Tachia Chin, Yi Shi, Rosa Palladino and Francesca Faggioni
Cross-cultural cognitive paradoxes have frequently broken the existing boundaries of knowledge and stimulated demands for knowledge creation (KC), and such paradoxes have…
Abstract
Purpose
Cross-cultural cognitive paradoxes have frequently broken the existing boundaries of knowledge and stimulated demands for knowledge creation (KC), and such paradoxes have triggered and will continue to trigger novel risks in the context of international business (IB). Given the nascency of relevant issues, this study aims to develop a more comprehensive understanding of KC across cultures by proposing a Yin-Yang dialectical systems theory of KC as micro-foundation to more systematically frame the risk/paradox-resolving mechanism elicited by cultural collisions.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is conceptual in nature. The authors first critically review the literature to lay a broad theoretical foundation. Integrating the philosophy- and praxis-based views, the authors reposition knowledge as a Yin-Yang dialectical system of knowing, with yin representing the tacit while yang represents the explicit. Next, the authors justify the underling logic of realising KC through a contradiction-resolving process. On this basis, the authors draw upon the Yijing’s Later Heaven Sequence (LHS) as the source domain of a heuristic metaphor to reconceptualise KC as a dynamic capability in the IB context.
Findings
Using the LHS paradigm to metaphorically map the intricate patterns of interaction and interconnectivity among the involved individuals, organisations and all related stakeholders, this research identifies and theorises the overall dynamic capability of KC in the IB context, which comprises five sets of processes: contradiction, conflict, communication, compromise and conversion.
Practical implications
This research highlights that KC is simultaneously activated and constrained by human actions as well as by the socially constructed context in which it emerges, which helps individuals, organisations and policy makers more clearly frame the novel risks induced by cross-cultural cognitive conflicts in the IB context.
Originality/value
The authors synthesise Yin-Yang dialectics with the approach of collective phronesis, proposing a novel, praxis-oriented Yin-Yang dialectical systems theory of KC. It provides a deeper understanding of the epistemological paradox inherent in all knowledge, thus enabling KC to be rationalised by a sounder logical reasoning. By fusing the macro and micro perspectives on KC, the authors also enrich existing theory and future theory building in the domain of knowledge management.
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Although artificial intelligence (AI) is an essential component of hospitality in the technological empowerment era, AI’s effectiveness as an attraction in this context remains…
Abstract
Purpose
Although artificial intelligence (AI) is an essential component of hospitality in the technological empowerment era, AI’s effectiveness as an attraction in this context remains unclear. Grounded in Herzberg’s motivation theory and complexity theory, this study aims to explore configurational paths whereby combinations of qualities lead to success for different types of AI-themed hotels.
Design/methodology/approach
This study innovatively blends topic modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to investigate configurational paths whereby combined qualities produce positive guest evaluations of 12 AI-themed hotels as evidenced by 7,431 customer reviews.
Findings
The results indicate that AI could serve as a “theme” to attract customers under certain circumstances. First, “attractive” and “must-be” qualities are first identified for different types of AI-themed hotels. Furthermore, 6, 15 and 15 configurational paths inspiring favorable guest evaluations of luxury-independent, budget-independent and chain AI-themed hotels, respectively. Technology-related qualities are found to be especially attractive for luxury-independent AI-themed hotels, whereas the role of technology is minimal for budget AI-themed hotels. The impact of technology is salient for chain AI-themed hotels when combined with other factors. In addition, the effect of price differs among the configurational paths for the three hotel types.
Research limitations/implications
This study expands the understanding of AI applications within the hospitality context by exploring the role of AI in AI-themed hotels and comparing its effectiveness in attracting customers across various hotel types. It also provides operational strategies for adopting AI for different types of hotels and for other hospitality and tourism sectors.
Originality/value
This study represents an early attempt to integrate topic modeling and fsQCA to clarify customers’ perceptions of AI-themed hotels and the combined impacts of various qualities. The findings expand on Kano’s model by classifying technology-related qualities into attractive qualities within AI-themed hotels.
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Xiubin Gu, Yi Qu and Zhengkui Lin
The purpose of this study is to investigate the pricing strategies for knowledge payment products, taking into account the quality level of pirated knowledge products, in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the pricing strategies for knowledge payment products, taking into account the quality level of pirated knowledge products, in the context of platform copyright supervision.
Design/methodology/approach
This study abstracts the knowledge payment transaction process and aims to maximize producer's revenue by constructing a pricing model for knowledge payment products. It discusses pricing strategies for knowledge payment products under two scenarios: traditional supervision and blockchain supervision. The analysis explores the impact of pirated knowledge products quality level and blockchain technology on pricing strategies and consumer surplus, while providing threshold conditions for effective strategies.
Findings
Deploying blockchain technology in platform operations can significantly reduce costs and increase efficiency. In both scenarios, knowledge producer needs to balance factors such as the quality of pirated knowledge products, the supervision level of platform, and consumer surplus to dynamically adjust pricing strategies in order to maximize his own revenue.
