Search results

This study aims to empirically investigate how knowledge paradox affects collaboration performance. Knowledge paradox, which arises from the simultaneous need for knowledge sharing and protection, is common in interorganizational collaboration. Using the ambidexterity perspective, this paper aims to reexamine the effect of the knowledge paradox on collaborative performance to explore the moderating roles of structural and contextual ambidexterity.

This study used a sample of 153 firms involved in vertical and horizontal collaboration, collected via questionnaires. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis.

This study demonstrates that the stronger the knowledge paradox is, the higher the potential for value creation. Thus, knowledge paradox has a positive impact on collaborative performance. The functions of structural ambidexterity and contextual ambidexterity strengthen this positive relationship.

This paper not only expands the theoretical application of the knowledge paradox and ambidexterity theory in the context of interorganizational relationships but also provides significant managerial implications. By comprehending the dynamics of the knowledge paradox and the role of ambidexterity, managers can make well-informed decisions to enhance their collaborative performance.

Based on the social exchange theory, this study aims to investigate the influence of green supplier development (GSD) on supplier green innovativeness (SGI), the mediating role of buyer–supplier cooperation and the moderating role of preferred customer status (PCS).

This study uses stratified regression analysis to test the hypothesized relationships with data collected from 385 Chinese high-tech manufacturing enterprises.

The results of regression analysis show that GSD has a significant positive effect on buyer–supplier cooperation and SGI; buyer–supplier cooperation plays a partially mediating role between GSD and SGI; PCS strengthens the positive relationship between buyer–supplier cooperation and SGI and enhances the mediating role of buyer–supplier cooperation between GSD and SGI.

Supplier participation in green innovation is of great significance to the green development transformation of China’s manufacturing industry. This study reveals the positive impact of GSD on enhancing SGI and provides specific suggestions for manufacturing enterprises to realize efficient supplier management and build mutually beneficial and win-win cooperative relationships.

This study enriches and expands the related research on SGI antecedents and reveals the mediating mechanism and boundary conditions therein, which better makes up for the lack of attention to GSD in the existing research on supplier management and can provide lessons and references for the subsequent related researches targeting the enhancement and utilization of SGI.

This paper aims to examine the effects of both transient and chronic loneliness on consumers’ variety-seeking (VS) behavior and to identify the various underlying mechanisms involved.

Four studies were adopted to clarify how transient and chronic loneliness affect consumers’ VS behavior.

Both transient and chronic loneliness promote consumers’ VS behavior. More importantly, the effect of transient loneliness on VS behavior is driven by perceived loss of control, whereas the effect of chronic loneliness on VS behavior is driven by need for uniqueness and sensation-seeking.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to explore the differential roles of transient and chronic loneliness on VS behavior, which may open new avenues for future research. First, future research could investigate moderators that influence the impacts of transient and chronic loneliness on VS behavior. Second, future research could examine different participant populations and use cognitive neuroscience techniques to further verify the differential roles of these two types of loneliness on VS behavior.

This research contributes to marketing practice by providing practical guidance on how to effectively design different marketing strategies to promote VS for consumers with different types of loneliness. For consumers with transient loneliness, marketers can benefit from a concerted focus on improving consumers’ sense of control. Yet, for consumers with chronic loneliness, marketing strategies that improve consumers’ need for uniqueness will be more effective.

This research contributes to the literature on loneliness and consumer behavior, which has largely overlooked the distinct roles of different types of loneliness (i.e. transient vs chronic loneliness) in influencing consumer behavior. Specifically, this paper conducted a comparative analysis of the impacts of transient and chronic loneliness on consumers’ VS behavior and proposed that transient and chronic loneliness promote consumers’ VS behavior through divergent underlying mechanisms.

This study aims to shed new light on the effect of gift packaging shape, specifically the distinction between horizontal and vertical orientations, on the face consciousness of both gift givers and recipients. The underlying mechanism of the main effect is examined, focusing on the perception of social status symbols. In addition, downstream outcome variables were included in the study to explore the effects of gift package shape on willingness to buy (WTB) and word-of-mouth (WOM) in the giver and receiver contexts, respectively. Furthermore, these effects were repeatedly verified in both China and the USA, revealing the significance of cultural differences. The study also investigated the moderating effects of an individual’s power state (low or high power) on the giver’s face consciousness.

Six studies were conducted to address the research objectives. Study 1 compared the gift givers’ face consciousness of a gift when presented with vertical package shapes versus horizontal. Subsequently, Study 2 investigated whether consumers’ perception of social status symbols mediates the effect of gift package shape on gift givers’ face consciousness. Study 3a expanded the conceptual model to include the downstream outcome variable of WTB in the context of gift-giving. Study 3b was validated with American participants, revealing the influence of cultural background differences on face consciousness. Study 4 introduced a gift-receiving context to investigate the chain-mediated effects of gift package shapes on consumer WOM. Lastly, Study 5 critically examined the boundary effect of personal power states on the interaction between the gift givers’ face consciousness and WTB.

