Rating versus ranking: What is the best way to reduce response and language bias in cross-national research?

We propose solutions to two recurring problems in cross-national research: response style differences and language bias. In order to do so, we conduct a methodological comparison of two different response formats—rating and ranking. For rating, we assess the effect of changing the commonly used 5-point Likert scales to 7-point Likert scales. For ranking, we evaluate the validity of presenting respondents with short scenarios for which they need to rank their top 3 solutions. Our results – based on two studies of 1965 undergraduate and 1714 MBA students in 16 different countries – confirm our hypotheses that both solutions reduce response and language bias, but show that ranking generally is a superior solution. These findings allow researchers to have greater confidence in the validity of cross-national differences if these response formats are used, instead of the more traditional 5-point Likert scales. In addition, our findings have several practical implications for multinational corporations, relating to issues such as selection interviews, performance appraisals, and cross-cultural training.     

A Human Capital-Based Theory of Postmarital Residence Rules

In premodern societies, the residence of a newly wedded coupleis often decided by custom. We formulate a theory of optimalpostmarital residence rules based on contracting problems createdby the nature of premarriage human capital investments. We arguethat a fixed postmarital residence rule may mitigate a holdupproblem by specifying marriage terms and limiting possibilitiesfor renegotiation; the trade-off is that the rule may prohibitbeneficial renegotiation of postmarital location. A point ofinterest of our approach is that the magnitude and directionof transfers accompanying marriage are endogenous. We applyour theoretical results to understanding cross-cultural postmaritalresidence patterns. We find some predictive ability in variablesrelated to outside options, control over the environment, andpotential degree of social control.     

Status inconsistency: an antecedent to bullying behaviour in groups

This paper draws on frameworks developed by the strategic international human resource management (HRM) literature to analyse human resource practices in foreign-invested enterprises in China and their affiliates. It argues that such strategies can be best understood in the context of global commodity chains. Drawing on data from a study of 27 China-based enterprises in two industries, garments and consumer electronics, it contests that strategy is a good determinant of HRM policies. Moreover, most of the enterprises are following cost reduction strategies but with certain quality levels, based on standardized mature products and production processes. Industry sector is also important, as is the institutional milieu of China.     

What really works: HR's role in building the 4 + 2 organization and an introduction to the case studies in the HR leadership forum

Leading in HR means building organizations that consistently and predictably outperform their competitors. In order to understand how HR can best contribute to enhancing firm performance, more than 60,000 pages of information from 200 firms in multiple industries over ten years were analyzed. These firms varied in size, and we complemented these broad extensive analyses with focused, in‐depth exploration of issues of special interest. Only four foundation practices (focused strategy, execution, performance culture, and fast and flat organization) and four secondary practices (securing talent, committed leadership, industry‐transforming innovation, and growth through mergers and partnerships) were found to be necessary to produce extraordinary returns to shareholders. Specifically, success required performing well in all four foundation areas, plus at least two of the secondary areas—we call this the 4 + 2 formula for sustained business success. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The status of biotehnology-based innovation

This paper contributes to the debate surrounding the question of whether biotechnology, particularly its applications in agricultural and food-related industries, should be regarded as revolutionary or evolutionary (with some reservations about the vaildity of teh question). The potential to create a revolutionary techno-economic paradigm shift does exist but it is currently systems. It is also important to consider the motivations underlying statements about the revolutionary/ evolutionary nature of biotechnology, as some such statements are intended to influence events rather than to reflect them. The impact of small firms on the direction and place of revolutionary change in these industries is likely to be marginal, unlike the situation in the early phases of teh electronics/IT revolution. At present the lack of integration of policy initiatives by national governments and the EC is a major factor discouraging the rapid implementation of change.     

