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Article
Publication date: 24 May 2024

Tianyu Hou, Wei Wang, Liang Zhang, Julie Juan Li and Bin Chong

Although research on how the downstream calculations of a patent’s profit potential influence invention renewal decisions is extensive, the impact of the upstream knowledge…

Abstract

Purpose

Although research on how the downstream calculations of a patent’s profit potential influence invention renewal decisions is extensive, the impact of the upstream knowledge creation stages is overlooked. The purpose of this study is to address this theoretical vacuum by examining the intra-organizational configuration of knowledge networks and collaboration networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The data consist of 491 global pharmaceutical firms that patent in the USA. Drawing on patent records, the authors simultaneously construct intra-organizational knowledge networks and collaboration networks and identify network cohesion features (i.e. local and global). The authors employ panel fixed-effects models to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that local knowledge cohesion and local social cohesion decrease invention renewals, while global knowledge cohesion and global social cohesion increase renewals. Moreover, the marginal effects of local and global social cohesion are stronger than those of local and global knowledge cohesion, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The hypotheses are tested using the pharmaceutical industry as a research setting, which limits the generalizability of our findings. In addition, potential formal and informal contingencies are not considered.

Practical implications

Despite its limitations, this study provides valuable implications. First, managers are cautioned against the adverse effects of local cohesion structures on invention renewal. Second, firms can dynamically adjust their local and global network configuration strategies to harmonize the generation of valuable inventions and the retention of good ideas.

Originality/value

Complementary to previous research that focused on inventions’ performance feedback, this study delves into upstream knowledge creation stages to understand invention renewals.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 62 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 July 2022

Tianyu Hou, Julie Juan Li and Jun Lin

Knowledge search is considered a broad concept and semi-intentional behavior. The path and boundary conditions through which search strategies affect intra-organizational…

Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge search is considered a broad concept and semi-intentional behavior. The path and boundary conditions through which search strategies affect intra-organizational knowledge creation remain elusive. Drawing on recombinant search theory and knowledge-based view, the authors seek to identify knowledge complexity as an important intermediate variable between knowledge search and innovation performance, such as research and development (R&D) output and R&D output quality. A second goal of this study is to examine the moderating roles of government support and technological turbulence.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed a longitudinal panel of 609 global pharmaceutical firms and obtained the firms' patent records from 1980 to 2015 for the analysis. The authors used generalized estimating equations (GEE) to evaluate the models and tested the consistency via panel fixed-effects estimations.

Findings

The authors' findings show that organizational routine-guided search has a negative effect on knowledge complexity, while routine-changing search exerts a positive impact on knowledge complexity. Governmental support and technological turbulence moderate these relationships. Notably, knowledge complexity has an inverted U-shaped relationship with innovation performance.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' research context, the pharmaceutical industry, may constrain the generalizability of our findings. In addition, potential types of routine-guided and routine-changing search behaviors were not considered.

Practical implications

Despite these limitations, this study offers important implications. First, knowledge complexity transmits the effects of knowledge search on innovation performance. Practitioners should balance routine-guided and routine-changing search processes to build and manage complex knowledge. Second, a moderate level of knowledge complexity is the key to good R&D output and R&D output quality.

Originality/value

The study identifies knowledge complexity as one important intermediate variable between knowledge search behaviors and intra-organizational knowledge creation.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 61 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 May 2024

Tianyu Hou and Julie Juan Li

Theories are crucial for addressing research questions and advancing the boundaries of knowledge. However, in the field of strategic management, the existence of diverse schools…

Abstract

Purpose

Theories are crucial for addressing research questions and advancing the boundaries of knowledge. However, in the field of strategic management, the existence of diverse schools of thought from various disciplines, including economics, politics, and sociology, poses significant challenges for researchers seeking to develop theories for argumentation and theorization. In this study, we have conceptualized a novel approach to selecting an appropriate theory for addressing specific research questions.

Design/methodology/approach

Thought experiment, disciplined imagination, and a conceptual examination of a diverse set of theories.

Findings

Because the central focus in the field of strategic management revolves around how firms achieve sustainable high performance, a research question should initially clarify the fundamental phenomenological issues it aims to address. Subsequently, the process of problematization should identify the ontological assumptions and premises that establish a connection between the research question and existing theories. Finally, the identification and abstraction of rhetorical concepts derived from these assumptions and premises lead to theory selection criteria, namely connectedness, reliability, parsimoniousness, and falsifiability.

Research limitations/implications

Although we believe that our model for theory selection is generalizable to a wide range of management disciplines, we have primarily focused on its application in the field of strategic management. Future work could validate and further explore the applicability and effectiveness of this model in selecting appropriate theories for conceptual development in other domains.

