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Article
Publication date: 17 August 2015

William J. Ritchie, George Young, Ali M. Shahzad, Robert W. Kolodinsky and Steven A. Melnyk

The purpose of this paper is to explore product adoption beliefs and actions of a large retail food organization with both corporate-owned stores and privately held franchise…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore product adoption beliefs and actions of a large retail food organization with both corporate-owned stores and privately held franchise stores.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a case study approach involving survey data collection from 190 corporate-owned and licensed retail outlets that were members of a large, single organization. Ordinary least squares regression and mean differences (t-tests) were used to test the data. Findings were elaborated upon based upon structured interviews.

Findings

Corporate-owned retail outlets invested heavily in food safety innovation, while franchised retail outlets pursued minimal investment to retain product flexibility. The level of adoption is contingent upon ownership structure, as well as institutional forces emanating from the corporate environment, the customer, and peer organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The findings offer greater insight into methodological issues associated with measurement of new product adoption in particular. The authors have shown that it is critical for researchers to clarify the level of analysis of the study. Quantitative survey analysis revealed both safety and economic motivations to be desirable issues in product adoption considerations. However, when quantitative and qualitative results were combined, very different outcomes were realized as ownership structure differences appear to dominate product adoption decisions. Therefore, when conducting plural organizational form research, the data gathering efforts must be carefully undertaken to ensure that critical drivers of phenomena explored are not overlooked.

Practical implications

Adoption of new product adoption involves the complex interplay between ownership structure/control, economic cost/benefit, managerial choice, and societal norms. Often, organizational research relating to adoption of new processes and innovations collects individual-level data. However, this study shows that adoption decisions occur at multiple levels and that the ownership/structural context must be considered.

Social implications

The study has implications from social innovation/responsibility perspectives. Recent press regarding food safety has put pressure on food processing establishments to consider methods of reducing food safety breaches. No doubt, this has alerted the consumer to potential risks in food processing and influenced their preferences in favor of food safety innovations. Nonetheless, perceptions of the importance of “safety” can be interpreted in a variety of ways, leading to differing courses of action. Interviews with corporate-level executives revealed that they preferred both corporate-owned and franchised retail outlets adopt case ready (CR) meats to stem safety concerns. Yet, this aspiration diffused throughout the organization differently.

Originality/value

Multiple organizational structure forms operating within the same organizational entity, or “plural form” organizations, offer unique opportunities for examination. Applying various theoretical lenses, including agency theory, the resource-based theory, and institutional theory, the authors offer rationale for why different structural types within the same corporate entity may differ in their beliefs and actions concerning product safety, cost, and adoption.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 53 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 January 2019

Michele Farmer, Stuart Allen, Kathy Duncan and Meera Alagaraja

This paper aims to understand water and wastewater industry leaders’ perceptions of the current and future role of workplace spirituality, including the challenges and benefits of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to understand water and wastewater industry leaders’ perceptions of the current and future role of workplace spirituality, including the challenges and benefits of incorporating workplace spirituality in government utilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The Delphi technique was used to gather input and gain consensus from an expert panel of executive level managers.

Findings

The panel achieved consensus that workplace spirituality is evident in a higher sense of purpose for those working in the water and wastewater industry which is likely to be the greatest future benefit of workplace spirituality in the industry. Other central themes included making a positive environmental impact, going beyond compliance, collaborating with the community, creating a connection to peers and encouraging organizational belonging. Consensus was also achieved regarding obstacles to workplace spirituality’s future role in the industry, including concerns about terminology and the need for supportive leadership.

Practical implications

The water and wastewater industry face challenges including climate change, rising costs, aging infrastructure, increased regulatory requirements and a rapidly changing workforce. Workplace spirituality seems likely to support the industry in facing these challenges and can be promoted through encouraging a sense of purpose and meaning, collaborating with the community and recruiting individuals with resonant values and sense of calling.

Originality/value

Workplace spirituality has received growing attention in the private sector. However, workplace spirituality research in the public sector is minimal. This expert panel of top leaders from US water and wastewater agencies provide insight into the role of workplace spirituality in the public sector.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 December 2019

Catarina Delgado, Mani Venkatesh, Manuel Castelo Branco and Tânia Silva

This study aims to address the topic of ethics, responsibility and sustainability (ERS) orientation of students enrolled in schools of economics and management master’s degrees…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to address the topic of ethics, responsibility and sustainability (ERS) orientation of students enrolled in schools of economics and management master’s degrees. It examines the effect of educational background and gender on Portuguese students’ orientation towards ERS, as well as the extent to which there is a relation between the scientific area of the master degree in which the student is enrolled and his/her ERS orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a sample of 201 students from several master degrees offered by the School of Economics and Management of a large public Portuguese university and analysed their ERS orientation using a survey by questionnaire.

