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1 – 10 of 25Maria Hedlund and Erik Persson
The aim of this chapter is to explore the safety value of implementing Asimov's Laws of Robotics as a future general framework that humans should obey. Asimov formulated laws to…
Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to explore the safety value of implementing Asimov's Laws of Robotics as a future general framework that humans should obey. Asimov formulated laws to make explicit the safeguards of the robots in his stories: (1) A robot may not injure or harm a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm; (2) A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law; (3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law. In Asimov's stories, it is always assumed that the laws are built into the robots to govern the behaviour of the robots. As his stories clearly demonstrate, the Laws can be ambiguous. Moreover, the laws are not very specific. General rules as a guide for robot behaviour may not be a very good method to achieve robot safety – if we expect the robots to follow them. But would it work for humans? In this chapter, we ask whether it would make as much, or more, sense to implement the laws in human legislation with the purpose of governing the behaviour of people or companies that develop, build, market or use AI, embodied in robots or in the form of software, now and in the future.
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Nidhi Jaswal, Dipanker Sharma, Bhawana Bhardwaj and Sascha Kraus
Our study aims to understand what is known about happiness at work (HAW) in terms of publication, citations, dimensions and characteristics, as well as how knowledge about HAW is…
Abstract
Purpose
Our study aims to understand what is known about happiness at work (HAW) in terms of publication, citations, dimensions and characteristics, as well as how knowledge about HAW is generated regarding theoretical frameworks, context and methods. Additionally, it explores future directions for HAW research.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper conducts a systematic literature review of 56 empirical articles published between 2000 and 2022 to comprehensively explore HAW. It examines publication trends, citation patterns, dimensions, characteristics, theoretical frameworks, contextual factors and research methodologies employed in HAW studies.
Findings
Our findings suggest that while HAW research has gained momentum, there is still a need for exploration, particularly in developing countries. Various theoretical frameworks such as the job demand-resources model, social exchange theory and broaden-and-build theory are identified, with suggestions for the adoption of less popular theories like the positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment (PERMA) model and flow theory for future investigations. The review contributes to workplace happiness literature by offering a comprehensive analysis spanning two decades and provides valuable insights for guiding future research toward exploring factors influencing employee well-being.
Originality/value
Our article offers a structured analysis of HAW literature, emphasizing the necessity for more extensive research, especially in developing nations. It provides valuable insights into the theories and dimensions associated with HAW, guiding future research and assisting organizations in formulating strategies to enhance employee happiness and overall well-being.
Abdelsalam Busalim, Linda D. Hollebeek and Theo Lynn
Social commerce (s-commerce) offers community-based platforms that facilitate customer-to-customer interactions and the development of customers' social shopping-based experience…
Abstract
Purpose
Social commerce (s-commerce) offers community-based platforms that facilitate customer-to-customer interactions and the development of customers' social shopping-based experience. While prior research has addressed the role of customer engagement (CE) in boosting s-commerce-based sales and performance, insight into the effect of s-commerce attributes on CE remains tenuous. Addressing this gap, this study examines the role of specific s-commerce attributes (i.e. community, collaboration, interactivity and social dynamics) on CE, which is, in turn, proposed to impact customers' repurchase- and electronic word of mouth (eWOM) intention.
Design/methodology/approach
A web-based survey was deployed to target users of a popular s-commerce platform, Etsy.com. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was, then, used to analyze the survey data collected from 390 users.
Findings
The results reveal that the four examined attributes positively affect CE. The findings also demonstrate CE's positive effect on customers' repurchase- and eWOM intention.
Originality/value
Though CE has been identified as a key s-commerce performance indicator, little remains known about the role of specific s-commerce attributes in driving CE, as, therefore, explored in this research. Specifically, the authors examine the role of s-commerce-based community, collaboration, interactivity and social dynamics on CE. Their analyses also corroborate that CE, in turn, drives customers' post-purchase (i.e. repurchase/eWOM) intention. Managerially, our findings can be used to develop more engaging s-commerce platforms.
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Nahed Munir Arafat, Jane Woodin and Amanda Savioli Marques Tavares
This article discusses the importance of the relationship between cultural awareness (CA) training and post-training reflection in the health-care sector, and considers the…
Abstract
Purpose
This article discusses the importance of the relationship between cultural awareness (CA) training and post-training reflection in the health-care sector, and considers the implications for future developments for CA training in relation to content, audience, process and format.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 77 health and social care professionals (HCSPs) took part in a 4-h CA training, 25 of whom also opted for an additional optional reflection hour. The results reported on in this paper are drawn from the experiences of the 25 participants in the optional reflection sessions (RSs), using a thematic analysis approach.
Findings
Participants highly valued the “safe space” in both the CA workshop and the optional follow-on RS, enabling them to share experiences, revisit topics and feel supported to put things into practice. They also reported a growing confidence in dealing with intercultural challenges, in particular in asking questions and being curious about topics they did not understand.
Originality/value
This research points towards a strong recommendation for open-ended CA training, allowing participants to articulate their experiences, fears and concerns. It also highlights the importance of a follow-on RS as an integral part of CA training; both of these were found to offer opportunities for strengthening HSCPs’ skills and facilitate the transition of learning from the workshop context into the workplace, with the ultimate aim of reducing inequalities in the quality of patient care.
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Shubhi Gupta, Govind Swaroop Pathak and Baidyanath Biswas
This paper aims to determine the impact of perceived virtuality on team dynamics and outcomes by adopting the Input-Mediators-Outcome (IMO) framework. Further, it also…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to determine the impact of perceived virtuality on team dynamics and outcomes by adopting the Input-Mediators-Outcome (IMO) framework. Further, it also investigates the mediating role of team processes and emergent states.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors collected survey data from 315 individuals working in virtual teams (VTs) in the information technology sector in India using both offline and online questionnaires. They performed the analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The authors investigated two sets of hypotheses – both direct and indirect (or mediation interactions). Results show that psychological empowerment and conflict management are significant in managing VTs. Also, perceived virtuality impacts team outcomes, i.e. perceived team performance, team satisfaction and subjective well-being.
