Charles Blankson and Ogenyi E. Omar
Presents an assessment of the marketing practices among African and Caribbean small businesses in London. Findings reveal the patchy application of an adapted market orientation…
Abstract
Presents an assessment of the marketing practices among African and Caribbean small businesses in London. Findings reveal the patchy application of an adapted market orientation framework; also indicates “informal” marketing deliberations taking place and is consistent with Stokes and Blackburn’s assertion that marketing in the small business sector seems to be an informal and unplanned activity that relies on the intuition and energy of the owner‐manager. The study was undertaken in response to calls for marketing‐related research in this sector and the results provide valuable insights into the UK’s intercultural dynamics. The study reveals considerable degree of evenness between the ease or difficulty of securing bank loans. The paper concludes by drawing attention to managerial implications and future research directions.
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Airport shopping is characteristically related to airport environmental conditions. Although consumption‐related emotions have been studied with increasing frequency in consumer…
Abstract
Airport shopping is characteristically related to airport environmental conditions. Although consumption‐related emotions have been studied with increasing frequency in consumer behaviour, issues concerning the evaluation of emotions leading to impulse purchasing and airport environment effect remain hidden in academic context. Airport shoppers tend to make impulse purchases, however, previous studies relating to impulse purchases did not have the shopper as an independent variable. This research paper presents conceptual and empirical evidence that airport shoppers’ self‐assessment (judgement) about the appropriateness of engaging in impulse shopping behaviour moderates the relationship between the airport influences on impulse shopping and consumers’ buying behaviours. The study found that the relationship between airport impulsive shopping and the related shopping behaviour is significant only when airport shoppers believe that acting on impulse is appropriate. This finding supports the proposition for moderating airport shoppers’ self‐evaluations.
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Ogenyi Ejye Omar and Victoria Odu Ogenyi
The purpose of this paper is to investigate senior managers' satisfaction with pay in the Nigerian Civil Service.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate senior managers' satisfaction with pay in the Nigerian Civil Service.
Design/methodology/approach
A field study was undertaken to test the hypotheses. The sample was drawn from senior managers in the Nigerian Civil Service. A quantitative methodological approach was used based on questionnaire designed to measure the variables that literature review has identified as having relationship with pay satisfaction.
Findings
The finding of this research paper shows that pay incentive scheme is a distinctive dimension of pay satisfaction among senior managers in the Nigerian Civil Service; and the perception of pay‐for‐performance determines the level of satisfaction with pay.
Research limitations/implications
The sample size is very small relative to the total federal civil service population. Only senior managers were selected for questioning and may not reflect the general opinion in the Nigerian Civil Service. The sample is limited to the Federal Civil Service and excludes state and local government services in a federally governed country.
Practical implications
The study has important implications for organisations and human resource practitioners in Nigeria to design their compensation and benefit programmes.
Originality/value
This research is one of the few studies that explore pay incentive schemes as a distinct dimension of pay satisfaction relevant to the Nigerian work environment. It adds value to the study of organisational justice by demonstrating that procedural justice, interactional justice, and distributive justice, influence pay satisfaction.
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Ogenyi Omar and Victoria Ogenyi
Discusses the role of women in management in the Nigerian Civil Service (NCS). The number of men in management in the NCS far exceeds the number of women. Women also function in a…
Abstract
Discusses the role of women in management in the Nigerian Civil Service (NCS). The number of men in management in the NCS far exceeds the number of women. Women also function in a Nigerian society permeated by gender stereotypes. Tries to answer the question: “Why is a woman less likely to become a senior manager in the NCS?” Data were gathered from a selection of male and female managers who have the required experience and knowledge of women issues. The findings show that the debate about women's roles as managers has prompted a reassessment of the traditional negative stereotype of women as managers. Although women are being given some managerial opportunities, they are severely discriminated against. Thus the range of opportunities available to women is limited and the prospect of a woman being a senior manager is less favourable than for a man. Concludes that women are likely to bring a distinct style of management to the service and the NCS would benefit from more integration of women managers.
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Food technology and innovation have had a large impact on Britishfood retailing affecting suppliers, retailers and their markets.Technology has invaded many areas of the British…
Abstract
Food technology and innovation have had a large impact on British food retailing affecting suppliers, retailers and their markets. Technology has invaded many areas of the British food industry providing efficient technical knowledge and new products. Innovative retailers have anticipated the food market metamorphosis and have repositioned their retail activities to take advantage of the changing market environment. The central objective of this study was to assess retailers′ technical innovations in food manufacturing, and to achieve this a research technique was adopted and conducted with leading UK food retailers. The results suggested that food retailers′ technological capabilityi affects the method of own‐label procurement and choice of suppliers. Those retailers who were able to influence food innovation all have large food technology departments, employing food technologists to meet consumer food requirements and legal obligations, and who collaborate with their suppliers to develop new products. Concludes that innovation is vital to the future of both food manufacturers and retailers, and novel and significantly different new products and/or services will ensure success either way.
