This paper aims to replicate and expand an earlier study that constructed a measurement of international managers’ mindset.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to replicate and expand an earlier study that constructed a measurement of international managers’ mindset.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper used a test-retest statistical analysis to determine the reliability of the index of the managerial mindset developed by Fatehi and Ghadar (2014).
Findings
The study showed that the index is a sound measurement. It has good content validity. Its reliability is excellent. Both overall measure and item by item test of reliability were sound at a 5% significant level.
Originality/value
The application of Cronbach alpha by Fatehi and Ghadar (2014) indicated that the index was reliable. However, recently some scholars have expressed their concerns about this test to determine psychological indexes’ reliability. Therefore, this replication study applied an alternative reliability test (test-rest). The test-retest application indicated the index’s soundness.
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Kamal Fatehi, Gita Taasoobshirazi and Jose Sanchez-Gutierrez
Japanese American philosopher Magoroh Maruyama (1969) proposed the Mindscape theory, a macro model of cultural differences identification. The theory suggests inter-and…
Abstract
Purpose
Japanese American philosopher Magoroh Maruyama (1969) proposed the Mindscape theory, a macro model of cultural differences identification. The theory suggests inter-and intra-cultural heterogeneity and four major Mindscapes of H, I, S and G. He and his colleagues designed 64 graphic geometric patterns based on redundant and non-redundant complexity to recognize the Mindscapes in cultures. However, there is no method of identifying each Mindscape individually/separately. In other words, specificity is missing in this theory. Without such identification, the applicability of the Mindscape theory in international business is limited. This study aims to provide the needed specificity.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study applies Harvey’s (1966) four epistemological systems to identify each of the four Mindscapes. According to Maruyama and Harvey, three of Harvey’s four systems are identical to the three Mindscapes of H, I and G. If the authors can match the three Mindscapes with the three Harvey’s systems, what remains the authors assume to be the fourth Mindscape.
Findings
The current study determined various graphic and geometric patterns associated with each of the four Mindscapes. In doing so, the study expanded the applicability of the theory in international business.
Research limitations/implications
Harvey (1966) administered nine psychological tests (instruments) to many subjects over nearly two decades to determine the four systems. Using nine major instruments is very challenging, demanding and time-consuming. For ease of application and saving time, the authors used one of these instruments as an example. Ideally, the authors should use all.
Originality/value
Mindscape theory suggests that each of the four salient Mindscapes is more relevant to a specific situation, such as human resource management, motivation, leadership, conflict resolution and others. By identifying each Mindscape, this study expands the use of Mindscape theory.
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Kamal Fatehi, Jennifer L. Priestley and Gita Taasoobshirazi
Most international marketing studies, taking a sociological position, assume homogeneity within and heterogeneity between cultures. Taking a psychological position and based on…
Abstract
Purpose
Most international marketing studies, taking a sociological position, assume homogeneity within and heterogeneity between cultures. Taking a psychological position and based on the Mindscape Theory, the purpose of this paper is to support the hypothesis that there is intra-cultural and intra-market heterogeneity.
Design/methodology/approach
The translated survey for international use has many problems. These problems can greatly be minimized by the use of pictorial/geometric shapes that were used in this study. These shapes were constructed using redundant and non-redundant complexity, and made to be culture neutral.
Findings
Data analysis supported the presence of three of the four Mindscape types as was hypothesized, indicating individual intra-market heterogeneity in the three cultures under investigation. Additionally, the corollary hypothesis of transcultural heterogeneity was confirmed.
Research limitations/implications
It has been proposed that Mindscape types are partly innate and partly learned. What proportions constitute each part? Can the learned aspect be unlearned? Can different marketing strategies appeal to each? What marketing programs are better suited to influence the learned aspect? Future studies could explore these issues.
Practical implications
The findings of this paper have wide applicability and implications for international marketing strategy, including ways of deploying market segmentation, target marketing, positioning strategies, as well as configurations of marketing mix elements.
Originality/value
This paper used a novel and unique way for data collection and analysis. A geometric-pictorial survey was used for data collection. Data analysis was done with factor analysis and cluster analysis combined.
