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1 – 10 of 38Xingbing Yang, Xinye Wang, Wei Li, Tingting Zhang, Mengmeng Yan and Xue Fu
This paper aims to study the direct synthesis of imino methyl ether amino resin using commercially available formaldehyde, melamine and methanol through one-step two-stage…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the direct synthesis of imino methyl ether amino resin using commercially available formaldehyde, melamine and methanol through one-step two-stage catalysis.
Design/methodology/approach
Initially, melamine undergoes a reaction with formaldehyde to form hydroxylmethylation melamine in a basic setting. Subsequently, hydrochloric acid is incorporated to facilitate the etherification process. The study delves into the impact of various factors during the etherification phase, including the quantity of methanol, the temperature at which etherification occurs, the number of etherification cycles and the amount of catalyst used, on the synthesis of imino methyl-etherified amino resins. Ultimately, the most favorable conditions for etherification are identified through comparative analysis to evaluate the resulting synthesized products.
Findings
The methyl-etherified amino resin, characterized by a stable structure and consistent performance, was efficiently synthesized through a one-step, two-stage catalytic process. Optimal conditions for the etherification stage were determined to be a reaction temperature of 35°C, a melamine to methanol ratio of 1:24 and an addition of hydrochloric acid ranging from 2.2 mL to 2.5 mL. Remarkably, the resulting resin notably enhanced the water resistance, salt resistance and gloss of the canned iron printing varnish coatings.
Originality/value
Amino resins, known for their broad applications across numerous industries, face sustainability and operational efficiency hurdles when produced through traditional methods, which predominantly involve the use of a 37% formaldehyde solution. To tackle these issues, our research introduces an innovative method that add 37% formaldehyde to facilitate industrial production. The use of 37% liquid formaldehyde in this paper has two benefits: first, it is convenient for industrial application and production; Second, it is convenient to provide mild reaction conditions at lower concentrations because the amino group is relatively active, which is convenient for the preservation of the amino group and integrates it with a one-step, two-stage catalytic process. The primary objective of our study is threefold: to reduce the environmental footprint of amino resin synthesis, to optimize the use of resources and to improve the economic viability for its large-scale production. By employing this new strategy, we try to provide a more sustainable and efficient manufacturing process for amino resins.
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Dr Sumedha Dutta, Asha Thomas, Atul Shiva, Armando Papa and Maria Teresa Cuomo
Given the workplace’s reinvention to accommodate the global pandemic’s novel conditions, knowledge hiding (KH) behaviour in knowledge-intensive organisations must be examined from…
Abstract
Purpose
Given the workplace’s reinvention to accommodate the global pandemic’s novel conditions, knowledge hiding (KH) behaviour in knowledge-intensive organisations must be examined from a fresh perspective. In this context, the relationship between workplace ostracism (WO) as KH’s antecedent and quiet quitting (QQ) as its consequence is undertaken via the mediating role of KH behaviour among knowledge workers (KWs).
Design/methodology/approach
Through stratified sampling, data from 649 KWs is obtained to test the model. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) using SMART-PLS 4.0. software establishes a significant influence of WO on KH and QQ. KH significantly mediates the relationship between WO and QQ, highlighting its critical intermediary role PLSPredict evaluates the model’s predictiveness. WO and KH’s effects on QQ are examined using necessity logic by collectively applying PLS-SEM and necessary condition analysis (NCA).
Findings
The model wherein WO plays a significant role in increasing KH and QQ, with KH as a partial mediator in the relationship, has high predictive relevance. Moreover, NCA confirms WO as the key predictor variable that provides variance in QQ, followed by KH. The Importance-performance map analysis technique supports the study’s managerial implications.
Originality/value
This study enriches QQ’s emerging literature by empirically identifying its antecedents-WO and KH. Methodologically, this paper gives a model for using PLS-SEM and NCA together in relation to QQ by identifying WO as its necessary condition. Evidence of selected constructs’ interrelationships may help organisations draft leadership programmes to curtail KH and QQ behaviour.
