scholarly journals Keeping it in the family: exploring Igbo ethnic entrepreneurial behaviour in Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Agu Igwe ◽  
Robert Newbery ◽  
Nihar Amoncar ◽  
Gareth R.T. White ◽  
Nnamdi O. Madichie
Keyword(s):  
Role Models ◽  
Extended Family ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Family Culture ◽  
Entrepreneurial Behaviour ◽  
Igbo Culture ◽  
African Context ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the attributes of the Igbos in Eastern Nigeria and the underlying factors influencing their entrepreneurial behaviour. More specifically, the study highlights the links between family, culture, institution and entrepreneurial behaviour in the African context. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a qualitative research method by interviewing 50 entrepreneurs and community leaders of the Igbo nation. Igbos have been described as “naturally enterprising and ingenious” and can be found throughout Nigeria and West Africa. Understanding the vagaries of ethnic entrepreneurship can arguably only be achieved through research that is undertaken within these socio-historically rich, traditional and cultural contexts. Findings Linked to the social learning theory, Igbo families provide an entrepreneurial leadership platform which influences youths through role models, providing mastery experiences and socialisation. The extended family provides a safe environment for risk taking, creativity and innovation. Also, an informal apprenticeship system provides entrepreneurial learning that prepares the younger generation to take to business as a way of life. Research limitations/implications The study is based on a relatively small sample size of 50 respondents, which makes it difficult to generalise the findings despite the benefits of the research methods adopted in the study. Also, there are limitations to the extension of the findings to a generalised Igbo population comprising individuals who may, or may not, behave entrepreneurially. Practical implications There are significant practical implications, both nationally and internationally, for policy makers that are concerned with developing jobs for the growing population of unemployed youths and inclusive entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Originality/value The research has three main contributions. First, it valorises indigenous knowledge of family and institutional entrepreneurial behaviour in an African context. Second, it highlights the importance of the linked institutions of the extended family and the informal apprenticeship system in Igbo culture. Finally, it provides a model and an explanation of how the Igbo culture nurtures and develops transgenerational entrepreneurial behaviour.

Exploring digital servitization trajectories within product–service–software space

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Hsuan ◽  
Marin Jovanovic ◽  
Diego Honorato Clemente
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Software Systems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Ecosystem ◽  
Product Service ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Mapping Exercise

PurposeThis study shows various pathways manufacturers can take when embarking on digital servitization (DS) journeys. It builds on the DS and modularity literature to map the strategic trajectories of product–service–software (PSSw) configurations.Design/methodology/approachThe study is exploratory and based on the inductive theory building method. The empirical data were gathered through a workshop with focus groups of 15 servitization manufacturers (with 22 respondents), an on-site workshop (in-depth case study), semi-structured interviews, observations and document study of archival data.FindingsThe DS trajectories are idiosyncratic and dependent on design architectures of PSSw modules, balancing choices between standardization and innovation. The adoption of software systems depends on the maturity of the industry-specific digital ecosystem. Decomposition and integration of PSSw modules facilitate DS transition through business model modularity. Seven testable propositions are presented.Research limitations/implicationsWith the small sample size from different industries and one in-depth case study, generalizing the findings was not possible.Practical implicationsThe mapping exercise is powerful when top management from different functional departments can participate together to share their expertise and achieve consensus. It logs the “states” that the manufacturer undergoes over time.Originality/valueThe Digital Servitization Cube serves as a conceptual framework for manufacturers to systematically map and categorize their current and future PSSw strategies. It bridges the cross-disciplinary theoretical discussion in DS.

Reluctant managers: Methodist ministers and management

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 680-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Guerrier ◽  
Christopher Bond
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Body ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Language And Identity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Size Limits ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a research from a study undertaken with Methodist circuit ministers in the UK and those that work closely with them. It considers in what way and to what extent ministers think of themselves as managers and to what extent and in what way they are expected to perform as managers by those they work with. Design/methodology/approach – The research that informs this paper was gathered through a qualitative study which involved in-depth semi-structured interviews with 22 participants both Methodist ministers and those who worked closely with them. Findings – The study shows that, whilst those who work with ministers typically do not problematize management and expect managers to be able to perform management tasks, the ministers themselves are ambiguous about or rejecting of the discourse of management. Research limitations/implications – The relatively small sample size limits generalizability. Practical implications – The study challenges trainers in this context and in other contexts where the “language” of management is contested or rejected to find a discourse of management which is acceptable. Originality/value – The study contributes to the small body of literature on management and the development of managers within religious organizations. It contributes to the literature on managerial identity and the importance of management language in becoming a manager by presenting an example where this language and identity is contested or rejected.

scholarly journals Competing paradigms of flood management in the Scottish/English borderlands

