Examining the influence of business environment on socio-economic performance of informal microenterprises

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 273-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eijaz Ahmed Khan ◽  
Mohammed Quaddus

Purpose – This study realize that the relationships between business environment and firm performance in context of small- and medium-sized enterprises and large organizations is well understood and focused, but less research has been done on microenterprises, especially in informal sector. The purpose of this paper is to examine these relationships. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed method research design was used. In the field study, data were obtained from 14 participants via one-to-one personal interview. Content analysis was applied to extract, classify, and cross-examine of the data. In the quantitative approach, questionnaire was developed and data were collected from 438 informal microenterprises (IMs) owners. The data were analysed using the partial least square structural equation modelling. Findings – Results from this field study and survey recognized these relationships and vibrates well with the existing literature and establish the hypothesis. Practical implications – In order to create more favourable environment and ensure the performance, the policy makers, professional bodies could formulate decent requirements for IMs to have a code of business practices and socio-economic performance. Originality/value – This study provides a first step towards business environment and firm performance in context IMs and makes several contributions to the literature.

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Baah ◽  
Douglas Opoku-Agyeman ◽  
Innocent Senyo Kwasi Acquah ◽  
Kassimu Issau ◽  
Farid Abdel Moro Abdoulaye

PurposeExploring ways to sustain competitive positions as well as improve firm performance through environmental production initiatives has been a major preoccupying topic for mostly practitioners and researchers. Despite several studies on the influence of environmental initiatives on firm performance, many questions remain unanswered as to how to further extract more gains from environmental production initiatives. This study, thus, explores environmental production practices impact on firm performance from proactive and reactive perspectives.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a survey research design, a quantitative approach and partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique in making data analysis and interpretations due to its suitability for predictive research models.FindingsThe results indicated that proactive environmental production practices positively related with process and environmental performances but negatively associated with financial performance. Although the findings contrast with majority of past findings, they gain the support of other scholars in establishing that early adoption stages of proactive environmental production initiatives strain financial capabilities and thus present a negative relationship. Reactive environmental production practices are positively and significantly related with process, environmental and financial performances.Originality/valueThe study is among the first to expose environmental production practices from a proactive and a reactive perspective and in the context of a developing country. As such, the study provides guidance to relevant authorities in further promoting sustainable production practices to preserve the environment by manufacturing safer consumer products through efficient sustainable production processes and practices.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Fonyee Nutsugah ◽  
Thomas Anning-Dorson ◽  
Stephen Mahama Braimah ◽  
Ernest Yaw Tweneboah-Koduah

PurposeThis study answers the question: “does the communication of environmental performance transmit positive overall firm performance?” The authors examine the influence of a company's environmental performance (EP) on its overall firm performance (FP) and the mediating role of integrated marketing communication (IMC) on the EP-FP relationship.Design/methodology/approachA survey of firms from the extractive, manufacturing and hospitality sectors of an emerging economy was used in testing our hypothesized relationships. Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used in analysing the data from 194 firms.FindingsThe study found that EP negatively and significantly influences FP directly. However, the introduction of IMC into the direct relationship changes this effect. IMC was, therefore, found to have a partial and complementary mediation effect on the relationship between EP and FP.Practical implicationsThe negative influence of EP on FP found explains the reluctance of companies towards environmental protection. However, if companies can utilize their communication capacity well enough in creating the necessary awareness among their stakeholder audiences, a positive relationship is created between EP and FP.Originality/valueThe benefits of EP to companies and how companies can turn their EP into gains were not clearly established in the literature. The current study has explained one of the boundary conditions that convert EP, which appears to be a cost to the firm, into a positive influence on FP. This study has, therefore, established the mechanism through which EP affects FP.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 367-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Ihtiyar ◽  
Hatice Gulsah Ihtiyar ◽  
Yana Galay

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of experiential modules and service quality on perceived values of young customers and, respectively, on satisfaction and word of mouth, as well as intention to pay more and revisit. In this endeavour, the study illustrates unique the context of experiential modules and attempts to highlight several improvements in the literature.Design/methodology/approachAn instrument was developed to measure how strategic experiential module, social judgment module and service quality perceptions of customers influence their functional and emotional experiential value. Primary data, which were gathered by surveying 660 respondents, diagnosed young customers’ experiences in well-known coffee shops in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Measurement of constructs and its interrelationships were examined based on partial least square–structural equation modelling (PLS–SEM).FindingsThe results of SEM through PLS method were acceptable in terms of reliability and validity. The empirical results revealed that some of strategic experiential modules and service quality perceptions of young customers have positive influences on experiential value. These contributions postulate an impetus for future research in various service settings.Originality/valueRegarding the role, the study assesses the role of shopping experiences of young consumers on experiential value, customer satisfaction and post-purchase attitudes. It is anticipated that by filling this knowledge gap, the research will assist in strengthening marketing strategies, which require an adjustment in the current business environment. The detailed results and suggestions for future research are discussed further.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Ihtiyar

