Search results

1 – 10 of 298
Article
Publication date: 26 April 2024

Ming (Lily) Li, Jinglin Jiang and Meng Qi

Drawing on experiential learning theory, this study seeks to understand how the perceived cultural difference in a foreign country and learning flexibility, which enables more…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on experiential learning theory, this study seeks to understand how the perceived cultural difference in a foreign country and learning flexibility, which enables more integrated experiential learning from international experience, influence expatriates’ cultural intelligence (CQ) and consequently their adjustment and job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 169 expatriates in China. Polynomial regression analyses were employed to test curvilinear relationships between cultural difference and CQ and between learning flexibility and CQ. Mediation hypotheses were tested either by the MEDCURVE procedure if a curvilinear relationship was confirmed or by the Haye’s Process procedure if a curvilinear relationship was not confirmed and instead a linear relationship was confirmed.

Findings

The results demonstrated a positive relationship between cultural difference and CQ and an inverted U-shape relationship between learning flexibility and CQ. CQ mediated the relationship between cultural difference and expatriate adjustment and partially mediated the relationship between learning flexibility and expatriate adjustment. CQ positively influenced expatriates’ job performance via expatriate adjustment.

Practical implications

Our findings suggest that companies should not hesitate to send expatriates on assignments to culturally very different countries and focus more attention on the selection of expatriates. The findings of this study suggest firms should choose candidates who are moderate or high in learning flexibility and could engage in integrated learning and specialized learning in a more balanced manner.

Originality/value

This research is the first study that examines the influence of learning flexibility on CQ and expatriate effectiveness. It examines cultural difference through the lens of experiential learning theory and argues that cultural difference constitutes “stimuli” in the experiential learning environment for individual learning in an international context. The results advance our knowledge of the role of experiential learning in developing capable global managers.

Details

Journal of Global Mobility: The Home of Expatriate Management Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-8799

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 May 2024

Subhajit Pahari

This paper aims to understand tourist behavior in Indian rural tourism by integrating the stimuli-organism-response (SOR) framework, service quality model (SERVQUAL) model and…

136

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to understand tourist behavior in Indian rural tourism by integrating the stimuli-organism-response (SOR) framework, service quality model (SERVQUAL) model and theory of planned behavior. It investigates the role of positive tourist-host interactions, destination image, trust and attitude in shaping pro-tourism intentions. Additionally, it explores the moderating effect of Indian traditionality on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative data from 15 respondents with quantitative analysis involving 580 tourists engaged in Indian rural tourism. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling are used to examine relationships among tourist-host interactions, destination image, trust, attitude and pro-tourism intentions.

Findings

The study reveals that positive interactions and a positive destination image play crucial roles in building trust and shaping favorable attitudes toward rural tourism. Trust and attitude, in turn, significantly drive pro-tourism intentions. Furthermore, tourist attitude partially mediates the relationship between trust and intentions. The study introduces the novel concept of Indian traditionality as a moderator, highlighting its impact on trust, attitude and pro-tourism intentions.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the focus on Indian rural tourism, which may limit generalizability, and potential response bias due to self-reported data. Future research could explore other cultural contexts and use diverse data collection methods.

Practical implications

This research offers practical insights for policymakers and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of fostering positive tourist–host interactions and cultivating a positive destination image to enhance the overall tourist experience and promote sustainable rural tourism practices.

Originality/value

This study’s innovation lies in harmonizing theoretical frameworks to shed light on Indian rural tourism’s multifaceted aspects. It introduces Indian traditionality as a cultural moderator, enriching understanding of tourist behavior. The research contributes to academia and industry by guiding the development of sustainable tourism practices and improving the tourist experience.

目的

本研究旨在通过整合 SOR 框架、SERVQUAL 模型和计划行为理论来理解印度乡村旅游中的游客行为。研究探讨了游客与东道主的积极互动、目的地形象、信任和态度在形成亲旅游意愿中的作用。此外, 本文还探讨了印度传统对这些关系的调节作用。

设计/方法/途径

本研究采用混合方法, 将 15 名受访者的定性数据与 580 名参与印度乡村旅游的游客的定量分析相结合。研究采用了确证因子分析(CFA)和结构方程模型(SEM)来考察游客-接待方互动、目的地形象、信任、态度和亲旅游意愿之间的关系。

研究结果

研究表明, 积极的互动和正面的目的地形象在建立信任和形成对乡村旅游的良好态度方面发挥着至关重要的作用。信任和态度反过来又会极大地推动亲旅游意愿。此外, 游客态度在一定程度上调节了信任与意愿之间的关系。研究引入了印度传统这一新颖的概念作为调节因素, 强调其对信任、态度和亲旅游意愿的影响。

