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1 – 4 of 4The lack of trust in online transactions is one of the main reasons for the relatively low electronic commerce adoption, especially in developing and emerging economies such as…
Abstract
Purpose
The lack of trust in online transactions is one of the main reasons for the relatively low electronic commerce adoption, especially in developing and emerging economies such as those of the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Design/methodology/approach
The author conducts a content analysis of the privacy policies and security mechanisms of a sample of companies from the six countries of the GCC which are engaged in electronic commerce transactions.
Findings
It is found that a large percentage of sites with privacy statements address the issue of notice and awareness, while none of the sites has a provision to inform users in case of any complaint, as to whom they should address their complaint, what is the arbitration and settlement methods, who is the enforcement body and finally what are the penalties and sanctions applicable.
Originality/value
The paper has a number of value adding characteristics; first, it attacks a subject that has been close to being ignored in the literature, that is the issue of electronic commerce in developing economies; second, the paper is unique in that it addresses the use of electronic commerce in the six countries of the GCC (the author knows of no other study done on the region); and, third, the paper concludes with a set of recommendations to policy makers in the GCC, to help them increase consumer trust in online transactions and increase the rat of electronic commerce diffusion in their economies.
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Ralph Palliam and Zeinab Karake Shalhoub
This research empirically tests the rationale of corporate downsizing of employees as a cost reduction strategy on the long‐run profitability of a corporation. The sample for this…
Abstract
This research empirically tests the rationale of corporate downsizing of employees as a cost reduction strategy on the long‐run profitability of a corporation. The sample for this study consisted of 185 large publicly‐held US‐based corporations which announced their intentions to downsize during the period 1990‐1992. Over the subsequent ten‐year period (1992‐2001) their returns on investment were obtained and the empirical relationship between downsizing and long‐run profitability was determined. Whether organizations that undergo this type of change appear to be better off than they were before they implemented the process was the focus of this study. The study ascertained that downsizing does not appear to be in the best long‐term interest of the corporation, its employees, or its shareholders, and that the massive job cuts did not lead to strong sustained gains in the price of the stock. Many organizational benefits fail to develop as expected and the benefits are elusive. The findings of this study suggest downsizing does not engender a long‐run productivity gain and it fails as a method to boost shareholder value.
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Stephanie J. Arthur, Robert D. Hisrich and Ángel Cabrera
The aim of this study was to determine what facilitators and impediments to regional and global entrepreneurship exist, as identified by the 145 industry contacts globally…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to determine what facilitators and impediments to regional and global entrepreneurship exist, as identified by the 145 industry contacts globally surveyed, and if education stood out as a critical factor.
Design/methodology/approach
An electronic, open‐ended survey was conducted; responses were categorized into three groups of factors – i.e. economic, social and personal – and analyzed accordingly by region and job function of respondent.
Findings
The survey revealed many similarities among responses, regardless of country of origin; although education was not the most frequently cited factor critical for successful entrepreneurship, it did rate highly in comparison to others.
Research limitations
Larger studies are needed to corroborate the findings of this initial study, particularly in some regional categories. The open‐ended question format required some subjective interpretation by the researchers; future surveys utilizing an objective answer format would be recommended.
Practical implications
The amount of consensus indicates that if entrepreneurs, academics, and others collaborated and pooled their knowledge and resources, some of the critical barriers to success could be overcome. The field could benefit by future research focusing on identifying specific collaboration strategies among regions or countries leading to the growth of entrepreneurial ventures and economic development.
Originality/value
Surveying experts regarding the facilitators and impediments to entrepreneurship (both regionally and globally) will help to bridge the gulf between theory and practical solutions to drive economic development.
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Rakesh Belwal, Rahima Al Shibli and Shweta Belwal
Within a larger mandate of reviewing the key global trends concerning consumer protection in the electronic commerce (e-commerce) literature, this study aims to study the legal…
Abstract
Purpose
Within a larger mandate of reviewing the key global trends concerning consumer protection in the electronic commerce (e-commerce) literature, this study aims to study the legal framework concerning e-commerce and consumer protection in the Sultanate of Oman and to analyse the current regulations concerning e-commerce and consumer protection.
Design/methodology/approach
This study followed the normative legal research approach and resorted to the desk research process to facilitate content analysis of literature containing consumer protection legislation and regulatory provisions in Oman in particular and the rest of the world in general.
Findings
The study reveals that consumer protection initiatives in Oman are well entrenched for offline transactions, but are relatively new and limited for e-commerce. In spite of the promulgation of consumer protection laws, electronic transaction law and cybercrime law, consumer protection measures for e-commerce in Oman do not address a large number of the global concerns necessary to build consumer confidence and trust in the online environment.
Research limitations/implications
There is a dearth of information concerning Oman on this topic in the extant literature. The research also witnessed the lack of empirical data on the issue of consumer protection and e-commerce in Oman that offer a detailed database of consumer complaints and associated outcomes.
Practical implications
The mechanism of consumer protection in electronic transactions is not robust in many countries. Because of the lack of comprehensive and robust legislation, consumers remain vulnerable in the online contractual purchase process. Moving beyond the fragmented legislation, many countries are currently mulling an all-comprehensive e-commerce law, implications of this paper will help the policymakers in identifying the focus areas.
Social implications
Consumer protection is a burning global issue in this era of consumerism. It is important to build consumer trust, transparency and integrity of transactions to reduce the risk and uncertainties of purchase.
Originality/value
Consumer protection studies conducted in the context of Oman, hitherto, deal more with data protection and dispute resolution mechanisms, and less with legal provisions, regulations and consumer confidence. The study shares newer insights based on a systematic review of legal and business databases. It is the first study of its kind in the context of Oman and the Middle East in general.
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