Employee Motivation to Co-Create Value (EMCCV): Construction and Validation of Scale

Value Co-Creation (VCC) is an emerging concept that has vast applications in theory and practice. Though previous research has provided enough insights on the customers' role in VCC, relatively less research exists on employee motivation to co-create value (EMCCV) with customers. Among other reasons for such less empirical investigations, one is the unavailability of measurement scale for EMCCV. Therefore, the drive of this study is to conceptualize, develop, and validate a scale to measure EMCCV. Drawing from the expectancy theory and adapting the standard scale development procedure, this study develops EMCCV as a higher-order construct that constitutes four dimensions namely professional identity, financial motives, recognition motives, and career opportunities motives measured by 17 items. The measurement scale is developed in the context of automotive service centers; however, it has a broader application on the frontliners of all service industries and can be adapted in other service-oriented contexts. The scale is tested in a theoretical framework and has provided sound reliability, convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity.     

The Role of Business Ethics in Merger and Acquisition Success: An Empirical Study

The purpose of this paper is to explore job performance, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) from an ethical perceptive. A great number of studies have extensively discussed the link between M&A and performance; however, most focused on the financial functions and strategy selections. Although ethical issues emerge in the M&A process, it is a less studied area. This study adopted the structural equation modeling approach to empirically test our hypotheses. Based on 264 samples from financial companies, data analyses indicated that ethical conduct in M&A is significantly correlated with employee job performance. Ensuring employment security and caring practices can significantly explain organizational commitment. Organizational commitment also plays a significant mediating role between a company’s ethical conduct and employee job performance. Managerial implications are also provided.Carol Yeh-Yun Lin is a Professor of the Department of Business Administration at National Chengchi University in Taiwan. She received her Ph.D. in Human Resource Development from the University of Texas at Austin in 1992. She has published previously in the Journal of Small Business Management, Journal of Psychology, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, Industrial Relations Journal, International Journal of Human Resource Management, and a number of other scholarly journals. Yu-Chen Wei is a doctoral candidate of the Department of Business Administration at National Chengchi University. Her research interests include intellectual capital, high-performance work system and business ethics.     

Faith at Work Scale (FWS): Justification,Development, and Validation of a Measure of Judaeo-Christian Religion in the Workplace

Workplace spirituality research has sidestepped religion by focusing on the function of belief rather than its substance. Although establishing a unified foundation for research, the functional approach cannot shed light on issues of workplace pluralism, individual or institutional faith-work integration, or the institutional roles of religion in economic activity. To remedy this, we revisit definitions of spirituality and argue for the place of a belief-based approach to workplace religion. Additionally, we describe the construction of a 15-item measure of workplace religion informed by Judaism and Christianity – the Faith at Work Scale (FWS). A stratified random sample (n = 234) of managers and professionals assisted in refining the FWS which exhibits a single factor structure (Eigenvalue = 8.88; variance accounted for = 59.22%) that is internally consistent (Cronbach’s α = 0.77) and demonstrates convergent validity with the Faith Maturity Scale (r = 0.81, p > 0.0001). The scale shows lower skew and kurtosis with Mainline and Catholic adherents than with Mormons and Evangelicals. Validation of the scale among Jewish and diverse Christian adherants would extend research in workplace religion.     

Proximity and Rationalisation: The Limits of a Levinasian Ethics in the Context of Corporate Governance and Regulation

In this article, I explore how the ideas of French philosopher Emmanuel Levinas offer insights into a debate often held today in the field of corporate governance, concerning the relative merits of statutory and voluntary approaches to the regulation of business. The philosophical position outlined by Levinas questions whether any rule-based systematisation of ethical responsibility, either statutory or voluntary, can ever equate to a genuine responsibility for the other person. I reflect on how various authors have adapted Levinas’s philosophy to form a critique of bureaucracy and rule following in business, and the lack of ethical authenticity in corporate codes. However, this article also considers the question of whether a theoretical separation can be made between an ethical responsibility based on sensibility (as is suggested by Levinas) and a rational conceptualisation of how one is required to act. Considering the difficulty of disentangling these notions of ethics, I return to the problem of corporate governance and suggest an approach to stakeholder conflict based on mediation and dialogue, which rules out neither principles of conduct nor an openness of responsibility to the Other.     

