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1 – 10 of 20Yushawu Abubakari and Awurafua Amponsaa Amponsah
This study aims to delve into economic cybercrime within the African diaspora, with a specific focus on Ghanaian nationals residing in the USA. It aims to shed light on the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to delve into economic cybercrime within the African diaspora, with a specific focus on Ghanaian nationals residing in the USA. It aims to shed light on the nuanced and unique approaches that diasporic actors adopt to execute economic cybercrimes, especially online frauds.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on press releases and official indictments collected from the U.S. Department of Justice, the study adopted content analysis. Through this approach, the study outlines its findings
Findings
The analysis reveals patterns in economic cybercrimes among Ghanaians abroad. Notably, the findings suggest that diasporic individuals often work with local accomplices to perpetrate various economic cybercrimes, with money laundering being particularly prevalent among those living outside their home country. This underscores the profound influence of geographical location on the choice of cybercriminal activities. Moreover, the research reveals that diasporic actors use several tactics, including adopting false identities to interact with victims and the creation of sham companies for laundering money. Additionally, demographic characteristics such as age and gender seem to significantly influence the involvement of diasporic individuals in economic cybercrimes.
Research limitations/implications
The research was primarily based on press releases and official indictments within the USA. Although these sources offer substantial insight into the rise of cybercrime among Ghanaian diaspora members, their focus on specific data types and geographical regions might constrain our comprehension of the nuances of this phenomenon, particularly across various diasporic groups and regions. Hence, future research could enhance our understanding by conducting fieldwork, not just in the USA but also in other areas using primary data to delve deeper into the issue of cybercrime within the diaspora.
Practical implications
The study’s findings have implications for individuals, organizations and policymakers alike. By understanding the strategies of economic cybercrime offenders, as demonstrated in this research, individuals can be better equipped to navigate digital technologies for both personal and business purposes. Moreover, policymakers and government agencies can use these insights to develop policies aimed at mitigating the spread of economic cybercrimes, particularly within diasporic communities.
Originality/value
The paper stands out for its innovative approach and scope. While numerous studies have explored cybercrime activities, the prevalence among diasporic actors remains underexamined. Through its methodology and scope, this paper opens avenues for further research into the phenomenon of cybercrime within diasporic communities.
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Male celebrities are increasingly being chosen to endorse female cosmetic brands by marketing managers, yet this practice has not received sufficient scholarly attention. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Male celebrities are increasingly being chosen to endorse female cosmetic brands by marketing managers, yet this practice has not received sufficient scholarly attention. This study aims to explore the dynamics of male celebrities endorsing cosmetic brands.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs the netnography approach to collect data from an online community.
Findings
The study contributes to the marketing literature by providing a conceptual framework of male celebrities endorsing cosmetic brands, highlighting the key attributes that contribute to the effectiveness of these endorsements, the evolution of relationships between fans, celebrities and brands, the features of this dynamic relationship and the influence of male celebrity endorsements on fans’ purchase decisions.
Originality/value
This research sheds light on an emerging trend in the marketing industry and provides valuable managerial insights for marketers seeking to effectively use male celebrity endorsements to promote female cosmetic brands.
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Adi Alić and Merima Činjarević
To understand how three features of online consumer reviews - the strength of persuasiveness in online consumer reviews (argument quality), the number of online consumer reviews…
Abstract
Purpose
To understand how three features of online consumer reviews - the strength of persuasiveness in online consumer reviews (argument quality), the number of online consumer reviews (volume of reviews), and source credibility – are related to the behavioural intentions in the movie consumption context. Besides, the present study aims to explore intergenerational differences (X, Y, and Z) in the patterns of association between three characteristics of online consumer reviews (argument quality, volume of reviews, and source credibility) and an individual’s choice of a movie intended to be watched.
Design/methodology/approach
The study sample (n = 518) was recruited from a population of users of IMDb living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Structural equation modelling and multi-group analysis were used to test the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
The results revealed that argument quality, the volume of reviews, and source credibility of movie-related online consumer reviews are positively related to the intention to watch a movie for all three generational cohorts (X, Y, and Z). Regarding biases in processing information cues, our findings indicate that movie viewers from all three generations (X, Y, and Z) make inferences between source credibility and argument quality. However, biases in the relation between the volume of reviews and the argument quality were found only among X-ers and Y-ers but not among Z-ers.
Originality/value
The present study contributes to the eWOM research stream by examining the role of different characteristics of online consumer reviews (argument quality, the volume of reviews, and the source credibility) in movie consumption. Moreover, it sheds light on how argument quality, the volume reviews and the source credibility interact with the behavioural intentions of different generations and whether these interactions exhibit similarities or differences across three distinct generation cohorts: X-ers, Y-ers, and Z-ers.
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Urszula Garczarek-Bak, Andrzej Szymkowiak, Zuzanna Jaks and Erik Jansto
In this study, the effects are investigated of brand and product storytelling on customer assessments of perceived attitude, quality, experience, recommendation and purchase…
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, the effects are investigated of brand and product storytelling on customer assessments of perceived attitude, quality, experience, recommendation and purchase intention based on narrative transportation theory within the domain of winery e-commerce.
