Entrepreneurial perceptions and bias of SME exporting opportunities for manufacturing exporters

Purpose Success in export ventures has been linked to managerial capabilities. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of exporting motivators on managerial perceptions of UK manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by investigating the links between export motivators and decision bias (i.e. predictable behavior). Design/methodology/approach Based on the Uppsala and resource-based view perspectives (using a sample of the UK’s independent manufacturing SMEs and utilizing a survey, correlation analysis, and factor analysis), this study finds and describes the effect of the most recurrent motivators and clusters of motivators from the literature on the SMEs’ decision to export by investigating the dimensions (research, external, reactive). Findings This study finds that export motivators can be separated into specific dimensions leading to potential selection bias. In addition, the importance of size, knowledge of foreign markets, and unsolicited orders show an association with the perceptions of motivator stimuli toward specific dimensions (research, external, reactive). Practical implications Government policy and SME export strategy need to understand managerial perceptions and bias better in order to allocate resources efficiently toward stimulating exporting. Originality/value The literature and empirical work on the topic have been fragmented and conflicting focusing on specific motivators but not necessarily explaining the selection or origin of motivators even less on SMEs. Dimensions have not been taken into account as clusters of motivators.

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The importance and the adaptation of internal resources as a competitive advantage for the internationalization of food companies

Grey Systems Theory and Application ◽

10.1108/gs-10-2018-0048 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 305-320

Author(s):

Gessuir Pigatto ◽

Giuliana Aparecida Santini Pigatto ◽

Eduardo Guilherme Satolo ◽

Amanda dos Santos Negreti

Keyword(s):

Competitive Advantage ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Gray Relational Analysis ◽

Resource Based View ◽

Content Type ◽

Internal Resources ◽

Relational Analysis ◽

Gray Correlation ◽

Correlation System ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze how Brazilian food companies in the State of São Paulo determine the importance of and the need to adapt their internal resources as a competitive advantage for internationalization. Design/methodology/approach From a resource-based view (RBV), 35 different factors grouped into four categories were identified and presented to 24 companies. The data were analyzed through a gray relational analysis to establish all factors’ order of importance. Findings Factors linked to human and organizational resources present greater adaptability and allow companies competitive and sustainable advantages but have not yet been explored thoroughly. Identifying and adapting internal resources do not guarantee achieving competitive and sustainable advantages, as the access to international market is also a consequence of commercial agreements developed by countries and economic blocks. Practical implications The analysis highlights the fragility of competitiveness among the companies analyzed in exporting products with commodity characteristics, with none or little differentiation. Such products are traded mainly through trading companies, which allow the access of the same market to internal competitors and other countries. Thus, any lapse promoted by the company may be enough for it to lose its competitiveness and, hence, market space. Originality/value This paper stands out in the field of strategic management, specifically in the research on RBV, exportation and competitiveness, by making use of the theory of gray correlation system in an innovative and original way.

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Chinese outward foreign direct investment

Strategic Direction ◽

10.1108/sd-01-2018-0015 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 34 (4) ◽

pp. 10-12

Keyword(s):

Foreign Direct Investment ◽

Direct Investment ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Reading Time ◽

Outward Foreign Direct Investment ◽

Foreign Markets ◽

Content Type ◽

Pertinent Information ◽

Strategic Motives ◽

Practical Implications

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Theorising the impact of COVID-19 on the fraud victimisation of older persons

The Journal of Adult Protection ◽

10.1108/jap-08-2020-0035 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Cassandra Cross

Keyword(s):

Social Isolation ◽

Older Persons ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Empirical Work ◽

