Showing papers in "European Business Review in 2021"

Extending the theory of planned behaviour to understand the effects of barriers towards sustainable fashion consumption

Abstract: Extending the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this paper aims to measure the relative importance of different barriers to sustainable fashion consumption (SFC).,Existing studies have mainly adopted a qualitative methodology for identifying barriers to uptake of SFC, this study uses six of the main identified barriers: environmental apparel knowledge, perceived value, price sensitivity, product attributes and variety, availability and scepticism into the TPB framework to test and reveal which barriers have the greater impact on the TPB cognitions and consequently on building intention towards SFC. To test this model a survey study among 669 consumers from Europe, Asian and North America was conducted, structural equation modelling is used to test the research hypotheses.,Findings confirm the role of TPB cognitions on predicting intention and show that the proposed barriers provide a satisfactory explanation of the TPB model. Furthermore, results show that product attributes and variety and environmental apparel knowledge have the greatest impact on the TPB cognitions and on building intention towards SFC. Differences were found between the impacts of the price for the three continents.,This research contributes to the emerging sustainable fashion literature by examining the impact of different barriers to SFC in an extended TPB framework. To the best of our knowledge price sensitivity, availability and scepticism have never been studied in the context of sustainable fashion. It also provides a multifactor group analysis which uncovers differences among consumers from different continents.

Facing and responding to the COVID-19 threat – an empirical examination of MSMEs

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects and ways to confront the devastating effects of the COVID-19 crisis and develop a theoretical framework to facilitate understanding of these aspects from the perspective of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) In doing so, the fundamental insights of entrepreneurial self-efficacy, bricolage and improvisation are considered Design/methodology/approach: The study draws on data from 56 business owners-managers operating in eight different nations and representing three geographical regions;the data were gathered through an online questionnaire Findings: Various differences in responses from participants operating in the featured geographical settings were revealed For instance, whereas a higher percentage of South American participants acknowledged financial impacts, they and their European counterparts were also more engaged Originality/value: The study provides various original and valuable elements First, by gathering data from business owners-managers operating in different countries and geographical regions, it provides an international perspective concerning ways in which business operators confront an extreme event Second, and related to the previous point, the study focusses on a business group (MSMEs), which is fundamental for many nations’ economies Moreover, the experiences of MSMEs could be timely and insightful to industry and business stakeholders Third, the proposed theoretical framework highlights various emerging dimensions associated with adaptation and responsiveness, with both theoretical and practical implications © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

Fostering individual creativity in startups: comprehensive performance measurement systems, role clarity and strategic flexibility

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of comprehensive performance measurement systems (PMS), role clarity and strategic flexibility on the individual creativity of founders/managers of startups. Design/methodology/approach The research population comprises 611 Brazilian startups in the e-commerce, retail and wholesale segments. One owner/manager of each startup was contacted by the survey, obtaining 91 valid responses. For data analysis, symmetric and asymmetric techniques were applied, respectively: partial least squares-structural equation modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. Findings The findings show that the comprehensive PMS is an important predictor of individual creativity, role clarity and strategic flexibility. Role clarity has a direct effect on creativity and promotes partial mediation between comprehensive PMS and creativity. Comprehensive PMS and role clarity are of great importance and have high performance in favor of creativity, while strategic flexibility has high performance, but is of low importance. Several causal combinations promote high individual creativity. Practical implications It offers founders/managers an insight into the aspects that are worth of efforts to foster individual creativity in their startup. Originality/value The key contribution of the study is that the comprehensive PMS, which includes financial, non-financial and other measures for product and process innovation, can directly and indirectly (through role clarity) influence individual creativity.

Radical innovation, incremental innovation, and competitive advantage, the moderating role of technological intensity: evidence from the manufacturing sector in Jordan

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to identify the effect of radical innovation and incremental innovation on the competitive advantage of Jordanian industrial companies and identify the moderating role of technological intensity.,For this study’s purposes, 303 questionnaires from employees of 30 manufacturing firms were analysed. Convergent validity and discriminant validity tests were performed through structural equation modelling in the Smart-PLS programme. Data reliability was confirmed. A bootstrapping technique was used to analyse the data. Multi-group analysis was performed to investigate the moderating role of technological intensity.,Empirical results showed that both radical innovation and incremental innovation explain 60.2% of the variance in competitive advantage and that both constructs have a statistically significant effect on competitive advantage. The results also revealed that the relationship between radical innovation and competitive advantage is modified through the high-tech industries. Meanwhile, the relationship between incremental innovation and competitive advantage is modified through the low-tech industries.,This cross-sectional study provides a snapshot at a given moment in time, a methodological limitation that affects the generalization of its results and the results are limited to one country, Jordan.,This study promotes the idea of focusing on radical and incremental innovation to enhance competitive advantage in the Jordanian manufacturing sector and knowing the effect of technological intensity in this relationship.,This study has important implications for leaders in the Jordanian manufacturing sector in general, as the study highlights the importance of radical innovation and incremental innovation to enhance the competitive advantage, especially in light of the technological intensity in this sector, and thus, increase the innovative capabilities of this firms, which leads to an increase in the level of competitive advantage.

