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1 – 10 of 23Philip Alford and Rosalind Jones
The use of digital marketing technologies remains low in Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with digital transformation being a concern for governments globally. This study reports…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of digital marketing technologies remains low in Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with digital transformation being a concern for governments globally. This study reports on the human-technology interaction process, using digital entrepreneurial marketing (DEM) bricolage and a sociomateriality lens to examine more deeply organisational interaction between marketers and digital marketing technologies in these firms.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative case study and purposive sampling approach are deployed, using seven SMEs in the same UK region. A bricolage and sociomateriality framework and template analysis are used to identify digital marketing strategies and challenges, levels of digital marketing bricolage and assess the value for each firm.
Findings
Firms practice different levels of DEM bricolage depending on the interactions of the marketers with digital marketing tools. Those marketers in firms who had higher levels of interaction between the human and the technological provided greater long-term strategic value for the SME.
Originality/value
This is the first study to apply a sociomateriality lens to bricolage in an SME digital marketing context and allows us to view the way in which employees interact with digital marketing technology and create value. There is scarce empirical data in this area despite numerous calls in the developing field of entrepreneurship and digitalisation in small and growing firms.
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François Labelle, Annick Parent-Lamarche, Siba Théodore Koropogui and Rahma Chouchane
In many parts of the world, labor shortages are likely to affect the activities of SMEs. Consequently, SMEs needs to adopt attractive HRM practices. This study analyzes the impact…
Abstract
Purpose
In many parts of the world, labor shortages are likely to affect the activities of SMEs. Consequently, SMEs needs to adopt attractive HRM practices. This study analyzes the impact of one type of sustainable HRM (SD-HRM) on employees’ attraction and retention factors such as employees’ motivation, the quality of image and customer satisfaction in SMEs context. It also looks at the impact of SME managers’ value-intentions, calculative (egoist-strategic) and non-calculative (altruist-institutional) on this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on part of a survey of 409 Quebec SME managers’ commitment to sustainability, a mediation model is used to consider the impact of the manager’s values-intentions on potential workforce attraction and retention factors.
Findings
The results show that the implementation of SD-HRM practices has a positive impact on the outcomes considered, as it was expected, but show the counterintuitive results that it is altruistic values (non-calculative), rather than egoistic values, that helps to maximize the desired effects.
Practical implications
SME managers could adopt SRHRM practices to attract and retain employees. To maximize positive impacts, they might strategically integrate this approach while remaining authentic to their altruistic values. Purely institutional intentions are insufficient. By being both personally committed and strategic, managers can improve both employee well-being and organizational performance.
Originality/value
The original aspect of this research is the integration of expectations of spin-offs (positive or neutral) in relation to SD-HRM, based on the values and intentions of SME managers. This allows to recognize the multiple profiles, justifications and objectives of SMEs, which do not form a monolithic whole and need to be understood and supported by considering their differences.
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Christopher Agyapong Siaw and Waqas Ali
This paper draws on the dynamic capabilities (DC) view to develop a conceptual framework that explicates the mechanisms through which human intelligence (HI) and artificial…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper draws on the dynamic capabilities (DC) view to develop a conceptual framework that explicates the mechanisms through which human intelligence (HI) and artificial intelligence (AI) substitute and complement each other for organizational knowledge management (KM) while considering the role of ethics.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual paper that draws on DC theory and integrates insights from the burgeoning literature on organizational AI adoption and application to develop a conceptual framework that explains the mechanisms through which HI and AI may substitute and complement each other for organizational KM to develop DC.
Findings
The conceptual framework demonstrates that substituting HI with AI is suitable for external environmental scanning to identify opportunities, while AI substitution for HI is ideal for internal scanning through data analytics. Additionally, HI complementing AI is effective for seizing opportunities by aligning internal competencies with external opportunities, whereas AI complementing HI is beneficial for reconfiguring assets by transforming tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge. This substitution and complementarity between HI and AI shape KM processes—acquisition, conversion, application, and retention—that influence organizational performance, depending on how internal and external ethical standards govern organizational AI use.
