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Using a sample of manufacturing firms listed in China between 2007 and 2019, first, this paper aims to examine whether peer firms influence corporate trade credit supply. Next, the authors examine the channels through which peer firms influence corporate trade credit supply by testing the predictions of rivalry and information theories. Furthermore, the authors examine the heterogeneity of the industry peer effect on corporate trade credit supply. Finally, the authors examine the economic consequences of the industry peer effect on corporate trade credit supply.

The sample includes all manufacturing firms listed on both the Shanghai and Shenzhen securities exchanges for the sample period from 2007 to 2019, and the data come from the China Stock Market & Accounting Research database. The authors use the fixed effects method to examine the industry peer effect on trade credit supply. The results are robust to a series of robustness tests. To address the potential endogeneity problem, the authors adopt appropriate instruments by estimating instrumental variable models (two-stage least square). The authors use Heckman’s two-stage model to mitigate the sample selection bias.

The authors provide strong empirical evidence showing that the industry peer effect on trade credit supply exists in the manufacturing sector. It is also found that both competitive rivalry-based and information-based theories can provide explanations of the industry peer effect on trade credit supply. This process is both active imitation and passive reaction. Additional analysis suggests that the industry peer effect on trade credit supply is more pronounced for state-owned firms, firms with low customer concentration and firms with high geographical proximity. The amplification effect and spillover effect are the economic consequences of the industry peer effect on trade credit supply. In other words, the trade credit supply based on peer effect will not only increase the liquidity risk of the firm per se but also induce and increase the liquidity risk of the industry.

The study makes some important contributions. First, the authors find robust evidence that peer firms’ trade credit supply is an important factor in explaining corporate trade credit supply, which extends the literature by connecting the firm’s trade credit supply with the peer effect. Second, the study provides a new micro-perspective for understanding that firms use trade credit supply as a tool of competition, which proves the importance of rivals’ decision-making as a determinant of corporate decisions. Third, the authors examine the industry peer effect on trade credit supply, which not only helps to guide firms to pay more attention to the potential risk and spillover effects of the trade credit supply decision-making relevance but also helps to clarify the industry interaction phenomenon of corporate decision-making behavior. It is an important practical significance to play a role as a bridge between the microlevel of the firm and the meso-level of the industry. Finally, the study provides inspiration for the formulation of industry norms and policies.

The purpose of this paper is to develop an improved adhesion model to better reproduce the low adhesion condition of the anti-skid control for rail vehicles under braking condition.

In view of the low adhesion characteristics for rail vehicles under braking conditions, the Polach adhesion model was improved based on the sliding power and sliding energy. The wheel–rail low adhesion model suitable for braking condition was given. The analysis of braking anti-skid control under emergency braking condition was carried out through the co-simulation, and compared with the test data; the effectiveness and practicability of the improved low adhesion model were verified.

The results showed that the improved adhesion model is simple and efficient and the parameters involved are less, and it can be directly applied to the real-time simulation of anti-skid control in the process of train braking.

This paper can provide a theoretical reference for the reasons of change and improvement of adhesion between wheel and rail caused by the adjustment of braking force under anti-skid control, which can fulfill a need to the study of sliding energy on the contact surface, the removal effect of pollutants on the wheel–rail surface and the improvement and recovery of adhesion caused.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2020-0244/

Despite recent organizational behavior studies have witnessed considerable progress in abusive supervision research; some demerits for both theory and methodology still remain in the past years. To clarify the current state of knowledge in the field, this study aims to analyze the current state of theories and methods on abusive supervision and provides a detailed future research agenda.

This paper conducted a literature review for both theory and methodology of the abusive supervision research using a content analysis of 134 publications.

For the theory part, this paper summarized the theories that had been applied to explain the relationship between abusive supervision and its consequences as well as antecedents. For the methodology part, this paper outlined some critical issues regarding country of origin, research design, measurement, analysis strategy and also summarized with a discussion of the relationship between methodological issues and article impact. Finally, this paper concluded by presenting an agenda for future abusive supervision research regarding both theory and methodology.

