scholarly journals Human capital in the eco-innovative firms: a case study of eco-innovation projects

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 919-933 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabina Scarpellini ◽  
Raquel Ortega-Lapiedra ◽  
Miguel Marco-Fondevila ◽  
Alfonso Aranda-Usón
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Corporate Entrepreneurship ◽  
Secondary Source ◽  
Environmental Certification ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Activities ◽  
Data Collection Strategy ◽  
Starting Point

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain the influence of human capital (HC) on the organizations in terms of eco-innovative entrepreneurship, and the existing relations of these resources with economic and financial resources as well as other capabilities of the firms. A secondary challenge in the research is to define and measure the availability of HC in firms for those eco-innovative processes. Design/methodology/approach The targeted population for the study was eight eco-innovative companies in Spain. Within each company, a detailed CEO questionnaire was collected to measure HR information, certification or the existence of internal initiatives to promote eco/innovation, and secondary source records to measure economic and financial performance. This data collection strategy eliminated the possibility of percept-percept bias, since the data for each stage of the model were collected from different sources. The database has been analyzed through a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). Findings The main conclusion from the QCA analysis indicates that the role of the specialized HC involved in the R&D and innovation activities, the environmental management of firms and the resources (energy) management are relevant factors in the eco-innovative process and they have to be specifically managed for the development of eco-innovations. The qualitative analysis shows that firms that devoted specialized HC to the eco-innovation activities are companies at least ten years old, which have R&D and innovation departments as well as a specific department for the environmental management. They have been certified through some environmental certification standards, have human resources devoted to the product design, promote entrepreneurship for innovation among their own employees and also have higher than the sector average rates of leverage. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of this paper is linked to the number of analyzed study cases, although all of them are sufficiently representative. Nevertheless, given that the empirical research addressing the interrelated factors of eco-innovation and HC is still not abundant, this study provides an interesting starting point for discussion and the improvement of the qualitative method applied in this paper. Moreover, further research is still needed to fully elucidate how the corporate entrepreneurship is promoted to respond to the eco-innovation strategy of firms, as well as to deeply explore the characteristics of the intellectual capital concerned to the eco-innovation processes. Originality/value As a novel application, the influence of HC in organizations in terms of eco-innovative entrepreneurship has been analyzed through the measurement of the level of HC specifically devoted to eco-innovation in eight eco-innovative companies. One of the contributions of this study is to define the variables to measure the HC that is available for eco-innovation in an eco-innovative firm. The main conclusions are of interest to practitioners concerning the eco-innovation development in firms.

Intellectual capital in family firms: human capital identification and measurement

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Claver-Cortés ◽  
Patrocinio Carmen Zaragoza-Sáez ◽  
Hipólito Molina-Manchón ◽  
Mercedes Úbeda-García
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Balance Sheet ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Based on the literature devoted to family firms and the intellectual capital-based view of the firm, the purpose of this paper is not only to identify the most important human capital intangibles owned by family firms but also to show a number of indicators that can help measure them. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case-study-based research approach was adopted taking as reference: 25 family firms belonging to different sectors; previous works existing in the literature; and the intellectus model. Findings – The present study identifies ten intangibles associated with the human capital of family firms and shows 60 indicators that can be used to measure them. It additionally provides empirical evidence and gives examples of these intangibles through the analysis of 25 international family firms. Research limitations/implications – The difficulty in collecting all the human capital intangibles of family firms; the problems associated with the creation of accurate indicators; and those specific to the research methodology adopted. Practical implications – Identifying the human capital intangibles of family firms and their indicators can help managers become aware of their importance, and this will consequently help them improve their management. This could be an interesting starting point to value these intangibles in the balance sheet as well as to draw comparisons between family and non-family organisations. Originality/value – The framework provided by family firms sheds light on several intangibles specific to these firms – precisely for their condition as “family” firms. Those intangibles – human capital intangibles being especially highlighted in this study – provide the basis for the achievement of competitive advantages.