Originality/value

While many researchers have proposed methods for writing theoretical papers, few have provided suggestions specifically focused on theory selection. This paper stands out as one of the few that not only attempts to address this gap but successfully develops a comprehensive model for theory selection.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 62 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 October 2022

Tianyu Fu, Shuhao Li, Jie XU, Min Liu and Guofu Chen

Tour guides often use humor to entertain tourists, but the process of tour guide humor (TGH) affecting tourists’ positive word of mouth (PWOM) remains unclear. To fill the gap…

Abstract

Purpose

Tour guides often use humor to entertain tourists, but the process of tour guide humor (TGH) affecting tourists’ positive word of mouth (PWOM) remains unclear. To fill the gap, this study aims to investigate how TGH enhances tourists’ PWOM through perceived relationship investment, perceived wellness value and trust in tour guides.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive mediation model was proposed based on social exchange theory (SET). Data were obtained from 335 tour group tourists and analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results present that TGH positively predicts tourists’ PWOM. Perceived relationship investment, perceived wellness value and trust in tour guides not only play mediating roles between TGH and tourists’ PWOM, respectively, but also jointly provide two sequential mediation paths (TGH → perceived relationship investment → trust in tour guides → tourists’ PWOM and TGH → perceived wellness value → trust in tour guides → tourists’ PWOM).

Research limitations/implications

The findings have practical value for tour guides and travel agencies to use TGH to improve tourists’ PWOM.

Originality/value

The major contribution is that a reciprocity-based framework rooted in SET was proposed to parse the complex process of TGH promoting tourists’ PWOM. Furthermore, this study enriches current knowledge by confirming that perceived wellness value is not only available in wellness tourism but can be experienced from TGH in mass tourism.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 35 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 October 2020

Qirui Zhang, Xiaotao Yao, Xiao Wang and Tianyu Xiang

This study proposed and examined a unique but underresearched strategic response to coercive institutional pressure, covert neutralization, in which organizations neutralize…

Abstract

Purpose

This study proposed and examined a unique but underresearched strategic response to coercive institutional pressure, covert neutralization, in which organizations neutralize coercive institutional pressure by manipulating influential factors within their discretion while conforming to the pressure. In addition, this study pointed out that the extent of covert neutralization is contingent on organizational decision-makers' willingness and ability to take countermeasures.

Design/methodology/approach

To find evidence for covert neutralization and its strategic nature, a historical review with secondary data was conducted in the context of the coercive introduction of the independent director system in China. The board structure adjustments of 318 Chinese A-share listed companies from 2000 to 2004 were examined using univariate T-tests, robust ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models and ordered logit regression models to test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study found that in response to the coercive introduction of the independent director system, Chinese listed companies adjusted their board structures while conforming to the system, which neutralized the constraints on controlling shareholders' board control. Specifically, listed companies reduced the number of dependent directors and the ratio of directors representing noncontrolling shareholders to those representing controlling shareholders. Moreover, the extent of board structure adjustments was positively associated with the shareholding percentage of controlling shareholders. These findings provide evidence for covert neutralization and its strategic nature.

Practical implications

This study indicates the inefficacy of simple legal coercion and suggests that authorities should be aware of the covert countermeasures used by regulated organizations and employ normative approaches to improve the efficacy of regulations. This implication is rather instructive for regulators to effectively promote imposed changes in transitional economies with strong governments.

Originality/value

By differentiating conformity behavior from conformity inclination and considering the inevitable incompleteness of laws, this study challenges the conventional wisdom regarding organizational conformity and shows that organizations can strategically respond to coercive institutional pressure while conforming to it. In contrast to other strategic responses that aim to defy, avoid or resist the implementation (the means) of institutional pressure, covert neutralization aims to neutralize its efficacy (the ends).

Details

Management Decision, vol. 59 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2021

Jun Wen, Carol Chunfeng Wang, Edmund Goh, Zhaohui Su and Tianyu Ying

This paper explores the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a tourism recovery drawcard to boost China's inbound tourism after COVID-19.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper explores the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a tourism recovery drawcard to boost China's inbound tourism after COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employed a mixed method involving a cross-disciplinary literature review along with reflections from experts in TCM and health communication to inform tourism management. Specifically, this paper examines TCM and its potential benefits as a medical tourism drawcard to combat COVID-19. The selected literature focusses on the image and merits of TCM to frame how this medical philosophy can be used to position China as a tourist destination. Reflections on the use of TCM as a tourism marketing tool can guide promotional strategies from the Chinese government and destination managers during and after COVID-19.

Findings

The Chinese government, the tourism industry (e.g. destination managers), the media and tourists must focus on three aspects of the role of TCM: to provide medical benefits to travellers amid COVID-19 and beyond, elevate China as a destination for global medical tourists and be leveraged as a tool for economic recovery.

