How privacy concerns and cultural differences affect public opinion during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunfei Xing ◽  
Yuhai Li ◽  
Feng-Kwei Wang
Keyword(s):  
Public Opinion ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
National Level ◽  
Cultural Perspective ◽  
National Policies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Privacy Concerns ◽  
The Us

PurposeCOVID-19, an infectious disease first identified in China, has resulted in an ongoing pandemic all over the world. Most of the countries have been experiencing a difficult period during the fighting of this pandemic. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of privacy concerns and cultural differences on public opinion related to the pandemic. The authors conducted a comparative analysis of public opinion in the US and in China as a case study, in order to determine the results.Design/methodology/approachNational policies on important issues faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US and in China were examined through a comparative analysis. The authors used text clustering and visualization to mine public opinion on two popular social media platforms, Twitter and Weibo. From the perspectives of concern for privacy and of national culture, this study combines qualitative and quantitative analysis to discover the acceptance level of national policies by the public in the two countries.FindingsThe anti-pandemic policies and measures of the US and China reflect the different characteristics of their respective political systems and national cultures. When considering the culture of the US, it is hard to establish and enforce a rigorous regulation on either mask wearing in public or home quarantine on the national level. The opinions of US people are diverse, regarding national COVID-19 policies, but they are rather unified on privacy issues. On the other hand, Chinese people show a high acceptance of national policies based on their mask-wearing customs and their culture of collectivism.Originality/valuePrior studies have paid insufficient attention to the ways in which user privacy and cultural difference affect public opinion on national policies between the US and China. This case study that compares public opinion on current and topical issues which are closely bound up with public life shows originality, as it innovatively provides a cross-cultural perspective on the research of public opinion dissemination during emergencies by considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Rate my firm: cultural differences in service evaluations

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 815-836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodoula H. Tsiotsou
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
National Level ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Southern Europe ◽  
Cultural Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cross Cultural Differences ◽  
Cultural Proximity ◽  
Cultural Research

Purpose Cross-cultural research constitutes a pivotal topic for marketing; however, the literature indicates that there are a few studies analyzing social media reviews from a cross-cultural perspective using cultural proximity (supra-national level) as a proxy of culture. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify cross-cultural differences in service evaluations and specifically, in hotel appraisals among tourists from Central, Eastern (including Post-Soviet States), Northern and Southern Europe. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach has been taken by studying online user-generated ratings of hotels on Trip Advisor. In total, 1,055 reviews of five hotels in Greece were used for the study. Findings Multivariate analysis of variance and analysis of variances results confirm cultural differences in overall service evaluations and attributes (value, location, sleeping quality, rooms, cleanliness and service) of tourists from various European regions. Specifically, Eastern Europeans uploaded more reviews than any other European group, whereas Northern Europeans were more generous in their appraisals than Eastern, Southern and Central Europeans. Practical implications The results of the study could be used for segmentation purposes of the European tourism market and for recognizing, which aspects of their services need to be improved based on the segments they serve. Moreover, managers should encourage Northern and Eastern Europeans to upload their reviews as both groups are more generous in their evaluations. Moreover, the findings are useful to marketers of other services. Originality/value To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that examines cross-cultural differences in hotel appraisals from a supra-national perspective including developed (Northern and Western Europe), developing (Southern Europe) and emerging tourism markets (Eastern Europe).

Managing the fuzzy front-end in multicultural teams

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 578-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Nathalie Neukam
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Corporate Culture ◽  
National Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multicultural Teams ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fuzzy Front End ◽  
Front End

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify coordination mechanisms for multicultural teams at the fuzzy front-end (FFE) of discontinuous product innovations to maintain their creative potential by limiting the negative effects of cultural differences of individual nations. Design/methodology/approach Based on a case study, the international teamwork at the FFE was analyzed at Bürkert, a German medium-sized firm active in the industrial sector. Findings In correlation with the academic literature, the findings suggest that a strong organizational culture oriented toward innovation delivers a common framework for the FFE. Additionally, the case company succeeded in limiting the negative effects of individual nations’ cultures through common professional cultures. Research limitations/implications Data were collected from a single case study what limits its generalizability. Moreover, national culture was considered to be overlapping with political boundaries without taking regional differences into account. Future research should focus to overcome these limitations so as to better capture international challenges at this fuzzy phase of the innovation process. Practical implications Companies should focus on their corporate culture and use the concept of professional cultures to facilitate not only the international collaboration, but also the communication on a national level between the functional departments at the FFE. Originality/value The paper contributes to a better understanding of the FFE in a multicultural innovation team to sustain its innovative potential over time. It proposes a first parsimonious framework to coordinate cultural differences at the FFE.

