Has financial access improved agricultural technical efficiency? – evidence from two family farm demonstration zones in China

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhigang Chen ◽  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Li Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Central China ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Family Farms ◽  
Financial Access ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effect Model

PurposeFinance is crucial to boosting agricultural development in developing countries. This paper aims to investigate the effects of rural formal and informal financial access on agricultural technical efficiency (TE) in China.Design/methodology/approachBased on the survey data of demonstrative family farms in Langxi county, Anhui province and Wuhan city, Hubei province in central China in 2017, this research assesses agricultural TE by using a three-stage DEA model. It adopts the tobit model to evaluate the effects of formal and informal financial access on TE, and to explore the heterogeneous effects by types, management states and scales. It uses the OLS regression and PSM method to check the robustness, and applies the IV-Tobit method to solve the endogeneity. The authors apply the mediation effect model to explore the channels through which financial access impacts TE.FindingsFamily farms' average TE reaches 13.9%, which shows much room for improvement under the given technical conditions and constant inputs. The research confirms the advantage of formal financial access in raising TE relative to informal financial access. The heterogeneous analysis documents more prominent effects of formal financial access on enhancing TE of aquaculture, hybrid, demonstration and large farms. The mediating effect model reveals that the enhancing TE effect of formal financial access derives from improved machinery investment and family labor division rather than land circulation.Originality/valueThe research clarifies finance into formal and informal finance. The results have considerable policy implications for rural financial policies in China.

Service quality of student services and student satisfaction: the mediating effect of cross-functional collaboration

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1197-1215
Author(s):  
Anwar Khamis Alsheyadi ◽  
Jawaher Albalushi
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Student Affairs ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Quality Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effect Model

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine the interaction of tangibles, reliability, assurance, responsiveness and empathy dimensions of the service quality (SERVQUAL) and student satisfaction (SS), and second, to explore the mediating role of cross-functional collaboration (CFC) on these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe structural equation modelling was used to examine the direct and mediated effect models using data collected through a survey of 352 students from 18 higher education institutes (HEIs) in Oman.FindingsThe statistical analysis confirms our main hypotheses. First, the centrality of tangibles, reliability, assurance, responsiveness and empathy dimensions of the service quality was established in the direct effect model, while the importance of tangibles and responsiveness was not confirmed in the mediated effect model. Second, it approved the partial mediation effect of CFC on the five dimensions of SERVQUAL and satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsService quality, level of CFC and relative SS in higher education could be subjected to contextual verification and evaluation of these internal and external contextual factors should be considered.Practical implicationsSeveral implications are highlighted for the effective development of the service quality of student affairs departments (SADs), the development of CFC for effective management, development and deployment of various student affairs initiatives.Originality/valueThis paper satisfies the need to validate the SERVQUAL model in different contexts such as SADs, and the need to investigate the possible mediating effect of other factors on SERVQUAL dimensions and satisfaction to show how the latter can be achieved.

How and when do employees hide knowledge from co-workers?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghulam Ali Arain ◽  
Alberto Dello Strologo ◽  
Amandeep Dhir
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Moral Disengagement ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Moderated Mediation Model ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
Knowledge Hiding

Purpose Drawing on social learning and social cognitive theories, this study aims to examine a multi-level moderated mediation model that tests the mediating effect of moral disengagement (MD: Level 1) between perceived organisational politics (POP: Level 1) and employee knowledge hiding from coworkers (EKHC: Level 1). The authors further propose that supervisor knowledge hiding from employees (SKHE: Level 2) moderates this mediation effect. Design/methodology/approach The authors obtained multi-sourced, multi-timed and multi-level data regarding 294 employees, working under 80 supervisors, from multiple organisations operating in Pakistan. The authors analysed these data using multi-level structural equation modelling via Mplus. Findings The results show that employee MD significantly mediates the direct relationship between POP and EKHC. The mediation effect is further positively moderated by SKHE, which amplifies the mediation effect. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study that examines both EKHC and SKHE together in a single research model and provides a thorough understanding of why, how and when POP leads to EKHC.