Social media influencer marketing: the moderating role of materialism

Abstract: Social media influencers (SMIs) have become an important source of influence that affects consumer behaviours in their decision-making processes. As such, this justifies scholarly attention in understanding how SMIs transfer their meanings to endorsed brands and drive consumers’ positive behavioural intentions. With the intention to fill this knowledge gap, this paper aims to examine the impact of SMIs’ credibility, as manifested by trustworthiness, attractiveness and expertise, along with the moderating effects of materialism, on followers’ purchase intention.,Self-administrated online surveys were used to collect data from Instagram users. A total of 191 usable data were collected and analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling.,The results show that SMIs’ trustworthiness and expertise are significant predictors of followers’ purchase intention. Moreover, the moderating effect of materialism on the relationship between attractiveness and purchase intention is significant. Notably, the influence of attractiveness on purchase intention is greater when materialism is high.,This research contributes to the SMI literature by examining the influence of SMIs’ trustworthiness, attractiveness and expertise, along with the moderating effect of materialism, on followers’ purchase intention.

Human flourishing: an enabler of entrepreneurial intention in Latin American students

Abstract: Purpose This study aims to propose a causal relationship between the level of students’ human flourishing (HF) and their entrepreneurial intention (EI) and the mediation role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE). Design/methodology/approach The study uses a sample of 5,035 first-year university students who graduated from 950 different upper secondary schools in Mexico and abroad. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings The results reveal that HF increases EI and ESE; ESE positively impacts EI; and the student’s ESE partially mediates the HF-EI relationship. Practical implications These findings may improve educational strategies in upper secondary schools and higher education institutions’ management programmes to impact graduates’ HF and EI. To the knowledge, the authors are the first to measure how HF in upper secondary school graduates contributes to increasing their EI. Social implications Recommendations are made to increase Latin American students’ HF and EI. Originality/value The authors propose an inverse relationship between HF and EI, as HF can be enhanced in upper secondary education to boost EI later in students’ lives.

Gamification, motivation, and engagement at work: a qualitative multiple case study

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the application of gamification promotes employee motivation and engagement in the workplace. This study sought to identify gamification characteristics, examine motivation and engage at work to relate them to different game designs. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative exploratory study of multiple cases involving four companies located in Brazil’s southern region. These companies use gamification with their employees or companies whose business offers gamification solutions focused on people management. Findings This multiple case study presented aspects and different approaches to gamification and serious games. Of the four case studies, the Bravi Quiz application was the most satisfactory case because of its attractive design. Research limitations/implications The research instruments prioritized the topic of gamification with its tools and applicability. The themes of motivation and engagement at work have been addressed but need further research. Practical implications The planning and application of gamification with the appropriate score, feedback and rewards are necessary to promote motivation and engagement in the workplace. Gamification must be linked to its systems and processes on its excellent progress because it is taken in isolation; it does not increase engagement and motivation. Originality/value This is one of the few studies dealing with gamification in human resource management by involving developers/instructors, managers and employees/users and different companies’ tools. This study served as a comparison between the tools of gamification and serious games.

Distributed leadership and organizational commitment: moderating role of confidence and affective climate