Asset recovery in corruption cases

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Leasure
Keyword(s):  
Vice President ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Analysis ◽  
Asset Recovery ◽  
The Us ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Republic

Purpose – Asset recovery proceedings increasingly target corrupt foreign officials who acquire lavish assets as a result of capital gained through criminal acts. One extremely difficult issue arising in asset recovery proceedings is whether the capital used to acquire the assets can be traced to a criminal act. The purpose of this paper is to critique US tracing procedure through comparative analysis. Design/methodology/approach – A prominent series of cases brought by the USA and France against assets owned by Teodoro “Teodorín” Nguema Obiang, second Vice President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, produced mixed results on the tracing element. This paper utilizes a qualitative comparative case analysis to examine the US and French cases. Findings – The US results reflect serious weaknesses in the US law as compared to more effective French asset recovery procedure. Originality/value – Though this paper is certainly a comparative case study analysis, nearly identical facts and two different jurisdictions reaching separate conclusions bring us in the legal community as close as we can realistically come to quasi-experimental research. Comparative research in this area is severely lacking and sorely needed. The mechanisms identified in the French system clearly show flaws that are present in the US system.

Lenovo’s successful acquisition of the IBM PC Division

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 32-35
Author(s):  
Mark Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Chinese Economy ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Tablet Computers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Us Economy ◽  
The Us ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Traditional Manufacturing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze Lenovo’s successful acquisition of IBM’s PC division using Ghemawat’s (2001) CAGE framework. It was an acquisition that was so full of symbols that it is difficult to know where to begin. Lenovo’s purchase of IBM in 2005 was first seen as a sign of the rapid growth and expansion of the Chinese economy and its transformation away from the traditional manufacturing base to more high-tech areas. For doomsday merchants in the land of Uncle Sam, it foretold the end of the world domination of the US economy. Despite a considerable number of skeptics at the time, Lenovo was clearly up to the task. Such was the success of the acquisition that by 2015, Lenovo could claim to have grown into the world’s number 1 PC maker, number 3 smartphone manufacturer and number 3 in the production of tablet computers. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a case study. Findings Despite a considerable number of skeptics at the time, Lenovo was clearly up to the task. Such was the success of the acquisition that by 2015, Lenovo could claim to have grown into the world’s number 1 PC maker, number 3 smartphone manufacturer and number 3 in the production of tablet computers. Indeed, by 2014, the firm had enough confidence to add the IBM server business to its portfolio. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

AI and privacy concerns: a smart meter case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jillian Carmody ◽  
Samir Shringarpure ◽  
Gerhard Van de Venter
Keyword(s):  
Private Information ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Consumer Information ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Smart Meter ◽  
Smart Meters ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Privacy Concerns ◽  
Privacy Legislation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate privacy concerns arising from the rapidly increasing advancements and use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the challenges of existing privacy regimes to ensure the on-going protection of an individual’s sensitive private information. The authors illustrate this through a case study of energy smart meters and suggest a novel combination of four solutions to strengthen privacy protection. Design/methodology/approach The authors illustrate how, through smart meter obtained energy data, home energy providers can use AI to reveal private consumer information such as households’ electrical appliances, their time and frequency of usage, including number and model of appliance. The authors show how this data can further be combined with other data to infer sensitive personal information such as lifestyle and household income due to advances in AI technologies. Findings The authors highlight data protection and privacy concerns which are not immediately obvious to consumers due to the capabilities of advanced AI technology and its ability to extract sensitive personal information when applied to large overlapping granular data sets. Social implications The authors question the adequacy of existing privacy legislation to protect sensitive inferred consumer data from AI-driven technology. To address this, the authors suggest alternative solutions. Originality/value The original value of this paper is that it illustrates new privacy issues brought about by advances in AI, failings in current privacy legislation and implementation and opens the dialog between stakeholders to protect vulnerable consumers.

The US brewing industry, strategic windows and survival

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 434-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynn A. Walter ◽  
Linda F. Edelman ◽  
Keneth J. Hatten
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Brewing Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Operational Capabilities ◽  
Select Group ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Usa

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate how dynamic capabilities enabled survival in a select group of brewers, during one of the lengthiest and most severe industry consolidations in history. In doing so, we advance Abell’s (1978) theory of strategic windows through integration with the resource-based view of the firm. Design/methodology/approach – Using a mixed method approach, we first apply case study methods to develop hypotheses around the timing and level of operational capability required for survival. In the second phase, we test these hypothesized estimations on the USA Brewing population. Findings – Indicate that brewers which had advanced distribution and manufacturing operational capabilities before the strategic window of opportunity closed had higher survival rates. Practical implications – This study reinforces the importance of making timely strategic investments in capabilities. Originality/value – The integration of strategic window and capability theories advances our understanding of the roles that capabilities and time play in determining firm survival.

