Conceptual issues for integrated economic and social resource exchange theories*

The objectives of this paper are: (1) to contrast social and economic exchange assumptions, philosophies, reciprocities, valuation processes and problem-solving behaviours for purposes of clarification of social and economic decision situations and as a step toward theoretical integration; (2) to present the position that exchange theory would be more useful in family research if economic and social exchange theories were more successfully integrated; (3) to request the continued co-operation of family theorists in creating a theory which is useful in the interdependent social and economic domains of family life such as management; (4) to clarify the importance of this theoretical integration for more effective teaching and research in family resource management.     

From Rational to Wise Action: Recasting Our Theories of Entrepreneurship

In this article, I argue that if we challenge some tacit assumptions of narrow rationality that endure in much of entrepreneurial studies, we can elevate entrepreneurial ethics beyond mere external constraints on rational action, and move toward fuller integration of ethics as an intrinsic part of the process of value creation itself. To this end, I propose the concept of practical wisdom as a framework for exploring entrepreneurial decision making and action that can broaden the scope of our research to recognize entrepreneurship as an inherently normative enterprise. Specifically, I suggest that a framework built upon a concept of practical wisdom enables us to adopt a richer and more complex view of entrepreneurial decision making that is well suited to the dynamic and uncertain context of entrepreneurship. Further, this framework enriches our view of entrepreneurial ethics to include consideration of the personal character, values, and purpose of the entrepreneur. By examining entrepreneurship through a lens of practical wisdom, we can open up new avenues of fruitful inquiry for scholars of entrepreneurship.     

跨渠道整合的研究述评：内涵、维度与理论框架

在全渠道或多渠道营销的背景下，跨渠道整合成为企业和学术界关注的热点和新的研究领域。然而现有文献缺乏对于跨渠道整合相关研究的系统性回顾和梳理，存在概念内涵表面化、测量方法不统一以及缺乏理论框架指导等问题。这为后续研究带来困扰。鉴于此，文章回顾、梳理和分析了中外跨渠道整合的相关文献，在归纳前人研究的基础上，讨论了跨渠道整合的内涵、维度和测量工具，并以前因、直接后果和企业绩效的逻辑关系构建了一个跨渠道整合的理论框架，识别出一些重要的研究缺陷，为未来的研究打下基础。     

Behavioral Integration as a Relational Governance Mechanism in Family Firms—The Moderating Role of Family Involvement in Management

In this paper we introduce behavioral integration, a construct established in top management team (TMT) research, into the family firm field. TMT research argues that behavioral integration has a positive performance effect as it fosters commitment to the task at hand, joint goals, and mutual trust among TMT members. Because of these specific characteristics, we argue that behavioral integration might act as a relational governance mechanism that positively influences family firm performance. Based on research on family involvement in management, we posit that this positive performance effect of behavioral integration as a relational governance mechanism is particularly pronounced in family firms with a high degree of family involvement in management.     

WTO规则下的合作机制与中药产品国际化

中药产品国际化是复杂的系统工程,但在探讨中药产品国际化问题时,很少有人考虑系统解决问题的办法.从实证研究和理论分析的角度看,中外合作机制可以成为系统解决问题的有效办法.文章用实证并结合中外合作机制遵循的国际规则,提出加快我国中药领域中外合作机制建设的若干对策和设想.     

Theoretical Perspectives on the Internationalization of Firms

The purpose of this article is to build a coherent framework of the four main theories relating to the internationalization of firms, in order to facilitate better business teaching and research. Yet, theories of the internationalization of firms are broad and rest on different underlying assumptions. With the purpose of clarifying the potential for integration of partial theories and fragments in a more logically connected theoretical area, this article offers a meta‐theoretical overview of four perspectives within international business economics: Research and its related background, basic assumptions, study area, and implications of the theories in the internationalization of the firm.     

Effectiveness of Absurdity in Advertising Across Cultures

This paper examines the effect of absurd advertising on memory and persuasion across cultures. Drawing on Hofstede's cultural dimensions, it is hypothesized that the effect of absurdity on recall is culturally invariant, whereas the effect on attitude toward the ad is contingent on the recipients’ cultural orientation. The assumptions are tested using a between-subjects experimental design, in which we manipulated type of absurdity and used the cultural dimensions as blocking variables. Data was collected from 274 students in the United States, Germany, Russia, and China. We discuss theoretical and managerial implications of these findings as well as guidelines for further research.     

A theory-based measure of acculturation: The shortened cultural life style inventory

This paper describes a model of acculturation for classifying minority consumers into distinct categories depending on their attitudes and behaviors toward their minority culture and toward the majority culture. These categories are assimilation, segregation, and integration. The model differs from previous models of acculturation in consumer research in that it does not assume a linear progression toward assimilation. The acculturation categories identified by the model can be used to segment minority markets. A reduced version of a previous scale based on that acculturation model is developed and validated in two empirical studies in a consumer research setting. Our scale can be used by managers to segment minority populations.     

