It’s a question of talent! The interplay of design complexity and talent information on consumers’ product design responses

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcel Grein ◽  
Annika Wiecek ◽  
Daniel Wentzel
Keyword(s):  
Product Design ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Design Element ◽  
Design Quality ◽  
Design Complexity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Naive Theories ◽  
Design Factors

Purpose Existing research on product design has found that a design’s complexity is an important antecedent of consumers’ aesthetic and behavioural responses. This paper aims to shed new light on the relationship between design complexity and perceptions of design quality by taking the effects of consumers’ naïve theories into account. Design/methodology/approach The hypotheses of this paper are tested in a series of three experiments. Findings The findings from three studies show that the extent to which consumers prefer more complex product designs to simpler ones depends on the extent to which they believe that the complexity of a design is indicative of the effort or of the talent of the designers involved in the design process. These competing naïve theories, in turn, are triggered by contextual information that consumers have at their disposal, such as the professional background of a designer or the brand that is associated with a particular design. Research limitations/implications This research was limited to a design's complexity as the central design element and to the effects of two naïve theories. Future research may also take other design factors and consumer heuristics into account. Practical implications This research reveals that the extent to which managers may successfully introduce both complex and simple designs may depend on the reputation of a company’s designers and the prestige of a brand. Originality/value This research examines design complexity from a novel theoretical perspective and shows that the effect of design complexity on perceptions of design quality is contingent on two specific naïve theories of consumers.

Engagement platforms in the sharing economy

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 761-777 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph F. Breidbach ◽  
Roderick J. Brodie
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Sharing Economy ◽  
Service Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Service Ecosystem

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and delineate research directions that guide future empirical studies exploring how engagement platforms facilitate value co-creation and actor engagement in the context of the sharing economy. Design/methodology/approach The authors adopt a midrange theorizing approach with service-dominant logic as the integrating meta-theoretical perspective to develop a theoretical framework about service platforms, engagement platforms, and actor engagement in information communication technology (ICT) mediated environments. The authors then contextualize the framework for the sharing economy. Findings The authors introduce 20 unique research questions to guide future studies related to service ecosystems, engagement platforms, and actor engagement practices in the context of the sharing economy. Research limitations/implications The sharing economy is an emerging phenomenon that is driven by the development and proliferation of engagement platforms. The engagement platform concept therefore provides a novel perspective for exploration of how ICT can be utilized to facilitate value co-creation and engagement amongst interdependent economic actors in a service ecosystem. Practical implications The purpose of this paper is to guide future academic research, rather than managerial practice. Future research based on the framework can help guide decision-makers to implement and use engagement platforms more effectively. Originality/value This paper offers new insight into the important intersection of ICT and service research, and guides future studies exploring the role of engagement platforms in the context of the sharing economy.

A conceptual framework for understanding the antecedents and consequences of social selling: a theoretical perspective and research agenda

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Barney-McNamara ◽  
James Peltier ◽  
Pavan Rao Chennamaneni ◽  
Keith Eric Niedermeier
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a detail review of the social selling literature and to offer future research needs. Social selling has gained the attention of sales researchers. Rather than merely a new tool, social selling redefines the traditional sales process. However, the literature is spread across topics of social media and sales, social customer relationship management, salesforce automation and social selling, and does not provide an agreed-upon definition or tested construct for implementation. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a comprehensive literature review of social selling and all related terminology. Findings The authors propose a social selling framework that includes personal branding, information exchange, networking and social listening to define and outline the construct while suggesting the antecedents and outcomes to guide future research. Findings from a literature review include outlining key theories used in social selling research. Originality/value This review offers a conceptual framework of social selling, including both antecedents and outcomes, to inform future research and guide academics and practitioners.

