Search results
1 – 10 of 826Farhad Uddin Ahmed and Louis Brennan
The purpose of this paper is to examine the differential effects of national export promotion policies (EPPs) on firms’ early internationalization using the institution-based view…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the differential effects of national export promotion policies (EPPs) on firms’ early internationalization using the institution-based view (IBV) as our theoretical foundation. Early or speedy internationalization is an important topic for academics, executives and policy makers. However, the effect of the regulatory dimension of institutions incorporating governmental policies on firms’ early internationalization remains unexplored in the literature.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was survey-based and the authors engaged in quantitative analysis using data drawn from the apparel industry in a least-developed country (LDC), i.e. Bangladesh. The authors employed 174 valid questionnaires in the analysis. To test the proposed hypotheses, an ordered-logistic regression modeling technique was used.
Findings
The findings reveal a positive effect of those national policies focusing on market development, guarantee-related and technical support schemes. Two individual elements of direct finance-related assistance, namely, bank loans and cash subsidy are also found to be influential.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the literature and extends the IBV by establishing that the industry-specific regulatory policies designed by home country governments can play a critical role in international expansion of new ventures from an LDC. In particular, the study established the critical role of national EPPs in driving firms’ early internationalization and thereby, contributing to the international marketing and international entrepreneurship (IE) literature. Least-developed countries provide different institutional environments for entrepreneurship. They thus provide an atypical context within the field of IE. By incorporating sample firms from an LDC, the authors address the knowledge gap related to those countries. The implications of the authors’ findings for national and enterprise development policies are also considered.
Details
Keywords
Hans B. Thorelli and Gerald D. Sentell
Makes an attempt to compare the consumer market ecosystems of the less developed countries (LDC) and the more developed countries (MDC). Says that a so little research and…
Abstract
Makes an attempt to compare the consumer market ecosystems of the less developed countries (LDC) and the more developed countries (MDC). Says that a so little research and analysis has been done of LDC markets from the consumers' perspective it is logical to set the stage for comparison using the Thai marketplace based on the study. Considers the problems and risks involved in LDC areas affecting both buyers and sellers. Examines in great detail the market system involving the largest and smallest types of Thai transactions in city and village areas. Gives out in great detail all the information within the available parameters and tabulates this is great style. Concludes that the observation of the LDC market systems were used even though these were not always of good repute.
Details
Keywords
Hamin and Greg Elliott
This paper seeks to examine the concept of “consumer ethnocentrism” (CE) and its impact on product evaluation and preferences among Indonesian consumers.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to examine the concept of “consumer ethnocentrism” (CE) and its impact on product evaluation and preferences among Indonesian consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
The survey involved interviewing a representative sample of Indonesian consumers who had previously purchased the products in question, namely colour television and who had travelled by international airlines. A total of 547 usable questionnaires were completed in face‐to‐face interviews in Indonesia. Conjoint analysis was employed to study the relative importance and part‐worth estimates of country‐of‐origin (COO) effects across high and low CE groups.
Findings
Results of a sample survey of Indonesian consumers are discussed. They show, firstly, that the overall level of CE of Indonesian consumers, compared with published results for a range of countries, is notably high. Secondly, results of conjoint analysis showing the relationship between CE and consumer evaluations of “COO”, product quality perceptions, and purchase intentions, for both tangible goods and intangible services, are discussed.
Research limitations/implications
The actual sample was heavily biased to upper socio‐economic groups because of its focus on international airlines as one of the subject products. This will inevitably distort the average Consumer ethnocentric tendency scale score, but was felt to be unavoidable.
Originality/value
In the past, research on country‐of‐origin effects has been carried out mostly in more developed countries considering products made in less developed countries (LDC's). In the present research, attention has been given to understand the effects of consumer CE on perceptions of product quality, price, perceived value, and product choice from the point of view of consumers from LDC's. In addition, the study of COO effects in relation to intangible services is noteworthy.
