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Article
Publication date: 17 July 2020

Susanne Schlepphorst, Elizabeth C. Koetter, Arndt Werner, Christian Soost and Petra Moog

Drawing on human capital (HC) and social capital (SC) as well as the Jack-of-all-trades theory, this paper aims to clarify the relationship between international assignments (IAs…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on human capital (HC) and social capital (SC) as well as the Jack-of-all-trades theory, this paper aims to clarify the relationship between international assignments (IAs) of employees and their entrepreneurial intentions. The study proposes that such IAs provide specific environmental features which may enable employees to build up diverse skills and network relations conducive to entrepreneuship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data using an online survey, targeting professionals and managers in Germany and Switzerland. They used 223 complete responses. Before data collection, they ensured the suitability of their questionnaire by employing well-tested scales and consulted independent experts in survey design and methodology. They tested their hypotheses by applying multiple mediation modeling.

Findings

As hypothesized, the authors find empirical evidence that diverse skills and network relationships as well as poor career prospects, positively mediate the relationship between IAs and entrepreneurial intentions of employees.

Research limitations/implications

We applied simple random and the snowball sampling method. Our approach involved the use of headhunters, international employers and relocation companies as multipliers.

Practical implications

Our results have practical implications for employees and employers. Employees on international assignments can proactively pursue opportunities in order to utilize the acquired experiences and resources for taking up entrepreneurial activities. Employers can try to retain these employees to facilitate (international) corporate entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first empirical study to highlight the entrepreneurial ambitions of international assignees. It thus provides initial insights into this topic.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 26 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 May 2008

Kathrin Fuchs, Arndt Werner and Frank Wallau

The question arises whether entrepreneurship education will be able to facilitate the entrepreneurial attitude in the near future. Unfortunately, the decisive role of compulsory…

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Abstract

Purpose

The question arises whether entrepreneurship education will be able to facilitate the entrepreneurial attitude in the near future. Unfortunately, the decisive role of compulsory schooling has long been neglected in this context. Until recently it was considered sufficient to provide education in entrepreneurship in universities (especially in the area of Business Administration) or in the form of special courses for people who consider starting their own business. Picking up the discussion at this point, the purpose of this paper is to analyse to what extent compulsory school education in Germany and Sweden facilitates a more entrepreneurial way of thinking among pupils.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the paper briefly summarises the relevant research literature and specify important components of entrepreneurship education. Second, it discusses what exactly is to be understood by entrepreneurial qualities and present a holistic approach based on a model by Dahlgren. Third, it describes the unique data and presents some empirical results. The empirical analysis concentrates on Germany. Yet, for reasons of comparison, it additionally analyses the situation in Sweden. Finally, the paper summarises the results and discusses the policy implications.

Findings

The results presented clearly suggest that German schools do not succeed very well in presenting self‐employment as an attractive alternative to dependent work. Swedish pupils generally show a higher preference for self‐employment than their German counterparts. Furthermore, the results suggest that German schools diminish rather than encourage pupils' ambitions to become self‐employed as the pupils become older.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge this is the first empirical study which compares the effect of different school systems on entrepreneurial attitude simultaneously (i.e. with the same questionnaire and at the same point of time).

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2013

Stefan Schneck

The purpose of this paper is to describe whether workers in high positions and workers in low positions think differently about status and possible future career advancement…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe whether workers in high positions and workers in low positions think differently about status and possible future career advancement opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses German panel data to examine the effects of relative standing on individual satisfaction with the job, the propensity to change jobs, and intentions to start-up an enterprise in the near future.

Findings

The relationship between relative wage positions and job satisfaction is inversely U-shaped. This is interpreted as evidence that low status translates into low utility while employees with high relative standing seem to be more concerned about the lack of future career prospects in paid employment. Workers who gather utility from status and career advancement opportunities simultaneously are more satisfied with their jobs. The paper also shows that lower satisfaction with the job translates into considerations to leave the job.

Practical implications

The described relationships explain individual determinants of voluntary quits and workforce fluctuations, which are of special interest in debates about possible shortages of skilled labor or tightening labor markets for skilled workers.

Social implications

Individual comparisons with peers affect individual reasoning.

Originality/value

The paper aims to enhance the discussion about nonlinear effects in status considerations as well as future career advancement opportunities. The paper shows that workers in very high and very low positions value these important psychological traits differently.

