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1 – 10 of 400Wanxing Jiang and Ji Li
Based on a review of the Chinese ethic of bao (reciprocity), this paper aims to study the issue of reciprocity of trust at firm level by analyzing multiple-source data while…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on a review of the Chinese ethic of bao (reciprocity), this paper aims to study the issue of reciprocity of trust at firm level by analyzing multiple-source data while controlling for the effects of several contextual variables.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors collected data from the supplier–buyer partnerships in China’s automotive industry. Hierarchical linear regression approach is adopted to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The data show that reciprocity of trust between parties involved has a significantly positive effect on the stability of the supplier–buyer partnership, and that this reciprocity also moderates the relationship between trust itself and stability. In addition, several contextual variables, i.e. the suppliers’ sensitiveness to their buyer’s need, personal contact of top managers, motivation to develop symbiotic partnership and firm location, can also have significant and positive effects on the stability of the supplier–buyer partnership.
Originality/value
This study presents empirical evidence on how the Chinese ethic of bao may influence the stability of the supplier–buyer partnerships, suggesting that examining this Chinese cultural element is a useful exercise. Related to this issue, the data show that the level of trust between the parties in business transactions differs, and that this difference influences the stability of the partnership. In addition, the study suggests that several other factors have significant and positive effects on the stability of the partnership. Interestingly, the data suggest that these effects are more likely to be observed when the reciprocity of trust or bao between the partners is taken into account. By demonstrating empirically the significant direct and moderating effect of bao or reciprocal trust, this study makes an important contribution to the literature on trust and the stability of the supplier–buyer partnership.
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Taha Almarayeh, Beatriz Aibar-Guzman and Óscar Suárez-Fernández
In light of the key role attributed to the board of directors as a monitoring tool to constrain earnings management practices, this study aims to examine the effect of some board…
Abstract
Purpose
In light of the key role attributed to the board of directors as a monitoring tool to constrain earnings management practices, this study aims to examine the effect of some board attributes on accrual-based earnings management and real earnings management in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) context, whose institutional, economic and legal environment is markedly different from that of most organization for economic cooperation and development countries.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors selected a sample of 161 nonfinancial companies from nine MENA countries between 2014 and 2021 (corresponding to an unbalanced data panel of 486 observations). The authors used the generalized least squares regression test to examine the relationship between board attributes and earnings management.
Findings
The authors found that three board attributes (size, independence and gender diversity) have no effect on both types of earnings management practices, while CEO duality has no effect on accrual-based earnings management but has a significant and negative effect on real earnings management. Overall, the results suggest that most board attributes do not play a crucial role in reducing earnings management.
Research limitations/implications
The results provide valuable insights into the universal role of corporate governance mechanisms and raise questions about the role of the board of directors in improving reporting quality in the MENA context.
Practical implications
Regulators should adapt corporate governance mechanisms to the characteristics of the institutional context in which they are inserted.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the effect of various board characteristics on both types of earnings management practices in the MENA context. It also provides the first empirical evidence of the relationship between board gender diversity and earnings management in the MENA region.
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Saleem ur Rahman, Bang Nguyen-Viet, Yen Thi Hoang Nguyen and Sohail Kamran
M-wallets have emerged as one of the most important financial innovations of the 21st century, enabling users to carry digital cash by securely storing payment methods on their…
Abstract
Purpose
M-wallets have emerged as one of the most important financial innovations of the 21st century, enabling users to carry digital cash by securely storing payment methods on their mobile devices. However, the continued use of m-wallets varies among people for several reasons. This study used the technology continuation theory (TCT), gamification and trust factors to examine the variables affecting consumers' intentions to continue using mobile wallets.
Design/methodology/approach
The SmartPLS partial least squares software was used to analyze data from 431 m-wallet users in Vietnam using the structural equation modeling technique.
Findings
The data revealed that the research model can predict users' intentions to continue using mobile wallets. TCT constructs demonstrated strong exploratory power in explaining consumer satisfaction and attitudes towards m-wallets. Furthermore, the study confirmed the direct effect of the perceived effectiveness of gamification on perceived ease of use and attitude, as well as its indirect effect on consumers' continued use intentions of mobile wallets via attitude. In addition, the trust negatively influenced consumers' intentions to continue using m-wallets.
Practical implications
The findings of this study can help researchers, practitioners and policymakers improve m-wallet design, development and adoption, as well as advance financial technology and define the future of digital payments in terms of consumer attraction, engagement and financial inclusion.
Originality/value
Based on TCT theory, this study enriches m-wallet research by examining two important factors, gamification and trust, and thus provides insights into how to improve consumers’ intentions to continue using m-wallets in developing countries. This study offers timely insights into theory and practice regarding these factors. It therefore paves the way for researchers and practitioners to learn how easy, enjoyable and secure the end-user experience should be to keep users engaged with m-wallets.
