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1 – 10 of 308Qiaoling Lin, Siew Imm Ng, Norazlyn Kamal Basha, Xi Luo and Yingxia Li
Based on the computers as social actors (CASA) theory, this study aims to explore the impact of three characteristics of virtual influencers (conversational tone, autonomy and…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the computers as social actors (CASA) theory, this study aims to explore the impact of three characteristics of virtual influencers (conversational tone, autonomy and responsiveness) on social presence, telepresence and customer engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the purposive sampling technique, online survey was administered to Chinese Gen-Z consumers engaging with virtual influencers. Subsequently, 357 respondents were sampled. SPSS 29.0 and Smart PLS 4.0 were used to perform the analyses.
Findings
The results show that conversational tone and responsiveness have significant positive effects on both social presence and telepresence. Autonomy has a positive effect on telepresence, but not social presence. Social presence and telepresence have a positive impact on customer engagement.
Originality/value
As a burgeoning field, there is still uncertainty among both practitioners and researchers about the methods that virtual influencers engage their users in the context of social media. Limited research has focused on presence (social presence and telepresence) due to virtual influencers. Therefore, the CASA theory offers valuable insights into how virtual influencers’ characteristics contribute to the presence and customer engagement and provides practical guidance for the design of virtual influencers.
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Zicheng Zhang, Xinyue Lin, Shaonan Shan and Zhaokai Yin
This study aims to analyze government hotline text data and generating forecasts could enable the effective detection of public demands and help government departments explore…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze government hotline text data and generating forecasts could enable the effective detection of public demands and help government departments explore, mitigate and resolve social problems.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, social problems were determined and analyzed by using the time attributes of government hotline data. Social public events with periodicity were quantitatively analyzed via the Prophet model. The Prophet model is decided after running a comparison study with other widely applied time series models. The validation of modeling and forecast was conducted for social events such as travel and educational services, human resources and public health.
Findings
The results show that the Prophet algorithm could generate relatively the best performance. Besides, the four types of social events showed obvious trends with periodicities and holidays and have strong interpretable results.
Originality/value
The research could help government departments pay attention to time dependency and periodicity features of the hotline data and be aware of early warnings of social events following periodicity and holidays, enabling them to rationally allocate resources to handle upcoming social events and problems and better promoting the role of the big data structure of government hotline data sets in urban governance innovations.
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In the context of innovation-driven development strategy, open innovation has become an important way for enterprises to gain competitive advantages on the path of innovation and…
Abstract
Purpose
In the context of innovation-driven development strategy, open innovation has become an important way for enterprises to gain competitive advantages on the path of innovation and development. However, with the increasing competition, enterprises' open innovation is restricted by some constraints. How to promote open innovation in the restricted situations has become an existing research gap. Based on the perspective of digital transformation, this paper discusses how to promote the open innovation of enterprises under the restricted situations and find its breakthrough path, and analyzes the moderating effect of innovation persistence and political relevance.
Design/methodology/approach
Due to the complexity and confidentiality of military–civilian integration enterprises, they have become typical innovation-restricted enterprises. In this study, it selects a-share listed companies in the field of military–civilian integration in China in 2016–2020 as the research sample, and uses the two-way fixed-effect model to analyze the proposed variables. Finally, the robustness of the results in this paper is verified by a series of robustness tests and endogeneity tests.
Findings
The results show that digital transformation facilitates open innovation in military–civil integration enterprises, and that innovation persistence and political relevance positively moderate the relationship between the two. Further, digital transformation can promote open innovation in military–civil integration enterprises by easing the financing constraints and reducing information asymmetry. Innovation persistence has a more pronounced positive moderating effect among civilian-to-military and SMEs, and digital transformation of firms in the South has a negative effect on open innovation, but innovation persistence and political relevance dampen this negative effect.
Originality/value
Previous studies on the restrictions of open innovation or its dark side are mostly case studies and qualitative research. In contrast, the superiority and novelty of this study is in the form of a typical innovation-restricted enterprises “civil-military integration enterprise” as the research sample, based on the perspective of digital transformation, through empirical analysis method to explore how to better implementation of open innovation in the restricted situations. The findings of the study can not only enrich the application of digital transformation and open innovation theory, but also provide practical guidance for military–civil integration innovation in restricted situations.
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Christopher Igwe Idumah, Raphael Stone Odera and Emmanuel Obumneme Ezeani
Nanotechnology (NT) advancements in personal protective textiles (PPT) or personal protective equipment (PPE) have alleviated spread and transmission of this highly contagious…
Abstract
Purpose
Nanotechnology (NT) advancements in personal protective textiles (PPT) or personal protective equipment (PPE) have alleviated spread and transmission of this highly contagious viral disease, and enabled enhancement of PPE, thereby fortifying antiviral behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Review of a series of state of the art research papers on the subject matter.
