Showing papers in "International Journal of Emerging Markets in 2014"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on why China is moving from imitation to innovation, how MNCs are evolving their R&D activities in China, the challenges they face, and how they deal with these challenges.
Abstract: Purpose – Multinational companies are increasingly locating R&D activities in emerging markets, particularly China. This paper aims to focus on why China is moving from imitation to innovation, how MNCs are evolving their R&D activities in China, the challenges they face, and how they deal with these challenges. Design/methodology/approach – As this is a viewpoint paper, the authors do not report any methodology other than the general research that the authors have been conducting for the last two years, primarily interviews with companies. Findings – The key finding is that China is moving from imitation to innovation and that multinational companies should develop strategies for conducting R&D there. Originality/value – This is a fairly original paper in that there has been only limited research on innovation in China.
52 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of diplomatic activities on outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) was analyzed using Panel Corrected Standard Error (PCSEM) models, using the data of Chinese OFDI flow to 131 countries over the period of 2003-2010.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of diplomatic activities on outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). Design/methodology/approach – The paper first develops a set of hypotheses drawing insights from politics, international business and institutional theory. It then tests these hypotheses by estimation of Panel Corrected Standard Error models, using the data of Chinese OFDI flow to 131 countries over the period of 2003-2010. Findings – The main findings are: friendly bilateral diplomatic activities help OFDI in general; bilateral diplomatic activities provide effective support to some sensitive and important investments; and bilateral diplomatic activities play an important role in host countries where institutions are absent or poor in quality. Practical implications – Friendly bilateral diplomatic activities provide strong support to multinationals investing abroad. Originality/value – The paper incorporates a neglected but important factor, diplomacy, into a model to analyze...
50 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the role of state institutions in the rise of made-in-China multinationals is examined. But, the authors find that the state has asserted its role specifically to grow Chinese multinationals in size and number, by leveraging the financial resources accumulated over the last 30 years, by taking adv...
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to re-examine the role of institutions in the rise of made-in-China multinationals. Specifically, the paper seeks to understand how changes in the global environment, especially global financial crisis, have solidified the Chinese government's role in pushing and encouraging Chinese firms to engage in outbound foreign direct investment (OFDI) activities. Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper. The analysis is based on a large number of publicly available sources, including research papers, government documents, and reports. The paper strives to triangulate the validity of the data with multiple sources. Findings – The study finds that while the role of the state in China has been evolving since the start of the economic reforms in 1978, by no means has it been lessened. Instead, the state has asserted its role specifically to grow Chinese multinationals in size and in number, by leveraging the financial resources accumulated over the last 30 years, by taking adv...
46 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the convergence and adaption of corporate governance practices in emerging markets and found that firms from BRIC countries adapt to international best practices in corporate governance beyond the official requirements by national corporate governance codes.
Abstract: Purpose – A high quality of corporate governance practices is important for a sustainable development of an economy The purpose of this paper is to analyze the convergence and adaption of corporate governance practices in emerging markets It shows how Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC) firms apply international standards of good corporate governance and which factors affect the quality of corporate governance practices in BRIC countries Design/methodology/approach – The authors use country and firm-level data from the BRIC countries and apply statistical models to identify the convergence of corporate governance practices In all, 135 largest firms from Brazil, Russia, China, and India are analyzed Findings – The study shows that firms from BRIC countries adapt to international best practices in corporate governance beyond the official requirements by national corporate governance codes International institutions positively influence BRIC firms to apply international standards of good corporate
43 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the interaction between large Chinese firms as they internationalize and their home and host governments, and find that in their attempt to seek strategic assets, Chinese multinational enterprises (MNEs) face conflicts with host countries and Western firms in which host government support for international competitiveness can be used as quasi protectionist defense mechanisms.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction between large Chinese firms as they internationalize and their home and host governments. Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken is that of an analysis of relevant literature and the application of a popular theoretical framework by Rugman and Verbeke to the case of Chinese firms as they expand abroad. Findings – First, the paper adapts a well-known business-government framework to analyze emerging economy issues, all in a Chinese context. Then the paper relates this analysis to the existing literature on the international expansion process of Chinese firms. The paper finds that in their attempt to seek strategic assets, Chinese multinational enterprises (MNEs) face conflicts with host countries and Western firms in which host government support for international competitiveness can be used as quasi protectionist defense mechanisms. Using the public policy and MNE framework, the paper examines several recent disputes and finds tha...
