The rapid spread of new digital technologies has brought fundamental changes in the hospitality industry. The digital transformation of the hospitality industry was accelerated during COVID-19 ...pandemic. The impacts of the crisis have led to rethinking hospitality business models. In order to survive during the crisis, hospitality businesses has tried to find innovative solutions and transform their businesses. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the key changes to hospitality industry business models induced by the COVID-19 crisis. A systematic literature review is provided to analyse three main business model components: value proposition, value chain, and revenue. The paper has the following findings. First, four major changes to the value proposition in the hospitality business model are identified: use of hotels as rooms/offices during lockdowns, offer of new innovative products and services, offer of digital services, and use of hotels for quarantining. Second, value chain changes include new safety measures, and changes to capacities and numbers of workers (amount of work). Third, the changes to the revenue model include fewer foreign tourist offers and more domestic offers, last-minute cancellations or postponements, and better quality and more individualized services. Policies like innovation and digital technologies, customized and flexible services, qualitative services and virtual experiences should be priorities for the future of hospitality business models. The paper has some limitations and future research should be focused on a specific hospitality business model, specific group of countries or country and showing what will happen in post-COVID-19 period.
Background: Shared leadership is regarded as a fundamental approach to complexity leadership theory in terms of adaptability and flexibility. It emerges from communication among team members in a ...complex environment and consists of three dimensions: task coordination, personal support, and information sharing. Purpose: This study investigates shared leadership and its dimensions which are task coordination, personal support, and information sharing using social network analysis. By incorporating social network theory, the social and relational aspects of shared leadership can be revealed and emphasized. Study design/methodology/approach: Social network analysis was used to test the hypotheses on the data collected from the employees of a tourism organization. Findings/conclusions: The findings indicate that the individuals in task coordination, personal support and information sharing networks have a medium or low percentage of degree centrality in the social networks of their units or departments. The social networks of task coordination, personal support and information sharing have a high percentage of degree density when all individuals are treated as a total network and individuals in different departments and units as separate networks. This situation is led by the more balanced distribution of the power among the actors, dense communication between the members and intense network relations in task coordination, personal support and information sharing networks. Limitations/future research: The present study focuses only on internal network relations. As a future body of work, the study could be expanded to include both external and internal network relations to provide a wider understanding of the shared leadership concept. As another future body of work, to reach more generalizable results, this study can be expanded with a meta-analysis that will be performed on the results obtained by applying the survey on other organizations and processing the data collected with social network analysis methods again.
Background: Broadly defined as preference for another country rather than your own, xenocentrism in the context of consumer and consumption refers to willingness to purchase foreign products even if ...there are equivalent domestic products that are similar or even better in quality. Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of consumer xenocentrism on Iraq-Kirkukian consumers' purchase intention for Turkish products. In addition, the study also examines the differences between the demographic variables and xenocentrism. Study design/methodology/approach: To achieve these purposes, a survey was administered to a sampling consisting of 450 individuals selected by using convenient sampling method, and 418 of these surveys were included in the analyses. This sampling consisted of Turkmens, Arabs and Kurds. T-test and ANOVA test were performed to identify the differences between demographic information about the participants and xenocentrism. Factor analysis was done for the scales used in the study, and multiple regression analysis was done later to obtain the effect of consumer xenocentrism on purchase intention for Turkish products. Findings/conclusions: The results of the study reported a positive and significant effect of consumer xenocentrism on purchase intention for Turkish products. In addition, consumer xenocentrism in Kirkukian consumers did not differ according to gender and ethnic identity. Limitations/future research: The research was conducted in the city of Kirkuk, Iraq, which was under adverse political and security conditions and face-to-face survey was limited. The results cannot be generalized since Kirkuk has the most diverse ethnic identity in Iraq and is a place where Turkmens live more densely than other cities. Therefore, conducting this research in other countries would yield different results. In particular, examining the structure of consumer xenocentrism in developed economies would provide additional information about the prevalence and impact of xenocentric tendencies in these countries. It is also important to investigate the impact of consumer xenocentrism on other variables such as product decisions, risk perceptions and willingness to pay.
