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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 9 November 2023

Paola Andrea Ortiz-Rendon, Jose Luis Munuera-Aleman and Luz Alexandra Montoya Restrepo

The implementation of control systems allows marketing managers to improve operational decisions and organizational results. This paper aims to identify the relationship between…

Abstract

Purpose

The implementation of control systems allows marketing managers to improve operational decisions and organizational results. This paper aims to identify the relationship between control combinations and organizational results and analyze the relationships between the variables attributed to the marketing managers and with marketing control combinations. Decisions involving marketing control combine formal and informal mechanisms and generate control systems that have a favorable relationship with organizational results.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on 301 cross-sectional surveys among marketing managers. The classification procedure based on metric distance was implemented to identify the marketing control combinations. A hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out with perceptions about formal and informal control, to validate the control combination classifications. Finally, a discriminant analysis and ANOVA test were carried out for exploring factors associated with the managers. The data analysis was supported by IBM SPSS Statistics 24 software.

Findings

The authors found evidence that, when managers perceive high-control systems, the perception of non-financial and financial results is always better, but the presence of high-clan control also returns optimal results. In addition, the manager's satisfaction levels and work motivation are higher with high control systems than with other control systems.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing knowledge by providing a broader empirical basis to extend conceptual frameworks about marketing control combinations that emerge in practice.

研究目的

企業設置營銷控制系統來進行營銷控制,這可讓市場經理能改善其營運決策和組織成果。本文擬確定控制合併與組織成果的關係;本文亦擬分析涉及市場經理的變數與營銷控制合併的關係。涉及營銷控制的決策會結合正式和非正式的機制,而這些決策會帶來與組織成果有良性關係的控制系統。

研究方法

本研究乃基於對市場經理進行的301項橫斷調查。研究人員實施基於度量距離的分類程式,來確定營銷控制合併;為了證實有關的控制合併分類是正確的,研究人員就對正式控制和非正式控制的觀感和看法、進行了階層式分群法分析;最後,研究人員進行了判別分析和變異數分析 (ANOVA), 以探索與經理有關聯的因素。有關的數據分析得到IBM公司的SPSS (統計產品與服務解決方案) Statistics 24 (統計軟體) 的支持。

研究結果

我們證實了、若主管感知高控制的系統,其對非財務結果和財務結果的看法必會較好的,但高社群控制亦會帶來最佳的結果。我們亦證實了高控制系統,較其它控制系統,更能提高主管的滿意程度和工作動機。

研究的原創性

本研究提供了一個更廣闊的經驗基礎,以擴展涉及在實踐中出現的營銷控制合併的概念框架,就此,本研究豐富了這方面的知識。

Details

European Journal of Management and Business Economics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2444-8451

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 May 2024

A.Z. Siti Nazariah, A.K. Siti-Nabiha and Zubir Azhar

The study aimed to examine the transformation of a non-profit microfinance institution (MFI) into a hybrid social enterprise, and the role of formal and informal controls in…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aimed to examine the transformation of a non-profit microfinance institution (MFI) into a hybrid social enterprise, and the role of formal and informal controls in reconciling the discordance between the two conflicting (social and commercial) objectives that emerged due to the transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of a non-governmental MFI located in Southeast Asian country was conducted. This case study drew on the institutional logics perspective as an analytical tool to understand the complexity of change and the mobilisation of management control practices to align two conflicting goals at the core of the MFI’s organisational strategies. This study adopted the interpretive approach and relied on multiple data sources, including semi-structured interviews and documentary evidence.

Findings

The application of commercial principles in the operations of the MFI occurred in several phases. First, the MFI changed from a non-profit business model to a hybrid social enterprise, which pursued a double bottom-line strategy. The informal control practices inherent in the organisation’s culture created a high level of social awareness embedded within a social logic. In contrast, the formal control practices were directly linked to the new commercial logic. The synergy between the two logics was optimised by reinforcing formal and informal control practices.

Originality/value

This study offers insights into the role of control systems in reconciling the discordance between competing social and financial objectives within a non-governmental MFI that enjoys substantial financial and nonfinancial support from the government.

