Factors influencing the use of social media by SMEs and its performance outcomes

2015 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 570-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sulaiman Ainin ◽  
Farzana Parveen ◽  
Sedigheh Moghavvemi ◽  
Noor Ismawati Jaafar ◽  
Nor Liyana Mohd Shuib

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that influence Facebook usage among small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In addition, it examines the impact of Facebook usage on financial and non-financial performance of the SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – Using integrated model, this study examined the influence of compatibility, cost effectiveness, interactivity and trust on Facebook usage and its subsequent impact on organizations performance. Statistical analyses were based on the data collected, through survey questionnaire from 259 SMEs in Malaysia. Partial Least Square (PLS) method was used to test the hypotheses. Findings – The study revealed that Facebook usage has a strong positive impact on financial performance of SMEs; similarly it was also found that Facebook usage positively impacts the non-financial performance of SMEs in terms of cost reduction on marketing and customer service, improved customer relations and improved information accessibility. Additionally, factors such as compatibility, cost effectiveness and interactivity was identified as factors that influence Facebook usage among SMEs. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited in selection of samples. The sample only covered one community of SME in Malaysia which limits generalizability of the findings. This study provided a clearer idea on the real importance of Facebook and its benefits. The results would motivate and guide organizations in the adoption of Facebook for business activities. The study also has various theoretical and practical contributions. Originality/value – Very few empirical studies investigated the actual impact of Facebook usage among organizations. This study investigated the effect of Facebook usage on the financial performance of the organizations which is really important to study as it reveals the exact value of using Facebook for business activities.

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 532-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tommy Lau ◽  
Man Lai Cheung ◽  
Guilherme D. Pires ◽  
Carol Chan

Purpose The abolishment of the wine tax in Hong Kong has led to increased wine consumption and increased demand for wine-related professionals, such as sommeliers. Yet the importance of sommeliers’ value-adding performance in the context of upscale Chinese restaurants has not been examined. To address this gap, the SERVQUAL framework is adopted to examine the influence of sommeliers’ service quality (SQ) on customer satisfaction (CS) and loyalty in the context of upscale Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach The survey method is used to collect data from 302 units of the population of interest, partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is used to test the links between constructs. Findings Four of the seven dimensions of sommeliers’ service quality, namely, empathy, tangibles, credibility and assurance, have a significant positive impact on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty, whereas the impact of perceived value and responsiveness on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty is positive but only marginally significant. Reliability has a weak and non-significant impact on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Research limitations/implications Examining a small number of upscale Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong limits generalisation of the findings to other contexts. Replication of the research in different contexts will enhance generalizability. In terms of implications, the discussion highlights the importance of sommeliers’ service performance on customers’ SQ perceptions SQ, CS and loyalty, all of which are important variables for restaurateurs. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of the influence of the quality of sommelier’s SQ on CS and loyalty in upscale Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong. Given the lack of attention to this service role in the literature, the study contributes theory from which further understanding can develop.


2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 677-692
Author(s):  
Farhan Ahmad ◽  
Isto Huvila

Purpose While there is relatively plenty of evidence for the positive impact of communication on the perceptions of organizational change, how organizational changes affect information sharing is relatively unknown. The purpose of this paper is to investigate if a favorable perception of ongoing organizational changes has a positive impact on information sharing and whether trust mediates this relationship. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire (n=317) was administered to the employees of a large Finnish multinational organization. Partial least square structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses based on earlier research findings. Findings The results show that a positive perception of recent organizational changes improves information sharing both directly and indirectly, mediated by trust. Consequently, when changes are perceived negatively, employees recoil from information sharing which is known to have negative implications for organizations. Research limitations/implications Data were collected in a single organization. The nature of the specific changes in the studied organization and its particularities undoubtedly had an effect on respondents’ perceptions. Originality/value This paper contributes to organizational information management research by elaborating on the relationship between organizational changes and interpersonal information sharing between employees. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first quantitative study confirming the impact of the perception of organizational changes on employee information-sharing behavior.