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to better understand the impact of intercultural communication and personality on customer satisfaction and loyalty in grocery retailing. In this endeavour, this study illustrates the unique context of intercultural communication to highlight several improvements in the literature and to encourage the advancement of the intercultural communication in the literature. Design/methodology/approach To initiate the research, a survey approach was taken. In total, 681 questionnaires were returned out of 1,100 that were distributed within selected grocery retailers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The measurement of the constructs and their interrelationships is examined based on partial least square-structural equation modelling. Findings The findings validate the proposed framework with statistically significant relationships among all constructs. Furthermore, it exposes additional insights into some practical and conceptual solutions for addressing the intercultural communication of culturally diverse encounters in the Malaysian grocery retail industry. These contributions postulate an impetus for future research in various service settings. Originality/value Based on role, interdependence and cognitive consistency theory, this study assesses the role of the personality of grocery retail consumers on intercultural communication competence (ICC) and its impact on inter-role congruence (IRC) and interaction comfort (IAC). It is anticipated that by filling this knowledge gap, the research will assist in strengthening retail communication strategies, which require intercultural communication adjustments in a multicultural business environment. The ICC is expected to improve the retail industry competitiveness when it positively influences IRC and IAC among customers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 384-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaygysyz Ashyrov ◽  
Isaac Nana Akuffo

PurposeThe link between corruption and firm performance has received considerable critical attention. However, until now, far too little attention has been paid to different dimensions of corruption and their relationship with firm performance. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to examine the relationship between dimensions of corruption and firm productivity.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses the fifth wave of Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey, which is based on the survey questionnaire with senior managers of 16,566 randomly selected firms across 32 developing countries. Empirical analysis employs structural equation modeling (SEM) and instrumental variable two-stage least square (IV 2SLS) estimation techniques.FindingsOur results revealed that political corruption and red tape have a positive relationship with firm productivity. We also found that perceived extent of bribe and corruption experience are positively related to the firm productivity.Practical implicationsFindings suggest that multifaceted dimensions of corruption exist. Therefore, policymakers should develop anticorruption measures by taking into account these dimensions. In addition, policymakers should focus on improving institutional quality by reforming laws and measures to detect and punish government officials.Originality/valueSo far only few studies have looked at the dimensions of corruption; therefore, this study seeks to examine the effect of different dimensions of corruption together on firm performance in postcommunist countries.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-08-2019-0476


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigit Sugiardi ◽  
Jamhari Jamhari ◽  
Slamet Hartono ◽  
Lestari Rahayu Waluyati

Purpose This study aims to explain the factors that affect the performance of traditional fishing business at Kubu Raya Regency of West Borneo Province. Design/methodology/approach The method used in this research is quantitative method. The research location in Kubu, Padang Tikar and Teluk Pakedai sub-districts of Kubu Raya Regency of West Borneo Province, considering the location is the target of CCDP-IFAD in Kubu Raya district. The data analysis model in this research is done by using structural equation model (SEM) approach with assisted WarpPLS program (partial least square development). Findings Based on the results of the analysis of SEM, it is revealed that the direct influence of the six dependent variables the environment of the individual fisherman, regulatory and government policy, environmental economics, a social-cultural environment, managerial capacity and the sustainability of the business aspects of ecological management affect directly toward traditional capture fisheries business performance, only empowerment that is not directly influential on performance of traditional capture fisheries business. Originality/value The originality in this study is shown in the objectives and variables used in the research, i.e. individual environmental variables of fishermen, government policies and regulations, economic environment, social-cultural environment, empowerment, management capacity and business sustainability influence the performance variable of traditional fishing business. In addition, there is a direct influence, allegedly there is an indirect influence on the variables empowerment of the performance of fishery business.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Falkenreck ◽  
Ralf Wagner

