Chun Lu, Jacqui Christensen, Janice Hollindale and James Routledge
The UK Stewardship Code was the first voluntary governance code specifically for institutional investors. The Code sets out the principles of effective stewardship by…
Abstract
Purpose
The UK Stewardship Code was the first voluntary governance code specifically for institutional investors. The Code sets out the principles of effective stewardship by institutional investors toward their investee companies with the aim of improving long-term risk-adjusted returns to shareholders. This paper aims to examine whether compliance by institutional investors with UK Stewardship Code is related to the earnings quality of their investee companies.
Design/methodology/approach
The association between institutional investor Code compliance and Code compliance quality and investee company accruals quality is investigated.
Findings
For a sample of large UK listed companies from 2013, the authors find reasonably high levels of compliance with the Code by institutional investors. The analysis does not suggest that Code compliance is positively related to investee company earnings quality. Rather, the finding is that substantial or long-term investments are more likely to result in effective stewardship regardless of Code compliance.
Originality/value
This study offers valuable insights regarding the efficacy of the Stewardship Code’s policy approach to improving corporate governance by institutional investors.
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Analysis of the thermal effects during the packaging process or in the actual operating environment is necessary to develop small monolithic integrated sensing chips with…
Abstract
Purpose
Analysis of the thermal effects during the packaging process or in the actual operating environment is necessary to develop small monolithic integrated sensing chips with heterogeneous integration. The use of multiple layers and various materials in monolithic integrated sensing chips addresses the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch issue. The purpose of this study is to focus on the residual stress analysis of the shielding electrode, which is a metal film that prevents pull-in of proof-mass during anodic bonding in microelectromechanical system (MEMS) chips with pressure sensors embedded in an accelerometer.
Design/methodology/approach
The finite element model of the chip was built by the commercial software ANSYS, and the residual stress was evaluated during the die attachment process for the shielding electrode. Various shielding electrode materials and a proposed design with a keep-out zone to reduce the residual stress are discussed, with a focus on the relationship between the geometric parameters of the chip and the residual stress for copper shielding electrodes of different thicknesses.
Findings
The results of the finite element analysis showed that the use of polysilicon as a shielding electrode in the proposed design generated the lowest residual stress because of its low CTE. The maximum stresses in both of in-plane and out-of-plane directions in the finite element model were reduced by keep-out zone design for the proposed design of the copper shielding electrode, and had 11 times reduction in out-of-plane direction especially, according to the nonlinear analysis as the stress concentration point in the shielding electrode moved. Moreover, the design with a thinner shielding electrode, thinner glass substrate and higher CTE of the glass substrate also lowered the maximum von Mises stress. On the other hand, the stress level during the operating temperature, without considering residual stress, overestimated up to five times in the proposed design.
Originality/value
In this study, valuable suggestions are proposed for the design of chips with pressure sensors embedded in accelerometers.
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In the study of Chinese history, Japan is the most important place of such studies outside China. This paper sets out to introduce Japanese Web sites on Chinese history and…
Abstract
In the study of Chinese history, Japan is the most important place of such studies outside China. This paper sets out to introduce Japanese Web sites on Chinese history and briefly discuss the characteristics of such Web sites. The Web sites on Chinese history that were developed by Japanese scholars contain highly specialized contents, including from research associations on a particular dynasty to organizations on a particular subject.
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Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap and Kah Chuan Lum
This study aims to investigate Feng Shui elements that can influence housing selection and property pricing in the Malaysian housing market.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate Feng Shui elements that can influence housing selection and property pricing in the Malaysian housing market.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire encompassing 26 Feng Shui elements, which were shortlisted based on relevant previous studies, was distributed to prospective homebuyers in the Klang Valley region. The elements were inferred and ranked according to frequency, significance and importance scores. Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA tests were used to assess the ratings provided by the different respondent groups, while Spearman's rank correlation tests were utilised to measure the degree of agreement or disagreement among each pair of the ethnic group.
Findings
The results obtained indicate the following as the five most influential elements: orientation, main entrance, street location, house number and living room. Despite a multiethnic and multicultural society in Malaysia, Spearman's rank correlation tests showed that there are no differences in the prioritisation of Feng Shui elements between three distinct ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese and Indian). However, the distribution scores are statistically different between the groups. Comparing income level with Feng Shui inclinations, the three most frequently considered elements across the three income groups consistently include orientation, main entrance and street location.
Practical implications
The findings of this study are expected to provide guidance to property stakeholders (developers, real estate agencies, architects, local authorities) in their future development projects. For homebuyers, this study serves as a property Feng Shui checklist for home selection and investment.
Originality/value
This study explored the association of Feng Shui principles to housing selection and property pricing based on cultural and income factors. These findings provide useful insights for designing and positioning of residential properties in both primary and secondary housing markets in Malaysia and beyond.