Details

Journal of Accounting in Emerging Economies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-1168

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2024

Chuanjing Ju, Yan Ning and Yuzhong Shen

Safety professionals' primary job is to execute safety control measures towards frontline personnel, and previous studies focus on the effectiveness of such controls. Rare…

Abstract

Purpose

Safety professionals' primary job is to execute safety control measures towards frontline personnel, and previous studies focus on the effectiveness of such controls. Rare research efforts, however, have been devoted to the effectiveness of management control measures towards safety professionals themselves. This study aimed to fill up this knowledge gap by examining whether safety professionals under differing management control configurations differ in their work attitudes, including affective commitment, job satisfaction, career commitment and intention to quit.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a holistic view of control, five forms of management control, i.e. outcome control, process control, capability control, professional control and reinforcement, were investigated. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey targeting at construction safety professionals was conducted. The latent profile analysis approach was employed to identify how the five forms of management control are configured, i.e. identifying the distinctive patterns of control profiles. The Bolck–Croon–Hagenaars method was then used to examine whether safety professionals' work attitudes were different across the identified control profiles.

Findings

Seven distinct control profiles were extracted from the sample of 475 construction safety professionals. The overall test of outcome means showed that mean levels of affective commitment, job satisfaction and intentions to quit were significantly different across the seven profiles. The largest that was also the most desirable subgroup was the high control profile (n = 161, 33.9%). The least desirable subgroups included the low control profile (n = 75, 15.8%) and the low capability and professional control profile (n = 12, 2.5%). Pairwise comparison suggested that capability, professional and process controls were more effective than outcome control and reinforcement.

Originality/value

In theory, this study contributes to the burgeoning literature on how to improve the effectiveness of control measures targeted at safety professionals. The results suggested that effective management controls involve a fine combination of formal, informal, process and output controls. In practice, this study uncovers the ways in which managers leverage the efforts of safety professionals in achieving safety goals. Particularly, it informs managers that the control configurations, instead of isolated controls, should be executed to motivate safety professionals.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2024

Hao Chen and Yuge Hai

Effective information security management (ISM) contributes to building a healthy organizational digital ecology. However, few studies have built an analysis framework for…

Abstract

Purpose

Effective information security management (ISM) contributes to building a healthy organizational digital ecology. However, few studies have built an analysis framework for critical influencing factors to discuss the combined influence mechanism of multiple factors on ISM performance (ISMP). This study aims to explore the critical success factors and understand how these factors contribute to ISMP.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed-method approach to achieve this study’s research goals. In Study 1, the authors conducted a qualitative analysis to take a series of International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission standard documents as the basis to refine the critical factors that may influence organizations’ ISMP. In Study 2, the authors built a research model based on the organizational control perspective and used the survey-based partial least squares-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach to understand the relationships between these factors in promoting ISMP. In Study 3, the authors used the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method to empirically analyze the complex mechanisms of how the combinations of the factors affect ISMP.

Findings

The following three research findings are obtained. First, based on the text-based qualitative analysis, the authors refined the critical success factors that may increase ISMP, including information security policies (ISP), top management support (TMS), alignment (ALI), information security risk assessment (IRA), information security awareness (ISA) and information security culture (ISC). Second, the PLS-SEM testing results confirmed TMS is the antecedent variable motivating organization’s formation (ISP) and information control (ISC) approaches; these two types of organization control approaches increase IRA, ISA and ALI and then promote ISMP directly and indirectly. Third, the fsQCA testing results found two configurations that can achieve high ISMP and one driving path that leads to non-high ISMP.

Originality/value

This study extends knowledge by exploring configuration factors to improve or impede the performances of organizations’ ISM. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to explore the use of the fsQCA approach in information security studies, and the results not only revealed causal associations between single factors but also highlighted the critical role of configuration factors in developing organizational ISMP. This study calls attention to information security managers of an organization should highlight the combined effect between the factors and reasonably allocate organizational resources to achieve high ISMP.

Details

Information & Computer Security, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2023

Ruth Dimes and Matteo Molinari

This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework informed by a literature review. This framework aims to deepen and broaden the understanding of the relationship between…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework informed by a literature review. This framework aims to deepen and broaden the understanding of the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and non-financial reporting (NFR) through qualitative research approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of corporate governance and NFR literature and existing research frameworks leads to the development of a conceptual framework to encourage future qualitative accounting research on the corporate governance mechanisms for NFR.

