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Article
Publication date: 29 November 2018

Ahmed Agyapong, Henry Kofi Mensah and Anastasia Mma Ayuuni

A rise in international travel leads to increased competitiveness in the hotel industry. The purpose of this paper is to examine the moderating effect of social networking…

Abstract

Purpose

A rise in international travel leads to increased competitiveness in the hotel industry. The purpose of this paper is to examine the moderating effect of social networking relationships on the association between innovative capability (IC) and firm performance in Ghana’s hotel industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from managers of 200 registered hotels in the northern region of Ghana. Data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire, with variables measured on a seven-point Likert scale.

Findings

The findings reveal a mixture of confirmation for the relationships hypothesized in this study. IC influences the financial as well as the operational performance of hotels and guesthouses in Ghana. Social network relationships have a slight tendency to positively impact on business performance. Network relationships with the community leaders enable hotels to gain knowledge from local communities to build its IC. Social networking with political leaders does not moderate the relationship between IC and performance.

Originality/value

The findings provide empirical support for the viability and performance benefits of developing IC, so as to inform management interventions. It is focused on Sub-Saharan Africa specifically, where managers in the hospitality industry need to find new approaches to develop IC in order to remain competitive. The potential contribution of this study lies in the moderating role that IC plays in the relationship between different types of social networking relationship and performance of hotels.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2021

Ahmed Agyapong, Suzzie Owiredua Aidoo and Samuel Yaw Akomea

The paper sought to uncover the conditions under which managerial capability enhances performance while considering the role of social capital within the unique boundary…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper sought to uncover the conditions under which managerial capability enhances performance while considering the role of social capital within the unique boundary conditions created by competitive intensity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use multi-source data from 206 managers and owners of SMEs from a Sub-Saharan African nation – Ghana.

Findings

Using structural equation modeling (SEM) to analysis the data, the findings revealed that social capital serves as a mechanism through which managerial capability influences performance. Furthermore, the results indicate that competitive intensity does not significantly moderate this important indirect relationship. Implications: This study provides relevant knowledge for scholars, practitioners and policymakers on the role of managerial capability and how it may be harnessed in enhancing performance.

Originality/value

This paper provides a holistic understanding of the capability performance relationship in attempts at extending the literature by examining social capital as a mediator and competitive intensity as a contingent factor of this important relationship in a conditional indirect model.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2023

Samuel Yaw Akomea, Ahmed Agyapong, Suzzie Owiredua Aidoo and Simms Mensah Kyei

This paper sought to investigate the conditional indirect relationship between managerial capabilities (MCs) and performance amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper sought to investigate the conditional indirect relationship between managerial capabilities (MCs) and performance amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the sub-Saharan African economy. The study considered social capital (SC) and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) as parallel mediating mechanisms and competitive intensity as boundary conditions within this relationship. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from SMEs (n = 206) in a sub-Saharan African nation. Bootstrapping (Process Macro) and hierarchical regression in statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results demonstrate that whereas EO presents a mechanism through which MC influences performance, SC does not mediate the MC–performance relationship. The results further demonstrate that competitive intensity provides various interaction effects such that at high levels of competitive intensity the indirect effect of MC on performance through SC is weakened and strengthened through EO. The study, therefore, provides clarity to the intricate power of interactions of external factors with firm-specific resources.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates that varying combinations of resources influence performance differently. The authors consider the influence of these mediators simultaneously in attempts to extend theory by buttressing the bundling effect of MC on SC and EO in driving performance. They also highlight the impact of the boundary conditions created by competitive intensity (CI) on these mediated relationships.

Details

Journal of Strategy and Management, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-425X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 May 2022

Samuel Yaw Akomea, Ahmed Agyapong, Godwin Ampah and Hannah Vivian Osei

Despite the growing scholarly interest in examining entrepreneurial orientation (EO)-performance link, the results have been inconsistent. However, studies have not explored…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the growing scholarly interest in examining entrepreneurial orientation (EO)-performance link, the results have been inconsistent. However, studies have not explored firm-level and external factors that may serve as mechanisms or boundary conditions to explain this relationship. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to examine how and when EO influences performance by incorporating sustainability practices as a mechanism and competitive intensity as an important contingent factor.

Design/methodology/approach

Using primary data obtained from 323 chief executive officers/entrepreneurs, the authors analyzed the data using structural equation modeling in LISREL and Hayes PROCESS in SPSS.