The circular economy, environmental performance and environmental management systems: the role of absorptive capacity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Marrucci ◽  
Tiberio Daddi ◽  
Fabio Iraldo
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Environmental Management System ◽  
General Interest ◽  
Environmental Certification ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Despite the general interest in the circular economy, organisations have difficulties in implementing circular practices. Developing absorptive capacity (ACAP) may foster circularity among organisations. The paper aims to shed light on relationship between ACAP and organisational performance. Design/methodology/approach To empirically investigate the contribution of ACAP in circular economy implementation, the authors analysed a European sample of more than 800 Eco-Management and Audit Scheme-registered organisations through partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings The analysis demonstrates that ACAP and the underlying organisational activities of a firm significantly facilitate the implementation of a circular economy and the internalisation of an environmental management system (EMS), which consequently improve the overall performance of organisations. The authors found that the diffusion of the circular economy in the organisations’ environment does not affect their commitment to implement a circular economy. Originality/value The study expands the academic literature by framing the concept of the circular economy with ACAP theory, thereby highlighting the contribution of acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation. The results also provide useful insights for practitioners highlighting how organisations with an environmental certification can identify and pursue opportunities deriving from a circular economy. Finally, the research contributes to the debate on the effect of internalising EMSs and how ACAP improves economic performance, environmental performance and reputation.

International assignments of employees and entrepreneurial intentions: the mediating role of human capital, social capital and career prospects

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1259-1279
Author(s):  
Susanne Schlepphorst ◽  
Elizabeth C. Koetter ◽  
Arndt Werner ◽  
Christian Soost ◽  
Petra Moog
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Corporate Entrepreneurship ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
International Assignments ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeDrawing on human capital (HC) and social capital (SC) as well as the Jack-of-all-trades theory, this paper aims to clarify the relationship between international assignments (IAs) of employees and their entrepreneurial intentions. The study proposes that such IAs provide specific environmental features which may enable employees to build up diverse skills and network relations conducive to entrepreneuship.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected data using an online survey, targeting professionals and managers in Germany and Switzerland. They used 223 complete responses. Before data collection, they ensured the suitability of their questionnaire by employing well-tested scales and consulted independent experts in survey design and methodology. They tested their hypotheses by applying multiple mediation modeling.FindingsAs hypothesized, the authors find empirical evidence that diverse skills and network relationships as well as poor career prospects, positively mediate the relationship between IAs and entrepreneurial intentions of employees.Research limitations/implicationsWe applied simple random and the snowball sampling method. Our approach involved the use of headhunters, international employers and relocation companies as multipliers.Practical implicationsOur results have practical implications for employees and employers. Employees on international assignments can proactively pursue opportunities in order to utilize the acquired experiences and resources for taking up entrepreneurial activities. Employers can try to retain these employees to facilitate (international) corporate entrepreneurship.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first empirical study to highlight the entrepreneurial ambitions of international assignees. It thus provides initial insights into this topic.

scholarly journals Towards a qualitative understanding of human capital in entrepreneurship research

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimo Dimov
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurship Research ◽  
Qualitative Understanding ◽  
Empirical Typology ◽  
Managerial Experience ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Industry Experience

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to revisit the conceptualization and measurement of human capital in entrepreneurship research. Design/methodology/approach By contrasting reflective and formative conceptions, it shows that human capital is more appropriately seen as defined and formed by its indicators (education, work experience, entrepreneurial experience, industry experience, and managerial experience). It, then, explores the configurations of these indicators in a qualitative comparative analysis framework based on Boolean algebra and fuzzy-set methodology. It derives an empirical typology of the human capital of nascent entrepreneurs, based on two primary combinations of indicators. Findings The paper shows that the relationship between human capital and venture emergence is best represented as multiple, conjectural causation, i.e. human capital matters through certain combinations of its indicators. Originality/value The discussion and results offer novel and valuable insights into entrepreneurship researchers for the conceptualization and use of human capital constructs.

Environmental index for Finnish construction sites

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olli Teriö ◽  
Jaakko Sorri ◽  
Kalle Kähkönen ◽  
Jukka Hämäläinen
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Material Handling ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Construction Sites ◽  
Environmental Index ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Simple Index ◽  
Starting Point

Purpose – The primary aim of this study was to better understand the grounds to develop a monitoring and performance measurement method to support the environmental management of construction operations. The practical purpose was to improve environmental activities in construction sites. This study helps to fill the gap between environmental needs and practices on construction sites. Design/methodology/approach – Action research was the principal research method. The research procedure was executed in collaboration with construction companies. The EICS meter was originally developed to create rules for environmental competition between construction sites. Since the time of this competition, the meter has been further improved in other studies. Findings – Based on the literature and feedback gained in the testing round of the EICS, five relevant categories were formulated to evaluate environmental operations: environmental information management, waste management, material handling and shielding, energy use and emissions. A simple index method was applied for these five categories. Furthermore, observation targets and acceptance criteria were defined for these categories. The meter supports environmental management in practise. The method can be used to analyse the starting point level when developing environmental processes. Originality/value – This study offers insights based on action research for both academics and practitioners. The meter is outlined for Nordic conditions, but the structure of the method is also suitable elsewhere. The national demands can be locally fine-tuned.

