Muhammad Shujahat, Minhong Wang, Murad Ali, Anum Bibi, Shahid Razzaq and Susanne Durst
The high turnover rate of knowledge workers presents a challenge to both organizational and personal knowledge management. Although personal knowledge management plays an…
Abstract
Purpose
The high turnover rate of knowledge workers presents a challenge to both organizational and personal knowledge management. Although personal knowledge management plays an important role in organizational knowledge management, empirical research on the practices for its application is underdeveloped. This study aims to examine the role of idiosyncratic job-design practices (i.e. job definition, job autonomy, innovation as a job requirement and lifelong learning orientation) in cultivating personal knowledge management among knowledge workers in organizations, to increase their productivity and safeguard the organization against knowledge loss arising from knowledge workers’ interfirm mobility.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 221 knowledge workers pursuing various knowledge-intensive jobs through a questionnaire survey and were analysed using partial least squares modelling.
Findings
The results demonstrated that three job-design practices (job definition, innovation as a job requirement and lifelong learning orientation) have a positive impact on personal knowledge management among knowledge workers and thus improve their productivity. However, job autonomy can affect personal knowledge management negatively.
Research limitations/implications
The findings are confined to a specific context and should be replicated across different contexts for better generalizability in future research.
Practical implications
Organizational managers should pay attention to (re)designing knowledge-intensive jobs to cultivate personal knowledge management by clearly outlining job responsibilities, offering opportunities to add relevant job activities and drop irrelevant ones, and making innovation and lifelong learning a formal job requirement. In addition, job autonomy should be judiciously provided along with sufficient social and network support to avoid lost opportunities in knowledge creation and sharing, and should be linked to job responsibilities and performance appraisals to avoid negative effects.
Originality/value
The high turnover rate of knowledge workers presents a challenge to both organizational and personal knowledge management. This study contributes to the literature by addressing the research gap in two aspects. Firstly, based on Drucker’s theory, this study identifies four idiosyncratic job-design practices (job definition, job autonomy, innovation as a job requirement and lifelong learning orientation) that reflect the distinctive characteristics of knowledge-intensive work. Secondly, this study examines whether and how these practices can cultivate personal knowledge management among knowledge workers, which can support their productivity.
Details
Keywords
Shahid Razzaq, Muhammad Shujahat, Saddam Hussain, Faisal Nawaz, Minhong Wang, Murad Ali and Shehnaz Tehseen
Knowledge management in the public sector is relatively an ignored avenue of research and practice that has recently been given attention. Knowledge management initiatives in the…
Abstract
Purpose
Knowledge management in the public sector is relatively an ignored avenue of research and practice that has recently been given attention. Knowledge management initiatives in the public sector are now not limited to the developed countries anymore. The public sectors of various developing countries including Pakistan have developed knowledge management functions to address the problems of low organizational commitment (higher turnover rates) and knowledge-workers’ performance. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to examine the mediation role of organizational commitment in the relationship between knowledge management practices and knowledge-worker performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were gathered from 341 knowledge workers of the public sector health department of Punjab Province, Pakistan, where knowledge management unit initiative has been taken. It was then analyzed using the structural equation modeling.
Findings
Organizational commitment partially mediates the relationship between knowledge management practices and knowledge-work performance.
Practical implications
The public sector policy makers are strongly advised to implement knowledge management units and practices in order to enhance knowledge-work performance as well as organizational commitment.
Originality/value
First, the model on the mediating role of organizational commitment has never been examined before. Second, the data collection from the public Health Department of Pakistan, a developing country, is relatively rare because the public sector knowledge management studies have mostly been conducted in developed countries. Finally, this study extends the literature on knowledge management in the public sector that is the developing theme in knowledge management discipline while adding knowledge management as a toolkit to enhance knowledge-workers’, organizational commitment and knowledge-work performance.
