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Article
Publication date: 7 December 2018

Gro Alteren and Ana Alina Tudoran

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of relational competences, such as open-mindedness and the ability to adapt business style, in developing trustworthy…

1484

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of relational competences, such as open-mindedness and the ability to adapt business style, in developing trustworthy relationships through communication in the export markets in different cultural contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is performed on survey-based data from a sample consisting of 39.9 percent of the total population of Norwegian seafood companies involved in exporting, including 108 business relationships.

Findings

The findings reveal that adaptive business style and communication mediate the overall effect of open-mindedness on trust building between partners in the export markets. The adaptive business style fully explains the effect of open-mindedness on communication. Open-minded persons are better prepared to achieve communication on a high level because they are more likely to adapt to a new business style. Performing adaptive business style improves communication, particularly when the importer belongs to a dissimilar culture. For trust building, communication is equally important, irrespective of cultural differences.

Practical implications

Exporter should aim at recruiting open-minded people because they have the advantage that they are capable of performing a variety of negotiation styles and business approaches, depending on the situation.

Originality/value

This paper develops a model that integrates key constructs from the relational paradigm with constructs rooted in different research streams, extending our knowledge regarding salespeople competences that are important in order to develop business relationships in export markets.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2021

Farid Ahmed, Felicitas Evangelista and Daniela Spanjaard

Relationship marketing has been playing an important role in the development of marketing theory and practice. Though the concept has been extensively applied in international…

Abstract

Purpose

Relationship marketing has been playing an important role in the development of marketing theory and practice. Though the concept has been extensively applied in international marketing in understanding the dynamics of exporter-importer relationships, few studies have looked at dyadic data to investigate the impact of mutuality of relational variables on the exporter-importer relationships. The objective of this study is to understand the impact of mutuality of key relational variables on exporter-importer relationship performance. A dyadic model of mutuality is proposed. The model highlights the impact of balance, level and quality of perceptual bi-directionality of relational variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was tested using dyadic data collected from exporter-importer relationships involving Australian exporters and their Southeast Asian import partners through a cross-sectional, quantitative survey. Mutuality of relationship constructs was measured using the perceptual bi-directionality (PBD) method.

Findings

The results support the central hypothesis that mutuality of relational constructs has an impact on relationship performance.

Originality/value

The study is the first to apply the perceptual bi-directionality method to measure mutuality of relational constructs in an exporter-importer setting. The study contributes to the general understanding of international business and exporter-importer relationship performance in particular.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 38 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 August 2021

Jonna Koponen, Saara Julkunen, Mika Gabrielsson and Ellen Bolman Pullins

The purpose of this paper is to explore how business-to-business (B2B), intercultural, interpersonal salesperson–customer relationships develop using the lens of identity…

4631

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how business-to-business (B2B), intercultural, interpersonal salesperson–customer relationships develop using the lens of identity management theory (IMT; Imahori and Cupach, 2005).

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses qualitative semi-structured interviews on 18 targeted relationships with customers from another culture conducted with business-to-business salespeople.

Findings

The findings indicate that our respondents' relationships moved from trial toward enmeshment and on occasion toward the renegotiation phase, as described in IMT. In the case of low cultural diversity between salesperson and customer, the relationships reached the trial and enmeshment phase. In the case of high cultural diversity between salesperson and customer, the relationships on occasion evolved toward the renegotiation phase. Salespeople's cultural intelligence (CQ) facilitates the development of interpersonal, intercultural salesperson–customer relationships.

Originality/value

The authors transfer IMT from the personal relationship development arena to B2B intercultural, interpersonal relationships, address a gap in the literature in the understanding of salesperson–customer interpersonal relationships in different contexts and develop a theoretical model to understand intercultural, interpersonal salesperson–customer relationship development across different levels of cultural diversity.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 38 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 February 2022

Chia-Wen Chang and Heng-Chiang Huang

Emerging markets play an important role in the global economy. However, a common feature of most emerging markets is that firms must operate in a resource-constrained environment…

1030

Abstract

Purpose

Emerging markets play an important role in the global economy. However, a common feature of most emerging markets is that firms must operate in a resource-constrained environment. In emerging markets, global mindset is a necessary resource for firms’ global competitiveness. Although global mindset has been proven to improve export performance, the theoretical mechanism behind this relationship is less clear. Based on the resource-based on the resource-based view and capability-building perspective, this study developed a model linking global mindset, relational capability, bricolage capability, innovation, and export performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to collect data from exporting firms in Taiwan. Subsequently, the data (n = 172) were analyzed using a partial least squares program.