Research limitations/implications
The paper presents key insights into how AI may substitute for HI for internal data analytics in KM but may be ineffective for external environmental scanning to sense opportunities. It further reveals that using AI to capture and convert tacit knowledge (HI) to explicit knowledge requires ethical considerations at the organizational level, but ethical considerations are necessary at the employee/manager level when HI relies on AI-generated insights for strategic decisions.
Practical implications
The study implies that in environments with defined regulations for AI and KM (e.g. privacy protection), responsibility for the consequences of AI-HI substitution and complementarity in developing DC can be assigned to specific steps in the KM process. However, in environments with undefined regulations, responsibility must be assigned to people, units or departments who manage the entire KM process to ensure accountability for ethical breaches.
Originality/value
This study proposes AI-HI substitution and complementarity in organizations to extend the understanding of the relationship between AI and HI to DC development.
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This study aims to investigate issues of natural resource management (NRM), conservation and ecotourism leadership on rural livelihood in Musina Local Municipality, Limpopo…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate issues of natural resource management (NRM), conservation and ecotourism leadership on rural livelihood in Musina Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. It concentrated on the existing and probable effects of ecotourism and integrated rural activities and their environmental influences on climate change and vice versa, subsistence and sustainability. The study utilizes a broad literature review, focus group discussions and field observations to investigate the municipality’s biodiversity, holistic livelihoods and tourism resource and facility concerns with climate change implications in the study area, with data analyzed manually and also by means of cross tabulations and central tendencies. A harmful link between ecotourism-induced environmental impacts and integrated rural activities that retain potential climate change consequences is found to exist in the vicinity. Nevertheless, it is fathomed in line with the study findings that when tourism actions adhere to the justifications of sustainable and responsible tourism management, they can result in better ecotourism products that foster environmental sustainability and enhance rural livelihoods. Therefore, the study has identified a need for decent ecotourism facilities and activities and a managerial approach to diminish climate change hazards and spur subsistence for local communities in the municipality. Within its rationale and ability, the study presents an analysis of conservation, ecotourism management, environmental degradation and responsible tourism qualities regarding climate change consequences within the municipality.
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This paper aims to examine the stock market performance of knowledge-intensive employee-owned firms.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the stock market performance of knowledge-intensive employee-owned firms.
Design/methodology/approach
It constructs a portfolio comprising stocks of employee-owned wealth management companies listed in the UK Employee Ownership Index. A simple equal-weighted portfolio simulation strategy with annual rebalancing is employed and returns are analysed for the period 01.2002–12.2015.
Findings
The employee-owned firms consistently generate significantly higher returns, averaging 13% per annum. During favourable market conditions, the returns are even more significant at 16.40% higher than the market average annual returns. The outperformance persists in single-year and five-year investment periods, full and sub-sample periods, including bullish, stable and challenging economic times and even at high transaction costs and zero dividends. This superior performance is linked to a positive feedback loop created by homogeneous knowledge-workers who are incentivised to perform better in employee-owned business setting through participative decision-making and exhibiting risk aversion skills.
Practical implications
Adoption of the employee ownership model of running a business can be highly rewarding within knowledge-intensive firms. This study emphasises the need for a comprehensive database of employee-owned companies, which is currently lacking in the UK.
Originality/value
No prior study could be found to have studied the relationship between employee-owned knowledge-intensive firms and their stock market performance.
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Rupam Deb, Rama Koteswara Rao Kondasani and Anirban Das
This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of previously published articles related to adventure tourism to assimilate the current trend, gaps in the literature and future…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of previously published articles related to adventure tourism to assimilate the current trend, gaps in the literature and future research direction of this particular field.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 585 documents were retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science core collection for analysis using VOSviewer. Performance and science mapping analysis was performed to comprehensively review the adventure tourism publication.
Findings
The findings show that publication in this field is growing significantly. Cluster analysis using the co-citation of references method resulted in four broad research areas: risk in adventure tourism, adventure tourism motivation, adventure tourism experience and adventure tourism product development.
Originality/value
The study acts as an archive of adventure tourism publications. Potential authors can quickly comprehend what is expected and current happening in adventure tourism field. It can assist scholars in identifying gaps and possible future directions.