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Binesh Sarwar, Muhammad Haris ul Mahasbi, Salman Zulfiqar, Muhammad Arslan Sarwar and Chunhui Huo
A limited number of empirical studies have indicated that individuals who experience workplace ostracism tend to engage in subtle and retaliatory behaviors as a means of seeking…
Abstract
Purpose
A limited number of empirical studies have indicated that individuals who experience workplace ostracism tend to engage in subtle and retaliatory behaviors as a means of seeking inner peace. However, research on organizational behavior and employee psychology in relation to ostracism is still in its nascent stages. Specifically, further investigation is warranted to explore how supervisor ostracism influences task procrastination (TP) through psychological processes such as self-efficacy, self-esteem and motivation. Notably, a significant gap exists in the ostracism literature, as it has yet to thoroughly examine employee behaviors related to knowledge hiding (KH) and TP in the context of individual or team-based work (Zhao et al., 2016; Brouwer and Jansen, 2019). Therefore, the present study aims to address this gap and expand the research stream within the education sector by introducing “threat to self-esteem” (TSE) as a mediating factor in the outcomes of ostracism.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed a quantitative approach, using questionnaires to collect data and mainly focused on statistics and standards. The authors used SPSS and Smart-PLS to employ numerical values developed from questionnaire surveys. Likewise, we employed primary data collection tools, including mixed survey analysis (self-reported and peer-reported). The data were collected from middle-level managers working in three public sector universities. By using a three-wave research design with a two-week interval in each phase, we were able to separate the measurement of the predictor and moderator factor [supervisor ostracism (SO) and individual resilience (IR)], mediator (TSE) and outcome variables (KH and TP).
Findings
The study has discovered a substantial relationship between variables, and all hypotheses are accepted according to the data results and findings. The study measures the effects of supervisor ostracism on knowledge hiding and task procrastination through mediating effect of threat to self-esteem, which individual resilience moderates. This study adds a few contributions to the current literature, following the goals stated above. First, this attempts to highlight employee KH behavior and TP behavior by identifying SO as the primary predictor.
Research limitations/implications
The organization should closely monitor the level of workplace ostracism. One strategy to accomplish this goal is to routinely gauge the extent of ostracism at work using targeted techniques like surveys and observation. The organization can also create an employee assistance program for the workers to assist them in coping with the mistreatment and better adjusting to the workplace culture. Furthermore, employee empowerment and collaborative decision-making can boost workers' self-esteem, eventually leading to diminishing knowledge-hiding and procrastination habits inside the organization.
Originality/value
There is a research gap regarding the barriers to KH from the perspective of team dynamics and interpersonal mistreatment at work because prior research has focused on knowledge sharing, organizational culture and organizational obstruction. Research on organizational behavior and employee psychology in relation to ostracism is still in its nascent stages. Specifically, further investigation is warranted to explore how SO influences TP through psychological processes such as self-efficacy, self-esteem and motivation. Notably, a significant gap exists in the ostracism literature, as it has yet to thoroughly examine employee behaviors related to KH and TP in individual or team-based work.
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Min Liu, Xin Liu, Birgit Muskat, Xi Yu Leung and Shanshi Liu
Counterproductive work behavior (CWB) has grown into a significant problem in the tourism industry, for both individual employees and organizations. Employees who feel ostracized…
Abstract
Purpose
Counterproductive work behavior (CWB) has grown into a significant problem in the tourism industry, for both individual employees and organizations. Employees who feel ostracized in their workplace often engage in negative and disruptive behaviors. The purpose of this study is to explore the psychological mechanism between workplace ostracism and CWB among tourism employees.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on psychological contract theory and social cognitive theory, the study proposed a research framework to explain tourism employees’ counterproductive behavior. Data were collected from 228 hotel employees at two time points in Huangshan, China. Hierarchical regression and SPSS-PROCESS Macro were used to test all the hypotheses.
Findings
Findings show that workplace ostracism significantly increases employee CWB, mediated by psychological contract violation. Workplace ostracism increases perceptions of psychological contract violation when employee self-esteem is higher. The mediating effect of psychological contract violation is also moderated by self-esteem.
