Pascale G. Quester and Irene Chong
Previous research in the area, predominantly conducted in North America with Hispanics or French Canadians, has provided two alternative models of acculturation. This study…
Abstract
Previous research in the area, predominantly conducted in North America with Hispanics or French Canadians, has provided two alternative models of acculturation. This study examines empirically whether the assimilation model of acculturation is more valid than the “unique behavior”’ model in the case of Australian‐Chinese consumers. Based on 288 respondents of Chinese background but exhibiting contrasting degrees of acculturation, several aspects of consumer behavior, including information search, product evaluation, purchase behavior and post‐purchase evaluation, were examined in the case of three products of increasing involvement, namely toothpaste, stereos and cars. Our results suggest that both views are valid and demonstrate that further research is needed in this area of growing economic significance.
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Gerard W. Toh, Wee Ling Koh, Jack Ho, Jackson Chia, Ad Maulod, Irene Tirtajana, Peter Yang and Mathia Lee
Health disparities affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) populations have been reported in many countries. For Singapore, no large quantitative studies…
Abstract
Purpose
Health disparities affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) populations have been reported in many countries. For Singapore, no large quantitative studies on mental health and well-being in the local LGBTQ community have been published. The authors conducted a community-based survey (National LGBT Census Singapore, 2013; NLCS2013) that covered a comprehensive set of demographic, social and health indicators. Here, the authors investigated mental health status and its correlates in 2,350 LGBTQ individuals within the NLCS2013 sample.
Design/methodology/approach
The NLCS2013 was an anonymous online survey conducted amongst self-identified LGBTQ adults (aged ≥ 21 years) residing in Singapore. The survey included the World Health Organisation Well-being Index (WHO-5) as a measure of mental well-being, with low WHO 5 scores (<13/25) indicating poor mental well-being. The authors analysed relationships between low WHO-5 score and a range of respondent characteristics using multivariate logistic regression.
Findings
Strikingly, 40.9% of 2,350 respondents analysed had low WHO-5 scores, indicating poor mental well-being. Parental non-acceptance, experience of conflict at home and bullying/discrimination in the workplace or educational environments were all significantly associated with poor mental well-being. Conversely, community participation appeared protective for mental well-being, as respondents who participated in LGBTQ community organisations or events were less likely to have poor mental well-being than non-participants.
Originality/value
The NLCS2013 represents one of the first broad-based efforts to comprehensively and quantitatively capture the sociodemographic and health profile, including mental health status, within Singapore’s resident LGBTQ population. These findings affirm the need to address the mental health needs of LGBTQ individuals in Singapore and to foster safe spaces and allyship.
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Stefano Baraldi, Antonella Cifalinò, Irene Eleonora Lisi and Marco Giovanni Rizzo
Scholars have recognised that an inherent ambiguity underlines the roles of controllers, as they navigate multiple expectations of various organisational counterparts, including…
Abstract
Purpose
Scholars have recognised that an inherent ambiguity underlines the roles of controllers, as they navigate multiple expectations of various organisational counterparts, including the control-type needs of corporate top managers and the decision-making needs of business managers. Role ambiguity (RA) is a form of psychological distress leading to dysfunctional work-related outcomes (WROs); therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyse whether the use of performance measurement systems (PMSs) by controllers influences their RA and, in turn, their job satisfaction and organisational commitment.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used data collected from a survey of 158 controllers to investigate whether controllers’ diagnostic and interactive uses of PMSs affect their RA and, indirectly, organisational commitment and job satisfaction.
Findings
The results show that an interactive use of PMSs by controllers decreases their RA, with positive effects on their commitment and satisfaction. On the contrary, PMS diagnostic use has no significant influence on either RA or WROs.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the body of literature on the psychological effects of PMSs related to RA, providing further empirical evidence to suggest that the adoption of PMSs may decrease individuals’ RA and, in turn, increase their WROs. In particular, this study enriches the existing literature with two elements of novelty: focus on controllers’ role instead of that of popular managers and focus on the behavioural effects of the diagnostic and interactive uses of PMSs.
