Teresa Vallet‐Bellmunt and Pilar Rivera‐Torres
This work has two main objectives: to obtain a set of scales for measuring the patterns, attitudes and practices of integration that can be extrapolated to different scopes (both…
Abstract
Purpose
This work has two main objectives: to obtain a set of scales for measuring the patterns, attitudes and practices of integration that can be extrapolated to different scopes (both internal and external) and participants (supplier and customer) within the supply chain; and to evaluate the relations between the different components of integration.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on previous literature on the content, measurement and scope of the concept of integration, a model is presented and tested using structural equation modelling. Data were collected from 450 enterprises from the Spanish construction materials sector.
Findings
The authors' results suggest that integration is a multidimensional concept that covers the different organisational levels of the company: corporate through attitudes; strategic through patterns; and operative through practices. These components have a different structure and, although attitudes and patterns behave similarly, practices do not, and so there is no single dimension of integration that includes the three levels. With regard to scope, internal and external integration are related but do not constitute one single concept of integration. It therefore cannot be measured as a single dimension in order to relate the integration of the firm with its (corporate, logistic or marketing) performance.
Research limitations/implications
From a methodological point of view, data were collected from a single sector, in a single moment in time and with a single respondent in each company.
Practical implications
Patterns and attitudes have a complete, corporative and strategic content, whereas practices are independent from each other and have a more operational vision.
Originality/value
Unlike studies that analyse integration and its relationship with outcomes, this work focuses on the concept of integration itself by analysing its three components. Thus, it extends the study of internal and external integration and focuses on the behaviour of the enterprise with two different members of the supply chain (suppliers and customers), thereby extending the analysis beyond the dyad.
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Rajagopal and Ananya Rajagopal
The principal objective of the study is to analyze the influence of ethnicity, culture and collective intelligence in entrepreneurial creativity, innovation and marketing of…
Abstract
Purpose
The principal objective of the study is to analyze the influence of ethnicity, culture and collective intelligence in entrepreneurial creativity, innovation and marketing of artisanal beer in Mexico.
Design/methodology/approach
The qualitative data have been gathered by conducting four workshops with twelve respondents in each workshop across four states of Mexico comprising Mexico City, Puebla, Queretaro and Guadalajara. These workshops were held for four hours during the pre-lunch period over the weekends, which was participated by a mix of entrepreneurs and consumers.
Findings
Artisanal entrepreneurship is driven by the culture, ethnicity, collective intelligence and frugal innovations. Ethnic products generate patriotic feeling and consumption for a social cause to encourage artisans at the grassroots with the local tags. Results also indicate that social media and crowd cognition play an important role in developing creative artisanal beer.
Research limitations/implications
This study is founded on the theoretical maxims of social learning theory (SCT), social cognitive theory and theory of creativity. The contextual interpretation of SCT explains the socialization of concepts by modelling emotions and behavior to derive structural experiences as observed in artisanal entrepreneurship.
Practical implications
Entrepreneurs can develop brand emotions, boost anthropomorphic feelings and inculcate the sense of nationalism among consumers to market ethnic brands and develop social consciousness towards consumption of “Made in Mexico” products.
Social implications
Artisanal beer face major challenge of customer outreach by enhancing the brand proximity and ethnic values. Ethnic products hold a strong image in niche market and need to be stimulated by the experience sharing through social media and community interactions.
Originality/value
This research study significantly contributes to the existing literature on ethnic entrepreneurship and creativity using innovative research approach.