Chamila Roshani Perera and Chandana Hewege
This paper aims to examine the Japanese elderly consumer sensitivity to corporate social performance (CSP) and how this sensitivity influences their everyday consumption.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the Japanese elderly consumer sensitivity to corporate social performance (CSP) and how this sensitivity influences their everyday consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a mixed method research approach, which was organised into two sequential stages: a survey (N = 199) and two focus group investigations (N = 16).
Findings
The study found that married, aged and high-income-earning consumers who have a higher media exposure to CSP information show high sensitivity towards CSP. The focus groups revealed that the elderly consumers have a myopic view of CSP which is subjected to context-specific factors relating to CSP of Japanese firms. Showing a high level of tolerance towards the firms with adverse CSP records, the elderly consumers tend to make their consumption decisions based on personal benefits, as opposed to CSP records of the firms. The focus groups’ findings are organised into four thematic categories.
Practical implications
The study highlights the predictability of consumer sensitivity to CSP using demographic factors. The practitioners targeting elderly consumers using CSP programmes should design them with a focus on social issues, including gender equality, employment opportunities for the disabled and new employment opportunities, as they constitute CSP sensitivities among elderly consumers.
Originality/value
Studies on consumers’ perceptions towards CSP in Japan are scarce. Specifically, studies aimed at the elderly consumer segment of the Japanese society are limited. Therefore, this study endeavours to bridge this gap by exploring the Japanese elderly consumer sensitivity to CSP and its role in everyday consumption practices.
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Chamila R. Perera and Chandana R. Hewege
Applying mainstream, Western-centric corporate social responsibility (CSR) theory to make sense of CSR practices of multinational firms of non-Western origin seems to be…
Abstract
Purpose
Applying mainstream, Western-centric corporate social responsibility (CSR) theory to make sense of CSR practices of multinational firms of non-Western origin seems to be problematic for CSR theory and practice. The purpose of this study is to critically analyse the CSR integration journey of a Japanese multinational firm with a view to understanding CSR integration in a global business context.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a qualitative research method using a single case study approach to investigate a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context. A theoretical lens of seven patterns of CSR integration interwoven with Japanese and mainstream CSR discourses is used to make sense of internalisation and internationalisation process.
Findings
Main findings are presented under four themes: product harm crisis as a call for CSR, CSR governance and bottom up initiatives, recycling oriented CSR and product designing, co-existing Japanese CSR in the global marketplace. An external misfit of a firm’s practice in the domestic market can lead to internalising country-specific CSR through CSR integration resulting in successful internationalisation of country-specific CSR practices.
Research limitations/implications
Country-specific CSR integration follows context-specific routines and practices; this process can be shaped and reshaped by the prevailing international CSR discourse due to internationalisation of a firm’s operation.
Originality/value
Although CSR is viewed as a fundamental strategic priority driving firms to focus on shared value-creating products and services, how best a firm can integrate CSR into an existing business model is unclear. This gap is addressed in this current study.
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Abhishek Sharma, Chandana Hewege and Chamila Perera
This study explores the decision-making powers of Australian female consumers in the financial product market. More precisely, it examines how the integrative effects of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the decision-making powers of Australian female consumers in the financial product market. More precisely, it examines how the integrative effects of rationality, emotions and personality traits influence the decision-making powers of Australian female consumers when making financial product purchase decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs a quantitative research approach, utilising a survey strategy. The proposed conceptual model was tested using structural equation modelling (AMOS) on a valid 357 responses from Australian female consumers.
Findings
The findings revealed that rationality, self-efficacy and impulsivity have a positive impact on the decision-making powers of Australian female consumers. Besides this, self-efficacy and anxiety had significant moderating effects on the decision-making power of Australian female consumers when buying financial products, whereas anger and impulsivity were found to have no moderating effects.
Research limitations/implications
The study offers understanding on the role of emotions and personality traits in financial decision-making, which can help financial institutions design sound products and services that can also ensure consumers' overall well-being.
Originality/value
Informed by the theoretical notions of the appraisal-tendency framework (ATF) and emotion-imbued choice model (EIC), the study makes a unique contribution by investigating the impact of rationality, emotions and personality traits on the decision-making powers of female consumers in the Australian financial product market.
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Chamila Perera and Chandana Hewege
This study aims to explore how young adults understand the climate change problem. It also explores whether environmental paradigms explain how young adults perceive climate…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how young adults understand the climate change problem. It also explores whether environmental paradigms explain how young adults perceive climate change risks in their everyday green conscious behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
This interpretive research draws on in-depth interviews with 20 young Australians (aged between 19-25 years) who engage in green conscious behavior.
Findings
Three thematic categories (“non-local” climate change risk, oscillation between environmental paradigms and anthropocentric environmentalism) emerged from the data. The study finds that “non-local” climate change risk perceptions and environmental paradigms inform green conscious behavior. However, no association between environmental paradigms and climate change risk perceptions is found. The study postulates a skeletal theoretical framework for understanding the green conscious behavior of young adults.
