Business Commons^™

The Baku Forum On Intercultural Dialogue And Cultural Diversity, Effenus Henderson

Effenus Henderson

Briefing and report on the 2nd World Forum in Intercultural and cultural diversity sponsored by the government of Azerbaijan in partnership with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and UNESCO. The report incorporates the insights and perspectives of a US chief diversity officer invited to speak at the event.

Global Culture Concerns, Korcel M. Price

Korcel M Price

The following proposal seeks to change hiring, promoting, and firing practices among global and trans-national companies. The changes are intended to fortify the organization through better management, a better employee contract, and by moving closer to a learning organization.

At the heart of the proposal is the desire to move hiring, promoting, and firing practices to an external or internal third party, as means of creating a global culture that consistently applies the values of supra system’s organization.

Cultural Contradictions Of The Anytime, Anywhere Economy: Reframing Communication Technology, Nikhilesh Dholakia, Detlev Zwick

Nikhilesh Dholakia

Technology-aided ubiquity and instantaneity have emerged as major goals of most information technology providers and of certain classes of users such as “road warriors”. New mobile technologies promise genie-in-a-bottle type near-magical qualities with anytime, anywhere access to information and services. While the complex science, systems, and economics of such technologies receive considerable attention from industry executives and researchers, the social and cultural aspects of these technologies attract less attention. This paper explores the oft-contradictory promises and pitfalls of anytime, anywhere technologies from a cultural standpoint. It makes suggestions for reinterpreting these technologies for greater human good.

Cultural Diversity And The School-To-Work Transition: A Relational Perspective, William Feighery

William Feighery

Drawing on evidence from the European tourism sector and adopting a Bourdieusian approach, this chapter embraces a relational perspective on the school-to-work transition. Taking account of macro public policy, as well as meso organisational and micro individual social spheres, the reported study sought to develop insights on the perceived value of, and demand for, diversity in the European tourism sector. Based on data from three research instruments, it is suggested that in the European tourism sector, the school-to-work transition is in a process of transformation as a number of forces, including neoliberalism, globalisation and the “democratisation” of education, mitigate against …

Commentary: The Role Of Food Culture And Marketing Activity In Health Disparities, Jerome Williams, David Crockett, Robert Harrison, Kevin Williams

David Crockett

Marketing activities have attracted increased attention from scholars interested in racial disparities in obesity prevalence, as well as the prevalence of other preventable conditions. Although reducing the marketing of nutritionally poor foods to racial/ethnic communities would represent a significant step forward in eliminating racial disparities in health, we focus instead on a critical-related question. What is the relationship between marketing activities, food culture, and health disparities? This commentary posits that food culture shapes the demand for food and the meaning attached to particular foods, preparation styles, and eating practices, while marketing activities shape the overall environment in which food choices …

Let's Stick Together: The Finance Function As Glue, Mark E. Pickering

Mark E Pickering

Finance can play a valuable role in helping align the different organisational departments more closely to achieve a common goal. This article indicates some of the causes of friction between departments and provides suggestions as to how finance executives and managers can contribute to greater alignment.

An Analysis Of Social Factors Influencing The Adoption Of International Financial Reporting Standards, Jeffrey J. Archambault, Marie E. Archambault

Marie E. Archambault

his paper examines the decision of 120 countries to permit or not to permit the use of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for listed companies incorporated within their borders. An empirical model is developed considering variables related to culture, political systems and economic systems of the countries. Least squares regression was used to examine which variables significantly influence the decision to allow the use of IFRS. The results from this regression indicate that literacy rates and net import activity positively influence the decision to allow IFRS. Less economically developed countries were also shown to be more likely to allow IFRS. …

An Analysis Of Social Factors Influencing The Adoption Of International Financial Reporting Standards, Jeffrey J. Archambault, Marie E. Archambault

