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Article
Publication date: 1 December 1998

Richard Beilock, Katherine Wilkinson and Vera Zlateva

Uses experiences in Bulgaria to exemplify market entry and control strategies employed by franchisors in a business environment that is geographically and culturally remote from…

946

Abstract

Uses experiences in Bulgaria to exemplify market entry and control strategies employed by franchisors in a business environment that is geographically and culturally remote from the West. Carries out interviews in 1996 with Bulgarian franchisors and franchisees to test a number of hypotheses relating to issues including the type of franchisor, system densities, market entry strategies and monitoring tactics. Identifies 17 environmental factors ‐ cultural, organisational, political and legal ‐ which represent possible areas of conflict between the franchisor and franchisee. Establishes that franchisors adapt to a remote business environment in a variety of ways in respect of both market entry and monitoring strategies ; establishes some significant correlations between different types of franchisors and their strategies. Finds that western franchisors and Bulgarian owned firms often place different emphasis on the relative importance of environmental factors. Observes a broad variation in market entry tactics. Recommends that franchisors need to establish criteria to establish risks in remote business environments and devise appropriate strategies prior to entry.

Details

Management Research News, vol. 21 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0140-9174

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Article
Publication date: 7 June 2019

Stephen LeMay and Scott B. Keller

The purpose of this paper is to examine the past 50 years of driver research from a historical context linked to the political and economic developments of the US motor carrier…

1035

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the past 50 years of driver research from a historical context linked to the political and economic developments of the US motor carrier industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was conducted and studies were targeted that exemplified eras of historic change pertaining to trucking published within the top-tier logistics journals.

Findings

Distinctive categorizations of driver research emerged: organizing era from 1930 to 1949, era of the collective mind from 1950 to 1979, era of the individual from 1980 to 2009 and the era of the driver as extension of the firm from 2010 to present. Research streams are highly influenced by current industry developments, economic conditions and the political landscape.

Research limitations/implications

The chronological framework of research established specific time-based eras. An alternative framework or other emerging eras may be conceived as scholars consider factors in addition to those explored within this research.

Practical implications

Managers within developing countries may leverage the research within a specific era to help resolve driver problems that have already been researched in the USA. Scholars are encouraged to further study truck drivers as critical extensions of the firm in light of the advances in autonomous vehicles, drones and other technology impacting the motor carrier industry.

Social implications

For nearly a half century, the turnover of truck drivers has been a major issue. This research provides driver managers with the knowledge to better understand and to more adequately provide for the needs and welfare of truck drivers.

Originality/value

This research is the first to fully connect the research and developments pertaining to the motor carrier industry, the occupation of truck driving and the historical developments of US policy and the economy.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 49 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

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Article
Publication date: 19 June 2007

Hokey Min

This paper aims to identify key variables that affect warehouse employee turnover. These variables include: occupational variables (e.g. skills, years of experiences);…

15239

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify key variables that affect warehouse employee turnover. These variables include: occupational variables (e.g. skills, years of experiences); organizational variables (e.g. firm size, industry); individual variables (e.g. pay scale, job security). This paper also develops a conceptual model for linking the aforementioned variables reflecting job alternatives and job satisfaction to warehouse employee turnover.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducted empirical analysis to determine which variables significantly influence warehouse employee turnover. The empirical analysis is based on data obtained from the questionnaire survey intended for various industries such as manufacturing, third‐party logistics providers, wholesalers, and retailers which get actively involved in warehousing operations. The survey data was analyzed using a series of regression analyses to identify variables significantly influencing warehouse employee turnover.

Findings

Job security turned out to be one of the most important factors for recruiting and retaining warehouse employees, whereas monetary incentives have little or nothing to do with warehouse employee turnover. The larger the warehouse, the higher the employee turnover. That is to say, a lack of personal attention paid to warehouse employees may have the adverse impact on their retention. More experienced warehouse workers are less inclined to give up on their current jobs than less experienced warehouse workers, probably because the former is more accustomed to warehouse working environments than the latter.

Research limitations/implications

The current study did not fully explore the impact of ethnicity on warehouse employee turnover, despite the growing diversity of warehousing workforce. Also, the current study was primarily based on the feedback provided by warehouse managers. Future research may incorporate the opinions of warehouse workers into the turnover model.