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Cook ◽  
John Forrester ◽  
Louise Bracken ◽  
Christopher Spray ◽  
Elizabeth Oughton
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Professional Community ◽  
Flood Management ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Regimes ◽  
The Government ◽  
Innovative Techniques ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how flood management practitioners rationalise the emergence of sustainable flood management. Key to this analysis are differences rooted in assumptions over what flood management is and should do. Design/methodology/approach – The popularity of natural flood management offers a case with which to explore how a dominant framing persists and how individuals at the government-public interface negotiate different visions of future flood management. The authors draw on the perceptions of flood experts, elucidating a deep hold amongst a professional community “grounded” in science and economics, but also their desire to innovate and become more open to innovative practices. Findings – The authors show how the idea of “sustainable” and “natural” flood management are understood by those doing flood management, which is with reference to pre-existing technical practices. Research limitations/implications – This paper explores the views of expert decision making, which suffers from challenges associated with small sample size. As such, the findings must be tempered, but with recognition for the influence of a small group of individuals who determine the nature of flood management in Scotland. Practical implications – The authors conclude that, in the context of this study, a technical framing persists by predetermining the criteria by which innovative techniques are judged. Originality/value – Broadly, these findings contribute to debates over the evolution of flood management regimes. This recognises the importance of events while also emphasising the preparations that shape the context and norms of the flood management community between events.

scholarly journals Contemporary young motherhood: experiences of hostility

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry Fearnley
Keyword(s):  
Young Women ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Narrative Approach ◽  
Young Mothers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Everyday Lives ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the hostility many young women who are also mothers experience within their everyday lives.Design/methodology/approachThe paper will draw on qualitative research, incorporating a narrative approach, to illustrate the hostility many young mothers experience on a daily basis. The research design included a focus group, semi-structure interviews and participant observations.FindingsThe paper reports the findings of a study that explored the experiences of young women who are also mothers. The author presents the findings that indicate that many young women, who are also young mothers, experience hostile reactions and interactions as part of their everyday lives.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size means that this study cannot be generalised, but it does contribute to the growing body of qualitative evidence in relation to young mothers.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that there needs to be more recognition and acknowledgement of the hostility young women experience. Such hostility could have deleterious consequences on the young women, their parenting ability and also on the children.Originality/valueThis paper documents the experiences of young women who are also mothers and how they experience hostility as a daily occurrence. The hostility ranged from verbal to non-verbal and how they felt they were being treated, inferences about their sexuality to stereotyping.

Mapping the concepts evoked by a destination: an approach to the study of a holistic destination image

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 324-340
Author(s):  
Vanesa F. Guzman-Parra ◽  
Juan Trespalacios Gutierrez ◽  
José Roberto Vila-Oblitas
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Rural Tourism ◽  
Destination Image ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Target Segment ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to demonstrate the application of computer-aided text analysis (CATA) software in identifying primary associations and impressions of a specified tourist destination. Design/methodology/approach The Leximancer software is applied on primary information to analyze the concepts evoked by a destination. Because no specific planning has been done for destination image marketing strategies for rural tourism in Andalusia, this study visualizes and determines clusters of the main attributes associated with this destination. Findings The analysis identifies the main clusters among associations and impressions of the destination that can be useful in developing strategies. Research limitations/implications Only a target segment is studied, with a relatively small sample size. Practical implications Leximancer can not only be applied to online user-generated content, but primary information can also be mapped to generate a holistic destination image. Furthermore, identification of the relevant attributes and impressions can serve to identify unique assets to help tourism organizations develop a destination. Social implications Several implications concerning destination marketing are outlined. Originality/value Although previous studies have applied Leximancer and other CATA software, the present research uses a new approach. Deriving the primary information on destination image using an unstructured methodology, the concepts evoked by a destination are mapped. Because there is a lack of research on rural tourism in Andalusia and its destination image, its associated attributes are studied.

scholarly journals The conundrum of professionalising building surveying in Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 621-634
Author(s):  
Abdul-Rashid Abdul-Aziz ◽  
Subashini Suresh ◽  
Suresh Renukappa
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Traditional Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Demand ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Elite Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Auxiliary Role

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to track the series of setbacks by a few like-minded persons since the early 1990s to entrench building surveying as a profession in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachData were sourced from elite interviews with authoritative individuals who have been championing building surveying as a profession and supplemented by secondary sources.FindingsEstablished professional bodies became hostile to what they perceived as attempts to encroach on their professional jurisdictions. There was even a move to subjugate building surveyors to the auxiliary role. The ultimate aim to obtain statutory “ring fence” around the proposed building surveying profession did not find favour with lawmakers.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of small sample size was compensated by referral to past publications.Practical implicationsLatecomers face an uphill challenge in negotiating for legitimacy from established professions and lawmakers alike in a situation when no new work demand avails. Building surveyors in Malaysia have to either wait for external changes which would allow their traditional role to be formally recognised or take up new specialisations.Originality/valueAdditional empirical findings were uncovered to complement past studies. The main contribution lies in demonstrating the explanatory powers of the sociological lens for future studies on professions in the construction industry.

