The Effect of Cultural Empathy on Expatriate Job Satisfaction Assigned in Malaysia
Abstract This paper aims to present a conceptual model for a cultural empathy on expatriates‟ job satisfaction mediated by cross-cultural adjustment. The author develops a conceptual model and propositions, grounded in previous study on international human resource, international business management, cross-cultural management and intercultural management. Cultural empathy is one of the multicultural personality dimensions. There are five dimensions of multicultural personality (MPQ), i.e., cultural empathy, open mindedness, social initiative, emotional stability, and flexibility. Moreover, according to previous management scholars, job satisfaction has relatively scant attention in the literature on intercultural management (IM). The proposed model is expected to offer a guideline to the international human resource for selecting the expatriates working outside from their home countries in order for the expatriate‟s effectiveness during overseas assignment.
Exploring the Factors that Encourage Tweens to become Individual Consumers: A Qualitative Study of Parent Perspectives in Egypt
Abstract This study aims to explore the factors that encourage tweens to become individual consumers. This study was a conclusive research, with a cross-sectional design and an exploratory purpose. The variables were identified through the use of semi-structured interviews with parents. Fifteen interviews were conducted. The findings indicated that tweens are staring to develop their sense of identity and behaviors; new interests in various merchandise and hobbies. In addition, tweens consumption is influenced by various factors found in their environment and upbringing. Analysis indicated that the major factors that impact tween-purchasing behaviors are their individual personas, parents, peers, and media. Parents initiate family consumption and are swayed by their children to purchase certain products; peers help tween gain awareness and knowledge regarding various merchandises, services, activities, and manners; media opens their eyes to new viewpoints and perspectives that are controlled globally and locally; in addition, the children’s demographic, psychographic, and behavioral traits impact the way they consume in the market. This study contributes on the theoretical level in the following ways: by adding to the field of tween and consumption in the Middle East context; and by establishing a proposed conceptual framework concerning the factors leading to their purchasing behaviors.
Examining the Influence of the Characteristics of Islamic Banks and Shariah Supervisory Board on the Level of Social Responsibility Disclosure: A Review from Sudan
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical model of corporate social responsibility disclosure from Islamic perspective in the case of Sudan, by applying the system-oriented theories (i.e. political economy, legitimacy and stakeholder theories), and economic incentives, such as the agency theory. This paper conceptualizes the influence of the characteristics of some banks (i.e. their size, profitability, and Islamic investments), and the effectiveness of the Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB), as moderating variable, on the level of corporate social responsibility disclosure in the Islamic banks‟ annual reports. The conclusion drawn from the literature is that the characteristics of Islamic banks; especially bank size, profitability and Islamic investments potentially have an influence on the level of Islamic social information disclosure in the Islamic banks‟ annual reports. In addition, the presence of an effective Shariah Supervisory Board in Islamic banks is proposed to positively moderate this relationship.
The Influence of Organizational Culture on Creativity and Innovation: A Review
Abstract In a modern society, creativity and innovation can lead to the success of organizations. Today, innovation is one of the main factors influencing business success in an extremely competitive and dynamic environment. Therefore, scholars and practitioners have attempted to contribute to improvements in knowledge of the effective management of innovation. To date, although the literature on innovation is growing rapidly, very little attention has been paid to the organizational and managerial issues pertaining to creativity. Previous studies have confirmed that creativity, innovation, discovery and inventions result in the success and existence of organizations. Thus, the main aim of this paper is to review the existing literature on the relationship of organizational culture with creativity and innovation. Furthermore, it has been proposed that creativity may improve the level of innovation implementation. This proposed framework is expected to further the deep insight into innovation management and scope out for empirical study in different settings.
Exploring the Elements That Create Appeal to Touristic Websites and Social Media
Abstract The objective of this study is to explore factors which influence traveler’s evaluations of touristic website and social media. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other social platforms allows tourists to easily share and depend on word-of-mouth, opinions, recommendations, and suggestions during raveling. Further, social media provides guidance regarding various destinations, accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. A qualitative research was conducted. According to the qualitative analysis, the respondents in this study consider social media appealing because the information provided allows travelers to plan their trips without worry due to the reliance of other travelers’ reviews. The website’s virtual existence, available published content variety, and social networking make the social media to be appealed. This paper provides useful information which is needed for the promotion of tourism services through the usage of social media. It offers practical help to tourism planners and marketers in Egypt to understand the concept of social media desirability.
