Entrepreneurial leadership in Middle East sport businesses

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-188
Author(s):  
Majd Megheirkouni ◽  
Alison Thirlwall ◽  
Ammar Mejheirkouni
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Entrepreneurial Leadership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Gender Differences And Similarities

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of gender in the sport business by investigating gender differences in entrepreneurial leadership and cultural values using quantitative methods. Design/methodology/approach In total, 241 surveys were completed by sport business owners in 4 countries in the Middle East. Findings The results revealed that gender differences and similarities are not only widely affected by national cultural values but also the effects of national cultural values vary between countries in the Middle East, despite these countries being similar in terms of habits, traditions, history, language and institutional systems. Additionally, it was found that entrepreneurial leadership is a role, task or responsibility that is related to both men and women in the sport business in the Middle East. Research limitations/implications Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed, together with limitations and suggestions for future research. Originality/value This is the only study in the field of entrepreneurial leadership that examined the concept of entrepreneurial leadership in Middle East sport businesses.

scholarly journals Gender differences in motivations to attend festivals in Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-141
Author(s):  
Faten Alshammari ◽  
Jeremy Whaley ◽  
Songyee Hur ◽  
Youn-Kyung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Gender Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Saudi Arabians

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to conduct a within-gender analysis and between-gender differences in seeking (personal and interpersonal) and escaping (personal and interpersonal) motivations to attend a non-traditional festival in Saudi Arabia. Specific objectives were: to conduct a within-gender analysis in motivations to attend a non-traditional festival in Saudi Arabia; and to examine between-gender differences in motivations to attend a non-traditional festival in Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachBased on the data collected from 458 attendees at a non-traditional festival in Saudi Arabia, the authors employed network analysis for within-gender analysis and MANOVA and ANOVA for between-gender comparison. The network analysis served two purposes, in that it examined each item’s predictability for each gender, and analyzed the correlations among motivation items within each gender. In addition, the General Linear Model served to compare the male and female groups’ motivations to attend the non-traditional festival. The authors first performed MANOVA for each dimension and then ANOVA for each dimension’s individual items.FindingsWithin-gender analysis reveals that several sets of motivations were associated strongly for both genders. This suggests that Saudi Arabians seem to enjoy entertainment because it projects the festival mood; they want to escape both from home and work and attend the festival to relieve stress by changing their routine pace. However, gender differences were apparent in several other items, especially for the group of women. Between-group comparison analysis shows significant gender differences in several elements of motivation. Overall, personal seeking and escaping were greater for males than females. In contrast, interpersonal seeking was greater for females than males.Research limitations/implicationsEntertainment seems to be a key contributor to the festival mood because entertainment and the festival mood were related closely for both genders. In fact, personal and interpersonal escaping means were greater than personal interpersonal seeking means for both genders. Indeed, opportunities exist to develop non-traditional festivals in the country further. Gender differences were identified in several items of personal seeking and escaping, and interpersonal seeking. With respect to personal seeking, men tend to seek the entertainment, festival mood and the event’s uniqueness more than do women, a finding that their higher means in personal escaping supported. It is clear that men view the festival as a way to enjoy themselves to escape from their jobs and daily stress to a greater degree than do their female counterparts. Women are more likely to seek interpersonal experiences in that they are more likely to enjoy the festival because it offers the opportunity to meet new people and spend quality time with family and friends. This study has several limitations, leading to suggestions for future research. Because seeking and escaping motivations have been used relatively little in the festival setting, future researchers should develop a valid scale of personal and interpersonal seeking and escaping motivations specifically for festivals employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. Second, while the data were collected at a single non-traditional festival, future research can use multiple sites to increase the ability to generalize the findings. Third, although this study was limited to Saudi Arabia, further research can apply seeking and escaping motivations, both at the personal and interpersonal levels, to other cultures to extend the applicability of the framework used in this study.Practical implicationsNon-traditional festival managers need to focus on an atmosphere that provides festivities, as many people in the Saudi Arabian culture appear to be escaping from their everyday lives to enjoy themselves and with family and friends. To appeal to male workers, festival organizers and managers need to advertise and market the events’ mood and liveliness overall with photos of workers leaving the office free of stress and looking forward to attending an event. To appeal to women who desire unique experiences that a variety of forms of entertainment provide, event managers must ensure that the entertainment is innovative and creative, and differs from what other festivals provide to attract more female attendees. Also, festival planners must focus on events that incorporate the family unit and promote the opportunity to meet new people to appeal to women in Saudi Arabia.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine gender differences in festival motivations in Saudi Arabia. The relaxation of the historically strict and conservative cultural values, coupled with the country’s desire to develop its tourism and event sector, provides an ideal opportunity for future research. The authors hope that this research will stimulate further interest in the country with the goal to develop and market its tourism sector and products on the world’s stage.

