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21 – 30 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 30 June 2014

Gong Sun, Steven D’Alessandro, Lester W. Johnson and Hume Winzar

– The purpose of this paper is to highlight the problems in the measurement of culture in consumer studies and offers suggestions for remedies.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the problems in the measurement of culture in consumer studies and offers suggestions for remedies.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on literature from related fields, the paper discusses some general issues in the measurement of culture and draws consumer researchers’ attention to the flaws in the common cultural measures in consumer research. Implications for future research are also provided.

Findings

The paper highlights two main shortcomings of commonly used culture instruments which are seldom taken into account by consumer researchers. Specifically, the commonly used culture dimensions in consumer studies do not have clear conceptual boundaries. Moreover, important differences between the different approaches to culture measuring (self- vs group-referenced and values vs practices) are always overlooked. The paper suggests that consumer research needs more focussed and refined measures and discusses which approach is better in which context.

Originality/value

This paper explores the issues of conceptual ambiguity and approach inconsistency in order to draw consumer researchers’ attention to the flaws in common measures of culture. Only when one measures what one expects to measure will the relationship that one observe between these cultural dimensions and consumer behavior be valid.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2017

Marieke de Mooij

The purpose of this paper is to find consumption-related similarities and differences between the three major dimensional models of national culture, to help researchers select…

4913

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find consumption-related similarities and differences between the three major dimensional models of national culture, to help researchers select specific models or dimensions for their cross-cultural studies.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a review of the theoretical background of cultural values and three models of national culture is provided: those by Hofstede, Schwartz and GLOBE. Then these models are compared through partial correlation analysis, controlling for GNP/capita of a set of 25 relevant consumer behavior-related data with country scores of 21 dimensions of the three dimensional models.

Findings

Of all models several dimensions explain differences in consumer behavior. Some dimensions explain values related to specific consumer behavior domains better than others. Only a few dimensions of different models do not show meaningful interesting relationships with consumer behavior issues. Dimensions with the same label do not explain similar differences.

Practical implications

Cross-cultural researchers can choose from the several cultural models, but selecting a model only based on descriptions of the contents of dimensions is difficult. The relationships of dimensions with concrete consumer behavior data found in this study facilitate choice. This analysis may help researchers who consider conducting cross-cultural analysis of consumer behavior data to select a specific model, or specific dimensions of different models that apply best to their research question.

Originality/value

This is the first study that compares the three major dimensional models with examples of consumer behavior-related items.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 August 2011

Christopher Robertson and Scott Geiger

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of cultural differences on managerial attitudes about moral philosophies and ethics codes, accomplished through a sample of US…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of cultural differences on managerial attitudes about moral philosophies and ethics codes, accomplished through a sample of US and Peruvian managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Managerial attitudes about moral philosophies are assessed in Peru and the USA. Specifically, the cultural dimension individualism vs collectivism is integrated with the moral philosophies egoism and utilitarianism to serve as the theoretical foundation for the three hypotheses in this study. Hypotheses are tested using survey data from 187 Peruvian and 117 US managers.

Findings

The results suggest that important ethical differences exist between these two nations with respect to the impact of utilitarianism and egoism on the perceived benefits of ethics codes as deterrent mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited in the generalizability of results because data from only two countries are collected. Another limitation is the lack of control over the industry of respondents. Implications include the facilitation of a deeper understanding of cultural and moral differences between the USA and Peru.

Practical implications

One implication is that US managers can learn more about the collectivistic sentiment that underlies the Peruvian tendency to take a cost‐benefit, or utilitarian, approach when assessing moral scenarios. Also, the development of cross‐border codes of ethics and implementation of policies related to behavioral expectations of workers should also be considered in light of national differences in managerial attitudes about ethical philosophies.

Originality/value

There have been very few studies in which US and Peruvian managerial and moral values have been contrasted. This study sheds new light on two nations that have witnessed a surge in trade in the past decade.

Details

Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1352-7606

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2013

Hussein Shaaban and Marc Conrad

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of culture on information security in a developing country's view.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of culture on information security in a developing country's view.

