Yuan Feng, Jing Zhang, Wei Han and Yongtao Luo
As China is on an inevitable march into the digital era, firms have accumulated abundant digital assets, such as algorithms and data. Facing the possibility of using digital…
Abstract
Purpose
As China is on an inevitable march into the digital era, firms have accumulated abundant digital assets, such as algorithms and data. Facing the possibility of using digital assets as a new type input, besides traditional inputs such as capital and labor, would powerful managers perform better? Would managerial power help managers increase the efficiency of how a firm combines traditional and digital inputs and converts them into outputs? Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether powerful managers promotes corporate productivity by using digital assets as a new input.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data from listed Chinese firms between 2008 and 2020, the authors constructed panel regressions with three-way fixed effects to examine whether and how managerial power influences corporate productivity in the current digital context, particularly under market uncertainty.
Findings
The findings reveal no consistent relationship between managerial power and corporate productivity. The results explain this from two contrasting effects: while managerial power promotes technological change it hinders technical efficiency – two components of total productivity. Moreover, this study identifies market uncertainty as a significant external contingency. In uncertain markets, strong managerial power positively impacts corporate productivity.
Originality/value
The results extend extant theoretical insights in the literature on how managerial power might influence corporate productivity.
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Meng-Nan Li, Xueqing Wang, Ruo-Xing Cheng and Yuan Chen
Currently, engineering project design lacks a design framework that fully combines subjective experience and objective data. This study develops an aided design decision-making…
Abstract
Purpose
Currently, engineering project design lacks a design framework that fully combines subjective experience and objective data. This study develops an aided design decision-making framework to automatically output the optimal design alternative for engineering projects in a more efficient and objective mode, which synthesizes the design experience.
Design/methodology/approach
A database of design components is first constructed to facilitate the retrieval of data and the design alternative screening algorithm is proposed to automatically select all feasible design alternatives. Then back propagation (BP) neural network algorithm is introduced to predict the cost of all feasible design alternatives. Based on the gray relational degree-particle swarm optimization (GRD-PSO) algorithm, the optimal design alternative can be selected considering multiple objectives.
Findings
The case study shows that the BP neural network-cost prediction algorithm can well predict the cost of design alternatives, and the framework can be widely used at the design stage of most engineering projects. Design components with low sensitivity to design objectives have been obtained, allowing for the consideration of disregarding their impacts on design objectives in such situations requiring rapid decisions. Meanwhile, design components with high sensitivity to design objective weights have also been obtained, drawing special attention to the effects of changes in the importance of design objectives on the selection of these components. Simultaneously, the framework can be flexibly adjusted to different design objectives and identify key design components, providing decision reference for designers.
Originality/value
The framework proposed in this paper contributes to the knowledge of design decision-making by emphasizing the importance of combining objective data and subjective experience, whose significance is ignored in the existing literature.
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K.S. Nivedhitha, Gayathri Giri and Palvi Pasricha
Gamification has been constantly demonstrated as an effective mechanism for employee engagement. However, little is known about how gamification reduces cyberloafing and the…
Abstract
Purpose
Gamification has been constantly demonstrated as an effective mechanism for employee engagement. However, little is known about how gamification reduces cyberloafing and the mechanism by which it affects cyberloafing in the workplace. This study draws inspiration from self-determination and social bonding theories to explain how game dynamics, namely, personalised challenges, social interactivity and progression status, enhance tacit knowledge sharing behaviour, which, in turn, reduces cyberloafing. In addition, the study also examines the negative moderating effect of fear of failure on the positive relationship between game dynamics and tacit knowledge sharing.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a sample of 250 employees from information technology organisations, the study employed a 3-wave study to examine the conditional indirect effects.
Findings
The results ascertain that tacit knowledge sharing plays a central role in the relationship between gamification and cyberloafing. Further, game dynamics positively influenced tacit knowledge sharing, which in turn reduced cyberloafing. Especially, social interactivity and progression status greatly reduced cyberloafing behaviour when the fear of failure was low.
Originality/value
This study is one of the initial studies that suggest gamification as a progressive tool to reduce workplace cyberloafing behaviours. It utilises a problematisation approach to analyse and criticise the in-house assumptions regarding cyberloafing prevention measures. Further, the study proposes a conceptual model explaining the link between gamification and cyberloafing through alternate assumptions.
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Yi Nie, Lin Luo and Xiulin Geng
Green funds represent a hybrid approach that integrates both environmental and financial considerations. Firms also strive to balance social benefits with economic performance…
Abstract
Purpose
Green funds represent a hybrid approach that integrates both environmental and financial considerations. Firms also strive to balance social benefits with economic performance. This study aims to analyze how green fund shareholdings impact firms’ dual performance and explores the underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a sample of A-share companies listed on China’s exchanges from 2008 to 2022. A fixed effects model is used to assess the dual value of green funds in enhancing both environmental and financial performance while also exploring viable pathways to achieve a “win-win” outcome.
