Matthew W. Rutherford and Sharon L. Oswald
This article focuses on what makes small businesses successful and whether consistent patterns of success can be identified.
Sharon L. Oswald, Allison W. Harrison and William L. Woerner
An empirical study of 71 hospitals in the United States revealed that strategic factors are highly correlated with a hospital′s financial risk position. Finds strong statistical…
Abstract
An empirical study of 71 hospitals in the United States revealed that strategic factors are highly correlated with a hospital′s financial risk position. Finds strong statistical evidence that ownership status, location, and level of service affect the hospital′s financial risk position, as measured by the Financial Viability Ratio Index.
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Ron M. Robinson, Sharon L. Oswald, Kerry S. Swinehart and Jeffrey Thomas
To make better use of its human resource assets, this aerospace company embarked on a major reorganization of operations and introduced the concept of autonomous work teams.
Beth Hogan, Sharon L. Oswald, Tony L. Henthorne and William Schaninger
A nation‐wide survey of hospital providers was conducted in an effort to determine the type and level of promotion and advertising agency utilization. The study indicated that a…
Abstract
A nation‐wide survey of hospital providers was conducted in an effort to determine the type and level of promotion and advertising agency utilization. The study indicated that a majority of the hospitals surveyed are engaging in some form of advertising activity. Survey results further showed agency usage was highly correlated to hospital bed size. Additionally, contrary to previous research, hospital ownership status (for‐profit/not‐for‐profit) was not found to significantly affect agency utilization. Specifics about hospital/agency relationships are presented.
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Robin L. Snipes, Neal F. Thomson and Sharon L. Oswald
The presence of gender biases in performance evaluations has been previously demonstrated in a number of studies. This study aims to extend current research by examining gender…
Abstract
Purpose
The presence of gender biases in performance evaluations has been previously demonstrated in a number of studies. This study aims to extend current research by examining gender differences in customer ratings of service performance. A secondary research objective of this study is to investigate gender differences in perceptions of service fairness.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the SERVQUAL scale to measure service quality perceptions, responses from a sample of 8,667 customers are examined in a hierarchical regression analysis to determine if gender biases are present.
Findings
The results of this study show that biases exist in service quality evaluations. Specifically, the data show that male service providers will receive higher service quality ratings than female service providers. However, the gender bias seems to diminish when service fairness is considered. It appears that customer perceptions of fair treatment are far more powerful and important determinants of overall satisfaction than the gender of the service provider. Customers expect justice in regards to fair service delivery. Interestingly, a significant difference appears to exist between males and females in their perceptions of service fairness. Males tend to rate the fairness of service encounters higher than females.
Research limitations/implications
This research looked at only one service industry, that of higher education. As with any other study utilizing one industry, this study should be replicated to provide validation across all industries.
Originality/value
The paper offers new insights into gender bias in customer evaluations of service quality.
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Daniel Butler, Sharon L. Oswald and Douglas E. Turner
Notes that previous research suggests the components of perceived service quality are industry specific, and that calls have been made for academics to integrate their theory into…
Abstract
Notes that previous research suggests the components of perceived service quality are industry specific, and that calls have been made for academics to integrate their theory into practice. Investigates the effects of demographic factors on users and observers of perceived hospital quality. Reports results suggesting perceived quality is industry specific, users and observers differ in their perceptions of hospital quality and demographic factors do make a difference in perceived hospital quality.
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Mohammed Mohi Uddin, Mohammad Tazul Islam and Omar Al Farooque
In this study, the authors explore the effects of politically controlled boards on bank loan performance in both state-owned commercial banks (SCBs) and private sector commercial…
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, the authors explore the effects of politically controlled boards on bank loan performance in both state-owned commercial banks (SCBs) and private sector commercial banks (PCBs) in Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach
The data consist of 409 bank-year observations from 46 sample SCBs and PCBs of Bangladesh for the period 2008–17. The authors apply ordinary least squares pooled regression with year fixed effect for baseline econometric analyses and generalized method of moments regression for robustness tests after addressing the endogeneity issue.
Findings
The regression results reveal that the presence of bank “boards controlled by politically affiliated directors” (PA) have significant positive effects on non-performing loans (NPLs). Similarly, the presence of “boards controlled by politically affiliated directors without substantial ownership interests” (PAWOI) show positive association with NPLs. In contrast, the presence of “boards controlled by politically affiliated directors with substantial ownership interests” (PAOI) exhibit an inverse relationship with NPLs. These findings support ‘agency conflict’ arguments and document that both PA and PAWOI are detrimental to bank loan performance in Bangladesh, while PAOI do not have significant effect on increasing NPLs.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing bank governance literature by providing evidence from an emerging economy perspective, where politically affiliated directors (PADs) exploit their positions for personal and/or political gain at the cost of other stakeholders by taking advantage of relaxed regulatory oversights and investor protections.
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Jonna L. Bobzien and Sharon Judge
The purpose of this study was to examine the openness, growth and loneliness of typical peers volunteering at a summer day camp for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the openness, growth and loneliness of typical peers volunteering at a summer day camp for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the authors obtained descriptive data on the attitudes and behaviors of 38 adolescent peer buddies without disabilities volunteering at a summer camp for children with ASD using four short surveys. Surveys were given prior to the start of camp in an attempt to capture the attitudes and perspectives of the participants before they became more familiar with the characteristics of the children with ASD who were attending the camp. The authors examined if there were group differences on attitudes and behaviors based on age, gender and first-time volunteer versus returning volunteer peer buddy.
Findings
The analysis showed that all volunteer peer buddies appeared open to interacting, playing and developing friendships with the child represented in the vignette with ASD. Participants indicated increased feelings of independence, ample ability to establish friendships and a desire for adventurous and explorative activities. Significant differences were found based on age and gender on openness to a peer with ASD characteristics.
Originality/value
The results of this study have the potential to serve a broader purpose by demonstrating the types of children and adolescents that may be optimal choices to serve as peer mentors or buddies for peers with ASD attending summer camps or other community-based programs, as well as in classroom settings.
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Kerry Swinehart, Thomas W. Zimmerer and Sharon Oswald
Industrial organizations have employed the process of strategicmanagement in their attempts to cope effectively with global competitivepressures, while attempting to build and…
Abstract
Industrial organizations have employed the process of strategic management in their attempts to cope effectively with global competitive pressures, while attempting to build and maintain competitive advantage. With health‐care organizations presently trying to cope with an increasingly turbulent environment created by the uncertainty as to pending legislation and anticipated reform, the need for such organizational strategic planning is apparent. Presents and discusses a methodology for adapting a business‐oriented model of strategic planning to health care.