Asian Organizations Research Articles

Patterns of Care for Brain Metastases in Asia: A Real-World Survey Conducted by the Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology.

To report the patterns of care for brain metastases (BMs) in the Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology (FARO). Overall, 37 questions were prepared. The survey was conducted online using Google Forms, and the URL was distributed to members of the FARO research committee. Radiation oncologists associated with FARO responded to the questionnaire between May 2023 and June 2023, and their answers were analyzed. Responses were received from 32 radiation oncologists in 13 countries participating in FARO. Twenty-six physicians (81.3%) were affiliated with academic centers, and 22 (68.8%) were able to perform stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (fSRT) for BMs at their institution. The most typically used prognostic index for BM was the recursive partitioning analysis classification (17 physicians, 53.1%). The maximum number of BMs indicated for SRT/SRS was ≤three (11 physicians, 34.4%), whereas eight (25.0%) physicians answered for 6-10 BMs. The maximum size of BMs considered for SRS/fSRT was ≤3 cm (14 physicians, 43.8%), whereas nine (28.1%) answered that SRS/fSRT was preferred if the maximum size was >4 cm. When whole-brain radiotherapy (RT) was indicated, hippocampal avoidance and memantine usage were limited to 50.0% and 25.0% of patients, respectively. The most typical RT modality after BM resection was SRS/fSRT alone, regardless of whether the margin was positive (19 physicians, 59.4%) or negative (13 physicians, 40.6%). We report the survey results of the patterns of care for BMs in the FARO. This survey was conducted only among a limited number of FARO members. Since many respondents were affiliated with relatively large-scale academic centers, large-scale surveys, including community hospitals, are warranted for future initiatives.

What leader behaviors evoke employee innovative work behavior in Asia? Validation of a new survey scale

Abstract In Asian workplaces, effective innovative work behavior (IWB) presents challenges. Knowledge on how Asian leaders can promote employee IWB through their behavioral repertoire is needed. This assumption prompted us to develop and validate the so-called Innovative Leader Survey (ILS), covering a repertoire of leader behaviors by which employee IWB is stimulated in Asia. Study 1 interviewed 60 high-performing leaders and employees on such behaviors, bringing forth three leader-behavioral dimensions and survey items for fostering employee idea generation, promotion, and implementation, labeled Envisioning, Energizing, and Enabling. Study 2 involved 1,037 survey respondents through which we validated these three sets of specific leader behaviors. Study 3, with 287 respondents, established ILS’s discriminant validity while all of its 11 operationalized leader behaviors were found to predict their followers’ IWB after 4 months. Future research with the ILS is proposed to enrich theory and empirical research on the relationship between effective leadership and employees’ IWB in Asian organizations.

Developing innovation culture in traditional Asian corporations – the case of four large business organisations in Thailand

ABSTRACT This study investigates factors affecting innovation culture in ASEAN economies and proposes a model for building innovation culture in traditional organisations. Using multiple-case analysis, the research examines four large Thai businesses across conglomerate, retail, communication, and support service sectors. We employ qualitative methods, including interviews with innovation centre directors, mid-level management, and staff, to gather insights. The study identifies key strategies for fostering innovation culture in traditional Asian organisations by analysing commonalities. The resulting model emphasises leadership, strategy, and resource allocation as crucial elements for building and maintaining an innovative culture. This research contributes to both theoretical understanding of innovation culture in traditional Asian business organisations and practical application in organisation development. The findings provide valuable insights how to overcome cultural obstacles and foster innovation in traditional ASEAN economies to improve their global competitiveness by creating a corporate culture favourable for innovation.

Commercial Opportunity or Addressing Unmet Needs-Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) as the Future of Rapid Diagnostic Testing?

Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) technology is emerging as a rapid pathogen testing method, potentially challenging the RT-PCR "gold standard". Despite recent advancements, LAMP's widespread adoption remains limited. This study provides a comprehensive market overview and assesses future growth prospects to aid stakeholders in strategic decision-making and policy formulation. Using a dataset of 1134 LAMP patent documents, we analyzed lifecycle and geographic distribution, applicant profiles, CPC code classifications, and patent claims. Additionally, we examined clinical developments from 21 curated clinical trials, focusing on trends, geographic engagement, sponsor types, and the conditions and pathogens investigated. Our analysis highlights LAMP's potential as a promising rapid pathogen testing alternative, especially in resource-limited areas. It also reveals a gap between clinical research, which targets bacterial and parasitic diseases like malaria, leishmaniasis, and tuberculosis, and basic research and commercial efforts that prioritize viral diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. European stakeholders emphasize the societal impact of addressing unmet needs in resource-limited areas, while American and Asian organizations focus more on research, innovation, and commercialization.

