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Article
Publication date: 13 March 2007

Nick Palmer, Scott Tanner, Christine Detrick and Ingo Wagner

The purpose of this article is to identify what truly propels property and casualty insurance industry leaders to reach their peak performance.

1410

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to identify what truly propels property and casualty insurance industry leaders to reach their peak performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Selection: from an initial list of 706 insurers worldwide, the authors screened for publicly held companies that derived at least 60 percent of their annual revenues from sales of property and casualty products and for which at least five years of detailed financial data were available. The final sample included only companies from advanced economies of North America, Europe and Australia, for a total of 86 insurers. Variables: the regression analysis investigated possible correlations between total shareholder returns and 17 measures of business mix and financial performance, including total revenue growth, total net premium growth and profitability growth. Time period: The authors ran tests on data covering the decade from 1994 through the end of 2004.

Findings

Consistent, sustainable revenue growth is the surest path to superior shareholder returns.

Practical implications

What sets the top performers in the insurance industry apart is an ability to master two of today's thorniest growth challenges: (1) high‐performance insurers cultivate organic growth by identifying their most valuable customers and investing to increase sales to them; by recruiting new clients through referrals and by lifting retention rates; (2) insurers that rely on mergers and acquisitions to boost revenues make regular, modest‐sized deals to add real value, and they integrate their new acquisitions quickly and seamlessly.

Originality/value

Property and casualty insurers that achieve top‐quartile revenue growth and produce exceptional returns for shareholders weave organic growth and acquisitions into a virtuous cycle of revenue expansion, pursuing deals that reinforce their ability to deliver customer value.

Details

Strategy & Leadership, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1087-8572

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 13 March 2007

Catherine Gorrell

374

Abstract

Details

Strategy & Leadership, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1087-8572

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Article
Publication date: 14 August 2017

Timm F. Wagner, Christian V. Baccarella and Kai-Ingo Voigt

Consumers’ perceptions of new technologies are vital for the adoption of innovations. However, due to the complexity of technological innovations and associated consumer concerns…

1098

Abstract

Purpose

Consumers’ perceptions of new technologies are vital for the adoption of innovations. However, due to the complexity of technological innovations and associated consumer concerns, marketing communications play a crucial role in shaping attitudes. In this context, the level of technical complexity presented in advertisements can be a critical determinant of communication effectiveness. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

By conducting an experiment in the context of plug-in hybrid electric cars, this study examines the impact of technical complexity on communication effectiveness. The authors also include consumers’ product involvement as a potential moderator of this relationship.

Findings

This paper reveals that individuals with low product involvement respond more favourably to technically simple ads. However, medium-involved consumers show the best responses towards ads with a high level of technical complexity. Interestingly, the authors could not find significant attitude differences for high-involvement individuals in terms of the level of technical complexity.

Practical implications

The results support the notion that the advice “keep it short and simple” is not always appropriate. In particular, when marketers want to communicate technological innovations, a more complex presentation can provoke positive reactions, when the audience has at least a medium level of product involvement.

Originality/value

There is little evidence concerning how technical complexity within marketing communications affects consumer attitudes. This study significantly contributes to the understanding of how advertisements of technological innovations are perceived by consumers.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

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Article
Publication date: 30 November 2021

Christian V. Baccarella, Lukas Maier, Martin Meinel, Timm F. Wagner and Kai-Ingo Voigt

Recent technological and social changes have challenged manufacturing firms to remain competitive in increasingly dynamic markets. A way of facing these challenges is to foster…

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Abstract

Purpose

Recent technological and social changes have challenged manufacturing firms to remain competitive in increasingly dynamic markets. A way of facing these challenges is to foster organizational structures that encourage creativity. Although the general importance of organizational creativity for market success is undeniable, few studies on manufacturing firms have provided a nuanced view of how this relationship is affected by firm-external factors (e.g. different levels of market dynamism) and whether and how this leads to greater market success.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses survey data from 255 chief executive officers (CEOs) and top managers of manufacturing firms in Germany. The authors performed different regression analyses to test for direct, mediation, moderation and moderated mediation effects.

Findings

The findings show that, in highly dynamic markets, organizational support for creativity indeed helps manufacturing firms to remain competitive by positively influencing firms' innovation performance, which subsequently results in improved market performance. By contrast, in markets with low dynamism, organizational support for creativity has no impact on firms' innovation and market performance.

Research limitations/implications

From a theoretical perspective, this study introduces market dynamism as a novel, so-far underexplored firm-external factor that moderates the relationship between organizational support for creativity and innovation and market performance. This research thus enhances the understanding of the dynamics of organizational creativity and its effects on innovation and market performance in an organizational context of manufacturing firms.