Design/methodology/approach

Two questionnaires adopted from the GLOBE project and OCAI were used to collect quantitative data on national and organisational culture. Also, a face to face semi‐structured interview was used to get insight into deep‐rooted issues concerning information security in the study environment. In addition, a previous study was used to find correlation of the data in this study.

Findings

The findings show that national culture has more influence than organisation culture on information security. We find that the dimensions that influence information security are Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, In‐Group Collectivism, and Future Orientation.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted in a public sector environment with employees thereby limiting external validity. Also, the population of the survey was small to make a generalisation of the findings. Also, the length of the questionnaire and complexity of questions put off many potential respondents.

Practical implications

Culture has impact on information security implementation and therefore the results imply that some consideration should be given when implementing information security models.

Originality/value

This study is important because it empirically correlates information security with cultural dimensions in a developing country's environment.

Details

Information Management & Computer Security, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-5227

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2013

Pramila Rao

The primary purpose of this research paper is to understand the role of national cultural dimensions on “best” HRM (human resource management) practices in India. India is…

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Abstract

Purpose

The primary purpose of this research paper is to understand the role of national cultural dimensions on “best” HRM (human resource management) practices in India. India is considered a major emerging economy in the world today. US multinationals are significantly increasing their presence in India. An understanding of “best” local HRM practices will help global practitioners adopt better HRM strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative paper uses a multiple‐case design method of three “best” Indian companies. The interviews were tape‐recorded and transcribed to understand the interview material clearly. The cases were analyzed independently followed by a cross‐case synthesis of the results. Construct validity, internal reliability, and external validity were followed according to scholarly guidelines required for a quality case analysis.

Findings

This research identifies the role of national cultural dimensions of power distance, uncertainty‐avoidance, in‐group collectivism, and future‐orientation on “best” HRM practices. It was observed that these three organizations have a strong focus on employee referrals (collectivist orientation), elaborate training and development (future orientation), developmental performance management (collectivist orientation), egalitarian practices (power‐distance), and family friendly practices (collectivist orientation). The various HRM practices are elaborated in the results section.

Practical implications

This study provides preliminary guidelines for global practitioners who may be interested in doing business in India. The paper provides a model of “best” HRM practices adopted by these three companies and also a strategic model integrating the national cultural dimensions to understand the HRM practices better.

Originality/value

This qualitative research integrates national cultural dimensions and “best” practices to provide a better understanding of culture. Studies have not examined the role of national cultural dimensions and best practices per se. Traditionally most studies on culture adopt the national cultural dimensions of Hofstede's – this study uses the scores of the GLOBE cultural study which is considered contemporary and distinguished in its research.

Article
Publication date: 7 October 2019

Qian Ya Pian, Hui Jin and Hui Li

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between behavior-oriented knowledge sharing and innovative behavior and the moderating effects of collectivism on the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between behavior-oriented knowledge sharing and innovative behavior and the moderating effects of collectivism on the aforementioned relationship. It also assesses the impact of epistemic motivation and pro-social motivation on behavior-oriented knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on Chinese context, the study conducts a questionnaire survey to test the research model. Linear regression analysis is used to examine the main effects of the independent variables, and the multi-level linear regression model is used to evaluate the moderating effects of the controlled variables.

Findings

The findings reveal that epistemic motivation stimulates individual-oriented knowledge sharing and pro-social motivation stimulates organization-oriented knowledge sharing. Organization-oriented knowledge sharing impacts more than individual-oriented knowledge sharing on innovative behavior. Moreover, collectivism is shown to positively moderate the relationship between behavior-oriented knowledge sharing and innovative behavior.

Practical implications

The study provides evidence that motivation should be significantly considered when sharing knowledge. Managers should prioritize the promotion of employees’ epistemic and pro-social motivation. The study also suggests that encouraging collectivism should be an important objective, as it moderates the relationship between knowledge sharing and innovative behavior positively.

