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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 July 2024

Mu Xuan and Liu Yankai

Most of current studies have explored the impact of entrepreneurial culture on entrepreneurial intentions in specific region rather than cross-cultural regions; in addition, these…

Abstract

Purpose

Most of current studies have explored the impact of entrepreneurial culture on entrepreneurial intentions in specific region rather than cross-cultural regions; in addition, these studies have looked more at entrepreneurial role models as part of the environmental factors that influence individuals’ entrepreneurial intentions (Lafuente et al., 2007), rather than viewing environmental factors as independent variables. Furthermore, less research exists to hypothesize and validate the mechanism of this process, even if some studies have already shown the similar ideas. To fill the aforementioned research gap in this area, based on new institutional theory and social cognitive career theory, this paper aims to explore the influence of entrepreneurial role models on entrepreneurial intentions in different cultural contexts by introducing two independent national-level factors, collectivism and media publicity, and subsequently examines the mediating role of self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Two major international databases, Adult Population Survey Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (APS GEM) 2017 and Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE), were used as data sources for this paper. In total, the authors obtained data from 174,128 respondents in the APS GEM 2017 database. Because there is a national-level variable, collectivism, which was collected by the GLOBE, the authors excluded 50,046 participants because their countries did not score collectivism in this database. After screening, 124,082 valid observations from 35 countries were obtained. In this study, hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used as the method and HLM 6.08 was adopted for data analysis. According to the purpose of the study, the following four different models will be tested in turn using the HLM, which include the null model, random coefficients regression model, intercepts as outcomes model and slopes as outcomes model.

Findings

Some previous studies have shown that entrepreneurial role models have a positive impact on individuals' entrepreneurial intentions, however, the exploration of this effect and its mechanisms in different cultural contexts is lacking (Abbasianchavari and Moritz, 2021). In response, based on a cross-level and cross-national survey, this paper advances the original literature by introducing two cultural dimensions, collectivism and media publicity. The current results suggest that the positive influence of entrepreneurial role models on individuals’ entrepreneurial intentions is somewhat generalized and that self-efficacy plays a mediating role. Moreover, collectivism and media publicity can negatively and positively moderate the effects of entrepreneurial role models on self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intentions, respectively. The findings provide some theoretical support for the role of cultural context in the formation of entrepreneurial intentions, which can help countries with diverse cultures to develop differentiated entrepreneurial role model advocacy strategies to better facilitate the emergence of potential entrepreneurs and advance their subsequent entrepreneurial activities.

Research limitations/implications

First, because this study assumes that entrepreneurial role models are templates that can inspire potential entrepreneurs and provide them with entrepreneurial approaches (Laviolette et al., 2012), which has a certain positive bias, it may mean that the findings of this paper are not applicable to all scenarios, as role models are usually classified by scholars into positive and negative ones. The effect of different types of role models on entrepreneurial intention in a cross-cultural context will be considered as one of the future research directions. Second, in the measurement of country-level variables, this paper assumes that the degree of media publicity and collectivism are homogeneous within a country and does not take into account the differences in these two variables across regions within the same country. Future research is expected to use more granular designs to explore, for example, the effect of entrepreneurial role models on entrepreneurial intentions based on regional differences in media publicity and collectivism, rather than national differences. Third, due to the cross-sectional research design used in this paper, the dynamic influence of entrepreneurial role models in the entrepreneurial process was not included in the analysis. In addition, the focus of this study is only on entrepreneurial intention, which is separated from the subsequent entrepreneurial behavior of entrepreneurs. Therefore, the longitudinal study design that explores the dynamic influence of role models in entrepreneurial process should receive more attention.

Practical implications

First, enhancing the exposure of entrepreneurial role models is necessary because the authors found that entrepreneurial role models can positively promote entrepreneurial intentions, whereas self-efficacy plays a mediating role. For example, it is advised for the society to publish entrepreneurs' autobiographies, open entrepreneurial forums, create entrepreneurial interview columns, etc. In these books and activities, detailed descriptions of successful entrepreneurs' methods and skills are highly needed, as these can help potential entrepreneurs to better understand the entrepreneurial process, thus improving their self-efficacy and facilitating their entrepreneurial activities (Zhao et al., 2005). It is necessary to note here that matching the characteristics of entrepreneurial role models and potential entrepreneurs cannot be ignored, as similar characteristics could facilitate the desire of potential entrepreneurs to become more like entrepreneurial role models (Hoffner and Buchanan, 2005).These similar characteristics encompass both demographic characteristics, such as gender, race and age (Garcia, 2017; Harwood, 1999; Jose, 1989), and personal characteristics, such as goal embodiment and educational background (Bosma et al., 2012; Morgenroth et al., 2015). Moreover, the authors believe that the media's promotion of entrepreneurial role models and entrepreneurial activities needs to be enhanced, for example, by incorporating entrepreneurship education in television programs, allowing youth to meet face-to-face with successful entrepreneurs, and developing entrepreneurship lectures or interview programs.