Findings

Findings suggest that there are differences in orientation across gender, with female students valuing ERS more than their male counterparts. Educational background has minimal effects on the responses. It was also found some sort of selection effect in terms of the scientific area of the master degree and ERS orientation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by analysing the issue of whether students with an educational background in economics and management present different ERS orientation than their counterparts, as well as by examining whether there is some sort of self-selection into the study of disciplines in which ERS orientation is likely to be a week. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first study analysing this type of issue regarding ERS.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2010

Madeleine Parkes, Katja Milner and Peter Gilbert

People go into employment for a range of reasons. One of those is usually to find a sense of meaning, as humans are meaning‐seeking animals.In the public sector there is even more…

Abstract

People go into employment for a range of reasons. One of those is usually to find a sense of meaning, as humans are meaning‐seeking animals.In the public sector there is even more likelihood of some kind of ‘calling’. This may not be a religious call, or even an overtly spiritual one, but there will usually be some sense in which the role and the individual reach out to one another.In a time of recession and strain on public finances and services, leaders need to work in a way that appeals to the spirit, the vocation in each person and the team.

Details

International Journal of Leadership in Public Services, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-9886

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2007

Robert Rugimbana

The purpose of this research is to address the important question of how to attract and retain a fragmented and ecologically diverse youth segment in a rapidly changing retail…

5129

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to address the important question of how to attract and retain a fragmented and ecologically diverse youth segment in a rapidly changing retail banking sector such as Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilises a combination of theoretical frameworks, and quantitative techniques to ascertain the most important motivational goals for Malaysian youth when making e‐channels choices.

Findings

This study generates empirical evidence which supports the general theory that prominent cultural values such as those that stress integrity of the referent group, self‐reliance and social identity are important influencers of the likelihood of adopting selected electronic banking channels.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed on all retail banking e‐channels apart from those currently most readily accessible in Malaysia. Similarly, researchers may consider other demographic segments for purposes of generating more robust theoretical frameworks.

Practical implications

Service innovation characteristics as well as prominent cultural values that stress, self‐reliance, integrity of the reference group and social identity and compliance may have significant implications for marketing practice even where diverse youth segments are concerned.

Originality/value

This study is the first that seeks to ascertain the importance of prominent individual cultural values as predictors of consumer choice in the context of e‐banking services in Malaysia. Therefore, this study thus sets an important benchmark for further research in the area.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 July 2010

Eric Kong

The balanced scorecard (BSC) and intellectual capital (IC) concepts are two strategic management methods that help to identify and elevate organizations' intellectual resources in…

3971

Abstract

Purpose

The balanced scorecard (BSC) and intellectual capital (IC) concepts are two strategic management methods that help to identify and elevate organizations' intellectual resources in the knowledge economy. However, very little research has examined the usefulness of the BSC and IC concept in nonprofit organizations. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a critical analysis of current literature in relation to BSC and IC concepts within the social service nonprofit context.

Findings

The findings suggest that BSC is less effective in social service nonprofit organizations (SSNPOs) because the model's strategy, cause‐and‐effect relationships and its four linked perspectives are incompatible to the unique social service nonprofit environment. IC, however, can be harnessed to co‐ordinate with the values and core character of SSNPOs.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes a new dimension to the body of literature; raising critical questions as to the usefulness of the BSC in SSNPOs and theoretically arguing that IC is an alternative strategic management framework in the social service nonprofit sub‐sector. The increased awareness of the IC concept in SSNPOs, as a result of this paper, likely generates further research from both nonprofit practitioners and scholars.

Originality/value

The paper is considered as a starting point and serves as a milestone in applying IC as a strategic management conceptual framework in the nonprofit sector. Also, the paper informs nonprofit leaders that IC is a more appropriate strategic management concept in the nonprofit sector.

Details

Journal of Intellectual Capital, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1469-1930

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 May 2011

Scott R. Swanson, Robert Frankel, Mariusz Sagan and Douglas L. Johansen

This research adopts Hofstede's typology of culture as a framework to test for cultural differences regarding consumer verbal behaviors in the context of a service provider…

2339

Abstract

Purpose

This research adopts Hofstede's typology of culture as a framework to test for cultural differences regarding consumer verbal behaviors in the context of a service provider switching incident.

Design/methodology/approach

The study includes respondents from five countries selected to provide global diversity by including cultures from Asia, Europe, South America, and North America. Cooperation from a variety of businesses was utilized in each country investigated to survey employees.

