Customer Pressure Research Articles

The political connection, stakeholders pressure, sustainability reports disclosure, and business risk as moderating variable

The objectives of this research investigated the effect of political connection, stakeholder pressure (environmental pressure, customer’s pressure, employee’s pressure, and foreign pressure) on the sustainability report disclosure and business as a moderating variable. Manufacturing sector companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange for the 2019–2023 periods have a target population. Samples were selected by some criteria, and the 15 manufacturing companies were determined as a sample. The annual report and sustainability report are the sources of the data. To test hypotheses, we are using multiple regression and moderate multiple regression analysis. The employee pressure and environmental pressures do not significantly affect the sustainability report disclosure, while political connections, consumer pressure, and foreign pressure have a significant effect on the sustainability report disclosure. Business risk can moderate the relationship between consumer pressure and sustainability report disclosure, while it cannot moderate the relationship between political connection, environmental pressure, employee’s pressure, and foreign pressure and sustainability reports. The findings of this research have some implications for companies and governments. The company should pay attention to political connections and customer pressure because it can effect a decision related to disclosure of the sustainability reports, and (b) government determines the sustainability report standard.

Examining customer pressure and green supply chain management in emerging market: An institutional logics perspective

Employing contingency and configuration approach, this study explores the role of institutional logics in the relationship between customers' green expectations and firms' adoption of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices. The results of a survey of 310 supplier companies in China, an important emerging market, provide the empirical evidence for the coexistence of multiple institutional logics that are divergent from and almost incompatible with firms' GSCM practices. The multiple logics impose different and conflicting effects on the adoption of GSCM practices when responding to customers’ expectations. Thus, decisions about the adoption of GSCM practices are complicated and contingent on institutional logics. Despite advances in GSCM and rising customer expectations concerning sustainability and the environment, firms still struggle to engage suppliers. This study illuminates how multiple and competing institutional logics play a role in this area. Our results suggest that firms with predominantly cost logic are less likely to engage with GSCM compared to those with market or regulative logics.

Relationships Between Corporate Image Perception and Service Compensation Perception: A Study on Boutique Hotels in Core Cappadocia

Businesses' primary goal in providing a service is to ensure that the service is delivered correctly. Nowadays, companies face a great deal of customer pressure and are confronted with increasingly conscious consumer expectations. Service employees facing pressure can lead to errors and shortcomings in the service delivery process. In the intensely competitive environment, businesses need to pay more attention to service recovery to differentiate themselves. The literature review suggests that customer complaints affect corporate image perception. Based on this, this study investigates the effect of corporate image perception on service recovery perception. The research is designed quantitatively and the survey technique is selected as the data collection method. Local and foreign tourists staying in boutique hotels in the Core Cappadocia were included in the study. Data was obtained from 388 tourists. The analysis results indicate that the service experiences of customers at the hotel significantly influence the corporate image. Additionally, it is emphasized that hotels should develop an effective recovery strategy and respond quickly and positively to customer complaints. This study highlights the need for hotels to improve service quality and strengthen recovery policies to increase customer satisfaction and gain a competitive advantage.

Evaluation of Tibiofemoral Contact Mechanics After a Novel Hybrid Procedure for Femoral Osteochondral Defect Repairs With a Subchondral Implant and Dermal Matrix.

There is a lack of procedures that adequately address the subchondral bone structure and function for reconstructing osteochondral defects in the femoral condyles. To biomechanically evaluate the tibiofemoral joint contact characteristics before and after reconstruction of femoral condylar osteochondral defects using a novel hybrid reconstructive procedure, which was hypothesized to restore the contact characteristics to the intact condition. Controlled laboratory study. Tibiofemoral contact areas, contact forces, and mean contact pressures were measured in 8 cadaveric knees (mean age 52 ± 11 years; 6 women, 2 men) using a custom testing system and pressure mapping sensors. Five conditions were tested for each condyle: intact, 8-mm defect, 8-mm repair, 10-mm defect, and 10-mm repair. Medial femoral condylar defects were evaluated at 30° of knee flexion and lateral condylar defects were evaluated at 60° of knee flexion, with compressive loads of 50, 100, and 150 N. The defects were reconstructed with a titanium fenestrated threaded implant countersunk in the subchondral bone and an acellular dermal matrix allograft. Repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was used to compare the results between the 5 testing conditions at each load. Medial condylar defects significantly increased mean contact pressure on the lateral side (P < .042), which was restored to the intact levels with repair. The lateral condylar defect decreased the mean contact pressure laterally while increasing the mean pressure medially. The lateral and medial mean contact pressures were restored to intact levels with the 8-mm lateral condylar defect repair. The medial mean contact pressure was restored to intact levels with the 10-mm lateral condylar defect repair. The lateral mean contact pressure decreased compared with the intact state with the lateral condylar 10-mm defect repair. Tibiofemoral joint contact pressure was restored to the intact condition after reconstruction of osteochondral defects with dermal allograft matrix and subchondral implants for the repair of both 8- and 10-mm lateral condylar defects as well as 8-mm medial condylar defects but not completely for 10-mm medial condylar defects. The novel hybrid procedure for osteochondral defect repair restored tibiofemoral joint contact characteristics to normal in a cadaveric model.

