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Article
Publication date: 10 January 2024

Wagner De Souza Tavares and Rani Uli Silitonga

Phonecards were largely used in African countries for telephone services. They have been collected by people around the world as a hobby. Images from several themes were printed…

Abstract

Purpose

Phonecards were largely used in African countries for telephone services. They have been collected by people around the world as a hobby. Images from several themes were printed in phonecards, including insects (beetles, butterflies, dragonflies, etc.). We hypothesized that the display of butterfly images in phonecards aimed to arise issues associated with butterfly endangerment and conservation status by protecting their natural habitat and/or butterfly beautifulness, and that they present “extinct” or “threatened” conservation status classification. The purpose of this study is to describe how butterfly images were used in African phonecards; to identify the butterfly species name through their images and information available in all African phonecards; and to record the most recent known geographical distribution and conservation status of butterflies.

Design/methodology/approach

Colnect database was assessed to identify all butterfly-themed African phonecards. International Union for Conservation of Nature database was also assessed to obtain information on the most recent known geographical distribution and conservation status of butterflies.

Findings

The species name of butterflies was identified from 6 out of 18 African phonecards. The most recent known geographical distribution of butterflies was wide across Africa and conservation status of most genera is classified as “least concern”.

Originality/value

The display of butterfly images in African phonecards is mostly associated with their beautifulness and least related with butterfly conservation, protection and endangerment status.

Article
Publication date: 24 July 2023

Chung Shing Chan and Wan Yan Tsun

This study aims to propose resident-based brand equity models on green, creative and smart development themes through a multi-sample telephone survey on Hong Kong residents (n

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose resident-based brand equity models on green, creative and smart development themes through a multi-sample telephone survey on Hong Kong residents (n = 751).

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted a quantitative approach with a round of questionnaire-based survey carried out anonymously on adult citizens who have stayed in Hong Kong for more than one year. Telephone survey was performed by a professional survey research centre with trained interviewers between May and July 2022.

Findings

The study identifies the magnitude of these city brand equity attributes and reconfigured their composition under separate samples of Hong Kong residents. The results reveal the relatively stronger brand equity for developing Hong Kong as a smart city brand compared with green and creative branding.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings might carry a major limitation of varied interpretations and stereotypes of each city theme (green, creative and smart) by local residents. To minimize the expected bias, two core questions were added to provide respondents with information on each theme before the main survey questions. The questions’ wording was also simplified to ensure the constraint and inconsistency of layman effect.

Practical implications

The common attributes across the themes, including distinctiveness, uniqueness, confidence, positive image, liveability, long-term residence, feature familiarity and top-of-mind, indicate the most prominent aspects of brand equity formation and enhancement. Since urban sustainability does not follow a single path of strategies and infrastructure development, city brand process should also follow a selective approach, which clearly identifies a multiplicity of local interests that could create the best outcomes and the strongest brand equity for the city.

Originality/value

The factor allocation and regression analysis elucidate different configurations of the determining factors with a three-factor model for green city brand equity and two-factor models for the other ones. The findings encore some previous studies supporting the differentiation between common attributes and distinctive attributes, and the overlapping approach to unleash the strongest integration of attributes of brand equity.

Details

Journal of Place Management and Development, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2024

Cynthia Lum, Christopher S. Koper, Michael Goodier, William Johnson and James Krause

We present the results of one of the only in-depth studies of a police agency’s internal and external response to the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 (COVID-19). This study…

Abstract

Purpose

We present the results of one of the only in-depth studies of a police agency’s internal and external response to the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 (COVID-19). This study emphasizes the importance of law enforcement agencies conducting comprehensive case studies and after-action assessments to prepare, prevent and respond to prolonged public health crises and showcases the profound (and lingering) effects of COVID-19 on police organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This multi-method case study combines document analysis, a workforce survey, a community survey, interviews and analysis of administrative data to detail and assess the agency’s internal and operational responses to the pandemic and the reactions of employees and community members to those responses.

Findings

Despite agency strategies to mitigate the pandemic’s effects, employees cited very high stress levels one year after the pandemic and a third of sworn officers considered leaving the policing profession altogether during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several policies intended by the agency to protect employee health and maintain staffing needs kept workforce levels steady but may have increased feelings of organizational injustice in both sworn and non-sworn individuals, with variation across racial and gender groups. A jurisdiction-wide community survey indicated general support for the police department’s responses but a preference for in-person rather than telephone-based responses to service calls. Officers, however, preferred continuing remote responses even after the pandemic subsided.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the only in-depth case studies that examine a police agency’s internal and external responses to COVID-19 and the sworn, non-sworn and community reactions to those responses.

