Yufan Wang, Michael Song, Haili Zhang and Sansan Monest Sib
Firms aiming to enhance firm performance require specific investment and qualification of capability. However, the relationship between these factors and firm performance is…
Abstract
Purpose
Firms aiming to enhance firm performance require specific investment and qualification of capability. However, the relationship between these factors and firm performance is influenced by boundary conditions. This study focuses on the role of shared values as a governance mechanism in moderating the relationship between specific investment, qualification of capability, and firm performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on transaction cost analysis, the authors develop a theoretical model to explore how shared values moderate the relationship between specific investment, qualification of capability, and firm performance. The authors collected data from 156 firms in Cote d’Ivoire, resulting in a sample of 216 observations. The authors employed hierarchical regression analysis and the “pick-a-point approach” to examine how specific investment and qualification of capability impact firm performance at different levels of shared values.
Findings
The results indicate that specific investment and qualification of capability have a partially positive impact on firm performance. Interestingly, shared values are an important moderating variable, acting as a boundary condition that affects the relationship between specific investment, qualification of capability, and firm performance. Specifically, specific investment leads to excellent firm performance only when shared values are not sufficiently high, whereas qualification of capability leads to superior firm performance only when shared values are sufficiently high.
Research limitations/implications
This study has three research implications. First, this study enriches TCA literature by identifying shared values as a boundary condition and examining the moderating role of shared values. Second, the study findings discover new insights into how specific investment and qualification of capability enhance or inhabit organizational performance at different levels of shared values. Third, this study extends the existing research and reveals the specific conditions for positive or negative relationships between specific investment and organizational performance and qualification of capability and organizational performance.
Practical implications
First, compared to specific investment, qualification of capability has greater effect on organizational performance. Second, when considering whether to increase specific investment or/and improve qualification of capability, executives are encouraged to first evaluate their firm's level of shared values and then make appropriate strategic decision accordingly. Third, six tactics are recommended for enhancing shared values.
Originality/value
This study enriches the literature on transaction cost analysis and contributes to understanding the moderating role of shared values. The findings shed light on the specific investment, qualification of capability, and firm performance relationships. Additionally, this research highlights the importance of considering shared values as a boundary condition in examining these relationships.
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Ge Wang, Giorgio Locatelli, Huijin Zhang, Jingyuan Wan and Yufan Chen
Organizational citizenship behaviors for the environment (OCBEs) represent a crucial element of environmental sustainability for a wide range of organizations. However, the…
Abstract
Purpose
Organizational citizenship behaviors for the environment (OCBEs) represent a crucial element of environmental sustainability for a wide range of organizations. However, the leadership mechanisms underlying OCBEs are as yet unexplored, particularly regarding the delivering megaprojects. The paper aims to investigate how transformational leadership (TFL) and transactional leadership (TSL) styles shape the environmental commitment (EC) of subordinates, motivating OCBEs in megaprojects.
Design/methodology/approach
Partial least squares modeling and hierarchical regression were performed on data obtained from 140 experts who have been involved in megaprojects.
Findings
Both TFL and TSL styles are effective in motivating OCBEs, although the EC of subordinates partially mediates these relationships. The power distance (PD) orientation significantly moderates the relationship between TFL and OCBEs, with the relationship being more positive when the PD of subordinates is lower. Unexpectedly, a collectivist orientation (CO) was found to elevate the effect of TSL but weaken the effect of TFL.
Originality/value
The mixed and contradictory findings regarding TFL and TSL styles are reconciled in the current study by integrating the contextual factors of PD and CO. The findings of the study shed new light on “playing the cards right” when using the leadership practices, i.e. how leadership can be better leveraged to cultivate subordinates' OCBEs. They also provide targeted guidance for shaping contextual factors to increase the environmental sustainability of megaprojects.