Well Being ◽

Current Response ◽

Content Type ◽

Fraud Risk ◽

The Impact ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand how COVID-19 may alter the vulnerability levels of older persons, and how this may change their potential for fraud victimisation. This is particularly focused on the government’s use of isolation, restrictions on activity and physical distancing to combat the virus. Design/methodology/approach In the absence of statistics, this paper examines what is currently known about older persons and fraud, as well as the recent knowledge of COVID-19-related fraud. On this basis, the paper hypothesises the conceivable changes to vulnerability that potentially expose older persons to fraud. Findings This paper argues that COVID-19 has not seen “new” fraudulent approaches, rather offenders have used COVID-19 as a context to their existing schemes. Further, the current response to COVID-19 can substantially increase the number of older persons experiencing levels of vulnerability, and therefore increase their fraud risk. Research limitations/implications The current paper applies existing knowledge into the current circumstances of COVID-19 and lays the foundations for empirical work to be conducted in this area. Practical implications This paper provides an impetus to target the well-being and connectivity of older persons, (regardless of the COVID-19 context), to reduce their vulnerability to fraud victimisation. Social implications This paper highlights the importance of connectivity for older persons, and the need to focus on overcoming social isolation and loneliness. Originality/value This paper is the first to hypothesise the effects of COVID-19 and its associated government responses to the overall vulnerability of older persons, with a focus on the potential for fraud victimisation.

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Resource-based competition: three schools of thought and thirteen criticisms

European Business Review ◽

10.1108/ebr-07-2013-0096 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 122-148 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Tarek El Shafeey ◽

Paul Trott

Keyword(s):

Design Methodology ◽

Dynamic Capabilities ◽

Core Competencies ◽

Social Constructionist ◽

Management Research ◽

Resource Based View ◽

Content Type ◽

The Social ◽

Practical Implications ◽

Terminological Confusion

Purpose – The field of research on resource-based competition is full of nuanced terminology and misunderstandings. This has led to confusion, and thus the authors offer a critical review, which provides a structure and clarity to this subject. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This analysis structures the literature on resources, capabilities, and competences into three distinct schools of thought: the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm, the rational-equilibrium school; the dynamic capability-based view of the firm, the behavioural-evolutionary school; and the competence-based view of the firm, the social constructionist school. Findings – The authors uncover 13 criticisms of the most widely adopted theoretical framework of the RBV of the firm – Valuable-Rare-Imperfectly imitable-Organisation (VRIO). Research limitations/implications – The misinterpretation and neglect of the classic scholarly work may help to explain why the VRIO framework has been elevated from a view to a theory and why it has received so much attention. Practical implications – The authors show how the relative ease of measuring resources as compared to (dynamic) capabilities and (core) competencies has helped raise the profile of RBV. Originality/value – This analysis contributes to management research by illustrating the deviation among the three schools of thought; the authors show how this has contributed to wide terminological confusion and offer a structure to help researchers situate their work within the relevant school of thought.

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The critical managerial capabilities of medical and nursing managers in an Israeli hospital

Evidence-based HRM a Global Forum for Empirical Scholarship ◽

10.1108/ebhrm-12-2012-0019 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 81-102 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ana Shetach ◽

Ohad Marcus

Keyword(s):

Job Satisfaction ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Two Dimensions ◽

Religious Groups ◽

Culturally Specific ◽

Content Type ◽

Nursing Managers ◽

Managerial Capabilities ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the managerial capabilities that are required of medical and nursing managers, in a Christian-affiliated hospital in Israel, in order to promote the job satisfaction of their subordinates. Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered via questionnaires, administered to 107 doctors and nurses of a small Christian-affiliated hospital in Israel, regarding the job satisfaction of the respondents, and their evaluation of the managerial capabilities of their medical and nursing superiors. Correlations and regressions were carried out on the data. Findings – Overall managerial capabilities of medical and nursing managers were shown to be significantly related to how their subordinates felt about their teams and about their work. The results suggest differences between nurses and doctors. When analyzed for the two dimensions of managerial capabilities and the two dimensions of job satisfaction, the results were significant for the nurses, but not significant for the doctors. When tested for Christians vs non-Christians, the results for the nurses were the same as in the sample as a whole; whereas for the doctors, there were differences between the two religious groups. Research limitations/implications – The sample is small and culturally specific, thus limiting the generalization potential of this study. Practical implications – Findings of this research may have practical implications regarding hospitals’ recruitment, promotion, instruction and follow-up policies. Originality/value – This study sheds light on the issue of hospital management and leadership within a specific cultural-religious setting, which has not been previously investigated.

