Search results

Athlete activism has developed along with movements for human rights protection and promotion in Western societies. There have been many voices, active behaviors, and social movements that oppose and resist sexism, racism, or homophobia in society and sports. Unlike such sociopolitical occasions in the United States and European countries, neither strong voices nor active behaviors and organized movement against discrimination have existed in Korean society. Recently, incidents of violence at training facilities or athletes' dorm resulted in government policies centered for anti-violence. Structural factors limiting the outbreak and development of athlete activism were analyzed and discussed, including the conservative and authoritarian physical culture, the athletes' lack of awareness of social issues in sports, and the absence of governmental policies to combat and end sexism, racism, and homophobia in sports. Finally, this chapter explores several challenging plans to overcome structural constraints and build up, promote, and develop athlete activism in Korea as follows: First, it is to increase opportunities for student athletes to develop social awareness by normalizing their education and school life; second, it is to abolish the regulations that restrict student athletes graduating from high school to PE/sports/kinesiology major departments of universities; third, it is to greatly expand athletes' social networking and increase their social power. Finally, the chapter argues that the development of athlete activism protecting and promoting athletes' human rights can be an important turning point for Korea to leap forward as a sport democratized and advanced country.

This study aims to explore the impact of artificial intelligence-powered personalised recommendations (AI-PPRs) on user engagement, browsing behaviour and purchase intentions on TikTok (Douyin in China), focusing on how these recommendations affect user satisfaction and purchase intention, while also addressing potential privacy concerns. In addition, the research investigates the influence of AI-recommended product presentation, timing and placement, as well as social factors such as key opinion leaders’ (KOLs) influence on consumer decision-making.

Using the expectancy-value theory and the stimulus-organism-response model, this research used a qualitative methodology through interviews with Douyin users to explore their experiences and perceptions of AI-PPRs.

The findings indicate that Douyin’s proactive “push” mechanism of AI-PPRs enhances user engagement by effortlessly integrating product discovery into the entertainment experience. Content-driven AI-PPRs align with user preferences, decrease search time and increase satisfaction and purchase intentions through engaging short videos and live streaming. However, privacy concerns emerge when personalisation is perceived as excessively intrusive, leading to negative emotions and avoidance behaviours. Recommendation timing and cultural context significantly influence receptiveness, with inappropriate timing (e.g. during holidays) causing negative reactions. Technical challenges, such as network issues during live streaming, negatively impact user experience and engagement. Content quality is crucial, and poor or irrelevant content leads to negative perceptions and disengagement. While KOLs face scepticism due to perceived commercialisation, endorsements from trusted figures and authentic influencers are better received. Innovative payment methods, like “Douyin Monthly Payment”, enhance financial flexibility and promote customer loyalty. This study highlights the need to balance personalisation with privacy, emphasising the importance of content quality and authenticity in influencer marketing. For businesses using AI-PPRs, maintaining this balance is essential for preserving trust and sustaining consumer engagement and loyalty.

This study contributes valuable insights to the field by unravelling the intricate dynamics between AI-PPRs, user preferences and social influences. The findings provide practical implications for companies aiming to optimise personalised recommendation algorithms and enhance user engagement, thereby facilitating business growth in the dynamic short video e-commerce market.

The procedural justice theory of police legitimacy has been examined extensively by previous scholars; yet more expansion of the legitimacy literature is warranted. Specifically, the current study examines the effects of institutional trust and obligation to obey as mediators between procedural justice and perceived legitimacy.

The current study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to test our hypotheses. Convenience sampling of South Korean university students (N = 2,188) was used to investigate our inquiry.

The results support our hypotheses in that while procedural justice was the primary predictor of legitimacy, institutional trust and obligation to obey were also significant mediators of procedural justice and perceived legitimacy.

A multitude of research examining various predictors of police legitimacy exists (e.g. Baker and Gau, 2018; Boateng and Buckner, 2019; Boateng et al., 2022; Lee and Lee, 2021; Lee et al., 2022, 2024; Lee and Kim, 2023; Nagin and Telep, 2017). More importantly, various researchers have concluded that procedural justice does in fact have a positive impact on the public’s perception of governmental institutions (Hough et al., 2010; Mazerolle et al., 2013a; Murphy and Cherney, 2012; Sunshine and Tyler, 2003). A few research have directly examined institutional trust in the policing context (e.g. Boateng, 2018; Camp et al., 2021). Specifically, Boateng (2018) examined institutional trust and its relationship to police performance, and Camp et al. (2021) examined police officers’ prosody and its impact on the citizens’ institutional trust in police. However, the objective of the current research is to examine the relationship between procedural justice and legitimacy through the double mediating role of the public’s perception of institutional trust and obligation to obey.

