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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 September 2022

Melodi Botha and Sphumelele Sibeko

As research emerged in terms of how narcissism, a negative or dark trait, has been found to be constructive in enhancing entrepreneurial behaviour, there are mixed results…

1187

Abstract

Purpose

As research emerged in terms of how narcissism, a negative or dark trait, has been found to be constructive in enhancing entrepreneurial behaviour, there are mixed results regarding the significance of narcissism in the field of entrepreneurship. Additionally, this previous research has mostly been conducted on student or nascent entrepreneur samples within developed economies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore how narcissistic traits of established entrepreneurs in an emerging economy context infuence their entrepreneurial behaviour both positively and negatively.

Design/methodology/approach

Gioia methodology was applied in the qualitative study by means of in-depth interviews, which allowed for the unpacking of narcissistic traits among established entrepreneurs in South Africa. Four themes emerged from the data, and included insights related to entrepreneurial experience influencing behaviour; business growth linked to personal development; opportunity identification versus loss; and identity separation in relation to authentic identity versus an entrepreneurial identity.

Findings

The findings of the paper contribute to creating an understanding of how to hone individual narcissistic traits for positive influences that develop entrepreneurs while also contributing to their business development, opportunity realization and identity. In addition, the findings highlighted a separation between established entrepreneurs’ authentic personality and the inputs that end up resulting in the entrepreneurial personality.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the possibility of narcissism functioning as a business process involved in entrepreneurship rather than a necessary personality trait. An interesting dynamic contributed to what seems to be a constant battle between the authentic identity and the entrepreneur identity, gaining deeper insight surrounding established entrepreneurs’ experiences to survive and, more importantly, thrive as entrepreneurs.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4604

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 April 2024

Thi Bich Tran and Duy Khoi Nguyen

This study investigates the optimum size for manufacturing firms and the impact of subcontracting on firms' likelihood of achieving their optimal scale in Vietnam.

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the optimum size for manufacturing firms and the impact of subcontracting on firms' likelihood of achieving their optimal scale in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the enterprise census in 2017 and 2021, the paper first estimates the production function to identify the optimum firm size for manufacturing firms and then, applies the logit model to investigate factors associated with the optimal firm size.

Findings

The study reveals that medium-sized firms exhibit the highest level of productivity. Nevertheless, a consistent trend emerges, indicating that nearly 90% of manufacturing firms in Vietnam operated below their optimal scale in both 2017 and 2021. An analysis of the impact of subcontracting on firms' likelihood to achieve their optimal scale emphasizes its crucial role, especially for foreign firms, exerting an influence nearly five times greater than that of the judiciary system.

Practical implications

The paper's findings offer crucial policy implications, suggesting that initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall productivity of the manufacturing sector should prioritise facilitating contract arrangements to encourage firms to reach their optimal size. These insights are also valuable for other countries with comparable firm size distributions.

Originality/value

This paper provides the first empirical evidence on the relationship between firm size and productivity as well as the role of subcontracting in firms' ability to reach their optimal scale in a country with a right-skewed distribution of firm sizes.

Details

Journal of Economics and Development, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1859-0020

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2023

Xiaojing Zheng and Xiaoxian Wang

This study aims to examine the effect of board gender diversity on corporate litigation in China’s listed firms. The key questions this study addresses are: what are the effect of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of board gender diversity on corporate litigation in China’s listed firms. The key questions this study addresses are: what are the effect of board gender diversity on corporate litigation in terms of both the frequency and severity of consequence, is there any heterogeneous effects of the relationships across firm performance?

Design/methodology/approach

A sample consists of 25,668 firm-year observations from over 3,340 firms is examined using logistic regression analysis and negative binomial regression analysis. The authors also use event study method and ordinary least square (OLS) regression to explore female directors’ effects on reducing the negative consequences of litigation. The logistic regression and OLS regression are reestimated with interaction terms when examining the firm performance heterogeneity.

Findings

The authors document that firms with greater female representation on their boards experience fewer and less severe corporate litigations. Moreover, in high-performing firms, board gender diversity plays a more potent role in reducing the frequency and consequences of corporate litigation than low-performing firms.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to examine the relationship between board gender diversity and the comprehensive corporate litigations under Chinese context. It sheds new light on China’s boardroom dynamics, offering valuable empirical implication to Chinese corporate policymakers on the role of female directors.

