Purpose – The purpose of this paper it to examine Electronic commerce (e-commerce) practices of Iranian business organizations, as a “traditional” business culture, as it compares to a “developed” business culture such as the one existing in business organizations in the USA. Design/methodology/approach – Executives from a sample of 50 business organizations in Iran were interviewed and asked to complete the research questions pertaining to e-commerce practices in their organizations. A factor analysis procedures with varimax rotations is used to analyze the data collected from these organizations. Findings – Comparing the result of this study with an earlier study on a sample of business organization in the USA shows more similarities than differences. Based on the results of the study, it appears that e-commerce practices and related technology present similar opportunities and challenges to organizations regardless of their business culture. Lack of appropriate technological hardware and software, however, is identified as a hindering factor preventing Iranian business organizations from reaching their e-commerce potentials. Originality/value – This research provides a rare insight into the Iranian business culture. The collection of data through personal interviews and the empirical nature of the study represent a unique opportunity to validate findings from other business cultures. This allows for a better practical understanding of the opportunities and constraints associated with e-commerce adoption.

This cross-sectional study of Portuguese service organizations seeks to determine the level of alignment of competitive methods with strategy typologies covered in the business literature. Surveyed firms were asked to indicate their level of utilization of several competitive methods. The results of factor analysis of the survey data indicate that 30 of the 33 competitive methods covered in this study represent seven underlying strategy dimensions. Further analysis revealed that there is some congruence between the derived strategy dimensions and established strategy typologies in the literature. Cluster analysis revealed that each of the responding firms could be classified into one of four hybrid or mixed strategy orientations. However, differences in strategy orientation were not statistically significant in explaining differences in the financial performance of these organizations. These findings are discussed in the light of their implications for strategy development, strategy choices and performance evaluation in the Portuguese service sector.

Past research suggests that concrete ad stimuli generate more imagery than abstract stimuli. However, this finding may not be culturally universal. Our research suggests that East Asians tend to generate more imagery than Westerners when exposed to abstract advertising messages, but these differences in imagery generation tend to subside when both cultural groups are exposed to concrete stimuli. Exposure to abstract stimuli while limiting mental resources results in narrowing the differences in number of images generated by Westerners and East Asians as does providing subjects with instructions to imagine.

This paper investigates whether East Asians are more likely than Westerners to purchase a brand presented as a best-seller given that East Asians tend to have a higher need for conformity and Westerners tend to have a higher need for uniqueness. Results show that East Asians are more likely than their Western counterparts to purchase such brands when the perceived risk is low. However, when the perceived risk is high, both East Asians and Westerners tend to prefer a brand presented as a best-seller. Results also show that, in a three-option set in which the C option is dominated by the B option but not by the A, both East Asians and Westerners are more likely to select option C when it is presented as a best-seller than when it is not. Managerial implications and the study's limitations are also discussed.

Conducting proper and thorough investigations is one of the most important and most difficult responsibilities for today's health care manager in terms of avoiding or successfully defending lawsuits. This article provides guidance for managers on how to use proper interview and investigative techniques while avoiding a violation of employees' rights to privacy. Suggestions are provided on how to protect confidential information obtained by the investigation. Interview questions that may be asked during the investigation are provided. By asking appropriate questions and documenting all aspects of the investigative process, employers can provide useful information to their legal counsel and be on the winning side if the situation results in litigation.

Purpose – The increasing importance placed on organizational performance in a highly competitive global business environment has been unmistakable in recent years. The performance of entry-level managers contributes significantly to the effectiveness of the overall organizational performance. The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature and dimensions of entry-level managers’ performance-related variables for a cross sectional sample of Portuguese organizations. Design/methodology/approach – Using a sample of 106 executives from Portuguese organizations, factor analysis was used to extract the underlying dimensions of effective performance of entry-level managers. Multiple regression analysis was used to explore the relationships between the critical performance dimensions revealed by factor analysis. Findings – The results of this study reveal the significance of personality-related aspects, learned aspects, and cognitive capacities on shaping the effective performance of entry-level managers. The practical implications of the results to business organizations and organizations of higher learning are examined. Research limitations/implications – The sample used in this study is specific in nature. It consists of executives from Portuguese organizations representing different industries. Thus, the results should be interpreted accordingly. Practical implications – Based on the results of this study, some important organizational implications regarding managerial training and development are advanced. Originality/value – This study empirically examines the Portuguese executives’ opinions regarding entry-level managers’ desired performance-related characteristics. It offers significant implications to both business and higher learning organizations, as they engage in joint ventures aimed at promoting effective managerial performance.