Findings

Few studies consider the complex interrelationships between NFR and corporate governance mechanisms. Quantitative studies using secondary data sources dominate accounting research on the topic. Of the small number of qualitative studies, many are theoretical and offer little new knowledge about the effectiveness of corporate governance mechanisms in practice. The research framework, developed from a literature review and consideration of multiple qualitative approaches, proposes numerous avenues for future research.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on a scoping review of the literature using peer-reviewed journal papers. Other researchers may have identified additional literature for inclusion, including grey literature.

Practical implications

More qualitative research into NFR and corporate governance mechanisms may help to guide practitioners seeking to incorporate sustainability into their governance practices.

Social implications

The critical relationship between NRF and corporate governance is under-explored in research yet has significant consequences for organisations pursuing sustainability.

Originality/value

The authors develop a conceptual framework for qualitative accounting research on NFR and corporate governance, addressing key outstanding questions in this area and considering different theoretical perspectives when approaching this critical topic. Although there is scope for further research in general in this promising area, including quantitative reviews and discursive studies, qualitative research would be of particular value. The authors also outline multiple directions for nurturing academic debate.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 July 2024

Elisa Truant, Edoardo Crocco, Francesca Culasso and Safiya Mukhtar Alshibani

The popularity of Management Control Systems (MCS) has increased due to rising uncertainty in business operations. They help companies implement strategies, manage information and…

Abstract

Purpose

The popularity of Management Control Systems (MCS) has increased due to rising uncertainty in business operations. They help companies implement strategies, manage information and incentivize managers with common goals. Therefore, the research aims to take stock of the evolution of studies on MCS adoption, identifying trends and future avenues.

Design/methodology/approach

While a few systematic literature reviews have investigated the implications of MCS adoption amid specific contexts, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the whole research stream is lacking. Consequently, our study analyzes relevant scientific literature on the topic of MCS from 1970 to 2022, through the use of VOSviewer, R Bibliometrix and Latent Dirichlet Allocation to visualize the bibliometric results.

Findings

The study provides a comprehensive overview of key emerging topics in MCS literature and the ways in which they have developed over the decades, along with a structured research agenda built upon the literature gaps found amid current and past scientific production. It does so by analyzing scientific production from multiple bibliometric aspects and advanced text-mining techniques to extract common emerging themes from the dataset.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no attempt has yet been made to synthesize MCS literature through a bibliometric review. The bibliometric perspective on MCS enhances scholars' understanding of the historical path and future trends of the literature stream, while helping practitioners update existing MCS conceptualizations in light of contemporary changes.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 July 2024

Per Erik Eriksson

This paper aims to examine how different contextual contingency factors and organizational goals influence construction clients’ decision-making when procuring contractors in the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how different contextual contingency factors and organizational goals influence construction clients’ decision-making when procuring contractors in the housing sector. More specifically, it investigates how clients’ choice of procurement strategies and organizational control systems is contingent upon various contextual factors and organizational goals.

Design/methodology/approach

It is based on an explorative interview study of clients and contractors in the Swedish housing sector underpinned by a review of organizational control literature.

Findings

The client's knowledge and resources, as well as project complexity and uncertainty, are the most important contextual contingency factors, while property management and sustainable development are the most important organizational goals that housing clients consider when designing procurement strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to the understanding of how construction clients choose procurement strategies, by providing new insights into effects of the mentioned contextual contingency factors and organizational goals on clients’ choice of control systems through their procurement strategies.

Practical implications

Property owners who continuously procure housing projects with sustainability requirements and high degrees of complexity and uncertainty should develop knowledge and resources related to their client role, to enable the design and implementation of appropriate procurement strategies.

Originality/value

Novel aspects of the paper are the demonstration of the value of a holistic approach, considering both contextual contingency factors and organizational goals, when selecting control systems and explicit discussion of how the client's knowledge and resources influence possibilities to implement different control systems.

