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1 – 10 of 13Susana Dias, Sílvia Luís and Bernardo Cruz
This study aims to explore prevailing perceptions and practices related to well-being indexes within organizations, using the Better Life Index (BLI) as an example.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore prevailing perceptions and practices related to well-being indexes within organizations, using the Better Life Index (BLI) as an example.
Design/methodology/approach
This investigation consists of two surveys in Portugal. Study 1 (N = 311) explores public perceptions of well-being in business and its relationship with socio-demographic factors. Results show a highly positive attitude toward organizational well-being, with a preference for companies prioritizing well-being over higher salaries. Study 2 (N = 62) shifts focus to business characteristics linked to the intention of implementing well-being indexes and examines the impact of Study 1 findings on organizational representatives’ responses.
Findings
The findings reveal a positive and statistically significant correlation between the intention to adopt well-being indexes and both company size and sector. The dissemination of Study 1’s results acted as a catalyst for organizational representatives, motivating them to adopt well-being indexes.
Research limitations/implications
This research marks an initial step in incorporating well-being indexes in organizational settings. Future research should focus on identifying organizational factors that could hinder or encourage the adoption of well-being indexes.
Practical implications
The results contribute to understanding which factors might be relevant when deciding whether and how to measure well-being at organizations.
Originality/value
This study highlights the potential effectiveness of these indexes in promoting well-being within organizations, while also examining the feasibility of using the BLI to assess the impact of businesses on various well-being dimensions.
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Susana Campos, José G. Dias, Mário Sérgio Teixeira and Ricardo Jorge Correia
This study focuses on intellectual capital (IC) as a driver of better business performance. Recent studies suggest that a set of variables may mediate this relationship. This…
Abstract
Purpose
This study focuses on intellectual capital (IC) as a driver of better business performance. Recent studies suggest that a set of variables may mediate this relationship. This research discusses the mediating role of dynamic capabilities, network competence, technological capabilities, absorptive capabilities and innovation performance between intellectual capital and business performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The conceptual model is tested using a sample of 533 Portuguese firms by means of a structural equation model.
Findings
It confirms that intellectual capital impacts business performance. Moreover, this only happens indirectly through the mediating chain defined by the variables dynamic capabilities, network competence, technological capabilities, absorptive capabilities and innovation performance.
Originality/value
This study analyzes new mediator variables between the dimensions of the intellectual capital and Portuguese business performance.
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Susana C. Silva, Joana Carmo Dias and Beatriz Braga
E-commerce has become an essential and highly competitive channel for e-retailers, who have felt the need to invest in the experience delivered to customers. Therefore, it becomes…
Abstract
Purpose
E-commerce has become an essential and highly competitive channel for e-retailers, who have felt the need to invest in the experience delivered to customers. Therefore, it becomes necessary to unveil the online customer experience so that brands can improve their offerings. In this study, the authors proposed a model that explores customer experience on websites, namely, what concerns the use of the latest technological developments such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality.
Design/methodology/approach
The study offers a model to explore and compare the online consumer experience in e-commerce websites, considering eight dimensions that cover recent technological advances. A multiple case study that evaluated companies in the footwear industry was used to assess the model's applicability. The case study methodology considered two distinct segments, the high-price and low-price segments.
Findings
The data collected by the websites' examination enabled us to confirm part of the suggested propositions. However, propositions concerning new technologies were not proved. Opportunities for improvement were identified, especially for high-price segment companies, since the results showed that these companies provide a less pleasant consumer experience than those of the opposing segment.
Originality/value
This study extends the scope of the online consumer experience by introducing more contemporary dimensions. Additionally, the model allows an evaluation and comparison of the knowledge delivered by several online retailers, using the Portuguese footwear industry as a reference.
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Keywords
Ricardo Jorge Correia, José G. Dias, Mário Sérgio Teixeira and Susana Campos
The complexity of the firm’s external environment, with its constant changes, forces managers to develop novel strategies that can meet new strategic needs. The purpose of this…
Abstract
Purpose
The complexity of the firm’s external environment, with its constant changes, forces managers to develop novel strategies that can meet new strategic needs. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of reward systems (RSs) in strategic management, as well as their relationship to learning and entrepreneurial orientation (EO), commonly referred to as the driving force behind growth, competitive advantages (CAs) and improved performance. It also focuses on the study of the relationship between EO and business performance (BP), the introduction and testing of the possible antecedents of this relationship and potential mediating factors.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual model was tested on a sample of 1,190 Portuguese firms using a structural equation model.