Social implications

At the same time, role models should be presented differently in diverse cultural contexts. For example, in countries with a strong collectivist orientation, the media should include collectivist messages when promoting entrepreneurial role models, such as his cooperation with the government, family and friends, which is in line with collectivist values, so that potential entrepreneurs in a collectivist context may perceive more similarity to role models and thus increase their entrepreneurial intentions (Morris et al., 1994); On the contrary, in countries with low collectivist tendencies, the media can appropriately carry an element of individualism when promoting entrepreneurial role models, for example, by telling how entrepreneurs succeed on their own strength and superior abilities, which is in accordance with the values of individualism. Based on the same logic, potential entrepreneurs in the context of individualism may thus generate more entrepreneurial intentions (Morris et al., 1994).

Originality/value

First, building on previous studies that explored the relationship between entrepreneurial role models and individuals’ entrepreneurial intentions (Stupacher et al., 2017), the authors further validated the moderating role of two national-level situational factors, collectivism and media advocacy, in this process, which echoes Abbasianchavari and Moritz (2021) that exploring the effects of entrepreneurial role models on entrepreneurial intentions in different cultural context is an essential topic for the future research. Second, the authors demonstrated that self-efficacy can mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial role models and entrepreneurial intentions and that this finding is generalizable. This responds to the hypothesis presented by Morgenroth et al. (2015) that role models, who are served as behavioral templates, can facilitate the generation of goals and behavioral intentions by increasing role aspirates’ self-efficacy, as it enhances their perceived accessibility to goals. Another contribution is that the authors found a possible explanation that the interaction of collectivism and media publicity with entrepreneurial role models may influence individuals' entrepreneurial intentions by affecting their self-efficacy, which unifies the new institutional theory and social cognition career theory.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2071-1395

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2011

Jia Beisi and Jiang Yingying

Although an important facet of modernist architecture in which function plays a prominent role, building flexibility is not entirely a new concept. Its relevance transcends…

Abstract

Although an important facet of modernist architecture in which function plays a prominent role, building flexibility is not entirely a new concept. Its relevance transcends generations, allowing space and structure to evolve through time. This paper investigates the relationship among main building structures, infill elements, and space by studying examples in ancient Chinese architecture. It reveals the role of building owners, users, and craftsmen from a survey of historical documentation. In studying these examples, it is concluded that craftsmen in ancient China were involved not only during the construction phase but throughout the period of use as well. Thus, in select cases, the relationship between craftsmen and owners or users had been preserved for generations. Finally, this paper suggests potential strategies for the building industry and technology in the move towards sustainable development.

Details

Open House International, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 October 2022

Chaoyu Zheng, Benhong Peng, Xuan Zhao, Guo Wei, Anxia Wan and Mu Yue

How to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) of public health emergencies (PHEs) is of great practical significance to carry out a scientific and effective risk assessment…

Abstract

Purpose

How to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) of public health emergencies (PHEs) is of great practical significance to carry out a scientific and effective risk assessment. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors propose a new approach to identify the CSFs by hesitant fuzzy linguistic set and a Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach. First, a larger group of experts are clustered into three groups according to similarity degree. Then, the weight of each cluster is determined by the maximum consensus method, and the overall direct influence matrix is obtained by clustering with hesitant fuzzy linguistic weighted geometric (HFLWG) operators. Finally, the overall direct influence matrix is transformed into the crisp direct impact matrix by the score function, and 11 CSFs of PHEs are identified by using the extended DEMATEL method.

Findings

In addition, an example of PHEs shows that the approach has good identification applicability. The approach can be used to solve the problems of fuzziness and subjectivity in linguistic assessments, and it can be applied to identify the customer service framework with the linguistic assessments process in emergency management.

Originality/value

This paper extends the above DEMATEL method to study in the hesitant fuzzy linguistic context. This proposed hybrid approach has a wider application in the high-risk area where disasters frequently occur.

Details

Aslib Journal of Information Management, vol. 75 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-3806

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 January 2024

Qingmeng Tong, Shan Ran, Xuan Liu, Lu Zhang and Junbiao Zhang

The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of agricultural internet information (AII) acquisition on climate-resilient variety adoption among rice farmers in the…

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of agricultural internet information (AII) acquisition on climate-resilient variety adoption among rice farmers in the Jianghan Plain region of China. Additionally, it explores the influencing channels involved in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on survey data for 877 rice farmers from 10 counties in the Jianghan Plain, China, this paper used an econometric approach to estimate the impact of AII acquisition on farmers’ adoption of climate-resilient varieties. A recursive bivariate Probit model was used to address endogeneity issues and obtain accurate estimates. Furthermore, three main influencing mechanisms were proposed and tested, which are broadening information channels, enhancing social interactions and improving agricultural skills.

