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Article
Publication date: 24 August 2010

Pablo Zoghbi‐Manrique‐de‐Lara and Arístides Olivares‐Mesa

Despite the use in companies of policy and control mechanisms to tackle cyberloafing, these practices are still popular among employees. The purpose of this paper is to suggest…

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Abstract

Purpose

Despite the use in companies of policy and control mechanisms to tackle cyberloafing, these practices are still popular among employees. The purpose of this paper is to suggest that control systems alone are unable to deter cyberloafing because they are eventually perceived as a sort of “ineffectual dog that may bark a lot, but ultimately does not bite.” Instead, control systems are only expected to deter cyberloafing if employees view them as leading to punitive consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

First, given the easy visibility of cyberloafing activities, the paper proposes a design for control systems that not only includes perceptions of organizational control (monitoring), but also perceptions of the supervisor's physical proximity (proximity). Data are collected from university administration and services personnel, whose main working tool is the computer. They all have internet access and individual e‐mail, a stable physical location at work, and a supervisor. Multiple hierarchical regressions are used to test whether in reality proximity and monitoring are unable to decrease cyberloafing unless they interact together with employees' fear of formal punishment (punishment).

Findings

Only by interacting together and with punishment are proximity and monitoring able to deter cyber loafers from engaging in cyberloafing.

Research limitations/implications

The study could suffer from mono‐method/source bias, and the university that supplied the sample has certain job conditions similar to those of the public sector, thus raising concerns about the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

The results suggest that organizational managers should not only ensure that control systems are able to discover incidents and identify the perpetrators, but they should also follow them up with punitive consequences. Only if control systems are implemented together with punishment are they effective in eliciting perceived certainty among cyber loafers of being caught and sanctioned, and hence in “bringing them back on the right track.”

Originality/value

Despite the extensive use of control systems to deter cyberloafing, there are no previous empirical studies that have examined and supported the negative interacting effects of proximity, monitoring, and punishment on cyberloafing.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 110 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2014

Weilin Wang and Yangang Liang

In this paper, the development of relative guidance and control algorithms for proximity operations to satellite in elliptical orbit are presented. The paper aims to discuss these…

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, the development of relative guidance and control algorithms for proximity operations to satellite in elliptical orbit are presented. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The process of autonomous proximity is divided into three phases: proximity manoeuvre, flyaround manoeuvre, and hovering manoeuvre. The characteristics of the three phases are analyzed. Different guidance algorithms are based on using the analytical closed-form solution of the Tschauner-Hempel (TH) equations that is completely explicit in time. Lastly, the linear quadratic regulators control algorithm based on the linearized TH equations is developed to minimize the initial state errors in the last phase.

Findings

This paper defines three phases in the satellite proximity operations and develops the guidance and control algorithms. Then, the relative guidance and control algorithms are illustrated through different numerical examples. And the results demonstrate the effectiveness and simplicity of using a TH model in autonomous proximity.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that a TH model is clearly effective at estimating the relative position and velocity and controlling the relative trajectory. In addition, this model is not restricted to a circular orbit, but it can be used as well for an elliptical orbit. Furthermore, by using this model, simple guidance and control algorithms are developed to approach, flyaround and hover from a target satellite.

Originality/value

Based on the guidance algorithms, the manoeuvre-flight period can be set in accordance with the mission requirement. Flyaround with different types of trajectory and a feedback control scheme to achieve stable hovering state are studied. Consequently, this proposed guidance algorithms can effectively implement guidance and control for satellite proximity operations.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, vol. 86 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 July 2020

Nick Barter and Clair Alston-Knox

This study aims to explore and develop new theories. These theories emerged from combining environmental psychology literature with sustainability literature and the five research…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore and develop new theories. These theories emerged from combining environmental psychology literature with sustainability literature and the five research questions at the core of the work built upon a central theme of sustainability that argues us and the organizations require a relationship of entwinement rather than separation and the language can reinforce or diminish the path to sustainable outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an electronic questionnaire to explore five research questions. The study consisted of survey individuals from across the world on their connection with nature using the inclusion of nature in self scale (Schultz, 2002). An adaptation of this scale called the inclusion of environment in organization scale to understand individuals’ views of their organization and then three pairs of questions that had alternative phrasing within each pair.

