Ramiz Qandah, Taghrid Saleh Suifan, Ra'ed Masa'deh and Bader Yousef Obeidat
The purpose of this research is to identify and clarify the important variables in knowledge management capabilities that affect product/service innovation in entrepreneurial…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to identify and clarify the important variables in knowledge management capabilities that affect product/service innovation in entrepreneurial companies in Jordan.
Design/methodology/approach
A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was designed for measuring knowledge-based (infrastructural and dynamic) capabilities and product/service innovation in entrepreneurial companies in Jordan that specialized in information and communication technology. A questionnaire was distributed to 297 individuals in 40 companies, and only 202 questionnaires were completely filled and returned by the entrepreneurs at King Hussein Business Park and Al Hassan Business Park. Structural equation modeling was applied to statistically test the research hypotheses.
Findings
The research findings showed that knowledge-based infrastructural capabilities are a prerequisite for knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. On the other hand, knowledge combination capabilities have a statistically significant mediating effect between knowledge based infrastructural capabilities and product/service innovation.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the literature by studying and investigating the key variables in knowledge management that affect product/service innovation and by providing a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge management capabilities and innovation in entrepreneurial companies. This research provides academicians with a framework for better understanding of the different factors of knowledge management capabilities and how they affect product/service innovation.
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Taghrid Saleh Suifan, Salah Alhyari and Rateb J. Sweis
Teamwork is important for firms’ innovation and effectiveness, but often within-team conflicts arise. Prior literature reported inconsistent associations between conflict and team…
Abstract
Purpose
Teamwork is important for firms’ innovation and effectiveness, but often within-team conflicts arise. Prior literature reported inconsistent associations between conflict and team outcomes. This study aims to clarify these relationships and examine if team reflexivity improves outcomes and weakens intragroup conflict tendencies.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a survey questionnaire of 288 team members working on projects at 41 different high-tech firms in Jordan. The authors then built a model of intragroup conflict effects and used structural equation modeling to test for both direct and indirect effects.
Findings
Indirect effects of intragroup conflict were significantly associated with teamwork quality. Teamwork quality was also significantly related to improved team outcomes, and team reflexivity moderated this relationship. Furthermore, it was found that the direct effect of intragroup conflict was not significantly related to either teamwork quality or effectiveness. Finally, results supported the idea that some conflict is required for teams to remain viable, self-critical and innovative.
Research limitations/implications
This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a single country and business industry, which limits the generalizability of results.
Practical implications
Team leaders should use reflexivity to create a sense of openness for collaborative interaction to improve group performance and member satisfaction.
Originality/value
This study provides a verified model to determine the circumstances in which conflict benefits team innovation and effectiveness. A central study contribution is that reflexivity reduces the negative impact of intragroup conflict.
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Inas Mohammed Saadeh and Taghrid Saleh Suifan
This study aims to examine the effect of job stress on perceived organizational support (POS) and organizational commitment in hospitals in Amman, Jordan. It also investigated the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effect of job stress on perceived organizational support (POS) and organizational commitment in hospitals in Amman, Jordan. It also investigated the mediating role of POS on the relationship between job stress and organizational commitment.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a cross-sectional, quantitative survey design to collect data from 500 employees in six hospitals in Amman, Jordan. An Arabic version of a reliable and valid measurement instrument was used. A convenience sample was selected from employees in the targeted hospitals. Mediating effect was tested using the approach proposed by Baron and Kenny (1986). Validity and reliability tests were applied, and regression analyses were used to test the study hypotheses.
Findings
The results revealed a significant negative effect of job stress on POS and organizational commitment. The results also indicated full negative mediating effect of POS on the relationship between job stress and organizational commitment.
Practical implications
This research promotes hospitals to implement strategies that reduce employees’ job stress, increase levels of POS among employees working at hospitals, which, in turn, will enhance employees’ commitment to their hospitals.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first to investigate the proposed effects in Jordan in particular, and the Middle East in general. In addition, it contributes to the literature by examining the mediating effect of POS on the relationship between job stress and organizational commitment. Recommendations are provided to practitioners in hospitals based on the study results.
