Emerald | European Business Review | Table of Contents

Towards a framework for controls as determinants of export performance: A review and analysis of empirical literature 1995-2011

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Tore Mysen) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize empirical literature concerning the role of control mechanisms in export relationships, and to develop a model for controls as determinants of export performance. Design/methodology/approach – To identify relevant papers, a variety of keywords is used in a computerized, bibliographic search, accompanied by manual checking of references in previous research. A combination of content analysis and integrative assessment is adopted to synthesize the findings and develop the framework. Findings – To a great extent, the results provide support to the argument that the influence of control mechanisms on export performance is contingent upon firm strategy and characteristics, the governance structure and relationship atmosphere established in the exchange relationships, and foreign market characteristics. Research limitations/implications – The analysis points to a lack of consensus concerning how to define controls. Subsequently, the review and analysis rest on the definition of control mechanisms and export performance. The descriptions, synthesis, and proposed framework indicate a connection between implemented controls, internal, external, and relational dimensions, and consequently to the need of adjusting the control mechanisms to the environment. Hence, the analysis, synthesis, and proposed framework, give advice to managers involved in exporting, as well as providing guidance for future research. Originality/value – This study is the first to analyze and integrate empirical literature concerning controls as determinants of export performance. As such, the study may inspire further research.

Strategies for business turnaround and recovery: a review and synthesis

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – Against a backdrop of continued weak economic conditions and with many firms experiencing declining financial performance, this paper presents a synthesis of the business turnaround literature. It aims to identify which turnaround and recovery strategies have been effective historically, based on the evidence provided by previous empirical research. Design/methodology/approach – The authors review literature that includes 22 empirical studies, which investigated business turnarounds in previous recessionary environments. This literature was reviewed in its entirety, rather than as individual contributions, to synthesise the lessons available for businesses operating in today's challenging economic environment. Findings – The literature review revealed convergence in the findings of the prior studies. In total, six effective turnaround strategies were consistently identified and four of these relate to the content of the turnaround, namely: cost efficiencies, asset retrenchment, a focus on the firm's core activities and building for the future and two relate to accompanying change processes required for implementation: reinvigoration of firm leadership and culture change. Research limitations/implications – The authors highlight areas where knowledge on business turnarounds remains limited and suggest potentially fruitful directions for future research. Practical implications – The authors discuss the elements involved in each of the six effective turnaround strategies identified. The authors also provide a contemporary example to illustrate the application of these strategies in the current economic environment. Originality/value – The paper offers practitioners an evidence-based view on effective business turnaround and recovery strategies, in addition to providing researchers with an accessible review of the existing literature.

Emerging market multinationals' location choice: The role of firm resources and internationalization motivations

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – Location choice made by emerging market multinationals (EMMs) constitutes an important yet somewhat neglected topic in business research. The purpose of this paper is to develop a research framework that elucidates the role of EMM-specific resources and internationalization motivations on the location choice of EMMs. Design/methodology/approach – The literature pertaining to firm-specific resources and internationalization motivations as determinants of location choice is reviewed. This leads to the development of a research framework that takes into account various combinations of resources and motivations in explaining the location choice of EMMs. The paper offers research propositions by linking resources, motivations, and the appropriate choice of locations. Findings – The paper illustrates that location choices of EMMs are determined by the interplay of various resources (relationship-based, home experiences-based, and country created assets-based) and internationalization motivations (market-seeking, asset-seeking, and resource-seeking). Originality/value – The paper investigates the simultaneous influence of two important determinants: firm-specific resources and internationalization motivations on the location choices of EMMs. Prior literature has extolled the importance of these factors in international business but not in the context of the location choices of EMMs. Thus, this paper fills an important void in business scholarship.

Exploring green consumers' product demands and consumption processes: The case of Portuguese green consumers

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (João Pedro Pereira Luzio, Fred Lemke) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – There is a research gap in terms of understanding how green consumers perceive green products in a marketplace context. The purpose of this paper is to respond to this omission by exploring the green consumers' product demands and consumption processes. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured in-depth interviews with Portuguese green consumers are used to discuss potential key factors (reasons to buy green products, defining green product characteristics, feelings about pricing, perceived product confidence, willingness to compromise, environmental knowledge, consideration of alternatives, product's point of purchase and use and disposal). Findings – The analysis indicates that green consumers represent an artificial segment and provides further empirical support to the definition of sustainability as a market-oriented concept. The paper's findings suggest that mainstreaming green products is a more positive alternative than green segmentation. Research limitations/implications – This research is exploratory in nature and the authors followed established guidelines to ensure objectivity. However, the study's findings are restricted to Portuguese green consumers and a replication in other countries would help to remove any potential country bias. Practical implications – Sustainable businesses are eager to learn who the green consumer is in order to define this market segment. This may not represent the best strategy, however. Targeting green products to a niche market based only on intangible environmental or ethical values may not only be hindering the progress of sustainability as a market-oriented concept but also missing the huge opportunity of gaining competitive advantage in the inevitable future marketplace. Originality/value – Most marketing studies were unsuccessful in segmenting green consumers even “on average”, resulting in elusive and contradictory outcomes. Only very few studies are aimed at exploring the green consumer's behavior using qualitative research approaches. This paper explores the product demands of green consumers, as well as their consumption processes in detail.

Hybrid strategies in Greece: a pleasant surprise

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Helen E. Salavou) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically whether a hybrid, compared with other forms of competitive advantage, contributes to better business performance. Design/methodology/approach – Based on 105 food manufacturing firms in Greece, a European Union (EU) member state, this study performs a factor analysis, a cluster analysis and an analysis of variance. Findings – This study provides evidence in favour of the hybrid as the best-performing form of competitive advantage for Greek food firms. Specifically, the findings show pure (the cost-based nichers: 36 firms), combined (the hybridists: 49 firms) and stuck-in-the-middle (the confused strategists: 20 firms) strategic alternatives that differ in terms of performance. Research limitations/implications – Research on Porter's dominant paradigm within Europe is surprisingly limited. Given the call for further research on competitive strategy to focus on European firms, this Greek study extends Porter's original model and represents one of the few studies to examine the relationship between hybrid strategies and performance. Practical implications – Managers should keep in mind that hybrid strategies are usually better and never worse than pure and stuck-in-the-middle alternatives. Emphasis on all dimensions of the hybrid form may be a safe and rewarding option for Greek food players to compete at home against global players. Originality/value – This study provides new evidence on hybrid strategies within Europe, a subject that lacks sufficient foundation. Despite the contradictory results obtained elsewhere on the Porter-based perspective since 1980, the empirical evidence within a European country, Greece, suggests a pleasant surprise.