Guodong Ni, Qi Zhou, Xinyue Miao, Miaomiao Niu, Yuzhuo Zheng, Yuanyuan Zhu and Guoxuan Ni
New generation of construction workers (NGCWs) who were born in the 1980s and later have gradually become the main workforce of Chinese construction industry. They may behave…
Abstract
Purpose
New generation of construction workers (NGCWs) who were born in the 1980s and later have gradually become the main workforce of Chinese construction industry. They may behave differently when dealing with knowledge-related activities due to divergent characteristics caused by generational discrepancy. To provide a theoretical foundation for construction companies and safety managers to improve safety management, this research explores the factors and paths impacting the NGCWs' ability to share their safety knowledge.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on literature review, main factors that influence the safety knowledge sharing of the NGCWs were identified. Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory and Interpretive Structural Modeling were applied to identify the hierarchical and contextual relations among the factors influencing the safety knowledge sharing of the NGCWs.
Findings
The results showed that sharing atmosphere ranked first in centrality and had a high degree of influence and being influenced, indicating itself an extremely important influencing factor of safety knowledge sharing of NGCWs. Six root influencing factors were identified, including individual characteristics, work pressure, sharing platform, incentive mechanism, leadership support and safety management system.
Research limitations/implications
The number of influencing factors of safety knowledge sharing of the NGCWs identified in this study is limited, and the data obtained by the expert scoring method is subjective. In future studies, the model should be further developed and validated by incorporating experts from different fields to improve its integrity and applicability.
Practical implications
The influencing factors identified in this paper can provide a basis for construction companies and safety managers to improve productivity and safety management by taking relevant measures to promote safety knowledge sharing. The research contributes to the understanding knowledge management in the context of the emerging market. It helps to answer the question of how the market can maintain the economic growth success through effective knowledge management.
Originality/value
This paper investigates the influencing factors of NGCWs' safety knowledge sharing from the perspective of intergenerational differences, and the 13 influencing factor index system established expands the scope of research on factors influencing safety knowledge sharing among construction workers and fills the gap in safety knowledge sharing research on young construction workers. Furthermore, this paper establishes a multi-layer recursive structure model to clarify the influence path of the influencing factors and contributes to the understanding of safety knowledge sharing mechanism.
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Haonan Qi, Zhipeng Zhou, Javier Irizarry, Xiaopeng Deng, Yifan Yang, Nan Li and Jianliang Zhou
This study aims to modify the human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS) to make it suitable for collapse accident analysis in construction. Based upon the modified…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to modify the human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS) to make it suitable for collapse accident analysis in construction. Based upon the modified HFACS, distribution patterns of causal factors across multiple levels were discerned among causal factors of various stakeholders at construction sites. It explored the correlations between two causal factors from different levels and further determined causation paths from two perspectives of level and stakeholder.
Design/methodology/approach
The main research framework consisted of data collection, coding and analysis. Collapse accident reports were collected with adequate causation information. The modified HFACS was utilized for coding causal factors across all five levels in each case. A hybrid approach with two perspectives of level and stakeholder was proposed for frequency analysis, correlation analysis and path identification between causal factors.
Findings
Eight causal factors from external organizations at the fifth level were added to the original HFACS. Level-based correlation analyses and path identification provided safety managers with a holistic view of inter-connected causal factors across five levels. Stakeholder-based correlation analyses between causal factors from the fifth level and its non-adjacent levels were implemented based on client, government and third parties. These identified paths were useful for different stakeholders to develop specific safety plans for avoiding construction collapse accidents.
Originality/value
This paper fulfils an identified need to modify and utilize the HFACS model for correlation analysis and path identification of causal factors resulting in collapse accidents, which can provide opportunities for tailoring preventive and protective measures at construction sites.
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Silu Pang, Guihong Hua and Zhijun Yan
This study investigates the heterogeneous impact of R&D capital market distortions (CMDs) on the quantity and quality of innovation in Chinese firms by exploring key pathways from…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the heterogeneous impact of R&D capital market distortions (CMDs) on the quantity and quality of innovation in Chinese firms by exploring key pathways from a dual-arbitrage perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data from Chinese A-share listed companies (2015–2021), we employ a multidimensional fixed effects model to validate the research hypotheses. Under the Systems of National Accounts (SNA, 2008) framework, we use the Bureau of Economic Analysis method to estimate enterprise R&D capital stock and the Cobb-Douglas production function to estimate R&D CMDs.
Findings
Results show that R&D CMDs drive firms toward strategic innovation, emphasizing quantity over quality. Policy arbitrage, including policy catering and rent-seeking, emerges as a pivotal mechanism under R&D CMDs, encouraging firms to prioritize quantity over quality in innovation. High-technology firms and those in the decline stage are more inclined to spearhead strategic innovation within the context of R&D CMDs.