40 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore how firms from a Latin American market internationalise using the resource-based view of the firm as a theoretical foundation, and examine the internationalisation process of three Chilean companies that have become relevant international players.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to explore how firms from a Latin American market internationalise using the resource-based view of the firm as a theoretical foundation. Specifically, it examines the internationalisation process of three Chilean companies that have become relevant international players. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on interviews with company managers, as well as industry data and corporate reports, this paper provides insights into the successful internationalisation process of emerging market firms. Findings – The findings of this study suggest that specific capabilities and resources, such as belonging to a family conglomerate, domestic and foreign partnerships and networks, innovation and market orientation, and an experienced management team, are required for emerging market firms to internationalise and improve their performance in foreign markets. Originality/value – This study is one of the few to address the internationalisation process of Chilean companies.
37 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the relationship between firm value and cash holdings for the period 2003-2008 and find if there are costs and benefits associated with holding too much or too little cash, then an optimal cash level exists where marginal benefits are offset by their costs.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between firm value and cash holdings for the period 2003-2008. This study seeks to find if there are costs and benefits associated with holding too much or too little cash, then an optimal cash level exists where marginal benefits are offset by their costs. If this optimal point exists, then firm value will be maximized at that point and deviation from it will affect the firm value negatively. Design/methodology/approach – Optimal cash level between firm value and cash holding is determined by investigating the concave relationship. If concave relationship exists then a residual term is included in the equation to see how deviations from the optimal level affect firm value. A two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator is used in estimating all results. GMM controls for unobserved firm heterogeneity and endogeneity problems. Findings – Results showed that a concave relationship exists between firm value and cash holdings, wh...
34 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on GDP growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with particular emphasis on Chinese FDI was examined, based on the growth accounting model, a dynamic GMM estimation is used.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on GDP growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with particular emphasis on Chinese FDI. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the growth accounting model, a dynamic GMM estimation is used. To compare the results with previous findings, the paper also uses OLS and fixed effect estimates. Findings – The paper finds that neither FDI net inflows in SSA nor Chinese FDI has a significant effect on economic growth in SSA. By testing other economic growth determinants in SSA countries based on growth accounting theory, the paper finds the change in capital stock per labor has a persistent and significant positive impact on growth in SSA. Originality/value – This study provides new evidence on the influence of Chinese FDI on the growth of the SSA economies. There are very few empirical studies that analyze the growth of the SSA economies from a macroeconomic perspective using a partial equilibrium model. This paper tests th...
31 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a mathematical model to depict a multinational corporation's behavior in response to human rights violations in the host country and showed that a firm will have to lower its human rights standards to survive.
Abstract: Purpose – How should a multinational corporation (MNC) from a mature democracy deal with the human rights issues in a country with a poor human rights standard? The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The authors develop a mathematical model to depict MNC's behavior in response to human rights violations in the host country. Findings – The authors show that, first, in a country with a high level of human rights abuses, a firm will have to lower its human rights standards to survive; but, second, a collective effort by all firms is essential to improve the human rights conditions in the host environment; and third, a firm's human rights practices may have a multiplicative effect that can significantly affect the momentum of human rights development in a host country. Originality/value – This study is one of the first attempts to provide a theoretical framework on the issue of MNCs and human rights in host countries.
27 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the reliability of financial information through various descriptive and statistical analyses in major emerging markets, including Brazil, Russia, India, and China (the BRICs).
Abstract: Purpose – The success and reliability of business transactions and research in emerging markets depend on the quality of financial information. Due to the institutional and historical backgrounds, financial information provided by firms in emerging markets has often been questioned for their accuracy. This study aims to examine the reliability of financial information through various descriptive and statistical analyses in major emerging markets, including Brazil, Russia, India, and China (the BRICs). Design/methodology/approach – The authors use firm-level data from the BRIC countries and apply statistical models to identify patterns of profit misreporting by firms in these countries. Findings – The results show significant and systemic signs of misreporting of financial information in these countries, particularly in China and Russia, which are further examined to understand the possible reasons behind their more severe misreporting. Originality/value – The study then concludes with practical and specif...
27 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors review the anti-counterfeiting strategies that have been identified in the literature on counterfeiting and find that the dominant legal enforcement (perspective) approach has limited success and explains the reasons for its failure.
