To whistle or not to whistle? Determinants and consequences

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 260-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuar Nawawi ◽  
Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh Salin

PurposeMany corporate scandals that occurred recently have indicated the importance of a whistle-blowing mechanism in preventing fraud and malpractices from damaging the organizations. By selecting one organization that has experienced a corporate scandal, this study aims to examine factors that influence employee’s intention to blow the whistle to prevent malpractices in the company. In addition, this study also examines the perceptions of employees regarding the business culture in their organization and how this culture impacts their intention to whistle-blow.Design/methodology/approachThis study engages in a mixed method of data collection, namely, survey questionnaire and interviews to gather the data.FindingsIt is found that retaliation is the most important factor that influences the employee’s intention to whistle-blow, followed by the burden to prove the malpractices, cost implications as a result of the wrongdoing and the action taken by the authority as a result of the fraud reporting. In terms of business culture, a large number of employees are reluctant to become a whistle-blower, although a secured and safe whistle-blowing mechanism is in place, indicating that Asian customs of collectivism and assertiveness play a major part in shaping the whistle-blowing mechanism in Malaysian organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThe results provide further confirmation of the determinants that influence employees to report wrongdoings in the organizations. This study however may subject to self-reported data biasness because of sensitivity of the research that related to fraud and immoral behaviours that occur in the company. Owing to this sensitivity, the study only focuses on employees’ internal whistle-blowing intentions rather than their actual intentions.Practical implicationsThis study helps the management to understand the working culture in the company so that they can identify the weak area of governance which needs improvement such as whistle-blower protection.Originality/valueThis study is original, as it focuses on the employees in a big organization such as government link companies that have experienced corporate scandals albeit having whistle-blowing mechanism in place. In addition, the finding of this study contributes to the theory and body of the literature on the whistle-blowing determinants, currently scarce in the context of a developing country like Malaysia.

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 1111-1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuar Nawawi ◽  
Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh Salin

Purpose Most organizations are fully aware of the misconduct that occurs within their company but take a soft-handed approach attending to the problems. Consequently, misconduct that at the beginning is just a mere incompliance may become a corporate scandal involving a substantial amount of money. This paper aims to examine the factors that influence whistleblowing intentions of employees that work in one big corporation, ABC Berhad, which experienced a corporate scandal. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire is used in which the respondents from the various departments of the selected study case, ABC Berhad, were required to indicate the seriousness of the wrong-doing cases and their intention to whistleblow based on the given vignette. A total of 70 survey questionnaires were distributed. Out of these, 63 questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 90 per cent. Findings The result of the study shows that gender did not have any significant influence to the likelihood to whistle blow. However, the job position of the respondents has a significant result as it can influence the likelihood to whistle blow. The study also found that the more serious the wrongdoing, the higher the likelihood to blow the whistle. Research limitations/implications The results provide further confirmation of the determinants that influence employees to report wrongdoings in the organizations. This study, however, may be subject to self-reported data biasness due to the sensitivity of the topic. In addition, respondents may not give responses or answers based on the actual situation but be tempted to response based on socially desirable which is to please their peers and others. Practical implications This study shows ABC Berhad whether its employees are ethical in carrying their duties and indicates their levels in ethical reporting. In addition, the study helps the company generally and ABC Berhad particularly to understand the working culture in the company so that they can identify the areas of the governance that need improvement such as protection to the employee that blew the whistle. Originality/value This study is original as it focuses on the employees in a big organization such as government-linked companies (GLCs) that have experienced corporate scandals although they have a whistleblowing mechanism in place.


2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamen Sunkanmi Adeyemi ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate impacts of construction professionals (CPs) conflict on performance in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI).Design/methodology/approachA quantitative method was used for this research. Questionnaires were sent to various CPs in Southwestern part of Nigeria. A total of 150 questionnaires were sent out, while 135 were gotten back from the partakers. The data received from the partakers were computed by applying descriptive and exploratory factor analysis.FindingsIn this study, conflict leads to the abandonment of the CPs’ task being rated highest by the participants. This was followed by conflict that results in insufficient communication, generates job pressure, results to frustrations and displeasure among the CPs, helps in early problem identification, causes work damage among professionals, helps in solving professional organization problems, improves productivity of professionals, improves communication among the professionals and so on.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to CPs that are members of professional bodies in Nigeria, and only 135 participants participated. Though, this paper suggests that a mixed-method approach should be utilized in further studies with a wider coverage.Practical implicationsThe findings from this paper will increase the understanding of CPs in Nigeria on various impacts of conflict on performance in the construction industry, most specifically the professional bodies. Moreover, this study will increase the knowledge of CPs to always avoid whatever that leads to the abandonment of their tasks. Additionally, this study will benefit the CPs to avoid insufficient communication among themselves, in order to accomplish great performance and efficiency in their respective professional bodies.Originality/valueSince previous studies on impacts of construction conflict in Nigeria were only focused on contractors and consultants in construction project, this current study filled the gap by evaluating the impacts of CPs’ conflict on performance in the NCI. Also, the method of analysis used for this study is exemptional because previous studies have overlooked the method. However, it is recommended that CPs must communicate more with others so as to ensure favorable conflict effects on performance.


