scholarly journals Influence of social capital offline and online on early-stage entrepreneurs

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 393-408
Author(s):  
Tatiane Andreza de Souza Silva ◽  
Victor Silva Corrêa ◽  
Gláucia Maria Vasconcellos Vale ◽  
Ernesto Michelangelo Giglio
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Data Collection Instrument ◽  
Combined Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate if and how social capital offline – stemming from face-to-face interactions – and social capital online – stemming from social digital media – can influence early-stage entrepreneurs, i.e. ventures with up to 42 months of existence.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used herein a qualitative research approach. The method used was the case study. The authors investigated three early-stage entrepreneurs in order to achieve the objective of the paper. These entrepreneurs are both the unit of analysis and the unit of observation.FindingsThe outcomes of this research indicate (1) the combined importance of social capital offline and online; (2) the different performance of the two different types of social capital (they seem to operate in relatively distinct ways) and (3) the existence of recursiveness between resources stemming from the two social spheres (offline and online).Research limitations/implicationsAs research limitations, the authors point out the following: (1) the use of semistructured interviews as the only data collection instrument; (2) the limitation of the outcomes to entrepreneurs only (3) the absence of information on the performance of the business ventures; the focus of the paper was only on establishing causality between social capital offline and online and entrepreneurial performance.Originality/valueThis paper provides important research contributions. Initially, the paper presents a range of offline and online variables, which can be used in further research. At the same time, the paper emphasizes the combined impact of social capital offline and online, expanding the literature related to entrepreneurship. Moreover, this study proposes the creation of an integrative model. Finally, the authors point out the need for new theoretical and empirical studies on the subject, which still presents a gap in the literature.

Organizational social capital, resilience and innovation validation of a theoretical model for specialized workers

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Martinez Fandiño ◽  
Nilton Soares Formiga ◽  
Rui Manuel de Menezes
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Mathematical Tool ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Social Capital

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the interactions and their cause/effect consequences of three aspects present inside organizational realities, namely, organizational social capital (OSC), worker resilience and innovation derived from the workers. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study for analyzing the subjects was chosen. As a quantitative research approach, after the theoretical review, two possibilities were hypothesized for how they act as a system. In order to verify the hypotheses, the authors chose the structural equation model, a suitable instrument for this analysis, as a mathematical tool. Findings The results show that OSC is a mediator between resilience and innovation in the organizational dynamics. This suggests that workers’ resilience need OSC, acting as the mediator, to improve their level of innovation capacity. Research limitations/implications The study gives information at a specific point in time. Follow-up studies are needed to understand the phenomena’s transformation, and no distinction was made between exploratory and exploitative innovation. More empirical studies should be carried out to enhance its understanding. Practical implications These findings can help organizations deal better with these resources to reach their goals because the first, as stated in the purpose, is the amalgamated goodwill necessary for individuals to work together; the second is workers’ capacity to bounce back; and the last is the creativity inherent in people. All of which are significant for an enterprise thrive in its market. Originality/value The cited dynamic has few studies, and this work provides evidence about its existence and magnitude, shedding light on a critical factors’ relationship net, especially for enterprises based on the creativity of their workers.

Beekeeping as a family artisan entrepreneurship business

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 717-730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veland Ramadani ◽  
Robert D. Hisrich ◽  
Leo-Paul Dana ◽  
Ramo Palalic ◽  
Laxman Panthi
Keyword(s):  
Family Business ◽  
Transition Economy ◽  
Rural Families ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Western Balkans ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose Throughout Macedonia, beekeeping is becoming popular regardless of ethnicity. Studying ethnicity, the purpose of this paper is to determine what beekeepers in Macedonia thought in their own words about their beekeeping entrepreneurship. The objective is to identify whether motivations of ethnic Albanian beekeepers in Macedonia were the same or different compared to those of ethnic Macedonians in the same country, and if different, how. Design/methodology/approach To accomplish this objective, in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 beekeepers in Macedonia. A total of 29 interviews were conducted face-to-face and the other 11 by phone. The first set of interviews took place between December 2016 and February 2017, followed by more interviews in June 2017. In total, 27 respondents said they were ethnic Albanians, and 13 identified themselves as ethnic Macedonians. Also, ten respondents were women. While eight were full-time beekeepers, 32 were part-time beekeepers. Findings The results indicated that beekeeping businesses play a significant role in the transition economy of Macedonia. Beekeeping provides additional earnings that support rural families and keeps them financially stable. The majority of both Albanians and Macedonians understood that beekeeping on a part-time job basis provided a needed supplement to their income. Some part-time beekeepers are also working as auto-mechanics, locksmiths, medical doctors, restaurant/cafeteria owners, and tailors. A few in the sample were retired from their jobs or full-time beekeepers. An important difference between ethnic Albanian beekeepers and ethnic Macedonians in Macedonia is that the majority of ethnic Albanian participants see beekeeping as following in “my father’s footsteps”, while most Macedonians were motivated by the perceived opportunity of having a good business. Research limitations/implications Limitations of the research are twofold. First, financial data of family beekeeping are not available, which would be useful in determining the contribution made to economic development. It is common, especially in transition economies such as the western Balkans, that financial results are very sensitive to their owners. Second, unavailable databases for beekeepers make any quantitative approach difficult, if not impossible, resulting in most research using the qualitative research approach. Originality/value This paper is one of the first to treat beekeeping as a form of artisan entrepreneurship, which also contributes to the understanding of family business. As in other countries, the important and operation of the family business among family members in Macedonia is passed from generation to generation. The results of this research revealed the value of networking, which was found to be very important to income. For beekeepers to develop, grow, and be branded in the community, networking is an important ingredient.

