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Article
Publication date: 15 February 2024

Anil D’souza

The paper draws extensively from Aristotle’s Poetics, a classical work on the aesthetics of drama. Drawing from symbolic and thematic elements from folklore and mythology, this…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper draws extensively from Aristotle’s Poetics, a classical work on the aesthetics of drama. Drawing from symbolic and thematic elements from folklore and mythology, this paper aims to illustrate how the Poetics can be referenced as an allegorical device in the design of culture-building strategies and interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory paper examines Aristotle’s “Poetics” and the range of creative expression this literature provides as a conceptual design framework for the development of a culture map in creating a distinctive organisational mythology. The Poetics articulates an Aristotelian perspective on theatre which infuses itself as a new language in offering structural and archetypical plot devices in the development of an organisational narrative.

Findings

Findings from this explorative study can provide a creative roadmap to culture practitioners and leaders, to be used as a determining reference point in developing culture maps and change management interventions.

Practical implications

Poetics has its detractors, notably Bertolt Brecht and Augusto Boal. Boal examines how Poetics promotes a narrative that suppresses free thinking and encourages a cult of feudal personality, therefore encouraging industrial and cultural oppression, which he rebelled against through the development of his “Theatre of the Oppressed”. This new kind of theatre discarded the Aristotelian model of thinking. Ideas proposed in the Poetics may also lend verisimilitude to the propagation of obsessive consumerism through the definitive symbolism it offers in the development of institutionalised personality cults.

Originality/value

The Poetics as a creatively driven reflexive study provides a forward movement in the study of culture design templates. Its definitive allegorical devices and metaphors act as action principles through which an enterprise culture and its value system can be examined and developed.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2024

Paraskevi Giagazoglou, Theodoros Kannas, Athanasia Dampa, Stalakti Iliopoulou, Ioulia Alivizatou and Georgios Chalatzoglidis

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a trampoline intervention program on motor and behavioral characteristics of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a trampoline intervention program on motor and behavioral characteristics of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-six male students aged 15–18 years with ASD participated in the study. They were equally divided into two groups of 13 students. The intervention group followed an individualized trampoline exercise program that was applied three times a week for 30 min for 12 weeks. Before the intervention program and after the end of this, the motor performance was evaluated through the recording of the total number of jumps. The behavioral characteristics were evaluated with the Behavior Problem Inventory questionnaire.

Findings

According to the findings, there were statistically significant differences between the intervention group and the control group across all variables. In conclusion, it seems that an intervention program with the use of a trampoline, adapted to the needs and capabilities of adolescents with ASD can improve their motor performance and behavioral characteristics.

Originality/value

The authors report on the impact of a trampoline exercise program on motor skills and behavioral traits in adolescents diagnosed with ASD. This is significant because our research focused on investigating the effects of a structured trampoline exercise program both on motor skills and behavioral characteristics. The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting targeted exercise programs as effective interventions for addressing motor and behavioral challenges in adolescents with ASD. The authors believe the research aligns closely with the aims and scope of research in developmental disabilities, and the authors hope that it will make a meaningful impact on the field of autism research and intervention.

Details

Advances in Autism, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-3868

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 August 2024

Dewan Mahboob Hossain, Mohammed Mehadi Masud Mazumder and Md. Saiful Alam

The main objective of this article is to explore the rhetorical persuasive strategies in the climate change-related disclosures of the annual reports of Bangladeshi banking…

Abstract

Purpose

The main objective of this article is to explore the rhetorical persuasive strategies in the climate change-related disclosures of the annual reports of Bangladeshi banking companies.

Design/methodology/approach

To fulfil this objective, content and rhetorical analyses are conducted on the climate change-related disclosures in the annual reports of Bangladeshi banks. The analysis is interpreted with the help of Aristotle’s rhetorical appeals (ethos, logos and pathos).