2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi E. Boyd ◽  
Davide P. Cervone ◽  
Presha E. Neidermeyer ◽  
Adolph Neidermeyer

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the continued adherence to “standing” rules of thumb for the percentage of pre-retirement income which should be available to retirees. Design/methodology/approach – An analysis of census data to determine both the cause and magnitude of the debt load which retirees are carrying into their post-working years. Findings – The “standing” rules of thumb appear to provide less than adequate levels of income for retirees to service their continuing debt load which they have chosen to carry into their retirement years. Research limitations/implications – Census data are subject to the accuracy of “captured information” provided by the surveyed individuals. In this case, the information captured is consistent with generally reported data on the sufficiency of retirement income. Practical implications – Financial planners need to “get the word out early” that individuals need to consider earlier/greater funding of their anticipated retirement income. Social implications – Rising retirees may be “precluded” from retiring as anticipated because of the insufficiency of the replacement income they will have during their retirement years. Originality/value – Detailed census data have not been reviewed in detail with a focus on “individual debt load” as we have performed in this research study.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lino Markfort ◽  
Alexander Arzt ◽  
Philipp Kögler ◽  
Sven Jung ◽  
Heiko Gebauer ◽  
...  

PurposeThe emergence of Internet of Things (IoT) platforms in product companies opens up new data-driven business opportunities. This paper looks at the emergence of these IoT platforms from a business-model perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies a mixed method with two research studies: Study I–a cluster analysis based on a quantitative survey, and Study II–case studies based on qualitative interviews.FindingsThe findings reveal that there is no gradual shift in a company's business model, but in fact three distinct and sequential patterns of business model innovations: (1) platform skimming, (2) platform revenue generation and (3) platform orchestration.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are subject to the typical limitations of both quantitative and qualitative studies.Practical implicationsThe results provide guidance to managers on how to modify the components of the business model (value proposition, value creation and/or delivery and profit equation) in order to enable platforms to advance.Social implicationsAs IoT platforms continue to advance, product companies achieve better performance in terms of productivity and profitability, and more easily secure competitive advantages and jobs.Originality/valueThe paper makes three original contributions: (1) it is the first quantitative study on IoT platforms in product companies, (2) identifies three patterns of business model innovations and (3) offers a first process perspective for understanding the sequence of these patterns as IoT platforms advance.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hedley Smyth ◽  
Aaron M. Anvuur ◽  
Illona Kusuma

Purpose Examine the extent of integration in delivering value from design and construction (DC) activities for total asset management (TAM) and operations post-completion. DC and operations and management (OM) are both addressed. The problem owners are those in roles and organisations responsible for integrating DC with OM. The purpose of this paper is to show the extent of integration between actors along the project lifecycle. Relationally integrated value networks (RIVANS) provide the conceptual lens for the analysis. Design/methodology/approach A mixed method approach was used. A questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews were employed. Findings There is a lack of engagement between DC and OM. The trend is moving counter to integration. BIM is not found to be a technical solution. Research limitations/implications The mixed method helps extend the RIVANS perspective. Further research to understand and support integration is needed, especially qualitative research to provide greater granular understanding. Practical implications The identified trend away from integration poses management challenges in delivery and for sustainability in use. Supply chains engage specialists, yet internal and inter-organisational collaboration require management attention to value creation. This includes the DC-OM interface. Both sides can benefit from increased engagement. Social implications Infrastructure and property provision will continue to fall short of user and environmental functionality without improved integration. Originality/value A contribution to the project and asset management interface is made, showing low integration, disengaged asset management. BIM is unable to plug the gaps. The RIVANS analytical lens provides a perspective for improvement.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Michael Sony ◽  
Olivia McDermott

PurposeOrganizations use Industry 4.0 readiness models to evaluate their preparedness prior to the implementation of Industry 4.0. Though there are many studies on Industry 4.0 readiness models, the dimensions of readiness differ. Besides, there is no study empirically validating the readiness model in different sectors or types of organization. The purpose of this study is to conceptualize the dimensions of the Industry 4.0 readiness model and subsequently evaluate the criticality of these dimensions in manufacturing, service, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large enterprises (LEs).Design/methodology/approachThe study uses an exploratory sequential mixed method design. In phase one, 37 senior managers participated through a purposive sampling frame. In phase two, 70 senior managers participated in an online survey.FindingsThe results of the study indicated that the Industry 4.0 readiness model has 10 dimensions. Further, the criticality of the dimensions as applied to different sectors and type of organizations is put forward. This study will help manufacturing, services, SMEs and LEs to evaluate Industry 4.0 readiness before commencing the deployment of Industry 4.0.Practical implicationsThe findings can be very beneficial for Industry 4.0 practitioners and senior managers in different organisations to understand what readiness dimensions need to be considered prior to implementation of Industry 4.0 technology.Originality/valueThis paper makes an attempt to conceptualize the Industry 4.0 readiness model and utilizes an exploratory mixed method for critically evaluating the dimensions related to the model.


