Loren Schechter, William O. Purcell and Cecilia W. Kaiser
The Arthur Andersen case is a nightmare for inside counsel – an act of inside counsel, which probably was a well‐intentioned attempt to protect the client’s interests, resulted in…
Abstract
The Arthur Andersen case is a nightmare for inside counsel – an act of inside counsel, which probably was a well‐intentioned attempt to protect the client’s interests, resulted in the conviction of Arthur Andersen. The verdict in the government’s obstruction of justice case against Andersen shows, among other things, that every time an in‐house lawyer sends an e‐mail, he or she must anticipate that privilege will not attach and adverse inferences may be drawn. On June 15, 2002, the jurors in that case returned a guilty verdict against the accounting firm, which, according to press reports of interviews with jurors, was based not on the government’s presentation of evidence demonstrating Andersen’s “wholesale destruction of documents’ or even on the testimony of David Duncan, Andersen’s lead partner on the Enron audit, that he obstructed justice, but rather on a single e‐mail from Andersen in‐house counsel Nancy Temple.
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Jamaliah Said, Md. Mahmudul Alam, Dar Irna Bt Mohamed and Marhamah Rafidi
Whistleblowing is an important factor in preventing corruption and fraud in organizations. There is a law to promote whistleblowing practices, but the negative subsequent effect…
Abstract
Purpose
Whistleblowing is an important factor in preventing corruption and fraud in organizations. There is a law to promote whistleblowing practices, but the negative subsequent effect of whistleblowing demotivates the reporting of unethical behaviors. Thus, it is important to identify the factors that motivate an employee to exercise whistleblowing in an organization. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether the personal factor of job satisfaction and organizational factors such as fair treatment as well as cooperativeness contribute to the whistleblowing practice in an organization.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected primary data based on a questionnaire survey from 73 respondents of the seven top most government linked companies (GLCs) in Malaysia. The data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and cross-sectional regression.
Findings
The findings of the study reveal that only fair treatment is statistically significant and positively related to the whistleblowing practice. The findings imply that if employees perceive that the organization provides fair treatment in terms of career advancement, awards, training, performance appraisal, job assignment, and pay increases, they would tend to report wrongdoing activities to protect the image of the organization.
Practical implications
The findings of the study will help the policy makers to ensure better working environment and accountability in the public sector of Malaysia and other similar countries.
Originality/value
This is an original study based on primary data to examine the current practices of whistleblowing and its relationship with the practices of job satisfaction, fair treatment, and cooperativeness in the GLCs of Malaysia.
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Cecilia Silvestri, Barbara Aquilani and Alessandro Ruggieri
Satisfaction in the tourism sector is a highly sensitive subject, and customer satisfaction (CS) has a significant impact on the choice of destinations made by tourists and on the…
Abstract
Purpose
Satisfaction in the tourism sector is a highly sensitive subject, and customer satisfaction (CS) has a significant impact on the choice of destinations made by tourists and on the decision to recommend them to friends or acquaintances. The purpose of this paper is to give empirical evidence of the dimensions of service quality (technical, functional and company image (CI)) and their connections in the sector of thermal tourism. It also aims at investigating the CI, seeking to understand whether some of the technical and functional service quality variables play a role in determining it.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical survey was conducted by administering a structured research questionnaire in order to collect all necessary data, which was then elaborated to test the hypotheses using factor and multiple regression analyses.
Findings
The results of the survey confirm the direct impact of service quality dimensions (technical, functional and CI) on CS also in the thermal sector when considered individually. Moreover, when the CI was analyzed further, relational quality was found to be dependent on thermal employees’ capabilities, abilities, trustworthiness, availability, etc. Finally, when considered together, functional service quality and CI have a stronger effect on CS than technical service quality.
Originality/value
The originality of the present research relies on the following: a further contribution to the so-called “European perspective” of service quality; the study of service quality dimensions (technical, functional and CI) in the thermal sector; and evidencing the link between thermal employee characteristics and the relational quality factor of the CI, demonstrating that many aspects of this construct need further empirical investigation, in the wellness sector.
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I HAVE sometimes been asked whether I am conscious, as the present editor of THE LIBRARY WORLD, of the spirit and influence of its founder, James Duff Brown, and of his editorial…
Abstract
I HAVE sometimes been asked whether I am conscious, as the present editor of THE LIBRARY WORLD, of the spirit and influence of its founder, James Duff Brown, and of his editorial successors, who included J. D. Stewart and W. C. Berwick Sayers. The answer is that of course I am—how could it be otherwise?
Juliana Reis Bernardes, Cecília Lima de Queirós Mattoso, Marco Aurelio Carino Bouzada and Claudia Affonso Silva Araujo
This study aims at verifying the impact of literacy on over-the-counter (OTC) drug consumer vulnerability as evaluated by health literacy and label comprehension.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims at verifying the impact of literacy on over-the-counter (OTC) drug consumer vulnerability as evaluated by health literacy and label comprehension.
