scholarly journals Evaluating people-related resilience and non-resilience barriers of SMEs’ internationalisation

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahfuzur Rahman ◽  
John Mendy

Purpose People-related factors are very significant barriers for the internationalisation of large and small firms. Although the literature has identified a number of steps that SMEs need to take to increase their resilience in international markets, a study that identifies both the resilience and non-resilience barriers for SME internationalisation has not been undertaken in the scientific fields Human Resource Management and International Business. This paper aims to examine resilience and non-resilience barriers faced by SMEs in a developing country. In addition to the resilience literature, they examine non-resilience and combine its characteristics with resilience barriers from the Bangladeshi context. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative data analysis technique is used in this study to identify the impacts of these resilience/non-resilience issues’ internationalisation of SMEs both from micro and macro levels. This study has used primary data collected through the questionnaires from 212 Bangladeshi SMEs. Based on the data, this study has developed and validated partial least square-based structural equation model to assess the impacts of resilience factors on the internationalisation of SMEs with particular attention to entrepreneurial attractiveness. Findings It has successfully framed resilience vs non-resilience barriers of the internationalisation of SMEs as a second-order hierarchical reflective model and found that internationalisation of SMEs is significantly influenced by the resilience factors where language and related socio-cultural issues are marginally more significant. Research limitations/implications A couple of limitations include the following. First, concentrating on resilience and non-resilience serves as a limitation as the authors could have had resilience vs other categories such political, economic, legal and technological barriers. Second, they have mainly used cross-sectional data by using the survey method. This study could have been better served had they also tried to combine the use of qualitative analysis as attempted elsewhere. Practical implications Practically, this study researched in an area which was neglected and under-reported by existing studies. Its exploration showed that it has potential to contribute significantly to the policymakers and implementers, as it comprises SMEs and emerging countries. It has been noted in the literature that these economies and firms are less capable to conduct research independently, as they are resource-constrained. Social implications The results reveal that both resilience- and non-resilience-related barriers are significant to SMEs internationalisation. However, if policymakers were to give priority to any one of these, they should give marginally more priority to resilience-type barriers compared to the non-resilience barriers to internationalisation. Originality/value To date, studies on resilience have concentrated on identifying challenges faced by firms and what types of behaviours are required by individual members so as to enhance survival. However, there are no studies so far on identifying or even modelling both resilience and non-resilience barriers within the context of SMEs internationalisation in developing countries. This study combines resilience and non-resilience factors in a model to find out their contribution especially in the under explored area of non-resilience from a Bangladeshi contextual perspective that seeks to encourage international entrepreneurship.

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 300-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahari Mohamed ◽  
Noor Azlinna Azizan

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to advance healthcare service quality research using hierarchical component models. Design/methodology/approach – This study used a quantitative approach with cross-sectional design as a survey method, combining cluster and convenience sampling and partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to validate the research model and test the hypotheses. Findings – The study extends health service quality literature by showing that: patient satisfaction (PS) is dominant, significant and indirect determinant of behavioural compliance (BC); perceived service quality has the strongest effect on BC via PS. Research limitations/implications – Only one hospital was evaluated. Practical implications – The study provides managers with a service quality model for conducting integrated service delivery systems analysis and design. Originality/value – Overall, the study makes a significant contribution to healthcare organizations, better health outcomes for patients and better quality of life for the community.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Al-Dhaafri ◽  
Mohammed Saleh Alosani

Purpose The purpose of this study is to study the collective effect of leadership, strategic planning and entrepreneurial organizational culture (EOC) on organizational excellence. Design/methodology/approach Using primary data obtained through a survey questionnaire, hypotheses have been developed for testing. Out of a total of 565 questionnaires, only 355 questionnaires were returned where data were collected from the Dubai police organization. The structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was used to analyse the collected data. Findings Statistical findings using SEM-partial least square confirmed the full mediating role of strategic planning as a mechanism between leadership and organizational excellence. In addition, the results reported a significant effect of leadership on strategic planning besides its impact on organizational excellence. Practical implications Results reported many valuable implications. The outcomes of this study have practical implications that will help managers, decision-makers and practitioners to consider the study’s variables to enhance the overall performance through achieving excellence. Originality/value The collective role of leadership, strategic planning, EOC and organizational excellence is studied as one of the most important empirical studies which bring original contribution to the existing body of knowledge.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hardius Usman ◽  
Chairy Chairy ◽  
Nucke Widowati Kusumo Projo

