A Media-Attributes and Design-Choices Theory of the Information Technology-Organization Relation

We contend that the 2-way relation between information technology and communication media (chosen according to media attributes) on the one hand and organizational structure and behavior (which involves making design Choices) on the other is made more visible at the level of media attributes, because such an analysis reveals a number of organizational choices. This article suggests that 1 organizational design choice is the development of methods to make electronic media less recordable and indexable, which would lead to media use and information quality higher than they would otherwise have been. Video, audio, and computer technology are bringing about a situation in which the properties of face-to-face and computer-mediated communication are converging, enabling organizations to choose their own degree of "media richness" embedded in the information technology (IT). Although IT has an intimate connection with organizational design, a less acknowledged phenomenon is IT's undermining of it, requiring a different view of the design function and a different definition of managerial tasks, such as supervision. Another instance of the openness of the 1T-organization relation (and hence the large degree of choice open to IT buyers and organization designers) is in the design of interfaces within organizations. Four interface design variables (contextualization, ambiguation, disclaiming, and hedging) are suggested that aim at increasing the freedom and expressiveness of organization members using IT.     

The effect of network competence and environmental hostility on the internationalization of SMEs

Research findings suggest that networks offer small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) opportunities to internationalize successfully. However, the role of internal organizational competence in the process of developing and maintaining such networks in hostile external environments has received little attention. The aim of this study is to shed light on the relationship by examining the positive influence that the network competence of SMEs has on their propensity to internationalize, and on their subsequent international performance. Given that the willingness of firms to enter and perform well in markets appears to also depend on environmental hostilities, this external influence on SME internationalization is incorporated into the study. We also examine whether the level of environmental hostility moderates the relationship between network competence and SME internationalization. The empirical part of the study comprises a web survey of 298 Finnish SMEs representing five different industry sectors: metal, food, furniture, software, and knowledge-intensive business services. Confirmatory factor analysis and regression models are used in the analysis. The results indicate that higher levels of network competence are positively related to the propensity of SMEs to internationalize, as well as to their international performance. Conversely, the level of environmental hostility has a negative effect on the performance measure, but not on the internationalization propensity. Additionally, the influence of network competence is not moderated by environmental hostility. The results indicate that internal network competence and external environmental hostility play a role in SME internationalization, and that the positive influence of network competence exists independently of the hostility in the environment.     

The 4Ps of Relational Marketing,Perspectives, Perceptions,Paradoxes and Paradigms

SUMMARY

The aim of this paper is to explore how different underlying worldviews in marketing affect the perception of the environment and how these impact the choice between transactional or relational offerings. Furthermore, we aim to show that not only positivistic and interpretivist paradigms are present in all of the management disciplines, in strategy, in organizational theory, in marketing, etc., but also that managerial disciplines seem to be moving from the reign of the positivistic schools, through the emergence of the interpretativist schools, and now towards a pluralistic approach. The analysis of the underlying worldviews is important for relationship marketing in practice because it may provide another, deeper-level explanation for the choices that managers make regarding transactional, relational and pluralistic offerings. At the theoretical level, it may help explain how and why the new RM paradigm developed in the marketing.     

Exploring the system of digitised retail design—flattening the ontology

The objective of this article is to combine the two dominant perspectives of retail design— design and business—through systems thinking and flat ontology, in order to understand the ‘store’ as designed by retail designers in the new digital area. Using an abductive case study of the Danish retail design world, this article connects actors into a system, redefines 'the store’ as an interface between retailer and customer, and attaches the metaphors ‘observed universe’ and ‘extended self’ of owner managers to collectively designed spaces. The implication of the study is a retail design (and business) canvas.The article's practical contribution is clarifying the profession of retail design under the condition of digitised retail, and to present a first step towards a system-based theory for retail design.Managerial contributionThe article redefines the store as an interface affording customers' and retailers’ exchange of product and experiential interaction with the aim of providing adequate revenue.     

Consumer Perceptions and Reality of Cheating by Sellers in Food Markets in Ukraine

Abstract

In developing markets the degree of regulation of weights and measures is often at a low level. In such an environment consumers frequently believe themselves to be the victims of unscrupulous sellers. Markets in the Ukraine fit such a pattern. In an effort to assess the costs of cheating, two studies were undertaken. First, consumers were surveyed to assess their perceptions and defenses against cheating. Second, purchases were made in the market to assess the actual degree of cheating. In general, consumers believe that they are almost always cheated and have no recourse. However, based on purchases, on average, sellers do not cheat consumers.     

Architectural hybrids for living across the lifespan: lessons from dementia

ABSTRACT

The built environment is essential for well-being at old age. The theory of salutogenesis, focusing on health, rather than the disease itself, provides evidence that space contributes to health and well-being. This has influenced healthcare architecture through facilities designed to support well-being. So, increasingly healthcare facilities aim to look like hotels to improve user experience. This retains conceptual and usage gaps between hospitality and healthcare but supports cross-fertilization of best practice. This paper explores possibilities of synergies between healthcare facilities and hospitality industry. Appropriate services and well-being across the lifespan is the ultimate objective, and the physical environment is critical in that provision. Examining the architectural typology of the dementia village as case study, it explores healthcare–hospitality hybrids. Learning from both domains can contribute to silver economy while providing the aging population with enhanced environment. Aging population and stakeholders in this ecosystem can benefit from these synergies.     