The relationship between internal integration and manufacturing flexibility in the Egyptian industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdy A. Khalaf ◽  
Mohamed Yehia El Mokadem
Keyword(s):  
Material Handling ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Manufacturing Flexibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Internal Integration ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Triadic Relationship

Purpose This paper aims to empirically investigate the triadic relationship between internal integration, internal flexibility and external flexibility. Design/methodology/approach This research hypothesized the mediation effect of internal flexibility on the relationship between internal integration and external flexibility. Survey data were collected and analyzed using simple and mediation regression analysis to test the study hypotheses. Findings The research finding reveals that machine, labor and material handling flexibilities; being as internal flexibility dimensions mediate the relationship between internal integration and volume and mix flexibilities; being as external flexibility dimensions. The results provided insufficient evidence on the mediating effect of routing flexibility on the relationship between internal integration and both volume and mix flexibilities. Research limitations/implications This research presents a new perspective for research studies to understand the factors that affect manufacturing flexibility. However, the nature of the surveyed sample and using of a single informant might limit the generalizability of the research findings. Practical implications This study provides useful insights for firms wishing to enhance their competitiveness through improving their flexibility. The companies should be aware of the importance of developing a suitable platform for coordinating inter-departmental activities to enhance its internal competencies, which, in turn, improve its customer-facing capabilities and boosts its competitiveness. Originality/value This paper contributes to knowledge by proposing and empirically testing the mediating effect of internal flexibility on the relationship between internal integration and external flexibility.

Gender, knowledge and motivation for wine purchasing

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 481-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Peixeira Marques ◽  
Ana Teresa Bernardo Guia
Keyword(s):  
Information Search ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Gender Effects ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Alternative Formulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Subjective Knowledge

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to verify if the gender effects described in the wine consumer behaviour literature, namely, concerning information search and the motivations to buy, may be explained by the mediating effect of subjective knowledge, taking into consideration that the importance of knowledge in the decision process is gender specific. Design/methodology/approach A path analysis was modelled with an exogenous variable (gender), a mediating variable (subjective knowledge) and four dependent variables (need for information and three motivational dimensions). The model was assessed with empirical data obtained from a sample of 523 shoppers in large supermarkets in the areas of Lisbon and Oporto, Portugal. Structured interviews were conducted at checkout, collecting information on the relevant variables. Scales measuring the latent variables (knowledge, information and motivation) were previously validated through confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of 217 wine consumers. Findings Subjective knowledge fully mediates the effects of gender on motivation and information needs. Men think of themselves as more knowledgeable in wines and the mediation effect explains why, compared to women, they use less personal information sources and are more motivated to purchase wine. Practical implications The authors suggest promotion programmes in large supermarkets focussing on opportunities for wine knowledge development. Originality/value The study contributes to the literature by introducing and validating an alternative formulation of gender effects on wine shopping, emphasising the role of the purchaser’s perceived or subjective knowledge.

Attitude: mediator of subjective norm, religiosity and intention to adopt Islamic banking

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juma Bananuka ◽  
Musa Kasera ◽  
Grace Muganga Najjemba ◽  
Doreen Musimenta ◽  
Bob Ssekiziyivu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Subjective Norm ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Islamic Banking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intention To Adopt ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Secular State

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on the results of a study carried out to examine the mediating effect of attitude in the relationship between subjective norm, religiosity and intention to adopt Islamic banking in a developing secular state like Uganda. Design/methodology/approach This study’ research design was cross sectional. Closed ended questionnaires were distributed to 258 managers of micro businesses in Uganda. Data were analyzed with the help of SPSS v22 and MedGraph program (Excel version). Findings Attitude is a significant mediator in the relationship between subjective norm and intention to adopt Islamic banking. Also, attitude significantly mediates the relationship between religiosity and intention to adopt Islamic banking. Research limitations/implications The study used only a single research methodological approach; therefore, future research could be undertaken using a mixed-methods approach. Practical implications Emphasis should be put on improving the mindsets of Ugandans toward Islamic banking. Originality/value While there has been a number of studies on Islamic banking, this study provides an initial empirical evidence on the mediation effect of attitude in the relationship between subjective norm, religiosity and intention to adopt Islamic banking in a single study in an African developing secular state like Uganda.