Even though the pandemic years resulted in a significant increase in massive open online courses (MOOCs), there are still countries where penetration is low. The rejection of MOOCs can inhibit individual and societal advancements. The purpose of this study is to explore what is behind the resistance to MOOCs in these regions. Using the theoretical framework of innovation resistance theory, it defines the factors that inhibit the adoption of MOOCs.

The research is based on two studies. In the first study, in-depth interviews were used to explore factors that may cause barriers to adoption. Following the results of the first phase, a survey was conducted to investigate resistance to MOOCs, including both users and nonusers of such platforms.

Structural equation modeling revealed the presence of functional and psychological barriers, with the most significant being usage and value-related barriers. The lack of information and the need for interaction were identified as the main factors contributing to these barriers.

The results help increase the acceptance and effective integration of MOOCs into different educational environments, especially in countries with high resistance.

Brand image remains a “nebulous” construct with very few frameworks dedicated to understanding the process of uncovering brand image. This is supported by explicit calls for greater clarity on how to examine brand image, particularly in different settings. Political branding is one setting that has received some attention, however, research has focused on “party” political brands and neglected “non-party” brands (independent candidates). Therefore, this study aims to examine how young citizens interpret independent non-party brands through the theoretical lens of brand image in the context of Guernsey and develop a systematic brand image framework that provides greater clarity to this topic area.

A qualitative interpretivist approach using focus group discussions was adopted to investigate the phenomenon from the perspective of young voters 18–24 years of age. Focus group discussions ceased upon reaching theoretical saturation and a six-staged thematic analytical strategy was adopted to analyse the findings.

This study revealed deep insight into the political brand image of non-party brands from the perspective of young voters in an under-explored context. More specifically, this study uncovered that Guernsey’s political brands were seen as “accessible”; however, there was little differentiation, identification and connection between young voters and politicians. Further, this study uncovered a series of opportunities for strategists such as the desire for a younger generational view and younger representation in the Guernsey Parliament and greater clarity, distinction and authenticity related to political brand image.

This study addresses explicit calls for further research on brand image with a distinct focus on non-party political brands. Further, this study concludes by presenting the “consumer brand image schema”; a systematic framework which can be used to uncover brand image within and beyond the setting of politics. Further, the framework operationalises the complex concept of brand image and provides a three-stage process to examine and develop brand image. This will enable strategists to develop targeted strategies and adopt appropriate tactics to manage brand image to ensure brands are differentiated and interpreted as authentic, relatable, engaging, accessible and identifiable.

We examine how corporate violations impact trade credit behaviors within the supply chains, focusing on both trade credit financing and provision through the lens of reputation damage and restoration. We distinguish trade credit financing under different supply chain concentrations, firm characteristics and analyst attention. Additionally, we examine how violating firms adjust trade credit provision to customers and suppliers of varying sizes.

We empirically test the hypotheses using fixed effects ordinary least squares with a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2007 to 2022. Additionally, we conduct robustness tests, including the use of alternative estimation models, substitution of independent variables and the application of instrumental variables.

Firstly, trade credit financing declines post-violations. Secondly, companies raise trade credit provision to suppliers and customers to restore trust relationships and reputation. Thirdly, reputation acts as a mediator between violations and trade credit behaviors. Fourthly, negative effects are more pronounced in low supply chain concentration, more analysts and non-state-owned companies. Lastly, trade credit provision is increased for small suppliers and large customers to restore trust relationships and reputation.

We find corporate violations reduce trade credit financing while increasing trade credit provision, thereby increasing operating costs. Even in emerging economies with weak market institutions, firms should avoid violations to maintain trust and ensure operational stability.

We examine how violations influence credit management in supply chains, filling the research gap. Additionally, we supplement an understanding of reputation damage and restoration behaviors, contributing to the literature on how to restore reputation.

In recent years, the retail landscape has undergone a seismic shift, transforming into a dynamic, interconnected ecosystem where consumers seamlessly traverse physical and digital realms. This shift has given rise to the omnipresent force known as Omni-channel retailing. This chapter aims to delve into the intricacies of Omni-channel retail strategies, exploring how businesses can leverage this paradigm to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and drive sustainable growth. Omni-channel retail strategies encompass a range of approaches aimed at providing customers with a seamless and integrated shopping experience across various channels. These strategies can be categorized into several key areas, each involving specific modern technologies to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.

