Shouting across the digital divide: the import of social interactions in virtual teams

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Bryan L. Rogers ◽  
Laura T. Madden ◽  
Leah K. Grubb ◽  
Joy H. Karriker
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Virtual Teams ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Project Teams ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Affective Reactions ◽  
Team Processes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face

Purpose The purpose of this study is to extend the current understanding of virtual team (VT) workers’ willingness to continue working in VTs and the forces driving their affective reactions to teamwork. Specifically, this paper applies the input-mediator-output-input (IMOI) literature to investigate the influence of workers’ perceptions of their peers’ skills and peers’ interactions on perceptions of the teamwork process and subsequent affective reactions. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on a sample of 997 virtual and face-to-face (FtF) students embedded in 242 project teams to test the hypotheses using multi-group comparisons in structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings Results support the assertion that team processes are essential in translating team skills and interactions into satisfaction with the team. Further, this paper finds that skills are more influential on teammate satisfaction for FtFs than they are for VTs; and, conversely, that VTs’ interactions are more pivotal regarding teammate satisfaction through VT processes than they are in FtFs. Research limitations/implications The effort contributes to the IMOI literature by showing how teams overcome virtuality to perform effectively and how team-embedded members react differently across VT and FtF contexts. Originality/value These findings are particularly notable given that prior research has suggested VT performance may not be contingent on social bonds within the team. Although this is possibly true for performance, the findings suggest that social interactions are, in fact, crucial to teams’ affective reactions.

Investigating the adoption of social media in the construction industry: empirical evidence from project teams in China

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guofeng Ma ◽  
Shan Jiang ◽  
Jianyao Jia
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Project Teams ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Content Type

PurposeA lack of reliable and effective communication tools poses major barriers impeding the performance of construction projects consisting of diverse participants. Although some construction project teams (CPTs) begin to apply social media (SM) as an available approach for project management the entire mechanism of SM adoption in this specific context remains understudied. Therefore, this study aims to adopt a CPT's lens to investigate the critical antecedents and associated effects underlying SM adoption in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachBased on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) theory, a conceptual model was proposed and tested by empirical data collected from 159 CPTs in China. Structural equation modeling technique was employed for data analysis.FindingsThe results demonstrate that all the five extracted TOE-based antecedents including two technological factors (i.e. compatibility and expected cost), one organizational factor (i.e. top management support) and two environmental factors (i.e. project partner collaboration and project fit) are crucial to the adoption of SM in CPTs. Besides, SM acceptance is found to mediate the relationships between organizational and environmental factors and SM use. Moreover, SM use significantly predicts the communication effectiveness of CPTs.Research limitations/implicationsA questionnaire study based on cross-sectional data from China may only unveil the logic of SM adoption in the context of Chinese construction industry within a shorter time interval. It is recommended that future research could develop longitudinal studies among various construction practitioners in different countries to further specify and generalize the current findings.Originality/valueThis paper provides a comprehensive understanding of SM adoption in the construction industry by exploring the preadoption antecedents and postadoption effects from the perspective of project teams. The empirical findings advance the current web-based project management literature and afford new insights for construction practitioners into better managing SM application to reap its full capabilities in projects.

Adoption of e-Governance

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayantan Khanra ◽  
Rojers P. Joseph
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Willingness To Adopt ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to investigate India’s poor performance in the overall implementation of e-Governance despite significant improvements in the quality and scope of e-Government services in the country. Design/methodology/approach The study proposes a conceptual model based on four hypotheses that are tested using the structural equation modeling technique. Based on the results obtained, the conceptual model is suitably modified. Findings The major finding of the study is that “English proficiency” and “digital divide” sequentially mediate the relationship between “service quality” and the “willingness to adopt e-Governance” in India. Research limitations/implications The conceptual model emerging from the study adds to the literature on e-Governance service quality and adoption. However, a longitudinal or experimental study may provide more insights into the context. Practical implications Primarily, this study would interest agencies involved in developing and delivering e-Governance services. Besides, the findings may be useful for the “big data companies” that are interested in gaining direct access to the last-mile users of developing countries. Social implications The study intends to provide directions to policymakers on improving access to e-Governance services for the people who are deprived of the benefits of such services. Originality/value This is the first study to incorporate both English proficiency and digital divide in a single conceptual model in the literature related to the relationship between service quality and the willingness to adopt e-Governance.

