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1 – 10 of 216
Article
Publication date: 31 January 2023

Rajaram Natarajan and J. Ajith Kumar

Knowledge sharing (KS) helps employees learn from errors, but not much research has highlighted how sharing practices develop and take place in networked organizations. This study…

Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge sharing (KS) helps employees learn from errors, but not much research has highlighted how sharing practices develop and take place in networked organizations. This study aims to explore how the professionals in a service triad develop and execute KS practices to learn from error.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was adopted that focused on professionals working in a US-based company that was part of a health insurance service triad. The organization (“CaseCo”) processed the insurance claims filed by hospitals and doctors. The authors gathered qualitative data by conducting nine focus group discussions (FGDs) among CaseCo’s professionals. The FGDs involved a total of 51 professionals (17 women and 34 men) working in three centres of CaseCo in India.

Findings

The analyses revealed that error-related knowledge sharing (ERKS) practices emerge in a professional service triad (PST) through a culture of situated learning. They occur in ways that involves the use of repositories on the one hand, and connections between individuals on the other, both within and across the PST’s organizations. Such practices represent a dynamic system of knowledge stocks and flows in the PST.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that brings to the fore how ERKS practices develop and are executed in a professional organization in a triadic network structure.

Details

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5891

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Asieh Nazemi, Paria R. Zamanfashami, Pantea Foroudi, Manijeh Haghighinasab, Nader Seyyedamiri and Masoud Zare Mehrjardy

This study aims to address the following research questions: (1) What are the theoretical frameworks and areas of study that influence the development of service ecosystems? and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to address the following research questions: (1) What are the theoretical frameworks and areas of study that influence the development of service ecosystems? and (2) To what extent does a service ecosystem align with the theoretical concepts presented in other research contexts within the study areas, thereby transforming the fundamental structure of the core concept?

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a bibliometric systematic literature review, analyzing 280 papers from a sample of 52 journals listed in the Association of Business Schools (ABS). The review covered the period between 2004 and 2022, and we utilized co-citation analysis, multi-dimensional scaling analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) on a total of 2,614 citations.

Findings

This study employs co-citation analysis to identify the conceptual structure of the service ecosystem based on highly cited papers. Additionally, we utilize multidimensional scaling (MDS) to uncover key approaches driving service ecosystem research. Through HCA and network analysis, we examine the research scope and its development, emphasizing theory-driven approaches. By combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, we explore the interrelationships between scope, domain and evolution. This comprehensive analysis allows us to delve deeply into the study of service ecosystems. To broaden the research scope, we propose a conceptual framework for comparing the main components of a service ecosystem. The current paper clarifies the service ecosystem's intellectual structure, including service performance, humanistic approach, sustainable innovations and service reflexivity and reformation and proposes a prospective research framework for specialists and researchers by introducing a metaverse service ecosystem.

Originality/value

For the first time, the findings of this study shed light on processes that facilitate the flow of technologies, business models and markets through social structures, ultimately contributing to social change. In service-based systems, the development and application of a more humanistic approach within and surrounding social service ecosystems are crucial as they evolve. Therefore, adopting a dynamic and multifaceted approach offers valuable insights into the drivers of value creation.

Details

Journal of Strategy and Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-425X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2024

Mohsin Malik and Imran Ali

We present configurational theorising as a novel approach to developing middle-range theory in two steps: (1) we illustrate configurational theorising as a new form of supply…

Abstract

Purpose

We present configurational theorising as a novel approach to developing middle-range theory in two steps: (1) we illustrate configurational theorising as a new form of supply chain inquiry by connecting its philosophical assumptions with a methodological execution, and (2) we generate new insights underpinning a middle-range theory for supply chain resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

We synthesise information from a range of sources and invoke ‘critical realism” to suggest a five-phase configurational theorising roadmap to develop middle-range theory. We demonstrate this roadmap to explain supply chain resilience by analysing qualitative data from 22 organisations within the Australian food supply chain.

Findings

Coopetition and supply chain collaboration are necessary causal conditions, but they need to combine with either supply chain agility or multi-sourcing strategy to build supply chain resilience. Asymmetrical analyses showed that the simultaneous absence of supply chain collaboration, supply chain agility and multi-sourcing results in low supply chain resilience, but coopetition was indifferent to low supply chain resilience. Similarly, high supply chain resilience is possible with the non-presence of supply chain agility and multi-sourcing.

Research limitations/implications

The configurational middle-range theorising roadmap presented and empirically tested in this paper constitutes a substantial advancement to both theory and the methodological domain.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt at developing a middle-range theory for supply chains by explicitly drawing on configurational theorising.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2024

Swapnil Saravade and Reto Felix

This paper aims to provide a conceptual understanding of the drivers and outcomes of actor opportunism in the context of the three key actors of the sharing economy – the service…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a conceptual understanding of the drivers and outcomes of actor opportunism in the context of the three key actors of the sharing economy – the service provider, the platform and the consumer.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a conceptual approach by drawing on literature from within and outside of marketing.

