HOW SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS AFFECT CONSUMERS PURCHASE HABIT?

Longitudinal studies that measure the effect of bloggers on consumer purchase are essential to improve our understanding in how social media bloggers become role models in people lives. As the number of blog posts and bloggers are increasing rapidly, this rapid rise is causing changes in people’s (consumer’s) purchase habits. There are some conceptual studies conducted about the revolution of Web 2.0 technology and social media and some of them specifically studied the different type of blogs. But no study has focused on the factors causing the influence, specifically factors such as social attractiveness, credibility, experience and sponsorship. To fill this gap, this paper suggests and test a model that explains the factors that influence consumers intentions to adopt recommendations. A total of 202 questionnaires were returned in the survey to identify which factors have influence on blog readers” intentions to adopt recommendations”. Initially, data identified the demographic distribution of the respondents. Next, explanatory factor analysis was conducted to measure the validity and consistency of factors. Nine hypotheses were measured by conducting linear regression. Lastly, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was performed. The results from a sample of 202 show that the factors: trust, credibility, prior experience, perceived usefulness, sponsorship, social attractiveness, subjective norms, are influencing the intentions of consumers to adopt blogger’s recommendations. In addition, the results highlight that social attractiveness has a mediating affect between attitude and intentions. The implications of these findings for bloggers and consumers are discussed in detail

Knowledge sharing in knowledge-intensive manufacturing firms. An empirical study of its enablers

Structured Abstract: Purpose Following previous studies, knowledge-sharing (KS) processes consist of knowledge donating (KD) and knowledge collecting (KC). Within this framework, the paper investigates the relationship between KS processes and KS enablers to understand the effect of organizational, individual and technological factors. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a web survey. Data were collected from a sample of 759 knowledge workers selected from 23 knowledge-intensive manufacturing companies exposed to international markets and located in Tuscany (Italy). The analysis is based on multivariate regression models considering KD and KC as dependent variables. Findings The results show that individual, organizational and technological factors matter to KS. Specifically, the paper reports that individual-level enablers and supportive leadership have a positive effect on both sub-processes of knowledge sharing. Further, the organic management system has a strong and positive impact on knowledge donating, while the efficacy of ICT solutions is positively related to knowledge collecting. Research limitations/implications Although based on a geographically bounded perimeter, the analysis allows some generalizations. In fact, the paper proposes a set of enablers that empirically link micro- and macro-organizational mechanisms to KS. Practical implications The evidence described can help to improve the organizational management of KS and, consequently, support managers dealing with organizational design aimed at successful KS. Originality/value The paper presents original results by combining individual, organizational and technological variables in the explanation of KS. It could be a basis for further studies. Keywords: Knowledge sharing, individual enablers, supportive leadership, organizational structure, organic management systems, self-efficacy. Article Classification: Research pape

Examining individual, job and perceived organizational climate factors in relation to the knowledge sharing behavior

This study examined the direct relationship between individual capabilities, career advancement, personal values, job characteristics, perceived organizational climate and knowledge- sharing behavior. The study also investigated the moderating effect of subjective norms on the relationship between individual capabilities, career advancement, personal values, job characteristics, perceived organizational climate and knowledge- sharing behavior. A total of 650 questionnaires were personally distributed to respondents from five Tanzanian public hospitals (Muhimbili National Hospital, Ligula Referral Hospital, Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Sekou Toure Reginal Hospital Mwanza and Mbeya Referral Hospital) after permission was granted by the hospital management. Out of the 650 questionnaires distributed, 476 questionnaires were returned, representing a response rate of 73%. However, only 439 questionnaires were usable for final analysis. The hypotheses for direct and moderating effects were tested using Smart PLS. The findings of the PLS path model indicated that individual capabilities, career advancement, personal values, and perceived organizational climate are significantly and positively related to knowledge- sharing behavior. Regarding the subjective norms as a moderator in the relationship between exogenous latent variables and the endogenous latent variable, subjective norms were found to moderate the relationship between individual capabilities, job characteristics, perceived organizational climate and knowledge- sharing behavior. The research results reported in this study suggest the need to enhance individual capabilities, career advancement, personal values, and perceived organizational climate as a way of encouraging knowledge- sharing behavior among the healthcare professionals. Apart from that, the hospital management also needs to consider the role of subjective norms when planning to enhance healthcare professionals’ knowledge- sharing behavior, especially when involving individual capabilities, job characteristics and perceived organizational climate

Why share? : Motivational Predictors of Individual Knowledge Sharing in Expert Work

