The purpose of this paper is to highlight that Singaporeans are adopting the value of continuous effort and being resilient. Several explanations are put forth on why Singaporeans…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight that Singaporeans are adopting the value of continuous effort and being resilient. Several explanations are put forth on why Singaporeans are resilient. That being the case, Singapore companies can also be said to be resilient.
Design/methodology/approach
Interviewing method.
Findings
Influenced by its geography, history and the value of achievement, Singaporeans and Singapore Companies are adopting “continuous effort” and “are being resilient” as the value they work and live by. Goal‐oriented, they do their homework, plan their work before plunging and work their plan.
Research limitations/implications
Limitation: time and costs constraints, otherwise more interviewing sessions could have been held. Future research, if a budget permits, can employ more inteviewers.
Practical implications
Being resilient is an advantage, it can also lead to strengthen the Republic's economy. In business, being resilient is vital since it gives the people the necessary fighting power. However, it is said that any culture is dynamic, and events may change perceptions and values, and hence, a highlight on whether Singaporeans are, in fact, “becoming softer” is also discussed.
Originality/value
The article provides a new/continuing perspective on cultural value of resilience in Singapore.
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The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of the theory, use, practice, and benefits of the father leadership in small businesses in Kazakhstan.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of the theory, use, practice, and benefits of the father leadership in small businesses in Kazakhstan.
Design/methodology/approach
A hybrid or combination of both the focus group and interviewing data collection methods.
Findings
Father leadership strengthens communications within the small businesses, and the business owners' relationshsips with their employees. It motivates them to be highly productive too.
Research limitations/implications
The focus groups were held in Almaty and it appears as if the sessions were limited to that city. Almaty however is large and cosmopolitan hence the focus groups' findings can be considered as representative of Kazakhstani society.
Practical implications
Business is always looking for an edge over the competition. The study highlights that the edge in small business management comes not only from investments in technology or time planning but rather from “the soft skills” aspects, that is, father leadership. The relevance and usefulness of the father leadership's 5Cs approach is assessed, and the use and perceived value of that “all‐in‐the‐family” touch to ensure business success were also highlighted.
Originality/value
The article provides a continuing perspective on the father leadership in small businesses in Kazakhstan.
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Keywords
To show and analyse the concept, practice, problems and prospects of father leadership in Singapore. The study also proposes such practices in Asian countries.
Abstract
Purpose
To show and analyse the concept, practice, problems and prospects of father leadership in Singapore. The study also proposes such practices in Asian countries.
Design/methodology/approach
The focus group participants, were mostly of experienced corporate and business leaders, and did not represent a cross‐section of the population; they were made of business people because of the peculiarities of Singapore's history and economy.
Findings
The Singapore Government leads the way and father leadership is widely practiced. An analysis is also made of the management approach, problems and prospects of father leadership as practised in Singapore with its practices proposed in other Asian countries.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations include time and costs constraints; otherwise more focus group sessions can be held and the focus group participants, mostly of experienced corporate and business leaders, did not represent a cross‐section of the population; they were made of business people because of the peculiarities of Singapore's history and economy. It is argued that a synonymous match exists between the national culture and business culture in Singapore; hence the selection of the business people in the focus group. That synonymous match is primarily because of the country's small size and lack of natural resources, and because since its birth as a modern nation, Singapore is dependent on human capital and relies strongly on its economy for its survival and growth.
Practical implications
The study provides useful lessons for businesses and political analysts outside Singapore to better understand the Government's paternalistic instincts in ensuring the long‐term sustainability of Singapore's economy and her citizenry.
Originality/value
The article provides a continuing perspective on governance and management in Singapore. It also extends existing studies into Confucianistic societies/ societies that are perceived by the outside world as being autocratic.
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This paper seeks to identify the cultural obstacles or what discourages the setting‐up of businesses among Singaporeans.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to identify the cultural obstacles or what discourages the setting‐up of businesses among Singaporeans.