Practical implications

In general, this research emphasizes the importance of establishing a creativity-supporting environment to enhance innovation and market performance. Most importantly, this relationship depends on whether firms are active in highly dynamic or stable markets. Managers should thus consider the level of (future) market dynamism when making decisions about creativity-supporting work environments.

Originality/value

This research provides novel insights into how organizational support for creativity influences innovation and market performance in the manufacturing industry and introduces market dynamism as an important moderating factor.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

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Article
Publication date: 2 July 2020

Christian V. Baccarella, Timm F. Wagner, Christian W. Scheiner, Lukas Maier and Kai-Ingo Voigt

Autonomous technologies represent an increasingly important, but at the same time controversial technological field with enormous potential. From a consumer perspective, however…

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Abstract

Purpose

Autonomous technologies represent an increasingly important, but at the same time controversial technological field with enormous potential. From a consumer perspective, however, the growing autonomy of technologies might result in a perceived loss of control, which can lead to consumer resistance. Given the practical and theoretical relevance, this research examines antecedents to consumer adoption of autonomous technologies in the context of self-driving cars.

Design/methodology/approach

This article looks through the lens of the technology acceptance model and conducts structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study validates the positive effect of perceived usefulness on behavioral intention to adopt self-driving cars. The results further suggest that individuals with a generally negative attitude toward technologies are afraid that they might not be capable of handling the new technology. Moreover, further mediation analyses reveal that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness help us to explain the indirect effects of novelty seeking and technology anxiety on adoption intention.

Practical implications

The results imply that users' perceptions of an autonomous technology's usefulness are an important determinant of technology adoption. Adoption barriers could be overcome by emphasizing the usability of the new technology. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy using the old technology may be persuaded by arguments that focus on the usefulness of the new technology rather than its ease of use.

Originality/value

Self-driving automobiles will change our perception of mobility. It is important to understand the mechanisms that drive the adoption of such innovations.

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 March 2018

Samar Al Adem, Paul Childerhouse, Temitope Egbelakin and Bill Wang

The purpose of this paper is to identify the key drivers and challenges to supply chain collaboration in the humanitarian sector; to appraise the relationships between…

11041

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the key drivers and challenges to supply chain collaboration in the humanitarian sector; to appraise the relationships between international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and local non-governmental organizations (LNGOs) during disaster relief; and to explore the humanitarian context in regard to supply chain collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature from both the commercial and humanitarian sectors is discussed in the context of vertical partnerships. A Jordanian study spanning a network of 26 international and LNGOs is explored via semi-structured interviews.

Findings

The research provides valuable insights on the challenges facing LNGOs and INGOs when developing partnerships. Contextual factors, including host governmental policies and the social-economic setting of a disaster directly affect the motivations for supply chain collaboration between LNGOs and INGOs.

Research limitations/implications

The research is built on interviewees with 30 humanitarian professionals working in one country during an extended crisis. The majority of the empirical data are only from one actor’s perspective, thus further research into dyadic and network relationships is required. Approaches to addressing the diverse cultural and decision-making perspectives of LNGOs and INGOs warrant further investigation.

Practical implications

Recognizing the motives and challenges to vertical partnerships between LNGOs and INGOs will assist the managers, both at the strategic and operational levels, to find solutions and evolve strategies to build effective partnerships. Compromise and consideration for partner’s drivers and cultural views are essential for effective joint humanitarian relief initiatives.

Originality/value

This paper extends supply chain collaboration to a humanitarian context. Overcoming the challenges facing collaborative efforts and complementary nature of the drivers provide a means to achieve effective partnerships. Despite the uniqueness of the humanitarian context, such as the secondary nature of cost and dynamic demand, the core principles of collaboration still hold.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

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Article
Publication date: 18 August 2020

Firas Izzat Mahmoud Saleh and Noorliza Karia

This paper aims to formulate COVID-19 benchmarks that international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) have considered to recover from the sudden stopping of operations swiftly…

1325

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to formulate COVID-19 benchmarks that international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) have considered to recover from the sudden stopping of operations swiftly and consequences of COVID-19 pandemic; thus, to move forward toward readiness for both, the unpredictable spreading or disappearing of the virus (case of INGOs operating in Jordan).

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory research has been informed by the broader social constructivism paradigm and the basics of grounded theory method to identify the common themes. Six semistructured interviews have been conducted with INGOs’ leaders. The findings have been categorized, triangulated and prioritized toward the final identification of benchmarks.

Findings

Seven COVID-19 benchmarks for INGOs’ effective responses during COVID-19 pandemic have been proposed, comprising of (1) donors’ policies and regulations, (2) needs, expectations and relevancy, (3) coordination, (4) staff management, (5) business continuation plans, (6) balanced short-term and long-term planning and (7) permanent adoption of successful modalities.

