Leticia Suárez-Álvarez, Ana Suárez-Vázquez and Ana-Belén del Río-Lanza
The increase of life expectancy leads to the elderly living with one or more chronic illnesses. Communication between the elderly and the health-care professional is fundamental…
Abstract
Purpose
The increase of life expectancy leads to the elderly living with one or more chronic illnesses. Communication between the elderly and the health-care professional is fundamental but can be difficult. For that reason, it is common to find the patient with an accompanying family member in the doctor’s surgery. The purpose of this paper is to analyze one of the possible actions of the companion during the provision of the medical service: the co-creation of value (through its two dimensions: coproduction and value-in-use) and its effects on the satisfaction of both the companion and the elderly patient.
Design/methodology/approach
A model has been tested through a system of structural equations using the statistical package EQS 6.2. The sample used is made up of 1,814 informants (907 companions and 907 patients).
Findings
The importance of coproduction between the accompanying person and the health-care professional is shown, to obtain greater levels of satisfaction (of the companion and the patient), whereas a negative role is conferred to the dimension value-in-use. This paper shows a positive impact of the satisfaction of the companion on that of the patient.
Practical implications
It is necessary to have health-care professionals who play a proactive role when facilitating the participation in the appointment with the doctor so as not to leave the initiative of participation in the hands of the companions.
Originality/value
Chronic illnesses are an important focal point of medical attention. Good management of the relations between those involved is fundamental for the diagnosis and adherence to treatment.
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Ana Suárez Vázquez and Manuel Chica Serrano
This paper aims to fill a gap in the existing literature by answering the following question: is the effect of envy on people's intention to share information the same in offline…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to fill a gap in the existing literature by answering the following question: is the effect of envy on people's intention to share information the same in offline settings and on online social networks?
Design/methodology/approach
Two studies demonstrate (1) how envy that results from upward social comparisons affects people's intention to share information and (2) the difference between online and offline settings.
Findings
The likelihood of sharing information susceptible of triggering envy is lower in online social networks than in an offline scenario.
Research limitations/implications
In digital environments, feelings of envy depend on the number of social comparisons that the individual is exposed to.
Practical implications
This research recommends (1) incorporating tools that allow online social network users to feel part of their network's successes, (2) promoting offline diffusion of information and (3) encouraging people to play an active role when using online social networks.
Social implications
Benefits can be derived from offering tools that permit receivers to take advantage of the selective self-presentation of other users. Such tools could have positive consequences for the welfare of online social network users.
Originality/value
To date, the literature has paid no attention to envy as an engine of information sharing. This aspect is especially relevant when discussing platforms whose main goal is precisely information sharing and that offer fertile ground for upward social comparisons.
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Leticia Suárez Álvarez, Rodolfo Vázquez Casielles and Ana María Díaz Martín
The current work aims to analyze the role of commitment perceived by the consumer in the maintenance of long‐term relationships. The context of analysis chosen is the tourism…
Abstract
The current work aims to analyze the role of commitment perceived by the consumer in the maintenance of long‐term relationships. The context of analysis chosen is the tourism sector, more specifically the relationships that retail travel agencies establish with their consumers. The study tests a conceptual model via a system of structural equations using the statistics package EQS 6.1 for Windows. The results corroborate the importance of the consumer’s trust in the travel agency and the consumer’s perception of the firm’s commitment, because this commitment acts as an antecedent of trust and creates the conditions for the firm to achieve a stable portfolio of customers.
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Angels Niñerola, Maria-Victoria Sánchez-Rebull and Ana-Beatriz Hernandez-Lara
The purpose of the paper is to analyse the entry mode choice of the Spanish companies in China, the factors that influence it and the barriers that they found.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to analyse the entry mode choice of the Spanish companies in China, the factors that influence it and the barriers that they found.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach is used by interviewing the partners of management consulting firms (MCFs) specialised in internationalisation processes in China.