The results indicate that gift givers and recipients attribute higher face consciousness to gifts with vertical package shapes compared to horizontal ones. In addition, consumers’ perception of gifts as status symbols was the underlying mechanism driving the impact of gift packaging shape on face consciousness. Furthermore, the face consciousness for gift packages of vertical shape was enhanced when people were in lower-power states as opposed to higher-power states, subsequently leading to an increase in the WTB.

The research is limited to an online virtual brand study; future field studies could be conducted to enhance the authenticity of the participants’ gift-giving experience and the overall external validity of the studies. In addition, gender-based stereotypes and the relationship between the giver and the receiver (transactional or intimate) may also influence the relationship between gift package shapes and face consciousness.

The practical implications of this research focus on three points. First, gift brand managers should strategically employ vertical package shapes to signal high-end attributes and evoke face consciousness among consumers, aligning with the psychology of both givers and recipients. Second, managers must consider consumers’ power states in gift-giving scenarios, tailoring packaging recommendations to the dynamics between givers and recipients to maximize market share. Last, cultural differences in face consciousness, particularly between Asian and Western cultures, necessitate that managers adapt packaging designs to respect and enhance the social status of both givers and recipients in culturally sensitive ways. These findings underscore the importance of understanding and integrating consumer psychology, power dynamics, and cultural nuances into gift packaging strategies to boost market share.

The research contributes to understanding the impact of gift packaging shape on the perception of face consciousness among both gift givers and recipients. It highlights the mediating role of social status symbols and extends its scope by examining downstream effects such as WTB and WOM. It explores individual power states as a moderating factor, revealing how personal dynamics influence perceptions of face-saving consciousness. Also, the cross-cultural validation of these effects in China and the USA underscores the importance of considering cultural differences.

Drawing upon the needs–supplies fit theory, this study aims to examine how the expected and perceived algorithmic autonomy support (AAS) influences platform workers’ work stress and incivility, with a focus on the moderating role of self-direction.

Using data collected from 422 platform workers in China through multiple waves, the model is tested through polynomial regression and response surface analysis.

The results indicate that a mismatch between expected and perceived AAS is associated with higher levels of incivility among platform workers, and this relationship is mediated by work stress. These findings are particularly salient when self-direction is emphasized.

This study suggests that a universally high level of AAS may not necessarily reduce workers’ stress and incivility. Instead, it is important for platforms to ensure that their workers’ expectations of autonomy support are met and for workers to be given the space to exercise self-direction.

Previous studies have highlighted the need to pay attention to workers in mobile and ambiguous environments, and this study adds to this literature by focusing specifically on platform organizations and workplaces. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between AAS, work stress and platform workers’ incivility.

Purpose: This study investigates the relationships between environmentally conscious behaviours and intentions among the Romanian population, focusing on the interplay between disposition towards supplementary payment for eco-friendly products (DSPEP), intention for purchasing green products (IPGP), environmentally aware behaviours (EAB), and anticipated eco-behaviour intention (AEI).

Methodology: Questionnaire, the participants being selected using a convenience sampling method, taken from the population of Romania in the period 2021–2022, and the final sample being formed from the answers of 759 participants. Data were analysed using SPSS Process Model 6, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlation analysis, and mediation analysis.

Findings: Pearson’s correlation coefficients revealed significant positive associations among DSPEP, IPGP, EAB, and AEI, indicating that individuals with a higher disposition towards eco-friendly products are more likely to have stronger intentions and behaviours related to environmental conservation. Mediation analysis further elucidated the mediating roles of EAB and AEI in the relationship between DSPEP and IPGP. Specifically, AEI exerted both direct and indirect effects on DSPEP, with EAB and IPGP acting as significant mediators.

Implications: Implications for policymakers and marketers seeking to develop interventions and strategies to foster environmental conservation efforts and promote eco-friendly consumption behaviours.

Limitations: The provision of empirical evidence only from the Romanian population. The sampling method and the cross-sectional nature of the data generate methodological limitations, which limit the generalisation and inference of causality of the findings.

Future Research: Research can be extended to validate these findings in different cultural contexts and explore additional factors influencing environmentally conscious behaviours and intentions.

The main purpose of the study is to identify the differences and similarities in the communication between B2B participants in cross-cultural environments.

The research methods used in the study are two-fold: the literature analysis is complemented by primary qualitative research conducted in small- and medium-sized enterprises operating in Poland and doing business internationally. The research was focused on two culturally different markets: China and the United States. In the empirical research, the authors used one of the qualitative methods – Individual Depth Interview (IDI).

General findings showed that the strongest influence of culture was identified among older (+50 years old) business partners. The younger ones are eager to adapt and try to understand others' viewpoints. The research results may be used in creating business communication models in the countries researched for companies that plan to enter both American and Chinese markets.

The results of the study may have useful applied managerial value and be used in cooperation between SMEs' B2B business partners, not only from Poland but also from the whole region of Central and Eastern Europe and the United States and China.

