Boundary conditions for the emergence of relational trust among exporters and importers

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 358-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Semih Ceyhan ◽  
Ismail Cagri Dogan ◽  
Mehmet Yildiz ◽  
Mehmet Barca
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
Relational Trust ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Opportunistic Behavior ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Organizational Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Calculative Trust

Purpose This study looks to the answer of whether importers and exporters can develop relational trust and minimize the monitoring and control costs used to prevent opportunistic behavior in a trust relationship. Despite increasing scholarly interest in calculative and relational trust, the boundary conditions affecting the transformation of calculative trust into relational trust remain unaddressed. In response, this study aims to investigate the boundary conditions for the emergence of relational trust in inter-organizational relationships between Chinese exporters and Turkish importers. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from Turkish SMEs that import from China. To measure trust between parties, semi-structured interviews with top managers and/or decision-making company owners were conducted. Interview questions covered three categories: antecedents of trust, ways of developing trust and outcomes of trust. Findings Results indicated that inter-organizational relationships between Chinese and Turkish firms lack relational-based trust. Most trade transactions between two parties are based on calculations of profit/loss, and Turkish firms use intermediary mechanisms to overcome lack of trust in this environment. The most important boundary conditions for the emergence of relational trust are behavioral uncertainty, the opportunistic behavior of Chinese suppliers and language and cultural barriers. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by addressing the hitherto unaddressed question of what the boundary conditions are for the transformation of calculative trust into relational trust.

Implementing integrated marketing communications (IMC) through major event ambassadors

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 605-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Turner
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Marketing Communications ◽  
Integrated Marketing Communications ◽  
Integrated Marketing ◽  
Major Event ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sporting Event ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to identify how integrated marketing communications (IMC) was applied to a major multi-cultural sporting event, the Asian Cup 2015, through event ambassadors integrating the Kliatchko (2008) four-pillars model of IMC. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 people involved with the event, with questions designed to ascertain ways in which the multicultural communication occurred. Findings The four-pillars model is applicable in this case. Interviews identified that while the cultural and football issues being faced by the organisers introduced many challenges, ambassador communication proved to be an extremely effective process of IMC. The integration of ambassador communications overcame many cultural barriers with respect to language, ticketing and communication, enabling engagement of communication channels. Research limitations/implications This research addressed a specific multicultural event in one specific market. While providing insights into how this event managed its IMC programme, investigation into other events is required to identify whether similar results would apply. Practical implications The way in which the event incorporated community members into the IMC programme provides a strong opportunity to examine whether this approach could be applied by marketing managers more broadly. Originality/value An examination of the IMC conducted in conjunction with a major event has not featured previously, and the original way in which this event conducted its communications highlights aspects that are relevant to marketers in all organisations.

Building and property management framework for state schools in New Zealand

Facilities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
An Thi Hoai Le ◽  
Niluka Domingo ◽  
Eziaku Onyeizu Rasheed ◽  
Kenneth Sungho Park
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
School Boards ◽  
Review Literature ◽  
Property Management ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Comprehensive Framework ◽  
State Schools

Purpose This paper aims to develop an integrated and comprehensive framework for building and property management (BAPM) for state schools in New Zealand. The results are expected to clarify the complicated process and provide a guide for school boards to manage their property effectively and efficiently. It also seeks to explore the relationship between the key stakeholders and how this impacts the BAPM. Design/methodology/approach In addition, to review literature, qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 16 top managers in state schools. The data analysis results were used to develop the framework using the integration definition for process modelling. Findings The findings contribute to understanding the processes in the BAPM in state schools of school board members by adding input, output, control and mechanism elements in each activity of the processes. The systematic models with main activities and people involved are presented as a guide for school boards in state schools in New Zealand. Challenges and issues in the processes are also identified to draw further study for both school boards and the Ministry of Education. Research limitations/implications The research was conducted with the participation of stakeholders who are sampled from top managers in state schools in New Zealand. A larger scale of participants from other schools may generalise the findings further. Practical implications The research findings are based on the needs and requirements of the stakeholders to understand, implement and control the BAPM for their schools and aid them to achieve the best value for money spending on the management. Originality/value The paper highlights the complexity of the BAPM in schools, presents the roles and responsibilities of the school stakeholders and proposes a systematic framework to assist the school managers in this management process.