Purpose The purpose of this study are: to study the difference between halal awareness and halal certified awareness, and the relationship between the two variables; to study the differences in knowledge about halal and halal certified, as well as their relationship with halal awareness and halal certified awareness; and to build and test research models regarding factors that affect certified halal awareness. Design/methodology/approach The target population is Muslims who live in Indonesia and are 18 years old or more. The self-administered survey method is carried out based on a purposive sampling technique. The authors collect data from 428 Muslim respondents in Indonesia through an online survey. This study applies the partial least square–structural equation model to examine causal relationships and test hypotheses. Findings This study reveals several results: halal awareness is a different concept from halal-certified awareness; knowledge of halal is a different concept from knowledge of halal certificates; awareness is an outcome of knowledge, but knowledge is not an outcome of awareness; halal awareness has a significant effect on halal-certified awareness; knowledge about halal certificates has a significant effect on halal-certified awareness, but knowledge about halal does not have a significant effect; knowledge of halal certificates is not influenced by knowledge of halal and halal awareness; and exposure and religious commitment have a significant role in increasing knowledge and awareness. Originality/value Research that explores the difference between halal awareness and halal certified awareness, and Muslim knowledge about halal and halal certified, especially in the context of halal-certified food, is still very limited in the literature provided, if not unavailable. Furthermore, this study also builds and tests research models regarding the factors that affect certified halal awareness, which is limited or may not have been found in the literature.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Li ◽  
Ting Pan ◽  
Nan (Andy) Zhang

Purpose This paper is to investigate how employees respond to information security policies (ISPs) when they view the policies as a challenge rather than a hindrance to work. Specifically, the authors examine the roles of challenge security demands (i.e. continuity and mandatory) and psychological resources (i.e. personal and job resources) in influencing employees’ ISP non-compliance. Design/methodology/approach Applying a hypothetical scenario-based survey method, the authors tested our proposed model in six typical ISPs violation scenarios. In sum, 347 responses were collected from a global company. The data were analyzed using partial least square-based structural equation model. Findings Findings indicated that continuity and mandatory demands increased employees’ level of perseverance of effort, which, in turn, decreased their ISPs non-compliance intention. In addition, job resources, such as the trust enhancement gained from co-workers and the opportunities for professional development, enhanced the perseverance of effort. Practical implications The findings offer implications to practice by suggesting that organizations should design training programs to persuade employees to understand the ISPs in a positive way. Meanwhile, organizations should encourage employees to invest more personal resources by creating a trusting atmosphere and providing them opportunities to learn security knowledge and skills. Originality/value This study is among the few to empirically explore how employees respond and behave when they view the security policies as challenge stressors. The paper also provides a novel understanding of how psychological resources contribute to buffering ISP non-compliance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 817-837
Author(s):  
Godwin Mwesigye Ahimbisibwe ◽  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Muhammed Ngoma ◽  
Geoffrey Bakunda ◽  
Levi Bategeka Kabagambe

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether each level in international networking (network extension, network penetration and network integration) matters in the internationalization of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a cross-sectional and correlational research design. The data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 206 exporting SMEs in Uganda. The study employed a structural equation modelling (SEM) technique using partial least square (PLS) to test the hypothesis.FindingsThe findings revealed that network extension and network integration do matter in SMEs’ internationalization, while network penetration does not.Practical implicationsSMEs in developing countries need to concentrate on network extension and network integration levels to successfully internationalize their operations.Originality/valueThe study provides initial evidence on whether network extension, network penetration and network integration matter in SMEs’ internationalization in developing countries like Uganda.


2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 943-950
Author(s):  
Olawale FATOKI ◽  

Leaders can influence the prosocial behaviour of employees through their behaviour and action. The study investigated the effect of environmentally specific servant leadership (ESSL) on employees’ voluntary pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) in hospitality firms. In addition, the study examined the mediating role of harmonious environmental passion (HEP) in the relationship between ESSL and PEB. The study adopted the quantitative research design and the cross-sectional survey method was adopted for data collection. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM) with Smart-PLS 3.2.8 software was used for data analysis. The results indicated a significant positive relationship between ESSL and employees’ PEB. The mediating effect of HEP is significant. Theoretical, empirical and managerial implications are discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Farouk Kineber ◽  
Idris Othman ◽  
Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke ◽  
Nicholas Chileshe ◽  
Tarek Zayed

