Human resource and customer benefits through sustainable operations

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (12) ◽  
pp. 1719-1740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annachiara Longoni ◽  
Raffaella Cagliano
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Chain Model ◽  
Competitive Strategies ◽  
Sustainable Operations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Original Contribution ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Sustainable operations are increasingly part of firms’ competitive strategies. Research widely investigates the relationship between sustainable operations and competitive advantage, considering financial performance as a dependent variable, and shows controversial results. The purpose of this paper is to operationalize competitive advantage as internal and external intangible benefits, such as human resource (HR) and customer benefits. HR benefits concern the deployment of a workforce pursuing a firm’s goals and strategy; customer benefits concern the improvement of a firm’s relationship with its customers. Design/methodology/approach Empirical results are provided in an analysis of data from a survey conducted on a sample of 107 Italian firms in the food industry. A single industry and country are selected to avoid possible differences in regulations and in operations processes. Structural equation modelling is used to test hypotheses relating sustainable operations to HR and customer benefits. Findings The authors distinguish between green and social operations practices. Green operations practices directly impact customer benefits but not HR benefits. Social sustainable operations practices do not directly impact customer benefits but instead have a direct impact on HR benefits. Hence, through HR benefits, they have an indirect impact on customer benefits. Practical implications The authors provide results showing to operations managers that both green operations and social operations are crucial to obtaining customer benefits. Social operations do this by enhancing HR benefits. Green operations instead are not positively related to HR benefits. Originality/value This research serves as an original contribution to the sustainable operations literature in two ways. First, from a resource-based perspective, the relationship between sustainable operations, HR benefits, and customer benefits is proposed and tested. Such benefits are also shown to be interrelated based on the service profit chain model. Second, green and social operations practices are analysed separately providing a nuanced view of benefits related to sustainable operations.

How do retailers increase the benefits of buyer innovativeness?

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 571-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Changju Kim ◽  
Katsuyoshi Takashima ◽  
Stephen Newell
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Competitive Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Moderation Effect ◽  
Retail Strategy ◽  
Dependence Theory ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a model investigating the relationship among inter-departmental communication, buyer innovativeness, and retail competitiveness. The authors also explore whether a retail strategy of supply base diversification for managing suppliers moderates the association between innovativeness and competitiveness.Design/methodology/approachHypotheses were tested using a structural equation model and survey data drawn from general merchandise managers of 149 supermarket retailers in Japan.FindingsThe results indicate that inter-departmental communication between merchandising and store divisions drives innovativeness among retail buyers and ultimately strengthens firm competitiveness. Moreover, when buyer innovativeness is evident and less actively the retail buyers utilize supply base diversification, the stronger is the retailer’s competitiveness. The study failed to find any direct impact of inter-departmental communication on retail competitiveness.Practical implicationsThis study offers managerial insights into the roles that buyer innovativeness, inter-departmental communications, and supply base diversification play in developing effective competitive strategies.Originality/valueThis study makes two key contributions. First, it is novel in using inter-departmental communication to explain the antecedents of buyer innovativeness. Second, drawing on the power-dependence theory, the authors extend the well-established innovativeness-performance linkage by exploring the moderation effect of supply base diversification.

The effects of innovation speed and quality on differentiation and low-cost competitive advantage

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 305-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phong Ba Le ◽  
Hui Lei
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Quality ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to verify the effect of organizational learning (OL) and two specific aspects of innovation, innovation speed and innovation quality, on competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modeling has been applied to test the degree of influence of OL and innovation on two types of competitive advantage (differentiation and low-cost advantage) using data collected from 279 Chinese firms. Findings The findings show that innovation speed and quality play mediating roles in the relationship between OL and competitive advantage. In general, while innovation speed has greater effects on low-cost competitive advantage, OL and innovation quality have greater effects on differentiation competitive advantage. Research limitations/implications This paper offers directors/managers a deeper understanding of the factors necessary to promote competitive advantage in their firms. Practical implications This paper offers CEOs/managers a deeper understanding of the necessary factors needed to promote competitive advantage in their firms. Originality/value This paper provides practical and theoretical initiatives on innovation and competitive advantage that can be used to promote specific aspects of innovation and build up competitive advantage for relevant organizations.

