Search results
1 – 10 of 21Janet E. McDaniel, Beverlee B. Anderson and Jennifer Jeffries
The purpose of this paper was to explore the experiences of tenured academic retirees and the decision-making process leading to their retirements. The inquiry addressed the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to explore the experiences of tenured academic retirees and the decision-making process leading to their retirements. The inquiry addressed the research question, What were the factors that most influenced the decision to retire?
Design/methodology/approach
Twenty retirees from a public university were interviewed. The interview began with a multipart question about the variables that influenced the decision to retire – the positive and negative factors that “pushed against” and “pulled towards” retirement. The researchers coded the interviews, identifying common themes that contributed to responding to the research questions. Data analysis was done using the constant comparative procedure. The analysis interpreted the data to form three propositions to serve as prompts for further study.
Findings
Three propositions addressed the participants' “tipping point” where retirement was more attractive than remaining employed, the relative importance of financial vs other factors and the strong role of familial/personal factors pulling toward retirement.
Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted in a university system with contractual agreements on retirement policies and benefits and therefore might not be generalizable to dissimilar institutions. Three propositions form the basis for further research to validate. The new conception of “push” and “pull” factors can serve as a basis for future research.
Practical implications
Defined Phased Retirement Plans are recommended as a “win-win” for faculty members and the institution.
Originality/value
This paper reconceptualizes the definitions of push and pull factors in the literature on faculty retirement and enriches the understanding of the complex factors influencing the decision to retire.
Details
Keywords
Catalin Ratiu and Beverlee B. Anderson
Sustainability is one of the most complex composite constructs to have emerged in the last decades. Having a clear understanding of its meanings is critical as actions based on…
Abstract
Purpose
Sustainability is one of the most complex composite constructs to have emerged in the last decades. Having a clear understanding of its meanings is critical as actions based on these understandings impact all walks of life. The purpose of this paper is to track the conceptualizations and measurements of sustainable development in the areas of government, business, education, and the trades.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a multi-method design, the authors explore what stakeholders in these groups value in sustainability by observing where they develop initiatives, invest funds, and report progress.
Findings
What emerges is a picture of diverse views and multiple identities, driven by distinct logics and motives.
Originality/value
Based on these findings, the authors propose that, instead of reconciling these diverse perspectives, the authors might focus on constructing shared understandings around critical values.
Details
Keywords
Beverlee B. Anderson and Catalin Ratiu
The purpose of this paper is to explore how an understanding of the alignment of goals of customers, employees and investors can aid in the partner selection process. The paper…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how an understanding of the alignment of goals of customers, employees and investors can aid in the partner selection process. The paper explains the opportunities and challenges offered by a keen examination of a restrained stakeholder view of the firm. It also explains the relational challenges of partner selection together with the interactive effects of these variables.
Design/methodology/approach
The design uses secondary data focused on customers, employees and investors’ goals and their alignment with sustainable development goals (SDGs). Consumer behaviour data on issues related to SDGs, research on employee’s work motivation and the goals of investors, both institutional and individual, are investigated.
Findings
To develop effective public–private partnerships (PPPs), the goals and behaviours of both parties must be recognised, considered and addressed. The goals and priorities of these entities are not always well aligned with SDG goals. In selecting partners, non-government organisations will benefit from recognising the differing goals of stakeholders and common ground for actions.
Research limitations/implications
The model examines only three stakeholder groups: consumers, investors and employees.
Practical implications
A selection process based on a solid understanding of key stakeholders can offer the necessary information to target partners that are more likely to succeed in implementing strategies geared towards the SDGs.
Social implications
While PPPs have the potential to be successful, to achieve significant gains in advancing the SDG agenda, there must be “buy-in” from relevant stakeholders associated with the partnerships.
Originality/value
The paper addresses some issues seldom addressed in SDG PPP writing.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships of different types of corruption and selected economic measures that appear to contribute to a country’s sustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships of different types of corruption and selected economic measures that appear to contribute to a country’s sustainable economic development.
Design/methodology/approach
The research used selected data from the World Economic Forum Executive Opinion Survey on corruption activities (Irregular Payments and Bribes, the Diversion of Public Funds, Organised Crime, and Favouritism in Decisions of Government Officials) and Ethical Behaviour of Firms. The economic data (FDI, GDP, GDP Growth and Capital Formation among others) is from the World Bank database. A series of statistical models were developed to examine the relationships among different types of corruption and a country’s economic development.
Findings
The findings are mixed, showing that some types of corruption have greater negative impact on specific aspects of economic development.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited by the availability of data from reliable sources and the availability of data on a limited number of corruption activities. Only four aspects of corruption are examined in this paper. Only selected aspects of a country’s economy were examined. The variables analysed in the study were not available for each of the 179 countries.
Practical implications
A country may learn the types of corrupting activities that must be controlled to aid in the targeted growth of specific economic development, such as Direct Foreign Investment.
Originality/value
This study builds on previous work by Anderson (2012, 2013) that used Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) as a global measure of corruption. This study, in contrast, uses the results of the World Economic Forum Executive Opinion Survey, to indicate the perceived level of different types (components) of corruption. By using more specific measure of corruption, there is a better understanding of the relationships between corruption and economic development.