The learnability of the dimensional view of data and what to do with it

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-53
Author(s):  
Dušan Vujošević ◽  
Ivana Kovačević ◽  
Milena Vujošević-Janičić
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Affective Computing ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
The Other ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Business Analytics ◽  
Affective Reactions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the usability of the dimensional view of data in the context of its presumed learnability. Design/methodology/approach In total, 303 participants were asked to solve 12 analytical problems in an experiment using the dimensional view of data for half of the problems and an operational view of data for the other half. Inferential statistics and structural equation modeling were performed with participants’ objective results and affective reactions. Findings Showing that the order of exposure to the two views of data impacts the overall usability of ad hoc querying, the study provided evidence for the learnability potential of the dimensional view of data. Furthermore, the study showed that affective reactions to the different views of data follow objective usability parameters in a way that can be explained using models from affective computing research. Practical implications The paper proposes a list of guidelines for use of the dimensional view of data in business analytics. Originality/value This study is the first to confirm the learnability of the dimensional view of data and the first to take a deeper look at affective reactions to an ad hoc business analytics solution. Also, it is one of few studies that examined the usability of different views of data directly on these views, rather than using paper representations of data models.

scholarly journals Intra-organizational communication, understanding, and process diffusion in logistics service providers

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 662-678 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott J. Grawe ◽  
Peter M. Ralston
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Process Improvements ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Supply Chain Robustness

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate, using survey data, how a firm may be able to leverage innovation or processes specifically developed for one customer across its entire customer network using on-site, or implanted, employees.Design/methodology/approachData collected from a survey of 309 implanted logistics service provider (LSP) representatives are analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings show that intra-organizational task interdependence and face-to-face communication can lead to a greater understanding of firm processes developed for specific customers and greater diffusion of these new processes to other customers. Rather than separating customers that require implanted employees, these implants can be a conduit of valuable information and process enhancements that can positively impact a firm’s customer network.Originality/valueThe current research shows how LSPs can effectively use their customer networks to provide process improvements for multiple customers. Specifically, transferring processes between customers can lead to efficiencies and contribute to supply chain robustness not possible without process diffusion.

The interplay effects of skill-enhancing human resources practices, customer orientation and tourism SMEs performance

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shpresim Domi ◽  
Fabjola Domi
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Customer Orientation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Hr Practices ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Performance Results

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the interplay of skill-enhancing human resources practices, customer orientation (CO) and tourism small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) performance indicators. Design/methodology/approach Data for 194 valid cases are gathered through face-to-face techniques in Albanian tourism SMEs. Structural equation modeling is implemented to analyze data and test the hypothesis proposed. Findings Overall, both skill-enhancing human resources (HR) practices (i.e. recruitment/selection and training) are not associated with SMEs performance. Results suggest that using HR selection/recruitment practices are not associated to SME’s CO. Contrary, implementing skill-enhancing HR training practices is significant for SMEs strategy to focus and address customers’ wants and needs. Finally, it was found that the CO mediates the relationship between skill-enhancing HR training practices and performance, but this was not true on the skill-enhancing HR recruitment/selection practices-performance relationship. Originality/value This study makes contributions by further informing the debate about the direct and indirect link between skill-enhancing HR practices and performance. Additionally, it examines the precise role of the skill-enhancing HR practice on SMEs’ culture and or strategy to create value for customers.

Entrepreneurial intentions: trust and network ties in online and face-to-face students

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 461-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noemí Pérez-Macías ◽  
José Luis Fernández-Fernández ◽  
Antonio Rua Vieites
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Permutation Test ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Network Ties ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face

PurposeBased on Azjen’s (1991) theory of planned behavior, the purpose of this paper is to complement the existing body of knowledge on entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) by comparing two different university environments in Spain (online and face-to-face) and their impact on EIs of university students using two components of social capital (SC), trust and network ties as variables with influence on the antecedents of EIs.Design/methodology/approachA survey was administered to online and face-to-face students yielding a total sample of 302 and 204, respectively. Partial least square–structural equation modeling is the technique employed to perform the analysis.FindingsSC has a significant influence on EIs in both environments with greater effects online, as a consequence of the mediated role played by network ties between trust and the attitude toward the behavior, the subjective norm and consequently, EIs.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors used a cross-sectional method. However, it would be interesting to obtain longitudinal data to provide a more valid support for the study.Practical implicationsThis study provides insight into the important role played by network ties based on trust in the entrepreneurship process and in the university environment.Originality/valueThis study contributes to understanding the differential impact of SC (trust and network ties) on the antecedents of EIs between the students enrolled in different university environments using two non-parametric techniques Henseler’s multigroup analysis and the permutation test.