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Asymmetric relationships in networked agricultural innovation processes

British Food Journal ◽

10.1108/bfj-05-2014-0183 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 117 (7) ◽

pp. 1810-1825 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Evelien Lambrecht ◽

Bianka Kühne ◽

Xavier Gellynck

Keyword(s):

Design Methodology ◽

Agricultural Sector ◽

Empirical Work ◽

Innovation Networks ◽

Practical Relevance ◽

Content Type ◽

Depth Interviews ◽

Innovation Processes ◽

Practical Implications ◽

Asymmetric Relationships

Purpose – In innovation networks, asymmetric relationships are both considered as an opportunity and a threat for the enhancement of innovation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how much asymmetry Flemish farmers perceive in their relationships for innovation with colleagues, suppliers and buyers. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 86 farmers active in four different agricultural subsectors in Flanders were consulted, of which 38 via in-depth interviews and 48 in seven focus groups. Data were analysed using NVivo. Findings – The authors found that across subsectors, different players in innovation networks play different roles. Furthermore, the authors observed that the majority of farmers see their relationships more as a necessity for the farm to be able to function, than as an opportunity for innovation. If they collaborate for innovation, they often prefer symmetric relationships with similar companies on horizontal level. Vertical collaboration for innovation is not very popular in the sample. Practical implications – The findings suggest that farmers should take more actions to gain power in the chain and improve their skills with regards to negotiating with their suppliers or buyers. Furthermore, the authors found which characteristics of asymmetric relationships would foster the development of innovation processes. Originality/value – Empirical work studying the effects and impacts of asymmetric relationships for innovation from the SME’s perspective are still limited, especially in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, this sector is of practical relevance to study because the need for networking and innovation is very real.

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Cross-sector dialogue for sustainability: to partner or not to partner?

Sustainability Accounting Management and Policy Journal ◽

10.1108/sampj-02-2021-0045 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Celine Louche ◽

Suzanne Young ◽

Martin Fougère

Keyword(s):

Design Methodology ◽

Special Issue ◽

Resource Based View ◽

Content Type ◽

Individual Level ◽

Research Themes ◽

Societal Context ◽

The Individual ◽

High Level ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce the topic and review the contributions of the special issue papers on cross-sector dialogue for sustainability. The paper also presents avenues for further research. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a review of the current literature on cross-sector partnership and dialogue. It explores the current issues in cross-sector partnerships through a discussion of the papers accepted for the special issue, their focus, findings and key contributions. Findings It highlights three main key research themes and learnings from the special issue papers: a high level of “hybridity” of collaboration forms, which involve important tensions; a need to understand partnership in its context and the importance of the individual level in cross-sector collaboration. Practical implications The authors call for attention to be paid to two forms of myopia: a tendency to view partnerships primarily from a resource-based view (without much attempt to measure societal impact) and a reluctance to be explicitly critical (despite empirical evidence of some suboptimal aspects of partnerships). Social implications The authors call for researchers to move away from a resource-based approach to one that is situated in exploring the value derived from partnerships in the broader societal context. The authors suggest some avenues for further research to move the discussion beyond the partnership imperative. Originality/value The paper outlines the need to critically revisit the very essence of what real partnership means and whether dialogue is really taking place.

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National identifications as determinants of the reception of country-of-origin sensitive advertising

Review of International Business and Strategy ◽

10.1108/ribs-01-2015-0007 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 137-162 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Torsten J. Gerpott ◽

Ilknur Bicak

Keyword(s):

Regression Models ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Country Of Origin ◽

