An Exploratory Study of Managers' Perspective of Work‐Life Balance in Nigeria: A Case Analysis of the Nigerian Banking Sector

This study describes an exploratory research of managers' perspective of the concept of work‐life balance (WLB) policies and practices in Nigeria. This is done through in‐depth case studies of 20 banks in the banking sector. The data set is comprised of responses from 102 middle line managers in the Nigerian banking institutions. A review of the extant literature on WLB initiatives in the banking sector revealed that there is a dearth of knowledge on WLB policies and practices in an African context. In an attempt to fill the gap in the literature, this study examines the range and scope of WLB practices, managers' perception of WLB, and the forces helping or constraining to shape the choices of work life balance practices and policies. The findings reveal that there is diversity in terms of how middle‐line managers understand and experience WLB initiatives in Nigeria. Another finding highlights the practice of favoritism in most banks using WLB initiatives. In addition, the study shows that cultural sensitivity affects how WLB is appreciated and utilized. The study suggests some policy implications in the form of support for WLB policies in this context. © 2013 Crown copyright.     

A Multidimensional Approach to Finnish Managers' Moral Decision-Making

This paper analyses managers' moral decision-making, and studies the role of ethical theories in it by following the research tradition using the multidimensional ethics scale. The research question is: what kinds of ethical dimensions do Finnish business managers reveal when they are making moral decisions, and how have these dimensions changed in the 1990s? This question is answered by examining what kinds of factors emerge when the multidimensional ethics scale is used to analyse Finnish managers' attitudes toward moral dilemmas. The results show that Finnish managers' decision-making reflects a variety of ethical theories. Teleological thinking is strongly emphasised by Finnish managers, and relativist thinking is used as well, but often combined with either deontology or justice thinking. In addition, a strong moralistic dimension emerged in Finnish managers' decision-making. The analysis was carried out in two different surveys in years 1994 and 1999, and the results show that the ways of decision-making were more complex at the end of the 1990s than almost six years earlier.     

Female Managers' Ethical Decision-Making: A Multidimensional Approach

The increasing number and influence of women in society brings up several issues related to values and ethics. Looking at business ethics from the gender perspective made us ponder if it would be fruitful to analyse the feminine and masculine dimensions of decision-making style. The article follows the research tradition using the multidimensional ethics scale, and it aims at developing the scale to better include female decision-making. We came to the conclusion that, as the multidimensional ethics scale used in measuring managers' moral decision-making is derived from modern ethical theories focusing on indications of masculinities more than femininities, the scale leaves feminine decision-making dimensions invisible. Our argument is that in seeking a deeper understanding of (female) managers' moral decision-making, we must find a broader basis for the analysis and develop the scale further so that it allows different voices to be heard and different dimensions to be seen.     

An Exploratory Assessment of Web Site Performance

Abstract

This paper presents findings of an exploratory case study that was undertaken to assess Web performance evaluation in three petroleum energy firms in the Southwest. Findings indicate that firms with clearly defined Web site objectives will tend to have much more comprehensive strategies for Web site performance evaluation. Contrary to our expectations, perceptions of Web expertise was not significantly related to perceived Web site performance. However, there was a clear relationship between perceived Web development expertise and the perceived ability to improve sites. Additionally, our findings suggest a lack of senior management guidance in Web related initiatives has contributed to an inability to successfully link Web performance measures to organizational objectives.     

Factors Affecting Managers' Decision to Bribe: An Empirical Investigation

In recent years, global corporations, especially in the oil and mining sectors, have been speaking the language of development. While corporations are increasingly being imputed a major development role by multilateral organizations, this remains a controversial topic. Even more controversial is the question of whether corporations make a meaningful contribution to development in conflict situations or the absence of democratic government. Some firms, however, such as Talisman Oil, do try to justify their operating in conflict zones such as Sudan on this very basis. This paper contends that Talisman has not contributed to development, but rather is a part of the problem. The paper also develops a more general argument as to why this situation is not particular to Talisman, but is likely to hold for any corporation operating under similar circumstances.     

The Financial Performance of Ethical Investment Trusts: An Australian Perspective

This study examines whether differences in financial performance exist for investment trusts which base their portfolio selection primarily on an ethical screen, compared to indexes which incorporate a broader spectrum of investments. Results indicate that on a risk-adjusted basis there is an insignificant difference in the financial performance of these trusts against three common market benchmarks. However as to the extent of the directional effect, there does exist slightly superior financial performance by ethical trusts against their respective industry average indexes, but an underperformance against a smaller company's index and the market as a whole. The lack of a distinct advantage in the short to medium term for applying an ethical screen, may in part be due to the recent development of ethical investments in Australia. Stronger performances by older ethical investment trusts may indicate superior returns are more likely to occur over a longer term.     