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Kwik‐Save′s decision to make its first ever own‐label food products (NoFrills) is a clear evidence that own‐label products are more popularthan at any time. Investigates consumer…
Abstract
Kwik‐Save′s decision to make its first ever own‐label food products (No Frills) is a clear evidence that own‐label products are more popular than at any time. Investigates consumer perceptions of national and own‐label grocery products. Reveals that consumers perceive many differences among the two brand types tested. To find the factors accounting for the perceived quality of food, typical consumer explanation for both quality and value for money is about the price and physical attributes of the food brands. Other factors such as store image and food ingredients are equally important. The appeal for own‐label groceries is based on price and consumer scepticism. Product quality is usually the major purchasing factor and the measure of value. The assessment of consumer thinking comes from the marketplace. Cola, lemonade, and orange juice were three product lines put to taste‐on‐test in an effort to assess consumer preferences. Concludes that differences exist in the shoppers′ price and quality perceptions, and brand preference across the product lines tested. Own‐label preference is based on price and value for money rather than quality.
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The purpose of this paper is to find the most important factors to the Index that explains gender gaps in education, health, politics, and economic outcomes worldwide.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to find the most important factors to the Index that explains gender gaps in education, health, politics, and economic outcomes worldwide.
Design/methodology/approach
World Economic Forum (WEF) data are analyzed using hedonic regression analysis to estimate which factors affect a country’s Global Gender Gap Index. Standardized β coefficients reveal the top five factors influencing the Index, just as key components of the US Consumer Price Index are teased out using this method.
Findings
Women in public sector management, administration, and politics explain a substantial portion of gender inequality. Policies to increase women’s representation in parliaments, as heads of state, in ministerial positions, and in public sector management mitigate inequality as gauged by the Gender Gap Index. Economic indicators are also among the leading components of the Gender Gap Index.
Research limitations/implications
Although comprehensive and drawn from several sources including the World Health Organization, the International Labour Organization, and the United Nations Development Programme, WEF data do not capture the full experience of women worldwide. Subsequent qualitative research is recommended.
Practical implications
This analysis reveals policy recommendations for advocates working to close gender gaps, particularly in politics and economic outcomes. Increasing proportions of women in public sector management can mitigate inequality. This supports electoral quotas and human resource management initiatives to diversify management ranks.
Social implications
Increasing women’s share of public sector managerial positions fosters gender equity, as does increasing women’s share of elected and appointed positions.
Originality/value
This study provides quantitative evidence of the important role of women’s representation to guide subsequent fieldwork. This evidence supports efforts to increase women in elective office and public sector management.
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Over the past 15 years, many UK car manufacturers have learned that quality must be designed into cars before they are manufactured ‐ it is expensive, if not misguided, to create…
Abstract
Over the past 15 years, many UK car manufacturers have learned that quality must be designed into cars before they are manufactured ‐ it is expensive, if not misguided, to create quality by inspection after the car has left the production line. Examines the rigorous cost management technique which helps prevent senior managers from launching low‐margin cars which do not generate enough returns on investment. Finds that most UK‐based car manufacturers employ the logic of target costing as a marketing management tool to determine the prices of new car models. Suggests that before a new car is launched, senior managers must determine its ideal selling price, establish the feasibility of meeting that price, and then control costs to ensure that the set price is met. Reports the conclusive evidence that when target costing works well, quantifiable hurdles are established in a transparent process, and senior managers are more likely to commit themselves to what the statistical numbers show.
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Benjamin Osayawe Ehigie, Ibidolapo Abimbola Kolade and Olukayode Ayooluwa Afolabi
To examine how personality dispositions of Nigerian politicians predict their attitude to the wellbeing of citizens.
Abstract
Purpose
To examine how personality dispositions of Nigerian politicians predict their attitude to the wellbeing of citizens.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey research was embarked that engaged 185 political aspirants to various electoral positions in the 2003 Nigerian elections. Respondents were administered a standardized psychological instrument that measures four personality attributes – needs for achievement, affiliation, dominance, and autonomy. They also responded to another standardized instrument that measures attitude to wellbeing of people.
Findings
Hierarchical multiple regression analyses conducted showed that gender and age are significant predictors of politicians' attitudes to wellbeing of the people. Male and younger politicians are more favorably disposed to people's wellbeing than female and older politicians. Among the personality attributes only need for achievement significantly accounted for variations in attitude to people's wellbeing. Specifically, the lower politicians are in need of achievement the more favorably disposed they are to people's wellbeing.
Research limitations/implications
The research participants are not completely representative of politicians in Nigeria because the sample was drawn from the Southwest only. In addition, the personality attributes examined are not exhaustive as there are other possible attributes that could predict politicians' attitudes to citizens' wellbeing. There is also a limit to which results on attitude can be used to predict actual behavior of politicians to people's wellbeing.
Practical implications
The study demonstrates the need for psychological tests in Nigeria's electoral process. It demonstrates that personality attributes of politicians could be assessed and used to predict their concern for citizens' wellbeing. It is opined that, where politicians are more concerned with the citizens' wellbeing, it could enhance the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria.
Originality/value
The paper demonstrates a dimension of psychological testing in Nigeria's electoral process.