Design/methodology/approach
The item response theory (IRT) was used to estimate the health literacy of two groups and the two-way analysis of variance tests was used to test the hypotheses for the existence of mean differences between the two populations. The convenience sample involved 188 OTC consumers: 94 (50%) poorly literate and 94 (50%) university students/graduates.
Findings
University consumers/graduates have a level of health literacy and label comprehension that is superior to those presented by poor literate consumers. Also, age does not influence the level of health literacy by OTC drug users but has a significant impact on the understanding of OTC drug labels. Finally, the level of schooling and the “age group,” simultaneously, does not impact the understanding of OTC drug labels or health literacy.
Research limitations/implications
This study has added in the field of knowledge by investigating the behavior of poor literate consumers in Brazil, a developing country. The results may be relevant to Marketing professionals, especially those in the pharmaceutical industry, and to police makers, as they help identify the main problems faced by poorly literate consumers.
Practical implications
It is necessary to raise awareness of the dangers of self-medication and wrong use of medications, mainly focused on people with low literacy. As a suggestion, a simple glossary presented along with the label could provide explanations of scientific terms, thus increasing health literacy and reducing the vulnerability of the consumers.
Social implications
This study showed that when using common words such as gastritis to define a health problem, there is a higher degree of correctness. These results suggest the adoption of a more straightforward language and more precise explanations. By doing that, the pharmaceutical industry and policymakers will improve their social impact by increasing consumer power and taking care of the health of the most vulnerable population: the illiterate people.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the international literature, as it enhances and clarifies the knowledge about the customers’ power and vulnerability in developing countries. It fills a gap by evaluating label comprehension and heath literacy at the same time, giving an academic contribution for pharmaceutical consumers’ studies.
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Berndt Allan Lundgren, Cecilia Hermansson, Filip Gyllenberg and Johan Koppfeldt
The purpose is to increase knowledge of rent negotiations by investigating differences in beliefs held by property landlords and retailers on factors that they deem important in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose is to increase knowledge of rent negotiations by investigating differences in beliefs held by property landlords and retailers on factors that they deem important in rent negotiation.
Design/methodology/approach
This study investigates differences in subjective beliefs held by landlords and retail trade tenants on factors that affect rent levels during the rent negotiation process using a factor analysis approach. Semi-structured interviews were made with seven large real estate owners/landlords and retailers and eight experts in negotiating retail rent to elicit variables that have an impact on retail rent. Thereafter, a web-based survey was sent to 421 respondents who had experience in rent negotiation. Several factors were extracted using factor analysis. The data collection was made in Sweden during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in late spring 2021
Findings
Significant differences are found in beliefs held by landlords and retail trade tenants in four out of seven-factor: regional growth, e-commerce, customer focus and trust. Landlords rate these factors higher than retailers do. There are also systematic differences between landlords and retailers depending on their education levels on the following factors: rent and vacancies, e-commerce and customer focus. The number of years of experience did not prove to be significant instead differences are found to exist in factors
Research limitations/implications
Not only do traditional factors of importance, such as lease structure, the effect of location, size and anchor or non-anchor tenants, have an effect on negotiated rent levels. Differences in other factors also exist, such as regional growth, e-commerce, customer focus and trust factors that may play an important role in the negation of retail rent.
Practical implications
The findings provide new insights into the different views on factors that affect rent negotiations between landlords and retail tenants. Knowledge of such differences may increase the overall transparency in the negotiation process. Transparency may be increased by putting forward information on these factors before a negotiation takes place, in order to smooth differences in their beliefs.
Social implications
If transparency in the negotiation process of retail rent increases, time to reach an agreement, stress and anxiety can be reduced by putting forward information on factors where differences exist between landlords and retailers
Originality/value
New insights on retail rent negotiation have been put forward in this research paper. Not only do traditional factors such as lease structure matters, but subjective beliefs on factors such as regional growth and the level of education are also important, as this study has shown using a factors analysis approach.
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Comfort Olubukola Iyiola and Modupe Cecilia Mewomo
Understanding electricity use behaviour is considered one of the strategies to achieve sustained electricity management in buildings. The lack of understanding of occupants’…
Abstract
Purpose
Understanding electricity use behaviour is considered one of the strategies to achieve sustained electricity management in buildings. The lack of understanding of occupants’ electricity use behaviour has been found to cause various environmental and ecological issues. This paper aims to investigate the factors influencing occupants’ inefficient use of electricity in buildings becomes a vital area of study to achieve maximum benefit in the area of electricity management.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a quantitative survey and questionnaire as instruments for gathering relevant information from end-users in the study area, and the data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings
The major factors influencing the electricity use behaviour of students in the study area were attributed to their level of awareness, personal beliefs and attitude towards electricity, managerial influences and economic factors.
Originality/value
The threats to the environment and ecology necessitate immediate attention to the elements that impact students’ electricity use habits. This research explains the key elements that might impact students’ electricity consumption habits in buildings. Understanding these key characteristics will provide policymakers with vital knowledge of its prevalence.