The impact of culture on Chinese employees' work values

2007 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bih‐Shiaw Jaw ◽  
Ya‐Hui Ling ◽  
Christina Yu‐Ping Wang ◽  
Wen‐Ching Chang
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Work Values ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chinese Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chinese Values ◽  
Cultural Exposure ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Chinese Cultural Values ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate the detailed relationships between Chinese cultural values (Confucian dynamism, individualism, masculinity, and power distance) and work values (self‐enhancement, contribution to society, rewards and stability, openness to change, and power and status) in an integrated model. Further attempts are also made to explain the above relationship in terms of different cultural exposure experiences.Design/methodology/approachThe sample was collected from China (selected from after‐work classes for Chinese businessmen in China) and Australia (overseas Chinese living or working in Sydney) by questionnaires. Altogether, 185 respondents took part in the study. SEM was used to test the relationship between Chinese cultural values and work values, and difference analysis was employed to test the impact of respondents' Western cultural exposure experiences.FindingsInteresting results are found concerning Chinese employees' cross‐cultural work values. The study not only confirms the impact of cultural values on work values, but also brings some new thoughts on Hoftstede's belief that instead of high masculinity and individualism, Confucian dynamism is the main cultural value to foster self‐enhancement and most work value of Chinese employees.Research limitations/implicationsBecause China is a complex country, the limited Chinese sample should not be taken as representative. The current study did not differentiate respondents' demographic differences. Hence some demographic variables may have produced some of the intergroup differences reported in this study.Practical implicationsThe findings provide useful input for managers who are seeking to develop effective working relationships with Chinese counterparts.Originality/valueThis paper enriches existing Chinese values studies and serves as a starting point for future research concerning the detailed relationship between Chinese cultural values and work values.

Trust, personality, risk taking and entrepreneurship

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachid Zeffane
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Important Variable ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Nascent Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Courses ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of trust, personality and risk taking on entrepreneurial intentions (EIs). In this perspective, it explores gender differences among nascent and actual entrepreneurs in the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach – Survey data were collected from two sets of populations: 370 students attending business courses in a university in the UAE (as proxies to nascent entrepreneurs) and 324 small business owners/operators (as proxies to actual entrepreneurs). The scales used in the study were borrowed from previous research and were also empirically confirmed through reliability tests. Findings – In support of previous research, analyses of variance confirmed the hypotheses that females are less inclined to become entrepreneurs and are less likely to take risk. Females were also found to be less trusting than males. Regression analysis revealed that, the intention to engage in entrepreneurship is most significantly affected by the propensity to trust. These confirm the study hypotheses. Research limitations/implications – This study is set in a single country and as such, its findings may be constrained by cultural/national specificities. Future research could consider examining the variables of this study (particularly gender differences and their relevance to the effects of trust and risk taking on EIs) in a wider cross-national context. Practical implications – The findings of this study clearly indicate that trust is an important variable that can be cultivated at the pre-entrepreneurial stage so that future entrepreneurs (females in particular) are appropriately equipped and geared to cope with risk in entrepreneurship activities. Originality/value – Research on gender, trust, risk taking and entrepreneurial behaviors in the UAE/Middle East context remains lacking. Also, studies using samples of both actual and nascent entrepreneurs remain lacking. This study fills these gaps and also provides a platform for further understanding the importance of gender differences in relation to trust, personality, risk taking and EIs.