Findings

The authors found that sustainability practices serve as a mechanism through which EO influences small and medium enterprises' (SMEs) performance. The study further revealed that the relationship between EO and sustainability practices is weakened at high levels of competitive intensity. Still, the relationship between EO and performance through sustainability practices remains strengthened when competitive intensity is present at high levels.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by examining how SMEs who are less endowed with resources can engage in sustainability practices that can match large firms with stronger EO to achieve increased performance. Additionally, the study contributes to the literature by examining the mediating effect of sustainability practices in the EO-performance relationship. Finally, the study contributes to the body of literature by testing how competitive intensity presents as a boundary condition to leverage the relationship between EO and performance.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 72 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2021

Henry Kofi Mensah, Ahmed Agyapong and Benjamin Appiah Osei

The issues regarding environmental behaviour in the hospitality sector are relatively underexplored, particularly in developing economies. To date, studies on corporate social…

Abstract

Purpose

The issues regarding environmental behaviour in the hospitality sector are relatively underexplored, particularly in developing economies. To date, studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) have reported a positive effect on the behaviour of employees generally. Inspite of the heightened interest in CSR and environmental behaviour, inquiry on this relationship is still deficient in a rigorous examination of potential boundary conditions. Therefore, this study examined the moderating influence of eco-lifestyle on the association between CSR and eco-citizenship behaviour (ECB) as well as its dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a cross-sectional technique with a sample of 812 employees selected from luxury hotels via simple random sampling. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data from the hotel employees Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation test and structural equation modelling were used to present findings.

Findings

The results of this study confirmed that CSR positively influences ECB upon controlling for education, job tenure, income and employee rank. Moreover, eco-lifestyle positively moderates the influence of CSR on ECB and each of its three domains. This study concluded that eco-lifestyle increases the positive impact of CSR on ECB.

Originality/value

Apparently, previous studies in this research area have often proffered an insufficient explanation on the conditions by which CSR positively influence employees’ environmental behaviour. This study considered this condition and examined the extent to which the association between CSR and ECB is moderated by the eco-lifestyle of employees in luxury hotels.

Details

Journal of Global Responsibility, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2041-2568

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 December 2020

Zaynab Dadzie, Ahmed Agyapong and Abdulai Suglo

This study aims to examine the mediating role of internationalization in the relationship between the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and performance, empirical…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the mediating role of internationalization in the relationship between the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and performance, empirical study of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in a developing nation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a sample of 158 exporting SMEs based in the sub-Saharan developing economy, Ghana. The use of hierarchical regression (ordinary least square analysis) was used by the researcher to assess the suggested model of the study.

Findings

Largely supporting the conjectural predictions, the study indicates that EO positively and significantly influences performance; internationalization fully mediates the relationship between innovativeness and performance of export firms; internationalization fully mediates the relationship between risk-taking and performance of export firms; and finally, internationalization partially mediates the relationship between competitive aggressiveness and performance of export firms. Managers are, therefore, encouraged to strategically develop both their EO and internationalization, as the study has confirmed that EO has both a direct and indirect relationship with performance.

Originality/value

This study integrated a resource-based view of the firm and international entrepreneurship theory as a theoretical foundation. Theoretically, internationalization’s mediating role reveals the relevance of this construct in the linkage between entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance. Furthermore, the study extends the entrepreneurial orientation concept to the international business literature by estimating and testing models of the mediating link between entrepreneurial orientation and performance. Moreover, the study seeks to broaden the knowledge of entrepreneurial orientation and its relationship with performance in small and medium businesses. The study further extends the limited studies on performance, driven by entrepreneurial orientation and internationalization in a developing nation (Ghanaian) context. This paper besides seeks to highlight the impact of entrepreneurial orientation on performance when channeled through internationalization. The study also reveals the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation to be important antecedents of internationalization, in attempts at unearthing the critical predictors of firm performance, especially those of international characteristics.

Details

Review of International Business and Strategy, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-6014

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 December 2018

Hannah Vivian Osei, Ahmed Agyapong and Kwame Owusu Kwateng

Interest has been generated for a while in unpacking the “black box” and providing a contingency approach to understanding the effects of human resource management (HRM…

1007

Abstract

Purpose

Interest has been generated for a while in unpacking the “black box” and providing a contingency approach to understanding the effects of human resource management (HRM) practices. This study aims to investigate the possibility that the relationship between human capital development and task performance is mediated by work self-efficacy and work engagement – and that this mediation depends on the degree of perceived investment in employees’ development.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a synthesis of theories –systems, social cognitive and social identity theories – a moderated mediation model is tested using data from 220 academic employees and Heads of Departments from multiple Higher Educational Institutions in Ghana. AMOS and Hayes Conditional Process analysis were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study finds support for a bundle of human capital investments boosting work self-efficacy and motivating work engagement, as well as task performance. Consistent with expectations, the mediation in human capital investments to task performance via work self-efficacy is conditional on the degree of perceived investment in employees’ development.