Jeffrey Archambault

his paper examines the decision of 120 countries to permit or not to permit the use of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for listed companies incorporated within their borders. An empirical model is developed considering variables related to culture, political systems and economic systems of the countries. Least squares regression was used to examine which variables significantly influence the decision to allow the use of IFRS. The results from this regression indicate that literacy rates and net import activity positively influence the decision to allow IFRS. Less economically developed countries were also shown to be more likely to allow IFRS. …

Two Tales Of A City: Nineteenth-Century Black Philadelphia, Nick Salvatore

Nick Salvatore

[Excerpt] In the tension between Forging Freedom and Roots of Violence certain themes present themselves for further research and thought. Neither volume successfully analyzes the historical roots of the African-American class structure. This is especially evident in each book's treatment of the black middling orders. While neither defines the category with clarity, their basic assumption that small shopkeepers and regularly employed workers were critical to the community's ability to withstand some of the worst shocks of racism is important. The clash between these books also raises questions concerning the role of pre-industrial cultural values in the transition to industrial capitalism. …

Law Firm Mergers: Finding The Right Fit, Mark E. Pickering

Mark E Pickering

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can be an extremely valuable tool to transform organisations and to accelerate growth strategies. However, poorly conceived and implemented acquisitions can result in significant distraction, substantial financial write-offs and, in extreme cases, put the acquirer’s future in jeopardy. Directors play an important role in the M&A decision process and should delve into key components of proposed acquisitions to improve M&A outcomes.

Ralph Fasanella: Worker, Activist, Artist, Nick Salvatore

Nick Salvatore

[Excerpt] In his art, as in his life, Ralph Fasanella reminds us all of the complexity of our society and of the need for each generation to dedicate itself anew to the commitment of justice for all. That his work, accomplished without the benefit of formal training, is as arresting and as pleasing as it is, is but a reflection of Ralph Fasanella's basic message.

Designer Deviance: Enterprise And Deviance In Cultural Change Programs, R Badham, Karin Garrety, V. Morrigan, M. Zanko, Patrick Dawson

Michael Zanko

This article explores the value of investigating cultural change programmes as exercises in engineering deviance. It does so through a case study of an organizational development cultural change programme at Sprogwheels, a large Australian corporation. Drawing on and extending the classic work of Becker (1966), the article details how the programme combined a moral crusade against what it sought to have labelled as the ‘deviant conservatism’ of the existing organizational culture with social support for ‘deviant radicalism’, in the form of a counter-cultural, self-enterprising set of middle managers promoting corporate change. The article explores the complex and contradictory ideas of …

Designer Deviance: Enterprise And Deviance In Cultural Change Programs, R Badham, Karin Garrety, V. Morrigan, M. Zanko, Patrick Dawson

Patrick Dawson

This article explores the value of investigating cultural change programmes as exercises in engineering deviance. It does so through a case study of an organizational development cultural change programme at Sprogwheels, a large Australian corporation. Drawing on and extending the classic work of Becker (1966), the article details how the programme combined a moral crusade against what it sought to have labelled as the ‘deviant conservatism’ of the existing organizational culture with social support for ‘deviant radicalism’, in the form of a counter-cultural, self-enterprising set of middle managers promoting corporate change. The article explores the complex and contradictory ideas of …

Dimensionalising Cultural Implications Of The Multinationals In The Niger Delta: A Consequentialist Approach For Resistance, Uzoechi Nwagbara

Dr Uzoechi Nwagbara

The presence of multinational oil corporations in Nigeria – which include Agip, Chevron, Elf, Mobil, Shell, and Total among others have come with heavy consequences to the nation’s cultural heritage and identity in the global marketplace. This is particularly the case in the Niger delta region of Nigeria considered as the goose that lays the golden egg, that is, oil, which has been described in many quarters as a major source of the nation’s malaise. The cultural and environmental damage of oil exploration as well as the pauperisation of the locals is inextricably linked to the ruse of global capitalism, …

