Ambika Prasad, Darleen DeRosa and Michael Beyerlein
The purpose of this paper is to understand different aspects of structural dispersion in virtual teams (VTs). The study measures five types of dispersion, their impact on VT…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand different aspects of structural dispersion in virtual teams (VTs). The study measures five types of dispersion, their impact on VT performance and the moderating effect of electronic communication.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors collected data from 44 globally distributed VTs representing 403 members. The authors used details of the members’ locations to measure five elements of dispersion for each team: spatial, time-zone, number of locations, extent of numerical balance across locations and extent of isolated members for a team. The authors used two items to assess effective electronic communication and measured team performance on four items from three sources – members, leaders and third-party stakeholders.
Findings
Using regression, the authors found that the number of sites, degree of team balance and isolation had a negative impact on team performance. Spatial and temporal dispersion did not impact performance. Effective electronic communication moderated the relationship of team performance with team balance and the number of sites.
Research limitations/implications
Study presents novel findings on the role of team configuration in VTs. Limitations: the study provides pointers to the likelihood of a non-linear relationship between spatial distance and performance; however, the scope of the paper does not permit an examination of this model. Future research can study this relationship. Second, the study does not examine how team configuration impacts the team processes that discount performance. Finally, the study treats each index of dispersion as independent of the others. The analysis does not study the interplay between and among the indices.
Practical implications
The findings provide clear indicators for managers and researchers of VTs on the issues associated with the location and configuration of the teams. Managers, while designing and managing dispersed members are now informed of the impact of the number of sites and the sub-group dynamics. The study underscores the importance of effective electronic communication in managing dispersion.
Social implications
The study presents how faultiness based on location of VT sub-groups (as represented in the configuration of a team) can hamper performance. Literature suggests that this faultiness can also extend to social identities (based on gender, culture, etc.). The indicators provided by this study in this respect provide a topical focus for research because diverse dispersed teams are becoming more prevalent.
Originality/value
The study is the first empirical exploration of dispersion in VTs beyond the traditionally acknowledged dimensions of spatial distance and time-zones. It is a timely response to the recent trends in literature. Additionally, the study derives data from a unique data set of global VTs, thus making findings easily generalizable.
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Anjali Malik, Ambika Prasad Nanda and Rajeev Kumra
The marketing of immersive and competitive online gaming products has proliferated in recent times. Consumption has also shown a substantial increase, especially among children…
Abstract
Purpose
The marketing of immersive and competitive online gaming products has proliferated in recent times. Consumption has also shown a substantial increase, especially among children. Such elevated levels of gaming have adversely affected children’s overall well-being. This paper aims to examine the role of parental attachment variables in enhancing children’s self-control behavior in counteracting the adverse effects of excessive gaming. The role of gender in excessive gaming is also studied.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework is tested that examines the direct relationship of features of parental attachment with excessive online gaming behavior and an indirect effect through the mediation of a child’s self-control construct using structural equation modeling.
Findings
The findings indicate that parental attachment through self-control can play a significant role in limiting excessive gaming behavior among vulnerable young gamers. Excessive gaming behavior was more pronounced for boys than girls. Alienation explained excessive gaming behavior among girls, while communication was significant for boys, but in a reversed direction.
Research limitations/implications
All possible antecedent variables from the literature, like parental rearing style, that may further contribute to developing a comprehensive theoretical framework could not be studied.
Practical implications
The study suggests that the priming of children achieved through parental attachment relationships may help prevent excessive gaming behavior among vulnerable young gamers.
Originality/value
This study addresses the gap in the understanding of parental attachment features related to excessive gaming among different genders. It also establishes the role of the intervening mechanism of a child’s self-control in regulating behavior in relation to excessive gaming in the Indian context.
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Vivek Soni, Rashmi Anand, Prasanta Kumar Dey, Ambika Prasad Dash and Devinder Kumar Banwet
The purpose of this research paper is to assess efficacy of e-governance implementation, influenced under the Indian-EU (European Union – EU) strategic dialogue. For the same…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research paper is to assess efficacy of e-governance implementation, influenced under the Indian-EU (European Union – EU) strategic dialogue. For the same purpose, this study aims to analyse and measure penetration level of information and communication technology (ICT) applications across ten select gross domestic product-dependent sectors (gross domestic product – GDP) in Indian economy.