研究局限性/意义

研究的局限性包括:研究重点是印度乡村旅游, 这可能会限制研究的普遍性, 以及由于自我报告数据而可能产生的反应偏差。未来的研究可以探索其他文化背景, 并采用不同的数据收集方法。

实际意义

这项研究为政策制定者和利益相关者提供了实用的见解, 强调了促进游客与东道主之间的积极互动以及培养积极的目的地形象对于提升整体游客体验和促进可持续乡村旅游实践的重要性。

原创性/价值

本研究的创新之处在于协调理论框架, 揭示印度乡村旅游的多面性。它引入了印度传统作为文化调节因素, 丰富了我们对游客行为的理解。该研究通过指导可持续旅游实践的发展和改善游客体验, 为学术界和产业界做出了贡献。

Objetivo

Esta investigación pretende comprender el comportamiento del turista en el turismo rural de la India mediante la integración del marco SOR, el modelo SERVQUAL y la Teoría del Comportamiento Planificado. Investiga el papel de las interacciones positivas entre el turista y el anfitrión, la imagen del destino, la confianza y la actitud en la formación de las intenciones proturismo. Además, explora el efecto moderador de la tradicionalidad india en estas relaciones.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Este estudio emplea un enfoque metodológico mixto, combinando datos cualitativos de 15 encuestados con un análisis cuantitativo en el que participan 580 turistas en el ámbito del turismo rural en India. Se utilizan el análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC) y el modelo de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM) para examinar las relaciones entre las interacciones turista-anfitrión, la imagen del destino, la confianza, la actitud y las intenciones a favor del turismo.

Resultados

El estudio revela que las interacciones positivas y una imagen favorable del destino desempeñan un papel crucial en la creación de confianza y en la formación de actitudes positivas hacia el turismo rural. La confianza y la actitud, a su vez, impulsan significativamente las intenciones proturismo. Además, la actitud del turista es un mediador parcial en la relación entre confianza e intenciones. El estudio introduce el novedoso concepto de tradicionalidad India como moderador, destacando su impacto en la confianza, la actitud y las intenciones proturismo.

Limitaciones e implicaciones de la investigación

Las limitaciones incluyen el hecho de centrarse en el turismo rural en India, lo que puede limitar que sea generalizado, y el posible sesgo de respuesta debido a los datos auto declarados. Futuras investigaciones podrían explorar otros contextos culturales y emplear diversos métodos de recogida de datos.

Implicaciones prácticas

Esta investigación ofrece ideas prácticas para los responsables políticos y las partes interesadas, haciendo hincapié en la importancia de fomentar las interacciones positivas entre el turista y el anfitrión y cultivar una imagen positiva del destino para mejorar la experiencia turística en general y promover prácticas sostenibles de turismo rural.

Originalidad/valor

La innovación de este estudio radica en la armonización de los marcos teóricos para arrojar luz sobre los aspectos polifacéticos del turismo rural en India. Introduce la tradicionalidad India como moderador cultural, enriqueciendo nuestra comprensión del comportamiento turístico. La investigación contribuye al mundo académico y a la industria orientando el desarrollo de prácticas turísticas sostenibles y mejorando la experiencia del turista.

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2024

Robert Kwame Dzogbenuku, Evans Sokro and Kwasi Dartey-Baah

This study seeks to assess how a humane leadership style affects customer service orientation among casual employees of financial service institutions in Ghana. Using job…

Abstract

Purpose

This study seeks to assess how a humane leadership style affects customer service orientation among casual employees of financial service institutions in Ghana. Using job satisfaction as a moderator, this study predicts that a humane leadership style influences casual employees’ customer service orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were obtained from 328 frontline casual employees of financial service firms. The structural equation modelling technique of partial least squares was used to test the hypothesised relationships.

Findings

The study found that a humane leadership style positively and significantly drives customer service behaviour. Job satisfaction also had a positive effect on customer service orientation among casual employees.

Originality/value

The study appears to be the first of its kind to explore the moderating role of job satisfaction in the connection between humane leadership and customer service orientation from the perspective of casual employees. The study highlights insightful practical implications for corporate managers, HR practitioners and marketing academics.

Details

African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-0705

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2024

Lei Ren, Guolin Cheng, Wei Chen, Pei Li and Zhenhe Wang

This paper aims to explore recent advances in drift compensation algorithms for Electronic Nose (E-nose) technology and addresses sensor drift challenges through offline, online…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore recent advances in drift compensation algorithms for Electronic Nose (E-nose) technology and addresses sensor drift challenges through offline, online and neural network-based strategies. It offers a comprehensive review and covers causes of drift, compensation methods and future directions. This synthesis provides insights for enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of E-nose systems in drift issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The article adopts a comprehensive approach and systematically explores the causes of sensor drift in E-nose systems and proposes various compensation strategies. It covers both offline and online compensation methods, as well as neural network-based approaches, and provides a holistic view of the available techniques.