Abstract: Purpose – The production and sale of counterfeit products is big business in the international economy. Nowhere is this more evident than in China. This paper aims to review the anti-counterfeiting strategies that have been identified in the literature on counterfeiting. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a literature review. Findings – This paper reviews 11 anti-counterfeiting strategies that have been suggested by relevant literature and has identified some of the success conditions. It also finds that firms should seek to take a longer-term view and to protect their technology-based competitive advantage. This is already happening: Japanese blue chip companies have begun to relocate sensitive R&D and high-tech manufacturing away from risky locations and back to Japan. Research limitations/implications – The paper shows that the dominant legal enforcement (perspective) approach has been of limited success and explains the reasons for its failure. Practical implications – The paper...
TL;DR: In this article, a qualitative research method approach comprising personal interviews and observations targeted at consumers and business executives was used to expand knowledge about how middle class consumers in Sub-Saharan African markets behave focusing on the potential role of social networks and the subsequent interactions that take place between these consumers and firms.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to expand knowledge about how middle class consumers in Sub-Saharan African markets behave, focusing on the potential role of social networks and the subsequent interactions that take place between these consumers and firms. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research method approach comprising personal interviews and observations targeted at consumers and business executives was used covering all four countries. Findings – Key findings include identification of middle of the pyramid (MOP) social networks, their impact on consumer behaviour and nature of consumer and firm interactions that take place as a result of the impact of social networks. Research limitations/implications – The sample size was restricted to 80 consumers in each of the four countries. This might limit generalisability. Practical implications – The study provides managers with insights on the potential role of social networks on marketing to the MOP in Africa. Social implications – The ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that international business (IB) theory needs to adapt to the changes that have occurred in the global economy when the world was divided into rich market economies, communist countries and poor economies.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper argues that international business (IB) theory needs to adapt to the changes that have occurred in the global economy when the world was divided into rich market economies, communist countries and poor economies. Changes in ideologies and technologies has opened up opportunities for emerging market multinational enterprises and the paper offers guidelines for a dynamic IB contingency theory to acknowledge these changes and learning. Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual paper which is designed to offer an alternative contingency perspective on IB theory. Findings – IB scholars should recognize the influence of several contingent variables such as the institutional environment, political systems, government-business-NGO relations, social norms-ethical behavior, country size and industry. The structural characteristics of an industry, their importance to the country and the regulatory regime are major variables in understanding how and whether firms can become emerging mult...
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors investigated why China implemented export quotas and tariffs on rare earth elements and how the state is engaged in this sector domestically and abroad, and framed China as a competition state and connected domestic with foreign economic policy on REEs.
Abstract: Purpose – China holds a global monopoly of up to 97 percent for rare earth elements (REEs), which are indispensable for all kinds of twenty-first century high-tech applications. Since China has disrupted its exports and started discriminating between domestic and foreign demand, REEs have become a geostrategic resource. In March 2012, Japan, the USA and the European Union jointly filed a World Trade Organization dispute settlement case against China. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate why China implemented export quotas and tariffs on REEs and how the state is engaged in this sector domestically and abroad. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis frames China as a “competition state” and connects domestic with foreign economic policy on REEs. It uses data from Chinese official documents and non-Chinese sources. Findings – Better government control aims to consolidate the sector and lay the foundation for three other goals, namely: the establishment of integrated and innovative Chinese corporatio...
TL;DR: This article examined to what extent emerging market multinational corporations (EMNCs) from China and India will be perceived as less attractive employers than their developed nation counterparts due to a perceived liability of origin bias.
Abstract: Purpose – Upon entering developed markets, emerging market multinational corporations (EMNCs) from China and India must compete with both host companies and other developed nation MNCs to attract and recruit necessary local talent. The purpose of this paper is to examine to what extent EMNC firms will be perceived as less attractive employers than their developed nation counterparts due to a perceived liability of origin bias. Major demographic and psychographic factors that may affect this bias will also be identified. Design/methodology/approach – Seven hypotheses were tested on a total of 626 German, French and American respondents. Participants were randomly presented identical job descriptions from four hypothetical MNCs (American, European, Indian and Chinese) and were asked to evaluate the perceived attractiveness of working for, as well as their intent to pursue employment with, the offering firm. Findings – Using hierarchical linear regression testing, combined with analysis of variance testing, ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the domestic roots of the changes in China's rare earth industry production and exports in its three-decade rise to the current global monopoly and adopt the historical institutionalism approach to analyze the trajectory of industry and trade development.
