An exploratory study on how SMEs are open to external sources of information

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 765-789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moulay Othman Idrissi Fakhreddine ◽  
Yan Castonguay

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to draw on recent developments in the open innovation literature to explore whether the openness of SMEs to the four categories of external sources of information (ESI) is complementary, substitute or independent, while assessing the determinants of SMEs’ openness to these ESI. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on data from a survey of 451 manufacturing SMEs in the province of Québec, Canada. Data have been elaborated through a multivariate probit model to empirically show that SMEs are considered to be simultaneously open to different ESI. The results of this study show significant heterogeneity in the determinants of SMEs’ openness to these ESI. Findings The study found that the SMEs’ openness to different ESI seems to be complementary rather than substitute; and not all variables included in the model explain the SMEs’ openness to the different ESI. Practical implications The paper provides practical implications for managers and policy makers including the SMEs’ managers’ role to recognize the consolidation of different ESI jointly instead of separately. Furthermore, managers and policy makers should attempt to provide a fair context to SMEs to manage their openness ecosystem. Originality/value This study is virtually the first to investigate both the complementarity and the determinants of SMEs’ openness to different ESI using a sophisticated econometric model.

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 574-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Bonfanti ◽  
Paola Castellani ◽  
Elena Giaretta ◽  
Federico Brunetti

Purpose This paper aims to examine the content dimensions and methods of accelerating the entrepreneurial learning (EL) triggered by participating in learning events, such as factory tours. It particularly focuses on the Italian case of Open Factory – an open-doors event of industrial manufacturing culture. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative approach using the “Gioia” methodology. Data were mainly collected through semi-structured interviews with firms participating in and organising Open Factory. Findings The dimensions of EL are learning from critical reflection, experience and external sources, while the enablers of EL (factors that accelerate learning) are varied and connected to organisational learning in the form of individual-, team- and institutional-level learning. Based on these results, this paper proposes a model for developing EL triggered by participating in learning events. Practical implications This research suggests developing appropriate organisational conditions inside firms, especially by entrepreneurs. These conditions are connected to sharing organisational values to foster learning, such as trust, commitment, involvement, awareness, sharing of experiences, exchange, autonomy and freedom. In addition, this study suggests ways that the EL model proposed in this research can be adapted to other learning events. Originality/value This is the first study to connect factory tours to learning events and EL. It highlights the ways that participating in the Open Factory event created the chance to develop learning across organisational levels inside firms.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Bade

Purpose Crowdfunding creates multifaceted benefits for different agents who all desire to extract some of these benefits. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the allocation of crowdfunding benefits among crowdfunders, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists. Design/methodology/approach The present paper develops a multi-stage bargaining model with a double-sided moral hazard. Findings It is demonstrated that higher entrepreneurial bargaining power vis-à-vis the crowd may not always be beneficial for the venture. Most importantly, this is due to the reduced success probability of crowdfunding resulting from higher bargaining power of the entrepreneur. Bargaining power and the value of outside options determine the equilibrium allocation of crowdfunding benefits, expected venture value, and thus expected wealth of all agents. Practical implications Entrepreneurs face a tradeoff between venture quality gains and worse outcomes from crowdfunding campaigns. Crowdfunding success and thus venture quality gains are the ultimate goal of policy makers if they aim to enhance the overall social welfare. Originality/value This paper is the first to investigate how multifaceted crowdfunding benefits are allocated between the crowd, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists. The paper furthers the development of an appropriate regulatory framework for crowdfunding by depicting new and original effects related to crowdfunding.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 368-383
Author(s):  
Abdullah- Al-Mamun ◽  
Ahasanul Haque ◽  
Muhammad Tahir Jan

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the variables that affect Muslim consumers’ perception towards tax rebate over zakat on income in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach A close-ended structured questionnaire was developed and a total number of 236 valid responses were collected through online survey from the Muslims residing in Malaysia. Findings This study found that halal-haram aspect of Islamic Shariah, legal consciousness and religiosity of Muslim consumers are positive significant factors for growing perceptions towards tax rebate over zakat on income in Malaysia. Research limitations/implications This study will definitely play an important leading role for the policy-makers and academicians in understanding the perceptions of Muslim consumers. Practical implications This study can assist zakat and tax authorities in Malaysia for taking corrective actions to adapt or improve the current policy on the basis of its Muslim consumers’ perception. Social implications The findings of this study can reduce the gap of understanding among Muslims in the society by letting other people’s perceptions towards tax rebate through zakat system in Malaysia. Originality/value As there are not enough studies in this area, this study will definitely play an important leading role for the countries or policy-makers or concerned zakat or tax institutions all over the world in capitalizing the practices which is highly and positively perceived by the Muslim consumers in Malaysia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 2813-2829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Baum ◽  
Shelagh K.K. Mooney ◽  
Richard N.S. Robinson ◽  
David Solnet