Findings

In total, 632 respondents from across the globe responded to the survey. The results highlight that respondents consider their organization’s conceptual relationship with the environment as far from ideal for sustainable outcomes and that their organization is out of synch with them personally. Further, respondents believe that asking a question that emphasizes proximity and control such as “would I want to breathe this”? is more likely to yield sustainable outcomes than an alternative phrasing that does not emphasize proximity and control, phrasing such as “do the gaseous outputs meeting regulation requirements”?

Research limitations/implications

Given the study was exploratory the number and range of respondents ensure the study has a perspective, that is useful to organizational leaders and academics in exploring new directions. However, at the same time given the exploratory nature of the work, more studies are required to understand the “why” of respondents’ choices and to more fully develop and understand the implications of a wider range of alternatively phrased questions (only three were tested) that emphasize proximity and control such as that shown earlier “would I want to breathe this”?

Practical implications

For organizational leaders, the research highlights that respondents view their organizations as being far from ideal in realizing sustainable outcomes, which, in turn, should be a spur to do more. Further, it indicates that simple phrasing that emphasizes proximity and control could be a tactic in helping an organization pursue sustainable strategies. For academics, the results of this study point us towards phraseology, as a key technique for helping drive organizational strategy towards sustainable outcomes.

Social implications

See prior implications

Originality/value

The value of this work is that it combines environmental psychology with sustainability management and provides a foundation and confidence for scholars and practitioners to explore the potential of new theories and thus follow new lines of enquiry.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 July 2019

Bashir Ahmad, Hussain Tariq, Qingxiong (Derek) Weng, Samson Samwel Shillamkwese and Nadeem Sohail

Based on revenge theory and the three objectives of social interaction theory of aggression, the purpose of this paper is to develop a framework to answer why and when a…

Abstract

Purpose

Based on revenge theory and the three objectives of social interaction theory of aggression, the purpose of this paper is to develop a framework to answer why and when a subordinate’s own behaviour instigates abuse at the workplace. In particular, the authors argue that subordinate gossip behaviour instils in supervisors a thought of revenge towards that subordinate, which, in turn, leads to abusive supervision. Specifically, this hypothesised relationship is augmented when the supervisor feels close to the gossiper (i.e. psychological proximity).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two independent studies to test the moderated mediation model, which collectively investigate why and when subordinate gossip behaviour provokes abusive supervision in the workplace. A lagged study (i.e. Study 1: 422 supervisors and subordinates) in a large retail company and an experience sampling study (i.e. Study 2: 96 supervisors and subordinates with 480 daily surveys) in multiple organisations provide support for the moderated mediation model.

Findings

The two-study (i.e. a lagged study and an experience sampling study) findings support the integrated model, which has mainly focussed on instrumental consideration of abusive supervision that influences the supervisor–subordinate relationship.

Originality/value

The two-study investigation has important and meaningful implications for abusive supervision research because it determines that subordinate gossip behaviour is more threating to a supervisor when the subordinate and the supervisor are psychological close to each other than when they are not. That is because when they are close, the supervisor is not expecting gossip behaviour from the subordinate, thus giving rise to an abusive workplace.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. 41 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2008

Gerald Reiner, Krisztina Demeter, Martin Poiger and István Jenei

Despite geographical proximity, major economic differences exist between Western European countries and the formerly socialist Eastern European countries. The main objective of…

4148

Abstract

Purpose

Despite geographical proximity, major economic differences exist between Western European countries and the formerly socialist Eastern European countries. The main objective of this study is to develop a better understanding of internationalization decision processes in this specific context.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of multiple case study research, six Austrian and five Hungarian companies in order to extend and refine existing theory on internationalization decisions given the current situation in Central Europe are analyzed. In particular, the paper uses extant literature to build a conceptual framework from which we derive propositions as a basis and a guide for data collection and analysis.

