Sanjay Bahl and O.P. Wali
Information security is a growing concern in society, across businesses and government. As the offshore IT services market continues to grow providing numerous benefits, there are…
Abstract
Purpose
Information security is a growing concern in society, across businesses and government. As the offshore IT services market continues to grow providing numerous benefits, there are also perceived risks with respect to the quality of information security delivered in the supply chain. This paper aims to examine, as a case, the perceptions of Indian software services provider (service provider) employees with respect to information security governance and its impact on information security service quality that is delivered to customers.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides a framework built upon the existing dimensions and instruments for total quality management and service quality, suitably modified to reflect the context of information security. SmartPLS, a structural equation modelling technique, has been used to analyse field survey data collected from across various Indian cities and companies.
Findings
Significant finding is that information security governance in an IT outsourcing company providing software services has a highly significant impact on the information security service quality, which can be predicted. The paper also establishes that there is a positive relationship collectively between elements of information security governance and information security service quality.
Research limitations/implications
Since data used in this study were taken solely from the responses of employees of outsourced service companies in India, it does not show if this translates into service improvements as perceived by the customer.
Practical implications
Information security governance should be made an integral part of corporate governance and is an effective strategic technique, if software outsourcing business enterprises want to achieve a competitive edge, provide client satisfaction and create trust.
Originality/value
The paper presents empirical data validation of the connection between information security governance and quality of service.
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Christopher McLaughlin, Laura Bradley-McCauley and Simon Stephens
This paper aims to present typologies of entrepreneurs using entrepreneurs' engagement and use of social media (SM) for business purposes as a means of categorisation. Based on…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present typologies of entrepreneurs using entrepreneurs' engagement and use of social media (SM) for business purposes as a means of categorisation. Based on this categorisation, four types of entrepreneurs are proposed: the hopefuls, the assureds, the opportunists and the passengers. The emergent typology should serve as the basis for further thought and empiricism.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-phase quantitative opportunistic sampling approach was employed. First, entrepreneurial experts' (n = 8) structured interviews informed the survey design. Secondly, an online survey, based on theory of planned behaviour (TPB), was completed with entrepreneurs at business incubation centres (BICs) in Ireland. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified a number of entrepreneur typologies using participants' (n = 124) business-related SM activities. Differences in entrepreneurial types were explained using the TPB, trust, security and demographic variables.
Findings
Results indicate that there are four distinct types of entrepreneurs based on their business-related SM activities. Once the typology was created, comparisons were conducted between each type based on the psychological drivers of the TPB. Trend differences were identified between the distinct typologies.
Originality/value
The value of this research is that the research proposes a typology of entrepreneurs categorised based on SM engagement and use. The typology can be used to identify and compare the differences between entrepreneurs based on perceptions regarding SM, abilities related to SM and the support entrepreneurs need in relation to this. This research is novel in that the research addresses calls to segment the increasingly diverse and complex entrepreneurial population using the pillars of social and digital technology as a focus. The research also provides a framework for examination and replication in other geographic and entrepreneurial settings.
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Mehree Iqbal, Louis Geneste and Paull Weber
This study aims to expand antecedent roles on social entrepreneurial behavioural intention by integrating both the Three Pillars of Institutions and the Mair Noboa model. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to expand antecedent roles on social entrepreneurial behavioural intention by integrating both the Three Pillars of Institutions and the Mair Noboa model. The literature lacks in investigating both institutional- and individual-level antecedents to determine social entrepreneurial behavioural intention. This proposed integrated model was developed in which the Mair Noboa's model antecedents mediates the positive relationship between the antecedents of Three Pillars of Institutions and social entrepreneurial intention.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses quantitative research methodologies to answer the research question of the extent that institutional-level antecedents in turn influence individual antecedents and thus determine social entrepreneurial intention. To explore this, a Web-based survey distributed across Bangladesh (n = 412). The confirmation of hypotheses involved using covariance-based structural equation modelling (SEM) for data analysis. The resulting measurement and structural models successfully met all criteria for reliability, model fit, convergent validity and discriminant validity. The hypotheses were subsequently assessed by examining both direct relationships and mediating effects.
