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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 June 2024

Michael D. Smith, Ran Niboshi, Christopher Samuell and Simon F.N. Timms

Drawing primarily on the Japanese context, this study aims to highlight this setting to emphasise the potential for tertiary-level self-access language centres to develop lifelong…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing primarily on the Japanese context, this study aims to highlight this setting to emphasise the potential for tertiary-level self-access language centres to develop lifelong global citizenship, self-reflection and cross-cultural collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

This inquiry calls on the community of practice approach to account for the shared interests motivating lifelong cross-cultural participation, the quality of social engagement between actors, and the material and cognitive tools called upon to realise global citizenship’s shared enterprise.

Findings

As argued here, embracing various cultures and inclusive participation can lead to a broader understanding of global citizenship, avoiding narrow-minded views of globalism through shared knowledge and critical practices. Further, self-access provides a cost-effective, technology-mediated alternative to bilateral student mobility, whereby digital community-building occasions cross-cultural practice that may be extended throughout a learner’s life, irrespective of their financial status or place of study.

Originality/value

This study is one of a select few drawing on the community of practice framework within the context of lifelong global citizenship. Nevertheless, such an approach remains primed for future development. With a social constructivist philosophy in view, the authors suggest complementary qualitative research approaches that highlight the socially situated nature of both disciplines.

Details

Quality Education for All, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2976-9310

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2024

Ataus Samad and Michael K. Muchiri

This paper aims to extend our understanding of the concept of crisis leadership based on perceptions of 48 Australian leaders drawn from various sectors including Australian…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to extend our understanding of the concept of crisis leadership based on perceptions of 48 Australian leaders drawn from various sectors including Australian politics, higher education, not-for-profit and corporate sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study employed semi-structured virtual interviews of 48 leaders from Australian politics, higher education, not-for-profit and corporate sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Leximancer text analytics program was used for data analysis.

Findings

Participants perceived effective leadership during a crisis as encompassing four macro themes: leadership as power, leadership as emanating from people, leadership as management and leadership as specific to the organization. While these findings reinforced extant literature on facets of effective leadership, leaders from different sectors differed on the relative importance of some leadership themes and their relevance to specific sectors.

Research limitations/implications

While the data were collected from a convenient sample, our findings from multiple sectors in Australia extend our knowledge on crisis leadership by revealing differences in sectorial perspectives of crisis leadership. Further, these findings help refine the extant traditional explanations of leadership and especially offer an enhanced understanding of leadership during a crisis. Consequently, our findings support future research that could help identify specific attributes of leaders navigating organizational crises. Such future research could subsequently help develop a theory on crisis leadership based on a valid and reliable measurement for assessing crisis leadership effectiveness in diverse organizational settings.

Originality/value

Our study is based on multi-sector data and consequently lays a solid foundation for extending the conceptualization of leadership during crisis, and the need to reconceptualize effective leader attributes useful in crisis contexts. Theoretically, the current study extended recent research on crisis leadership, by examining the conceptualizations of crisis leadership within specific Australian sectors.

Details

The Bottom Line, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0888-045X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2023

S. Balasubrahmanyam and Deepa Sethi

Gillette’s historically successful “razor and blade” business model (RBM) has been a promising benchmark for multiple businesses across diverse industries worldwide in the past…

Abstract

Purpose

Gillette’s historically successful “razor and blade” business model (RBM) has been a promising benchmark for multiple businesses across diverse industries worldwide in the past several decades. The extant literature deals with very few nuances of this business model notwithstanding the fact that there are several variants of this business model being put to practical use by firms in diverse industries in grossly metaphorically equivalent situations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the 2 × 2 truth table framework from the domains of mathematical logic and combinatorics in fleshing out all possible (four logical possibilities) variants of the razor and blade business model for further analysis. This application presents four mutually exclusive yet collectively exhaustive possibilities on any chosen dimension. Two major dimensions (viz., provision of subsidy and intra- or extra-firm involvement in the making of razors or blades or both) form part of the discussion in this paper. In addition, this study synthesizes and streamlines entrepreneurial wisdom from multiple intra-industry and inter-industry benchmarks in terms of real-time firms explicitly or implicitly adopting several variants of the RBM that suit their unique context and idiosyncratic trajectory of evolution in situations that are grossly reflective of the metaphorically equivalent scenario of razor and recurrent blades. Inductive method of research is carried out with real-time cases from diverse industries with a pivotally common pattern of razor and blade model in some form or the other.

