scholarly journals Information encountering re-encountered

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 731-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanda Erdelez ◽  
Stephann Makri
Keyword(s):  
Information Acquisition ◽  
Theoretical Description ◽  
Theoretical Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Information Discovery ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Human Information Behavior ◽  
Information Encountering

PurposeIn order to understand the totality, diversity and richness of human information behavior, increasing research attention has been paid to examining serendipity in the context of information acquisition. However, several issues have arisen as this research subfield has tried to find its feet; we have used different, inconsistent terminology to define this phenomenon (e.g. information encountering, accidental information discovery, incidental information acquisition), the scope of the phenomenon has not been clearly defined and its nature was not fully understood or fleshed-out.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, information encountering (IE) was proposed as the preferred term for serendipity in the context of information acquisition.FindingsA reconceptualized definition and scope of IE was presented, a temporal model of IE and a refined model of IE that integrates the IE process with contextual factors and extends previous models of IE to include additional information acquisition activities pre- and postencounter.Originality/valueBy providing a more precise definition, clearer scope and richer theoretical description of the nature of IE, there was hope to make the phenomenon of serendipity in the context of information acquisition more accessible, encouraging future research consistency and thereby promoting deeper, more unified theoretical development.

Serendipity in human information behavior: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaxi Liu ◽  
Chunxiu Qin ◽  
Xubu Ma ◽  
Huigang Liang
Keyword(s):  
Information Behavior ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Information Discovery ◽  
Research Topics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Human Information Behavior ◽  
Manual Search ◽  
Important Approach ◽  
New Research

PurposeSerendipitous information discovery has become a unique and important approach to discovering and obtaining information, which has aroused a growing interest for serendipity in human information behavior. Despite numerous publications, few have systematically provided an overview of current state of serendipity research. Consequently, researchers and practitioners are less able to make effective use of existing achievements, which limits them from making advancements in this domain. Against this backdrop, we performed a systematic literature review to explore the world of serendipity and to recapitulate the current states of different research topics.Design/methodology/approachGuided by a prior designed review protocol, this paper conducted both automatic and manual search for available studies published from January 1990 to December 2020 on seven databases. A total of 207 serendipity studies closely related to human information behavior form the literature pool.FindingsWe provide an overview of distinct aspects of serendipity, that is research topics, potential benefits, related concepts, theoretical models, contextual factors and data collection methods. Based on these findings, this review reveals limitations and gaps in the current serendipity research and proposes an agenda for future research directions.Originality/valueBy analyzing current serendipity research, developing a knowledge framework and providing a research agenda, this review is of significance for researchers who want to find new research questions or re-align current work, for beginners who need to quickly understand serendipity, and for practitioners who seek to cultivate serendipity in information environments.

scholarly journals Serendipity and its study

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 1015-1038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen Edward Foster ◽  
David Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Information Encountering ◽  
Citation Classics

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of serendipity and approaches to its study particularly in relation to information studies. Design/methodology/approach – The origins of the term serendipity are described and its elaboration as an exploratory and explanatory concept in science and the social sciences are outlined. The distinction between serendipity and serendipity pattern is explained and theoretical and empirical studies of both serendipity and the serendipity patterns are explored. The relationship between information encountering is described. Empirical studies of serendipity using Citation Classics and other research approaches in information studies are described. Findings – The discrepancy between occurrences of serendipity in studies using Citation Classics and reported serendipity in philosophy of science, research anecdotes, information encountering and information seeking by inter-disciplinary researchers is highlighted. A comparison between a process model of serendipity and serendipity as an emergent behavioural characteristic are indicates directions for future research. Originality/value – The paper provides and original synthesis of the theoretical and empirical literature on serendipity with particular reference to work in information studies and an indication of the methodological difficulties involved in its study.

