International Journal of Emerging Markets

The effect of marketing knowledge management on organizational performance: An empirical investigation of the telecommunications organizations in Jordan : Table of Contents

Mamoun N. Akroush, Samer M. Al-Mohammad — Sat Jan 23 08:00:06 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – Appreciating the limited empirical research in the knowledge management (KM) field, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between marketing knowledge management (MKM) and performance in Jordanian telecommunications organizations (JTOs). Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative methodology is adopted in which a model is developed, and hypotheses are stated, in order to examine the proposed relationship between MKM assets and capabilities and JTOs' performance. A highly structured questionnaire is developed and distributed to a sample of 339 managers in JTOs. With a response rate of 92 percent, 312 questionnaires are returned; the number of valid and usable questionnaires is 292. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, MKM assets are classified into built- and invested-in marketing assets, while MKM capabilities are classified into internal and external marketing capabilities. Furthermore, JTOs' performance is classified into three dimensions: market, customer, and financial performances. Structural equation modeling is utilised to test the stated hypotheses and model. Findings – Empirical findings indicate that MKM assets and capabilities have a positive effect on the overall performance of JTOs, with all its dimensions. Built-in marketing assets show the strongest influence on market performance, internal marketing capabilities show the strongest influence on customer performance, while external marketing capabilities show the strongest influence on financial performance. On the other hand and despite showing the least influence on financial and market performances, invested-in marketing assets have maintained a positive relationship with all dimensions of JTOs' performance. Practical implications – A holistic approach should be adopted when addressing MKM. MKM assets and capabilities should be applied collectively in a competitive manner that reflects on organizational performance. This requires constant consideration of available marketing assets and capabilities, with continuous investments in developing and acquiring marketing assets. While financial measures are generally used in assessing KM contribution, other non-traditional measures should be applied in order to give a more realistic and holistic view of MKM contribution to organizational performance. Originality/value – Focusing on MKM assets and capabilities, the paper introduces a new perspective of MKM in Jordan, as a developing country. While focusing on a special scope of KM, i.e. MKM, the paper provides further empirical support to the relationship between KM and organizations' multiple dimensions of performance. The fact that this is the first empirical study conducted in Jordan where KM research is relatively scarce, adds to its originality.

Usage of public corporate communications of social responsibility in Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) : Table of Contents

Sat Jan 23 08:00:06 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the status of corporate social responsibility (CSR) communications in Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC) nations. The four countries are among the biggest emerging markets, forecasted to have increasing influence in economic and political spheres. How these countries manage their corporate communication in regards to CSR is, thus, the focus of the investigation. Design/methodology/approach – This paper compares the extent and content of corporate communication with respect to CSR from a sample of over 100 companies from the BRIC nations by investigating the nature of CSR motives, processes, and stakeholder. Findings – The results of the analysis show that CSR activities differ among BRIC nations with respect to CSR motives, processes, and stakeholder issues. China seems to be least communicative on a number of CSR issues. Practical implications – The research shows that great variations exist in the implementation of CSR in BRIC nations. Even though India's GDP per capita is lower than that of China, for example, its communication of CSR is more intensive. This suggests that economic development alone cannot fully explain the differences in CSR communication. A full understanding of differences in CSR communications across BRIC is, thus, needed. Originality/value – The paper is original in providing across BRIC country analysis of corporate communication relating to CSR activities.

Beer in the Ukraine: consumer choice criteria : Table of Contents

Ol'ga Khmel'nyts'ka, Jonathan S. Swift — Sat Jan 23 08:00:06 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the attitudes and behaviour of Ukrainian consumers in terms of the purchase of beer (both foreign and domestic brands). There is an emphasis on the relative importance of the country of origin (COO), when compared to other factors. Design/methodology/approach – Primary research is based on a convenience sample of 774 beer drinkers in the city of Simferopol, Ukraine, surveyed through face-to-face questionnaires. Findings – Findings suggest that the COO are important to consumers, as is image, and the role of advertising in the creation of this image and in informing as to product availability. However, the COO would appear to be of lesser importance than quality, taste, brand and availability. Respondents commented on the image of foreign beers and the excellent advertising campaigns created by international companies. The Ukrainian consumer is brand conscious and also displays intense patriotism-reflected in the popularity of local beers. However, consumption patterns are changing, and the demand for foreign beers are growing rapidly. Practical implications – This would suggest that any foreign company developing a market presence in the Ukraine, should seek to buy outright (or at least acquire part ownership) of a Ukrainian beer producer. This will provide an entrance into the market, and a production/distribution channel for international brands produced under licence. Ownership will also facilitate the importation and distribution of foreign-produced branded beers. Originality/value – There has been relatively little published research on the newly independent Ukraine, yet it has a sizeable population, and as such, represents attractive business opportunities. This attraction will increase with the country's likely accession to the EU in the near future.

Effectiveness of global advertisement on culture of India: an emerging market : Table of Contents

Rajesh Kumar Srivastava — Sat Jan 23 08:00:06 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to find out whether a global advertisement will be effective and how it is perceived; is it affected by consumers' age, education, religion besides collectivism, and individualistic behavior? Design/methodology/approach – Descriptive research involving 1,000 respondents. Global advertisements of fast moving consumer goods and consumer durable products are taken for study using questionnaire technique. The focus is to elucidate information on the perception of a global advertisement and how it will be affected by education, age, religion and collectivism, and individualistic behavior. Findings – It is found that culture does affect the perception of global advertisement. Religion, age, and education do play a role in perception of global advertisement – they play an important role in buying intention. Research limitations/implications – The study is limited to the Indian scenario and can be applicable to SARC countries or South-East Asian countries as they are the fastest growing emerging world markets. Originality/value – This is an original research paper and its findings could be important in minimizing wastage. India, Thailand, Brazil, China, and Russia are important emerging markets. Understanding their culture, education, age, and religion could improve global advertisements' effectiveness.

Bank market concentration and interest spreads: South Asian evidence : Table of Contents

Shrimal Perera, Michael Skully, J. Wickramanayake — Sat Jan 23 08:00:06 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether any deviations in South Asian banks' interest margins can be attributed to market concentration (MC) after controlling for other bank-specific factors and exogenous environmental influences. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs an improved structural price-concentration model with multiple definitions of market share (MS) covering loan and deposit markets. This model is estimated using generalized least squares method and random effect estimates are reported. The sample consists of 120 South Asian banks with a total of 1,226 bank-year observations over 1992-2005. Findings – The findings suggest that no significant deviations in bank interest margins can be attributed to MC. Instead, only dominant South Asian banks with larger MSs are found to extract higher interest margins. Research limitations/implications – This paper suffers from three main limitations: first, due to data limitations the sample only consists of South Asian domestic commercial banks. Second, due to the lack of product-specific interest rates the authors have to contend with approximated bank-specific interest margins. Third, throughout the study, annual bank-specific data are used due to lack of high-frequency data. Practical implications – The regulators should closely monitor dominant banks with larger loan and deposit shares because these institutions operate with higher interest margins. Similarly, state-owned banks (with relatively inefficient cost structures) should also draw regulatory attention for they extract higher interest margins, possibly, for survival. Originality/value – The existing literature is extended by utilizing a pooled cross-section and time series data model which controls for sample heterogeneity using proxies for cost structures, risk profiles and regulatory restrictions.