The impact of sales controls on manufacturers’ agents’ tactical decisions: the importance of inter-organizational climate

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Thompson ◽  
David Strutton ◽  
Tina Christine Mims ◽  
Trond Bergestuen

Purpose Organizational climate is an essential dynamic to leverage in salesforce performance. This study aims to develop a model that explores the determinants of independent manufacturers’ representatives’ (i.e. IMRs’) intentions to comply with their principals’ requests for additional tasking. Using agency theory, the authors explore the application of behavior and outcome-based controls upon dyadic manufacturer-IMR relationships for these additional performance/task requests. Design/methodology/approach Data from over 1,000 US-based IMRs were used to test two constructs; inter-organizational climate and perceptions of mutual satisfaction within the agency-principal dyad. Compliance behaviors tested were IMRs’ intentions to engage in non-selling-related tasks and intentions to allocate additional selling time to principals’ products. The following four exogenous controls were tested: perceived goal congruence between IMRs and principals; IMRs’ perceptions of principals’ expertise; mutual communications between IMRs and principals in the supply chain dyad; resources and sales support programs provided by principals to IMRs; and IMRs’ perceptions of the adequacy and fairness of the principals’ compensation plans. Findings Two constructs – inter-organizational climate and perceptions of mutual satisfaction with the agency-principal dyad – mediated the effects of exogenous sales controls on two compliance behaviors. The model’s data were analyzed using Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). A marker variable was deployed to check for common method variance also supported using the Partial least squares (PLS) factor solution. Most variables demonstrated significant direct and mediated effects on each compliance behavior. Variables that emphasized behavioral-based controls dominated intentions for IMRs to engage in non-selling tasks. The principal commission structure, the only sales outcome-based control in the study, most influenced IMRs’ intentions to commit additional sales time to their principals’ products. Research limitations/implications This study only examined the intentions of IMRs to engage in additional selling activities and their intention to engage in non-selling tasks. Principals may desire longer-term commitments from IMRs. The model developed here can be modified to capture additional behavioral and attitudinal outcomes including, for example, the exit intentions of IMRs. Practical implications Principals are well-advised to foster a positive inter-organizational climate that fuels perceptions of mutually satisfying working relationships with their IMRs. These mutually satisfying working relationships can, by themselves, positively influence IMRs to acquiesce to reasonable requests made by principals. This advice appears to be particularly crucial when asking IMRs to engage in additional non-selling tasks. The total pattern of path estimates points to the conclusion that capable sales control plays an important role in fostering positive inter-organizational climates. The inter-organizational climate – mutual satisfaction link proved crucial as a mediator of the impact of sales controls on IMRs’ behavioral compliance intentions. Originality/value Knowing the impact of sales controls on IMR’s affords businesses the ability to use these controls for behavioral compliance intentions on non-selling tasks.

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 1612-1630
Author(s):  
Salvador Bueno ◽  
M. Dolores Gallego

This study is focused on communications that come from consumer-to-consumer (C2C) ecommerce relationships. This topic is directly associated with the electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) phenomenon. eWOM is related to the set of positive or negative opinions made by potential, actual, or former customers about a seller. The present study proposes a structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS-SEM) research model to analyze consumers’ opinions impact on attitude toward purchasing. This model is based on the Information Adoption Model (IAM) in combination with an ecommerce satisfaction perspective, comprising five constructs: (1) service quality, (2) ecommerce satisfaction, (3) argument quality, (4) source credibility and (5) purchase intention. The model was tested by applying the Smart Partial Least Squares (SmartPLS) software for which 116 effective data from customers of the Taobao C2C platform were used. The findings reveal that all of the defined relationships were supported, confirming the positive impact of all the proposed constructs on the purchase intention. In this respect, the findings suggest that C2C platforms should strengthen the analyzed connections to grow the business and to promote transactions. Finally, implications and limitations related to the explanatory capacity and the sample are identified.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shujaat Mubarik ◽  
Nick Bontis ◽  
Mobasher Mubarik ◽  
Tarique Mahmood

PurposeThe main objective of this study is to test whether firms with a higher level of intellectual capital (IC) perform better in terms of their supply chain resilience compared to those with lower levels of IC. Likewise, the study also examines the impact of IC (characterized by human capital, relational capital and structural capital) on supply chain resilience directly and through supply chain learning.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from the 159 processed-food sector firms using a close-ended questionnaire during the corona virus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), partial least squares multigroup analysis (PLS-MGA) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to test a set of hypotheses emanating from a conceptual model of IC and supply chain resilience.FindingsEmpirical results revealed a significant influence of all dimension of IC on a firm's supply chain learning and supply chain resilience. Likewise, findings also exhibit a momentous role of supply chain learning in reinforcing the impact of IC on supply chain resilience. Cross-firm size comparison reveals that supply chain resilience of firms with a higher level of IC performed significantly better than those with lower levels of IC. Firms with a higher level of structural capital had a highly resilient supply chain.Practical implicationsFindings of the study imply that IC and supply chain learning should be considered as a strategic tool and should be strategically developed for uplifting a supply chain performance of a firm. The development of IC and supply chain learning (SCL) not only improves the supply chain resilience of a firm but also can help to integrate the internal and external knowledge for harnessing supply chain resilience.Originality/valueThis research study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic which provides a unique setting to examine resiliency and learning.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Nicholas Wilson