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Madelyn Mendoza-Moreira, Beatriz Moliner-Velázquez, Gloria Berenguer-Contri and Irene Gil-Saura
Social networking has provided the appropriate context to investigate Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) behaviour. Despite this, there are fewer studies from the recipient’s…
Abstract
Purpose
Social networking has provided the appropriate context to investigate Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) behaviour. Despite this, there are fewer studies from the recipient’s perspective. Under this premise, this paper aims to address the behaviour of adoption of online reviews to analyse the chain of relationships between the constructs of social influence, engagement with eWOM and adoption of eWOM in a poorly researched segment such as that of female consumers of cosmetics in Ecuador.
Design/methodology/approach
Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling was used on a sample of 236 cosmetics consumers in Ecuador.
Findings
The results not only confirm the relationship between the variables and contribute to the understanding of behavioural patterns in a scarcely explored market, but also highlight implications crucial for brand and product marketing strategies on social media.
Research limitations/implications
The focus on a specific demographic segment may limit the generalisability of the findings to broader populations. This suggests avenues for further investigation to enhance the robustness and applicability of the study’s findings.
Practical implications
The paper provides valuable insights for marketing and communication management.
Originality/value
This paper integrates the Information Acceptance Model and the Dual Process Theory, providing empirical insights into consumer behaviour with eWOM.
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Cristina Mele, Tiziana Russo-Spena, Angelo Ranieri and Irene Di Bernardo
The process of introducing a new robotic technology into a service system is complex, and its impacts on work practices can be challenging. By adopting a system perspective, this…
Abstract
Purpose
The process of introducing a new robotic technology into a service system is complex, and its impacts on work practices can be challenging. By adopting a system perspective, this study investigates how human–robot collaboration (HRC) transforms work practices (i.e. customer care).
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted a two-year longitudinal analysis of an international company specializing in natural health products, examining changes in customer care practices following the introduction of chatbots. The study leverages expansive learning theory, which emphasizes activity systems and the transformations that occur within them, to trace the integration of robots and their effects on work practices.
Findings
The findings reveal that HRC enhances customer care practices by creating a human–robot activity system organized around shared goals. This system, mediated by tools, rules and the community, evolves through expansive learning dynamics. The process begins by identifying and addressing the contradictions and tensions between current human work practices and robotic capabilities, often revealing challenges and opportunities to improve HRC.
Originality/value
This research offers a novel conceptualization of the systemic and dynamic nature of HRC by placing it within broader frames of activity systems and expansive learning. Collaborations between humans and robots entail an expansive performativity that extends beyond the traditional roles or tasks of either actor or actant. It spans a diverse range of objects, tools, procedures and institutional setups, culminating in transformations of customer care practices.
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The construction industry is considered worldwide to be a dangerous industry because of its high rate of fatal accidents and serious injuries. This study aims to find ways to…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry is considered worldwide to be a dangerous industry because of its high rate of fatal accidents and serious injuries. This study aims to find ways to improve this situation by focusing on how to improve competence on health and safety (H&S) among newly graduated construction engineers in Norway.
Design/Methodology/Approach
In Norway, the regional safety representatives (RSRs) are considered to be cornerstones in ensuring H&S in the construction industry. Information in this study was gathered by conducting semi-structured in-depth interviews with 15 RSRs.
Findings
The results show that RSRs believe that while construction engineers have sufficient theoretical competence on H&S; however, many seem to lack the practical competence needed to ensure and implement H&S measures. The informants underline the importance of work practice on construction sites as part of the education as key to improve H&S competence among graduates.
Research Limitations/Implications
Input on possible improvements is collected from only one group of stakeholders in the industry. Other stakeholders might have valuable input that should be considered before concluding what improvements in the education are most effective.
Practical Implications
The findings may help to decide upon and implement improvements in the education of construction engineers and, thus, contribute to a safer and healthier industry in the future.
Originality/Value
The stakeholder perspective of RSRs on education of construction engineers has not been considered in earlier research despite the fact that they represent vital competence on H&S in the construction industry. This study aims to fill some of this gap.