Factors influencing customers’ selection of Islamic home financing: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norhazlina Ibrahim ◽  
Safeza Mohd Sapian
Keyword(s):  
Banking Sector ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Theoretical Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Reporting Standard ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Factors Influencing

Purpose This study, using systematic literature review (SLR) aims to highlight and summarise current studies on the factors influencing customers’ Islamic home financing (IHF) selection and Islamic banking product preference, which has gained popularity within the banking sector over the past three decades. The SLR could map evolution and research fields, recommend a particular categorisation and determine primary issues to demonstrate current trends, future research directions and theoretical development. Design/methodology/approach The SLR was performed with a four-step reporting standard for the systematic evidence syntheses review method (research question formulation, systematic searching, quality assessment and data extraction) using 33 screened articles between 2008 and 2020 from two primary databases (Scopus and Web of Science) and one supporting database (Google Scholar). Findings The resulting factors could be categorised into four primary themes: consumer behaviour, consumer attributes, bank attributes and bank attributes (Islamic). The themes were subsequently divided into 16 sub-themes. Notably, all the factors proved essential for consumers’ evolving preferences and product competitiveness in the market. Research limitations/implications This study encountered two limitations based on database selection and research period. Practical implications This SLR aimed to offer useful insights into the factors that should be prioritised by financial institutions for marketing approaches by investigating consumer behaviours. Originality/value This study pioneered an SLR on the study area for useful insights into the current research limitations and recommendations on future study directions. Specifically, the study method facilitated critical discussions and comparisons to past research outcomes and objectivity with triangulation from distinct perspectives.

scholarly journals Rethinking behaviour change: a dynamic approach in social marketing

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia David ◽  
Sharyn Rundle-Thiele
Keyword(s):  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Static Model ◽  
Theoretical Development ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Consequences ◽  
Greater Good ◽  
Dynamic Measures

PurposeWhile awareness of social, health and environmental consequences of our collective action are growing, additional efforts are required to deliver the changes needed to affect the greater good. A review of the literature indicates that research efforts may be misdirected. Drawing from empirical data where a total of 161 caregivers reported changes in their child’s walking behaviour following a month long social marketing program, the purpose of this paper is to illustrate differences between behaviour and behaviour change.Design/methodology/approachData analyses involved use of multiple linear regression on static followed by dynamic measures of behaviour and behavioural change and their respective determinants. The static model used variables reported by caregivers after program participation, while the dynamic measures used change scores for all variables reported (T2-T1).FindingsResults from the static model showed that only intentions and barriers explained behaviour at Time point 2. In contrast, findings from the dynamic data analysis indicated that a change in injunctive norms (important others’ approval of the child walking to school) explained a change in walking to and from school behaviour. Taken together, the results of the current paper suggest research attention needs to be directed towards dynamic methodologies to re-centre research attention on behavioural change and not behaviour, which dominates current practice.Originality/valueThis paper offers a foundational step to support the research community to redirect research efforts from understanding behaviour to focussing research design and theoretical development on behavioural change. Theories of behaviour change are needed to affect the greater good.

Psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction for people with a dual diagnosis

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 167-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Hamilton ◽  
Rose Pringle ◽  
Stephen Hemingway
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Dual Diagnosis ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Psychotropic Substances

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is: first, to consider the reported problems in sexual function caused by psychotropic medication. Second, the complex undertaking of completing an assessment of sexual functioning. Third, the role of the pharmaceutical industry is explored. Finally, implications for future research and practice are suggested. Design/methodology/approach – As a commentary this paper draws on the available literature to synthesise what is already known about the relationship between psychoactive substances and sexual functioning. Findings – The limited literature and lack of research attention given to psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction limits our collective understanding of how many people are affected and in what way. Research limitations/implications – A greater focus on psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction is needed for people with a dual diagnosis. There has been an over reliance on single case studies and self-reporting. Large scale epidemiological investigation would help understand the extent and nature of the problem more fully. The demographic shift particularly in relation to an ageing population should be considered as psychotropic substances effect individuals in different ways as they grow older. Practical implications – There is scope for workers to engage more fully in a conversation with clients about their experience of using psychotropic substances and how this has impacted their sexual functioning. The literature suggests that clients want to talk about this issue but staff are unwilling or unable to discuss the topic. Originality/value – To the authors’ knowledge this is the first paper that draws on the available literature to explore the known and likely implications of psychotropic induced sexual dysfunction for this client group.