The findings may help to understand and communicate with culturally different social groups such as co-workers, students, teachers, etc.

The research presented in the paper covers the gap in the literature because it relates to some new factors (like cultural heritage, age and type of industry) which determine the effectiveness of personal business communication between partners in the international marketplace.

This study aims to investigate the circumstances where the positive influences of leader’s self-confidence are weakened in situations of conflict management (CM) arising due to innovation implementation. Specifically, this study tests the moderating influence of financial slack, internal opposition posturing and performance feedback on the relationship between self-confidence and conflict management styles (CMS). The findings are not complete.

This experimental study was conducted in two stages: In Stage 1, the authors studied moderating effects of financial slack (sound/unsound) and internal opposition posture (encouraging/ discouraging) on the relationship between leader’s self-confidence and CMS, namely, dominating, integrating and avoiding. In Stage 2, the authors studied the moderating effect of performance feedback (success/failure) on the relationship between leader’s self-confidence and three CMS. Data were collected from 268 senior-level Indian managers in Stage 1, out of which 235 managers also responded in Stage 2. These participants assumed the positions of chief executive officers (CEOs) within major Indian manufacturer specializing in electrical components, enabling us to empirically test the proposed model. Furthermore, a qualitative analysis of 10 semistructured interviews with Indian CEOs were conducted to enrich the discussion of the results.

Leader’s self-confidence determined the three CMS with highly self-confident leaders displaying irrational behavior in persisting with innovation through dominating style. Internal opposition posture and performance feedback exerted main effects on dominating style.

This study supports behavioral decision theory of firm and escalation of commitment theory.

This study underscores the need for personality and self-awareness training amongst senior managers to mitigate irrational behavior due to excessive self-confidence and enhanced effective CM.

This study identifies a crucial boundary condition where high self-confidence in innovation implementation may lead to irrational behavior and ineffective CM.

The construction industry has long been criticized for unethical conduct. The owner usually manages the contractor's opportunistic behaviors by employing a professional supervisor, but there is a risk of covert collusion between the supervisor and contractor. Based on the principal–agent theory and collusion theory, this paper aims to investigate optimal collusion-proof incentive contracts.

This paper presents a game-theoretic framework comprising an owner, supervisor and contractor, who interact and pursue maximized self-profits. Built upon the fixed-price incentive contract, cost-reimbursement contract, and revenue-sharing contract, different collusion-proof incentive contracts are investigated. A real project case is used to validate the developed model and derived results.

This paper shows that the presence of unethical collusion undermines the owner's interests. Especially, the possibility of agent collusion may induce the owner to abandon extracting quality information from the supervisor. Furthermore, information asymmetry significantly affects the construction contract selection, and the application conditions for different incentive contracts are provided.

This study still has some limitations that deserve further exploration. First, this study explores contractor–supervisor collusion but ignores the possibility of the supervisor abusing authority to extort the contractor. Second, to focus on collusion, this paper ignores the supervision costs. What's the optimal supervision effort that the owner should induce the supervisor to exert? Finally, this paper assumes that the colluders involved always keep their promises. However, what if the colluders may break their promises?

Several collusion-proof incentive contracts are explored in a project management setting. The proposed incentive contracts can provide the project owner with effective and practical tools to inhibit covert collusion in construction management and thus safeguard construction project quality.

This study expands the organization collusion theory to the field of construction management and investigates the optimal collusion-proof incentive contracts. In addition, this study is the first to investigate the effects of information asymmetry on contract selection.

Current developments in the FinTech payment industry have shown a rapid revolution in Industry 4.0, and understanding the factors affecting individual acceptance of facial recognition payment (FRP) is crucial. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the benefits and risks of FRP system adoption in Malaysia.

The perceived risks and benefits framework is adopted as the foundation in this study to examine the various risks and benefits that users perceive, along with the trust factor, to study the relationships between these variables. Data were collected via an online questionnaire, and the hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares analysis on 277 responses.

The results revealed that perceived risk is a significant predictor of users' intention to use the FRP system. Privacy risk and financial risk significantly influence perceived risks, while security risk does not. Although convenience, perceived ease of use and perceived trust positively influence perceived benefits, perceived benefits do not significantly influence adoption intention. Moreover, perceived trust negatively affects perceived risks while positively affecting both perceived benefits and adoption intention. Additionally, personal innovativeness moderates the relationship between perceived risks and the intention to use the FRP system.

This study helps policymakers and service providers understand individuals’ concerns and expectations regarding FRP systems. It aids practitioners in developing strategies to build trust, address innovativeness differences and mitigate risks, serving as a roadmap for integrating these systems into Malaysia's financial landscape.

This study distinguishes itself from prior research by evaluating FRP system adoption in Malaysia through the lens of perceived risks and benefits framework. It also explores personal innovativeness as a moderator, examining its impact on the relationship between usage intention and perceived risks and benefits. Additionally, it highlights perceived trust as a crucial factor influencing individuals' intention to adopt FRPs.