A social network analysis of leading semiconductor companies’ knowledge flow network

This study (1) constructs a knowledge flow network for leading semiconductor companies; (2) seeks out how leading semiconductor companies can attain knowledge competencies (through patent activities or network position) via social network analysis; and (3) proposes critical strategic suggestions regarding knowledge flow networks in the industry. The results show (1) that a knowledge flow network with no isolators and Asian semiconductor firms are closely connected with other firms all over the world; (2) that patent activities are positively associated with central network positions and firm performance; (3) that closeness centrality is helpful for patent citation activities and also helps to achieve better performance; and (4) that semiconductor companies in Asia are also closely connected with others in the world.     

Implications for research

We aimed to study the anatomical distribution, severity, and outcome of hospitalised trauma pedestrian patients in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE), so as to improve preventive measures. All pedestrian trauma patients who were involved with a road traffic collision and admitted to Al Ain Hospital for more than 24 hours or who died in the hospital were included in the study. Data were prospectively collected during March 2003–October 2007. Three hundred and eighteen patients were studied, 279 (87.7%) were males. Median (range) age was 31 (1–75) years. UAE nationals were significantly younger than non-nationals (median (range) age of 14 (2–75) years compared with 33 (1–75) years, p = 0.001, Mann–Whitney U-test). The lower limb (57.2%) was the most common injured region followed by the head (46.9%). The median (range) Injury Severity Score of patients was 5 (1–45). The median (range) total hospital stay was 11.3 (1–130) days. Thirty patients died (overall mortality 9.4%). In conclusion, mortality of pedestrian injured patients in the UAE is high. Severe head injury was the main cause of death. Measures to improve pedestrian safety should be adopted so as to reduce morbidity and mortality. These include educating drivers and pedestrians on road safety and enforcement of traffic safety laws.     

The impact of supervisor–subordinate relationships on morale: implications for public and private sector nurses' commitment

This paper used leader–member exchange theory as a lens for comparing the impact of the supervisor–subordinate relationship on public and private nurses' perceptions of morale and affective commitment. Many countries that are part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development are experiencing nurse shortages, and this theoretical framework proved insightful into factors contributing to turnover. The findings suggested that private sector nurses are significantly more satisfied with their supervision, enjoy greater morale and are more committed to their organisations. However, both groups were only slightly satisfied with their supervisor–subordinate relationships, implying that present management practices are not ideal for promoting effective workplace relationships. Implications for health-care management are discussed.     

Environmental Conservation NGOs and the Concept of Sustainable Development

On the background of the widely known and controversially discussed concept of sustainable development and the ever increasing influence of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on social, environmental and economic issues, this article focuses on how NGOs, specialised in environmental protection and conservation issues, reacted to the holistic societal concept of sustainable development which aims at finding solutions not only to environmental, but also to social and economic issues. For this purpose, the article investigates whether and to what extent the sustainability concept has been adopted by three worldwide leading environmental conservation NGOs: Greenpeace International, WWF International and IUCN International. The research, conducted in early 2006, reveals that the three organisations integrated the sustainability concept to different degrees depending on the organisations’ dominant value set. The more an organisation is bound to the idea of environmental protection, the less it is inclined to adopt strategies stemming from the sustainability concept whose implicit value system contradicts a strong bio- or eco-centric position. This finding adds evidence to the assumption that the holistic sustainability concept is most likely to be reduced and adapted when addressed by a specialised societal actor such as an NGO. Such insight into the influence of value systems on the actual actions of pressure groups might also be valuable in the light of the ever increasing number of strategic partnerships between NGOs and the private sector. To be familiar with each others’ action-leading key assumptions can significantly contribute to establishing a sound basis for a fruitful and rewarding collaboration.     

Employee voice mechanisms for lesbian,gay, bisexual and transgender expatriation: the role of Employee-Resource Groups (ERGs) and allies

Abstract

Recent literature on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) expatriates has largely taken an employee perspective. Less attention has been devoted to organizational mechanisms supporting LGBT voice opportunities for global mobility. In this study, we use respondent data from 15 LGBT employees in combination with data from five global mobility managers to examine the role of Employee Resource Groups. Using the depth, scope and level of voice to frame the study in relation to stereotype threat theory, the findings show that discrimination and stigmatization are prevalent features affecting voice. The findings advance three distinct contributions concerning marginalized (LGBT) employee voices about expatriation: the importance of ‘informal’ social dialogue, the shallow ‘depth’ to voice decision-making roles about LGBT expatriation, and a consideration of ‘silence’ in voice literatures.     

Using social marketing to increase breast cancer screening among African American women: perspectives from African American breast cancer survivors

• Despite progressive preventative techniques, intervention programs, and guidelines to help reduce breast cancer mortality, African American women (AAW) remain affected by breast cancer in greater numbers compared to Caucasians. As rates of breast cancer mortality continue to increase among AAW, a greater need for change emerges, which should include crafting culturally specific social marketing programs that promote breast cancer awareness among AAW. This exploratory study focuses on social marketing strategies to promote this awareness. The research underscores several social marketing strategies from the perspective of AAW (N = 130) breast cancer survivors. Qualitative data were collected from focus groups regarding social marketing strategies needed to promote breast cancer awareness. The discussions revealed social marketing campaigns that are culturally sensitive and unswerving are more likely to increase behavior modification. Furthermore, messages from other AAW tailored toward a specific market are more beneficial for promoting breast cancer screening.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Assisting the Long-Term Unemployed: Results from a Randomised Trial

Welfare reform in Australia centres on both economic and social participation. The policy concern is that people who fail to participate in economic and social life may become entrenched in disadvantage. In 2000–2001, a randomised trial was conducted by the Department of Family and Community Services to assess whether an intensive interview with follow-ups would result in increased participation for long-term recipients of income support. Participation in the trial led to a reduction in average hours worked, but increased hours spent in study or training. We find evidence of increased social integration associated with participation in the trial.     

Evidence of the effect of domicile on corporate average effective tax rates in the European Union

We estimate (worldwide) corporate average effective tax rates (ETRs) from financial statements for companies domiciled in European Union (EU) member states during 7 years from 1990 to 1996. Our objective is to compare the tax rate effectively experienced by each company with the corporate statutory tax rate (STR) in the EU country in which each company is domiciled. The difference between the corporate statutory tax rate and the financial statement-based corporate average effective tax rate provides information on the magnitude of tax incentives provided by governments within the EU. These tax incentives come on top of the directly observable differences in statutory tax rates between EU member states. We find (1) that the use of tax incentives, over and above differences in STRs, differs substantially between EU member states (corporate domiciles) and (2) that the provision of tax incentives does not have the effect of equalizing corporate ETRs between EU member states (corporate domiciles).