Network approach to public-private organizing of destinations

IMP Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 313-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jörgen Elbe ◽  
Sabine Gebert Persson ◽  
Fredrik Sjöstrand ◽  
Karin Ågren
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Network Approach ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Private Interests ◽  
Private Context

Purpose This paper explores a type of organizing that can be found in tourist destinations that are administratively bound to a specific geographic area in the intersection of public and private context. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of the organizing of activities within destinations and also to contribute theoretically and conceptually to how place dependency and public/private can be understood from an industrial marketing and purchasing (IMP) network perspective. Design/methodology/approach The research approach has its origin in an ongoing multi-disciplinary and longitudinal case study. Findings By applying a network approach to the organizing of destinations, where interaction of relationships, resources, actors and activities play an essential role, a number of propositions have been put forth so as to provide for a better understanding of place-specific organizing, in the intersection between public and private interests. Research limitations/implications The paper is conceptual and more empirical studies are needed to test the findings. One implication to consider in future empirical studies is the tensions between created and organic networks that exist in public and private place partnerships. Practical implications The paper provides insights into factors affecting destination management. Social implications With an emphasis on a socio-political context, the opportunities and limitations that exist between public and private sectors are discussed. Originality/value The paper sheds light on a neglected aspect of a contemporary phenomenon where the IMP network approach could contribute to the understanding of destination marketing or management organization that are bound to a specific place in the intersection between the public and private context. The area of public-private organizing is a topic that may also add new aspects to the IMP community.

“I like computers. I hate coding”: a portrait of two teens’ experiences

2019 ◽  
Vol 120 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 349-365
Author(s):  
Paulina Haduong
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Student Motivation ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Learner Motivation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learner Identity ◽  
Novice Programmer ◽  
Block Based

Purpose Some empirical evidence suggests that historically marginalized young people may enter introductory programming experiences with skepticism or reluctance, because of negative perceptions of the computing field. This paper aims to explore how learner identity and motivation can affect their experiences in an introductory computer science (CS) experience, particularly for young people who have some prior experience with computing. In this program, learners were asked to develop digital media artifacts about civic issues using Scratch, a block-based programming language. Design/methodology/approach Through participant observation as a teacher and designer of the course, artifact analysis of student-generated computer programs and design journals, as well as with two follow-up 1-h interviews, the author used the qualitative method of portraiture to examine how two reluctant learners experienced a six-week introductory CS program. Findings These learners’ experiences illuminate the ways in which identity, community and competence can play a role in supporting learner motivation in CS education experiences. Research limitations/implications As more students have multiple introductory computing encounters, educators need to take into account not only their perceptions of the computing field more broadly but also specific prior encounters with programming. Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Researchers are encouraged to explore other contexts and examples further. Practical implications This portrait highlights the need for researchers and educators to take into account student motivation in the design of learning environments. Originality/value This portrait offers a novel examination of novice programmer experiences through the choice in method, as well as new examples of how learner identity can affect student motivation.