scholarly journals Understanding employees’ intrapreneurial behavior: a case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 1677-1694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgiana-Alexandra Badoiu ◽  
Mercedes Segarra-Ciprés ◽  
Ana B. Escrig-Tena
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Support ◽  
Single Case ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Corporate Entrepreneurship ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Top Managers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a deeper insight into the organizational factors and personal motivations of intrapreneurs that may foster intrapreneurial behaviors of employees in a new technology-based firm (NTBF). Design/methodology/approach The paper takes a qualitative approach to explore organizational and individual antecedents of employees’ intrapreneurial behavior. A single case study was conducted on the basis of semi-structured interviews with the founders and top managers of the firm and with intrapreneurial employees. Findings Results show that intrapreneurial projects may arise in firms whose top managers support corporate entrepreneurship (CE) in a non-active manner. Intrapreneurial behaviors of employees can emerge despite the lack of time and limited resources available for undertaking projects. Moreover, work discretion and mutual confidence and the quality of the relationship between employees and top managers are the most valued factors for intrapreneurs. Practical implications Based on the intrapreneurial projects studied, this paper helps to contextualize intrapreneurs’ perception of organizational support and the personal motivations for leading projects within an NTBF. Originality/value Traditionally, the literature has mainly focused on the top-down implementation of entrepreneurial projects within large firms. This paper contributes to the understanding of the combination of firm- and individual-level factors that facilitate intrapreneurial behaviors of employees. It also illustrates the contextual conditions and the firms’ orientation on CE within an NTBF.

The challenges of introducing internal social media – the coordinators’ roles and perceptions

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vibeke Thøis Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Internal Social Media ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges associated with introducing internal social media (ISM) into organizations in order to help them reap the benefits of coworker communication on ISM. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on an exploratory study in ten organizations. The data were collected in semi-structured interviews with ISM coordinators in Spring 2014. Findings According to the ISM coordinators, four challenges were associated with introducing ISM: coworkers could perceive communication on ISM as not work related; coworkers might not understand the informal nature of communication on ISM, and self-censorship might stop them communicating on ISM; ISM was not considered a “natural” part of the daily routines in the organizations; and top managers mainly supported ISM in words, not in action. Research limitations/implications The study is based on the perceptions of ISM coordinators. Further research is called for to explore both coworker perceptions and actual communication on ISM. Practical implications Practitioners introducing ISM should be aware of these four challenges, and should help coworkers to make sense of communication on ISM as work-related communication among coworkers. ISM coordinators’ perceptions of their own role in relation to coworker communication on ISM make a difference. Originality/value The study provides insights into the key challenges associated with introducing ISM, as well as the role of ISM coordinators as community facilitators and sense-givers.

Exploratory insights into the financial habits of CALD migrants

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 795-811
Author(s):  
Riccardo Natoli
Keyword(s):  
Financial Services ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Vietnamese Community ◽  
Barriers And Challenges ◽  
Second Wave

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the financial habits and experience of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) migrants via a case study of first and second wave migrants from the Vietnamese community in Australia. Design/methodology/approach – This paper utilises a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was adopted when coding the interview data which led to the emergence of identified themes related to financial habits and experience. Findings – The findings reveal that first and second wave migrants shared similar views on seeking professional financial advice, but not on the use of community-based financial schemes. When asked about the potential benefits of attending financial education workshops to inform themselves of financial services, most were unwilling to attend. Research limitations/implications – Although the research targets first and second wave Vietnamese CALD migrants, no claims can be made regarding the representation of CALD migrants as a whole. The research has implications with respect to the perceived necessity of CALD migrants to utilise mainstream financial services. This paper provides recommendations for future research in this area. Originality/value – The paper provides one of the few studies of an Australian CALD migrant cohort with respect to financial habits. The paper also provides an understanding of the cultural barriers and challenges facing this specific cohort of the Vietnamese community in Australia with respect to potentially accessing financial services.