Originality/value
This study enriches the literature on the pricing models of knowledge payment products and has practical significance in guiding knowledge producer to develop effective pricing strategies under copyright supervision.
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Over the past 20 years, entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) have emerged as a significant research field, inspiring several scholars to provide valuable contributions. The chapter…
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) have emerged as a significant research field, inspiring several scholars to provide valuable contributions. The chapter aims to map the current state of literature by highlighting the most prominent research strands and the main theoretical lenses employed in the research field. By carrying out a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis, the study examines articles published over a period of 27 years. The time frame from 1996 to 2023 offers an extensive outlook of the field’s evolution and current trends, resulting in the identification of five research strands and different future research avenues. From the analysis of prior research works, this study provides an in-depth examination of the complex nature of EEs. The results hold theoretical and practical implications. From the scholars’ point of view, they offer future research directions to move the current level of knowledge forward. From the entrepreneurs’ perspective, they provide valuable insights to address ongoing challenges and catch new opportunities within the dynamic panorama of EEs. Therefore, the insights are poised to drive future research, inform policymakers, and enhance business strategies aimed at fostering resilient EEs. In other words, the purpose is to provide readers with a well-rounded understanding over the state of the literature on EEs and the research strands that deserve further exploration.
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Sui-Xin Fan, Xiaoni Yan, Yan Cao, Yi cong Liu, Sheng Wei Cao, Jun-Hu Meng and Junde Guo
Nano graphitic-carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is an emerging lubrication technology with excellent performance and significant potential for future applications. This study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Nano graphitic-carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is an emerging lubrication technology with excellent performance and significant potential for future applications. This study aims to investigate the effect of nano g-C3N4 as a lubricant additive on the wear performance of bearing steel disk.
Design/methodology/approach
Various mass fractions of g-C3N4 were introduced into the base oil. Combining tribological testing, rheological testing and surface analysis methods, the anti-wear properties and lubrication mechanisms were analyzed.
Findings
Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the size of the nanoparticles of g-C3N4 ranges from 10 to 100 nm. Phase analysis of the g-C3N4 sample was conducted using X-ray diffraction. Further, 1.0% mass fraction of g-C3N4 in the base oil provides excellent anti-wear and friction-reducing performance. Compared to the base oil alone, it reduces the average friction coefficient by 63.8% and decreases the wear rate by 43.1%, significantly reducing the depth and width of the wear scar. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that the oil sample containing nano g-C3N4 can form a lubricating film on the sliding surface of bearing steel after wear, which enhances the lubricating properties of the base oil.
Originality/value
The synergistic effect of the base oil and nanoparticles reduces friction and wear and is expected to extend the service life of bearing steel. These findings suggest that incorporating nano g-C3N4 as a lubricant additive offers significant potential for improving the performance of mechanical components.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2024-0456/
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Lu Wan, Yanqi Fang, Nannan Ban, Guo Cheng and Guohua Huang
This paper aims to explore the relationship between digital transformation, international competition and productivity progress by examining the dual margins of export, thereby…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the relationship between digital transformation, international competition and productivity progress by examining the dual margins of export, thereby identifying the digital development pathway for key industrial chains within the context of regional medical and health cooperation.
Design/methodology/approach
By constructing models incorporating both the extensive margin and intensive margin, this paper delves into the reasons underlying changes in product trade value and variety within international market competition. Utilizing export data for medical products from China to Belt and Road Initiative partner countries spanning from 2007 to 2020, an industry–destination–time panel benchmark model is established to assess the impact of digital transformation on product expansion and international competition.
Findings
The findings reveal the following insights. First, digital transformation positively impacts the intensive margin of medical products, whereas it does not exert a positive influence on the extensive margin. Second, the impact mechanism test indicates that digital transformation fosters the intensive export margin by enhancing the technical efficiency of exports but exhibits an inverted U-shaped effect on technological progress. Third, digital transformation demonstrates a notable non-linear characteristic, with a substantial increase in the lifting effect once a certain threshold is surpassed.
Originality/value
While previous research has extensively explored the effects of digital transformation on export trade, this study uniquely integrates the concepts of the intensive and extensive margins of export, thereby enriching the research insights derived from existing literature. It focuses on the nonlinear effects and threshold dynamics of digital transformation, particularly in relation to total factor productivity. Additionally, the paper makes a contribution to the understanding of the Health Silk Road by incorporating the health index.
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Qi Sun, Ying Zhang, Yue Sun, Yi-Jun Chen, Xin Li, Qian-Wen Huang, Qi-Zheng Li and Laili Wang
With the accumulation of theoretical research and practical experience in the field of garment production research, it is imperative to methodically analyze and reflect on the…
Abstract
Purpose
With the accumulation of theoretical research and practical experience in the field of garment production research, it is imperative to methodically analyze and reflect on the achievements that have been made. This review aims to systematically map the academic landscape of research articles on garment production, elucidate the evolutionary trajectory of this discipline, identify emerging research frontiers and provide insights into its prospects.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the Web of Science core database, 307 research articles were systematically analyzed by CiteSpace software. The study employed bibliometric and thematic analyses to offer in-depth insights into the dynamics and evolution of research on garment production.
