Search results
1 – 10 of over 1000HsiuJu Rebecca Yen, Paul Jen-Hwa Hu, Yi-Chun Liao and Jiun-Yu Wu
Ambidextrous frontline service employees (FSEs), capable of delivering quality services and carrying out sales responsibilities too, are crucial to service firms. This study seeks…
Abstract
Purpose
Ambidextrous frontline service employees (FSEs), capable of delivering quality services and carrying out sales responsibilities too, are crucial to service firms. This study seeks to extend ambidexterity research by examining how a manager's goal orientation could influence FSEs' ambidextrous conversion. The authors draw on achievement goal theory and conceptualize a link between a manager's achievement goal orientation and employees' service–sales ambidexterity (SSA). The authors then apply conservation of resources theory to complement this high-level conceptualization, hypothesize mediating roles of important resources that can facilitate employees' SSA, and the authors test them empirically.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a questionnaire survey design. The empirical test relies on multilevel path analyses of dyadic data from 341 FSEs and 39 managers of a major logistics service company in Taiwan.
Findings
Managers with a prominent learning goal orientation can facilitate and foster FSEs' SSA through developmental inducements and change-related self-efficacy, two important resources for their ambidextrous conversion. Managers with a strong performance-avoid goal orientation instead might hinder employees' SSA conversion, due to a negative impact on developmental inducements. Furthermore, SSA enhances FSEs' service delivery value and sales performance.
Originality/value
By analyzing and empirically testing the influence pathways of essential resources perceived by FSEs, which channel the effects of a manager's goal orientation to employees' SSA conversion, this study offers insights about how managers can support and foster FSEs' service–sales ambidextrous conversion.
Details
Keywords
Naveen Gudigantala, Pelin Bicen and Mike (Tae-in) Eom
This study aims to theorize and empirically examine the relationship between “purchase intention and conversion rate”, “website satisfaction and conversion rate” and “purchase…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to theorize and empirically examine the relationship between “purchase intention and conversion rate”, “website satisfaction and conversion rate” and “purchase intention and conversion rate”. E-Commerce conversion rate represents the percentage of visits to an e-tailer’s website that includes a purchase transaction. Despite the importance of conversion rates for e-tailers, prior research predominantly used purchase intention and website satisfaction as main dependent variables and implicitly assumed that these variables will influence the actual purchase.
Design/methodology/approach
Data on 85 US retail websites were used to test the hypotheses. The unit of the analysis is the online retail website. Regression analysis was used to perform the data analysis.
Findings
The results indicate that both purchase intention and website satisfaction positively influence conversion rates. It was also found that website satisfaction positively influences purchase intention.
Research limitations/implications
Only data from 85 US e-tailers from the top-100 US online retailers are used to test the hypotheses. Also, conversion rate is only one of the several important success metrics used by e-tailers.
Originality/value
This study not only examines antecedents of e-commerce conversion rates, but also theorizes and tests if there is a statistically significant relationship between “purchase intention and conversion rate” and “website satisfaction and conversion rate”. This is because, although previous studies used purchase intention and website satisfaction as main dependent variables and proxies for actual purchase behavior, they did not validate this relationship. This study shows that: there is a statistically significant relationship between “purchase intention and conversion rate” and “website satisfaction and conversion rate”, there is also a statistically significant relationship between “website satisfaction and purchase intention” and this study used firm-level data to theorize, measure and analyze the data, whereas prior literature used only individual-level data.
Details
Keywords
Claire Gubbins, Siobhan Corrigan, Thomas N. Garavan, Christy O' Connor, Damien Leahy, David Long and Eamonn Murphy
This paper aims to present a case study illustrating the issues involved in the tacit knowledge conversion process and to determine whether such conversion delivers value to the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a case study illustrating the issues involved in the tacit knowledge conversion process and to determine whether such conversion delivers value to the organisation in terms of business value and return on investment (ROI).
Design/methodology/approach
A single‐case multiple baseline participants experimental design, replicated across two participants, was utilised. Aaron's KM V‐model of evaluation is utilised to determine the ROI of the initiative.
Findings
While the evaluation of the tacit knowledge conversion initiative suggests positive value to the business; analysis of the conversion process also reveals a number of individual level factors, which reinforce the challenges associated with efforts to access, capture and share expert tacit knowledge.
Research limitations/implications
The results of this study may stimulate further research on tacit knowledge management processes, and specifically the influence of the individual in the success or failure of these initiatives.
Practical implications
The paper presents an actual case study situation that reveals the micro‐level issues involved in converting tacit expert knowledge.
Originality/value
The paper addresses three important areas; it makes an effort to focus on tacit rather than explicit knowledge management, it takes steps to evaluate a tacit knowledge management initiative in terms of its tangible business value, and it pays attention to the influence of the individual in knowledge management processes, which are inherently driven by the individual.