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hospitality workforce in situ between mid-April and June 2020. Design/methodology/approach This is a viewpoint paper that brings together a variety of sources and intelligence relating the impacts on hospitality work of the COVID-19 pandemic at three levels: macro (global, policy, government), meso (organisational) and micro (employee). It questions whether the situations faced by hospitality workers as a result of the pandemic are seed-change different from the precarious lives they normally lead or just a (loud) amplification of the “normal”. Findings In light of the fluid environment relating to COVID-19, conclusions are tentative and question whether hospitality stakeholders, particularly consumers, governments and the industry itself, will emerge from the pandemic with changed attitudes to hospitality work and hospitality workers. Practical implications This raises questions about hospitality work for key stakeholders to address in the future, some of which are systemic in terms of how precarious labour forces, critical to the global economy are to be considered by policy makers, organisations in a re-emerging competitive market for talent and for those who chose (or not) to work in hospitality. Social implications This paper contributes to ongoing debates about precarious work and the extent to which such practices are institutionalised and adopts an “amplification model” that may have value in futures-orientated analysis about hospitality and tourism. Originality/value This paper is wholly original and a reflection on the COVID-19 crisis. It provides a point of wider reference with regard to responses to crises and their impact on employment in hospitality, highlighting how ongoing change, fluidity and uncertainty serve to magnify and exacerbate the precarious nature of work in the industry.


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 320-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamza Usman ◽  
Mohd Lizam

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate the bane of home ownership in Nigeria through mortgage financing by examining the determinants of intention of using mortgage in financing home ownership. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopted a survey quantitative research design. A total of 235 valid questionnaires randomly distributed were retrieved from 300 potential homeowners who were the sample of the research. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling was used for data analysis and hypotheses testing. Findings The findings revealed that religious perception on mortgage was the most significant determinant of intention of using mortgage in financing home-ownership. Subjective norms and perceived behavioral control also have significant effect on intention of using mortgage financing. However, attitude and familiarity/knowledge of mortgage were found not to have a significant effect on intention of using mortgage financing. The determinants cumulatively determined 77.6 per cent (R2 = 0.776) of the variance in intention of using mortgage in financing home ownership. Practical implications The research contributed to knowledge and has practical implications to policy makers, mortgage institutions, investors and the society. Originality/value The paper uniquely explores the bane of home-ownership through mortgage financing by examining potential home-owners’ intention of using mortgage financing. To authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to evaluate intention of using mortgage financing, at least in Nigeria.


2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe Hanley ◽  
David Marsland

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance and nature of relationships of trust in care settings. The paper addresses the central question of what is it about these kinds of relationships that is associated with harm and abuse? Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes a discursive approach, based, implicitly, on an ecological framework of analysis. Findings – The conclusion is that the relationships between staff and service users in residential care settings are characterised by non-mutual dependency, isolation and unequal decision-making powers. Therefore such relationships deserve special focus and attention in order to safeguard and protect the people concerned. Practical implications – The paper implies that practitioners and policy makers should find ways to ensure that they listen more closely to people living in residential settings. Practitioners should ask more about the quality of relationships that people enjoy with the staff that support them. Originality/value – The paper suggests that in order to safeguard people more effectively, practitioners and policy makers should reconsider the central focus of their energies and revisit issues such as isolation, in the lives of disabled and older people living in residential care.


2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lotte Holck ◽  
Sara Louise Muhr ◽  
Florence Villesèche

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the identity and diversity literatures and discuss how a better understanding of the theoretical connections between the two informs both diversity research and diversity management practices. Design/methodology/approach – Literature review followed by a discussion of the theoretical and practical consequences of connecting the identity and diversity literatures. Findings – The authors inform future research in three ways. First, by showing how definitions of identity influence diversity theorizing in specific ways. Second, the authors explore how such definitions entail distinct foci regarding how diversity should be analyzed and interventions actioned. Third, the authors discuss how theoretical coherence between definitions of identity and diversity perspectives – as well as knowledge about a perspective’s advantages and limitations – is crucial for successful diversity management research and practice. Research limitations/implications – The authors argue for a better understanding of differences, overlaps and limits of different identity perspectives, and for a stronger engagement with practice. Practical implications – The work can encourage policy makers, diversity and HR managers to question their own practices and assumptions leading to more theoretical informed diversity management practices. Originality/value – The theoretical connections between identity and diversity literature have so far not been reviewed systematically. The work foregrounds how important it is for diversity scholars to consider identity underpinnings of diversity research to help further develop the field within and beyond the three streams the authors discuss.