Originality/value
Using the framework of psychological contract theory and social cognitive theory, the authors advance the organizational behavior literature in the tourism field. The authors contextualize the uniqueness of Chinese workplace behavior and highlight the need to understand “losing face (mianzi) view” in workplace relationships. This research contributes to better understanding the dark side of tourism workplace behavior by examining the effects of psychological contract violation and employee’s self-esteem on workplace ostracism and CWB.
目的
旅游业中的反生产行为(CWB)已经成为一个重要问题, 反生产行为对员工和组织都会产生影响。在工作场所感到被排斥的员工往往会从事消极和破坏性的行为。本文的目的是研究旅游业员工工作场所排斥与反生产行为之间的心理机制。
设计/方法
基于心理契约理论和社会认知理论, 本研究提出了一个研究框架来解释旅游业员工的反生产行为发生机制。我们在中国黄山景区对228名酒店员工进行了两个时间点的问卷调查。采用分层回归和SPSS PROCESS Macro来测试所有假设。
结果
结果表明 工作场所排斥显著增加员工反生产行为, 心理契约违背在其中起着中介作用。当员工自尊心较高时, 职场排斥对心理契约违反的感知影响更强。心理契约违背的中介效应也受到自尊心的调节。
独创性/研究价值
我们运用心理契约理论和社会认知理论的框架, 推动了旅游领域的组织行为研究进展。我们讨论了中国情境下职场行为的独特性, 并强调在职场关系中需要考虑“面子观”。我们通过展示心理契约违背和员工自尊心对工作场所排斥和反生产行为(CWB)的影响, 有助于更好地理解旅游工作场所行为的负面影响。
Propósito
El comportamiento laboral contraproducente (CLC) en la industria turística se ha convertido en un problema significativo tanto para los empleados individuales como para las organizaciones. Los empleados que se sienten marginados en su lugar de trabajo suelen participar en comportamientos negativos y disruptivos. El objetivo de este trabajo es examinar los efectos de la violación del contrato psicológico y la autoestima del empleado en el ostracismo en el lugar de trabajo y en el comportamiento laboral contraproducente CLC y agregar nuevos conocimientos para comprender mejor el lado oscuro del comportamiento laboral turístico.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
Realizamos una encuesta de cuestionario a 228 empleados de hotel en dos momentos en Huangshan, China. Se utilizaron la regresión jerárquica y el SPSS PROCESS Macro para probar todas las hipótesis.
Resultados
Los resultados muestran que 1) el ostracismo en el lugar de trabajo aumenta significativamente la CLC de los empleados. 2) La violación psicológica del contrato juega un papel mediador entre el ostracismo en el lugar de trabajo y CLC. 3) El ostracismo en el lugar de trabajo aumenta las percepciones de violación psicológica del contrato cuando la autoestima de los empleados es mayor. 4) El efecto mediador de la violación psicológica del contrato también es moderado por la autoestima.
Originalidad/valor
Utilizando el marco de la teoría del contrato psicológico y la teoría cognitiva social, avanzamos en la literatura del comportamiento organizacional en el campo del turismo. Contextualizamos la singularidad del comportamiento en el lugar de trabajo chino y destacamos la necesidad de comprender la 'pérdida de la visión de la cara (mianzi)' en las relaciones laborales. Esta investigación contribuye con nuevos conocimientos para comprender mejor el lado oscuro del comportamiento turístico en el lugar de trabajo al examinar los efectos de la violación psicológica del contrato y la autoestima de los empleados en el ostracismo en el lugar de trabajo.
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Joseph Lok-Man Lee, Noel Yee-Man Siu, Tracy Junfeng Zhang and Shun Mun Helen Wong
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating role of cultural factors (concern for face and stability of attribution) in the relationships among service recovery…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating role of cultural factors (concern for face and stability of attribution) in the relationships among service recovery quality, postrecovery satisfaction and repurchase intention. Based on the politeness theory, this paper proposes a theoretical model for understanding how concern for face and stability of attribution may affect collectivists’ consumption behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected in a field survey of 600 Hong Kong consumers who had experienced a telecommunications service failure. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the theoretical hypotheses.