A conceptual model of knowledge sharing

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rayees Farooq
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Review Process ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industry Type ◽  
Thomson Reuters ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of the study is to develop a conceptual model of knowledge sharing and how knowledge sharing is linked to business performance. The study proposes basic dimensions of knowledge sharing which seem to be poorly defined in the past literature. Design/methodology/approach The studies were explored from journals which are indexed (Scopus, Thomson Reuters and ProQuest) and specialized in knowledge sharing and business performance. Majority of the papers were available in electronic format, so that papers could be easily explored using the key terms. Various search engines were used to explore the studies such as Google scholar, Emerald insight and ProQuest. Published theses, conference proceedings, working paper series and work in progress were excluded from the search. The review process included the studies from 1987 to 2017. During the review process, papers were explored on the basis of key word search, namely, “Knowledge sharing”, “Business performance” and “Industry type” to reduce interpretation bias. Findings Knowledge sharing is the significant predictor of business performance and industry type moderates the relationship between knowledge sharing and business performance. The relationship between knowledge sharing and business performance is important in both manufacturing and service organizations. Knowledge sharing dimensions proposed are elementary in nature and require further refinement and development. Research limitations/implications The study was approached from a theoretical perspective and the model proposed can be empirically validated by identifying statements for each dimension. Future research should explore the following: As to what extent these dimensions reflect knowledge sharing? Are dimensions chosen carefully? Or do they emerge as a result of previous studies? Practical implications The model can be very helpful for managers and practitioners who want to study how knowledge sharing enhances business performance. Managers will be able to understand how industry-specific differences affect business performance through knowledge sharing. Originality/value Proposed conceptual model advances the theoretical base of knowledge sharing by suggesting dimensions based on comprehensive review of the literature. The study contributes to knowledge management and business performance literature.

BYOD-related innovations and organizational change for entrepreneurs and their employees in SMEs

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 839-851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paméla Baillette ◽  
Yves Barlette
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Practical Interest ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Bring Your Own Device ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Settings ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the benefits and potential dangers of “bring your own device” (BYOD)-related practices. The paper aims to highlight new risks stemming from BYOD adoption and identifies different security paradoxes arising for entrepreneurs and their employees in the context of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach A theoretical approach is proposed in this paper. As technology is an important driver of organizational change, technological innovations entail new work practices and in turn lead to a twofold “security paradox.” Findings This paper introduces the stakes and issues associated with BYOD-related mobile technologies. Evidence is provided that this phenomenon must be cautiously addressed to not only seize related benefits but also reduce related risks. Avenues for future research are offered to complement this work. Practical implications The main practical interest is to make entrepreneurs of SMEs and their employees aware of the BYOD phenomenon and its related risks and benefits. Originality/value From a theoretical perspective, very little work has been published in the field of management sciences about the benefits and dangers associated with the introduction of BYOD among entrepreneurs and employees in SMEs. Moreover, this study identifies a twofold “security paradox” related to information security that has never been studied in work settings.

scholarly journals Research of product design consumer perception

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (45) ◽  
pp. 242-253
Author(s):  
Rastislav Strhan
Keyword(s):  
Product Design ◽  
International Markets ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Essential Factor ◽  
Design Quality ◽  
Customer Classification ◽  
Design Requirements ◽  
Potential Customers

Abstract Professionals perceive product design as an essential factor in product competitiveness, especially in international markets. To achieve that, customers and buyers must accept the quality of the offered product design. Especially by mass-produced products are producers facing a lot of customers with limited knowledge about design requirements. Appropriate communication is necessary to persuade potential customers about design quality characteristics. Paper utilizes previously formed customer classification based on quality perception. It discusses the possibility of applying such classification for product design perception too. Different methods and tools to prove the relevance of the presented model are analyzed to form an optimal model for future research. The result of such research would be the optimization of the use of product design in communication strategy.

Repatriation of international assignees

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Knocke ◽  
Tassilo Schuster
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Approaches