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Zhen Li, Yufan Lu, Chi Zhang, Jinlong Dong, Xiaoli Zhao and Liqin Wang
The traction behaviours of lubricating oil significantly affect the stability and lubrication regime of aviation high-speed ball bearings. Rolling elements will slide at a low…
Abstract
Purpose
The traction behaviours of lubricating oil significantly affect the stability and lubrication regime of aviation high-speed ball bearings. Rolling elements will slide at a low traction force (TF). Therefore, traction behaviours need to be studied, and a fitting expression for traction curves to rapidly calculate the traction coefficient (TC) should be developed.
Design/methodology/approach
The traction behaviours of an aviation lubricating oil were studied in severe operating conditions with a self-designed two-disc testing rig. Based on the least squares method and the Levenberg–Marquardt theory, a rapid calculation expression was developed by fitting the obtained traction curves. The correction of this expression was experimentally verified by comparing the TCs under different operating conditions. This expression was also used to modify the commonly accepted quasi-dynamic model of rolling bearings.
Findings
An increase of the load led to an increase in the TC. In comparison, the temperature and entrainment speed showed inverse effects. The proposed expression exactly predicted the trend of the experimentally acquired traction curve. The calculation with the modified dynamic model showed that the action of the TF on a single rolling element varied and that the temperature increase of the outer raceway is higher than the inner raceway, which is caused by the TF and relative sliding speed between the elements and raceways.
Originality/value
The proposed fitting expression is able to simplify the TC calculation of synthetic aviation lubricating oil in practical engineering applications. This paper can provide an important reference for the traction behaviour of synthetic aviation lubricating oil under severe conditions and assist with its rapid calculation and practical application in engineering.
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Dirk De Clercq, Yunita Sofyan, Yufan Shang and Luis Espinal Romani
This study aims to investigate an underexplored behavioral factor, knowledge hiding, that connects employees’ perceptions of organizational politics (POP) with their diminished…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate an underexplored behavioral factor, knowledge hiding, that connects employees’ perceptions of organizational politics (POP) with their diminished promotability, while also considering the moderating role of employees’ harmony motives in this process.
Design/methodology/approach
The research hypotheses are tested with multisource, three-round data collected among employees and their supervisors.
Findings
Employees’ beliefs about self-serving organizational decision-making increase their propensity to hide knowledge, which, in turn, diminishes their promotability. This intermediate role of knowledge hiding is more prominent when their disintegration avoidance motive is strong but less prominent when their harmony enhancement motive is strong.
Practical implications
A refusal to share knowledge with organizational colleagues, as a covert response to POP, can create a negative cycle for employees. They are frustrated with decision-making practices that are predicated on favoritism, but by choosing seemingly subtle ways to respond, they compromise their own promotion prospects. To avoid this escalation, employees should adopt an active instead of passive approach toward maintaining harmony in their work relationships.
Originality/value
This research contributes to extant research by detailing a hitherto overlooked reason that employees’ frustrations with dysfunctional politics may escalate into an enhanced probability to miss out on promotion opportunities. They respond to this situation by engaging in knowledge hiding. As an additional contribution, this study details how the likelihood of this response depends on employees’ harmony motives.
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Lingxiao Ouyang, Hao Wang, Kenta Aoyagi, Yuji Imamiya, Yufan Zhao and Akihiko Chiba
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between in situ monitoring characteristics and surface defects in laser-based directed energydeposited Ti-6Al-4V.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between in situ monitoring characteristics and surface defects in laser-based directed energydeposited Ti-6Al-4V.
Design/methodology/approach
In situ monitoring was conducted to extract and quantify the monitoring characteristics of each frame. A two-dimensional contour map was generated using the quantified characteristics to determine the defect formation locations. Computational thermal-fluid dynamics software was used to determine which surface tension terms or shielding gas had a significant effect on the depression of the molten pool.
Findings
This study has made a significant contribution by revealing the direct correlation between the molten pool size and brightness with defect formation in laser-based DED of Ti-6Al-4V. It was found that in regions of reduced height, the molten pool exhibited increased size and brightness, leading to surface depressions due to vapor recoil pressure flattening the molten pool. Moreover, the results highlighted that the enhanced Marangoni forces, caused by a high-temperature gradient, hindered the proper accumulation of molten metal, exacerbating height reductions. This insight provides a deeper understanding of how molten pool dynamics directly influence surface quality, which is a critical factor in DED processes.