Accounting, performance management systems and accountability changes in knowledge-intensive public organizations

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 256-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Grossi ◽  
Kirsi-Mari Kallio ◽  
Massimo Sargiacomo ◽  
Matti Skoog
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Public Organizations ◽  
Theoretical Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hybrid Organizations ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accounting Performance ◽  
Knowledge Intensive

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to synthesize insights from previous accounting, performance measurement (PM) and accountability research into the rapidly emerging field of knowledge-intensive public organizations (KIPOs). In so doing, it draws upon insights from previous literature and other papers included in this special issue of Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews academic analysis and insights provided in the academic literature on accounting, PM and accountability changes in KIPOs, such as universities and healthcare organizations, and paves the way for future research in this area. Findings The literature review shows that a growing number of studies are focusing on the hybridization of different KIPOs, not only in terms of accounting tools (e.g. performance indicators, budgeting and reporting) but also in relation to individual actors (e.g. professionals and managers) that may have divergent values and thus act according to multiple logics. It highlights many areas in which further robust academic research is needed to guide developments of hybrid organizations in policy and practice. Research limitations/implications This paper provides academics, regulators and decision makers with relevant insights into issues and aspects of accounting, PM and accountability in hybrid organizations that need further theoretical development and empirical evidence to help inform improvements in policy and practice. Originality/value The paper provides the growing number of academic researchers in this emerging area with a literature review and agenda upon which they can build their research.

scholarly journals Grey literature – grey sources? Nuancing the view on professional documentation

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 1158-1182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Börjesson
Keyword(s):  
Grey Literature ◽  
Field Evaluation ◽  
Frame Of Reference ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Archaeological Work ◽  
Statistical Frequency ◽  
Source Use

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to nuance the perception about professional documentation (a.k.a. “grey literature”), assuming perception of documentation being a cultural aspect of accessibility. Design/methodology/approach – The study explores variations within the archaeological report genre through a bibliometric analysis of source use. Source characteristics are explored as well as correlations between report authors and source originators. Statistical frequency distribution is complemented by a correspondence analysis and a k-means cluster analysis to explore patterns. The patterns are interpreted as “frames of references” and related to circumstances for archaeological work. The study also discusses source representations. Findings – The source use patterns reveal a latent variation, not visible in the general analysis: a professional/academic frame of reference (mainly among authors affiliated with incorporated businesses and sole proprietorships) and an administrative frame of reference (mainly among authors affiliated with government agencies, foundations, and member associations) emerge. Research limitations/implications – The study focuses on Swedish field evaluation reports. Future research could test the results in relation to other types of reports and go beyond the document perspective to explore source use in documentation practices. Social implications – The results on variations in frames of references among report writers have implication for report readers and user. The results should also be considered in archaeology management and policy-making. On the level of source representation the results call for clarifications of vague representations and possibly omitted sources. Originality/value – This study contextualizes archaeological information use and focuses on variations in professional archaeology which has received little previous research attention. The bibliometric approach complements previous qualitative studies of archaeological information.

What good soldiers are made of: the role of personality similarity

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 1003-1018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer YM Lai ◽  
Simon SK Lam ◽  
Cheris WC Chow
Keyword(s):  
Social Integration ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Organizational Citizenship Behavior ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personality Similarity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Role Behaviors

Purpose – Previous studies have often yielded mixed results in relation to the similar-to-me effect on extra-role behaviors. Based on social exchange theory, the purpose of this paper is to uncover the contribution of personality similarity to organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), a type of extra-role behaviors. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaire surveys were conducted in a multinational bank in Hong Kong. The participants were matched sample of 403 customer service representatives from 81 teams and their corresponding team supervisors. Findings – Personality similarity to peers and supervisors had a positive impact on individual OCB (OCB-I) and organizational OCB (OCB-O), respectively, through better communication and social integration. Moreover, personality similarity to peers was related only to OCB-I, whereas personality similarity to supervisor was associated only with OCB-O. Research limitations/implications – Subordinates perform different facets of OCB depending on the subjects they are similar to in terms of personality. Being similar to others could facilitate communication and social integration, which in turn promote OCB targeted at similar individuals. The importance of distinguishing the similarity effects of peers and supervisors separately as well as scrutinizing the effects of different forms of OCB warrants future research attention. Practical implications – Managers can promote OCB by enhancing communication and social integration among employees and supervisors. Social implications – As OCB enhances organizational effectiveness, the economic development of society in general will eventually benefit from having more effective organizations. Originality/value – This study addresses the inconsistent findings of previous studies regarding the impact of similarity on OCB. It demonstrates the contribution of personality similarity to OCB beyond the confounding effects of judgment bias. It also advances theory by studying personality similarity to peers in addition to the commonly studied similarity to supervisors.