Findings

Several new variants of the razor and blade model (much beyond what the extant literature explicitly projects) have been discovered from the multiple metaphorically equivalent cases of RBM across industries. All of these expand the portfolio of options that relevant entrepreneurial firms can explore and exploit the best possible option chosen from them, given their unique context and idiosyncratic trajectory of growth.

Research limitations/implications

This study has enriched the literature by presenting and analyzing a more inclusive or perhaps comprehensive palette of explicit choices in the form of several variants of the RBM for the relevant entrepreneurial firms to choose from. Future research can undertake the task of comparing these variants of RBM with those of upcoming servitization business models such as guaranteed availability, subscription and performance-based contracting and exploring the prospects of diverse combinations.

Practical implications

Smart entrepreneurial firms identify and adopt inspiring benchmarks (like razor and blade model whenever appropriate) duly tweaked and blended into a gestalt benchmark for optimal profits and attractive market shares. They target diverse market segments for tied-goods with different variants or combinations of the relevant benchmarks in the form of variegated customer value propositions (CVPs) that have unique and enticing appeal to the respective market segments.

Social implications

Value-sensitive customers on the rise globally choose the option that best suits them from among multiple alternatives offered by competing firms in the market. As long as the ratio of utility to price of such an offer is among the highest, even a no-frills CVP may be most appealing to one market segment while a plush CVP may be tempting to yet another market segment simultaneously. While professional business firms embrace resource leverage practices consciously, amateur customers do so subconsciously. Each party subliminally desires to have the maximum bang-to-buck ratio as the optimal return on investment, given their priorities ceteris paribus.

Originality/value

Prior studies on the RBM have explicitly captured only a few variants of the razor and blade model. This study is perhaps the first of its kind that ferrets out many other variants (more than ten) of the razor and blade model with due simplification and exemplification, justification and demystification.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2024

Uzeyir Kement, Seden Dogan, Erdem Baydeniz, Sinan Baran Bayar, Gul Erkol Bayram and Berkan Basar

Environmentally Responsible Behavior (ERB) refers to actions and practices aimed at minimizing negative environmental impact through conservation, waste reduction and sustainable…

Abstract

Purpose

Environmentally Responsible Behavior (ERB) refers to actions and practices aimed at minimizing negative environmental impact through conservation, waste reduction and sustainable practices driven by concern for environmental well-being. This study aims to explain the effect of environmental attitudes of hotel guests visiting green and non-green hotels on their ERB. In the research, hotels with different concepts were handled separately and a comparative analysis was made between both customer types.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was assessed using two separate models: one for green hotel guests and another for non-green hotel guests. Data were collected from 205 participants from green hotel guests in Turkiye and 206 participants from hotel guests visiting non-green hotels in Turkiye, using a survey form with a convenience sampling method. The hypotheses were analyzed with the structural equation model and multi-group analysis (MGA) in the Smart PLS statistical program.

Findings

The ecocentric attitude positively affects political and community activism but does not impact recycling, educational behavior, green consumerism or overall ERB. The technocentric attitude negatively influences recycling, educational behavior, green consumerism, community activism and ERB but does not negatively affect political activism. The dualcentric attitude positively impacts all ERB sub-dimensions. The multi-group analysis (MGA) revealed that dualcentric attitudes have a stronger influence on green consumerism, political activism and recycling behavior among green hotel guests compared to non-green hotel guests.