2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 339-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joana Tomazelli ◽  
Patricia Liebesny Broilo ◽  
Lélis Balestrin Espartel ◽  
Kenny Basso

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate older shopper behavior in a retail environment. The study focused on how the environment elements of supermarket stores influence older customers to interact with other customers when they shop for groceries. Design/methodology/approach Various qualitative research techniques were undertaken, including interviews with retail architecture experts, store employees, a psychologist and a gerontologist; in addition, five interviews followed by three focus groups were conducted with older shoppers in Brazil. Findings Customer-to-customer interactions that are related to the environment elements of supermarkets tend to influence the shopping experience of the older shoppers, which has an impact on satisfaction. Although some customers may value social contact, some interactions can involve discomfort and embarrassment. Research limitations/implications The study sheds light on the understanding of the influence of the environment elements of supermarket stores on customer-to-customer interactions, and it proposes such interactions to be a relevant strategy that is used by older customers to maximize their satisfaction, although such strategies can also lead to dissatisfaction. Practical implications The findings provide insights regarding the specific needs of older customers in a supermarket context, associated with the design and ambient elements of the store environment, which can be valuable for retailers and policy-makers. Originality/value Considering the limited understanding of older shoppers and their experiences, this study provides a thorough understanding of how the retail environment can influence customer-to-customer interactions that involve older shoppers. Moreover, the study captures how interactions, which are influenced by the retail environment, can result in dissatisfaction; however, such interactions can also be used by older customers to modify their satisfaction with the shopping experience.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaled Nour Aldeen ◽  
Inayah Swasti Ratih ◽  
Risa Sari Pertiwi

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the awareness and willingness level of millennials in Indonesia toward cash waqf (cash endowment). Cash waqf has gained huge attention in Indonesia because of its flexibility, especially after officially announcing that cash waqf practices are sharia-compliant in 2002 in the country. Millennials comprise 33.75% of the total Indonesian population. Therefore, it is vital to analyze cash waqf from an Indonesian perspective. This study provides vital information for all institutions that are concerned with the enhancement of the cash waqf contributions in Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachSelf-structured questionnaires were distributed in Java Island to collect the data. The data were examined by employing suitable statistical tools. Besides, post-interview fact-finding was conducted with cash waqf experts from different related institutions in Indonesia to reach a more in-depth understanding about cash waqf issues.FindingsThe results depict a high level of awareness about cash waqf among millennials in Indonesia. The results further reveal a lower willingness level to contribute to cash waqf of the sample population as compared to their level of awareness about cash waqf. Moreover, cash waqf promotions must focus on delivering a deeper understanding about the concept and how it differs from other types of Islamic philanthropy. The results suggest that waqf trustees in the country must be more transparent. Moreover, the Indonesian Waqf Board should implement stricter rules to monitor waqf trustees.Research limitations/implicationsThis research concerns the willingness and awareness toward cash waqf among Indonesian Muslims who were born between 1980 and 2000.Practical implicationsAs a Muslim-majority country, one would expect Indonesia to make much progress in cash waqf. By providing an explanatory understanding of willingness and awareness of cash waqf among Indonesians, this research can be helpful in designing proper educative marketing campaigns for future endowers to cash waqf activities to ensure cash waqf institutions provide efficient services. It is advisable to emphasize the transparency of waqf organizations. This will add to the nazhir's (waqf trustee) reputation, thereby boosting waqf's national shares by ensuring a proper allocation of cash waqf. The regulator should be more strict in monitoring nazhir’s practices. For instance, it could include a periodic assessment of waqf entities.Originality/valueThis study is original in nature; there is no previous study that addresses the millennial’s perspective toward cash waqf in Indonesia. Hence, this study presents precious information for policy makers, practitioners and researchers.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Loïc Le Dé ◽  
Karl Wairama ◽  
Monynna Sath ◽  
Anthony Petera

PurposeResilience has become a priority of most agendas for disaster risk reduction at different scales leading to an increase demand for measurement of resilience. However, resilience is mostly defined, assessed and measured by outsider experts rather than by those primarily concerned – local people. This article presents the development of people-centred indicators of resilience in New Zealand. It details both the process and outcomes of these indicators.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws from participatory methods to develop a six-step tool kit for people-centred indicators of resilience. The people-centred indicators were implemented with four communities in New Zealand in 2019 and 2020.FindingsThe paper highlights that people are capable at defining and assessing their own resilience. The indicators enabled people identify and measure areas of low resilience and foster dialogue between locals and practitioners to strengthen it.Research limitations/implicationsPeople-centred indicators also have limitations and pose challenges. Their development requires strong facilitation skills; it limitedly enables comparison across communities and implies downward accountability.Practical implicationsThe findings should stimulate discussions about who should measure resilience and for whom such measurement is it for. It provides a tool kit that can be used by practitioners and policy makers to measure and strengthen community resilience.Originality/valueMost resilience indicators is outsider-driven and limitedly involves local people. This study uses a radically different approach placing people at the centre of resilience measurement.


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