Findings

In addition to cost considerations, process and product innovations are becoming increasingly important dimensions in explaining the reasons for internationalization projects. The reasons for internalization and solutions (relocated products and processes, entry mode and location) are closely interrelated.

Originality/value

Although this framework for the internationalization decision process is applied in a very specific context, the authors believe that the framework can also be very helpful in understanding these decision processes in a more general setting. In particular, companies in other regions where developed and emerging countries are relatively close to one another might be able to utilize our framework and results (in Asia or America).

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 28 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 November 2020

Maral Mahdad, Thai Thi Minh, Marcel L.A.M. Bogers and Andrea Piccaluga

There is little known about investigating the importance of all proximity dimensions simultaneously as a result of geographical proximity on university-industry collaborative…

Abstract

Purpose

There is little known about investigating the importance of all proximity dimensions simultaneously as a result of geographical proximity on university-industry collaborative innovation. This paper aims to answer the question of how geographically proximate university and industry influence cognitive, social, organizational, institutional and cultural proximity within university-industry joint laboratories and finally, what is the outcome of these interplays on collaborative innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an exploratory multiple-case study approach. The results are derived from 53 in-depth, semistructured interviews with laboratory directors and representatives from both the company and the university within 8 joint laboratories of Telecom Italia (TIM). The data collection was carried out in 2014 and 2015. The analysis follows a multi-grounded theory approach and relies on a mix of deductive and inductive reasoning with the final goal of theoretical elaboration.

Findings

This study finds the role of social and cultural proximity at the individual level as a result of geographical proximity as an enabler of collaborative innovation by triggering mutual learning, trust formation and frequent interactions. Cognitive proximity at the interface level could systematically influence collaborative innovation, while organizational and institutional proximity has marginal roles in facilitating collaborative innovation. The qualitative analysis offers a conceptual framework for proximity dimensions and collaborative innovation within university-industry joint laboratories.

Practical implications

The framework not only advances state-of-the-art university-industry collaboration and proximity dimension but also offers guidance for managers in designing collaborative innovation settings between university and industry.

Originality/value

With this study, the paper advances the understanding beyond solely the relationship between proximity and collaboration and shed light on the interplay between geographical proximity and other proximity dimensions in this context, which has received limited scholarly attention.

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2003

L. Biagiotti, C. Melchiorri and G. Vassura

In advanced robotics applications in unstructured environments (e.g. those foreseen in space) some degree of dexterity and autonomy is necessary in order to safely and

Abstract

In advanced robotics applications in unstructured environments (e.g. those foreseen in space) some degree of dexterity and autonomy is necessary in order to safely and successfully execute the required tasks. With this respect, besides the kinematic configuration, important aspects to be considered in the design of robotic end‐effectors are the sensorial equipment and proper control strategies. In this paper, an activity for designing and experimenting a gripper for this operation in unstructured environments is reported, and laboratory results are presented and discussed.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 January 2018

Ben Marder, Caroline Marchant, Chris Archer-Brown, Amy Yau and Jonas Colliander

Acquiring “Likes” for a political party or candidate’s Facebook pages is important for political marketers. For consumers, these “Likes” are conspicuous, making their political…

1086

Abstract

Purpose

Acquiring “Likes” for a political party or candidate’s Facebook pages is important for political marketers. For consumers, these “Likes” are conspicuous, making their political affiliation visible to their network. This paper aims to examine the roles of the undesired social-self and visibility (conspicuous vs inconspicuous) in predicting consumers’ intention to “Like” political brands. The authors extend knowledge on the undesired social-self and transference of theory from general marketing to a political domain and provide practical advice for political marketers engaging social network sites.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors gather data from two surveys run with Facebook using electorates in the run up to the UK 2015 and US 2016 elections (n = 1,205) on their intention to “Like” political brands under different visibility conditions.

Findings

Data support the theorized relationship of the undesired social-self with social anxiety intention to “Like” when “Liking” is conspicuous. However, data also indicate that all users – irrespective of proximity to the undesired social-self – prefer to “Like” inconspicuously.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by the generalizability of the specific context and the use of self-report measures.

Practical implications

Political marketers should reconsider promoting conspicuous consumption for that which is more inconspicuous.