目的
本研究旨在对之前发表的与探险旅游相关的文章进行文献计量分析, 以了解该特定领域的当前趋势、文献空白和未来研究方向。
设计/方法/途径
从 Scopus 和 Web of Science (WOS) 核心合集中检索到总共 585 篇文献, 使用 VOSviewer 进行分析。 执行性能和科学制图分析以全面审查探险旅游出版物。
调查结果
调查结果表明, 该领域的出版物正在显着增长。 使用参考文献共引法的聚类分析产生了四个广泛的研究领域:探险旅游中的风险、探险旅游动机、探险旅游体验和探险旅游产品开发。
独创性/价值
该研究充当冒险旅游出版物的档案。 潜在的作者可以快速理解冒险旅游领域的预期和当前发生的事情。 它可以帮助学者找出差距和未来可能的方向。
Propósito
este estudio tiene como objetivo realizar un análisis bibliométrico de artículos publicados anteriormente relacionados con el turismo de aventura para asimilar la tendencia actual, los vacíos en la literatura y la dirección futura de la investigación de este campo en particular.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
se recuperó un total de 585 documentos de la colección principal de Scopus y Web of Science (WOS) para su análisis mediante VOSviewer. Se realizó un análisis de mapeo científico y de rendimiento para revisar exhaustivamente la publicación de turismo de aventura.
Hallazgos
Los hallazgos muestran que la publicación en este campo está creciendo significativamente. El análisis de conglomerados utilizando el método de cita conjunta de referencias dio como resultado cuatro áreas amplias de investigación: riesgo en el turismo de aventura, motivación del turismo de aventura, experiencia en el turismo de aventura y desarrollo de productos de turismo de aventura.
Originalidad/valor
El estudio actúa como un archivo de publicaciones de turismo de aventura. Los autores potenciales pueden comprender rápidamente lo que se espera y lo que sucede actualmente en el campo del turismo de aventura. Puede ayudar a los académicos a identificar brechas y posibles direcciones futuras.
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Rahma Chouchane and Étienne St-Jean
Based on self-determination theory and the perspective of person-job fit, this study aims to determine the configurations of situations in which the person-intrapreneurship fit…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on self-determination theory and the perspective of person-job fit, this study aims to determine the configurations of situations in which the person-intrapreneurship fit and psychosocial factors that lead to different types of motivation.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected from 199 employees of four Quebec small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and analyzed by a configurational approach using the Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) method.
Findings
The results indicate that for intrapreneurs to operate autonomously, it is crucial that they do not experience job anxiety. Intrapreneurial self-efficacy is required when intrapreneurship is voluntary (strong fit) but not when forced (poor fit). In forced intrapreneurship, organizational support is central to self-determination. Thus, regardless of self-efficacy, the model suggests autonomous motivation is possible in forced intrapreneurship if the employee has organizational support and lacks anxiety.
Practical implications
These findings underscore the imperative for organizations to prioritize the psychological well-being of their employees, particularly when engaging them in intrapreneurial projects. Additionally, managers can foster autonomous motivation by encouraging favorable behaviors such as intrapreneurial behavior (IB) and providing essential support, particularly when these projects may not align with employees' ambitions and intentions.
Originality/value
This study offers a novel perspective on the role of person-job fit in the specific context of intrapreneurship, based on a new categorization of fit based on the disparity between employees' intrapreneurial intention and actual intrapreneurial behavior. It provides unique theoretical and practical insights into fostering autonomous motivation through the lens of person-intrapreneurship fit.
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Hui-Min Lai, Shin-Yuan Hung and David C. Yen
Seekers who visit professional virtual communities (PVCs) are usually motivated by knowledge-seeking, which is a complex cognitive process. How do seekers search for knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
Seekers who visit professional virtual communities (PVCs) are usually motivated by knowledge-seeking, which is a complex cognitive process. How do seekers search for knowledge, and how is their search linked to prior knowledge or PVC situation factors? From the cognitive process and interactional psychology perspectives, this study investigated the three-way interactions between seekers’ expertise, task complexity, and perceptions of PVC features (i.e. knowledge quality and system quality) on knowledge-seeking strategies and resultant outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
A field experiment was conducted with 119 seekers in a PVC using a 2 × 2 factorial design of seekers’ expertise (i.e. expert versus novice) and task complexity (i.e. low versus high).
