Search results
1 – 10 of over 1000The purpose of this paper is to argue that modern-day xenophobia has emerged as one of the high-risk factors for transnational mega construction projects (MCP’s). While research…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to argue that modern-day xenophobia has emerged as one of the high-risk factors for transnational mega construction projects (MCP’s). While research in transnational MCP’s remains surprisingly under-explored, this study aimed to examine how transformational leadership (TFL) and HPW practices can still achieve MCP success despite the rise of xenophobia in the global construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
This study examined survey-based sample evidence from 220 respondents including project team members (operational, quality and technical), project stakeholders (e.g. regulatory authority, subcontractors, functional managers, etc.) and project clients/sponsors. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was employed to test the theoretical hypotheses and to highlight significance of a holistic and novel framework of MCP success.
Findings
This study’s core finding unveiled a significantly negative effect of xenophobia on MCP success (ß=−0.389, t=5.574, p<0.000). Interestingly, PLS-SEM results also showed a significantly negative effect of TFL on MCP success (ß=−0.172, t=2.323, p<0.018), whereas HPW practices demonstrated a significantly positive effect on MCP success (ß=0.633, t=9.558, p<0.000). In addition, xenophobia and MCP success relationship were positively moderated by TFL (ß=0.214, t=2.364, p<0.018) and HPW practices (ß=0.295, t=3.119, p<0.002), respectively.
Research limitations/implications
This study underscores the importance of TFL and HPW practices in explaining the linkage between xenophobia and MCP success. Besides advancement of broader multi-disciplinary research and cross-pollination of research ideas, this study also offers unique research direction to explore the potential impact of TFL and HPW practices in demographically diverse project settings especially in countries where xenophobia has swiftly become inevitable.
Practical implications
As many countries undertake MCP’s with national pride and high strategic importance, this study provides an exemplary model of transnational MCP success. This study shows that conscious use of TFL and HPW practices could guard against escalating xenophobia in the global construction industry.
Originality/value
This study is first to provide an empirically grounded model of MCP success that collectively examines the role of xenophobia, TFL and HPW practices. This research has developed practical references for transnational construction companies in strategic planning and management of MCP’s.
Details
Keywords
Murat Hakan Altintaş and Tuncer Tokol
To examine the antecedents of consumer ethnocentrism, specifically with respect to Turkish consumers' attitudes to products originating in Europe.
Abstract
Purpose
To examine the antecedents of consumer ethnocentrism, specifically with respect to Turkish consumers' attitudes to products originating in Europe.
Design/methodology/approach
Antecedents identified from the literature are allocated to one of three main constructs: xenophobia, negative attitudes towards foreigners (not the same phenomenon, it is argued) and conservatism. A web‐based questionnaire is developed, tested and successfully administered to a national sample of 540 individuals with e‐mail accounts. Consumer ethnocentrism is measured by the well‐tested CETSCALE. Results are analyzed by structural equation modelling, a path diagram generated and six hypotheses tested.
Findings
All but one of the hypotheses were accepted. Xenophobia is found to have the greatest influence consumer ethnocentrism among Turkish consumers, and is also a leading factor in the interactions among the antecedents. Conservatism is the second‐most influential element of the model.
Research limitations/implications
Other antecedents might have been identified and added to the conceptual framework. The timeframe of data collection was very specific. The large sample size and its apparent representativeness encourage confident generalisation of the findings, though the concept of “Europe” could usefully be refined to specific countries in future studies.
Practical implications
International marketers now have clear evidence that xenophobia and conservatism are important antecedents of consumer ethnocentrism, and should plan their intelligence gathering and campaign strategy accordingly.
Originality/value
This study both supports and adds to the existing literature. The findings clearly impinge on the somewhat separate literature of country‐of‐origin effects and branding.
Details
Keywords
Mandla Sibisi, Matilda Mashapa and Unathi Sonwabile Henama
The purpose of this chapter is to advance existing literature on crisis management by critically analysing the impact of crisis on tourism performance within a developing world…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to advance existing literature on crisis management by critically analysing the impact of crisis on tourism performance within a developing world context, with a specific focus on South Africa as a case study area. Crime, xenophobic attacks and the Day Zero water crisis form the basis for discussion as significant crisis affecting the country's tourism industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Utilising qualitative content analysis as a methodological approach, the study analysis strategic policy documents, newspaper reports, press conferences, and campaigns to discover policies, strategies and plans that have been applied to alleviate the impacts of catastrophic events on tourism performance.
Findings
The interpretation of literature reveals that factors affecting the South Africa tourism industry stem from mainly human-caused disasters, this being crime and violence, and inadequate water management strategies.
Research limitations
Results discussed in this study were framed through a systemic review of existing literature To gain an in-depth understanding of crisis-related matters in the Global South, future research can apply empirical data-gathering procedures.
Practical implications
The study proposes that proactive crisis management planning and inclusion of non-tourism stakeholders in crisis management planning is essential to combat crisis' impact on tourism performance.
Originality/value
In the Global South, studies that interrogate the effects of crises on tourism performance generally focus on a single case of a disaster or crisis, therefore lacks a study that comprehensively discusses events that deter tourism performance. Thus, this study bridges the existing literature gap by focussing on South Africa as a case study area.
Details