Details
Keywords
Fikri Zul Fahmi and Medina Savira
This paper aims to identify how digitalization affects entrepreneurial attitudes in rural areas in Indonesia, a country in the Global South. The development of digital technology…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify how digitalization affects entrepreneurial attitudes in rural areas in Indonesia, a country in the Global South. The development of digital technology can help entrepreneurs, in that faster and easier information acquisition helps rural communities to identify new opportunities and innovate. Yet, digital development generates higher disparity, and thus, not all people can benefit from digitalization. Although digital technology can facilitate the development of entrepreneurship, its benefits depend on individual preferences. In this regard, the capability approach is used so as to reflect how different valuations of digital technology in rural entrepreneurs influence their attitude with regard to recognizing business opportunities and taking risks.
Design/methodology/approach
A double case study approach is used in which this study examines two cases of rural entrepreneurs in Indonesia that represent different uses of digital technologies and socio-economic rural contexts: coffee entrepreneurs in Kintamani and craft producers in Kamasan village. In so doing, semi-structured interviews were conducted with local entrepreneurs and communities according to purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The qualitative data were then analysed using a constant comparative technique which allows us to develop a conceptual argument by observing patterns within and between the cases.
Findings
The findings show that digitalization shapes the attitude of rural entrepreneurs differently, although the same opportunity from using digital technology is present in the village. Social and environmental factors facilitate the rural entrepreneurs to consider using digital technology to develop their businesses. However, as each individual entrepreneur has a different valuation of digital technology, the benefits it offers – such as broader market opportunities and new business ideas – vary. Entrepreneurs who consider digital technology to be a valuable resource for developing their businesses are more curious to explore its benefits.
Originality/value
The capability approach provides a new perspective in understanding rural entrepreneurship. First, the authors demonstrate that the success of rural entrepreneurship is influenced not only by concrete things (e.g. resources) but also the individual perspective on these resources which may vary across entrepreneurs. Second, the authors show not only the potential differences in socio-cultural contexts in which the capability approach is applied but also how socio-cultural values and collectivism influence the individual valuation of resources that could benefit entrepreneurs.
Details
Keywords
Nosheen Sarwat and Muhammad Abbas
The purpose of this study was to understand the effects of creative self-efficacy and affective personal commitment on individuals' knowledge creation and innovative work…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to understand the effects of creative self-efficacy and affective personal commitment on individuals' knowledge creation and innovative work behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a time-lagged field survey to collect data from a diverse sample across various organizations in Pakistan (N = 249 paired responses). Main and mediating effects were tested using bootstrapping technique.
Findings
The results revealed that affective personal commitment and creative self-efficacy significantly predicted supervisory-rated innovative performance directly and indirectly through knowledge creation ability (KCA).
Originality/value
The study uniquely contributed to the body of knowledge by developing and validating scales for KCA and affective personal commitment. In addition, the study contributed to the body of knowledge by examining the antecedents and outcomes of KCA.
Details
Keywords
Monthon Sorakraikitikul and Sununta Siengthai
The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of organizational learning culture as an enabler of knowledge-sharing behaviours and workplace spirituality. A model is…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of organizational learning culture as an enabler of knowledge-sharing behaviours and workplace spirituality. A model is proposed to examine the mediating role of knowledge-sharing behaviours between organizational learning culture and workplace spirituality.
Design/methodology/approach
Employees from various Thai industries participated in the study, and structural equation modelling was used to test hypothesized relationships.
Findings
Results suggest a positive relationship between organizational learning culture and workplace spirituality, partially mediated by knowledge-sharing behaviours.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to Thailand, and is a cross-sectional design. Further investigation into the causality of relationships and cultural disparities is needed.
Practical implications
Friendly learning environments enable both knowledge sharing and change organization members’ views regarding learning and performance improvements for organizational sustainability.
Originality/value
This paper bridges a gap between theory and practice concerning the outcomes of organizational learning and factors that lead to workplace spirituality.
Details
Keywords
Wei Yao, Xu Han and Yuxiang Li
This paper aims to refine cross-organizational knowledge creation theory by exploring the knowledge conversion process of University-Industry (U-I) collaboration in Chinese…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to refine cross-organizational knowledge creation theory by exploring the knowledge conversion process of University-Industry (U-I) collaboration in Chinese aerospace industry. An ancient Chinese philosophy named I-Ching is also introduced to illustrate dynamics of knowledge creation to achieve enlightenment.
Design/methodology/approach
To describe the knowledge conversion tendency, a theoretical framework is developed by reference to Boisot’s (1995) Information Space. The application of the framework is described in the in-depth case study of micro-electrode manufacturing for aerospace vehicles. The dynamics of each stage in knowledge conversion is investigated with the implications from I-Ching.
Findings
Analysis of the results suggests that seven certain stages can be especially indicative of cross-organizational knowledge creation, namely: demand codification; knowledge gain; knowledge digestion; knowledge sharing; knowledge propagation; knowledge spillover and knowledge degeneration. A knowledge gain, digestion, sharing and propagation (GDSP) knowledge creation theory is developed accordingly. The form of knowledge in different stages is variable, the change among various forms is effectively explained by I-Ching.
