Sustainability and competitive advantage from a developing economy

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amoako Kwarteng ◽  
Samuel Ato Dadzie ◽  
Samuel Famiyeh
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Corporate Performance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the impact of sustainability as measured by the triple bottom line constructs on the competitive advantage of manufacturing firms in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach To understand the impact of sustainability on competitive advantage, a survey was conducted where managers were asked about their engagement in the sustainability issues and how it affects their competitive advantage. The study uses the structural equation modelling (SEM) and, in particular, the partial least square (PLS) approaches to SEM. Findings The results of this study indicate that economic and social have a positive impact on the corporate image but not the environment. In addition, corporate image and social have positive impact on corporate performance, whilst economic and environment seem not to have any impact on corporate performance. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to only manufacturing firms operating in the Ghanaian environment. It is important, therefore, for firms in Ghana to invest in social sustainability initiatives, as it will ultimately affect their bottom line performance. This study provides policy implications to Ghana and other developing countries to implement the necessary policies and provide incentives to improve environmental awareness. Originality/value There have been just a few studies that tried to find out the impact of sustainability constructs and performance and how corporate image mediates this relationship.

Customer satisfaction with sommelier services of upscale Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 532-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tommy Lau ◽  
Man Lai Cheung ◽  
Guilherme D. Pires ◽  
Carol Chan
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

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.

scholarly journals Organizational changes, trust and information sharing: an empirical study

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 677-692
Author(s):  
Farhan Ahmad ◽  
Isto Huvila
Keyword(s):  
Information Sharing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Organizational Changes ◽  
Multinational Organization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

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.

The impact of territory of origin on product authenticity perceptions

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohua Zhang ◽  
Dwight Merunka
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Product Category ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Chinese Consumers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Product Authenticity ◽  
Least Square Approach ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect

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.

Cash holdings, corporate performance and viability of Greek SMEs

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Dimitropoulos ◽  
Konstantinos Koronios ◽  
Alkis Thrassou ◽  
Demetris Vrontis
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Corporate Performance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Debt Crisis ◽  
Cash Holdings ◽  
Large Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Relationships ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Several theories have been developed trying to explain the corporate decisions on cash holdings. Stakeholder theory is one of the arguments that urge firms with strong stakeholder relationships to hold more cash. The purpose of this paper is to shed further light on this issue by examining the impact of cash holdings on the financial performance and viability of Greek Small-Medium Enterprises before and after the Greek sovereign debt crisis. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected a large sample from Small-Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and a comparable sample from large firms operating in Greece during the period 2003–2016. Panel regression analysis was performed before and after the Greek debt crisis. Findings Results indicated that cash holdings contribute positively to the profitability and viability of firms validating the precautionary theory of cash holdings in Greece. Before the crisis, SMEs and large firms both benefited significantly by cash holdings but after the crisis that positive impact of cash is more evident and significant for SMEs. Practical implications These findings corroborate the hypotheses that during a period of limited lending (and severe financial turmoil); cash holdings (and effective cash management) could be a vital tool for sustaining SMEs’ viability and financial performance. This study offers useful managerial implications and contributes to the ongoing debate about the impact of cash holdings on corporate performance. Originality/value This is the first study in the Greek business setting trying to examine the impact of cash holdings on financial performance within stakeholder-oriented firms during a period of financial turmoil.

The impact of post-trade transparency on price efficiency and price discovery

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (8) ◽  
pp. 1062-1075
Author(s):  
Chiou-Fa Lin ◽  
Cheng-Huei Chiao ◽  
Bin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Private Information ◽  
Stock Prices ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Price Discovery ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Price Efficiency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of post-trade transparency on price efficiency and price discovery. Design/methodology/approach The authors use an exogeneous change in market transparency in the Taiwan Stock Exchange that mandates the disclosure of unexecuted orders of the five best bid and ask prices after each trade, and conduct an event study analysis. Findings After the change, price efficiency enhances for both large and small firms, although the impact on stock prices is greater when the firm is larger. The authors also find that post-change trading reveals more private information for large firms but more public information for small firms. The findings support the view that transparency has a positive impact on market quality. Originality/value The paper adds to a large body of literature investigating the relationship between transparency and market behavior, especially the ongoing debate about whether trading transparency positively affects price dynamics. The findings also have important policy implications for the regulators.

Clarifying the impact of product scarcity and perceived uniqueness in buyers' purchase behavior of games of limited-amount version

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 232-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiu-Ju Chen ◽  
Tzu-Hui Sun
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Theoretical Development ◽  
Purchase Behavior ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Game Industry ◽  
The Impact

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.