Findings
Green fund shareholdings significantly enhance both financial and environmental performance, with corporate reputation and corporate transparency acting as mediators. Media oversight and executive compensation positively moderate the relationship between green fund shareholdings and dual performance. In competitive industries, the influence of green fund shareholdings on environmental performance is more pronounced than their effect on financial performance. In the context of politically connected firms, green fund shareholdings have a reduced impact on financial performance, with no significant difference in environmental performance. In addition, the impact of green funds on ownership structure is heterogeneous, promoting dual performance in private firms but not in state-owned enterprises.
Originality/value
This study enhances the understanding of green funds’ dual investment logic, provides deeper insights into their role in fostering sustainable corporate development and extends the application of institutional logic in enterprise management.
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This study assesses how relational factors and buyer-supplier relationship commitment (BSRC) influence supply chain integration (SCI) and firm performance in Bangladesh's apparel…
Abstract
Purpose
This study assesses how relational factors and buyer-supplier relationship commitment (BSRC) influence supply chain integration (SCI) and firm performance in Bangladesh's apparel manufacturing sector. Firm performance includes operational performance and innovation performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Grounded in the social exchange theory, a survey data-based structural equation modeling (SEM) approach is applied. Based on two experts and four executives' opinions and an in-depth literature review, 28 measurement items were identified in the close-ended questionnaire design. Further, 144 valid questionnaires from the manufacturer-supplier dyads in Bangladesh were collected and used for SEM analysis.
Findings
Our study reveals that relational factors positively influence BSRC. BSRC directly impacts SCI, operational, and innovation performance, whereas SCI is significantly related to operational and innovation performance. Besides, SCI mediates the two relationships: BSRC and operational performance; and BSRC and innovation performance.
Originality/value
Our results contribute to the literature and offer a new way to understand relationships that connect relational factors of BSRC, BSRC, and outcomes not only by examining the focal firm but also by examining its dyadic supplier partner separately. Separate assessment in the dyad displays some similar and dissimilar results. Moreover, we suggest practical implications for managers to enhance firm performance by focusing on the significance of linking relational factors, BSRC, and SCI.
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Jinhua Xu, Jiaye Zhang and Xiaoxia Li
New quality productive forces (NQPF) are critical for high-quality economic development. As digital mergers and acquisitions (M&As) gain prominence in corporate digital…
Abstract
Purpose
New quality productive forces (NQPF) are critical for high-quality economic development. As digital mergers and acquisitions (M&As) gain prominence in corporate digital transformation, understanding their impact on NQPF is essential. This study explores whether digital M&As enhance NQPF in firms and identifies key mechanisms that drive this effect.
Design/methodology/approach
This study investigates the impact of corporate digital M&As on NQPF using a multi-period difference-in-difference (DID) methodology. Analyzing a sample of Chinese listed firms from 2011 to 2021, the study explores how digital M&As contribute to NQPF, identifying firm innovation and data assets as key mechanisms. It also examines how external factors, such as industrial structure, urban human capital and economic policy uncertainty, moderate the effect of digital M&As on NQPF.
Findings
The study reveals three key findings: (1) Digital M&As significantly enhance corporate NQPF; (2) innovation and data assets serve as key mechanisms through which digital M&As drive NQPF and (3) external factors, including industrial structure, urban human capital and economic policy uncertainty, amplify the positive effects of digital M&As on NQPF.
Practical implications
Firms should leverage digital M&As as a strategic tool for improving NQPF, focusing on innovation and data assets. Policymakers can support this transformation by fostering an environment that enhances the positive impact of digital M&As on economic development.
Originality/value
This paper introduces a novel NQPF index, offering a comprehensive measurement of the concept. It provides new insights into how digital M&As affect NQPF, filling a gap in the literature on digital transformation and offering actionable recommendations for firms and policymakers.
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Lingxiao Wang, Jingfeng Yuan, Yudi Chen, Xin Wan and Guanying Huang
The construction and real estate sectors are vital to national economies, but traditional construction methods often lead to challenges such as safety risks, noise and…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction and real estate sectors are vital to national economies, but traditional construction methods often lead to challenges such as safety risks, noise and environmental pollution. While intelligent construction is believed to mitigate these issues, there is a lack of solid empirical evidence on whether it truly benefits the general public. This paper seeks to explore the societal benefits of intelligent construction from the public’s perspective, addressing this research gap.
Design/methodology/approach
The research adopts a two-step approach. First, topic mining is conducted to identify topics closely related to the public’s daily life, such as environmental impact, construction traffic management and construction technologies. These topics are then analyzed through sentiment analysis using a bidirectional long short-term memory model with attention mechanism to determine whether the public has a favorable view of these aspects of intelligent construction, indirectly demonstrating the benefits to the public.