The mediating role of integration of safety by activity versus operator between organizational culture and safety climate

ABSTRACT

In this study, we analyse the impact of the organizational culture and introduce a new variable, the integration of safety, which relates to the modalities for the implementation and adoption of safety in the work process, either through the activity or by the operator. One hundred and eighty employees replied to a questionnaire measuring the organizational climate, the safety climate and the integration of safety. We expected that implementation centred on the activity or on the operator would mediate the relationship between the organizational culture and the safety climate. The results support our assumptions. A regression analysis highlights the positive impact on the safety climate of organizational values of the ‘rule’ and ‘support’ type, as well as of integration by the operator and activity. Moreover, integration mediates the relation between these variables. The results suggest to take into account organizational culture and to introduce different implementation modalities to improve the safety climate.     

Structural and strategic dynamics in franchising

In this paper we examine the changes in ownership patterns of franchise systems as they mature. We compare the predictions made by three alternative theories within the context of the fast food industry. Signaling theory predicts that franchise systems will move toward a greater reliance on franchised outlets as systems mature, while resource acquisition theory (or as it is sometimes known, ownership redirection thesis) predicts a tendency in the opposite direction. A third theoretical perspective, tapered integration or plural forms, suggests a tendency toward maintaining a steady state of mixed distribution. Results indicate that although franchisors value the benefits of the mix of ownership types and do maintain that mix over time, there is some evidence of a greater tendency to permanently convert existing franchised outlets to company-owned outlets as fast food systems mature and gain greater access to resources.     

Valuation of IT Investments Using Real Options Theory

Real Options Theory is often applied to the valuation of IT investments. The application of Real Options Theory is generally accompanied by a monetary valuation of real options through option pricing models which in turn are based on restrictive assumptions and thus subject to criticism. Therefore, this paper analyzes the application of option pricing models to the valuation of IT investments. A structured literature review reveals the types of IT investments which are valued with Real Options Theory in scientific literature. These types of IT investments are further investigated and their main characteristics are compared to the restrictive assumptions of traditional option pricing models. This analysis serves as a basis for further discussion on how the identified papers address these assumptions. The results show that a lot of papers do not account for critical assumptions, although it is known that the assumptions are not fulfilled. Moreover, the type of IT investment determines the criticality of the assumptions. Additionally, several extensions or adaptions of traditional option pricing models can be found which provide the possibility to relax critical assumptions. Researchers can profit from the results derived in this paper in two ways: First, it is demonstrated which assumptions can be critical for various types of IT investments. Second, extensions of option pricing models that relax critical assumptions are introduced.     

Gender in international business journals: A review and conceptualization of MNCs as gendered social spaces

The paper reviews 105 contributions published in journals pertinent to the field of International Business (IB) between 1991 and 2014 and details four main conceptualizations of gender: how women are compared against men, how gender is treated as a control variable and a cultural macro variable, and how gender is 'done' in international organizations. The review reveals that positivist epistemological assumptions dominate the IB field and that the current understanding of gender is limited. To advance the research, the paper develops the notion of MNCs as gendered social spaces and explains why the IB field would benefit from a more nuanced understanding and incorporation of gender relations into its analyses and discussions. The paper outlines theoretical and methodological advances associated with the reconceptualization of MNCs as gendered social spaces.     

经济一体化、政治风险和第三国效应对中国OFDI的影响

利用空间计量模型实证分析经济一体化、政治风险、第三国效应等因素对中国OFDI的影响。实证结果发现:中国OFDI型态倾向于复合性的FDI,且不受第三国效应影响;经济一体化程度越高越不利于中国OFDI,东道国的政治风险越高越不利于中国OFDI;此外,人均收入越高及文化邻近程度越高的国家,越显著有利于中国OFDI,东道国市场机会对中国OFDI有显著负向影响;中国的OFDI,国有企业居主导地位,且倾向于投资技术含量相对较低的产业。     

美在华直接投资对中美贸易不平衡的影响

本文利用美在华直接投资和中美贸易的相关数据通过协整检验并构建误差修正模型,较为清晰地说明中美贸易不平衡问题在很大程度上是由美在华直接投资所引致并扩大,这种引致过程主要通过美在华投资企业加工贸易返销美国造成。实质上体现了国际产业结构演进的必然结果,中美贸易不平衡的局面会作为投资贸易一体化趋势下的全球各国经济关系中的重要现象而长期存在。同时,这种贸易不平衡局面会在中国经济各方面快速发展的一个相对长期的过程中趋于平衡。     

Communication,accountability and professional discourse: The interaction of language values and ethical values

