Emerald | Management Research Review | Table of Contents

HONORING COMPLEXITY: SET-THEORETIC ANALYSIS AS A COMPLEMENTARY METHOD IN LEADERSHIP RESEARCH

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Lucy R Ford, Anson Seers, Jill Neumann) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Most micro-oriented research has assumed that leaders operate within a formally designed, pre-specified and stable structural hierarchy. In the emerging knowledge economy, however, the watchwords have become flexibility and speed. Today’s business practices feature temporary task forces, project teams, joint ventures, and alliances. We draw from the political science literature, presenting methodology for examining team leadership in context that augments and enhances the analyses that can be obtained with commonly used correlational / regression models. Design/methodology/approach - More specifically, we will develop a detailed analysis of the potential applicability of the set-theoretic approach for elucidating a configural analysis of team leadership, demonstrating that this method provides insight into the data that complements that provided by regression analysis.Findings - We examine the findings from more traditional approaches to analysis, and set-theoretic analysis, and demonstrate that set-theoretic analysis provides us with additional insights into the phenomena in question.Research limitations/implications - The possibilities for future research in the organizational leadership literature using set-theoretic analysis are endless. The method is appropriate for theory development, theory confirmation, exploration, and more. Our current theoretical models are lacking in complexity, partly due to the limitations of existing methodology, and our advice to organizations would be significantly enriched were we able to establish that there are alternate means to the desired outcome, based on the context. Set-theoretic methodology promises to enrich and enhance our field, particularly if we use it iteratively with the currently common methodologies, to develop richer and more contextually based theories. Originality/value - Set-theoretic methods may well provide us with an additional set of tools for better understanding leadership in the context in which it occurs.

Self-Regulatory Focus: The Impact on Long-Term Consumer Compliance Behavior

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Stephanie Dellande, Prashanth Nyer) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to shed greater light on the factors that influence consumer compliance behavior, e.g., SRF, in compliance dependent services (CDS). CDS, e.g., weight loss, retirement savings, education, credit repair, are long term in nature often requiring lifestyle changes (Dellande and Gilly 1998). In addition, and importantly, the customer’s role in CDS extends beyond the face-to-face interaction and requires the consumer to comply with prescribed behaviors when away from the service provider. Design/methodology/approach - The subjects were 243 female clients (aged 20 to 45) at a weight loss/fitness center located in south India. Subjects were selected from among the new clients who signed up for an eight-week long weight loss and fitness program which seeks to help clients lose modest amounts of excess weight (averaging approximately 10 pounds). On signing up, respondents completed a survey that included several scales of regulatory focus, and a question eliciting reasons for wanting to lose weight. Findings - This study exams the role of self regulatory focus (SRF) on long term customer compliance behavior in weight loss. A specific measure of SRF led to better outcomes than the generalized measures of SRF. Originality/value - Though this research project examines consumer behavior in the context of weight loss activities, it has far ranging implications for various services requiring consumers to engage in prescribed behaviors over the long run. For example, the success of debt counseling services and retirement savings programs require clients to engage in certain behaviors over the long run. Marketers of CDS programs will be able to use the findings of this research project to find new ways to increase long-term customer compliance behavior.

Justice, Trust and Employee Reactions: An Empirical Examination of the HRM System

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Anastasia Katou) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of an integrated HRM system (content, process and climate) on employee reactions (motivation, commitment, work engagement, and organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB)), through the mediating role of organizational justice (distributive, procedural and interactional) and organizational trust (integrity, competence and dependability), which has not been fully studied in the past.Design/methodology/approach - The study is based on a national sample of 133 organizations from the public and private sectors in Greece and on data obtained from 1,061 employees. The statistical method employed is structural equation modelling.Findings - The findings of the study suggest that the HRM process has a higher impact on employee reactions than HRM content. Additionally, the findings support the idea that procedural and distributive justice are related more to trust dependability and integrity, and that procedural justice is a better predictor of employee reactions than distributive justice.Research limitations/implications - The study does not allow for dynamic causal inferences because the data was collected using a questionnaire at a single point in time. Furthermore, the findings of the study may not generalize across borders, because the study was applied in the Greek context, which has different labour relations with respect to other countries.Practical implications - The study has clear implications for both managers and decision makers, because it suggests that employees are more committed and satisfied when the HRM system is more consistent and distinctive, more rewarding and provides opportunities for training. Originality/value - The theoretical significance of the study is important, because it suggests that both the content and the process of HR practices, as perceived by employees, strongly influence employees’ reactions, such as motivation, commitment, work engagement and OCB.