Moderating Effect of Innovativeness on Attitudes Toward E-Commerce Adoption by Small and Medium Enterprises in Kuwait

Many studies indicated that technological, organizational, and environmental organizational predictors as the key determinants for attitudes toward the adoption of E-commerce. However, a few studies focus on the innovativeness of these relationships. This study focuses on the moderating effect of innovativeness on the relationship between attitude toward the adoption of E-commerce and its determinants. Data were collected from 259 SME owners/managers through a self-administered questionnaire, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The results identified perceived relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, organizational readiness, IT knowledge, competitive pressure, and supplier and customer pressure as important drivers of managers' attitudes toward E-commerce adoption. Furthermore, the findings indicated a stronger positive relationship between compatibility, competitive pressure, and attitude for managers with high innovativeness as opposed to low levels of innovativeness. These results supported the view that innovativeness can shape managers' attitudes toward E-commerce adoption. The results will help SME owners/managers to plan and promote E-commerce adoption and grow their businesses. Governments can use the results of this research to develop more focused policies to encourage more favourable E-commerce adoption attitudes among managers of SMEs.

A study on green practice infusion of the SMES in the context of circular economy

Sustainable development has attracted widespread attention worldwide, and the circular economy has become one of the essential policies of many countries. Small and medium-sized enterprises are important drivers of world economic growth and can significantly impact the environment. Therefore, SMEs are critical players in implementing a circular economy as the basis for creating a sustainable society. Although a wealth of research on SME environmental management issues can be found in the literature, more must be known about the infusion of green practices in SMEs. The primary purpose of this study is to explore the green practice infusion of Taiwanese SMEs, a context that is particularly relevant due to Taiwan’s strong focus on environmental sustainability and its circular economy industrial development policy. Through a questionnaire survey, this study examined the factors that influence green practice infusion behavior in Taiwanese SMEs and the impact of green practice infusion on circular economy performance. The findings show that the relative advantages and compatibility of the circular economy, organizational support, human resource quality, regulatory pressure, and government support significantly impact the green practice infusion of Taiwanese SMEs. The effects of complexity, customer pressure, and environmental uncertainty on SMEs’ infusion of green practices are not statistically significant. Circular economy performance is positively correlated with green practice infusion. This study can broaden the research scope of SMEs’ environmental management and contribute to a deeper understanding of SMEs’ green practice infusion and circular economy.

Adoption of fintech products through environmental regulations in Jordanian commercial banks

Purpose This study aims to examine the adoption of fintech products in Jordanian commercial banks, focusing on the influence of environmental regulations. Specifically, the study investigates the impact of environmental pressures (competitors pressure, customer pressure) and top management support on the adoption of fintech products. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was conducted, and data from 550 respondents familiar with the bank’s operations, once you have responses, use structure equation modeling to understand the relationships between variables. Also, applied the regression model to predict outcomes for new respondents. Ensure ethical considerations, like informed consent, are addressed throughout the process. Findings The results reveal that competitors pressure and customer pressure have a significant positive influence on the adoption of fintech products, indicating that banks are more likely to adopt fintech solutions when faced with increasing competition and customer demands. Furthermore, top management support was found to be positively associated with the adoption of fintech products, emphasizing the importance of leadership in driving successful integration. Also, regulators and policymakers can foster FinTech adoption in the banking sector by creating supportive frameworks that balance innovation and risk. The findings highlight the need for Jordanian commercial banks to recognize and respond to environmental pressures to remain competitive and meet customer expectations. Additionally, regulations might encourage the development of financial products and services within the fintech sector. This study enriches fintech adoption literature in the context of Jordanian commercial banks. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by shedding light on the factors influencing fintech adoption in Jordanian commercial banks and provides practical implications for banks, regulators and policymakers seeking to promote fintech adoption within the financial sector.