E-Based Solutions to Support Intercultural Business Ethics Instruction: An Exploratory Approach in Course Design and Delivery

This paper reports on the experiences of international MBA students following a hybrid design for a business ethics course, which combined class-based lectures with "out-of-class" discussion supported by asynchronous communication tools. The e-learning component of the course was intended to generate discussion on the ethical assumptions of course participants, with each individual required to post a mini case study reflecting an ethical dilemma which s/he had faced at work. Using questionnaire and interview data, we report on the learning experiences of participants following this experimental course. The results reveal a high level of intercultural dialogue between participants, with adopters showing greater awareness of their individual cultural biases in their case writing, a direct consequence of the on-line feedback and case discussion. These findings indicate that asynchronous tools have much to offer business ethics students, supporting ideas sharing and the exchange of cultural perspectives outside the physical boundaries of the classroom.     

Determinants of Export Performance: An Institutional Approach

This study evaluates the impact of institutional factors and innovation on the export performance of firms, from the assumption that the basic institutional framework of a country affects the export performance of firms through three transmission mechanisms: innovation, modes of entry to foreign markets, and network. The study comprises a qualitative, multicase study of five firms in the metalworking industry in the state of Santa Catarina (southern Brazil). The results of the study show the limitations of the institutional framework of the country of origin, particularly in terms of stimulating innovation in firms. On the other hand, the study points to strong evidence of the role of networking as a critical factor in determining the performance of innovation activities and export performance. Specifically, the findings highlight foreign-established networks, especially in regard to customers to drive innovation, and distributors to expand participation in markets. Finally, in terms of the effect of the institutional framework on the selection of internationalization strategies, for the cases studied, the findings suggest that the institutional frameworks of destination countries seem to exert greater influence than do the institutions of the country of origin.     

The Stakeholder Approach: A Sustainability Perspective

This article considers the stakeholder approach (SHA) to organisational management through the lens of what it means for humans to live sustainably on the Earth (that is, for there to be a sustainable world). In particular, the article considers if the SHA, as it is presented in mainstream academic and management literature, is supportive of corporate practices that advance the achievement of a sustainable world. The analysis shows the SHA to have significant failings in this regard when viewed against key sustainable world criteria, with issues of concern evident from the normative core of the SHA through to is practical application in the management setting.     

Channel Intermediaries and Manufacturer Performance: An Exploratory Investigation in an Emerging Market

Channel intermediaries (hereafter, intermediaries) are among the most critical elements of any supply chain as the bulk of manufacturing output is transported through them. However, we have a limited understanding of the approach a manufacturer should take to achieve the dual goal of increasing profitability and intermediary satisfaction. To provide manufacturers with practical strategies to boost their performance and their intermediaries’ satisfaction, we rely on three related studies. In Study 1, through interviews with managers and intermediaries, we find that distribution alignment across intermediary, market, and product types may be a practical strategy for both manufacturers and intermediaries. In Study 2, by using a robust empirical methodology with data from a construction product manufacturer operating in an emerging market, we find that various combinations of intermediary, market, and product types affect the manufacturer’s performance differently. Accordingly, through a supply-side examination, we quantify the revenue impact of reallocating the studied manufacturer’s retail distribution resources among different intermediary-, market-, and product-type combinations. In Study 3, through a field implementation, we find that our recommended intermediary alignment strategy from Study 2 substantially boosts both the manufacturer’s performance (by fourteen percent in revenue and thirteen percent in profit) and intermediaries’ satisfaction (by 7.71%). Thus, with our qualitative, empirical, and field studies, we contribute to the existing research in channel management, emerging market retailing, retail distribution, and marketing strategy.     

Divorce and the Financial Performance of Small Family Businesses: An Exploratory Study

This study formally examines the relationship between marital dissolution and the short-term financial performance of small closely held family businesses. Fifty-two cases of divorce where a small family business was involved were examined. Organizational and situational variables, such as the involvement of other partners in the business, whether the business was a franchise, whether formal legal proceedings were necessary, and gender differences also were examined. The results indicate that marital dissolution does impact short-term financial performance and that several organizational and situational variables significantly influence this relationship.     

The Cultural Roots of Guanxi: An Exploratory Study

This paper first describes the cultural roots and characteristics of guanxi in Chinese society. It then goes on to test some propositions about the perceived relationship between these characteristics and (i) Hofstede's conceptualisation of collectivism and power distance and (ii) the content and quality of formal institutions. The sampling frame used consisted of three groups of students –viz. Chinese Singaporeans, Non‐Chinese Singaporeans and Mainland Chinese, studying in tertiary institutions in Singapore. Our findings suggest that, while the perceptions of guanxi were positively and significantly related to Hofstede's culturally related variables, this was not so in the case of formal institutions. This latter result suggests that, in East Asian countries, guanxi may well be regarded as, at least, a partial substitute for formal institutions.     

