Kofi Q. Dadzie, Charlene A. Dadzie and Alvin J. Williams
This study aims to examine how various components of interpersonal trust (affective and cognitive) influence the duration of buyer-seller relationships in the emerging market (EM…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine how various components of interpersonal trust (affective and cognitive) influence the duration of buyer-seller relationships in the emerging market (EM) context of a heterogeneous market structure dominated by small, fragmented sellers/suppliers.
Design/methodology/approach
The study proposes a hazard model for analyzing duration effects of interpersonal trust in the EM context. The model was validated using data on buying agents provided by 340 cocoa sellers/producers in Ghana, gathered from extensive field interviews.
Findings
Results of the survival analysis reveal a limited but significant positive duration effect of cognitive (ability) trust only. Further analysis of sellers’ duration intentions (intention to remain with a buyer) also reveals a positive impact of affective trust but no impact of cognitive (ability and integrity) trust. Cocoa bean sellers’ evaluation of buying firms’ purchasing agents suggests that buying firms underperform on emotional/affective components of interpersonal trust, and that private firms outperform state buying agents on ability trust as well.
Research limitations/implications
While this study focused on the fragmented nature of sellers in the EM context, and the scope was limited to the sellers’ interpersonal trust perception of the buyer-seller, future research should examine both buyer and seller perceptions to obtain complete insight into the buyer-seller dyad in the EM context. In addition, the results of the duration effects identified in this study may not be generalizable to other EM export commodities, where channels have long been fully privatized. Ghana’s cocoa export marketing system was only recently privatized, and potentially has more sellers at the risk of adopting/switching relationships with their buyers than would be expected in more privatized expert commodity marketing systems.
Practical implications
Managers of export commodity buying firms in EMs can take advantage of the positive duration effects of cognitive trust by constantly improving the capabilities of their purchasing agents throughout the lifetime of their suppliers to sustain their relationship. However, sellers’ intention to switch can be mitigated by formalizing policies that encourage emotional bonds with sellers, especially small-scale producers in highly vulnerable bargaining positions. The aggregate output of small-scale producers could be of strategic importance in the future.
Originality/value
Managers need systematic empirical evidence of the nature of duration effects of interpersonal trust given anecdotal evidence suggesting that managers have a tendency to emphasize cognitive trust over affective/emotional trust. Further, the applicability of such evidence in the EM context is critical given unique conditions such as highly fragmented sellers dealing with relatively large corporations.
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A. Ben Oumlil and Alvin J. Williams
Highlights the role of consumer education in enhancing the capacity of mature consumers to navigate the increasingly complex marketplace. Consumer education programs can provide…
Abstract
Highlights the role of consumer education in enhancing the capacity of mature consumers to navigate the increasingly complex marketplace. Consumer education programs can provide significant benefits, including identification of market information, complaint and consumer redress procedures, and understanding a more technology‐based consumer environment. A conceptual model of the relationship between consumer education and mature consumers’ ability to manage marketplace dynamics is developed and discussed. Marketing management implications of consumer education for mature segments are posited and discussed.
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Alvin J Williams and Ben Oumlil
The reviewed literature emphasized that the student loan debt issues have a lot of connections to the economy. This conclusion is in support with broader evidence that high…
Abstract
Purpose
The reviewed literature emphasized that the student loan debt issues have a lot of connections to the economy. This conclusion is in support with broader evidence that high student debt levels are a drag on economic growth. Additionally, disadvantaged and other vulnerable groups, including students, are more likely to be excluded from the formal, regulated financial sector and not be able to take advantage of mainstream financial service providers (e.g. lack access to credit, insurance, and other formal financial services). Among the primary reasons cited for this financial exclusion has to do with a lack of understanding or familiarity with traditional financial services. The aim of this paper is to look at alternate approaches in promoting financial literacy to manage the huge private debt burden facing this important segment of the population. The purpose of this paper is to advance a model of college students’ financial capabilities enhancement to partially alleviate some of the problems related to deficits in financial knowledge among this population. The integrative model provides a framework to be operationalized by institutional decision-makers and policymakers at all levels. The model can be adapted to fit unique institutional circumstances and culture. Successful implementation of the model has the potential to enhance the quality of financial health among college students and young adults.
