Win–Win Environmental Intensity or Technique Effects and Technological Learning: Evidence from Siam City Cement

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael T. Rock ◽  
David P. Angel
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Foreign Technology ◽  
Energy Materials ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Technological Learning ◽  
Public Company ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Technological Modernization ◽  
Path Dependent ◽  
Environmental Intensity

As we demonstrated in Chapter 5 and as a small, but rapidly growing, body of research suggests, developing countries appear to be able to achieve win–win technique effects—reductions in the energy, materials, water, and pollution intensities of industrial production—simply by opening their economies to trade, foreign investment, and foreign technology (Copeland and Taylor 2003; Dean 2002; Reppelin-Hill 1999; Hettige et al. 1997; Wheeler and Martin 1992; Birdsall and Wheeler 1992; Lucas et al. 1992). While extremely promising, none of this body of work allows for in-depth analysis of the strategies and processes used by individual firms that import newer, more efficient, and cleaner technologies to reduce environmental intensities. In effect, this literature tells us much about win–win outcomes, but it says little about how these outcomes are achieved. If the import, adoption, and use of technologies that reduce environmental intensities were a simple and relatively costless process, this would not be a major source of concern. But, as we demonstrated in Chapter 2, there is a large literature suggesting that, on the contrary, technological learning and upgrading is a complex, difficult, and lengthy process, often marked by failure, that requires firms to make heavy investments in learning and upgrading (Amsden 2003, 1989; Bell and Pavitt 1992; Dahlman et al. 1987; Hobday 1997; Kim 1997; Lall 1992; Nelson 1993; Kim and Nelson 2001; Wade 1990; and UNIDO 2002b) before they can reap the economic and environmental gains associated with shifts to more effcient technologies. The core research question to be addressed in this chapter then is the importance of firm-level learning for achieving the win–win technique effects—improvements in environmental intensities associated with the import and adoption of energy and pollution-efficient technologies. Because firm-level learning is industry specific, path dependent, and influenced by the openness of an economy to trade, investment, and foreign technology, we focus on the learning effects of intensities reduction in one firm, Siam City Cement Public Company Ltd. (SCCC), in one particularly ‘dirty’ and rapidly expanding developing country industry (cement) that is undergoing substantial technological modernization, global consolidation, and greening, in an economy, Thailand, that has historically been very open to trade, investment, and foreign technology (Pongpaichit 1980).

scholarly journals Agri-food Exports and Challenges of Foreign Markets for a Small region: a Network Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 607-618
Author(s):  
Roberta Sisto ◽  
Alba Marseglia ◽  
Edgardo Sica
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Small Region ◽  
Complex Environments ◽  
Trade Patterns ◽  
Essential Condition ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Over Time

Over the last decades, the agri-food sector has been involved in a substantial process of internationalisation. For many agri-food firms, internationalisation has become a significant element of competitiveness and an essential condition for their survival and success in spite of the possible initial difficulties in competing and organising activities in uncertain and complex environments. These challenges concern mainly agri-food small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that, due to their size, are in a more vulnerable position in relation to trade barriers compared to larger firms. Based on these premises, we investigated the structure of the agrifood exports of a small region by exploring its characteristics and evolution over time. While this research is relevant per sé, it can also explain the macroeconomic dynamics of the whole area and determine the further development of agri-food exports of a small region to non-EU countries. The analysis concentrates on exports to extra-EU countries from agri-food firms located in the province of Foggia (the south-east of Italy), a small area characterised by a large presence of SMEs and micro firms that are mainly devoted to agricultural production and food processing. To answer the research question, we employ the social network analysis, a method increasingly used for analysing international trade patterns. The use of this methodology has allowed us to conduct an in-depth analysis of firms and countries that occupy a strategic position in the network. These actors are crucial for the network’s survival since their removal could make the network more fragmented and disconnected. The analysis has been conducted in a dynamic way by exploring the characteristics of the network in 2014–2019, allowing us to assess its evolution over time. The results show that the structural properties of the analysed network have remarkably enhanced over time. However, the current network structure is not satisfactory yet since it relies, for the most part, on the connections among a few leading firms and a limited number of destination countries.