Findings
The findings demonstrated a significant relationship between the antecedents of the Three Pillars of Institutions and the Mair Noboa model. The results suggest that the Mair Noboa model antecedents can mediate the relationship between the Three Pillars of Institutions and social entrepreneurial intention.
Originality/value
This paper advances the existing knowledge of social entrepreneurial intention, through the novel lens of combined institutional and individual antecedents. This paper fills an important knowledge gap by exploring both institutional- and individual-level antecedents to determine social entrepreneurial intention. This study findings yield fresh theoretical and practical insights into how institutional and individual antecedents jointly influence social entrepreneurial intention.
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Wassim J. Aloulou and Eidah A. Algarni
Little previous research has investigated the determinants of social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) in the context of Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this study is to advance a…
Abstract
Purpose
Little previous research has investigated the determinants of social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) in the context of Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this study is to advance a research model that examines the direct and indirect effects of prior experience with social problems via empathy, moral obligation, social self-efficacy and perceived social support on SEI.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on data collected from a survey using questionnaires completed by 278 Saudis. To analyze data and test the developed hypotheses, an exploratory and a confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to investigate the factorial structural of the constructs, their reliability and validity. Then, goodness-of-fit statistics showed model fits of different alternative models. A hierarchical regression modeling was used to test the direct and indirect effects of main variables on SEI.
Findings
Results show positive relationships between prior experience with social problems and SEI antecedents, on one hand, and between prior experience with social problems and SEI on the other hand. Notably, no significant relationships exist between moral obligation and SEI and social support and SEI. Additionally, only empathy and social self-efficacy mediated the relationship of prior experience with social problems to SEI.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to the literature by showing how most of the SEI’s antecedents can play a mediating role between prior experience with social problems and SEI. The main limitation of this study is that it was not possible to generalize the findings. Future research perspectives were proposed to address this limitation and add new insights to the field considering the context of an emerging country.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first to conduct such an investigation in the Saudi context. It validates the scales of previous empirical models on SEI and partially replicates their results.
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This study aims to explore the use and relevance of WALYs (well-being-adjusted life years) in light of the utilitarian premises of neoclassical economics that continue to dominate…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the use and relevance of WALYs (well-being-adjusted life years) in light of the utilitarian premises of neoclassical economics that continue to dominate health outcomes evaluation. QALYs (quality-adjusted life years) and DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) measure longevity and quality of life in terms of purely health-related aspects and outcomes of medical interventions. However, evaluative questions of subjective well-being may be equally important in comparing outcomes and cost-effectiveness of these interventions.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-phase online search strategy for refereed research on dry eye treatment with omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) was adopted. Phase I aimed to identify and contrast clinical parameters of efficacy in omega-3 dietary supplementation. Phase II aimed to find a preference-based, multi-attribute utility instrument specific and sensitive enough to dry eye and its consequences on patients’ subjective well-being. We then illustrate how WALYs can be conceptualized and calculated based on the search results.
Findings
Empiric therapies like omega-3s can be assessed in terms of reducing or relieving symptomatic discomfort and pain, and enabling the patient to enjoy life and derive satisfaction from daily activities. We find in VisQoL (Vision and Quality of Life Index) a viable alternative to conventional multi-attribute utility instruments, including those typically used in QALY and DALY calculations. Clinical efficacy indices of dry eye can be linked to VisQoL’s quality of life dimensions. Differently weighted outcomes can be aggregated. And WALYs per patient per year can be computed by scaling aggregated outcomes to match the WALY rating scale. The implications of subjective well-being for both patient and society can thus be approached from a broader and richer perspective.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind in pharmaceutical outcomes valuation and marketing. It offers a framework for analyzing life satisfaction and well-being among dry eye patients under treatment. It is also the first to use and adapt a multi-attribute utility measure to treatment outcomes of omega-3s in ocular diseases, from which this study suggests WALYs may be computed. However, it does not suggest that WALYs should supplant QALYs and DALYs in evaluating health outcomes. Medical economics is enriched if alternative methods of outcomes evaluations can help fill in the gaps in existing paradigms and do so by accounting for other effects of condition-specific interventions. Costs and benefits of interventions to the individual and society can then be valued not just more effectively, but also more equitably.