Details

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-4387

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

Charl de Villiers, Ruth Dimes and Matteo Molinari

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework that explores the determinants, mechanisms and consequences of reporting on the United Nations Sustainable…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework that explores the determinants, mechanisms and consequences of reporting on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) by universities. The framework considers the relationship between reporting on the SDGs and the three main activities of universities: research, teaching and service. As universities hold a unique position in society, understanding their experiences with SDG reporting offers insights into the promotion and integration of SDGs into reporting and practice more broadly.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a conceptual approach and draws on existing literature to develop a framework for understanding reporting on the UN SDGs by universities. The framework considers the challenges faced by universities in providing sustainability information and examines the motivations and outcomes associated with reporting. It also explores the coordination and collaboration necessary across departments within universities and discusses the risks associated with greenwashing.

Findings

The paper highlights that reporting on the UN SDGs can enhance university engagement with stakeholders, improve their reputation, and foster innovation and transdisciplinary research ideas. However, universities encounter challenges such as limited data availability, resource constraints, lack of coordination and competing priorities. The growing scepticism surrounding reporting motives has led to increased allegations of greenwashing within the sector.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the accounting literature by presenting a comprehensive framework that explores the determinants, mechanisms and consequences of reporting on the UN SDGs by universities. The framework offers insights into how reporting on SDGs can lead to embedding the SDGs in research, teaching and service activities and can be adapted to other organisational contexts. The paper also emphasises the need for further research on the mechanisms of reporting, which play a crucial role in driving long-lasting change.

Details

Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1096-3367

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 January 2024

Yanhui Du, Jingfeng Yuan, ShouQing Wang, Yan Liu and Ningshuang Zeng

The information used for supervision by regulatory departments in public-private partnership (PPP) projects is primarily transmitted and processed by the PPP implementation…

210

Abstract

Purpose

The information used for supervision by regulatory departments in public-private partnership (PPP) projects is primarily transmitted and processed by the PPP implementation department, which negatively impacts the information quality, leading to information asymmetry and undermining the overall effectiveness of supervision. This study aims to explore how to use blockchain to anchor the information used for supervision in PPP projects to the original information, to strengthen the oversight.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts the principles of design science research (DSR) to design a conceptual framework that systematically organizes information along the information dissemination chain, ensuring the reliable anchoring of original information. Two-stage interviews involving experts from academia and industry are conducted, serving as formative and summative evaluations to guide the design.

Findings

The framework establishes a weak-centralized information organizing mode, including the design of governance community and on-chain and off-chain governance mechanisms. Feedback from experts is collected via interviews and the designed framework is thought to improve information used for supervision. Constructive suggestions are also collected and analyzed for further development.

Originality/value

This paper provides a novel example exploring the inspirations blockchain can bring to project governance, like exercising caution regarding the disorderly expansion of public sector authority in addressing information disadvantages and how to leverage blockchain to achieve this. Technical details conveyed by the framework deepen understanding of how blockchain benefits and the challenges faced in successful implementation for practitioners and policymakers. The targeted evaluation serves as rigorous validation, guiding experts to provide reliable feedback and richer insights by offering them a more cognitively convenient scenario.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2024

Liang Xiao and Tongping Ke

Instant crowdsourcing logistics (ICL) platform is an emerging business model in the field of logistics services. Crowdsourcees’ active participation in platform value co-creation…

Abstract

Purpose

Instant crowdsourcing logistics (ICL) platform is an emerging business model in the field of logistics services. Crowdsourcees’ active participation in platform value co-creation is the key to success for this business model. This study aims to explore the influence of platform governance mechanisms on crowdsourcees’ participation in value co-creation on the platform.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on governance theory, this study constructed a model of the influence of platform governance mechanisms on crowdsourcees’ value co-creation intentions and discussed the role of community diversity in this model. The survey data of 319 collected from crowdsourcees on China’s well-known ICL platform were analyzed using a partial least squares structural equation model.

Findings

The results showed that platform governance mechanisms have a significant influence on crowdsourcees’ value co-creation intentions. Among them, the impact of the welfare resource support mechanism is the largest, followed by the reputation reward and punishment mechanism, while the price coordination mechanism has the least impact. Community diversity has a significant positive moderating effect on the welfare resource support mechanism and crowdsourcees’ value co-creation intentions, but not between other governance mechanisms and crowdsourcees’ value co-creation intentions.

Originality/value

The results provide references for ICL platform to develop a targeted governance mechanism to enhance the positive role of community diversity and reduce the negative impact.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

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