Details

Gender in Management: An International Journal , vol. 39 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2413

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 November 2023

Sarah Franz, Axele Giroud and Inge Ivarsson

This study aims to analyse how multinational corporations (MNCs) organise value chain activities to penetrate new market segments. It contributes by expanding traditional…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyse how multinational corporations (MNCs) organise value chain activities to penetrate new market segments. It contributes by expanding traditional decisions regarding the vertical fine-slicing of value chain activities (whether performed internally or externally) and the consideration of resource-sharing decisions (integration or separation) for each value chain function.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on primary data collected from two case study firms operating in the large emerging Chinese market: Volvo Construction Equipment AB and Epiroc AB. In-depth cases illustrate how foreign MNCs expand into new market segments and simultaneously target both the lower-priced mid-market and the premium segments in the Chinese mining and construction industry.

Findings

The results reveal that product diversification creates challenges for managers who must oversee new (vertical) value chains, often simultaneously. Beyond geography and modes of governance, managers must decide whether to integrate or separate value chain activities for the new product lines. The study identifies four main strategic choices for firms to address this complexity, focusing on the decision to internalise or externalise (i.e. within or across organisational boundaries) and integrate or separate value chain activities between different product lines.

Originality/value

This study builds upon the internalisation theory and recent international business contributions that focus on value chain configurations to explain MNCs’ product diversification as a growth strategy in a host emerging market. It also sheds light on the choice of conducting new activities in-house or externally and elucidates firms’ managerial decisions to operationally integrate or separate individual value chain activities. The study provides insights into the drivers explaining managerial decisions to configure value chain activities across product lines and contributes to the growing body of literature on MNC activities in emerging economies by highlighting that product diversification impacts entry mode diversity and resource sharing across units.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 October 2023

Guido Migliaccio and Andrea De Palma

This study illustrates the economic and financial dynamics of the sector, analysing the evolution of the main ratios of profitability and financial structure of 1,559 Italian real…

1201

Abstract

Purpose

This study illustrates the economic and financial dynamics of the sector, analysing the evolution of the main ratios of profitability and financial structure of 1,559 Italian real estate companies divided into the three macro-regions: North, Centre and South, in the period 2011–2020. In this way, it is also possible to verify the responsiveness to the 2020 pandemic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses descriptive statistics tools and the ANOVA method of analysis of variance, supplemented by the Tukey–Kramer test, to identify significant differences between the three Italian macro-regions.

Findings

The study shows the increase in profitability after the 2008 crisis, despite its reverberation in the years 2012–2013. The financial structure of companies improved almost everywhere. The pandemic had modest effects on performance.

Research limitations/implications

In the future, other indices should be considered to gain a more comprehensive view. This is a quantitative study based on financial statements data that neglects other important economic and social factors.

Practical implications

Public policies could use this study for better interventions to support the sector. In addition, internal management can compare their company's performance with the industry average to identify possible improvements.

Social implications

The research analyses an economic field that employs a large number of people, especially when considering the construction and real estate services covered by this analysis.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by providing a quantitative analysis of industry dynamics, with comparative information that can be deduced from financial statements over the years.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 73 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 April 2024

Shuyuan Xu, Jun Wang, Xiangyu Wang, Wenchi Shou and Tuan Ngo

This paper covers the development of a novel defect model for concrete highway bridges. The proposed defect model is intended to facilitate the identification of bridge’s…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper covers the development of a novel defect model for concrete highway bridges. The proposed defect model is intended to facilitate the identification of bridge’s condition information (i.e. defects), improve the efficiency and accuracy of bridge inspections by supporting practitioners and even machines with digitalised expert knowledge, and ultimately automate the process.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design consists of three major phases so as to (1) categorise common defect with regard to physical entities (i.e. bridge element), (2) establish internal relationships among those defects and (3) relate defects to their properties and potential causes. A mixed-method research approach, which includes a comprehensive literature review, focus groups and case studies, was employed to develop and validate the proposed defect model.

