Showing papers in "Contemporary Management Research in 2018"

The Brand Authenticity Scale: Development and Validation

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to develop a brand authenticity scale by reviewing the relevant literature to identify the factors important for brand authenticity, then developing and testing the discriminant and convergent validity of measurement scales for dimensions of brand authenticity. The research method adopted includes in-depth interview and focus group interview. The procedure for scale development was: item generation, scale purification, and scale validation. This research uses qualitative and empirical methods to identify the six key dimensions of brand authenticity and develop a brand authenticity scale. As a result, a six-dimensional scale containing seventeen items was developed representing distinctive dimensions of brand authenticity: virtue, connection, realism, aesthetics, control, and originality. This research contributes to the branding literature by identifying the dimensions of brand authenticity through the development of a brand authenticity scale. Moreover, the six dimensions represent the most comprehensive understanding of brand authenticity. The brand authenticity scale can be used with confidence to examine relationships with other important constructs of interest in the future. To cite this document: Van-Dat Tran, Ching-Jui Keng, "The Brand Authenticity Scale: Development and Validation", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.14, No.4, pp. 277-291, 2018. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.18581

From Conception to Start-Up: Who and What Affect Female Entrepreneurship

Abstract: This study explores the early stages of the female entrepreneurial process from conception to venture start up. Seventy-eight female entrepreneurs’ stories, published on the Flying Goose Program website, were collected and analyzed by content. Engaged in different industries, they are mostly small- and medium-sized enterprises or micro-enterprises in personal service industry. The results describe the women entrepreneur as: middle-aged, married, college degree, with work experience, no management experience, no financial backup, mostly in traditionally personal service industry. In addition to their dreams, interests, and specific skills and knowledge, these women have a desire to solve life problems or assist disadvantaged groups in society. When they have an entrepreneurial idea, they are likely to share it with and receive approval and affirmation from their families—particularly their husbands. Government assistance is a major factor affecting their venture start up decision making. They access related business knowledge from training courses. Practical and policy implications for female entrepreneurship are provided. To cite this document: Ting-Ling Lin, Tzu-Ying Lu, Mei-Chen Hsieh, Heng-Yih Liu, "From Conception to Start-Up: Who and What Affect Female Entrepreneurship", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.14, No.4, pp. 253-276, 2018. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.17957

Determinants of Electronic Word of Mouth Persuasiveness a Conceptual Model and Research Propositions

Abstract: Purpose Electronic word of mouth communication is an integral part of World Wide Web (WWW) and e-commerce. With high growth rate of Internet users and their adoption of eWOM for product information in India, it has become important to study the factors responsible for effectiveness of electronic word of mouth communication in India. Research Design/Methodology The study investigates literature to explore the status of eWOM. A summary of eWOM communication has been presented to summarize prior study aligned with basic communication process. The research papers have been segregated into seven categories namely WOM, eWOM, eWOM impact, source credibility, message characteristics, receiver characteristics, eWOM platform and response after eWOM adoption. The factors then are concluded by summarizing the analysis. Findings The systematic review gives a comprehensive model of eWOM communication. Various propositions are discussed which can be examined with further studies. Research limitation/implication The biggest limitation of study is that it has not briefed any moderating relationship, which may exist between variables. The future research opportunities have been discussed. Practical Implications Marketers could understand where and how they can direct their resources to create word of mouth communication and derive significant advantage out of that. Firms that can afford to build a customer base through WOM & eWOM, will be able to have a better long-term profitability and they would be required to spend less on customer retention. Originality/Value The findings will provide the base for several empirical studies. The systematic review gives a comprehensive model of eWOM communication which is not discussed so far.