First, this paper summarizes the main theories, antecedents and consequences often used in abusive supervision research to allow scholars to carry out theoretically driven research investigating abusive supervision in the future. Second, through a content analysis of the methods sections of abusive supervision research in the samples (i.e. country of origin, research design, measurement and analytical procedures), this paper identified the potential reasons underlying the inconsistency in the conclusions of abusive supervision research and provide some guidance for future empirical studies. Third, based on the qualitative review, this paper provides an agenda for future research investigating abusive supervision by developing a content-specific theoretical framework to benchmark abusive supervision research against other research related to leadership and offers an accurate response to scholars’ criticisms of abusive supervision research.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate an analytical modeling for the thermoelastic buckling behavior of functionally graded (FG) rectangular plates (FGM) under thermal loadings. The material properties of FGM are assumed to vary continuously through the thickness of the plate, according to the simple power-law distribution. Derivations of equations are based on novel refined theory using a new hyperbolic shear deformation theory. Unlike other theories, there are only four unknown functions involved, as compared to five in other shear deformation theories. The theory presented is variationally consistent and strongly similar to the classical plate theory in many aspects. It does not require the shear correction factor, and gives rise to the transverse shear stress variation so that the transverse shear stresses vary parabolically across the thickness to satisfy free surface conditions for the shear stress. In addition, numerical results for a variety of FG plates with simply supported edge are presented and compared with those available in the literature. Moreover, the effects of geometrical parameters of dimension the length to width aspect ratio (a/b), the plate width to thickness ratio (b/h), and material properties index (k) on the FGM buckling temperature difference are determined and discussed.

In the current paper, the application of the refined theory proposed by Shimpi is based on the assumption that the in-plane and transverse displacements consist of bending and shear components in which the bending components do not contribute toward shear forces and, likewise, the shear components do not contribute toward bending moments. The most interesting feature of this theory is that it accounts for a quadratic variation of the transverse shear strains across the thickness, and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factors. It is extended to the analysis of buckling behavior of ceramic-metal FG plates subjected to the three types of thermal loadings, namely; uniform temperature rise, linear temperature change across the thickness, and nonlinear temperature change across the thickness. The material properties of the FG plates are assumed to vary continuously through the thickness of the plate, according to the simple power-law distribution. Numerical results for a variety of FG plates with simply supported edges are given and compared with the available results, wherever possible. Additionally, the effects of geometrical parameters and material properties on the buckling temperature difference of FGM plates are determined and discussed.

Unlike any other theory, the theory presented gives rise to only four governing equations. Number of unknown functions involved is only four, as against five in case of simple shear deformation theories of Mindlin and Reissner (first shear deformation theory). The plate properties are assumed to be varied through the thickness following a simple power-law distribution in terms of volume fraction of material constituents. The theory presented is variationally consistent, does not require shear correction factor, and gives rise to transverse shear stress variation such that the transverse shear stresses vary parabolically across the thickness satisfying shear stress free surface conditions.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are no research works for thermal buckling analysis of FG rectangular plates based on new four-variable refined plate theory (RPT). The novelty of this paper is extended the use of the above-mentioned RPT with the addition of a new function proposed by Shimpi for thermal buckling analysis of plates made of FG materials. Unlike any other theory, the number of unknown functions involved is only four, as against five in the case of other shear deformation theories. The theory takes account of transverse shear effects and parabolic distribution of the transverse shear strains through the thickness of the plate, hence it is unnecessary to use shear correction factors. The plates subjected to the two types of thermal loadings, namely; uniform temperature rise and nonlinear temperature change across the thickness. Numerical results for a variety of FG plates with simply supported edges are given and compared with the available results.

Can mobile instant messaging (MIM) make people entering into the state of cognitive absorption (CA)? The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether CA can help explain users’ satisfaction during the process of MIM, while interactivity and interest are operated as determinants of CA as well as directly associated with satisfaction.

