Hsin-Hui Chiu and Lu Zhu
This paper aims to examine the information content of mutual fund flows and its indication on investors’ preference/tolerance toward risk.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the information content of mutual fund flows and its indication on investors’ preference/tolerance toward risk.
Design/methodology/approach
Mutual funds are grouped into different categories based on assets with different levels of risk perceptions (e.g. equity fund, money market fund), and this information is publicly accessible. This paper examines the correlation patterns between fund flows and changes in credit default swaps (CDS) spreads. In addition, it also examines such a relation by dividing the samples into different fund types (e.g. retail vs institutional fund flows).
Findings
This paper suggests that equity fund flows are negatively related to CDS spreads, whereas money market fund flows are positively related to CDS spreads. Furthermore, it indicates that retail fund flows provide insightful information and serve as the primary driver behind the relation between fund flows and CDS spreads.
Originality/value
The findings of this paper indicate that flows into equity and money market funds could serve as a risk sentiment in credit markets. And this is the first study, to the best of the author’s knowledge, to establish such a linkage between fund flows and CDS spreads to help investors gauge credit market sentiment.
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Hsin-Hui Lin, Shinjeng Lin, Ching-Hsuan Yeh and Yi-Shun Wang
Based on the literature on technology readiness, online learning readiness, and mobile computer anxiety, the purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a mobile learning…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the literature on technology readiness, online learning readiness, and mobile computer anxiety, the purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a mobile learning readiness (MLR) scale which can be used to assess individuals’ readiness to embrace m-learning systems.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on previous literature, this study conceptualizes the construct of MLR and generates an initial 55-item MLR scale. A total of 319 responses are collected from a three-month internet-based survey. Based on the sample data, this study provides an empirical validation of the MLR construct and its underlying dimensionality, and develops a generic MLR scale with desirable psychometric properties, including reliability, content validity, criterion-related validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and nomological validity.
Findings
This study develops and validates a 19-item MLR scale with three dimensions (i.e. m-learning self-efficacy, optimism, and self-directed learning). A tentative norm of the MLR scale is presented, and the scale’s theoretical and practical applications are also discussed.
Originality/value
This study is a pioneering effort to develop and validate a MLR scale. The results of this study are helpful to researchers in building m-learning theories and to educators in assessing and promoting individuals’ acceptance of m-learning systems.
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Yi-Shun Wang, Ci-Rong Li, Hsin-Hui Lin and Ying-Wei Shih
– The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a multi-dimensional instrument to measure e-learning blog satisfaction (ELBS).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a multi-dimensional instrument to measure e-learning blog satisfaction (ELBS).
Design/methodology/approach
This study introduces and defines the construct of ELBS, provides an empirical validation of the construct and its underlying dimensionality, develops a generic ELBS instrument with desirable psychometric properties, and investigates the instrument's theoretical and practical applications.
Findings
After analyzing data from a calibration sample (n=238) and a validation sample (n=226), this study proposes a five-factor, 20-item ELBS instrument.
Practical implications
This empirically validated instrument will be useful to researchers in terms of developing and testing blog-based learning theories, as well as to educators in terms of understanding students’ ELBS and promoting the use of blog-based learning systems.
Originality/value
This study is a pioneering effort to develop and validate a multi-dimensional instrument to measure ELBS.
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Otto Afiuc, Samuel K. Bonsu, Franklyn Manu, Casey Brett Knight, Swati Panda and Charles Blankson
Using social exchange theory as a contextual backdrop, this study aims to better understand how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can contribute to customer retention (CR). A…
Abstract
Purpose
Using social exchange theory as a contextual backdrop, this study aims to better understand how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can contribute to customer retention (CR). A conceptual framework is developed to illustrate the proposed relationship and the influence of mediating factors. The telecommunication industry in Ghana is used to operationalize the conceptual framework.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through face-to-face interviews with CSR managers and through a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using qualitative analysis and structural equation modeling.
Findings
Findings suggest that CSR, corporate image and service quality have significant relationships with both corporate image and CR. Corporate image also mediates the relationship between CSR, customer value and service quality with that of CR. The authors also find that CSR strengthens the relationship between customer value and service quality with that of corporate image, which subsequently leads to enhanced CR.