Findings
The decision on the entry mode choice depends on whether the firm has incentives for investment with a partner rather than the size or the international experience of the board and the top managers. The barriers faced by Spanish companies in China are related to legal issues, bureaucracy, culture, language, trust and human resources.
Practical implications
Companies must have a differential factor to succeed in China and use a legal form that lets them to protect this advantage regardless of the entry form chosen. MCFs pointed out the need to collaborate with local people and to rely on a management team capable of overcoming the barriers.
Originality/value
One of the major contributions of this study is the methodology, as the view of the consultants in the internationalisation process of companies had not been studied before.
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Luis Gomez-Mejia, Rodrigo Basco, Ana Cristina Gonzalez and Claudio G. Muller
María Leticia Santos‐Vijande, Ana María Díaz‐Martín, Leticia Suárez‐Álvarez and Ana Belén del Río‐Lanza
Appropriate management of service failures involves a complex organizational response that allows an effective internal and external recovery, learn from mistakes and introduce…
Abstract
Purpose
Appropriate management of service failures involves a complex organizational response that allows an effective internal and external recovery, learn from mistakes and introduce future service innovations. Empirical evidence on the organizational recovery practices more suitable to achieve these objectives, leading to superior performance, is limited. The present work seeks to extend the existing literature by identifying the potential dimensions that constitute an integrated service recovery system (ISRS), introducing a strategic, proactive and relational approach to service failure and recovery management, and by proposing a causal model linking the ISRS with performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The ISRS dimensions and their attributes are derived from an extensive literature review and suggestions from academics and business experts. Structural equations modeling is used to test a model linking the ISRS (conceptualized as a second order construct), with client, employee and business performance indicators, using data from a Spanish sample of 151 Knowledge‐Intensive Business Services (KIBS).
Findings
Results confirm that the firms' ability to approach service recovery from a strategic, proactive and relational perspective allows improving performance among clients and employees, that is, the external and internal recovery to occur, which leads to a superior competitive performance.
Practical implications
The ISRS scale can provide managers with a diagnostic tool to analyze their recovery practices and to further improve their competitiveness in the long term.
Originality/value
The need to assess the integrative nature of effective service recovery systems has been claimed theoretically. An empirical study showing the link between comprehensive service recovery practices and performance was lacking.
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Ana María Salazar, María Fernanda Reyes, María Paula Gómez, Olga Pedraza, Angela Gisselle Lozano, María Camila Montalvo and Juan Camilo Rodriguez Fandiño
This paper aims to identify psychosocial, demographic and health risk factors associated with depression in older people.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify psychosocial, demographic and health risk factors associated with depression in older people.
Design/methodology/approach
A correlational study with 281 independent and autonomous persons of the community over 60 years old from Bogotá was conducted. The three instruments used to measure the variables included in the data analyses were Demographic and Health Data Questionnaire, Short version of 15 items of Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA).
Findings
Fifteen percent of the participants presented depression. Depression was associated with different demographic, low social support and health factors in this population group and was particularly high in women. Being a woman with poor social support networks and a previous history of depressive episodes should be considered as determining factors within a clinical risk profile for depression in older adulthood. It is essential to design prevention strategies focused on women and on the development of better social support in old age.
Originality/value
Depression is a prevalent and highly disabling disease, when it is suffered by an older person it is associated with higher mortality, functional dependence, poor physical health, worse quality of life indicators and psychological well-being. In the elderly, the clinical diagnosis of depression is difficult, as it has a high comorbidity and is often confused with other health conditions prevalent during older adulthood.
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Marcela Sotomayor-Peterson and Ana A. Lucero-Liu
The purpose of this paper is to assess the associations between familism, frequency of physical contact, and marital satisfaction with mental health and well-being in a sample of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the associations between familism, frequency of physical contact, and marital satisfaction with mental health and well-being in a sample of 58 female marital partners of migrants who stayed in Mexico when their spouses migrated to the USA.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 58 women were recruited through word of mouth in Sonora, Mexico. All women had their partner (the father of her children) living in the USA. Survey was administered face-to-face in participants’ homes.
