sub-national regions.Practical implicationsThe authors’ criteria can be used in future research in any large country to decide if its regions justify a cross-cultural analysis in the field of management and business or any other field.Social implicationsCultural differences within a country are important as they may inform political and management decisions. Yet, to demonstrate that those differences are real, and not imaginary, one needs a methodology like the authors’.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the discussion of the meaningfulness of in-country regions as cultural units for cross-cultural analysis in international business by focusing on the RF.
Past, present and future of augmented reality marketing research: a bibliometric and thematic analysis approach
Authors: Jayaswal Pragya , Parida Biswajita 
Published: June 2023

PurposeAugmented reality (AR) has emerged as a new interactive technology, swiftly transforming the field of marketing. Driven by its rapid uptake in marketing practices, academic research on AR has proliferated. This study aims to offer a holistic view of the past, present and future of augmented reality marketing (ARM) scholarship by analyzing its current and evolving research profile as well as its social and conceptual structures to inspire further research.Design/methodology/approachThis study enriches the ARM scholarship by integrating a quantitative bibliometric analysis with a chronological-thematic review and a qualitative content analysis to develop a more comprehensive understanding of this novel area and suggest future research courses.FindingsThe bibliometric analysis reveals the key performance indicators as well as the social and conceptual structure of the ARM research field. The chronological-thematic review exhibits the advancement of ARM research over time and forecasts the emerging trends for the domain. Finally, the content analysis of recent articles reveals the current research hotspots and provides future research directions.Research limitations/implicationsThe database limits the selection of literature, as the information in databases such as Scopus is updated regularly, resulting in alterations in the number of articles and citations.Practical implicationsAR developers and brand managers may use this study’s findings to understand the current ARM landscape better and make strategic decisions based on AR adoption and consumption patterns.Originality/valueThis study is singular in using a mixed methods approach by integrating the findings from bibliometric and content analyses for more reliable results and to offer a holistic perspective of the ARM sector, thereby significantly advancing the field of technology-led marketing.
Agency in entrepreneurship: preparing entrepreneurship theory for another view of context
Authors: Melin Erik , Gaddefors Johan 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explore how agency is distributed between human actors and nonhuman elements in entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachIt is based on an inductive longitudinal case study of a garden in a rural community in northern Sweden. The methodology includes an ethnography of the garden, spanning the course of 16 years, and a careful investigation of the entrepreneurial processes contained within it.FindingsThis article identifies and describes different practices to explain how agency is distributed between human actors and nonhuman elements in the garden's context. Three different practices were identified and discussed, namely “calling”, “resisting”, and “provoking”.Originality/valueAgency/structure constitutes a longstanding conundrum in entrepreneurship and context. This study contributes to the on-going debate on context in entrepreneurship, and introduces a posthumanist perspective—particularly that of distributed agency—to theorising in entrepreneurship. Rather than focussing on a human (hero)-driven change process, induced through the exploitation of material objects, this novel perspective views entrepreneurship as both a human and a nonhuman venture, occurring through interactions located in particular places and times. Coming from the agency/structure dichotomy, this article reaches out for elements traditionally established on the structure side, distributing them to the agency side of the dichotomy. As such, it contributes to an understanding of the agency of nonhuman elements, and how they direct entrepreneurship in context. This theoretical development prepares entrepreneurship theories to be better able to engage with nonhuman elements and provides example solutions for the ongoing climate crisis.
Healthcare brands sound off: evaluating the influence of sonic branding in shaping consumer perceptions
Authors: Kemp Elyria , Kopp Steven W. , Bui My (Myla) 
Published: June 2023

PurposeBrand management has traditionally enlisted visual branding elements, including the brand’s graphic logo, to distinguish and communicate the personality of the brand. However, as healthcare organizations work to shape how consumers perceive their brand, organizations are also enhancing their brand identity with sound and music by creating a sonic brand. This research paper aims to examine how sonic brands influence consumer emotional reactions and trust in a healthcare provider. It also explores how sonic brands can differentially affect consumers, depending on their level of engagement in their physical and mental health.Design/methodology/approachTwo experimental studies were conducted that tested the use of a sonic logo for healthcare providers in consumption contexts that might elicit negative emotions, cancer care and mental health care.FindingsThe results suggest that the presence of a sonic logo helped to alleviate negative emotions as well as engender trust in the provider. Findings also revealed that for consumers who are less engaged in their health, a sonic logo served as a peripheral cue by enhancing perceptions of competence and empathy for the healthcare provider.Originality/valueFindings from this research provide insight into how sonic brands can increase the effectiveness of branded healthcare communications.