Details
Keywords
Navid Nezafati, Shokouh Razaghi, Hossein Moradi, Sajjad Shokouhyar and Sepideh Jafari
This paper aims to identify the impact of demographical and organizational variables such as age, gender, experiences use of knowledge management system (KMS), education and job…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify the impact of demographical and organizational variables such as age, gender, experiences use of knowledge management system (KMS), education and job level on knowledge sharing (KS) performance of knowledge workers in knowledge activities of a KMS. Specifically, it seeks to explore that is there any relationship between the KS behavior patterns of high KS performance knowledge workers with their performance. Furthermore, this study using its conceptual attitude model aims to show that whether knowledge workers’ behavior patterns in sharing information and knowledge throughout a KMS have any specific effect or not.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposed a framework to mine knowledge workers’ raw data using data mining techniques such as clustering and association rules mining. Also, this research uses a case-based approach to a knowledge-intensive company in Iran that works in the field of information technology with 730 numbers of workers.
Findings
Findings suggest that demographical and organizational variables such as age, education and experience use of KMS have positive effects on knowledge worker’s KS behavior in KMSs. In fact, people who have lower age, higher education degrees and more experience use of KMS, have more participation in KS in KMS. Also, results depict that the experienced use of KMS has the most impact on the intention of KS in this KMS. Findings emphasize on the importance of the influence of the behavioral, organizational environments and psychological factors such as reward system, top management support, openness and trust, on KS performance of knowledge workers in the KMS. In fact, according to data, the KMS reward system caused to increasing participation of the users in KS, also in each knowledge activity that top managers participate in, the scores were higher.
Practical implications
This research helps top managers in designing policies and strategies to improve the participation of knowledge workers in KS and helps human resource managers to improve their membership policies. Also, assist Information Technology (IT) managers to enhance KMSs’ design to leverage with organization strategies in the field of improving KS and encourage people to participate in KMS.
Originality/value
This research has two key values. First, this paper applies a data mining framework to mining and analyzing data and this paper uses actual data of a KMS in a specialist company in Iran, with about 27,740 real data points. Second, this paper investigates the impact of demographical and organizational attributes on KS behavior, which little is empirically known about the impact of demographical variables on KS intention.
Details
Keywords
Zubair Ali Shahid, Muhammad Irfan Tariq, Justin Paul, Syed Ali Naqvi and Leonie Hallo
The purpose of this paper is to analyze to what extent and in what ways signaling theory has been explored within the field of international marketing. This paper systematically…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze to what extent and in what ways signaling theory has been explored within the field of international marketing. This paper systematically reviews the use of signaling theory in the field of international marketing. Communication is a core aspect of the international marketing process. Research in this field has explored effective and unique ways of improving the communication flow to reduce the asymmetry of information between international consumers and the firm. This notion is adopted, enhanced and strengthened by signaling theory. Signaling theory has recently received the attention of international marketing scholars.
Design/methodology/approach
The systematic review methodology was applied for the purpose of identifying the relevant studies. We extracted academic articles over the last 23 years from the domain of international marketing that directly contribute to signaling theory based on 57 journal articles extracted through the systematic review process.
Findings
Based on systematic research the results reveal that the topic has grown and continues to expand within the broader international marketing field. We offer a theoretical conceptual framework to better understand signaling theory in the context of international marketing.
Originality/value
The authors map and critically evaluate the use of signaling theory in international marketing. Relevance of signaling theory in international marketing is growing and authors present an integrative framework that organizes the existing literature, and provides scholars to further expand on emerging themes of the domain. The paper offers some useful future research directions.
Details
Keywords
Umer Zaman, Laura Florez-Perez, Saba Abbasi and Muhammad Shahid Nawaz
Organizations are full of contradictions and leadership dilemmas. Managers often face challenges such as selecting between two contradicting options such that which one is more…
Abstract
Purpose
Organizations are full of contradictions and leadership dilemmas. Managers often face challenges such as selecting between two contradicting options such that which one is more important can hardly be judged. To manage contradicting dynamics, today’s managers can adopt the paradoxical leadership approach. We build a theoretical model to investigate the influence of paradoxical leadership on multi-dimensional project agility (proactivity, adaptability, and resilience), and multi-dimensional project success (management, investment, and ownership success).