Impact of B2C e-commerce codes of conduct on sales volume: lessons from the Spanish perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 381-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Dolores Gallego ◽  
Salvador Bueno ◽  
David López-Jiménez
Keyword(s):  
Structural Model ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Codes Of Conduct ◽  
Code Of Conduct ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Sales Volume ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Sales ◽  
Business To Consumer ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to carry out empirical testing of the relationship between corporate image and corporate satisfaction among business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce organizations who possess codes of conduct and study their effects on sales volume. The aim is to measure impacts of both corporate image as well as measure corporate satisfaction on online sales volume increases. In addition, the authors have added to the study the product-type dimension as a moderate variable. Design/methodology/approach A structural model is developed and empirically tested through survey data obtained from 127 Spanish companies adhering to a code of conduct. Findings The results indicate that adhering to a code of conduct has a positive impact on the increase in sales volumes. The paper identified the main reasons for adhering to a code of conduct, such as offering greater trust to potential consumers as well as improving the firm’s image, prestige and increasing quality and security. Research limitations/implications Further variables must be identified that would help to determine the impact on organizations adhering to codes of conduct. Practical implications This paper highlights how B2C e-commerce codes of conduct help managers achieve better conditions for competiveness. The findings show how adhering to a code of conduct has a positive impact on increased sales volumes. The results indicate that the reasons for adhering to a code of conduct are the following: it offers greater trust to potential consumers, as well as improves the firm’s image and prestige, and increases purchase quality and security. Originality/value This paper contributes to the enrichment of knowledge concerning B2C e-commerce codes of conduct developed a pioneering study.

The impact of servitization on the environmental and social performance in manufacturing firms

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingsi Zhang ◽  
Liangqun Qi ◽  
Chengdong Wang ◽  
Xichen Lyu
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Social Performance ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resource Slack ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study aims to examine how servitization affects the environmental and social performance of manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approachThe hypotheses are tested using fixed-effect panel models based on secondary data of 1,413 manufacturing firms publicly listed in the USA.FindingsResults show that servitization is positively related to the social performance of manufacturing firms; this positive relationship is more prominent under high levels of human resource slack. However, the impact of servitization on environmental performance depends on the level of absorptive capacity and human resource slack. Servitization improves environmental performance under high levels of absorptive capacity and human resource slack, while this positive impact is insignificant under low levels of absorptive capacity and human resource slack.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on the degree (depth) of servitization but ignores the scope of services provided by manufacturing firms (breadth of servitization).Practical implicationsThis research suggests that servitization is an effective way of achieving simultaneous improvements in environmental and social performance. However, high levels of absorptive capacity and human resource slack are needed to achieve this goal.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the servitization literature by demonstrating the environmental and social sustainability benefits of servitization. The findings also highlight the crucial role of absorptive capacity and human resource slack on improving environmental and social performance through servitization.

The impact of intellectual capital on innovation generation and adoption

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 675-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mir Dost ◽  
Yuosre F. Badir ◽  
Zeeshan Ali ◽  
Adeel Tariq
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Innovation Adoption ◽  
Organizational Capital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Innovation Generation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to measure the separate and interrelated effects of three aspects of intellectual capital (human, social and organizational capital) on innovation generation and adoption. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 318 respondents’ of chemical firms. This study used multiple regression analysis to analyze the influence of human, organizational and social capital on innovation generation and adoption. Findings Results suggest that organizational capital exerts significantly positive impact on innovation adoption. In the same vein, social capital exerts significantly positive impact on both innovation generation and adoption. Moreover, interaction of social capital further strengthens the influence of organizational capital on innovation adoption. Contrary to hypotheses, human capital does not exert significant influence on innovation generation. However, interaction of social capital further strengthens the impact of human capital on innovation generation. Practical implications Findings offer implications for modern managers to utilize the knowledge that resides in firm’s different locations. It also enhances managerial ability to identify and apply these knowledge resources to expedite innovation generation and adoption. Originality/value Innovation generation and adoption plays a critical role in firm’s acquiring success and competitive advantage, yet the influence of intellectual capital on innovation generation and adoption mostly remains as unexplained puzzle. This study contributes to knowledge-innovation literature by examining the missing link between different types of knowledge and innovation generation and adoption. It also helps to comprehend the enabling factors through which firms capitalize upon, and obtain, a sustainable competitive advantage.

Outsourcing and reverse supply chain performance: a triple bottom line approach

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saurabh Agrawal ◽  
Rajesh Kumar Singh
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Electronics Industry ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Reverse Supply Chain ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeOutsourcing has become a strategic decision for most of the organizations in the present context of globalization and circular economy. The objective of proposed study is to empirically investigate the relationship between the outsourcing benefits and triple bottom line (TBL)-based performance of reverse supply chain (RSC) comprising of economic, environmental and social factors.Design/methodology/approachIn the present study, the partial least square path approach of structural equation modeling has been applied for testing hypotheses. A questionnaire was developed for collecting the information and responses from the experts of electronics industry, India. Measurement models were tested for ensuring the fitness of data for further applying partial least square path approach of SEM.FindingsThe results provide insightful information on outsourcing and RSC performance. It reveals that outsourcing decisions are important and have great influence on the economic, environmental and social performance of RSC.Research limitations/implicationsThe study will provide useful guidance to the organizations for outsourcing decisions. One of the limitations of the study is that it has considered data collected from the Indian electronics industry. Therefore, results may not be generalized.Originality/valueThe third-party service providers have core competencies, and they are the experts of providing RSC services. It is also apparent from the exploration of past research and theoretical background that there are limited number of studies focusing on the impact of outsourcing decisions in RSC performance specifically from the TBL perspective. Hence, the proposed study is an effort to explore the impact of outsourcing RSC activities on the performance of RSC from a sustainability perspective.

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