Examining systematic technological learning of Syrian textile industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-142
Author(s):  
Sepehr Ghazinoory ◽  
Ammar Ali Ali ◽  
AliReza Hassanzadeh ◽  
Mehdi Majidpour
Keyword(s):  
Technology Transfer ◽  
Textile Industry ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Incremental Innovation ◽  
Less Developed Countries ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technological Infrastructure ◽  
Technological Learning

PurposeBecause of importance of technological learning for less developed countries, the notion has received increasing attention of scholars. The purpose of this paper is to investigate technological learning systematically by assessing the effect of technology transfer actors on technological learning in less developed countries context.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents assessment model by adopting technological learning concept based on technology absorption and incremental innovation at firm level and identifying key roles of technology transfer actors (State – Scientific and technological infrastructure – Industry) that affect technological learning. The paper follows survey as research methodology. Thus, a questionnaire was addressed to 33 Syrian textile factories to examine the assessment model. Simple linear, multiple linear and ordinal regression analyses are preformed to examine relationships of model components.FindingsThe regression models show notable ability of technology transfer actors to explain technological behavior of firms to accumulate operative capability and consequently to generate passive incremental innovation. The findings indicate passive technical change system of Syrian textile industry. Therefore, goal-oriented evaluation of actual technology policy is preliminary step for achieving improvements, as well as activating scientific and technological infrastructure role by enabling strong relationships with industry and supporting interactions of domestic firms of textile industry and with foreign players.Originality/valueThe paper enriches technological learning literature by proposing systematic approach that sets the nature of technical change process of less developed countries in core of analysis. Moreover, it provides a guide for technological learning practices at firm level and for policymakers based on assessing actual status of Syrian textile industry.

scholarly journals A literature review on the causality between sustainability and corporate reputation

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 406-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Maria Gomez-Trujillo ◽  
Juan Velez-Ocampo ◽  
Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Corporate Reputation ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Reputation Management ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Global Networks ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to summarize previous research findings of the relationship between reputation and sustainability at the firm level.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a systematic literature review of 306 retrieved articles that matched the search criteria. After applying filters and narrowing the sample to a total of 156 articles of a 19-year period (2000–2019) that were finally content analyzed for this study in order to identify sources, authors, theories, methodologies, and opportunities for future research.FindingsFindings demonstrate that in most of the cases, sustainability appears to be an antecedent of corporate reputation and a tool to enhance stakeholders' acceptance and perceptions on companies' activities.Practical implicationsThe study shows the potential of sustainability reporting as a tool to enhance corporate reputation; moreover, it also discussed the likely effect of sustainability over brand equity. This research confirms the importance of having strategic management of both corporate sustainability and reputation management. Including both reputational management and sustainability in the corporate strategy can be a potential source to create value, protect against difficulties and liabilities, and maximize business survival.Social implicationsFor business, establishing clear positions in relation to environmental and social issues, building collaborative global networks and authentic local relations, giving signals that reaffirm business purposes with all stakeholders, and adhering to the sustainable development agenda enhance positive corporate reputation.Originality/valueIn addition to answering the stated research question and in fact filling a gap in the literature, this study led us to identify 25 research questions classified in seven different areas (measurement and scales; causes and effects; longitudinal studies; geographical contexts; theory building; digital as a novel environment; and new actors and institutions).

scholarly journals Fearing the stranger? Homiletical explorations in a fear-filled world

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian A. Nell
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Central Research ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Culture Of Fear ◽  
African Soil ◽  
Politics Of Fear ◽  
To Come ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Stranger

The large number of xenophobic attacks that broke out in different places in South Africa during 2008 was still continuing unabated 10 years later. We were stressed to come to terms with the reality that this occurred in a country that is globally considered to be an example of reconciliation. It is clear that we were confronted by the politics of fear, which were manifested in xenophobia and all the other -isms. In this article, the primary causes of these xenophobic outbreaks were scrutinised and placed within the wider framework of a culture of fear. The central research question is: Why are we still struggling with this phenomenon more than a decade after it first appeared on South African soil? In-depth analysis will be performed on what is lying behind the culture of fear underlying these acts of violence. After exploring some of the factors related to a culture of fear by making use of a sociological frame, the author moved on to answer a second question: How do we, as preachers, researchers and practical theologians, respond in a theological way to the challenges posed by a xenophobic culture in our preaching activities? Finally, the impact of violence and fear on the practice of preaching within a Christian context was discussed.

