Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how attitudes towards sweatshops, social norms and perceived behavioural control (PBC) factors influence consumers’ attitudes towards luxury fashion apparel made in sweatshops. It also examines how these variables influence purchase intention and ultimately the willingness to pay more for luxury fashion apparel not made in sweatshops.
Design/methodology/approach
A self-administered questionnaire was designed using established scales. A survey was conducted through the “mall intercept” method.
Findings
Underpinned by the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model, attitudes and PBC were found to have an influence on intention to purchase luxury fashion apparel made in sweatshops. The intention to purchase luxury fashion apparel also significantly influences the willingness to pay more for luxury fashion apparel not made in sweatshops.
Practical implications
The research findings can be used to formulate strategies for academia, practitioners and, more importantly, policy makers to help curb sweatshop activities.
Originality/value
This paper focuses exclusively on luxury fashion apparels made in sweatshops. Status consumption is also added as a potential antecedent towards purchase intention.
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Seth Ampadu, Yuanchun Jiang, Samuel Adu Gyamfi, Emmanuel Debrah and Eric Amankwa
The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of perceived value of recommended product on consumer’s e-loyalty, based on the proposition of expectation confirmation theory…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of perceived value of recommended product on consumer’s e-loyalty, based on the proposition of expectation confirmation theory. Vendors’ reputation is tested as the mediator in the perceived value of recommended product and e-loyalty relationship, whereas shopping enjoyment is predicted as the moderator that conditions the perceived value of recommended product and e-loyalty relationship through vendors reputation.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected via an online survey platform and through a QR code. Partial least squares analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to verify the research proposed model.
Findings
The findings revealed that the perceived value of recommended product had a significant positive effect on E-loyalty; in addition, the perceived value of the recommended product and e-loyalty link was partly explained by e-shopper’s confidence in vendor reputation. Therefore, the study established that the direct and indirect relationship between the perceived value of the recommended product and e-loyalty was sensitive and profound to shopping enjoyment.
Originality/value
This study has established that the perceived value of a recommended product can result in consumer loyalty. This has successively provided the e-shop manager and other stakeholders with novel perspectives about why it is necessary to understand consumers’ pre- and postacquisition behavior before recommending certain products to the consumer.
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Communication apprehension (CA) is the fear or anxiety about communicating. In addition, self-perceived communication competence (SPCC) refers to the learners' perception of their…
Abstract
Purpose
Communication apprehension (CA) is the fear or anxiety about communicating. In addition, self-perceived communication competence (SPCC) refers to the learners' perception of their competence. CA hampers individuals' ability to communicate effectively in various communication contexts, which has an impact on their employability. Confident communicators with effective communication skills are important issues for graduation as well as desirable attributes for recruiting agencies. Given that employers value graduates who can communicate effectively in the workplace without any apprehension, this study was designed to determine the levels of CA and SPCC among final-year non-English major undergraduate students in Saudi Arabia and the extent to which SPCC could affect their CA when speaking in English with implications for their employability as the next generation of workers.
Design/methodology/approach
Two survey questionnaires were administered to 70 non-English major undergraduate students in their final year employing probability random sampling to measure their CA level and to assess their SPCC in different English as foreign language (EFL) contexts. Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis were used to investigate the relationship between CA and SPCC. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics in SPSS 21.
Findings
The findings indicated a medium level of SPCC and CA. Moreover, the correlation formula revealed that there was a moderately significant association between learners' SPCC and their CA (r (70) = −0.524, p < 0.01). Through regression analysis, it was found that their SPCC could predict 27% of the variance in their CA. The moderate effect of SPCC on CA implied that students could be prepared to cope and perform in the workplace.
Originality/value
Without communication, the establishment and evolution of the human community are unattainable. This aspect is more evident and crucial in the list of graduate objectives and needed outcomes for future career endeavors. The findings encourage instructors and course designers to provide many learning opportunities in pleasurable learning environments to raise students' perceptions of their competence, in turn enhancing their confidence to speak in English and ensuring a smooth transition from academia to the workplace. Based on the findings, several suggestions for future studies in the EFL context are presented.