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Kuo-An Tseng, Yu-Wen Lan, Hao-Chun Lu and Pin-Yu Chen
The purpose of this paper is to explore the mediating effect of business strategy (BS) on intellectual capital (IC) and financial performance (FP). The impact of financial crisis…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the mediating effect of business strategy (BS) on intellectual capital (IC) and financial performance (FP). The impact of financial crisis is also a major topic of this research.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies BS as mediator to explore the relationships between IC, BS, and FP. Partial least squares is employed to test the reliability and validity of measurements and the significance of path coefficients, and therefore to examine the hypotheses.
Findings
IC has significant impacts on BS and FP in all samples, as well as in those years before and after the financial crisis. BS has a partial significant mediating effect between IC and FP. BS has significant effects on FP in all samples and pre-financial crisis, but has not in post-financial crisis.
Research limitations/implications
IC has significant impacts on BS and FP. Moreover, the relationships of IC, BS, and FP are different during pre- and post-financial crisis. The direct effect of IC on FP is confirmed and consistent, and the indirect effect of IC on FP by BS is dependent upon the environment status.
Practical implications
Enterprises should pay attention to IC, BS, and the related changes in environment status. These help enterprises develop appropriate strategies, maintain competitive advantage, and upgrade FP.
Originality/value
This study applies BS as mediator, and explores the relationships between IC, BS, and FP. The impact of financial crisis is also discussed. The results may serve as the criteria for strategic performance management.
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Ming-Chang Huang, Ya-Ping Chiu and Ting-Chun Lu
Several studies have explored the relationships among the multiple dimensions of knowledge governance mechanisms (KGMs) and knowledge sharing. However, knowledge governance issues…
Abstract
Purpose
Several studies have explored the relationships among the multiple dimensions of knowledge governance mechanisms (KGMs) and knowledge sharing. However, knowledge governance issues and knowledge transfer processes remain under-researched. The empirical results of the relationships among KGMs, motivations to share knowledge and knowledge sharing behavior remain inconsistent. This paper aims at re-examining the mediating effects of knowledge sharing motivations and knowledge sharing opportunities on the relationship between KGMs and knowledge sharing behavior of repatriates at multinational corporations.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were collected from 140 repatriates from 66 multinational companies that operated in five different geographic locations. Structural equation modelling was used to assess the research model.
Findings
The empirical results indicate the mediating roles of knowledge sharing motivation and opportunity in the relationship between KGMs and the knowledge sharing behavior of repatriates. Two sets of KGMs – formal and informal mechanisms – have significant influence on knowledge sharing motivation and opportunity.
Research limitations/implications
This investigation focuses on the functions of KGMs that facilitate the knowledge sharing behavior of repatriates. The contextual effects of task-level, firm-level, and external environmental characteristics on knowledge sharing may need further studies to substantiate.
Originality/value
This study argues that even when employees are encouraged and rewarded by extrinsic and intrinsic motivations to share knowledge, effective knowledge sharing would not necessarily be guaranteed. This paper offers a conceptual framework where knowledge sharing motivations and opportunities simultaneously play the mediating roles in a successful knowledge sharing. The framework associates KGMs with knowledge sharing behavior and echoes the growing acknowledgement of the need for additional research on micro-foundations of knowledge sharing to complement the macro research.
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Wanqi Li and Huaxin Peng
Cyberbullying is a globally pervasive problem and not novel in academia. Previous studies mainly focussed on the features, consequences and technological management of…
Abstract
Purpose
Cyberbullying is a globally pervasive problem and not novel in academia. Previous studies mainly focussed on the features, consequences and technological management of cyberbullying. However, most of the studies took cyberbullying examples in the West, and some issues still need to be addressed in the Chinese context. Thus, this study investigates how participants use cyberbullying words and why they use them in that particular way in China.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses content analysis to summarise the typical features of cyberbullying words, revealing a positive relationship between cyberbullying words and sentimental expressions. This paper also uses the questionnaire (N = 705) to explore the prevalence of cyberbullying among Chinese Internet users and to compare the gender differences in the cognition of cyberbullying words and involvement in cyberbullying, in line with the social cognitive theory.
Findings
This study stated that people prefer repetitively using offensive words to achieve cyberbullying goals. Interestingly, this study does not find obvious gender differences in cyberbullying roles and cyberbullying language use. However, it explained the relationship between cognition and the use of cyberbullying words from a gender perspective.
Practical implications
Theoretically, this study expands cyberbullying studies into a new cultural environment, pointing to a novel term, “imbalanced relation,” for exploring cyberbullying behaviours. This study highlights the significance of technology and education in detecting and preventing cyberbullying, suggesting that educators and social media platforms can directly predict and prevent cyberbullying through textual perspectives and individuals' cognition of cyberbullying.
Originality/value
This study aims to examine cyberbullying linguistic and emotional features and individual differences in cyberbullying behaviour in a high-context culture like China. Its values include comparing the differences between cyberbullying in China and cyberbullying in the West from the linguistic and cultural directions and reconsidering the “power imbalance” feature of cyberbullying.