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of distributed leadership on organizational commitment and the role of trust and open group climate as moderator variables in this relationship.,To test the conceptual model and research hypotheses empirically, the authors collected data based on an investigation over a sample of 318 engineers in the Information Technology telecommunication sector in Tunisia. The results were analyzed using factor analysis and structural equation modeling.,The results show a significant and positive impact of the support function, of the participation in decision-making and cooperation on organizational commitment. The authors find evidence for the existence of a positive moderating effect of trust and affective climate at the level of the causal link between distributed leadership and organizational commitment dimensions.,These results provide useful indications for managers within the framework of leadership style that is more appropriate to the group’s proper functioning. Throughout this work, managers will know that distributed leadership is adapted to create a social climate based on dialogue and trust, an essential element of distributed leadership. Supervision and authority should give up a coercive vision in a more cooperative and constructive approach. Coordination should be founded on a horizontal and transversal vision of the organization.,Distributed leadership is increasingly seen as a key vehicle for firms’ improvement and renewal. However, research on this concept was largely conducted in the field of education and health. Studies dealing with small and medium-sized companies are rather scarce. There are not, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, any works in the Tunisian context because the majority of the reference studies are Anglo-Saxon. The originality and value of this research lies in its anchoring in the context. Moreover, this study provides empirical evidence of the importance of the role of the affective climate on organizational commitment. Indeed, engagement is a behavioral and attitudinal indicator of organizational climate. This paper is intended to provide a stimulus for exploring the distributed leadership area in terms of shaping thinking and designs for organizational change to enhance organizational commitment in a highly digital world.

Sources of accountability inside the boardroom

Abstract: Despite indications of scholarly interest, there are still gaps in the research of the concept of felt accountability, especially the felt accountability of board members. This paper aims to clarify the sources of accountability experienced by board members. Especially those in a non-executive capacity. How these sources can be accessed to enhance felt accountability and thereby governance effectiveness is explored.,Qualitative, exploratory research methods were used. In total, 15 semi-structured, in-depth interviews were completed with non-executive board members of Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed companies in South Africa. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data.,The findings clarified the formal and informal sources of accountability experienced by non-executive board members. This included relational and structural mechanisms that can be used within corporate governance to enhance both types of accountability. Accessing the identified sources of accountability through appropriate mechanisms could increase the levels of felt accountability experienced by the individual non-executive board member, thereby strengthening accountability inside the boardroom and improving overall board effectiveness. The study also revealed a layer of implicit and explicit accountability.,The study was conducted solely in South Africa, with non-executive board members of Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed companies.,There is limited research that clarifies the sources of accountability experienced by non-executive board members. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by providing techniques on how to enable the clarified sources of accountability to improve governance effectiveness.

Exploring sector-specific sustainability indicators: a content analysis of sustainability reports in the logistics sector

Abstract: Businesses produce corporate sustainability information in support of the decision-making of their stakeholders through sustainability reporting. However, the use of such information has been limited because of the broadness of sustainability indicators used in sustainability reports. This study aims to identify sector-specific sustainability indicators and priorities based on the material issues of the logistics sector.,The authors conducted an exploratory study using 64 sustainability reports from the logistics sector. Qualitative content analysis was performed using Leximancer software to identify key themes and material concepts of sustainability reports.,The results showed that the most important indicators of the logistics sector are economic performance and energy, yet sustainability reports appear to focus more on reporting social sustainability information. Of the several sustainability measures, environmental and social factors dominated the reporting (8 economic, 62 environmental and 58 social). This discrepancy can also imply inconsistencies in sustainability reporting.,Identifying sector-specific indicators enables assessing the impact of sustainability issues on value creation and performance comparison among similar organizations. This is also beneficial in ensuring consistency of sustainability reporting, which is a prerequisite for policymaking in sustainable logistics.,Prior studies emphasized that no sector-specific sustainability indicators were established in the literature and standardized indicators are needed to ensure the comparability of results. This study addresses this gap by identifying sector-specific sustainability indicators based on the material issues of the logistics sector.

Internationalization of culture and soft power

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the moderating effect of soft power on the relationships between affinity toward country, country image, cosmopolitanism and preference on the internationalization of Brazilian cultural products.,This survey used data collected from a non-probabilistic sample of 478 Portuguese respondents, which was further analyzed using the partial least squares technique.,Affinity related to Brazil, the image of Brazil and cosmopolitanism influenced preference, and this, in turn, influenced the internationalization of Brazilian cultural products. Soft power moderated the relationships between cosmopolitanism and preference, country image and preference and preference and internationalization of cultural products.,This study focuses on the internationalization of a cultural product from one particular emerging economy (Brazil) to a specific developed economy (Portugal). Thus, the findings are bound to this specific context. However, it contributes to the field of international marketing research by concentrating on the moderating effects of soft power in the relationship between the investigated constructs.,In the case of Brazilian cultural products, i.e. music, emphases on Brazilian unique resources, i.e. the beauty, excitement, fantasy, mystique, prestige, etc. of natural resources, may be important features to be taken into consideration in national cultural policies.,The study contributes to the international marketing and consumer behavior literature by showing that consumer preference, affinity toward country and cosmopolitanism are important antecedents of the internationalization of cultural products.