Abstract: Purpose – Rare earths are essential materials for many high-tech industries critical to both economic development and national defense. China, the world's dominant supplier of rare earths, has recently been imposing stricter controls over its production and export. The purpose of this paper is to examine the domestic roots of the changes in China's rare earth industry production and exports in its three-decade rise to the current global monopoly. Design/methodology/approach – This paper adopts the historical institutionalism approach to analyze the trajectory of industry and trade development. The author analyzes data collected from government whitepapers and reputed scholarly and news sources. Findings – This paper argues that the Chinese rare earth industry has gone through three periods of development, in which the state attempted to control the market and industry through reformulating rules and institutions to achieve state goals. Domestic state institutions, combined with macroeconomic environment a...
TL;DR: In this article, the role of institutional entrepreneurship in opportunity formation and opportunity exploitation in developing emerging strategic new industries is examined. But, the authors focus on the solar energy industry and do not consider the potential of institutional entrepreneurs in this process.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of institutional entrepreneurship in opportunity formation and opportunity exploitation in developing emerging strategic new industries. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the focal literature focussing on institutional entrepreneurs’ role in opportunity formation with special attention to opportunities for institutional entrepreneurs in emerging economy. A multi-method approach consisting of historical case studies and event sequencing is applied to track the historical development of the solar energy industry in two case contexts and to investigate the role of institutional entrepreneurs in this process. Findings – Investigation of two cases illustrates that different types of institutional entrepreneur, as represented by individual entrepreneurs and local government, in the context of massive institutional change – such as the Grand Western Development Program and the Thousand Talents Program in China – have varied effects on trigg...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors make use of a proprietary dataset, collected in a self-administered web-based survey conducted among foreign-owned companies in Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovenia.
Abstract: Purpose – Management of subsidiaries of multinational companies and subsidiary evolution have emerged as important topics in the international business literature. This strand of literature on multinational subsidiaries has provided the necessary analytical models and research tools to study the phenomenon. Nonetheless, while many studies exist on the roles, strategies and evolutions of subsidiaries, and despite its high importance, this area of academic research is still lacking critical mass. Moreover, the extant studies have been conducted in the context of advanced economies, and yet it has been under-researched in the context of emerging economies, and particularly the economies of Eastern Europe, the so-called new EU member states. The study of the phenomenon of subsidiary evolution is the main aim of this paper. Design/methodology/approach – The paper makes use of a proprietary dataset, collected in a self-administered web-based survey conducted among foreign-owned companies in Czech Republic, Hung...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the scope of sourcing research in Sub-Sahara African from scholarly journals published from 1980 to 2013 on sourcing-related issues and identified what is known about sourcing from this region and the implications for managers and researchers in supply chain management.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the scope of sourcing research in Sub-Sahara African (SSA) from scholarly journals published from 1980 to 2013 on sourcing-related issues. The study identifies what is known about sourcing from this region and the implications for managers and researchers in supply chain management. Design/methodology/approach – Totally, 40 scholarly journals (supply chain journals and other journals publishing on diverse business topics) were found relevant and reviewed. Content (all field) search using the names of each SSA countries (e.g. Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, etc.) was carried out in the supply chain journals to filter out articles discussing sourcing-related topics. For other business journals, keyword search was performed (procurement, sourcing, purchasing, outsourcing, supplier relations, supplier selection, supplier development, supply management, offshore, supply chain and logistics). Findings – The literature review suggests that studies discussing sourci...
TL;DR: In this article, a case study of the Republic of Macedonia (Southeast Europe), which focuses on examining governance and enterprise restructuring, is presented, where the data used in this case are analyzed with an econometric regression model, which as employed in this study examines the interrelationships between governance and enterprises restructuring and set of policies that influence the governance patterns.
