Junwei Zheng, Guangdong Wu, Hongtao Xie and Hongyang Li
The purpose of this paper is to examine the joint congruence effect of leadership styles and organizational culture on project members’ innovative behaviors in the construction…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the joint congruence effect of leadership styles and organizational culture on project members’ innovative behaviors in the construction projects setting.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed hypotheses are tested using polynomial regression with a sample of 217 project managers and employees of different construction projects in China, and plotted through response surface analysis.
Findings
The results of polynomial regressions support the congruence effect hypothesis, indicating that more innovative behaviors of the project members could be elicited by a high level of congruence between transformational or transactional leadership styles and organizational culture. Furthermore, asymmetrical incongruence effects are found wherein project members with lower levels of innovative behaviors when project organizational culture is stronger as compared with when two leadership styles are at higher levels. Specifically, the condition is found under the innovation dimension of organization culture, but higher level of innovative behavior conversely displays when the harmony culture is weaker than two leadership styles.
Research limitations/implications
The conceptual model and hypotheses are examined by analyzing cross-sectional and self-reported data collected in China. The findings could be further examined through multi-source or longitudinal, more systematic research.
Practical implications
The findings highlight the pivotal role played by the value congruence of leaders-organizations in motivating employees to be innovative in project organizations. This paper provides knowledge for project managers to help them understand whether and how project members’ innovative behaviors are better motivated by the fit or misfit between the styles of leadership and project organizational cultures. Besides, this study provides the approach or direction for the project leaders training.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first to examine the joint effects of leadership styles and organizational culture on innovative behavior based on the person-organization fit theory and from the perspective of value congruence.
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Keywords
Junwei Zheng, Yu Gu, Lan Luo, Yunhua Zhang, Hongtao Xie and Kai Chang
Project complexity is a critical issue that has increasingly attracted attention in both academic and practical circles. However, there are still many gaps in the research on…
Abstract
Purpose
Project complexity is a critical issue that has increasingly attracted attention in both academic and practical circles. However, there are still many gaps in the research on project complexity, such as the differentiated conceptualization of complexity and disjointed operationalization in the measurements. Therefore, this paper aims to conduct a systematic and detailed literature review on the concept, dimensions, assessment, and underlying mechanisms of project complexity.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review methodology was applied to search and synthesize the research on project complexity, and a final sample of 74 journal articles was identified.
Findings
This study first summarizes the concepts of project complexity from three different theoretical perspectives, and then identifies different approaches of measurement, evaluation, or simulation to assess project complexity. This paper finally establishes an integrative framework to synthesize the antecedents, mediators and moderators, and outcomes of project complexity, generating four suggestions for future research.
Originality/value
This study summarizes the definition and operationalization of project complexity to reduce the discrepancies in the existing research and offers an integrative framework to offer a broad overview of the current understanding of project complexity, providing a potential way forward for addressing project complexity.
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Junwei Zheng, Yu Gu, Zhenduo Zhang, Hongtao Xie, Peikai Li and Hongyang Li
While existing literature emphasizes the importance of empowerment in construction projects, the working mechanisms of empowering leadership in the project context are unclear…
Abstract
Purpose
While existing literature emphasizes the importance of empowerment in construction projects, the working mechanisms of empowering leadership in the project context are unclear. Based on conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study aimed to examine the relationship between empowering leadership and project performance, highlighting the mediation roles of creative self-efficacy and leadermember exchange and the moderation role of perceived overqualification.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors collected data from 287 project members in different projects and tested the integrated conceptual model through moderated mediation analysis with bootstrapping strategy.
Findings
The results revealed that empowering leadership was positively related to project performance through creative self-efficacy and leader–member exchange. Perceived overqualification served as significant moderator.
Originality/value
The findings contribute to the understanding of empowering leadership in projects by verifying and extending the resource acquisition and investment process in the project context. The results of this study also demonstrated that creative belief and social exchange facilitate the effectiveness of project members' task efforts and outcomes and that perceived overqualification might not exert a detrimental effect on project performance.
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Hongtao Yang, Xin Xie and Hanhui Zhou
Entrepreneurial passion is constantly considered a core driver of the entrepreneurial process. In reality, however, many passionate entrepreneurs still fail to persist in their…
Abstract
Purpose
Entrepreneurial passion is constantly considered a core driver of the entrepreneurial process. In reality, however, many passionate entrepreneurs still fail to persist in their ventures. Whether entrepreneurial passion negatively affects entrepreneurial persistence is not well known. The current study explores how entrepreneurial passion inhibits entrepreneurial persistence based on self-regulation theory. The moderating role of the perceived entrepreneurial institutional environment on the relationship is further investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
The study collected data from 200 entrepreneurs using a two-stage questionnaire. In the first stage, demographic information was obtained from the respondents, and their entrepreneurial passion, self-regulatory assessment mode and perceived entrepreneurial institutional environment were measured. Three months later, in the second stage, entrepreneurial persistence was evaluated.
