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Article
Publication date: 6 February 2017

Kim Cameron

In view of the emphasis in cross-cultural research on negative factors such as cultural misfit, cultural distance, and the liability of foreignness, the purpose of this paper is…

2871

Abstract

Purpose

In view of the emphasis in cross-cultural research on negative factors such as cultural misfit, cultural distance, and the liability of foreignness, the purpose of this paper is to offer one explanation for why this is the case and highlight the advantages of giving at least equal emphasis to research on positive factors. Three propositions are offered to guide future cross-cultural research.

Design/methodology/approach

Summaries of empirical studies on the inherent inclinations of human systems toward the negative, as well as inclinations toward the positive, produce explanations for each of these biases and their implications for cross-cultural scholarship.

Findings

By prioritizing positive factors instead of negative factors, individuals and organizations perform at much higher levels than when the reverse is the case. Virtuous practices, in particular, are associated with positively deviant performance. Inasmuch as virtuousness is universally valued, its emphasis can address some of the liabilities of difference inherent in cross-cultural contexts.

Originality/value

The three propositions offered in the paper explain why negative biases exist, how positive biases provide an advantage to individuals and organizations, and highlight future directions for cross-cultural research. Social scientists have been challenged to help enable 51 percent of the world’s population to flourish by mid-century, and prioritizing positive cross-cultural phenomena is one prescription for achieving that objective.

Details

Cross Cultural & Strategic Management, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1992

J.A.A. Sillince

The current method of information retrieval used for bibliographic and full‐text databases of journal articles assumes a semantic representation together with stemming, Boolean…

Abstract

The current method of information retrieval used for bibliographic and full‐text databases of journal articles assumes a semantic representation together with stemming, Boolean connectives and so on. This requires searchers to have a well‐defined idea of what it is that they are searching for. This is unhelpful for many categories of searcher, in particular expert browsers and non‐expert searchers. An alternative method is developed in this paper, based on the idea that articles advance an argument and that this argumentation can be represented in a manner which enables flexible and robust searching to be carried out.

Details

Online Review, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-314X

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2009

Siddik Ekici, David A. McEntire and Richard Afedzie

The purpose of this paper is to review what is known about debris management and acknowledge that the effective removal of debris has positive impacts on communities affected by…

971

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review what is known about debris management and acknowledge that the effective removal of debris has positive impacts on communities affected by disaster. Four new concerns are introduced that should be considered during the debris management process. These include the recognition of additional debris types as well as the importance of evidence in crime scene investigations.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review on debris management is presented in this paper. It illustrates the relevance, amount, and types of debris in disasters as well as the need for advanced planning. Four new essentials are then discussed.

Findings

Those involved in debris management should consider how they will deal with excessive donations, human remains, animal carcasses and evidence collection.

Research limitations/implications

Although this research could be enhanced with practitioner interviews, the literature review is fairly thorough.

Practical implications

Lessons in this paper will help to bring about more effective and efficient debris management operations.

Originality/value

This research reviews the current state of knowledge and adds to it.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 18 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2000

Lynette Priddey and Sue Williams

Outlines the findings of a study designed to inform current practice in developing UK National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ)…

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Abstract

Outlines the findings of a study designed to inform current practice in developing UK National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ). Explores the link between an individual’s cognitive style and their successful management and completion of such a structured award. Adopts the Kirton Adaptation‐Innovation (KAI) instrument, as this represents an inventory designed to explore problem‐solving and information management styles. Provides insights to illuminate particular coping strategies and methods using candidates’ profiles and reports from interviews. The KAI results indicate that both adapters and innovators showing a low efficiency score managed more effectively with the storyboard and whole NVQ process. Points to the likely benefits for both candidates and organisations of appropriate supportive mechanisms to enhance the developmental aspects of gaining an NVQ.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1992

J.A.A. SILLINCE

Current indexing methods used in automated bibliographic and full text information retrieval assume that knowledge can be adequately represented as a semantic network which is…

Abstract

Current indexing methods used in automated bibliographic and full text information retrieval assume that knowledge can be adequately represented as a semantic network which is manipulable by means of Boolean operators. However, this semantic approach requires the user to state formally what it is that he wants to find. This paper presents an alternative argumentation‐based method. It involves representing a learned article by means of rhetorical structure rather than by a semantic representation of content.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 48 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Article
Publication date: 29 March 2013

He‐Chun Wang, Jing‐Qin Su and Hui‐Ling Cao

The color TV industry in China has become a mature industry. Its development demonstrates and provides reference implications for how developing industries within a country can…

Abstract

Purpose

The color TV industry in China has become a mature industry. Its development demonstrates and provides reference implications for how developing industries within a country can achieve a technological leap. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory case study approach is taken to find the key factors in the technological catch‐up of China's traditional industry.

Findings

In the study it is found that China's color TV industry, as a mature traditional industry, has four‐dimensional key factors affecting the catch‐up of technology in the flat‐panel stage: market; merger and acquisition; international cooperation innovation for patent; and the roles of internal reform. “Market” is the window of opportunity and challenge; “merger and acquisition” is the key factor for making the patent convert from external mode to internal mode by deviant‐track. The “international cooperation innovation for patent” is also a key factor to ensure achievement of technology catch‐up and sustainable technological innovation. The role of internal reform promoter is the key factor in the technological catch‐up process in which taking entrepreneur as the core.