Findings
Results reveal that keyword analysis emphasizes the significance of topics such as apparel assembly line, lean production, circular economy, fuzzy logic, global production networks, social sustainability and supply chain management in garment production research. Citation analysis demonstrates that articles related to environmental impact, supply chain management, production process and production technology constitute the knowledge base and core of garment production research. Eight principal research themes emerge: customized garment production, production technology, quality assurance, equipment, production lines, supply chain management, environmental impact and social and human impact. Future research hotspots will focus more on sustainable, intelligent and digital clothing production.
Originality/value
The findings systematically sort out the hotspots and trends in garment production, establish knowledge structures and display them through intuitive representations. The rich insights set the stage for the development of garment production and provide future guidance for theoretical research.
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Mohammed Awad Alshahrani, Muhammad Zafar Yaqub, Murad Ali, Imane El Hakimi and Mohammad Asif Salam
Building on social cognitive theory and self-determination theory, this study aims to discern the innovative work behaviors of organizational employees as the process by which…
Abstract
Purpose
Building on social cognitive theory and self-determination theory, this study aims to discern the innovative work behaviors of organizational employees as the process by which they generate, develop and implement new and valuable ideas, practices, products or procedures shaped by entrepreneurial leadership by reinforcing intrinsic motivation and creative self-efficacy under the boundary condition of a firm’s innovative climate.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used partial least squares-based structural equation modeling on a sample of 203 employees of small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Saudi Arabia.
Findings
This study found that entrepreneurial leadership improves employees’ innovative work behavior by successively enhancing their intrinsic motivation and creative self-efficacy. Furthermore, the analysis confirmed that a firm’s innovative climate significantly moderates the strength of the indirect mediation effect between entrepreneurial leadership and employees’ innovative work behavior through sequential mediation.
Practical implications
The findings of this study yield substantial theoretical and practical implications resulting from a fine-grained understanding of the instrumentality of entrepreneurial leadership in fostering employees’ innovative work behavior. Effectively orchestrating these psychological mechanisms could enable entrepreneurial leaders to alleviate their behaviors.
Originality/value
This is an original study that outlines the importance of aligning entrepreneurial leadership and an innovative climate to shape intrinsic motivation and creative self-efficacy in employees’ innovative work behavior. It demonstrates how entrepreneurial leadership enhances innovative work behavior through the sequential mediation of intrinsic motivation and creative self-efficacy under the boundary condition of an innovative climate.
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Weiting Wang, Yi Liao and Jiacan Li
The purpose of this study to improve the efficiency of customer acquisition and retention through the design of salary information disclosure mechanism.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study to improve the efficiency of customer acquisition and retention through the design of salary information disclosure mechanism.
Design/methodology/approach
This study develops a stylized game-theoretic model of delegating customer acquisition and retention, focusing on how firms choose delegation and wage information disclosure strategy.
Findings
The results confirm the necessity for enterprises to disclose salary information. When sales agents are risk neutral, firms should choose multi-agent (MA) delegation and disclose their wages. However, when agents are risk averse, firms may disclose the wages of acquisition agents or both agents in MA delegation, depending on the uncertainty of the retention market.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature on delegation of customer acquisition and retention and demonstrates that salary disclosure can be used as a supplement to the incentive mechanism.
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Satabdee Dash, Axel Nordin and Glenn Johansson
Dual design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) takes into account both the opportunities and constraints of AM simultaneously, which research shows is more effective than…
Abstract
Purpose
Dual design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) takes into account both the opportunities and constraints of AM simultaneously, which research shows is more effective than considering them separately. Unlike existing reviews, this paper aims to map DfAM research within the engineering design process, focusing solely on studies adopting dual DfAM. Additionally, it aims to suggest future research directions by analysing prominent research themes and their inter-relationships. Special emphasis is on theme inter-relationships concerning the conceptual, embodiment and detail design phases.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on a systematic literature review of 148 publications from January 2000 to February 2024. After screening, prominent research themes were identified and systematically analysed. Theme inter-relationships were explored using quantitative analysis and chord diagrams.
Findings
The findings reveal that studies either span the entire design process, the early design phases or the later design phases. Most research focuses on the later design phases, particularly within themes of design optimisation, design evaluation and AM-specific manufacturing constraints. The most frequent theme inter-relationship occurs between design optimisation and AM-specific manufacturing constraints. Overall, the findings suggest future research directions to advance dual DfAM research, such as development of design rules and guidelines for cellular structures.
Originality/value
This review proposes a model by mapping prominent themes of dual DfAM research in relation to the engineering design process. Another original contribution lies in analysing theme inter-relationships and visualising them using chord diagrams – a novel approach that did not exist before.