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Behzad Foroughi, Elaheh Yadegaridehkordi, Mohammad Iranmanesh, Teerachart Sukcharoen, Morteza Ghobakhlo and Mehrbakhsh Nilashi
Customers increasingly use food delivery applications (FDAs) to place orders. Despite the popularity of FDAs, limited research has investigated the drivers of the continuance…
Abstract
Purpose
Customers increasingly use food delivery applications (FDAs) to place orders. Despite the popularity of FDAs, limited research has investigated the drivers of the continuance intention to use FDAs. This study aims to uncover the drivers of the continuance intention to use FDAs by integrating the “technology continuance theory” (TCT) with perceived task-technology fit, perceived value and perceived food safety.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 398 individuals in Thailand and evaluated using “partial least squares” (PLS) and “fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis” (fsQCA).
Findings
The PLS results supported the significance of all direct relationships, except the effects of perceived ease of use on attitude and perceived usefulness on continuance intention. Accordingly, perceived food safety positively moderated the impact of perceived ease of use on attitudes. The fsQCA uncovered seven solutions with various combinations of factors that predicted high continuance intention.
Practical implications
This study enables food delivery apps to develop effective strategies for retaining users and sustaining financial performance.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the literature by investigating the factors underlying the continuous use of FDAs with a new PLS-fsQCA technique and applying TCT in a new technological context, FDAs and enriching it by adding three variables: perceived task-technology fit, perceived value and perceived food safety.
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Chang Yang, Yuanjie Bao and Zixu Zhang
Based on person-job fit and self-determination theory, this paper examined the effects of (in)congruence between autonomy expectation and perceived autonomy on proactive…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on person-job fit and self-determination theory, this paper examined the effects of (in)congruence between autonomy expectation and perceived autonomy on proactive behaviour, and the moderating role of humble leadership in this relationship among Chinese public employees.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from a two-wave survey, and the research model was tested using polynomial regression and response surface methodology.
Findings
Results suggested that employees' proactive behaviour will be highest when autonomy congruence was achieved, while autonomy incongruence led to different levels of proactive behaviour based on the specific situations. Furthermore, the moderating effect of humble leadership was proved such that it accentuated the positive influence of autonomy congruence on proactive behaviour.
Practical implications
Managers should be fully aware of the benefits and importance of person-job fit and strive to reduce autonomy incongruence. Meanwhile, humble leadership should be considered in the context of granting autonomy to boost proactivity.
Originality/value
This paper re-emphasises the importance of autonomy by utilising a congruence perspective to understand the effects of autonomy on proactive behaviour. Meanwhile, it incorporates an important boundary condition, humble leadership, on the effects of autonomy congruence and thus offers a more nuanced understanding. Further, this paper not only highlights the significance of underexplored concepts among public employees, but also extends autonomy (in)congruence study to a new context and culture.
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Rania B. Mostafa and Mohamed Sobhy Temerak
This paper aims to identify the mechanism through which consumer empowerment, created via the Facebook brand page (FBBP), is transformed into brand page stickiness. Specifically…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify the mechanism through which consumer empowerment, created via the Facebook brand page (FBBP), is transformed into brand page stickiness. Specifically, a model examining the mediating role of FBBP experience and the moderating role of brand love is proposed and tested.
Design/methodology/approach
Data from 283 FBBP users were analyzed using structural equation modeling with partial least squares.
Findings
The findings reveal the positive effect of consumer empowerment and brand page experience on brand page stickiness. The mediating role of brand page experience and the moderating role of brand love were prominent in the consumer empowerment–brand page stickiness link.
Originality/value
This paper is novel in inaugurating the association between consumer empowerment and FBBP stickiness, which is mediated by brand experience and moderated with brand love. This paper enriches the understanding of how brand page stickiness can be enhanced in the social media context.
Practical implications
This paper guides managers to best utilize FBBP to create a pleasant experience and yield stickiness.
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Ly Thi Hai Tran, Thoa Thi Kim Tu and Bao Cong Nguyen To
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between uncertainty and corporate cash holdings with the moderating role of political connections.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between uncertainty and corporate cash holdings with the moderating role of political connections.
Design/methodology/approach
We employ fixed effects estimation on a panel dataset of 669 Vietnamese listed firms over the 2010–2020 period, with one- and two-way standard error clustering. We conduct various robustness tests, including two-stage least squares/instrumental variable and generalized method of moments regressions, alternative cash holding measure, and additional controls for macroeconomic conditions and ownership types.
Findings
The effect of uncertainty on cash holdings is weakened for firms with political connections relative to those without the connections. Although general firms depend on cash flows to adjust their cash holding behavior when uncertainty increases, our findings suggest that politically connected firms do not rely on internal cash flows to accumulate cash when confronted high uncertainty.
Practical implications
Our findings on the role of political connections in moderating the relationship between cash holding and economic policy uncertainty have practical implications for policymaking. Since political connections serve as a buffer for a firm’s liquidity, firms may want to seek those connections, which can, in turn, lead to increasing informal costs and unfair business environment.
Originality/value
This is the first study investigating the role of political connections to the nexus of cash, cash flow and uncertainty, providing novel evidence regarding the less dependence on internal cash flows to save cash by politically connected firms. Second, the paper enriches the literature on the motives of cash holdings by proposing a modified agency view in the context of weak investor protection. Therefore, our findings strengthen the explanation for the positive effect of uncertainty on firms’ cash holdings in emerging markets.