Practical implications
These findings help policymakers promote high-quality innovation in Chinese enterprises by enhancing patent review mechanisms and shifting policies from quantity-driven to quality-oriented goals.
Originality/value
This study enriches the research on factor market distortions and innovation in emerging markets from the perspective of R&D CMDs, based on the “emerging + transitional” comprehensive framework. Unlike previous studies, which generally use enterprise R&D expenditure flow data, we apply the theory of R&D capitalization accounting to the micro-enterprise level under the SNA (2008) framework, enhancing the accuracy of R&D CMD estimations.
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Nahuel Ignacio Depino-Besada, Antonio Sartal, Fernando León-Mateos and Josep Llach
The survival of companies today hinges on their adaptability and flexibility, with digital transformation (DT) and organizational slack (OS) playing crucial roles. Despite their…
Abstract
Purpose
The survival of companies today hinges on their adaptability and flexibility, with digital transformation (DT) and organizational slack (OS) playing crucial roles. Despite their recognized importance, these factors are often studied separately. This study aims to explore how OS facilitates DT and evaluate their synergies and trade-offs to improve performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data from the European Manufacturing Survey, structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), we investigate causal relationships and possible combinations between different dimensions of OS and DT that contribute to business performance.
Findings
We confirmed the positive effect of OS and DT on business performance, highlighting the importance of organizational over technological factors. While not definitively establishing OS as a precursor to DT, our findings underscore the need for human and operational slack to improve performance, especially in less technology-intensive contexts.
Research limitations/implications
Our findings evidence that decision-makers should integrate OS with DT initiatives to improve the firm’s competitiveness. However, it is worth noting that while OS seems essential in low-tech shopfloors, its importance is lower in high-tech environments. Furthermore, within the possible combinations, managers should promote operational slack and digitalization, as it seems fundamental to improve business performance.
Originality/value
This article contributes to the management field in three ways. First, it clarifies controversies by providing evidence of the positive roles of DT and OS as drivers of competitiveness for manufacturing firms. Second, we verify that OS is not directly linked to DT, challenging existing assumptions. Third, it investigates the combinations of OS and DT that drive business performance improvement, emphasizing their synergies and trade-offs.
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Ngo Giang Thy, Tu Van Binh and Linh Duong
With the wide adoption of information and communication technologies globally, digital marketing (DM) has emerged as an important and influential role in the growth and…
Abstract
Purpose
With the wide adoption of information and communication technologies globally, digital marketing (DM) has emerged as an important and influential role in the growth and development of firms. However, it remains unclear how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets that normally have limited digital technology resources can gain benefits from DM. Thus, this research aims to investigate how DM benefits SMEs in emerging markets.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the resource-based views (RBV) theory and a sample of 156,625 SMEs in Vietnam, this research uses statistical models and examines the performance of SMEs in terms of sales and productivity.
Findings
There is strong evidences that the sales and productivity performance of SMEs are positively affected by DM. Furthermore, there is evidence that corporate social responsibility plays an important role in moderating the influence of DM on SME performance.
Originality/value
This finding suggests that entrepreneurs should carefully consider using digital technologies to create DM strategies. This result also encourages local policymakers to invest more in digital technology and boost the growth of SMEs.
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Junping Qiu, Qinze Mi, Zhongyang Xu, Tingyong Zhang and Tao Zhou
Based on the social interaction theory and trust theory, this study investigates the switching of users on social question and answer (Q&A) platforms from knowledge seekers to…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the social interaction theory and trust theory, this study investigates the switching of users on social question and answer (Q&A) platforms from knowledge seekers to knowledge contributors.
Design/methodology/approach
We used Python to gather data from Zhihu, performed hypothesis testing on the models using Poisson regression and finally conducted a mediation effect analysis.
Findings
The findings reveal that knowledge seeking impacts users' motivation for information interaction, emotional interaction and trust. Notably, information interaction and trust exhibit a chained mediation effect that subsequently influences knowledge contribution.
Originality/value
Current studies on user knowledge behavior typically examine individual actions, rarely connecting knowledge seeking and knowledge contribution. However, the balance of knowledge inflow and outflow is crucial for social Q&A platforms. To cover this gap, this paper empirically investigates the switching between knowledge seeking and knowledge contribution based on the social interaction theory and trust theory.
