This study investigates the relationship between telework frequency and knowledge management (KM) activity in Japan and the USA. By examining how telework impacts KM activity…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the relationship between telework frequency and knowledge management (KM) activity in Japan and the USA. By examining how telework impacts KM activity differently across these two countries, this study aims to provide insights into the design and implementation of effective telework policies tailored to specific cultural contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
Linear and quadratic regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between telework frequency and KM activity. Data was collected from samples in Japan and the USA, with respondents categorized based on prior telework experience. Various KM activities such as knowledge acquisition, sharing and application were measured using established scales.
Findings
In Japan, an inverted U-shaped relationship between telework frequency and KM activity was observed, with optimal activity occurring at four days of telework per week. Conversely, the USA demonstrated a linear relationship, indicating sustained KM activity across different telework frequencies. Notably, individuals with prior telework experience showed higher levels of KM activity compared to those without experience.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the understanding of how cultural differences influence the relationship between telework and KM activity, and ultimately learning. By highlighting the nuanced patterns observed in Japan and the USA, it emphasizes the importance of tailored telework policies and support mechanisms for effective KM in diverse cultural contexts. Future research could further explore additional explanatory variables and their impact on telework-related outcomes.
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Marwa Ben Moallem, Ayoub Tighazoui, Remy Houssin, Mohamed Haykal Ammar, Diala Dhouib and Amadou Coulibaly
This paper treats the problem of scheduling seafaring staff inspired from a real case study, where the shipowner operates several vessel categories that require specific skills…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper treats the problem of scheduling seafaring staff inspired from a real case study, where the shipowner operates several vessel categories that require specific skills aiming to achieve a fair workload distribution and minimizing incompatibility between workers while meeting legal constraints, including requirements for days off and rest intervals between shifts.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed integer linear problem (MILP) formulation has been built to address the seafaring staff scheduling problem by integrating multiple objectives and constraints. The model’s performance is tested through experimental results across varying parameter adjustments.
Findings
Our model was tested and validated using the XPRESS solver, and the results demonstrate its effectiveness in meeting the specified objectives and constraints. Notably, findings reveal that increasing the number of qualified workers leads to improved gains, until a certain threshold. Additionally, expanding the size of the workforce can result in longer execution times, specifically when incompatibility increases.
Originality/value
The originality of this study lies in proposing a generic novel model that deals with maritime staff scheduling, incorporating worker incompatibilities and workload fairness as key objectives.
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Philippe Orsini, Toru Uchida, Remy Magnier-Watanabe, Caroline Benton and Kimihiko Nagata
We empirically assessed the antecedents of subjective well-being at work for French permanent employees.
Abstract
Purpose
We empirically assessed the antecedents of subjective well-being at work for French permanent employees.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology includes qualitative and quantitative data analyses. In the first phase, interviews elicited the antecedents of subjective well-being at work among permanent French employees. In the second phase, a questionnaire survey was used to confirm the relevance of the antecedents uncovered in the first phase.
Findings
We found 14 distinct elements that influence French employees’ subjective well-being at work: corporate culture, job dissonance, relationships with colleagues, achievement, professional development, relationships with superiors, status, workload, perks, feedback, workspace, diversity and pay. Moreover, we identified discrete antecedents for the three components of subjective well-being at work: work achievement and relationships with superiors and colleagues for positive emotions at work, job dissonance and workload for negative emotions at work and organizational culture and professional development for satisfaction with one’s work.
Originality/value
The original contribution of this study is to have unpacked the black box of the antecedents of subjective well-being in the French workplace and to have uncovered discriminant predictors for each of the three components of subjective well-being at work. Furthermore, we specifically linked each of these three components with their most significant antecedents.
