Testable Propositions Research Articles

Biases in Charitable Giving to International Humanitarian Aid

At a time when government support for international humanitarian aid is decreasing, organizations devoted to helping in times of disaster are looking ever more to the individual donor for financial contributions. In this paper, we explore the relationship between the donor and the distant other by introducing the concepts of psychic distance and psychic distance stimuli to the macromarketing literature and exploring the role of psychic distance in fundraising for international humanitarian aid. It is our contention that by better understanding the biases that psychic distance introduce into the system, an improved flow of donations for the betterment of the distant needy and a more effective marketing system can be achieved. We offer four propositions for future testing and exploration.

Joining the club: explaining alliance preferences in the South Caucasus

ABSTRACTForeign policy alliance formation among small states in the aggregate has been extensively examined in the literature, but mass opinion and preferences on alliance formation in these states remains understudied. To address this gap, this article examines individual alliance preferences in two small states in the South Caucasus region: Georgia and Armenia. While most Armenians seem to support Armenian membership in CSTO and most Georgians appear to believe that Georgia should pursue NATO membership, some Armenians and Georgians prefer equal relations with both security alliances. The paper suggests that threat perception influences alliance formation preferences at the individual level and advances three testable pre-registered propositions. First, individuals who perceive Azerbaijan or Turkey as the primary threat to their state tend to support alignment with the Russian-led CSTO. Second, individuals who view the main threat to their state coming from Russia are predisposed to support NATO membership. Finally, individuals who believe that tensions between Russia and the West are detrimental to their country are more inclined to support equal relations with both NATO and CSTO. In general, the evidence is consistent with these conjectures. We conclude with important qualifications and key implications for the study of mass opinion on alliance formation.

Towards a framework for supply chain finance for the supply side

Buyers increasingly offer financing alternatives to their suppliers – so called supply chain finance (SCF) practices for the supply side. Expected benefits however do not always materialize for involved actors. Guidance is needed when to provide these SCF practices to suppliers and why to select different types of practices. To provide this guidance, the paper involves an exploratory multiple-case study design including data within eight buyer-supplier-financial service provider triads. The findings explain contextual situations for the provision of SCF practices based on the contingency approach. They distinguish endogenous, relationship-related and exogenous contingencies within the aforementioned triads. Differentiation criteria are determined for the selection of SCF practices along the dimensions ‘time of financing’ (pre- versus post-shipment) and ‘source of funds’ (supply chain internal and external). Testable propositions and key learnings summarize the derived findings and form the basis to develop a contingency framework on SCF practices for the supply side.

“To Be, or Not to Be, That Is the Question”—The Cretan Extensional Detachment, Greece

AbstractWe present new structural data from the contact zone between the high‐pressure Phyllite‐Quartzite unit (PQ) and the overlying non‐high‐pressure Tripolitza unit in east‐central Crete for testing propositions that this contact represents the top‐to‐the‐north Cretan extensional detachment. Detailed mapping in the Neapoli valley shows that the PQ/Tripolitza contact is associated with a shallowly dipping penetrative foliation and associated south‐southwest (SSW)‐trending stretching lineation in the PQ. Kinematic indicators yielded a consistent top‐to‐the‐SSW sense of shear. The Tripolitza unit above was brittlely deformed, and top‐to‐the‐SSW thrust faults sole out in the contact zone. Undoing the effects of subsequent large‐wavelength, low‐amplitude folding about west‐northwest‐trending axes of the contact indicates that the top‐to‐the‐SSW kinematics resulted from crustal shortening. Therefore, the PQ/Tripolitza contact in the Neapoli valley is an out‐of‐sequence thrust, the Tripolitza thrust. We discuss a tectonic model in which the high‐pressure PQ was first exhumed in a shortening‐related extrusion wedge between about 22 and 17 Ma. The top of the exhuming extrusion wedge was then cut off by out‐of‐sequence thrusts in the upper crust at ≥17–11 Ma during sustained N‐S shortening. Subsequently, extensional graben in Crete formed after 11 Ma.