Celebrity transgression and consumers’ forgiveness: does religiosity matter?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anwar Sadat Shimul ◽  
Matthew Barber ◽  
Mohammad Ishmam Abedin
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Intrinsic Religiosity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to examine the role of religiosity on consumers’ forgiveness when celebrities get involved in transgression. The celebrity’s reaction and its impact on consumers’ forgiveness is tested as well. In addition, consumers’ attitudes towards the brand and celebrity as well as purchase intention for the endorsed brand are examined both before and after the transgression. Design/methodology/approach Data (n = 356) were collected through a self-administered online survey and analysed though structural equation modelling in AMOS 26. Findings The results show that consumers’ attitude towards celebrity, brand and purchase intention gets weaker once the celebrity gets into transgression. Consumers tend to forgive more if the celebrity apologises (vs denies) for the wrongdoing. The hypothesised relationship between attitude towards celebrity and purchase intention did not sustain after the transgression. In addition, consumers’ intrinsic religiosity strengthens the relationship between attitude towards the celebrity and purchase intention. Practical implications The findings of this research present valuable implications for brands practitioners. Brands should formulate actionable contingency plans to mitigate the negative ramifications of celebrity transgressions. Specifically, intrinsic religiosity and celebrity apologies should assist consumers in forgiving the transgression and negate the implications that could have arisen if the celebrity instead denied the transgressions. Originality/value This research extends the previous research by examining religiosity and forgiveness within the context of celebrity transgressions. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first few research studies to consider the role religiosity plays in consumers’ intention to forgive celebrity transgressions.

The effect of talent management and human capital on sustainable business performance: an empirical investigation in Malaysian hospitals

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nagwan Abdulwahab AlQershi ◽  
Ramayah Thurasamy ◽  
Gamal Abdualmajed Ali ◽  
Hussein Abu Al-Rejal ◽  
Amr Al-Ganad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Talent Management ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to examine the mediating role of human capital on the talent management in hospitals’ sustainable business performance in the health-care sector of Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach The study used a quantitative approach, with an initial sample of 174 Malaysian hospitals. The theoretical framework was based on previous studies of talent management (TM), human capital (HC) and sustainable business performance (SBP). Partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the study’s hypotheses. Findings Talent management mindset (TMM), but not talent management strategy (TMS), has a significant relationship with HC and SBP. HC has a significant direct relationship with SBP, and also mediates the relationship between TMM and SBP but not between TMS and SBP. Research limitations/implications This work is one of a limited number of studies to empirically address TM, HC and SBP in this context. The study is limited to Malaysian hospitals. It provides theoretical contributions by broadening the knowledge of HC, TM and the multifocal perspective of hospitals’ SBP, a relevant but underexplored issue, offering several avenues for future research. Practical implications The findings have beneficial practical implications for both policy makers and managers. First, focusing on talented people will directly improve sustainable performance in the Malaysian health sector. The findings also have important theoretical implications both for Malaysia and countries in similar situations. The study will serve as a reference point for such countries in trying to understand factors influencing SBP. Originality/value This is the first study to examine the mediating effect of HC on the relationship between talent management and hospitals’ sustainable business performance in Malaysia, or worldwide.

The mediating effects of psychological contracts on the relationship between human resource management systems and organisational performance