Findings

The data collected through the literature and focus groups were analysed and knowledge were extracted to form the novel defect model. The defect model was then validated and further calibrated through case study. Inspection reports of nearly 300 bridges in China were collected and analysed. The study uncovered the relationships between defects and a variety of inspection-related elements and represented in the form of an accessible, digitalised and user-friendly knowledge model.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is the development of a defect model that can assist inexperienced practitioners and even machines in the near future to conduct inspection tasks. For one, the proposed defect model can standardise the data collection process of bridge inspection, including the identification of defects and documentation of their vital properties, paving the path for the automation in subsequent stages (e.g. condition evaluation). For another, by retrieving rich experience and expert knowledge which have long been reserved and inherited in the industrial sector, the inspection efficiency and accuracy can be considerably improved.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 May 2023

Weimo Li, Yaobin Lu, Peng Hu and Sumeet Gupta

Algorithms are widely used to manage various activities in the gig economy. Online car-hailing platforms, such as Uber and Lyft, are exemplary embodiments of such algorithmic…

Abstract

Purpose

Algorithms are widely used to manage various activities in the gig economy. Online car-hailing platforms, such as Uber and Lyft, are exemplary embodiments of such algorithmic management, where drivers are managed by algorithms for task allocation, work monitoring and performance evaluation. Despite employing substantially, the platforms face the challenge of maintaining and fostering drivers' work engagement. Thus, this study aims to examine how the algorithmic management of online car-hailing platforms affects drivers' work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the transactional theory of stress, the authors examined the effects of algorithmic monitoring and fairness on online car-hailing drivers' work engagement and revealed the mediation effects of challenge-hindrance appraisals. Based on survey data collected from 364 drivers, the authors' hypotheses were examined using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The authors also applied path comparison analyses to further compare the effects of algorithmic monitoring and fairness on the two types of appraisals.

Findings

This study finds that online car-hailing drivers' challenge-hindrance appraisals mediate the relationship between algorithmic management characteristics and work engagement. Algorithmic monitoring positively affects both challenge and hindrance appraisals in online car-hailing drivers. However, algorithmic fairness promotes challenge appraisal and reduces hindrance appraisal. Consequently, challenge and hindrance appraisals lead to higher and lower work engagement, respectively. Further, the additional path comparison analysis showed that the hindering effect of algorithmic monitoring exceeds its challenging effect, and the challenge-promoting effect of algorithmic fairness is greater than the algorithm's hindrance-reducing effect.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the underlying mechanisms concerning how algorithmic monitoring and fairness affect online car-hailing drivers' work engagement and fills the gap in the research on algorithmic management in the context of online car-hailing platforms. The authors' findings also provide practical guidance for online car-hailing platforms on how to improve the platforms' algorithmic management systems.

Article
Publication date: 19 April 2024

Henok Bekele and Sahil Raj

In recent decades, a significant number of research contributions have been made to the intersection of digital technologies and the tourism industry. However, a thorough…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent decades, a significant number of research contributions have been made to the intersection of digital technologies and the tourism industry. However, a thorough examination of digitalization and digital transformation in the tourism industry has not been given sufficient consideration. This study aims to provide a bibliometric review of digitalization and digital transformation research in the tourism industry and devise future research agendas to advance the research field.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) protocol and a bibliometric analysis to examine the research progress and scientifically map the research domain of digitalization and digital transformation in the tourism industry from 2002 to 2023 using bibliographic data retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science.

Findings

This study presents the trends in publications and citations within the digitalization and digital transformation research domain in tourism. The findings also provide insights into the four primary clusters of the research field: digital innovation, smart tourism ecosystem, eTourism and smart destination experience. To further augment the application of digital transformation, this study offers several recommendations for future research on digitalization and digital transformation of the tourism industry.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable implications to researchers, managers and policymakers seeking to understand the current state and future research directions in tourism’s digitalization and digital transformation research field.

Originality/value

This study advances the research field of digitalization and digital transformation in the tourism industry by thoroughly examining the primary research clusters in the research corpus of the past two decades. Furthermore, it guides future research, thereby setting the stage for further progress in this domain.