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Evelyn Hendriana, Risa Bhinekawati and Matahari Farransahat
Studies on social entrepreneurial intention have been increasing in recent years due to the growing concerns of young people on social and sustainability issues. Although social…
Abstract
Purpose
Studies on social entrepreneurial intention have been increasing in recent years due to the growing concerns of young people on social and sustainability issues. Although social entrepreneurship is gaining momentum in emerging economies, only limited studies explore antecedents of social entrepreneurial intention in these countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. This paper aims to integrate the concept of entrepreneurship competence with the theory of planned behavior and examine the interrelationship between antecedents of this theory.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of university students was used to validate the theory of planned behavior in explaining social entrepreneurial intention. Samples were selected using purposive sampling involving university students who had been exposed to social entrepreneurship incubators. The 372 valid responses were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling.
Findings
This study confirms the applicability of the theory of planned behavior to explain social entrepreneurial intention, even though not all attitudes toward social entrepreneurship orientation were significant. Out of five orientations, only attitudes toward social innovation significantly directed social entrepreneurial intention. This study validates that subjective norms and perceived behavioral control determine attitudes toward social entrepreneurship orientation. The roles of education and prior experience in providing entrepreneurship competence also positively shape individuals’ attitudes toward social entrepreneurship orientation and perceived behavioral control.
Research limitations/implications
Although perceived behavioral control and entrepreneurial self-efficacy are frequently interchangeable, these concepts are independent. This study does not include social entrepreneurial self-efficacy by only examining the effect of entrepreneurship competence on perceived behavioral control. Data were limited to university students who have been exposed to social entrepreneurship incubators, which may not fully reflect the tendency of general Indonesian youths to become social entrepreneurs.
Practical implications
As entrepreneurship competence is essential in stimulating social entrepreneurial intention through the formation of attitudes toward social innovation and perceived behavioral control, the government and the universities can collaborate in establishing a supportive social entrepreneurship ecosystem within and outside the universities. This ecosystem may equip youths with essential knowledge and resources as well as complement subjective norms.
Originality/value
Studies of social entrepreneurial intention have mostly applied psychological theories; however, they rarely consider the impact of entrepreneurship education as the driver of social entrepreneurial intention. Studies of social entrepreneurial intention from psychological and educational perspectives tend to run in parallel. This study integrates entrepreneurship competence into the theory of planned behavior to explain social entrepreneurial intention. In addition, while social entrepreneurship is believed to consist of multiple orientations, not many studies have deliberated on this. This study reflects these multiple social entrepreneurship orientations in the attitudes toward social entrepreneurship.
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Mehree Iqbal, Louis Geneste and Paull Weber
This paper aims to contribute to the field of social entrepreneurship by exploring the interrelationships among the antecedents of social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) through…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to contribute to the field of social entrepreneurship by exploring the interrelationships among the antecedents of social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) through the lens of Mair Noboa model (MNM). In recent years, many researchers have applied the antecedents of MNM to determine SEI. However, interrelationship among these antecedents has not been a focus of enquiry despite the repeated scholarly calls.
Design/methodology/approach
Applying quantitative methodology, the data was collected from a Web-based survey distributed across Bangladesh (N = 412). Data analysis was carried out based on the covariance-based structural equation modelling technique to confirm the hypotheses. The final measurement and structural models met all the requirements for reliability, model fit, convergent validity and discriminant validity. The proposed hypotheses were tested based on direct relationships and mediating effects.
Findings
The findings suggested that interrelationships among these antecedents do increase individuals’ intentions to become social entrepreneurs.
Originality/value
This paper fills an important knowledge gap by exploring the interrelationships among moral obligation, empathy, perceived social support and social entrepreneurial self-efficacy. This paper stressed identifying whether the SEI enhances through the interrelationships among these antecedents or not. The study findings bring new theoretical and practical implications on the role of empathy, moral obligation, perceived social support and social entrepreneurial self-efficacy.
