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Article
Publication date: 27 March 2023

Ines Branco-Illodo, Teresa Heath and Caroline Tynan

This research paper aims to understand how givers characterise and manage their gift giving networks by drawing on attachment theory (AT). This responds to the need to illuminate…

Abstract

Purpose

This research paper aims to understand how givers characterise and manage their gift giving networks by drawing on attachment theory (AT). This responds to the need to illuminate the givers–receivers’ networks beyond traditional role-based taxonomies and explore their changing dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-method, qualitative approach was used involving 158 gift experiences captured in online diaries and 27 follow-up interviews.

Findings

Results show that givers organise receivers into gifting networks that are grounded in a contextual understanding of their relationships. The identification of direct, surrogate and mediated bonds reflects three different dimensions that inform gift-giving networks of support, care or belongingness rooted in AT. The relative position of gift receivers in this network influences the nature of support, the type of social influences and relationship stability in the network.

Research limitations/implications

This study illustrates the complexity of relationships based on the data collected over two specific periods of time; thus, there might be further types of receivers within a giver’s network that the data did not capture. This limitation was minimised by asking about other possible receivers in interviews.

Practical implications

The findings set a foundation for gift retailers to assist gift givers in finding gifts that match their perceived relations to the receivers by adapting communication messages and offering advice aligned with specific relationship contexts.

Originality/value

This study illuminates gift-giving networks by proposing a taxonomy of gifting networks underpinned by AT that can be applied to study different relationship contexts from the perspective of the giver. This conceptualisation captures different levels of emotional support, social influences and relationship stability, which have an impact on the receivers’ roles within the giver’s network. Importantly, results reveal that the gift receiver is not always the target of gift-giving. The target can be someone whom the giver wants to please or an acquaintance they share with the receiver with whom they wish to reinforce bonds.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 57 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 November 2009

Junseok Hwang, Jörn Altmann and Kibae Kim

The purpose of this research is to empirically analyse the structure of the Web 2.0 service network and the mechanism behind its evolution over time.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to empirically analyse the structure of the Web 2.0 service network and the mechanism behind its evolution over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the list of Web 2.0 services and their mashups that is provided on Programmableweb, a network of Web 2.0 services was constructed. Within this network a node represents a Web 2.0 service with an open API, and a link between two nodes represents the existence of a mashup service that uses the two nodes.

Findings

The findings suggest that the evolution of the Web 2.0 service network follows the preferential attachment rule although the exponent of the preferential attachment is lower than for other networks following a preferential attachment rule. Additionally the results indicate that the Web 2.0 service network evolves to a scale‐free network but the exponent of the power law distribution is lower than for other networks.

Originality/value

The research applied social network analysis to the Web 2.0 service network. It showed that its network structure and the evolution mechanism are different from those found in similar areas, e.g. the world wide web (WWW). The findings imply that there are factors which lower the exponent of the preferential attachment equation and the power law distribution of the degree centralities.

Research limitation/implications

This paper did not investigate the factors responsible for the low values of the exponent of the preferential attachment equation and the exponent of the power law distribution. However, it is suggested that it could be correlated with the fact that the interconnection between nodes depends on the property of the nodes.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 33 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 September 2024

Maria Del Mar Garcia de los Salmones, Angel Herrero and Patricia Martínez García de Leaniz

This paper aims to analyse the determinants of the intention to share a post about an environmental issue posted by a tourism destination on Facebook. The authors use the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the determinants of the intention to share a post about an environmental issue posted by a tourism destination on Facebook. The authors use the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model as a theoretical framework and consider cognitive variables (destination social responsibility, tourist social responsibility and three types of congruence) as antecedents of emotions and of the tourists’ response (intention to share). Specific factors related to the social platform (attachment and active use of social media) are also included.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was tested for two destinations with different positioning (green tourism versus sun and beach). For the sampling strategy, the authors conducted an online poll targeting Facebook users who had undertaken at least one trip in the previous year. The sample consisted of 1,001 individuals.

Findings

The empirical evidence obtained indicates that consumer–cause congruence is the most important variable for explaining the intention to share the post for both destinations, with the destination–cause congruence being non-significant. The authors also observed that active participation on the social network stimulated the intention to share this specific content.