Findings
The study reveals three significant insights: (1) For a high-complexity task, experts adopt an ask-directed searching strategy compared to novices, whereas novices adopt a browsing strategy; (2) For a high-complexity task, experts who perceive a high system quality are more likely than novices to adopt an ask-directed searching strategy; and (3) Task completion time and task quality are associated with the adoption of ask-directed searching strategies, whereas knowledge seekers’ satisfaction is more associated with the adoption of browsing strategy.
Originality/value
We draw on the perspectives of cognitive process and interactional psychology to explore potential two- and three-way interactions of seekers’ expertise, task complexity, and PVC features on the adoption of knowledge-seeking strategies in a PVC context. Our findings provide deep insights into seekers’ behavior in a PVC, given the popularity of the search for knowledge in PVCs.
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Maria Bourezg, Osama Khassawneh, Satwinder Singh, Tamara Mohammad, Muntaser J. Melhem and Tamer K. Darwish
This study aims to explore the factors that influence job satisfaction among women in Jordan and contribute to the growing interest in women’s workplace happiness in the context…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the factors that influence job satisfaction among women in Jordan and contribute to the growing interest in women’s workplace happiness in the context of the Middle East.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used an explanatory sequential mixed-method approach. During the first phase, 250 female respondents were surveyed from the private sector in Jordan. The authors analyzed the impact of various employment-related attributes and other variables, including educational level, position, work experience, daily work hours, income level, relationships with colleagues and supervisors and internal career opportunities on job satisfaction. During the second stage, the authors interviewed 23 supervisor female respondents and conducted a thematic analysis to explore in more depth the determinants of job satisfaction of females working in the private sector in Jordan.
Findings
The quantitative findings of this study indicate that job satisfaction is positively influenced by education level and income, while notably, it was negatively impacted by work experience and daily work hours. Relationships with colleagues and supervisors, as well as internal career opportunities, positively affect job satisfaction. The qualitative findings of the study indicate that positive corporate culture, developing subordinates, financial independence, self-worthiness, work-life balance, internal career opportunities and factors that spillover from the personal life domain contributed highly to job satisfaction.
Practical implications
The findings of this study can help employers in gaining a deeper understanding of the needs and behaviors of female workers in the Middle East, potentially resulting in decreased job turnover and heightened productivity.
Originality/value
This study offers valuable insights into the cultural dynamics at play and sheds light on the psychology of the Arab female workforce. Given the limited research on job satisfaction among women in the Middle East and the Arab world, this study holds significant importance for practitioners.
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Hong Qian, Sihan Lin, Lidan Zhang, Shanglin Song and Ning Liu
This study mainly focused on the long-term effect of different risk exposure levels and prior anti-epidemic experience of healthcare workers in mitigating COVID-19 on their work…
Abstract
Purpose
This study mainly focused on the long-term effect of different risk exposure levels and prior anti-epidemic experience of healthcare workers in mitigating COVID-19 on their work stress in the post-COVID era.
Design/methodology/approach
The study sample included 359 physicians, 619 nurses, 229 technicians and 212 administrators, for a total of 1,419 healthcare workers working in the Lanzhou area during the investigation. Data were analyzed by multivariate regression models.
Findings
Our findings indicated that the interaction between pandemic effect mitigation experience and high-risk exposure significantly affected healthcare workers in the post-COVID era by increasing their work stress (p < 0.001) and reducing their rest time (p < 0.001). Healthcare workers may have experienced worse outcomes in the long term if they had higher levels of risk exposure and more experience in fighting epidemics. Furthermore, poor mental health (p < 0.001) and prior experience with SARS (p < 0.001) further amplified these adverse effects. However, surprisingly, we did not observe any effect of prior anti-epidemic experience or high-risk exposure on the mental health of healthcare workers in the post-COVID era (p > 0.1).
Research limitations/implications
The adverse impact of COVID-19 may have left long-lasting effects on Health professionals (HPs), particularly those with high Risk exposure (RE) and more mitigation experience. Poor Mental health (MH) and previous experience in mitigating previous similar outbreaks (such as SARS) are risk factors that should be considered. Support programs must be designed and promoted to help HPs respond and improve their performance.
Originality/value
Our study presents compelling evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic will have long-term detrimental effects on the work stress of healthcare workers.
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