Findings
The results show that entrepreneurial passion has a positive effect on self-regulatory assessment mode. Further, self-regulatory assessment mode negatively impacts entrepreneurial persistence and mediates the negative relationship between entrepreneurial passion and persistence. In addition, the greater the perceived level of the entrepreneurial institutional environment is, the weaker the positive association between entrepreneurial passion and self-regulatory assessment mode and the weaker the mediating effect of self-regulatory assessment mode on the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial persistence and vice versa.
Originality/value
This paper clarifies the unknown negative effects of entrepreneurial passion, contributes to the theoretical relationship between the constructs of entrepreneurial passion and persistence and provides insights for decision-making by entrepreneurs, government and venture capital institutions.
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Ke Zhang, Hongtao Wei and Yongqi Bi
The purpose of this paper is to design a soft robot for performing detection, by using a hybrid drive to reach the target point faster and enable the robot to perform the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design a soft robot for performing detection, by using a hybrid drive to reach the target point faster and enable the robot to perform the detection task at a relatively fast speed.
Design/methodology/approach
The soft robot is driven by a mixture of motors and pneumatic pressure, in which the pneumatic pressure is used to drive the soft actuator to bend and the motors to drive the soft robot forward. The careful design of the actuator is based on a finite element simulation using ABAQUS, which combines a constant curvature differential model and the D-H method to analyze the motion space of the soft actuator.
Findings
The soft robot’s ability to adapt to the environment and cross obstacles has been demonstrated by building prototypes and complex environments such as grass, gravel, sand and pipes.
Originality/value
This design can improve the speed and smoothness of the motion of the soft robot, while retaining the good environmental flexibility of the soft robot. And the soft robot has good environmental adaptability and the ability to cross obstacles. The soft robot proposed in this paper has broad prospects in fields such as pipeline inspection and field exploration.
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Hong Jiang, Hongtao Xu, Shukuan Zhao and Yong Chen
Internet of Things (IoT), a strategic emerging industry, has brought a new driving force to the global economic growth, as well as an effective solution to break the barrier of…
Abstract
Purpose
Internet of Things (IoT), a strategic emerging industry, has brought a new driving force to the global economic growth, as well as an effective solution to break the barrier of economic development. However, standards system of IoT is not yet mature, existing obvious overlapping and even conflicting standards, and enterprises lack mature technology standardization model, which severely restricts the structural upgrading and development of IoT. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
In this regard, this study combs the research context of the IoT, technology standardization and competition behavior, and analyze technology standardization models of IoT by combining theory with practice. Using game theory and profit function, this paper analyzes the selection mechanism of standardization model of IoT enterprises, and explores practical application of these models using competitive behavior theory.
Findings
First, in the process of standardization, technology standardization model n enterprises is not single, nor is it immutable. Second, the trend of internationalization of technical standards is becoming more and more obvious. Third, if LoT enterprises want to achieve their own technology standardization, the corresponding competitive behavior is essential. Fourth, with the change of innovation capability and market forces, the competitive behavior of enterprises should be improved accordingly to better adapt to the changes of internal and external environment and ensure the realization of the standardization of enterprises. Fifth, if IoT attempts to achieve the same globalization as the internet, there must be a set of support systems.
Originality/value
Finally, some suggestions are given for the future development in the field of IoT. This study will provide some theoretical support for promoting the development of standards and enhancing the competitiveness of IoT enterprises.
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Ye Li, Hongtao Ren and Junjuan Liu
This study aims to enhance the prediction accuracy of hydroelectricity consumption in China, with a focus on addressing the challenges posed by complex and nonlinear…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to enhance the prediction accuracy of hydroelectricity consumption in China, with a focus on addressing the challenges posed by complex and nonlinear characteristics of the data. A novel grey multivariate prediction model with structural optimization is proposed to overcome the limitations of existing grey forecasting methods.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper innovatively introduces fractional order and nonlinear parameter terms to develop a novel fractional multivariate grey prediction model based on the NSGM(1, N) model. The Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is then utilized to compute the model’s hyperparameters. Subsequently, the proposed model is applied to forecast China’s hydroelectricity consumption and is compared with other models for analysis.
Findings
Theoretical derivation results demonstrate that the new model has good compatibility. Empirical results indicate that the FMGM(1, N, a) model outperforms other models in predicting the hydroelectricity consumption of China. This demonstrates the model’s effectiveness in handling complex and nonlinear data, emphasizing its practical applicability.