Findings
Hierarchical regression analysis found that higher marital satisfaction and frequency of physical contact predicts mental health and well-being. However, familism was not associated with mental health and well-being for female partners of migrants.
Originality/value
This work is unique in that the current sample of female partners of migrants originate from the Sonora border region and has greater physical contact with their partner than most studies on transnational families assume. Approximately 40 percent of participants residing in the Sonora border state meet with their partners at least once a month. Additionally, this work provides an intimate face to the understanding of the very specific processes distinctive of inhabitants of border regions that are part of international migration. In order to promote health equity, health providers (e.g. counselors) need evidence-based information to tailor services to the specific needs of underserved Mexican transnationals.
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Ana Gueimonde‐Canto, Javier González‐Benito and José Manuel García‐Vázquez
The present paper proposes simultaneous research into the effects of co‐operation with buyers and suppliers on company performance, and how both types of co‐operation interact in…
Abstract
Purpose
The present paper proposes simultaneous research into the effects of co‐operation with buyers and suppliers on company performance, and how both types of co‐operation interact in one specific industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper conducts an analysis of a sample of 80 sawmills in the Spanish regions of Galicia and the Basque Country, comprising most of the wood production in Spain.
Findings
Contrary to prior research, the results suggest that contextual factors, inherent to each supply chain, affect the relationship between supplier‐customer co‐operation and performance.
Research limitations/implications
The findings lead one to argue that some traditional arguments in favour of co‐operation with buyers and suppliers might not be applicable to specific industries, positions in the value chain or exchanged products, and that industry‐specific variables should be included in future research.
Practical implications
Sawmills appear to benefit only from co‐operation with buyers, but not from co‐operation with suppliers. Furthermore, the two types of co‐operation do not appear to generate synergy.
Originality/value
The study adopts a systemic view of the supply chain and argues that industry‐specific factors, and position in the value chain, should be included as control variables in empirical work researching the competitive consequences of co‐operation in the value chain.
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Ana Sofia Silva Santos, Maria R.A. Moreira and Paulo S.A. Sousa
This study seeks to develop an Environmental Sustainability Balanced Scorecard (ESBSC) articulated through a strategic map for collaborative implementation by municipalities by…
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to develop an Environmental Sustainability Balanced Scorecard (ESBSC) articulated through a strategic map for collaborative implementation by municipalities by municipalities. In addition, it aims to elucidate the architecture of this tool.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses qualitative methodology, initiating with document analysis, followed by municipal-level surveys and an interview with the Norte Portugal Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N).
Findings
The study constructs an ESBSC that adopts an integrative approach to sustainability, focusing on municipal joint action. The tool fosters synergies and enhances cooperation. By incorporating a strategic mix, the tool contributes to improving the environmental management performance of the participating municipalities.
Practical implications
This study introduces a tool designed for municipalities that aspire to incorporate environmental sustainability into their strategies. This tool facilitates the implementation and management of a long-term environmental strategy, with potential implications for organization and its culture. In addition, it highlights critical environmental factors that should serve as a starting point in future studies or applications of this tool.
Social implications
Involving both an academic institution and multiple municipalities, this research identifies critical environmental factors that enhance environmental awareness within municipalities and designs a tool that, when consciously adopted, can influence the culture dynamics of the population involved. Furthermore, it proposes a structured and systematic research method for creating an ESBSC for joint municipal action.
Originality/value
To the best of authors’ knowledge, this research constitutes the first exploratory attempt to devise an environmental strategy for joint municipal action. Although the tool emphasizes the environmental component, it promotes an integrated vision of sustainability. Despite the extensive application of balanced scorecards in various organizational contexts, their utilization in fostering environmental sustainability at a municipal level remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by developing a tailored strategic tool that operationalizes environmental priorities within municipal governance frameworks.