Life-Work Balance: Emotional Intelligence as a Crucial Component of Achieving Both Personal Life and Work Performance

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Veronika Koubova, Aaron A Buchko) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual linkage between life-work balance and emotional intelligence (EI). Design/methodology/approach - Based on a review of the literature, it is suggested that life experiences contribute to the development of EI, which them moderates the individual’s life-work balance. The effect of personal emotions in one’s personal life environment are of primary importance in the development of EI, which influences the work environment. The effects of work experience on one’s personal life are influenced significantly by the level of emotional intelligence.Findings - The level of EI is viewed as central to developing an individual’s life-work balance, and the primary effect of a one’s personal life suggests that it is more appropriate to view work as a component of overall life satisfaction; hence the use of the term Life-Work Balance.Research limitations/implications - The paper is a theoretical development of a model that emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence in life-work balance; as such, there is a need for empirical research to examine the propositions generated by this analysis.Practical implications - Managers should seek to develop Emotional Intelligence in the work setting to improve employees' abilities to manage life-work balance.Originality/value - This paper extends current research on EI and life-work balance by conceptually integrating these two concepts and provides a framework for future research and investigation.

Net Interest Margins and Firm Performance in Developing Countries: Evidence from Argentine Commercial Banks

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Mine Aysen Doyran) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This paper examines the relationship between performance and some macro and micro variables in Argentine commercial banking industry. Included are the profitability and interest variables—Return on Assets (ROA) and Net Interest Margin (NIM)—over the period of 1994 to 2011.Design/methodology/approach - The empirical construct is guided by recent theories of banking performance that employ an industrial organization framework and two dependent variables (with identical control variables) to assure robustness and comparability in findings. The variables for the Panel Estimated Generalized Least Square (Panel EGLS) are constructed using income statements of 62 commercial banks (firm-level data) as well as a number of industry-specific and macroeconomic indicators.Findings - Factors such as expense management (operating cost efficiency/inefficiency), leverage and liquidity appear to be important forces behind the net interest margins (NIM) and profits (ROA) in Argentine banking industry. Higher return on assets (ROA) is associated with banks carrying less leverage and therefore displaying a lower ratio of debt to total assets. Higher interest margin (NIM) is associated with higher operating expenses. Regarding the macroeconomic variables, inflation negatively affects profitability but is positively and significantly related to net interest margin. Banking environment has a positive effect on performance, reflecting the complementary between banking performance and stock market capitalization.Research limitations/implications - The unavailability of further data has led to a somewhat provisional analysis. Future research can benefit from the inclusion variables such as economies of scale, ownership structure, asset quality and other bank characteristics, e.g. duration of assets/liabilities as a measure of asset diversification. From firm-specific factors, it is necessary to include duration of asset/liabilities as a measure liquidity risk and nonperforming loans (NPLs)/total assets or NPLs/gross loans as a measure of risk (leverage). This type of data was under-reported in the Bankscope database, thus leading to provisional conclusions.Practical implications - Based on the results of macroeconomic factors, inflation negatively affects profitability and leads to higher interest margins by increasing operating expenses. The practical implications of both results could help Argentine bank managers understand the conditions of their industry and develop new and improved policies. Originality/value - The paper’s value lies in showing that a firm’s specific variables reveal better insights when analyzed in relation to banking environment. Indirectly, some of the value of this work lies in highlighting the Central Bank’s accommodative monetary policy that has been driving Argentina’s economic recovery and credit boom arising in an inflationary environment.