Design/methodology/approach
Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach of PROMETHEE, using its partial and complete versions in fuzzy environment, is applied. The approach assesses e-governance efficacy in various sectors, which is chosen based on their contribution to GDP, where criteria values are assigned by expert opinions, feedback is received and lessons are learnt from training and initiatives taken under the Digital India programme launched by the Government of India. These criteria related to IT policy implementation, cyber security breaches, IT infrastructure development initiatives in select sectors are identified. Later, sectors outranking results have been highlighted using both fuzzy set theory along with PROMETHEE (F-PROMETHEE) and its visual application.
Findings
On applying F-PROMETHEE, studies found that industrial, railways, health and finance and education sectors outrank in their high merit orders. Contrary, outranking shows that agriculture, defence and aerospace sectors should be more open and accessible to adopt ICT applications in order to promote e-governance processes and their implementation to make e-services available to common citizens. For better interpretation of results, graphical analysis for interactive aid is used to present the analyses.
Research limitations/implications
Research study was found useful in the assessment of ICT penetration level in to support Indo-EU relations, where PROMETHEE method is used to outrank sectors alternatives. Criteria are also weighted using fuzzy scale, and the impact of criteria on all alternatives has also been assessed. MCDM framework addresses that subjectivity lies in sectors to implement ICTs bases services. However, few other MCDM frameworks, methods such as COPRAS, GST, GRA, SAW and SWARA, can be used for the same purpose.
Practical implications
Sectors alternative involve high degree of complexity to adopt ICT applications for smooth e-governance and seek effective decision-making for investment prioritization and future development. This study also aims to address cyber security concerns of policymakers. Outranking methods of F-PROMETHEE are able to address the criteria-to-criteria impact and support decision-making in a more precise way.
Social implications
This study is inspired from the strategic implementation of the framework of the e-Government Action Plan 2016-2020 of the EU. The findings from the paper can provide referential support to the Indian Government and policymakers to support information delivery, implement cyber security policies and various sector developments.
Originality/value
This research study can act as a strong base in the decision-making process in conflicting situations of e-governance in India. This study not only can synergize conflicting ideas of various stakeholders, academicians in the Indian IT-sector but also can act as support to administrators and the policymakers to monitor the status of the India-EU Information Society Dialogue.
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Suman Das and Ambika Prasad Pati
The study aims to make a comparative assessment of the degree of market power for listed commercial banks operating in India and Bangladesh and identify various bank-specific…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to make a comparative assessment of the degree of market power for listed commercial banks operating in India and Bangladesh and identify various bank-specific market structures and macroeconomic determinants of market power.
Design/methodology/approach
The study relied on secondary data from 2011 to 2022 to assess the market power of 48 listed commercial banks in India and Bangladesh, employing the adjusted Lerner index (ALI) and the generalized method of moments (GMM) regression technique to explore the factors influencing market power.
Findings
The findings demonstrate that Indian banks possess more market power than their counterparts in Bangladesh and bank capitalization, diversification, operational inefficiency (OI) and gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate are crucial determinants of market power for both economies.
Research limitations/implications
The result provides significant takeaways for the respective country regulators and banks. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) should implement measures to reduce market power. In contrast, the Bangladesh Bank (BB) should carefully monitor the increasing trend of competition and look into possibilities of bank consolidation without hampering the competitive agenda. Further, banks in both economies need to focus on operational cost-cutting.
Originality/value
This study is among the first to compare market power and its determinants for listed commercial banks of India and Bangladesh. It has also incorporated a new variable, technology, alongside other established determinants.
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Suman Das and Ambika Prasad Pati
Over the past three decades, financial deregulation and various reforms have significantly transformed the competitive environment for banks in Indonesia. These changes have…
Abstract
Purpose
Over the past three decades, financial deregulation and various reforms have significantly transformed the competitive environment for banks in Indonesia. These changes have introduced new challenges for banks to retain their market power and ensure their survival. In light of this, the article aims to assess the current levels of market power held by Indonesian banks and explore the factors that influence it.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper measured the degree of market power and identified its impacting factors for 22 listed commercial banks using the Adjusted Lerner Index (ALI) and appropriate regression technique over a period of 2011–2023.
