Gael M. McDonald and Patrick C.K. Pak
With limited intracultural ethical research in evidence this paper contributes to the theoretical discussion of expatriate ethical acculturation. Of particular interest to this…
Abstract
With limited intracultural ethical research in evidence this paper contributes to the theoretical discussion of expatriate ethical acculturation. Of particular interest to this study are the ethical attitudes of subcultural groups, particularly managers, who because of overseas assignment or immigration, are operating outside their usual national location. Research was undertaken to investigate whether ethical divergence or convergence, through acculturation, exists with ex patriate managers, and over what time period. Two locations, Hong Kong and Canada, were chosen for comparative study and the results indicated an interesting dichotomy. Ethical convergence, the adopting of host country ethical values, is evident with Hong Kong Chinese expatriate managers in Canada but did not occur with North American expatriates in Hong Kong. For the expatriate Chinese manager the research findings indicate that Hong Kong Chinese managers now residing in Canada develop a unique set of ethical attitudes that are significantly different from those of local managers in Hong Kong yet also significantly different from the attitudes held by local Canadian managers. A subtle form of ethical convergence is occurring. No significant relationship was found between ethical acculturation and the length of time being an expatriate Hong Kong Chinese manager in Canada except on two issues. For these issues the longer the time spent in Canada the greater the rise in ethical attitudes. A heterogeneous group of expatriate managers in Hong Kong was also evaluated and while predicate similarities existed between expatriates from China and Macau, statistically significant differences in ethical perceptions were found between the general population of expatriate managers (i.e. American, Australasian, British etc.,) and local Hong Kong Chinese managers.
This article has been withdrawn as it was published elsewhere and accidentally duplicated. The original article can be seen here: 10.1108/EUM0000000000611. When citing the…
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn as it was published elsewhere and accidentally duplicated. The original article can be seen here: 10.1108/EUM0000000000611. When citing the article, please cite: Gael M. McDonald, C.J. Roberts, (1990), “The Brand-naming Enigma in the Asia Pacific Context”, European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 24 Iss: 8, pp. 6 - 19.
Gael M. McDonald and Raymond A. Zepp
The decision‐making process in businessfrequently involves ethical considerations.Although ethics often come down to personaldecisions, those decisions ultimately affect…
Abstract
The decision‐making process in business frequently involves ethical considerations. Although ethics often come down to personal decisions, those decisions ultimately affect the corporate image of an organisation. It has been shown that sound ethics are good for business, and therefore it is important that managers encourage their staff to recognise and to implement the company′s ethical priorities. This article looks at practical ways for managers to establish ethical priorities at three levels: an individual level, a group level and an organisational level. Each of these levels is explored, and the benefits and disadvantages of different action‐related strategies for encouraging an ethical awareness will vary among companies, industries and cultures – no single method is universally appropriate. However, all managers should consider how ethical standards can best be introduced and communicated throughout their organisation. Ethics is not just a “flavour of the month” – it is here to stay, and presents a challenge to all managers.
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Gael M. McDonald and C.J. Roberts
Some of the issues confronted bymarketers in determining theappropriateness of brand names in theAsia Pacific region are discussed. Morespecifically, the concern is with theimpact…
Abstract
Some of the issues confronted by marketers in determining the appropriateness of brand names in the Asia Pacific region are discussed. More specifically, the concern is with the impact of rich and diverse cultural environments upon conventional wisdom in relation to the brand‐naming process and related marketing policy pertaining to operations in the region.
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C.J. Roberts and Gael M. McDonald
Increased competition in the consumer goods marketplace hasresulted in too many brands chasing too few consumers. In an attempt toease pressure on margins, and both brand and…
Abstract
Increased competition in the consumer goods marketplace has resulted in too many brands chasing too few consumers. In an attempt to ease pressure on margins, and both brand and product range profitability, marketers would be well advised to reinspect their policies towards brand naming and the attendant costs associated with those policies. Is it really necessary for each new product to be individually named? If it is, then what are the strategic and financial implications of this decision? Why is it that the practice in some companies is to resort to a string of unrelated brand names whereas the practice elsewhere is to use an umbrella family name, with or without, a brand name as a suffix? The answers to such questions are by no means obvious and closer inspection of the issues relating to naming policy fails to yield any consensus let alone a definitive approach. This article seeks to depict the alternative naming strategies engaged by marketers and to focus on those considerations that would favour a family name in preference to an individualised brand name. The article concludes with recommendations that are drawn from current literature and the experience of marketers with a view to determining those circumstances that may influence the formulation of a more appropriate naming policy.