Originality/value

The study emphasized how individual-oriented and organization-oriented knowledge sharing impacts innovative behavior differently and how collectivism moderates that relationship. It also illustrates how epistemic and pro-social motivation affects behavior-oriented knowledge sharing. The study contributes to a stream of research that links knowledge sharing and innovative behavior.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 23 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 13 March 2023

Ufuk Alpsahin Cullen

To date, limited studies have examined the country-specific social institutions to explain the informal entrepreneurial activities of women, particularly, within the context of…

Abstract

To date, limited studies have examined the country-specific social institutions to explain the informal entrepreneurial activities of women, particularly, within the context of the Middle East. This research paper attempts to close this gap through identifying the contextual and personal factors of domestic informal female entrepreneurs (DIFE) within the context of Turkey as a representative case of the Middle East region. The chapter takes national culture as the external context to identify the informal institutions that shape women's informal entrepreneurial activities and uses the Globe Project cultural dimensions to describe the sociocultural context. The qualitative research presented here was conducted with 38 DIFEs who participated in an EU-funded project in Turkey.

The profile of the informal domestic female entrepreneur reflects a middle-aged woman, married with children, literate with a low-level education and a necessity-type entrepreneur at the beginning who gradually evolves into a pull-type sociocultural entrepreneur in time. The findings show that, the perceived sociocultural environment can be categorized as a socially supportive culture – SSC (Hayton and Cacciotti, 2013, p. 713) which is one of the facilitators of informal entrepreneurial activities and creates a fertile and socially legitimized ground for the informal commercial activities of women in Turkey.

Details

New Horizons and Global Perspectives in Female Entrepreneurship Research
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83982-781-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 November 2020

Anil Kumar Goswami, Rakesh Kumar Agrawal and Meghna Goswami

The purpose of this study is to explore, understand and investigate the relationship between national culture and knowledge management (KM) process.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore, understand and investigate the relationship between national culture and knowledge management (KM) process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on systematically and objectively capturing the contents of extant research papers published by researchers in this area by using the literature review methodology.

Findings

The study demonstrates significant relationship between national culture and KM process. Further, it also provides directions for future research.

Practical implications

The study will help top management to understand and appreciate the impact of national culture on KM process in organization, where people from different nations are working together. The management may apply appropriate organizational interventions to manage people of different national cultures in effective manner and effective utilization of knowledge of the organization through KM process. This paper will be considered as a quick reference and resource for anyone interested in this area.

Originality/value

This study is a comprehensive literature review of influence of national culture on KM process. Further, it also sets the research agenda for future researchers.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 30 December 2004

Lane Kelley, Brent MacNab, Reginald Worthley, Ian Pagano and Lenard Huff

Japanese organizations have been forced to re-evaluate their management systems in light of recent economic and competitive pressures. Much can be learned about the adjustments of…

Abstract

Japanese organizations have been forced to re-evaluate their management systems in light of recent economic and competitive pressures. Much can be learned about the adjustments of the Japanese management mindset, and a more competitive Japan may emerge as a result of successful adaptation. This study makes a longitudinal examination of the dynamic nature of management practices and thinking in the Japanese banking industry. Pressures on key industries in Japan during this time, e.g. the financial sector, provide insight into how adaptable Japanese institutions might be. The study finds important areas of meaningful change, supporting a crossvergence approach.

Details

Japanese Firms in Transition: Responding to the Globalization Challenge
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76231-157-6

Book part
Publication date: 14 December 2023

Nimet Kalkan and Fatma Betül Şükür

This chapter aims to consider workplace spirituality from a cross-cultural perspective. The terms workplace spirituality and culture are so intangible, and both start with the…

Abstract

This chapter aims to consider workplace spirituality from a cross-cultural perspective. The terms workplace spirituality and culture are so intangible, and both start with the attitude and behavior of humans but are meaningful in a community. Because of the constraint of understanding these abstract settings, it is necessary to define and specify the dimensions of both concepts to achieve the aim of this chapter. In this regard, the section starts with the conceptuality of workplace spirituality and the dimensions of the term, which cumulate at individual, group, and organizational levels. It goes with the part of cultural dimensions in the light of Hofstede's (2001) direction, Chhokar, Brodbeck, and House's (2007) extension, and Sharma's (2010) derivation of cultural dimensions for national, organizational, and individual levels, respectively. After joining the dots, the chapter focuses on one of the most sacred research areas for academic literature, cross-cultural differences, and workplace spirituality. The last part of the chapter is the conclusion to point to final notes about the concepts and help guide future studies.

21 – 30 of over 2000