2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 919-936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Wadell ◽  
Jennie Björk ◽  
Mats Magnusson

Purpose – This article aims to investigate how R&D employees use their social networks to acquire user information and how this information is used in the development of new products. Design/methodology/approach – A single case study was conducted within a business unit at a multinational medical technology company. Data were collected through a mixed method. Findings – The results show that many R&D employees lack social networks through which they can acquire information about the users’ needs. However, some R&D employees establish cost-efficient relationships to people with a direct experience of using the company’s products. These relationships are established over time and are often used in a rather informal way to acquire user information. Moreover, the results show how R&D employees are purposefully complementing these relationships with more occasional interactions with people who hold direct and indirect use experiences. Research limitations/implications – As with most single-case studies, it will be important to replicate this investigation in other contexts to clarify the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications – The article shows how important it is that management provides R&D employees with opportunities to establish, nurture and utilize relationships conducive to information about the users’ needs. The article provides some advice on how this can be accomplished. Originality/value – This is one of the first articles that clearly explain how R&D employees use their social networks to acquire user information for the development of new products.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ally Lee ◽  
Yair Levy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of information quality (IQ) on citizens ' trust in e-government systems. Design/methodology/approach – This study used a mixed-method approach. In the first phase, the study drew IQ characteristics from the literature pool and then administered a qualitative questionnaire to a sample of 20 citizens who use e-government systems. In the second phase, the study delivered a quantitative survey via web to a group of about 1,000 citizens. Findings – This two-phased study uncovered citizens ' perceived IQ factors and determined the influence of the IQ factors on trust in e-government systems. Research limitations/implications – There were some limitations to the study. Citizen ' s demographics, along with the type of e-government interaction, were not taken into consideration. Practical implications – Understanding IQ characteristics that improve trust would enhance the relationship between citizens and e-government systems, as well as aide in the design and development of such systems. Originality/value – This paper applied an established IQ framework, and used the value focus approach in assessing IQ characteristics that effect citizens ' trust in e-government systems.


2018 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 320-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Ann Levin ◽  
Stephen Lithgow ◽  
Martine Miller ◽  
Jill Carson

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine three interpretations of post-diagnostic support (PDS) for dementia, to understand how best to support people recently diagnosed with dementia. Design/methodology/approach A sequential mixed-method approach was used which included analysis of the data collected by each sector, a focus group and interviews with PDS linkworkers and other staff. Findings All three sectors used a mix of supported self-management workshops and one-to-one PDS, however sectors varied by linkworker’s affiliation, caseload management and client group. Caseload varied greatly between sectors. Stage of disease and socioeconomic make-up of the local population were raised as factors determining the form of PDS offered. Some pillars appeared to be more easily achieved than others. There was a general agreement among all staff that “caseload” was misleading and that a measurement of workload would be preferable. Agile/mobile working was preferred by linkworkers. Even within teams there was variation in perceptions of PDS; some felt the linkworker role to be one of signposting, while others felt more involved with their client group, and for longer than 12 months. Practical implications Guidance at the outset of the PDS programme was sparse. The findings of this study should inform future development of the PDS model and a supporting guidance framework. Originality/value There is a growing interest in PDS for dementia. However, little is known about what a model of PDS should look like. This study attempts to capture the most important aspects of PDS delivery.


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 450-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Lucy Lee ◽  
Yukyoum Kim ◽  
June Won

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the location of sport brands in sport consumers’ minds using a perceptual map of multiple positions; and examine whether there is congruence between the sport brands’ purported images and the targeted consumers’ perception of the brands’ images. Design/methodology/approach A mixed method was used. Four steps of data collections (i.e. face-to-face, focus group interviews, and questionnaires) and analyses (i.e. content analysis, MDS analysis, PROXSCAL analysis, multiple regressions analysis, frequency analysis, and congruence score) were performed. Findings Four positioning typologies (i.e. great quality equipment, equipment for professionals, innovation, and tradition) were identified; each brand’s positions in consumers’ minds were distinctly portrayed in the perceptual map; and the congruence between intended and perceived positions was found in two brands – Titleist and Ping – implying they established a high position-congruity and providing evidence of positioning effectiveness. Practical implications The findings will aid practitioners and scholars in positioning and its effectiveness: the results provide information for managers to select, implement, and manage effective positioning strategies and the study provides initial evidence about whether companies and their brands are well-positioned in the sport consumer’s perception. Originality/value The authors attempt to examine how consumers perceive brands and how effectively brand positions are portrayed in consumers’ minds. The effectiveness and competitiveness of positioning strategies were examined via a perceptional map.


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