Details

Evidence-based HRM: a Global Forum for Empirical Scholarship, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-3983

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1985

Tomas Riha

Nobody concerned with political economy can neglect the history of economic doctrines. Structural changes in the economy and society influence economic thinking and, conversely…

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Abstract

Nobody concerned with political economy can neglect the history of economic doctrines. Structural changes in the economy and society influence economic thinking and, conversely, innovative thought structures and attitudes have almost always forced economic institutions and modes of behaviour to adjust. We learn from the history of economic doctrines how a particular theory emerged and whether, and in which environment, it could take root. We can see how a school evolves out of a common methodological perception and similar techniques of analysis, and how it has to establish itself. The interaction between unresolved problems on the one hand, and the search for better solutions or explanations on the other, leads to a change in paradigma and to the formation of new lines of reasoning. As long as the real world is subject to progress and change scientific search for explanation must out of necessity continue.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 12 no. 3/4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2009

M. Franze and P. Paulus

The purpose of this article is to present a German adaptation of the Australian programme MindMatters for school mental health promotion in secondary schools.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present a German adaptation of the Australian programme MindMatters for school mental health promotion in secondary schools.

Design/methodology/approach

As well as other methods, the external evaluation consisted of a questionnaire‐based pre‐post‐design (at one year interval of measurement; n=633 teachers and 4,019 students).

Findings

Teachers felt more positive about their schools, and felt under less pressure. The concepts of students, teachers and parents about working and living in schools became more similar (including an increase of parents' and students' suggestions for improving school‐life). Students felt that the level of promotion of social competence and the clarity of behaviour codes had improved, although the reported increase was small. There was some evidence that participation in MindMatters decreased student learning and motivation.

Research limitations/implications

On the whole, the recorded effects, however, were minimal (probably due to the lapse between the times of data collection and politically influenced, structural changes in schools that slowed down the implementation of MindMatters). Future research should focus on a long‐term evaluation of MindMatters.

Practical limitations

Since the effect of the programme was influenced by the participation in school specific teacher training and the affiliation to school health promotion networks the reported results stress the importance of teacher training for “MindMatters‐schools”.

Originality/value

The article illustrates that MindMatters would appear to promote some aspects of mental health in schools under specific circumstances.

Details

Health Education, vol. 109 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2015

Arndt Lautenschläger

The paper explores the composition of employment in new innovative firms. The purpose of this paper is to shed some light on the mixture of job positions at the firm level…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper explores the composition of employment in new innovative firms. The purpose of this paper is to shed some light on the mixture of job positions at the firm level measured by employees’ occupational position, their qualification and specialisation, as well as their origin. As there is little known about the structure and quality of employment in new firms, insights are helpful for policymakers who are engaged in regional development and job creation.

Design/methodology/approach

The database used for analysis comes from an interdisciplinary study on human-related success factors of business start-ups in the German state of Thuringia. Data were collected by means of 399 face-to-face interviews with the sole founder or the leading entrepreneur of a start-up firm. The findings are based on a multivariate data analysis using regression models.

Findings

The results indicate that temporary employment is more likely inherent in fast growing firms. Academic spin-offs prefer to hire people with a university education and scientific background. Furthermore, it is found that manufacturing firms have a relatively higher demand for staff with a professional education as well as a technical background. However, there is no support for the thesis that innovative firms contribute to combating structural unemployment at least in the short run.

Research limitations/implications

Results are limited to a particular geographical region. Researchers are strongly encouraged to conduct further research on the topic.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for policymakers in the field of unemployment reduction and employment creation.

Originality/value

The paper explores the link between innovation and the quality of employment in new business ventures. This approach is in contrast to the bulk of other studies dealing with new employment generation in terms of numbers.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2017

Cristina Fernandes, João Ferreira, Mário Raposo, Ricardo Hernández and Juan Carlos Diaz-Casero

With this work, the authors seek to advance knowledge in this field mentioned above. The purpose of this paper is to stress the role of two groups of components related to…

Abstract

Purpose

With this work, the authors seek to advance knowledge in this field mentioned above. The purpose of this paper is to stress the role of two groups of components related to individuals’ knowledge: the intrinsic base of existing knowledge and exposure to external knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study examined the impact of knowledge in the business creation process. Data came from aggregated panel data at the country level taken from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor over a five-year period (2009-2013).

Findings

Results show that knowledge affects the business creation process. The research identifies the following factors as influential: detection of capabilities, entrepreneurial experience, and experience investing in other firms.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the research relate to the data aggregation at the country level. Future research should examine disaggregated GEM data for the three economic stages at the classification level.

Practical implications

The perception of self-efficacy appears to be critical in understanding the planning of intentional behavior because of its influence on the formation of intentions through situational perceptions of viability.

Originality/value

Generally, the literature that emphasizes the role of knowledge and entrepreneurship in small firms is theoretically limited and focuses solely on the role of knowledge in the decision to start a business.