Immigration, Culture, And Ethnicity In Transformative Consumer Research, David Crockett, Laurel Anderson, Sterling A. Bone, Abhijit Roy, Jeff Jianfeng Wang, Garrett Coble

David Crockett

Immigration, culture, and ethnicity (IC&E) research has a lengthy history in consumer research, though most research focuses narrowly on identity (and related topics) and has been done at the individual level of analysis. First, the authors discuss the need for research focused on assessing well-being at the collective level and highlight the important role of social networks and communities in improving consumer well-being and creating effective policy interventions. Next, they explore the utility of the emerging intersectionality conceptual framework for research on well-being and IC&E. They offer specific suggestions for designing policy-oriented research using this approach and illustrate the process …

Sacred Hospitality, Thomas A. Maier

Thomas A. Maier

Sacred Hospitality explores the nature, meaning, and commonality of values exemplified in the Judeo-Christian tradition beginning with the singular hospitality event of Abraham's welcoming and hosting traveling visitors. Such hospitality entails food, drink and accommodation of and for others, more importantly, genuine hospitality is possible only when persons know who they are, having a self to give, and are happy to share that self with others. In order to offer and practice hospitality in a Sacred context we have to take a look around and welcome others who are in need.

The Impact Of Japanese Culture On Inter And Intra Organization Supply Chains, Carol Gill

Carol Gill

Conflict In South Asia: A Cultural Solution To Political Problem, Vivek Kumar Srivastava Dr.

Vivek Kumar Srivastava Dr.

the paper studies the role of the tourism as a cultural tool in integration.

Asian Practices Can Get Lost In Translation, Carol Gill

Carol Gill

From Nissan we learn that organisational culture can become independent of the influences of national culture with effective leadership.

Dealing With Managers From Various Cultural Backgrounds, Sriman Venkatesan, Raman Attri

Raman K. Attri

A successful relationship with one’s manager results in satisfaction at work, chances of growth and increased pay, and general happiness. Conversely, a poor relationship with your manager can inhibit a person’s chances of success at work, and will most likely lead to frustration and stress which can also affect other areas of life. While developing good rapport with your manager, the cultural differences may come in between hampering a successful relationship. This article will provide some proven tips to successfully work with managers from different cultural backgrounds and respond effectively in various inter-cultural work situations commonly occurring between a manager …

Organisational And Environmental Factors Related To Hrm Practices In Hong Kong: A Cross-Cultural Expanded Replication, James B. Shaw, Paul S. Kirkbride, Sara F. Y. Tang, Cynthia D. Fisher

James B Shaw

Data were collected from 151 Hong Kong organisations to determine the effect of culture, firm size, level ofunionsation and several indices related to the presence of an HRM department within the firm on Human Resource Management (HR) practices. Culture was a relatively weak predictor of HR practices. Existence of an HRM department and level of unionisation were moderate predictors while firm size and the existence of specialised training departments within the HRM department were the strongest preditors of HR practices.

Casino Customers In Asian Versus Western Gaming Jurisdictions: Implications For Western Casino Operators, Sudhir H. Kale, Mark Spence

Mark Spence

Purpose – Most of the growth in casino expansion for the foreseeable future will take place in Asia. Western casino operators appreciate the immense opportunities afforded by the Asian markets, but judging by their performance abroad some have not adapted in ways necessary to survive and prosper. The purpose of this paper is to expose key differences between Asian and Western gaming jurisdictions. In light of these differences, it is a serious mistake for Western casino executives to follow an ethnocentric approach when planning marketing activities and customer service initiatives for Asian customers. To rectify this situation, a framework is …

‘I Don’T Lend Money; It Causes Amnesia!’ Money, Culture And Ethics., Annetta M. Gibson

