Xiao-Yu Xu, Syed Muhammad Usman Tayyab, Qingdan Jia and Albert H. Huang
Video game streaming (VGS) is emerging as an extremely popular, highly interactive, inordinately subscribed and very dynamic form of digital media. Incorporated environmental…
Abstract
Purpose
Video game streaming (VGS) is emerging as an extremely popular, highly interactive, inordinately subscribed and very dynamic form of digital media. Incorporated environmental elements, gratifications and user pre-existing attitudes in VGS, this paper presents the development of an extended model of uses and gratification theory (EUGT) for predicting users' behavior in novel technological context.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed model was empirically tested in VGS context due to its popularity, interactivity and relevance. Data collected from 308 VGS users and structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to assess the hypotheses. Multi-model comparison technique was used to assess the explanatory power of EUGT.
Findings
The findings confirmed three significant types elements in determining VGS viewers' engagement, including gratifications (e.g. involvement), environmental cues (e.g. medium appeal) and user predispositions (e.g. pre-existing attitudes). The results revealed that emerging technologies provide potential opportunities for new motives and gratifications, and highlighted the significant of pre-existing attitudes as a mediator in the gratification-uses link.
Originality/value
This study is one of its kind in tackling the criticism on UGT of considering media users too rational or active. The study achieved this objective by considering environmental impacts on user behavior which is largely ignored in recent UGT studies. Also, by incorporating users pre-existing attitudes into UGT framework, this study conceptualized and empirically verified the higher explanatory power of EUGT through a novel multi-modal approach in VGS. Compared to other rival models, EUGS provides a more robust explanation of users' behavior. The findings contribute to the literature of UGT, VGS and users' engagement.
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Shuhao Li, Yuhang Zhang and Mimi Chen
This study aims to investigate the different effects of physical and social servicescapes on brand love for internet-famous restaurants, focusing on their pathways and strengths…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the different effects of physical and social servicescapes on brand love for internet-famous restaurants, focusing on their pathways and strengths of influence.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modeling was applied to analyze data from 387 online questionnaires in China.
Findings
Results indicate that social servicescape directly influences brand love for internet-famous restaurants, while physical servicescape does not. The effect of physical servicescape on brand love for internet-famous restaurants is mediated by perceived coolness and perceived enjoyment, whereas social servicescape’s influence is mediated solely by perceived enjoyment. Overall, physical servicescape has a stronger impact on brand love for internet-famous restaurants compared to social servicescape.
Practical implications
The findings help internet-famous restaurants create effective physical and social servicescapes to enhance brand love, underscoring that physical servicescape is more crucial than social servicescape for cultivating this love.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by analyzing the heterogeneous pathways and strengths of physical and social servicescapes influencing brand love for internet-famous restaurants, while highlighting the mediating role of perceived coolness and expanding the application scope of cognitive appraisal theory.
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Mahak Sharma, Rose Antony, Ashu Sharma and Tugrul Daim
Supply chains need to be made viable in this volatile and competitive market, which could be possible through digitalization. This study is an attempt to explore the role of…
Abstract
Purpose
Supply chains need to be made viable in this volatile and competitive market, which could be possible through digitalization. This study is an attempt to explore the role of Industry 4.0, smart supply chain, supply chain agility and supply chain resilience on sustainable business performance from the lens of natural resource-based view.
Design/methodology/approach
The study tests the proposed model using a covariance-based structural equation modelling and further investigates the ranking of each construct using the artificial neural networks approach in AMOS and SPSS respectively. A total of 234 respondents selected using purposive sampling aided in capturing the industry practices across supply chains in the UK. The full collinearity test was carried out to study the common method bias and the content validity was carried out using the item content validity index and scale content validity index. The convergent and discriminant validity of the constructs and mediation study was carried out in SPSS and AMOS V.23.