Surviving a technological future: Technological proliferation and modes of discovery

Certain future scenarios of technological change are dystopian in their predictions. Fewer are optimistic. Taking a pragmatic stance, this paper seeks to identify certain key threats associated with the proliferation of dangerous technologies, giving voice to those in the literature on different sides of the debate. Novel literature is considered that suggests that innovations in the discovery, or research process itself, may hold the key to developing certain collaborative capabilities that can amplify collective intelligence. These capabilities are discussed together with their potential to meet the challenges associated with the proliferation of dangerous technologies. Testable propositions are derived from literature, and four technological scenarios are developed for analysis. Certain key challenges are identified and discussed in relation to each of the technological scenarios. In doing so, what are hopefully useful insights are derived for how changes can be made in the present to help avoid meeting the fates described by certain of these scenarios.

Complementary Sources of Social Support for Expatriates through Computer-mediated Settings (WITHDRAWN)

By combining international human resources and information systems literatures, we explore the role internet-based expat platforms play in creating complementary sources for interaction leading to informational, emotional and instrumental support in the host country. For this purpose, two studies were conducted: 1) text analysis was performed by using computational linguistic methods on 13 500 posts from 45 expat platforms in order to demonstrate evidence of different kinds of social support within the platform conversations among expatriates. 2) an online survey was distributed to gather insights on their types of participation and the types of social support self-initiated expatriates receive. We find that that the social ties generated through virtual platforms – which we call platform contacts - are complementary sources for self- initiated expatriates to obtain informational, emotional, and instrumental support, even though the levels depend on the type of participation. Based on these results, we present a model with testable propositions.

Exploration-exploitation tradeoffs and information-knowledge gaps in self-regulated learning: Implications for learner-controlled training and development

Learning in modern organizations often involves managing a tradeoff between exploration (i.e., knowledge expansion) and exploitation (i.e., knowledge refinement). In this paper, we consider the implications of this tradeoff in the context of learner-controlled training and development. We then propose a model that integrates research on control theory, curiosity, and skill acquisition to explain how information knowledge gaps (i.e., gaps between what learners believe they know and what they desire to know) guide resource allocation decisions throughout the learning process. Using this model, we present testable propositions regarding (a) the different approaches learners take when resolving exploration-exploitation tradeoffs, (b) how systematic changes in learner perceptions translate into changes in systematic learner behavior, and (c) how common biases in key learner perceptions can undermine the functioning of self-regulated learning in training and development contexts. We finish with a discussion of the model's implications for the science and practice of training and development.

Finding the “I” in “Team”: The Role of Teams in Clarifying and Optimizing Calling

Extant literature on the phenomenon of calling is primarily focused on individual factors. The role of others, particularly those within work teams, is largely unexplored despite the likelihood that individuals will perform their work in several teams throughout their careers. Since these experiences provide a context in which individuals make sense of their work and their identities, we highlight the important role teams have in providing clarification of an individual’s calling at various stages of the calling process. Our theoretical model draws on optimal distinctiveness theory to explore how and when the identity motives of distinctiveness and belonging within teams influences ‘calling clarification’, or heightened cognitive understanding of calling. We also explore the resultant behavioral manifestations of calling clarification, suggesting that individuals will seek to align themselves with teams that allow them to fulfill their callings through a process of ‘calling optimization’. We offer testable propositions and provide suggestions for future theory and research integrating teams with calling.

A Closer Examination of Internationalization in Multi-Generational Family Firms

In this paper, we adopt a novel approach, based on a combination of narrative and case study analysis, to address internationalization in family firms. Based on a qualitative, induction-driven study of four cases, we propose a co-evolution framework to show how internationalization unfolds in these multi-generational family firms. We found that professionalization and manager’s legitimacy affect internationalization and vice versa. Our findings suggest that both the family and the firm build each other’s environment reciprocally influencing each other’s development. We suggest a co-evolutionary model that links internationalization speed to professionalization and legitimacy and offer testable propositions to guide future research.

Moral Courage: The Process of Engaging in Courageous Acts at Work

This paper integrates prior research on moral courage, social cognition theory and positive organizational scholarship to develop a model and testable propositions for how morally courageous decisi...

Maintaining Morale during Organizational Change in the Growing Entrepreneurial Firm

The transition from a founder-led start-up to a professionally managed firm entails significant change in the firm’s organizational design. This often constitutes a critical juncture for employee morale, with the risk of losing key talent. We posit that limiting the disruptive effect of changing organizational structures requires organizational members to not only adopt new roles and procedures but also change their cognitive representations regarding how the firm operates. We use an inductive multi-case study to explore changes in interpretive schemes of key organizational logics and the presence of catalysts that guide cognitive change during a founder-CEO succession. By contrasting our case material with exogenous employee satisfaction data, we develop testable propositions about key conditions that allow maintaining company morale during structural change of entrepreneurial organizations.