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Discusses research in the literature about the expatriate manageras a unit of resource. The research to date has largely addressedconcerns for the high failure rate and costs of…
Abstract
Discusses research in the literature about the expatriate manager as a unit of resource. The research to date has largely addressed concerns for the high failure rate and costs of expatriate assignments, suggestions for improving methods of personnel selection; comparative studies of expatriate and local managers; and recommendations for improving expatriate success. Notes that rarely are the problems of expatriate personnel addressed collectively, particularly with a focus on Asia. Discusses effectiveness of expatriate assignments within the totality of four distinctive phases: selection; preparation; acculturation; and repatriation. Provides a valuable foundation for providing organizational recommendations to enhance the success of future expatriate placements.
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Gael M. McDonald and Raymond A. Zepp
While most people agree that the inculcation of ethical awarenessis desirable, the means of stimulating this awareness vary amongcompanies, industries and cultures. The…
Abstract
While most people agree that the inculcation of ethical awareness is desirable, the means of stimulating this awareness vary among companies, industries and cultures. The fundamental question surrounding the difference between social responsibility and ethics is addressed. Guidelines for establishing ethical priorities from both the individual, group and organisational perspectives are provided.
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Gael M. McDonald, Shaun Killerby, Frances Maplesden and Deborah Rolland
The results which that study seeks to report are the first part of a larger research programme funded by the New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science & Technology (FRST) aimed…
Abstract
Purpose
The results which that study seeks to report are the first part of a larger research programme funded by the New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science & Technology (FRST) aimed at gaining a better understanding of stakeholder perceptions in relation to bio‐based products.
Design/methodology/approach
Utilising three chemically modified wood products, data were collected from focus groups and questionnaires and centred primarily on perceptions surrounding the acceptability of building materials that have been bio‐modified. Irrespective of the type of chemical modification, family health and durability were the most important factors identified.
Findings
The study finds that product cost rated lower in the 16 factors evaluated, and energy used in production was of little concern. When comparing the three products to one another, two distinct groups with quite differing purchasing philosophies were identified and these perspectives significantly influenced perceptions of product acceptability and willingness to purchase. Utilising a paired comparison technique, an investigation of trade‐offs indicated preference for performance over cost and product familiarity. Similarly, low chemical emissions were also preferred over cost considerations. Among the findings, there was scepticism regarding trust in manufacturers to adequately safeguard health and safety and to have a minimum impact on the environment. Low levels of trust were expressed in regard to manufacturers' concern for future generations.
Originality/value
The paper develops an investigative framework which could be applied to the evaluation of products arising from bio‐material technology innovation and recommendations for future research directions.
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Corporate codes of conduct originated around 1900 in the USA gaining further momentum in the 1950s in relation to anti‐trust legislation. Subsequently, the adoption of codes of…
Abstract
Purpose
Corporate codes of conduct originated around 1900 in the USA gaining further momentum in the 1950s in relation to anti‐trust legislation. Subsequently, the adoption of codes of ethics has spread throughout the world and they now feature extensively in many organisations. The literature relating to codes of ethics, therefore, spans many decades and is undoubtedly comprehensive. The purpose of the paper is to provide an appropriate anthology of codes of ethics.
Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive, historical, anthological approach has been taken.
Findings
This paper examines the motivations for the adoption of codes of ethics, which naturally also includes international codes, their frequency of use and content. Codes are also not without critique and it is appropriate to highlight the criticisms of codes, to provide an assessment of their potential effectiveness, the issues surrounding implementation and enforcement and the relationship to organisational culture and leadership.
Research limitations/implications
As noted, the literature on codes of conduct is extensive and while effort has been made to capture the key themes the review is not necessarily exhaustive.
Originality/value
The literature is characterised by the means of institutionalising ethics in organisations and the paper concludes with a summative reflection on the key dimensions that appear to be paramount for improving the efficacy of codes of conduct.