scholarly journals Sustainable crowdfunding: insights from the project perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-302
Author(s):  
Natalia Maehle
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Distinctive Feature ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Relationships ◽  
Distinctive Features ◽  
Sustainable Projects ◽  
Depth Interviews

PurposeThis paper explores the peculiarities of sustainable crowdfunding from the project perspective. The research question is: what are the distinctive features of sustainable crowdfunding, in terms of crowdfunding motivation, platform choice, crowdfunding costs and relationships with backers?Design/methodology/approachThe current study follows a qualitative approach, through conducting in-depth interviews with representatives of sustainable projects, which have had successful crowdfunding campaigns. The selected projects represent various industries and crowdfunding models.FindingsSustainable entrepreneurs have both financial and non-financial motivations for crowdfunding. A distinctive feature is the importance of community engagement, since the community spirit of crowdfunding is well suited to sustainable projects. The choice of the crowdfunding platform is more complex for sustainable entrepreneurs, as they need to consider the platform's sustainability. Sustainable entrepreneurs also have to put more effort into their communication activities with potential backers, to compensate for the intangibility of sustainability claims. Moreover, they need to have a greater focus on building relationships with backers due to both the community spirit of their projects and legitimacy issues.Originality/valueThe current paper contributes to the limited literature on sustainable crowdfunding and the literature on funding of sustainable businesses and can act as a foundation for further research in this field. Current findings also have high practical value. Crowdfunding platforms may use the insights provided here to better meet the needs of sustainable entrepreneurs, while sustainable entrepreneurs can better understand what they need to pay attention to in their crowdfunding campaigns.

Shared leadership in entrepreneurial teams: a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 427-441
Author(s):  
Shiji Lyndon ◽  
Ashish Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Shared Leadership ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Investment Decisions ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Teams ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Answering Questions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to unravel the underpinnings of the phenomenon of shared leadership. The study was carried out with the objective of answering questions such as what is shared in shared leadership, what are individual and team level factors which lead to sharing and what are the outcomes of shared leadership. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a qualitative approach. Eighteen in-depth interviews were conducted. The data were analysed using Nvivo 11 software. Findings The study found that in entrepreneurial teams while sharing leadership, cofounders share competencies, roles, vision, stress and decision-making. The study also reveals various individual and team level factors which facilitate shared leadership and its outcomes. Practical implications The study offers critical insights regarding the characteristics of individuals and team where shared leadership would work and hence can be used to understand the factors to be considered while forming teams. The study also has important insights for the investors regarding what dynamics to look for in individuals and teams before making investment decisions. Originality/value The inductive approach adopted in the study helps in understanding some of the basic underpinnings of the phenomenon of shared leadership which were not adequately answered by previous studies.

scholarly journals Heritage destination love

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Andriotis ◽  
Pantea Foroudi ◽  
Reza Marvi
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Marketing Literature ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Love Triangle ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose Although love has received considerable attention in the marketing literature, there is limited past research on love in a tourism context. This study aims to overcome past research negligence by proposing the concept of heritage destination love. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was undertaken, face-to-face in-depth interviews with 35 respondents in London to discuss about the concept of heritage destination love antecedents and its consequences, tourists’ behavior and tourists’ feeling, passion and love about the destinations as playing a magnificent role in tourism development. Findings The outcome reveals that heritage destination love has three elements – passion, emotional attachment and identification. Originality/value Despite its limitations, the current study offers theoretical insights of the psychological theory of the love triangle in relation to heritage destination love.

Typology of social media followers: the case of luxury brands

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 558-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahy Ramadan ◽  
Maya F. Farah ◽  
Armig Dukenjian
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Luxury Brands ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Luxury Brand ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Different Characteristics ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose Luxury brands tend to be hesitant in adopting social media. This matter has created an imminent need to understand the different types of online luxury followers so as to help luxury brands communicate effectively with their consumers, while maintaining the “luxe” image and experience. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to provide luxury brands with a deeper understanding of their online audience and the strategies needed to engage with them through the different social media platforms. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was utilized in which 24 in-depth interviews were conducted with Lebanese followers of an online luxury brand’s social media pages. Findings The study identifies the presence of six main categories of online luxury followers: pragmatists, bystanders, trend hunters, image seekers, passionate owners, and prime consumers. Each group has a specific engagement and propensity to buy levels. Research limitations/implications Understanding the different segments of luxury brand followers provides a framework for marketing managers that allows them to correctly target their marketing and communication strategies in order to maximize consumer engagement and purchasing behaviors. Originality/value A significant gap exists in the extant literature which offers no understanding of the different luxury brand followers and their different characteristics. This study is the first to offer an exploratory typology of the various luxury brand followers on social media platforms.