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Kamal Fatehi and Fariborz Ghadar
This paper aims to identifying managerial mindset by constructing a cognitive or integrative geocentrim index. Going international is either an extension of successful domestic…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identifying managerial mindset by constructing a cognitive or integrative geocentrim index. Going international is either an extension of successful domestic business operations or a requirement for remaining competitive. It is imperative for firms to be a part of the international market. Therefore, firms should want to know how internationalized are their operations. To gain such knowledge requires measuring the degree of internationalization, which, in turn, is related to “managerial mindset”.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on literature review, four dimensions of integrative geocentrism were identified, which also dealt with content validity of the index. A questionnaire was constructed reflecting these dimensions. The sample of 59 managers, whose jobs were involved in international business, completed the questionnaire. Reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha.
Findings
The construction of this index was an attempt in providing an objective way of measuring managerial mindset, which could be a way of measuring the degree of internationalization of firm.
Research limitations/implications
Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure the reliability of the index. It was within the acceptable range. Future research could expand upon this index by improving its reliability and expanding the range of question items.
Practical implications
Often, a question is posed about the international standing of a firm, either by the managers inside the firm or by others outside. Almost always, the answer to such a question is an opinion and a guess. The application of this index enables firms to respond to such a question objectively.
Social implications
Information on the mindset of multinational company (MNC) managers would be useful in identifying how to overcome the shortcomings.
Originality/value
This index is useful to MNC as a measure of internationalization progress. The benefits of the index are twofold. First, it generates an understating about the mindset of managers. Second, it identifies needed changes and corresponding necessary actions.
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Foad Derakhshan and Kamal Fatehi
It was Weber's belief that bureaucracy and formalisation were the best methods of creating and maintaining a viable political structure independent of its leadership. The need for…
Abstract
It was Weber's belief that bureaucracy and formalisation were the best methods of creating and maintaining a viable political structure independent of its leadership. The need for political stability and the necessity of performance efficiency in a traditional society plagued with inefficiency and chaos were motivating forces behind Weber's pursuit of the ideal organisational model, in which “time” and “individual” would become insignificant elements. The rigidity of bureaucracy would be a substitute for fragile leadership.
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Kamal Fatehi, Rajaram Veliyath and Foad Derakhshan
The purpose of the paper is to discuss the new realities of global rivalry which has been elevated to include economic competition between nations, in addition to the more…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to discuss the new realities of global rivalry which has been elevated to include economic competition between nations, in addition to the more traditional forms of competitive interactions between firms.
Design/methodology/approach
The Introduction section discusses the changes that global geopolitics and the economy have undergone from the end of the Second World War to the present time. The 11 macro‐economic factors that have impacted international business over this time period are then discussed. The next section of the paper discusses the nature of the new relational assets of firms, their locations, and the means of harnessing and utilizing them in knowledge‐based economic competition. A series of propositions relating to the nature of these assets, how managers of corporations can access them, the roles and skill sets required of these managers, and the competitive advantages these assets provide, are then presented. The Conclusion section explores the impacts of these global economic changes for national governments and government bureaucrats, for managers of international firms, for their roles, perspectives, and their skill sets.
Findings
These changes have modified the competitive landscape at the level of competition between nations, across industries as well as between firms. These changes have necessitated modifications in the roles, training and skills required on the part of government bureaucrats and managers of international companies. New roles and skills are needed to meet these challenges.
Practical implications
The paper has implications for competitive advantages of firms as well as nations. Executive education and training programs for managers may need to be restructured to provide these managers the required perspectives, skills and knowledge that will equip them to compete and be effective champions of their companies, and also to some extent, ambassadors of their nation states.
Originality/value
The paper offers a new way of thinking about competition and competitive advantages.
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Kamal Fatehi and Uraz Baimuratov
Since the fall of international communism, there has been a growing interest and a lively discussion on the shape and future of economic systems. Also, global economic crisis has…
Abstract
Purpose
Since the fall of international communism, there has been a growing interest and a lively discussion on the shape and future of economic systems. Also, global economic crisis has rekindled the debate about the fate of capitalism. The purpose of this paper is to explore various aspects of these issues. It suggests a future for economic activities that combines the humanistic features of socialism and the practicality, functionality and efficiency of capitalism.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a logical discussion of the present situation and understanding about the topic and extrapolates them into the future.