Female directors' representation and intellectual capital efficiency: does institutional ownership matter?
Authors: Mardini Ghassan H. , Elleuch Lahyani Fathia 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThis study examines the impact of female directors' representation in the boardroom and the role of institutional ownership (IO) on intellectual capital efficiency (ICE) and its three efficiency components: human capital efficiency (HCE); innovation capital efficiency (INCE) and capital employed efficiency (CEE).Design/methodology/approachA sample of non-financial French firms listed within the Société des Bourses Françaises-120 (SBF-120) was employed for the period from 2011 to 2020 using the generalized method of moments (GMM) approach to test the set of hypotheses.FindingsGrounded in agency and resource dependence theories, this study found that female directors play a vital role in enhancing ICE. IO also has a significant role to play. Active institutional investors tend to push toward gender-balanced boardrooms and play an external supervisory role to improve efficiency. Moreover, female financial experts on audit committees also contribute to the ICE decision-making process within firms with high IO levels.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focused only on IO. Future research may use other forms of ownership, such as foreign or family ownership.Practical implicationsThe findings may serve as a reference for managers and policymakers to enhance IC management and make appropriate investment decisions. Managers and policymakers may rely on strategic and effective decisions regarding the efficient use of IC for value creation through the judgments of female directors.Originality/valueThe current study adds significant insights to the accounting and intellectual capital literature.
Determinants and impacts of contract farming: evidence from cultivation of onion, okra and pomegranate in Maharashtra, India
Authors: Kumar Anjani , Roy Devesh , Tripathi Gaurav , Joshi P.K. 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of contract farming in onion, okra and pomegranate production on profits of smallholder farmers in India. It also investigates the determinants of farmers’ participation in contract farming. The study is based on a survey of 1,131 farmers from Maharashtra, India engaged in the cultivation of these three crops.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses instrumental variable regressions and quasi-experimental methods to decipher the impact of contract farming.FindingsThe study reveals that contract farming ensures higher returns for smallholders, enables their access to high-end markets and brings in risk-sharing with protection during price fluctuations. Farm size and farmers’ risk perceptions are significantly associated with their participation in contract farming.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on cross-sectional data, which presents limitations on considering unobserved farmer-level individual heterogeneity.Originality/valueThe study shows that contracts highlight the functioning of the contractor/integrator on both the input and output sides of the market. By providing better-quality inputs on credit and at discounted prices and by providing training, the integrator helps small farmers meet international food safety and quality standards, a historically difficult challenge for smallholders in India.
The pedagogy mix: teaching marketing effectively in business/management education
Authors: Maheshkar Chandan , Sonwalkar Jayant 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the key factors through which an optimum pedagogy mix can be determined towards effective teaching practice and enhanced student learning outcomes in business/management education.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory research design has been used. A sample of 310 was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data. It was pre-tested, and essential modifications were made before its final implementation.FindingsThe study has presented the idea of pedagogy mix, which refers to a set of most obvious teaching methods/tools suitable to deliver marketing education in a context-bound manner. Eight factors have been identified that help to decide and/or maintain an optimum mix of pedagogies for effective teaching. An adequate “pedagogy mix” would help achieve educational objectives and equip students with the essential competencies.Practical implicationsThe study is particularly significant to educators who are in the initial years of their careers. The identified factors help educators decide and/or maintain an optimum mix of pedagogies by offering an understanding of different pedagogies, their strategic relevance and student needs.Originality/valueAn institution's academic philosophy and commitment to the learning outcomes make it excellent or poor. Present institutions have and retain a main focus on preparation for professional careers, and without a perfect blend of pedagogies, it cannot be achieved. An optimum pedagogy mix would facilitate the key learning process and proffer the intricacies of the concerned profession. In this sense, this paper is a significant attempt, particularly in management education and higher education in general, that enables the educators of higher academics to decide and utilize an idyllic blend of pedagogies towards the successful execution of an educational process of higher order and ensuring the holistic student development.