Subtyping of gastric cancer based on basement membrane genes that stratifies the prognosis, immune infiltration and therapeutic response

Gastric cancer (GC) is highly heterogeneous and prone to metastasis, which are obstacles to the effectiveness of treatment. The basement membrane (BM) acts as a barrier to tumor cell invasion and metastasis. It is critical to investigate the relationship between BM status, metastasis, and patient prognosis. In several large cohorts, we investigated BM gene expression-based molecular classification and risk-prognosis models for GC, examined tumor microenvironment (TME) differences among different molecular subtypes, and developed risk models in predicting prognosis, immunotherapy effectiveness, and chemotherapy resistance. Three GC subtypes (BMclusterA/B/C) based on BM gene expression status were discovered. Each of the three GC subtypes has unique immune infiltration and activated oncogenic signals. Moreover, a 6-gene score (BMscore) predictive model was developed. The low BMscore group had a high tumor mutation burden, high immunogenicity, and low RHOJ expression levels, implying that individuals with GC in this category may be more susceptible to immunotherapy and treatment. The EMT subtype showed a considerably higher BMscore than the other subtypes in the Asian Organization for Research on Cancer (ACRG) molecular classification. Endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts may be engaged in regulating BM reorganization in GC progression, according to single-cell transcriptome analyses. In conclusion, we defined a novel molecular classification of GC based on BM genes, developed a prognostic risk model, and elucidated the cell subpopulations involved in BM remodeling at the single-cell level. This study has deepened the understanding of the relationship between GC metastasis and BM alterations, achieved prognostic stratification, and guided therapy.

Are HRM practitioners required to possess competence in corporate ethics? A content analysis of qualifications in Australia and Asia

Ethical cultures, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainability strategies are increasingly being addressed through formal organisational policies and structures. This is evidenced by codes of ethics, conduct, whistle-blowing reporting lines, anti-bribery and corruption policies, and broader stakeholder and environmental engagement strategies. In the United States, corporate ethics managers are responsible for these functions, supported by specific professional and university-level qualifications. However, this is not the case in Australia and Asia where the role appears delegated to human resource personnel in organisations. Human resource management (HRM) is increasingly advanced as a formal profession, yet whether corporate ethics content features as a significant component of the HRM profession is unclear. Expert knowledge is a foundation of a profession along with the duty to act within the limits of that knowledge and expertise. This paper scopes what constitutes professional expert knowledge. It examines corporate ethics expertise and HRM within this context. Major Australian and Asian organisations are examined to verify that HRM Departments, and thus HRM practitioners, are responsible for managing corporate ethics. Given the seniority and strategic importance of this function, the content of selected Masters in HRM and related fields are examined to identify the extent of ethics content. This is considered in the light of the expertise required to manage corporate ethics, and conclusions are drawn whether the HRM discipline is appropriately qualified to manage this function. Finally, recommendations and further research towards advancing the role and function of corporate ethics managers in general are proposed.

The individual nature of cultural friction in cross-border M&As: exploring the role of face when working with Asian counterparts

PurposeThis study aims to address a significant gap in the literature by exploring the individual nature and microfoundation perspective of cultural friction during the integration phase following cross-border mergers and acquisitions (CBMAs). It focuses on the role of face, a pivotal facet of interactions within Asian organizations, elucidating its importance in post-M&A integration outcomes.Design/methodology/approachUsing a conceptual approach, this study draws on three bodies of literature, namely, cultural friction, microfoundations and face concerns. It reconsiders cultural friction as a microfounded construct and introduces face concerns as a pivotal element to understanding the challenges faced by managers at the forefront of CBMAs involving Asian companies. The conceptual approach is illustrated with examples for the world of practice.FindingsThis research makes two significant contributions to the fields of CBMAs and cultural friction. First, it demonstrates the relevance of the concept of cultural friction at the individual level, shedding light on the complex post-CBMA integration process. Second, this study demonstrates the critical role of face concerns in the sociocultural integration following CBMAs. This is underexplored in extant literature.Originality/valueThe crucial role of face is well known to those working in Asia. Yet academic inquiry remains underdeveloped on this issue for CBMAs. The friction derived from face concerns provides additional insights into the nature of the cultural challenges confronting managers during sociocultural integration and elucidates the micro-mechanisms influencing individuals’ responses to cultural friction. This research responds to calls to examine the human side of M&As uncovering previously neglected issues within intercultural managerial encounters.