Empirical Work ◽

Telecommunication Service ◽

Content Type ◽

Telecommunication Services ◽

Important Group ◽

Self Image ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to empirically analyze the extent to which advertising reception among consumers with a migration background (German-Turks) is influenced by a person’s strength of national identifications with his/her country-of-origin (COO) and with his/her country-of-residence (COR). The focus is on Turkey-sensitive advertisements (ads) of telecommunication service suppliers in Germany because such communication measures are quite common and about three million German-Turks constitute an economically important group. Design/methodology/approach – Measures of COO and COR identification as well as of three ad reception criteria were obtained in a survey of 291 German-Turks and analyzed via moderated regression models. Findings – Strength of COO identification was a significantly positive predictor of the frequency with which participants remembered Turkey-sensitive ads for telecommunication services. Additionally, COO identification related significantly to two criteria that capture facets of attitudes toward such ads. By contrast, COR identification acted partly as a moderator which attenuated links between respondents’ COO identification and two ad reception measures. Nevertheless, German-Turks with a strong COR identification (i.e. “accultured” consumers) were still receptive to Turkey-sensitive telecommunication services ads even if their self-image was simultaneously strongly dependent on their COO. “Alienated” German-Turks who identify neither with their COO nor with their COR were least responsive to ethnic ads. Practical implications – The research indicates that marketing practitioners should not use uniform communication measures to address migrant consumers with a specific COO but segment this target group further by simultaneously considering their members’ COO and COR identifications. Originality/value – The contribution of this paper results from the simultaneous inclusion of both COO and COR identifications as factors explaining differences in reactions to communication measures among migrant consumers which share the same COO. Furthermore, the scarcity of empirical work on reactions of German-Turks to ethnomarketing is reduced.

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Measuring organisational capabilities in the higher education sector

Education + Training ◽

10.1108/et-09-2013-0114 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 57 (3) ◽

pp. 322-342 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Belete J Bobe ◽

Ralph Kober

Keyword(s):

Design Methodology ◽

Discriminant Validity ◽

Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽

Effective Management ◽

Resource Based View ◽

Content Type ◽

Organisational Capabilities ◽

Convergent And Discriminant Validity ◽

University Performance ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose – Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV), the purpose of this paper is to develop a framework and instrument to measure the organisational capabilities of university schools/departments. In doing so, this study provides evidence of the way competitive resources are bundled to generate organisational capabilities that give university schools/departments a sustainable competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire to measure the resources that contribute to the capabilities of university schools/departments was developed. Constructs were determined, and the questionnaire was refined based on an analysis of responses from 166 Heads of schools/departments across all 39 Australian public universities. Findings – Heads conceive of the development of capabilities within their schools/departments along the core operating functions of research, teaching, and networking. Reliability and supplementary analysis confirm these constructs have strong convergent and discriminant validity as well as internal consistency. Research limitations/implications – The findings confirm that effective management and coordination of research, teaching, and networking with important stakeholders are keys to success. The framework and instrument developed in this paper also provides the opportunity to investigate university performance through the perspective of the RBV, which will enhance the understanding of the determinants of universities’ performance. Practical implications – The framework and questionnaire developed in this study can be utilised by Heads as a diagnostic tool to gain an understanding of their department’s/school’s organisational capabilities in the areas of research, teaching, and networking. Originality/value – This paper is the first study to develop a framework and questionnaire to measure organisational capabilities for university academic schools/departments.

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Deciding where in the world to expand when determining a subsidiary strategy

Strategic Direction ◽

10.1108/sd-01-2020-0002 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 36 (4) ◽

pp. 33-35

Keyword(s):

Design Methodology ◽

Geographic Distance ◽

Foreign Market ◽

Strategy Formation ◽

Content Type ◽

Managerial Perceptions ◽

Pertinent Information ◽

Set Up ◽

Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This case study paper concentrates on the managerial perceptions that determine where to establish a subsidiary and which strategies to follow in doing so. Cultural and economic distances have the biggest impacts on such strategy formation, followed by secondary administrative and geographic distance factors. Most managers preferred to adapt their marketing approach to the foreign market, to give high autonomy to acquired subsidiaries to manage their market, and to set up a subsidiary in a neighboring country. The interviewed Portuguese companies therefore predominantly opened a foreign subsidiary in Spain. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

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