Research limitations/implications
The interplay between the behavioural team process (conflict management) and the emergent state (psychological empowerment) was examined. The study also helps broaden our understanding of the various psychological variables associated with teamwork in the context of VTs.
Practical implications
Findings from this study will aid in assessing the consequences of virtual teamwork at both individual and organisational levels, such as guiding the design and sustainability of VT arrangements, achieving higher productivity in VTs, and designing effective and interactive solutions in the virtual space.
Social implications
The study examined the interplay between behavioural team processes (such as conflict management) and emergent states (such as psychological empowerment). The study also theorises and empirically tests the relationships between perceived virtuality and team outcomes (i.e. both affective and effectiveness). It may serve as a guide to understanding team dynamics in VTs better.
Originality/value
This exploratory study attempts to enhance the current understanding of the research and practice of VTs within a developing economy.
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Andrzej Szymkowiak, Urszula Garczarek-Bąk and Mikołaj Bączyk
Influencers in physical activity and sports have gained significant prominence in promoting health and well-being via digital social networks. This research investigates the…
Abstract
Purpose
Influencers in physical activity and sports have gained significant prominence in promoting health and well-being via digital social networks. This research investigates the impact of athlete influencers on sports perceptions, with a focus on korfball. Using korfball as a representative sport minimizes biases, allowing a nuanced exploration of athlete-generated content’s direct influence on viewer attitudes.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey with 319 respondents explores variables like athlete attitude, attractive appearance, social media profile attitude, emotional engagement toward korfball, korfball perception, korfball interest and general sports attitude. Structural equation modeling analysis examines relationships among these variables.
Findings
The study delves into the complex interplay among athlete attitude, social media attitude and emotional engagement toward sports, emphasizing the pivotal role of authenticity in fostering deeper connections. Contrary to expectations, athlete attractiveness did not significantly influence viewer priorities, signaling a notable shift towards valuing authenticity and performance. Furthermore, the research explores how general sports attitudes moderate relationships between sports perceptions and interest, offering critical insights for sports sociology and marketing.
Originality/value
This study innovates by focusing on korfball, emphasizing authenticity over attractiveness and providing insights into the evolving dynamics of sports marketing and consumer behavior in the digital age. This research evidences the profound impact of the digital age on sports engagement, laying a foundation for future studies and practical applications in sports sociology, marketing and consumer behavior.
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Hongying Zhao and Christian Wagner
The purpose of this paper is to examine how different types of user experience in TikTok impact purchase intention via commitment to the influencer and commitment to the platform…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how different types of user experience in TikTok impact purchase intention via commitment to the influencer and commitment to the platform, with customer type included to determine moderating effects. Three types of user experience are considered: information experience, entertainment experience and parasocial-relationship-based experience.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected 458 valid questionnaires from TikTok users, employing the structural equation modeling approach to examine the proposed research model.
Findings
Information experience, entertainment experience and parasocial-relationship-based experience are found to critically stimulate user commitment to the influencer and commitment to the platform, in turn driving TikTok-based purchase intention. Tests incorporating customer type reveal that commitment to the influencer more strongly influences the purchase intention of repeat customers, with commitment to the platform more likely to stimulate purchase intention among potential customers.
Research limitations/implications
On a theoretical level, the paper is among the first to examine TikTok-based user purchase intention with customer type as a moderator. On a practical level, the results can guide marketers to effectively promote products using TikTok and inspire TikTok managers to develop customized strategies to stimulate initial and repeat sales.
Originality/value
TikTok is moving to the stage of commercialization and monetization by introducing e-commerce features. Although this move should cultivate particularly fertile ground for companies to sell products, TikTok user purchase behavior has yet to receive sufficient research attention, with little currently known about their purchase motivations. The current study uncovers the significant antecedents of users' purchase intention through TikTok, and further reveals the motivational differences among potential and repeat customers.
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This paper explores the Entrepreneurial Well-Being (EWB) of expatriate entrepreneurs in China. Through the analysis of their contextualised lived experience across the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores the Entrepreneurial Well-Being (EWB) of expatriate entrepreneurs in China. Through the analysis of their contextualised lived experience across the entrepreneurial journey, the paper proposes a novel theorisation of EWB.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts an interpretivist approach of abductive reasoning to analyse the data from 50 in-depth interviews conducted with expatriate entrepreneurs in China. Expatriate entrepreneurs are confronted with enhanced challenges in their host country, leading to particular emotional engagement with the entrepreneurial journey.
Findings
Findings show the importance of life situations, emotions and relatedness in the entrepreneurial process and the EWB of expatriate entrepreneurs. Theorising from their lived experiences, the paper presents EWB as a dynamic process. It further theorises this process as a constant, ongoing interaction and integration between the self and world, in an interplay of being and becoming. Such theorisation contributes first to advancements in the EWB literature, with a stronger emphasis on the entrepreneurial aspect. The paper also contributes to discussions on contextualised entrepreneurship by stressing the role of emotions and relatedness in the pursuit of EWB.
Originality/value
Entrepreneurship is a global phenomenon, which is often presented as a suitable alternative career path for migrant and expatriate individuals. However, the importance of EWB for entrepreneurs requires further attention from policy-makers, support institutions and entrepreneurs themselves. By theorising EWB as a processual journey of being and becoming and the relation between the self and world, this paper opens avenues for innovative support policies and practices aiming at developing the full potential of individuals in entrepreneurship and promoting both the happiness index and the global index of society.
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