Unraveling the dynamics of employee retention in Asian organizations: exploring the interplay of organizational identification, affective commitment, and trust in leadership

Unraveling the dynamics of employee retention in Asian organizations: exploring the interplay of organizational identification, affective commitment, and trust in leadership

Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease-Asian perspectives: the results of a multinational web-based survey in the 8th Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis meeting.

As the characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) differ between Asians and Westerners, it is necessary to determine adequate therapeutic strategy for Asian IBD patients. We evaluated the current treatment of IBD in Asian countries/regions using a web-based survey. The Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases conducted a multinational web-based survey for current IBD care in Asia between September 16, 2020, and November 13, 2020. A total of 384 doctors treating IBD patients from 24 Asian countries/regions responded to the survey. Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents, anti-integrins, and anti-interleukin-12/23 agents were available for use by 93.8%, 72.1%, and 70.1% of respondents in Asian countries/regions. Compared with a previous survey performed in 2014, an increased tendency for treatment with biologics, including anti-TNF agents, was observed. In the treatment of corticosteroid-refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis, 72.1% of respondents chose anti-TNF agents, followed by tacrolimus (11.7%). In the treatment of corticosteroid-refractory Crohn's disease, 90.4% chose anti-TNF agents, followed by thiopurines (53.1%), anti-interleukin-12/23 agents (39.3%), and anti-integrin agents (35.7%). In the treatment of Crohn's disease patients refractory to anti-TNF agents, the most preferred strategy was to measure serum levels of anti-TNF and anti-drug antibodies (40.9%), followed by empiric dose escalation or shortening of dosing intervals (25.3%). Although there were some differences, treatment strategies for patients with IBD were mostly similar among Asian doctors. Based on the therapeutic outcomes, it is necessary to identify the most appropriate therapeutic strategy for Asian IBD patients.

Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease-Asian perspectives: the results of a multinational web-based survey in the 8th Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis meeting.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is no longer a rare disease in Asia, thus it needs to prepare recommendations relevant to Asian patients. This study aimed to identify disparities in the process of the diagnosis of IBD in Asian countries/regions. In line with the 2020 Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis annual meeting, a multinational web-based survey about Asian physicians' perspectives on IBD was conducted. A total of 384 Asian physicians (99 in China, 93 in Japan, 110 in Korea, and 82 in other Asian countries/regions) treating IBD patients from 24 countries/regions responded to the survey. Most respondents were gastroenterologists working in an academic teaching hospital. About half of them had more than 10 years of clinical experience in caring for patients with IBD. The European Crohn's Colitis Organisation guideline was used most commonly for the diagnosis of IBD except for Japanese physicians who preferred their own national guideline. The Mayo score and Crohn's Disease Activity Index were the most commonly used activity scoring systems for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, respectively. Endoscopy, not surprisingly, was the main investigation in assessing the extent and activity of IBD. On the other hand, there were disparities across countries/regions with regard to the favored modalities of small bowel and perianal evaluation of Crohn's disease, as well as the use of serologic markers. Results of the present survey revealed practical behaviors of Asian physicians in the diagnosis of IBD. Investigating the reasons for different diagnostic approaches among countries/regions might help us develop Asian guidelines further.

Infectious complications in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Asia: the results of a multinational web-based survey in the 8th Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis meeting.

Infectious complications are major concerns when treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study evaluated clinical differences across countries/regions in the management of infectious diseases in patients with IBD. A multinational online questionnaire survey was administered to participants at the 8th meeting of the Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis. The questionnaire included questions regarding surveillance, diagnosis, management, and prevention of infection in patients with IBD. A total of 384 physicians responded to the questionnaire. The majority of Korean (n=70, 63.6%) and Chinese (n=51, 51.5%) physicians preferred vancomycin to metronidazole in the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection, whereas more than half of the Japanese physicians (n=62, 66.7%) preferred metronidazole. Physicians in Korea (n=88, 80.0%) and China (n=46, 46.5%) preferred a 3-month course of isoniazid and rifampin to treat latent tuberculosis infection, whereas most physicians in Japan (n=71, 76.3%) favored a 9-month course of isoniazid. Most Korean physicians (n=89, 80.9%) recommended hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination in patients lacking HBV surface antigen, whereas more than half of Japanese physicians (n=53, 57.0%) did not consider vaccination. Differences in the diagnosis, prevention, and management of infections in patients with IBD across countries/regions reflect different prevalence rates of infectious diseases. This survey may broaden understanding of the real-world clinical settings across Asian countries/regions and provide information for establishing practical guidelines to manage patients with IBD.

Vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease-Asian perspectives: results of a multinational web-based survey in the 8th Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis meeting.