Originality/value

Unlike prior research, this paper examined consumer motivators for engaging with online corporate social responsibility content for tourism destinations, specifically focusing on destination social responsibility in sustainable tourism. The model also incorporates three types of congruence, revealing variations in their impact on explaining the intention to share sustainability-related posts.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 July 2024

Souad Maghraoui and Lilia Khrouf

The purpose of this study is to shed light on the determinants of TikTok cyberaddiction during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the resulting attitudinal and intentional…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to shed light on the determinants of TikTok cyberaddiction during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the resulting attitudinal and intentional reactions of users.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of 305 young TikTok users was conducted to test the research hypotheses. Data was analyzed through a partial least sqaures approach.

Findings

The results highlight the mediating role of cyberaddiction to TikTok in the relationship between psychological disorders (anxiety and loneliness) and attitude toward TikTok. Indeed, it was found that anxiety and loneliness contribute to TikTok cyberaddiction. The latter would have a positive effect on attitude toward TikTok, which decreases in the presence of fear of missing out (FOMO). It was also proven that attitude toward TikTok has a positive impact on attitude toward the brands promoted on this platform, resulting in an increase in purchasing intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is therefore interesting to replicate it to see if the research model can be still validated in the absence of an emergency situation. Testing the model on a larger target, including older TikTok users, could also lead to interesting findings.

Practical implications

Knowledge of the psychological factors behind cyberaddiction should not be seen as an opportunity to take advantage from addicted shoppers’ vulnerability. Managers should rather limit communication campaigns on TikTok during crisis periods, undertake retargeting actions by sparing vulnerable TikTok users and avoid stimulating anxiety and loneliness which can lead to cyberaddiction and compulsive purchases.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the central role of cyberaddiction to TikTok in the relationship between psychological disorders and users’ reactions, during a pandemic. It focused on the moderating role of FOMO on the relationship between determinants of cyberaddiction and attitude toward TikTok. Escape theory and attachment theory were used and adapted to the context of social media.

Objetivo

El propósito de este estudio es arrojar luz sobre los determinantes de la ciberadicción a TikTok durante la pandemia de Covid-19, así como las reacciones actitudinales e intencionales resultantes de los usuarios.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se realizó una encuesta en línea a 305 jóvenes usuarios de TikTok para probar las hipótesis de investigación. Los datos fueron analizados a través de un enfoque PLS.

Resultados

Los resultados destacan el papel mediador de la ciberadicción a TikTok en la relación entre trastornos psicológicos (ansiedad y soledad) y la actitud hacia TikTok. De hecho, se encontró que la ansiedad y la soledad contribuyen a la ciberadicción a TikTok. Esta última tendría un efecto positivo en la actitud hacia TikTok, que disminuye en presencia del miedo a perderse algo (FOMO, por sus siglas en inglés). También se demostró que la actitud hacia TikTok tiene un impacto positivo en la actitud hacia las marcas promocionadas en esta plataforma, lo que resulta en un aumento en las intenciones de compra.

Originalidad

Este estudio arroja luz sobre el papel central de la ciberadicción a TikTok en la relación entre trastornos psicológicos y reacciones de los usuarios, durante una pandemia. Se centró en el papel moderador del FOMO en la relación entre determinantes de la ciberadicción y la actitud hacia TikTok. Se utilizaron y adaptaron la Teoría del Escape y la Teoría del Apego al contexto de las redes sociales.

Limitaciones/implicaciones de la investigación

Este estudio se llevó a cabo durante la pandemia de Covid-19. Por lo tanto, sería interesante replicarlo para ver si el modelo de investigación aún puede ser validado en ausencia de una situación de emergencia. Probar el modelo en un público objetivo más amplio, que incluya a usuarios mayores de TikTok, también podría conducir a hallazgos interesantes.

Implicaciones prácticas

El conocimiento de los factores psicológicos detrás de la ciberadicción no debe verse como una oportunidad para aprovechar la vulnerabilidad de los compradores adictos. Los gerentes deberían más bien limitar las campañas de comunicación en TikTok durante los períodos de crisis, emprender acciones de retargeting evitando a los usuarios vulnerables de TikTok y evitar estimular la ansiedad y la soledad que pueden llevar a la ciberadicción y a compras compulsivas.