A Preliminary Study of Factors Influencing the Intention to Adopt Islamic Financing Facilities among Halal-Certified Companies in Malaysia

Halal business and Islamic finance adhere to the same fundamental principles and core beliefs. However, there is a divergence between these two industries, particularly in Malaysia, where the utilisation and adoption rate of Islamic financial facilities is still relatively low. This disconnect is particularly prevalent in Malaysia. In order for a company to run in a manner that is really halal, not only must it concentrate on halal production, but it must also finance the firm using shariah-compliant financing; this is something that has not yet been entirely accomplished. As a result, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the survey instrument in determining the influence of relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, top management support, owner-manager expertise, competitive pressure, and customer pressure on the desire to adopt Islamic finance facilities. Specifically, the aim of this study is to review the usefulness of the survey instrument in determining these factors. At the Halal Fiesta (Halfest), a survey was carried out with 30 halal-certified companies utilising a straightforward random sampling approach. This survey served as a preliminary assessment. The findings of the study provide evidence that there is a need for additional improvement and suggest that the survey instrument is appropriate for a more in-depth study that involves a bigger and more representative sample within the halal business.

Examining the influence of customers, suppliers, and regulators on environmental practices of SMEs: Evidence from the United Arab Emirates

AbstractThis study explores which stakeholders have more substantial influence than others and which combinations of stakeholders will have the greatest impact on small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises' environmental practices. A quantitative survey of 150 manager‐owners of SMEs found that while customers and suppliers significantly influence SMEs' sustainability behaviors, the demands and expectations set by regulatory bodies have a more substantial impact on how SMEs shape their environmental practices. Further, the presence of regulatory pressures does more than directly influence SMEs. Pressure from regulatory bodies also amplifies the effect of other forces on SMEs' environmental practices. In other words, when regulatory pressures exist, the impact of customer and supplier pressures on SMEs' sustainability behaviors becomes even more substantial. This synergistic effect underscores the pivotal role of regulatory pressures in shaping and enhancing SMEs' commitment to environmental sustainability.

Investigating digital marketing readiness among tourism firms: an emerging economy perspective

ABSTRACT The study aimed at investigating the readiness of firms in the tourism industry to adopt digital marketing as a marketing strategy – from an emerging economy perspective. The technology–organisation–environment framework and technology acceptance model were used to identify potential determinants of firms’ intention to adopt digital marketing. Data was collected from a sample of 191 tour and travel agencies using standardised questionnaire. Of the technological, organisational, and environmental factors, convenience, managerial commitment, government regulation, and customer pressure were found to be significant determinants of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of digital marketing. Both the mediating variables (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) were found significant in affecting firms’ intention to adopt digital marketing as a marketing strategy. Leader digital skill was not found to be a significant moderator on the effect of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on intention to adopt digital marketing. Devising conducive policies and regulations, strategic consideration of customer feedback, and creating awareness about the technology are essential for tourism firms and key stakeholders of the sector to capitalise on the advantages of digital marketing.

An integrated structural equation modeling and fuzzy qualitative comparative analysis model for examining green procurement adoption drivers

This research examines the factors that influence the implementation of green procurement in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), namely top management commitment, regulations, costs, pressure from consumers, and transformational leadership as moderation. The research employs a quantitative approach with 206 samples from the Indonesian SME industry. It utilizes Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (FsQCA). The data set includes factors such as top management commitment, regulations, costs, consumer pressure, and transformational leadership as moderation variables. The results show that management commitment, regulations, costs, and customer pressure influence green procurement. The role of the moderating variable shows that transformational leadership only strengthens the influence of costs on green procurement and regulation on green procurement. Meanwhile, the influence of top management commitment to green procurement and customer pressure on green procurement shows that transformational leadership does not strengthen these variables. The research’s novelty lies in combining SEM and FsQCA to analyze the causal relationships among variables influencing green procurement in SMEs. It highlights the importance of understanding and effectively managing these relationships for organizations adopting green procurement practices.

Non-Nutritive Suck Parameters Measurements Using a Custom Pressure Transducer System.