Background: In the contemporary business environment, corporate research and development (R&D) expenditure is pivotal for fostering technological innovation and advancing technological progress. ...While much research has focused on the influence of boards of directors on corporate innovation, the role of foreign directors in shaping corporate R&D expenditure, particularly in developing countries, remains underexplored. Purpose: The aim of this paper is to investigate the pivotal role of foreign directors in corporate R&D expenditure within Chinese listed manufacturing firms. It also provides micro-level evidence of the economic consequences of foreign directors, considering heterogeneity across property rights, industry, regional dimensions, and board positions. Study design/methodology/approach: This study utilizes the largest and most detailed dataset of Chinese listed manufacturing firms in the CSMAR database, offering comprehensive proxy variables. The sample encompasses 18,273 observations from 2008 to 2021. Multivariate regression models, employing static two-way fixed effects models with clustered robust standard errors and dynamic generalized method of moment (GMM) models, were established to investigate the relationship between foreign directors and corporate R&D expenditure. Sensitivity tests involve the substitution of dependent and core explanatory variables. Moreover, heterogeneity test and situational analysis are conducted. Findings/conclusions: The results confirmed a significant augmentation in corporate R&D expenditure attributable to foreign directors. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive impact of foreign directors on R&D expenditure is more pronounced in private-owned enterprises, high-tech industries, and economically developed regions of China. Situational analysis further confirms that foreign independent directors are the main driving force behind this effect. Limitations/future research: This research is confined to a single-country and single-industry sample, without a comprehensive consideration of the individual traits of foreign directors. Future research avenues could involve cross-national comparisons and a more nuanced categorization of foreign directors.
Background: In the age of IT consumerisation, private owned IT artifacts are increasingly used for business purposes. Management's approval is not required, but various approaches are used to create ...effective management strategies. Purpose: The historical development trends of business and personal ICT are examined in the paper to understand their intersection-IT consumerisation. Study design/methodology/approach: The paper provides a preliminary research assessment. The informative outcomes drawn from diverse perspectives and the comprehensive nature of 'gray literature' should serve as guidance for the direction, adjustments, and modifications of future research. Findings/conclusions: A number of technological and market factors have led to the consumerisation of IT. As a spinout from business IT, personal IT has had a feedback effect on it: the proliferation of computers and mobile devices on the consumer market, combined with affordable Internet-related resources, not only changed personal IT usage patterns, but also redefined the expectations that users have for enterprise software. In order to create an effective IT consumerisation management strategy, it is imperative to understand them. Limitations/future research: The paper is a starting point for future empirical research in the field of IT consumerisation, and as such, may be amended according to new knowledge that is obtained subsequently.
Background: Uncertainty is a common challenge in managerial decision-making, especially when it comes to predicting future states, establishing cause-effect relationships, and having knowledge about ...relevant variables. However, it is difficult to deliberately address different types of uncertainty by applying specific decision-making strategies and hence enable reduction of uncertainty due to overlapping definitions and conflicting operationalization of the uncertainty construct. Purpose: The paper aims to delineate types of uncertainty along their epistemological configurations in terms of specific knowledge contexts to enable choices of suitable strategies for specific decision-making situations. Study design/methodology/approach: A literature review revises and discusses concepts of (un)certainty based on (im)perfect information and objectively/subjectively available assemblages of knowledge. Findings/conclusions: The paper provides a framework that encompasses and differentiates configurations of available information and knowledge applicable to decision-making situations. In order to achieve construct clarity and to free the original concept of uncertainty from conflicting definitions and heterogeneous operationalizations, the umbrella term contingency is introduced. It encompasses all states of (im)perfect information and variations in their epistemological configurations. Finally, the presented epistemological framework delineates levels of contingency along specific qualities of available information. The identified and discussed levels of contingency are certainty, risk, uncertainty in the narrow sense (i.n.s.), complexity, ambiguity/equivocality, and isotropy/radical uncertainty. The delineated levels of contingency help to tailor decision-making situation to specific epistemological configurations and hence may serve as a starting point for concluding and developing appropriate strategies to reduce contingency. Limitations/future research: A holistic understanding how to deal with and solve contingency requires further research focusing on aligning levels of contingency with strategies for decision-making (algorithms, causation, effectuation, bricolage, improvisation, trial & error) by taking types of knowledge (structural, procedural, conceptual) and contextual factors (e.g. time, origin of resources) into account.
Background: Sustainability is paramount across all fields, especially in supply chains. The role of human resources is crucial in achieving organizational sustainability standards. However, the ...impact of human resources on supply chain sustainability has been underemphasized. Purpose: This paper explores the critical nexus between Human Resource Management (HRM) and sustainability within green supply chains, identifying gaps in the current body of knowledge and emerging trends. Study design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was conducted, emphasizing sustainability in supply chains and its intersection with HRM's "green" aspects. Web of Science and Scopus databases served as the primary sources. The research involved documentation and content analysis, leading to the development of guidelines for future studies. Findings/conclusions: The study reveals a significant yet underexplored interaction between green HRM and supply chain sustainability. It highlights the need for more focused research in this area, providing a foundational framework for future studies. Limitations/future research: The study primarily focuses on the conceptual linkage between HRM and green supply chains, suggesting the need for empirical research to further validate and expand upon the findings. Future research should investigate specific HRM practices that effectively contribute to sustainable supply chains.
