Haiyan Xie, Ying Hong, Mengyang Xin, Ioannis Brilakis and Owen Shi
The purpose of this study is to improve communication success through barrier identification and analysis so that the identified barriers can help project teams establish…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to improve communication success through barrier identification and analysis so that the identified barriers can help project teams establish effective information-exchange strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
The recent publications on construction communication about time management are reviewed. Then, the semi-structured interviews are performed with both questionnaires and audio recordings (n1 = 18). Next, the collected data are analyzed using both statistical measures on the questionnaire survey and qualitative coding analysis on the text transcripts from an audio recording. Particularly, the identified barriers are substantiated using a scientometrics approach based on the published articles (2011–2020, n2 = 52,915) for purposeful information-sharing solutions in construction time management. Furthermore, the intervention strategies from the top 10 most-cited articles are analyzed and validated by comparisons with the results from construction surveys and relevant studies.
Findings
Based on the discussed communication difficulties, five main barriers were identified during time-cost risk management: probability and statistical concepts, availability of data from external resources, details of team member experiences, graphics (and graphical presentation skills), and spatial and temporal (a.k.a. 4D) simulation skills. For the improvement of communication skills and presentation quality regarding probability and statistical concepts, project teams should emphasize context awareness, case studies and group discussions. Details of communication techniques can be adjusted based on the backgrounds, experiences and expectations of team members.
Research limitations/implications
The dataset n1 has both size and duration limits because of the availability of the invited industry professionals. The dataset n2 considers the literature from 2011 to 2020. Any before-the-date and unpublished studies are not included in the study.
Practical implications
A thorough comprehension of communication barriers can help project teams develop speaking, writing and analytical thinking skills that will enable the teams to better deliver ideas, thoughts and meanings. Additionally, the established discussion on barrier-removal strategies may enhance time management effectiveness, reduce project delays, avoid confusion and misunderstanding and save rework costs.
Social implications
This research calls for the awareness of communication barriers in construction project execution and team collaboration. The identified barriers and the established solutions enrich the approaches of construction companies to share information with communities and society.
Originality/value
This is the first identification model for communication barriers in the time management of the construction industry to the authors' knowledge. The influencing factors and the countermeasures of communication difficulties highlighted by the research were not examined systematically and holistically in previous studies. The findings provide a new approach to facilitate the development of powerful communication strategies and to improve project execution.
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This research conducts bibliometric analyses and network mapping on smart libraries worldwide. It examines publication profiles, identifies the most cited publications and…
Abstract
Purpose
This research conducts bibliometric analyses and network mapping on smart libraries worldwide. It examines publication profiles, identifies the most cited publications and preferred sources and considers the cooperation of the authors, organizations and countries worldwide. The research also highlights keyword trends and clusters and finds new developments and emerging trends from the co-cited references network.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 264 records with 1,200 citations were extracted from the Web of Science database from 2003 to 2021. The trends in the smart library were analyzed and visualized using BibExcel, VOSviewer, Biblioshiny and CiteSpace.
Findings
The People’s Republic of China had the most publications (119), the most citations (374), the highest H-index (12) and the highest total link strength (TLS = 25). Wuhan University had the highest H-index (6). Chiu, Dickson K. W. (H-index = 4, TLS = 22) and Lo, Patrick (H-index = 4, TLS = 21) from the University of Hong Kong had the highest H-indices and were the most cooperative authors. Library Hi Tech was the most preferred journal. “Mobile library” was the most frequently used keyword. “Mobile context” was the largest cluster on the research front.
Research limitations/implications
This study helps librarians, scientists and funders understand smart library trends.
Originality/value
There are several studies and solid background research on smart libraries. However, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to conduct bibliometric analyses and network mapping on smart libraries around the globe.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical historical analysis of the business (mis)behaviors and influencing factors that discourage enduring cooperation between…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical historical analysis of the business (mis)behaviors and influencing factors that discourage enduring cooperation between principals and agents, to introduce strategies that embrace the social values, economic motivation and institutional designs historically adopted to curtail dishonest acts in international business and to inform an improved principal–agent theory that reflects principal–agent reciprocity as shaped by social, political, cultural, economic, strategic and ideological forces
Design/methodology/approach
The critical historical research method is used to analyze Chinese compradors and the foreign companies they served in pre-1949 China.
Findings
Business practitioners can extend orthodox principal–agent theory by scrutinizing the complex interactions between local agents and foreign companies. Instead of agents pursuing their economic interests exclusively, as posited by principal–agent theory, they also may pursue principal-shared interests (as suggested by stewardship theory) because of social norms and cultural values that can affect business-related choices and the social bonds built between principals and agents.
Research limitations/implications
The behaviors of compradors and foreign companies in pre-1949 China suggest international business practices for shaping social bonds between principals and agents and foreign principals’ creative efforts to enhance shared interests with local agents.
Practical implications
Understanding principal–agent theory’s limitations can help international management scholars and practitioners mitigate transaction partners’ dishonest acts.