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between overcoming the value management (VM) implementation barriers and VM implementation in the Egyptian building sector. Design/methodology/approach A critical review of the literature on VM was used to through bibliometric analysis has been conducted to highlight the studies’ gap and establish the VM barriers. These obstacles were then contextually transformed via a semi-structured interview and a pilot study, and subsequently organized in the form of a theoretical model. The primary data was collected from 335 building stakeholders in Egypt through the administration of questionnaire surveys. Consequently, structural equation models of partial least squares were applied to statistically assess the final model of VM barriers. Findings The bibliometric analysis shows that there is an inadequate study on VM implementation barriers in the Egyptian construction industry and insufficient studies on implementing VM in developing countries. Results obtained from the proposed model showed that overcoming the VM barriers has a major connection with successful VM implementation. This is indicated with the value of ß = 0.743, which is necessary when the firm is overcoming 1 unit of VM barriers. Originality/value This study fills the knowledge gap by identifying and emphasizing the critical obstacles to VM implementation.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Ahmad Mahmoud ◽  
Shuhymee Ahmad ◽  
Donny Abdul Latief Poespowidjojo

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to extend the existing literature on the relationship between psychological empowerment and individual performance (IP) through the mediating role of intrapreneurial behaviour (IB). Therefore, the empowerment theory (ET) and psychological entrepreneurship theory (PET) were integrated to nurture the IP of medium enterprises (MEs) production/operations managers by analyzing the mediating influence of IB on the psychological empowerment–IP relationship.Design/methodology/approachSurvey method was engaged by means of self-administered questionnaire. Data were collected from a sample of 355 MEs production/operations managers and analysed with partial least square (PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsAccording to the results, Psychological empowerment (PE) has a significant direct relationship with both IB and IP. Equally, IB has a positive significant impact on IP. Moreover, the mediating influence of IB on the psychological empowerment–IP relationship was established.Practical implicationsThe result implies that MEs can stimulate the IP of production/operations managers by encouraging IB through psychological empowerment–IP relationship. Therefore, the psychological empowerment–IP relationship will manifest better when IB is invigorated among production/operations managers.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to examine the mediating influence of IB on the psychological empowerment–IP relationship, which revealed a significant contribution to both entrepreneurship and organizational behaviour literature. The IB literature is relatively lacking, particularly among developing countries and in particular Nigeria.


2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 461-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noemí Pérez-Macías ◽  
José Luis Fernández-Fernández ◽  
Antonio Rua Vieites

PurposeBased on Azjen’s (1991) theory of planned behavior, the purpose of this paper is to complement the existing body of knowledge on entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) by comparing two different university environments in Spain (online and face-to-face) and their impact on EIs of university students using two components of social capital (SC), trust and network ties as variables with influence on the antecedents of EIs.Design/methodology/approachA survey was administered to online and face-to-face students yielding a total sample of 302 and 204, respectively. Partial least square–structural equation modeling is the technique employed to perform the analysis.FindingsSC has a significant influence on EIs in both environments with greater effects online, as a consequence of the mediated role played by network ties between trust and the attitude toward the behavior, the subjective norm and consequently, EIs.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors used a cross-sectional method. However, it would be interesting to obtain longitudinal data to provide a more valid support for the study.Practical implicationsThis study provides insight into the important role played by network ties based on trust in the entrepreneurship process and in the university environment.Originality/valueThis study contributes to understanding the differential impact of SC (trust and network ties) on the antecedents of EIs between the students enrolled in different university environments using two non-parametric techniques Henseler’s multigroup analysis and the permutation test.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (15) ◽  
pp. 43-53
Author(s):  
Siti Nur Syuhada Musa ◽  
Siti Raba’ah Hamzah ◽  
Soaib Asimiran ◽  
Zulaiha Muda

This study investigated the antecedents of work engagement of Malaysian employees who were cancer survivors. Work engagement refers to a positive, fulfilling, work-related state of mind characterizing employees who work hard and persist despite difficulties. Employees with high levels of work engagement are deeply involved in what they do and are happily absorbed in their work. This study was aimed to examine the individual and work environment-related factors that influence work engagement. A quantitative research paradigm was adopted, with a cross-sectional design using data collected from cancer survivors registered at the Hospital Kuala Lumpur. The 270 participants in this study were randomly selected by inclusive criteria sampling. A validated instrument was tested in a pilot study. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was used to test the direct effects of work engagement. It was found that the level of all the tested variables (work engagement, employee resilience, social support, and quality of working life) among the participants were high. This study highlights the importance of resilience and social support in improving work engagement among cancer survivors in Malaysia.


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