Findings
A cultural factor of concern for face is found to negatively moderate the relationship between service recovery quality and postrecovery satisfaction. Face also positively influences the relationship between postrecovery satisfaction and repurchase intention. Another cultural factor, stability of attribution, is found to negatively moderate the relationship between service recovery quality and postrecovery satisfaction and to negatively moderate the relationship between postrecovery satisfaction and repurchase intention.
Practical implications
This study contributes to the understanding of the relevance of concern for face and stability of attribution in collectivists’ consumption behavior. The findings have significant implications for managers in a position to exploit the cultural value mechanisms of collectivist consumers.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this has been the first research to examine the impact of concern for face and stability of attribution among service recovery quality, postrecovery satisfaction and repurchase intention.
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Peng-fei Guo, Tian-shun Hou and Ya-chuan Wang
The geological conditions of Longyang Reservoir are complex and it is located in strong earthquake area. In order to determine its seismic characteristics, the seismic response…
Abstract
Purpose
The geological conditions of Longyang Reservoir are complex and it is located in strong earthquake area. In order to determine its seismic characteristics, the seismic response and residual deformation of embankment dam should be studied to provide calculation basis for dam design and construction.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the geological survey data of Longyang Reservoir, the dam filling materials are tested by dynamic deformation tests, and the equivalent linear constitutive model parameters of the filling materials are obtained. Based on Duncan-Chang E-B model, the stress state of embankment dam in Longyang Reservoir before earthquake is calculated, and the dynamic response and earthquake residual deformation of embankment dam in Longyang Reservoir under earthquake condition are calculated by using equivalent linear model and Shen Zhu-jiang’s residual deformation model.
Findings
The results show that with the increase of dynamic shear strain, the dynamic shear modulus decreases and the damping ratio increases. The scatter plot between dynamic shear modulus and dynamic shear strain, and the scatter plot between damping ratio and dynamic shear strain under different confining pressures show strips. The calculation results shows that the acceleration of embankment dam in Longyang Reservoir increases with the increase of dam height, and the acceleration distribution has obvious amplification effect. Combined with the maximum dynamic shear strain during the earthquake and the state before the earthquake, the maximum vertical residual deformation of embankment dam in Longyang Reservoir is 2.98 cm which occurs at the top of the dam, calculated by the Shen Zhu-jiang’s residual deformation model.
Originality/value
Finite element calculation model parameters of embankment dam are obtained by dynamic triaxial tests. Seismic dynamic responses and residual deformation of embankment dam are analyzed. With the increase of dam height, the acceleration distribution shows an obvious amplification effect. The vertical displacement of embankment dam is larger along the dam axis and decreases in the upstream and downstream direction. The maximum horizontal displacement of embankment dam occurs in the middle of upstream and downstream dam slopes.
Highlights
- (1)
Finite element calculation model parameters of embankment dam are obtained by dynamic triaxial tests.
- (2)
Seismic dynamic responses and residual deformation of embankment dam are analyzed.
- (3)
With the increase of dam height, the acceleration distribution shows an obvious amplification effect.
- (4)
The vertical displacement of embankment dam is larger along the dam axis and decreases in the upstream and downstream direction.
- (5)
The maximum horizontal displacement of embankment dam occurs in the middle of upstream and downstream dam slopes.
Finite element calculation model parameters of embankment dam are obtained by dynamic triaxial tests.
Seismic dynamic responses and residual deformation of embankment dam are analyzed.
With the increase of dam height, the acceleration distribution shows an obvious amplification effect.
The vertical displacement of embankment dam is larger along the dam axis and decreases in the upstream and downstream direction.
The maximum horizontal displacement of embankment dam occurs in the middle of upstream and downstream dam slopes.
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Shalini Srivastava, Muskan Khan, Arpana Kumari and Ajay Kumar Jain
Taking the support of social capital theory and conservation of resource theory, the present study explores the mediating role of rumination and moderating role of mindfulness in…
Abstract
Purpose
Taking the support of social capital theory and conservation of resource theory, the present study explores the mediating role of rumination and moderating role of mindfulness in the relationship of workplace ostracism (WO) and workplace withdrawal (WW).
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected in two waves from 467 employees working in hotels located in Delhi NCR region of India. The hypothesised relationships were investigated by macro-PROCESS (Hayes, 2013).