Findings
It is shown for the first time that learning orientation (LO) is an antecedent of the RSs and, subsequently, of EO. Additionally, the CAs of differentiation and cost leadership play a mediating role in the relationship between EO and BP. Furthermore, RSs are also a driving force behind both CAs.
Originality/value
This study makes several empirical and theoretical contributions, addressing the gap in the literature about the role of RSs in strategic management. It tests the relationship between LO and the firm’s performance by taking the mediating effects of RSs, EO and CAs into account. Additionally, we discuss LO as an antecedent strategic variable of human resources practices, in particular, RSs. Finally, we broaden the scope of our research by examining these issues in the context of Portuguese SMEs from different industries.
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Susana C. Silva, Francisca Pinto Silva and Joana Carmo Dias
In today's world, retailers must embrace technological devices to provide fluid, convenient and complete customer experiences. Therefore, combining the offline and online spaces…
Abstract
Purpose
In today's world, retailers must embrace technological devices to provide fluid, convenient and complete customer experiences. Therefore, combining the offline and online spaces into a single strategy becomes essential, representing a significant opportunity for retailers to improve customer experience. Therefore, this study aims to explore and compare the importance of digital elements in an omnichannel experience by companies in the luxury and non-luxury segments.
Design/methodology/approach
The research offers a model to explore and compare the omnichannel strategies that brands use, considering six dimensions that cover recent technological advances, thus offering a complete experience to their customers. A multiple case study was selected based on a sample of six international companies from two different price segments (luxury and non-luxury).
Findings
The data collected allowed the authors to verify the presence of some dimensions, even though some had little evidence. Nevertheless, the dimensions connectivity, innovativeness and flexibility (only in luxury segment companies) were not present. Overall, and even though they present just little evidence, the results showed that retailers for the luxury segment invest more in delivering digital experiences within omnichannel strategies than the non-luxury ones.
Originality/value
This study improves the existing knowledge of omnichannel retailing. By analysing and comparing the omnichannel experiences, companies can identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall customer journey. Additionally, the model allows managers to compare and re-evaluate their omnichannel strategies with other competitors to gain competitiveness in an ever-evolving market.
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Elisabete Correia, Susana Garrido and Helena Carvalho
The study aims to improve the understanding of the online sustainability disclosure phenomena considering the quantity and nature of the content of the information related to…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to improve the understanding of the online sustainability disclosure phenomena considering the quantity and nature of the content of the information related to sustainability disclosed in the corporate website of companies, providing evidence about the website sustainability disclosure of different size companies and characterizing the website sustainability disclosure of the Portuguese mold companies.
Design/methodology/approach
A content analysis methodology was used to the corporate websites of 83 companies in the sample. A direct approach was followed where the researcher is asked to read and classify the text in a previously defined category, but where the possibility of identifying new categories from the collected data is not excluded.
Findings
The information on sustainability disclosed by the mold companies is limited, whether in quantity or concerning the type of information. The information disclosed about environmental and social aspects is scarcer, being the focus more on aspects related to the economic dimension of sustainability, particularly in the areas related to products and services and customers.
Research limitations/implications
The research design can be broadened to include other sustainability dissemination tools and other research methodologies, such as case studies, to provide a deeper understanding of the concerns and initiatives/practices of sustainability of mold companies.
Practical implications
This study contributes to the knowledge of sustainability dissemination practices in SMEs, an area of research that needs to be more explored and, in an industrial sector (molds) that have not received much attention in this area.
Originality/value
Based on the premise of the importance of corporate sustainability communication, the study focuses on the Internet as an information dissemination tool. It provides indications on the theme and information type that can be used to report the company's sustainability.
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Keywords
Susana Caxaj, Amy Cohen and Sarah Marsden
This study aims to examine the role of support actors in promoting or hindering access to public services/spaces for migrant agricultural workers (MAWs) and to determine the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the role of support actors in promoting or hindering access to public services/spaces for migrant agricultural workers (MAWs) and to determine the factors that influence adequate support for this population.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a situational analysis methodology, the authors carried out focus groups and interviews with 40 support actors complimented by a community scan (n = 28) with public-facing support persons and a community consultation with migrant farmworkers (MFWs) (n = 235).