Background: Although Blockchain Technology (BT) is one of the innovations that has considerable potential to improve business processes and enable new services for potential users, its implementation ...in supply chain management (SCM) of the automotive industry is only at its beginnings. From the growing number of publications focused on this issue, it is evident that the application of BT would significantly contribute to the development of the automotive industry and improve the supply chain of automotive components. Purpose: In this regard, the paper aims to analyze the challenges to the implementation of BT in SCM in the automotive industry sector through a systematic review of the literature and precise definition of the advantages and limitations that appear in supply chains after the application of BT. Study design/methodology/approach: The research is based on the application of systematic literature review methods. The paper presents the results and conclusions of 21 studies based on the search criteria outlined by the Web of Science, Scopus, and SpringerLink index databases. Findings/conclusions: The results suggest that insufficiently developed technology, lack of clear guidelines for implementation, incomplete standardization, legislative ambiguity, conflicts and insufficient cooperation between chain members appear as the biggest challenges for BT implementation. On the other hand, BT has great potential in reducing costs, providing higher quality products and services, and improving chain visibility in the automotive industry. Limitations/future research: The analysis of the papers in the above mentioned databases exclusively in English and the absence of empirical research stand out as the most prominent shortcomings. However, the obtained results of this study represent a quality basis for future research, which, judging by the popularity of the issue, will increase in frequency.
Background: Socio-demographic changes increase the need for long-term elderly care. Consequently, providing formal institutional service in elderly care homes is an interesting opportunity for ...entrepreneurs. However, the entry strategy decision is influenced by numerous external variables. Purpose: The main goal is to answer what determines market concentration as one of the most important market entry determinants. Study design/methodology/approach: A linear regression model has been formed and tested on the Croatian elderly care home market, observed on a county level, using data for 2021. Further, a cluster analysis, as a decision-support tool, has been made to assess market characteristics that are more likely to attract new entrants to the elderly care home market. Findings/conclusions: Results indicate that demand for long-term care services plays a significant role, and the market with more elderly will attract more competitors. When the level of GDP per capita and the unemployment rate are observed together, markets with stronger economies tend to attract entrepreneurs. In other words, it is more likely that someone will open an elderly care home in a densely populated county with individuals that can afford formal institutional long-term care for themselves or family members. Limitations/future research: The shortcomings are mainly related to the lack of data on prices and quality measures. Further, information on the number of beds in each elderly care home would enable an alternative calculation of the Herfindahl-Hirschman index, while data on service prices and structure of employees as a proxy for quality (medical and non-medical staff) would enable a more reliable comparative analysis of obtained results. Future studies on this subject include variables related to the portion of unemployed females in the market since female family members more often provide informal care, and at the same time, they are more likely to be employed in formal long-term care institutions.
Background: In today's interconnected and globalised business environment, effective risk management is essential for organisations to achieve sustainable success. However, communication and ...understanding risks across cultural and linguistic boundaries pose significant challenges. This paper explores the concept of risk language barriers and their impact on corporate management and performance. Purpose: This research examines the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to overcome risk language barriers in a globalised world. By shedding light on the importance of effective risk communication in a diverse and interconnected business environment, the study seeks to provide insights into the significance of addressing these barriers for successful management outcomes. Study design/methodology/approach: The study conducted in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, in February 2023 uses data from in-depth interviews and a focus group to investigate risk language barriers. The participants are women entrepreneurs with prior experience in cross-cultural communication and managing people in different countries, e.g. a Slovenian sales guru with a penchant for transcending borders and a Maltese digital strategist who, through global collaboration and expertise, ensures that every corner of the Slovenian organisation aligns with its overarching goals. Their experiences explore the challenges of risk language and the need for intercultural communication skills. Findings/conclusions: The research findings indicate that addressing risk language barriers is a strategic imperative for achieving successful management outcomes in a globalised business landscape. Overcoming these barriers requires a collaborative and proactive approach to risk communication. Developing intercultural communication skills allows individuals to navigate diverse environments effectively, provides them with more excellent networking opportunities, broadens their horizons, and fosters personal development. Furthermore, managers can strengthen relationships with clients and partners worldwide by addressing risk language barriers effectively. Limitations/future research: The study has limitations regarding its focus on women entrepreneurs. Future research should include diverse demographics and industries, conduct quantitative analyses, and explore technology's role in bridging the risk language gap and associated challenges.