Status consumption in newly emerging countries: The influence of personality traits and the mediating role of motivation to consume conspicuously

In emerging countries, individuals’ tendency to consume status products to display their wealth and new lifestyle is rising. To unlock the underlmathying reasons for consuming status products in emerging countries, this study brings attention to the mediating role of motivation to consume conspicuously as a missing link between consumers’ personality traits - susceptibility to interpersonal influence, need for uniqueness and status consumption. Using social identity and social comparison theory and drawing on data from 269 Bangladeshi individuals, we found that status consumption is positively influenced by susceptibility to interpersonal influence and need for uniqueness. We also found that the relationship between susceptibility to interpersonal influence and status consumption is partially mediated by the motivation to consume conspicuously. However, the results show that the relationship between need for uniqueness and status consumption is not mediated by the motivation to consume conspicuously.     

Limits to labels: The role of eco‐labels in the assessment of product sustainability and routes to sustainable consumption

There has been rapid development in the methods, data and protocols for the assessment of product sustainability over the past decade. Notwithstanding this welcome development, the widespread provision of sustainable products has not occurred. Moreover, indications from a myriad of surveys suggest that consumers remain full of intent to purchase sustainably, yet these stated preferences have not translated into a widespread uptake in the purchase of more sustainable products. Heightened interest in climate change over the past couple of years has led to rising calls for labelling to allow consumers to differentiate between more or less sustainable options. Such calls apparently assume that if consumers are presented with appropriate label information their purchases will change and more sustainable purchasing will result. For many observers these calls bring more than a ring of déjà vu as the failures (or at least unfulfilled expectations) of environmental labelling schemes of the past spring to mind. A review and assessment of eco‐labelling schemes is presented. Discussion focuses on the history, successes and failures of such schemes, and consideration of their potential role (or not) in future shifts towards sustainable consumption. Behavioural, social practice, institutional and infrastructure factors are considered and labelling, legislation and other options are explored. Conclusions are drawn regarding potential routes to sustainable consumption, with particular reference to eco‐labels.     

The effect of exposure to sexual appeals in advertisements on memory,attitude, and purchase intention: a meta-analytic review

Researchers have often attempted to answer the question, ‘Does sex sell?’ In this article, we present a meta-analysis of studies that used an experiment to test the effect of sexual appeals in ads on memory, attitude, and purchase intention. Our analysis revealed a significant positive effect for sexual appeals on ad recognition and recall (weighted Cohen's d = .38, p < .001), but the effect on brand recognition and recall was not significant (d = .09, p = .30). We also found that the effect of sexual appeals on attitude towards the ad was not significant (d = ?0.07, p = .26); however, additional analysis showed that males (d = .27, p < .01) evaluate ads with sexual appeals significantly more positively than females (d = ?.38, p < .001). Finally, we found a small significant negative effect on brand attitude (d = ?.22, p < .05), but no effect on purchase intention (d = .01, p = .94).     

我国城镇居民消费行为研究分析

城镇居民消费是我国消费经济理论研究的重点,也是我国启动内需的中坚力量,但目前缺乏对城镇居民消费行为研究的系统梳理和归纳。文章在对相关文献进行重新整理和深入分析的基础上发现,现有研究主要基于宏观、微观两大视角对城镇居民消费行为进行分析,由于研究前提、研究方法、研究变量、要素选择的不同,研究结论并未达成一致。现有研究的不足之处,一是大量研究都在借鉴和套用西方消费理论,缺乏专门针对我国城镇居民行为的理论框架;二是有限理性下城镇居民的非理性、主观性或其他新的行为特征有待后续研究继续探索和发掘,应放宽现有研究经典假设,构建城镇居民消费综合模型,进一步拓展现有研究的深度和广度。     