Originality/value

The study provides the first attempt at studying a conditional process model in human capital development by addressing whether, how and when human capital system functions more or less effectively, and provides knowledge on the “black box” in HRM.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2021

Ahmed Agyapong, Patience Dakora Maaledidong and Henry Kofi Mensah

Despite the burgeoning stream of research on the relationship between entrepreneurial behavior (EB) and performance, the linkage between entrepreneurial behaviour, international…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the burgeoning stream of research on the relationship between entrepreneurial behavior (EB) and performance, the linkage between entrepreneurial behaviour, international mindset and performance is still underexplored. Therefore, this study investigates how the international mindset moderates the relationship between entrepreneurial behavior and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study's model is tested on a sample of 257 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in an emerging economy – Ghana – using a three-stage least squares estimator.

Findings

Results indicate that an international mindset primarily fosters entrepreneurial behavior in driving performance over and above the unique positive contributions of entrepreneurial behavior and international mindset. Specifically, the study finds that at high levels of international mindset, the positive effects of innovativeness and risk-taking elements of entrepreneurial behavior becomes strengthened. The international mindset's moderating role on the entrepreneurial behavior-performance linkage shows that the international mindset makes SMEs more innovative and open to risk, hence affecting performance positively.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates that, in the SME sector in the emerging economies, the relationship between the individual dimensions of entrepreneurial behavior and performance is contingent upon the role international mindset play in such a relationship. Further, this study explores how international mindset interacts uniquely with the EB (innovativeness, risk-taking and proactiveness) to predict performance.

Details

Journal of Strategy and Management, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-425X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 22 September 2021

De-Graft Owusu-Manu, David Mensah Sackey, Dickson Osei-Asibey, Rachelle Kyerewah Agyapong and David John Edwards

The purpose of the study is to investigate the challenges in improving women's energy access, rights and equitable sustainable development from a Ghanaian perspective.

1705

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate the challenges in improving women's energy access, rights and equitable sustainable development from a Ghanaian perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilizes a mixed method. A qualitative in-depth exploratory design was chosen to understand how gender is mainstreamed within Ghana's energy sector. This included semi-structured interviews with key managers, experience policy experts and focus groups. The semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis (TCA).

Findings

The study reveals that the National Energy Policy of 2010, as the main energy policy regulating the energy sector in Ghana, does make provision for gender equality, safety especially women, in line with Ghana's sustainable development goals. The energy policy aims to empower women and create gender parity in the sector. Nevertheless, the study also found major challenges to gender mainstreaming in the energy sector, including poor analysis in formulating energy policies, inadequate financial resources, and poor monitoring and evaluation.

Originality/value

The paper exposes gender equity challenges associated with the energy sector in Ghana. It also offers a new policy angle which connects gender mainstreaming to sustainable development. The research describes how women are included in developing energy policies and in addressing gender challenges in the energy sector.

Details

Ecofeminism and Climate Change, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2633-4062

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 December 2020

Adel Mahmoud Al Samman and Abdelnasser Taha Ibrahim Mohammed

This paper aims to examine the nature of the relationship between internal marketing (IM) and customer orientation, with the mediating role of job satisfaction and affective…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the nature of the relationship between internal marketing (IM) and customer orientation, with the mediating role of job satisfaction and affective commitment. The study encompasses workers of the service sector in Bahrain.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 300 questionnaires were distributed, using a simple random sample, to employees of different service industries. The response rate was (73%). Simple and multiple regressions were used to analyze the data and test hypotheses.

Findings

The main findings of the study reveal a significant positive relationship between IM practices and customer orientation. It also indicates a significant positive effect of one of IM practices, internal communication, on customer orientation. The regression confirms a significant positive effect of IM on job satisfaction and affective commitment. Furthermore, the effect of job satisfaction and affective commitment on customer orientation were demonstrated. In addition, the results show a mediating effect of job satisfaction and affective commitment on the path of the relationship between IM and customer orientation, which was full for job satisfaction and partial for affective commitment.

Originality/value

This paper was trying to address a societal problem, the mediating role of job satisfaction and affective commitment in the direct path along the relationship between IM and customer orientation in the private sector in Bahrain. This cannot be done in a vacuum, as all research builds upon previous work. A deep literature review of books and journals on what is known so far about the problem was a guide to lead us to focus on filling the gaps in the knowledge about such a problem.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

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