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1 – 10 of over 7000Aihwa Chang and Timmy H. Tseng
This study aims to investigate the interaction between branding strategies, levels of perceived fit and consumer innovativeness on the evaluation of new products from the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the interaction between branding strategies, levels of perceived fit and consumer innovativeness on the evaluation of new products from the perspective of situational strength.
Design/methodology/approach
Two experiments were conducted to empirically test the hypotheses.
Findings
A significant three-way interaction of branding strategy, perceived fit and consumer innovativeness on the evaluation of the new products was found. A significant two-way interaction of branding strategy and perceived fit was also found. Situational clarity fully mediates the relationship between branding strategy and consumer product evaluations at various fit levels.
Practical implications
The theory of situational strength may shed light on the selection of target market when managers launch new products. Innovative consumers are the target market for the new products under new branding or low fit sub-branding; under brand extension or high fit sub-branding, consumers are the target for the new products regardless of their degree of innovativeness.
Originality/value
This is the first work to apply situational strength theory to a new product evaluation context. The theory provides a unified framework for explaining the cognitive processes involved when consumers use and combine marketing cues (i.e. branding strategies and fit levels) to evaluate new products; it also facilitates evaluating how the effects of consumer innovativeness are accentuated or attenuated based on various combinations of marketing cues. Most research on the evaluation of new products has examined the influence of consumer innovativeness, perceived fit or branding strategies as distinct entities. This study simultaneously examined the three.
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This article explores how strengths-based recruitment is enabling graduate recruiters to engage, attract and select the best talent. Drawing from the example of major graduate…
Abstract
Purpose
This article explores how strengths-based recruitment is enabling graduate recruiters to engage, attract and select the best talent. Drawing from the example of major graduate recruiter, Ernst & Young, it shows how strengths assessment can be used at each stage of the recruitment and selection process.
Design/methodology/approach
Strengths-based recruitment is focused on assessing candidates in relation to their performance and motivation. It identifies what people do well and enjoy doing, relative to the requirements and job-fit of the prospective employer. Strengths are also assessed online as part of a front-end screening process through the situational strengths test. This assesses the strengths candidates have, together with how they would use those strengths in a range of scenarios and situations they would be likely to experience in the role.
Findings
Strengths-based recruitment and the Situational Strengths Test engage candidates by providing them with a realistic job preview of the role. They help candidates to make informed decisions about their own fit with the role. They help organizations to select the candidates who match their requirements more effectively from those who do not, delivering better outcomes for candidates and employers.
Originality/value
Strengths-based recruitment is an engaging recruitment approach that appeals to the Generation Y of current graduates who are focused on the opportunity to use their strengths at work. Ernst & Young has seen improved candidate experience, enhanced business engagement, and better selection outcomes through its use of strengths-based recruitment.
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Early career recruiters are increasingly focused on finding hidden talent and empowering social mobility, while also managing the reality of large recruitment volumes. A new…
Abstract
Purpose
Early career recruiters are increasingly focused on finding hidden talent and empowering social mobility, while also managing the reality of large recruitment volumes. A new approach to early careers recruitment solved both of these conflicting challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a combination of assessment insights, data analytics and strengths-based recruitment, the Nestlé early careers recruitment process was redesigned. Jobmi mindset assessments, the Capp Situational Strengths Test and the Capp Numerical Reasoning Test were used as online assessments, followed by a strengths-based video interview and strengths-based assessment centres.
Findings
Nestlé identified and hired candidates of whom 21 per cent would not have met the previous screening criteria, demonstrating how the new recruitment approach found hidden talent.
Practical implications
Making decisions from assessment insights and data analytics shows that it is possible for volume recruiters to manage, enhance and improve their recruitment processes without need for recourse to arbitrary screening criteria to manage volumes.
Social implications
Finding hidden talent and empowering social mobility widen opportunity for all people, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. It allows the identification and recruitment of people who demonstrate grit, resolve and tenacity, who might otherwise have been excluded by arbitrary recruitment barriers.
Originality/value
The article concludes with five best practice recommendations for finding hidden talent and promoting social mobility: do not use arbitrary screening criteria; make decisions from assessment insights and data analytics; guard against adverse impact; measure for future potential, not just past experience; and give candidates second chances by being part of a job-matching marketplace.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the changing and evolving apprenticeship market, with a specific focus on how it is beginning to impact the diversity of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the changing and evolving apprenticeship market, with a specific focus on how it is beginning to impact the diversity of employer organisations across a range of industry sectors.
Design/methodology/approach
This is an opinion piece, contextualising the UK business approach to apprenticeships and the levy. It includes case studies showing how the attraction and recruitment of apprentices have been used to address diversity issues in different organisations.