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Remi Charpin and Martin Cousineau
This paper examines the influence of geopolitical tensions—operationalized as political divergence between governments—on firms’ foreign supply bases and the resulting effects on…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the influence of geopolitical tensions—operationalized as political divergence between governments—on firms’ foreign supply bases and the resulting effects on supply base complexity and sub-tier supplier sharing.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conduct panel data regression analyses over the period 2003–2019 to investigate whether political divergence affects foreign supply bases for 2,858 US firms sourcing from 99 countries and to examine how political divergence exposure impacts the supply network structures of 853 US firms.
Findings
Firms reduce their supply bases in countries exposed to heightened geopolitical tensions. These supply chain adjustments are associated with increased supply base complexity and greater sub-tier supplier sharing.
Originality/value
This study highlights the importance of state relations in global supply chain reconfiguration. Political divergence between governments provides a dual-view of political risk (i.e. buyer–supplier countries), which can help firms anticipate geopolitical disruptions. While reducing supply bases in foreign countries facing heightened geopolitical tensions is intended to mitigate disruptions, these supply base adjustments are linked to increased supply base complexity and sub-tier supplier sharing, thereby exposing firms to other types of supply disruptions. Additionally, this research contributes to understanding the effects of geopolitical tensions on supply base complexity through the lenses of transaction cost economics and resource dependence theory.
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Roza Rafiei, Leila Roozbeh Nasiraie, Zahra Emam Jumeh and Sara Jafarian
The use of polysaccharides increases solubility and consistency and causes functions such as viscosity? Moisture and food emulsifier stabilizer. This study aims to enrich the…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of polysaccharides increases solubility and consistency and causes functions such as viscosity? Moisture and food emulsifier stabilizer. This study aims to enrich the formulation of low-fat mozzarella cheese using microcoated vitamin D3 (VD3).
Design/methodology/approach
This study investigates the addition of hydrocolloids to low-fat mozzarella cheese to enhance its properties and nutritional value. Tests were conducted on cheese samples with 0.05% and 0.25% hydrocolloid concentrations at various stages: before production and at three and six months’ postproduction. The samples were evaluated for elasticity, pH and solubility to select the best one, which was then fortified with VD3. The vitamin was microencapsulated using alginate and whey protein to shield it from light and oxygen, optimizing the formula using the response surface method. The fortified cheese was tested for VD3 content over its shelf life.
Findings
Results indicated that all hydrocolloids tested improved moisture and meltability of the cheese while higher protein levels increased stretchability two to threefold. Rice starch hydrocolloid at 0.05% concentration was chosen due to superior sensory scores and minimal oil separation. This study concluded that VD3 levels remained stable during the cheese’s shelf life, suggesting that this approach could enhance the nutritional value of low-fat cheese without compromising its quality. Therefore, after examining the obtained results and comparing the regression models, the results indicated that the Quadratic model was chosen to investigate the effect of independent variables on the response rate, which had a statistically significant difference with other models (p = 0.0019). Also the results of the area under the curve and using the encapsulation efficiency equation, the percentage of microencapsulated vitamin was obtained, and according to the simulation results, the encapsulation efficiency was reported as 89.02%.
Originality/value
Developing innovative functional dairy products fortified with VD3 could improve the vitamin D status in deficient populations. Therefore, these designs can be applied at industrial scales for functional cheese production.
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Jennifer Julia Schäfer and Kerstin Hiska Hennig
This paper identifies the most significant eco-friendly smart home technology (eco-SHT) adoption drivers and barriers for investors. Findings highlight potential investor…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper identifies the most significant eco-friendly smart home technology (eco-SHT) adoption drivers and barriers for investors. Findings highlight potential investor approaches to overcome these adoption barriers within the stages of the innovation-decision process (IDP), helping to increase investments towards eco-SHTs, ultimately fostering sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
With 42 interviews, the studies’ qualitative research design entails two in-depth semi-structured interview rounds. While integrating the IDP, the first set of interviews identify the most common investor adoption drivers and barriers regarding eco-SHTs. The second interview round fixates on potential approaches to overcome the identified barriers.