Long-term immunosuppressive therapies used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are associated with an increased risk of infections, many of which can be prevented by vaccination. We assessed physicians' current approaches and clinical practices regarding vaccinations for IBD patients in different Asian countries/regions. An internet-based survey was conducted among members of the Asian Organization for Crohn's and Colitis from September 2020 to November 2020. The questionnaire consisted of 2 parts covering general opinion on the relevance of vaccinations and clinical practice of vaccination. Overall, 384 Asian medical doctors responded to the survey. The majority of respondents considered it very (57.6%) or sufficiently (39.6%) important to perform vaccinations as recommended by the guidelines. About half of the Asian physicians (52.6%) were usually or always performing vaccinations. The influenza vaccine was the most frequently recommended vaccine for IBD patients. Half of the respondents (51.3%) did not recommend hepatitis A vaccine, especially in China (61.6%) and Japan (93.6%). The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine were never (35.2%) or rarely (29.4%) recommended. The findings of this survey indicated similarities among countries/regions in terms of the current approaches and practices regarding vaccination of IBD patients; however, there are some differences that might reflect each country's domestic vaccination guidelines and health insurance particularly with certain vaccines in some countries/regions. Although Asian physicians largely recommend vaccination, more awareness among doctors and Asian consensus regarding differences in IBD vaccination among countries/regions may be required.

Radiation Oncology Research in Asia: Current Status and a Peep Into the Future From the Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology.

This survey was conducted to assess the current research practices among the 14 members of the Federation of Asian Organizations for Radiation Oncology (FARO) committee, to inform measures for research capacity building in these nations. A 19-item electronic survey was sent to two research committee members from the 14 representative national radiation oncology organizations (N = 28) that are a part of FARO. Thirteen of the 14 member organizations (93%) and 20 of 28 members (71.5%) responded to the questionnaire. Only 50% of the members stated that an active research environment existed in their country. Retrospective audits (80%) and observational studies (75%) were the most common type of research conducted in these centers. Lack of time (80%), lack of funding (75%), and limited training in research methodology (40%) were cited as the most common hindrances in conducting research. To promote research initiatives in the collaborative setting, 95% of the members agreed to the creation of site-specific groups, with head and neck (45%) and gynecological cancers (25%) being the most preferred disease sites. Projects focused on advanced external beam radiotherapy implementation (40%), and cost-effectiveness studies (35%) were cited as some of the potential areas for future collaboration. On the basis of the survey results, after result discussion and the FARO officers meeting, an action plan for the research committee has been created. The results from the survey and the initial policy structure may allow facilitation of radiation oncology research in the collaborative setting. Centralization of research activities, funding support, and research-directed training are underway to help foster a successful research environment in the FARO region.

Fear of pandemic and associated challenges of employees’ engagement in Asia: the critical role of support in a post pandemic context

PurposeThis study aims to highlight the moderating role of perceived organizational, supervisory and coworker’s support in weakening the negative relationship between fear of pandemic (FOP) and employee’s engagement in the Asian organizations. Furthermore, this study also aims to explore the role of employees’ engagement as an intervening mechanism, which mediates the relationship between FOP and employee’s performance in an Asian postpandemic context.Design/methodology/approachBased on extensive review of recent literature and sound theoretical reasoning, the authors have developed a comprehensive conceptual framework (with related theoretical propositions) which provides clear guidelines as to how Asian Business Managers/organizations can minimize the adverse effect of the employee’s fear triggered by the pandemic at the workplace and how provision of effective and timely organizational/interpersonal support (i.e. organizational, managerial and coworkers level support) can help Asian Managers address various workplace challenges created by the pandemic moving forward. This study has further validated the proposed conceptual framework and related theoretical propositions by conducting an in-depth bibliometric analysis and by developing clusters of the co-occurrences based on most recent/ relevant literature published in the area.FindingsThis study advances the knowledge in the areas of FOP and organizational support in particular. A comprehensive review of the literature clearly indicates how effective organizational, supervisory and peer support mechanism can help Asian Business Managers in alleviating the negative impact of the FOP on various employee level outcomes such as employees “engagement and performance” and how it can help Asian firms in addressing the associated challenges while working in a postpandemic context. Later on, an in-depth bibliometric analysis of the literature has revealed emerging knowledge patterns in the field and has indicated several key gaps in the existing literature which further confirms the theoretical framework and the propositions related thereto.Originality/valueThough several researchers have previously examined the fear created by COVID-19 at workplace, relatively fewer researchers have tried to link it up with employees’ level of involvement/ engagement at workplace. Even fewer researchers have tried to examine the vital role that organizational, managerial and peers support can play in minimizing the adverse effects created by pandemic-induced fears for employees’ productivity and performance in an Asian workplace context. Furthermore, hardly any efforts have been made to look at this popular notion of employees’ engagement as an intervening mechanism which carries a significant potential to mediate the relationship between FOP and employees’ job performance. This study aims to bridge all these gaps by integrating the two main streams of knowledge together, i.e. Four Horsemen of Fear and Organizational Support theory. Based on strong theoretical reasoning, an in-depth review and a bibliometric analysis of the relevant literature, the authors have developed a comprehensive conceptual framework which explains how various levels of support may interact with FOP to predict different levels of employees’ engagement in a contemporary Asian workplace and how this in turn may impact employees’ job performance while at work.