Brand Related User Generated Content in Consumer Socialization Process: A Conceptual Model and Research Propositions
Abstract Considering the increase in popularity and usage of social media, there is no doubt that the potential for e-marketing and other forms of online positioning is growing in equal measure. Consumer socialization through these new types of online communities, especially via social networking websites, has become an important part of contemporary marketing. An online community provides a cost effective mechanism with the ability to target specific types of consumer demographics. However, there is still a gap in the socialization literature regarding the effects of Brand-related User-generated Content (BR-UGC) on users’ intention to purchase branded products/services via their online interactions. Given the increasing exposure to generating and sharing BR-UGD and the prevalence of social networks like Facebook in the lives of today’s users this gap needs to be addressed. This paper marks an exploratory step toward our understanding of the interactive roles BR-UGC content and Facebook play in the formation of socialization agent through the lens of consumer socialization theory and, their effects on users’ attitude towards the brands and purchase intentions. It also addresses the impact of social structural variables and social experience variables as antecedents to generating vs. sharing BR-UGC as consumer socialization agents. The proposed model is valuable for future empirical research whereby user’s interactions via BR-UGC can be enhanced to maximize the influence of social media in purchase intention.
Beliefs about the Use of Instagram: An Exploratory Study
Abstract Given the rapid technological advancement, social media and communication devices continue to grow exponentially. Hence, social networking has become a major communication method in contemporary society. As a mobile application, Instagram has been widely used for personal reasons as well as business activities. Due to the lack of literature in understanding why people use Instagram in emerging markets, the present study serves as groundwork to explore the subject matter in Malaysia. The theory of reasoned action (TRA) was adapted so as to provide theoretical base to explain specific beliefs about Instagram. This provides better understanding of attitude and usage behavior towards Instagram. Qualitative method was adopted by means of personal interview in order to elicit belief factors about Instagram. Thirty-four interviews were conducted on the basis of data replicability, and all transcriptions were subsequently analyzed using content analysis. Results indicate that behavioral beliefs about Instagram are composed of five factors, and they are labeled as personal gratification, features usefulness, socializing role, product information and entertainment. Normative beliefs, in turn, are made up by six factors, and they are labeled as siblings, relatives, close friends/peers, friends in general, Facebook friends, and application reviewers. This exploratory study contributes a fundamental knowledge about Instagram and social networking communication with a theoretical stance. From managerial standpoint, it also elucidates the effect of communication manner and people from the same age-group on adopting the product.
Online Marketing in Bangladesh: Identifying Factors behind the Popularity of a Website
Abstract This paper aims to identify the key factors behind the popularity of a website, which is the most important tool in Online Marketing. Eight factors (7-Cs plus another “C”) described by Phillip Kotler for effective website design have been taken into cognizance. Those factors are context, content, community, customization, communication, connection, commerce and constant change. Some additional factors have also been considered, for example online ad, offline ad, search engine optimization (SEO), popularity in social media etc. In this study regression analysis has been done to identify the correlation between popularity and those factors. To get more insight discriminant analysis has also been done. It was found that content and popularity in social media are two most important factors behind the popularity of a website. Customization was found as another important predictor. This study concludes that in order to have profitable websites, marketers should design a highly customizable website and put highly creative and versatile contents like news, links and various types of information apart from their regular products and services to attract and retain visitors. Further, marketers should a have Facebook page and try to make it popular to drive visitors to the original website. This study gives useful guidelines for marketers in creating an effective web-based Online Marketing campaign.
Tapping into the Lucrative Halal Market: Malaysian SMEs Perspective
Abstract Halal is essential to the Muslims as it provides them sense of security through which whatever they use or consume is Syariah compliant. Throughout the years, interest in Halal products has increased tremendously among Muslim and even non-Muslims due to the growing awareness of Halal products are not exclusive to religion; and consumers around the world are increasingly demand for lawful or permissible, wholesomeness, high quality, safe and hygienic products. Hence, Halal concept and its qualities have gained global recognition and acceptance. Global Halal market is huge as it covers both Muslims and non-Muslims. Noticing this Halal market is a lucrative and potential opportunity for businesses to tap into, this paper provides an overview of Malaysia's effort towards International Halal Hub and its SMEs Halal export performance. Few questions have been raised from the descriptive analysis, which need to be investigated in future research.
Service Quality as Determinant of Customer Loyalty
Abstract Retaining customers and creating loyal customers is vital for business continuity as a means of sustenance in the competitive telecommunication market. Employees that execute distinctive service encounters are responsible for creating valuable customer experience in the service industry, a sign of differentiation over its rivals. This study uses the SERVQUAL model to measure the level of performance delivered by Telekom Malaysia (TM) employees in influencing customer loyalty towards TM products and services. Evidence from the findings revealed that reliability and empathy are significantly positive in influencing customer loyalty.