Dissecting the ecosystems’ determinants of entrepreneurial re-entry after a business failure

Abstract: Purpose This study aims to evaluate the role of entrepreneurial ecosystems conditions (formal, informal and social capital) on different types of entrepreneurial re-entry at a global scale. Design/methodology/approach Given this phenomenon’s nature, this study builds a panel of data of 54 economies covering different (advanced and emerging) countries across the globe during the period 2004–2017 by mixing multiples sources of information (e.g. Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, the World Economic Forum, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund). The statistical analysis consisted of the fixed-effect dynamic generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation for panel data. Findings Three empirical insights emerge from the study. First, the entrepreneurial ecosystem’s formal conditions are mainly configured to support high-growth entrepreneurship ignoring re-entrepreneurs. Consequently, the formal conditions’ contribution is very limited in emerging economies. Second, the analysis of informal conditions revealed social media’s critical contribution for legitimizing entrepreneurship and supporting those entrepreneurs who want to re-enter the domestic or international market after a business failure. Third, social networks built during previous business angels or entrepreneurial experiences or with other entrepreneurs also play a crucial role for re-entrepreneurs to overcome the weaknesses in the entrepreneurial ecosystems’ conditions. Originality/value The study contributes to two ongoing academic debates among entrepreneurship scholars. The first is related to how the entrepreneurial ecosystem supports entrepreneurial activity in different economic contexts. The second is related to the study of the contextual determinants of entrepreneurial re-entry after a business failure.

Could CSR improve the financial performance of developing countries’ firms? Analyses of mediating effect of intangible resources

Abstract: This paper aims to examine the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance in the context of developing countries. More specifically, the mediating role of a firm’s competitive advantage and intangible resources, namely, human capital and reputation are studied.,The study considered a sample of 100 Tunisian firms. The analysis makes use of the structural equation modelling method to explore the relationship between CSR and financial performance, by including mediator variables.,The results confirm that CSR has no significant direct effect on financial performance. In particular, they indicate that the social dimension of CSR has a negative impact on performance. However, CSR does have a positive impact on competitive advantage via the two intangible resources considered, human capital and company reputation.,The research fills a gap that occurred in the previous literature. In effect, previous studies focussed only on the direct link between CSR and financial performance. In addition, it enriches the limited literature on CSR strategies in the context of developing countries. However, further studies should explore the opposite relationship, i.e. the impact of financial performance on CSR strategy. In addition, the authors believe that amongst other potential research avenues, it would be interesting to study the moderating role of the activity sector.,From a practical point of view, this study suggests new applications with respect to the link between CSR and financial performance. To enhance their company’s financial performance, managers need to ensure that intangible resources are managed efficiently.,The paper contributes to the literature by examining how a firm’s intangible resources mediate between CSR and competitive advantage and how competitive advantage mediates between intangible resources and financial performance. Second originality is related to the study of the link between CSR and the financial performance of business organisations in the context of a developing country.

Do firms facing competitors from emerging markets behave differently? Evidence from Austrian manufacturing firms

Abstract: We study the strategic positioning of Austrian manufacturing firms that face competition from emerging markets as opposed to firms that do not. Using a unique sample of large Austrian manufacturing, we find that emerging market competitors are not always a force majeure, but the result of the firms' international activity. Existing strengths and weaknesses are more pronounced when firms face competitors from emerging markets. Emerging market competition is associated with a broader product portfolio and triggers portfolio adjustments. Yet, a larger share of the companies facing emerging market competitors neither adjusts the product portfolio nor plans to develop new competences.

An institutional approach to the development of business angel networks in Latin American emerging countries

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of the paper is to analyze the development of business angel networks (BANs) in emerging countries such as Chile and Colombia to understand how institutions affect their development. Design/methodology/approach This is a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study based on a comparative analysis between countries, with the BANs in Chile and Colombia as the unit of observation. The comparative analysis was made in relation with the creation, operation and sustainability of the BANs. The study interviews the partners/managers of the active networks in each of the countries, as well as key informants, totalling 12 interviews. Findings BAN activity in Chile and Colombia is quite recent, and the countries are on a similar level of development. However, in the long term, depending on how the cultural aspects evolve in both countries and the interest that the State may have in developing business angel activity, the results could be indeed different. Originality/value Business angel activity in Latin America is quite recent; nevertheless, this activity is increasing in the region. In that sense, this comparative analysis between Colombia and Chile contributes to a better understanding of business angel markets in Latin America and also to obtain better insights into the core challenges that these markets face in emerging countries due to the existence of institutional voids. This paper is a contribution for further knowledge of BANs in emerging countries’ economies from an institutional perspective.