Gender paths in international careers: an approach centred on demands and resources

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Dolce ◽  
Monica Molino ◽  
Sophie Wodociag ◽  
Chiara Ghislieri
Keyword(s):  
Culture Shock ◽  
Family Management ◽  
International Assignments ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the interplay between international experiences and male and female top managers' career paths, taking into consideration gender differences. Furthermore, the research investigates the specific job and personal demands and resources related to the different types of international work experiences.Design/methodology/approachThis study provides an in-depth subjective reconstruction of the international professional experience of 37 male and female top managers employed in Italy, using semi-structured interviews.FindingsParticipants highlighted the benefits of their international assignments (IAs) in terms of the development of managerial, soft and cross-cultural skills. Family issues and cultural differences were frequently cited as challenges by the top managers interviewed. Culture shock and perceived difficulty in managing multicultural teams were reported by both women and men. Men reported experiencing long periods of separation from their family more often than women and cited the support of their partner as a valuable resource. In addition to the support of a partner, women also indicated that certain job resources and welfare policies played a crucial role. Moreover, women appear to be more interested in work-family management issues, thus suggesting that the traditional division of roles between men and women continues to persist in Italy.Originality/valueThis study provides an insight into the extrinsic factors linked to career success, as well as the challenges and the resources associated with different forms of global work other than traditional expatriation. It takes into consideration a specific country, Italy, where a traditional family paradigm persists, providing an insight into better understanding the link between IA experiences and gender roles in global mobility. Managerial implications are also discussed.

scholarly journals The use of strategy tools and frameworks by SMEs in the strategy formation process

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 337-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence Charles Bellamy ◽  
Nii Amoo ◽  
Kieran Mervyn ◽  
Jacqueline Hiddlestone-Mumford
Keyword(s):  
Formation Process ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Strategic Analysis ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Strategy Formation ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the use of tools and techniques of strategy and strategic analysis within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a part of the strategy formation process.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a qualitative, multiple-case-based investigation with semi-structured interviews and secondary data sources to create a context-rich insight to the area examined.FindingsThe findings indicate a strong orientation towards operational tools deployment aligned with financial management and resources and process planning, monitoring and control. Strategic perspectives of the respondents indicate an implicit, rather than explicit deployment of strategy tools and unstructured deployment, but general awareness of the resulting component issues. Clearer strategic approaches and strong implementation appear to positively influence success, when measured by growth.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to nine organisations within a UK geographic region, and therefore, larger-scale investigation would be beneficial to extend and confirm the findings in differing contexts.Practical implicationsWith resource scarcity potentially stymying the opportunity for owner-managers to develop more structured approaches to strategic analysis and development, consideration should be given to how owner-managers can further develop their strategic thinking to support enhanced strategic outcomes for their organisations. Furthermore, strategy educationalists may wish to reflect upon the manner in which they prepare delegates for strategic roles, where the SME context may differ radically from corporate experience.Originality/valueThe methodology for this study differs substantially from previous investigations within the field, which has had relatively few contributions, as it uses in-depth, context-rich qualitative techniques to investigate the micro-processes at play. The conclusions capture new insights and indications and identify areas for further investigation, hence adding to the understanding of a complex and heterogeneous field.