A case study of workplace learning after the emotional impact of downsizing

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Oklahoma City ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Company ◽  
The Us ◽  
Back To Work

Purpose The study of an energy company in the US was intended to explore how employees’ emotions after downsizing impacted their learning following the downsizing event. Design/methodology/approach The authors elected to study an energy company based in Oklahoma City that had experienced several downsizings over the previous 10 years. More recently, there had been a major restructuring on departments as a result of the downsizing. At the time of the study there were 400 employees. They carried out 30-60 minute semi-structured interviews with nine volunteers, all affected by layoffs. Five were impacted by the loss of a supervisor and all had faced the loss of a co-worker. Findings Three main themes emerged – firstly “resilience”, where they focused on getting back to work, secondly “loyalty”, where most participants spoke about their new-found appreciation for their job and willingness to help colleagues, and finally “moral support” in which they spoke about how the experience strengthened relationships with colleagues, and they came to rely on each other. Originality/value The authors said their study pointed the way forward for organizations that wanted to understand the emotional impact of downsizing, and its effect on learning. They suggested some practical methods to enhance empathy and rebuild relationships.

A Cross-Cultural Perspective on Motives and Patterns of Brand Recommendation in Social Media

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Castulus Kolo ◽  
Stefan Widenhorn ◽  
Anna-Lena Borgstedt ◽  
David Eicher
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Principal Component Analysis ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Substantial Influence ◽  
Cultural Perspective ◽  
The Us ◽  
Do So

This article describes how today, social media enable users to comment on brands in a multitude of ways. Although it is undoubted that this can have a substantial influence on the way brands impact on consumers, comparatively little is known about what motivates consumers to recommend brands in social media and whether there are cultural differences therein. This article aims to determine the factors leading to either positive or negative communication about brands on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and brand-related blogs based on a representative sample from Germany and the US, each with 1,000 adults. Complementary to an analysis of factors determining a general inclination to recommend, a principal component analysis of the diverse motives to do so exhibits patterns being largely consistent in a cross-cultural perspective, however, with differences in specific practices concerning gender, age, and formal education. A cluster analysis as well as taking a look at “influencers” provide a basis for developing differentiated strategies of brand communication and management respectively.

Pollo Campero in the USA

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 1649-1679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esteban R. Brenes ◽  
Amitava Chattopadyay ◽  
Luciano Ciravegna ◽  
Daniel Montoya
Keyword(s):  
Fast Food ◽  
Competitive Strategy ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
International Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emerging Market Multinationals ◽  
Consumer Segmentation ◽  
The Us

Purpose – This case illustrates the challenges that Pollo Campero, a Guatemalan fast food company, faces when expanding in the US market. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate a discussion about consumer segmentation, competitive strategy and the internationalization of emerging market multinationals. Design/methodology/approach – The case study is based on primary research conducted in conjunction with the company, including interviews with senior management and an ample review of documents. Secondary sources have been used to gather information about the industry, the US market and consumer segments. Findings – The case illustrates that Pollo Campero was initially very successful in the US market because it appealed to consumers of Central American origin. It found it harder to appeal to a broader range of US consumers, who had no emotional attachment to the brand. Originality/value – This is a complex, in-depth case study suitable for use with advanced MBA students and practitioners. Depending on the aims of the instructor, different aspects of the case can be highlighted and it can be used in a competitive strategy class as well as in a corporate strategy class or a strategic marketing course. It can be used in a class focussing on brand, positioning and consumer segmentation, a class on competitive strategy in the fast food industry, or a class on the international strategy of emerging market multinationals.

Trade unions strategies to address inclusion of vulnerable employees in “anchored” services in Europe

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 848-873 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vassil Kirov ◽  
Pernille Hohnen
Keyword(s):  
Trade Unions ◽  
National Level ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Social Partner ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Content Type ◽  
European Trade ◽  
Desk Research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how trade unions may address the questions of inclusion of vulnerable employees in low-wage “anchored” sectors in the European Union. Design/methodology/approach – The findings presented in the paper are mainly results of the analysis of stakeholder policies and strategies on the national level and on the European level, including both desk research and interviews with social partner representatives and other experts in the sectors as well as company case studies carried out in the examined countries in three selected sectors: cleaning, waste collection and catering. Findings – The main findings of the paper refer to the indirect way in which trade unions try to promote the inclusion of vulnerable groups in the examined sectors. On this basis are formulated policy recommendations. Research limitations/implications – The paper is based on case study research that does not cover all possible “anchored” services, vulnerable groups and types of countries, according to their employment and social models. Practical implications – This paper formulates practical recommendations to European trade unions in the services. Originality/value – The originality of the paper is related to comparative research focused on services sectors and the consequences of the spatial reorganisation of sectors for the trade union actions.

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