Property rights and investment: the mediating effect of contract enforcement

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-34
Author(s):  
Ziade Hailu ◽  
Isaac N. Nkote ◽  
John C. Munene
Keyword(s):  
Property Rights ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Contract Enforcement ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically test whether enforceability mediates the relationship between property rights and investment in housing, using data from land formalization project in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach The study was cross-sectional in design; data were collected from a sample of 210 households that benefited from the recent Addis Ababa city land and buildings formalization project. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the goodness-of-fit of the latent structures underlying the constructs. Mediation was tested using the Baron and Kenny steps, combined with bootstrapping technique. Robustness of results was checked. Findings The results indicate statistically significant mediation effect of contract enforcement. However, the mediation is partial, there is still a substantial direct effect of security of property rights on investment. Practical implications Any initiative to land formalization projects needs to consider contract enforcement environment, as presence and size of property rights effects largely depend on whether those rights are properly enforced. Originality/value This is the first study that conceptualizes the mediating effect of contract enforcement on the relationship between property rights and investment from an African country perspective.

A structural relationship model of gender-role orientation and entrepreneurial intention: examining the mediating effect of motivational antecedents in Northeast India

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiefe Heibormi Passah ◽  
Nagari Mohan Panda
Keyword(s):  
Gender Role ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
Northeast India ◽  
Structural Relationship ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Developing Region ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe paper presents a structural model to explain the relationship between various gender-role orientations (GROs) and motivational antecedents leading to entrepreneurial intention (EI). It examines the influence of GRO in the formation of EI among educated youths of Northeast India.Design/methodology/approachUsing a structural equation modelling approach, the hypothesized model is tested on a sample of 642 post-graduate students from four different universities in Northeast India, a developing region with unique socio-cultural diversity. The mediating role of EI antecedents on the relationship between GRO and EI was examined after establishing the reliability and validity of the measurement model.FindingsResults from the analysis support the hypothesized structural relationship confirming the influence of GRO on EI. The study also finds that androgynous individuals have a higher EI than their masculine or feminine counterparts.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes to the understanding of EI determinants from a GRO perspective, especially in the industrially backward region of an emerging economy. It adds to the existing literature by empirically proving the role of gender orientation. The results have several policy implications for educational institutions and policymakers in emerging economies.Originality/valueThe paper re-examines the predictive value of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model from a GRO perspective and compares indirect effects of gender identity through motivational antecedents on EI. Whilst TPB predicted EI in Western and developed countries, using a more diverse sample provides strong empirical evidence in the context of a developing region.

Impact of employee pro-organizational unethical behavior on performance evaluation rated by supervisor: a moderated mediation model of supervisor bottom-line mentality

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohui Zhan ◽  
Yun Liu
Keyword(s):  
Performance Evaluation ◽  
Organizational Behavior ◽  
Hierarchical Linear Modeling ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Linear Modeling ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The topic of employees’ unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB) has attracted more and more interest in both practice and academic fields. However, previous studies have mainly investigated the antecedents of UPB and little research has discussed the outcome variables. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effect mechanism of UPB on employee performance evaluation rated by a supervisor through a leader-member exchange (LMX) and the moderating role of supervisor bottom-line mentality (BLM). Design/methodology/approach This study used a sample consisting of 304 employees and 96 supervisors in several manufacturing firms in China. The authors used hierarchical linear modeling to test the hypotheses, as this was cross-level research. In addition, this paper also uses Mplus7.4 to test the moderating effects of supervisor BLM on the indirect effects between the UPB and performance evaluation by a moderated path analysis. Findings The results confirm that UPB is positively related to performance evaluation rated by supervisors. Additionally, the mediating effect of LMX in the relationship between UPB and performance evaluation is successfully demonstrated. Furthermore, supervisor BLM cross-levelly moderates the relationship between UPB and LMX, as well as moderates the mediation effect of LMX on the correlation between UPB and performance evaluation. Research limitations/implications The primary contribution of this research is building a cross-level model for the effect of UPB on followers’ performance evaluation scored by the supervisor and thereby extending the nomological networks of both UPB and performance evaluation literature. Another contribution the study makes to the literature is that it provides a new perspective to understand how UPB relates to followers’ performance evaluation. Originality/value This is the first study about how and when UPB predicts followers’ performance evaluation rated by the supervisor.