Findings

The current research introduces a conceptual framework of opportunism in the sharing economy with seven underlying propositions. The framework posits a U-shaped moderating effect of social capital for the relationship between opportunism and its drivers, actor vulnerability and asset specificity. Furthermore, a 2 × 2 matrix consisting of two types of opportunistic behaviors (active and passive) and two coping strategies by other actors (defensive and nondefensive) suggests that passive opportunism tends to lead to value codestruction independently of the coping strategies employed by other actors. Counterintuitively, the combination of active opportunism and defensive coping strategy presents an opportunity for value cocreation due to its potential to break up older structures and generate new ones.

Research limitations/implications

While our research provides a higher-level understanding of opportunism pertaining to platform, consumers and service providers in the sharing economy, future research could situate our framework within specific regulatory environments, incorporate the role of competitors and examine individual interaction effects between type of opportunism and coping strategies.

Practical implications

The framework enables service providers, platforms and consumers to identify drivers of opportunistic behaviors of their partners and discern instances in which opportunistic behaviors lead to value codestruction for all actors.

Originality/value

This research transcends prior work on the bright and dark sides of the sharing economy by identifying its dynamic nature and examining the contributing role of opportunism.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2024

Ilias Vlachos, Apostolos Zisimopoulos and Giannis T. Tsoulfas

Franchising contributes significantly to national economies but is overlooked in supply chain literature. This study aims to contribute to the franchising and supply chain…

Abstract

Purpose

Franchising contributes significantly to national economies but is overlooked in supply chain literature. This study aims to contribute to the franchising and supply chain literature by examining how the digitisation of the franchising supply chain improves firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A single longitudinal case study approach was selected to investigate how a leading coffee brand digitised its franchising supply chain. Resource constraints theory and agency theory provide the theoretical framework. Data collection included both qualitative and quantitative data. Over two years, chronological, supply chain and thematic analyses and interpretation uncovered important findings and developed four research propositions.

Findings

Findings show that digitisation can impact performance in eight areas: Resource management, Resource constraints, Efficiency, Business-to-Business (B2B)/Business-To-Customer (B2C) links, Rapid expansion, Risk mitigation, Information asymmetries and Faster supply chain responses. Four digital technologies (advanced analytics, Internet of Things, Autonomous Mobile Robots and B2B e-shop) impacted three franchisor functions (Machine maintenance, Inventory management, Franchisee and end-customer relations). The study develops four research propositions on how digitisation impacts performance in terms of (1) resource monitoring and control, (2) learning and knowledge creation, (3) coordination and collaboration and (4) competition.

Originality/value

Franchising supply chains have been overlooked in the literature; this study provides insights into using resource constraints theory and agency theory complementarily to explain supply chain digitisation and provides actionable practical implications for selecting, implementing and continuously improving Industry 4.0 technologies in franchising supply chains.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 May 2024

Huan Huang and Xi Yu Leung

This paper aims to uncover the insights derived from past experimental studies in promoting sustainable tourism. It also advocates for leveraging future experimental designs to…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to uncover the insights derived from past experimental studies in promoting sustainable tourism. It also advocates for leveraging future experimental designs to position tourism as a catalyst for positive change toward sustainable development goals.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of previous literature examines the contributions of experimental design in both tourist studies and employee studies within the tourism fields.

Findings

Previous experimental studies have explored effective methods shaping tourists’ sustainable behaviors and management strategies contributing to employees’ decent work. The importance of integrating digital technology in these interventions is highlighted. A future research agenda encompassing three dimensions – technological progress, theory development and practical implications and research design – is proposed to leverage experimental studies for fostering sustainable development within the tourism industry.

Originality/value

This study, through a comprehensive review, highlights the significant impacts of previous experimental studies on encouraging responsible consumption among tourists and championing improved working conditions for employees. It underscores the necessity for enhanced experimental design, which should integrate theoretical frameworks and prioritize technological innovations to address real-world challenges. These improvements are crucial for advancing the tourism industry toward greater sustainability.

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2024

Rashmini Sharma, Shavneet Sharma and Gurmeet Singh

This study aims to explore customers’ second-hand clothing purchases and their engagement on the Facebook marketplace.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore customers’ second-hand clothing purchases and their engagement on the Facebook marketplace.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model is developed, building upon the online second-hand shopping motivation (OSSM) scale. Data gathered from 409 respondents was analysed using covariance-based structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results highlight that economic, convenience, ideological motivations and environmental concerns impact customers’ purchase intention. Conversely, status consumption was found to impede customers’ purchase intentions. Notably, the elements of social media engagement, including consumption, contribution and creation, demonstrated significance as a consequence of customers’ second-hand clothing purchase intention.