目的

近几十年来, 数字技术与旅游业的交叉领域做出了大量研究贡献。 然而, 对旅游业数字化和数字化转型的深入审视尚未得到充分考虑。本研究旨在对旅游业数字化和数字化转型研究进行文献计量回顾, 并制定未来的研究议程以推进该研究领域的发展。

设计/方法/途径

本研究利用系统文献综述的科学程序和原理(SPAR-4-SLR)协议和文献计量分析来检验研究进展并科学地绘制旅游业数字化和数字化转型的研究领域 使用从 Scopus 和 Web of Science (WOS) 检索到的书目数据从 2002 年到 2023 年。

研究结果

本研究呈现了旅游业数字化和数字化转型研究领域出版物和引用的趋势。 研究结果还提供了对该研究领域的四个主要集群的见解:数字创新、智能旅游生态系统、电子旅游和智能目的地体验。 为了进一步增强数字化转型的应用, 本研究为旅游业数字化和数字化转型的未来研究提出了几点建议。

原创性

本研究通过深入研究过去二十年研究语料库中的主要研究集群, 推进了旅游业数字化和数字化转型的研究领域。 此外, 它指导了未来的研究, 从而为该领域的进一步进展奠定了基础。

启示

本研究为寻求了解旅游业数字化和数字化转型研究领域现状和未来研究方向的研究人员、管理者和政策制定者提供了有价值的启示。

Propósito

En las últimas décadas, se ha realizado un número significativo de contribuciones de investigación a la intersección de las tecnologías digitales y la industria del turismo. Sin embargo, no se ha prestado suficiente atención a un examen exhaustivo de la digitalización y la transformación digital en la industria del turismo. Este estudio tiene como objetivo proporcionar una revisión bibliométrica de la investigación sobre digitalización y transformación digital en la industria del turismo y diseñar futuras agendas de investigación para avanzar en el campo de la investigación.

Diseño/Metodología/Enfoque

Este estudio utiliza el protocolo de Procedimientos y fundamentos científicos para revisiones sistemáticas de la literatura (SPAR-4-SLR) y un análisis bibliométrico para examinar el progreso de la investigación y mapear científicamente el dominio de investigación de la digitalización y la transformación digital en la industria del turismo. de 2002 a 2023 utilizando datos bibliográficos recuperados de Scopus y Web of Science (WOS).

Hallazgos

Este estudio presenta las tendencias en publicaciones y citas dentro del dominio de investigación sobre digitalización y transformación digital en turismo. Los hallazgos también brindan información sobre los cuatro grupos principales del campo de investigación: innovación digital, ecosistema de turismo inteligente, turismo electrónico y experiencia de destino inteligente. Para aumentar aún más la aplicación de la transformación digital, este estudio ofrece varias recomendaciones para futuras investigaciones sobre la digitalización y la transformación digital de la industria turística.

Originalidad

Este estudio avanza en el campo de investigación de la digitalización y la transformación digital en la industria del turismo al examinar en profundidad los principales grupos de investigación en el corpus de investigación de las últimas dos décadas. Además, orienta la investigación futura, sentando así las bases para mayores avances en este ámbito.

Implicación

Este estudio proporciona implicaciones valiosas para los investigadores, administradores y formuladores de políticas que buscan comprender el estado actual y las direcciones futuras de la investigación en el campo de la digitalización y la transformación digital del turismo.

Article
Publication date: 15 April 2024

Matthew Smith, Spiros Batas and Yasaman Sarabi

The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a slowdown of economic activity across the globe, which has resulted in high levels of disruption to labour markets. This study seeks to…

Abstract

Purpose

The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a slowdown of economic activity across the globe, which has resulted in high levels of disruption to labour markets. This study seeks to examine how the outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted the search strategies of students seeking for an internship, and whether these have changed since the start of the pandemic. The study utilises the strength of weak ties hypothesis, social capital theory and status attainment theory to explore the changes in securing a position since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on data from two cohorts of MBA students seeking to secure internships: one before the outbreak and one during. A multinomial regression is employed to examine how students have used network ties to secure internships and how this has changed since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Findings

The multinomial regression results indicate that there was little difference in the strategies employed by students before the crisis compared to those that secured them during, potentially indicating that students are unwilling to deviate from typical job search strategies, especially in times of uncertainty.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into how network ties are used by job seekers during a period of economic and environmental uncertainty.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 October 2023

