Aastha Verma Vohra and Garima Gupta
The purpose of this paper is to identify the dimensions of predisposition towards foreign brands (PTFB) for Indian consumers and examine their impact on materialism/materialist…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the dimensions of predisposition towards foreign brands (PTFB) for Indian consumers and examine their impact on materialism/materialist value (MAT). The study further conducts an in-depth analysis of these constructs for possible variations across consumer demographics.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a structured questionnaire, primary data were collected from 487 respondents in the city of Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR). While a modified scale was developed to operationalize PTFB, the measurement instrument for MAT was adapted on the basis of an extensive literature review. Statistical techniques such as Exploratory factor analysis, Confirmatory factor analysis, t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis were used to test various hypotheses of the study.
Findings
The study identified five dimensions of PTFB, namely, “Reputation”, “Preference”, “Country of Origin”, “Accessibility” and “Quality”, through confirmatory factor analysis in structural equation modelling. Except for “Preference” and “Accessibility”, all remaining dimensions were found to be exerting a significant impact on MAT. The results further indicate that consumers’ PTFB as well as their MAT differs across demographics such as age, income, gender, occupation and qualification.
Practical implications
The paper brings to the fore useful insights for marketers of foreign brands. The findings can be effectively used for developing a more focused marketing strategy for Indian consumers by helping in identifying demographic segments that are more responsive and susceptible to the entry of foreign brands in Indian markets.
Originality/value
The paper attempts to develop a more robust instrument for measurement of consumers’ PTFB and provides dimensions constituting the construct for consumers of emerging markets such as India. The current research also indicates that there exists a significant variation in PTFB and MAT for different demographic segments of consumers.
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Susan Grant, Susan Willsie and Garima Gupta
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the significance of the role of followership by raising self-awareness of those in organisational hierarchies through the followership…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the significance of the role of followership by raising self-awareness of those in organisational hierarchies through the followership intelligence activity. As practitioners, we intentionally spotlight the importance of followership learning and link followership development to the future needs of a thriving organisation through the facilitation of our activity.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper outlines the proposed followership intelligence activity (FIA), which includes a progression of questions, group discussions and linkages to adult learning principles, experiential learning and followership theory.
Findings
Feedback from authors’ workshops and general observations indicate that once “learning” leaders understand the importance of followership and identify as both followers and leaders, they begin to build and promote work environments open to conversations about the behaviours and skills of exemplary followers.
Practical implications
People cannot change behaviour that they do not notice. However, when leaders begin to identify as both leaders and followers, their openness to learning, developing (self and others) and having followership conversations increases, which promotes both personal awareness and growth. As leaders model and create conversations about exemplary followership skills, they can promote and inspire these behaviours in others within the organisation.
Originality/value
The intention of embedding the FIA into our leadership development programme is to legitimise, honour and promote life-long learning of both leadership and followership. Both roles are vital for a thriving workplace, and they need to be performed with strength, accountability and pride.
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Sanjeewani Sehgal and Garima Gupta
The purpose of this paper is to examine healthcare organizations for the improvements in their existing services (incremental innovation) as well as for the new service…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine healthcare organizations for the improvements in their existing services (incremental innovation) as well as for the new service developments (radical innovation) initiated through the utilization of resources and co-producing behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses an SEM approach to analyze the responses obtained from 257 medical administrators of 50 hospitals registered with National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers.
Findings
The results reflect a positive and significant impact that is more driven by internal resources and is found to be stronger for incremental innovation in healthcare. The study also posits that resource utilization in conjunction with co-production activities has greater potential to bring innovation that is likely to succeed and stay inimitable.
Research limitations/implications
The paper outlines scope for future research and suggests inclusion of other service sectors, geographical locations and performance indicators to attain a better understanding of the constructs examined.
Practical implications
The paper outlines implications for policy makers concerned with healthcare. Providers of health services ought to develop a proactive customer-oriented approach so as to deliver value through service innovations. Integrating customer co-production processes may further augment the overall quality of care.
Originality/value
Empirical studies integrating the resource-oriented view of innovation along with firms’ co-production and collaborative mechanisms are majorly lacking. The study bridges this gap and suggests ways to bring innovation in health services, a pivotal need for health institutions of an emerging economy like India.