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This study aims to re-examine the corruption and sustainable development nexus in Africa and offer a contemporary analytical review and analysis of that relationship in the region.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to re-examine the corruption and sustainable development nexus in Africa and offer a contemporary analytical review and analysis of that relationship in the region.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the available and accessible relevant data from credible sources, this work quantifies, outlines and analyses the nexus between corruption and sustainable development, as it applies primarily to sub-Saharan Africa. It uses the relevant disaggregated data and also complements that with the results of reliable empirical studies to further cross-reference and demonstrate the corruption and sustainable development nexus.
Findings
It is shown that corruption in Africa continues to be negatively associated with sustainable development objectives and that, in turn, will continue to affect the continent’s progress in achieving sustainable development. Undoubtedly, corruption is very damaging to economies across all nations and regions. However, in Africa, this impact on sustainable development has been particularly severe and ongoing. Consequently, the views expressed several decades ago of corruption being able to grease the wheels and potentially contribute to economic development is not valid and, in fact, has been severally discredited over the years.
Originality/value
The main value of the paper is the insights it provides, and with cross-reference to the empirical literature and time series data, on the corruption and sustainable development nexus in Africa.
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Gabriel Cepeda, José L. Roldán, Misty Sabol, Joe Hair and Alain Yee Loong Chong
Rigorous applications of analytical tools in information systems (IS) research are important for developing new knowledge and innovations in the field. Emerging tools provide…
Abstract
Purpose
Rigorous applications of analytical tools in information systems (IS) research are important for developing new knowledge and innovations in the field. Emerging tools provide building blocks for future inquiry, practice and innovation. This article summarizes the findings of an analysis of the adoption and reporting of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analytical tools by Industrial Management & Data Systems authors in the most recent five-year period.
Design/methodology/approach
Selected emerging advanced PLS-SEM analytical tools that have experienced limited adoption are highlighted to broaden awareness of their value to IS researchers.
Findings
PLS-SEM analytical tools that facilitate understanding increasingly complex theoretical models and deliver improved prediction assessment are now available. IS researchers should explore the opportunities to apply these new tools to more fully describe the contributions of their research.
Research limitations/implications
Findings demonstrate the increasing acceptance of PLS-SEM as a useful alternative research methodology within IS. PLS-SEM is a preferred structural equation modeling (SEM) method in many research settings and will become even more widely applied when IS researchers are aware of and apply the new analytical tools.
Practical implications
Emerging PLS-SEM methodological developments will help IS researchers examine new theoretical concepts and relationships and publish their work. Researchers are encouraged to engage in more complete analyses by applying the applicable emerging tools.
Originality/value
Applications of PLS-SEM for prediction, theory testing and confirmation have increased in recent years. Information system scholars should continue to exercise sound practice by applying these new analytical tools where applicable. Recommended guidelines following Hair et al. (2019; 2022) are included.
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Shehreen Amin Bhuiyan and Minhazul Abedin
The very criticism of public policy being rigid and generalized on one hand, and insouciant and noncustomizable on the other has to be addressed to cope up with the comingled…
Abstract
Purpose
The very criticism of public policy being rigid and generalized on one hand, and insouciant and noncustomizable on the other has to be addressed to cope up with the comingled economic, social and environmental challenges. Policies that fail the litmus test of changing and challenging conditions will run the risk of not achieving their purpose and obstructing the ability of citizens, communities and businesses. This paper draws the case of Bangladesh to explore the principles of adaptive policies in the surfacing of the recently adopted Digital Commerce Management Guide 2021 under the National Digital Commerce Policy, 2020.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative paper that is based on both primary and secondary data. While secondary data on the policy crafted a strong call for increased adaptiveness, primary data extracted from the interviews presented several lacking and loopholes from respondents’ firsthand experiences. Based on secondary content and primary data from consumers and business owners of the most-used social commerce platform (a form of digital commerce), Facebook commerce, hereto referred to as F-commerce, this paper discusses the possible characteristics of adaptive policy-making for more innovative, contextual, gender-inclusive, efficient and environmentally sustainable policies.
Findings
The paper points out some reform and adjustment scope for the recently introduced digital commerce policy to make it more adaptive to the present and upcoming policy context.
Research limitations/implications
It must be mentioned that there is a dearth of research on digital commerce policy and the platform as a whole.