Imposing cooperation: the impact of institutions on the efficiency of cooperatives in the Philippines

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 421-440
Author(s):  
Roberto Martin N. Galang ◽  
Rouselle F. Lavado ◽  
George O. White III ◽  
Jamil Paolo S. Francisco
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Market ◽  
Research Question ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Organizational Size ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Externalities ◽  
Political Structures ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to answer the research question: How do cooperative organizations perform when created by government fiat in an emerging market? Through the use of institutional and agency theory, this paper presents a comparative analysis of the efficiency of the cooperative form of organization and investor-owned firms-investigating how the social–political structures in a community affect the efficiency of cooperatives vis-à-vis investor-owned firms. This paper also attempts to offer a better understanding of how government quality and organizational size influence performance outcomes between different organizational forms specifically in the Philippines. Design Methodology Approach The empirical analysis of this study was conducted among electric distribution utilities in the Philippines. Firm-level data was generated for 133 distributors, consisting of 119 electric cooperatives and 14 investor-owned companies. Panel data regressions were ran to test all hypotheses. Findings Cooperative organizations operate at a less efficient rate than investor-owned firms in the Philippines, even when controlling for firm-specific factors such as size, customer density and profitability. In addition, the efficiency of these cooperative organizations is more strongly influenced by the quality of the local government than investor-owned firms. Originality Value Positive externalities generated by the propagation of cooperatives on local communities may be based primarily on our understanding of how cooperatives have functioned largely in western contexts. Within the context of Southeast Asia, where national socio-political structures may be more dysfunctional, this paper observes that there is an equivalent negative externality caused by the tendency of cooperatives to replicate the political mismanagement of the community around it.

Stakeholders, reward expectations and firms’ use of the ISO14001 management standard

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 830-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dayna Simpson ◽  
Robert Sroufe
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Pollution Prevention ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Standards ◽  
Stakeholder Pressure ◽  
Environmental Management Practices ◽  
Pls Modeling

Purpose – An ongoing challenge for managers is to define and benefit from their firm's environmental management practices. Firms that seek stakeholder recognition of their practices, or face stakeholder pressure for evidence of improvement, increasingly use management standards such as ISO14001. Such standards, however, may encourage firms to use more reportable rather than embedded environmental management practices. Why some firms use environmental management standards to improve practices relative to firms that use them to deflect attention, is an important research question. As paper proposes, stakeholder pressure on firms for improved practices can interact with firms’ expectations of related rewards to influence environmental management outcomes. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The intention was to identify significant differences in stakeholder focus and each firm's environmental management practices, between ISO14001 certified and non-certified firms. The paper explored the propositions with a sample of US manufacturers. The paper used a PLS modeling approach. Findings – The paper identified links between firms with a greater regulative stakeholder focus, to greater use of reportable practices (pollution reduction). Firms with a greater normative stakeholder focus were linked to greater use of embedded practices (policies and pollution prevention). Originality/value – This study is one of the first to assess differences that distinguish between both stakeholder type and choice of environmental management practices. Further, the paper grouped firms’ practices according to their emphasis on either rewards of stakeholder recognition or internal operational benefit. As other studies have identified, firms do not necessarily adopt environmental management standards for their goals of practice improvement. The study contributes to use of stakeholder theories to understand firm level adoption of and benefit from environmental management practices.

scholarly journals Showcasing the diversity of service research

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 810-836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Benoit ◽  
Katrin Scherschel ◽  
Zelal Ates ◽  
Linda Nasr ◽  
Jay Kandampully
Keyword(s):  
Service Management ◽  
Service Research ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Journal ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Publication Success ◽  
Transactional Data