Findings
Employers are pushing for:
A broader range of apprenticeship standards (and for them to be signed off more quickly),
More of the UK population to be aware of the high-quality apprenticeship roles available,
The necessary company infrastructure and appropriate external activities, to ensure that the
Broadest range of talent applies for and secures apprentice roles.
Partnership with the training provider(s) works well.
Right level of support is in place for the apprentices, whether they are existing staff or new staff members (who are often young people, returners or ex-military).
Line managers can quickly and effectively integrate apprentices into their teams, so that they are adding value and making an impact.
A broader range of apprenticeship standards (and for them to be signed off more quickly),
More of the UK population to be aware of the high-quality apprenticeship roles available,
The necessary company infrastructure and appropriate external activities, to ensure that the
Broadest range of talent applies for and secures apprentice roles.
Partnership with the training provider(s) works well.
Right level of support is in place for the apprentices, whether they are existing staff or new staff members (who are often young people, returners or ex-military).
Line managers can quickly and effectively integrate apprentices into their teams, so that they are adding value and making an impact.
Broadest range of talent applies for and secures apprentice roles.
Partnership with the training provider(s) works well.
Right level of support is in place for the apprentices, whether they are existing staff or new staff members (who are often young people, returners or ex-military).
Line managers can quickly and effectively integrate apprentices into their teams, so that they are adding value and making an impact.
Jodi Brooke Patterson and Michelle Kimzey
The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between trait and situational empathy, and the effect of educational activities on empathy of nursing students towards…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between trait and situational empathy, and the effect of educational activities on empathy of nursing students towards people living with dementia.
Design/methodology/approach
This embedded mixed-methods study compared trait and situational empathy examined situational empathy pre/post didactic and experiential activities with nursing students and used qualitative data from focus group discussions to corroborate the quantitative data.
Findings
There was no significant difference between trait and situational empathy. Post intervention scores (situational) demonstrated improvements on empathic concern, shared affect, empathic imagination, helping motivation and cognitive empathy. Focus group discussions supported quantitative findings and also included distress.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations include lack of generalizability, single group threats and exclusion of stakeholder input. Single group threats include absence of a control group, familiarity with the CSES from pre-test to post-test and reactive measurements, as the students were observed by faculty while completing the Dementia Live activity. The perspective of stakeholders would strengthen the impact of the results on implementation.
Practical implications
Information gleaned from this study can help inform administrators in education and in practice. CliftonStrengths assessment and Dementia Live simulation activities can be used for administrators, faculty and students in schools of nursing as well as administrators and health-care workers.
Social implications
Information from this study can impact those living with dementia as well as their caregivers.
Originality/value
Most studies involving health-care students and empathy do not delineate between trait and situational empathy. This study is unique in that it measured both and sought a relationship between the two. Determining one's personal attributes such as trait empathy, can help students capitalize on their strengths and ultimately enhance patient care.
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Filip Lievens, Helga Peeters and Eveline Schollaert
The purpose of this paper is to give an empirically‐based review of the strengths and weaknesses of situational judgment tests (SJTs).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to give an empirically‐based review of the strengths and weaknesses of situational judgment tests (SJTs).
Design/methodology/approach
The features, history, and development of SJTs are discussed. Next, a computerized search (from 1990‐2007) is conducted to retrieve empirical studies related to SJTs. The effectiveness of SJTs is discussed in terms of reliability, criterion‐related validity, incremental validity, construct‐related validity, utility, adverse impact, applicant perceptions, fakability, and susceptibility to practice and coaching effects.
Findings
Strengths of SJTs are that they show criterion‐related validity and incremental validity above cognitive ability and personality tests. SJTs have also less adverse impact towards minorities (especially if the cognitive loading of the SJT is low). Furthermore, applicant reactions towards SJTs are positive and SJTs enable to test large applicant groups at once (through the Internet). In terms of weaknesses, SJTs might be prone to faking, practice, and coaching effects. There is also debate about what constructs are measured by SJTs.
Research limitations/implications
Five avenues for future research are discussed: construct‐related validity of SJTs, utility of SJTs vis‐à‐vis other predictors, impact of SJT features on validity and adverse impact, examination of alternative stimulus and response formats, and cross‐cultural transportability of SJTs.
Practical implications
Practitioners receive evidence‐based information about the features, development, and strengths and weaknesses of SJTs.
Originality/value
Apart from the USA, SJTs have not made strong inroads in selection practice in Europe and other parts of the world. This evidence‐based paper might highlight the value of SJTs.
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Melissa L. Moore, S. Ratneshwar and Robert S. Moore
Based on previous research in services, marketing, organizational behavior and psychology, this paper aims to identify four types of loyalty bonds that an individual can form with…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on previous research in services, marketing, organizational behavior and psychology, this paper aims to identify four types of loyalty bonds that an individual can form with a firm as well as a select set of firm and situational variables which likely result in the formation of each bond. It then aims to examine the influence of each bond on the relationship strength between a customer and a service provider.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a mail survey, female respondents over the age of 25 assessed shopping situations in two service‐provider settings – a grocery store and a beauty salon. Scenarios manipulated aspects of the service experience based on firm and situational variables.