Findings
This paper expounds on novel nanotechnological advancements in polymeric textile composites, emerging applications and fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
Research limitations/implications
As a panacea to “public droplet prevention,” textiles have proven to be potentially effective as environmental droplet barriers (EDBs).
Practical implications
PPT in form of healthcare materials including surgical face masks (SFMs), gloves, goggles, respirators, gowns, uniforms, scrub-suits and other apparels play critical role in hindering the spreading of COVID-19 and other “oral-respiratory droplet contamination” both within and outside hospitals.
Social implications
When used as double-layers, textiles display effectiveness as SFMs or surgical-fabrics, which reduces droplet transmission to <10 cm, within circumference of ∼0.3%.
Originality/value
NT advancements in textiles through nanoparticles, and sensor integration within textile materials have enhanced versatile sensory capabilities, robotics, flame retardancy, self-cleaning, electrical conductivity, flexibility and comfort, thereby availing it for health, medical, sporting, advanced engineering, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, military, automobile, food and agricultural applications, and more. Therefore, this paper expounds on recently emerging trends in nanotechnological influence in textiles for engineering and fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
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Neuza Ribeiro, Daniel Gomes, Gabriela Pedro Gomes, Atiat Ullah, Ana Suzete Dias Semedo and Sharda Singh
This study aims to broaden the understanding of the mechanisms through which workplace bullying might affect employees’ intention to leave the organisation, as well as the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to broaden the understanding of the mechanisms through which workplace bullying might affect employees’ intention to leave the organisation, as well as the mediating role of burnout in the relationship between workplace bullying and turnover intention.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample included 884 employees from different Portuguese organisations operating in the tertiary sector and industry. This study uses structural equation modelling to evaluate the hypothesised model.
Findings
The results suggest that workplace bullying causes high levels of burnout in victims and increases their turnover intentions. The results further suggest that burnout fully mediates the effect of workplace bullying on turnover intentions.
Practical implications
Organisations should work to reduce these problems in workplace environments, focusing on HRM models that prevent the precursors of workplace bullying, particularly those associated with low determination of HR practices and the emphasis on employee participation. Implementing workplace ethical guidelines as part of an annual action plan can contribute to cultivating organisational cultures that reject any form of devaluation of human worth within the organisation.
Originality/value
There is little knowledge on the mediating role of burnout in the relationship between workplace bullying and turnover intention. This study answers the call for further empirical research from those who have argued that more information is needed and contributes to the growing debate on this topic and its effects on Portuguese employees. This study seeks to fill these gaps by developing a model of workplace bullying and its consequences and exploring burnout’s potential mediating role.
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Athar Mahmood, Manisha Seth, Shalini Srivastava, A.K. Jain and Knut Laaser
This study based on the conservation of resources (COR) theory examines the role of employees’ voice behavior in the form of a mediator, linking abusive supervision (AS) and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study based on the conservation of resources (COR) theory examines the role of employees’ voice behavior in the form of a mediator, linking abusive supervision (AS) and turnover intention. It also investigates the moderating role of workplace friendship in the mediated AS–turnover intention relationship through voice behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-wave data collection method was used to collect data from the 324 respondents employed in various companies with a geographical spread across northern India. The study used PROCESS macro to test the hypothesized model.
Findings
The findings of the study supported the meditated moderation hypothesis suggesting workplace friendship reduces the mediating effect of AS on employees’ intention to exit employment relationships.
Practical implications
The study yields important implications for organizations with respect to developing a disciplinary framework for AS. It focuses on the need for promoting and implementing psychological well-being-related interventions at the workplace for subordinates as well as supervisors, which in turn can help them apply healthy coping strategies in stressful situations and prevent them from indulging in counterproductive work behaviors.
Originality/value
The utilization of COR as a framework to explain the role of voice behavior and workplace friendships with respect to AS is thus far scant.
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Sukhjiinder Singh, Khushdeep Goyal and Rakesh Bhatia
The main cause of boiler tube failure in high-temperature thermal power plants is molten sulphate-vanadate-induced hot corrosion. Applying thermal spray coatings on alloy steels…
Abstract
Purpose
The main cause of boiler tube failure in high-temperature thermal power plants is molten sulphate-vanadate-induced hot corrosion. Applying thermal spray coatings on alloy steels can reduce hot corrosion. This study aims to examine the impact of nano yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) reinforcement on Ni-20Cr composite coatings on hot corrosion behaviour of T22 steel in a corrosive environment of Na2SO4-60%V2O5 at 650 °C over 50 cycles.
Design/methodology/approach
The coatings were deposited using a high velocity oxyfuel technique. The samples were subjected to hot corrosion in a Silicon tube furnace at 650 °C for 50 cycles. Weight gain data after each cycle were used to analyse the kinetics of corrosion behaviour. Corrosion products were examined using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive and cross-sectional analytical methods.