Purpose Repatriation continues to be a current challenge for many international firms. While this topic has received only limited attention in literature in the past, it has aroused an increased academic interest since the 2000s. Until now, however, thorough analyses of advancements in this field, which go beyond a pure content-related review, are still scarce in research. To address this gap, this study provides a systematic and comprehensive literature review of repatriation from an ecological systems perspective. The purpose of this paper is threefold: to analyze where and when repatriation research has been published, what aspects (e.g. topics, theories, and contexts) have been considered in the repatriation literature, and how the research has been conducted (e.g. employed methodologies). Based on the findings implications for future research are developed. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on a systematic literature review of 96 peer-reviewed articles from 1973 to 2016. Findings The results of the study reveal that repatriation has found its way into journals of different disciplines. By employing an ecological systems theoretical perspective, the study shows that research on repatriation covers a broad set of ecological systems to explain repatriation outcomes. Quantitative approaches are fairly prominent in repatriation research, whereas the use of qualitative approaches has increased lately. Mixed-methods approaches, however, are still scarce in the repatriation literature. Moreover, the results outline that the majority of scholars collected data on the individual level. With regard to methodological rigor (both design and analysis), a steady use of linear regression modeling in quantitative articles was found, whereas more sophisticated methodological approaches such as structural equation modeling and longitudinal studies have only recently found their way into repatriation research. Finally, by considering that the expatriate literature addresses a variety of types of expatriation, this study highlights that research on repatriation should differentiate more thoroughly between types of repatriates to provide target-group-oriented recommendations and to deepen the understanding of the repatriation phenomenon. Originality/value This study contributes to the repatriation research in several ways. First, it provides a systematic analysis of the repatriation literature from an ecological systems theoretical lens. By combining this content-related analysis with an investigation of methodological issues, the study outlines which ecological systems have been covered in the literature on repatriation, where the strengths and weaknesses of this literature stream lay, and in which direction future avenues of research should move. Moreover, the study highlights which methodological shortcomings are still existent in the repatriation literature and shows that a differentiated viewpoint on repatriates like in the expatriation literature is still in an embryonic stage in repatriation research. Finally, it contributes to the repatriation research by deducing valuable recommendations for future research.

Corporate social responsibility disclosures (CSRD), corporate governance and the degree of multinational activities

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Coffie ◽  
Francis Aboagye-Otchere ◽  
Alhassan Musah
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of corporate governance and degree of multinational activities (DMAs) on corporate social responsibility disclosures (CSRD) within the context of a developing country. Design/methodology/approach Using the annual report of 33 listed firms spanning from 2008 to 2013, the authors employed content analysis based on an adapted index score of CSRD developed by Hackston and Milne (1996) as applied in similar studies (e.g. Deegan et al., 2002; Hassan, 2014). Guided by the authors’ hypotheses, the authors model quantity and quality of CSRD (two separate econometric models) as functions of multinational activity and corporate governance. Findings The results show that the DMA has a positive association with both quality and quality of CSRD. The results also show that certain corporate governance characteristics such as board size (quality and quantity) as well as the presence of a social responsibility sub-committee of the board (quality) have a positive relationship with CSRD. However, increasing the number of non-executive directors (NEDs) may not necessarily improve the quantity or quality of disclosure. Research limitations/implications The study is limited by theory and geography. Theoretically, the study is based on the legitimacy theory and feels compelled to reiterate the importance of considering alternative theoretical perspective in future research. Again the study is limited geographically as the investigation is based on Ghana only and the authors suggest that future research be extended to other countries. Practical implications This study is important as it demonstrates the importance of providing quality of CSRD to stakeholders when the board of a firm has a sub-committee responsible for corporate social responsibility. Originality/value The results of the study extend the literature on CSRD by demonstrating a new evidence on how the degree of firm’s multinational activities together with corporate government mechanism affects both quantity and quality of CSRD in the context of unchartered developing country. The results support the theoretical view that companies engage in CSRD in attempt to legitimize their operations based on the pressure exerted on them and the mechanism put in place to respond to those pressures.

Workforce diversity: from a literature review to future research agenda

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 577-603
Author(s):  
Shatrughan Yadav ◽  
Usha Lenka
Keyword(s):  
Research Agenda ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Workforce Diversity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Different Dimensions

Purpose Workforce diversity is widely believed to enhance the knowledge and perspectives of organizations. The purpose of this study is to synthesize the existing diverse literature on workforce diversity and to enlighten the avenues for future research in managing workforce diversity. Design/methodology/approach This study performs a comprehensive review of empirical and conceptual studies published on workforce diversity and its outcomes in the top 13 peer-reviewed leading management journals between 1990 and 2019. Findings The assessment of diversity literature reported mixed and inconsistent results that are the critical challenges of diversity management. Furthermore, most studies have not individually identified the problems of diversity dimensions. To understand the problems, this study has divided the different dimensions of diversity (e.g. age, gender, race, education, functional background and tenure) and their results, supported by various theories. The findings of this study suggested a different reason for existing conflicts and proposed a future research agenda. Originality/value To overcome the challenges of diversity, this study has proposed the future research agenda for future research. to take optimum advantage of workforce diversity, this study contributes a theoretical perspective that enhances the understanding of existing diversity in organizations and develops diverse organizations.