Practical implications

This paper provides practical guidelines as to how firms can cope with warehouse employee shortages caused by unusually high employee turnover in the warehouses.

Originality/value

Regardless of various warehouse employee retention strategies including pay raises, fringe benefits, bonuses, and gain sharing, many warehouses are still struggling to retain qualified labor. Since, warehouse productivity can be directly affected by the availability and quality of labor, a warehouse employee shortage may have a lasting effect on a firm's competitiveness. In an effort to help firms prevent chronic warehouse employee shortage, this paper is one of the first attempts to identify the main sources of warehouse employee turnover based on the findings of empirical survey of selected US firms.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 37 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

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Article
Publication date: 7 October 2014

Karen A. Jehn and Pirathat Techakesari

The aim of this paper is to present a framework that can be used to identify detrimental team processes in high reliability teams (HRTs), such as conflict, asymmetric perceptions…

1642

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present a framework that can be used to identify detrimental team processes in high reliability teams (HRTs), such as conflict, asymmetric perceptions and stress and coping appraisals, and develop interventions that eliminate these detrimental team processes. In addition, this paper suggests new directions for future disaster management and conflict research.

Design/methodology/approach

This framework is developed based on past theories (i.e. Intragroup Conflict Theory and Biopsychosocial Model of arousal regulation) and their associated empirical studies.

Findings

The present article brings a multi-method, multi-level approach to examine the prevalence of detrimental team processes in HRTs, their impact on performance and stress-related health outcomes and how they can be prevented or managed.

Originality/value

This paper provides a novel conceptual framework that highlights the importance of considering human factors and team processes in improving the response speed, accuracy and efficiency of high reliability team members and ensuring the health and well-being of both responders and recipients of care.

Details

International Journal of Conflict Management, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1044-4068

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Article
Publication date: 21 December 2020

Richard Hoffman, Sharon Watson and Hemant Kher

This study aims to provide an empirical test of an existing theoretical model depicting the governance modes used by international franchisors when entering international markets.

461

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide an empirical test of an existing theoretical model depicting the governance modes used by international franchisors when entering international markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a unique panel data set of 222 market expansions by US firms over a seven-year period, this paper tests hypotheses regarding the factors affecting the franchisors’ choice of governance modes when entering foreign markets.

Findings

Franchisors use governance modes with lower levels of control when faced with environmental uncertainties due to corruption, economic downturns and when the geographic distance is large. Moreover, the franchise system assets and its local market assets also affect the choice of governance modes.

Practical implications

Firms need to balance the costs of environmental uncertainty with the need to safeguard the firm’s capabilities and resources using governance modes with appropriate levels of control. This balance changes as the franchise company gains more experience in the local market and as once-emerging markets continue to develop.

Originality/value

This research identified additional governance modes used by franchisors compared to previous studies. Using multiple theoretical perspectives, the study supported significant portions of the Jell-Ojobor and Windsperger (2014) model of franchisor governance mode choice.

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Article
Publication date: 11 September 2007

Yoshinori Suzuki

To develop a decision tool that may be used conveniently by motor carriers to answer the questions: “Does my company need to lower the truck driver turnover rate?” and “If so, by…

1820

Abstract

Purpose

To develop a decision tool that may be used conveniently by motor carriers to answer the questions: “Does my company need to lower the truck driver turnover rate?” and “If so, by how much?”

Design/methodology/approach

Combines statistical and mathematical procedures to present a method that calculates, by considering a variety of carrier characteristics, the “desirable” truck driver turnover rate for each carrier.

Findings

Simulation results imply that the model may be used by all types of motor carriers, regardless of whether their drivers exhibit homogeneous or heterogeneous job‐quitting behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

The “desirable” turnover rate may be used as both: the critical value that determines whether a carrier needs to reduce the turnover rate or not (i.e. the upper bound of the acceptable turnover range), and the approximate target turnover rate to be attained in the short run.