Details
Keywords
Beverlee B. Anderson and Hanadi AL‐Mubaraki
One of the most notable enterprises designed to accelerate the successful development of entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support resources and services is…
Abstract
Purpose
One of the most notable enterprises designed to accelerate the successful development of entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support resources and services is the business incubator. There are many key components to developing a successful business incubator. However, when one or two of these components are missing or inadequate, failure can follow. The purpose of this paper is to identify the key components to developing a successful business incubator as an effective tool for economic development, based on the case study of an unsuccessful effort.
Design/methodology/approach
The Gateway Innovation Center case study presents an opportunity to examine some possible pitfalls of developing a business incubator. A scant four months after opening, the organizers of the incubator decided to give up on the project. Exploring the various missteps in the formation of the Gateway Innovation Center provides a better understanding of key issues in developing successful incubators.
Findings
The lack of success was attributed to five features: function following form; lack of planning; lack of expertise; lack of due diligence; and market area would not support a technology incubator.
Originality/value
Very few business incubator failures are examined. This is one of the first case studies to examine the short life of a highly anticipated business incubator in an area of Southern California that was seeking to foster new businesses and create jobs in a region of relatively high unemployment.
Details
Keywords
Catalin Ratiu and Beverlee B. Anderson
There are many different conceptualizations to sustainable development and these different approaches may have led to confusion amongst the public. The purpose of this paper is to…
Abstract
Purpose
There are many different conceptualizations to sustainable development and these different approaches may have led to confusion amongst the public. The purpose of this paper is to explore the identities of the term and how the confused identity may be leading to problems for sustainable development efforts.
Design/methodology/approach
The design is exploratory, using both secondary and primary data to understand the different sustainable development concepts.
Findings
There is no consistent understanding or use of the term “sustainable development” among various groups.
Research limitations/implications
Future research should include a larger sample that is more representative of people from different backgrounds and geographical areas.
Practical implications
The public is generally willing to support only projects that it understands. Without a clear understanding of sustainable development, the public will be less inclined to support these efforts.
Originality/value
This study examines the perceptions and understandings of the term by the general public representing different generations.
Details
Keywords
Catalin Ratiu and Beverlee B. Anderson
The meaning of sustainability continues to be debated by scholars and professionals alike. But how do individuals, who are expected to contribute to implementing sustainability…
Abstract
Purpose
The meaning of sustainability continues to be debated by scholars and professionals alike. But how do individuals, who are expected to contribute to implementing sustainability actions, perceive this important concept? The purpose of this paper is to explore how individuals relate to the multidimensionality of sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a qualitative design to learn how individuals understand and prioritise the various dimensions of sustainability. Respondents were asked to react in essay form to a narrative that weaves social, environmental, economic and legal issues and offer a recommended course of action.
Findings
The findings are mixed, showing that sustainability is yet to mature as a concept in the minds of the general public. Encouragingly, the paper finds evidence that most respondents are aware of the primary dimensions of sustainability.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited by the convenience sample used, which may offer a skewed distribution.
Practical implications
While defining sustainability conceptually continues to preoccupy scholars and policy makers, educating the general public on these advancements should also be prioritised, given the high reliance on individuals to implement the many sustainability initiatives and innovations in existence.
Originality/value
The study uses an innovative methodology to learn how individuals perceive a very complex topic.
Details
Keywords
Beginning with a multitude of differing definitions and theories of CSR and sustainability, an analysis of the effects and impacts of the social domain to remain an untapped…
Abstract
Purpose
Beginning with a multitude of differing definitions and theories of CSR and sustainability, an analysis of the effects and impacts of the social domain to remain an untapped resource to strengthen and merge the practice of sustainable development. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
Utilizing a systematic review of literature between 1977 and 2013 about CSR and sustainability definitions and theories to reveal knowledge fragmentation in the use of the social domain and its implications within sustainable development.
Findings
Identifies the gaps of the social domain in sustainable development and raises awareness to advance sustainable development beyond current sustainable development strategies, initiatives and practices. The pertinent publications from the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the systematic literature review were analyzed to determine how the social domain is used and interpreted in CSR and sustainability. Based upon the findings, four themes represent the social domain as socio-economics, stakeholders, societal well-being and social sustainability with suggestions for further research.
Research limitations/implications
The systematic literature review searched one academic search engine and focussed on journals and books written in English.
Originality/value
The contribution of the paper highlights, first, how an underdeveloped social domain can contribute toward multiple meanings of sustainable development and the social domain’s untapped capacity to develop a clearer standard definition of sustainable development and second, the potential to advance competitive advantage for corporations and governments.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to explore linkages between Confucian‐based Asian cultural values and Michael Porter's model of national competitiveness. The cultural values of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore linkages between Confucian‐based Asian cultural values and Michael Porter's model of national competitiveness. The cultural values of Indian students are compared with Asian American students’ cultural values, to explore alignment with economic growth and development factors.
Design/methodology/approach
Relationships between culture and economic development are conceptualized based on previous research and literature. Using an Asian Cultural Values Scale, Indian students enrolled in a Master’s of International Business program were surveyed. These data are compared with data collected from Asian American college students on the same items. The results are interpreted based on conceptualized relationships.
Findings
Indian students tend to exhibit greater conformity, emotional self‐control and collectivism values while Asian American students tend to place greater value on family recognition through achievement. The Indian student values appear to align more with the synthesis model of business development, while Asian American student values focus on success.
Research limitations/implications
There is a small sample size of 69 in India.
Originality/value
This is the first study that assesses Indian student orientation toward Asian values compared with those of Asian Americans. The relationship of values and sustainable economic development is explored.
Details