scholarly journals Volunteer choice of nonprofit organisation: an integrated framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah-Louise Mitchell ◽  
Moira Clark
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nonprofit Organisation ◽  
Medical Volunteer ◽  
Personal Needs ◽  
Research Stream ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This paper aims to explore how volunteers choose one nonprofit organisation (NPO) rather than another. It identifies the drivers of choice, and the relationship between them, to enable NPOs to strengthen their volunteer recruitment. Design/methodology/approach A total of 51 service-delivery volunteers were interviewed, drawn from 5 leading NPOs. A laddering technique was used to understand the context in which the choice of organisation was made and the underlying personal needs and goals. The data was analysed using means-end chain (MEC) methodology to uncover the relationships between, and hierarchy of, the decision drivers. Findings Brand, cause, and role were found to be important in meeting personal needs and goals through volunteering. The paper makes three contributions. Firstly, it presents a clearer understanding of NPO choice through adopting an integrated theoretical perspective. Secondly, it identifies the decision-making process and key relationships between the attributes of the NPO, the consequences for the volunteer, and the connection to their personal needs. Finally, the study makes an important contribution to literature through presenting a new conceptual framework of volunteer decision-making in the nonprofit context to act as a catalyst for future research. Research limitations/implications This research is both impactful through, and limited by, its context selection: regular service-delivery volunteers from five NPOs within two causes. The paper presents a rich research stream to extend this understanding to other nonprofit stakeholders, other causes including medical volunteer, and smaller NPOs. Practical implications In an increasingly competitive nonprofit environment with a growing need to support the vulnerable in society, NPO sustainability is dependent on their ability to recruit new volunteers. NPOs compete not only with other organisations with similar causes but also those offering similar volunteering roles, and other uses of time to meet personal needs such as sport, career, or community. Understanding how volunteers make their choice of NPO rather than other uses of their time is of vital importance to make the most effective use of scarce marketing resources. This paper contributes to that practitioner understanding. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to extend the understanding of generic motivations of volunteers to consider specific choice of NPO. Unlike previous literature, the authors bring together theory on brand, cause, and role with personal needs. The authors are also the first to apply MEC methodology to the nonprofit context to uncover the personal underlying, less salient reasons behind NPO choice and the relationship between them.

A qualitative meta-analysis of trust in supervisor-subordinate relationships

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 507-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Marie Nienaber ◽  
Philipp Daniel Romeike ◽  
Rosalind Searle ◽  
Gerhard Schewe
Keyword(s):  
Social Exchange ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Interpersonal Processes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Research

Purpose – Interpersonal trust is often considered as the “glue” that binds supervisors together with their subordinates, and creates a positive organisational climate. The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors affecting subordinates’ trust to their supervisor, and the consequences of such a trusting relationship. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted a qualitative meta-analysis of the trust literature between 1995 and 2011, to identify 73 articles and review 37 theoretical propositions, 139 significant model parameters and 58 further empirical findings. Findings – Four distinct clusters of trust antecedents are found: supervisor attributes; subordinate attributes; interpersonal processes and organisational characteristics. Similarly, the authors identify three categories of trust consequences: subordinates’ work behaviour; subordinates’ attitude towards the supervisor; and organisational level effects. Research limitations/implications – The authors find a bias towards studying supervisor attributes and interpersonal processes, yet a dearth of attention on subordinate attributes and organisational characteristics. Similarly, the conceptual attention on trust between supervisors and subordinates has been limited, with empirical work reporting predominantly significant findings. Social exchange has dominated as the theoretical perspective, and cross-section as the main research approach. In order to advance this important field more heterogeneity is needed, utilising a range of different theoretical schools and employing different methodologies. Originality/value – This seems to be the first qualitative meta-analysis explicitly directed to understanding trust between supervisors and subordinates. The authors contribute to the field of trust by revealing current gaps in the literature and highlighting potential areas of future research.

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