Findings
The results found a mediating impact of rumination on WO and WW relationship. It further supported the moderating effect of mindfulness in weakening the association between WO and WW via rumination.
Practical implications
This study identified mindfulness as an essential mechanism by which WO may be regulated to control employee's tendency to ruminate. Rumination may initially be prevented in organisations by regulating the primary effect of WO on employees' decisions for WW.
Originality/value
By linking the research model with the social capital theory, the study has contributed to the existing body of knowledge. The study is the first of its kind in India to examine the impact of hypothesised associations on the hotel industry. The findings of the study would help the industry in understanding the role of mindfulness in reducing aberrant behaviours at workplace.
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Emmanuel Doe Dzramado, Richard Ohene Asiedu, De-Graft Owusu-Manu, David J. Edwards, Michael Adesi and Alex Acheampong
This paper explored the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities development. Extant literature have highlighted green cities as a major path towards sustainability in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explored the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities development. Extant literature have highlighted green cities as a major path towards sustainability in the construction industry but very little is known on the socioeconomic aspect of green cities and its bid in promoting sustainability in the construction industry; hence, the premise of this study which highlights the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities development in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities. A quantitative research strategy was adopted to collect primary data from respondents who have the requisite understanding and knowledge in green cities using questionnaires. The data gathered was then analysed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis viz principal component analysis.
Findings
The socioeconomic factors affecting green city development comprised: Green support mechanisms (i.e. innovation and technology, green city planning (urban planning), stakeholder engagement, awareness, city planning (transportation) and environmental regulations); green inhibitors (i.e. population, culture, housing and policy implementation); green market and finance (i.e. digital finance, green market mechanism, green investment finance, risks and uncertainties, income levels of clients). It was evident that socioeconomic factors are significant to the development of green cities in Ghana and hence policy makers and various stakeholders should prioritize socioeconomic factors in the bid to achieve sustainability through green cities in the construction industry.
Originality/value
This paper presents a foremost and comprehensive study on the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities in Ghana. The study results showed that even though the path to sustainability in green cities has pivoted mainly on environmental factors, socioeconomic factors are also significant to green city development, hence, policy makers and the construction industry should keenly consider the socioeconomic factors affecting green city development in the bid towards sustainability for cities.
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This study presents the impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU)-induced Trade Supply Chain Vulnerability (TSCV) on the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in India by…
Abstract
Purpose
This study presents the impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU)-induced Trade Supply Chain Vulnerability (TSCV) on the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in India by leveraging the World Bank Enterprise Survey data for 2014 and 2022. Applying econometric techniques, it examines firm size’ influence on productivity and trade participation, providing insights for enhancing SME resilience and trade participation amid uncertainty.
Design/methodology/approach
The econometric techniques focus on export participation, along with variables such as total exports, firm size, productivity, and capital intensity. It addresses crucial factors such as the direct import of intermediate goods and foreign ownership. Utilizing the Cobb-Douglas production function, the study estimates Total Factor Productivity, mitigating endogeneity and multicollinearity through a two-stage process. Besides, the study uses a case study of North Indian SMEs engaged in manufacturing activities and their adoption of mitigation strategies to combat unprecedented EPU.
Findings
Results reveal that EPU-induced TSCV reduces exports, impacting employment and firm size. Increased productivity, driven by technological adoption, correlates with improved export performance. The study highlights the negative impact of TSCV on trade participation, particularly for smaller Indian firms. Moreover, SMEs implement cost-based, supplier-based, and inventory-based strategies more than technology-based and risk-based strategies.
Practical implications
Policy recommendations include promoting increased imports and inward foreign direct investment to enhance small firms’ trade integration during economic uncertainty. Tailored support for smaller firms, considering their limited capacity, is crucial. Encouraging small firms to engage in international trade and adopting diverse SC mitigation strategies associated with policy uncertainty are vital considerations.
Originality/value
This study explores the impact of EPU-induced TSCV on Indian SMEs’ trade dynamics, offering nuanced insights for policymakers to enhance SME resilience amid uncertainty. The econometric analysis unveils patterns in export behavior, productivity, and factors influencing trade participation during economic uncertainty.
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