Kaung-Hwa Chen, Ying Ye and Ci-Hui Yu

The normalization of COVID-19 disease prevention has presented a major opportunity for the transformation and upgrade of cultural and tourism products in Taiwan. This paper aims…

Abstract

Purpose

The normalization of COVID-19 disease prevention has presented a major opportunity for the transformation and upgrade of cultural and tourism products in Taiwan. This paper aims to explore the attractiveness of Taiwanese military dependents’ villages, known as juancun, two studies were conducted to test the path relationships of juancun experiencescape, authenticity, memorability and revisit intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This research conducted two studies by using a mixed sampling of snowball sampling and purposive sampling for the questionnaire survey. Based on the 397 valid questionnaires retained in Study 1, a cultural heritage site experiencescape was developed and validated; in Study 2, 393 valid questionnaires were collected, and structural equation modeling was conducted to test hypotheses that were developed drawing on the stimulus–organism–response model and theory of buyer behavior.

Findings

It is revealed that cultural heritage site experiencescape include natural and cultural, social, sensory and functional factors and that the experiencescape affects authenticity positively; “existential authenticity–memorability” mediates the relationship of experiencescape and revisit intention, whereas co-creation behavior has the positive moderating effects on the relationship of experiencescape and authenticity.

Originality/value

The research developed an experiencescape scale for cultural heritage sites and described the managerial implications for destination management organizations regarding product development and service design.

研究目的

COVID-19疫情防控的常态化为台湾的文化和旅游产品升级转型提供了巨大的契机。为了明确台湾眷村的旅游吸引力, 本研究操作两个研究设计以检定眷村体验景观、真实性、难忘性及重游意图之间的路径关系。

研究设计研究方法研究路径

本研究操作的两个研究设计皆采用滚雪球抽样和目的性抽样的混合抽样方法进行问卷调查。基于研究设计一回收的397份有效问卷, 发展和验证了眷村文化遗产地体验景观量表; 运用研究设计二回收的393份有效问卷, 操作结构方程模型分析以检定基于刺激-机体-反应理论和买方行为理论发展的假设。

研究发现

本研究揭示了文化遗产地体验景观包含自然与文化、社会、感官、功能性因素; 体验景观正向影响真实性; “存在主义真实性-难忘性”中介调节体验景观和重游意图的关系; 共创行为正向调节体验景观与真实性的关系。

原创性

本研究发展了文化遗产地体验景观量表, 并就产品发展和服务设计为旅游目的地管理组织提供了实务建议。

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Esta investigación llevó a cabo dos estudios mediante un muestreo mixto de bola de nieve y muestreo intencionado para la encuesta por cuestionario. A partir de los 397 cuestionarios válidos retenidos en el Estudio 1, se desarrolló y validó el experiencescape del patrimonio cultural; en el Estudio 2, se recogieron 393 cuestionarios válidos y se realizó un modelado de ecuaciones estructurales para probar las hipótesis que se desarrollaron a partir del modelo estímulo-organismo-respuesta y la teoría del comportamiento del comprador.

Objetivo

La normalización de la prevención de la enfermedad COVID-19 ha supuesto una gran oportunidad para la transformación y mejora de los productos culturales y turísticos de Taiwán. Para explorar el atractivo de las aldeas de los familiares de militares en Taiwan, conocidos como juancun, se realizaron dos estudios para probar las relaciones de trayectoria del experiencescape del juancun, la autenticidad, la memorabilidad y la intención de volver a visitarlo.

Resultados

Se revela que el experiencescape del patrimonio cultural de la aldea militar incluye factores naturales y culturales, sociales, sensoriales y funcionales, y que el experiencescape afecta positivamente a la autenticidad; la “autenticidad existencial-memorabilidad” media en la relación del experiencescape y la intención de volver a visitarlo, mientras que el comportamiento de cocreación tiene los efectos moderadores positivos en la relación del experiencescape y la autenticidad.

Originalidad/valor

La investigación desarrolló una escala de experiencescape para el patrimonio cultural del sitio y describió las implicaciones gerenciales para las organizaciones de gestión de destinos en relación con el desarrollo de productos y el diseño de servicios.

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