Work continuity constraints in repetitive project scheduling considering soft logic

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Zou ◽  
Guangchuan Wu ◽  
Qian Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Programming Model ◽  
Mixed Integer ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Duration ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Work Interruptions ◽  
Conflicting Objectives ◽  
Soft Logic

PurposeRepetitive projects play an important role in the construction industry. A crucial point in scheduling this type of project lies in enabling timely movement of crews from unit to unit so as to minimize the adverse effect of work interruptions on both time and cost. This paper aims to examine a repetitive scheduling problem with work continuity constraints, involving a tradeoff among project duration, work interruptions and total project cost (TPC). To enhance flexibility and practicability, multi-crew execution is considered and the logic relation between units is allowed to be changed arbitrarily. That is, soft logic is considered.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes a multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model with the capability of yielding the optimal tradeoff among three conflicting objectives. An efficient version of the e-constraint algorithm is customized to solve the model. This model is validated based on two case studies involving a small-scale and a practical-scale project, and the influence of using soft logic on project duration and total cost is analyzed via computational experiments.FindingsUsing soft logic provides more flexibility in minimizing project duration, work interruptions and TPC, especial for non-typical projects with a high percentage of non-typical activities.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of the proposed model fails to consider the learning-forgetting phenomenon, which provides space for future research.Practical implicationsThis study assists practitioners in determining the “most preferred” schedule once additional information is provided.Originality/valueThis paper presents a new soft logic-based mathematical programming model to schedule repetitive projects with the goal of optimizing three conflicting objectives simultaneously.

Industry peer effect and the maturity structure of corporate debt

2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (7) ◽  
pp. 714-733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Kim Duong ◽  
Anh Duc Ngo ◽  
Carl B. McGowan
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Stock Returns ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Information Acquisition ◽  
Debt Maturity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Debt Maturity Structure ◽  
Maturity Structure

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of industry peers in shaping firm debt maturity decisions. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use idiosyncratic equity shocks as instruments to disentangle industry fixed and peer effects. The authors also employ a three-stage least squares regression (3SLS) model to capture the correlation among thee (short, medium, and long) debt maturity decisions. Findings – The authors find that a one standard deviation change in peer short (medium, long) maturity debt leads to a 50 percent (37 percent, 23 percent) change in firm corresponding maturity debt and that these mimetic behaviors are statistically significant within, but not between, firm size groups. The findings also reveal that firms that mimic the short and medium (long) debt maturity structure of their peers tend to increase (decrease) firm performance as measured by profitability, return-on-assets, and stock returns. Research limitations/implications – First, given the research design, the authors are constraint from pinpointing the exact date of the mimicking behaviors. This limitation prevents the authors from establishing the causality of the mimicking behavior and firm performance. Future research can extend the findings by solving this problem. Second, it should be interesting to address the question of whether mimicking behavior is good or bad for firm performance. The authors only compare the performance of Close Followers and Loose Followers; however, it would be more precise to compare the performance of mimicking firms with the performance of non-mimicking firms. Originality/value – First, the findings extend the debt maturity structure literature by providing empirical evidence that an important determinant of firm debt maturity is industry peer debt maturity. Since debt maturity directly influences firm risk and performance, it is important for debt and equity holders to know how firms choose their debt maturity so that they can estimate their investment risk precisely. Second, the paper provides new empirical evidence supporting the information acquisition and principal-agent theories in demonstrating that firm performance increases when managers herd over short and medium debt maturity decisions and decreases when managers herd over long debt maturity decisions.

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