2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohua Zhang ◽  
Dwight Merunka

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of territory of origin (TOO) associations for consumers’ perception of product authenticity and empirically tests the chain of effects, from TOO associations to perceived authenticity, and to consumers’ self-brand connections. Design/methodology/approach – An experimental method and a partial least square approach were adopted. Hypotheses were tested on data collected across 665 Chinese consumers. Findings – Results demonstrate that TOO exerts a positive impact on perceived product authenticity, which in turn leads to stronger consumers’ self-brand connections. In addition, compared with country of origin (COO) information, TOO has a unique positive impact on perceived authenticity and a direct positive effect on consumers’ self-brand connections. Also, the positive impact of TOO on perceived authenticity is enhanced through consumers’ familiarity with the TOO and through congruence between the product category and the TOO. Research limitations/implications – One possible outcome of TOO (perceived authenticity) and one product category (lavender soap) were considered in this study. Originality/value – Given the diminishing relevance of COO associations, this study demonstrates that TOO is an appealing alternative strategy for strengthening brand equity.


2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 232-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiu-Ju Chen ◽  
Tzu-Hui Sun

Purpose – Different from general goods, games are intangible. Games of limited-amount version are much more expensive. However, the value of games cannot be actually validated, while buyers purchase the intangible goods. This study, therefore, aims to empirically clarify the impact of product scarcity and uniqueness in buyers' purchase of games of limited-amount version. Design/methodology/approach – Based on literature review, the survey method was conducted. Data of 204 respondents who recently bought games of limited-amount version were gathered and analyzed with partial least square. Findings – The results showed that perceived quality and perceived uniqueness, significantly increased by product scarcity, was shown of significant positive impact on perceived value which significantly enhanced purchase intention. Research limitations/implications – The results indicated the importance of high quality and the reflection of uniqueness in buyers' purchase of games of limited-amount version. The results also validated the effect of scarcity on intangible goods. Practically, the results facilitated strategic operation and marketing of game producers and suppliers in designing and marketing game software. The results also facilitated further theoretical development of goods scarcity. Originality/value – Nowadays, product scarcity has been an important operation and marketing strategy to enterprises. Games are an industry of growing importance. However, the impact of scarcity in buyers' purchase of games of limited-amount version was still limited. The results validated the importance of scarcity and perceived uniqueness in intangible game goods purchase behavior. The validation of this study can provide references for strategic operation and marketing of the game industry.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jahanzeb Marwat ◽  
Suresh Kumar Oad Rajput ◽  
Sarfraz Ahmed Dakhan ◽  
Sonia Kumari ◽  
Muhammad Ilyas

PurposeThe current study aims to achieve two targets. First, examine empirically that whether corporate managers use tax avoidance to influence short-term profitability? Second, investigate the impact of tax avoidance on the value of firms. The tax accounts provide the opportunity to influence temporary/permanent profitability but empirical studies overlooking this matter, particularly in emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the authors identified unexpected fluctuations of tax avoidance and then examine whether it impacts the profitability signal and firms' value? The unbalanced panel data of 189 non-financial firms for the period 2000–2018 are used for empirical analysis. The estimation biases and results consistency are verified by using two different econometric models including generalized least square and two-stage least squareFindingsThe study identifies that managers manipulate the profitability signal through tax avoidance. Tax avoidance practices help in earning management and earning smoothing to avoid negative signals in the stock market. In line with the behavioral finance view, tax avoidance has a positive impact on current stock returns because investors focus on profitability without a detailed screening of cash flows.Originality/valueA limited number of studies investigate the use of tax avoidance for manipulation of the short-term earning signal. Identifying gaps and limitations in the literature, this study provides invaluable insights into tax avoidance and its association with the profitability and value of firms. The findings are important for investors, managers and policymakers in making portfolio decisions and corporate policies.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thinh Quoc Tran

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of financial performance (FP) on corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) in the top 100 listed enterprises in Vietnam (VN100). Design/methodology/approach This paper uses the ordinary least square method to test and uses time series data of VN100 in five years from 2015 to 2019. Findings The results of this study show that the return on assets and return on equity have a positive impact on CSRD of VN100. Research limitations/implications This paper has not covered all independent variables related to FP. Practical implications The paper contribute to increasing CSRD of VN100. Social implications The paper contribute to raising awareness of businesses about community and society. Originality/value This paper contributes to increase the level of useful information for stakeholders to meet the trend of regional and international integration.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 180
Author(s):  
Miswanto Miswanto ◽  
Diczon Stevanus Oematan