Findings
The results are overtly inferring the significant impact of Industry 4.0 practices on creating smart and ultimately sustainable supply chains. A partial relationship is established between Industry 4.0 and supply chain agility through a smart supply chain. This work empirically reinstates the combined significance of green practices, Industry 4.0, smart supply chain, supply chain agility and supply chain resilience on sustainable business value. The study also uses the ANN approach to determine the relative importance of each significant variable found in SEM analysis. ANN determines the ranking among the significant variables, i.e. supply chain resilience > green practices > Industry 4.0> smart supply chain > supply chain agility presented in descending order.
Originality/value
This study is a novel attempt to establish the role of digitalization in SCs for attaining sustainable business value, providing empirical support to the mediating role of supply chain agility, supply chain resilience and smart supply chain and manifests a significant integrated framework. This work reinforces the integrated model that combines all the constructs dealt with in silos so far in prior literature.
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Qingqing Li, Ziming Zeng, Shouqiang Sun and Tingting Li
Aspect category-based sentiment analysis (ACSA) has been widely used in consumer preference mining and marketing strategy formulation. However, existing studies ignore the…
Abstract
Purpose
Aspect category-based sentiment analysis (ACSA) has been widely used in consumer preference mining and marketing strategy formulation. However, existing studies ignore the variability in features and the intrinsic correlation among diverse aspect categories in ACSA tasks. To address these problems, this paper aims to propose a novel integrated framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The integrated framework consists of three modules: text feature extraction and fusion, adaptive feature selection and category-aware decision fusion. First, text features from global and local views are extracted and fused to comprehensively capture the potential information in the different dimensions of the review text. Then, an adaptive feature selection strategy is devised for each aspect category to determine the optimal feature set. Finally, considering the intrinsic associations between aspect categories, a category-aware decision fusion strategy is constructed to enhance the performance of ACSA tasks.
Findings
Comparative experimental results demonstrate that the integrated framework can effectively detect aspect categories and their corresponding sentiment polarities from review texts, achieving a macroaveraged F1 score (Fmacro) of 72.38% and a weighted F1 score (F1) of 79.39%, with absolute gains of 2.93% to 27.36% and 4.35% to 20.36%, respectively, compared to the baselines.
Originality/value
This framework can simultaneously detect aspect categories and corresponding sentiment polarities from review texts, thereby assisting e-commerce enterprises in gaining insights into consumer preferences, prioritizing product improvements, and adjusting marketing strategies.
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Lokweetpun Suprawan, Wanny Oentoro and Sarinya L. Suttharattanagul
This study aims to investigate the interrelationship among consumers, celebrities and brands within social media environments. It proposes a theoretical framework based on an…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the interrelationship among consumers, celebrities and brands within social media environments. It proposes a theoretical framework based on an integrative approach that combines parasocial relationship theory and the meaning transfer model.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected data from 342 Generation Z fans, and structural equation modeling was used for the analysis.
Findings
The results revealed that social media use strongly affects celebrity worship, but its impacts on brand love and online brand advocacy are weak. Celebrity worship significantly influences brand love; however, the relationship with online brand advocacy is nonsignificant, highlighting the crucial mediating role of brand love. The mediating effects of celebrity worship and brand love significantly strengthened the relationship between social media use and online brand advocacy.
Originality/value
By using an integrative approach, this study advances the understanding of the dynamics of consumer–brand relationships, revealing the serial mediating path that highlights the roles of celebrity worship and brand love.
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Huijie Cui, Yutong Li and Shangkun Liang
This study aimed to analyze the impact of enterprise digital transformation on bank loan contracting from 2007 to 2021.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to analyze the impact of enterprise digital transformation on bank loan contracting from 2007 to 2021.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used an empirical approach to examine the impact of digital transformation on bank loan interest rates and the possible mechanisms. The digital transformation data of firms were obtained by Python, and the bank loan contracting information of Chinese listed firms was hand-collected from the notes of the annual report.
