Journal of Asia Business Studies

Tran, Dien Van; Nguyen, Phuong Van; Vrontis, Demetris; Nguyen, Sam Thi Ngoc; Dinh, Phuong Uyen

2024 Journal of Asia Business Studies

doi: 10.1108/jabs-01-2024-0058

Government employees must comply with policies on information security regulations, online security practices, social networking usage, internet addiction, online cyberthreats and other related habits. These activities are considered cybersecurity behaviors. Government social media (GSM) accounts are increasingly used to educate employees about cybersecurity risks. To support the effectiveness of cybersecurity practices in government organizations, the purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of GSM and organizational policy compliance on employees’ cybersecurity awareness, motivation and behaviors.Design/methodology/approachData were obtained by administering a questionnaire survey to public personnel in Vietnam. A total of 330 valid responses were obtained, and the research hypotheses were tested using partial least squares–structural equation modeling.FindingsFirst, cybersecurity awareness enhances information protection motivation and employee protective behavior. Second, GSM has positive impacts on cybersecurity knowledge and information protection motivation. Third, there is a strong positive association between information protection motivation and employee protective behavior. Finally, while organizational compliance significantly increases cybersecurity awareness, its impact on employee protective behavior is ind irect.Originality/valueThis research enhances the literature on the behavioral dimension of cybersecurity. The primary objective of this study is to assess the influence of cybersecurity awareness on protective behaviors rather than intents and attitudes alone. Furthermore, this research integrates protection motivation theory and cultivation theory to provide a more thorough assessment of cybersecurity awareness and protective behavior. By investigating the impact of GSM on the level of cybersecurity awareness among employees within government organizations, this study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of recent governmental initiatives aimed at fostering cybersecurity.

Alhammadi, Bader; Khalid, Khalizani; Ahmad, Syed Zamberi; Davidson, Ross

2024 Journal of Asia Business Studies

doi: 10.1108/jabs-10-2023-0407

This paper aims to adopt the dynamic capabilities view to investigate the relationship between managerial ties (i.e. business and political ties), dynamic capabilities and innovation climate on ambidextrous innovation (i.e. balanced and combined ambidextrous innovation), in the renewable and sustainable energy context. It also examines the mediating effects of dynamic capabilities between managerial ties and ambidextrous innovation (i.e. balanced and combined ambidextrous innovation), and moderating effects between dynamic capabilities and ambidextrous innovation relationships.Design/methodology/approachMultilevel analyses conducted using AMOS 26 on 288 employees working in 47 UAE energy firms.FindingsResults found that business ties influences balanced and combined ambidextrous innovation indirectly, whereas political ties only impact combined ambidextrous innovation indirectly through dynamic capabilities. Dynamic capabilities insignificantly mediated managerial ties–ambidextrous innovation and political ties–balanced ambidextrous innovation relationships, with stronger indirect effect on combined than on the balanced dimension. Findings also indicate that innovation climate is the crucial moderator between dynamic compatibilities and ambidextrous innovation, as well as balanced and combined ambidextrous innovation, with stronger effect on balanced dimension than the combined.Originality/valueThis study addresses recent calls by highlighting the role of dynamic capabilities, an important yet underexplored organizational capabilities in the innovation and ambidexterity literature. Also, this study advances insight into how balanced and combined exploration–exploitation innovation and dynamic capabilities are connected and enhances the understanding into how organizational factors stimulate dynamic capabilities leading to superior innovation.

Toyota, Nozomi; Tan, Caroline S.L.

2024 Journal of Asia Business Studies

doi: 10.1108/jabs-07-2023-0255

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence Japanese consumer purchase intention toward products bearing animal welfare (AW) certification labels.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual model was developed with the constructs of informativeness, trust, consumer perception, health consciousness, moral norms and purchase intention and tested using a sample of 513 Japanese consumers. Data were collected using an online panel with the direct effects analyzed using regression while the mediation analysis was performed using Hayes PROCESS macro.FindingsThe findings have confirmed that informativeness, consumer perception and trust contribute to consumer purchase intention of products with AW certification labels. Moral norm has a significant indirect effect on the relationship between consumer perception and intention to purchase. However, health consciousness did not demonstrate any indirect effect on the relationship between consumer perception and intention to purchase.Originality/valueThis study contributes significantly to our understanding of Japanese consumers' perception toward AW certification labels, especially considering the limited discussion surrounding this topic in Japan. By highlighting the importance of informativeness, it sheds light on how enhancing consumer knowledge can potentially boost the demand for AW foods. Moreover, it challenges the conventional belief in the impact of health consciousness and consumer behavioral intention, thereby expanding the discourse on the role of health consciousness in consumer choices. Through this exploration, the study not only enhances consistency in discussing consumer behavior but also strengthens the coherence and argumentation of the research findings.