Practical implications
This paper introduces a scientific and efficient method for forecasting hydroelectricity consumption in China, particularly when confronted with complexity and nonlinearity. The predicted results can provide a solid support for China’s hydroelectricity resource development scheduling and planning.
Originality/value
The primary contribution of this paper is to propose a novel fractional multivariate grey prediction model that can handle nonlinear and complex series more effectively.
Details
Keywords
Ye Liu and Changjiang Lyu
The performance of the first batch of listed companies since the restart of new initial public offerings (IPOs) in January 2014 and their accounting information face repeated and…
Abstract
Purpose
The performance of the first batch of listed companies since the restart of new initial public offerings (IPOs) in January 2014 and their accounting information face repeated and volatile questioning from different sides. This paper aims to take Guirenniao (China) Co. Ltd. (GRN for short), one of the first batch of listed companies in 2014 that suffered performance decline, as an example to analyze how it managed earnings before IPO.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper examines earnings management signs that exist in GRN through analysis of its financial statements compared to those of its industry peers. This paper then uses the modified Jones model to detect its accrual earnings management and build three models, which are abnormal levels of cash flows from operations, abnormal production costs and abnormal discretionary expenses, to detect real earnings management.
Findings
This paper finds that GRN managed earnings through accrual and real activities in 2012 and 2013. Finally, this paper provides evidence on the specific methods of earnings management, which are easing credit policy to recognize revenue in advance, abnormal expansion, decreasing costs and connected transactions.
Originality/value
This paper examines earnings management signs exist in GRN through analysis of its financial statements comparing to those of its industry peers. This paper then uses the modified Jones Model to detect its accrual earnings management and build three models which are abnormal levels of cash flows from operations, abnormal production costs and abnormal discretionary expenses to detect real earnings management.
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Md Jahidur Rahman, Hongtao Zhu, Yiling Zhang and Md Moazzem Hossain
This study aims to investigate whether gender diversity in audit committees affects the purchase of nonaudit services in China. Results from family and nonfamily firms are…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate whether gender diversity in audit committees affects the purchase of nonaudit services in China. Results from family and nonfamily firms are compared and the critical mass participation of females are further examined.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample comprises 1,834 Chinese listed companies from 2012 to 2021, among which 910 are family firms. The Heckman (1979) two-stage model is used to mitigate the potential endogeneity issue in the selection of gender diversity. Propensity score matching is also used to further alleviate the endogeneity problem in relation to family firms.
Findings
Results show a significant and negative correlation between the gender diversity in audit committees and nonaudit service fees. This association is more apparent in nonfamily than in family firms. Findings are consistent and robust to endogeneity tests and sensitivity analyses. The analysis of critical mass and symbolic participation shows that three female directors can more significantly restrain nonaudit fees than one to two females on the board.
Practical implications
This study contributes to literature on resource dependence theory, which posits that audit committees help enterprises establish contact with auditors, improve the company legitimacy, assist in communication and provide relevant expertise. This study also relates to agency theory, which holds that differences in the severity of types I and II agency problems between family and nonfamily firms lead to differences in auditor selection and related costs.
Originality/value
Extending from previous research on the relation between the gender diversity in audit committees and nonaudit fees, the present study delves into this connection within the context of China, an emerging economy. As a result, this investigation offers novel insights and expands upon current knowledge. In addition, the correlation between the gender diversity of audit committees and nonaudit fees is explored for family and nonfamily firms.
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Dongfei Li, Hongtao Wang and Ning Dai
This paper aims to propose a method for automatic design of additive manufacturing (AM) flow channel paths driven by path length and pressure loss. The research focuses on the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a method for automatic design of additive manufacturing (AM) flow channel paths driven by path length and pressure loss. The research focuses on the automatic design of channel paths, intending to achieve the shortest flow channel length or minimum pressure loss and improve the design efficiency of AM parts.
Design/methodology/approach
The initial layout of the flow channels is redesigned to consider the channels print supports. Boundary conditions and constraints are defined according to the redesigned channels layout, and the equation consisting of channel length and pressure loss is used as the objective function. Then the path planning simulation is performed based on particle swarm algorithm. The proposed method describes the path of flow channels using spline cures. The spline curve is controlled by particle (one particle represents a path), and the particle is randomly generated within the design space. After the path planning simulation is completed, the generated paths are used to create 3D parts.
Findings
Case study 1 demonstrates the automatic design of hydraulic spool valve. Compared to conventional spool valve, the pressure loss was reduced by 86% and the mass was reduced by 83%. The design results of case study 2 indicate that this approach is able to find the shortest channel path with lower computational cost.
Originality/value
The automatic design method of flow channel paths driven by path length and pressure loss presented in this paper provides a novel solution for the creation of AM flow components.