Long-Zeng Wu, Yijiao Ye, Xuan-Mei Cheng, Ho Kwong Kwan and Yijing Lyu
Drawing from self-determination theory, this study aims to examine the effect of leader humor on frontline hospitality employees’ service performance and proactive customer…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing from self-determination theory, this study aims to examine the effect of leader humor on frontline hospitality employees’ service performance and proactive customer service performance (PCSP) via harmonious passion (HP) for work with employee neuroticism as the moderating mechanism.
Design/methodology/approach
This study controlled for the nested effect and tested all the hypotheses with Mplus 7.0 using a time-lagged three-wave survey of 232 Chinese supervisor–subordinate dyads.
Findings
The results indicated that leader humor promotes frontline hospitality employees’ service performance and PCSP by enhancing their HP. Furthermore, neuroticism was shown to strengthen the direct impact of leader humor on employee HP and its indirect impact on employee service performance and employee PCSP through HP.
Originality/value
First, this research contributes to the leader humor literature through exploring its impact on the service performance and PCSP of frontline hospitality employees. Second, this research develops a new framework to explain the leader humor-employee service outcomes relationship using self-determination theory. Finally, the focus on the moderating role of neuroticism helps to explain the “when” question of leader humor.
Details
Keywords
Xuan-Mei Cheng, Yijing Lyu and Yijiao Ye
Drawing on conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study aims to explore how perceived organizational exploitation affects hospitality employees’ extra-role customer service…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study aims to explore how perceived organizational exploitation affects hospitality employees’ extra-role customer service behaviors by investigating the mediating role of depressed mood at work and the moderating role of reappraisal.
Design/methodology/approach
This study tested all of the hypotheses using multilevel path analyses with a sample of 340 supervisor–subordinate dyads.
Findings
The results show that perceived organizational exploitation is indirectly associated with hospitality employees’ extra-role customer service through depressed mood at work and that employees’ reappraisal may help mitigate the negative effect of organizational exploitation.
Practical implications
First, policies and rules should be established in advance to prevent organizational exploitation. Second, we suggest that hospitality organizations should pay special attention to employees who have low levels of reappraisal, and reappraisal training could be provided to enhance their emotion regulation skills. Third, hospitality organizations could nurture a healthy and supportive emotional climate to create positive emotions in the workplace, in case that depressed mood at work contributes to employees’ extra-role behaviors.
Originality/value
First, the authors go beyond previous studies to focus on a new behavioral outcome of perceived organizational exploitation, i.e. extra-role customer service. Second, it applies a new perspective of COR theory to determine the underlying mechanism of perceived organizational exploitation. Third, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to explore the boundary conditions under which the destructive effects of perceived organizational exploitation can be mitigated.
Details
Keywords
Shasha Deng, Xuan Cheng and Rong Hu
As convenience and anonymity, people with mental illness are increasingly willing to communicate and share information through social media platforms to receive emotional and…
Abstract
Purpose
As convenience and anonymity, people with mental illness are increasingly willing to communicate and share information through social media platforms to receive emotional and spiritual support. The purpose of this paper is to identify the degree of depression based on people's behavioral patterns and discussion content on the Internet.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the previous studies on depression, the severity of depression is divided into four categories: no significant depressive symptoms, mild MDD, moderate MDD and severe MDD, and defined each of them. Next, in order to automatically identify the severity, the authors proposed social media digital cues to identify the severity of depression, which include textual lexical features, depressive language features and social behavioral features. Finally, the authors evaluate a system that is developed based on social media digital cues in the experiment using social media data.
Findings
The social media digital cues including textual lexical features, depressive language features and social behavioral features (F1, F2 and F3) is the relatively best one to classify four different levels of depression.
Originality/value
This paper innovatively proposes a social media data-based framework (SMDF) to identify and predict different degrees of depression through social media digital cues and evaluates the accuracy of the detection through social media data, providing useful attempts for the identification and intervention of depression.
Details
Keywords
Dinesh Ramkrushna Rotake, Anand Darji and Nitin S. Kale
This paper aims to report an insightful portable microfluidic system for rapid and selective sensing of Hg2+ in the picomolar (pM) concentration using microcantilever-based…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to report an insightful portable microfluidic system for rapid and selective sensing of Hg2+ in the picomolar (pM) concentration using microcantilever-based piezoresistive sensor. The detection time for various laboratory-based techniques is generally 12–24 h. The majority of modules used in the proposed platform are battery oriented; therefore, they are portable and handy to carry-out on-field investigations.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the authors have incorporated the benefit of three technologies, i.e. thin-film, nanoparticles (NPs) and micro-electro-mechanical systems, to selectively capture the Hg2+ at the pM concentration. The morphology and topography of the proposed sensor are characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy and verification of the experimental results using energy dispersive X-ray.