This paper examines the ideas of Communication and Accountability in relation to professional discourse and the teaching of Professionals. Language does not merely express values, but embodies values, without which it could not function as a medium of communication — Grice's Cooperative Principle. In practice communication and accountability have become separated, as have ethics and communication in the schools, and this is reflected in assumptions about science and scientific language which characterise professional discourses.The modern professions exist on a continuum between two extremes of collegiate and corporate values, with a trend toward the latter. The place on this continuum determines what stance an organisation takes in its attempts to communicate with its publics. An analysis of the assumptions which underlie the discourses of academic economics and public relations shows how the dissociation of values and communication works in practice.The implications of this are that a greater awareness of the values of language through interpretive skills and an understanding of rhetoric and informal logic would go some way to reunite communication and accountability in practice.H. W. Love, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., has a background in English, Classics and Philosophy, and has taught English and theatre studies in universities in Britain, Ireland and New Zealand. His publications have been in the area of literary and theatrical epistemology. Currently he is a lecturer in Ethics and Communications in the Division of Commerce, University of Otago, New Zealand.     

Integration and divergence of patent systems across national and international institutions

Based on a framework grounded in the institution-based view, this paper addresses the extent of global patent system integration and development. Our findings suggest that nations’ patent systems have yet ‘met’ the ‘international standards’, despite national and international endeavor toward this goal. The impact of international institutions on national institutions is reflected in the process rather than the outcome. Among the three components of patent systems across 88 nations, conformity is the strongest for ‘patent mechanism’, operations is the most diverse for ‘patent administration’ and ‘patent enforcement’ does not form a cross-nation divide due to most nations being moderate enforcers.     

福建省上市企业多元化经营对企业绩效的影响

多元化经营是一个公司的重要发展战略,对公司绩效有着重要的影响,因此一直是战略管理领域的研究重点。文章根据学者对多元化与企业绩效的研究提出相应的假设,并以福建省上市企业2007、2008年末和2009年第三季度末共135个样本数据进行实证分析,研究发现,福建省专业化经营的上市企业比多元化经营的上市企业具有更大的经济绩效,但多元化程度与经济绩效并无显著的负相关关系。     

Integration and arbitrage in the Spanish financial markets: An empirical approach*

Several authors have introduced different ways to measure integration between financial markets. Most of them are derived from the basic assumptions about asset prices, like the Law of One Price or the absence of arbitrage opportunities. Two perfectly integrated markets must give identical prices to identical final payoffs, and a vector of positive discount factors, common to both markets, must exist. If these properties do not hold, the degree to which they are violated can be defined and considered as a measure of integration. The present paper empirically tests integration measures in the Spanish financial markets. Furthermore, the integration measures are operationalized to analyze the presence of cross‐market arbitrage without previously specifying the exact nature of the arbitrage strategy to be used. When the absence of arbitrage holds, several interesting variables are obtained, for instance, state prices or risk‐neutral probabilities. When this absence fails, explicit cross‐market arbitrage portfolios are provided. The results of the test yield some evidence about market efficiency and integration outside the United States, and they are surprising for several reasons. First of all, arbitrage opportunities do sometimes appear, and the bid–ask spread and transaction costs seem to be unable to prevent arbitrage profits. Furthermore, the criticisms that are usually raised when empirical papers show the existence of arbitrage opportunities do not apply here because we work with perfectly synchronized high frequency data. On the other hand, different integration measures show a similar evolution along the tested period, although these measures give different information about the markets’ efficiency and integration, and they do not necessarily have to be related. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 20: 321–344, 2000     

Achieving the Millennium Development Goals in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Macroeconomic Monitoring Framework

This paper presents a macroeconomic approach to monitoring progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Sub‐Saharan Africa. At the heart of our framework is a macro model which captures key linkages between foreign aid, public investment (disaggregated into education, infrastructure and health), the supply side and poverty. The model is then linked through cross‐country regressions to indicators of malnutrition, infant mortality, life expectancy and access to safe water. A composite MDG Indicator is also calculated. The functioning of our framework is illustrated by simulating the impact of an increase in foreign aid to Niger at the MDG horizon of 2015, under alternative assumptions about the degree of efficiency of public investment. Our approach can serve as the building block for Strategy Papers for Human Development (SPAHD), a more encompassing concept than the current ‘Poverty Reduction’ Strategy Papers.     

The Future Scope of Netnography and Social Network Analysis in the Field of Marketing

The marketing landscape has evolved to a great extent with the advent of Internet strategy integration, refined Internet marketing metrics, increase in wireless networking, rising consumer ownership of computers, the era of big data and e-commerce, influencer marketing, and the evolution of the Internet. To tap this virtual environment, newer methods of Internet research are required. This article studies the usage of two Internet research methodologies—Netnography and Social Network Analysis—and explores their potential toward the domain of marketing. An exhaustive literature review was conducted and after analyzing the previously published literature in this domain, it is seen that a clear link between these methodologies and the field of marketing has not been established. With a detailed analysis of previously published research work, using these two methodologies the authors are able to derive correlations with marketing concepts and are able to establish the future potential of the two methodologies of Netnography and Social Network Analysis as marketing research methodologies.