Antecedents of online word-of-mouth reviews on hotels

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz Moliner-Velázquez ◽  
Maria Fuentes-Blasco ◽  
Irene Gil-Saura
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Online Reviews ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Purchase Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Online Word Of Mouth ◽  
Online Comments

PurposeThe word-of-mouth comments considered as the evaluation of a purchase experience have been widely discussed in the literature. Nevertheless, the study of online reviews pre-purchase stage remains limited. The purpose of this study is to analyze the variables that support word-of-mouth adoption in the choice of the hotel, from the receiver perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe information was collected by face-to-face survey to 393 guests from 32 hotels in two Spanish cities. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe results confirm the significant and indirect effects of the motivations for conducting reviews on online word-of-mouth adoption. Specifically, the significant relationship chain of convenience and risk reduction motivations, intention to consult online comments, volume of comments exert a significant influence on acceptance the suggestions in online reviews and recommendations about the hotels.Research limitations/implicationsThe study of these variables advances the literature on online word-of-mouth by analyzing in-depth the antecedents of the purchase decision using technologies. From the practical point of view, the results help hotels managers to improve the way to share information by facilitating access to the accommodation experiences of other consumers.Originality/valueThe novelty of this research is mainly found in the study of how consumers modify their behavior using online word-of-mouth reviews. From the receiver perspective, consumer motivations, word-of-mouth volume and intention to consult serve as antecedents of purchase decision.

scholarly journals The influence of social interactions on senior customers’ experiences and loneliness

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 2773-2790 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haiyan Song ◽  
Levent Altinay ◽  
Ning Sun ◽  
Xuan Lorna Wang
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sampling Frame ◽  
Third Places ◽  
Public Places ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This study aims to use the theory of third places to understand how different kinds of social interactions in small hospitality businesses, such as restaurants and cafes, can enhance senior customers’ experiences and alleviate their loneliness. Design/methodology/approach The target population of this study were Hong Kong residents of age 60 or older. The sampling frame comprised respondents who visited a Cha Chaan Teng (i.e. a Hong Kong-style tea restaurant) more than once a year. The authors distributed 500 questionnaires and collected 411 valid responses in 2016. They used structural equation modeling for data analysis. Findings The results show that social interactions (service manner and need identification) with employees and other customers have a positive effect on senior customers’ experiences, while the service manner of employees reduces senior customers’ loneliness. Originality/value This study demonstrates the respective contributions of social interactions with employees and those with other customers to enhancing senior customers’ experiences and alleviating their loneliness. This study’s findings may provide a foundation for future research into the relationships between social interactions, customer experience and loneliness in third places (that are, informal public places that offer individuals opportunities to escape from home and the workplace and to enjoy voluntary conversation, entertainment and gatherings). Further, this study also demonstrates the specific role and importance of the hospitality industry in addressing a contemporary social problem in the form of seniors’ loneliness.

Study on farmers land consolidation adaptation intention

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 666-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abrham Tezera Gessesse ◽  
Houjian Li ◽  
Ge He ◽  
Araya Alemie Berhe
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Land Consolidation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Effects Of Media ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of media and social network in the development of farmers land consolidation (LC) awareness, perception and adaptation intention decisions. Design/methodology/approach A face-to-face interview was carried out with randomly selected farmers from three districts (Neijiang, Ya’an and Dujiangyan) of Sichuan province, China. A structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was used to test the conceptual framework of this study. The SEM was set to confirmatory factor analysis of the measurement and structural models for maximum likelihood estimate by means of IBM-AMOS to capture the models goodness-of-fit. Findings The result indicates that social network contributes a significant role in the development of farmers LC awareness, perception and adaptation intention decisions than media. The total (direct and indirect) effect of social network and media toward the farmers LC adaptation intention is 56.7 and 14 percent, respectively. When farmers are aware and perceived of LC and rehabilitation program, their adaptation intention improves significantly. Therefore, social network is a useful tool in improving the awareness, perception and adaptation intention decisions of Sichuan farmers compared to media. Originality/value This study tests the applicability of SEM techniques to understand the farmers LC adaptation intentions; and synthesizes the impact of social network and media in the development of the farmers LC awareness, perception as well as adaptation intentions. This study serves as an outline for assessing the adaptation intention of farmers toward sustainable land management.

Stressor effects of negative online reviews on anger and burnout in the restaurant industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (11) ◽  
pp. 2847-2866 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Weber ◽  
Graham L. Bradley ◽  
Beverley Sparks
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
Online Reviews ◽  
Restaurant Industry ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Social Stressors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Personal Impact ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Owners, managers and employees may be criticized personally and professionally by consumers in online reviews, and may suffer emotional and burnout consequences. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of customer-generated negative online reviews on hospitality employees. Design/methodology/approach This research analyzed the effects of traditional face-to-face customer-related social stressors, as well as a newly added negative online review (NOR) stressor, on anger and burnout in a sample of 418 US hospitality workers. Findings Structural equation modeling revealed that, after taking into account the contribution of customer-related social stressors, receipt of NORs predicts anger and anger mediates the relationships between NOR-receipt and two indices of burnout. Practical implications This research extends our understanding of social stressors that apply to workers in the hospitality industry. It offers strategies for managing the threats and optimizing the opportunities, provided by negative online reviews. Originality/value This study is one of the first studies that provide evidence of the personal impact of NORs on hospitality industry employees, thereby extending our understanding of social stressors that apply to workers in this industry.

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