How can consumer involvement be changed through communication campaigns? An information content choice model applied to the olive oil case

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Garrido-Castro ◽  
Eva María Murgado-Armenteros ◽  
Francisco José Torres-Ruiz
Keyword(s):  
Olive Oil ◽  
Information Content ◽  
Choice Model ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Consumer Involvement ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Objective Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Communication Campaigns

PurposeInvolvement has been one of the most studied variables in the field of marketing due to its determinant role in consumer behaviour, but always as a contextual or mediating variable. Taking its relationship with knowledge as the starting point, in this work, the purpose of this paper is to examine how to use the choice of information content in communication campaigns to drive up the level of involvement. A new method based on Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) models is applied to the case of olive oil.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative research has been used for the proposed objectives of this work. Specifically, a computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) has been conducted in several Spanish provinces using a structured questionnaire. Data obtained from 829 consumers are used.FindingsThe results support that consumer involvement with the product is related to objective knowledge about the product and its demand. Moreover, involvement can be modified through objective knowledge or information. Specifically, consumer involvement can be increased by the choice and communication of an optimal combination of five specific pieces of information (SPIs)Originality/valueIn this paper, involvement is considered as a result variable, i.e. a variable that can be modified or increased. This greater involvement can be achieved by improving the level of objective knowledge about a product. In addition, a new model is used and its viability is demonstrated and its ease of application to agri-food context.

scholarly journals Evaluation of knowledge, halal quality assurance practices and commitment among food industries in Malaysia

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (8) ◽  
pp. 2033-2052 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baharudin Othman ◽  
Sharifudin Md Shaarani ◽  
Arsiah Bahron
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Islamic Law ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Industries ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Certification Body ◽  
Halal Food ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of knowledge, halal dietary quality assurance practices, and commitment among food industries in the implementation of halal in Malaysia. Besides, the study was based on two categories that are considered major contributors in the chain of halal food sector in Malaysia which are the multinational, and small medium enterprise (SME). Design/methodology/approach – Two company’s categories related to halal food and beverage industry which are the multinational, and SME were chosen in this research based on the similarities in terms of functions and needs in the implementation of halal in Malaysia. Furthermore, both categories are the main groups in the halal food sector that support the growth of other categories. The sample of the study was comprised of 241 companies from halal certification holders (MNCs=69; SMEs=172).Cross-sectional study through random sampling and purposive sampling was used where the internal halal committee who have been specifically appointed in the organization were asked to fill in the questionnaire. Personally hand-delivered questionnaires in workplaces was used as a method of data collection. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Findings – Based on the analysis, it was found that the level of knowledge, halal quality assurance practices and commitment to be at a good level. Whereas the results of inference showed that there are significant differences for the three variables studied. Research limitations/implications – In the study there are some limitations, namely; first, the categories studied are focussed solely on halal food industry. Halal now been expanded to other products such as pharmaceutical, logistics, etc. Second, the standards used are the standard and guidelines on the handling of food. Finally, the limitations in obtaining more respondents as most industry in Malaysia is still concerned to provide feedback and view it as the secrecy of the company. Practical implications – First, the implication of the theory and literature studies in which the research prevalence is associated with the ISO quality and quality management, integration of multiple disciplines and concepts is essential as a combination of elements of human capital and strategic management. Second, on behalf of the government or specially-appointed halal certification body, it can give a clear picture of the exposure and promotion related to the deed, procedures, and guidelines have gone through several changes and amendments. In addition, it is also able to evaluate the effectiveness of a number of conditions that are required such as internal halal appointment committee. Third for industry practitioners, focussing in delivering halal standards is not dependent on the system, working patterns, and technologies alone, but should also take into account the element of human capital and organizational responsibility in maintaining halal integrity and enhancing the knowledge and halal dietary management in accordance with the requirements of Islamic law and fatwa. Social implications – On behalf of the users, the confidence is there and in order to produce a halal product, it involves a fairly strict chain and has always been regulated by a special committee whose role are meeting the needs outlined halal standards. Originality/value – The study is the starting point in discussing in detail about the halal knowledge, halal quality assurance, and commitment after the standardization and harmonization of halal certification in early 2012. Furthermore, there are a few revisions on the act, standards, and procedures by the halal certification body, which halal assurance should be implemented and considered still new.