Measuring the Effects of Online-To-Offline Marketing

Abstract: Due to the competitiveness of the e-commerce environment and the emerging usage of mobile devices, companies have found a new e-marketing strategy, that is, online-to-offline (O2O) marketing, to integrate both channels more efficiently The rapid rise of the O2O market in recent years has changed the way people consume and become an important issue However, there are still very few studies focusing on O2O marketing issues Hence, the purpose of this study is to develop an analytic model to explore how consumers adopt O2O commerce models In this study, we collect 1,267 samples of valid Taiwan-based internet users who intended to adopt multi-channel retailing, using a web survey of consumers through InsightXplorer’s CyberPanel We use EFA and CFA to confirm search factors (information availability, search convenience, enjoyment, media richness and tangibility) and purchase factors (service quality, price and promotion, purchase convenience, risk perception, immediacy and product quantity) in keeping with past research We also conduct a multinomial logit model to analyze the relationships among search factors, purchase factors, and adopting multi-channel purchasing behavior The results indicate that the main reason consumers choose to purchase through physical channels is that they could provide better sales service quality and have a lower shopping risk, however, if consumers care about prices and promotions, they tend to lean towards the Mobile path At the close of this paper, in-depth discussions and conclusions are provided to inform further research and future practices To cite this document: I-Ping Chiang, Chia-Yi Lin, and Chih-Hui Huang, "Measuring the Effects of Online-to-Offline Marketing", Contemporary Management Research, Vol14, No3, pp 167-190, 2018 Permanent link to this document: http://dxdoiorg/107903/cmr18462

Exploring The Social Marketing Impacts of Virtual Brand Community Engagement

Abstract: The number of people using online communities is rising The study found that more consumers find and evaluate goods through social media networks At the same time, marketers continue to promote brand recognition, but more importantly, to increase user engagement However, the link between the brand community and social media has become the focus of the marketing staff and the public But the academic research of the brand community and the social media in the past focused on brand loyalty Thus, the aim of this study was to explore how virtual brand communities could create social impacts on their customers This study will use a web survey from customers from Insightxplorer’s Cyber Panel who intend to adopt a social network service Factor analysis will be conducted to confirm the induced factors from literature review Furthermore, PLS will be used to determine the variation in social networking sites’ quality, brand communities’ engagement, virtual community and equity Finally, in-depth discussions and conclusions will be provided to inform research and practice Keywords: Social Media Marketing, Virtual Brand Community, Brand Community Engagement To cite this document: I Ping Chiang, Shou En Tu, and Ling Hui Wang, "Exploring The Social Marketing Impacts of Virtual Brand Community Engagement", Contemporary Management Research, Vol14, No2, pp 143-164, 2018 Permanent link to this document: http://dxdoiorg/107903/cmr18086

Dutch Managerial Leadership Strategies: Managing Uncertainty Avoidance, Feminine-Related Social Roles, Organisation Prosperity Focus, and Work Orientation within A Polder Framework

Abstract: This paper extends Schama’s (1988) notion of moral geography where there is a determinacy link between an ecology and those managing organisations within it. We emphasise that the link is framed by its historical legacy of social ideals. This paper hypothesises that the egalitarian influence of the polder philosophy leads Dutch managers to value cooperative partnership based on consensus decision-making, in a symbiotic relationship between the manager and the community. Structural equation modelling of the data obtained from surveying 808 managers across occupational industry sectors in the Netherlands support this hypothesis. Results reveal that in the Netherlands (1) the external environment has an unique influence, through its impact on managerial behaviour; (2) the external environment has a profound influence on managers’ personal qualities underpinned by their feminine-value-oriented social roles; and (3) organisational prosperity and work orientations are driven by environmental uncertainty avoidance and managers’ feminine-valued social roles. Keywords: Uncertainty Avoidance, Social Roles, Organisation Prosperity, Work Orientation, Preferred Leadership Styles, Polder Philosophy To cite this document: Christopher Selvarajah, Denny Meyer, Andre de Waal, and Beatrice Van der Heijden, "Dutch Managerial Leadership Strategies: Managing Uncertainty Avoidance, Feminine-Related Social Roles, Organisation Prosperity Focus, and Work Orientation within A Polder Framework", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.14, No.2, pp. 87-120, 2018. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.18279