The role of marketing and product design in driving firm’s performance

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mónica Canto Primo ◽  
Irene Gil-Saura ◽  
Marta Frasquet-Deltoro
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Market Orientation ◽  
Product Differentiation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Perceived Effectiveness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Marketing Orientation ◽  
Design Orientation

Purpose This study aims to suggest an integrative model to investigate design orientation by analyzing its links with market orientation and its ability to generate and maintain a competitive advantage and improve effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach The structural equation technique is used to test the research hypotheses based on data from the Spanish furniture and lighting industries. The data are obtained from the responses of 209 companies to a questionnaire targeted at design and marketing managers. Findings The results suggest that design orientation helps companies to gain competitive advantages in product differentiation and improve business effectiveness. The design orientation is stimulated by proactive market orientation and by marketing-design integration during the development of new products. The design orientation fully mediates the effect of proactive marketing orientation on perceived effectiveness. Originality/value This study uses a quantitative research approach to propose and test an integrative model that relates design orientation with the generation of competitive advantage in product differentiation and perceived effectiveness.

scholarly journals Reflective practice as a determinant of performance outcomes in services

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 392-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minna Saunila ◽  
Juhani Ukko
Keyword(s):  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Reflective Practices ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Life Context

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the outcomes of reflective practices in services. The paper contributes to the current understanding of the relationship between reflective practice and outcomes by presenting a description of the internal (i.e. what kind of reflection is required to attain the desired outcomes) and external (i.e. under what kind of circumstances does reflection result in the desired outcomes) factors of reflective practices. Design/methodology/approach – The results of this investigation are based on a mixed-method research approach that utilises both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Findings – According to the results, reflective practices are indeed connected to outcomes. Reflective practices foster better outcomes when they are more explicit and targeted through different organisational levels. The role of performance management and measurement is important in connecting the reflective practices with performance. Performance management must be considered as a communication and social system that allows the employees to discuss the learning and development process as a part of the results. Practical implications – As a practical contribution, the results of the research may help professionals begin to understand that leveraging reflective practices may aid an organisation in achieving its desired outcomes. Originality/value – Hitherto, studies that discuss the interphase of reflective practices and outcomes have mainly been theoretical considerations or surveys that lack an in-depth understanding of how the different methods operate in a real-life context. When focusing on the previous research, it is clear that in-depth empirical studies are needed to achieve a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and arrangements that connect reflective practice and outcomes. This research addresses this research gap by examining the outcomes of reflective practices in services.

Intellectual capital role in ambidexterity emergence

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 733-744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susana Fernández-Pérez de la Lastra ◽  
Natalia García-Carbonell ◽  
Fernando Martín-Alcázar ◽  
Gonzalo Sánchez-Gardey
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Organizational Capabilities ◽  
Integrative Model ◽  
Alternative View ◽  
Organizational Ambidexterity ◽  
Organizational Capital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multilevel Perspective

Purpose Considering the inconclusive results in the literature on the way organizations create ambidextrous organizational capabilities, the purpose of this paper is to present an alternative theoretical model of three different paths through which ambidexterity is built. From a multilevel perspective, the model describes how specific combinations of the facets of intellectual capital – human, social and organizational capital – can synergistically work to reach ambidexterity. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on main arguments from multilevel and intellectual capital literature. The multilevel approach allows the authors to consider a broader perspective to define three specific modes to create ambidextrous capabilities. Additionally, the intellectual capital literature completes the model, with the input (human capital), mechanisms (social capital) and the infrastructure (organizational capital) needed to develop ambidexterity. With the integration of both frameworks, the model explains how different types of ambidexterity are generated at diverse firm levels – individual, group and organizational, following different and complementary paths. Findings This research goes beyond the traditional arguments on how organizations develop simultaneously exploration and exploitation activities, proposing an integrative model of three complementary modes: path 1 (ambidexterity based on individual human capital); path 2 (ambidexterity through social capital) and path 3 (ambidexterity through organizational capital). These paths link organizational levels in organizations, showing the accumulative process of ambidexterity from a multilevel perspective. Originality/value The paper offers an alternative view expanding the ongoing discussion in the ambidexterity field. There is a lack of configurational models in the literature that describe, from a synergistic point of view, these complementary paths to achieving organizational ambidexterity. This approach contributes to explaining that not only individual ambidextrous human capital is needed to generate organizational ambidexterity, but also that specialist human capital could be a source of ambidexterity.