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on survey-based data from the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) megaproject (N = 209), we performed covariance-based structural equation modeling to test the conceptual model.
Findings
The findings show that (1) paradoxical leadership has a significant positive impact on megaproject success, (2) paradoxical leadership has a significant positive influence on project agility, (3) project agility has a significant positive effect on megaproject success, and (4) project agility has a significant effect that mediates the link between paradoxical leadership and megaproject success. This research provides a theoretical and practical comprehension of paradoxical leadership with a new perspective on megaprojects.
Originality/value
This study provides an extension of the existing studies on paradoxical leadership and identifies the role of contradicting dynamics and their impact on multiple facets of megaproject success. It not only clarifies the relationship between paradoxical leadership and megaproject success, but also identifies the mediating role of project agility that can play an effective role in mobilizing success in megaprojects.
Details
Keywords
Mehri Moradi, Razieh Salehian, Bonnie Bozorg and Mina Bozorg
This study aims to report the effectiveness of family based treatment and pharmacotherapy on an adolescent boy with anorexia nervosa and intellectual disability.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to report the effectiveness of family based treatment and pharmacotherapy on an adolescent boy with anorexia nervosa and intellectual disability.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors reported the case of a 16-year-old boy with AN and ID and referred him to a family therapist and psychiatrist in Tehran.
Findings
The patient experienced fatigue, weakness, dissatisfaction, suicidal thoughts and self-harm signs over the past one year. He also had behaviors such as abstinence from eating and voluntary vomiting. He was diagnosed with AN and MDD.
Originality/value
The results suggest that these interventions can be effective but should be used with special consideration. Combining family therapy and pharmacotherapy might offer a chance to alleviate anorexia symptoms in people with ID.
Details
Keywords
Hanna Lee, Md. Rafiqul Islam Rana and Yingjiao Xu
This study explores young consumers' motivations for purchasing Virtual Luxury Non-Fungible Token Wearables (VL-NFTs) from luxury brands, which are virtually crafted luxury…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores young consumers' motivations for purchasing Virtual Luxury Non-Fungible Token Wearables (VL-NFTs) from luxury brands, which are virtually crafted luxury wearables minted as blockchain-based NFTs. Specifically, it investigates the relationships among consumers' perceived value of VL-NFTs, engagement with NFTs and purchase intention and the mediating effect of consumer engagement with NFTs.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected via an online survey of 504 young US consumers who had previously considered purchasing luxury fashion products and NFTs. Structural equation modelling was adopted for analysis.
Findings
Perceived economic, functional (uniqueness) and experiential (self-directed pleasure and affiliation) values of VL-NFTs directly influenced consumers' purchase intention. While symbolic value (self-presentation and conspicuousness) did not significantly influence purchase intention, it facilitated consumer engagement with NFTs. Moreover, consumer engagement mediated the relationship between economic and functional values and purchase intention.
Research limitations/implications
The sample was only comprised of young consumers, limiting the generalizability. Additionally, consumers may perceive VL-NFTs differently because of differences in past experiences and the varying VL-NFT types, necessitating further investigation on consumers' motivations across different types of VL-NFTs.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the importance of multifaceted perceived-value dimensions and engagement with NFTs in consumers' motivation for purchasing VL-NFTs through the lens of the customer value framework.
Details
Keywords
Daniel K. Maduku, Nripendra P. Rana, Mercy Mpinganjira, Philile Thusi, Njabulo Happy-Boy Mkhize and Aobakwe Ledikwe
Digital voice assistants (DVAs) are revolutionising consumers’ interactions with technology and businesses. Whilst research on the adoption of these devices is rapidly expanding…
Abstract
Purpose
Digital voice assistants (DVAs) are revolutionising consumers’ interactions with technology and businesses. Whilst research on the adoption of these devices is rapidly expanding, few have explored post-adoption behaviour. To fill this gap, we investigate how functionality and human-like features shape customers’ emotions, engagement and loyalty towards DVAs.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected through a self-administered online survey from 509 DVA users. Structural equation modelling was employed for data analysis.