Rohma, Frida Fanani; Khoirunnisa, Farah Ramadhani

2024 Journal of Asia Business Studies

doi: 10.1108/jabs-07-2023-0274

This study aims to examine the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the knowledge sharing and management accountant performance relationship. In addition, it also investigates the moderating effect of initiating structure leadership (IS-leadership style) on the relationship between self-efficacy and management accountant performance. In the literature, there is a reciprocal relationship between environmental, cognitive and personal factors, making self-efficacy unable to be maintained without environmental support, which in this research is captured through the construct of leadership style.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a quantitative methodology with a self-administration survey. This research involved 100 management accountants in Indonesia. Regression Macro Process carried out data analysis.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that knowledge sharing in cognitive psychology encourages increased self-efficacy, which has an impact on improving management accountant performance. Self-efficacy mediates the effect of knowledge sharing on management accountant performance. The existence of induced environmental factors in the form of IS-leadership style has the potential to weaken the impact of self-efficacy on management accountant performance.Practical implicationsThis study provides recommendations to companies, especially the human resources division, to consider individual psychological factors in the recruitment process. Thus, companies can carry out preventive control to manage management accountant performance behavior.Originality/valueThis study provides new empirical evidence for reducing the overlap between knowledge sharing and performance by applying personal, organizational and environmental factors simultaneously. This study also enriches knowledge-sharing literature on performance from a social cognitive perspective.

Haj Youssef, Moustafa; El Masri, Tarek; Christodoulou, Ioannis; Thanh, Lan Mai

2024 Journal of Asia Business Studies

doi: 10.1108/jabs-02-2024-0113

This viewpoint aims to provide an overview of graduate employability in Lebanon from the perspective of the Dean of Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut, who is a reputable academic leader heading a world-ranked business school. The discussion also looks at the external factors that affect graduate employability in Lebanon with direct references to the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis.Design/methodology/approachThrough conversation with the Dean of a prominent business school in Lebanon, this viewpoint discusses several topics pertaining to the concept of graduate employability.FindingsTo boost graduate employability the focus should be on developing the curriculum, engaging with the alumni network, exploiting the board of governors and building on the school’s reputation and legacy.Originality/valueCrises do offer new opportunities. Covid-19 pandemic has prepared employers to accept the idea of remote working, which has helped in boosting graduate employability in Lebanon.

Christodoulou, Ioannis; Haj Youssef, Moustafa; Wasim, Jahangir; Phan, Tam Thi Thanh; Reinhardt, Robert; Nguyen, Bao Ngoc

2024 Journal of Asia Business Studies

doi: 10.1108/jabs-03-2024-0127

This study aims to explore the impact of social, financial and institutional factors on women’s entrepreneurship in Vietnam, emphasizing motivation’s role in addressing challenges. Women’s entrepreneurship holds economic significance, driving local economies and creating opportunities. Government efforts to support women entrepreneurs have increased, but research on this in developing economies, especially in Vietnam, is limited.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates women’s entrepreneurship in Vietnam, examining social, financial and institutional influences and emphasizing motivation in overcoming challenges. Using a qualitative approach, it conducts in-depth interviews with 28 female entrepreneurs, analyzing data thematically. Methodologically, the study uses purposive sampling, triangulation and member checking to enhance credibility.FindingsFindings reveal key motivations like financial incentives, self-achievement and social impact. These motivations empower women to overcome financial constraints, skill gaps, limited support and societal perceptions. This research guides women entrepreneurs to enhance success through learning, persistence, skill development and self-awareness.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novel exploration into women’s entrepreneurship in Vietnam, offering original insights into the interplay of social, financial and institutional factors, with a spotlight on motivational drivers. It provides unique perspectives on their motivations, challenges and support mechanisms. The study’s contribution lies in its comprehensive understanding of women’s entrepreneurship dynamics in a developing economy like Vietnam, offering valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners and academics alike. Its originality lies in its holistic approach and nuanced examination, enriching the discourse on women’s entrepreneurship in emerging

Gupta, Megha; Kuknor, Sunaina; Sharma, Kusum

2024 Journal of Asia Business Studies

doi: 10.1108/jabs-01-2024-0057

This paper aims to explore the factors that contribute to inclusive leadership (IL) through the lens of leaders and further segregate these factors into four levels to highlight the attributes required at each level in an inclusive leader’s growth journey.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative research method comprising 31 in-depth interviews with managers across various domains to comprehend their views on traits of an inclusive leader.FindingsThis paper provides valuable insights into the vital characteristics of an inclusive leader. The study demonstrates that an inclusive leader’s journey moves from tolerance to acceptance, value, and finally celebration. Leaders need to continuously work on their awareness, efforts, accommodation, openness and cultural intelligence to become truly inclusive. Leaders who appreciate diversity and embrace inclusion create a workplace that impacts employees positively and subsequently influences engagement, performance and productivity of the workforce.Practical implicationsThis study will promote awareness and understanding amongst practitioners about critical attributes of inclusive leaders and how organizations can facilitate leaders’ journey in becoming truly inclusive leaders.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to explore the conceptualization of IL through various levels of inclusion (tolerance, acceptance, value and celebration) leading to maturity and growth as an inclusive leader.