Findings

The article provides a comprehensive overview of drift compensation algorithms for E-nose technology and consolidates recent research insights. It addresses challenges like sensor calibration and algorithm complexity, while discussing future directions. Readers gain an understanding of the current state-of-the-art and emerging trends in electronic olfaction.

Originality/value

This article presents a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in drift compensation algorithms for electronic nose technology and covers the causes of drift, offline drift compensation algorithms, online drift compensation algorithms and neural network drift compensation algorithms. The article also summarizes and discusses the current challenges and future directions of drift compensation algorithms in electronic nose systems.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 July 2024

Marlene Reimer, Luca Haensse and Nick Lin-Hi

Employee readiness for change is essential for long-term organizational success. However, organizations often struggle to generate employee support for change as they fail to…

Abstract

Purpose

Employee readiness for change is essential for long-term organizational success. However, organizations often struggle to generate employee support for change as they fail to mitigate associated uncertainties. Studies exploring possible antecedents of employee readiness for change primarily focus on internal organizational practices, while external practices have been overlooked in the discussion. Drawing from uncertainty reduction theory, we examine how external organizational practices in terms of external CSR positively affect readiness for change.

Design/methodology/approach

In a survey of 377 employees from 29 German companies, we test the hypothesized chain of effects between external CSR, perceived organizational support, perceived uncertainty, and readiness for change by using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results from structural equation modeling demonstrate a positive relationship between external CSR and readiness for change, which is sequentially mediated by perceptions of organizational support and uncertainty.

Originality/value

By highlighting the role of external organizational practices in promoting change readiness, the paper offers new insights into the mechanisms of effective change management.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 August 2024

Ping Wei, Yue Mao, Meng Zhu and Qi Zhu

This paper aims to investigate the impact of environmental risk on corporate governance through market reaction to bank loan announcements.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of environmental risk on corporate governance through market reaction to bank loan announcements.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the establishment of environment court in China as a quasi-natural experiment, this paper adopt the difference-in-differences approach based on listed firms during 2003–2013 to explore the impact of environment court on corporate governance.

Findings

This paper find that the environment court would weaken the cumulative abnormal return of loan announcements. Then, this paper confirm that the potential reason is that environment court worsens the interest conflict between majority and minority shareholders. Further, cross-sectional analysis suggests that bank’s supervision, market competition and analyst coverage can alleviate the impact of environment court on corporate governance.

Practical implications

Environment courts intensify firms’ internal interest disputes, thus causing the decrease of corporate governance, which can be observed through the effect of bank loan announcements.

Social implications

This paper provide reference for environmental policy formulation and implementation, firms’ decision-makings and improving the banking regulatory system.

Originality/value

This paper makes a contribution to the studies about the impact of environment court on firms’ decision-making and investors’ reaction, the impact of external factors on corporate governance and bank loan announcements effect.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 May 2024

Pingping Hou, Zheng Qian, Meng Xin Hu, Ji Qi Liu, Jun Zhang, Wei Zhao, Xiao Li, Yong Wang, HongYan Huang and Qian Ping Ran

The purpose of this study is to explore the interfacial adhesion between superhydrophobic coatings FC-X (X = 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%) and the concrete substrate, along with the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the interfacial adhesion between superhydrophobic coatings FC-X (X = 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%) and the concrete substrate, along with the impact of FC-X on the water repellency characteristics of the concrete substrate.

Design/methodology/approach

One synthetic step was adopted to prepare novel F-SiO2 NP hybrid fluororesin coating. The impact of varying mass fractions of F-SiO2 NPs on the superhydrophobicity of FC-X was analyzed and subsequently confirmed through water contact angle (WCA) measurements. Superhydrophobic coatings were simply applied to the concrete substrate using a one-step spraying method. The interfacial adhesion between FC-X and the concrete substrate was analyzed using tape pasting tests and abrasion resistance measurements. The influence of FC-X on the water repellency of the concrete substrate was investigated through measurements of water absorption, impermeability and electric flux.

Findings

FC-4% exhibits excellent superhydrophobicity, with a WCA of 157.5° and a sliding angle of 2.3°. Compared to control sample, FC-X exhibits better properties, including chemical durability, wear resistance, adhesion strength, abrasion resistance, water resistance and impermeability.

Practical implications

This study offers a thorough investigation into the practical implications of enhancing the durability and water repellency of concrete substrates by using superhydrophobic coatings, particularly FC-4%, which demonstrates exceptional superhydrophobicity alongside remarkable chemical durability, wear resistance, adhesion strength, abrasion resistance, water resistance and impermeability.