The ‘Bright Side’ of Emotion Regulation: A Conceptual Exploration of the Work-to- Family Interface

This conceptual paper applies the construct of emotion regulation to the work- family interface in order to continue the exploration of the bright side of emotional labour. Contrary to the predominant view that emotional labour is stressful and brings about harmful outcomes, we propose that engagement in emotion regulation in transitioning from work to family roles improves individuals’ psychological detachment from work, thereby enhancing work-life balance and life satisfaction. Job stress can inhibit a person’s psychological detachment from work during non-work time, causing them to remain beset with work-related thoughts and negative moods when moving from work to family. We argue that, ‘social display rules’ (i.e. social and emotional display requirements) positively influence individuals’ engagement in emotion regulation to meet family role demands. Drawing on current research on role boundaries, emotional regulation, emotional labour, work- family conflict, and recovery, we offer testable propositions to encourage future research on emotional labour in the work-family interface. Emotional intelligence, family role identity, spousal support, and national culture are proposed as moderators. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in closing.

The role of organisational culture in the internationalisation of new ventures

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how organisational culture affects the internationalisation proclivity of international new ventures (INVs).Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a resource advantage (R-A) framework is adopted to examine how organisational culture can be a resource for INVs to leverage efficiently and/or effectively in order to make up for their challenges in internationalisation and create value for their international customers. In doing so, this study makes use of examples of five INVs from India, which have successfully achieved international business prowess and superior performance immediately after their foundation.FindingsThe findings reveal that an organisational culture including continuous learning, creativity and innovation, collaboration and sharing, and customer-centricity as traits have a positive influence on INV internationalisation proclivity. Most importantly, fostering a culture of collaboration and sharing can help INVs address resource limitations and augment opportunity discovery in the international market. Furthermore, INVs can benefit more from the “learning advantages of newness” by nurturing continuous learning as part of their culture.Research limitations/implicationsA key limitation of this study is that all the firms selected here are from a single country, India, and it may have effects on the way firms leverage these cultural traits.Practical implicationsFounders of INVs should develop organisational arrangements that encourage openness, creativity, and allows employees to contribute freely and fearlessly through new ideas, process innovations, and so on, and firms should recognise such contributions regularly. INVs can adopt policies and develop mechanisms that encourage employees to share knowledge and resources freely with others in the organisation.Social implicationsGrowth of INVs is closely linked to job creation and economic progress. Policy makers in emerging economies can benefit from this study by developing infrastructure and creating social conditions that support the survival and growth of INVs. Adopting the findings of this study could possibly help INVs succeed in international markets and avoid failures, and thus save societal resources.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the critical role of organisational culture in INVs’ internationalisation thrust. The paper develops testable propositions that delineate both the main effects as well as the other effects of organisational culture on INV internationalisation.

Leadership Ethos and Culturally Oriented Strategic Management: A Conceptual Framework and Research Propositions

This paper identifies the importance of Leadership Ethos (LE) as a backbone for Culturally Oriented Strategic Management (COSM). The paper begins by presenting the concept of LE, it then briefly discusses vision and values, two amongst the attributes of LE. This is followed by discussion of the relationship between LE and COSM. The discussion arrives at four testable propositions. The paper offers four action steps for the practice of LE aiming at establishing COSM before concluding with a summary of its contributions, calling for scholars and practitioners to invest in exploring the understanding and practice of LE. This is an approach to leadership that promotes and sustains COSM in organisational management.

Religiosity and consumer behavior: a summarizing review

This article is a summarizing review on religiosity and consumer behavior. Review findings from marketing literature indicate that religiosity influences consumer outcomes like materialism, intolerance, ethics, and risk aversion. It also impacts consumer attitude toward religious products and economic shopping behavior. A conceptual framework is presented to depict how certain dimensions of religion can explain the psychological mechanisms underlying these effects. Specifically, we propose prayer (religious rituals), religious exclusivism and divine retribution (religious beliefs), frugality (religious values) and religious community involvement and religious identity (religious community) as possible antecedents that drive the previously established differences in consumer behavior. For each of these antecedents, we offer definitions and integrate research findings from psychology, religion and marketing to build testable propositions. This essay complements preceding work and at the same time expands and broadens it by developing theory regarding the causal linkages between religiosity and consumer outcomes.