Details

Policing: An International Journal, vol. 47 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2023

Oliver Tannor, Felix Dordaa and John Yaw Akparep

The aim of this study is to examine the agency problems that arise between retail property owners and outsourced facility management (FM) service vendors in Ghana.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the agency problems that arise between retail property owners and outsourced facility management (FM) service vendors in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was carried out using telephone and face-to-face interviews. Nine facility managers (n =9) and six retail property owners (n = 6) purposively selected participated in the interviews. The responses from the interviews were analysed using content analysis. To begin with the analysis, the recorded audio for each respondent during the interviews was transcribed to augment what was written during the interviews. The next step was the development of a coding framework where each of the agency problems was assigned unique codes and grouped under themes. Each response was assigned a predefined code based on the agency problems identified in the literature. The research team discussed the consistency of the thematic codes assigned to each of the responses to ensure that each response was captured under the appropriate agency problem theme it best represents.

Findings

The results showed that agency problems in FM outsourcing in the Ghanaian retail sector are related to disagreement on expenditure associated with maintenance and repairs and improper tenant information sharing and use by FM service providers. Based on the findings, it is recommended that property owners explore the mixed approach to FM to mitigate the risks of complete outsourcing of FM services. It is also recommended that a clear path on how tenant information can be shared be pre-agreed in FM contracts.

Originality/value

This study provides new literature relating to agency problems in outsourcing and may be the first of its kind for FM in the Ghanaian retail industry. The findings could serve as a starting point for service providers and their principals to find common grounds to understand each other and mitigate the agency problems that could arise and their overall impact on performance.

Details

Journal of Corporate Real Estate , vol. 26 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-001X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 September 2023

Arkadiusz Kawa and Wojciech Zdrenka

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that create value for the customer in the area of e-commerce logistics and to verify whether these factors impact online…

1289

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that create value for the customer in the area of e-commerce logistics and to verify whether these factors impact online retailers' performance through customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in a business to customer (B2C) area.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of the study, a model of logistics value in e-commerce was introduced. The model was proposed based on the literature review. A total of 592 correctly filled questionnaires from telephone and web interviews [computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) and computer-assisted web interview (CAWI)] were studied. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were conducted in the study.

Findings

It was confirmed that four of five defined logistics value dimensions have positive impact on customer satisfaction. These dimensions are communication of delivery status, convenience of receipt, reception experience and convenience of return. The influence of speed of delivery on customer satisfaction was not confirmed. It was also confirmed that customer satisfaction has a positive impact on customer loyalty and that customer loyalty positively impacts online retailers' performance.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the current understanding of the influence of logistics factors on online retailers' performance through customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. There have been few studies that concern logistics value in e-commerce, with particular emphasis on above-mentioned relations. It is especially an important issue due to the fact that logistics can potentially lead to gain a competitive advantage in e-commerce.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Piotr Rogala, Piotr Kafel and Inga Lapina

The study aims to determine whether audited organizations experience differences between external audits and official controls.

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to determine whether audited organizations experience differences between external audits and official controls.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey among 100 organic food producers was conducted to explore differences regarding the usability of external audits and official controls. The survey was conducted in 2020 using the computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) method supplemented by the computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method. Organizations processing organic farming products in Poland were chosen for the study.

Findings

Three primary benefits associated with external audits and official controls were identified, i.e. (1) enabling and initiating activities related to the improvement of the organization, (2) improving the financial performance of the organization and (3) enhancing credibility. For most organizations, the assessment of these features was at the same level for both external audits and official control. However, if these assessments differed, commercial audits were assessed at a higher level than official controls.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to only one specific type of manufacturing organization and one European country.

Originality/value

The literature review shows some conceptual differences between audits and official controls, but the results of this study show that the business environment does not perceive these differences as significant. Thus, the value of the study is reflected in the conclusion that both external audits and official controls are considered useful and credible approaches to monitoring the quality within the organization, which allows us to state that external evaluation is generally seen as an opportunity to improve the performance of the organization.

Details

Central European Management Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2658-0845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Tanushree Sanwal

The purpose of this study is to investigate the importance of training in social intelligence in the context of effective leadership and enhanced performance. The study…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the importance of training in social intelligence in the context of effective leadership and enhanced performance. The study investigates how training in social intelligence can assist personnel in enhancing their social and emotional competencies through various methods which in turn can boost their performance and leadership skills.

Design/methodology/approach

This article presents a compilation of interview perspectives from human resources (HR) practitioners and researchers, offering comprehensive training methods that can be implemented in organizations to boost the social intelligence of employees and employers. The views were gathered through telephone and face-to-face interaction with the practitioners.