Findings

The analytical results reveal that a global mindset positively influences relational and bricolage capabilities; relational capability positively affects bricolage capability; relational capability and bricolage capability have significant and direct effects on innovation; and innovation positively affects export performance.

Originality/value

The findings confirm that a global mindset plays a crucial role in the capability-building process, which suggests that it contributes to the development of relational and bricolage capabilities. Also, relational capability is critical for exporting firms to develop bricolage capability. Finally, innovation is an important mediating mechanism between capabilities and export performance. Therefore, exporting firms can develop their international business models on the basis of their capabilities, including relational capability and bricolage capability. These capabilities improve innovation, which, in turn, enhances export performance in a resource-constrained environment.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 37 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 July 2022

Ade Irma Susanty, Eko Budiharjo and Wahyu Winarto

Agility is an important characteristic that every organisation requires in today’s competitive digital era. Telecommunications companies in Indonesia face various types of…

Abstract

Purpose

Agility is an important characteristic that every organisation requires in today’s competitive digital era. Telecommunications companies in Indonesia face various types of competition, both from the same industry and new models. This study aims to identify the agility level of telecommunications companies in Indonesia. It also examines the effect of leadership style directly and indirectly through the mediation of employee readiness, innovation culture, technology capability and organisational structure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a non-probability sampling technique. The macroprocess was used to identify and measure the direct and indirect effects. The results are based on survey data collected from a telecommunications company in Indonesia with a total of 1,073 employees.

Findings

The results of this study showed that an adaptive leadership style has a direct and significant positive effect on the organisational agility level. Employee readiness, innovation culture, technological capability and organisational structure function as mediators between adaptive leadership style and agility.

Practical implications

This study could contribute to the development of programs to ignite and boost organisational agility. Organisations are recommended to conduct periodic evaluations to measure agility levels and amend their programs accordingly.

Originality/value

Adaptive leadership style was used, which expresses the leader’s deep concern for employee needs and organisational achievement. This leader will most likely positively impact employees and favourably influence the organisation (technology, structure, innovation and agility).

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 July 2021

Rana B.S. Madi Odeh, Bader Yousef Obeidat, Mais Osama Jaradat, Ra'ed Masa'deh and Muhammad Turki Alshurideh

This empirical research draws on the existing theory of transformational leadership, adaptive culture and organizational resilience, and investigates the effect of the elected TQM…

4810

Abstract

Purpose

This empirical research draws on the existing theory of transformational leadership, adaptive culture and organizational resilience, and investigates the effect of the elected TQM leadership style “transformational leadership” through the mediating effect of adaptive culture on organizational resilience, that is the key of survival during crises like the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely impacted the business globally.

Design/methodology/approach

This study exploited a cross-sectional online questionnaire of a random sample of Dubai service firms, with the unit of analysis being at the firm level. In total, 379 usable responses were received. Regression analysis was conducted to test hypotheses.

Findings

The overall findings of this study supported that transformational leadership is positively associated with both adaptive culture and firm's resilience and significantly impacts them. Adaptive culture was found partially mediating the effect of transformational leadership on organizational resilience.

Practical implications

The research findings provide important insights to practitioners (managers and leaders) to better improve their transformational qualities, as these qualities are expected to improve the organizational adaptive cultures and capacity of resilience.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is one of the first studies to examine the transformational leadership effect on organizational adaptive culture and firm's resilience. This investigation expands the boundaries of leadership style theory into new arenas, attempting to partially address the identified knowledge gap in this vein.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 72 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 July 2018

Vimal Kumar and R.R.K. Sharma

The purpose of this paper is to examine leadership styles and their impact on TQM focus within Indian firms.

1945

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine leadership styles and their impact on TQM focus within Indian firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data for this study were drawn from a survey of 111 firms in India to examine the validity and reliability of the independent constructs (leadership styles: transformational, servant, adaptive, rational and kinesthetic); and two dependent constructs (TQM focus: continuous improvement and innovation). The data were analyzed employing correlation and multiple regression analysis to identify the influence of leadership styles on TQM focus.

Findings

The results of the study revealed that six of the nine hypotheses have a significant and positive relationship with TQM focus; one hypothesis is partial while rest two hypotheses are not associated with TQM focus. It is also found that leadership styles are more inclined to continuous improvement and perceived as dominant TQM practices than innovation.

Research limitations/implications

This study used only two major variables, continuous improvement and innovation, as the outcome of TQM focus, but the outcomes are not limited. TQM focus is also related to other variables such as customer focus, product quality, employee involvement, benchmarking, etc. Future research should be extended by using other variables as the outcome of TQM focus.