Originality/value

This study’s findings contribute to the knowledge encompassing sustainable fashion consumption, information systems and second-hand social media shopping. It uniquely explores customer behaviours related to second-hand clothes shopping on the Facebook marketplace by building upon the OSSM scale. These findings offer valuable insights, showcasing the determinants that can increase customer-centric social media engagement. These results inform online retailers on Facebook marketplace about sustainable practices, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 12, 13 and 8, to promote a green global economy.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 May 2024

Valtteri Kaartemo and Anu Helkkula

Applications of artificial intelligence (AI), such as virtual and physical service robots, generative AI, large language models and decision support systems, alter the nature of…

Abstract

Purpose

Applications of artificial intelligence (AI), such as virtual and physical service robots, generative AI, large language models and decision support systems, alter the nature of services. Most service research centers on the division between human and AI resources. Less attention has been paid to analyzing the entangled resource relations and interactions between humans and AI entities. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to extend our metatheoretical understanding of resource integration and value cocreation by analyzing different human–AI resource relations in service ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual paper adapts a novel framework from postphenomenology, specifically cyborg intentionality. This framework is used to analyze what kinds of human–AI resource relations enable resource integration and value cocreation in service ecosystems.

Findings

We conceptualize seven different human–AI resource relations, namely background, embodiment, hermeneutic, alterity, cyborg, immersion and composite relation. The sociotechnical entangled perspective on human–AI resource relations challenges and reframes our understanding of interactions between humans and nonhumans in resource integration and value cocreation and the distinction between operant and operand resources in service research.

Originality/value

Our primary contribution to researchers and service providers is dissolving the distinction between operant and operand resources. We present two foundational propositions. 1. Humans and AI become entangled value cocreating resources in inherently sociotechnical service ecosystems; and 2. Human and AI entanglements in value cocreation manifest through seven resource relations in inherently sociotechnical service ecosystems. Understanding the combinatorial potential of different human–AI resource relations enables service providers to make informed choices in service ecosystems.

Details

Journal of Service Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-5818

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 November 2023

Jia-Jhou Wu, Sue-Ting Chang, Yung-Ping Lin and Tom M.Y. Lin

When encountering novel technology, customers often use the term “cool” to express their thoughts; therefore, coolness has become crucial for launching service robots. However…

Abstract

Purpose

When encountering novel technology, customers often use the term “cool” to express their thoughts; therefore, coolness has become crucial for launching service robots. However, research on the impact mechanism of “coolness” is lacking. This study explored the relationship between delight and behavioral intention regarding the coolness of service robots in the food and beverage industry while discussing the mediating roles of utilitarian and hedonic values.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were distributed online with links to the survey posted on restaurant discussion boards on Facebook and online community platforms such as Dcard. In total, 540 responses were deemed valid. The hypotheses were tested using the partial least squares structural equation modeling method.

Findings

The results indicate that coolness positively impacted both utilitarian and hedonic values and that both perceived values positively impacted delight. Moreover, coolness does not directly impact delight but must be mediated by perceived value to be effective.

Practical implications

Increasing customer perceptions of the coolness of service robots is recommended. Moreover, regarding customer revisits, utilitarian value services can delight customers more effectively than hedonic value services.

Originality/value

The stimulus-organism-response model was used to identify the relationships among coolness, perceived value, delight and behavioral intention. Moreover, the authors investigated the impact of coolness on utilitarian and hedonic values. These findings are significant for the development of smart restaurants and provide a critical reference for exploring service robots.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Yang S. Yang, Xiaojin Sun, Mengge Li and Tingting Yan

This study investigates the extent to which a firm’s centrality and autonomy in its supply network are associated with the intensity and complexity of its competitive actions.

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the extent to which a firm’s centrality and autonomy in its supply network are associated with the intensity and complexity of its competitive actions.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing social network analysis and dynamic panel data models, this study analyzes a comprehensive panel dataset with 10,802 firm-year observations across various industries between 2011 and 2018 to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Our findings show that a firm’s level of centrality in its supply network has an inverted U-shaped relationship with both competitive intensity and competitive complexity. In addition, the turning points of these two inverted U-shaped relationships differ in that firms with a lower level of centrality tend to compete aggressively by launching more actions within fewer categories, while firms with a higher level of centrality tend to compete aggressively by launching fewer actions that cover a larger range of categories. Finally, we find that a firm’s structural autonomy has a positive relationship with competitive complexity.

Originality/value

This study bridges the gap between the supply chain management literature and strategic management literature and investigates how supply networks shape competitive aggressiveness. In particular, this research investigates how a firm’s structural position in its supply network affects its competitive actions, an important intermediate mechanism for competitive advantage that has been overlooked in the supply chain management literature.

Details

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

Keywords

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