Originality/value
This study contributes to understanding of the relationship between in situ monitoring characteristics and surface defects in laser-based directed energy-deposited Ti-6Al-4V. Additionally, by using in situ monitoring and computational analysis, significant insights were gained into the factors influencing molten pool behavior and subsequent surface defects.
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Heap-Yih Chong, Yufan Zhang, Cen Ying Lee, Fei Wang and Yubin Zhang
Audit trail cost management is crucial for ensuring accountability and enhancing quality assurance in construction management. Despite limited practical studies on audit trail…
Abstract
Purpose
Audit trail cost management is crucial for ensuring accountability and enhancing quality assurance in construction management. Despite limited practical studies on audit trail management from a cost perspective; this study developed a lifecycle-based audit trail cost management framework. It used synchronized Building Information Modeling (BIM) cost models and Bills of Quantities (BoQs) to address the existing gap.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a descriptive case study approach of a real-life hospital project in China. Data triangulation was achieved through interviews, observations, documents, and relevant artifacts.
Findings
The study identified three key factors contributing to cost variances between BIM cost models and BoQs: differences in measurement rules, model precision, and professional errors, particularly evident during the preliminary estimate stage. Notably, significant cost savings of approximately RMB 5.811 million were achieved during the detailed estimate stage. During the construction phase, a synchronized approach was deployed to improve precise payment verification and modifications to the BIM model. In the post-construction phase, the synchronized as-built BIM models and BoQs served as primary references to facilitate the resolution of operational discrepancies.
Practical implications
The research contributes to the literature by proposing a synchronized approach of BIM cost models and BoQs. This approach enhances traceability and accountability of project information, catering to the digitalization needs of the construction industry.
Originality/value
This study unveils a pragmatic approach to enhancing transparency and accountability in audit-trail cost management by synchronizing BIM cost models and BoQs at various project stages. The synchronized approach offers a promising direction for future research and implementation of audit trail frameworks to enhance cost management in construction.
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Pianpian Yang, Yufan Jiang, Yuxi Lin, Shuang Geng and Rui Wang
The growing number of firms leveraging social media ads highlight the urgent need for firms to understand social media ads and their effects on consumer perceptions and attitudes…
Abstract
Purpose
The growing number of firms leveraging social media ads highlight the urgent need for firms to understand social media ads and their effects on consumer perceptions and attitudes. This research examines whether and how different types of social media ads exert influences on ad engagement and how consumers’ psychological characteristics including regulatory orientation and lay rationalism moderate the influence of social media ads on ad engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
This research conducts three quasi experiments featuring two types of social media ads – interactive and transactional – to collect empirical evidence. Results are analyzed using ANOVA and Process in SPSS.
Findings
This research reveals that interactive ads lead to higher perceived enjoyment and perceived responsiveness, which further lead to higher ad engagement. Promotion focus moderates the effect of social media ads (interactive vs transactional ads) on perceived enjoyment and perceived responsiveness, and lay rationalism moderates the effect on perceived responsiveness, while prevention focus has no such effect.
Originality/value
First, this research establishes the connection between ad types and ad engagement in social media, which offers a new perspective to understand ad engagement. Second, it explores the underlying mechanisms of processing different types of social media ads. Third, it justifies the moderating effects of consumers’ regulatory orientation and lay rationalism on the effects of ad types on ad engagement, providing the first evidence on the moderating role of consumers’ lay rationalism in ad processing. This research helps firm marketers to fine-tune their social media ads according to consumer characteristics.
