In line with contemporary trends in the developing world, countries in South Asia are under pressure from both political and civil societies and the international donor community…
Abstract
In line with contemporary trends in the developing world, countries in South Asia are under pressure from both political and civil societies and the international donor community to recast their administrative systems. New tools and practices in public governance have been advanced to remedy structural deficiencies, procedural flaws, managerial incompetence, and weak accountability in the public sector. International organizations emphasize the need to improve the relationship between governance and socio-economic outcome; and accountability, transparency, probity, predictability, and participation are acknowledged as essential ingredients for effectively managing development. This article focuses on two South Asian countries (Pakistan and Bangladesh) and examines the various measures adopted by their governments to reshape governance and public management in recent times.
Aristides Olivares-Mesa and Sonia Suarez-Ortega
We study entry timing in the export development process of Spanish manufacturing firms. We interpret this process as a sequential path which allows us to identify the following…
Abstract
We study entry timing in the export development process of Spanish manufacturing firms. We interpret this process as a sequential path which allows us to identify the following export stages: (I) the pre-engagement phase, where firms do not export; (II) the initial phase, where firms export via an agent; and (III) the advanced phase, where firms export via a sales subsidiary. This study explores factors, which can accelerate or decelerate the decision to change phases. Data are taken from the Spanish Survey on Business Strategies that comprises 1,478 firms in 2002. Event history analysis is applied to our dataset. Obtaining product or process innovations is the most significant motivation for an early entry in the initial and advanced phases of the export development process. Network ties, a broader scope of products, firm size and foreign ownership participation are also key factors in accelerating entries.
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of the intellectual capital performance of UAE banks over the period 2004 to 2010.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of the intellectual capital performance of UAE banks over the period 2004 to 2010.
Design/methodology/approach
Multiple regression analysis was used to test the relationship between the intellectual capital performance as a dependent variable and certain independent variables.
Findings
The results indicate that standard variables, namely investment in information technology systems, barriers to entry, bank risk, bank size, bank age and bank listing age, are important. The results also show that the global financial crisis and market structure as measured by concentration ratio variables, which have not been considered in previous studies, have a significant impact on intellectual capital performance.
Research limitations/implications
More evidence is needed regarding the determinants of intellectual capital performance before any generalisation of the results can be made. In addition, the empirical tests were conducted only for UAE banks between 2004 and 2010. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that the results of the study extend beyond this group of banks or to different periods.
Practical implications
The paper might help the banking regulators address the factors affecting intellectual capital performance and also help banks to take action to developing their performance, in turn maximising their value creation.
Originality/value
The paper adds to the literature discussing determinants of intellectual capital performance in banks. In particular, it tests the theory that the global financial crisis and market structure, as measured by concentration ratio, have an impact on intellectual capital performance.
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Konstantinos Poulis and Mo Yamin
Large-scale incoming tourism potentially creates a multinational market within the domestic economy of the recipient countries. More specifically, in a number of countries, there…
Abstract
Large-scale incoming tourism potentially creates a multinational market within the domestic economy of the recipient countries. More specifically, in a number of countries, there is a large influx of ‘foreign’ consumers, or tourists, from many countries and for a significant part of the year. As can be seen from Table 1, for countries such as France, Spain, Austria, or Greece the annual influx of tourists exceeds the population of these countries by very large margins.
Habib Zafarullah and Redwanur Rahman
This paper aims to assess state capacity in Bangladesh and to analyse the reasons for the apparent failure of public agencies in creating the conditions for and in enhancing sound…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess state capacity in Bangladesh and to analyse the reasons for the apparent failure of public agencies in creating the conditions for and in enhancing sound governance in the country. Conflicts between political parties and the government's lack of clear policy goals have led to a political situation, which is fragile and largely dysfunctional.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews the main conceptual literature on governance and state capacity and assesses the status of state institutions in Bangladesh – how they fare, the way they operate and their implications for governance.
Findings
The paper points to the failure of the state machinery in formulating and implementing sound policies. Successive governments have politicised the administrative system and compounded the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the government. Corruption, nepotism, and clientalism have produced flaws and shortcomings at both political and administrative level. Political instability in government and poor governance has produced a state that is weak and fragmented.
Research limitations/implications
It is mainly focused on one country and is a general overview of key developments, trends and flaws in the functioning of the state.
Practical implications
It is relevant for understanding the general trends and dynamics of state capacity building within a broad framework of governance in a developing country. The findings may be useful for policy makers in reform initiatives.
Originality/value
It provides an assessment of the practical problems of political and administrative management in an unstable political environment.
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Mohammad Mohabbat Khan and Md. Shahriar Islam
The story of the Bangladesh public sector is not a happy one as it has often failed to uphold efficiency and equality in delivering services to the people. Hence leadership has a…
Abstract
Purpose
The story of the Bangladesh public sector is not a happy one as it has often failed to uphold efficiency and equality in delivering services to the people. Hence leadership has a critical role to play to ensure equality, effectiveness and efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the present condition and future prospect of leadership development in the Bangladesh public sector by focusing on the efforts initiated both by the government of Bangladesh and international organizations during the last ten years.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper has reviewed available literatures on theories of public sector leadership development and its application in Bangladesh to identify the state and future prospect of public sector leadership development utilizing available theories.