Penelitian ini dilakukan guna mengetahui bagaimana pengaruh service quality dan corporate reputation terhadap loyalty, baik secara langsung ataupun tidak langsung melalui trust. Penelitian ini mengimplementasikan metode survei, dimana, kuesioner digunakan sebagai alat untuk mengumpulkan data yang diperlukan pada penelitian ini. Sebanyak 200 responden berpartisipasi pada penelitian ini, dimana, dari 200 data yang terkumpul, sebanyak 191 data dinyatakan valid, reliable dan dapat digunakan untuk selanjutnya diproses pada penelitian ini. Data selanutnya dianalisa dengan metode partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Berdasarkan hasil analisis data yang diperoleh, peneliti dapat menyimpulkan bahwa service quality dan corporate reputation berpengaruh positif terhadap loyalty, baik secara langsung ataupun tidak langsung melalui trust pada industri Perhotelan di Indonesia. This research was conducted in order to determine the impact of service quality and corporate reputation toward customer loyalty, both directly and indirectly through trust in the Indonesian hospitality sector. This research implements ssurvey method, in which quaestionnaires were utilized as the tools to collect all of the data required for the completion of this study. A total od 200 respondents participate in this study, in which, out of 200, 191 data had been deemed valid, reliable and usable to be further processed in this research. All of the data then were analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method. Based on the results of the data analysis, author would like to conclude that both service quality and corporate reputation had a positive impact on customer loyalty, both directly and indirectly through trust in the Indonesian hospitality sector.


Athenea ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 5-18
Author(s):  
Juan Enrique Villalva A.

Modeling using structural equations, is a second generation statistical data analysis technique, it has been positioned as the methodological options most used by researchers in various fields of science. The best known method is the covariance-based approach, but it presents some limitations for its application in certain cases. Another alternative method is based on the variance structure, through the analysis of partial least squares, which is an appropriate option when the research involves the use of latent variables (for example, composite indicators) prepared by the researcher, and where it is necessary to explain and predict complex models. This article presents a brief summary of the structural equation modeling technique, with an example on the relationship of constructs, sustainability and competitiveness in iron mining, and is intended to be a brief guide for future researchers in the engineering sciences. Keywords: Competitiveness, Structural equations, Iron mining, Sustainability. References [1]J. Hair, G. Hult, C. Ringle and M. Sarstedt. A Primer on Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). California: United States. Sage, 2017. [2]H. Wold. Model Construction and Evaluation when Theoretical Knowledge Is Scarce: An Example of the Use of Partial Least Squares. Genève. Faculté des Sciences Économiques et Sociales, Université de Genève. 1979. [3]J. Henseler, G. Hubona & P. Ray. “Using PLS path modeling new technology research: updated guidelines”. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 116(1), 2-20. 2016. [4]G. Cepeda and Roldán J. “Aplicando en la Práctica la Técnica PLS en la Administración de Empresas”. Congreso de la ACEDE, Murcia, España, 2004. [5]D. Garson. Partial Least Squares. Regresión and Structural Equation Models. USA. Statistical Associates Publishing: 2016. [6]D. Barclay, C. Higgins & R. Thompson. “The Partial Least Squares (PLS) Approach to Causal Modeling: Personal Computer Adoption and Use as an Illustration”. Technology Studies. Special Issue on Research Methodology. (2:2), pp. 285-309. 1995. [7]J. Medina, N. Pedraza & M. Guerrero. “Modelado de Ecuaciones Estructurales. Un Enfoque de Partial Least Square Aplicado en las Ciencias Sociales y Administrativas”. XIV Congreso Internacional de la Academia de Ciencias Administrativas A.C. (ACACIA). EGADE – ITESM. Monterrey, México, 2010. [8]J. Medina & J. Chaparro. “The Impact of the Human Element in the Information Systems Quality for Decision Making and User Satisfaction”. Journal of Computer Information Systems. (48:2), pp. 44-52. 2008. [9]D. Leidner, S. Carlsson, J. Elam & M. Corrales. “Mexican and Swedish Managers’ Perceptions of the Impact of EIS on Organizational Intelligence, Decisión Making, and Structure”. Decision Science. (30:3), pp. 633-658. 1999.[10]W. Chin. “The partial least squares approach for structural equation modeling”. Chapter Ten, pp. 295-336 in Modern methods for business research. Edited by Macoulides, G. A., New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1998. [11]M. Höck & C. Ringle M. “Strategic networks in the software industry: An empirical analysis of the value continuum”. IFSAM VIIIth World Congress, Berlin 2006. [12]J. Henseler, Ch. Ringle & M. Sarstedt. Handbook of partial least squares: Concepts, methods and applications in marketing and related fields. Berlin: Springer, 2012. [13]S. Daskalakis & J. Mantas. “Evaluating the impact of a service-oriented framework for healthcare interoperability”. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics. pp. 285-290. 2008. [14]C. Fornell & D. Larcker: “Evaluating Structural Equation Models with Unobservable Variables and Measurement Error”, Journal of Marketing Research, vol. 18, pp. 39-50. Februay 1981. [15]C. Fornell. A Second Generation of Multivariate Analysis: An Overview. Vol. 1. New York, U.S.A. Praeger Publishers: 1982. [16]R. Falk and N. Miller. A Primer for Soft Modeling. Ohio: The University of Akron. 1992. [17]M. Martínez. Aplicación de la técnica PLS-SEM en la gestión del conocimiento: un enfoque técnico práctico. Revista Iberoamericana para Investigación y el Desarrollo Educativo. Vol. 8, Núm. 16. 2018. [18]S. Geisser. “A predictive approach to the random effects model”. Biometrika, Vol. 61(1), pp. 101-107. 1974. [19]J. Cohen. Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum, 1988. [20]GRI (2013). G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. Global Reporting Initiative. Available: www.globalreporting.org