Social implications

INGOs play a vital role in the lives of vulnerable people around the world through their international development and aid (IDA) projects. However, the restrictions of movements associated with COVID-19 pandemic drive more burden on these communities and interrupted their access to assistance and support. This paper helps to sustain the crucial support of INGOs to those people who need it.

Originality/value

COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted the implementation of IDA projects, which added further obstacles toward the achievement of quality implementation of these projects. The proposed COVID-19 benchmarks help INGOs to overcome the consequences of pandemic on the near longer-term alike.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 1 February 2016

Rateb J Sweis, Firas Izzat Mahmoud Saleh, Samer Eid Dahiyat, Nadia J Sweis, Rawan Ali Saleh and Hannah Diab

The purpose of this paper is to aggregate significant part of debates in the field of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) toward performance improvement by…

2182

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to aggregate significant part of debates in the field of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) toward performance improvement by benchmarking of the Total Quality Management (TQM) practices, and to propose TQM-Benchmarking model as a seed for future research in the context of INGOs.

Design/methodology/approach

TQM practices for INGOs were first identified based on critical synthesis of the literature for both, existing for-profit TQM literature and the INGOs field-specific quality and accountability frameworks, initiatives, and practices (Jordan introduced as an example) followed by solicitation of the opinions of experts and colleagues through personal interviews and focus group discussions to define the proposed TQM-Benchmarking model.

Findings

TQM-Benchmarking model of six practices vital to INGOs performance are proposed by this review including leadership and management commitment, beneficiaries focus and participation, partnership management for sustainability, human resource (HR) focus, process management and learning and continuous improvement, and use of quality information.

Originality/value

While TQM practices succeed in improving performance of for-profit organizations, this review proposed TQM-Benchmarking model with field-specific practical pillars of performance improvement in the INGOs.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

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Book part
Publication date: 30 September 2021

Nicolas Tichy and Ingo Weller

The authors review the German voluntary turnover literature and examine how it reflects and extends the overall knowledge of employee turnover. First, the authors describe legal…

Abstract

The authors review the German voluntary turnover literature and examine how it reflects and extends the overall knowledge of employee turnover. First, the authors describe legal, institutional, and cultural influences specific to Germany that may affect voluntary turnover and its relationships with antecedents and outcomes. The authors then explain how research paradigms, which in German turnover research are primarily embedded in sociology and labor economics and to a lesser degree psychology and management, affect the lens by which voluntary turnover is examined. For instance, the variety of research perspectives leads to a variety of research questions, theories, data, and methodological approaches. Using these diverse perspectives, the authors explain how measurement and data quality concerns may hamper the understanding of turnover in cross-country/cross-cultural comparisons. This review further reveals many similarities with US-based turnover research, regarding the theories, methods, and results. The authors also find that turnover levels are, on average, considerably lower in Germany than in Anglo-Saxon labor markets. The authors suggest that the industry structure in Germany, coined by its strong and traditionally organized “Mittelstand” companies, may partly drive these findings. The authors close by identifying several research opportunities, available through advances in technology to improve the matching process, nonstandard work arrangements (such as in the gig economy), and a broader perspective on institutional peculiarities.

Details

Global Talent Retention: Understanding Employee Turnover Around the World
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-293-0

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Article
Publication date: 11 November 2011

Thomas Hutzschenreuter, Ingo Kleindienst and Boris von Bieberstein

The aim of this paper is to explore whether and how the depth of a company's operations in a given host country influences how shareholders value further investments in that…

636

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore whether and how the depth of a company's operations in a given host country influences how shareholders value further investments in that country. Here, depth means the extent of a company's presence, that is, a company's accumulated foreign direct investment (FDI) in a given country prior to the focal investment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a theoretical framework postulating that the value of an additional FDI in a given host country decreases to the extent to which it is redundant to a company's accumulated FDI in that country prior to the focal investment. Hypotheses are advanced and tested using a sample that encompasses the FDIs of 91 German MNEs over a 20‐year period from 1985 to 2004.

Findings

The empirical analysis shows that there is a negative relationship between depth of operations in a host country prior to the focal investment and the value that shareholders put on that investment. It is also found that the negative relationship is moderated by characteristics of the focal investment, as well as by characteristics of the country in which the additional investment is made.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical framework developed in this study provides a starting‐point for further research on the valuation effect of individual FDIs. This study focuses on cross‐border acquisitions mainly because the value effect of such FDI can be calculated using an event study approach. However, it is believed that testing this study's theoretical framework using other forms of FDI would yield interesting results.

Originality/value

This is among the few studies that investigate how a company's path of FDI in a given host country affects the value of additional FDI in that country.

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