Findings

The results show that acquiring AII can overall enhance the likelihood of farmers adopting climate-resilient varieties by 36.8%. The three influencing channels are empirically confirmed. Besides, educational attainment, income and peer effects can facilitate farmers’ acquisition of AII, while climate conditions and age significantly influence the adoption of climate-resilient varieties.

Practical implications

Practical recommendations are put forward to help farmers build climate resilience, including investing in rural internet infrastructures, enhancing farmers’ digital literacy and promoting the dissemination of climate-resilient information through diverse internet platforms.

Originality/value

Strengthening climate resilience is essential for sustaining the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring national food security; however, the role of internet information has received limited attention. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the casual relationship between internet information and climate resilience, which fills the research gap.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2024

Xuan Cu Le

This study investigated the intention of carriers to switch to green vehicles in last-mile delivery (GVLDs) in an emerging market.

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigated the intention of carriers to switch to green vehicles in last-mile delivery (GVLDs) in an emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model was developed based on the association between consumption value theory (CVT), perceived GVLD knowledge and environmental concern. An online survey was administered to carriers who use conventional vehicles for last-mile delivery. This study examined the model using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results indicate that environmental concern and attitudes toward adopting GVLDs are significantly cultivated through consumption value. Specifically, epistemic value was the most significant in promoting environmental awareness, while social value was paramount in fostering attitudes toward GVLDs. Furthermore, perceived GVLD knowledge motivated consumption value. Similarly, environmental concern positively impacted attitudes toward adopting GVLDs. Finally, environmental concerns and attitudes induced carriers’ intention to switch to GVLDs.

Practical implications

The findings can help policymakers, manufacturers and logistics providers understand carriers’ decisions of shifting to GVLDs from a perspective of perceived consumption value, green product knowledge and environmental preservation while discussing practical recommendations for promoting the switch to GVLDs.

Originality/value

This study is an early endeavor that elucidates the switching behavior toward adopting GVLDs. It emphasizes incorporating perceived GVLD knowledge and environmental concern into CVT in the context of a developing country. This study enriches the understanding of how to promote environmental awareness and attitudes toward adopting GVLDs.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2022

Jianfang Qi, Yue Li, Haibin Jin, Jianying Feng and Weisong Mu

The purpose of this study is to propose a new consumer value segmentation method for low-dimensional dense market datasets to quickly detect and cluster the most profitable…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a new consumer value segmentation method for low-dimensional dense market datasets to quickly detect and cluster the most profitable customers for the enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the comprehensive segmentation bases (CSB) with richer meanings were obtained by introducing the weighted recency-frequency-monetary (RFM) model into the common segmentation bases (SB). Further, a new market segmentation method, the CSB-MBK algorithm was proposed by integrating the CSB model and the mini-batch k-means (MBK) clustering algorithm.

Findings

The results show that our proposed CSB model can reflect consumers' contributions to a market, as well as improve the clustering performance. Moreover, the proposed CSB-MBK algorithm is demonstrably superior to the SB-MBK, CSB-KMA and CSB-Chameleon algorithms with respect to the Silhouette Coefficient (SC), the Calinski-Harabasz (CH) Index , the average running time and superior to the SB-MBK, RFM-MBK and WRFM-MBK algorithms in terms of the inter-market value and characteristic differentiation.

Practical implications

This paper provides a tool for decision-makers and marketers to segment a market quickly, which can help them grasp consumers' activity, loyalty, purchasing power and other characteristics in a target market timely and achieve the precision marketing.

Originality/value

This study is the first to introduce the CSB-MBK algorithm for identifying valuable customers through the comprehensive consideration of the clustering quality, consumer value and segmentation speed. Moreover, the CSB-MBK algorithm can be considered for applications in other markets.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1991

Han Guogang, Jiang Fenglan and Yan Jimin

The problems of water supply of China in 2000 are revealed bystatistical data. It is shown that 450 cities will be short of freshwater; a great quantity is utilised in agriculture…

Abstract

The problems of water supply of China in 2000 are revealed by statistical data. It is shown that 450 cities will be short of fresh water; a great quantity is utilised in agriculture much of which can be saved; groundwater is over‐extracted; the level of water is falling by an average of 1‐2mu each year which has caused the subsiding of regional earth; the quality of drinking water and of water utilised in industry becomes poorer; water resources are polluted because of the increase in organic pollutants, the number and size of cities, the pollution of nutrient and colon bacillus, the decrease in the area of lakes, the shortage of money for administration, the amount of polluted water drained without efficient treatment, the low re‐utilisation ratio of water, and the low rate of sewerage system development.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 18 no. 8/9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 November 2020