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Felix Elvis Otoo, Cecilia Ngwira and Zandivuta Kankhuni
The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of involvement, satisfaction and festival attachment on urban Dragon Boat Festival (DBF) attendees’ future intentions.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of involvement, satisfaction and festival attachment on urban Dragon Boat Festival (DBF) attendees’ future intentions.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 307 participants of the Hong Kong DBF using a survey instrument. Data was analysed using a series of analytical tools including factor analysis, structural equation modelling and bootstrap mediation.
Findings
Results indicate that festival attendees’ involvement and satisfaction directly influenced future intentions with the DBF, but this was not the case for festival attachment. Consequently, satisfaction is a key puzzle piece for understanding why DBF attendees may not revisit despite a positive attachment to the DBF.
Research limitations/implications
The study draws implications for DBF promotion as an urban cultural event.
Originality/value
This study sheds light on the key drivers of attendees’ future intentions among both residents and tourists to urban festivals. A noble contribution to knowledge in this regard is that attachment alone is not sufficient to induce loyalty among DBF patrons. Essentially, satisfaction is a vital element for repeat visits. The study also makes important distinctions in determining elements of attachment.
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James Olaonipekun Toyin and Modupe Cecilia Mewomo
The utilisation of building information modelling (BIM) technology is rapidly increasing among construction professionals across the world. Notwithstanding, recent studies…
Abstract
Purpose
The utilisation of building information modelling (BIM) technology is rapidly increasing among construction professionals across the world. Notwithstanding, recent studies revealed a low level of BIM implementation in the context of the Nigerian construction sector. Moreover, previous studies have established that BIM application comes with its share of various barriers. Therefore, this study aims to carry out an on-site survey on barriers to the application of BIM on construction sites in the Nigerian construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
An extensive review of literature on BIM barriers was conducted, from where 33 factors were identified as significant BIM barriers peculiar to the developing countries. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to the targeted respondents, who are practicing professionals in the Nigerian construction industry, based on the identified barriers. The data collected were analysed by using both descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings
The principal component analysis revealed that 27 barriers were peculiar to the Nigerian construction industry. The “lack of familiarity with BIM capacity, habitual resistance to change from the traditional style of design and build, and poor awareness of BIM benefit” were identified as the three most critical barriers hindering BIM application on construction sites in the Nigerian construction industry.
Practical implications
This study reveals key information on the peculiar barriers to BIM application in the Nigerian construction industry. The avoidance of these barriers will not only assist various construction stakeholders in the successful implementation of BIM application on a construction project but also promote information management systems and productivity within the construction industry to a great extent. These will further improve post-construction activities.
Originality/value
This study provides a substantial understanding of BIM state of the art in the context of barriers hindering BIM application on construction sites in the Nigerian construction industry.
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Iseoluwa Joanna Mogaji, Modupe Cecilia Mewomo and Francis Kwesi Bondinuba
While innovative building materials (IBM) have emerged as a promising solution for addressing the global construction industry’s environmental, economic and social challenges…
Abstract
Purpose
While innovative building materials (IBM) have emerged as a promising solution for addressing the global construction industry’s environmental, economic and social challenges, their adoption is plagued with increasing challenges in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). To provide practical strategies to overcome the present IBM challenges in the NCI, the barriers that hinder its successful adoption need detailed investigation. Consequently, this study examines the barriers that affect the adoption of IBM for sustainable construction (SC) in the NCI.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research approach was used to obtain primary data from 282 construction professionals, viz. architects, builders, engineers and quantity surveyors, via a closed-ended questionnaire survey. Data were analysed using a mean item score (descriptive analysis) and exploratory factor analysis (inferential analysis).
Findings
The study revealed the top five most significant barriers to IBM adoption in the NCI. These barriers include lack of awareness and knowledge, learning/training period, cost and economic viability, lack of qualified staff and lack of end-user involvement. Factor analysis revealed five components of barriers: resource and policy-related barriers, perception and cultural-related barriers, organisational-related barriers, awareness and market-related barriers and resistance and stakeholder engagement-related barriers.
Practical implications
The findings of this study have several practical implications for construction professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders in Nigeria. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and technical expertise to promote the adoption of IBM in the NCI. The study also recommends several practical strategies for overcoming the barriers to IBM adoption and promoting SC practices in Nigeria, such as fostering a positive perception of sustainable concepts, fostering stakeholder support and involvement and promoting a more conducive environment for adopting sustainable practices. The implication of this study transcends the local context, offering a model for other countries to consider, thereby contributing to a global shift towards sustainable construction practices.
Social implications
The findings highlight the critical role of societal attitudes and awareness in adopting IBM, suggesting the need for educational and awareness programmes to shift public and organisational perception. This shows the importance of cultural change and societal readiness to embrace sustainable construction practices.
Originality/value
This study contributes significantly to knowledge of the barriers to adopting IBM for SC in NCI. Findings from the study will inform policymakers, industry professionals and other stakeholders about the key barriers that require attention and intervention, facilitating the initiatives to overcome these barriers effectively.