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Article
Publication date: 19 September 2023

Ana Carolina Ferreira Costa, Fernando Capelo Neto, Maximilian Espuny, Aglaé Baptista Torres da Rocha and Otávio José de Oliveira

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are fundamental to the socioeconomic development of a country or region. They directly contribute to increasing employment generation and…

Abstract

Purpose

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are fundamental to the socioeconomic development of a country or region. They directly contribute to increasing employment generation and improving income distribution. Despite the importance of SMEs, there are still opportunities for developing works that support and guide SMEs to use digital technologies, especially to digitalize their customer service. Therefore, this work aims to propose drivers containing recommendations for developing and improving the digitalization of customer service in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This work uses a qualitative approach to systematize the main SMEs' characteristics and identify the boosting elements of the digitalization of customer service in the scientific literature. To this end, the authors conducted a content analysis of the most influential empirical and theoretical articles on the theme published from 2016 to 2021 in the Scopus database.

Findings

This work identified 38 boosting elements of the digitalization of customer service based on the scientific literature. These elements were grouped into six drivers for developing and improving the digitalization of customer service. The drivers contain recommendations that were adapted for SMEs according to their characteristics and based on the experience of the authors of this work.

Originality/value

This work contributes to promoting socioeconomic development, providing important solutions for managers and owners of SMEs to improve their customer service. The proposed drivers support and encourage the use of digital technologies for developing and improving customer service, overcoming the challenges of digitalization in these companies. Thus, SMEs will be able to increase the satisfaction of their customers and improve their competitiveness.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 30 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 June 2022

Taposh Roy

Although employees are considered key stakeholders, they receive limited attention in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature compared to other stakeholders such as…

Abstract

Purpose

Although employees are considered key stakeholders, they receive limited attention in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature compared to other stakeholders such as customers. This study aims to address this gap, investigating how different factors, including CSR communication, may affect employee perceptions, and to what extent they can influence or be influenced by CSR activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from three multinationals (MNCs) operating in Bangladesh. Mid- and entry-level employees from different departments, namely, marketing, logistics, human resources, IT and finance, were approached for data collection. It is important to note that all the study participants were Bangladeshi.

Findings

This study demonstrates how CSR perceptions, shaped by the level of employee awareness, personal beliefs about CSR and perceived motivation for adopting CSR, strengthen psychological ties between employees and their organisation. One-way CSR communication adopted by these MNCs disseminates positive information about an organisation’s contribution to society and creates an aspirational and ideational image, which enhances identification, evokes positive in-group biases and encourages employees to defend their organisation against criticism. This study further demonstrates that employee CSR engagement can galvanise their experience of organisational identity, enhance their pride and reinforce their organisational identification.

Originality/value

Drawing on social identity theory and the CSR communication model proposed by Morsing and Schultz (2006), this study aims to understand employees’ CSR perceptions and the possible impact of this on their behaviour. Previous studies largely focus on customers’ perceptions of these activities, which means the link between CSR perception and employee behaviour remains unclear. The current study suggests that employees working in Bangladesh will not withdraw support from their organisations if CSR is used to build reputation or public image. The findings extend the literature by arguing that some employees in developing countries not only seek to improve their status by working in a reputed organisation but also tend to engage with CSR activities undertaken by their organisation.

Details

Society and Business Review, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5680

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 December 2023

Julia Voloshchenko and Maria Nikolaeva

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the formation of the concept of “motivation,” as well as to share experiences and modern techniques of motivation for employees.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the formation of the concept of “motivation,” as well as to share experiences and modern techniques of motivation for employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This article includes the results of a survey of HR professionals using the Qwoted platform.

Findings

Motivation plays a big role in the life of employees and the company. Motivated employees unknowingly become brand ambassadors and help increase the company’s brand awareness, thus helping the business to grow.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this article was first published in this journal.

Details

Strategic HR Review, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1475-4398

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 14 December 2023

Tehzeeb Sakina Amir and Rabia Sabri

This chapter The Grass Is Greener Where You Water It! delves deeper into explicating Employee Green Behaviour (EGB), which outlines the eco-friendly behaviours practiced by…

Abstract

This chapter The Grass Is Greener Where You Water It! delves deeper into explicating Employee Green Behaviour (EGB), which outlines the eco-friendly behaviours practiced by employees. The section provides a more thorough explanation of EGB, including its origins, theoretical foundations, and practical applications in a social and physical environment to create environmentally conscious workplaces. The in-role and extra-role of EGB are discussed to strengthen its execution, and its significance considering the present ecological exigency. This chapter outlines the five-features-hierarchical framework for EGB: Sustainability Initiatives, Non-Harmful Action, Resource Conservation, Peer Influence, and Individual Commitment. The environmental history, ecosystems, and biodiversity and their interaction with humans from the ancient period to the present day are provided. The later unit explores organizational plans to encourage EGB, focussing on the role of HR policies, practices, and systems in nurturing the culture of sustainability within organizations. This chapter reviews current studies on EGB, emphasizing the role of employee engagement, transformational environmental leadership, and corporate culture in promoting green practices. It contributes to the academic literature by analyzing EGB, its relevance, and the effects it can have on organizations and society. It is a great tool for academics, government officials, and business heads to make workplaces environmentally friendly.