The partial adjustment of IPO prices to public information and issuing methods in Taiwan

Using 1997 to 2009 exchange-listed data, we examine the treatment of public information by underwriters throughout the entire initial public offering (IPO) price-setting process in Taiwan. We find that regardless of which mechanism (fixed-price, auctions, or book-building) an issuer has chosen, the partial adjustment of the IPO offer prices to public information is evident in our study. Although both fixed-price and book-built issues show a modest but statistically significant relationship between market returns and the level of initial returns, we find economically meaningful effects for both issuing methods. Our findings also demonstrate that auctioned IPOs exhibit strong evidence of partial adjustment to market returns. That is to say, the estimated effect is statistically and economically significant. Therefore, we attempt to provide rational explanations for such phenomena.     

Food literacy competencies: A conceptual framework for youth transitioning to adulthood

Objective : The modern foodscape has changed dramatically in recent decades in terms of where, what, how and with whom we eat. This has been facilitated by a transition from traditional, healthy and basic foods prepared in the home to ultraprocessed, unhealthy foods requiring little planning and preparation prior to consuming. Consequently, many youth lack the food literacy (knowledge, skills and critical perspectives) necessary to be well and minimize their risk of obesity and chronic diseases, in the context of a complex food system. The specific dimensions of these knowledge, skills and dispositions, however, are unknown. This study identified critical food literacy competencies required by youth as they transition to independent adulthood. Design : This study employed a Delphi methodology to achieve consensus statements on critical food literacy competencies within a framework encompassing cognitive, psychomotor and affective dimensions. Participants : A panel of 41 experts including dietitians, teachers and college/university students participated in in‐depth interviews. Analysis : Results were thematically analysed and incorporated into two subsequent surveys completed by panel members. Rater agreement was set at 75% agreeing/strongly agreeing with survey items. A panel subgroup further delineated results into competency statements. Results : Within the themes of “confidence and empowerment,” “joy and meaning” and “sustainable and equitable food systems,” 16 broad competency areas, and 59 specific competencies were identified. These were assembled into a Food Literacy Framework. Conclusion : Results can be used to support food and nutrition education in community settings as well as the formal school system, and to advocate for resources to support food literacy education programmes.     

Interdisciplinary integration in Europe: the case of the Fifth Framework programme

This paper describes an investigation into the experience of researchers and research managers involved in the European Union Fifth Framework Programme (FP5) with its ambitious encouragement of more integrated problem-oriented approaches to research. We used a series of workshops, a questionnaire survey, individual telephone interviews and six detailed case studies to examine the extent to which these ambitions for ‘interdisciplinary integration’ were being met and the issues involved. Various models of disciplinary integration were identified, which may be appropriate in particular settings. Whilst we found disappointingly few projects that seemed by our criteria to be clearly interdisciplinary, particularly in crossing the boundary between natural and social sciences, we did find a great deal of learning taking place about how to conduct interdisciplinary research and how to overcome some of the difficulties experienced. Researchers emphasised in particular the importance of careful consortium development and team building as a basis for effective interdisciplinary research, and the time and effort needed to establish effective communication between different specialisms. The paper identifies barriers to collaboration between disciplines and some strategies and measures through which closer integration, and its associated benefits, might best be secured.     

The California Nurse Mentor Project: every nurse deserves a mentor

In the rush to fill positions, newly hired and transitioning RNs are increasingly put into demanding roles without adequate clinical or organizational preparation. One approach that has shown promising preliminary success in enhancing nursing job satisfaction and increasing long-term retention is the use of trained nurse mentors who are paired with newly hired or new graduate nurses to provide ongoing support, guidance, and assistance. The California Nurse Mentor Project was a 3-year pilot project whose goal was to create a replicable program designed to improve the quality, sensitivity, and effectiveness of patient care through enhanced retention of nurses, including multicultural, multilingual, and male nurses. The pilot implementation of the California Nurse Mentor project has been extremely successful. Attrition rates are lower for nurses who are enrolled in the program than those who did not. Both mentors and mentees report that the program has impacted several areas, including their job satisfaction and professional confidence. Preceptor training, according to participant feedback, shows lasting effects on their pedagogy even a year after attending the training.