Global HRM standards as boundary objects: a device to enhance legitimacy and status

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 1089-1103
Author(s):  
Ylva Ulfsdotter Eriksson
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Standards ◽  
Specific Occupation ◽  
The Given ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Legitimacy Status ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose In 2016, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) introduced new standards for human resource management (HRM). The purpose of this paper is to describe and explain the significance that human resource (HR) professionals attribute to global HRM standards, what outcomes they envisage for the profession and organizations, and what influences engagement in the standardization project. Design/methodology/approach The analyses interpret the relationship between standards, professions, and organizations by combining theories of professions with concepts from institutional theory. The study is ethnographic and consists of observations of meetings and interviews with eight participants from the Swedish committee participating in the ISO project. Findings HR professionals consider HRM standards positive for the profession’s legitimacy, status, and development, which are also considered beneficial for organizations. However, difficulties in recruiting participants and organizations to the standardization project may prevent positive exchanges for the profession, and point to a weak interest in HRM issues from the HR professionals themselves. Research limitations/implications The generalizability of the results is somewhat limited due to the small sample size. Nevertheless, the study provides insights into how HR professionals reason about their profession and professionalization. Practical implications Gaining insights into the forthcoming global standards for HRM is important for HR professionals. These standards may be implemented in organizations worldwide and affect how HRM is conducted, and therefore also have a profound effect on the profession. Originality/value The ISO’s targeting of a specific occupation is unique. The paper contributes with the knowledge on how professionals relates to standardization of the given field.

Value-based selling: a multi-component exploration

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 360-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Kienzler ◽  
Daniel Kindström ◽  
Thomas Brashear-Alejandro
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Sales Performance ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Support ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate factors that affect the use of value-based selling and the subsequent influences on salespeople’s sales performance.Design/methodology/approachIndustrial salespeople from five steel manufacturers were surveyed. Scales measure three components of value-based selling: comprehension, crafting and confirmation. Partial least squares path analysis tested the conceptual model.FindingsSalespeople’s learning orientation has the greatest impact on the use of value-based selling. Managerial support exerts a positive effect on crafting. Salespeople’s experience has a positive impact on comprehension and confirmation. The implementation of value-based selling has a positive effect on sales performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is cross-sectional, with a small sample size (n= 60). The data were collected from a single source (i.e. salespeople).Practical implicationsThe results suggest that value-based selling is a multi-component sales process that requires balancing managerial actions among individual and organizational factors.Originality/valueThis paper presents a broad evaluation of measures and assessments of value-based selling in business-to-business sales settings. The findings provide new elaborations on the theoretical and practical implications of value-based selling and reveal which individual and organizational factors affect the usage of value-based selling.

Self-initiated expatriation (SIE) by older women: an exploratory study

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Myers ◽  
Kerr Inkson ◽  
Judith K. Pringle
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the SIE experiences of women over 50, its drivers, nature and outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on participant data from in-depth life story interviews with 21 women who had undertaken SIE from New Zealand and later returned. From this sample two subgroups (aid volunteers and contract carers) are utilized as “vignette” exemplars, and common factors elicited. Findings SIE provided a desirable liberation from pressing mid-life issues. It was transformational for all participants, sometimes through serendipitous career development, but more commonly, after return, through personal development, changes in values, decreased emphasis on paid work, and simpler lifestyle. Research limitations/implications The small sample size and qualitative methodology make the study exploratory rather than definitive and the specific location and small sample size limit transferability. The snowballing recruitment method may have disproportionately encouraged similar, and positively disposed, participants. Practical implications The availability and special characteristics of this expatriate and repatriate group for potential employing organizations are considered, as are the gains in human capital and individual well-being to society as a whole. The women studied provide excellent role models for older women considering independent overseas travel and employment. Originality/value By focusing on older women, this study extends the boundaries of the SIE literature. The findings highlight the limitations of work-centric theories of SIE, careers and older workers, the non-linear nature of women’s careers and the heterogeneity of later life pathways. The study is also original in demonstrating major positive transformational effects of expatriation on all its participants.

Discerning product benefits through visual thematic analysis

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhilash Ponnam ◽  
Jagrook Dawra
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Data Reduction ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Focus Group Method ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThere is a lack of a framework that explicates how to determine the benefits that consumers desire from a product. The purpose of this article is to formulate a scientific procedure for discerning the benefits that consumers seek from a product. The authors term this procedure as visual thematic analysis (VTA). VTA procedure is illustrated through discerning the benefits of mainstream (non‐financial) English newspapers.Design/methodology/approachThe focus group method was used to collect data. These data were analyzed using visual thematic analysis which involves using multiple investigators and multi‐dimensional scaling techniques in stages.FindingsA total of 26 newspaper attributes combined to form eight distinct newspaper benefits namely ease of comprehension, journalistic values, critical insights, general news, entertainment, well‐being, classifieds and offers.Practical implicationsObtained results may be used further: to segment the newspaper market based upon benefits sought, to position newspapers within the desired segment(s) and to fashion product mix in a way that appeals to the targeted segment(s).Originality/valueThis paper proposes a new method called “visual thematic analysis” for data reduction. One such application of VTA is “discerning product benefits” which is discussed in detail. Other applications of this technique that are mentioned in the paper are in the areas of data reduction when researcher confronts small sample size, data reduction of categorical variables and scale development.

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