Purpose – This research aims to examine the relevant literature related to maintenance performance measurement in the manufacturing sector. In the process, innovative approaches and models utilized to measure and manage maintenance performance in manufacturing operational settings are classified and examined. Based on this investigation, future research directions and themes are identified. Design/methodology/approach – A database of 251 peer-reviewed publications, published during the last 30 years, was utilized for the purpose of this research. The published works included contributions from both practitioners and scholars. Findings – This literature review-based research revealed important themes related to evolution of maintenance performance management. These themes focus on the effective utilization of maintenance resources, information systems support, and human factor management. Based on this literature review, a conceptual framework, which traces the different operational and organizational facets of the evolution of maintenance performance management, is offered. Research limitations/implications – Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that the area of maintenance performance and management is in need of more future systematic research efforts aimed at solidifying theoretical constructs and promoting the utilization of more practical applications. Practical implications – Findings derived from this investigation have relevant manufacturing implications. In this context, understanding the different approaches to maintenance performance measurement and management, as utilized in manufacturing organizations, is critical to these organizations' performance improvement efforts. Originality/value – Understanding the types and scopes of the different approaches and models utilized to manage and measure maintenance performance in manufacturing operational settings is important in light of the growing competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine practices, realities and opportunities relevant to Moroccan tourism. In the process, the competitiveness of this vital economic sector is assessed. Based on this examination, relevant, benchmarking implications are identified and advanced to policy makers. Design/methodology/approach – The shiftshare technique is utilized to analyze tourist arrivals, from different regions of the world, to Morocco, Turkey, Tunisia and Egypt. The shiftshare analysis is utilized to understand the existing competitive position of Morocco in relation to her main competitors. Findings – The results of the shiftshare analysis revealed that Morocco has not performed as well as the rest of the competitors in the benchmark group. This was attributed, in part, to focusing on markets with less potential for growth. Research limitations/implications – The shiftshare technique utilized in this study is a diagnostic tool. Thus, more research is needed to uncover the dynamic relationships relevant to the competitive position of Moroccan tourism. Practical implications – The findings of this study have clear benchmarking implications to Moroccan policy makers, as they pursue a more comprehensive and systematic tourism strategy. Originality/value – The applied research presented in this article is consistent with the increasing significance of global tourism.

Purpose - In this research, hospitals with varying type, size and operational characteristics are grouped into distinct strategic groups. The competitive methods emphasised by these groups are studied. Also, the extent of effective implementation of quality improvement tools is examined. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach - Utilizing a sample of 109 hospitals, cluster analysis is used to accomplish the objective of this study. Findings - Four strategic groups of hospitals were identified. These groups tended to emphasize different competitive methods and quality improvement efforts implementation profiles. Research limitations/implications - The findings of this study have important implications for the relationship between operational performance and strategic effectiveness in a hospital operational environment. Practical implications - The findings of this research tend to emphasize the importance of patient's service and satisfaction to strategic effectiveness. Also, the findings stress the importance of clinical effectiveness at the operational level. Originality/value - This study empirically examines operational and strategic performance-related issues in a hospital operational environment.

Purpose: This study aims to develop and test a comprehensive model that begins with management commitment/concern and progresses through intermediate links of service climate and in-role frontline employee (FLE) performance to customer satisfaction and eventually to sales performance. Design/methodology/approach: Branches of a major retail bank in New Zealand serve as the study setting. Data pertaining to management commitment/concern and service climate were collected using an intranet survey distributed to the branch employees, and customer satisfaction data were gathered via mail questionnaires from the branch customers. Objective measures of in-role FLE performance and sales performance were provided by the bank from corporate records. Findings: Results showed that management commitment/concern was significantly related to service climate; service climate to in-role FLE performance; in-role FLE performance to customer satisfaction; and customer satisfaction to branch sales. Research limitations/implications: Testing viability of the model in other service sectors would be fruitful. Practical implications: Since service climate has a direct positive influence on FLEs' in-role performance, branch management should focus on creating a positive service climate by taking the necessary actions to improve training, rewards and technological support. Originality/value: The study uses an objective in-role performance measure in measuring branch employees' performance.