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 1012-1033 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasia A. Katou
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Human Resource Management ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Psychological Contracts ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of human resource management (HRM) systems (expressed by content, process and climate) on organizational performance through the mediating role of psychological contracts (expressed by employer and employee promises fulfilment). Design/methodology/approach – The study examines theoretical relationships in the Greek context, based on structural equation modelling (SEM) estimation, using a sample of employees from both private and public sector organizations. Findings – The study finds that the impact of HRM content on organizational performance is less strong compared to its impact through HRM process. Additionally, the study finds that psychological contract partially and positively mediates the HRM – performance relationship, where the impact of HRM on organizational performance through employee promises fulfilment is stronger than that through employer promises fulfilment. Research limitations/implications – The study does not allow for appropriately investigating dynamic causal inferences due to the cross-sectional nature of data. Additionally, considering that Greece is experiencing a severe economic and financial crisis, the findings from this unique context may not generalize across borders. Practical implications – For improving organizational performance, managers and decision makers should make their HRM systems more visible, understandable, legitimate and relevant. At the same time they should make HRM systems more instrumental, valid and consistent of HR messages. Originality/value – Investigations into the relationship between HRM systems and organizational performance have become increasingly common. Nevertheless, empirical studies that measure the influence of HRM systems, which integrate both content and process, on organizational performance are still rare. This paper partially fills this gap.

A study of goal frames shaping pro-environmental behaviour in university students

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 1291-1310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpita Chakraborty ◽  
Manvendra Pratap Singh ◽  
Mousumi Roy
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Environmental Practices ◽  
Environmental Behaviour ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Goal Framing ◽  
Education In India ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of university in shaping pro-environmental behaviour in students. Design/methodology/approach The paper used goal-framing theory to investigate the relationship between goals and pro-environmental behaviour by comparing the responses of entry- and exit-level students. Structural equation modeling, one-way analysis of variance and other standard statistical analysis have been used to analyse the data collected through questionnaire survey in a central university offering technical education in India. Findings Pro-environmental intention in students increases with a strong normative goal. The direct and indirect effects indicate hedonic goal and gain goal via normative goal leads to better pro-environmental behaviour. Higher values for normative goal in exit-level students substantiates the role of university. Practical implications The paper provides scope to improvise and incorporate environmental practices into the habits of the students by aligning their goals and university dimensions including curriculum, campus operations, research and outreach activities. Originality/value The results make an important contribution in establishing a sustained green culture by offering a new university paradigm.

scholarly journals Antecedents and outcomes of brand love: utilitarian and symbolic brand qualities

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 656-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristela Maia Bairrada ◽  
Filipe Coelho ◽  
Arnaldo Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Information Processing Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Brand Love ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Premium Price ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Brand love is associated with consumer behaviours that are key for organisational performance. However, research on the antecedents of brand love is sparse. The current research draws on the information processing model as well as on the experiential approaches to consumer behaviour to develop a model comprising a novel set of antecedents. Design/methodology/approach To test the research hypotheses, we resort to two samples, which implied the collection of usable 1,018 questionnaires. For hypotheses testing, we resort to structural equation modelling. Findings Both functional constructs as well as more symbolic/emotional ones are positively associated with brand love. In addition, constructs with a more functional nature tend to have an indirect effect on brand love, whereas constructs with a higher level of abstraction tend to mediate the effects of more specific brand qualities. Finally, brand love is related with important outcomes, including loyalty, word of mouth and willingness to pay a premium price. Research/limitations implications This research has a cross-sectional nature. Moreover, we rely on a single informant, but the procedural remedies as well as the statistical tests we conducted suggest that common method variance is not a concern. Practical implications The findings suggest that managers should emphasise both functional as well as emotional/symbolic aspects to strengthen the links between brands and consumers, which will be beneficial for both sides. Originality/value This study is the first to investigate the relationship between a number of symbolic and functional brand aspects and the development of brand love feelings.