Abstract: This paper is a case study of the Republic of Macedonia (Southeast Europe), which focuses on examining governance and enterprise restructuring. Governance and enterprise restructuring is already defined indicator in EBRD’s studies and transition reports, measuring the effective corporate governance and corporate control exercised through domestic financial institutions and markets, fostering market-driven restructuring. As of the beginning of the transition process, governance and enterprise restructuring remains in the center, as essential pillar, that moves forward the society towards developed market economy. The data used in this article are analyzed with an econometric regression model, which as employed in this study examines the interrelationships between governance and enterprise restructuring and set of policies that influence the governance patterns.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used cointegration and a QARCH-M-ECM-based framework to test the market efficiency and unbiasedness in the soybean futures contract traded in the National Commodity Derivatives Exchange.
Abstract: Purpose – The National commodity exchanges were established in India in the year 2003-2004 to perform the functions of price discovery and price risk management in the economy. The derivatives market can perform these functions properly only if they are efficient and unbiased. So, there is a need to properly evaluate these aspects of the Indian commodity derivatives market. The purpose of this paper is to test the market efficiency and unbiasedness of the Indian soybean futures markets. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses cointegration and a QARCH-M-ECM-based framework to test the market efficiency and unbiasedness in the soybean futures contract traded in the National Commodity Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX). The cointegration test is used to test the long-run unbiasedness and market efficiency of the contract, while the QARCH-M-ECM model is used to test the short-run market efficiency and unbiasedness of the contract by allowing for a time-varying risk premium. The price data is also tested for p...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors test the accuracy of the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) approach and the local Whittle (LW) approach by means of Monte Carlo simulation experiments.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the efficient market hypothesis for major Indian sectoral indices by means of long memory approach in both time domain and frequency domain. This paper also tests the accuracy of the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) approach and the local Whittle (LW) approach by means of Monte Carlo simulation experiments. Design/methodology/approach – The author applies the DFA approach for the computation of the scaling exponent in the time domain. The robustness of the results is tested by the computation of the scaling exponent in the frequency domain by means of the LW estimator. The author applies moving sub-sample approach on DFA to study the evolution of market efficiency in Indian sectoral indices. Findings – The Monte Carlo simulation experiments indicate that the DFA approach and the LW approach provides good estimates of the scaling exponent as the sample size increases. The author also finds that the efficiency characteristics of Indian sectoral indices and ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess strategy development processes in organizations operating in the Central and Eastern European region, and compare them with those headquartered in Western Europe, finding that managers in CEE organizations tended to place more emphasis on the top executive, while internal politics were significantly more pronounced in western firms.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess strategy development processes in organizations operating in the Central and Eastern European region, and compare them with those headquartered in Western Europe. Design/methodology/approach – Strategy development processes are measured using a multidimensional scale, incorporating elements of the following six dimensions: command, planning, incremental, political, cultural, and enforced choice. The study includes 366 participants from 52 organizations, with close to 40 percent headquartered in CEE countries. Findings – While responses of western top management were consistent with previous findings, differences prevailed in comparison to the current sample reports of CEE top management. For example, managers in CEE organizations tended to place more emphasis on the top executive, while internal politics were significantly more pronounced in western firms. Research limitations/implications – Additional variables potentially influencing strategy development ...
TL;DR: In this article, a cross-level and in-depth interview with nine Chinese multinational enterprises with operations in Australia is conducted to understand how Chinese multinationals perceive factors affecting the integration-responsiveness (I-R) framework.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to clarify how Chinese multinationals perceive factors affecting the integration-responsiveness (I-R) framework. Design/methodology/approach – This study extends quantitative and conceptual studies that have clarified and assessed the underlying factors that influence multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) international business strategy choices relating to global integration and local responsiveness with the use of cross-level and in-depth interviews. Top management perceptions from nine Chinese MNEs with operations in Australia are detailed. Findings – The study obtains empirical evidence on applying the I-R framework in the context of MNEs from emerging markets. Also the hybrid factors affecting both integration and responsiveness synchronously have been confirmed by Chinese multinationals. Research limitations/implications – As a cross-sectional study, the paper focuses on senior executives’ perceptions on factors affecting the I-R framework. This analysis would be en...