Findings

Various methods for training in social intelligence for enhancing social intelligence are proposed by the author in this paper, drawing on the perspectives of both practitioners and researchers.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies could test conceptual models by using longitudinal studies’ data, which gives the study more accuracy and supports generalizing the results.

Practical implications

Enhanced performance and Effective leadership can be achieved in the organization if proper training in social intelligence is given to the personnel.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first studies that integrates leadership, performance, and social intelligence and its dimensions in one framework. This study concludes that enhanced employee performance and effective leadership can be achieved by developing social intelligence in personnel through various training methods.

Details

Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 October 2023

Neringa Gerulaitiene, Asta Pundziene and Audrius Kabasinskas

While previous studies have proved the significance of family firm innovativeness (FFI), the question of how the emotion-regulation capabilities of family business managers affect…

Abstract

Purpose

While previous studies have proved the significance of family firm innovativeness (FFI), the question of how the emotion-regulation capabilities of family business managers affect FFI still remains open. This paper aims to examine the impact of the emotion-regulation capabilities of family business managers on FFI moderated by the family involvement in business management.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study is based on a quantitative research design. Data were collected with the help of a telephone survey. Overall, 192 family firms were surveyed, and the results were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The findings indicate that managers' emotion-regulation capabilities (independent variable) positively impact FFI (dependent variable). The research results also indicate that having more family members involved in the business (moderating variable) can lead to better innovation outcomes, assuming these family managers have sufficient emotion-regulating capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

The research context could be broadened by differentiating between the industries in which family firms operate. This could aid a better understanding of the challenges, opportunities and market trends in different sectors. Future research might also include more diverse countries with deep family business traditions, strengthening the robustness of the findings across more varied contexts.

Originality/value

Using a multi-level perspective, this study contributes to the dynamic managerial capabilities and family business literature by showing that, in an environment where familial relationships can affect working relationships, the ability of managers to control their emotions and others' emotions can be a critical managerial resource that impacts FFI.

Details

Journal of Strategy and Management, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-425X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 July 2023

Rachel King, Clare Carolan and Steve Robertson

The purpose of this study is to explore the sustainability of innovations introduced during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in remote and rural primary care…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the sustainability of innovations introduced during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in remote and rural primary care advanced clinical practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology includes an exploratory qualitative study of eight key stakeholders from Scottish remote and rural primary care advanced practice (three policymakers and five advanced practitioners). Data were collected using semi-structured interviews during 2022 and analysed thematically.

Findings

Advanced practice in remote and rural primary care is characterised by a shortage of doctors, close-knit communities and a broad scope of practice. Covid-19 catalysed changes in the delivery of healthcare. Innovations which participants wanted to sustain include hybrid working, triage, online training and development, and increased inter-professional support networks.

Practical implications

Findings provide valuable insights into how best to support remote and rural advanced practice which may have implications for retaining healthcare professionals. They also identified useful innovations which could benefit from further investment.

Originality/value

Given current healthcare workforce pressures, identifying and sustaining innovations which will support and retain staff are imperative. Hybrid consultations and online access to training, development and support should be sustained to support the remote and rural advanced practice workforce. Further research should explore the sustainability of innovations introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic in other care contexts.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 May 2023

Małgorzata Iwanicz-Drozdowska, Łukasz Kurowski and Bartosz Witkowski

This paper aims to evaluate the role of depositor-specific features in a bank resolution. As the resolution framework in the EU is rather new, there are no empirical studies…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the role of depositor-specific features in a bank resolution. As the resolution framework in the EU is rather new, there are no empirical studies referring to the efficiency of this mechanism in protecting financial stability. Thus, the authors have checked the role of societal awareness of deposit guarantee schemes and the resolution, as well as the trust in public institutions, in avoiding bank runs in the case of resolution scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on telephone interviews conducted with 1,000 Poles, including bank customers whose banks have undergone resolution in recent years, and basic statistics of the resolved banks. The authors then apply two classes of models: binary probit regression and ordered probit regression.

Findings

The findings have indicated that the trust in public institutions and the experience gained with age play a key role in overall depositor behaviour. However, for resolutions, declared trust is replaced by case-specific trust based on the obtained information.

Research limitations/implications

The survey is based on a sample of Polish citizens. In the future, international surveys may help diagnose cross-country differences among depositors. Moreover, studies on communication approaches may also support finding highly effective ways to reach various cohorts of depositors.

Originality/value

The existing literature on depositor behaviour in bank failure scenarios has relied on an experimental approach to test various research hypotheses. The research sample is not based on an experiment but on the responses of customers whose banks have actually undergone resolution.

Details

Qualitative Research in Financial Markets, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4179

Keywords

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