This study analyzes the impact of asset use efficiency on financial performance and the impact of financial performance on shareholders' wealth. By using a research sample of manufacturing firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), the purpose of this study is to test whether: 1) the efficiency of using asset has a positive impact on financial performance and 2) financial performance has a positive impact on the welfare of shareholders. The analytical method uses SEM (Structural Equation Model) –(PLS (Partial Least Square) using WarpPLS 5.0. The asset efficiency variable is measured by activity ratios and the shareholder wealth variable is measured by stock return and firm value. The analytical techniques that used are outer model and inner model analysis. The variables of asset efficiency and shareholder wealth are measured variables and the financial performance variable is latent variable. The proceeds of his study state that the activity ratio: 1) working capital turnover (WCT), receivable turnover RCT), inventory turnover (INT), total asset turnover (TAT) have a positive impact on financial performance, and 2)  cycle of cash conversion (CCC) has a negative impact on financial performance. The results of this study also states that financial performance positive impact on stock return and firm value. Thus, this study finds that the efficiency of using asset has a positive impact on financial performance, and performance of financial has a positive impact on stockholder wealth


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1475-1501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varaporn Pangboonyanon ◽  
Kiattichai Kalasin

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how within-industry diversification affects the financial performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets (EMs). The authors draw on both the resource-based view and the institutional perspective and argue that within-industry diversification can enhance the financial performance of SMEs in EMs. Due to institutional voids in emerging economies, SMEs can gain additional benefits from scope economies, as well as from market returns, by filling product market voids and gaps in business ecosystems, while also enjoying low input and labor costs that reduce the coordination costs of diversification. This, in turn, enhances benefits of within-industry diversification, thereby resulting in higher financial profitability. Design/methodology/approach This study employs panel data econometrics to estimate the model. The authors test hypotheses on 195 firms, originating from five countries in Southeast Asia, during the period of 2009–2014. Findings The empirical results support the arguments. Within-industry diversification has a positive impact on the performance of SMEs in EMs. These effects become weaker when the institutional contexts are more developed. Nevertheless, such effects become stronger when SMEs in EMs are more efficient. Research limitations/implications The relationship between within-industry diversification and performance is a positive linear pattern, which differs from the pattern in advanced economies. In addition to unrelated diversification, the related diversification is preferable for firms in EMs. Practical implications The paper provides implications for SMEs that aim to enhance their performance by engaging in single product lines and within-industry diversification. Originality/value This paper examines the different ways within-industry diversification can enhance SMEs performance in EM contexts.


2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Agil Novriansa ◽  
Bambang Riyanto

The bureaucratic reform at the local government level in Indonesia that was instituted in 2012 has turned local government internal auditors into an important part of government governance systems. The role of local government internal auditors has been expanded to include not only the area of audit oversight, but also the areas of anti-corruption-related and consulting activities. These fundamental changes may potentially induce role conflict and role ambiguity among internal auditors. The objective of this study is to examine empirically the determinants and consequences of role conflict and role ambiguity among local government internal auditors. More specifically, this study attempts to examine the extent to which formalization determines role conflict and role ambiguity; it further tests the impact of role conflict and role ambiguity on commitment to independence and job performance. Questionnaires were distributed to 248 local government internal auditors from 12 Regional Inspectorates in the provinces of Yogyakarta, South Sumatra, and East Java. A total of 176 responses were received, and 124 useable responses from the 176 responses were analysed to test the hypotheses. Using Structural Equation Modelling-Partial Least Square the results show that: formalization is negatively related to role conflict and role ambiguity; role ambiguity has a negative impact on commitment to independence; role conflict has a positive impact on job performance; and role ambiguity has a negative impact on job performance. These findings serve as important external validity evidence on the phenomena associated with role conflict and role ambiguity that occur in the public sector, especially among internal auditors at local government institutions.Keywords: role conflict, role ambiguity, local government, internal auditors


2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quang-Huy Ngo

Although prior studies draw upon natural resource-based views, environmental strategy permits competitive advantages, and as such, gains financial performance. However, empirical results are mixed. To shed light on this issue, this study proposes that environmental performance mediates the link between environmental strategy and financial performance. Data were collected from 175 third-party logistic providers currently operating in Vietnam to test the hypotheses. Partial least square structural equation modeling was borrowed to test the data. The results reveal environmental performance partially mediates the link between environmental strategy and financial performance. By considering the mediating effect, this study contributes to the literature by addressing the intervening mechanism of environmental performance on the inconclusive relationship between environmental strategy and financial performance. Besides, this study also extends prior studies by borrowing a concept of environmental strategy, which captures the extent of organizations pursuing this strategy, to explain how and why pursuing this strategy permits environmental and financial performance.


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