Search results

This paper aims to use Malaysian data to investigate determinants of the implied growth rate of abnormal earnings.

The sample comprises 340 listed companies. Logistic regressions were conducted. The dependent variables, observed in 2009, distinguish companies with high versus low implied growth rates. The independent variables were observed in 2008. The independent variables of interest capture companies’ status as being Nanyang and politically connected corporations.

The results suggest that in Malaysia, implied growth rates are higher for Nanyang corporations and companies with a political connection related to economic policy.

The study is limited by its one-year investigation period and blurred boundaries between types of political connections. Because these considerations bias the study against supporting the hypotheses, the significant results have enhanced credibility. The empirical proxies for implied growth rates are affected by measurement error. Hence, multiple proxies were used.

The results suggest that Malaysian Nanyang corporations are a sound investment. The evidence also indicates that in Malaysia, government investment in listed companies enhances, rather than erodes, shareholder wealth.

Owing to the prevalence of Nanyang companies and government investment in the private sector, the Malaysian setting is unique. The use of a broad definition of “political connections” is a unique aspect of this paper. Examination of implied equity growth rates and the proxies for the same are also original features.

Understanding and utilizing guanxi presents a continuing challenge for western firms in China. This article reviews current research, highlighting two different types of guanxi: person‐to‐person and firm‐to‐firm. Based on interviews with 43 Chinese managers, it is suggested that firm‐to‐firm guanxi may be the more valuable to western companies, as most expatriate managers are sojourners, destined to stay only a relatively short time in China. The ramifications for career planning are discussed within the context of a model that illustrates how firm‐to‐firm guanxi can be created.

Seeks to trace the distinctive contours of the processes of entrepreneurial and managerial development among the culturally similar Overseas (Nanyang) Chinese populations of South‐east Asia. Identifies both the indigenous form of entrepreneurial development found in small Chinese businesses and the cultural barriers to the transfer of standard western management development processes to larger organizations in the region. Concludes by offering advice on how to tailor management development programmes successfully for use in the region.

States that the changing nature of business in an expanded international economy needs a change in business leadership. Suggests that the changing nature of the main components of the economy will dictate the new roles for business leaders. Expects the growing pace of change in information and communication technology will continue even more vigorously. Cites some of these new skills and discusses their importance. Concludes that in addition to these they also need to be socially and community aware, possess better rounded education, and bring vitality to their firms.

There are four criteria that people universally value: health, well-being, longevity, and environmental preservation. When these criteria are violated, a society becomes unsustainable. In order to preserve cultures, these four universal criteria therefore need to be taken into account. But nation states are no longer the dominant form of social organizing – corporations are. This raises questions about the role of corporations in preserving cultural values. How do corporations measure up to these four universal truths? Can corporations live up to these values, above and beyond financial performance, and does it matter? The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Amidst a shifting trend toward vertical individualism which emphasizes personal needs, status, and hierarchy, the paper argues that the universal truths are more important than ever in the consideration of corporate social responsibility.

The paper concludes that although most companies claim to be attending to social and environmental issues, the current form of corporate governing is largely incapable of optimizing the four universally held values.

The authors present some examples of corporations and corporate forms that appear to be heading in the “right” direction, but highlight that challenges remain. Nevertheless, the cross-culture literature can help inform the future of the relationship between business, society, and the natural environment.

Singapore’s research has grown significantly since the first national R&D plan was launched in 1991, the same year Nanyang Technological University (NTU) was established. NTU’s research progression, vitally funded by the government, mirrored the substantial growth of Singapore’s research. NTU began as an engineering-based higher education institution that also had a school for accountancy and business, but more schools were added after 2000. Since then, the university has established a research ecosystem that includes research centres of excellence, corporate labs, and medium-sized research centres. Concurrently, the development of research administration in NTU has evolved from providing pre- and post-award support, extending to include outreach, research integrity and ethics, bibliometrics analysis, and talent recruitment and career support. The evolution of administrative needs and capabilities following the changing environment underscores the dynamic nature of research management and administration in Singapore.

Describes the environment for making initial public offerings (IPOs) in India and the process itself; and discusses the applicability of various research explanations for underpricing to the Indian Market. Suggests that it will be greater for new firms and issues managed by reputable merchant bankers; and analyses 1992‐1994 data on 386 IPOs to assess their performance. Shows that issues with high risk and/or smaller offer prices are more underpriced; and that returns are strongly correlated with subscription levels. Discusses the underlying reasons for this and the implications for public policy.

Defines corporate image and looks at the expectations of the various stakeholders and the message which the image aims to convey to each one.Outlines the details of a study of 200 questionnaires covering the stakeholders perceptions in relation to corporate image and a target market in Singapore. Concludes that corporate image can have significant effects on perception and suggests further areas for research.

Small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are generally perceived as more nimble because of their small size compared with multinational corporations (MNCs). They are corporations therefore seen as more entrepreneurial. Thus for a country to succeed, SMEs should be encouraged. In order for SMEs to thrive, among other things, they should be perceived by prospective job seekers as presenting attractive career opportunities. Presents the views of a particularly important group of job seekers, namely university undergraduates, relating to their career intentions, including working for SMEs as against MNCs. The survey of 270 first‐year accountancy and business undergraduates found that SMEs are less favourably perceived than MNCs when it comes to employment. In this light, SMEs need to reassess their recruitment and human resource strategies, as well as to project a new image to match the changing demands of the business world. Also suggests implications for policy makers.

Focuses on business firms in Singapore, identifying the industries in which the Internet is being used for business. These firms are early adopters in the local environment where use of the Internet for business is a new phenomenon still, and they provide information about their Internet experience in terms of their use, perceptions, and the problems encountered. Finds that companies in seven major industries lead in the business use of the Internet in Singapore: computer and information technology; hospitality; manufacturing; travel; retail; publications; and banking and finance. Most of the survey respondents use the Internet for marketing and advertising, customer service and support, information gathering, and, to a lesser degree, electronic transactions. The respondents’ perception of the attributes of the Internet are largely positive. The problems encountered by the respondents include difficulty in locating information, rising costs of Internet use, and security.