Lee, Joseph Lok-Man; Siu, Noel Yee-Man; Zhang, Tracy Junfeng; Wong, Shun Mun Helen

2024 Journal of Asia Business Studies

doi: 10.1108/jabs-03-2023-0098

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating role of cultural factors (concern for face and stability of attribution) in the relationships among service recovery quality, postrecovery satisfaction and repurchase intention. Based on the politeness theory, this paper proposes a theoretical model for understanding how concern for face and stability of attribution may affect collectivists’ consumption behavior.Design/methodology/approachData were collected in a field survey of 600 Hong Kong consumers who had experienced a telecommunications service failure. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the theoretical hypotheses.FindingsA cultural factor of concern for face is found to negatively moderate the relationship between service recovery quality and postrecovery satisfaction. Face also positively influences the relationship between postrecovery satisfaction and repurchase intention. Another cultural factor, stability of attribution, is found to negatively moderate the relationship between service recovery quality and postrecovery satisfaction and to negatively moderate the relationship between postrecovery satisfaction and repurchase intention.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to the understanding of the relevance of concern for face and stability of attribution in collectivists’ consumption behavior. The findings have significant implications for managers in a position to exploit the cultural value mechanisms of collectivist consumers.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this has been the first research to examine the impact of concern for face and stability of attribution among service recovery quality, postrecovery satisfaction and repurchase intention.

Ashta, Ashok; Stokes, Peter

2024 Journal of Asia Business Studies

doi: 10.1108/jabs-03-2024-0136

“Omotenashi” has become a buzzword denoting the Japanese ethic for excellence in customer care. However, while there is an emerging body of research on the spirit of the provider side, nevertheless, the customer care experiences from the beneficiary perspective – especially the dynamics that manifest when such care fails – remain undercommented. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to identify critical dynamics of how unexpected thorny disharmony might manifest in instances of customer care failure, with a focus on customer service and intercultural lived experiences. In doing so it challenges a prevailing and dominant view of flawless Japanese customer care – Omotenashi.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on a multi-disciplinary approach the current research proposes a conceptual model and uses autoethnography to offer insights at the individual level unit of analysis.FindingsThe findings break ground towards innovative understanding of customer care failure dynamics, by considering intercultural situations.Research limitations/implicationsBy express design and paradigm, the research is limited to subjective interpretivism. The paper offers important implications for understanding customer beneficiary experience, especially to nuance and challenge the current hegemonic view of the positive nature of Japanese “Omotenashi” customer care in extant literature.Practical implicationsThe findings have important practical implications for customer care managers. The paper aims to prompt a pause for thought, a warning of a drift towards organizational self-satisfaction and back slapping in relation to customer care and makes a call for a return to consider the holistic customer experience in the Japanese and inter-cultural contexts.Social implicationsIt can be argued that there appears to be a tendency in some quarters to massage and manipulate broader society by pointing to the positive. However, marketing scholars are aware that raising customer expectations in this way can magnify backlash when disconfirmation occurs. This study lends support to the notion that there may be a need to temper expectations and hype in customer relation contexts. This is predicated on the observation that individual – and, therefore, beneficiary – experience is unique, that uniqueness may be accentuated in intercultural situations.Originality/valueThe paper nuances the general positively portrayed aspects of Omotenashi by curating insights into when care fails. It addresses the paucity of lived experience accounts of the beneficiary experience of Japanese Omotenashi care in intercultural situations.

Behera, Biswajit; Panda, Rajeev Kumar; Tiwari, Binita; Chaubey, Akriti

2024 Journal of Asia Business Studies

doi: 10.1108/jabs-02-2024-0089

The study aims to develop a hierarchical model for innovative work behaviour (IWB) that can capture the complex associations among the factors contributing to IWB within the information technology (IT) sector. To accomplish this, the authors rely on an abductive approach using a graph theoretic model, often called interpretive structural modelling (ISM).Design/methodology/approachAfter conducting an in-depth literature review and using the Delphi method, the authors identified 12 factors (11 enablers and IWB as an outcome). The authors collected data through the Delphi approach by sending the questionnaire to 11 experts from academia and the IT sector who have extensive experience and knowledge relevant to the study. The authors then used the ISM method to analyse the relationships among these factors and understand their driving forces.FindingsBased on the ISM model and the Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement analysis, the authors have identified that inclusive leadership, proactive personality and knowledge creation ability are the variables with strong driving power but weak dependence. Conversely, IWB has strong dependence but weak driving power. These findings suggest that to foster IWB, the organisation should prioritise inclusive leadership, proactive personality and knowledge-creation ability to succeed in challenging times. The study’s findings contribute to the social exchange theory, which explains IWB in a dynamic setting. Additionally, the study helps address the significant concerns that most IT companies face during times of crisis.Practical implicationsThe study provides valuable guidance for managers and policymakers who are grappling with the challenges of improving IWB in the IT sector. This study is particularly relevant as the industry is currently navigating an economic recession and facing intense competition from other tech companies launching new products and services.Originality/valueThis research holds great significance for top executives, line managers and policymakers in the IT industry. It sheds light on the relevance and importance of various factors facilitating millennials' IWB.