Originality/value

The proposed model shall help motor carriers identify their “target” driver turnover rates to be attained in the short run. The model is available in a user‐friendly PC format from the author (Excel file with VBA), so that no technical calculations are required by the users when using the model.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 37 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

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Book part
Publication date: 30 September 2010

Lawrence Hazelrigg

One crucial but sometimes overlooked fact regarding the difference between observation in the cross-section and observation over time must be stated before proceeding further…

Abstract

One crucial but sometimes overlooked fact regarding the difference between observation in the cross-section and observation over time must be stated before proceeding further. Tempting though it is to draw conclusions about the dynamics of a process from cross-sectional observations taken as a snapshot of that process, it is a fallacious practice except under a very precise condition that is highly unlikely to obtain in processes of interest to the social scientist. That condition is known as ergodicity.

Details

Theorizing the Dynamics of Social Processes
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-85724-223-5

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Article
Publication date: 9 August 2013

Elyria Kemp, Steven W. Kopp and Eramus Kemp

This research aims to examine the stressors that professional truck drivers experience and the impact these stressors may have on road safety.

1385

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to examine the stressors that professional truck drivers experience and the impact these stressors may have on road safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Both quantitative and qualitative data gathered from 435 professional drivers measured attitudes and behaviors related to safety and compliance. Interviews with professional truck drivers provided an assessment of the stressors that they experience. The insights offered from these individuals were then integrated into a conceptual model. The model was tested via data collected through surveys administered to drivers using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results from the interviews, as well as the results from the survey administered to professional drivers, suggest that truck drivers experience severe time pressures. Such time pressures create stress which can lead to physical fatigue and emotional exhaustion. Further, both of these debilitating conditions are related to negative attitudes about safety compliance and the current CSA regulation. Additionally, negative attitudes about safety compliance standards are positively related to violation of hours of service regulations.

Originality/value

Findings call into question the effectiveness of the new regulation with regard to commercial transportation as well as possibly suggesting that drivers of automobiles might play a role in helping to ameliorate vehicular crash rates.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

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Article
Publication date: 21 September 2012

Deryk Stec

The purpose of this paper is to understand the growing popularity of coaching; a concept whose influence increasingly spans academic disciplines and institutional fields.

458

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the growing popularity of coaching; a concept whose influence increasingly spans academic disciplines and institutional fields.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper makes sense of coaching by using actor network theory, an approach that seeks to understand how a phenomenon becomes macro social. By examining a wide array of historical documents it traces the characteristics that underlie the transformation of the coach from a technological object to a management concept. In doing so it outlines the fundamental characteristics of coaching.

Findings

Specifically coaching involves a post technological nature where performances often occur in extreme conditions that involve the reciprocal interdependence of bodies (teams). These performances may also be viewed as involving impurity, as amateurs who participated purely for the love of the game have usually paid coaches for their services.

Originality/value

While there is no denying the influence of coaching, little attention has been given to the history of this concept. This article provides an example of how the past frequently remains present and offers explanation for the popularity of coaching. In doing so it outlines a potential framework for consistently discussing the concept across organizational forms.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

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Article
Publication date: 17 March 2014

Mohammad Kamel Alomari, Kuldeep Sandhu and Peter Woods

This study aims to explore how citizens socialise and network in relation to using and adopting e-government. The paper suggests that governments need to consider social networks…

1770

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore how citizens socialise and network in relation to using and adopting e-government. The paper suggests that governments need to consider social networks when introducing e-government initiatives. Using qualitative research, this study explores the reasons, fears, motivations and factors with respect to e-government relevant to two social groups of people, those who do and those who do not have regular access to the internet in the Middle Eastern country of Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyses the results of focus groups representing different social groups of Jordanian citizens across the digital divide. The focus groups followed the nominal group method to explore questions relating to e-government adoption. The nominal group method provided preliminary categorisations of responses; however, further initial and axial coding of data were used to analyse recordings of focus group transcripts.

Findings

Contrary to previous research, this study highlights the importance of considering factors that most likely appear as organizational terms, such as resistance to change, when investigating the adoption of e-government within a social community. Cultural and social themes that emerged include resistance to change, wasta (favouritism), and word of mouth (WOM). Few qualitative studies have investigated the main factors relevant to the adoption of e-government by citizens in the Middle East.

Originality/value

To investigate the adoption of technological innovations including e-government, this paper encourages researchers and practitioners in information technologies (IT) to consider cultural and social factors that have been rarely discussed in IT research in general and e-government in particular. Examples of these factors are wasta (favouritism) and WOM.

Details

Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6166

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