Research limitations/implications
There is clearly a strong requirement to test the framework further with other cases, such as sampling cases from different industries and of different firm scales. Besides, the knowledge creation processes on the organizational level and the individual level are quite different, which call for further study.
Practical implications
First, the theory helps firms to get a better understanding of the nature of U-I collaboration, that is to say, knowledge creation. That will, in turn, power the firm to take the initiative to participate in knowledge creation activities. Second, the illustration through I-Ching provides reasonable and easily understandable interpretations for Chinese corporate managers and executives. Traditional Chinese culture will be beneficial to make U-I collaborations more efficient and effective in China.
Originality/value
A new “GDSP knowledge creation theory” which enriches and advances the typical socialization, externalization, combination and internalization (SECI) knowledge creation theory in some aspects is proposed. The theory is deeply grounded in Chinese culture. Furthermore, the conversion of different knowledge forms in the theory is considered from a totally new perspective of ancient Chinese philosophy: I-Ching.
Details
Keywords
Alexander Kaiser and Birgit Fordinal
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new type of ba, called “vocation ba” and to describe the main aspects of this type of ba as well as its methods.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new type of ba, called “vocation ba” and to describe the main aspects of this type of ba as well as its methods.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews the literature in the field of self‐transcending knowledge and the concept of ba and shows the main aspects for the design of a new methodology and framework. Additionally it analyzes experiences with the new method from several case studies.
Findings
First the concept of vocation ba describes a space on the individual level as well as on the collective level for the generation of self‐transcending knowledge. Second the method of Vocation‐coachingWaVe is a helpful method within the vocation ba. The experiences with these two new concepts from several case studies are very encouraging.
Research limitations/implications
The number of case studies at the collective level is still limited, as the authors have been working with the method of Vocation‐coachingWaVe at the collective level for two years. At the moment further research is done in larger systems.
Practical implications
This study gives insight and information about the method of Vocation‐coachingWaVe and the concept of vocation ba.
Originality/value
The paper presents one of the few studies, which theoretically and practically deals with the aspect of self‐transcending knowledge in the context of vision development processes and knowledge‐based management on the individual level as well as on the collective level. The method of Vocation‐coachingWaVe at the collective level is a continuous approach of a bottom‐up vision development process.
Details
Keywords
Georgy Laptev and Dmitry Shaytan
The purpose of the study is to discover a model of knowledge conversion and knowledge transferring/sharing barriers in an entrepreneurial team (ET) working with innovative users…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to discover a model of knowledge conversion and knowledge transferring/sharing barriers in an entrepreneurial team (ET) working with innovative users at the early and fuzzy front end (FFE) stage of collaborative product design (Co-PD) process.
Design/methodology/approach
The exploratory research framework included sampling, data collection and data analysis, through sequential levels of categorizations, undertaken jointly with constant comparative analysis. The sample frame is the pool of ETs/startups from university business accelerators that carry out Co-PD at the FFE stage. The research survey is based on observations of the collaborative ETs activities, questionnaires and in-depth interviews with them. The research was conducted on individual and team levels when Co-PD process and ET activities were in progress.
Findings
This study identified specific set of concepts of knowledge conversion and transferring/sharing and their barriers that reflect specificity of Co-PD processes at the FFE stage in collaborative ETs. The discovered conversion process is represented by the socialization, externalization and internalization, three-mode knowledge conversion model. The significance of barriers and frequency of their occurrence were measured in knowledge transferring/sharing in collaborative ETs on individual and team levels.
Originality/value
This study shows novel insights into how knowledge transfers/shares and converts in the context of ET working with innovative users in Co-PD process at the FFE stage.
Details
Keywords
Colleen E. Mills and Faith Jeremiah
This study presents an original empirically based conceptual framework representing mobile microbusiness founders' experiences when converting to a franchise business model that…
Abstract
Purpose
This study presents an original empirically based conceptual framework representing mobile microbusiness founders' experiences when converting to a franchise business model that links individual-level variables to a sociomaterial process.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory interpretive research design produced this framework using data from the enterprise development narratives of mobile franchisors who had recently converted their mobile microbusinesses to a franchise business model.
Findings
The emergent framework proposes that franchisor’s conversion experience involves substantial identity work prompted by an identity dilemma originating in a conflict between role expectations and franchising operational demands. This dilemma materializes during franchise document creation and requires some degree of “identity undoing” to ensure business continuity. By acting as boundary-objects-in-use in the conversion process, the franchise documents provide a sociomaterial foundation for the business transition and the development of a viable franchisor identity.
Research limitations/implications
There is scant literature addressing the startup experiences of mobile microbusiness franchisors. The study was therefore exploratory, producing a substantive conceptual framework that will require further confirmatory studies.
Practical implications
By proposing that conversion to a franchise business model is experienced as an identity transformation coupled to a sociomaterial process centred on system documentation, this original empirically based conceptual framework not only addresses a gap in the individual-level literature on franchise development but also provides a framework to direct new research and discussions between intending franchisors and their professional advisors about person–enterprise fit.
Originality/value
The conceptual framework is the first to address franchisors' experience of transitioning any type of microbusiness to a franchise business model.
Details