Effects of Internet of Things, supply chain collaboration and ethical sensitivity on sustainable performance: moderating effect of supply chain dynamism
Authors: Billah Mohammed Masum , Alam Syed Shah , Masukujjaman Mohammad , Ali Mohd Helmi , Makhbul Zafir Khan Mohamed , Salleh Mohd Fairuz Md 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe survival and growth of the ready-made garments (RMGs) sectors in Bangladesh depend on sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP). The purpose of this study is to analyse the effects of Internet of Things (IoT), supply chain collaboration and ethical sensitivity on SSCP. Also, supply chain dynamism was tested as a moderator.Design/methodology/approachThe framework of this study has been developed to enrich the understanding of technology usage in the supply chain. In developing the framework, previous studies in the supply chain context were considered. The model was tested by using data collected from 290 executives that were employed by different RMG companies in Bangladesh. This study used a 29-item structured questionnaire measured on a 6-point Likert scale to collect the data. Covariance-based structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilised to test the data.FindingsThe results showed that there were statistically significant and positive relationships between IoT and supply chain collaboration, social performance, economic performance and environmental performance. Ethical sensitivity also influenced social and economic performance. Supply chain collaboration was found to be related to social, economic and environmental performance. However, no link was found between ethical sensitivity and environmental performance. The result also showed that supply chain dynamism acted as a moderator.Research limitations/implicationsBy considering theories and interpreting the results, this study provides some theoretical and practical implications which will enhance the SSCP. The results can also facilitate strategic planning by companies.Originality/valueThis research has identified and analysed the effect of IoT on SSCP in the RMGs industry in Bangladesh where this industry serves as the main economic contributor.
CEO attributes and foreign shareholdings: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Chakraborty Dipanwita , Mahakud Jitendra 
Published: June 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the impact of chief executive officer (CEO) attributes on foreign shareholdings from the perspective of an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach
This study examined Bombay Stock Exchange listed firms from the Indian stock market and applied a balanced panel data approach with fixed effect estimation technique during the period 2010–2019.

Findings
The study shows that CEOs’ financial education and a higher level of education positively affect foreign shareholdings. The age and experience of CEO have a positive and significant impact on foreign shareholdings. Firms with male CEOs are preferred more by foreign investors. The effect of CEO busyness and CEO duality is negative on foreign shareholdings. Foreign investors prefer to invest in firms with foreign nationality CEOs. Furthermore, the robustness test reveals that the influence of CEO attributes on foreign shareholdings is stronger for new, small and stand-alone firms than for old, large and group-affiliated firms.

Practical implications
The study will be beneficial for a diverse audience ranging from firms’ board of directors, regulators and policymakers who are entrusted with the CEO recruitment process. Additionally, firms seeking external financing should disclose CEO information adequately and improve the reporting quality to attract foreign investors, as they consider CEO characteristics as a valuable signal before making investment decisions.

Originality/value
In light of the current legislative reforms, this study can be recognized as one of the early studies that explore the relationship between CEO attributes and foreign shareholdings in the context of an emerging economy.