Originality/value

Through the examination of the interfacial adhesion between FC-X and the concrete substrate, along with an assessment of FC-X’s impact on the water repellency of the concrete, this paper provides valuable insights into the practical application of superhydrophobic coatings in enhancing the durability and performance of concrete materials.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2023

Minh Van Nguyen and Tu Thanh Nguyen

This research aims to identify the climate for innovation variables and to propose an innovative tool to quantitatively assess the degree of climate for innovation of construction…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to identify the climate for innovation variables and to propose an innovative tool to quantitatively assess the degree of climate for innovation of construction firms.

Design/methodology/approach

14 climate-for-innovation variables were identified from a literature review and discussion with experienced practitioners. After that, a questionnaire survey was developed to collect data. Factor analysis was used to analyze data gathered from 157 completed responses. Then, fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) was employed to assess the degree of climate for innovation in Vietnamese construction firms.

Findings

Climate-for-innovation variables were categorized into four factors by factor analysis. The FSE analysis shows leadership is the most critical category of four factors, followed by working culture, organization and employee commitment. The calculation also illustrates that the climate for innovation in Vietnamese construction firms is at a moderate level.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first integrated climate for innovation of construction firms in a comprehensive formulation. The formulation provides the decision-makers with a reliable tool to evaluate the degree of climate for innovation, thus having appropriate strategies to develop sustainable innovation performance within their organizations.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2024

Minh Van Nguyen

Sustainable building materials (SBMs) have recently been promoted to foster sustainable construction. While previous studies successfully presented the broad picture of SBM…

Abstract

Purpose

Sustainable building materials (SBMs) have recently been promoted to foster sustainable construction. While previous studies successfully presented the broad picture of SBM adoption, the question ‘What is the current state of SBM adoption in construction firms?’ was unanswered. Moreover, there is a lack of studies that investigate the impact of firm size on the adoption of SBMs. Therefore, this study aims to examine the level of readiness for SBM adoption in construction firms of different sizes.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on theoretical lenses and a review of previous studies, the study identified 20 factors affecting the readiness for SBM adoption. These factors were then grouped into market, organization, and employee readiness. Using the questionnaire survey, 229 valid responses were collected. The multiple pairwise comparison test showed significant differences in readiness for SBM adoption in firms of different sizes. The Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) analysis was then used to assess the level of readiness for SBM adoption in construction firms of different sizes.

Findings

The analysis of FSE showed that large-sized companies demonstrated the highest level of readiness for SBM adoption, followed by medium-sized and small-sized firms, respectively. These findings imply that larger construction firms may have more resources and organizational capacity to adopt SBMs. Conversely, smaller firms may require additional support or incentives to enhance their readiness for SBM adoption. It also highlights the need for targeted interventions and policies to promote SBM adoption across medium-sized and small-sized firms. Moreover, while market readiness emerged as the least critical category, the findings highlight the pivotal role of employee readiness across all firm sizes.

Originality/value

These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing employee readiness initiatives to facilitate the successful adoption of SBMs. Policymakers and industry stakeholders may need to focus on developing training programs and awareness campaigns tailored to employees, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills. Moreover, strategies to enhance market readiness should also be explored through regulatory measures and incentives to encourage the adoption of SBMs. Additionally, fostering collaboration and networking among stakeholders can further promote market readiness and accelerate the uptake of SBMs in the construction industry.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2024

Lu Yiling, Qinghua He, Ge Wang, Xiaopeng Deng and Jingxiao Zhang

Given the heavy pollution feature of the construction industry, construction corporations need to adopt an effective environmental governance strategy. The quality and quantity of…

Abstract

Purpose

Given the heavy pollution feature of the construction industry, construction corporations need to adopt an effective environmental governance strategy. The quality and quantity of environmental information disclosure (EID) implementation, as an essential part of a corporate environmental governance strategy, is impacted by the characteristics of the top management team (TMT). This paper aims to analyze the relationship between the demographic characteristics of the TMT (i.e. gender, age, tenure, educational level, and duality) and corporate EID.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from listed construction corporations generated between 2014 to 2018 in China, this study employs the Tobit regression model to test the research hypotheses. Also, this study applies a novel analytical approach, necessary condition analysis (NCA), to conduct a series of additional tests.

Findings

The results reveal that tenure and educational level are significantly and positively related to EID, while gender, age, and duality in the executive role are not significantly related to EID. When considering the TMT size as a moderator, the TMT age is positively related to the corporate EID, and the size of the TMT acts as a moderator to weaken the positive effect of the TMT age on the EID. The NCA results show that TMT gender, age, tenure, and educational level are necessary when the levels of EID exceed 40%.

Originality/value

Our findings suggest that TMT characteristics have a relatively significant effect on corporate EID levels, which extends EID research to the construction industry. Corporate planners can endeavor to shape TMT characteristics to improve EID levels. The results of NCA provide insights into what TMT characteristics construction corporations need to satisfy in their pursuit of transparent EID, as well as the levels at which these characteristics are desired.

Details

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

Keywords

1 – 10 of 298