Findings

Evidence suggests that Bangladeshi banks disclose climate change-related issues in annual reports. These issues include demonstrating a genuine concern for climate change and exhibiting commitment to green finance and investment, paper and energy conservation, tree plantation, biodiversity and climate change risk funds. They also underscore challenges linked to carbon emissions, air pollution, and natural disasters. These disclosures are persuasive, and rhetorical strategies such as ethos, logos, and pathos are evident. However, the disclosures lacked consistency and comparability because of the absence of reporting regulations and a prescribed framework.

Practical implications

This study informs managers and policymakers about climate change disclosures in Bangladesh, particularly within the banking industry. The research suggests the need for improved reporting consistency and comparability, potentially achieved through standardised climate change reporting guidelines and mandatory requirements.

Originality/value

This paper’s uniqueness lies in its application of Aristotle’s rhetorical triangle to enhance our understanding of how banking companies in a developing economy strategically employ climate change-related disclosures to influence readers. Rhetorical analysis is limitedly used by accounting scholars in analysing corporate climate-change disclosures.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 July 2024

Mohammad A. Ali, Faiza Abbas and Rhoda Joseph

This paper intends to argue against the idea of an asocial business arena by reiterating the original philosophical underpinnings of theories on the creation of society, societal…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper intends to argue against the idea of an asocial business arena by reiterating the original philosophical underpinnings of theories on the creation of society, societal institutions and the relationship between society and societal institutions. This paper posits that business and ethics, though initially aligned, have been systematically maligned and distorted. The authors present a theoretically justified argument that business and ethics can and should seamlessly exist in the same realm.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a theoretical study that endeavors to go back to the original theories on business and society to challenge the view that business ethics is an oxymoron. For this purpose, the authors survey and interpret the scholarly works of Adam Smith, Aristotle and John Locke.

Findings

Given the economic debacles faced by the USA and the world economy in the past two decades, this study argues that one significant factor for these financial disasters could be that the original ideas about self-interest, societal interest, the free market system and the relationship between society and its constituting components, i.e. individuals, groups and institutions, have been distorted over time. Based on the interpretation of the original ideas around business and society, the authors find that some distortion of the original theories have indeed occurred.

Originality/value

This study is going against a well-established prevalent idea that business ethics is an oxymoron. It is claimed that the endoxa about business and its place in society often represents misinterpretations of the original ideas on the relationship between business and society. The originality of this work lies in challenging this dangerous idea by revisiting by journeying back in philosophical history to cut through the ideological scar tissue and reach the original arguments surrounding society and societal institutions.

Details

Society and Business Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5680

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2024

Gregory Dole and Linda Duxbury

To cope successfully with the pressures imposed by a devastating pandemic and other challenges, companies and policymakers need to look at how they conceptualize, define, measure…

Abstract

Purpose

To cope successfully with the pressures imposed by a devastating pandemic and other challenges, companies and policymakers need to look at how they conceptualize, define, measure and operationalize “value”. This paper aims to support this conversation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a historical review of how the value construct has been conceptualized over time, demonstrating that its history is one of tension and debate with conceptualizations swinging between objective (i.e. the value of something exists independent of the observers) and subjective (i.e. the value of something depends on the personal response of the observer to what is being considered) views over time.

Findings

This paper outlines the implications to researchers of value’s low construct clarity, offering suggestions designed to exploit rather than ignore the duality of the value construct. Instead of thinking of the value construct as being subjective or objective, this study recommends that scholars consider value’s objectivity and subjectivity as being interrelated and complementary. The paper recommends that researchers use both quantitative and qualitative methodologies in studying this construct.

Research limitations/implications

A major limitation of this paper is the word count limitation restricting the extent to which this paper could explore a more comprehensive list of the conceptualizations of value throughout history.

Practical implications

This paper presents practitioners with a nuanced understanding of value that should assist those interested in examining the worth of investments with observable expenses but less quantifiable outputs.

Originality/value

The authors have not found a similar analysis of the various conceptualizations of value.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 July 2024

Vagia Mochla and George Tsourvakas

The present study aims to explore ethical consumption of Millennials and Generation Z and the effect of eWOM on their purchase intention.