Article
Publication date: 10 November 2023

Sonya Sandham

This study of job advertisements for internal communication practitioners aims to investigate the signals that organisations are sending the profession about what is required of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study of job advertisements for internal communication practitioners aims to investigate the signals that organisations are sending the profession about what is required of these roles. The concept of corporate voice – the “voice” of the organisation – is problematised to explore tensions in vocality. The aim is to support communication practitioners to navigate multi-vocality in the evolving professional context of digital communication technologies and changes in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study considers the role of voice in corporate communication practices and offers insights into “digital disruption” and the discursive pressure of employers' priorities on the profession and its practices. Job advertisements for internal communication practitioners were examined during 6-month periods in 2018, 2020 and 2022, which was a significant time of change for the profession with the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

Qualitative content analysis of 514 internal communication job advertisements identifies that control and consistency are valorised, and continue to dominate descriptions of internal communication skills and responsibilities. The digital affordances that communication practitioners rely on has not changed significantly and a preference for “broadcasting” is evident.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into how Australian organisations shape and sustain univocal corporate communication practices, and the incompatibility of narrow configurations of voice with emerging organisational challenges such as social connectedness.

Details

Corporate Communications: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-3289

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 April 2023

Nisha Prakash and Aparna Hawaldar

In 1991, India embarked on market-based economic reforms initiatives pillared on liberalization, privatization and globalization (LPG). The reforms exposed the public sector…

Abstract

Purpose

In 1991, India embarked on market-based economic reforms initiatives pillared on liberalization, privatization and globalization (LPG). The reforms exposed the public sector enterprises to competitive market forces, raising the need to identify and develop the competencies necessary for survival. Executive training programs were initiated to prepare public enterprises for the market-based reforms. Three decades later, the reforms especially privatization is witnessing renewed interest under the current administration. In this context, the article takes a closer look at the structure of management education provided to public sector officers in India. The article also identifies barriers for implementing the learnings from the management courses in the workplaces and suggests approaches for closing the gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a thematic approach based on unstructured interviews of senior executives of Indian public sector enterprises covering oil and gas, aeronautical, power and transportation sectors. New public management (NPM) is used as a yardstick of “business-like” characteristics of public sector enterprises.

Findings

Despite heavy investment, trainings have had only partial success in implementing the core objective of NPM, i.e. to provide quality services in a professional manner to meet citizen requirements. The study found that though concepts of NPM are introduced at multiple management training programs, the public enterprises lag in the implementation of NPM. The ingrained hierarchical and procedural culture of the enterprises was often highlighted as the challenge to its implementation.

Practical implications

The study will be of significance to Indian policymakers in designing management education programs to public sector employees. It brings out – (1) various models of management education provided to public servants across industries, (2) provide evidence on the extent of NPM implementation, (3) identify barriers for transitioning the learnings from the management courses to workplace and (4) suggest changes for improving effectiveness.

Originality/value

The existing research on LPG in India covers the economic transformation post-implementation and the factors contributing to the success of its implementation. This study adds to the limited literature available on the management education of public servants in the country.

Details

International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. 36 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3558

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 January 2024

Álvaro Nicolás-Agustín, Daniel Jiménez-Jiménez, Francisco Maeso Fernandez and Christian Di Prima

This study presents a model for assessing the effects of employee ICT training on organizations’ results. It also introduces digital transformation as a mediator between the two…

Abstract

Purpose

This study presents a model for assessing the effects of employee ICT training on organizations’ results. It also introduces digital transformation as a mediator between the two concepts and studies the role of organizational commitment and human capital in terms of digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were completed by the CEOs of 184 Spanish companies, and their responses were analyzed with Partial Least Squares.

Findings

The results empirically analyze the proposed theoretical model and highlight the fact that human capital and organizational commitment partially mediate the link between ICT training and digital transformation. Furthermore, there is a direct relationship between ICT training and company performance.

