Emerald | Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration

Strategies and tactics for closing public services in "dark times"

Yvon Dufour, Peter Steane — 2012-04-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Not available.

Self-efficacy as a Mediator of the Relationships between Learning and Ethical Behavior from Human Resource Development in Corporate Social Responsibility Activity

Thumwimon - Sukserm, Yoshi - Takahashi — 2012-04-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between learning and ethical behavior by including self-efficacy. The current study is distinguished from previous studies by its investigation of the relationships of three variables such as learning, self-efficacy, and ethical behavior based on the four-level model of Kirkpatrick and transfer of training by the application of the social cognitive theory of Bandura through the analysis of Human Resource Development (HRD) in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity in local Thai firms. This study encourages organizations to prepare and construct ‘ethical behavior’ through CSR activity.Design/methodology/approach - Linear and multiple regression procedures were the basis of the analyses and used a PASW statistics version 18 macro (syntax).Findings - The major finding was that self-efficacy mediated the relationship between learning (KSA change) and ethical behavior. Research limitations/implications - A limitation of this study is that it was based on self-assessment after participation in HRD in CSR activities and this may introduce a possibility of bias in the answers offered by the employees. Some activities/programs were organized several months before the study that may be a negative factor in the accuracy.Practical implications - The researchers believe that companies should promote and encourage employees to develop confidence. To achieve this goal, learning emphasis should be arranged to support self-efficacy of employees and increase a person’s confidence in his/her ability to eventually perform ethical behavior. In terms of modification of the four-level model, the company ought to add ‘self-efficacy’ into the procedure of the training and/or activity evaluation to increase its effectiveness.Originality/value - The study examined Kirkpatrick’s foul-level evaluation model and transfer of training by the application of Bandura’s social cognitive theory.

High Technology in Emerging Markets: Building Biotechnology Clusters, Capabilities and Competitiveness in India

Mark J. Ahn, Ashish Hajela, Mohammad Akbar — 2012-04-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - Building a bioeconomy requires efficient technology transfer and global linkages to exploit finite intellectual property exclusivity periods. Using a resource-based view lens, we assessed the priorities, capabilities, and competitiveness of the emerging bioeconomy in India.Design/methodology/approach - A triangulated design was used that involved interviews, case studies and a survey of 61 India biotechnology industry participants.Findings - Two high priority capabilities were identified as being critical to fostering a competitive bioeconomy - access to talent and access to funding. Participants also identified the critical role of government in building and coordinating infrastructure, enabling critical capabilities, and accelerating bi-directional technology and capital flows. This study reinforces the resource-based view strategy framework regarding the importance of local context for biotechnology research.Practical implications - Implications include the need for public-private sector collaboration to strengthen industry infrastructure and enable biotechnology start-ups, partnering between academia and government to accelerate technology transfer, and importance of seeking international investment and alliances early in a company’s lifecycle to ensure sustainability.Originality/value - These India-centric lessons may be valuable in advancing knowledge for building successful biotechnology clusters, particularly for emerging market countries.

Behind brand performance

Tuan Luu — 2012-04-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - This investigation into consumer goods manufacturing companies in Vietnam seeks to discern if such constructs as corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethics act as antecedents for brand performance with the mediating role of integrated performance measures.Design/methodology/approach - 387 responses reverted from self-administered structured questionnaires despatched to 1,452 middle level managers were dissected via ANOVAs and structural equation modelling (SEM).Findings - From the findings emerged the interconnections between ethics of justice and legal CSR/ economic CSR. Ethics of care, on the other hand, tends to nourish ethical CSR, which in turn positively impact performance measurement integratedness. The findings also paved the path from performance measurement integratedness to high brand performance. Originality/value - From the results of the study, the insight into the interconnection pattern of brand performance and its antecedents highlights the magnitude of CSR and ethics training program as well as the adoption of integrated performance metrics in optimizing brand performance in consumer goods manufacturers in Vietnam market.

The Internationalisation of Malaysian-based Multinational Banks: Journey towards Globalisation

Syed Zamberi Ahmad — 2012-04-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - Given the importance of understanding the dynamics of the internationalisation and expansion process, it is surprising that – in reviewing the extensive literature – that little attention has been paid to service organisations. Attempts to shed light on business strategies and the international entry modes of the services sector in general, and the area of banking which form a significant and substantive proportion of global trade. Therefore, this paper aims to address this omission by exploring the behavior of Malaysian multinational financial and banking service industries in their international expansion in terms of their motivation, mode of entry strategies, selection of target markets, and their strategic thrusts. Design/methodology/approach - The paper follows an exploratory approach utilising qualitative multiple case studies. Empirical data are presented from case study of four (4) large Malaysian-based multinational commercial banks through interviews with managers from the banks’ headquarters as well as managers responsible for and/or engaged in the development and implementation of international marketing strategies.Findings - It is inferred that Malaysian multinational commercial banks are entering foreign markets, employing a foreign direct investment entry mode, by creating branches and representative offices, and in some cases by acquiring part of the share or the whole capital of existing local financial institutions. These expansions has been motivated by several factors related to both their domestic markets (push factors: government initiatives, small size, low and limited growth) and the attractiveness of their target markets (pull factors/location advantages: high market growth, low to moderate levels of competition).Research limitations/implications - The case study has inherently limited the capacity to offer generalisations concerning other service companies.Practical implications - This paper is rich in its practical implications. As this study was concerned with the practical experience and behaviour of Malaysian-based multinational banks on their choice of entry modes and organisational forms when internationalising, Malaysian banking and marketing practitioners can use the analysis and results as a means of comparing their current tactical and strategy foreign entry behaviour with that of other internationalising banks.Originality/value - The paper offers new insights into the emergence and international expansion of Malaysian-based multinational commercial banks, and shed light on the internationalisation process associated with services per se.

Middle Managers’ Career Success and Business Strategy in the Canadian Aerospace Industry: A Configurational Analysis in the Context of Innovation and Costs Leadership

Jacqueline Dahan, Yvon Dufour — 2012-04-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - The main aim of this paper is to investigate the way middle managers picture their career success and the business strategy of their firm with the following key question in mind: is there a relationship between the two?Design/methodology/approach - This research is based on a "polar sample" (Eisenhardt and Graebner, 2007: p. 27) of two companies of the Canadian Aerospace Industry that use generic business strategies that differ considerably along the continuum of strategic approaches from one another. A list of 50 people was made in collaboration with the executives of the companies investigated. Seventy four percent (37) of the middle managers invited to be interviewed accepted the invitation. The interviews lasted in average 90 minutes. They were analyzed using NVivo software. Findings - The analysis yielded a set of four empirical configurations of career success. The idea of central orchestrating theme has been at the core of configuration theory since its inception but few researchers have set the task to investigate them let alone in studying career success. Four core unifying themes were found: "just watch me", "one for all and all for one", "eureka", and "thanks but no thanks". Each of the company strategies provides a receptive context for no more than two coexisting configurations of career success one leading to a rapid ascent and the other to a slower one. Originality/value - Few studies have looked into how middle managers portray career success for themselves. Furthermore the literature is wanting in another crucial respect: the researchers do not take into consideration the particular strategic context of the firm. This paper argues that the paths toward career success must be understood in the context of the business strategy of the firms that give them form, meaning, and substance.

Shadows and Disorder: Ethics in "Dark Times"

Kym Thorne, Alexander Kouzmin, Judy Johnston — 2012-04-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Not available.