Findings
This study confirms the existence of four primary types of loyalty bonds – utilitarian, affective, symbolic, and obligatory. Firm and situational variables maximally impact each type of loyalty bond. The bonds predict relationship strength with the service provider.
Research limitations/implications
Complex relationships are apparent between the different types of bonds. Further research is needed to understand how firm and situational variables interact in different service settings.
Practical implications
The authors' research shows that customers may form different types of loyalty bonds with firms, some that are controllable by the firm and some which are less controllable. Results provide a starting point for tactical decision making regarding which bonds service providers would like to target in the development of their relationship marketing programs.
Originality/value
The authors contribute to the services marketing literature by examining when specific loyalty bonds are created and how these bonds impact relationship strength.
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Hui Chen, Jie Liu, Yu Wang, Ning Yang and Xiao-Hua (Frank) Wang
Proactive career behavior (PCB) is an effective form of career self-management that has positive impacts on individual career development and career success, and therefore, the…
Abstract
Purpose
Proactive career behavior (PCB) is an effective form of career self-management that has positive impacts on individual career development and career success, and therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the driving factors of PCB.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the interactionist perspective and situational strength theory, this study examined the independent and joint effects of role commitment and pay-for-performance (PFP) on employees' PCB based on data collected from 298 Chinese private enterprise employees at two time points.
Findings
The authors found that occupational role commitment (ORC), parental role commitment (PRC) and PFP were positively related to PCB. Furthermore, PFP moderated the relationship between ORC/PRC and PCB, such that the two relationships were stronger when PFP was low.
Originality/value
Drawing on the interactionist perspective, the authors contribute to the literature on PCB by revealing novel antecedents of PCB: ORC, PRC and PFP. The authors also contribute to the situational strength theory by examining how role commitment and PFP may interact to impact employees' PCB. Finally, the authors are among the first to consider the effects of role commitment on individual career behaviors, thus extending the nomological network of role commitment.
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Edward William Wright, Yue Cai Hillon, Mariano Garrido-Lopez and Drake Fowler
This paper aims to present several tools to facilitate strategic planning and to demystify the situational analysis and the selection of strategy. These tools include situational…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present several tools to facilitate strategic planning and to demystify the situational analysis and the selection of strategy. These tools include situational analysis scorecards for the environmental scan, market analysis, competitive bench-marking and internal resource evaluation along with a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) fit matrix. Business student teams have tested these scorecards in capstone projects with good results; however, the concepts remain works-in-process.
Design/methodology/approach
This study introduces tools to assist planners in preparing the situational analysis and deriving logical strategic choices based upon the SWOT analysis. These aids include an environmental factors scorecard, a market favorability scorecard, a competitive benchmarking scorecard, a resource evaluation scorecard and a SWOT fit matrix. Planners can use these devices to produce a research-based situational analysis and as a guide to select the most appropriate strategy.
Findings
These concepts have been beta tested by business student teams in capstone projects with good results but remain works-in-process.
Originality/value
The introduction of these creative scorecards addresses a shortcoming in academic literature concerning the interpretation of situational analysis research data and provides tactical tools linking SWOT to the choice of grand strategy and strategy implementation.
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Le Nguyen Hoang and Le Thanh Tung
The moderating role of situational context in the effects of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) on online purchase intention through brand image has found sparse empirical support…
Abstract
Purpose
The moderating role of situational context in the effects of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) on online purchase intention through brand image has found sparse empirical support. This study thus aims to examine whether situational context affects the direction and strength of the relationships between aspects of eWOM and brand image that lead to online purchase intention.
Design/methodology/approach
To extend the existing research, the authors tested the model using a sample of 546 online shoppers during the fourth wave of COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City. Specifically, the testing of the direct relationships and the mediating role of brand image occurred using measurement and structural models. The authors then created a moderated mediation model to examine the moderating role of situational context. Furthermore, the authors probed the interactions by identifying changes in the relationships from eWOM to online purchase intention through a brand image at different levels of situational context.
Findings
Without situational context’s moderating effect, brand image positively partially mediated the influence of either eWOM credibility or quantity on intention. Situational context’s moderating effect then explains why high- versus low-level disease-avoidance customers seek less eWOM credibility and more eWOM quantity to develop brand images and shape their intentions.
Originality/value
The findings have theoretical implications for understanding the pressure of disease avoidance on customers’ online purchase intentions. Among the practical implications of the research are tactics for profit and non-profit purposes.
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