Originality/value
Thus far, the mediating variables that help explain and predict the relationship between CSR activities and CR have been overlooked in the extant literature. The results of this study will help fill a critical knowledge gap in marketing and CSR literature.
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Maria Graça Casimiro Almeida and Arnaldo Coelho
The purpose of this paper is to understand the precursors of corporate reputation (CR) and their impacts on brand equity (BE), and to analyse the moderating role of corporate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the precursors of corporate reputation (CR) and their impacts on brand equity (BE), and to analyse the moderating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) perceptions.
Design/methodology/approach
This study proposes a theoretical model which is tested using structural equation modelling. In total, 464 valid questionnaires were collected from a sample of customers of the biggest union of dairy cooperatives of the Iberian Peninsula.
Findings
Results show that the better the reputation, the higher the BE; however, these findings are more robust among customers with higher perceptions of CSR.
Research limitations/implications
This study is based on cross-sectional data from a single company.
Practical implications
The results may help managers build a better reputation and therefore increase their BE. CSR practices are essential to reinforcing this relationship.
Social implications
This paper contributes to the competitiveness of a type of organisation which is closely associated to the social structure of the rural population.
Originality/value
The results may help cooperatives’ managers to increase CR and BE. The emphasis is on the need to adopt CSR practices.
Objectivo
O objectivo desta investigação é compreender os antecedentes da reputação corporativa (CR) e seus impactos sobre o valor da marca (BE) e analisar o papel moderador das percepções da responsabilidade social das empresas (RSE).
Desenho/metodologia/abordagem
Este estudo propõe testar um modelo teórico utilizando a modelagem de equações estruturais. Quatrocentos e sessenta e quatro questionários válidos foram recolhidos de uma amostra de clientes da maior organização corporativa de lacticínios da Península Ibérica.
Resultados
Os resultados mostram que uma melhor reputação faz aumentar o valor da marca (BE). No entanto, estes resultados são mais robustos entre os clientes com percepções mais altas de Responsabilidade Social Corporativa.
Limitações/Implicações para a pesquisa
Esta pesquisa é baseada nos dados transversais de uma empresa.
As implicações práticas
Os resultados podem ajudar os gestores a construírem uma reputação melhor e portanto, aumentarem o valor da marca, sabendo que as práticas de RSE são essenciais para fortalecer esse relacionamento.
Implicações sociais
Este trabalho contribui para a competitividade de um tipo de organização que está associada à estrutura social da população rural.
Originalidade/Valor
Os resultados podem ajudar os gestores das cooperativas a potenciarem a melhoraria da reputação corporativa e do valor da marca. A ênfase é sobre a necessidade de adoptar práticas de RSE.
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Javier Alonso-Garcia, Federico Pablo-Marti, Estela Núñez-Barriopedro and Pedro Cuesta-Valiño
The purpose of this paper is to establish a reference model that will allow us to understand the factors that influence the omnichannel management of an organization in a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish a reference model that will allow us to understand the factors that influence the omnichannel management of an organization in a business-to-business (B2B) context.
Design/methodology/approach
In building the model, a partial least squares structural equation modeling approach was followed. More than 1,000 executives with a C-level profile (chief executive officer, chief marketing officer or chief digital officer), from manufacturers and wholesalers, in various industries worldwide were contacted. The final sample consisted of 124 C-level executives in multinational B2B companies from 35 countries worldwide.
Findings
The principal finding is that optimal omnichannel management must involve a customer-centric proposition forming the basis for individualized marketing that tailors the company’s portfolio of solutions to suit each client. To ensure this, customer knowledge at each touchpoint is essential. The results show that the main predictor of B2B omnichannel management is sales and marketing, even above channels. The principal conclusions are that the model shows that good omnichannel performance is measured by the performance of the industrial buyer. Loyalty and experience are primary measures of this customer’s performance.
Originality/value
Research into omnichannel management in the B2B field is scarce, especially concerning the creation of models for decision-making.