“Revealing the hidden” – challenges facing early digital entrepreneurs in Jordan
Authors: Abaddi Samer , AL-Shboul Moh'd Anwer 
Published: June 2023

PurposeDigital entrepreneurship is the key to economic survival and the lantern of jobs in developing countries. The debate about the challenges facing early digital entrepreneurs (DEs) in developing countries is still ambiguous. This study attempts to fulfill the gap with an in-depth examination of Jordan.Design/methodology/approachReferring to a digital start-up database hosted by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship in Jordan, the study interviews a random sample of (n = 45) early (less than one-year seniority) DEs. Thematic analysis is carried out facilitated by NVivo 20 software. E-Commerce, agriculture technology, data and artificial intelligence and entertainment were at the top of the interviewed start-ups.FindingsNine challenges were observed, critically analyzed and discussed. The challenges are (1) the lack of realistic funding in terms and guarantees; (2) the negligence of guidance and advisory of incubators and entrepreneurship centres; (3) the emergence of unexpected risks; (4) the stringent economic situation; (5) competition; (6) legal and legislative obstacles; (7) obstacles to accessing markets; (8) team management and finally (9) disorganization in the entrepreneurial environment. The study sets recommendations to support early DEs in their journey.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the significant implications for aspiring DEs by focusing on some challenges that might face their start-ups such as institutional, technology and local dimensions of context and measures to develop the entrepreneurial and digital competencies. This includes sustainable funding, poor direct guidance and advisory, unexpected failures/risks, and economic obstacles. This study might be considered a road map for the decision-makers to build their strategies for eliminating the main barriers for early DEs and start-ups.Originality/valueAlthough recent literature discussed the challenges of entrepreneurs in Jordan, this is the first that identifies early DEs’ challenges and uses 45% samples of the community.
Synergy between rural and smart tourism: is it possible and necessary?
Authors: Auzina Anita , Zvirbule Andra , Jankova Liga 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe study aims to identify the opinions of rural tourism service providers on synergy between rural and smart tourism in Latvia, Zemgale region.Design/methodology/approachThe research is of a qualitative nature and it profiles possibilities for and the necessity of synergy between rural and smart tourism. As part of the study, a survey was conducted to identify the opinions of 63 rural tourism service providers from the Zemgale region.FindingsThe study found that rural tourism service providers use digital tools mainly for payment, communication with customers as well as marketing activities, which revealed that the level of digitalization of rural tourism in Latvia is low. The survey data indicates the respondents' dual vision of synergy between rural and smart tourism, recognizing that IT progress was rapid and its influence was inevitable, while at the same time emphasizing an argument for maintaining the basic value and nature of rural tourism.Originality/valueThe paper is an original study of the opinions of rural tourism service providers on synergy between rural and smart tourism in Latvia and specifically, the Zemgale region.
Role of climatic variability in shaping intraspecific variation of thermal tolerance in Mediterranean water beetles
Authors: Pallarés Susana , Garoffolo David , Rodríguez Belén , Sánchez‐Fernández David 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe climatic variability hypothesis (CVH) predicts that organisms in more thermally variable environments have wider thermal breadths and higher thermal plasticity than those from more stable environments. However, due to evolutionary trade‐offs, taxa with greater absolute thermal limits may have little plasticity of such limits (trade‐off hypothesis). The CVH assumes that climatic variability is the ultimate driver of thermal tolerance variation across latitudinal and altitudinal gradients, but average temperature also varies along such gradients. We explored intraspecific variation of thermal tolerance in three typical Mediterranean saline water beetles (families Hydrophilidae and Dytiscidae). For each species, we compared two populations where the species coexist, with similar annual mean temperature but contrasting thermal variability (continental vs. coastal population). We estimated thermal limits of adults from each population, previously acclimated at 17, 20, or 25 °C. We found species‐specific patterns but overall, our results agree with the CVH regarding thermal ranges, which were wider in the continental (more variable) population. In the two hydrophilid species, this came at the cost of losing plasticity of the upper thermal limit in this population, supporting the trade‐off hypothesis, but not in the dytiscid one. Our results support the role of local adaptation to thermal variability and trade‐offs between basal tolerance and physiological plasticity in shaping thermal tolerance in aquatic ectotherms, but also suggest that intraspecific variation of thermal tolerance does not fit a general pattern among aquatic insects. Overlooking such intraspecific variation could lead to inaccurate predictions of the vulnerability of aquatic insects to global warming.