Md Rajibul Hasan, Assem Abdunurova, Wenwen Wang, Jiawei Zheng and S.M. Riad Shams

The purpose of this study is to gather insights into digital consumer behaviour related to Chinese restaurents by examining visual contents on Tripadvisor platform.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to gather insights into digital consumer behaviour related to Chinese restaurents by examining visual contents on Tripadvisor platform.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the deep learning approach, this research assessed consumer-posted online content of dining experiences by implementing image analysis and clustering. Text mining using word cloud analysis revealed the most frequently repeated keywords.

Findings

First, 4,000 photos of nine Chinese restaurants posted on Tripadvisor’s website were analyzed using image recognition via Inception V3 and Google’s deep learning network; this revealed 12 hierarchical image clusters. Then, an open-questionnaire survey of 125 Chinese respondents investigated consumers’ information needs before visiting a restaurant and after purchasing behavior (motives to share).

Practical implications

This study contributes to culinary marketing development by introducing a new analysis methodology and demonstrating its application by exploring a wide range of keywords and visual images published on the internet.

Originality/value

This research extends and contributes to the literature regarding visual user-generated content in culinary tourism.

Details

Journal of Place Management and Development, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 July 2015

Dorota Leszczyńska and Erick Pruchnicki

– The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the link between knowledge transfer flow and the location of a multinational corporation (MNC).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the link between knowledge transfer flow and the location of a multinational corporation (MNC).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors put forward a conceptual approach to formulate the mathematical modelling of a firm’s performance following the decision to join a regional cluster. This model builds on a recent stream of theoretical literature which has investigated the relationship between networks and the creation and diffusion of knowledge. The purpose of this model is to propose a mathematical tool to determine the long-term financial results induced by knowledge transfer from an MNC’s acquired subsidiary located in a cluster to another part of the MNC.

Findings

This study has several important research implications. First, it is a useful step towards a better understanding of how knowledge transfer effects may interact with cluster effects, while explaining subsidiary location performance. Second, it focuses on the most valuable, often highly tacit knowledge competencies.

Research limitations/implications

Other investigations would certainly be welcome to improve the links between the proposed mathematical model and the efficiency of the location of an MNC in a cluster through a quantitative study.

Practical implications

The authors constructed this study with the aim of developing a model that would give us a better understanding of the impact of embedded knowledge on the efficiency of a localization choice made by an MNC.

Originality/value

To date, there has been little in the literature on the profit arising from a multinational firm’s choice of location.

Details

The Multinational Business Review, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1525-383X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2022

Yan Zhang, Xianghu Ge, Xin Zhao, Xiaorui Yang, Shanghe Liu and Jingjing Xuan

The purpose of this paper is to research the induced flashover laws of different insulation materials under electrostatic electromagnetic pulse, and the induced flashover…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to research the induced flashover laws of different insulation materials under electrostatic electromagnetic pulse, and the induced flashover characteristics of different electrode structures are further explored.

Design/methodology/approach

According to standard IEC 61000–4-2, an experimental system of electrostatic electromagnetic pulse flashover for insulation materials is established. The induction flashover laws of polytetrafluoroethylene, epoxy resin and polymethyl methacrylate surface-mounted finger electrodes under the different intensity of electrostatic electromagnetic pulse are researched. The influence of the finger electrode, needle–needle electrode and needle–plate electrode on insulation flashover was compared. Secondary electron emission avalanche (SEEA) and field superposition theory are used to analyze the experimental results of electrostatic electromagnetic pulse induced flashover.

Findings

The larger the dielectric strength of insulation materials, the more difficult flashover occurs on the surface. The field superposition enhances collision ionization between electrons and gas molecules, which leads to the insulation materials surface induced flashover easily by electrostatic electromagnetic pulse. The sharper the electrode shapes on the insulation materials surface, the stronger the electric field intensity at the cathode triple junction, more initial electrons are excited to form the discharge channel, which easily leads to flashover on the surface of the insulating material.

Originality/value

The proposed field superposition combined with the SEEA method provides a new study perspective and enables a more rational, comprehensive analysis of electrostatic electromagnetic pulse induced flashover of insulation materials. The work of this paper can provide a reference for the safety protection of spacecraft in orbit under a strong electromagnetic field environment, increase the service life of spacecraft and improve the reliability of spacecraft’s safe operation in orbit. It provides a basis for the selection of insulation materials for equipment under the different intensities of the external electromagnetic environment.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering , vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

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