Successors in Dutch family businesses: gender differences

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantal Remery ◽  
Ilse Matser ◽  
Roberto Hans Flören
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Dutch Family ◽  
Shared Ownership

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate gender differences among (potential) successors of Dutch family firms with respect to education, self-perceived capabilities and ownership ambition. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical analysis – which includes correlations, t-test and logistic regression analysis – is inspired by several theoretical perspectives used in previous studies and based on a sample of 232 (potential) successors who filled in a questionnaire. Findings – The results show that there is a clear gender difference regarding ownership; men strive more often for full ownership, whereas women opt for shared ownership, even when controlling for relevant variables such as the presence of children. Research limitations/implications – Future research should address the precise reasons why female successors prefer shared ownership. Particularly, it would be interesting to include the impact of the institutional environment, for example the specific Dutch working culture, where the majority of women works part-time. Practical implications – Shared ownership might be more complicated in terms of governance and management than full ownership. Social implications – Opportunities for shared ownership might stimulate more women to take over the family firm, and therefore contribute to more diversity among family business owners. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the still limited knowledge on gender differences among successors of family firms.

Does collectivism necessarily negate the spirit of entrepreneurship?

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachid Zeffane
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
National Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Gulf Region ◽  
Personal Traits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between individualism/collectivism (as personal traits) and individuals’ potential to become an entrepreneur. Design/methodology/approach – The study draws on a sample of 503 students enrolled in business courses at a university in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It focusses on the concept of Entrepreneurial Potential (EP) as a measure of “desirability and inclination” to start a business. The paper tests the hypothesis that the concepts of individualism and collectivism are not necessarily polar ends of the same continuum and examine their impacts on EP, controlling for age and gender as main demographic characteristics. Four main hypotheses are explored. Findings – Statistical analysis confirms the two main hypotheses. They reveal that: first, concomitant with the dominant collectivist values at national level, potential future entrepreneurs evolving in the Middle East/Gulf region endorse personal traits of a predominantly collectivist nature; second, contrary to popular assumptions individualism does not have a strong impact on youth EP. In the context of this study, the impact of collectivism on EP is most significant. The paper also found that gender had no significant impact on EP Research limitations/implications – The use of personality traits alone, as a basis for understanding predictors of EP may not be sufficient. A number of contextual variables (such the socio-cultural and economic context) may also have a strong influence. Unfortunately, it is not possible to test for these effects with the data available in this study. Future research may consider these. Practical implications – Despite its limited scope (limited sample-size and target population), the findings of this study are useful to both practitioners and policy makers. Management practitioners interested in entrepreneurial behaviors need to take stock of the fact that future entrepreneurs can (and perhaps should be able to) blend their competitive entrepreneurial drive with the spirit of collectivism. This is particularly relevant in selection processes using personality tests for the purpose of extracting the most likely candidates for entrepreneurial ventures involving youth. Originality/value – The findings of this study do not support the general assumption that individualism and entrepreneurship ties necessarily go hand in hand. They clearly indicate that collectivism has more explanatory power in this regard, though this may be contextual. These findings may be explained by the context of the study (UAE/Middle East). The overwhelming majority of the respondents are from the Middle East and gulf region, where collectivist aspirations are predominant. Yet, the economies of countries in those regions are fuelled by an increasing number of advanced and quite daring entrepreneurial projects, as exemplified by the modernist business ventures in Dubai, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.