Design/methodology/approach
In the research, two distinct constructs are introduced for brand and product storytelling, and multivariate analysis of variance is applied to analyze data collected from 391 respondents from the UK.
Findings
It is indicated in the study that embedding storytelling into elements, such as age verification screens on e-commerce sites, notably improves evaluations for both brands and products. Product storytelling broadly boosts customer appraisals in every evaluated aspect, while brand storytelling shows effectiveness in more limited cases. This suggests that narratives focused on products may have a wider appeal in enhancing the online customer experience.
Originality/value
This research underscores the strategic significance of balancing the focus between brand and product in crafting storytelling narratives for e-commerce contexts. It offers new insights into tailoring storytelling to meet individual consumer needs online, enriching the existing body of literature on storytelling’s application in digital commerce. Importantly, the study provides actionable guidance for wineries and other businesses aiming to enhance their online customer engagement through targeted narrative strategies.
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Anuja Chalke, Boon Liat Cheng and Michael Dent
Storytelling-driven messaging for luxury hotels is a robust social media marketing strategy to boost electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) and induce visit intention. This paper…
Abstract
Purpose
Storytelling-driven messaging for luxury hotels is a robust social media marketing strategy to boost electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) and induce visit intention. This paper focuses on individual-related characteristics related to imagery processing and explores their relationship with brand trust and narrative transportation. Gender is examined for its potential moderating impact on relationships revolving around e-WOM intent formation.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs the partial least squares-structural equations modelling (SEM) and multi-group analyses (MGA) approaches to examine consumer responses to luxury hotel brands’ Instagram marketing. Data from 268 responses to an online survey was analyzed on Smart PLS4.
Findings
Results confirm that comprehension fluency, imagery fluency and narrative transportation are predictors of brand trust. Additionally, brand trust and narrative transportation impact e-WOM intention. The impact of narrative transportation on e-WOM intention is relatively stronger in men; while women exhibit a stronger impact of brand trust on e-WOM intention.
Practical implications
It is recommended that luxury hotel brands create content which is easy to comprehend and also capable of inducing mental imagery, to boost the narrative transportation effect. Content should be tailored to target specific gender segments to enhance e-WOM effectiveness. Detailed strategies for segment-specific content are discussed in the paper.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates how gender differences shape consumer responses to brand storytelling on Instagram, particularly for luxury hotels, filling a notable gap in extant literature.
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Nattaporn Thongsri, Orawan Tripak and Yukun Bao
This study aims to examine the variables that influence learners’ acceptance of chat generative pre-trained transformer (ChatGPT) through the theoretical synthesis of variables in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the variables that influence learners’ acceptance of chat generative pre-trained transformer (ChatGPT) through the theoretical synthesis of variables in the field of behavioral science. It uses the use and gratifications theory in conjunction with variables related to the information system (IS), as proposed by the Delone and McLean IS success model.
Design/methodology/approach
This quantitative research collected data from 679 undergraduate students using stratified random sampling. A two-staged structural equation modeling (SEM)-neural network approach was used to analyze the data, with SEM used to study the factors influencing the intention to use ChatGPT. Additionally, an artificial neural network approach was used to confirm the results obtained through SEM.
Findings
The two-staged SEM-neural network approach yielded robust and consistent analysis results, indicating that the variable “System quality (SYQ)” has the highest influence, followed by “Cognitive need (CN),” “Information Quality (INQ),” “Social need (SN)” and “Affective need (AN)” in descending order of importance.
Practical implications
The results obtained from integrating the behavioral variables with IS variables will provide guidance to various organizations, such as the Ministry of Education, universities and educators, in the application of artificial intelligence technology in learning. They should prioritize the quality aspect of the system and the technological infrastructure that supports the use of ChatGPT for learning. Additionally, they should prepare learners to be ready in various dimensions, including knowledge, emotions and social aspects.
Originality/value
This study presents challenges in implementing artificial intelligence technology in learning, which educational institutions must embrace to keep up with the global technological trends. The educational sector should integrate artificial intelligence into the curriculum planning, teaching methods and learner assessment processes from the outset.
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Nourhan ElBayaa, Yehia Ibrahim Alzoubi and Elsa Abboud
Higher education institutions now place a greater emphasis on servant leadership, organizational trust, and justice. This study evaluates the function of organizational and leader…
Abstract
Purpose
Higher education institutions now place a greater emphasis on servant leadership, organizational trust, and justice. This study evaluates the function of organizational and leader trust and justice in mediating the relationship between employee job satisfaction and servant leadership in Kuwait's private universities.
Design/methodology/approach
Employees from two private higher education sectors in Kuwait provided 205 valid responses to the study's closed-ended survey, which was given to 240 workers. The job satisfaction and servant leadership, leader's trust and justice and servant leadership, leader's trust and justice and job satisfaction, and the mediating effect of trust and justice on the relationship between servant leadership and job satisfaction among employees in Kuwait's private universities—all four variables—were examined using the simple random procedure method. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used for data analysis.