Findings
Regulatory and ideological factors, financial considerations, market dynamics and demand, user aspects and technology and integration are the main eco-SHT adoption drivers and barriers from an investor perspective. Approaches to overcome these obstacles entail educative and awareness initiatives, refined financial planning and incentives, strategic market positioning and partnerships, user-centric designs and feedback and improved technological integration and support.
Originality/value
By extending beyond traditional analyses of supply-demand dynamics, costs and returns, this research examines eco-SHTs from an investor’s perspective, while strategically investigating the key drivers, barriers and methods to address these challenges. The study incorporates multidimensional factors other than typical investor concerns, offering a comprehensive, multidisciplinary perspective. It covers all IDP stages, constructing a matrix of drivers, obstacles and supporting strategies to advance sustainability within the real estate sector.
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Bianca Sousa and Pedro Ferreira
This study aims to examine the relationships between brand-specific transformational leadership (TFL), employer branding and employee-based brand equity (EBBE) in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationships between brand-specific transformational leadership (TFL), employer branding and employee-based brand equity (EBBE) in the business-to-business (B2B) context. Additionally, the study investigates the mediating role of employer branding in the relationship between brand-specific TFL and EBBE, shedding light on the mechanisms through which brand-specific leaders impact EBBE via employer branding initiatives.
Design/methodology/approach
The study takes a quantitative approach. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire in B2B service sectors. The PLS method was applied in Smart PLS (V. 3.0) to test the established relationships between constructs.
Findings
The findings reveal significant positive associations between brand-specific TFL and employer branding, as well as between employer branding and EBBE. The relationship between brand-specific TFL and EBBE is partial mediated by employer branding.
Originality/value
This study contributes to theoretical understanding by advancing knowledge on the mechanisms driving EBBE within B2B firms. It offers practical insights for managers and researchers by highlighting the importance of leadership and employer branding strategies in enhancing EBBE in the B2B context.
Objetivo
Este estudo examina as relações entre a liderança transformacional específica de marca (TFL), employer branding e employee-based brand equity (EBBE) no contexto business-to-business (B2B). Além disso, o estudo investiga o papel mediador do employer branding na relação entre TFL específica de marca e EBBE, elucidando os mecanismos pelos quais os líderes impactam o EBBE por meio de iniciativas de employer branding.
Design/metodologia/abordagem
O estudo adota uma abordagem quantitativa. A coleta de dados foi realizada utilizando um questionário no setor de serviços B2B. O método PLS foi aplicado no Smart PLS (V. 3.0) para testar as relações estabelecidas entre os construtos.
Resultados
Os resultados revelam associações positivas significativas entre TFL específica de marca e employer branding, bem como entre employer branding e EBBE. A relação entre TFL específica de marca e EBBE é parcialmente mediada por employer branding.
Originalidade/valor
Este estudo contribui para a compreensão teórica ao avançar o conhecimento sobre os mecanismos que impulsionam o EBBE dentro das empresas B2B. Oferece insights práticos para gestores e académicos ao destacar a importância das estratégias de liderança e employer branding na melhoria do EBBE no contexto B2B.
Objetivo
Este estudio examina las relaciones entre el liderazgo transformacional específico de marca (TFL), employer branding y employee-based brand equity (EBBE) en el contexto business-to-business (B2B). Además, el estudio investiga el papel mediador del employer branding en la relación entre TFL específico de marca y EBBE, elucidando los mecanismos mediante los cuales los líderes impactan el EBBE a través de iniciativas de employer branding.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
El estudio adopta un enfoque cuantitativo. La recolección de datos se realizó utilizando un cuestionario en los sectores de servicios B2B. Se aplicó el método PLS en Smart PLS (V. 3.0) para probar las relaciones establecidas entre los constructos.
Resultados
Los resultados revelan asociaciones positivas significativas entre TFL específico de marca y employer branding, así como entre employer branding y EBBE. La relación entre TFL específico de marca y EBBE es parcialmente mediada por employer branding.