Russia’s nationalities policy and the country’s Central Asian residents’ identity-based activities

As applied to the Russian case, identity politics means first and foremost a state strategy that regulates the public expressions of ethnicity-based solidarity in a way that prevents them from being motivated by a sense of injustice. With regard to Russia’s Central Asian residents, injustice lies in tacit racist treatment by officials, police officers, employers and landlords. The peculiarity of officially recognised Central Asian organisations operating on the basis of state nationalities policy institutions is that they contribute to maintaining the status quo. They do so through orchestrating cultural activities that reproduce stereotypical images of harmonious ethnic diversity in Russia, as well as by supervising labour migrants. However, there are members in these organisations who do manage to use the resources of Russia’s rather idiosyncratic nationalities policy to fulfil their own aspirations, i.e. to practice identity politics for which the policy is not intended.

South Asian Youth as Vaccine Agents of Change (SAY-VAC): evaluation of a public health programme to mobilise and empower South Asian youth to foster COVID-19 vaccine-related evidence-based dialogue in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Canada

ObjectivesThere have been substantial amounts of misinformation surrounding the importance, safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. The impacts of this misinformation may be augmented as they circulate among ethnic...

Ethics in competency models: A framework towards developing ethical behaviour in organisations

Competency models describe desired behaviours, skills, and attributes to facilitate organisational goals' achievement. The primary focus of a competency model is to align individual behaviours to organisationally expected behaviours. Given that employees’ ethical behaviour has become the sine qua non for organisations, it is surprising to see the absence of ethical competency in organisations’ competency models. Based on two separate studies with the heads of HR in Indian and South-East Asian organisations, the present study identified three core reasons for the absence of ethics in competency models (i.e., ideation, conceptualisation, and implementation challenges). Also, the study proposes a framework for fostering ethical behaviour amongst employees. Implications of the research for theory and practice are discussed.

Managing Media Relationships among Asian Organizations: A Grounded Theory Approach

Asian organizations need to engage media to establish trust and reputation. This research examines the phenomenon of press engagement, focusing on the relationship between public relations professionals of organizations and journalists. The study draws on both the public relations and relationship marketing literature to examine the efficacy surrounding various press engagement strategies. Eighteen indepth interviews were conducted with journalists from broadcast, print, and online media in Hong Kong. The results were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Four press engagement themes emerged, including role reinforcement, responsiveness, social justice and segregation. These themes provide guidance for Asian businesses and organizations to develop their media relationship strategies. As there is no study that has investigated PR-journalist dyad relationshipsfrom the angle of the PR and customer engagement literature, this study offers new insights on organizational relationship marketing within a corporate communication context.

Investigating the Central Asian Perspective on Working Women’s Level of Competence

Numerous studies have revealed that women do not get equally paid as men do, and this can specifically impact working mothers to a higher extent. In Central Asian communities many women are underrepresented in high-status professions. Previous research has found that this can be from cultural influence, religious beliefs, and the consequence of the Soviet Union event that Central Asian countries were affected. The overall goal of this research was to find evidence to support that Central Asian women are affected by stereotypes and thus are seen as incompetent in the professional field. This is a follow-up study to Cuddy and Fiske (2004) that examined the Stereotype Content Model, with personalities competence versus warmth. A Google Forms survey was used, to record and compare the responses that rated people's personalities from four different conditions. The participants included were audience from Central Asian organizations and content creators, their ages ranged from 18 to 55 and up. The gathered data was examined through JASP (Anova). The results of this study suggest that working mothers are most impacted, as they are viewed as less competent and warm. With this information, future researchers should look into understanding how these stereotypes towards women, could influence the younger generations of girls in Central Asia.

Blockchain solutions for carbon markets are nearing maturity

Blockchain solutions for carbon markets are nearing maturity