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Lamberti ◽  
Josep Rialp ◽  
Alexandra Simon

PurposeExtending existing research in a football context, this study explores how image and service quality influence spectator tribe satisfaction and loyalty and variations in behaviors depending on age, gender and emotional involvement.Design/methodology/approachSpectators aged 18 years and older who attended Barcelona Football Club home La Liga matches were sampled. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the model, and hybrid multigroup PLS-SEM was used to explore observed heterogeneity.FindingsImage and service quality both influence spectator satisfaction and loyalty. Satisfaction and loyalty are associated differently with three tribes: a nonpassionate tribe characterized by low emotional involvement and younger and older passionate tribes composed of emotionally involved spectators aged <30 and >30 years old, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThis study’s results contribute to strengthening the suitability of PLS-SEM and multigroup in sport management, in particular for analyzing the behavior of specific groups of football spectators.Originality/valueThe findings of this study underline image and service quality as crucial to football spectator satisfaction and loyalty, with emotional involvement and age defining different consumer tribes as potential targets for marketing purposes.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim-Lim Tan ◽  
Joseph Kee-Ming Sia ◽  
Daniel Kuok Ho Tang

PurposeCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has given rise to different dimensions of uncommon human behavior, and panic buying is one of them. Interestingly, panic buying research has not been given much attention. The purpose of this paper is threefold. Firstly, it examines the influences of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) elements (subjective norm, attitude and perceived behavior control (PBC)) on panic buying. Secondly, it investigates online news and the perceived likelihood of being affected (PLA) as antecedents to the TPB constructs. Finally, to examine online news verification as a moderator on the relationship between the TPB constructs and panic buying.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 371 respondents and analyzed using the partial least squares method structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). PLS predict was applied to determine the predictive power of the model further.FindingsThis study found that subjective norms and attitude influence panic buying. The results further revealed that online news has a direct influence on the PLA and attitude. However, PBC has no such effect on panic buying. Surprisingly, online news verification also has no moderating effects on the relationships between the TPB elements and panic buying.Originality/valueThis research helps to understand consumer panic buying behavior, especially during shock events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is the first that extends the TPB incorporating both online news and PLA as antecedents to panic buying in the same model. Furthermore, the study serves as an initial attempt to investigate online news verification as a moderator between the link of three constructs of TPB and panic buying, contributing to existing literature. Lastly, it advances the body of knowledge on consumer behavior and contributes methodologically by introducing the PLS approach.


2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (6) ◽  
pp. 1883-1896 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim-Shyan Fam ◽  
Sharifah Nurafizah Syed Annuar ◽  
Kim Lim Tan ◽  
Franklin Hazley Lai ◽  
Ida Anak Ingko

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors influencing Sabah’s indigenous food consumption, namely Kadazan-Dusun food, among tourists from China, Europe and Malaysia (non-Sabahans). Design/methodology/approach Survey forms were distributed to tourists from China, Europe and Malaysia using purposive sampling at tourist spots in Sabah, Malaysia. In total, 254 responses were collected, and the data were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings The findings demonstrate that tourists from China and Europe possess some similarities in consuming indigenous food in Sabah. They enjoy trying indigenous food even they are not familiar with the food. Additionally, our findings also show that tourists from China regard sensory appeal as an important aspect of food choice. Meanwhile, it is found that convenience and mood influence Malaysian’s choice of indigenous food. Originality/value This study provides insights regarding Sabah’s Kadazan-Dusun food consumption from foreign and domestic tourists’ perspectives. As such, it also provides direction to the local eateries and relevant tourism authorities to better promote indigenous food to foreign and domestic tourists.