Trust building in mobile money and its outcomes

Abstract: Purpose To examine the key factors that can engender initial trust in mobile money and to also determine whether initial trust can contribute to the perceived value of mobile money, use and recommendation intentions. More specifically, this paper, based on initial trust building model, aims to identify the institutional, cognitive and socially related factors enhancing initial trust in mobile money and its relationship with perceived value, use and recommendation intentions. Design/methodology/approach A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 781 research participants. Variance-based structural equation modelling was used to examine the proposed research model. Findings This research shows the importance of the institutional factor of structural assurance, in conjunction with perceived firm reputation and communicability, in engendering initial trust in mobile money and, in turn, enhancing perceived value, use and recommendation intentions. The research further confirms the mediating influence of perceived value in the relationships between initial trust, use and recommendation intentions. Originality/value The originality of this work lies in the development and empirical confirmation of the research model and which together contributes to an increase understanding of initial trust building in mobile money acceptance. Value-wise, this work has the potential to inform managerial and public policy interventions by helping mobile money operators and policymakers’ rollout essential and even sophisticated financial services like borrowing using the mobile phone for the financially under-served in developing and trust-deficit settings.

How do consumers perceive old brands? Measurement and consequences of brand oldness associations

Abstract: This paper aims to focus on brand oldness associations and their measurement. Research on brand age points to a variety of interpretations concerning perceived brand oldness and establishes the existence of multiple positive consequences such as brand credibility, trust or attachment. However, the complexity and measurement of brand oldness associations are not yet well-established. This paper proposes a reliable and valid measurement scale of the concept.,The research follows a rigorous scale-development procedure based on eight empirical studies, with a total of 2,065 respondents. The data were analyzed through covariance-based structural equation modeling.,The scale consists of 18 items and six dimensions, namely, decline, expertise, maintenance, reminiscence, timelessness and tradition. Results demonstrate an effect of brand oldness associations on both brand attachment and brand equity.,The research was conducted in one country (France). Additional studies in other settings or countries should be carried out to establish generalizability of results and strengthen causality inferences.,This is the first research to study the notion of brand oldness associations. This study identifies its dimensions, develops a measurement scale and demonstrates its reliability and validity.

Are andragogy and heutagogy the secret recipe for transdisciplinary entrepreneurship education

Abstract: Purpose This study aims to construct an entrepreneurship educational pattern applicable to all disciplines at the undergraduate level. The proposal focusses on two-course models of transdisciplinary entrepreneurship education (TEE), which involve andragogy and heutagogy as the basis of entrepreneurial competency development. Design/methodology/approach The competencies acquired during the proposed course models for TEE are analysed through Bayesian methods. The study is conducted using 400 opinions of students from Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico City. Findings The proposed TEE models are auspicious for establishing an educational pattern to develop entrepreneurship competencies in undergraduate students with the independence of their school of origin. Originality/value Nowadays, universities recognise the importance of providing entrepreneurship education as part of their mission. However, well-defined canons to guide such teaching are still non-existent. This paper fills a gap on what and how to teach TEE. By providing a new competency classification based on soft and technical skills, the authors contribute to the pattern of what to teach in entrepreneurship. The authors provide guidance on the teaching methods for TEE through two-course models based on andragogy and heutagogy. Moreover, their efficacy is measured using the students’ perception of the acquired competencies and their usefulness.

Validating multidimensional entrepreneurial orientation in emerging economies

Abstract: This study aims to examine the Lumpkin and Dess (1996) conceptualization of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in an emerging economy, focusing on India. It ascertains the dimensions of EO that are valuable in securing superior firm performance in emerging economies, which might differ from a developed market setting. It further examines the difference in the significance of dimensions between the manufacturing and services industry.,A novel primary data set consisting of responses from 228 new ventures incorporated in India was created through an online questionnaire survey following the tailored design method principles. A disaggregated approach was adopted and the data were analyzed using multiple regression in SPSS 21.,Among the dimensions of EO, competitive aggressiveness positively affected new venture performance, whereas proactiveness did not show any effect. Autonomy also exhibited a positive impact, except for new venture growth in manufacturing firms. Innovativeness exhibited partial support, only for the effectiveness of service firms. Risking-taking exhibited a negative effect on performance, particularly for manufacturing firms.,The findings guide entrepreneurs and managers operating their new ventures in emerging economies by suggesting the dimensions that are most likely to benefit firm performance and those that might be detrimental.,This study empirically validates the multidimensional conceptualization of EO in India and extends previous studies, which have typically focused on an aggregated EO scale. This study’s findings attest that the manifestation of EO in emerging economies might be different compared to mature economies. The contrast between the manufacturing and service sectors is also shown.