Purpose Until today, scholars claim that the phenomenon of “co-creation” of value in an “interacted” economy and in the context of positive actor-to-actor relationships has not been adequately explored. This study aims to first to identify and separate the accessible values of internet of things (IoT)-based business models for business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) customer groups. It quantifies the drivers to successfully implement disruptive business models. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered from 292 customers in Western Europe. The conceptual framework was tested using partial least square structural equation modeling. Findings Managing disruptions in the digital age is closely related to the fact that the existing trust in buyer-seller relationships is not enough to accept IoT projects. A company’s digitalization capabilities, satisfaction with the existing relationship and trust in the IoT credibility of the manufacturer drives the perceived value of IoT-based business models in B2B settings. Contrastingly, in B2G settings, money is less important. Research limitations/implications Research refers to one business field, the data set is of European origin only. Findings indicate that the drivers to engage in IoT-related projects differ significantly between the customer groups and therefore require different marketing management strategies. Saving time today is more important to B2G buyers than saving money. Practical implications The disparate nature of B2B and B2G buyers indicates that market segmentation and targeted marketing must be considered before joint-venturing in IoT business models. To joint venture supply chain partners co-creating value in the context of IoT-related business models, relationship management should be focused with buyers on the same footing, as active players and co-developers of a personalized experience in digital service projects. Originality/value Diverging from established studies focusing on the relationship within a network of actors, this study defines disruptive business models and identifies its drivers in B2B and B2G relationships. This study proposes joint venturing with B2B and B2G customers to overcome the perceived risk of these IoT-related business models. Including customers in platforms and networks may lead to the co-creation of value in joint IoT projects.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robinson James

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influence of organisational politics on work engagement and the moderator effect of positive framing on this relationshipDesign/methodology/approachData were collected from 241 public sector employees in Sri Lanka through a structured questionnaire and analysed with partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS_SEM).FindingsThe results indicated that organisational politics negatively influenced employees' work engagement, positive framing positively influenced engagement and weakened the negative relationship between politics and engagement.Practical implicationsThis study suggests that organisation and individuals must take the necessary steps to enhance work engagement. Organisations must be transparent in all activities to avoid employees' negative perception. Also, organisations need to take steps to recruit employees with positive framing or develop this competency through training and development. Individuals also need to take necessary steps to frame the work environment positively to enhance their engagement in work.Originality/valueThis study extends the literature by being the first to examine the positive framing as a moderator in the relationship between politics and engagement. This study found that positive framing as a resource reduced the harmful effect of organisational politics on engagement and suggested positive framing can be considered as a resource in the future investigation of the job demand–resource model.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 1087-1111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzana Quoquab ◽  
Jihad Mohammad ◽  
Norjaya Md Yasin ◽  
Nor Liza Abdullah

Purpose This study sheds some light on factors that affect customer switching intention in the Malaysian mobile phone service industry. More particularly, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of service quality (SQ), customer satisfaction, switching cost and consumer innovativeness (CI) on service switching intention (SWI); the mediating role of customer satisfaction; and the moderating role of service switching cost on the relationship between CI and SWI. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire survey that yielded 535 responses. Using structural equation modelling approach, the partial least square software, version 3 was utilised to test the study hypotheses. Findings Results reveal that customer satisfaction, service switching cost and CI directly affect SWI. However, no significant relationship was found between SQ and SWI. Again, data supported the mediating effect of customer satisfaction as well as the moderating effect of service switching cost. Research limitations/implications It is expected that the findings from this study will enable policymakers, managers and marketers to formulate better strategies and effectively implement loyalty programs, preventing their customers from switching. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by testing switching costs as the quasi moderator. Moreover, this is a pioneer study to consider CI as the antecedent of SWI.


2021 ◽  
Vol 123 (13) ◽  
pp. 221-240
Author(s):  
Pantea Foroudi ◽  
Maria Palazzo ◽  
Asfia Sultana

PurposeFollowing the planned behaviour theory, the aim of the paper is to analyse the role played by brand attachment, brand characteristics and congruence in enhancing brand attitude while leading to revisit intentions and word-of-mouth (WOM) in the restaurant sector.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on the quantitative method and considered 464 questionnaires fulfilled by customers of restaurants. The data were explored employing the partial least square–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThis study expands the literature about WOM and revisit intentions. The paper states that brand attitude positively influenced revisit intentions and WOM. Besides, findings highlighted that analysed concepts were positively correlated and that they played an important role in impacting revisit intentions and WOM, apart from one factor: social self-congruity, which was not significantly related to brand attitude.Practical implicationsThe results of this paper show practitioners how to develop suitable strategies that set the bases for developing customer loyalty and repeat business. By putting into practice these suggestions in the restaurant sector, brands can easily build up their attitude and boost a positive WOM and the intention to revisit.Originality/valueThe study offers a conceptual framework to explore the significance of several factors, including revisit intentions and WOM. In practice, taking into account the proposed framework, it is suggested that restaurant managers should assess these two items using several factors including congruence, brand characteristics and brand attachment.


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