Practical implications

These findings directly impact hotel managers, underscoring the strategic significance of adopting and advocating green practices. Implementing environmentally friendly initiatives not only appeals to environmentally conscious consumers but also holds the potential to cultivate ERB among all guests. By integrating sustainability into marketing strategies, hotels can communicate their commitment to environmental stewardship, positively influencing guests’ environmental attitudes and behaviors.

Originality/value

The paper’s key contribution is its comparative analysis of ERB between guests at green and non-green hotels. It reveals how tourists’ environmental attitudes influence their hotel choices and behaviors, offering insights into sustainable tourism. Additionally, it explores the differences between ecocentric, technocentric and dualcentric attitudes, enhancing our understanding of how varying environmental concerns shape tourists’ behaviors and choices and contributing to the broader discussion on environmental psychology in tourism.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 February 2024

Andrew Cram, Stephanie Wilson, Matthew Taylor and Craig Mellare

This paper aims to identify and evaluate resolutions to key learning and teaching challenges in very large courses that involve practical mathematics, such as foundational finance.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and evaluate resolutions to key learning and teaching challenges in very large courses that involve practical mathematics, such as foundational finance.

Design/methodology/approach

A design-based research approach is used across three semesters to iteratively identify practical problems within the course and then develop and evaluate resolutions to these problems. Data are collected from both students and teachers and analysed using a mixed-method approach.

Findings

The results indicate that key learning and teaching challenges in large foundational finance courses can be mitigated through appropriate consistency of learning materials; check-your-understanding interactive online content targeting foundational concepts in the early weeks; connection points between students and the coordinator to increase teacher presence; a sustained focus on supporting student achievement within assessments; and signposting relevance of content for the broader program and professional settings. Multiple design iterations using a co-design approach were beneficial to incrementally improve the course and consider multiple perspectives within the design process.

Practical implications

This paper develops a set of design principles to provide guidance to other practitioners who seek to improve their own courses.

Originality/value

The use of design-based research and mixed-method approaches that consider both student and teacher perspectives to examine the design of very large, foundational finance courses is novel.

Details

Journal of Work-Applied Management, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2205-2062

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 June 2024

Kristin Samantha Williams

The aim of this study is two-fold: (1) to promote a model of youth participatory research and offer a window of understanding into how it can be enacted and (2) to understand…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is two-fold: (1) to promote a model of youth participatory research and offer a window of understanding into how it can be enacted and (2) to understand youth perspectives on youth empowerment. This study asks: “how can youth help us understand youth empowerment?”

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies youth participatory action research (YPAR) and interpretative phenomenological analysis. The study illustrates how to enact a model of YPAR by engaging youth in the process of research in a youth-serving community non-profit organization.

Findings

This study sets out to make two important contributions, one methodological and one theoretical: First, the study contributes to our understanding of the opportunities and benefits of youth-engaged, peer-to-peer research. Specifically, this study promotes a model of youth participatory action research and knowledge making processes, and the associated social and formal benefits for youth. By extension, this study illustrates an approach to engage youth in formal contexts which has implications for both management and organizational studies and education. Finally, the study extends our understanding and conceptualization of the phenomenon of youth empowerment (as informed by youth perspectives).

Originality/value

The study offers insight into how to conduct youth participatory action research and specifically how to address two limitations cited in the literature: (1) how to authentically engage youth including how to share power, and (2) how to perform youth participatory action research, often critiqued as a black box methodology.

Details

Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5648

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2024

Osvaldo Hernández, Leila Regina Durán, Andrés Fresno and María Fernanda Chamorro

In response to the challenges posed by the social environment, numerous individuals with autism use coping strategies, engaging in a phenomenon known as “camouflaging” to mask…

Abstract

Purpose

In response to the challenges posed by the social environment, numerous individuals with autism use coping strategies, engaging in a phenomenon known as “camouflaging” to mask their distinctive traits. Despite the growing attention directed toward this area of study, to date, there are no bibliometric studies delineating the evolution of this research theme. This study aims to analyze scientific research on camouflage and the autistic spectrum published in Web of Science (WoS).