Antecedents and postcedents of satisfaction in seller-business relationships: positive and negative alter egos

Abstract: This study explores a seller’s perspective in business relationships to validate whether the findings reported in previous studies based on buyer business relationships apply to seller business relationships. The purpose of this study is to test whether satisfaction functions as a connector between positive antecedents (trust and commitment) and negative postcedents (opportunism and conflict) in a business-to-business (B2B) relationship, based on a seller perspective.,A descriptive research design was applied and data was collected from Norwegian companies from the database of LinkedIn’s Sales Navigator. Respondents (Sales or Marketing Managers/Directors or Key Account Managers) were asked to identify one main business customer with whom they had interacted in the past year. A total of 213 responses could be used for data analysis. In addition, the measurement and structural models were assessed.,Trust was established as a positive alter ego of opportunism and opportunism as a negative alter ego of trust. The commitment was also determined to be a positive alter ego of conflict, with conflict being a negative alter ego of commitment. Furthermore, it was proven that alter egos are not opposites, but facets of antecedents and postcedents in relation to a connector, satisfaction.,The tested model endorses the hypothesised relationships between trust, commitment, satisfaction, opportunism and conflict in Norwegian B2B relationships. Satisfaction is linked to its two antecedents and its outcomes and the hypothesised relationship between opportunism and conflict is also endorsed from a seller’s perspective in B2B relationships.,The findings can assist the B2B industry to understand how trust and commitment foster satisfaction, how satisfaction influences opportunism and conflict, and how opportunism relates to conflict in a seller-business relationship.,No previous study has focussed on relationship marketing in B2B relationships from a seller’s perspective to establish whether satisfaction functions as a connector between trust and commitment and opportunism and conflict.

Pulling from the front or pushing from behind: how competency prioritisation should differ to optimise firm competitiveness

Abstract: Purpose This study aims to contrast the disparities in optimal competitiveness configurations across international economies. Additionally, we analyse the competitive efficiency across firms of different performance endowments to identify distinctions and determine whether standardised or customised competitiveness configurations are optimal. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a multilevel regression model to confirm country-specific effects followed by a non-parametric “Benefit-of-the-Doubt” (BoD) method to conduct an international comparison of the competitive efficiency of top- and poor-performing firms across eight European and Latin American economies. Findings Not only are national ecosystems significant differentiators of competitive efficiency, but contras firm-level characteristics also explain these differences. It is found that more recent start-ups tend to experience significantly greater competitive efficiency. However, by separating the top-performing firms from the poor performers in each economy, it is found that the configurational outputs that potentially contribute most to competitive efficiency are not necessarily the same; while “technology” is a key factor for driving the competitive efficiency of top-performing firms, “market” drivers are most essential for improving the competitive potential of poor performers. Originality/value The configurational outputs that potentially contribute most to competitive efficiency are not necessarily universal.

Leadership styles, justice and whistle-blowing intention: testing a mediation model

Abstract: This study aims to focus on justice perceptions as the operating mechanism for leadership to impact whistle-blowing intention (WBI). Consequently, it aimed to test the mediating role of justice perception through which ethical leadership (EL) and servant leadership (SL) lead to WBI.,Data were gathered from 136 employees of IT companies in India through a questionnaire survey to test the proposed relationships.,The analysis showed that both EL and SL predict employees’ WBI via justice as the mediating mechanism.,Formal and informal mechanisms by leaders should focus on ensuring that justice is not only done but also perceived by their subordinates in such a way that just being an ethical or servant leader by itself might not result in pro-social behavior like whistle-blowing.,Many studies have shown the effect of SL and EL on outcomes like whistle-blowing; however, this study comprises that justice perception might play a critical mediating role through which both leadership styles impact normative/prosocial behavior like whistleblowing. Understanding the role of leadership and justice perception can offer valuable insights into one’s WBI and tendencies, thus increasing the amount of variance in the WBI that researchers can explain.