Cultural values and consumers’ expectations and perceptions of service encounter quality

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masoud Karami ◽  
Mohamad Mehdi Maleki ◽  
Alan J. Dubinsky
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Cosmetic Surgery ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Service Encounter ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of the study is to explore the impact of cultural values on perceptions of service encounter quality by examining the potentially mediating role of service encounter expectations. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was designed to collect data from 30 cosmetic clinic patients in Tehran, Iran. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the convergent and discriminant validity of the scales. Moreover, path modeling and bootstrapping were implemented using Smartpls 2.0 (M3) software to analyze the collected data and to assess the research model (Figure 1). Findings Cultural values have a significant impact on both expectations and perceptions of service encounter quality. Moreover, findings show that expectations of service encounter quality have an impact on perceptions of service encounter quality. The mediating role of service encounter expectations was confirmed. Research limitations/implications There are additional issues that should be addressed about different aspects of service encounters in developing countries. Moreover, subcultures provide attractive context for service quality perception research; subcultures comprise a large consumer market having its own cultural values that future research could examine. Practical implications Healthcare service providers should understand the cultural values of patients that may differ by social demographic characteristics. Providing a service that enhances patient cultural values might enhance success in the plastic surgery market, because such surgery may assist one in gaining recognition and improving their relationships with others. Clinic managers should consider Iran as a developing country, with its considerable young population having modern self-oriented demands, should be a desirable market for cosmetics and beauty care products. Originality/value Using the concept of Schwartz’s basic human values model to assess consumers’ cultural values and its impact on service encounter quality was the study’s main contribution. Moreover, it is among few studies conducted in the cosmetic surgery industry in a developing country’s context.

Non-financial performance measures and the BSC of multinational companies with multi-cultural environment

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 594-607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wagdy M. Abdallah ◽  
Majbour Alnamri
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Multinational Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Measures ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of financial and non-financial performance measurement practices, including the use of the balanced scorecard (BSC) and the impact of the cultural values on the use of performance measurement systems (PMSs), in multinational companies (MNCs) operating in the Middle East with a special attention to the Saudi Arabian subsidiaries. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected using a survey mailed to 180 randomly selected Saudi manufacturing subsidiaries in different industrial cities to collect data on their PMSs including the use of the BSC. Findings – Financial measures are more widely used by most of the companies included in the sample due to the fact they are common, well known, and the most familiar performance measures in the business practice and they are more standardized measures which can be easily understood, implemented, and quantified. Moreover, the use of the non-financial measures was at a very low rate compared with the use of financial measures. The reasons were the difficulty in finding objective measures of the effect of social factors and the avoidance of any disclosure of social problems that are existed in the society. Research limitations/implications – Several variables were not included in this study such as corporate culture, use of information technology, the use of mass number of expatriates in the KSA with completely different cultural values, and several other environmental factors, which might have a significant impact on the choice of multiple performance measures. Practical implications – From a practical standpoint, this study demonstrates that increasing levels of external environmental factors and exposure to American best practices could act as forces to adapt more updated and sophisticated PMSs in the Middle East. Moreover, it will contribute to the knowledge of PMSs in the emerging countries, particularly in Middle East countries. Social implications – Social variables have significant impact on the productivity of employees and they should be incorporated into the performance indictors in objective and practical models. Originality/value – This study illustrates how MNCs in the Middle East are adapting and applying the PMS and the effect of culture on the use of non-financial measures.

scholarly journals Consumer ambivalence toward contraception – towards an integrative framework

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piyush Sharma ◽  
M. Krishna Erramilli ◽  
Cindy Chung ◽  
Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Contraceptive Method ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrative Framework ◽  
Contraceptive Usage ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This paper aims to introduce a comprehensive conceptual framework to study the influence of “consumer ambivalence towards contraception” and “intercourse frequency” along with attitudes toward contraception and satisfaction with most familiar contraceptive method, on contraceptive usage and intentions. Design/methodology/approach – A team of trained female interviewers used a structured questionnaire to conduct a clinic-intercept survey with 588 sexually active female consumers in two major hospitals and six randomly chosen clinics in Singapore (response rate = 29 per cent). Findings – Consumer attitudes toward contraception, satisfaction with most familiar contraceptive method and intercourse frequency have a positive effect on contraceptive usage. Consumer ambivalence toward contraception has a negative effect on usage and intentions and it negatively moderates the effects of attitudes, satisfaction and intercourse frequency. Research limitations/implications – This paper explores the role of consumer ambivalence toward contraception in general and not toward specific contraceptive methods. Moreover, it does not measure differences in the impact of personal cultural values and orientations of the participants on contraceptive usage. These could be useful avenues for future research. Practical implications – By clarifying the reasons for inconsistent contraception usage, this research will help health-care professionals, social workers and welfare organizations develop more focused consumer education programs and communication campaigns to reduce consumer ambivalence about contraception and improve contraception usage rates. Originality/value – This paper extends prior research on consumer ambivalence by exploring its direct and moderating impact on contraceptive usage, an important issue for female health and well-being. The authors also show intercourse frequency as a moderator in this process.