Practical implications
Recommendations are provided on how to sustain young adults’ interest in environmental wellbeing and in promoting green commodities in young consumer markets. Suggestions include creating a clear awareness of climate change with a constructive or positive appeal resolving ‘non-local’ climate change risk perceptions and position green commodities as “pro-actions” or “solutions”, as opposed to “reactions”, when reaching young consumer markets.
Originality/value
A high level of green consciousness among young adults is recorded in recent global surveys. This green conscious young consumer segment, however, appears to be largely ignored by green commodity marketers. This study provides green commodity marketers with necessary insights to explore the opportunities that might arise in this unique market segment.
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Diana Rajendran, Karen Farquharson and Chandana Hewege
The purpose of this paper is to explore how highly skilled migrants to Australia integrate into the workplace, focussing on the factors that foster or hinder that integration.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how highly skilled migrants to Australia integrate into the workplace, focussing on the factors that foster or hinder that integration.
Design/methodology/approach
An inductive method using an interpretive methodological approach was employed. In-depth interview data were analysed thematically.
Findings
Informal workplace practices, such as informal peer mentoring and having an “empathetic” supervisor, also assisted with integration, as did migrant self-help strategies. Factors hindering integration included structural barriers outside the organisation and workplace factors such as racism, cultural barriers and individual factors that centred on the migrants themselves.
Research limitations/implications
While the exploratory qualitative enquiry sheds light on issues of concern regarding workplace integration of skilled migrants, further studies with diverse migrant groups would be required to understand if the findings could be replicated. An industry or sector-wise migrant study would shed more light on the issues.
Practical implications
Fostering and hindering factors identified through the lens of four workplace integration theories can inform workplace integration strategies and related policy formulation.
Originality/value
Informed by four theories of integration, the findings shed light on the everyday workplace experiences of linguistically competent, self-initiated, highly skilled migrants from diverse ethnic/cultural backgrounds in Australian workplaces in a range of industries. While previous research has identified problems experienced by migrants at work, this paper explores factors fostering and hindering workplace integration through the lens of the lived experiences of skilled migrant workers.
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Sumangala Bandara, Civilai Leckie, Antonio Lobo and Chandana Hewege
The purpose of this paper is to test the impact of power (coercive and non-coercive) on supply chain (SC) relationship success. In particular, this paper aims to examine the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to test the impact of power (coercive and non-coercive) on supply chain (SC) relationship success. In particular, this paper aims to examine the moderating effect of relationship quality (RQ) on the associations between power bases and relationship success. In turn, RQ and relationship success can impact the operational performance of the suppliers.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 284 Australian suppliers (growers of organic fruits and vegetables) was conducted to elucidate the associations among power, RQ, relationship success and operational performance.
Findings
RQ was found to only moderate the positive relationship between non-coercive power and relationship success. Moreover, RQ and relationship success were positively related to the suppliers’ operational performance. The findings conform those of previous research in which coercive power is negatively related to the supplier’s perception of relationship success while non-coercive power is positively related to the supplier’s perception of relationship success. Relationship success was found to mediate the relationships between the power bases and operational performance.
Research limitations
This study only collected data from one-side of the dyad (the suppliers). Another potential limitation is the existence of respondent bias, which can arise when a single respondent is asked to assess both the nature of the relationship and the performance outcomes of the relationship.
Practical implications
This study highlights the importance for managers to understand the dynamic shaping relationships when they want to signal their influence and RQ in inter-firm relationships associated with the SCs.
Originality/value
This study applies signaling theory as an alternative theoretical lens that looks into the moderating role of RQ on the associations between power bases and relationship success in the SC. This study argues that when the buyer increasingly develops RQ, the effect of non-coercive power on relationship success diminishes. Both RQ and relationship success positively influence the supplier’s operational performance.
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Sara Quach, Chandana Rathnasiri Hewege and Park Thaichon
The purpose of this paper is to understand the antecedents of fanaticism through the lens of attribution theory and “norm of reciprocity”. It is proposed that consumers will…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the antecedents of fanaticism through the lens of attribution theory and “norm of reciprocity”. It is proposed that consumers will reward firms with high perceived effort, including both general and specific effort by increasing their loyalty and becoming a fan of the company.
Design/methodology/approach
The data are collected in a high-tech services industry, mobile phone services. A paper-based survey using mall intercept technique was employed in this study. The sampling design was a combination of convenience sampling (any adult who happened to be at a given location on a given day and time) and system probability sampling (every fifth adult who passed the data collection point was approached and asked to participate in the study). The final sample size is 600.
Findings
The antecedents of fanaticism are identified as both firm’s general effort (i.e. service quality and innovativeness) and specific effort (i.e. perceived reciprocity). In addition, perceived regulatory control moderated the relationship between innovativeness, part of firm’s general effort and customer fanaticism. To be more specific, perceived regulatory control increased the effect of perceived innovativeness on fanatical loyalty.