Findings
The results show that digital transformation can significantly reduce the bank loan interest rate and show heterogeneity in the nature of property rights, industry type and firm size. The above results remain significant after conducting a series of robustness tests. Channel tests suggest that digital transformation can promote total factor productivity, improve firms’ information environment and reduce the risk of financial distress, thus helping them reduce their loan interest rate. In addition, banks’ digital transformation can also affect the link between enterprise digital transformation and bank loan interest rates.
Originality/value
First, this paper deeply investigates the relationship between enterprise digital transformation and bank loan contracting, and the mechanisms behind it which expands the research on economic consequences of digitalization. Developing digitalization society has been a top priority in China as it is an urgent task to survive in the competitive global economic environment as a developing country. Second, in developed countries, the evidence relating to bank loan contracting is plentiful. However, the Chinese studies are still very limited as it has no database like Dealscan in US.
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Xueting Zhang, Longsheng Yin and Feng Wang
Despite the growing importance of digital transformation, few studies have investigated its precise effects on firm efficiency. This research explores the differential effects of…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the growing importance of digital transformation, few studies have investigated its precise effects on firm efficiency. This research explores the differential effects of digital transformation on the profitability and marketability of manufacturing firms.
Design/methodology/approach
We analyze the relationship between digital transformation and firm efficiency using a dataset of Chinese-listed manufacturing firms from 2011 to 2023.
Findings
The results indicate that digital transformation improves marketability and has a U-shaped relationship with profitability. Moreover, industry competition amplifies the positive effect of digital transformation on marketability but attenuates its U-shaped effect on profitability. In contrast, media coverage attenuates the positive effect of digital transformation on marketability and amplifies its U-shaped effect on profitability.
Originality/value
While the existing conclusion about the efficiency of digital transformation is inconsistent, this research enriches the literature on digital transformation and provides insights for improving firm efficiency in terms of both profitability and marketability.
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Leadership initiates cultural shifts before managers and their employees embrace them. Cultural transformation depends upon leaders, managers, and employees recognizing the…
Abstract
Leadership initiates cultural shifts before managers and their employees embrace them. Cultural transformation depends upon leaders, managers, and employees recognizing the fundamental impact of their decisions and actions on one another. This chapter explores the intersection of emotional intelligence (EI) and trauma-informed care (TIC) as experiential approaches for fostering healing and transforming organizational dynamics within academic libraries. By drawing insights from recent literature, the chapter offers practical strategies to enhance leaders' and managers' interactions with employees while cultivating a trauma-informed library workforce rooted in compassion and civility. For administrators, EI promotes leadership with the heart and mind, thus cultivating emotional and intellectual engagement, while promoting self-awareness and understanding employee needs. Likewise, TIC enables the realization, recognition, and response to trauma while resisting retraumatization. By employing EI and TIC methodologies, administrators can foster a workplace culture that emphasizes authenticity, allowing every individual to feel acknowledged and valued. Nevertheless, the inherent challenges of the library sector, characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), hinder the development of positive manager–employee dynamics. Furthermore, the exclusion of employees from decision-making processes during top-down changes intensifies feelings of grief, resistance, mistrust, reduced psychological safety, and increased workplace stress and trauma. Effective communication and consensus are vital; however, they need to be enriched with empathy, patience, tolerance, and perseverance. The chapter concludes with actionable recommendations that promote mutual respect and civility.
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Albert Kobina Mensah, Apori Samuel Obeng, Prince Addai, Alexander Owusu-Ansah and De-Graft Emmanuel Johnson Owusu-Ansah
Potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in the soil at gold mining sites can endanger the health and sustainability of the local community. We examined the potential health risks…
Abstract
Purpose
Potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in the soil at gold mining sites can endanger the health and sustainability of the local community. We examined the potential health risks associated with the presence of PHEs (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sb, Se and Ti) in the soils of active, closed/abandoned/former and profile gold mine sites in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
We collected 102 soil samples from these mine sites, analysed them for their total element contents and calculated the geo-accumulation index, enrichment factor, contamination factor and pollution load index (PLI) (Igeo). We calculated the risks to human health by utilizing the hazard index (HI) and hazard quotient (HQ) for adult males, adult females and children who may ingest contaminated soil particles.