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Jinyu Zhang, Danni Shen, Yuxiang Yu, Defu Bao, Chao Li and Jiapei Qin
This study aims to develop a four-dimensional (4D) textile composite that self-forms upon thermal stimulation while eliminating thermomechanical programming steps by using fused…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a four-dimensional (4D) textile composite that self-forms upon thermal stimulation while eliminating thermomechanical programming steps by using fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology, and tries to refine the product development path for this composite.
Design/methodology/approach
Polylactic acid (PLA) printing filaments were deposited on prestretched Lycra-knitted fabric using desktop-level FDM 3D printing technology to construct a three-layer structure of thermally responsive 4D textiles. Subsequently, the effects of different PLA thicknesses and Lycra knit fabric relative elongation on the permanent shape of thermally responsive 4D textiles were studied. Finally, a simulation program was written, and a case in this study demonstrates the usage of thermally responsive 4D textiles and the simulation program to design a wrist support product.
Findings
The constructed three-layer structure of PLA and Lycra knitted fabric can self-form under thermal stimulation. The material can also achieve reversible transformation between a permanent shape and multiple temporary shapes. Thinner PLA deposition and higher relative elongation of the Lycra-knitted fabric result in the greater curvature of the permanent shape of the thermally responsive 4D textile. The simulation program accurately predicted the permanent form of multiple basic shapes.
Originality/value
The proposed method enables 4D textiles to directly self-form upon thermal, which helps to improve the manufacturing efficiency of 4D textiles. The thermal responsiveness of the composite also contributes to building an intelligent human–material–environment interaction system.
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Zhi Yang, Hui Lu and Jiaxin Bao
Makerspaces, which serve as fertile grounds for makers' innovation activities, are rapidly increasing in emerging markets to help unleash a massive wave of bottom-up innovation…
Abstract
Purpose
Makerspaces, which serve as fertile grounds for makers' innovation activities, are rapidly increasing in emerging markets to help unleash a massive wave of bottom-up innovation and encourage broader participation in entrepreneurial activities. Makers' motivations to innovate are key antecedents of their subsequent innovative behavior. The paper aims to investigate the impact of makers' innovation motivations (both economic and social motivations) on their exploration and exploitation activities in makerspaces and the moderating role of the makerspace climate for innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted for 139 individual makers from five makerspaces in China to test the research hypotheses.
Findings
Economic motivation positively affected the degree of exploitative innovation and was negatively related to the degree of exploratory innovation. In contrast, social motivation negatively affected the degree of exploitative innovation and was positively related to the degree of exploratory innovation. The makerspace climate for innovation strengthened the relationship between social motivation and exploratory innovation and exacerbated the negative effect of economic motivation on exploration.
Practical implications
The results offer managers a better understanding of how makers' motivation to participate in makerspaces affects their innovative behavior. Such information can guide makerspaces in designing their incentive policies and recruiting makers in line with their values to amplify makers' creative potential.
Originality/value
The empirical results reveal the impacts of economic and social motivations on makers' exploration and exploitation activities in makerspaces. They thus provide new insights into how different motivations give rise to different innovative behaviors and imply how makers' innovation activities can be managed effectively.
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Yinkai Niu, Heyun Bao, Wei Huang, Wuzhong Tan and Rupeng Zhu
During the operation of a wet clutch, there are fluctuations in speed and torque, which have an impact on the stability of the clutch and the strength of the friction plate and…
Abstract
Purpose
During the operation of a wet clutch, there are fluctuations in speed and torque, which have an impact on the stability of the clutch and the strength of the friction plate and the spline pair of the dual steel plate. The purpose of this study is to investigate the vibration characteristics of the wet clutch and the dynamic load characteristics of the spline pairs.
Design/methodology/approach
The spline pair model is established by the piecewise linear function method, and on this basis, dynamic equations considering the spline pair of dual steel plates and friction plates are established. Considering that the wet clutch has multiple spline pairs, an equivalent model of the number of teeth and the equivalent model of the tooth width were proposed, and the Runge-Kutta numerical method was used for the wet clutch for these two models.
Findings
The research results show that the equal tooth number model has greater meshing stiffness and smaller fluctuation than the constant tooth width model, which shows that increasing the meshing stiffness of the system is beneficial to reduce system fluctuation and improve system stability.
Research limitations/implications
The friction plate has the system that multiple splines are independent of each other, which is relatively complicated. Therefore, an equivalent calculation is performed on multiple pairs of steel plates (friction plates) to simplify the calculation of the spline pairs.
Social implications
This paper provides a theoretical basis for further dynamic characteristics analysis of wet clutch and reducing fluctuation of speed and torque.
Originality/value
Dynamic equation considering the spline pair of the dual steel plates and the friction plates is established to study the vibration characteristics of the wet clutch and the dynamic load characteristics of the spline pair, etc.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-03-2023-0078/
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