Afzaal H. Seyal, Mohd Noah Abd Rahman and Hj Awg Yussof Hj Awg Mohammad
The primary purpose of this research is to examine and explore quantitatively the determining factors that contribute electronic data interchange (EDI) adoption among Brunei's…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary purpose of this research is to examine and explore quantitatively the determining factors that contribute electronic data interchange (EDI) adoption among Brunei's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) not addressed previously.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based upon survey approach to collect the primary data from 50 SMEs in Brunei Darussalam based upon stratified random sampling plan. A one stage normative model that is associative in nature was developed based upon reviewing the previous researches and further in line with the research objectives. The model elicits six factors that are grouped in three categories, namely, organizational, environmental and technological.
Findings
The findings based upon regression analysis indicate that factors such as perceived benefits, government support and management support are significant determinants of EDI adoption. The 35 percent of the total variance is explained by these three factors.
Research limitations/implications
The small market size as well small sample size is one of the research limitations in addition that only 20 percent of the SMEs have adopted EDI. The inclusion of some more variables such as external pressure and competitive pressure will not only increase the shared variance, but will also bring broader perspective to the research. However, findings support similar other regional Asia‐Pacific studies.
Practical implications
The study has practical significance as it provides help to the management of the SMEs with the factors contributing towards EDI adoption. In case, these SMEs have to capitalize on EDI adoption, the management with the government support should not only take a supporting role, but also act proactively and competitively. The management focusing on the potential benefits could further trigger the adoption.
Originality/value
This pioneering study adds value to the existing knowledge and supports previous work. It further provides a platform for the future research. The EDI adoption among Brunei's SMEs could further be geared up by considering the factors mentioned above.
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Mahbubur Rahim, Mohd. Noah Abd. Rahman and Afzaal H. Seyal
This article reports the results of a survey in Brunei Darussalam concerning the use of pirated software among academics. Though, the suspicion of academics using pirated software…
Abstract
This article reports the results of a survey in Brunei Darussalam concerning the use of pirated software among academics. Though, the suspicion of academics using pirated software has long been circulating around in East and South East Asia, no “hard data” has ever been collected. This article confirms the suspicion, and provides new information on the use of pirated software outside the USA. Also reveals the type of tasks accomplished by academics with pirated software, and identifies the reasons for using such software. Moreover, relates academics’ use of pirated software with nine factors related to demographics, computer exposure, and job profile of academics. The findings are discussed, and are compared with some related findings reported elsewhere. Finally, concludes with some suggestions to curb piracy, and identifies areas of further research.
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Deybbi Cuéllar Molina, Mª Cruz Déniz-Déniz and Antonia M. García-Cabrera
This paper aims to examine the influence of the emotional intelligence (EI) of the human resources (HR) decision-maker on firm performance in small and medium-sized enterprises…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the influence of the emotional intelligence (EI) of the human resources (HR) decision-maker on firm performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as the possible mediating role of the use of a system of HR practices in that relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
The research involves a sample of 157 managers responsible for HR in SMEs. SMEs are examined because in these firms, decisions are not usually adopted on a collegiate basis. It makes these firms an ideal context for studying the relationship between HR decision-maker’s EI and firm performance.
Findings
Results show that the HR decision-maker’s EI determines firm performance in terms of generation of valuable HR and financial outcomes. They also confirm the mediating role of the system of HR practices in that relationship.
Research limitations/implications
This research suggests that an adequate understanding of the importance of EI can guide efforts to boost SMEs competitiveness. Thus, as SMEs are an important part of the business fabric in the majority of developed economies, the implications of this study are significant.
Originality/value
Findings in this research suggest that the workplace is not managed exclusively on a cognitive basis since emotional competences may play an important role in the HR management and SMEs’ performance.
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Asad Khan, Mohamad Noorman Masrek and Fuziah Mohd Nadzar
– The purpose of this study is to assess the training needs on emotional intelligence (EI) of librarians serving in the university libraries of Pakistan.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to assess the training needs on emotional intelligence (EI) of librarians serving in the university libraries of Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from a randomly selected sample of Pakistani university librarians. A paired sample t-test was used to examine the significance of difference between the four indicators of EI. Further, descriptive statistics were used to assess the training needs on EI.
Findings
The difference between all indicators of EI was found to be significant. The results showed less than 50 per cent of deficit, more than 50 per cent of surplus and 20 per cent of job best fit in terms of EI of university librarians. Further, results illustrated that librarians require training to cover the skill deficiencies. Similarly, top-down allocation of tasks is required to produce more person-job fit and control surplus or over utilisation of the skills.
Practical implications
Findings of this study have several implications for university librarians, such as designing of training programs, incorporation of EI in the performance evaluation to investigate the causes of deficit and surplus in EI, etc.
Originality/value
This study is a first attempt that extended the scope of EI towards librarianship in Pakistan. The findings probably motivate university librarians to improve the current level of their EI.