Good faith in franchising

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rozenn Perrigot ◽  
Andrew Terry ◽  
Cary Di Lernia
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Good Faith ◽  
Personal Relationship ◽  
Fair Play ◽  
Shared Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Voice ◽  
Depth Interviews

PurposeThe relational nature of franchising flowing from the contract between franchisor and franchisee which enshrines a close, continuing relationship raises the issue of good faith. While there are academic papers analyzing good faith, these do not capture the practical understanding and expression of the concept and the manner and application in which it operates in the real world of franchising. The purpose of this paper is to assess how good faith is defined and understood by franchise practitioners – franchisees, franchisors and their legal advisors.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have adopted a qualitative approach by conducting and analyzing a series of 18 in-depth interviews with franchisees, franchisors and lawyers specializing in franchising.FindingsThe findings show that good faith is particularly important in franchising because of the disparity in the knowledge and power of the parties. They suggest that good faith is not only a legal notion but also a notion that is linked to the personal relationship between the franchisor and its franchisees. It then plays an important role in terms of management of this relationship and of the system as a whole. Moreover, they demonstrate that there is not one single shared understanding of good faith amongst franchising practitioners. Indeed, franchisees, franchisors and specialist franchise lawyers suggested that good faith can refer to transparency, trust, loyalty, fairness and equity amongst the franchisees, fair play, frankness, respect, ethics, kindness, “best efforts” and personalities.Originality/valueThe originality of the research lies in the fact that good faith is examined through the voice of franchising practitioners who explain how they define and understand good faith rather than through a detached academic lens.

scholarly journals Dining alone: improving the experience of solo restaurant goers

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 1347-1365
Author(s):  
Lorraine Brown ◽  
Dimitrios Buhalis ◽  
Sean Beer
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Market Segments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industry Engagement ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Negative Judgement

Purpose Solo travel for leisure and business is increasing. It is therefore timely to conduct research into the experiences of solo tourists. This paper aims to explore one aspect of the solo tourist experience that can be challenging, that of dining alone. This topic has received little attention in the tourism or hospitality literature. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was adopted and narrative inquiry was selected as the optimum route to obtain detailed and rich accounts of the experiences of solo diners. In-depth interviews of 27 solo tourists were conducted with varying socio-demographic characteristics. Findings This study shows that though travelling alone is prized by participants, dining alone, especially in the evening, is often discomfiting. Discomfort is caused by the perceived negative judgement of others and is mitigated by the use of various props such as books and mobile phones. Research limitations/implications A research agenda is put forward on the aspects of the solo tourist/diner experience. Practical implications The paper concludes by asking what can be done to ameliorate the solo dining experience and provides some recommendations to hospitality operators to support this market and improve competitiveness and profitability. The paper shows that inclusive environments can attract multiple market segments and agile restaurants can develop both solo and plural dining experiences. Originality/value This paper addresses a topic that has received limited scholarly attention as well as industry engagement despite the growth in solo travel.

“An undisturbed afternoon of writing”: a qualitative study of professors’ job satisfaction

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 719-732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerry Larsson ◽  
Aida Alvinius
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Public Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Management Control ◽  
University Professors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Antecedent Conditions ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to model factors that contribute to job satisfaction among university professors. Design/methodology/approach The approach was qualitative; 12 in-depth interviews were conducted with Swedish university full professors representing 11 different academic subjects. Findings Five facets of job satisfaction were identified: distal environment (e.g. impact on society and the scientific community), proximal social environment, self (e.g. receiving external credit and experiencing internal pride), the uplifts of daily life and formal conditions (e.g. pay and opportunities to continue after retirement). A model was inductively developed according to which professors’ job satisfaction is influenced by interacting contextual and individual antecedent conditions. Research limitations/implications Because a qualitative approach was used, with a limited number of informants, there is a lack of representativeness and the concepts generated are of a sensitizing rather than a definitive character. Practical implications Attention should be paid to university professors’ need for autonomy, otherwise public management control strivings may become counter-productive. Originality/value A new model of professors’ job satisfaction with a richness of details was developed.