Findings
During investigation, nano YSZ-reinforced Ni-20Cr composite coatings on T22 steel were discovered to give superior corrosion resistance in a molten salt environment at 650 °C. Throughout the experiment, the coatings gained less weight and formed protective oxide scales. Increased YSZ concentration in the coating matrix resulted in better protection against hot corrosion.
Research limitations/implications
The inclusion of nano YSZ reduced porosity in Ni-20Cr coatings by filling voids and interlocking particles, as well as blocking the penetration of corroding species, hence improving the corrosion resistance of composite coatings. The corrosion rate decreased with increasing YSZ content in the coating matrix.
Originality/value
It should be noted that the high temperature corrosion behaviour of thermally sprayed nano YSZ-Ni-20Cr composite coatings has never been investigated and is not documented in the literature. As a result, the current study can provide useful information for the application of nano YSZ-reinforced coatings in high-temperature fuel combustion conditions.
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Bilqees Ghani, Muhammad Abdur Rahman Malik and Khalid Rasheed Memon
Research on the underlying mechanisms that transfer the effects of performance appraisal (PA) on employees’ behaviors and intentions remains scarce. The social exchange view of…
Abstract
Purpose
Research on the underlying mechanisms that transfer the effects of performance appraisal (PA) on employees’ behaviors and intentions remains scarce. The social exchange view of performance appraisal can be a source of deeper understanding about these underlying mechanisms. This study aims to investigate how psychological empowerment (PE) and organizational commitment (OC) explain the link between performance appraisal and three important distal outcomes: voice behavior (VB), organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and turnover intentions (TOI).
Design/methodology/approach
The current study utilizes two wave – two source data from a sample of 250 employees and their supervisors from private organizations in Pakistan and tested the mediation model using SMART-PLS.
Findings
Results demonstrated that organizational commitment mediated the effects of performance appraisal on VB, OCB, and TOI, whereas psychological empowerment mediated the effects of performance appraisal on VB and OCB. These results have significant implications for theory and practice.
Originality/value
This study adopts the social exchange perspective to examine the mediation mechanisms linking PA with the three distal outcomes: VB, OCB and TOI. The paper identifies two novel mediators of PA – outcome relationship, i.e., psychological empowerment and organizational commitment.
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Sambo Lyson Zulu, Ali Saad, Saheed Ajayi, Maria Unuigbe and Mohammed Dulaimi
Due to the practical complexity and fragmented nature of the construction industry, digitalisation, like other innovations, is not easily achieved. This study aims to explore…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to the practical complexity and fragmented nature of the construction industry, digitalisation, like other innovations, is not easily achieved. This study aims to explore organisational influences on digitalisation within construction firms.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses structured open-ended questions as a data collection tool for a qualitative investigation. The qualitative approach enabled participants to express their inputs and maximise the diversity of data, offering new insights and discussions that are distinct from previous works.
Findings
Construction professionals from 22 organisations provided their perspectives on digital transformation and their organisations. Under four constructs – structure, culture, leadership and internal processes, findings uncovered 16 determinants critical to digitalisation in construction firms. The study offers a theoretical perspective supported by empirical data to explore the complex dynamics and internal interactions of organisational influence on the uptake of digitalisation in the construction industry.
Originality/value
This paper offers arguments from a theoretical lens by applying the organisational influence model and capturing the variables under each construct in an exploratory manner to highlight the reasoning behind the low digital uptake in construction firms. This research aids academia and practice on the pressure points responsible for enhancing, or undermining, digital uptake in construction firms at an organisational level.
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The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of clothing fabrics, sizes and air ventilation rate on the volume and thickness of the air gap under the air ventilation…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of clothing fabrics, sizes and air ventilation rate on the volume and thickness of the air gap under the air ventilation garments (AVGs).
Design/methodology/approach
The geometric models of the human body and clothing were obtained by using a 3D body scanner. Then the distribution of the volume and thickness of the air gap for four clothing fabrics and three air ventilation rates (0L/S, 12L/S and 20L/S) were calculated by Geomagic software. Finally, a more suitable fabric was selected from the analysis to compare the distribution of the air gap entrapped for four clothing sizes (S, M, L and XL) and the three air ventilation rates.
Findings
The results show that the influence of air ventilation rate on the air gap volume and thickness is more obvious than that of the clothing fabrics and sizes. The higher is the air ventilation rate, the thicker is the air gap entrapped, and more evenly distributed is the air gap. It can be seen that the thickness of the air gap in the chest does not change significantly with the changes of the air ventilation rates, clothing fabrics and sizes, while the air gap in the waist is affected significantly.
Originality/value
This research provides a better understanding of the distribution of the air gap entrapped in ventilated garments, which can help in designing the optimal air gap dimensions and thus provide a basis and a reference for the design of the AVGs.
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