Areas of Corruption in the Distribution of Foreign-Made Goods Where a Firm's Size and Origin Play a Role: The Russian Experience

Drawing on interview evidence, this article explores areas whereby business corruption in Russia affects distributors of foreign goods with both local and foreign ownership and whether its effects on distributors of small and large sizes vary. The findings reveal the areas of corruption wherein distributors of foreign goods in Russia are most likely to be affected and suggest that, though widespread in Russia, corruption may have far greater effect on smaller distributors as compared to large firms. Large distributing firms can avoid involvement in corruption in some of the areas explored. This in turn may limit small-sized foreign manufacturers' capability to compete in this market, as they are most likely to be able to contract only to small-sized distributors. The study presents findings that are based on interviews with the distributors of foreign-made goods operating in Russia. The findings of the study can help to explain activities of corruption as related to the size of business firms involved in distribution of foreign products in Russia. Hence, its value to firms contemplating export to Russia. The research can also be considered a valuable platform for further research in this field.     

Differences in Perceived Image of Fruit and Vegetables from a Specific Origin: The Moderating Role of Familiarity

Only a small number of works in the literature examines the role of familiarity in the perception of products from a specific origin, despite the importance of this variable in the formation of product image and its effects on consumer behavior. The current work aims to fill this gap in the literature by carrying out a cross-national analysis of consumers' image of fruit and vegetables that includes a defined origin. For this purpose, the authors examine the influence of product cues on the formation of a global image of the product, and considers the moderating role of familiarity in this relation. The results indicate that product familiarity has an effect on the relation between the product cues and the image perceived by the consumer, and that differences exist between the nationalities considered.     

Appetizing learning in Swedish comprehensive schools: an attempt to employ food and tasting in a new form of experimental education

The word taste has several meanings: biopsychological, and cultural and social. Taste also influences food choice, though there is a widespread belief that tasty food is not synonymous with healthy eating patterns. In Sweden compulsory school daily meals are provided and Home Economics is a compulsory subject, while tasting lessons form an additional experimental form of education. The aim of this study has been to make a general evaluation of tasting lessons in four fifth‐year classes. The focus of the results is on pupils’ learning about, and interest in, food, and the opinions and reflections of teachers, catering staff and school heads. The participants were three professional focus groups comprising staff from four schools, and 48 pupils (eight groups with boys and girls in separate groups) from the same schools. Results showed that the children were prepared to be exposed to different foodstuffs, and the adults were prepared to be exposed to new educational methods. Two stages of children's learning have been described in connection with tasting: practice and experience, and verbalization and reflection.     

后疫情背景下金融机构开展服务科技型中小（微）企业融资的探索与实践：以浙江为例

由于新冠肺炎疫情的持续影响，科技型中小（微）企业面临着资金周转和融资难的困境，财务脆弱性风险较为明显。这其中既有企业内部的原因，也有社会经济环境、市场状况和金融服务等外部环境因素。本文将对后疫情背景下金融机构服务和促进科技型中小（微）企业融资问题进行理论溯源，并以浙江为例，分析金融机构服务科技型中小（微）企业融资实践中面临的难题，并提出建立风险偿债基金、构建多层次信息平台、将人力资本作为授信额度担保的重要依据、聚焦创新创业生态体系建设等对策和建议，以期助力科技型中小（微）企业“转危为机”，推动投融资服务转型升级。     

Convergence Rates to Output Growth in a Global World: The Roles of Openness and Government Size

In this article, we examine the effects of three openness measures on 54 industrial and emerging economies' output growth over the “globalization years” of 1986–2004. Controlling for standard determinants of the Solow growth model in panel data, we find positive effects of openness on real output growth. While we find support for higher convergence rates under the open economy, the convergence rates in this article for both samples are remarkably close to the 2% level documented in Mankiw et al. (1992) Mankiw, G., Romer, D. and Weil, D. 1992. A Contribution to the Empirics of Economic Growth. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 107(2): 407–437. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]. The inclusion of G/Y, however, reduces the speed of convergence more substantially in industrial economies.     