This study proposes a satisfaction model that is adapted from the CA theory to investigate MIMs users’ satisfaction with two determinants, interactivity and interest. Specifically, CA is operated as a second-order formative construct with four reflective dimensions, including curiosity, focused immersion, heightened enjoyment and temporal dissociation. Partial least square structural equation modeling was applied to evaluate the causal links of the model with the data collected from 472 LINE users who all had long using experience.

The results showed that CA in MIM, fueled by interactivity and interest, is positively related to satisfaction. Interactivity and interest themselves were also significantly associated with satisfaction. Among them, interactivity has the most influence on satisfaction, followed by interest and CA. Surprised, curiosity and focused immersion did not formative CA in MIM.

The present study focuses on user satisfaction of a specific MIM (LINE) and collects data from users within a specific region (Taiwan). Other researchers must take these constrains into consideration when referencing this study.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study which confirmed that people still enter into the state of CA when using MIM on smartphone, even though the using environment is drastically different from that on desktop. It indicates that prior theories in CA with desktop-based software are still applicable and serve as a basis for more studies in the mobile context to a certain extent, but other factors should also be considered. As interactivity and interest are conducive to CA, leading to user satisfaction, an MIM app can be more popular if the two factors are incorporated.

Flow is an important yet under-utilized concept to examine extraordinary experiences in service encounters. An extensive review of extant literature revealed several conceptual concerns that have contributed to a blurred understanding of flow. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptualization of flow that is complete yet parsimonious.

The paper includes a survey (Study 1, N=202) that covers gaming and online services and a field study (Study 2, N=448) covering a festival context. Structural equation modeling and regression-based mediation analysis are used to analyze the data.

Flow can meaningfully be conceptualized as the process from engrossment to enjoyment. Engrossment comprises loss of self-consciousness, transformation of time, concentration on the task at hand, and action-awareness merging. In service encounters with high achievement content (e.g. gaming or sports), challenge-skill balance, clear goals, unambiguous and immediate feedback, and sense of control serve as antecedents of engrossment. Yet flow also appears in service contexts without achievement content (i.e. where consumers have less control over the outcomes of their performance, such as when listening to music). Across service contexts, the enjoyment and engrossment (directly or indirectly) impact service loyalty.

In terms of improving loyalty or training outcomes service providers should have a clear interest in providing the utmost potential for creating flow experiences during the service encounter. Hedonic offers that allow engrossing in the activity seem particularly effective in this regard.

This paper offers a clear theoretical and empirical distinction of formerly treated facets of flow. It further contributes to extant literature by providing a revised conceptualization that regards flow as the process from engrossment to enjoyment. The revised conceptualization is void of unnecessary dimensions and can be applied and compared across various research contexts, including hedonic, nonachievement services. Moreover, the paper indicates that research streams on flow and immersion might be linked more closely.

Numerous studies have examined factors influencing electronic word of mouth (eWOM) providing behaviour. The volume of extant research and inconsistency in some of the findings makes it useful to develop an all-encompassing model synthesising results. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to synthesise findings from existing studies on eWOM by using meta-analysis, which will help to reconcile conflicting findings of factors affecting consumers’ intention to engage in eWOM communications.

The findings from 51 studies were used for meta-analysis, which was undertaken using comprehensive meta-analysis software.

Factors affecting eWOM providing behaviour were divided into four groups: personal conditions, social conditions, perceptual conditions and consumption-based conditions. The results of the meta-analysis showed that out of 20 identified relationships, 16 were found to be significant (opinion seeking, information usefulness, trust in web eWOM services, economic incentive, customer satisfaction, loyalty, brand attitude, altruism, affective commitment, normative commitment, opinion leadership, self-enhancement, information influence, tie strength, homophily and community identity).