Findings
The analysis shows that partisan politics, dominance of generalists, absence of long-range feedback and monitoring systems and lack of efficient and knowledgeable trainers are the major impediments to public sector leadership development. International organizations provide proposals, frameworks, technical assistance along with funds to develop the public sector leaders but in implementing the schemes they have a very limited role in the implementation process.
Research limitations/implications
This paper does not offer much empirical evidence on public sector leadership development in Bangladesh, but creates the platform for further research on public sector training and leadership development with empirical data. Significant variables can be drawn out of this piece of work to design future research on this very important issue.
Originality/value
This paper will help the interested individuals involved in the public sector leadership development in Bangladesh to understand the divergence between the efforts put in by the government and international agencies in developing public sector leadership.
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Ali Kemal Celik, Mohamed Yacine Haddoud, Adah-Kole Emmanuel Onjewu and Paul Jones
The export entry behaviour of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a complex behaviour that requires specific tools for a holistic investigation. Thus far, there are…
Abstract
The export entry behaviour of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a complex behaviour that requires specific tools for a holistic investigation. Thus far, there are inconclusive findings in the literature on key predictors of export behaviour, which may be explained by methodological limitations. In this chapter, using a novel fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis for its ability to capture complex causality, the authors study the impact of managerial attributes and collaborative behaviours on SMEs’ export propensity. The analysis is based on a sample of 80 SMEs operating in the emerging country context of Turkey. Participants were selected using a non-probability sampling approach. For export propensity, it is found that no single driver is sufficient to facilitate SMEs’ export entry. Rather, a combination of managerial attributes including export knowledge, international orientation, entrepreneurial orientation and export perception is more likely to lead to export entry. Alternatively, the lack of some of these attributes could be offset by the presence of collaborative activities. Specifically, the shortage of export knowledge, international orientation and entrepreneurial orientation at any rate could be mitigated by collaborative activities. These findings hold important implications for SMEs and export promotion organisations in similar emerging contexts.
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Sulaman Hafeez Siddiqui, Muhammad Zafarullah, Muhammad Ijaz Latif and Ghulam Shabir
The purpose of this paper is to postulate the impact of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) on internationalization strategies of member countries’ firms. The study also aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to postulate the impact of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) on internationalization strategies of member countries’ firms. The study also aims to triangulate the proposed model using empirical data from PTA partner economies.
Design/methodology/approach
The mixed methods research design is used for the purpose of inquiry as suggested by Creswell. The inductive reasoning based on critical literature review and grounded theory methodology is used to postulate the model. Explanatory strength of the model is triangulated using empirical longitudinal trade data of Pakistan with her bilateral PTA partners, i.e. Malaysia, Mauritius, Iran, Sri Lanka and China. Internationalization indices are adapted following the Ietto-Gillies and London (2009) and Petri (1994) to measure the intensity and geographical diversification dimensions of internationalization. Country-level trade statistics are used as a proxy of firm-level data to explain the international expansion of home firms resulting from PTAs.
Findings
Empirical results confirm a strong and long-term impact of PTAs on the intensity and extensity dimensions of internationalization over post-agreement period in Pakistan and member economies. Gravity index depicts greater concentration of Pakistan's trade in FTA markets and thereby confirms the influence of PTAs on international market selection. Analysis at sectoral level depicts a contraction in services trade whereas expansion in the manufacturing firms’ export growth to member economies.
Originality/value
The paper extends the theory of internationalization by identifying PTAs as exogenous variable influencing internationalization strategies of member countries’ firms in a developing South Asian context. Coupled with findings from empirical data, the study identifies PTAs as a new strategic trade policy tool available to policy makers for promoting and influencing the home firms’ internationalization strategies.
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M. Ishaq Bhatti, M. Zafarullah, Hayat M. Awan and Khuram S. Bukhari
Internal organizational orientation of service quality and its impact on service delivery performance of the employees have received considerable attention from financial…
Abstract
Purpose
Internal organizational orientation of service quality and its impact on service delivery performance of the employees have received considerable attention from financial management literature. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue by conducting empirical research focusing on the Pakistani Islamic banking industry. It conceptualizes and measures key determinants of internal organizational orientation of service quality from the employees' perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected from a sample of 150 employees of pure Islamic banks and conventional banks with IBBs (Islamic Banking Branches or windows) across the entire country. The paper uses principal component factor analysis and regression methods.
Findings
Statistical results demonstrate that the employee perceptions of organizational service quality orientation mainly depends upon four main predictors: employees' perception about training and development; development and positioning of Islamic banking products/service concept; customer service orientation; and employees' service quality performance. Principal component factor analysis results indicate four predictive internal organizational service quality orientation factors (ISQF) where 16 per cent of the variation is being explained by employee perception of organizational orientation towards employees' training and development (ISQF1), 13 per cent variation explained employee perception of organizational orientation towards development and positioning of Islamic banking products/service concept (ISQF2), 11 per cent variation explained by employee perception of organizational service quality orientation towards customer service orientation (ISQF3), and 10 per cent variation explained employee perception of organizational service quality orientation towards employees' service quality performance (ISQF4).
Originality/value
Management of Islamic Banks in Pakistan need to be mindful about the fact that ISQFs identified by this study have the potential to indirectly influence customer perceptions through effective employees' recruitment and selection criteria, complemented by training to improve service oriented skills and knowledge development about Sh´ria principles related with the products/services offered by Islamic banks in Pakistan.