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The authors decided to study the impact of stress on performance in hospitals because long hours are common and high levels of performance are required at all times. Medical…
Abstract
Purpose
The authors decided to study the impact of stress on performance in hospitals because long hours are common and high levels of performance are required at all times. Medical errors may cost lives and swift responses to patient needs are demanded. With so much pressure, it’s not surprising that stress in hospitals is a common complaint from staff
Design/methodology/approach
To test their four hypotheses, the authors contacted all five public hospitals and the 41 private hospitals in Amman. Two public and four private agreed to participate. The end result was that 500 questionnaires were usable in the study. The respondents all completed the questionnaire, which contained 30 items – 13 to measure job stress, 11 to measure POS, and six to measure organizational commitment.
Findings
The study of 500 hospital workers in six hospitals in Amman, Jordan, revealed a significant negative effect of job stress on both perceived organizational support (POS) and organizational commitment. The results also highlighted the significant full negative mediating effect of POS on the relationship between job stress and organizational commitment.
Originality/value
Based on the results of the research, they advise hospital management to focus on their human capital and ensure their leadership styles inspired high levels of organizational commitment. The results indicate that one way to inspire devotion and increase commitment is to manage stress levels. The research also reveals the positive impact of minimizing stress on POS.
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Rateb Sweis, Hannah Diab, Firas Izzat Mahmoud Saleh, Taghrid Suifan and Samer Eid Dahiyat
Since conducting the literature review revealed that assessing quality in secondary schools has been an unexplored territory, and where most educational service quality research…
Abstract
Purpose
Since conducting the literature review revealed that assessing quality in secondary schools has been an unexplored territory, and where most educational service quality research studies have mainly focussed on assessing quality from a student’s perspective in higher education, comes into play with a two-fold objective: first, to identify the quality dimensions most vital to students in a developing country such as Jordan, and then to develop a framework consisting of these dimensions; and second, to investigate the extent of satisfaction of students enrolled into international qualifications in Jordan by measuring the gap between expectations and perceptions. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
A focus group meeting consisting of experts in the field of secondary school education, specifically in internationally recognized qualifications, was conducted. These expert’s objective input helped develop the framework for assessing quality in secondary schools.
Findings
A framework was developed specifically to suit private secondary schools in Jordan with reference to the SERVQUAL model. The resulting questionnaire is intended to be distributed to over 200 students enrolled in an international qualification program among private schools in Jordan.
Research limitations/implications
The framework could be considered as a form of reality check for schools supplying school administrations in Jordan with a suitable tool to measure whether they are exceeding their students’ expectations. This framework might not be applicable to public schools in Jordan, since it was customized to be applied in schools who have adopted international qualification(s).
Originality/value
This study contributes to quality service research that addresses the context of high schools in a developing Middle-Eastern country.
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Rateb Sweis, Nasser AL-Huthaifi, Afnan Alawneh, Wassim Albalkhy, Taghrid Suifan and Raeda Saa'da
This paper aims at studying the level of implementation of ISO 9001 in Jordanian consulting engineering firms and to what extent does the implementation effectiveness affect the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims at studying the level of implementation of ISO 9001 in Jordanian consulting engineering firms and to what extent does the implementation effectiveness affect the success of the construction projects. Moreover, the paper seeks to identify the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) that directly influence the ISO 9001 effectiveness in Jordanian consulting engineering firms.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was constructed and distributed to a sample of 125 employees from six ISO 9001-consulting firms. After collecting the data, exploratory factor analysis was utilized to validate the latent constructs (CSFs, ISO 9001 Effectiveness, and Firm Performance).
Findings
The findings suggest that firms experience a high level of ISO 9001 effectiveness. Moreover, among the five identified CSFs; employee attributes, external environmental pressure and quality system attribute had a significant impact on the ISO 9001 effectiveness, while internal motivation and firm attributes were insignificant.
Originality/value
The significance of this study lies in exploring such topic in the developing countries, since most of current studies were focused on developed contexts such as the USA and UK. Therefore, this research acts as a response to calls in the current literature regarding considering different industries and contexts.