Originality/value

The results can be beneficial for the current organization’s leaders to achieve appropriate leadership styles for effective and TQM focus. Moreover, this paper also attempts to inspire researchers to include the TQM focus in studying the effect of the leaders on TQM focus while implementing it effectively in the organizations.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 67 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2022

Shruti Verma and Mita Mehta

This study aims to intersect corporate entrepreneurship (CE) as a construct with two leadership theories, agile leadership management (ALM) and complexity leadership theory (CLT)…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to intersect corporate entrepreneurship (CE) as a construct with two leadership theories, agile leadership management (ALM) and complexity leadership theory (CLT), to develop further a conceptual model representing the relationship through scientific review and bibliometric analysis. The said leadership styles discussed here are essential for CE to grow, and therefore, this study aims to contribute to a firm’s survival in the circular economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis as research design. A total of 74 studies were included from the Scopus database in this review based on a specific inclusion–exclusion criterion and were analysed using VOS Viewer and MS-Excel.

Findings

This research found that agile leadership and complexity leadership framework contributed positively to the generation and promotion of CE in firms and created a conceptual model for the same. Also, a complementary bibliometric and keyword analysis of the included studies is presented.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s primary limitation lies in the limited number of studies included in the review. Also, the conceptual model proposed is subject to further empirical testing; moreover, both ALM and CLT impact CE and other business environment factors that can guide future research.

Practical implications

This study gives insights into the significance of CE and leadership style through a systematic literature review in designing the conceptual model. This research will be a significant contribution to leadership and entrepreneurship. This research can guide many leadership styles in developing strategies for a sustainable organization model by boosting CE to tackle economic challenges such as a circular economy.

Social implications

This study conceptual model can be used for developing a sustainable organizational model using leadership as a mediating factor to survive in a continuous changing environment.

Originality/value

The two leadership styles included in this study are relatively new, and research has been on the boom for the past decade. There has been little research on the interplay of these leadership styles on CE.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4604

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 August 2023

Dixuan Zhang, Xiaohong Wang and Shaopeng Zhang

Drawing on self-determination theory, this study reveals the formative and functional mechanism of entrepreneurial leadership and constructs an integrated model that combines…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on self-determination theory, this study reveals the formative and functional mechanism of entrepreneurial leadership and constructs an integrated model that combines objective and subjective career success.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from 189 leaders from China, this study examined the relationship among cognitive style, social norms, entrepreneurial leadership and career success. Using SPSS version 25.0 and AMOS version 23.0, factor analysis, correlation, path analysis and moderation analysis were performed.

Findings

The results indicated that innovative cognitive style is positively related to entrepreneurial leadership, and this relationship is reinforced by social norms. Adaptive cognitive style is negatively related to entrepreneurial leadership, but this relationship is not regulated by social norms. Besides, this study found a significantly positive relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and objective career success, while entrepreneurial leadership does not demonstrate a significant relationship with subjective career success.

Originality/value

By combining subjective and the objective career success into entrepreneurial leadership research, the findings provide a new perspective for understanding what other experiences entrepreneurship can bring to leaders. Furthermore, the current study analyzes the informal institutional environment's promoting and impeding roles between cognitive style and entrepreneurial leadership.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 44 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2024

Junting Zhang, Mudaser Javaid, Shudi Liao, Myeongcheol Choi and Hann Earl Kim

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between humble leadership (HL) and employee adaptive performance by testing the mediating role of self-determination and the…

Abstract

Purpose

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between humble leadership (HL) and employee adaptive performance by testing the mediating role of self-determination and the moderating role of employee attributions of HL.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-wave, two-source design was used to collect quantitative data from 301 employees and 45 direct supervisors of mainland Chinese enterprises. Testing the hypotheses was conducted through multiple regression analysis and moderated regression analysis.

Findings

Results showed that HL was positively related to employee adaptive performance. Additionally, the relationship between HL and employee adaptive performance was mediated by self-determination. Furthermore, this positive effect of HL on self-determination was minimized among employees who attribute HL to impression management motives but is insignificant for employees who attribute HL to performance improvement motives.

Originality/value

It has been widely concerned that the traditional “top-down” leadership styles are associated with employee adaptive performance; however, the role of bottom-up leadership styles on employee adaptive performance has only been sporadically examined. The present study introduced HL, a typical bottom-up leadership style and developed a moderated mediation model to investigate the potential effect of HL on employee adaptive performance. Moreover, by confirming the mediating role of self-determination, the authors further uncover how HL facilitates employees' adaptive performance. Meanwhile, the moderating role of employee attributions of HL found in this study offers new insights into the understanding of the effectiveness of HL.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

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