TL;DR: In this paper, the influence of business decision on process efficiency and production technology in the communication equipment and consumer electronics sectors of Indian hardware electronics industry after liberalisation is analyzed, based on 26 sample firms.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to analyze the influence of business decision on process efficiency and production technology in the communication equipment and consumer electronics sectors of Indian hardware electronics industry after liberalisation. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on 26 sample firms, belonging to the two sectors of Indian hardware electronics industry with continuous operation from 1993 to 2004. Estimation of the contribution of production technology and process efficiency to output growth is based on stochastic production function. Influence of business decisions on production technology and process efficiency is based on indigenously developed business decision model. Findings – Sectors, in general, fail to achieve improvement in process efficiency in comparison to progress in production technology. The business decisions factors like improve capacity utilization and operational efficiency together with decisions to adopt vertical integration to help sample firms to achieve...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined and compared the interest rate pass-through among the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) emerging markets by applying a cointegration and asymmetric mean adjustment lag (MAL) error correction methodology.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine and compare the interest rate pass-through among the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews a general literature on interest rates pass-through by applying a cointegration and asymmetric mean adjustment lag (MAL) error correction methodology (ECM). Findings – A symmetric adjustment is found in Russia, China and South Africa's deposit rate, while an asymmetric adjustment is found in Brazil and India's deposit rate adjustments. The presence of a customer reaction theory is found in Brazil, India, China and South Africa's deposit rate adjustments, while a collusive pricing arrangement is found in Russia. From the lending rate adjustment, a collusive pricing arrangement was found in Brazil, China and South Africa, while a customer reaction theory was found in India and Russia. Research limitations/implications – The sample period used in the study covers a period starting from the...
TL;DR: The International Journal of Emerging Markets (IMRA) 2012 conference on Emerging Markets and the New Dynamics of Management as mentioned in this paper was dedicated to research carried out by scholars located in emerging markets from regions across the world.
Abstract: The articles in this special issue of the International Journal of Emerging Markets are a selection of the best papers from the International Management Research Academy (IMRA; www.imraweb.org) 2012 conference held in London in May 2012. This conference was dedicated to research carried out by scholars located in emerging markets from regions across the world. The papers represent a cross-section of studies from three regions: Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia. The theme of the conference was: Emerging Markets and the New Dynamics of Management. Emerging markets are diverse in terms of their political economies, population, legal infrastructure, technological advancements and cultures, yet they tend to be grouped together by business and academic commentators and researchers. However, there are significant differences and divergences in emerging markets between the rich, emerging middle class and the poor with the latter making up the majority of the population. Suffering from the problems of inadequate infrastructures several of these countries are the source of "resourceful" innovators and entrepreneurs. Innovative technologies such as mobile telephony and renewable energy sources are being adopted rapidly. This diversity and specific characteristics we believe need to be better understood particularly in terms of how organizations, managers, entrepreneurs are practicing management and how scholars based in these countries are developing new knowledge, theory and reporting on management practices
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a new theoretical model that emerges from the case of China and tested it through a multiple case study comparative analysis of EES openness of 32 members of the GPA: Canada, the 28 countries of the European Union, Japan, Korea and the USA.
Abstract: Purpose – Throughout negotiations to access the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) of the WTO, China maintained the position of excluding the electric energy sector (EES) from its offers, despite the urging of several GPA members. The purpose of this paper is to raise a question regarding what these countries have to offer in exchange for their own requirements. Can they offer reciprocal conditions, one of the fundamental negotiation principles of the GPA? If not, could this help explain China's position? Design/methodology/approach – This paper addresses this negotiation problem by proposing a new theoretical model that emerges from the case of China. The suggested model is tested through a multiple case study comparative analysis of EES openness of 32 members of GPA: Canada, the 28 countries of the European Union, Japan, Korea and the USA within the context of the GPA. Findings – The findings not only suggest that the examined countries cannot offer reciprocity in regards to their requirements of Ch...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used parking behavior as a direct measure of delayed gratification, a cultural trait recognized by scholars as contributing to people's economic success, and found that there is a strong positive relationship between back-in parking and labor productivity gains.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use parking behavior as a direct measure of delayed gratification, a cultural trait recognized by scholars as contributing to people's economic success. Backing into a parking space requires more time and effort, but it will enable the driver to exit more easily, safely, and quickly in the future. The author argue that people who park their cars back-in embody a culture of delayed gratification, and societies with a higher back-in parking rate tend to have better economic performance. Design/methodology/approach – The author tested the hypothesis using parking and economic data from the BRIC countries, Taiwan, and the USA. Findings – Results show that there is a strong positive relationship between back-in parking and labor productivity gains. The author also found that back-in parking positively correlates with economic growth, savings rate, and educational attainment. Originality/value – This is the first study that uses parking behavior to predict economic perf...