The Chinese E-Commerce Search Advertising Business: A Case Study of Taobao

Abstract: Given the rapid growth of the e-commerce market in China, there is a growing need to understand the characteristics of the search advertising strategy employed by dominant e-commerce firms in China. This paper presents a case study to understand the search advertising strategy employed by Taobao based on two sample data sets obtained from the online shopping site taobao.com operated under the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. The first data set contains features about the advertisements displayed after the customer’s search using keyword(s). The second data set contains features about the advertisements clicked by customers. These features and the features specific to customers such as their location, time of search, and time of clicking an advertisement in the data sets are studied to reveal insights into the online advertising strategy employed by Taobao in response to customer searches. The results of data analysis show that there is often a relationship among the variables such as the number of advertisements displayed, prices of advertised products, whether a keyword was used in the search, the time elapsed between the start of search and when an advertisement was clicked, the number of keywords used in search, the likelihood of clicking on an advertisement, and price discounts of advertised products. Specific relationships between these variables are formulated as hypothesis and then tested. The insights gained from the test results can be used to develop better business models for sponsored search advertising. Keywords: Online Search, Sponsored Search, Online Advertising, Taobao To cite this document: Joseph Richards and Min Li, "The Chinese E-Commerce Search Advertising Business: A Case Study of Taobao", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.14, No.2, pp. 121-142, 2018. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.18285

Work Engagement: A Cross Sectional Study of Employees in the Healthcare Sector

Abstract: Purpose Higher levels of work engagement may contribute to workplaces where employees become more productive, committed and creative and, in the long run, will prevent the development of stress. Therefore, line managers should focus towards developing work environments that are more conducive to work engagement and less conducive to burnout. Healthcare employees are subjected to high level of work stress. Hospitals should, therefore take up initiatives towards helping its employees reduce stress, resulting in the increase of work performance levels and engagement, as well. In this connection, this study attempted to contribute in the area of Work Engagement among healthcare employees with special reference to doctors and nurses. It focused on how an individual’s job role and demographic makeup would affect one’s level of engagement towards his/her work. Methodology The present cross-sectional study investigated the experience of hospital employees (n= 372) across 20 hospitals in Bangalore, India. Doctors and nurses working in corporate, government, private and trust hospitals were administered Work and well-being survey (UWES) questionnaire. Findings The study found that the level of Work Engagement and other dimensions (vigor, absorption, and dedication) are higher among doctors compared to nurses. The results also indicate a significant difference in work engagement level between genders among doctors while no significant difference was noted between male and female nurses. Male doctors are high on work engagement and especially, on the vigor dimension. Research Limitations The primary limitation of this study is the self-report by the employees. So there are chances for biases in the reports. © The Journal Contemporary Management Research 2018, Vol. 12, Issue No. 1, 60 79. *) Professor and Dean – Academics, CMS Business School, Jain University, Bangalore, India E-Mail: harold.patrick@jainuniversity.ac.in **) Assistant Professor – OB & HRM, CMS Business School, Jain University, Bangalore, India E-Mail: ujjal.m@cms.ac.in

Social and Environmental Reporting and the Co-creation of Corporate Legitimacy

Abstract: This paper extends the legitimacy theory by empirically investigating the extent and context of social, environmental and total voluntary non-financial disclosures across industries. The study uses 312 annual reports of publicly listed Indian companies for the accounting years 2006, 2012 and 2014. We follow a Multivariate Ordinary Least Squares (MOLS) modelling framework to test the hypotheses. Our empirical results indicate that the decision to provide voluntary non-financial disclosure is positively related to a firm’s age, profitability, industrial category and leverage. Our results further indicate that, contrary to legitimacy theory, the decision to provide social and environmental non-financial disclosures by sampled publicly listed companies is found to correlate negatively with consumer proximity, leverage and industrial transport industry membership. Our results add new empirical evidence to support the view that non-financial disclosure by companies is influenced by country-specific characteristics within which the firm operates. Future research could extend the study to other emerging countries and include data from unlisted companies to validate our findings. To cite this document: Asit Bhattacharyya and Frank Wogbe Agbola, "Social and Environmental Reporting and the Co-creation of Corporate Legitimacy", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.14, No.3, pp. 191-223, 2018. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.18247

Organisational Leadership in Bangladesh: An Investigation of Managerial Response to A Change Environment