One of the limitations of this study is that the studies for this research were collected the only form from Web of Science, Scopus and Business Source such as databases, which result in a limited number of studies available for weight and meta-analysis. A wider range of databases should be used by future research. Also, this study only considered quantitative studies and excluded qualitative studies. Thus, future studies could include both types of studies in the meta-analysis.

By focussing on the best predictors of intention to provide eWOM communications (e.g. self-enhancement and trust in web eWOM services) managers can improve reader engagement and information assimilation. Knowing motivations to engage in eWOM helps platform operators design their service in a more customer-oriented way. By better understanding motivations to engage in eWOM communications marketers and researchers can influence individuals’ online information assimilation which can affect consumer purchase decisions, customer loyalty and consumer commitment to the community.

Applying meta-analysis helped the reconciliation of conflicting findings, enabled investigation of the strengths of the relationships between motivations and eWOM providing behaviour and offered a consolidated view. The results of this study facilitate the advancement of current knowledge of information dissemination on the internet, which can influence consumer purchase intention and loyalty.

Drawing on the resource-based view, this study examines the effect of distribution adaptation on export performance. The study also examines the moderating role of responsiveness and commitment. Two distinct factors for commitment (i.e. managerial export commitment and financial export commitment) and two distinct factors for responsiveness (i.e. export customer responsiveness and export competitor responsiveness) are considered as moderators in the relationship between distribution adaptation and export performance.

Using a Spanish governmental database of exporting firms, this study collected data from 208 firms to run the analysis.

The results indicate that distribution adaptation has a positive impact on export performance. Findings also support the moderating roles of the two types of commitment and the two types of responsiveness. Managerial export commitment positively moderates the relationship, whereas financial export commitment plays a negative moderating role. Both export customer responsiveness and export competitor responsiveness have a positive moderating impact.

To consider distribution adaptation as a distinct variable rather than mixing it with other elements of the marketing mix. This distinction facilitates a clearer comprehension of its unique contribution to export performance. Two distinct factors for commitment and two distinct factors for responsiveness are considered. This approach offers a more detailed analysis of how the different aspects of commitment and responsiveness moderate this relationship.

With ambidextrous innovation (AI) gaining paramount importance in the manufacturing sectors of emerging markets, this research aim to explore how leadership and management support (LMS) amplify this type of innovation by leveraging knowledge sources (KS). The study further probes the knowledge management capability (KMC) as moderating effect between KS and AI.

Using the convenient random sampling technique of a sample of 340 professionals within Pakistan’s manufacturing realm, data was collated via a structured questionnaire. The subsequent analysis harnessed the power of the variance-based partial least squares structural equation modelling approach.

This research underscores the pivotal role of LMS in elevating both facets of AI i.e. exploitative innovation (ERI) and exploratory innovation (ERT). KS emerge as a vital intermediary factor that bridges LMS with both types of innovation. Notably, the potency of KS in driving AI is significantly boosted by an organization’s KMC.

This study fills existing gaps in contemporary research by offering a nuanced perspective on how LMS enrich an organization’s dual innovation spectrum via KS. It sheds light on the symbiotic interplay of leadership, knowledge flows and innovation in Pakistan’s burgeoning manufacturing sector.

China's outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) has risen remarkably over the past two decades. Does such increase affect the sophistication of Chinese exports, is a significant issue that has surprisingly remained unaddressed? The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Chinese OFDI on bilateral export sophistication of China and its OFDI receiving partner countries during 2003–2017 by applying Poisson pseudo-maximum likelihood approach based on gravity model.

The analysis has been performed for total sample, region-wise grouped sample (Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Latin America and Caribbean, East Asia and Pacific, South Asia, North America and sub-Saharan Africa) and income-wise grouped sample (high income, upper middle income, lower middle income and lower income group sample).

The results confirmed the significant and positive effect of Chinese OFDI on bilateral export sophistication in total sample, regions-wise and income groups sample.

The study provides a helpful suggestion regarding policy towards achieving more sophistication in export and thus to achieve comparative advantage in trade.