Environmentally responsible behavior of residents: impact of mindfulness, enjoyment of nature and sustainable attitude

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yıldırım Yılmaz ◽  
Elham Anasori
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Environmentally Responsible Behavior ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Tourism Development ◽  
Responsible Behavior ◽  
Environmentally Responsible ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of individuals' mindfulness and enjoyment of nature on environmentally responsible behavior (ERB) through mediating effect of sustainable attitude (SA).Design/methodology/approachData were collected from residents of Antalya through convenience sampling. Four hundred and five residents participated in the study. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsMindfulness was found effective for sustainable attitude of residents, but it has no significant direct effect to ERB. There is an indirect-only mediation effect of SA between mindfulness and ERB. Enjoyment of nature affects the sustainable attitude and ERB significantly and positively. The findings show that SA also offers a complementary mediation between enjoyment of nature and ERB.Research limitations/implicationsThe study closes the void by investigating the psychological aspects of individuals among residents of a tourist hub to create sustainable attitude, acts and responsible behavior toward environment. In particular, as the predicting role of mindfulness on ERB was not significant, further studies needed to investigate the effects of mindfulness on the environmental behavior and attitude.Practical implicationsDestination management organizations can consider more focusing on the environmentally responsible behavior of residents, which can play a pivotal role in attaining sustainable tourism development in destinations. By this regard, increasing the sustainable attitude and enjoyment of nature of residents through applying various campaigns would help policies and strategies aiming the conservation of the environment in the destination.Originality/valueSearching the impact of mindfulness on the SA and ERB and finding the indirect-only mediation effect of SA between mindfulness, ERB are novel contributions of this paper.

More entrepreneur innovation and less labor conflicts – empirical evidence from China employer–employee survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 617-639
Author(s):  
Tang Li ◽  
Yue Deng ◽  
Xu Jia ◽  
Zeyu Wang
Keyword(s):  
Market Power ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Employee Survey ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporation Governance ◽  
Heterogeneous Effects ◽  
Effect Model ◽  
Chinese Transition ◽  
Labor Conflicts ◽  
Theoretical Analyses

Purpose Labor conflict has become a serious problem in recent China. From the perspective of entrepreneur innovation, this paper aims to find an effective path to eliminate this conflict. On the basis of theoretical analyses and regression analyses, this paper finds that, with legal environment and other conditions identical, entrepreneur innovation will significantly facilitate elimination of labor conflicts. Design/methodology/approach Using theoretical analyses based on entrepreneurship theory, this paper puts forward a series of hypotheses about the effects of entrepreneur innovation on labor conflicts. With panel data during 2013-2015 from China Employer–Employee Survey, this paper examines the effects of entrepreneur innovation on labor conflicts. Using interaction term regressions, this paper examines heterogeneous effects of entrepreneur innovation on labor conflicts by ownership, market power and export behavior. With mediating effect model, this paper examine whether workers’ participation in corporation governance is an important channel in which entrepreneurial innovation can impact on labor conflicts. Findings First, using benchmark regressions and robustness checks, this paper finds that there exist significantly positive effects of entrepreneur innovation on workers’ job satisfaction, incentive, social security, job development and job stability, which will reduce potential risks of labor conflict effectively. Second, using interaction term regressions, this paper finds that there exist heterogeneous effects of entrepreneur innovation on labor conflicts by ownership, market power and export behaviors. The study finds that the effects of entrepreneur innovation are more concentrated in private firms, firms with stronger market power and non-exporters. Third, using a mediating effect model, the study finds that workers’ participation in corporation governance is an important channel in which entrepreneur innovation can have impacts on labor conflicts. Originality/value The paper enriches the existing research about how to eliminate labor conflicts in China. On the basis of China Employer–Employee Survey data, this paper finds the importance of entrepreneur innovation on Chinese transition, which not only has positive impacts on firm performance, but also has impacts on eliminating labor conflicts and establishing better labor relationship. Therefore, stimulating entrepreneur innovation is very important for solving conflicts during Chinese transition.

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