Abstract: This paper examines links between the cultural embeddedness and current managerial response to leadership excellence in a change environment in the context of Bangladesh. The study was performed for the years of 2009 and 2014. To explore the link between culture and managerial response, factor analysis, regression and structural modelling using SPSS V22 and AMOS V22 are employed to explain what constitutes managerial leadership excellence in Bangladesh. The results, based on the perceptions of 660 Bangladesh managers, suggest that managers are receptive to behavioural changes demanded by the environment. In particular, empathy has a negative relationship with the Excellent Leader response in 2014 compared to 2009, thus suggesting environmental changes influencing managerial behaviours. Future research should explore further the time and etic influences on leadership. Keywords: Managerial Leadership, Human Capacity Building Sufi Islam, Environment Sustainability, Empathy To cite this document: Christopher Selvarajah, Denny Meyer, and Tarun Kanti Bose, "Organisational Leadership in Bangladesh: An Investigation of Managerial Response to A Change Environment", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.14, No.1, pp. 21-52, 2018. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.18341

The Relationship between Relationship Investment, Relationship Quality, and Attachment Styles

Abstract: This study examines the impact of relationship investment on relationship quality in dental technology. In addition, it explores the moderating effects between relationship investment and relationship quality by using customer attachment to different dentists' styles. The study collects 202 questionnaires from dentists in Taiwan. This study uses hierarchy regression analysis to test hypotheses. The empirical results show that 1) relationship investment has a significantly positive effect on relationship quality; and 2) that customer attachment has a moderating effect on relationship investment and relationship quality. Both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance have significantly negative effects on relationship quality. However, only attachment anxiety has a significantly moderating effect on relationship investment and relationship quality. Keywords: Relationship Investment, Relationship Quality, Dental Technology, Attachment Style To cite this document: Hui-Chen Chang, Lin-Ju Cheng, Yi-Ching Tsai, and Hung-Chun Lai, "The Relationship between Relationship Investment, Relationship Quality, and Attachment Styles", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.14, No.1, pp. 3-20, 2018. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.18017

How Formal and Informal Institutional Environments Affect the Way Greenpeace Fights Genetically-Modified Organisms in Europe and the United States

Abstract: We applied institutional theory to examine the effect of differences in institutional pressures on strategic decisions of a non-profit non-governmental organization, Greenpeace, in its fight to stop the use of genetically-modified organisms. The effects of differences in institutional pressures were examined through examining differences between the United States and the European Union as well as between two European nations, France and Spain, in Greenpeace’s strategy. We suggested that formal and informal institutional pressures influence strategic decision-making in Greenpeace’s independent national units. We proposed that the US differs from the EU in both formal and informal institutional environments, Spain and France differ in the informal dimension, and these differences are reflected in Greenpeace’s strategies. We also argued that Greenpeace exemplifies the successful use of a transnational strategy and discussed that non-profits may be better able to adopt a transnational strategy than do for-profits. To cite this document: Stephen R. Luxmore and Clyde Eirikur Hull, "Are Non-Profits Better at Adopting a Transnational Strategy Than For-Profits? How Environments Affect the Way Greenpeace Fights Genetically-Modified Organisms in Europe and the United States", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.14, No.3, pp. 225-252, 2018. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.17889

Determinants of Audit Service Quality Perceptions of Supervisory Directors in Dutch Corporations

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of key quality attributes in the audit context on supervisory directors’ assessment of audit quality. To this end, we identified, through survey questionnaires, audit quality attributes and dimensions (in terms of both their technical and service dimensions) based on the perception of supervisory board members in a sample of large and medium Dutch corporations. Factor analysis of the audit quality attributes produced four quality dimensions related to the core outcome of the audit service (auditor competence and independence) and five quality dimensions related to the relational (service) aspect. The paper, further, discusses the influence of these quality dimensions on the assessment of overall audit quality. The findings indicate that the technical and functional quality dimensions identified in this study do influence supervisory directors’ perception of overall audit quality. The findings have both theoretical and policy implications. Our emphasis on supervisory board members, as current de jure and de facto clients of auditors, is a unique contribution of this study. Keywords: Service Quality, Audit Quality, Supervisory Directors, Functional Quality, Technical Quality, Auditor Independence, The Netherlands To cite this document: Asmerom Atewebrhan Ghebremichael, "Determinants of Audit Service Quality Perceptions of Supervisory Directors in Dutch Corporations", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.14, No.1, pp. 53-84, 2018. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.18037