Findings
The empirical findings reveal that banks in Indonesia enjoy high market power, and factors such as capitalization, diversification, operational inefficiency, asset quality and GDP growth rate significantly impact banks’ market power. Additionally, the findings contradict the structure-conduct-performance paradigm, which advocates that a concentrated banking system impairs competition.
Research limitations/implications
The study suggests that regulatory authorities should closely monitor the market power levels and promote strategies to enhance competition within the banking sector. Additionally, banks should prioritize implementing measures to reduce operational costs and improve the quality of assets.
Originality/value
This research represents one of the early attempts to gauge the market power of publicly listed conventional commercial banks in Indonesia by employing the Adjusted Lerner Index. Additionally, it introduces “technology adoption” as a novel variable to the analysis alongside other established variables.
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Suman Das and Ambika Prasad Pati
This study aims to investigate whether various types of risks faced by the publicly listed commercial banks of India and Bangladesh are driven by market power and provides…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate whether various types of risks faced by the publicly listed commercial banks of India and Bangladesh are driven by market power and provides comparative insights from both economies.
Design/methodology/approach
By using the adjusted Lerner index to gauge bank market power and applying the generalised methods of moments (GMM) regression approach, the research delved into the relationship between bank market power and three distinct facets of risk across a sample of 26 publicly listed commercial banks in India and 22 listed banks in Bangladesh spanning from 2011 to 2022.
Findings
The results indicate that for Bangladesh, both “competition fragility” and “competition stability” viewpoints coexist simultaneously across all risk types, supporting a nonlinear relationship between market power and risk. However, in the Indian context, a nonlinear association exists only in the case of credit risk, while the relationship with insolvency risk is linear, substantiating the “competition fragility view”. Apart from market power and bank-specific variables, GDP growth rate has emerged as a prominent driver across all risk categories in both countries.
Research limitations/implications
The filtration of banks is a limitation that might have influenced the outcomes. This study recommends that the Reserve Bank of India encourages further bank consolidation. Along the same line, Bangladesh Bank should closely oversee the growing competitive landscape. Furthermore, the regulators must monitor the elevated levels of non-performing loans to reduce credit risk so as to bolster the stability of their respective banking sectors.
Originality/value
This comparative study is the first attempt to analyse the market power and risk relationship and includes a novel bank-specific variable, i.e. technology, apart from other established variables.
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Ambika Prasad, Laurie T. O’Brien and Caitlin E. Smith Sockbeson
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relevance of caste identity in applied settings. The authors do this within the larger framework of affirmative action programs (AAPs…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relevance of caste identity in applied settings. The authors do this within the larger framework of affirmative action programs (AAPs) or “reservations” in India. The paper explores the interplay of a primordial identity like caste with the modern institutions representing equality – a context unique to India.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reports the findings of two experimental studies collecting data using Mechanical Turk.
Findings
The first study finds that an individual hired under the AAP is perceived poorly on his/her competence and reward worthiness. The second study finds support for the influence of an individual’s conception of modern casteism and his/her caste identity as factors in shaping attitudes toward AAP.
Research limitations/implications
The paper lays the groundwork but does not explore the contours of casteism in contemporary India. Understanding of this construct as well as the impact of factors as region, education, urbanization, religion, nature of employment, etc. on caste dynamics should be considered by future research.
Practical implications
The paper uncovers some similarities between Indian and Western findings, but it also demonstrates key differences between findings related to race-based AAPs in the West and the caste-based AAP in India. This understanding will guide discourses on diversity management in under-researched countries like India. The findings can sensitize organizations to the need for addressing unconscious biases related to caste.
Social implications
The paper underscores the continuing relevance of caste in modern India and the negative perceptions of lower castes. The paper finds that individuals with an appreciation of the subtle forms of casteism are sympathetic to programs that promote social equality. In modern social contexts this nuanced operationalization of casteism can be a relevant indicator of caste dynamics.
Originality/value
This is the first empirical study to examine caste-based AAP in India in an applied study and unpacks the psychological underpinnings of the attitudes toward AAP.