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Irene K. H. Chew and Tan Chew Yan
A survey of 16 female entrepreneurs in Singapore, by interview orquestionnaire, to establish their present characteristics and changesover the last two decades was conducted. They…
Abstract
A survey of 16 female entrepreneurs in Singapore, by interview or questionnaire, to establish their present characteristics and changes over the last two decades was conducted. They were found to be better educated than the general population of women, concentrated in the service sector, to own small or medium‐sized businesses, and to be moving into high growth industries in disproportionately high numbers. Fewer women than previously are family business helpers and inheritance of a business is also less important.
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Irene M. Herremans and Robert G. Isaac
The Intellectual Capital Realization Process (ICRP), developed by the authors, permits the leaders of an organization to develop strategies to realize the potential of…
Abstract
The Intellectual Capital Realization Process (ICRP), developed by the authors, permits the leaders of an organization to develop strategies to realize the potential of intellectual capital (IC). This process is consistent with the resource‐based view of the firm, which suggests looking inward to develop core competencies for building competitive advantages. By utilizing a public sector organization as an example, this paper seeks to inform the reader of the preliminary work and subsequent steps to follow when implementing the ICRP. The Canadian Sport Centre Calgary (CSCC) organization serves this purpose, although the ICRP has also proven equally successful when used in a private sector company. The ICRP helped the CSCC identify and plan the development of its unique capabilities, relationships, and processes that benefit the organization through the creation of leadership ability and the generation of wealth.
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Beate Irene Goetzke and Achim Spiller
The desire for health and well-being is a strong driver in the food market. Scientific publications show that health is an important motive for both functional and organic food…
Abstract
Purpose
The desire for health and well-being is a strong driver in the food market. Scientific publications show that health is an important motive for both functional and organic food consumption. The aim of this study is to investigate whether functional and organic food consumers have the same understanding of health, and which health and well-being improving lifestyles are characteristic for them. Based on this, the authors identify dimensions for a wellness-orientated lifestyle model.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to measure the different well-being and health lifestyles, AIO dimensions were adapted to theoretical wellness concepts. The results of the conducted factor and multiple OLS regression analyses are based on the data of an online survey of 500 German consumers.
Findings
Consumers of functional food have a similar concept of health and well-being to organic consumers, but differ in certain aspects in their way of achieving this. The purchase of organic and functional food is driven by different lifestyles. Overall, the results confirm the link between organic food and an active lifestyle, as well as functional food and a passive lifestyle.
Practical implications
The paper contributes to the discussion of health in marketing and especially in the food industry. The results reveal which kinds of lifestyle food marketing should be considered in a target group specific product communication and positioning.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the understanding of consumer behaviour, especially in the organic and functional food segment. It highlights the importance of health for both food types and also important differences in the understanding of wellness. Moreover, the results reveal first dimensions for a wellness-orientated lifestyle approach – especially for the food market.
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Irene Wei Kiong Ting, Chunya Ren, Fu-Chiang Chen and Qian Long Kweh
The question of whether intellectual capital (IC) is beneficial to firm performance is debatable because of the diverse effects of IC and its components on firm performance…
Abstract
Purpose
The question of whether intellectual capital (IC) is beneficial to firm performance is debatable because of the diverse effects of IC and its components on firm performance. Building on the concept of pay–performance relation, this study aims to provide new insights into how changes in IC affect changes in firm performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Data envelopment analysis is employed to measure firm performance, and value-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC™) is selected to evaluate the IC and its components, namely human capital efficiency (HCE), structural capital efficiency (SCE), and capital employed efficiency (CEE). Ordinary least squares regression is applied to study the relationship between changes in IC and changes in firm performance using 6,408 firm-year observations of electronics companies listed in Taiwan from 2006 to 2017.
Findings
Empirical results suggest that IC efficiency and CEE significantly and negatively affect firm performance, thereby suggesting a contradictory common sense with the resource-based view on the beneficial effects of IC. However, changes in IC efficiency and HCE are significantly and positively related to changes in firm performance, including changes in firm efficiency and sales growth.
Practical implications
This study suggests that managers should continuously pay attention to adjusting their IC, especially human capital (HC) for better decisions that help grow firm performance. Moreover, investors can grasp how sensitive firm performance is to IC.
Originality/value
This study argues the relationship between IC and firm performance in the same vein as a pay-for-performance link, suggesting that future studies should account for increases or decreases in IC.