Practical implications

The paper builds a tourism recovery framework for stakeholders to adopt tailored TCM communication strategies to boost its inbound tourism programme.

Originality/value

This paper is the first academic paper to review TCM comprehensively and critically in relation to China tourism and post-COVID-19 recovery measures.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2017

Guolei Wang, Qiankun Yu, Tianyu Ren, Xiaotong Hua and Ken Chen

To paint large workpieces automatically, painting manipulators with hollow wrists must be transported by mobile platforms to different positions because of their limited…

Abstract

Purpose

To paint large workpieces automatically, painting manipulators with hollow wrists must be transported by mobile platforms to different positions because of their limited workspaces. This paper aims to provide a visualization method for finding appropriate base positions (BPs) and maximum painting areas for manipulators.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper begins by analyzing the motion characteristics of manipulators possessing a spherical wrist and summarizing them into three constraints – positioning, orientation and singularity avoidance. The hollow wrist is simplified and considered as spherical by introducing the concepts of an inner wrist center and an outer wrist center. Taking the three constraints into consideration, the boundaries of the manipulating space are formulated analytically. Finally, to verify the method, the space obtained is applied to determine the maximum painting areas for flat, cylindrical and conical surfaces. Experiments of robotic painting were used to confirm the results.

Findings

Compared with previous studies, the maximum areas obtained using the proposed method increased by 17-131 per cent with an algorithm of lower complexity, and the process remained visually intuitive, thereby demonstrating that the method of manipulating space is more effective.

Originality/value

Such a method allows individuals to visualize the entire painting area at the current BP, thereby maximizing painting areas or optimizing BPs. It opens a black box that is the relationship between BPs and blocks. The method can also be used to choose the best configuration for painting manipulators, select the end-effector structure parameters, split surfaces into blocks, etc.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 November 2023

Dongdong Song, Wenxiang Qin, Qian Zhou, Dong Xu and Bo Zhang

The anticorrosion coatings used in marine and atmospheric environment are subjected to many environmental factors. And the aging failure has been puzzling researchers. The purpose…

Abstract

Purpose

The anticorrosion coatings used in marine and atmospheric environment are subjected to many environmental factors. And the aging failure has been puzzling researchers. The purpose of this study is to find the correlation between the initial aging of epoxy coatings and the typical marine atmospheric environmental factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The epoxy coatings were subjected to a one-year exposure in three typical marine atmospheres. Meanwhile, principal component analysis, linear regression and Spearman and gray correlation analysis were applied to quantify the environmental characteristics and establish correlations with the coating aging.

Findings

The results indicate that the coating will undergo macroscopic fading and chalking upon exposure to the marine atmosphere, while microscopic examination reveals holes, cracks and partial peeling. The adhesion performance and electrochemical properties of the coating deteriorated with prolonged exposure, coating aging mainly occurs with the generation of O-H bonds and the breakage of molecular chains such as C-N and C-O-C. The coating was most deeply aged after exposure to the Xisha, followed by Zhoushan and finally Qingdao. Environmental factors affect the photooxidative aging and hydrolytic degradation processes of coatings and thus coating aging. To further demonstrate the correlation between environmental factors and coating aging, principal component analysis was used. The correlation model between environmental factors and coating aging was subsequently obtained. The correlation model between the rate of coating adhesion loss (E) and the comprehensive evaluation parameter of environmental factors (Z) is expressed as E = 0.142 + 0.028Z. Meanwhile, the Spearman correlation analysis and gray correlation method were used to investigate the impact of each environmental factor on coating aging. Solar irradiation, relative humidity and wetting time have the highest correlation with coating aging, which are all above 0.8 and have the greatest influence on coating aging; wind speed and temperature have the smallest correlation with coating aging, which are about 0.6 and have the least influence on coating aging.

Originality/value

This paper establishes a correlation between typical marine environmental factors and coating aging performance, which is crucial for predicting the service life of other coatings in diverse environments.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 70 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 January 2015

Yongwoon Shim and Dong-Hee Shin

– This paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the process of standards setting based on the case of long-term evolution time division duplex (LTE TDD) deployment in China.

1327

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the process of standards setting based on the case of long-term evolution time division duplex (LTE TDD) deployment in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Using actor-network theory (ANT) as a theoretical framework, multi-level analyses are presented to explain the process of adoption of LTE TDD at a global level.

Findings

Findings identified the complex interaction between the social and technical aspects of fourth-generation (4G) by highlighting the co-evolving nature, diversity and interface that constitute the next-generation network environment.

Research limitations/implications

ANT provides a framework of ideas for describing the process of technology adoption and for developing stories that explain it.

Originality/value

The findings shed light on a critical insight of the interrelationships between TD-SCDMA and LTE TDD and identify the policy successes and failures of 4G mobile networks.

Details

info, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6697

Keywords

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