Abstract

Purpose

The present study aims to explore ethical consumption of Millennials and Generation Z and the effect of eWOM on their purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A Structural Equation Model (SEM) was employed to test research hypotheses based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), examining the effects of attitudes and subjective norms. Additionally, the study assessed the impact of product characteristics and consumer awareness of ethical characteristics on purchase intention and eWOM.

Findings

Results reveal no significant differences between Millennials and Generation Z regarding purchase intention. However, Generation Z significantly drives the spread of eWOM. Notably, Generation Z's attitudes towards products from socially responsible and environmentally sustainable companies significantly influence eWOM creation, suggesting a potential new research direction.

Research limitations/implications

This study is also subject to some limitations, which the researchers must point out and which may lead to further research. First, it should be emphasized that the study used a convenient sample, but the study is geographically limited in terms of its significance and the generations analyzed. For this reason, the generalization of the results should be done with caution. In addition, as the exogenous independent variables investigated in this study are limited to a number of different factors that influence the consumption of sustainable products, such as the company's reputation, the perceptual ability of the public to distinguish whether the actions of brands actually serve society or whether they are unrelated actions, as well as the personality and socio-cultural background of consumers can be included in future research. In addition, studies can be conducted to identify subgroups with different motivations among both Millennials and Generation Z and diagnose different market segments that could further confirm the findings.

Practical implications

Based on these findings, brands can develop their social network strategy by emphasizing the environmental and social attributes of their products, services, and benefits. It is also important to undertake initiatives linked to strong sustainability practices and information campaigns to form a positive attitude among consumers and strengthen their purchasing behavior. Particular attention should also be paid to the regular control of the effectiveness and impact of the messages to achieve the greatest public involvement.

Social implications

Brands must focus on developing successful strategies to strengthen employer branding through a positive work experience, the creation of jobs related to sustainability, the correct application of ESG criteria in all departments involved, the adaptation of training programs, and the corresponding promotion of all these practices that lead to positive eWOM to obtain a competitive advantage (Clementino and Perkins 2021).

Originality/value

This study contributes theoretically and practically to the understanding of ethical consumption. It provides valuable insights for brands to enhance their social network strategies by highlighting the environmental and social characteristics of their products. By emphasizing these practices, companies can effectively engage Millennials and Generation Z, leveraging their influence to promote ethical consumption and gain a competitive advantage in the market.

Details

Journal of Contemporary Marketing Science, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2516-7480

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 September 2024

Zayed F. Zeadat and Naif Adel Haddad

This paper comprehensively investigates the lack of youth involvement in the intricate tapestry of urban policymaking in the Jordanian context. It attempts to present and…

17

Abstract

Purpose

This paper comprehensively investigates the lack of youth involvement in the intricate tapestry of urban policymaking in the Jordanian context. It attempts to present and illustrate the obstacles, challenges, hindrances and complexities facing engaging youth in urban planning in Jordan. Participants aged 18–24 were the primary focus of the investigation, as Jordan's population is predominantly youthful, with approximately 70% of the population under the age of 30.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology adopted in this study is a mixed-methods approach, which integrates both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analytical techniques to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the research problem.

Findings

Youth involvement in Jordan's urban policymaking is limited and inconsistent. Most notably, the prevalence of adultism emerges as the predominant and most substantive impediment, exerting a considerable influence on constraining the agency of young Jordanians in shaping urban policy.

Research limitations/implications

Detailed examples can be developed to offer discerning elucidations relevant to each frame of reference.

Practical implications

A total of 12 discernible barriers emerged from a systematic deductive thematic analysis of primary data.

Originality/value

This comprehensive inquiry highlights the pervasive gaps in support for youth participation in urban policymaking within the administrative framework and across Jordanian society. Subsequent quantitative analysis was employed to strengthen the external validity of the research findings, thereby enhancing the generalizability of the qualitative insights. By employing Jordan as a case study, this paper significantly contributes to the expanding corpus of scholarly work on planning processes and practices within the Global South and the Arab world.