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This study discusses the effects of diffusion and adopters of mobile banking services (MBSs), perceived risk, brand awareness, and brand image of MBS providers, on attitude toward…
Abstract
Purpose
This study discusses the effects of diffusion and adopters of mobile banking services (MBSs), perceived risk, brand awareness, and brand image of MBS providers, on attitude toward using MBSs, and on intention to use MBSs. In accordance with sample usage frequency in MBSs, this study subgroups the sample population into several behavioral segments (frequent/infrequent users) to concentrate sample characteristics and the behavioral models.
Design/methodology/approach
Data from the 610 valid questionnaires collected in Taiwan were analyzed by SPSS and LISREL. In accordance with sample usage frequency in MBSs, this study subgroups the sample population into several behavioral segments (frequent/infrequent users) to concentrate sample characteristics and the behavioral models.
Findings
Analytical results demonstrate that mobile banking users with different behavioral patterns have dissimilar perceptions of innovation benefits and risk. Moreover, brand awareness and brand image of the MBSs provider are crucial exogenous factors associated with attitude and intention to use MBSs. Finally, this study presents several suggestions for researchers, bankers, and marketers.
Originality/value
This study examined MBSs in Taiwan, with an enhanced investigation model includes diffusion of innovation, TPA, second‐order risk sub‐dimensions, and brand effects on attitude and intention. The contributions of this study includes: this is the first study that incorporate brand awareness, and brand image in discussing mobile banking adoption behavior; meanwhile, this study incorporate a five factors risk structure, discussing perceived risk detailed in financial risk, performance risk, time risk, psychological risk, and privacy risk. Furthermore, this study is the first study that has differentiated between different consumer types: frequent and infrequent users. The findings of this study is practical in providing MBS for bankers.
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Simona Sternad, Miro Gradisar and Samo Bobek
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have been implemented in most organizations for a few years. ERP solutions go through three phases of lifecycle: selection…
Abstract
Purpose
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have been implemented in most organizations for a few years. ERP solutions go through three phases of lifecycle: selection, implementation and operation phase; the operation phase consists of the stabilization stage and the routine stage. To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ERP system use in the operation phase, organizations need to research the factors that have impact on users' satisfaction. A literature shows that few published studies have examined users' adoption of ERP systems through a technological acceptance model (TAM) or examined external factors that have influence the intention to use an ERP system, or ERP use in the stabilization stage. The purpose of this paper is to expose and research external factors which have influence on ERP users in the operation phase of ERP lifecycle and to investigate the impact of those factors on ERP system use.
Design/methodology/approach
The TAM proposed by Davis has been the most widely‐used model for researching user acceptance and usage of information technology/information systems. Despite the existence of several additions to TAM connected with ERP use, the authors aim to make further contribution in the area of external factors. Within this context the present research is focused on the mature use of ERP system (more than one year of ERP use in an organization). A limited number of external factors mentioned in already published papers connected with TAM regarding ERP use has also been extended. The authors have researched the effect of external factors through the second‐order factors on the original TAM. The model has been empirically tested using the data collected from a survey of 161 ERP users from a national telecom company, which has been using an ERP system since 1999. The model has been analysed using PLS approach.
Findings
The study shows that extended external factors observed through the second‐order factors have important influence on ERP usefulness and ERP ease of use; they also have a strong influence on the attitude toward using ERP system by ERP users in the routine (maturity) stage.
Originality/value
The paper researches the factors which have an impact on ERP solution use in the routine (mature) stage of ERP lifecycle. The paper adds to the literature, in that few previous studies have examined the users' adoption of ERP systems through the TAM or examined external factors that have influence on the intention to use an ERP system or ERP use in the stabilization stage.
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Kuan-Yu Lin, Yi-Ting Wang and Travis K. Huang
The number of smartphone users has increased with the maturity of mobile networks, which has not only led to a new lifestyle but has also facilitated the development of mobile…
Abstract
Purpose
The number of smartphone users has increased with the maturity of mobile networks, which has not only led to a new lifestyle but has also facilitated the development of mobile application services. Smartphones are regarded as essential communication devices. Currently, diverse groups of people are considering using mobile payment services. Thus, the motives for using mobile payment as well as individual motives for continuing usage are of great research interest. The purpose of this paper is to examine the behavioral motivations underlying individual intentions to continue using mobile payment.
Design/methodology/approach
To explore the factors affecting the intention to use mobile payment services, this study constructed a theoretical framework based on cost-benefit theory that also considers social influences to form an integrated research model that explains the intentions of individuals to use mobile payment services. Online questionnaires were used to evaluate individuals with experience using mobile payment services. A total of 302 questionnaires were collected. Structural equation modeling was employed to assess the relationships among factors included in the research model.
Findings
Perceived value, social norms and social self-image played crucial roles in the intention to use mobile payment services. Furthermore, perceived benefits (relative advantage and service compatibility) and perceived costs (security risks and perceived fees) determined users’ perceived value. Social self-image positively affected users’ perceived value; in the context of a mobile-oriented information system, the ability of a mobile payment service to satisfy a user’s demands with respect to social self-image influenced the user’s perceived value of using such services.
Originality/value
This study contributes to a theoretical understanding of factors that explain users’ intention to use mobile payment services.