充分发挥财务管理在高校转型发展中的积极作用——以Y学院为例

在高校转型发展时期,高校财务工作也应随之及时转型:从核算型转为管理型财务;提高财务工作的主动性;逐步建立创新型财务;加强财务工作实践和理论有机结合;提高财会队伍综合素质。财务管理工作应为高校的转型发展重点做好资金筹措、科学化精细化预算、支持学校参与地方经济、努力提高教育资金使用效益等方面的工作,建立优良的财务运行机制,更好地服务高校事业的健康快速发展。     

Challenges and Opportunities of Business Education in Southeast Europe: The Case of a Balkan Business School

In 2004, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) concluded a 4‐year, 10 million dollar contract with the University of Delaware to create the Sarajevo Graduate School of Business, the first Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business [AACSB]‐accredited business school in Southeast Europe. This case study examines inconsistencies in the school's mission and goals, the structure and operation of the joint venture between Delaware and the University of Sarajevo, the fit between Delaware's MBA program and the local environment, pricing in an emerging market, the impact of the school's business model on its sustainability, challenges of market estimation and new product introduction, and the realism of USAID's goal of cultural change. The article concludes with an up‐to‐date epilogue and summary of conclusions that pertain generally to organizational strategies in emerging markets.     

The Quality of Maquiladora Investment in a Post China/WTO World: A Literature Review and Case Studies from Reynosa

ABSTRACT

Studies have consistently shown that exports manufactured in China have taken a significant market share away from Mexican producers in the United States (US) import market. In this paper, we examine how this change is shaping the quality of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Mexico's maquiladora industry. Various thought leaders have suggested that low wage Chinese competition will force maquilas of out labor intensive sectors and will make them lean towards higher value added, technology intensive activities. An alternative perspective has been provided by those who argue that Mexico's unique comparative advantage is its geographic proximity to the US, and that there is no reason to believe proximity dependent maquilas will fit into a high-tech, high value added model. To determine which of these scenarios is more accurate, we summarize relevant literature and provide case studies drawn from five startup plants located in the only major Mexican city that has seen maquila employment gains over the 2000-2006 period. Research suggests that maquilas are leaning towards proximity dependent, and not necessarily technology intensive business models. The case studies illustrate a number of long term characteristics of the maquiladora environment that may limit upgrading. We conclude with policy recommendations as well as suggestions for future research.

RESUMEN. Los estudios realizados mostraron consistentemente que las exportaciones de manufacturados provenientes de China han ganado una porción significativa del mercado de importación en los Estados Unidos, que solía estar en las manos de los productores mexicanos. En este estudio examinamos cómo este cambio está modelando la calidad de la inversión extranjera directa (FDI) en la industria maquiladora mexicana. Varios líderes de la industria han expresado que la competencia resultante de los bajos salarios chinos forzará a las maquiladoras a salir de los sectores con intensiva mano de obra, para desplazarse hacia otros de mayor valor agregado, y otras actividades vinculadas profundamente a la tecnología. Una perspectiva alternativa ha sido suministrada por aquellos que sostienen que la singular ventaja competitiva mexicana reside en su proximidad geográfica a los EE.UU., y no existe razón alguna para pensar que las maquilas que dependen de esta proximidad se encajarán correctamente en este modelo altamente tecnológico, de alto valor agregado. Con el propósito de determinar cual de estos escenarios es el más correcto, hemos resumido la literatura importante y suministrado estudios de caso extraídos de cinco plantas puestas en marcha, situadas en una de las más importantes ciudades mexicanas, cuyos índices de empleo provenientes de maquiladoras han aumentado durante el período 2000-2006. Las investigaciones sugieren que las maquilas están evolucionando hacia modelos comerciales que dependen de la proximidad geográfica, y no necesariamente intensivos en tecnología. Los estudios de caso ilustran un número de características del entorno de las maquiladoras a largo plazo, que pueden limitar su actualización. Hemos concluido emitiendo una política de recomendaciones, así como sugerencias para futuras investigaciones.