Originality/value

The article describes Changhong's flat‐panel TV technology catch‐up mode, analyzes four‐dimensional key factors affecting the technology catch‐up of China's color TV industry; the Chinese color TV industry as mature industry; and discusses which developments have demonstrated how to achieve a technological leap in developing industries.

Details

Journal of Knowledge-based Innovation in China, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-1418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1993

V.‐W. Mitchell

A number of factors, including market competitiveness, the legalframework and increasing consumer expectations, are causing a focus oncustomer service of which complaint handling…

Abstract

A number of factors, including market competitiveness, the legal framework and increasing consumer expectations, are causing a focus on customer service of which complaint handling is a major part. Companies can accrue considerable advantages from taking complaint handling seriously, e.g. use of complaint data at strategic as well as operational level, reduced likelihood of legal proceedings, improved marketing intelligence, increased brand loyalty and internal marketing benefits. One of the most efficient ways of improving complaint handling is to computerize the process. Discusses some advantages of this and briefly describes one system already used by many companies.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2021

Salah Alshorman and Martin Shanahan

Previous research suggests that a CEO’s attitude can impact a firm’s performance. More particularly, there appears to be a link between the CEO’s revealed level of optimism and…

Abstract

Purpose

Previous research suggests that a CEO’s attitude can impact a firm’s performance. More particularly, there appears to be a link between the CEO’s revealed level of optimism and firm’s market value. The purpose of this paper is to measure the level of optimism revealed by Australian CEOs in their shareholder letters and compares this with their firms’ current and future valuations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study assesses the CEO’s level of optimism using text analysis of the annual letters to shareholders in 180 Australian-based firms from 2010 to 2013. The market valuation of their companies over the same period is calculated using Tobin’s Q, and the results compared with the level of CEO optimism.

Findings

Comparing the level of revealed optimism with their firms’ valuations over four years, CEO optimism is positively correlated, both currently and prospectively with firm valuation. Given the period under study immediately followed the global financial crisis (GFC), the results suggest CEO optimism may be an important factor in adding to firm’s market resilience.

Research limitations/implications

The study examines the link between revealed CEO optimism and firm valuation over a turbulent period of the business cycle. While the sample period follows the GFC, and Tobin’s Q has some known deficiencies, the results imply that further research should be undertaken to examine the importance of CEOs tone and communicated attitudes on their firms’ financial outcomes.

Practical implications

The link between CEO optimism and the firm’s valuation suggest that shareholders and boards should pay particular attention to the values, cognitions and psychological and demographic characteristics of top executives when selecting CEOs. In particular, the results suggest that given two otherwise similar CEOs the one whose record of communication is optimistic should be preferred over a similarly qualified but less sanguine individual.

Originality/value

The paper represents the first study demonstrating the link between CEO’s communicated optimism and Australian firms’ valuations. The study uses three different measures of optimism to improve the robustness of its conclusions, and a comprehensive measure of firm value – Tobin’s Q. It is the first to quantify the association between CEO optimism and firm value shortly after a period of financial upheaval (the GFC). The findings indicate that CEO optimism contributes significantly to firm value. The study also tests whether “excessive” optimism negatively impacts firm performance and conclude there is no evidence of this in the sample period. The study suggests that more research should be done to examine the contribution of positive business attitudes to periods of economic stress.

Details

Pacific Accounting Review, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0114-0582

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 September 2022

Erose Sthapit and Peter Björk

This study aims to bridge the gaps in the extant literature on memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) and Airbnb by exploring the sources of negative memorable Airbnb experiences…

1003

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to bridge the gaps in the extant literature on memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) and Airbnb by exploring the sources of negative memorable Airbnb experiences among Finnish guests.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative approach and used data collected through semi-structured interviews. The sampling criteria for selecting participants were that they must be Finnish nationals who had booked and stayed in an Airbnb accommodation within the past 36 months. The participants were selected using a criteria-based snowball sampling technique. A qualitative empirical study was conducted using self-structured interviews that were completed by 18 Finnish tourists who had stayed at an Airbnb property in the past three years.

Findings

Three main sources constitute the conceptual framework of a negative memorable Airbnb experience: unclean accommodations, unpleasant host behaviour and poor customer service.

Practical implications

Airbnb management should make efforts to reduce guests’ negative experiences. This goal can be achieved by developing service-quality-management policies and strategies that are standardised, clear and universally applicable to all hosts. In addition, Airbnb management should recruit qualified customer service personnel and equip them with service recovery skills through training and control mechanisms. Such training should focus on upgrading their ability to handle complaints.

Originality/value

This study responds to the need to examine negative incidents that are a part of MTEs and the sources of negative memories. The originality of this study includes the extension of the existing literature on MTEs and Airbnb, as a conceptual framework of negative memorable Airbnb experiences that comprises three main components: unclean rooms, unpleasant host behaviour and poor customer service has been proposed.

Details

Consumer Behavior in Tourism and Hospitality, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-6666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2018

Anna Marie Johnson, Amber Willenborg, Christopher Heckman, Joshua Whitacre, Latisha Reynolds, Elizabeth Alison Sterner, Lindsay Harmon, Syann Lunsford and Sarah Drerup

This paper aims to present recently published resources on information literacy and library instruction through an extensive annotated bibliography of publications covering all…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present recently published resources on information literacy and library instruction through an extensive annotated bibliography of publications covering all library types.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper annotates English-language periodical articles, monographs, dissertations and other materials on library instruction and information literacy published in 2017 in over 200 journals, magazines, books and other sources.

Findings

The paper provides a brief description for all 590 sources.

Originality/value

The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 46 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

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