Findings
Two major themes were revealed: (In)access and (In)action and Blurred Lines in Service Provision. The first illustrated how support actors could both reinforce or challenge barriers for this population through tensions of “Coping or Pushing Back on Constraints” and “Need to find them first!” Justification or Preparation? Blurred lines in Service Provision encompassed organizational/staff’s behaviors and contradictions that could hinder meaningful support for MFWs revealing two key tensions: “Protection or performance?” and “Contradicting or reconciling priorities? Our findings revealed a support system for MAWs still in its infancy, contending with difficult political and economic conditions.
Social implications
Service providers can use research findings to improve supports for MAWs. For example, addressing conflicts of interests in clinical encounters and identification of farms to inform adequate outreach strategies can contribute to more effective support for MAWs.
Originality/value
This research is novel in its examination of multiple sectors as well as its inclusion of both formal and informal actors involved in supporting MAWs. Our findings have the potential to inform more comprehensive readings of the health and social care resources available to MAWs.
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Susana Henriques Marques, Ricardo Godinho Bilro, Márcia Gonçalves and Raouf Ahmad Rather
This paper aims to explore if employee engagement (EE) influences the relationship quality of long-term partnerships between non-profit organisations (NPO) and for-profit…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore if employee engagement (EE) influences the relationship quality of long-term partnerships between non-profit organisations (NPO) and for-profit organisations (FPO) and offer a theoretical framework for NPO and FPO long-term partnerships’ success based on the literature.
Design/methodology/approach
The study resorts to qualitative research, and through 45 in-depth structured interviews with NPO and FPO employees, this paper intends to investigate the theoretical framework using a hypothetico-deductive method.
Findings
The findings support the authors’ theoretical framework, where EE influences satisfaction, trust and commitment to the partnership. The results highlight that organisations creating high levels of satisfaction, trust and commitment may have a higher propensity for long-term partnerships.
Originality/value
This study offers a novel theoretical framework for developing long-term partnerships between NPO and FPO. However, each variable’s extent of influence still needs to be further explored, creating a fertile ground for future research in this area.
Objectivo
Este estudio explora si el compromiso de los empleados influye en la calidad de la relación a largo plazo entre organizaciones sin fines de lucro (NPO) y organizaciones con fines de lucro (FPO) e propone un sistema teorico para el éxito de las asociaciones a largo plazo de NPO y FPO baseado en la literatura.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
El estudio recurre a la investigación cualitativa, y a través de 45 entrevistas estructuradas en profundidad con empleados de NPO y FPO, este artículo tiene la intención de examinar el sistema teorico empleando un método hipotético-deductivo.
Conclusiones
Los resultados apoyan la afirmación de que el compromiso de los empleados influye en la satisfacción, la confianza y el compromiso con la asociación. Los resultados muestran que las organizaciones que crean altos niveles de satisfacción, confianza y compromiso pueden presentar una mayor propensión a las asociaciones a largo plazo.
Originalidad
Este artículo ofrece un nuevo sistema teorico para el desarrollo de asociaciones a largo plazo entre NPO y FPO. Sin embargo, el alcance de la influencia de cada variable aún debe ser explorado, lo que crea un terreno fértil para futuras investigaciones en esta área.
Objetivo
Este artigo explora se o envolvimento dos colaboradores influência a qualidade da relação de parcerias de longo prazo entre organizações sem fins lucrativos (NPO) e organizações com fins lucrativos (FPO) e propõe um quadro conceptual para o sucesso das parcerias de longo prazo entre NPO e FPO baseado na literatura.
Desenho/metodologia/abordagem
Este estudo recorre à investigação qualitativa e, através de 45 entrevistas em profundidade com funcionários de NPO e FPO, este artigo pretende examinar o quadro teórico utilizando um método hipotetico-dedutivo.
Conclusões
As conclusões apoiam a afirmação de que o envolvimento dos colaboradores influencia a satisfação, a confiança e o compromisso com a parceria. Os resultados mostram que as organizações que criam elevados níveis de satisfação, confiança e compromisso podem apresentar maior propensão a parcerias de longo prazo.