Findings
The proposed portable microfluidic system is able to perform the detection in 5 min with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.163 ng (0.81 pM/mL) for Hg2+, which perfectly describes its excellent performance over other reported techniques.
Research limitations/implications
A microcantilever-based technology is perfect for on-site detection, and a LOD of 0.163 ng (0.81 pM/mL) is outstanding compared to other techniques, but the fabrication of microcantilever sensor is complex.
Originality/value
Many researchers used NPs for heavy metal ions sensing, but the excess usage and industrialization of NPs are rapidly expanding harmful consequences on the human life and nature. Also, the LOD of the NPs-based method is limited to nanomolar concentration. The suggested microfluidic system used the benefit of thin-film and microcantilever devices to provide advancement over the NPs-based approach and it has a selective sensing in pM concentration.
Details
Keywords
Online knowledge sharing is a popular activity worldwide and can be leveraged by organisations to innovate, create and sustain competitive advantage. Although there have been a…
Abstract
Purpose
Online knowledge sharing is a popular activity worldwide and can be leveraged by organisations to innovate, create and sustain competitive advantage. Although there have been a number of studies examining knowledge sharing to encourage employees to convey their skills and experiences to others in an organisation, few attempts have been made to investigate the key motivators of online knowledge sharing in an organisation. Based on the theory of planned behaviour and technological acceptance model, this study aims to review the literature to establish a conceptual framework examining motivators of online knowledge sharing in organisations.
Design/methodology/approach
Previous studies that investigated motivators of online knowledge sharing in organisations in the literature were reviewed to propose a conceptual framework.
Findings
Four-dimensional model, which includes four types of key motivators of online knowledge sharing, namely, individual, social, organisational and technological, was established.
Originality/value
The model serves as a roadmap for future researchers and managers considering their strategy to enhance online knowledge sharing in organisations.
Details
Keywords
Thi Xuan Nong, Sheng-Ju Chan and Thi Thanh Truc Nguyen
Based on integrating social exchange theory and input-mediator-output-input model, the current study proposes a model to explore the relationship between benevolent leadership and…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on integrating social exchange theory and input-mediator-output-input model, the current study proposes a model to explore the relationship between benevolent leadership and creative work behavior of Vietnamese university staffs.
Design/methodology/approach
A printed questionnaire was developed and directly distributed to 503 Vietnamese university staffs from 1st to 27th October in 2023 using the quota sampling method. After removing 61 missing data and outlier cases, a total of 442 valuable cases were used for further investigation. SPSS 22 and SMARTPLS version 3.2.2 was employed for data analysis.
Findings
Our study found the positive relationship between benevolent leadership and creative work behavior through the mediation of innovative climate and fear of failure. The findings also indicated that benevolent leadership fosters an innovative climate and reduces subordinates’ fear of failure, then increases subordinates’ creative work behavior.
Originality/value
The present study explored mechanisms of benevolent leadership effect on creative work behavior of university staff. From that, contributing several practical implications for university leaders and educators in fostering university staff’s creative work behavior. This research contributed to the knowledge domain of leadership and creative work behavior of employees in higher education.
Details
Keywords
Xuewei Li, Jingfeng Yuan, Xuan Liu, Guangqi Wang and Qian-Cheng Wang
With the continuous improvement of public–private partnership (PPP) projects, the participants' value creation goals are not only limited to achieving the basic performance…
Abstract
Purpose
With the continuous improvement of public–private partnership (PPP) projects, the participants' value creation goals are not only limited to achieving the basic performance objectives but also to realising value added. However, the effect of traditional contract management on realising the value creation objectives of PPP projects is limited. According to the view of multifunctional contract, joint-contract functions that integrate contract control and flexibility are likely to be effective in enhancing the value creation of PPP projects. This study aims to explore the effects of joint-contract functions on PPP project value creation and relevant influencing mechanism by investigating the mediating effect of in-role behaviour and extra-role behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
After collecting 258 valid questionnaires from PPP professionals in China, this study used structural equation modelling to validate the hypotheses.
Findings
Contract control and flexibility can improve PPP project value creation. Specifically, contract control improves the achievement of the basic contract objectives of PPP projects, whereas contract flexibility enhances the achievement of the value-added of PPP projects. Moreover, only in-role behaviour mediates the effect of contract control on value creation. In addition, the mediating effect of extra-role behaviour on the impact of contract flexibility on value creation is stronger than that of in-role behaviour. The mediating effect of in- and extra-role behaviour is mainly reflected in the realisation of basic and value-added performance, respectively.