Findings
The primary topics identified include “industry development,” “technology enterprise,” “construction equipment,” “intelligent technology,” “environmental protection,” “robots” and “construction traffic management.” Sentiment analysis shows that public sentiment is overwhelmingly positive across all topics and regions, with “environmental protection,” “construction traffic management” and “robots” receiving the most favorable reactions.
Originality/value
This study provides empirical evidence of the societal benefits of intelligent construction from the public’s viewpoint using social media data. The results highlight the need for continued promotion and adoption of intelligent construction due to its positive impact on society.
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Zhiqiang Liu and Chenmiao Wang
This study explores whether and how financial agglomeration affects enterprise specialization, and whether it weakens the division effects of logistics accessibility.
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores whether and how financial agglomeration affects enterprise specialization, and whether it weakens the division effects of logistics accessibility.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the panel data of A-share listed companies in the Chinese manufacturing industry from 2010 to 2018, the authors test the hypotheses of the research framework by constructing a double fixed effect model.
Findings
First, for every 1% increase in financial agglomeration and logistics accessibility, enterprise specialization will increase by 1.8% and 5.6%. Meanwhile, financial agglomeration weakens the division effects of logistics accessibility. After a multiple robustness test, the above conclusions still hold. Second, the mechanism test shows that financial agglomeration can promote enterprise specialization through cost saving effect, scale expansion effect and technological progress effect. Third, financial agglomeration has a stronger positive impact and negative moderating effect on enterprise specialization in periphery areas and small-scale enterprises, but logistics accessibility is more likely to increase enterprise specialization in core regions and small-scale firms.
Practical implications
In the context of the global value chain (GVC) reshaping caused by the transformation of the international situation, exploring the relationship among financial agglomeration, logistics accessibility and enterprise specialization based on China’s experience can be an important insight for other emerging economies to enhance their position in the GVC.
Originality/value
The above findings enrich the literature on the division of labor among firms and contribute to the further improvement of GVC theory and division theory.
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Jiaojiao Feng, Leyan Zhan and Changyu Wang
In the digital workplace, enterprise social media (ESM) are widely used for work and social purposes, which may afford employees resources to build their career adaptability…
Abstract
Purpose
In the digital workplace, enterprise social media (ESM) are widely used for work and social purposes, which may afford employees resources to build their career adaptability. However, limited theoretical evidence is about how to build career adaptability through different ESM uses (work-oriented ESM use and socialization-oriented ESM use). This study thus aims to enrich the theoretical understanding of the relationship between different ESM uses and career adaptability by examining the different mediating mechanisms of role clarity and psychological closeness and the moderating effect of mindfulness based on affordance theory.
Design/methodology/approach
SPSS PROCESS and AMOS were used to analyze the data collected from 209 full-time employees at three-time points.
Findings
Our results showed that work-oriented ESM use exerts a positive effect on employees’ career adaptability via role clarity, while socialization-oriented ESM use has a positive effect on employees’ career adaptability via psychological closeness. Mindfulness strengthens the positive effect of work-oriented ESM use on career adaptability via role clarity.
Practical implications
Managers need to notice that both work-oriented and socialization-oriented ESM use can benefit employees, but there are different effecting mechanisms of ESM use for work and social purposes, and organizations should keep cultivating the mindfulness of employees.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the ESM literature by investigating two different influencing mechanisms of ESM uses on employees’ career adaptability and the moderating effects of mindfulness.
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This study aims to explore the correlation between Management Control Systems, Green Innovation, Social Media Networks, and Company Performance in medium-sized construction and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the correlation between Management Control Systems, Green Innovation, Social Media Networks, and Company Performance in medium-sized construction and real estate firm in Indonesia.
Design/methodology/approach
This research method uses quantitative approach. The sample selection technique uses simple random sampling. The analytical method in this study uses structural equation models based on variance. Statistical test tool used, is Smart PLS 3.0.
Findings
The management control systems have a significant and positive impact on social media networks, green innovation, and company performance in the upper-middle-class construction and real estate businesses in Java. Furthermore, social media networks and green innovation were found to mediate the strong relationship between management control systems and firm performance in medium-sized construction and real estate businesses in Java.
Research limitations/implications
This research should provide a detailed, technical, and structured explanation of how companies assess suitability standards for implementing green innovation in Indonesia’s construction and real estate sectors.
Social implications
The finding emphasize the importance of the management control system in enhancing firm performance. If, the elements of the management control system are met or adequate, it can improve the performance of those in charge, leading to satisfactory performance.
Originality/value
This finding is the first of its kind in Indonesia. It will contribute to shaping future development policies for government and private projects, ensuring they are more advance and environmentally conscious.