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Archit Garg, Aashish Gupta, Garima Maheshwari, Ankur Sinha and Anish Sugathan
Technology has come a long way in the financial industry since the days of hard share certificates. The industry has been evolving at a very fast pace and today almost everything…
Abstract
Technology has come a long way in the financial industry since the days of hard share certificates. The industry has been evolving at a very fast pace and today almost everything is online. Back in 2010, Nithin Kamath decided to set up an online brokerage platform that was capable of meeting the needs of the retail customers in the most efficient way. Efficiency for him meant both execution efficiency and cost efficiency. He was able to introduce zero commission trading to consumers and yet generate revenues through a business model never considered by the leading brokers during that time. The firm has ever since been growing based on the principle of Technology first by bringing valuable services to the customers. Interestingly, the firm has spent little on marketing and the growth has been riding on the back of customer satisfaction.
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Keywords
Archit Garg, Aashish Gupta, Garima Maheshwari, Ankur Sinha and Anish Sugathan
The transparency and consistency of Zerodha provided them mileage and the business model certainly disrupted the Indian brokerage industry. The zero-commission model was…
Abstract
The transparency and consistency of Zerodha provided them mileage and the business model certainly disrupted the Indian brokerage industry. The zero-commission model was successful in attracting consumers and provided tough competition to other brokers. However, competitive advantage coming solely from low pricing may not always be sustainable in the long run. This case explores the sustainability of the business model and looks at alternatives that are important for a long term scale-up of Zerodha.
Purpose: This study purposes to explore the numerous factors that had affected the tourism industry during the novel coronavirus outbreak in India. It also discusses the…
Abstract
Purpose: This study purposes to explore the numerous factors that had affected the tourism industry during the novel coronavirus outbreak in India. It also discusses the guidelines, directives and measures proposed by reputed agencies and organisations on the importance of education and training of the staff and consumers to boost their confidence in travelling and enhance their re-visit and re-purchase intentions.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A comprehensive literature review of the directives, guidelines and measures proposed by World Health Organization (WHO), Food safety and standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI) will be done to explore the possibilities that are emerging for the revival of the hospitality industry in India, especially through education and training.
Results: This study based on the review of literature discussed the various guidelines on safety and hygiene concerning COVID-19 based on the different sub-sectors of the entire tourism industry (Accommodation, Airlines and Attractions) including areas where their implementation is required, for example, guest handling at front of the house areas, receiving and material handling, guest rooms, restaurants, kitchens, room service, linen handling, customer handling in airlines and airports and guest transportation.
Originality: This study will be useful for the stakeholders in tourism to re-draft their standard operating procedures to thrive back and instil trust amongst the tourists related to their safe and healthy stay at the hotels. It will also help the stakeholders to appropriately train their employees and give their guests an unforgettable and safe inclusive hotel experience.
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Recently, the tourism industry in Asian countries has been adversely affected by two significant drivers: health emergencies and climatic changes. Virus outbreaks such as severe…
Abstract
Recently, the tourism industry in Asian countries has been adversely affected by two significant drivers: health emergencies and climatic changes. Virus outbreaks such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), Ebola, avian flu, Zika virus and H1N1 influenza virus have caused much greater damage to the tourism and travel industry of Asian countries as compared to the more localized natural disasters and crises such as tsunami, Kathmandu earthquake, Typhoon Mangkhut in Indonesia, etc., resulting in huge job losses, severe financial losses, shutdowns and human casualties. The purpose of this study is to briefly discuss the major viral outbreaks in the Asian countries and discuss their impact on the tourism industry. It will also discuss the resilience strategies taken by the Asian countries to re-emerge their tourism markets from these outbreaks. It will be based on the systematic review of the earlier literature on the various viral outbreaks and the corresponding resilience measures in the Asian peninsula. While the association between the pandemic and travel has been widely discussed in previous studies (Kuo, Chen, Tseng, Ju, & Huang, 2008; Lee, Son, Bendle, Kim, & Han, 2012), there is still no specific study which provides a comprehensive outlook on the various viral outbreaks and the tourism resilience strategies in Asia. It might also help the tourism industry stakeholders from the Asian countries to adequately identify and thoroughly plan for the possible future outbreaks and align resilience measures accordingly.
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Vanessa GB Gowreesunkar, Shem Wambugu Maingi, Hiran Roy and Roberto Micera
Vanessa GB Gowreesunkar, Shem Wambugu Maingi, Hiran Roy and Roberto Micera