Details

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2024

Katerina Kampouri and Yannis Hajidimitriou

This study aims to address two research questions: Do the decision modes on foreign partner selection post-entry vary between different types of family small and medium…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to address two research questions: Do the decision modes on foreign partner selection post-entry vary between different types of family small and medium enterprises (SMEs)? How does socio-emotional wealth (SEW) affect (if so) decision modes in international partnership post-entry decisions (e.g. engagements with or changes of international partners) in different types of family SMEs?

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a qualitative case study design of different types of family SMEs, namely, one family firm with a high level of family involvement in the internationalisation activities of the firm (FMH) and one family firm with a low level of family involvement in the internationalisation activities of the firm (FML).

Findings

The case study evidence indicates different decision modes on foreign partner selection post-entry in the investigated family SMEs: a bounded rationality mode in the FMH firm and a real option reasoning in the FML firm. The bounded rationality mode was linked with the appearance of SEW goals in the FMH firm, which in turn led to foreign partner engagements resulting also in a low speed of internationalisation growth. In contrast, the real option reasoning mode in the FML firm was not linked with SEW goals, and it led to international partner changes, resulting in a speedier internationalisation growth.

Originality/value

This study unearths the case that different types of family SMEs can employ different decision modes in their international partnerships, whereas SEW tendencies do not always appear.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 May 2023

Dimitrios Kafetzopoulos, Elpida Tryfon Samara and Ypatia Theodorakioglou

The main purpose of this study is to provide a relatively integrated perspective on the role of market orientation, strategic flexibility and technological capability as multiple…

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to provide a relatively integrated perspective on the role of market orientation, strategic flexibility and technological capability as multiple organizational capabilities and their potential effectiveness in promoting business model innovation (BMI) and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this objective, an empirical survey was conducted among 379 firms in Greece. Initially, exploratory factor analysis and then confirmatory factor analysis were applied. Finally, the structural relationships among the latent factors were determined through structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show the positive effect of market orientation on strategic flexibility and technological capability. Strategic flexibility drives firms to BMI and then business performance. Furthermore, it is essential that firms build up technological capability to be effective in BMI and business performance.

Research limitations/implications

Data were collected at only one point in time from one country, Greece. This might pose limitations on the generalizability of our results. Future research could also explore how organizations develop strategic flexibility and BMI capabilities in different environmental contexts and organizational structures.

Practical implications

This study sends the message that companies focusing on market orientation and technological capability can led to higher strategic flexibility and BMI capabilities, which in turn act as a catalyst for business improvement.

Originality/value

The proposed model provides plausible guidelines that advance the research on multiple organizational capabilities in companies.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 December 2018

Samantha Jane Broadhead

The purpose of this paper is to argue for a transformative education that acknowledges and values the capacities of mature students, where higher education institutions reflect on…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue for a transformative education that acknowledges and values the capacities of mature students, where higher education institutions reflect on their own assumptions and practices in order to become more inclusive and open to difference.

Design/methodology/approach

The stories told by Eliza, a mature student, are analysed through narrative inquiry; this approach uses a narrative as a means of capturing and analysing experience. In this case, Eliza’s stories about transition and transformation were collected over three years. Eliza made the transition from her “Access to HE course” to a degree programme in textiles. She was crossing a boundary between further and higher education, a time which could impact positively or negatively on her future achievements. The conclusions drawn from this study are not easily turned into generalisations or “truths” as they are contingent on the contexts in which the narratives were produced. Narrative is a representation of experience which is mediated by the social and cultural positions of the narrators and their audiences.

Findings

This study found that Eliza was confronted by many difficulties and misunderstandings around time management, pedagogy and assessment. Ineffective communication between Eliza and her tutors led to a growing frustration resulting in her considering leaving the course. Eliza’s institution sometimes seemed inflexible and was unable to respond effectively to her needs as a part-time student.

Practical implications

The implications for educators are that they should think about strategies for adapting to a diverse student body.

Originality/value

The previous experiences and backgrounds of “newcomers” should be celebrated rather than being perceived as “issues” that need to be fixed. In other words, when “non-traditional” students move through the stages of their education, their learning contexts may also need to be transformed.

Details

Education + Training, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

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