Originalidad/valor
Este estudio contribuye a la comprensión teórica al avanzar en el conocimiento sobre los mecanismos que impulsan el EBBE dentro de las empresas B2B. Ofrece perspectivas prácticas para gestores y académicos al destacar la importancia de las estrategias de liderazgo y employer branding en la mejora del EBBE en el contexto B2B.
Details
Keywords
- Employer branding
- Social identity theory
- Brand-specific transformation leadership
- Employee-based brand equity
- Employee bases brand equity
- Marca empregadora
- Liderança transformacional específica de marca
- Teoria da identidade social
- Employee-Based brand equity
- Marca empleadora
- Liderazgo transformacional específico de la marca
- Teoría de la identidad social
Shweta Dewangan, Sanjeev Kumar, Pyali Chatterjee and Ankit Dhiraj
The socio-emotional wealth (SEW) framework and the resource-based theory (RBT) offer two valuable perspectives on innovation dynamics within family firms. Through the SEW lens…
Abstract
The socio-emotional wealth (SEW) framework and the resource-based theory (RBT) offer two valuable perspectives on innovation dynamics within family firms. Through the SEW lens, family firms may prioritize preserving their traditions and core values, potentially resisting the adoption of new technologies and modern business methods. In contrast, RBT suggests that family firms can gain a competitive edge by harnessing and nurturing their unique resources and capabilities, such as collective experiences, market reputation, and established networks, to foster innovation and secure a strong market position. By integrating these two perspectives, family firms can achieve sustainable competitive advantages by balancing the tensions between tradition and innovation. This comprehensive approach allows them to innovate while preserving their SEW, ensuring long-term success in the ever-evolving business landscape.
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Ghassan Elkahlout, Sansom Milton and Ruba Hawa
The purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility of mud brick houses as an alternative to the more widely adopted emergency shelters used in war-torn Syria. It focuses on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility of mud brick houses as an alternative to the more widely adopted emergency shelters used in war-torn Syria. It focuses on the mud houses’ sustainability, cost effectiveness, cultural preference, income generation and security.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a qualitative research approach to a single case study. Interviews were conducted with field experts from the Qatar Red Crescent Society and members of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) community living in mud brick houses.
Findings
The findings reveal that the utilisation of mud houses is a good alternative in relief efforts. The houses are sustainable and cost-effective, take into consideration cultural dynamics and provide economic empowerment to IDPs. However, the maintenance of mud brick houses turns out to be the largest flaw, and this problem requires further research.
Originality/value
The paper highlights the inefficiency of current emergency sheltering practices in Syria and reveals that tents are not a preferred mode of shelter. It further sheds light on a unique case study in which mud houses were used by an aid and development organisation, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. This paper contributes to practical discussion and ideation on more appropriate housing for IDPs.
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Susana Díez-Calvo, Iván Lidón, Rubén Rebollar and Ignacio Gil-Pérez
This study aims to identify and map the problems of participatory processes in policymaking through a Service Design approach.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify and map the problems of participatory processes in policymaking through a Service Design approach.
Design/methodology/approach
First, 50 semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in the field of citizen participation. This was followed by a comparative analysis of how backstage and frontstage stakeholders perceived the identified problems. Secondly, a Service Blueprint model was proposed as a means of mapping the identified problems within the broader framework of a service experience of participation. Finally, a brainstorming session was held with the aim of proposing design solutions to the problems from a human-centred perspective.
Findings
Fifteen problems of participatory processes in policymaking were identified, and some differences were observed in the perception of these problems between the stakeholders responsible for designing and implementing the participatory processes (backstage stakeholders) and those who are called upon to participate (frontstage stakeholders). The problems were found to occur at different stages of the service and to affect different stakeholders. A number of design actions were proposed to help mitigate these problems from a human-centred approach. These included process improvements, digital opportunities, new technologies and staff training, among others.
Practical implications
Public managers, politicians and designers of participatory processes can use this study to design participatory processes based on the real needs and expectations of the different stakeholders involved.
Originality/value
This research adds to the literature on citizen participation and Service Design by shedding new light on the problems of participatory processes through a human-centred approach.