2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (9) ◽  
pp. 1849-1864 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Nitzl ◽  
Jose L. Roldan ◽  
Gabriel Cepeda

Purpose Indirect or mediated effects constitute a type of relationship between constructs that often occurs in partial least squares (PLS) path modeling. Over the past few years, the methods for testing mediation have become more sophisticated. However, many researchers continue to use outdated methods to test mediating effects in PLS, which can lead to erroneous results. One reason for the use of outdated methods or even the lack of their use altogether is that no systematic tutorials on PLS exist that draw on the newest statistical findings. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This study illustrates the state-of-the-art use of mediation analysis in the context of PLS-structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings This study facilitates the adoption of modern procedures in PLS-SEM by challenging the conventional approach to mediation analysis and providing more accurate alternatives. In addition, the authors propose a decision tree and classification of mediation effects. Originality/value The recommended approach offers a wide range of testing options (e.g. multiple mediators) that go beyond simple mediation analysis alternatives, helping researchers discuss their studies in a more accurate way.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanwne Sarker ◽  
Apurbo Sarkar ◽  
Md. Ghulam Rabbany ◽  
Milon Barmon ◽  
Rana Roy ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with its high mortality, stigma and panic has compelled many cities and countries to complete lockdown. The worldwide student group is one of the most affected and vulnerable communities in this situation. Our current study aimed to assess the impact of the behavior change communication among international students in China in current COVID-19 crisis.Methods In this paper, we have utilized partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to understand the health behaviour changes of international students in China in response to novel Coronavirus outbreak. We mainly analyzed the relationship among the three selected latent variables (preventive, supportive and awareness building) based on a survey among the international students (n=467) in China in February 2020. We obtained their valuable responses regarding level of awareness, satisfaction and trust in authorities (i.e., government, local authorities and institutions) during this emergency period. Results We utilized 22 indicators in the conceptual framework model with the help of Smart PLS 2.0 version software. The lowest average variance extracted (AVE) for all the constructs of our paper exceeded the minimum accepted value of 0.5, representing the adequate convergent validity. Prediction of students’ satisfaction, the key outcome degree of the model, was nearly moderate, with an R2 = 0.507 whereas the prediction of trust in authorities was above substantial, with an R2 = 0.797. Therefore, our PLS-SEM model showed a strong and significant positive association between preventive and supportive measures taken for the study population and gaining trust, awareness and satisfaction in authorities. Conclusions Integrated partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) can be a great way to measure the satisfaction and trust level of various population groups over government, local authorities, and institutions in public health emergency like COVID-19 crisis. We believe that our findings are important for travel and global health perspectives. Other countries can learn and take necessary initiatives for their international students and general public to halt this deadly epidemic with gaining their satisfaction and trust as well.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 3462-3512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmet Usakli ◽  
Kemal Gurkan Kucukergin

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to review the use of partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in the field of hospitality and tourism and thereby to assess whether the PLS-SEM-based papers followed the recommended application guidelines and to investigate whether a comparison of journal types (hospitality vs tourism) and journal qualities (top-tier vs other leading) reveal significant differences in PLS-SEM use.Design/methodology/approachA total of 206 PLS-SEM based papers published between 2000 and April 2017 in the 19 SSCI-indexed hospitality and tourism journals were critically analyzed using a wide range of guidelines for the following aspects of PLS-SEM: the rationale of using the method, the data characteristics, the model characteristics, the model assessment and reporting the technical issues.FindingsThe results reveal that some aspects of PLS-SEM are correctly applied by researchers, but there are still some misapplications, especially regarding data characteristics, formative measurement model evaluation and structural model assessment. Furthermore, few significant differences were found on the use of PLS-SEM between the two fields (hospitality and tourism) and between the journal tiers (top-tier and other leading).Practical implicationsTo enhance the quality of research in hospitality and tourism, the present study provides recommendations for improving the future use of PLS-SEM.Originality/valueThe present study fills a sizeable gap in hospitality and tourism literature and extends the previous assessments on the use of PLS-SEM by providing a wider perspective on the issue (i.e. includes both hospitality and tourism journals rather than the previous reviews that focus on either tourism or hospitality), using a larger sample size of 206 empirical studies, investigating the issue over a longer time period (from 2000 to April, 2017, including the in-press articles), extending the scope of criteria (guidelines) used in the review and comparing the PLS-SEM use between the two allied fields (hospitality and tourism) and between the journal tiers (top-tier and other leading).


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