Originality/value
The introduction of the role of perceived regulatory control in the interactions between firms and customers has not been adopted in previous research and can contribute a new body of knowledge to the current literature. This research has implications for service providers, especially in high-tech industries.
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Liyanage Chamila Roshani Perera and Chandana Rathnasiri Hewege
The paper's aim is to investigate environmentally conscious behaviour among young individuals in Australia with special attention given to their climate change risk perceptions.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper's aim is to investigate environmentally conscious behaviour among young individuals in Australia with special attention given to their climate change risk perceptions.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 20 in‐depth interviews were employed in this qualitative investigation. The informants of the investigation are young individuals (aged between 19‐25 years) in a major city in Australia. Twenty semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews ranging from 1.5‐3 hours were conducted. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to ensure informant diversity and access to “information rich” cases of youth engaged in environmental groups, activism and environmental behaviour.
Findings
Four thematic categories were derived. They are: unperceived adverse effects of climate change, disassociation between adverse effects of climate change and environmentally conscious behaviour, challenges to the dominant economic model and, redefined environmental paradigm
Research limitations/implications
Based on the implications of the findings, several recommendations for communicating climate change remedial actions and encouraging environmentally conscious behaviour among young individuals are made.
Originality/value
The study contributes toward enhancing the understanding of climate change risk perceptions and environmentally conscious behaviour among young environmentalists in Australia where studies on young consumers are scarce. Findings of the study are useful in gaining young individuals' support for the successful implementations of climate change remedial actions.
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Charles Jebarajakirthy, Antonio C. Lobo and Chandana Hewege
Bottom of pyramid market (BOP) has gained attention of researchers and marketers in recent years. The BOP market comprises many segments, however, little is known about purchase…
Abstract
Purpose
Bottom of pyramid market (BOP) has gained attention of researchers and marketers in recent years. The BOP market comprises many segments, however, little is known about purchase behaviour in BOP market or segments therein. The purpose of this paper is to investigate youth's intentions of seeking microcredit in the post-war era that are an integral part of BOP market.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample comprised 1,250 youth aged 18 and above from Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Surveys were administered for data collection. After testing measurement model, a structural model was run to test hypotheses.
Findings
Positive affect, subjective norms and entrepreneurial desire enhanced intentions of seeking microcredit, whereas perceived deterrents negatively influenced those intentions. Perceived benefits, perceived behavioural control and knowledge of microcredit did not have significant effects on these intentions.
Research limitations/implications
This study was conducted in one war-affected country, Sri Lanka. Also, data were cross-sectional. Hence the model needs replication amongst youth in other post-conflict contexts and with longitudinal data.
Practical implications
Findings of this study would be of use to market microcredit to youth in post-conflict era and other segments of BOP.
Originality/value
A unique purchase behavioural model is suggested to enhance youths’ intentions of seeking microcredit in the post-war era, a segment within the BOP market. This study can contribute to purchase behaviour literature in identified contexts.
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Chandana Rathnasiri Hewege and Liyanage Chamila Roshani Perera
The purpose of this paper is to explore the effectiveness and pedagogical implications of integrating wikis into the curriculum and the subsequent learning outcomes of a group of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the effectiveness and pedagogical implications of integrating wikis into the curriculum and the subsequent learning outcomes of a group of Net‐Gens who enrolled in an International Marketing course. The research problem of the study is: “What are the learning outcomes and pedagogical implications arising from the use of wikis?”
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research methodology supported by the NVivo data analysis software was employed. A triangulated approach to collecting data was used. First, the content of the three student‐generated wikis and the written text of 30 student assignments were analysed by using Nvivo software to identify emerging themes pertaining to wiki‐based learning outcomes. Second, a critical incident method was employed where students were asked to describe two positive experiences and two negative experiences related to the wiki pedagogy. Third, in‐depth interviews were conducted with six members of the teaching panel of the course to further understand the pedagogical implications of wikis.
Findings
Consistent with previous studies, it was found that wikis promoted collaborative learning, organic discussions and independent thinking. Against previous studies, however, it was found that students adapted to wiki‐based pedagogy very well, and with little difficulty. There were differential levels of student engagement in wikis, and that occasionally wikis resulted in stagnated discussions, unless clearly aligned to the curriculum.
Practical implications
A well thought‐out alignment of wiki assessments with other learning activities has the potential to engage Net‐Gens. In order to keep students enthusiastically engaged in wiki discussions, it is important to embed wiki‐based activities into other learning activities. Understanding that there is a “spill over” effect from one learning activity to another is important.
Social implications
The outcomes were especially beneficial to non‐English speaking background (NESB) students who are often inhibited in their responses in typical classroom settings.
Originality/value
While research has focussed on the use and functionality of wikis in curriculum design, there is a paucity of work on their pedagogical implications. This paper look sat the implications of a “wiki‐based pedagogy” which assumes an “emancipatory”, partially‐“constructivist” paradigm of learning, where teachers should be ready to ‘loosen the controls of the conventional teaching‐centred learning environment’.