Originality/value

The authors provide the first examination of the undesired social-self in driving behaviour under different visibility conditions. Furthermore, the authors challenge the extension of existing knowledge of the self-concept within political marketing, based on the “norm” for consumers’ to avoid disclosing political views publically.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 52 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2022

Weiqi Dai, Yi Wang, Mingqing Liao, Mei Shao, Yue Jiang and Miao Zhang

One increasingly popular financing option for entrepreneurial ventures is to attract corporate venture capital (CVC) investments. Prior research tends to take a CVC-centric…

Abstract

Purpose

One increasingly popular financing option for entrepreneurial ventures is to attract corporate venture capital (CVC) investments. Prior research tends to take a CVC-centric perspective assessing the benefits and contingencies for incumbent firms or corporate investors to engage with entrepreneurial ventures. Few studies have taken the opposite perspective of investigating factors that entrepreneurial ventures need to take into account when engaging with CVC investments. As such, this study aims to investigate pre- and post-IPO entrepreneurial venture performance that partners with CVC providers or corporate investors, as well as to assess organizational and environmental contingencies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on a sample of 631 entrepreneurial ventures from the CSMAR database ranging from 2009 to 2019, along with CVC financing data from the CVSource database and financial data in entrepreneurial ventures’ annual reports from the Juchao Network. This study applies multiple linear regression modelling and fixed effect panel data analyses to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that CVC investment contributes to entrepreneurial ventures’ financial performance, both pre- and post-IPO. However, while research and development (R&D) intensity and geographic proximity strengthen the positive relationship between CVC investment and entrepreneurial ventures’ performance pre-IPO, R&D intensity has a negative moderating effect on the relationship between CVC investment and entrepreneurial ventures’ performance post-IPO.

Practical implications

First, in emerging economies, adopting a CVC financing strategy is an important strategic choice for entrepreneurial ventures that have a great demand for external capital, resources and technology support. Second, leveraging the relationship between external financing and internal R&D investment is essential for them to maintain their core competitiveness and sustainable growth. Moreover, entrepreneurial ventures should deal with the coopetitive relationship with incumbent companies and manage their dependency on other market participants in the external environment.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the performance implications for entrepreneurial ventures engaging with CVC investments pre- and post-IPO. First, this study broadens and expands prior research on the mechanism of the relationship between CVC and entrepreneurial ventures’ financial performance. Second, the research conducts a comparative study of the moderating effects of different timings. Third, this study applies learning theory to the field of CVC in emerging economies.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, vol. 15 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4604

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2018

Yue Wang, Rui Zhong and Shijie Xu

The purpose of this paper is to assess the orbital perturbation caused by the gravitational orbit–attitude coupling of spacecraft in the proximity of asteroids.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the orbital perturbation caused by the gravitational orbit–attitude coupling of spacecraft in the proximity of asteroids.

Design/methodology/approach

The gravitational orbit–attitude coupling perturbation (GOACP), which has been neglected before in the close-proximity orbital dynamics about asteroids, is investigated and compared with other orbital perturbations. The GOACP has its origin in the fact that the gravity acting on a non-spherical extended body is actually different from that acting on a point mass located at the body’s center of mass, which is the approximated model in the orbital dynamics. Besides, a case study of a tethered satellite system is given by numerical simulations.

Findings

It is found that the ratio of GOACP to the asteroid’s non-spherical gravity is the order of ρ/ae, where ρ is the spacecraft’s characteristic dimension and ae is the asteroid’s mean radius. It can also be seen that as ρ increases, GOACP will also increase but the solar radiation pressure (SRP) will decrease due to the decreasing area-to-mass ratio. The GOACP will be more significant than SRP at small orbital radii for a large-sized spacecraft. Based on the results by analyses and simulations, it can be concluded that GOACP needs to be considered in the orbital dynamics for a large-sized spacecraft in the proximity of a small asteroid.

Practical implications

This study is of great importance for the future asteroids missions for scientific explorations and near-Earth objects mitigation.

Originality/value

The GOACP, which has been neglected before, is revealed and studied.

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