Building Customer-Focused Supply Chain Strategy with 4r Model

Abstract: Purpose With competition now at the supply chain level, competitive advantage comes from the ability of supply chain partners to satisfy the ultimate customers of the supply chain. In this context, customer-focused supply chain strategy strives to match supply and demand, thereby driving down costs simultaneously with improving customer satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach This research underlines significance of customer-focused supply chain strategy and underscores various attributes of customer-focused supply chain strategy. It also develops 4Rs (responsiveness, resilience, reliability and realignment) framework for building customer-focused supply chain strategy and formulate value creation framework to emphasize overall benefits in terms of increased competitive advantages. The research reviews cases from the real-life world to develop the framework. Findings Customer-focused supply chain strategy helps organizations to sense consumer demand and respond to it in real-time, provides a superior consumer experience at every opportunity while also decrease time to market, trim overall costs and optimize productivity and thus achieve customerfocus objectives. Research limitations/implications Customer-focused supply chain strives to achieve the ideals of fully integrated efficient and effective supply chains and hence increase customer value proposition. Such supply chains are capable of creating and sustaining competitive advantage by balancing downward cost pressures and the need for efficiency, with effective means to manage the demands as well as the known risks of routine supply chain failures. Originality/value Research underlines significance of customer-focused supply chain strategy and provides supporting matrix to underscore various attributes of customerfocused supply chain strategy. Research also emphasizes overall benefits in terms of improved firm performance by providing various case studies.

Impact of Leadership Strategies of Managers on Employees in Information Technology Organizations

Abstract: Purpose There are scarce Indian studies in the IT context that has pegged the leadership strategies and what type of impact these strategies have on IT employees. 1. What leadership strategies do IT managers adopt? 2. What impact does the leadership strategy have on IT employees? Design / Methodology / Approach A descriptive 515 IT employees from 87 IT companies were surveyed for the study. The sample was drawn from all the three levels of management. The stratified random sampling technique was adopted for the present study. Robert A. Cooke’s (1996) Leadership/Impact® instrument. Leadership Strategies and Impact on Others Dimensions A standardized instrument Leadership/Impact® developed by Robert A. Cooke‟s (1996) was adapted with permission. Findings The study reveals that the IT Managers preferred to use prescriptive leadership strategies more often than restrictive strategies in IT organizations. IT managers basically believe in strategies that guide or direct the activities and behaviours of employees toward goals, opportunities and methods as compared to strategies which constrain or prohibit activities and behaviours with respect to goals, opportunities and methods. Research limitations / Implications Genuineness in self-report is taken for granted in the present study like in any other surveys and interviews. In a context like this it is desirable that leaders adopt Prescriptive rather than Restrictive strategies as they are more functional in IT organizations. Practical implications Leaders with constructive impact motivate people to think and behave in achievement oriented and cooperative ways that emphasize growth and development. The benefits are better performance, higher levels of personal satisfaction and lower levels of stress. Social implications Organizations today are service oriented and operate in a turbulent and fast changing environment. Knowledge workers not only drive these organizations, but also are key resources. Originality/Value It is an earnest attempt to bridge the gap especially in this area by highlighting the relevance and importance of leadership to management, individual, and organizational effectiveness and hoping this study will initiate a series of serious and productive discussions on the subject.

The Dynamic Linkage among the Size, Growth and Profitability of Listed Companies in the ASEAN-4 Countries

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamic relationship among the size, growth, and profitability of listed companies. The study sample comprised listed companies in the ASEAN-4 countries—Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand—over the period 1972-2014. The K-medoids algorithm was employed in a cluster analysis, and the generalized method of moments (GMM) was applied to examine the dynamic relationship. The empirical results reveal that smaller companies tend to have higher growth than larger companies. Moreover, the results indicate that persistence of growth and persistence of profitability do not exist. There is also evidence that profitability affects companies’ growth, but companies’ growth does not affect profitability. To cite this document: Phassawan Suntraruk, Kanix Bukkavesa, Nat Kulvanich, "The Dynamic Linkage among the Size, Growth and Profitability of Listed Companies in the ASEAN-4 Countries", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.14, No.4, pp. 293-310, 2018. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.18579