Details

World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1990

Hugh M. Cannon and Fred W. Morgan

Discusses pricing decision making, one of the oldest marketingtopics, including several pricing methods. Presents a strategic pricingframework, developed from pricing literature…

3457

Abstract

Discusses pricing decision making, one of the oldest marketing topics, including several pricing methods. Presents a strategic pricing framework, developed from pricing literature. Presents rules for evaluating strategic pricing alternatives. Offers a model for marketers to explain and improve pricing decision‐making.

Details

Journal of Services Marketing, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0887-6045

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 September 2019

Janet M. Nwaogu, Albert P.C. Chan, Carol K.H. Hon and Amos Darko

The demanding nature of the construction industry poses strain that affects the health of construction personnel. Research shows that mental ill health in this industry is…

3045

Abstract

Purpose

The demanding nature of the construction industry poses strain that affects the health of construction personnel. Research shows that mental ill health in this industry is increasing. However, a review mapping the field to determine the extant of research is lacking. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to conduct a scientometric review of mental health (MH) research in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 145 bibliographic records retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus database were analyzed using CiteSpace, to visualize MH research outputs in the industry.

Findings

Top co-cited authors are Helen Lingard, Mei-yung Leung, Paul Bowen, Julitta S. Boschman, Peter E.D. Love, Martin Loosemore and Linda Goldenhar. Previous studies focused on healthy eating, work efficiency, occupational stress and workplace injury. Emerging research areas are centered around physiological health monitoring, work ability, and smart interventions to prevent and manage poor MH.

Research limitations/implications

Result is influenced by the citations in retrieved articles.

Practical implications

The study found that researchers in the construction industry have intensified efforts to leverage information technology in improving the health, well-being, and safety of construction personnel. Future research should focus on developing workplace interventions that incorporate organizational justice and flexible work systems. There is also a need to develop psychological self-reporting scales specific to the industry.

Originality/value

This study enhances the understanding of researchers on existing collaboration networks and future research directions. It provides information on foundational documents and authors whose works should be consulted when researching into this field.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 May 2020

Norhayati Zakaria, Wan-Nurisma Ayu Wan-Ismail and Asmat-Nizam Abdul-Talib

The purpose of this research is to understand the importance of value orientation on conspicuous consumption in the youth market segment in Southeast Asia. In particular, the…

2655

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to understand the importance of value orientation on conspicuous consumption in the youth market segment in Southeast Asia. In particular, the focus is to understand three different types of value orientation (specifically cultural values, material values and religious values) and its effects on conspicuous consumption behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative theoretical model is proposed based on Hofstede's cultural dimension, the materialism value scale and religious commitments to predict the relationship for the value orientations of Generation Y's (Gen Y's) conspicuous consumption behaviour. The data was collected from undergraduate students enrolled in general education courses in three universities in Malaysia. Using cross-sectional data, 262 sets of valid questionnaires were used to perform the statistical analysis for the measurement and structural model using partial least squares equation modelling (PLS-SEM) path modelling.

Findings

We position our study by raising the pertinent question of “Seriously, Conspicuous Consumption?” to establish a clear understanding of whether Malaysian Gen Y individuals are conspicuous consumers and, if they are, which of the three values matter the most. In order to answer the question of whether Malaysian Gen Y engages in conspicuous consumption, we arrive at an understanding that, given multi-value orientations, conspicuous behaviour can be motivated and impacted by one value orientation and constrained by others. Hence, value orientation offers an insightful explanation of one specific type of consumer behaviour in the context of Asia as an emerging global market. Thus, our study provides two key theoretically significant findings. In general, our findings provide insights into how the multi-value orientations (i.e. cultural, material and religious orientations) contribute to several bodies of literature—namely, conspicuous consumption, international marketing and transcultural marketing. The results revealed that collectivism and materialism were positively and significantly related to conspicuous consumption. Uncertainty avoidance, although significant, had a negative relationship with conspicuous consumption. The other values (masculinity, power distance and religious values) were not significantly related to conspicuous consumption.

Research limitations/implications

Purchasing luxury goods is becoming an emergent phenomenon in Asia, particularly among young consumers. This paper provides marketing managers, particularly brand owners, with practical and realisable examples of how to plan and execute their marketing plans. A more profound understanding of this relationship may also serve to aid marketing managers in devising more focused marketing strategies and thus allocate marketing resources more efficiently. Hence, marketers could develop an effective communication strategy so that the target consumers will be aware of their goods because the purchase of luxury goods is likely to be motivated by social, cultural and personal factors.

Originality/value

This article examines the impact of value orientations on conspicuous consumption behaviour in Malaysian Gen Y consumers. The model proposed in this study is useful in predicting conspicuous consumption among Gen Y. By identifying the factors influencing this emergent type of consumer behaviour, global retailers will be informed about this particular market segmentation in terms of its preferences and desires. The article discusses the research findings and concludes with managerial implications and limitations.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 33 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

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