Motivational factors, customer engagement and loyalty in the South African mobile instant messaging environment : moderating effect of application usage

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine specific gratifications obtained from using mobile instant messaging (MIM) applications by applying the uses and gratifications theory. This study explores the relationships between motivational factors, customer engagement and loyalty for existing WhatsApp subscribers in South Africa, as well as the moderating effect of application usage.,A descripto-explanatory research design was used in this quantitative study and 282 responses from an online survey were analysed. Structural equation modelling was used to test the study’s hypotheses.,The study reveals that utilitarian and hedonic motivation impact customer engagement positively in using WhatsApp, which, in turn, impacts loyalty. Social motivation in using WhatsApp bore no relationship with customer engagement. Furthermore, medium application usage moderates the link between customer engagement and utilitarian and hedonic motivation.,The study offers a greater understanding of customer engagement and motivational factors in the MIM environment. Future studies could consider more complex relationships with customer engagement in using MIM apps focussed on a younger generation.,MIM service providers should enhance customer engagement by tracking user activity and identifying customers who need to use an app more by targeting their utilitarian and hedonic needs through sophisticated marketing strategies.,This research enriches the understanding of key motivational factors impacting customers’ continued engagement towards using MIM, as opposed to the adoption thereof.

Exploratory and exploitative innovation influenced by contextual leadership, environmental dynamism and innovation climate

Abstract: Purpose Organisations have to be ambidextrous to survive in modern times. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the influence of contextual leadership on exploratory and exploitative innovation. Environmental dynamism was the moderator in this relationship, and innovation climate was the mediator. Design/methodology/approach The research design was a quantitative study, using a Web-based survey questionnaire, which consisted of valid and reliable scales. There were 1,204 respondents who completed the survey. Analyses included reliability, validity tests and structural equation modelling to test the hypothesised relationships among the variables. Findings The results show that exploitative and exploratory innovation is predicted by the innovation climate, which in turn is predicted by contextual leadership. The findings include a slight moderating effect of environmental dynamism on these relationships. The results suggest that contextual leadership is a significant predictor for improving innovation climate. Practical implications As contextual leadership explains 33% of the variance in organisational climate, companies can benefit from developing their leaders to create climates that promote innovation. At increased levels of environmental dynamism, innovation efforts should increase. Originality/value Contextual leadership is a crucial element to build innovation-friendly workplaces. The study addresses the gap in research on the influence of contextual leadership on exploitative and exploratory innovation with the mediating and moderator effect on this relationship.

Stakeholder interaction for sustainability in seaports. Analysing the implementation and its linkages to overarching interaction efforts

Abstract: Purpose This study aims to analyse how and to what extent stakeholder interaction for sustainability is implemented in organisations and the linkages to the overarching interaction efforts. Design/methodology/approach This study was conducted in the context of seaports. To examine interaction activities with stakeholders for sustainability and how they are implemented, the study uses content analysis of sustainability reports. Findings The results show that the majority of ports recognise the importance of stakeholder interaction to create value and guide organisational sustainability; however, it is implemented to varying levels and degrees, which affects the form and extent of the overarching interaction efforts. The paper proposes four categories of implementing stakeholder interaction, showing the linkages to the number of stakeholder groups involved, sustainability dimensions covered and interaction approaches used. Originality/value This paper contributes to sustainability, stakeholder and management literature by highlighting different levels of implementation of stakeholder interaction for sustainability and its linkages to overarching efforts that may affect the sustainable development of an organisation. The results of this study provide a better understanding of stakeholder interaction within organisational sustainability approaches and implementation in sustainability-oriented business models. As organisations seek to increase their sustainability performance, these insights may be useful for both academia and practice.

Multilateral development banks: understanding their impact on start-up development in Latin America

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to examine the relative performance of multilateral development banks venture capital funds (MDBVCs) compared to that of government-sponsored venture capital funds (GVCs), assessing their impact on invested start-ups. Design/methodology/approach First, the authors survey the literature to understand the performance drivers of public programs designed to foster venture capital (VC). Second, the authors analyze the characteristics of multilateral development banks (MDBs) VC-related efforts. Third, based on their goals, structure, governance and management processes, the authors propose and test the hypothesis that MDBs initiatives outperform comparable public programs, overcoming the main limitations of the latter. Findings The authors find that start-ups funded by MDBVCs outperform GVC-funded start-ups in terms of access to subsequent financing and international expansion. Consistent with previous studies, the authors find that start-ups funded by private VCs show the highest levels of performance. Originality/value The paper features an unstudied actor – i.e. MDBVCs-, and an unstudied region – i.e., Latin America-, using a unique data set of 437 start-ups that received VC investments in 7 Latin American countries during the study period 2000–2018.