Originality/value
A critical historical analysis of intermediary businesspeople’s (mis)behavior in pre-1949 (1840–1949) China can inform the generalizability of principal–agent theory and contemporary business strategies for minimizing agents’ dishonest acts.
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Ying Kit Cherry Kwan, Mei Wa Chan and Dickson K.W. Chiu
In the 21st century, libraries are experiencing a significant decline in users due to shifting reading habits and the impact of technology, necessitating library transformation…
Abstract
Purpose
In the 21st century, libraries are experiencing a significant decline in users due to shifting reading habits and the impact of technology, necessitating library transformation and a heightened emphasis on library marketing. Special libraries, in particular, rely heavily on patrons for survival, often due to their private ownership and limited resources. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned objectives.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper examines the Taste Library, a special library in Hong Kong, and analyzes its current practices based on an interview with its founder, website content, and social media presence. The 7Ps Marketing Mix model is employed to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the library's current market position.
Findings
The Taste Library's existing practices exhibit limitations in attracting young patrons. To address this issue, we propose marketing strategies focused on enhancing social network presence, offering digitized content, and engaging in school outreach.
Practical implications
By concentrating on youth marketing, this study offers valuable insights for special libraries in developing strategic plans for transitioning and maintaining sustainability.
Originality/value
Few studies concentrate on marketing small special libraries, particularly in the East, within today's digitized economy.
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Hsien Chun Chen, Chin Tung Stewart Ng, I-Heng Chen, Yi-Ting Chen, Michal Polacek and Ying-Lun Liang
The study explores the mechanism between employee demand–ability fit and promotability ratings. Moreover, we examine whether political skill moderates the relationship above.
Abstract
Purpose
The study explores the mechanism between employee demand–ability fit and promotability ratings. Moreover, we examine whether political skill moderates the relationship above.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study received 260 effective supervisor-rated questionnaires from various industries in Taiwan.
Findings
The results reveal that employee demand–ability fit positively relates to promotability ratings, and task performance mediates the above relationship. In addition, political skill positively moderates the relationship between employee demand–ability fit and task performance.
Originality/value
We used the supervisor rating for our variables to test the hypotheses.
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The-Ngan Ma, Ying-Jung Yvonne Yeh, Han-Yu Lee and Hong Van Vu
The primary purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of customer incivility on employees' negative emotions (i.e. anger, fear and sadness) considering the moderating role…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of customer incivility on employees' negative emotions (i.e. anger, fear and sadness) considering the moderating role of organizational power distance.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey sample comprising 312 service employees was collected from 51 Taiwanese and Vietnamese companies spanning different industries. Given the multilevel characteristics of the data structure, hierarchical linear modeling was used to rigorously test the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
The results indicate a significant contribution of customer incivility to employees' negative emotions. Notably, this impact is more pronounced among employees in organizations characterized by low power distance compared to those in organizations with high power distance.
Originality/value
This research significantly advances our understanding of the emotional repercussions of customer incivility on employees by integrating cognitive–motivational–relational theory and organizational culture perspectives. The findings not only provide valuable theoretical insights but also offer practical implications for effectively managing employee well-being in culturally diverse contexts. The study recognizes certain limitations and puts forth suggestions for future research directions.
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Ying Yue, Shuzhen Chen and Qirui Wang
Innovation and entrepreneurship competitions are employed as an important policy tool by the Chinese government and universities to promote entrepreneurship education and…
Abstract
Purpose
Innovation and entrepreneurship competitions are employed as an important policy tool by the Chinese government and universities to promote entrepreneurship education and training. However, its effect has seldom been verified by empirical studies, especially in students’ leadership development, one of the core objectives of innovative talent cultivation. This study aims to test how undergraduate students’ participation and different team roles in innovation and entrepreneurship competitions can impact their leadership development.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a questionnaire survey of 1,431 undergraduate students, this study used independent sample t-tests to verify the effect of whether to participate or not in innovation and entrepreneurship competitions on their self-reported leadership competence, and furthermore, to verify the effect of different team roles in the competitions on leadership improvement. Then, the propensity score matching method was used to verify whether team role was the most critical factor contributing to differences in leadership improvement.
Findings
The study found that undergraduate students who participated in the innovation and entrepreneurship competitions had significantly higher leadership value-added than non-participants. Among the students who participated in the competition, those who took the role of team leader were significantly better than team members in seven leadership dimensions, including sense of adventure, planning, information processing, problem solving and teamwork. They also differed in some individual educational experiences, family backgrounds and personal traits (especially vigor). The study verified that being a leader was a key factor in the difference of leadership improvement among undergraduate students.
Originality/value
On the one hand, the introduction of the vigor factor into the field of undergraduate student development expands the application space of the theory while verifying the role of vigor traits in students’ leadership behavior. On the other hand, it confirms the nurturing effect of innovation and entrepreneurship competitions in leadership and points out the direction of optimizing the quality of innovation and entrepreneurship education.