Findings
The average total Cd concentration in the soils was above the global average of 0.2 mg/kg for abandoned (2.86 mg/kg), active (3.93 mg/kg) and profile (4.04 mg/kg) areas. Mercury was detected at elevated concentrations in the soil of active mines (0.92 mg/kg), profiles (0.89 mg/kg) and abandoned mines (0.87 mg/kg). In the active, abandoned and profile soils, titanium concentrations were 14.18, 6.74 and 4.82 mg/kg, respectively, in several folds above the global average of 0.57 mg/kg. The majority of the sites were contaminated with Cd, Hg and Ti based on the calculated PLI values (active = 2.04, abandoned = 1.77 and profile = 2.7). Cadmium, mercury, lead and titanium in mine spoils were found to be correlated with aluminium, iron, manganese, pH, total carbon, clay content and phosphorus in a multivariate analysis using correlation and principal component analysis.
Research limitations/implications
Both natural and anthropogenic processes contributed to the elevated metal contents in the mining sites, as indicated by the investigation’s results. The children’s hazard index values exceeded the threshold of 1.0, indicating the presence of non-carcinogenic risks.
Practical implications
Green space technology (e.g. revegetation) may thus be critical for preserving public health and reviving the ecological integrity of the contaminated sites.
Originality/value
This study highlights health risks to local communities in southwest Ghana by investigating the presence of potentially harmful elements in soils from gold mining sites for the first time. It assesses non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks using a methodology recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency for soil-to-human health risk assessment, especially for children. The study highlights how contamination has been found, making green space technology essential for preserving ecological integrity and protecting public health. The inclusion of geospatial distribution mapping of PTEs offers a visual depiction of the spread of contamination at both active and closed mining sites.
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Akriti Chugh, Shikha Gera, Saleh Ahmed Mozumder, Swamy Perumandla and Som Sekhar Bhattacharyya
The purpose of this research study is to recognize the significance of entrepreneurial psychology. This was achieved by assessing the relationship between the dark personality…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research study is to recognize the significance of entrepreneurial psychology. This was achieved by assessing the relationship between the dark personality traits and entrepreneurial intention (EI). This study examined the interrelationship between dual narcissism traits and EI. The authors specifically focused on Narcissistic Admiration (NA) and Narcissistic Rivalry (NR), with particular emphasis on the mediating role of Psychological Empowerment (PE).
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a descriptive quantitative research approach to investigate the research model and to test the hypothesis. Data collection involved administering structured questionnaires with nonprobability sampling to obtain data from 340 incubated entrepreneurs. Researchers used partial least squares structured equation modeling for data analysis.
Findings
The study findings indicated that NA had a significant impact on both PE and EI, whereas NR substantially impacted PE but not on EI. Furthermore, the results revealed that PE served as a partial mediator between NA and EI, whereas PE acted as a full mediator between NR and EI.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributed to the literature on EI. This study examined the theoretical interrelationship between dual narcissism, specifically NA and NR, with EI while emphasizing the mediating role of PE.
Practical implications
As an emerging nation, India requires more entrepreneurs and more examples of successful entrepreneurship. This study insights would help entrepreneurs to manage their entrepreneurial ventures better. This would be realized by entrepreneurs with better comprehension of NA, NR and PE, which would finally enable the achievement of higher levels of EI.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study was one of the first empirical investigations that distinguished between the two aspects of narcissistic personality: admiration and rivalry. This demonstrated the differential impact on EI. This study made a valuable addition to the theoretical domain of entrepreneurial psychology. This was achieved by highlighting the important role of PE in the association between dual narcissism and the intent of potential entrepreneurs.