Findings
The results reveal that distinct human-like and functional factors of DVA independently explain customers’ positive emotions and engagement with DVAs. Positive emotions and engagement significantly impact customer loyalty to DVAs. The study shows that localisation of DVAs has a significant positive moderating influence on the service experience-customer engagement relationship but a negative moderating influence on the anthropomorphism-customer engagement relationship.
Originality/value
Unlike previous research, this study contributes to the literature by delving into post-adoption phenomena. It explains how DVAs’ human-like and functional attributes drive customers’ positive emotional responses, engagement and loyalty towards DVAs. The findings not only unveil new insights into the moderating role of localisation but also provide a crucial understanding regarding the boundary conditions of the influence of anthropomorphism and service experience on customer engagement.
Details
Keywords
Alshaimaa Alanadoly and Suha Salem
This study's aim was to investigate the stimulators of fashion e-consumers within e-commerce environments. The study proposed a framework utilizing stimulus–organism–response…
Abstract
Purpose
This study's aim was to investigate the stimulators of fashion e-consumers within e-commerce environments. The study proposed a framework utilizing stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) theory to suggest that fashion involvement and opinion-seeking would act as sociopsychological stimuli, while product variety as an objective stimulus. Perceived quality is proposed as an organism, moderated by perceived price. Consumer buying behavior within e-commerce environments presents the framework's response. The study looked at variables with deeper insights into Malaysian fashion consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative method was used to assess the significance of relationships within the proposed model. Partial least squares structural equation modeling technique was implemented to assess the framework's relationships with a sample size of 374.
Findings
Results indicate that fashion involvement is significantly associated as a sociopsychological stimulus, with product variety being an objective stimulus for Malaysian fashion e-consumers. Perceived quality is significantly represented as an organism through the framework, and buying behavior is the latent response. Price would significantly moderate the relationship between fashion involvement and quality. Opinion-seeking was found not to be a significant stimulus for Malaysian e-consumers.
Originality/value
Contribution of this study goes to the existing literature by providing a deeper understanding of Malaysian e-consumer behavior by applying S-O-R theory. Malaysian fashion e-consumerism was suggested to be influenced by product involvement, quality, price, opinion-seeking and product range offered; therefore, a proposed framework was demonstrated and tested.
Details
Keywords
Sachindra Hewavitharana, Asoka Perera, Srinath Perera, Prasad Perera and Samudaya Nanayakkara
Despite the benefits of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, construction organisations in Sri Lanka fail to adopt ERP systems successfully due to functional issues…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the benefits of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, construction organisations in Sri Lanka fail to adopt ERP systems successfully due to functional issues. Functional issues arise because of the gap between ERP protocols and construction practices. The purpose of this study is to identify the functional issues in ERP implementation and to propose a framework for the systematic adoption of ERP in the construction industry in Sri Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive literature review was carried out to identify the issues when adopting ERP protocols into construction practices. These were classified into ten knowledge modules using PMBOK-Version 6 (Project Management Body of Knowledge). Then a questionnaire was developed and validated through an expert forum with five experts. The validated questionnaire was distributed among ERP users in C1-C5 grade construction enterprises in Sri Lanka. Those enterprises were simultaneously operating in multiple construction sites and already experienced ERP implementation. The estimated population was 210 from which 174 responses were received indicating an 82% response rate. Data was analysed using the Chi-Square test.
Findings
The analysis established that there is a significant gap level between ERP protocols and construction practices. The highest significant gap with a Chi-square value of 158.766 exists in the area of inventory management. Other areas such as human resource management (HRM) (142.366), asset management (130.264), finance (126.267), site operations (103.793), project management (53.88), purchasing (34.324), petty cash (28.337), estimating and tendering (22.148) and subcontract management (20.492) show a significant gap level respectively.
Originality/value
The paper establishes comprehensive strategies and a framework developed using the protocols prescribed in webERP (TM) and adopting it to onsite construction practices. webERP (TM) system was developed based on best practices defined in PMBOK (Version 6) and CIDA (Construction Industry Development Authority) specifications for efficient construction practices in Sri Lanka.