Annetta M. Gibson

Christian leaders seek to be ethical people and make ethical decisions, but often the ethical dilemmas a leader must face do not have clear-cut answers. Ethical dilemmas can be even more troubling when they occur in a culturally diverse situation that is coupled with decisions involving financial transactions. Views of money and how to handle money are culturally influenced and may not be the same as the views of the leader, who may come from a different culture. This leads the Christian leader to ponder: When working in a culturally diverse environment, how can one tell the difference between a …

Culturally Compatible Websites: Applying Trompenaars Dimensions To Web Design, Sudhir Kale, Sangita De

Sudhir H. Kale

Rising e-commerce volumes the world over provide unprecedented opportunities to global marketers for expanding their markets using the Internet. The Web has now made it possible to reach an audience of hundreds of millions of people at one point in time. However, significant culture-driven differences exist in the way audiences across the world will process site cues and react to websites. This paper reviews existing literature on culture and website design and goes on to discuss the impact of culture on web communication using Trompenaars’ (1993) cultural dimensions.

Organisational And Environmental Factors Related To Hrm Practices In Hong Kong: A Cross-Cultural Expanded Replication, James B. Shaw, Paul S. Kirkbride, Sara F. Y. Tang, Cynthia D. Fisher

Cynthia D. Fisher

Data were collected from 151 Hong Kong organisations to determine the effect of culture, firm size, level ofunionsation and several indices related to the presence of an HRM department within the firm on Human Resource Management (HR) practices. Culture was a relatively weak predictor of HR practices. Existence of an HRM department and level of unionisation were moderate predictors while firm size and the existence of specialised training departments within the HRM department were the strongest preditors of HR practices.

Contested Heritage In The Ancient City Of Peace, William Feighery

William Feighery

论文摘要 作为中国古代十三朝都城，西安（古称长安）蕴藏着中国最重要历史时期的丰富遗产，是世界主要考古中心之一。由于其在政治历史遗产方面的优势地位，西安一直立于文化遗产研究争鸣的前沿，有关其在二十一世纪中国发展进程中的地位和影响亦为热点论题。当前，西安正面临着来自全球化、城市化和国内外旅游者三方面的影响。在近几十年，尤其是随着本世纪初一项复兴“唐皇城”宏伟计划的出台及逐步实施，西安市人口密集的老城区逐渐成为关注和讨论的焦点。这篇论文就此项 “唐皇城复兴规划”将对西安老城区历史文化遗产带来的影响进行了讨论，还着力分析了该规划对老城内穆斯林社区回族居民的日常精神文化生活可能产生的冲击。这项规划将引发西安城市面貌和社会结构的重要变化。与此同时，该规划的实施还将使西安遭遇来自两方面的挑战：一方面如何协调保护历史遗产与满足居民现实需求两者关系，另一方面如何把现有老城区改造成以旅游业为主导的新型城市空间。

A Sustainable Future, David A. Bainbridge

David A Bainbridge

A key step toward a more sustainable future is beginning the discussion of what this would entail. What are the defining characteristics of sustainability? How could we get there? What benefits and costs might this involve?

Looking Forward, Looking Back: Cultural Differences And Similarities In Time Orientation, Donnel A. Briley

Donnel A Briley

No abstract provided.

Casino Customers In Asian Versus Western Gaming Jurisdictions: Implications For Western Casino Operators, Sudhir Kale, Mark Spence

Sudhir H. Kale

Purpose – Most of the growth in casino expansion for the foreseeable future will take place in Asia. Western casino operators appreciate the immense opportunities afforded by the Asian markets, but judging by their performance abroad some have not adapted in ways necessary to survive and prosper. The purpose of this paper is to expose key differences between Asian and Western gaming jurisdictions. In light of these differences, it is a serious mistake for Western casino executives to follow an ethnocentric approach when planning marketing activities and customer service initiatives for Asian customers. To rectify this situation, a framework is …

The Influence Of National Culture And Institutional Voids On Family Ownership Of Large Firms: A Country Level Empirical Study, Subrata Chakrabarty

Subrata Chakrabarty