Design/methodology/approach
The manuscript’s aim is to advance a model of college students’ financial capabilities in an effort to prevent their financial exclusion. The proposed model provides a framework to be operationalized by institutional decision-making processes. The model offers six distinct, but inter-related components – antecedent variables, program design and implementation, delivery modalities, program content, behavioral outcomes, and measurement and assessment.
Findings
The underlying raison d’etre for the model is to offer a comprehensive, inclusive, across-the-board roadmap to guide universities, and other organizations in conceptualizing, planning, organizing, implementing, and assessing financial education-related systems and processes designed to enhance the long-term financial choices and behaviors of students. Through careful consideration of each of the phases of the model, decision-makers at all levels and all types of organizations should have a stronger grasp of the depth and breadth of actions required to effect the desired changes in students’ financial behavior.
Research limitations/implications
As with any paper there are limitations. The paper is conceptual and lacks data to test some of the linkages. Future research efforts should posit specific propositions to be tested based on the linkages offered in the model. Given the nature of the research theme, there is considerable benefit from taking a case-based approach to future research to offer more in-depth analyses of student financial literacy deficits across different situations and types, student markets, and educational institutions. The current research could also benefit from a stronger cross-cultural focus. While huge college student debt is probably more burdensome in the USA, it is helpful to get input from students in countries that lack a tradition of heavy borrowing to pay for college costs. Researching debt management trends across cultures should provide useful micro- and macro-economic data for policymakers and others.
Practical implications
The paper introduces a model of college students’ financial capabilities enhancement and financial exclusion’s prevention that offers one avenue to partially remedy the direct and indirect ills perpetrated and perpetuated by insufficient financial knowledge among young adults, especially the college segment (i.e. to promote financial inclusion and financial exclusion’s prevention). The model provides a comprehensive and integrative path for college administrators and others to consider when designing programs to enhance the overall financial knowledge acumen and savvy of college students. Specifically, the model discusses antecedent variables, program design and implementation, delivery modalities, program content, behavioral outcomes, and measure and evaluation options.
Social implications
There is considerable concern among students, parents, marketers, and public policymakers regarding deficiencies in financial knowledge and capabilities among the young adult population. Students have massive student loan debt, collectively, and there is a multifaceted clarion call to develop integrative solutions to this daunting scenario. The paper discusses the gravity and consequences of financial literacy deficits among college students and some associated solutions.
Originality/value
The model offers six distinct, but inter-related components – antecedent variables, program design and implementation, delivery modalities, program content, behavioral outcomes, and measurement and assessment. The model is posited as an “intervention strategy” capable of strengthening the capacity of young college adults to make informed financial decisions, thus impacting their quality of life over the long run. In particular the model offers a form of empowerment to this consumer segment. As stated, the underlying raison d’etre for the model is to offer a comprehensive, inclusive, across-the-board roadmap to guide universities and other organizations in conceptualizing, planning, organizing, implementing, and assessing financial education-related systems and processes designed to enhance the long-term financial choices and behaviors of students. Through careful consideration of each of the phases of the model, decision-makers at all levels and all types of organizations should have a stronger grasp of the depth and breadth of actions required to effect the desired changes in students’ financial behavior.
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Daniel H. McQuiston and Rockney G. Walters
proposes that who have more knowledge about their buyers give moreeffective presentations. Addresses this issue by examining theevaluative criteria held by different functional…
Abstract
proposes that who have more knowledge about their buyers give more effective presentations. Addresses this issue by examining the evaluative criteria held by different functional roles represented in the decision‐making unit, how those criteria differ across the various roles, and howknowledge of this can be incorporated into sales training programs to give salespeople more information on their customers and help them be more effective during the sales interaction.