The non-nutritive suck (NNS) device is a transportable, user-friendly pressure transducer system that quantifies infants' NNS behavior on a pacifier. Recording and analysis of the NNS signal using our system can provide measures of an infant's NNS burst duration (s), amplitude (cmH2O), and frequency (Hz). Accurate, reliable, and quantitative assessment of NNS has immense value in serving as a biomarker for future feeding, speech-language, cognitive, and motor development. The NNS device has been used in numerous research lines, some of which have included measuring NNS features to investigate the effects of feeding-related interventions, characterizing NNS development across populations, and correlating sucking behaviors with subsequent neurodevelopment. The device has also been used in environmental health research to examine how exposures in utero can influence infant NNS development. Thus, the overarching goal in research and clinical utilization of the NNS device is to correlate NNS parameters with neurodevelopmental outcomes to identify children at risk for developmental delays and provide rapid early intervention.

Determinants of blockchain technology adoption in small and medium hospitality and tourism enterprises

ABSTRACT This study examines the determinants of blockchain technology adoption in small and medium hospitality and tourism enterprises. This study also investigates the moderating effect of technology optimism. Results from a sample of 550 enterprises indicate that technological factors (i.e., relative advantage and compatibility), organizational factors (i.e., top management support, organizational readiness, and employee blockchain technology knowledge), and environmental factors (i.e., competitive pressure, customer pressure, and government support) positively affect intention to adopt blockchain technology. These relationships are moderated by technology optimism. Interestingly, perceived complexity and adoption cost are insignificant determinants of blockchain technology adoption. This study contributes to the literature by explaining the underlying mechanism and boundary conditions (i.e., managers’ technology optimism) under which technological, organizational, and environmental factors predict the adoption of blockchain technology among small and medium hospitality and tourism enterprises. Moreover, the findings provide implications for hospitality and tourism managers in adopting and implementing blockchain technologies.

SEM-neural network analysis for mobile commerce adoption in Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises

PurposeUnderstanding the adoption of m-commerce in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is critical for their sustainable development. This study aims to investigate the adoption of m-commerce in Vietnamese SMEs, leading to the identification of the critical determinants and their relative importance for m-commerce adoption.Design/methodology/approachAn integrated model is developed by combining the diffusion of innovation theory and the technology–organization–environment framework. Such a model is then tested and validated using structural equation modeling and artificial neural networks in analyzing the survey data.FindingsThe study indicates that perceived security is the most critical determinant for m-commerce adoption. It further shows that customer pressure, perceived compatibility, organizational innovativeness, perceived benefits, managers’ IT knowledge, government support and organizational readiness all play a critical role in the adoption of m-commerce in Vietnamese SMEs.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study can lead to the formulation of better strategies and policies for promoting the adoption of m-commerce in Vietnamese SMEs. Such findings are also of practical significance for the diffusion of m-commerce in SMEs in other developing countries.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to explore the adoption of m-commerce in Vietnamese SMEs using a hybrid approach. The application of this approach can lead to better understanding of the relative importance of the critical determinants for the adoption of m-commerce in Vietnamese SMEs.

The working principles of Open Banking and its benefits for Financial Institutions and Startups

The development of open banking is equally beneficial for consumers, traditional banks and FinTech companies. The attitude of traditional banking along with the growing importance of open banking is discussed in terms of the growing role of FinTech companies, including possible collaborations that should ultimately help banks and consumers. The current structure of the banks' business models may prove unsustainable in the future under the increasing pressure of customers to offer them innovative and convenient mobile products; Bank-FinTech Collaboration Shifting further collaboration will help banking institutions successfully embrace the transformative nature of open banking. With the development of open banking, banks can make better informed decisions, ensure improved resilience and systemic stability. The Fin Tech industry is evolving to meet their needs based on collaboration, reduced systemic costs, increased innovation and sufficient regulation. Financial market regulators must constantly refine relevant regulations to keep up with the rapid innovations to come. from FinTech companies. Keywords: Open Banking, Bank, Fin, Tech, API provider, Open API. Open data, Payment Services provider (PSP), Open Banking ecosystem

Green transition in the hospitality industry: The influence of market forces and customer dynamics on sustainable performance in the digital era