目的

本研究旨在探索COVID-19大流行期间TikTok网络成瘾的决定因素, 以及用户的态度和意图反馈。

设计/方法/途径

为了验证研究假设, 本研究对305位年轻的TikTok用户进行了在线调查, 并使用PLS方法对数据进行了分析。

发现

研究结果凸显了在COVID-19大流行期间, TikTok网络成瘾与心理障碍(焦虑和孤独)之间的中介作用。实际上, 研究发现焦虑和孤独可能会促成TikTok网络成瘾的发展。而TikTok网络成瘾则可能在一定程度上改善对TikTok的态度, 减轻错失恐惧。研究还表明, 对TikTok的态度对该平台推广的品牌态度产生积极影响, 进而增加了购买意图。

独创性

这项研究详细探讨了COVID-19大流行期间TikTok网络成瘾的核心作用, 特别关注了心理障碍与用户反应之间的关系。重点分析了逃避理论和依恋理论在社交媒体环境下的应用, 并对错失恐惧在网络成瘾和对TikTok态度之间的调节作用进行了调查和分析。

研究限制/意义

这项研究是在COVID-19大流行期间进行的, 因此复制它以验证研究模型在紧急情况缺失的情况下是否仍然有效是很有趣的。将这个模型应用于更广泛的对象, 包括年长的TikTok用户, 可能会带来一些有趣的发现。

实践意义

了解网络成瘾背后的心理因素是非常重要的, 但不应被视为利用沉迷购物者的脆弱性的机会。在危机期间, 管理者应该限制在TikTok上的传播活动, 以避免刺激焦虑和孤独, 保护那些脆弱的TikTok用户, 防止他们沉迷于平台并进行强迫性购物。

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2009

Boris Mitavskiy, Jonathan Rowe and Chris Cannings

A variety of phenomena such as world wide web, social or business networks, interactions are modelled by various kinds of networks (such as the scale free or preferential…

Abstract

Purpose

A variety of phenomena such as world wide web, social or business networks, interactions are modelled by various kinds of networks (such as the scale free or preferential attachment networks). However, due to the model‐specific requirements one may want to rewire the network to optimize the communication among the various nodes while not overloading the number of channels (i.e. preserving the number of edges). The purpose of this paper is to present a formal framework for this problem and to examine a family of local search strategies to cope with it.

Design/methodology/approach

This is mostly theoretical work. The authors use rigorous mathematical framework to set‐up the model and then we prove some interesting theorems about it which pertain to various local search algorithms that work by rerouting the network.

Findings

This paper proves that in cases when every pair of nodes is sampled with non‐zero probability then the algorithm is ergodic in the sense that it samples every possible network on the specified set of nodes and having a specified number of edges with nonzero probability. Incidentally, the ergodicity result led to the construction of a class of algorithms for sampling graphs with a specified number of edges over a specified set of nodes uniformly at random and opened some other challenging and important questions for future considerations.

Originality/value

The measure‐theoretic framework presented in the current paper is original and rather general. It allows one to obtain new points of view on the problem.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 October 2022

Muh-Chyun Tang, Yu-En Jung and Yuelin LI

Chinese internet literature (CIL) platforms afford freedom for creative expression and opportunities for direct interactions between writers and fans and among fans. Enabled by…

Abstract

Purpose

Chinese internet literature (CIL) platforms afford freedom for creative expression and opportunities for direct interactions between writers and fans and among fans. Enabled by these platforms' technological and commercial arrangement, a new form of literary production and consumption has emerged, the most significant of which is the role of fans participation. A social network analysis of the interaction patterns in online fan communities was conducted to investigate fan communication activities at scale. Of particular interest is how the socio-technical system of the site influences its network topology.

Design/methodology/approach

Online forums for 10 popular fiction titles in Qidian, the leading CIL platform, were analyzed. Social networks were constructed based on a post–reply–reply threaded discussion structure. Various aspects of fan interactions were analyzed, including number of replies per post, post length and emerging network patterns.

Findings

Similarities in network topology shared by CIL fan forums and other online communities, such as small-world and scale properties, were discovered; however, distinct network dynamics were also identified. Consistent with previous findings, writers and moderators, along with a few highly ranked fans, occupied the central positions in the network. This was due to their social roles and the nature of their posts rather than, as the conventional explanation goes, preferential attachment.