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This study aims to integrate the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory with Mair and Noboa’s (2006) model to evaluate the stimulating role of education-related stimuli (i.e…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to integrate the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory with Mair and Noboa’s (2006) model to evaluate the stimulating role of education-related stimuli (i.e. entrepreneurial education, curriculum and lecturer competency) and the moderation impact of perceived university support on students’ emotional and cognitive processes of social entrepreneurship.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 401 university students in Vietnam and a three-step analysis approach via SPSS 28.0 and AMOS 25.0 were used to test the hypothesized model.
Findings
This study revealed that while entrepreneurship education and lecturer competency are positively associated with psychological organisms, then in turn affect social entrepreneurial intention and behaviors, the curriculum seems to be less significant. Social entrepreneurial intention was positively affected by social entrepreneurial self-efficacy and perceived social support, but not significantly influenced by empathy or moral obligation. As expected, the higher the perceived university support, the stronger the relationship between social entrepreneurial intention and social start-up behavior.
Practical implications
The findings of this study can be valuable for educators, policymakers and practitioners to inspire students’ entrepreneurial activities.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the entrepreneurship literature by adopting SOR theory to investigate the importance of education-related stimuli, exploring the underlying mediation mechanism of emotional and cognitive organism and explaining the moderation role of perceived university support in the fostering of students’ social entrepreneurship.
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Abdullahil Mamun, Harun BAL and Emrah Eray AKCA
The study aims to examine the export-led growth (ELG) hypothesis for Bangladesh. The direction of causality between export and output largely determines the success of…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to examine the export-led growth (ELG) hypothesis for Bangladesh. The direction of causality between export and output largely determines the success of export-oriented trade policies. A unidirectional causality running from export to output growth is required according to the narrow definition, while bidirectional causality is allowed for the broader definition. The study offers the causality inference, both from narrow and broader senses.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses the bootstrap version of Toda and Yamamoto-modified causality tests, a recent development in time series econometrics, robust against the regularity conditions such as stationarity, properties of integration and cointegration and constancy of parameters. It uses monthly secondary data for the period of 1990-2014.
Findings
Test results suggest a unidirectional positive causal relationship from exports to output growth, meaning that the policies and strategies supporting exports are promoting output growth and thereby approve the ELG hypothesis for Bangladesh from the narrow sense. However, the absence of bidirectional causality between export and output growth, necessary to support the ELG hypothesis from the broader perspective, discards the conjecture that output growth is reinvigorated through the probable second-round effects of ELG produced from output growth to exports.
Practical implications
Lower investments in infrastructure, technology and education are reasons for the absence of ELG from the broader sense. Therefore, directing returns generated from exports for the development of technology, infrastructure and human capital, with regular and continuous revision of trade-liberalization policies so as to make its exports more competitive in the world market, will help Bangladesh trigger the second-round effect of ELG produced from output growth to exports.
Originality/value
Beyond the conventional approaches, this is the first contemporary time series econometrics causality analysis between export and output growth of Bangladesh, both from narrow and broader senses.
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The purpose of this study is two-fold: to examine the relationship between conditional resources, social entrepreneurial intent and social entrepreneurial action and to test the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is two-fold: to examine the relationship between conditional resources, social entrepreneurial intent and social entrepreneurial action and to test the mediating role of social entrepreneurial intent in the relationship between conditional resources and social entrepreneurial action among social ventures in Uganda.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts a quantitative methodological approach were hypotheses were statistically tested using structural equation modelling based on survey data (n = 243) from community-based organization owner-managers in Uganda.
Findings
Results show that both conditional resources and social entrepreneurial intent are significantly associated with social entrepreneurial action. Results further indicate that social entrepreneurial intent partially mediates the relationship between conditional resources and social entrepreneurial action.
Originality/value
To the authors’ knowledge, this study provides a shred of initial empirical evidence on the relationship between conditional resources, social entrepreneurial intent and social entrepreneurial action using evidence from a developing African country – Uganda. Mostly, this study provides initial evidence of the mediating role of social entrepreneurial intent in the relationship between conditional resources and social entrepreneurial action.