Reflections on the theme issue outcomes

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-256
Author(s):  
Richard Teare
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Workforce Development ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Human Capital Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism Industry ◽  
Capital Development

Purpose This paper aims to profile the Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes issue “What are the issues facing human capital development in the hotel industry in Nigeria and how might they be addressed?” with reference to the experiences of the theme editors, contributors from industry and academia and the theme issue outcomes. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for their theme issue question, the starting-point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process. Findings Concerns have been raised about the absence of a strategic government policy for human capital development in Nigeria’s tourism sector, a task that individual businesses address in a fragmented and inefficient manner – and sometimes not at all. Likewise, a weak regulatory framework has given rise to imbalances in the employment relationship and business operations that do not create an enabling environment, a primary condition for developing knowledge, skills and attitude to acceptable service levels. Practical implications This paper reflects a sustained dialogue between leading Nigerian academics and senior industry practitioners about the barriers to workforce development and ways of unlocking the potential that exists for employment and professional development in hospitality and tourism. Originality/value This paper reports on the first comprehensive set of discussions between academics and practitioners about the human capital development challenges facing the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria. Specifically, the theme issue identifies key action steps needed to keep pace with industry development in Nigeria – the largest and fastest growing market in Africa.

scholarly journals Resource configurations for new family venture growth

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 521-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark R. Mallon ◽  
Stephen E. Lanivich ◽  
Ryan L. Klinger
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Family Business ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Financial Capital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Family ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Shed Light

Purpose Sustainable Family Business Theory states that human, social, and financial capital are important for new family venture growth, yet there may be multiple combinations that could be beneficial. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether all three types of resources are always needed for growth. Design/methodology/approach Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis, a configurational method, is used to investigate which combinations of human, social, and financial capital consistently lead to new family venture growth. Findings Multiple distinct combinations of resources – usually containing some form of human capital along with either social or financial capital – were sufficient for new family ventures to grow. Research limitations/implications The findings contribute to a more accurate Sustainable Family Business Theory in terms of the resource bundles needed to achieve growth. Not all three primary resources are needed at founding for the venture to grow. Results suggest a need for renewed focus on human capital in family venture research, as well as further investigations of the resource configurations uncovered here and their effects on family firm outcomes. Practical implications Given the costs associated with acquiring resources, the findings can inform family entrepreneurs and other stakeholders purposed with assisting new family ventures regarding optimal avenues of achieving growth. Originality/value This study advances theory by demonstrating which combinations of primary resources lead to new family venture growth. The findings shed light on how human, social, and financial capital may substitute for each other, as well as how the value of each depends on the presence or absence of the others.

scholarly journals Should I stay or should I go? Skilled immigrants' perceived brain-waste and social embeddedness

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farveh Farivar ◽  
Roslyn Cameron ◽  
Jaya A.R. Dantas
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Workplace Discrimination ◽  
Social Embeddedness ◽  
Theoretic Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Skilled Immigrants ◽  
Specific Human Capital ◽  
Country Specific

PurposeDrawing on embeddedness theory, we examine how skilled immigrants' perceived brain-waste affects their social embeddedness. Social embeddedness facilitates the acquisition of host country-specific human capital, which, in return, can accelerate the transfer of immigrants' human capital in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 397 skilled immigrants in Australia participated in this study. We applied a set-theoretic approach to decode the complexity and interplay among the key concepts used in this study.FindingsWe found the impacts of psychological workplace wellbeing and workplace discrimination on social embeddedness differ between skilled immigrants who experience perceived brain-waste and skilled immigrants whose skills were recognized by employers. The results suggest that job satisfaction is the most critical factor contributing to social embeddedness among skilled immigrants who did not report brain-waste. Furthermore, we found that married skilled male immigrants who reported brain-waste still could embed socially if they did not directly experience workplace discrimination.Originality/valueThe majority of previous studies have compared skilled immigrants with their local-born colleagues, but we compared two groups of skilled migrants in the current study. We adopted fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to test how unique configurations of several variables can ease their social embeddedness into the host society.

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