Originality/value
Hence, this paper offers a fresh perspective toward time befitting policy formulation in the digital commerce sector and set in motion the policy attention that this platform requires.
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Abstract
Purpose
Aims to introduce a self‐adjusting robotic painting process for automotive fuel containers, capable of predicting the required correction action to avoid further defect production.
Design/methodology/approach
Presents the development, testing and on‐site implementation of a robotic thermal machine vision system designed for evaluating coat thickness and coverage attributes. Computer simulation is used to study the effect of the painting robot's program on the film build‐up.
Findings
Effective technique for the real‐time detection of anti‐corrosive coat's pinholes and pop‐ups. A systematic study for this paint deposition scheme.
Research limitations/implications
The presented detection system and the simulation program methodology could be further studied and modified for other painting applications.
Practical implications
Provides insights validated with on‐site results and systematic study for the automated or the manual adjustments of the robotic painting parameters.
Originality/value
Introduces a novel application of thermal imaging for evaluating coated surfaces. In addition, a first reported case study of automotive fuel container's painting process. Presents potential application to reduce the defects generation thus, improving quality, and reducing production cost.
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Alvin Han Ming Ling, Joseph Kee-Ming Sia and Jie Min Ho
The drone food delivery service (DFDS) is a revolutionary technology owing to its ability to reduce delivery costs, alleviate traffic congestion, and offer a more environmentally…
Abstract
Purpose
The drone food delivery service (DFDS) is a revolutionary technology owing to its ability to reduce delivery costs, alleviate traffic congestion, and offer a more environmentally friendly alternative compared to traditional delivery methods. While studies have been conducted to understand consumers’ intentions towards DFDS, very few of them considered internal factors such as personality traits. Considering the aforementioned factors, this research employs the belief-desire-intention (BDI) model and the big five personalities (BFP) traits to explore how personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness) moderate the associations between the desire for DFDS and consumers’ intention to use DFDS (ITU).
Design/methodology/approach
Survey questionnaires were distributed online via Facebook and WhatsApp. A total of 359 responses were considered valid, and the study employed the partial least squares structural equation modelling approach to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The study revealed a positive impact of the desire for DFDS on ITU. Additionally, extraversion and agreeableness were found to moderate the effect of the desire for DFDS on ITU.
Originality/value
This study is the first in DFDS literature to employ the BDI model, showcasing its effective application in understanding the desire-to-intention relationship. Also, this is the first study that explores the moderating role of the BFP traits in the context of DFDS usage intention. The results provide insights for developing marketing strategies to encourage DFDS usage intention based on consumers' personality traits.
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John Douglas MacFarlane, Sean Phelps and Nico Schulenkorf
The purpose of this paper is to document and explore the perceptual motivations for voluntary and continued affiliation with a fitness industry register by its affiliates…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to document and explore the perceptual motivations for voluntary and continued affiliation with a fitness industry register by its affiliates (“members”) and non-affiliates (“non-members”). The formation of fitness industry registers to impart self-regulation is a common global occurrence. Their sustainment, however, is reliant on the motivations and voluntary support of industry members. Limited work has been done in this area.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study uses the interpretive research paradigm, involving semi-structured interviews with 12 Auckland, New Zealand, fitness centre managers, industry associations, New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (Reps NZ) and Fitness New Zealand. Lenox’s (2006) participation-contingent benefits framework provides the necessary lens to explore the perceptual motivations behind participation/non-participation by fitness centres with an industry self-regulatory system (i.e. Reps NZ).
Findings
Whereas participation-contingent benefits are perceived minimal, and exceeded by affiliation limitations, there is institutional congruence for industry regulation to exist, thus creating institutional pressures that encourage affiliation and retention. Whereas affiliates choose to absorb the associated inconveniences of affiliation to “support” Reps NZ, non-affiliates question the register’s regulatory form, choosing to avoid the affiliation costs and limitations.
Originality/value
This study lends further support that institutional development is crucial for inclusive, substantive and sustainable self-regulatory systems. Regardless of the perceived low return on participation-contingent benefits, industry self-regulation can be sustained if there is a desire by industry members to maintain the institutional notion that the regulation needs to exist.