Originality/value

The findings demonstrate how community-specific circumstances and norms influence interaction patterns and the resultant network structure. It was revealed that in the CIL sites, the users adopted the technologies in unexpected ways. And the resulting network topology can be attributed to the interplay between the sites' official arrangement and users' adaptive tactics.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-11-2021-0596.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 47 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2019

Lara Agostini, Anna Nosella and Karen Venturini

To hinder the high failure rate of strategic networks, recently scholars have concentrated on behavioral aspects such as trust, conflict management, resolution and commitment as…

Abstract

Purpose

To hinder the high failure rate of strategic networks, recently scholars have concentrated on behavioral aspects such as trust, conflict management, resolution and commitment as fundamental antecedents of strategic network performance. Within this context, this paper focuses on the antecedents of affective commitment, based on the rationale that an increasing affective commitment cannot occur naturally during network evolution. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to understand how affective commitment is achieved along the development process of small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) strategic networks.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the aim of the paper, a qualitative approach based on multiple case studies was used. Two case studies of Italian SME strategic networks having an increasing and decreasing level of affective commitment were selected to have a base of comparison, following a “polar types” theoretical sampling approach.

Findings

By comparing two cases in which partners show a different affective commitment along the network development process, this study allows providing a twofold contribution. The former is to unveil the most relevant elements partners may rely on to achieve an increasing affective commitment and the latter is to propose a dynamic approach toward the study of affective commitment in SME strategic networks.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the limited generalizability of this exploratory study due to the analysis of two cases, future studies with a larger number of strategic multipartner networks can expand the understanding of the dynamics leading to increasing commitment.

Practical implications

The paper provides a series of practical guidelines for managers to create a trusting environment with a high level of affective commitment within the context of SME networks, which can contribute to their survival.

Originality/value

The originality of the study consists in having adopted a dynamic approach toward studying affective commitment in the context of SME networks, which resulted in the identification of relevant factors that can lead to increasing affective commitment.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 25 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2015

Sameer Kumar

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to provide a review of the growing literature on co-authorship networks and the research gaps that may be investigated for future studies…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to provide a review of the growing literature on co-authorship networks and the research gaps that may be investigated for future studies in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

The existing literature on co-authorship networks was identified, evaluated and interpreted. Narrative review style was followed.

Findings

Co-authorship, a proxy of research collaboration, is a key mechanism that links different sets of talent to produce a research output. Co-authorship could also be seen from the perspective of social networks. An in-depth analysis of such knowledge networks provides an opportunity to investigate its structure. Patterns of these relationships could reveal, for example, the mechanism that shapes our scientific community. The study provides a review of the expanding literature on co-authorship networks.

Originality/value

This is one of the first comprehensive reviews of network-based studies on co-authorship. The field is fast evolving, opening new gaps for potential research. The study identifies some of these gaps.

Details

Aslib Journal of Information Management, vol. 67 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-3806

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2018

Daniel Harritz

This study aims to investigate the role of management devices in transformation processes. This was done by analysing how devices persuaded people into actions, resulting in…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of management devices in transformation processes. This was done by analysing how devices persuaded people into actions, resulting in drifts that both led to the creation of a Shared Service Centre (SSC) and transformed it into a cost centre, something resembling an internal joint venture, followed by a profit centre and, finally, a centre of expertise.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal case-based approach inspired by Latour’s (2005) ideas on attachments. The aim was to show how links between humans and non-humans in the form of management devices brought about drifts leading to the formation and transformation of a SSC.

Findings

Attachments between devices and humans fuelled the formation and transformation of the SSC. Such innovations were revealed to be a series of drifts, which demonstrates that an SSC is not a static object but rather an ever-evolving innovation.

Research limitations/implications

On the basis of Latour (2005), the study reveals how socio–technical constellations are involved in organisational transformation, resulting in a SSC taking on new and unanticipated roles.

Practical implications

The findings facilitate a deeper understanding of the factors that initiate organisational development and transformation in SSCs. In addition, the study identifies the role different devices play in such transformation processes.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by analysing how a SSC is created and then transformed over time.

Details

Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1832-5912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1998

Wei Ma

This paper discusses the complementary nature of two media, Web access and CD networks, with emphasis on three points: (1) combining Web access and CD networks — their importance…

Abstract

This paper discusses the complementary nature of two media, Web access and CD networks, with emphasis on three points: (1) combining Web access and CD networks — their importance and feasibility; (2) the benefits and necessity of considering the community network environment as a whole, rather than focusing on the particular library; (3) the need for flexibility in considering new technologies. There is not a unique model for each library to implement. As well as introducing a few new products, the paper describes the experience at the Occidental College Library (Los Angeles, California, USA) to indicate the possibility of building such a network; the possibility of sharing a network and network file server; and the workload/flow between the Computer Centre and the library, and between the student worker and the library CD network administrator.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

1 – 10 of over 17000