Findings

Findings indicate there are significant relationships between cultural orientation and: the propensity of engaging in discussion of service switching incidents; communication valence; the social network that private word‐of‐mouth is shared with; the likelihood of public complaint behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The sample, while five‐country in design, is somewhat limited by its representation at the extremes (i.e. most developed and least developed) and from urban populations only. Within‐country differences are also not considered. A broad range of service sectors strengthens the results, but does not allow for sector‐specific conclusions. The results of this study can assist global service providers to better understand the role that culture plays in customer verbal behaviors as well as providing direction to formulate strategies and tactics to better manage the complaint process.

Originality/value

As service organizations become more globally diverse, understanding the subtle influences of cultural differences becomes increasingly important for building effective customer relationships. No study to date has examined consumer post‐switching verbal behaviors across a broad range of cultural settings.

Details

Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-4529

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 May 2011

Jay R. Tombaugh, Clifton Mayfield and Roger Durand

This study aims to provide preliminary evidence for a new conceptualization and measure of workplace spirituality labeled spiritual expression at work (SEW). While the extant…

2298

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide preliminary evidence for a new conceptualization and measure of workplace spirituality labeled spiritual expression at work (SEW). While the extant literature focuses on the fulfillment of workers' spiritual needs, spiritual expression refers to the impact of personal spirituality on the everyday thoughts, behaviors and interactions of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot study (n=92) included item generation and an exploratory factor analysis of the five‐item SEW scale (SEWS). The primary validation study (n=348) consisted of: performing a confirmatory factor analysis of the SEWS; comparing the SEWS with other spirituality measures, including two measures of personal spirituality and two measures of values‐based workplace spirituality; psychometrically assessing the convergent, discriminant and predictive validity of the SEWS; and examining the correlations and regression results between the SEWS and the comparison measures.

Findings

The SEWS showed acceptable psychometric properties across both samples, and the results support the convergent, discriminate and predictive validities of the SEW construct.

Research limitations/implications

This study is subject to the typical limitations of cross‐sectional research. However, meaningful results were obtained across two samples.

Practical implications

These results suggest workers may express their spirituality regardless of their perceptions of the spiritual nature of the organization. In doing so, personal spirituality may impact important personal and organizational outcomes.

Originality/value

This study moves beyond existing research by showing a new way to assess workplace spirituality.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2011

Simone T.A. Phipps

This paper aims to depict the pivotal roles played by Mary Parker Follett and Mary Barnett Gilson, as they uniquely contributed to early management thought, theory, and practice…

1204

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to depict the pivotal roles played by Mary Parker Follett and Mary Barnett Gilson, as they uniquely contributed to early management thought, theory, and practice through “spirituality” despite the chauvinism of their day.

Design/methodology/approach

Synthesizing articles from history journals, writings about the figures of interest, annals, published works by the figures themselves, and other resources; this paper illustrates how the input of Follett and Gilson made distinctive and valuable contributions to the management field.

Findings

This research concludes that Follett and Gilson, although from the mid‐nineteenth to mid‐twentieth century, when men were dominant in any arena relating to management, were responsive to their “spiritual” insight despite its contrariness to the credence of their day. Consequently, they initiated an understanding that significantly impacted management theory and practice. Their perceptive revelations also led to changing mindsets and actions that influenced the wellbeing of organizations, as well as their employees.

Originality/value

During this era, although not widely publicized, the “weaker” sex did make its mark. This is the first paper to examine, from a “spiritual” viewpoint, the contributions of these members of the “weaker” sex to management history.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2022

H. Kristl Davison, Phillip W. Braddy, John P. Meriac, Robert Gigliotti, Daniel J. Detwiler and Mark N. Bing

Workplace deviance remains a concern for many organizations, and narcissism has been identified as a primary contributor. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether…

Abstract

Purpose

Workplace deviance remains a concern for many organizations, and narcissism has been identified as a primary contributor. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether political skill and ambition interact with narcissism to attenuate or exacerbate workplace deviance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed a sample of 335 participants in leadership positions and empirically tested interactions among political skill, narcissism and ambition in predicting workplace deviance.

Findings

The authors performed moderated hierarchical regression analyses on the data to test the hypothesis and research question. Contrary to expectations, political skill attenuated the relationship between narcissism and workplace deviance. However, ambition was found to attenuate deviance, with the highest levels of deviance evident when narcissism was high, political skill was low, and ambition was also low.

Originality/value

Although research has examined the relationship between narcissism and workplace deviance, to the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first to examine the roles of political skill and ambition in attenuating the manifestation of narcissism into workplace deviance.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 43 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

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