In recent years, the ongoing environmental challenges have caused hotel firms to experience stress from stakeholders (i.e., customers and competitors). These stringent ecological changes have compelled hospitality firms to go green. This study investigates the influence of customer and competitive pressures on green innovation and sustainability in the hospitality industry. Utilizing a sample of 309 employees from multiple hospitality companies, the study rigorously tests a series of hypotheses using Smart PLS and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings supported all the hypotheses, indicating that customer and competitive pressures significantly foster green product and process innovations, enhance sustainable firm performance, and encourage green CSR initiatives in the Chinese hospitality sector. Furthermore, green product innovation, green process innovation, and green CSR were found to be critical mediators in enhancing firm performance under the influence of these pressures. These results have substantial implications for theory and practice, highlighting the importance of external pressures in promoting sustainable practices in the hospitality industry.

Determinants of lean manufacturing adoption by Chinese manufacturers

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the determinants influencing Chinese manufacturing companies in implementing lean manufacturing (LM).Design/methodology/approachThe determinants to be explored in this study consist of technological, organizational and environmental (TOE) dimensions. A questionnaire survey was conducted on Chinese manufacturing companies, and 208 samples were analyzed.FindingsThe findings show that the relative advantage of LM and organizational support have significantly positive effects on Chinese manufacturing firms’ adoption of LM. The complexity of LM, quality of human resources, organizational readiness, customer pressure, international situation, governmental support and environmental uncertainty do not have significant effects.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by using the TOE model to explore the factors influencing LM adoption in the Chinese manufacturing industry.

The impact of customer pressures and government regulations on the implementation of socio-environmental practices in organic certification in the Amazon region

PurposeThis research analyses the impact of customers and government regulations on the implementation of socio-environmental practices in certifying organic agricultural products. It explores the dyad’s relationship between the focal company and its suppliers in the application of socio-environmental practices.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a quantitative methodology through a survey approach, with a sample of 206 agro-extractivists from the acai berry supply chain. The data are evaluated using regression analysis.FindingsThe main results reveal that customer pressure positively influences the implementation of social and environmental practices, but suggest a non-significant relationship between government regulations and the impact on environmental practices implementation. Social and environmental practices are positively related to operational performance. A moderating effect of organic certification is found in the relationship between customer pressure and the application of environmental practices.Originality/valueThe main contributions are exploring the use of socio-environmental practices in an emerging economy and organic certification as a moderating variable, revealing an “institutional void” that may hamper the enforcement of government regulations.

COTS: The Inevitable March to the Van Allen Belts

The space industry is experiencing the perfect storm - lowering customer budgets, increased competition and pressure to become more sustainable and responsible. “The final frontier” needs to rapidly clean up its act, regulate and become more responsible. This perfect storm has had an interesting effect on the demands for satellite capability, especially for small satellite providers. It has led to customers making more demanding requirements, smaller budgets, shorter schedules, and more challenging orbital environments. The rapid drive to get technology to market is creating a gradual shift away from “fully space qualified” EEE parts for low-cost missions – even for harsh LEO environments – due to their high cost and long qualification time before they reach the market. By developing “reliable COTS” systems, specifically designed for harsher LEO environments, satellite providers are able to significantly cut costs, offer customers the flexibility they need and also stay at the crest of the technology wave. Achieving this is not an easy feat - significant design effort and quality control needs to be applied to ensure safe operations within these harsh environments, to both preserve the space environment from debris and to ensure a return on investment though increased system lifetimes. Keywords: Space Sustainability, Radiation, COTS, High LEO, Low Cost

Sustainability-related product satisfaction – Development and application of a multi-dimensional measurement instrument

Given the increased pressure of customers on companies to engage in sustainability efforts, satisfying their sustainability expectations for their products is crucial. However, research on customer satisfaction so far has widely neglected sustainability concerns. Based on the sustainability literature we conceptualize a multi-dimensional measurement instrument for sustainability-related product satisfaction (SPS). Scale purification and validation using three independent samples support six subdimensions: sustainable product value, sustainable product manufacturing, sustainable product use, sustainable product life-cycle, product accessibility, and sustainable product end-of-life. The employed MIMIC approach lends support to the conceptualization of SPS as a Type II second-order factor model. Measurement invariance tests support the scale's cross-regional equivalence. When assessing criterion-related validity, we find that compared with other facets of product satisfaction, SPS is strongly related to increasing word-of-mouth but less so to customer loyalty. The availability of sustainability-related information is positively associated with SPS, which in turn contributes to overall product satisfaction.