Details
Keywords
Tim Gocher, Wen Li Chan, Jayalakshmy Ramachandran and Angelina Seow Voon Yee
This study aims to explore the effects of responsible international investment in a least developed country (LDC) on ethics and corruption in the local industry. While investment…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the effects of responsible international investment in a least developed country (LDC) on ethics and corruption in the local industry. While investment growth in least developed countries (LDCs) is essential to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, international investment in LDCs poses challenges, including corruption. The authors explore perspectives from relevant stakeholders on the influence, if any, on an LDC’s banking sector, of investment in the LDC by a multinational bank with an environmental, social and governance focus – using a case study of Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) in Nepal.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted thematic analysis on: focus groups with current and former SCB Nepal management; semi-structured interviews with Nepal banking regulator representatives; senior staff from SCB global divisions; and management of other commercial banks in Nepal.
Findings
Knowledge transfer, organisational enablers and constructive international competition contributed to the dissemination of best practices within the Nepal banking sector, supporting the notion of beneficial spill-over effects of multinationals on LDC host countries.
Practical implications
Practical insights will aid LDC governments, international businesses, investment funds and donor organisations seeking to invest in/assist LDCs with economic development.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this may be the first case study on ethics and anti-corruption practices of a multinational bank in a LDC. Through a practice-driven focus, the authors provide “on-the-ground” insights to better understand the complex nature of corruption.
Details
Keywords
Abdel Karim Halabi and Mohammad Salahuddin Chowdhury
The purpose of this paper is to examine professional accountant’s views on their satisfaction with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) offered by members of the Institute of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine professional accountant’s views on their satisfaction with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) offered by members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB). While there is a great deal of research on CPD and accountants in developed countries, less developing countries are absent from this literature, and there have been calls for this type of research.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study employed a survey of members of the ICAB.
Findings
Results show that accountants in Bangladesh are satisfied with the CPD provided by their profession, and when satisfaction is compared with more developed countries, Bangladesh is greater on a number of measures. ICAB members would like to also be provided with opportunities to undertake CPD in more ways than just face to face.
Practical implications
The study has important implications not only for accountants from emerging economies such as Bangladesh, but also for the International Federation of Accountants and other less developed countries (LDCs). The results advance the understanding of professional accounting bodies from an international perspective.
Originality/value
This is the first study of CPD and accounting professionals in LDCs. The information obtained can inform the development and practice of other professional accounting bodies in emerging economies.
Details
Keywords
Investigates the possible occurrences of patterns in macroeconomic policy targeting and instruments use in some less developed countries where unscheduled regime transfers may…
Abstract
Investigates the possible occurrences of patterns in macroeconomic policy targeting and instruments use in some less developed countries where unscheduled regime transfers may occur. The patterns are held to correspond to those stipulated by Hibbs in his Partisan Theory for advanced democracies after due allowance is made for the nature of government and modes of regime transfer. Undertakes an investigation of Sudan, a country which has witnessed dramatic political changes that assumed the forms of eight alternating regimes in the shape of civilian democracies and military dictatorships since its independence in 1956. Traces, in particular, the evidence on quasi‐political business cycles in output growth and inflation; and on quasi‐political budget cycles in deficits and instruments of finance. Studies patterns on the form of use of policy instruments through reliance on monetary policy surprises. Obtains empirical results which generally point to the possible presence of eco‐political patterns similar in principle to those operable in the case of developed countries but with some distinct differences in nature and rhythm.
Details
Keywords
Emiel L. Eijdenberg, Deo Sabokwigina and Enno Masurel
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which performance and environmental sustainability orientations (ESOs) are developed, as well as their association, in a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which performance and environmental sustainability orientations (ESOs) are developed, as well as their association, in a typical impoverished community: the informal economy of an African least developed country (LDC).
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a literature review and a pre-study on the spot, a questionnaire was developed before being completed by 140 informal food vendors – that is, “subsistence entrepreneurs” – in Tanzania. t-Tests, correlation analyses and regression analyses were carried out to approach the formulated hypotheses.