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Yufan Shang, Yan Pan and Malika Richards
Organizations use enterprise social media (ESM) platforms to operate, function, and develop. However, the effectiveness of the use of ESM is inconclusive. This study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Organizations use enterprise social media (ESM) platforms to operate, function, and develop. However, the effectiveness of the use of ESM is inconclusive. This study aims to explore the mechanism and boundary conditions of the relationship between employee ESM use and job performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a 2-wave survey design, with a final sample of 481 employees from a large automobile company.
Findings
The results indicate that ESM use is beneficial and detrimental to job performance. On the one hand, ESM use is positively related to work overload, decreasing job performance. On the other hand, ESM use is positively associated with informational support, increasing job performance. A mediation test revealed that both work overload and informational support mediate the relationship between ESM use and job performance. Furthermore, job autonomy weakens the positive relationship between ESM use and work overload, but strengthens the positive relationship between ESM use and informational support.
Originality/value
This study provides a more balanced view of how ESM use influences job performance by demonstrating the opposing mediating roles of work overload and informational support. Further, this study fills a research gap by considering job characteristics when examining the boundary conditions of ESM use. Third, this study validates the generalization of the job demands-resources model in social media research.
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Yunita Sofyan, Dirk De Clercq and Yufan Shang
This study examines whether employees' perceptions of intraorganizational competition, defined as beliefs that the organization evaluates their performance in comparison with…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines whether employees' perceptions of intraorganizational competition, defined as beliefs that the organization evaluates their performance in comparison with others, result in lower supervisor ratings of their conscientiousness if the employees, particularly those with proactive personalities, respond to the resource-draining, competitive work situation with knowledge hiding behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Multisource data were collected from employees and supervisors in different industries at three points in time. The research hypotheses were tested with hierarchical multiple regression analysis, in combination with PROCESS macro-based bootstrapping, to assess mediation and moderated mediation.
Findings
Beliefs about highly competitive organizational climates are counterproductive, in that they lead employees to conceal knowledge intentionally from other organizational members. This mediating role of knowledge concealment is particularly prominent among employees with a strong desire to take the initiative to protect themselves against the hardships created by a climate of internal competition.
Research limitations/implications
The research design does not allow for formal tests of causality.
Practical implications
For human resource managers, this research pinpoints self-protective knowledge hiding as a key, detrimental mechanism. It imposes dual harms: employees feel threatened by the strict performance-oriented climate, and their defensive reactions make them appear less conscientious to supervisors. This downward spiral is particularly likely to initiate among employees who exhibit a disposition toward action.
Originality/value
This research investigates novel connections between specific organizational elements and outcomes, by specifying why and when employees' beliefs about performance-oriented organizational climates might backfire, due to their negative behavioral responses, such as purposeful knowledge hiding.
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Binghua Zhou, Yiguo Xue, Mingtian Li, Zhiqiang Li, Xueliang Zhang and Yufan Tao
When a vehicle passes through a long highway tunnel, the smoke it discharges accumulates in the tunnel. High smoke concentration has an important influence on the driver’s health…
Abstract
Purpose
When a vehicle passes through a long highway tunnel, the smoke it discharges accumulates in the tunnel. High smoke concentration has an important influence on the driver’s health and driving safety. The use of numerous jet fans to diffuse the smoke causes excessive energy consumption, so it is of significant practical value to design suitable tunnel ventilation.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on the continuum hypothesis, incompressible hypothesis, steady flow hypothesis and similar hypothesis of gas in a long highway tunnel. These hypotheses calculate the gas emissions and wind demand in a long highway tunnel given the deployment of the jet fan program.
Findings
This program selects each of the two 1120-type jet machine group and sets up 13 groups; each group has an interval of 184.5 m in the end. The analysis of air test results when the tunnel is in operation shows that CO and smoke concentrations meet the design requirements, which can provide reference for a similar engineering design later.
Originality/value
At present, a highway tunnel is recognized at home and abroad by means of clearance of longitudinal ventilation, which is 2,000 m. In view of this, this paper is based on the theory of longitudinal jet ventilation of a highway tunnel, whose length is more than 2,000 m, to calculate the ventilation and apply it to a tunnel’s ventilation design.