Practical implications

Directors and managers should invest more resources in the human capital of their company through ICT training. In fact, it can improve organizational commitment, encouraging employees to adopt innovative behaviors, thus allowing for the necessary digital transformation.

Originality/value

Despite heavy theoretical emphasis on the study of the conditions necessary for the digital transformation of companies, few studies have empirically analyzed the effects of adopting certain practices for its implementation. This paper focuses on analyzing the effect of ICT training, which is configured as a tool capable of improving staff knowledge and increasing employee commitment. This is essential for adopting organizational change such as digital transformation.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 August 2022

Hamood Mohammed Al-Hattami, Nabil Ahmed Mareai Senan, Mohammed A. Al-Hakimi and Syed Azharuddin

This study aims to empirically examine accounting information system (AIS) success at the organizational level during COVID-19 era.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine accounting information system (AIS) success at the organizational level during COVID-19 era.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the information system success model, this paper developed its model and proposed a total of nine hypotheses. This paper gathered the required data via a questionnaire from Yemeni small and medium enterprises (SMEs) owners and managers. To test the proposed research model paths, SmartPLS software, which is known as partial least squares structural equation modeling, was used.

Findings

The results showed that the quality dimensions (information quality and system quality) positively affected the use of AIS and satisfaction; user satisfaction positively affected the use of AIS. Management support positively affected the AIS users' usage and satisfaction. Finally, the use dimensions (user satisfaction and usage) positively impacted the net benefits in terms of gaining a competitive advantage, productivity enhancement and saving time and cost. In all, this research has succeeded in providing support for DeLone and McLean's IS success model at the organizational level during the COVID-19 era.

Practical implications

AIS is becoming increasingly important for SMEs in low-income countries like Yemen, particularly in the present pandemic conditions (COVID-19 era). By using AIS, users can access the enterprise's data and conduct transactions without being limited by distance. Indeed, AIS proved its ability in enhancing the net benefits at the organizational level in the COVID-19 era in terms of gaining a competitive advantage, productivity enhancement and saving time and cost. However, AIS can only be considered useful to the enterprise if it is effective/successful.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to have assessed the impact of AIS success at the organizational level in the era of COVID-19 pandemic, the context of Yemeni SMEs.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. 73 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 December 2021

Manaf Al-Okaily

This study aims to evaluate the Accounting Information Systems (AIS) effectiveness on the organizational level by extending DeLone and McLean success model in developing countries…

1336

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the Accounting Information Systems (AIS) effectiveness on the organizational level by extending DeLone and McLean success model in developing countries like Jordan. Unlike other studies, this study investigates the effects of system quality, information quality, process quality, collaboration quality, service quality, individual performance and workgroup performance toward organizational performance during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administrated survey was used to collect data from 104 accounting managers operating in listed Jordanian firms in the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE). The partial least squares-structural equation modeling method was used for data analysis.

Findings

Eight relationships were tested, whereby six were supported as was expected. Particularly, the empirical results reveal that individual performance is positively and significantly influenced by information quality, process quality and service quality. Furthermore, workgroup performance is positively and significantly influenced by individual performance. The results also show that organizational performance is impacted by individual performance and workgroup performance.

Originality/value

The current study is among the first empirical studies that has extended the information systems success model to evaluate AIS success during COVID-19 pandemic. This study also offers insights into the importance of AIS success among listed Jordanian firms in ASE.

Details

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, vol. 54 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5891

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 May 2022

Aws Al-Okaily, Manaf Al-Okaily, Ai Ping Teoh and Mutaz M. Al-Debei

Despite the increasing role of the data warehouse as a supportive decision-making tool in today's business world, academic research for measuring its effectiveness has been…

1736

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the increasing role of the data warehouse as a supportive decision-making tool in today's business world, academic research for measuring its effectiveness has been lacking. This paucity of academic interest stimulated us to evaluate data warehousing effectiveness in the organizational context of Jordanian banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a theoretical model specific to the data warehouse system domain that builds on the DeLone and McLean model. The model is empirically tested by means of structural equation modelling applying the partial least squares approach and using data collected in a survey questionnaire from 127 respondents at Jordanian banks.

Findings

Empirical data analysis supported that data quality, system quality, user satisfaction, individual benefits and organizational benefits have made strong contributions to data warehousing effectiveness in our organizational data context.

Practical implications

The results provide a better understanding of the data warehouse effectiveness and its importance in enabling the Jordanian banks to be competitive.

Originality/value

This study is indeed one of the first empirical attempts to measure data warehouse system effectiveness and the first of its kind in an emerging country such as Jordan.

Details

EuroMed Journal of Business, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1450-2194

Keywords

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