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Prasenjit Roy and Ambika Prasad Pati
The purpose of the paper is to confirm the adherence of double bottom line objectives by the microfinance institutions (MFIs) of India and, further, to identify the causal factors…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to confirm the adherence of double bottom line objectives by the microfinance institutions (MFIs) of India and, further, to identify the causal factors that work out their double bottom line commitments.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses an empirical data set for the period of 10 years, i.e. from 2005–2006 to 2014–2015, gathered from www.mixmarket.org. It follows an exploratory approach with overall and segmented performance analysis. Further, a panel data regression model is applied to identify the causal factors of double bottom line.
Findings
The study finds that MFIs are adhering to the notion of double bottom line. The segregated analysis does not give any solid indications of trade-off. The mature and small MFIs are found to be better in attaining social objective but the new and large are better in sustainability. The non-governmental organization (NGO) category is more committed to the double bottom line than the non-NGO. The causal analysis could not show any relationship between financial performance and outreach. Though age and outreach size show relationships with small loan sizes, they do not influence sustainability. The operating and financial expenses along with portfolio quality are found to be the main causal variables of sustainability.
Practical implications
There are indications for the policy makers to frame regulations and prepare a roadmap for the mature and the large MFIs. This would help them adhere to the double bottom line, which would further streamline the operations of the MFIs in the long run. Containing operating expenses and controlling the asset quality still remain to be the challenges which need to be addressed with proper policy guidelines.
Originality/value
The analysis of the study focuses on industry classifications, which make it more intriguing in nature given the fact of the varied features like age, legal status and outreach. India being the largest microfinance market in the world has limited studies. Most of the studies in double bottom line are based on a cross-country analysis, which generalizes the individual characteristics. The study fills this gap and adds to the understanding of the double bottom line commitments in the Indian context.
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Aashis S. Roy, Ameena Parveen, Ambika Prasad and Koppalkar R. Anilkumar
The purpose of this paper is to study the sensitivity and selectivity properties of polyaniline/tantalum pentoxide (PANI/Ta2O5) composite to liquid petroleum gas (LPG).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the sensitivity and selectivity properties of polyaniline/tantalum pentoxide (PANI/Ta2O5) composite to liquid petroleum gas (LPG).
Design/methodology/approach
Polyaniline/tantalum pentaoxide (PANI/Ta2O5) composites were synthesized by in situ chemical polymerization method using ammonium persulphate as an oxidizing agent. This is the novel polymerization process for the direct synthesis of emeraldine salt phase of the polymer. The composites were characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM. Temperature dependence conductivity of the composites shows thermally activated behaviour. Sensitivity and selectivity of the composites are studied.
Findings
The PANI/ Ta2O5 composites of 20 wt% and 30 wt% are showing maximum change in resistance against time when compared to pure PANI and other polyaniline composites when exposed to LPG. The 20 wt % composites show maximum sensitivity of 83% to LPG. The selectivity studies reveals that LPG could be sensed better when compared to oxyacetylene and other test gases.
Practical implications
Selectivity studies have been carried out and the sensor proved to be better than metal oxides sensors.
Social implications
The sensing material is of low cost.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge, studies on Ta2O5‐based gas sensor have not been reported previously.
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Rana Haq, Alain Klarsfeld, Angela Kornau and Faith Wambura Ngunjiri
The purpose of this paper is to present the diversity and equality perspectives from the national context of India and introduce a special issue about equality, diversity and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the diversity and equality perspectives from the national context of India and introduce a special issue about equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in India.
Design/methodology/approach
This special issue consists of six articles on current EDI issues in India. The first three of the contributions are focused on descriptions of diversity challenges and policies regarding caste and disabilities, while the remaining three papers address gender diversity.
Findings
In addition to providing an overview of this issue's articles, this paper highlights developments and current themes in India's country-specific equality and diversity scholarship. Drawing on the special issue's six papers, the authors show the relevance of Western theories while also pointing to the need for reformulation of others in the context of India.
Research limitations/implications
The authors conclude with a call to further explore diversity in India and to develop locally relevant, culture-sensitive theoretical frameworks. Religious and economic diversity should receive more attention in future diversity management scholarship in the Indian context.
Originality/value
How does India experience equality and diversity concepts? How are India's approaches similar or different from those experienced in other countries? How do theoretical frameworks originated in the West apply in India? Are new, locally grounded frameworks needed to better capture the developments at play? These questions are addressed by the contributions to this special issue.