The evolution and impact of qualitative research in Journal of Services Marketing

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aku Valtakoski
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Services Marketing ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Topics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the evolution of empirical research methods in Journal of Services Marketing (JSM), how the choice of methodology is related to the research topic, and how methodology affects the impact of papers published in JSM. Design/methodology/approach Based on citation data from Scopus, bibliometric methods are used to describe the methodological evolution of literature over the period 1987-2017. Indicator correlations and logistic regression are used to test the methodological predispositions of research topics. Negative binomial regression is used to test the impact of paper methodology on paper citations on 1,036 papers. Findings Qualitative research methods have remained relatively rarely used in JSM (7.5 per cent qualitative papers, 13.4 per cent mixed methods), with no major changes over the past 15 years. The variety of research methods has slightly increased in the latest years. There are considerable differences in the methodological predispositions of research topics. The methodology does not directly affect the impact of papers. However, use of mixed methods may positively affect paper impact. Papers focusing on conceptual development tend to be cited more. Research limitations/implications The review indicates that quantitative methods dominate research in JSM. However, future research challenges in service marketing research call for a reconsideration of the role of qualitative research for JSM. Findings point out that several research topics could benefit from further qualitative research. Originality/value Provides an overview of the latest development in research methodologies used in JSM, and direct statistical evidence on how paper methodology and other characteristics influence paper impact. Identifies areas for further qualitative research.

scholarly journals Chinese students’ participation: the effect of cultural factors

2014 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 430-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris S. Hodkinson ◽  
Arthur E. Poropat
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Effectiveness ◽  
Educational Achievement ◽  
Chinese Students ◽  
Educational Practice ◽  
Chinese Student ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Electronic Interaction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Elements ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide for Western educators of international Chinese and Confucian Heritage Culture (CHC) students the first integrated review of kiasu, the “fear of missing out”, and its consequences for learning, teaching, and future research. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the economic importance of international Chinese students is provided, followed by consideration of the pedagogical consequences of restricted participation in educational activities by the so-called “silent Chinese student”. Examination of research on international Chinese students and their source cultures established significant gaps and misunderstandings in the generally accepted understandings of CHCs, especially with respect to the actual practices used in Western and Chinese teaching. More importantly, the participation-related implications of kiasu within the context of broader cultural characteristics are described and implications drawn for teaching practices and research. Findings – While many Western university teachers are aware of the “silent Chinese student” phenomenon, few understand its underlying reasons, especially the kiasu mindset and its relationship to other cultural elements. Kiasu actively impedes the interaction of international Chinese students with their teachers and restricts collaboration with peers, thereby limiting educational achievement. Specific tactics for amelioration are reviewed and recommendations are provided, while an agenda for future research is outlined. Practical implications – Western teachers need to normalise and encourage Chinese student participation in class activities using tactics that have been demonstrated to improve outcomes for Chinese students, but that also assist students generally. These include both within-class and electronic interaction tools. Social implications – More culturally sensitive understanding of the impact of cultural differences on teaching effectiveness. While some effective responses to these already exist, further research is needed to expand the skill-set of Western teachers who work with international Chinese students. Originality/value – This paper provides the first systematic integration of the kiasu phenomenon with educational practice and research.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document