The Ethics of In-company Research: An Exploratory Study

This paper seeks to advance ethical practice in business and integrate ethics with management curricula. It focuses on the ethical dimensions of in-company research conducted by human resource practitioners who are part time students on a postgraduate research degree award (M.Sc. in HRM). These dual roles of academic researcher in HRM and HR practitioner can become blurred and present particular ethical considerations. Beyond ethical perspectives of HRM, the paper investigates the ethics of in-company research in terms of conceptual and operational factors. The main conclusion is that ethical guidelines need to be developed for M.Sc. in HRM students. Draft guidelines are offered as the basis for development.     

A Heckman Sample Selection Approach to the Demand for Organic Food Products: An Exploratory Study Using Penang Data

Heckman's sample selection analysis is used on survey data in Penang, Malaysia, to examine sociodemographical and attitudinal factors affecting purchase decisions and expenditures on organic food products (OFP). Results of the marginal effects indicate that Chinese, affluent, and those who do not consider price to be a major factor have higher probabilities to spend and expend more on OFP. While Malays, females, and those with concerns about chemical additives and who consume monthly health supplements are likelier purchasers, those who perceive a lack of availability in the market are less prone to procure OFP. Last, individuals between 31–56 years and with more children spend in larger amounts compared to others.     

Departmental Assessment: Managers' Perceptions of the Usefulness of Accounting and Non-Accounting Measures

This paper will investigate the perceived usefulness of a set of forty-two measures by 155 production department managers and 134 marketing department managers. Among the major findings is that the vast majority of measures rated as significantly useful by marketing managers were nonaccounting measures, and they rated accounting measures to be significantly useful only if they summarized the dimensions of departmental performance, i.e., were “composite” measures. Production managers, on the other hand, rated accounting measures to be significantly useful in assessing departmental performance, but also rated several nonaccounting measures to be significantly useful. Résumé Le but de cette étude est d'examiner l'utilité de 42 mesures telle que percue par 155 directeurs de services de production et 134 directeurs de marketing. Parmi les découvertes majeures, on a conclu que la vaste majorité des mesures perçues comme utiles par les directeur de marketing étaient les mesures non comptables, les mesures de comptabilité n'étant jugées utiles que si elles exposaient le volume de rendement du service, c'est-à-dire s'il s'agissait de mesures composées. Les directeurs de production, par contre, ont trouvé les mesures comptables très utiles dans l'évaluation du rendement du service, mais ont également qualifié plusieurs mesures non comptabales de très utiles.     

我国物流业应对金融危机举措探索

美国次贷危机引发的全球性的金融危机远没有结束,对全球经济、政治、社会生活等方面造成的影响日益凸显。在全球化一体化背景下,作为世界经济重要组成部分之一的中国,正处于经济变革的关键时期,自然深受金融危机的冲击,特别是我国物流业行业活动性质受制于外部环境,决定其受金融危机冲击大,压力大,影响深。那么,我国物流业如何应对危局,早日走出困境?本文回顾本次国际金融危机产生的原因及其对我国物流业的影响,然后通过对本次金融危机对我国物流业造成影响的原因进行深入分析,最后探索出我国物流业应对金融危机的对策。     

Antecedents and Performance Consequences of Integrated Brand Management in China: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT

This study explores the role of integrated brand management in China. Using the survey data for 309 brands, our results show that integrated brand management has a positive effect on business performance in China. We also find that top management emphasis and corporate supportive resources directly foster integrated brand management. In addition, the emphasis of top management indirectly affects integrated brand management through reward system. Furthermore, we find that these relations vary between high- and low-performance brands. The implications for transitional economies are discussed.     

Changes in the Credit Repayment Performance of Low Income Consumers: An Exploratory Study

This paper examined the credit behavior during the second year of a two-year study of bank credit card use by a group of low income consumers who had had a consumer education course. It reports findings about factors affecting changes in repayment practices over the two-year period. Different variables were found to affect repayment behavior at different points in time with elements from traditional credit scoring schemes becoming important in the second year of study.     

中国对外开放思维定式的稳定性

1840年鸦片战争以后,在中国逐步走上对外开放的进程中充满了争论,争论的核心在于开放中如何处理中体和西体之间的关系。回顾160多年中国对外开放的历史,可以发现其中存在着一个长期稳定的折衷思维定式,其基本思想可归结为“学习西方必须兼顾中国传统”。在人们的政治偏好呈均匀分布时,该思维定式是一个定位在侯泰林直线中点的折衷政策。在实际中,这一思维定式具有使决策者能获得最大多数人支持和抑制竞争政策获取多数人支持的效应。虽然该思维定式对中国的对外开放进程产生了重大影响,但其重要性仅仅表现在它是一个优化的政治妥协方案,而不在于对开放实践的指导意义。对外开放是一个非常复杂和具体化的过程,如果使这一过程受制于“学习西方必须兼顾中国传统”这一简单化的模式,会给现实中的对外开放带来不利的影响。