Findings
The findings provide evidence supporting the positive effects of servant leadership on employee job satisfaction. Moreover, it provided evidence supporting the positive relationship between servant leadership and organizational trust and justice. The findings also showed a positive correlation between organizational trust and justice and job satisfaction among staff members working in Kuwait's private higher education sector. Additionally, the results provided a partial mediation effect of organizational trust and justice on the relationship between servant leadership and employee job satisfaction.
Originality/value
Employee job satisfaction, performance, engagement, and outcomes within Kuwait's private higher education sector are significantly improved by the adoption of a servant leadership style, together with organizational and leader’s trust and justice. The findings demonstrate the significance of the servant leadership style in this industry's leadership habits for raising worker job satisfaction.
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Vibhav Singh, Niraj Kumar Vishvakarma and Vinod Kumar
E-commerce companies use dark patterns to manipulate customer decisions to survive in the crowded online market and make profit. Although some online customers are aware of the…
Abstract
Purpose
E-commerce companies use dark patterns to manipulate customer decisions to survive in the crowded online market and make profit. Although some online customers are aware of the dark patterns, they cannot overcome such manipulations. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify and model the barriers to overcoming dark patterns using total interpretive structural modeling (TISM).
Design/methodology/approach
Barriers to overcoming dark patterns were identified from the extant literature and were validated by a panel of 18 domain experts. In the modeling phase, TISM technique was used to identify the relationships between the barriers and assign priority to the barriers. Finally, the barriers were plotted and classified into three categories.
Findings
User unawareness, trust in brands and normalization of aggressive marketing were found to be the highest priority barriers. Whereas, designer bias, user fatigue, short-term user benefits and design complexity were identified as the most challenging barriers because they have least dependence over the other barriers.
Research limitations/implications
Because TISM results are based on the opinion of domain experts, other statistical techniques could be applied for validation.
Practical implications
This study would educate online customers, while assisting online user communities and regulatory bodies to devise strategies to overcome dark patterns. Additionally, business managers could use the study’s findings to encourage designers to embrace ethical design methods as a competitive advantage.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the research as it is first of its kind to examine the link between dark pattern barriers.
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Erim Ergene and Steven W. Floyd
Decision comprehensiveness is an important process in determining the outcomes of strategic decision-making. While recent research began to explore its individual level…
Abstract
Purpose
Decision comprehensiveness is an important process in determining the outcomes of strategic decision-making. While recent research began to explore its individual level antecedents, a fundamental aspect of organizational life, heterogeneous goals, have not been investigated for their effects on comprehensiveness. In this study, our purpose is to study the impact of goal heterogeneity on decision comprehensiveness and explore behavioral integration as a potential mediator in this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
To test our hypotheses, we utilize a survey-based study with a sample of teams undertaking a business simulation. Our longitudinal data collection process captures team data across the initial-, mid-, and the ending-stages of the simulation.
Findings
Our findings show that goal heterogeneity negatively impacts behavioral integration and decision comprehensiveness. Moreover, the negative impact of goal heterogeneity on decision comprehensiveness is mediated through behavioral integration.
Originality/value
Given that many strategic decisions are undertaken by groups of individuals, it is imperative to understand the factors that impact team-level decision-making processes. Extending the literature, we empirically show the negative effects of goal heterogeneity on decision comprehensiveness. While doing so, we also show that behavioral integration – a team trait that can endure over time, as opposed to a one-time state – can be crucial in dampening this negative effect. Our findings suggest researchers, and managers, to be cautious in assuming decision comprehensiveness may easily be achieved in any given team context.
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Sheng Ye, Joanne Sneddon, Anat Bardi, Liat Levontin, Geoffrey Soutar and Julie Lee
This paper aims to draw on values theory, associative network theory and schema congruity theory to examine how consumers attribute human-like values to product categories and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to draw on values theory, associative network theory and schema congruity theory to examine how consumers attribute human-like values to product categories and products, and how these attributions affect product evaluations.
Design/methodology/approach
Study 1 randomly assigned 925 respondents to one of three product categories (cars, mobile phones and vacations). They were asked about their values and to attribute values to an assigned product category. Study 2 randomly assigned 919 respondents to one of the four value-expressive car conditions. They were asked to attribute values to the car, and then about their attitudes and purchase intentions.
Findings
Respondents attributed human-like values to product categories and products that were distinct and reflected the motivational compatibilities and conflicts inherent in the circular structure of human values. Moreover, multifaceted value congruity effects were found to positively influence attitudes and intentions to purchase a car, including congruity with product category values-schema, consumers’ personal values-schema and the structure of human values.
Originality/value
The authors demonstrate how a cognitive memory-based view can be used to better understand the complexities of the attribution of human-like values to products and product categories. Moving beyond the attribution of brand personality, this study shows the importance of not only understanding the attributions of values to a product but also considering how these attributions interact with the more abstract product category values to influence evaluations.
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