Research implications
The findings of this study can help realise value creation in three ways. Firstly, new perspectives for PPP project value creation should be proposed by combining the improvement of contract objectives and the realisation of the participants' implicit demands. Secondly, the effects of different contract functions on value creation should be analysed instead of a single dimension of contractual governance. Thirdly, the mediating effects of different types of cooperation behaviour that may influence the relationship between contractual governance and value creation should be evaluated.
Originality/value
This study verifies the impacts of different contract functions on PPP project value creation. In addition, cooperative behaviour is embedded as a mediating variable, and the mediated transmission path from contract function to cooperative behaviour and further to PPP project value creation is systematically analysed.
Details
Keywords
Weihua Liu, Di Wang, Xuan Zhao, Cheng Si and Ou Tang
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influencing factors of new logistics service product design (NLSPD) in China to establish a theoretical framework for the future…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influencing factors of new logistics service product design (NLSPD) in China to establish a theoretical framework for the future development of the logistics industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts the multi-case study method based on a sample of four Chinese logistics enterprises, in which the authors consider the logistics service maturity (LSM), a distinct characteristic of logistics enterprises.
Findings
NLSPD is directly related to the degree of supply–demand matching (SDM) and LSM. Customer demand, service capability and peer competition influence the performance of NLSPD through the SDM degree, whereas LSM moderates these influencing mechanisms. Moreover, the degree of SDM has a positive impact on LSM.
Practical implications
The findings can help the managers of logistics enterprises and practitioners in the logistics industry understand the complexity of NLSPD. First, they should broaden and deepen their service offering to enhance the degree of LSM. Second, they should pay attention to the factors that affect SDM systematically. Finally, it is vital to balance the relationship between LSM and SDM.
Originality/value
NLSPD has become an important tool affecting the competitiveness and sustainability of logistics service enterprises. This is the first paper to propose a theoretical framework for NLSPD that considers the characteristic of the logistics industry. It clarifies the mechanisms of influencing factors, and contributes to the literature by filling the research gap.
Details
Keywords
Chyi Yann Chong, Chin Xuan Tan, Meng-Che Tsai, Seok Shin Tan, Hariyono Hariyono and Seok Tyug Tan
Malaysia transitions from a pandemic to an endemic state, beginning on April 1, 2022. The dietary intake and physical activity of university students were altered during the…
Abstract
Purpose
Malaysia transitions from a pandemic to an endemic state, beginning on April 1, 2022. The dietary intake and physical activity of university students were altered during the COVID-19 pandemic confinement period, but there is limited information on this topic in the post-COVID-19 period. This cross-sectional study aims to understand gender differences in dietary intake and physical activity among university students and investigate the factors influencing their body mass index (BMI) in the post-COVID-19 period.
Design/methodology/approach
The questionnaire used in this study comprised three main segments: sociodemographic information, a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.
Findings
Results indicated that males exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) mean intakes of total dietary energy and macronutrients compared to females. Compared to the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intakes 2017, 76.4% of males and 68.8% of females had a sufficient daily energy intake. The majority of males (52.7%) and females (46.4%) were moderately physically active. Regression analysis revealed that male university students with lower fiber intake (ß = −0.309, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with higher BMI reading after confounding adjustment. However, a similar trend was not observed in female university students.
Practical implications
Understanding the gender differences in dietary intake and physical activity can provide insights into the development of effective gender-specific health promotion strategies and the formulation of policies aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among university students in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
Originality/value
This study provides insights into the gender differences in the dietary and physical activity habits of university students, as well as the factors influencing their BMI in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
Details
Keywords
Kian Yeik Koay, Chee Wei Cheah and Yi Xuan Chang
The main purpose of this study is to explore how online food delivery (OFD) service quality influences customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this study is to explore how online food delivery (OFD) service quality influences customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 307 useable data collected from existing users of OFD services in Malaysia are used to verify the proposed hypotheses through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Necessary condition analysis (NCA) is also conducted to identify the necessary conditions for customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.
Findings
The PLS results show that five dimensions of OFD service quality, including assurance, maintenance of meal quality and hygiene, reliability, security and system operation, are significant to customer satisfaction. Traceability is found to have no significant influence on customer satisfaction. Furthermore, customer satisfaction is a significant predictor of customer loyalty. The NCA results show that all dimensions of OFD service quality are necessary conditions for customer satisfaction and customer satisfaction is a necessary condition for customer loyalty.
Originality/value
Past studies have mainly utilised the sufficiency logic to understand customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in the context of the OFD. This study is the first to perform NCA that relies on necessity logic to identify necessary conditions for customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.