Product and geographic scopes of target firm and equity control in cross‐border acquisitions: An information asymmetry perspective

Product and geographic scopes of emerging market target firms are negatively related to extent of equity control sought by Foreign acquirers. Building on information asymmetry perspective, the current study proposes testable propositions that higher product and geographic scope of the target firm in an emerging economy exacerbate ex‐ante information asymmetry and adverse selection problems for acquirers from foreign markets and hence hinders extent of equity bought. Furthermore, we propose that acquirers’ prior experience, industry type, and ownership concentration of the target firm moderate this relationship.

Mediated Skewed Diffusion of Issues Information: A Theory

The modern media ecology has changed drastically over the last decade yet scholarly theoretical perspectives lag behind lay theories regarding news diffusion making it difficult to fully articulate and understand the processes driving dissemination of information and persuasion across networks and media contexts. The proposed theoretical framework takes into account extant research on the multiple mechanisms, specifically, cognitive ego involvement, the media environment, and interpersonal processes that operate in concert to influence the way information about societal issues is diffused through digital communication channels. The theoretical framework of mediated skewed diffusion of issues information provides 11 testable propositions. These are put forth to provide a foundation and encourage future research on information dissemination, online persuasion, and position polarization.

The responsiveness of legislative actors to stakeholders’ demands in the European Union

ABSTRACTThis study examines the extent to which stakeholders’ demands are represented by the Commission, European Parliament, and national governments in the Council when legislative proposals are debated. We formulate and test propositions from resource exchange theory to explain variation in the responsiveness of EU actors to various stakeholders. Our research design integrates the study of the formative and decision-making stages of the legislative process, which are often studied in isolation. We combine new information from detailed qualitative content analysis of consultation documents with an established dataset on subsequent legislative decision-making. The findings indicate that a broad range of stakeholders’ demands are reflected in the positions taken by the national and supranational actors involved in the EU's legislative process, but also that there is considerable variation in the extent to which different EU actors respond to stakeholders of different types and origins.

Students’ Motivation to Participate via Mobile Technology in the Classroom: A Uses and Gratifications Approach

E-learning applications have been rapidly adopted by instructors inside and outside of the classroom. As a result, some researchers have started to assess their usefulness applying uses and gratifications (U&G) theory. This study expands the existing research trend exploring students’ motivation to use a mobile polling application in the classroom. Qualitative data were collected in a marketing research course, and U&G-based categories and themes were identified. An inductive analysis rendered five main motivational categories: (a) knowledge acquisition and learning; (b) expression of self and others; (c) interaction, engagement, and enjoyment; (d) convenience; and (e) annoyance. Five motivational themes emerged for knowledge acquisition and learning category, whereas for expression of self and others, four themes were identified. The other three categories, interaction, engagement, and enjoyment; convenience; and annoyance resulted in three motivational themes per category. A discussion on how the study findings compare to previous student response systems and e-learning research as well as a presentation of testable propositions conclude this article.

Multi-principal collaboration and supplier’s compliance with codes-of-conduct

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to articulate propositions on how collaborating multi-national corporations (MNCs) can manage their supplier base in order to reduce the risk of suppliers’ non-compliance with shared codes-of-conduct. Design/methodology/approach The study utilises a conceptual theory development approach. In doing so, it utilises key tenets of agency theory that are applied in a multi-principal–supplier relationship context and synthesised in a series of propositions. Findings The study shows that MNCs have a variety of mechanisms for reducing the risk of suppliers’ non-compliance by decreasing information asymmetry, increasing their bargaining power and simultaneously use of both rewards/sanctions, and reputation-based safeguards. Research limitations/implications This is a conceptual theory development study, offering testable propositions, which have then to be empirically validated. Practical implications The study showcases that managers of MNCs who find themselves in relationships with non-compliant suppliers have at their disposal a variety of mechanisms to reduce the risk of suppliers’ non-compliance. Originality/value This is one of the first studies that explore suppliers’ non-compliance with codes-of-conduct at the level of a relationship, rather than a single firm. In this way it proposes a theoretical framework grounded in agency theory on managing relationships between multi-principal collaborators and their suppliers.