Findings
The results showed that a significant distinction can be made between basic and advanced performance. In addition, the respondents showed significantly higher levels of awareness of ESO practices that are intangible and are not fully within their control than the so-called personal tangible ESO practices. However, performance was minimally affected by ESOs.
Originality/value
While firm performance and environmental sustainability have been shortlisted on agendas outside academia (e.g. international development organisations) as a means to develop LDCs, the scientific community is lagging behind with regard to these two. This paper is one step forward in unravelling how performance and ESOs occur in LDCs.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial motivation and entrepreneurial orientation in Tanzania’s informal economy. The development of personal…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial motivation and entrepreneurial orientation in Tanzania’s informal economy. The development of personal wealth is used to measure the performance of subsistence entrepreneurs in the mama lishe sector.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of a literature review and a qualitative pre-study involving 27 interviewees, a questionnaire was completed by 152 subsistence entrepreneurs who are known as the mama lishe. Subsequently, a correlation analysis, a factor analysis, and regression analyses were performed to test the hypotheses.
Findings
On the basis of a factor analysis, a distinction is made between the development of basic personal wealth and the development of advanced personal wealth. Entrepreneurial motivation and entrepreneurial orientation, as constructed by studies in western countries, have little effect on both forms of personal wealth. Instead, the owner’s age, as an indicator of entrepreneurial experience, is a relatively strong predictor for the development of personal wealth.
Originality/value
By examining the determinants of the performance of subsistence entrepreneurs in an African least developed country (LDC), this study shows that the western definitions of entrepreneurial motivation and entrepreneurial orientation are not directly applicable in this context. By using performance measures such as the development of personal wealth, this study supports the perspective that entrepreneurs in the informal economy of an LDC operate under a different paradigm than their counterparts in the industrialized nations of the west. Accordingly, it is concluded that one size does not fit all.
Details
Keywords
The decline in cigarette consumption within developed countriesmakes the exploitation of new markets particularly important to tobaccocompanies. UK data on exports is used to show…
Abstract
The decline in cigarette consumption within developed countries makes the exploitation of new markets particularly important to tobacco companies. UK data on exports is used to show that, by splitting the sample into three groups, income and prices have significant but different effects on cigarette import demand according to country type. Additionally the extent to which firms vary prices according to these internal circumstances in an effort to increase total consumption is examined. Stresses that, while exports to newly industrializing and oil exporting countries have risen most dramatically, markets in Less Developed Countries are also a fertile source of future sales and may provide a focus for future policy co‐ordination.
Details
Keywords
Ammar Mohamed Aamer, Mohmmed A. Al-Awlaqi and Sharaf M. Alkibsi
The purpose of this paper is to assess the TQM readiness level of Yemeni Organizations. In addition, this study compares the level of readiness between the various Yemeni…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the TQM readiness level of Yemeni Organizations. In addition, this study compares the level of readiness between the various Yemeni organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the TQM literature, related and relevant information had been gathered to develop an assessment tool used in this research. The main content of the assessment focused on statements related to the most common TQM principles. Data were collected by an assessment team and analyzed using quantitative methods to answer the related research questions.
Findings
The analysis results showed some of the TQM principles were being practiced by Yemeni organizations, to some extent, and with variant levels. The most widely practiced principle was customer focus, and the lowest principle practiced was continuous improvement. Also, the data showed the level of TQM readiness in Yemeni organizations was 58.93 percent. This level of TQM readiness indicates there is a potential for successful adoption of quality management standards and models in Yemeni organizations.
Research limitations/implications
This study extends previous limited research in TQM readiness level measurement. It also adds to the body of TQM knowledge within the context of Yemen. In addition, this study contributes to the understanding of TQM implementation in an least developed countries (LDC) environment, where LDC organizational culture has its particularities on implementing TQM.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to a better understanding of TQM in an LDC country, which is Yemen. The paper points out which of the TQM principles are important to potential adoption of quality management standards and models. This study could further expand research, regarding the TQM in Yemen.
Details