Accounting changes that take place in the context of different leadership styles, especially in SMEs, require further investigation. This paper aims to explore how accounting enhances monitoring and control for legalistic leaders and how accounting changes facilitate leadership transition to resolve accounting issues and emotional conflicts within entrepreneurial firms.

This paper adopts a case study in a Chinese entrepreneurial firm to explore the relationship between accounting changes and leadership behaviours rooted in the traditional Chinese philosophies.

Legalistic leaders enhance monitoring and control, through the flow and interpretation of accounting information, to retain power. However, rule-based accounting order, with rewards and punishment, may create emotional conflicts. The difficulties of implementing accounting changes facilitate legalistic leaders to embrace transformational leadership to resolve trust, emotional conflicts and accounting issues.

This paper provides insights into the transition of leadership styles in the process of implementing accounting changes in the Chinese context, which contributes to future comparative leadership and accounting practices with Western philosophies.

The retail industry is undergoing a significant digital revolution. Emerging technologies are changing the way shoppers interact with companies and shops, causing a significant upheaval in the business. The primary purpose of the research is to recognise the concept of retail along with its service applications and novel technologies that will drive the future around the world. Retailers must keep up with the latest technological advancements to remain competitive as the supply chain grows more intricate and consumers become more astute, tech-savvy, and gadget-literate about using multiple channels. The analysis indicates technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), smart labelling, beacons, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), drone deliveries, and Internet of Things (IoT) have emerged as future trends. It has been found that retailers need to have strong digital relationships to engage and interact with consumers as well as to mould and influence experiences. They can create connections to assist customers in making decisions that are beneficial to them. India’s retail industry is well-positioned to prosper in the dynamic market environment by adopting innovation and transformation and also centred on omnichannel tactics, which offer customers a seamless experience by giving them a comprehensive, single glance at each retail business from the comfort of their home or place of business. The application of literary works to explain the notion of Industry 4.0 in the retail sector while recognising and comprehending pertinent technological developments. This chapter establishes the groundwork for upcoming research on technologies that will eventually be utilised in retail management.

This paper investigates the impact of public support on Moroccan small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) growth’ metrics in the post-COVID-19 era, focusing on subsidies, guarantee schemes and incubation services, among other firm characteristics and financing choices.

The paper employed a quantitative approach, gathering data through a survey administered to 109 SME managers and chief financial officers (CFOs) in the Casablanca-Settat region. The survey was designed to capture a comprehensive range of variables related to firm characteristics, financing sources, and growth indicators. To streamline and reduce the complexity of the dataset, principal component analysis (PCA) was utilized, allowing for the identification of key underlying factors. Following this dimensionality reduction, several ordinal probit regression models, including a stepwise approach, were applied to examine the relationship between the identified factors and the growth metrics of the SMEs. This multi-model strategy enabled the identification of the most significant determinants across various growth metrics, ensuring a robust and nuanced analysis of SME growth.

Our findings paint a complex picture: subsidies play a positive role in boosting sales and added value but don’t strongly impact job growth. Guarantee schemes help SMEs grow their workforce and sales but have a smaller effect on net income and added value. Incubation programs show limited impact overall, hinting at a need for stronger ongoing support. Financing options offer only modest growth benefits, while factors like family involvement and effective human resource practices stand out as key growth drivers. Innovation contributes gradually, underscoring the importance of a steady, long-term approach to supporting SMEs.

It is crucial to acknowledge that this analysis is conducted within the post-COVID-19 context, a period marked by significant instability, uncertainty and a lack of visibility for firms and economies worldwide. Therefore, the results cannot be generalized. Another limitation of our work is its geographic focus, which is confined to the region of Casablanca-Settat. This regional limitation may restrict the generalizability of our findings to other areas within Morocco or to different countries with varying economic environments and policy frameworks.

The findings of this study suggest actionable steps for policymakers and public actors aiming to enhance SME growth. Tailoring credit guarantee schemes to the specific needs of SMEs across various sizes and sectors can improve financial accessibility, while fostering stronger collaboration between public entities and financial institutions ensures consistent and responsive credit flows. Additionally, strengthening incubation programs with strategic financial guidance and capacity-building initiatives can empower SMEs to build sustainable financial foundations.

This research provides valuable guidance for policymakers and managers aiming to reinforce the resilience and stimulate the growth of Moroccan SMEs in a dynamic economic environment. Also, it's the first of its kind to our knowledge in the context of a developing country.