Antecedents to consumers’ showrooming behaviour: an integrated TAM-TPB framework

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 438-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sourabh Arora ◽  
Sangeeta Sahney
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Technology Acceptance Model ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Selective Sampling ◽  
Product Choices ◽  
Initial Move ◽  
Acceptance Model ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to propose an integrated framework utilizing the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and technology acceptance model (TAM) to augment the understanding on consumers’ showrooming behaviour. Design/methodology/approach Selective sampling was used for data collection. The integrated TAM-TPB framework led to 12 propositions, which were tested using partial least squares-structural equation modelling. Findings Both perceived relative search benefits offline and relative purchase benefits online significantly determined the consumers’ showrooming behaviour along with perceived ease purchasing online and the overall usefulness of the showrooming sequence. Results of the study revealed that the showrooming sequence helped consumers avoid the regret of making suboptimal product choices and paying a higher price for the same product. Online trust was found to partially mediate the relationship between consumers’ intention to showrooming and the actual showrooming behaviour. Research limitations/implications Notwithstanding the fact that further research is required to arrive at definitive conclusions, this study is an initial move towards understanding the consumers’ showrooming behaviour, and the research provides meaningful insights. Practical implications As showrooming substantially erodes profits, devising strategies to defend showrooming customers becomes crucial. The findings of the study provide the basis for formulating strategies to counter showrooming customers. Originality/value The paper is amongst the first studies which helps enhance the understanding of consumers’ showrooming behaviour, which is an emerging area in the present multi-channel retailing environment.

Role of virtues in the relationship between shame and tendency to plagiarise

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepika Pandoi ◽  
Sanjaya Singh Gaur ◽  
Anup Kumar Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Path Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Shame ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Plagiarism is an epidemic for scholars that needs to be managed. Penalties do not seem to be able to stop people from indulging in it. Manipulation of emotions and values may help in discouraging people from plagiarism. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to understand the association between felt emotion and plagiarism outcome behaviours. Another objective of the study is to see the role of virtues in discouraging people from plagiarism. Design/methodology/approach A scenario-based quasi-experimental method is used to collect the data. Graduate students from various Indian universities were invited for the experiment. The partial least square based structural equation modelling is used to test the measurement as well as path model. Findings The authors found that manipulated shame resulted in feelings of both international and external shame. When individuals feel internal shame, they avoid and discontinue plagiarism. They also try to repair the damage that they cause by plagiarism. However, feeling of external shame only encourages individuals to discontinue plagiarism behaviour. Virtues such as influence, competitiveness and equality weaken the relationship between internal shame and plagiarism-related outcome behaviour. At the same time, these virtues do not affect the relationship between external shame and outcome behaviours. Practical implications This study has important implications for the institutions of higher education. The study suggests that universities should provoke the emotion of shame through various communications to students to control the act of plagiarism by their students. Originality/value No study seems to have examined if the manipulation of emotions and values can help reduce the problem of plagiarism. This is an attempt towards bridging this important gap in literature. Therefore, findings of this study are of great value to scholars and content developers.

When is green a purchase motive? Different answers from different selves

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Martenson
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Benefits ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Consumer Survey ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
Purchase Criteria ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide new ways of thinking about what motivates consumers to choose the green alternative, ideas that will be helpful in reducing the unsatisfactory green attitude-behaviour gap. Consumers have many self-aspects. This paper shows why it is necessary to activate consumers’ pragmatic selves if we want to predict purchase behaviour. The pragmatic self is concerned with costs and reference prices. When researchers activate consumers’ idealistic selves, they get idealistic answers which deviate from actual behaviour. The study also distinguishes between green alternatives with desirable green or non-green self-benefits, and green alternatives with other-benefits that are difficult to comprehend. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on a consumer survey and the data is analysed with structural equation modelling. The concept environmental colour is introduced to understand purchase differences between different consumer segments on the market. Findings This study shows that consumers buy benefits, which is why dark brown consumers choose the green alternative when it has a competitive advantage. It also shows that the propensity to choose the green alternative is highest among consumers who in addition see green as a benefit and have the habit of buying other green products. Another result is that the green consumers have higher self-awareness than brown consumers and are very cost conscious. Practical implications Good decisions are based on what consumers actually do, not what they say they would like to do. This paper offers practical help on understanding consumers’ purchase criteria and how to activate their pragmatic selves. Much more could be done to promote the pro-self and pro-social benefits of making sustainable choices. Social implications To get a sustainable world, it is urgent to understand what motivates consumers to pay extra for environmentally friendly alternatives. Originality/value This paper offers new theoretical insights on how researchers can reduce the green gap.

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