Lifers over tariff: exploring psychological barriers to progression

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-90
Author(s):  
Lorna Anne Gray
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Community Reintegration ◽  
Expiry Date ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Psychological Barriers ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose There are a significant number of life-sentenced prisoners in Scotland who are over tariff (i.e. past their punishment part expiry date) and who appear to have difficulty in making the transition towards community reintegration. The factors involved in their repeated returns to closed conditions are not adequately understood. The purpose of this paper is to explore this issue using a qualitative approach in order to understand the experience of life-sentenced prisoners in this position, and the psychological barriers that compromise their progression to less secure conditions and the community. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews were conducted with eight life-sentenced prisoners who met the criteria for the research. All were significantly over tariff and all had multiple failed attempts at progression to less secure conditions. Interviews were recorded and transcripts were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis. Findings The analysis produced three identifiable supraordinate themes, each with subordinate themes. The supraordinate themes included: shaming self-identify, perception of the community as daunting, and disempowerment. The ability to generalise the findings outwith the participants of this study are acknowledged. Practical implications This has provided further understanding as to the complexity of the issue, and the ways in which it manifests into behaviour. Initial (albeit tentative) recommendations for intervention and service provision can therefore be identified. Originality/value The results are discussed against the implications for service provision in Scottish prisons, and identify the areas for further research that will help to inform the forensic practices in this context.

The importance of being local: prioritizing knowledge in recruitment for destination development

2014 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kajsa G. Åberg
Keyword(s):  
Regional Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Specific Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The paper aims to illuminate the discrepancy between the need for knowledge as found in prior research and the requirements formulated by those taking part in destination development. The results are intended to contribute to further research on the role of knowledge in destination management when performed as a strategy for regional development. Design/methodology/approach Based on theories within epistemology and tourism, an interview structure was developed and used in 10 in-depth interviews, with a qualitative approach through open-ended questions. This was complemented by a mapping of specific background factors through enquiries with 23 respondents. The paper follows an explorative approach to illuminate one aspect within the research area of destination development. Findings It was found that when recruiting much significance is put on understanding the structures of involved actors and local rooting. In contrast to theoretical findings, specific knowledge was not a prioritized requirement, neither in tourism nor marketing. Hence, there is a gap between what is perceived as needed for destination development according to academia and how it is being performed by practitioners. Research limitations/implications The study is limited in geography and context. Because the research design was showed to be successful in capturing significant aspects, it is proposed for use in further research. Practical implications The paper deepens the understanding of factors explaining success and impediments of destination development. It underlines the need for bridging the gap between theory and practice. Originality/value This work addresses a vital, but not fully explored, aspect of an extensively implemented strategy for regional development.

An investigation into independent small business owners’ perception of franchisee relationships

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (8) ◽  
pp. 693-711 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rozenn Perrigot ◽  
Dildar Hussain ◽  
Josef Windsperger
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Sectors ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore independent small business owners’ perceptions of franchisees relationships with their franchisors, their fellow franchisees within the chain, their employees and their customers. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use a qualitative approach and, more specifically, 26 in-depth interviews conducted with independent small business owners from various business sectors. Findings – These independent small business owners perceive that franchisees have a dependency-based relationship with their franchisors; a competition-based relationship with their fellow franchisees; a rather complicated relationship with their employees; and a superficial relationship with their customers. Research limitations/implications – This study contributes to the franchising literature by presenting an outside-chain view of franchisees’ relationships with their franchisors, other franchisees, employees and customers. Practical implications – The findings may have practical implications for franchisors, enabling them to better understand the concerns of independent small business owners as potential franchisee candidates. Originality/value – The outside-chain view of franchisees’ relationships is innovative.

“A feminine brand? Never!” Brands as gender threats for “resistant” masculinities

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Ulrich ◽  
Elisabeth Tissier-Desbordes
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Brand Extensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Product Categories ◽  
Projective Technique ◽  
Sexual Orientations ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between men and brands and specifically how they configure their masculinities in relation to daily used brands. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews with projective technique were conducted with 20 men with different masculinities and sexual orientations to explore their practices regarding and relations to various product categories and brands. Findings First, this paper shows how men’s relationships to daily used brands vary according to different forms of masculinities, in a continuum apparently disconnected from sexual orientation. Men with “resistant” masculinities are strongly attached to choosing masculine brands; others with more hybrid masculinities are more open to feminine brands and do not care about brand gender. Second, this paper shows the importance of brand gender salience: Men with more traditional masculinities interpret brands through the prism of gender first and over-interpret gendered cues in brand execution. Third, feminine brands are considered as threats for men with traditional masculinities. Fourth, brand extensions to the opposite sex are criticized by men with more traditional masculinities but appreciated by men with hybrid masculinities, independently of sexual orientation. Originality/value This paper investigates the relationships between men and brand gender for daily used brands, by introducing a diversity of masculinities. Furthermore, it builds on a qualitative approach to capture individuals’ diverse masculinities. This helps capture the complexity of gender and better understand the relationships between men, masculinities and brands.

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