Identifying the factors influencing digital library use among research students: a case of National Digital Library of Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iqra Mubeen ◽  
Saira Hanif Soroya ◽  
Khalid Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Digital Library ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Sample Selection ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Data Collection Instrument ◽  
Research Students

Purpose As the revolution of information takes place, industrialized societies are going to become information societies. Developing countries such as Pakistan are going to change due to technology and, in turn, transform the whole structure of libraries. The concept of digital libraries (DL) has emerged due to technological advancements. This study aims to highlight the factors that encourage and discourage the use of the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) National Digital Library (NDL). Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research approach was selected for the investigation, while the data collection instrument was a questionnaire. Postgraduate research students were the population of the study. A convenient sampling technique was used for sample selection. Findings The results of the study indicated that the use of HEC (NDL) was frequent monthly. The display of search results, 24/7 access, the authenticity of items, availability of navigational assistance and up-to-date information encourage researchers to use DL. However, their preference for print material over electronic material, slow downloading speed of the internet and non-availability of older and archival publications were the common reasons for the low use of DL. Furthermore, there are significant differences in terms of using the NDL based on gender, the program of study and the stage of the study. Originality/value This study will contribute significantly to the literature from the developing countries and would also helpful for HEC (NDL) authorities and university libraries to design information services.

India – an untapped market for halal products

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 981-1002
Author(s):  
Yusuf Hassan ◽  
Anirban Sengupta
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Muslim Population ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Research ◽  
Attractive Option ◽  
Limited Scale ◽  
Increased Sensitivity ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose India has an over-180-million Muslim population, which makes it an ideal marketplace for halal products. However, not much research has been done to understand the opportunities and challenges pertaining to halal business in India. The purpose of this study is to explore and examine how halal products are perceived by the Indian consumer and how these products are creating values for a larger consumer base. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for an exploratory study using an inductive approach. To understand the peculiarities of the issue, the authors also used the case-research approach to develop a broader understanding of the topic. Findings Findings of this study show that the market and consumers are increasingly becoming more aware of halal products in India. Further, the demand for such products is no longer limited to Muslims. Halal products have also become an attractive option for consumers, as they are also addressing safety and environmental concerns. This is an essential factor for a flourishing certification business in India. Research limitations/implications A limitation of this study is a quantitative study which could have been conducted to confirm the findings of this research. Further, the sample was limited to participants in the age group of 21-30 years. Older people might share a different perspective on halal products because they are believed to be more experienced and socially conscious. Further, our cases were limited to a certifying agency and cosmetics agencies. Practical implications One important implication of this study is that it reaffirms the success of Islamic branding in the India context. Though this research was carried out on a limited scale, it opens up opportunities to examine the halal phenomenon in more detail. Acceptability of halal products among non-Muslims is a sign of growing tolerance among different communities to accept and adopt culture and practices of a different religion in their daily living. Social implications The authors have observed that halal products and Islamic branding as a whole can positively help in reshaping the image of Islam across the globe. Observations such as identifying halal products being eco-friendly reflects the increased sensitivity among the consumers in the developing nations, which were earlier a behavior common among the Westerners. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other study has been done to explore the halal product market and consumers’ perception in the Indian context. This is particularly an important contribution because India is a home for over 180 million Muslims and a marketplace worth trillions of dollars. Further, past research in the area of religious marketing was limited to conceptual papers. This paper is an attempt to re-initiate discussion through empirical studies on Islamic branding in the emerging economies context.

A systematic review of conceptual models and methodologies in research on school principals in Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rezvan Hosseingholizadeh ◽  
Atefeh Sharif ◽  
Nafiseh Taghizadeh Kerman
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
School Leadership ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Conceptual Models ◽  
School Principals ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Leadership Studies ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis study aims to present a review of topics, conceptual models and methodologies in research on Iranian school principals over the past four decades.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a descriptive quantitative form of a systematic review of research to analyze topics, conceptual models and methodologies employed in 565 studies published by Iranian scholars in the national and international databases.FindingsThe content analysis of the studies revealed the increasing interest of the Iranian scholars in the two topical foci, namely, the school leadership models and principal profile, with a focus on the direct-effects (Model B) and the antecedent-effects (Model A). The evidence also suggests the disinclination of the researchers to study leadership concerning student learning outcomes. The most frequently used school leadership model in the Iranian schools has been transformational leadership, while the distributive/collaborative and instructional leadership studies were few. The scholars have mostly relied on a survey-based quantitative research approach, using correlation analysis techniques.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that despite the increasing global acceptance of school leadership, its implementation in practice is inevitably shaped by the institutional policies and cultural values of different societies.Social implicationsThe findings of this study strengthen the supposition that the differences in school leadership across societies are influenced by various cultural and contextual factors.Originality/valueThis paper is the first systematic review of the empirical studies that present insight into topics, conceptual models and methodologies in research on school principals in Iran.

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