Developing a Framework for Understanding a Tourism Service Setting

ABSTRACT

This study aims to extend current typologies in physical environments as applied to service marketing. The physical setting in which service delivery is undertaken creates expectations of the level of service. Thus, the design of the service environment should be carefully undertaken to ensure consistency with service expectations. This is a report/study which demonstrates that many organizations fail to adequately capture the servicescape in tourism settings as evidenced by low accuracy in classification by the participants.     

Barriers Inhibiting Export Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Firms

Abstract

This study uses a step-wise discriminant analysis to address two related questions. First, to identify those inhibiting factors perceived to be both important and difficult to counter when a firm is initiating an export program. Second, to address the criticism that the current export research has failed to differentiate between degree of importance and the level of difficulty that firm may encounter when entering foreign markets. Two-hundred and forty-two small and medium-sized Wisconsin manufacturing firms were surveyed. The findings identified three barriers perceived to be both important and difficult to overcome. However, they did not support the criticism that we must differentiate between the degree of importance and the level of difficulty.     

In-Store Shopping Behavior

SUMMARY

The analysis of consumer shopping behavior is one of the most critical aspects which has to be taken into consideration in a context of retailing internationalization, where managers need to define the degree to which international firms can standardize or adapt their strategies in foreign markets. The aim of this research is to analyze and point out the main cross-cultural differences regarding in-store behavior comparing three countries: Italy, France and Poland. The study presents the results of an empirical research carried out on the household goods retail sector, which shows on a global level a positive growth trend that is predicted to continue in the next years especially through the internationalization of the retailing chains.     

Marketing research and training in Europe: A view of the next ten years

Between 1993 and 1994, important research on the future of marketing in Europe was undertaken. Financed by the usual procedure of syndicated research, its aim was to provide guidelines for strategic corporate thinking over the next 10 years.

Following a summary of the research methodology, an indication is given as to the kinds of information and trends which are to be found in the results document. Our objective is then to extend this study in terms of requirements in relation to marketing research and training over the next 10 years.     

Protecting Innovation Through Patents and Trade Secrets: Evidence for Firms with a Single Innovation

Abstract

This paper analyzes the use and effectiveness of patents and trade secrets designed to protect innovation. While previous studies have usually considered patents and trade secrets as substitutes for one another, we investigate to what extent and in what situations the two protection methods are used jointly. We identify protection strategies for single innovation firms and hence overcome the assignment problem of existing empirical studies, that is, whether firms using both protection methods do so for the same innovation or for different innovations. Employing firm panel data from Germany, we find fairly few differences between the determinants for choosing secrecy and patenting. Single innovators that combine both strategies, 39% of the group, tend to aim at a higher level of innovation and act in a more uncertain technological environment. Firms combining both protection methods yield significantly higher sales with new-to-market innovations, providing some evidence for a complementarity of the two protection methods.     

Perceptions of the Environment and Wholesaler Structure in a Channel of Distribution in a Developing Country

Abstract

This study explores relationships between perceptions of the technological environment and selected structural variables of wholesalers in the channel of distribution for petroleum products in a developing country from a systems theory perspective. Survey research was used to collect primary data related to technolgical environment factors and size, assortment structure, and market coverage of wholesalers of petroleum products in Nigeria. Canonical correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between constructs. From a theory development perspective, the study explores the applicability of systems theory concepts to an important marketing area. From a managerial standpoint, the study has implications for international marketing managers concerned about the nature of specific aspects of the business environment in newly emerging third world markets.     

The Spanish monarchy as a contractor state in the eighteenth century: Interaction of political power with the market

Abstract

The concept of the contractor state has been formulated to underline the existence of a necessary relation between state and private markets in the eighteenth century. Although all states acted as contractors in this period, it is necessary to clarify the relationship between the rulers and the market. Significant differences can be observed between parliamentary governments, which were comfortable with this situation, and the absolute monarchies, which constantly tried to interfere. The Spanish monarchy belongs to the second type, as this article tries to prove. This is a study about such a situation’s relevance and consequences with regard to the provision of uniforms for the army in particular, and for Spanish economic growth in general.     

Impact of Celebrity Endorsements and Brand Mascots on Consumer Buying Behavior

ABSTRACT

Celebrity and brand mascot endorsements are very popular and often-used techniques by marketers. Marketers believe that celebrity and brand mascot endorsements provide a higher degree of appeal, attention, and customer recall ability compared with when this technique is not used. Marketers also claim that a celebrity affects the credibility of claims about a product and increases the memorabilia factor of the message, which may provide a positive effect that could be generalized to the brand. Primarily this essay has been designed such that it examines various parameters related to advertisements containing celebrity and brand mascot endorsements. Data were been collected from 150 respondents through questionnaire and subjected to t test, χ² test, and difference of means test to enforce the hypotheses that celebrity endorsements have impacts on customers’ perceptions and their purchase intentions. The findings of this study provide insights for marketing and brand managers to design and market their campaigns effectively.     