Originalidade
Este artigo oferece um novo quadro teorico para o desenvolvimento de parcerias de longo prazo entre NPO e FPO. No entanto, a extensão de influência de cada variável necessita de análise adicional, o que cria um terreno fértil para futuras investigações nesta área.
Details
Keywords
- Non-profit organisations
- For-profit organisations
- Long-term partnerships
- Engagement
- Employee engagement
- Relationship quality
- In-depth interviews
- Qualitative research
- Voluntary and non-profit sector
- Third sector
- Organizaciones sin fines de lucro
- Organizaciones con fines de lucro
- Asociaciones a largo plazo
- Compromiso
- Compromiso de los empleados
- Calidad de la relación
- Entrevistas en profundidad
- Investigación cualitativa
- Sector voluntario y sin fines de lucro
- Tercer sector
- Organizações sem fins lucrativos
- Organizações com fins lucrativos
- Parcerias a longo prazo
- Envolvimento
- Envolvimento dos Colaboradores
- Qualidade da Relação
- Entrevistas em profundidade
- Investigação qualitative
- Sector voluntário e sem fins lucrativos
- Terceiro sector
Luís Miguel D. F. Ferreira, Cristóvão Silva and Susana Garrido Azevedo
Companies need to excel in many areas to achieve a competitive advantage. This, together with pressure imposed by regulators and customers regarding sustainability concerns, leads…
Abstract
Purpose
Companies need to excel in many areas to achieve a competitive advantage. This, together with pressure imposed by regulators and customers regarding sustainability concerns, leads companies to address sustainability in an integrated fashion across all management processes. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a model for the assessment of the environmental performance of a supply chain, based on four perspectives used in the balanced scorecard. Performance indicators are proposed based on the literature, as well as on the ISO 14031 and GRI standards, and were validated by a panel of experts.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a literature review on models for environmental performance management a novel model to assess the environmental performance of the supply chains (Env_BSC_4_SCPM) is proposed. Data collected from the first tier suppliers of an automotive industry case study are used to test the proposed model.
Findings
The model developed was tested in a case study company, showing it ability to benchmark the company first tiers suppliers and products. The model is also useful as a decision support tool to define actions to be taken in order to improve the global environment performance of the supply chain.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed model was developed to evaluate the environmental performance of supply chains. Nevertheless, the case study only takes account of the first tier suppliers, due to difficulties associated to data collecting for the other elements in the supply chain. Widening the frontiers, the next phase may include the application of this model to second, third and lower tier suppliers, as well as the final customer. Improvements in the model could also include the construction of a composite index to measure the environmental supply chain performance.
Practical implications
The paper provides a model that can be used by practitioners to evaluate the environmental performance of their supply chain and to decide on actions to be taken to improve it.
Originality/value
As stated by several authors, there has been limited research conducted in the field of environmental evaluation of supply chains. This paper proposes a novel model for the environmental performance of the supply chain and tests it using industrial empirical data.
Details
Keywords
M. Afzalur Rahim, Clement Psenicka, Panagiotis Polychroniou, Jing‐Hua Zhao, Chun‐Sheng Yu, Kawai Anita Chan, Kwok Wai Yee Susana, Maria G. Alves, Chang‐Won Lee, Sahidur Ralunan, Shameema Ferdausy and Rene van Wyk
The study investigated the relationships of the five dimensions of emotional intelligence: self‐awareness, self‐regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills of supervisors…
Abstract
The study investigated the relationships of the five dimensions of emotional intelligence: self‐awareness, self‐regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills of supervisors to subordinates' strategies of handling conflict: problem solving and bargaining. Data (N = 1,395) for this study were collected with questionnaires from MBA students in seven countries (U.S., Greece, China, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Macau, South Africa, and Portugal). Psychometric properties of the measures were tested and improved with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and analysis of indicator and internal consistency reliabilities, and the hypotheses were tested with a structural equations model for each country. Results in the U.S. and in the combined sample provided support for the model which suggests that self‐awareness is positively associated with self‐regulation, empathy, and social skills; self regulation is positively associated with empathy and social skills; empathy and social skills are positively associated with motivation; which in turn, is positively associated with problem solving strategy and negatively associated with bargaining strategy. Differences among countries in these relationships are noted and implications for organizations discussed.