Design/methodology/approach
Focus group method.
Findings
Four obstacles: being over‐compliant, too left‐brained, over‐pampered, and afraid of failing, are identified. They are assessed as stemming from two key trends: chiefly, a safe, orderly and affluent society and Singapore Government's father‐leadership style. Several recommendations are then made.
Research limitations/implications
Limitation: time and costs constraints – otherwise more focus group sessions could have been held. Future research, if a budget permits, can employ separate recorders to take notes, freeing the researcher to facilitate the discussions, extracting more information.
Practical implications
The paper implies the need for several cultural changes: Singaporeans can be more entrepreneurial by taking a paradigm shift, adopting the “backpack mentality”; embracing globalised thinking and networking; and tapping the melting‐pot edge.
Originality/value
The article provides a continuing perspective on entrepreneurship in Singapore.
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The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the value of diversity in business in Kazakhstan, analysing the possible opportunities, benefits and, if any, negatives…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the value of diversity in business in Kazakhstan, analysing the possible opportunities, benefits and, if any, negatives or downsides for companies that diversity can bring.
Design/methodology/approach
Focus groups and interviews.
Findings
The position of women and minorities were uncovered. The findings also show how open are the Kazakhstani people to foreigners and to what extent are foreigners accepted in Kazakhstan.
Research limitations/implications
Though supplemented with interviews, more focus groups may be applied. The study has been limited to Almaty, the most diverse city in Kazakhstan. Perhaps it would have different results if it had been conducted in other major cities.
Practical implications
Allows a survey of the possible opportunities/benefits and threats/costs of diversity that may be reaped by the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Originality/value
Provides continuing perspectives on the issue of diversity, which is one of the globalisation impacts or waves affecting organizations.
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Balbir B. Bhasin and Patrick Low Kim Cheng
Reveals that companies are testing new ways to entice professionals into their field due to the lack of global talent available. States that this is increasing in importance since…
Abstract
Reveals that companies are testing new ways to entice professionals into their field due to the lack of global talent available. States that this is increasing in importance since having the right people can yield greater financial returns. States that the USA used to be a haven for talented individuals but now other countries are joining the battle to entice individuals, examining the case of Singapore and the problems encountered. Concludes that for the most part Singapore has been successful.
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Zahidul Islam, Patrick Kim Cheng Low and Ikramul Hasan
This paper aims to examine the influence and applications of both the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the diffusion of innovation (DOI) model on the intention to use…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the influence and applications of both the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the diffusion of innovation (DOI) model on the intention to use advanced mobile phone services (AMPS) among Bangladeshi users. It also seeks to examine the moderating role of attitude towards use in the AMPS research model.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a quantitative study. A questionnaire was developed from previous studies and data were collected from young people between 18 and 31 years of age in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Regression was employed to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results indicate that perceived usefulness and compatibility are key factors for using AMPS, while other factors such as perceived ease of use and complexity are not as significant. Findings also confirm that attitudes towards use play a moderating role between perceived usefulness/complexity and intention to use AMPS.
Research limitations/implications
Future research is required as this paper focuses only on the younger age range in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Practical implications
Findings indicate that AMPS can be used by younger segments of the population if the elements of TAM and DOI theory are emphasised.
Originality/value
The paper reinforces the body of knowledge relating to AMPS in the telecommunications industry.
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About 10 years ago the Singapore Government realized that entrepreneurial spirit was lacking in its general population. These conclusions were confirmed by an empirical survey…
Abstract
About 10 years ago the Singapore Government realized that entrepreneurial spirit was lacking in its general population. These conclusions were confirmed by an empirical survey, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), an annual assessment of the national level of entrepreneurial activity. The paternalistic and authoritative approach of the government contributed to the general population’s averseness to participating in riskoriented ventures.
Removing impediments to entrepreneurship is a key challenge for the government and the business sector if the island republic is to maintain its national competitiveness. This article explores the various initiatives taken by the government to stimulate risk-taking and attempts to ascertain if the various measures can be used as key factors to strengthen the inherent cultural values that stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit.The observations can serve as a useful tool for academics and managers in recognizing the cultural traits that influence and help foster entrepreneurial tendencies.