Design/methodology/approach

Articles on camouflage and autism were retrieved from the WoS. The advanced search interface used was “Title, Abstract, Keywords (autistic OR asperger syndrome OR Autism OR ASD AND camouflage OR camouflaging AND Masking).” The analysis and visualization of the selected records and their data were carried out using MS Excel (v16.0) and Biblioshiny (v2.0, R package).

Findings

Following the selection process, a total of 70 articles were included. Notably, the UK emerged as the leading contributor in terms of the number of published articles. Prominent authors in this domain included William Mandy, Laura Hull and Meng-Chuan Lai, who exhibited the highest number of published articles and citations. The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders stood out as the most prolific journal. Predominant research themes encompassed camouflage (and its synonyms, masking or compensation), gender differences and mental health.

Originality/value

This study contributes to existing knowledge on this topic, as well as identifying new areas of research related to autism and camouflage. Moreover, it serves as a valuable resource for health-care professionals, including physicians and clinical psychologists, who may seek to augment their understanding and proficiency in the field.

Details

Advances in Autism, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-3868

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2024

Salini Devi Rajendran, Nitty Hirawaty Kamarulzaman and Azmawani Abd Rahman

This paper aims to examine the influence of supply chain management by assessing the relationship between internal and external integration and small and medium enterprises (SMEs…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of supply chain management by assessing the relationship between internal and external integration and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) owners’ Islamic practices in enhancing halal supply chain integrity (HSCI) and SMEs’ performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 176 SMEs were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. The sample was selected using convenience sampling from two major halal exhibition events in Malaysia. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data and test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings showed that supply chain integration (SCI), Islamic human capital and HSCI have a significant relationship with SMEs’ performance. It was also found that HSCI mediated the relationship between both SCI and Islamic human capital and SMEs’ performance.

Practical implications

SME owners or managers should be committed to developing the internal processes within the organization and strategizing to link these processes with the external processes to obtain the full benefits of integration. Furthermore, as the upper management, owners and managers must understand the supply chain challenges, priorities and practices thoroughly, as they are responsible for Islamic business ethics. They should work to provide support to increase religious orientation in the SMEs, as this would likely enhance all other factors.

Originality/value

This is one of the few types of research to use HSCI as a mediator in halal food studies in addition to improving SMEs’ performance.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 September 2024

Mariana Pinho and Belinda Colston

The current study explores the role of social psychological factors on organizational commitment. It examined the relationships between organizational fairness, inclusion…

Abstract

Purpose

The current study explores the role of social psychological factors on organizational commitment. It examined the relationships between organizational fairness, inclusion, diversity, sexism, psychological safety and affective commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a cross-sectional survey method where data were collected from staff across six higher education institutions in the United Kingdom. A total of 416 responses were collected and the data were analyzed by employing independent sample t-tests to explore gender differences regarding organizational diversity, inclusion, fairness, sexism, psychological safety and affective commitment. The mediating role of psychological safety in the effects of organizational diversity, fairness, inclusion and sexism on staff’s commitment to the organization was evaluated through a series of simple mediation models. Finally, the mediated effect of organizational social psychological factors on affective commitment through psychological safety, moderated by gender was tested.

Findings

As hypothesized, men had higher perceptions of organizational inclusion and diversity and viewed their organization as less sexist. Psychological safety mediated the positive effects of organizational diversity, fairness, inclusion and sexism on staff’s affective commitment to the organization. Organizational diversity and sexism played a bigger part in how women evaluate their organizational environment as safe to take risks and be themselves and consequently on how they commit to the organization. On the other hand, organizational fairness and inclusion seem more closely tied to men’s evaluation of their organization as safe to be themselves and consequently stronger commitment.

Originality/value

The findings shed light on the underlying mechanisms that shape affective commitment, that can lead to more inclusive work environments and contribute to systemic change in the Higher Education context.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

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