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to make two main contributions: first, showcase the diversity of service research in terms of the variety of used theories and methods, and second, explain (post-publication) success of articles operationalized as interest in an article (downloads), usage (citations), and awards (best paper nomination). From there, three sub-contributions are derived: stimulate a dialogue about existing norms and practices in the service field, enable and encourage openness amongst service scholars, and motivate scholars to join the field. Design/methodology/approach A mixed method approach is used in combining quantitative and qualitative research methods while analyzing 158 Journal of Service Management (JOSM) articles on several criteria such as their theory, methodology, and main descriptive elements (e.g. number of authors or references) and then using automated text analysis (e.g. investigating the readability of articles, etc.). Findings The results show that the JOSM publishes a large variety of articles with regard to theories, methods of data collection, and types of data analysis. For example, JOSM has published a mixture of qualitative and quantitative articles and papers containing firm-level and customer-level data. Further, the results show that even though conceptual articles create the same amount of interest (downloads), they are used more (citations). Research limitations/implications This paper presents many descriptive results which do not allow for making inferences toward the entire service research discipline. Further, it is only based on one service research journal (JOSM) through a five-year span of publication. Practical implications The results have a number of implications for the discipline that are presented and discussed. Amongst them are that: the discipline should be more open toward conceptual articles, service research shows an imbalance toward theory testing, there is more potential to work with transactional data, and writing style should be more accessible (i.e. readable). Originality/value This paper is the first to conduct an in-depth analysis of service research articles to stimulate dialogue about common publishing practices in the JOSM and to increase the openness of the field.

Conventions of Audit Quality: The Perspective of Public and Private Company Audit Partners

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Brivot ◽  
Mélanie Roussy ◽  
Maryse Mayer
Keyword(s):  
Audit Quality ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Professional Judgment ◽  
Private Company ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Financial Situation ◽  
Big 4 ◽  
Audit Firms ◽  
Public Company ◽  
Depth Analysis

SUMMARY This research is based on an in-depth analysis of 34 interviews with partners in Big 4, medium-sized, and small audit firms that specialize in private and/or public company audits, to explore how they understand the concept of audit quality. Two contrasting conventions—i.e., shared judgment norms—of audit quality emerge from the analysis. Public company audit partners in Big 4 firms espouse what we call the “model” audit quality convention, which considers that audit quality results from a technically flawless audit, where professional judgment is highly formalized, and quality is attested by a perfectly documented audit file that passes Canadian Public Accountability Board (CPAB) and PCAOB inspections. In contrast, partners working primarily on private company audits, regardless of their firm's size, endorse what we call the “value-added” audit quality convention, which considers that audit quality results from tailoring the audit to meet the client's unique needs, where professional judgment is unconstrained, and where quality is attested by the client's perception that the audit has given a better understanding of their financial situation and the associated risks and opportunities. Our analysis also reveals significant tensions within each of these two conventions, and a fear that the current regulatory framework for quality control might end up severely hurting audit quality.

Choosing between the formal and informal economy: how do managers decide?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amine Abi Aad ◽  
James G. Combs
Keyword(s):  
Informal Economy ◽  
Regulatory Focus ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Formal Institutions ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
New Research ◽  
Managerial Choice

PurposeWe raise and address an unexamined research question: Why do managers place some business activities in the formal economy and others in the informal? This firm-level managerial choice is most visible in emerging economies and is important due to its performance implications.Design/methodology/approachWe theorize that managers use social ties with formal institutions (e.g. parliament, central bank) to protect against (1) being singled out for enforcement and (2) opportunistic business partners, and that these protections allow managers to conduct more activities in the informal economy. Based on regulatory focus theory, we also submit that managers with a promotion (prevention) focus mindset are more (less) prone to use their social ties with formal institutions to emphasize the informal economy. Hypotheses are tested using survey data from 362 Lebanese top managers.FindingsManagers' social ties with formal institutions relate positively to their propensity to use the informal economy, and managers with a promotion mindset are more willing and those with a prevention mindset are less willing to leverage their social ties with formal institutions to conduct activities in the informal economy.Originality/valueOur study raises an important new research question at the intersection of strategic and international management and offers an initial answer. Working within the informal economy requires informal social ties among informal actors, but for formally registered firms, entry into the informal economy requires informal ties with formal actors.

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