RESUMO. Estudos mostram, consistentemente, que as exportações manufaturadas da China abocanharam uma fatia significativa do mercado dos produtores mexicanos no mercado de importação americano. Neste trabalho, examinamos como tal mudança está determinando a qualidade do investimento direto estrangeiro (FDI) na indústria maquiladora do México. Diversos líderes pensadores afirmaram que a competição chinesa, através de baixos salários, forçará as maquilas a deixar setores de mão-de-obra intensa e crescer em busca de um maior valor adicional, as atividades de alta tecnologia. A partir de uma perspectiva alternativa, outros defendem que a única vantagem comparativa mexicana é a proximidade com os Estados Unidos, e não há razão para acreditar que as maquilas dependentes desta proximidade adaptar-se-ão ao modelo de maior valor adicional e de alta tecnologia. Para comprovar a precisão destes cenários, resumimos o que há de relevante na literatura e apresentamos estudos de casos baseados em cinco fábricas inauguradas, na única grande cidade mexicana, que presenciou o aumento de emprego das maquilas no período de 2000 a 2006. Pesquisas sugerem que as maquilas estão tornando-se dependentes da proximidade e, não necessariamente, da alta tecnologia e dos modelos de negócios. Os estudos de caso registram uma série de características arraigadas do ambiente da maquiladora, que pode limitar o seu crescimento. Concluímos com recomendações políticas e com sugestões para pesquisas futuras.     

The emotions of top managers and key persons in cross-border M&As: Evidence from a longitudinal case study

Building on prior research on emotions in M&A, this paper analyses the post-M&A emotions of top managers and key persons from the acquired company by examining what triggers emotions during the post-acquisition integration stage, and what the consequences of those emotions are. This study applies cognitive appraisal and affective event theories with empirical evidence based on a longitudinal, single case study of an Indian–Finnish acquisition. The main findings imply that M&As are very emotional for top managers and key persons. Our findings reveal that they experience a wide range of positive and negative emotions triggered by individual and company-level triggers. Interestingly various triggers can have different and opposite appraisal outcomes in the short and long-term. In addition, top managers and key persons are often restricted in the range of behavioural outcomes caused by emotions.     

The role of newly emergent wholesalers in the food and drink industry in Japan,c.1880 to 1940: Focusing on the case of Kokubu

Abstract

This article explores the historical development of Japanese wholesalers in the food and drink industry in modern Japan. Despite many criticisms of Japanese wholesalers as being “multi-layered,” “old-fashioned,” and “outmoded,” there were historical reasons for the existence of wholesalers. While the traditional wholesalers remained even after the Meiji Restoration, the new wholesalers emerged by dealing with new products that appeared for the first time in modern Japan. Utilizing the historical conditions of both producers and retailers, the newcomers such as Kokubu boosted their development by innovative activities and gradually superseded the traditional wholesale market, firmly establishing their position as general wholesalers before the Second World War.     

导游服务质量对旅游者满意、忠诚的影响研究——以华东线为例

以华东线游客市场为例,通过问卷调查,用SPSS16.0分析了导游服务质量对游客满意度和忠诚度的影响,结果表明,导游服务质量与游客的满意感、忠诚度之间都存在显著的正相关关系;在讲解水平、服务态度、应变能力、服务规范四个评价因子中,导游的讲解水平、应变能力分别是影响游客满意度和忠诚度的最主要因子。旅行社要认识到导游的重要性,采取相关措施,提高导游服务水平,树立良好的品牌形象,提高游客的满意度和忠诚度。