Internationalisation strategies of emerging market firms: evidence from Sarawak, Malaysia

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaa Serwaa-Akoto Amoah ◽  
Fidella Nga Huong Tiew ◽  
Ching Seng Yap
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Emerging Market Firms ◽  
Internationalisation Strategies

Purpose This study aims to explore the internationalisation paths and strategies adopted by firms from an emerging market and serves as a step towards examining the suitability of prevailing internationalisation theories in the context of emerging market firms. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative methodology and gathered data through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 top managers of internationalised firms from the East Malaysian state of Sarawak. Data were analysed thematically. Findings The results revealed that the internationalisation strategies of firms from Sarawak can be classified under three main categories: motivations and markets, modes and measures. The constraints the firms faced were important determinants of their internationalisation strategies. The internationalisation paths and strategies of the firms were also found to exhibit both similarities to and deviations from the tenets of prevailing internationalisation theories. Originality/value The study contributes knowledge to the literature of both internationalisation theories and internationalisation strategies of emerging markets, in particular, it advances Fey et al.’s (2016) Five M Framework.

Exploring risk culture controls: to what extent can the development of organizational risk culture be controlled and how?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Franziska Grieser ◽  
Burkhard Pedell
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Ownership Structure ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Organizational Studies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Risk Culture ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Perceive Risk

Purpose This study aims to explore the controllability of risk culture, identify and categorize risk culture controls used in firms and explore how industry and ownership structure affect the use of different risk culture controls. Design/methodology/approach This explorative study is based on 32 semi-structured interviews with 37 participants who are heads of risk management or top managers in German firms from different industries with different ownership structures. Findings Interviewees perceive risk culture to be largely controllable. The authors identify a wide spectrum of risk culture controls, ranging from leadership and motivational controls to risk competence controls; in each category, the authors find value-, symbol- and clan-based controls. Leadership controls were most extensively discussed by the interviewees. The use of risk culture controls varied based on industry and ownership structure. Research limitations/implications Due to the explorative character of the approach, the authors cannot claim representativeness for the results. The study is limited to one point in time and to a German sample. The findings imply that companies should select risk culture controls according to their own context and that implementation requires support by the top and middle management. Originality/value The authors respond to the call for more organizational studies on risk management that consider cultural paradigms (Arena et al., 2010; Mikes, 2011; Power, 2009). The study systematically identifies risk culture controls used in corporate practice and categorizes them. It provides tentative evidence of the relevance of context-specific factors for the use of risk culture controls.

Resistance strategies in distribution channels: a view from the French book trade

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carole Poirel ◽  
Gilles Paché
Keyword(s):  
Customer Service ◽  
Organization Theory ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Distribution Channels ◽  
Book Trade ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Organizational Relationships ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resistance Strategies

Purpose This paper aims to focus on resistance strategies in distribution channels. The concept of resistance has received much attention in organization theory, but it has been rather neglected in corporate strategy. Only a few works dedicated to distribution channels explicitly use the notion of resistance strategy. These works provide a view of resistance as an inter-organizational phenomenon between companies (i.e. buyers and suppliers) but limit resistance strategies to merely confrontation strategies between channel members. This paper studies resistance strategies in a more open perspective considering that resistance can coexist with collaborative relationships, as part of a specific societal reality. Design/methodology/approach To capture the deep variety of resistance strategies, from the most active to the most passive, a qualitative research was carried out in France in the context of the book trade, based on 15 semi-structured interviews. The discourse analysis provides insights into the social reality of an organization and also the reality of changes in inter-organizational relationships. The interviews were conducted with 15 different companies representing a significant share of the French market. Findings The paper shows that channel members successfully develop resistance strategies of logistical nature, based on the efficient monitoring of flows, both inside the company (logistics rationalization) and within the supply chain (control of interfaces). Channel members who implement a logistics rationalization and a control of interfaces succeed not only in containing the power of their powerful partners but also in benefitting from new sources of profitability and improvement of customer service. Originality/value The French book trade is an illustration of the role played by logistical aspects in the power exercised by a supplier and resistance strategies that buyers develop in response as part of buyer-supplier relationships. Indeed, it is because they have a strong logistical expertise that dominant actors are capable, step by step, to place dominated actors in a situation of strong dependency, by using for that purpose their logistical means. In turn, dominated actors seek to develop logistical responses to rebalance the buyer-supplier relationships in their favor.

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