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R. Shenbagam and Sarada Yedida
The objective of this article is to investigate a shock model for a cold standby repairable deteriorating system with non-negligible phase type quasi-renewal process maintenance…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this article is to investigate a shock model for a cold standby repairable deteriorating system with non-negligible phase type quasi-renewal process maintenance times and threshold with spare.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper aims to assess the significance of a property of phase type quasi-renewal processes, it is easy to evaluate the theory concept of a cold standby repairable deteriorating system subject to random shocks and stochastic lead time via phase type quasi-renewal processes.
Findings
The current research work obtained an optimal replacement policy N* analytically and numerically for a cold standby repairable deteriorating system with spare using a phase type quasi-renewal process.
Originality/value
The study of a random threshold shock model for a cold standby repairable deteriorating system with spare via-phase type quasi-renewal processes has not been reported anywhere in the literature. In addition, in such a context, an optimal replacement policy N* has not been obtained analytically. The current research paper is to bridge the gap in the literature. The numerical example presented indicates that a maintenance policy suggested in this article aids in generating a significantly.
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Tanya Munir, Rao Muhammad Atif Jamal and Sean Watt
Construction projects in developing countries frequently face criticism for engaging in social and environmentally irresponsible practices. Therefore, the purpose behind this…
Abstract
Purpose
Construction projects in developing countries frequently face criticism for engaging in social and environmentally irresponsible practices. Therefore, the purpose behind this research stems from the critique, requiring to formulate a comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework that integrates sustainable innovation into business processes through stakeholder engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 23 experts from the Pakistan construction industry took part in the Delphi study. Criteria set in terms of diverse backgrounds, organization size, characteristics or experiences of experts.
Findings
The finding reveals that the integration of CSR with sustainable innovation demands significant change in business processes, starting from planning, implementing and oversighting stages of project management and a demand for top management commitment to realize sustainable benefits that deliver value to all stakeholders.
Originality/value
Construction projects in developing countries frequently face criticism for engaging in socially and environmentally irresponsible practices. Therefore, the purpose behind this research stems from the critique, requiring to formulate a comprehensive CSR framework that integrates sustainable innovation into business processes through stakeholder engagement. In total, 23 experts from the Pakistan construction industry took part in the Delphi study. Criteria set in terms of diverse backgrounds, organization size, characteristics, or experiences of experts. The finding reveals that the integration of CSR with sustainable innovation demand significant change in business processes, starting from the planning, implementing and oversighting stages of project management and a demand for top management commitment to realize sustainable benefits that deliver value to all stakeholders.
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Vaseem Akram and Anant Srivastav
Over the past few decades, BRICS nations have implemented several environmental legislations to combat environmental issues, along with the development of the financial sector…
Abstract
Purpose
Over the past few decades, BRICS nations have implemented several environmental legislations to combat environmental issues, along with the development of the financial sector. However, they still face the dual challenge of balancing financial development (FD) and reducing carbon emissions to achieve sustainable development. Hence, this study aims to explore how environmental policy stringency (EPS) influences FD in BRICS nations from 1993 to 2020.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors performed a panel data analysis to examine the effect of the EPS on FD. Firstly, they conducted a panel unit root test using the Levin–Lin–Chu and the Im–Pesaran–Shin unit root tests to check the stationarity of the data. Then, they used the fixed effect model for analysis. A feasible generalised least squares test is used to ensure the robustness of the results.
Findings
The EPS positively affects FD through financial markets and intuitions in BRICS nations, indicating that more stringent environmental policies of BRICS countries promote FD in these nations.
Practical implications
This study suggests that policymakers in BRICS nations should consider strengthening EPS, implying the dual benefit of aligning environmental sustainability goals with economic growth.
Originality/value
This study provides a deeper understanding by disassembling FD into financial markets and institutions, thereby establishing a nuanced relationship with EPS, which is highly relevant for addressing the distinctive financial systems and environmental challenges of BRICS nations. Therefore, this study fills this gap and offers new insights into the relationship between EPS and FD in these nations.
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Sulaiman Musa, Masairol Masri and Mahani Hamdan
This study aims to investigate the effects of audit committees on the real earnings management (REM) in Islamic banks.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effects of audit committees on the real earnings management (REM) in Islamic banks.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample data used in the study were retrieved manually from annual reports of 57 fully operational Islamic banks across 16 countries between 2012 and 2023.
Findings
The results indicate that the size of Audit Committee (AC), the presence of independent directors on the AC and AC diligence exert a significant and negative influence on REM in Islamic banks. In contrast, the proportion of directors with PhD and female directors in AC positively influences REM. However, the presence of foreign directors in AC does not impact REM in Islamic banks.
Research limitations/implications
The study used six AC characteristics as part of the corporate governance mechanism to investigate their impact on REM in Islamic banks from 2012–2023.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the scanty literature showing how AC attributes influence REM in Islamic banks.