Linking owner–managers' personal sustainability behaviors and corporate practices in SMEs: The moderating roles of perceived advantages and environmental hostility

Drawing on managerial discretion and conflicting institutional logics literature, this study investigates the relation between the personal sustainability behaviors (PSB) of owner–managers and the corporate sustainability practices (CS practices) of SMEs. The research proposes a contingency model that assesses the moderating effects of perceived economic advantages and environmental hostility on this relationship. Based on linear hierarchical multiple regression analyses of a cross‐sectoral sample of French SMEs, the results suggest a positive influence of the manager's PSB on the SME's CS practices that appears to be differently moderated depending on the type of practice considered. The influence on environmental practices is fostered through the perception of economic advantages. The influence on workplace practices is only effective when the business environment is deemed benign and the influence on community practices is dampened by the perception of environmental hostility. Highlighting the trade‐off between the manager's personal values and the SME's economic constraints, these findings contribute to a better understanding of the critical antecedents of sustainability in small businesses.     

The Attitudes of Middle Class Male and Female Consumers Regarding the Effectiveness of Celebrity Endorsers

Abstract

This study analyzes consumer perceptions regarding the effectiveness of celebrity endorsers in relation to the AIDA framework and the match-up hypothesis. Findings indicate that celebrity endorsers influence both men and women, but men were influenced to a greater degree than women. The main AIDA influence is the celebrity endorser's ability to get and hold attention. Celebrity endorsers also appear to help products stand out from the competition, and make ads more memorable, as well as enhancing brand awareness, particularly for desired products. Indications are that the most important celebrity source characteristic is expertise, which apparently can overcome certain celebrity character flaws, such as the lack of trustworthiness and likeability.     

Feedback effects of brand extensions on the brand image of global brands: a comparison between Spain and Norway

Abstract

Global brands often attempt to increase their sales through the launch of brand extensions. Such a strategy may, however, dilute existing brand beliefs at an international level, as two sets of data from Norway and Spain indicate. This paper illuminates how the attitude towards a brand extension affects the image of a parent brand. The extension attitude is mainly determined by the degree of perceived fit between the extension and the parent brand image. In the Spanish sample, it is also determined by the degree of familiarity with the parent brand and the perceived fit at the product category level. After analysing these relationships, the paper focuses on the moderating role of two dimensions of consumer innovativeness: hedonist innovativeness (tied to need for stimulation) and social innovativeness (tied to need for uniqueness). Finally, the cultural orientation of the origin country is analysed as a moderating factor.     

The impact of external environmental on business process management and organizational performance

The external business environment as a variable for explaining the impact of business process management (BPM) on organization performance is investigated. The developed model is tested using partial least squares, using a survey on human resource/information technology managers in Malaysia. Statistical results show that dynamism and hostility influence the degree of implementation of BPM. The extent of BPM also has an impact on organization performance. The model can be used by organizations to assess their level of BPM success depending on specific environmental characteristics. This research also contributes to understanding an environment–BPM–performance interface in a developing economy, not previously examined.     

The mall as bazaar: How kiosks influence consumer shopping behaviour

Abstract

The addition of kiosks (e.g. pushcarts, stalls, etc.) to malls has changed the mall environment. However, no research to our knowledge has been conducted to determine if that change has been received positively or negatively by shoppers. Our study investigates how kiosks and kiosk salespeople affect consumers' emotional responses and shopping behaviours towards the mall. Using a between-subjects design, we found that the very presence of kiosks negatively affects shoppers' perceptions of the mall environment. Whether a kiosk salesperson was aggressive or passive had virtually the same effect upon shoppers. Similarly, passive kiosk salespeople and the absence of kiosks resulted in relatively the same level of arousal on shoppers, while aggressive salespeople caused a higher level of arousal than either of the other two conditions. This contributes to the extant literature on retail atmospherics and perceptions of retail salesperson behaviours.     

Internationalization and Organizational Change

Abstract

This work analyzes the changes caused by the adoption of a strategy of internationalization in two Brazilian companies: Embraco of the machinery sector and Bamerindus of the banking sector. In the case of Embraco, it was confirmed that there was a relation between three specific instances in the process of internationalization and the adoption of mechanisms of normative integration by the company connected to the dissemination of values, transfers of personnel, communication between the units, programs of personnel exchange, and training and job rotation. In the case of Bamerindus, the impact of internationalization on the interpretive schemes of the organizational managers at each strategic level was evaluated. In both cases, the effect of internationalization was gradual and continuous, characterizing the change as incremental although the direction of change was different in each of the companies analyzed. The explanation for the type of change in each case appears to result from differences in interpretation of which environment constituted the institutional context of reference of each company.