Deborah Elizabeth Swain and James Earl Lightfoot
The purpose of this paper is to show how Tai Chi (or T’ai Chi ch’uan) philosophy might be used in global project development. Collected case studies support a Tai Chi-based…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show how Tai Chi (or T’ai Chi ch’uan) philosophy might be used in global project development. Collected case studies support a Tai Chi-based framework for global project teams to reduce stress and improve decision making through exercises, storytelling, and martial arts practices. The authors first proposed a model or procedural framework based on experiential knowledge from practicing Tai Chi while managing projects.
Design/methodology/approach
Analyzing case studies from knowledge managers, project managers, and executive leaders, the researchers collected data on applying the framework from a retrospective case study and from two observational case studies during project development. Tai Chi-based communications and exercises were shown to support critical thinking, knowledge sharing, and problem solving. The proposed framework and four-step procedure build on a global perspective to cultural awareness, creativity, and motivation as well as specific Tai Chi-based tactics, techniques, and operations for knowledge management. This preliminary study looks at improving collaboration in a competitive environment while supporting health, wellness, and work-life enjoyment.
Findings
Early research results suggest that teams and individuals working on projects and practicing Tai Chi might develop more cohesive strategies and improve soft skills during their integration of Eastern and Western philosophies.
Research limitations/implications
Used case studies methodology, which provided examples of using Tai Chi during projects. Qualitative data used to develop the proposed framework. Also, interviews and discussion reviews conducted for additional validation collected on framework.
Practical implications
It is a pioneering, preliminary study. Future research with outcomes-based data from project managers using Tai Chi recommended.
Originality/value
The integration of Eastern and Western philosophies into a framework for team project and knowledge management was shown to support cohesive strategies, improve soft skills, and strengthen decision making.
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Cheng-Yue Yin, Nan Bi, Patrick Poon and Yang Sun
The purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction effect of endorser ethnicity (local Chinese vs Western) and portrayal (smart vs sexy) on Chinese women’s attitudes toward…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction effect of endorser ethnicity (local Chinese vs Western) and portrayal (smart vs sexy) on Chinese women’s attitudes toward luxury advertisements and brands, as well as any moderating effect appearance self-esteem has on the above-mentioned interaction.
Design/methodology/approach
Two online experiments were conducted. Study 1 was a 2×2 factorial design (with 280 participants), while Study 2 was a 2×2 ×2 factorial design (with 320 participants). Data were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) test and simple effect analysis.
Findings
Results demonstrated that Chinese female consumers are more likely to have a positive attitude toward advertisements for luxury goods and brands when a local Chinese (vs Western) endorser is used and portrayed as smart (vs sexy), particularly if consumers have low appearance self-esteem.
Research limitations/implications
The research focused only on female consumers and only one product type was used for the experiments. The use of controls for potential confounding effects was insufficient in this study design.
Practical implications
To maximize profits, marketers should choose the most appropriate combination of endorser ethnicity and portrayal in the Chinese luxury goods market. Accordingly, if adopting a localization strategy and using a Chinese female endorser, the endorser should be portrayed as smart rather than sexy. In contrast, if a luxury brand adopts an internationalization strategy and uses the same Western female endorser as in other countries, it is more effective to portray her as sexy rather than smart. Furthermore, advertisers should pay particular attention to Chinese female consumers who have low appearance self-esteem when advertising their product and/or brand.
Originality/value
Compared with past studies concerned with consumers’ perceptions of endorser image in advertisements through a focus on endorser ethnicity, this study linked endorser portrayal with his/her ethnicity and discussed the interaction effects between these two factors on consumers’ attitudes toward the advertisement and the brand portrayed in the advertisement. The findings herein contribute new insights to the body of work on luxury marketing and endorser advertising.