Senior entrepreneurship in Chile: necessity or opportunity? A GEM perspective

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to study the case of Chile and identify the internal factors that lead to senior (+55 years old) entrepreneurship, either by necessity or opportunity, compared to that in other age groups.,The analysis is based on the adult population survey of the global entrepreneurship monitor between 2012 and 2016 and uses a logistic regression model that applies different variables to total early-stage entrepreneurial activity by necessity and opportunity.,Education, human and social capital development, gender and prior experience as an entrepreneur are internal factors that affect entrepreneurial activity with different weights and directions for people over 55 years old in Chile, either by necessity or opportunity. Further, certain factors exhibited by other age groups in the country explain entrepreneurship.,This study does not consider external perspectives on how context influences entrepreneurial intentions.,This paper represents a first step to understanding the factors that governments should consider when designing policies to support entrepreneurial activity in the senior demographic sector, considering differences in motivation by necessity or opportunity. In addition, this study contributes to the development of knowledge regarding senior entrepreneurship in Chile and to the identification of best practices that could be used in other regions.,This report is the first to focus on the motivations of senior entrepreneurs in Chile by quantifying the effects of different factors.

Can a technology firm desire too much of a good thing? The double-edged sword effects of technology orientation on performance

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms that come into play in the relationship between technology orientation (TO) and performance in technology firms. In doing so, this paper explores how different levels of TO affect firm innovativeness, how different levels of firm innovativeness affect performance and the moderating role of risk-taking propensity in the relationship between innovativeness and performance. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 112 information technology firms. Control variables include firm size and age and industry effects. The model was tested using PLS-based SEM. Findings Results show that in technology firms, innovativeness plays a mediating role in the relationship between TO and firm performance, the relationship between TO and firm innovativeness is curvilinear, the relationship between innovativeness and performance is curvilinear and risk-taking propensity moderates the curvilinear relationship between innovativeness and performance. Originality/value The shape of the relationships in the mediating paths between TO, innovativeness and performance, is curvilinear (inverted U-shaped). Managers in technology firms focused on bolstering the TO and/or innovativeness should be cognizant of the fact that beyond a certain level, they might actually be doing more harm than good. Additionally, managers seeking to reinforce the relationship between innovativeness and performance need to be sensitive to the role that risk-taking propensity plays in this relationship.

The cultural dimensions in supply chain management research: a state-of-the-art review and research agenda

Abstract: Purpose –This paper reviews how current SCM research addresses cultural issues, presents a critical assessment of literature, and discusses future research avenues.Design/methodology/approach – The literature is reviewed using systematic literature review (SLR), bibliometric citation analysis (BCA) and content analysis. 280 relevant papers published between 1995 and 2019 were identified in ISI Web of Science’s database. Findings – Descriptive data is presented on chronological evolution of literature, geographical location, influential papers, and methodology. Four main research areas were categorized, namely: (i) papers on SC integration and performance; (ii) research on continuous improvement and lean initiatives; (iii) studies on the role of culture in sustainability, CSR and green practices; and (iv) studies on emerging topics of research. Most studies focused on organizational culture frameworks, adopted a static approach to culture, and targeted mainly developed countries and Asian emerging countries. A research agenda is suggested based on a multilevel cultural framework including operational and SCM culture. Implications – Practitioners and researchers will gain a greater understanding of how cultural issues have been addressed in current literature. A multilevel framework is suggested as well as “operational” and “SCM cultures” concepts to address some of the issues identified in current literature. Originality/value – This study is one of the first literature reviews considering both national and organizational culture dimensions in SCM research. Keywords – Cultural dimensions, national culture, organizational culture, Supply Chain Management, Systematic literature review, Bibliometric citation analysis.

Relative exploration orientation and real options reasoning: survey evidence from Denmark

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to extend the understanding of how real options reasoning (ROR) is associated with downside risk and how a firm’s portfolio (explore and exploit) of investment activities affects managers’ ability to effectively apply ROR in relation to downside risk. Design/methodology/approach The survey method is used. It is applied to a population of Danish firms, which in 2018 had more than 100 employees. The chief financial officer was the target respondent. Findings This study finds that a higher level of ROR is associated with lower levels of downside risk. ROR’s association with lower levels of the downside risk is also moderated by the level of relative exploration orientation in a negative direction. Originality/value The field of ROR research on downside risk and portfolio subadditivity has been dominated by research focused on multinationality. This paper extends extant literature on ROR by studying ROR as a multidimensional construct of firm action, which is associated with lower levels of downside risk, also when studied outside of a multinationality setting. This is the case when ROR is implemented as a complete system. This paper also applies a framework of exploitation and exploration to show that findings on subadditivity in options portfolios caused by asset correlations extend outside the scope of multinationality and into one of product/service innovation.