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Maxime Desmarais-Tremblay and Marianne Johnson
Alvin Hansen and John Williams’ Fiscal Policy Seminar at Harvard University is widely regarded as a key mechanism for the spread of Keynesianism in the United States. An original…
Abstract
Alvin Hansen and John Williams’ Fiscal Policy Seminar at Harvard University is widely regarded as a key mechanism for the spread of Keynesianism in the United States. An original and regular participant, Richard A. Musgrave was invited to prepare remarks for the fiftieth anniversary of the seminar in 1988. These were never published, though a copy was filed with Musgrave’s papers at Princeton University. Their reproduction here is important for several reasons. First, it is one of the last reminiscences of the original participants. Second, the remarks make an important contribution to our understanding of the Harvard School of macro-fiscal policy. Third, the remarks provide interesting insights into Musgrave’s views on national economic policymaking as well as the intersection between theory and practice. The reminiscence demonstrates the importance of the seminar in shifting Musgrave’s research focus and moving him to a more pragmatic approach to public finance.
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Icy Lee, Pauline Mak and Anne Burns
The purpose of this paper is to examine how the teachers implemented innovative feedback approaches in their writing classroom and the extent to which the innovative feedback…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how the teachers implemented innovative feedback approaches in their writing classroom and the extent to which the innovative feedback approaches impacted upon student attitude and performance in writing. In the writing classroom, teacher feedback serves as an assessment as well as a pedagogical tool to enhance the teaching and learning of writing. While there is no shortage of literature on the topic of feedback per se, there is scant research on teachers’ attempts to implement change to conventional feedback practices, as well as the impact of such feedback innovation on student learning. Drawing on data gathered from individual teacher interviews, student questionnaires, student focus group interviews, pre-and post-writing tests and classroom observations, this study seeks to explore two teachers’ change initiative in their writing feedback approaches.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used multiple sources of data including individual teacher interviews, student questionnaires and student focus group.
Findings
The results suggest that the innovative feedback approaches helped to enhance the motivation and writing performance of the students. The paper concludes with implications and insights to help teachers implement similar feedback innovations in their contexts.
Practical implications
First, the findings suggest that focused written corrective feedback is a viable option for responding to student writing, especially for low proficiency students in English as a foreign language (EFL) contexts. Second, teachers might consider the option of removal or delay in the reporting of scores, where appropriate. Third, more intensive training might be necessary to help students improve their peer evaluation skills and their ability to write more constructive comments for their peers.
Originality/value
The significance of the study lies in the contribution it can make to existing writing feedback research that pays insufficient attention to teacher feedback in real classroom contexts, uncovering the process through which teachers attempt to bring improvement to conventional feedback practices, as well as the impact of feedback innovation on student learning in naturally occurring classroom contexts.
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This chapter is a contribution to the intellectual history of the anxiety that full employment in the modern United States depended somehow on military spending. This discourse…
Abstract
This chapter is a contribution to the intellectual history of the anxiety that full employment in the modern United States depended somehow on military spending. This discourse (conveniently abbreviated as “military Keynesianism”) is vaguely familiar, but its contours and transit still await a full study. The chapter shows the origins of the idea in the left-Keynesian milieu centered around Harvard’s Alvin Hansen in the late 1930s, with a particular focus on the diverse group that cowrote the 1938 stagnationist manifesto An Economic Program for American Democracy. After a discussion of how these young economists participated in the World War II mobilization, the chapter considers how questions of stagnation and military stimulus were marginalized during the years of the high Cold War, only to be revived by younger radicals. At the same time, it demonstrates the existence of a community of discourse that directly links the Old Left of the 1930s and 1940s with the New Left of the 1960s and 1970s, and cuts across the division between left-wing social critique and liberal statecraft.
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Communications regarding this column should be addressed to Mrs. Cheney, Peabody Library School, Nashville, Term. 37203. Mrs. Cheney does not sell the books listed here. They are…
Abstract
Communications regarding this column should be addressed to Mrs. Cheney, Peabody Library School, Nashville, Term. 37203. Mrs. Cheney does not sell the books listed here. They are available through normal trade sources. Mrs. Cheney, being a member of the editorial board of Pierian Press, will not review Pierian Press reference books in this column. Descriptions of Pierian Press reference books will be included elsewhere in this publication.