Findings
Offering a new perspective on the topic, the paper suggests the development of a form of capitalism that is more compassionate and humane.
Originality/value
The paper offers a new perspective on capitalism that challenges attention to efficiency‐focused criterion at the expense of other possible criteria.
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Elaine Conway and Yousuf Kamal
This chapter discusses the global challenge to reduce greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions to net zero by 2050. It explains what net zero means and how it is calculated, together with…
Abstract
This chapter discusses the global challenge to reduce greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions to net zero by 2050. It explains what net zero means and how it is calculated, together with some of the debate around the suitability of the target to maintain global warming levels within ‘acceptable’ boundaries. The chapter then presents some of the opportunities and challenges that transitioning towards net zero will pose to countries and their inhabitants, in terms of changes to policies, products, processes and behaviours that will be required to attain the target. It then discusses the need for a strategy to achieve net zero across different sectors of society and provides a few suggestions of tools and concepts that could be adopted to support the changes necessary, such as planning for change, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrated reporting and the circular economy. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the need for the net zero target and how it is our collective responsibility to support the challenging transition to net zero for the benefit of all.
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Fauziana Lamin, Ahmad Kamal Ariffin Ahmad Kamal Ariffin and Intan Fadhlina Mohamed
The purpose of this paper is to examine the plasticity behaviour of aluminium alloys in high-pressure torsion (HPT) compressive loading stage. It is a part of the strengthen…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the plasticity behaviour of aluminium alloys in high-pressure torsion (HPT) compressive loading stage. It is a part of the strengthen lightweight material development through severe plastic deformation.
Design/methodology/approach
A finite element simulation of HPT compression stage by displacement control incremental loading was proposed by taking into account an unconstraint HPT configuration. The quasi-static condition was utilised, by embedding strain hardening plasticity constitutive model and considering frictional effects, to assess the plasticity behaviour of aluminium alloys, particularly AA2024 and AA6082.
Findings
The present investigation clearly indicates that the deviation of material flow as a result of sticking condition of µ⩾0.5, was found to be negligible. An inhomogeneous material flow along the sample radial and thickness direction was evident, producing a stress concentration at the edge of the loaded surface, indicating the anticipated region of failure. The effective plastic strain in the compression stage was also found to be significant. Based on the effective strain response, plasticity behaviour of the compressed sample was predicted.
Originality/value
This paper demonstrates the plasticity behaviour of the analysed aluminium alloys. Since the mechanical properties produced by the deformed material are closely related to the exerted plastic deformation, understanding the phenomenon associated with the plastic strain development is essential. The outcome of this research will assist in seizing the opportunities of improving both material properties and the HPT procedures.
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Disasters and pandemics pose challenges to health-care provision. Accordingly, the need for adopting innovative approach is required in providing care to patient. Therefore, the…
Abstract
Purpose
Disasters and pandemics pose challenges to health-care provision. Accordingly, the need for adopting innovative approach is required in providing care to patient. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to present telehealth as an innovative approach for providing care to patients and reducing spread of the infection and advocates for the adoption of telehealth for digitalized treatment of patients.
Design/methodology/approach
An integrative review methodology of existing evidence was conducted to provide implications for integration of telehealth for digitalized treatment of patients. This paper draws on Technology Organization Environment (TOE) framework to develop a model and propositions to investigate the factors that influence telehealth adoption from the perspective of the supply side and the demand side of medical services.
Findings
Findings from this study discuss applications adopted for telehealth and recommendations on how telehealth can be adopted for medical-care delivery. More importantly, the findings and propositions of this study can act as a roadmap to potential research opportunities within and beyond the pandemic. In addition, findings from this study help provide guidelines on how health practitioners can rapidly integrate telehealth into practice for public health emergencies.
Originality/value
This study identifies the social, technological and organizational factors that influence telehealth adoption, and opportunities of adopting telehealth during the public health emergencies. This study concludes that specific policy changes to improve integration of interoperable solutions; data security; better physical infrastructures; broadband access; better transition and workflow balance; availability of funding and remuneration; regulations and reimbursement; awareness; and training will improve telehealth adoption during public health emergencies.