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Tzu-Ying Lo, Ivan Sun, Yuning Wu, Kuang-Ming Chang and Jyun-Wei Hong
This study explores the determinants of public willingness to comply with COVID-19 regulations to address the research gap at the intersection of public health and law enforcement…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the determinants of public willingness to comply with COVID-19 regulations to address the research gap at the intersection of public health and law enforcement within the unique sociocultural context of Taiwan.
Design/methodology/approach
Utilizing survey data from New Taipei City in 2021, the analysis involved multiple linear regression models to assess the influences of psychological conditions (i.e. distress and self-efficacy), community compliance and perceptions of government (i.e. general trust in government and specific perceptions of police procedural justice) on compliance tendencies while controlling for individual demographics.
Findings
The results indicated that self-efficacy, perceived community compliance, trust in government, and police procedural justice are positively associated with public compliance with COVID-19 regulations. Among these variables, trust in government and police procedural justice were identified as the most prominent factors, followed by self-efficacy and perceived community compliance. As demographic factors such as age, gender and education did not significantly affect willingness to comply, psychological, social and governmental influences are more powerful determinants of compliance than static demographic characteristics.
Originality/value
This study provides empirical evidence from Taiwan on the factors shaping public compliance during an unprecedented global pandemic. It highlights the importance of fostering governmental trust and enhancing police procedural justice during periods of stability to secure compliance with public health directives in times of crisis.
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Deshuai Hou, Junnan Yan, Qiong Sun and Ying Chen
Sustainable development requires companies to achieve a long-term balance between the economic, environmental and social spheres in their development process, and is not limited…
Abstract
Purpose
Sustainable development requires companies to achieve a long-term balance between the economic, environmental and social spheres in their development process, and is not limited to long-term commercial success. Enhancing corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance plays a critical role in achieving sustainable economic and social development. The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the influence of short-selling on corporate ESG performance and unravel the mechanisms involved.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use the data from Chinese A-share listed companies spanning from 2010 to 2021 as the research sample and conduct empirical research using mediating effect model, instrumental variables and difference-in-differences methods.
Findings
The findings suggest that short-selling has a positive impact on ESG performance, thus, contributing to the realization of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and achieving a balanced development of economy, environment and society, rather than only promoting corporate longevity. This can be attributed to short-selling’s ability to strengthen supervision constraints on firms, improve firms’ intrinsic capabilities and promote firms’ green technological innovation. Furthermore, the ESG-enhancing effects of short-selling are contingent upon the internal and external governance levels of the firms. That is, short-selling has a more significant effect on ESG performance enhancement for firms with weaker internal and external governance. The extended analysis finds that concerning firms’ market advantage, the positive impact of short-selling on ESG is more pronounced for firms with weak monopoly power and those facing intense industry competition. In addition, when examining firms’ individual characteristics, the ESG-enhancing effect of short-selling is more potent for nonstate-owned firms, those with a shorter listing history and those facing a heightened risk of resource mismatch.
Practical implications
This study provides theoretical support and empirical evidence from the perspective of short-selling to help boost corporate ESG development and improve corporate contributions to sustainable development. ESG is the concrete projection of sustainable development concept at the firm level. Good ESG performance contributes to the realization of the SDGs by influencing the strategy, operation and management of the enterprise, and promoting the enterprise to more actively create the comprehensive value of the economy, society and environment.
Social implications
The results of this study show that short-selling can significantly enhance corporate ESG performance and strengthen corporate sustainability initiatives, thereby promoting the realization of SDGs at the firm level. These findings carry substantial implications, not only foster the improvement of China’s capital market system but also provide empirical evidence from China for capital market policy-making and sustainable development practices in other emerging markets.
Originality/value
This study not only addresses the gap in studying ESG performance from the perspective of short-selling behavior but also enriches the research on the economic consequences of short-selling and enriches the literature on the determinants of ESG performance.
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The purpose of this paper is to test the existence of stylized facts, such as the volatility clustering, heavy tails seen on financial series, long-term dependence and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to test the existence of stylized facts, such as the volatility clustering, heavy tails seen on financial series, long-term dependence and multifractality on the returns of four real estate indexes using different types of indexes: conventional and Islamic by comparing pre and during COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
Firstly, the authors examined the characteristics of the indexes. Secondly, the authors estimated the parameters of the stable distribution. Then, the long memory is detected via the estimation of the Hurst exponents. Afterwards, the authors determine the graphs of the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA). Finally, the authors apply the WTMM method.
Findings
The results suggest that the real estate indexes are far from being efficient and that the lowest level of multifractality was observed for Islamic indexes.
Research limitations/implications
The inefficiency behavior of real estate indexes gives us an idea about the prediction of the behavior of future returns in these markets on the basis of past informations. Similarly, market participants would do well to reassess their investment and risk management framework to mitigate new and somewhat higher levels of risk of their exposures during the turbulent period.
Originality/value
To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first real estate market study employing STL decomposition before applying the MF-DFA in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. Likewise, the study is the first investigation that focuses on these four indexes.