An ever larger share of organizations depend on knowledge for success. It can, however, only be utilized if individuals engage in sharing their knowledge; and hence, knowledge sharing is considered a critical employee behavior in expert work. While it is collectively desirable to share knowledge, for an individual knowledge sharing is a discretionary behavior, and one that may entail risks and costs. Hence, the aim of the present study was to shed light on the predictors of knowledge sharing with a focus on motivation to share, and its quality. This aspect has not been well covered in prior research. The model of knowledge sharing motivation by Gagnè (2009), which combines the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), was used as a research framework. Knowledge sharing was investigated in two different work contexts. In terms of methods, the study included both a qualitative belief elicitation study (n=18), and a survey based quantitative study with a prospective design (T1 n=200; T2 n=95). The data was collected from a public sector expert organization. Study I established that the elicited shared outcome beliefs reflected the different knowledge sharing contexts. Furthermore, outcome beliefs (attitudes), subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control predicted knowledge sharing intentions, which, together with perceived behavioral control, predicted actual knowledge sharing in work meetings, lending support for the utility of elicitation studies. The same essentially applied to knowledge sharing in informal personal interactions. Study II established that the sense of personal importance and value congruence, labelled identified regulation, was the best motivational quality to predict knowledge sharing both in work meetings and in informal personal interactions, as well as tacit knowledge sharing. External regulation to share was positively, and identified regulation to share negatively associated with knowledge withholding. Studies III and IV lent empirical support for Gagné s model. Attitudes, autonomous motivation, and subjective norms predicted knowledge sharing intentions, which predicted knowledge sharing two months later (R2=.42; R2=.41). When autonomous motivation was replaced by identified regulation, the model improved. The study demonstrated that identified regulation was the best motivational quality to predict knowledge sharing, but it was also a better predictor than outcome beliefs and subjective norms. Treating knowledge sharing as a context-embedded behavior seemed justified. Elicitation study was deemed an effective way to generate information of shared underlying behavioral beliefs.Yhä useamman organisaation menestys on tiedosta, tietämyksestä ja osaamisesta (tämän jälkeen tieto ) riippuvaista. Jotta tietoa voidaan tehokkaasti hyödyntää, se edellyttää, että yksilöt aktiivisesti jakavat tietoa ja siksi tiedon jakamista pidetään kriittisen tärkeänä käyttäytymisenä asiantuntijatyössä. Tämä työyhteisön kannalta tärkeä ja toivottava käyttäytyminen on kuitenkin yksilölle harkinnanvaraista ja siihen voi liittyä riskejä ja kustannuksia. Tämän tutkimuksen tarkoituksena olikin lisätä ymmärrystä tiedon jakamista ennustavista tekijöistä kohdentamalla huomio eritoten yksilön motivaatioon ja sen laatuun. Tätä ei ole aiemmassa tutkimuksessa katettu kovin hyvin. Viitekehyksenä oli Gagnén (2009) tiedon jakamisen motivaation malli, joka yhdistää suunnitellun käyttäytymisen teorian (TPB) ja itsemääräämisteorian (SDT). Tiedon jakamista tutkittiin kahdessa eri työkontekstissa. Menetelmällisesti tutkimus sisälsi sekä laadullisen uskomusten elisitointitutkimuksen (n=18) että kvantitatiivisen, prospektiiviseen kyselyaineistoon perustuvan tutkimuksen (T1 n=200; T2 n=95). Aineisto kerättiin julkisen sektorin asiantuntijaorganisaatiolta. Osa-tutkimus I osoitti, että elisitoiden identifioidut jaetut seuraususkomukset heijastivat tiedon jakamisen kontekstia. Seuraususkomukset (asenteet), subjektiiviset normit ja havaittu käyttäytymisen kontrolli ennustivat tiedonjakamisaikomuksia, jotka yhdessä havaitun käyttäytymisen kontrollin kanssa ennustivat tiedon jakamista työkokouksissa, antaen tukea elisitaatiotutkimuksen hyödyllisyydelle. Sama päti oleellisesti tiedon jakamiseen epämuodollisissa vuorovaikutustilanteissa. Osatutkimus II osoitti, että tunne tekemisen henkilökohtaisesta tärkeydestä ja arvoihin sopivuudesta, ns. samaistunut motivaatio (identified regulation), ennusti motivaatiotyypeistä parhaiten tiedon jakamista sekä työkokouksissa että epämuodollisissa vuorovaikutustilanteissa, kuin myös hiljaisen tiedon jakamista. Ulkoinen motivaatio (external) jakaa tietoa korreloi positiivisesti ja samaistunut motivaatio negatiivisesti tiedon panttaamisen kanssa. Osatutkimukset III ja IV antoivat empiiristä tukea Gagnén mallille. Asenteet, autonominen motivaatio ja subjektiiviset normit ennustivat tiedonjakamisaikomuksia, jotka puolestaan ennustivat tiedon jakamista kaksi kuukautta myöhemmin (R2=.42; R2=.41). Korvattaessa autonominen samaistuneella motivaatiolla malli parani. Tutkimus osoitti, että samaistunut motivaatio ennusti tiedon jakamista muita motivaatiotyyppejä paremmin ja paremmin kuin seuraususkomukset ja normatiiviset paineet. Tiedon jakamisen mieltäminen kontekstisidonnaiseksi käyttäytymiseksi osoittautui perustelluksi ja elisitaatiotutkimus hyväksi tavaksi tuottaa tietoa jaetuista taustauskomuksista

Framing psychological factors effect on knowledge sharing behaviour: moderating role of islamic work ethics

Knowledge Sharing Behaviour (KSB) is an important activity for organizations and managing knowledge is critical to the organization’s survival. However, preliminary interviews conducted with two managers at telecommunication companies in Pakistan, highlighted that KSB is low. Moreover, there were limited researches devoted to the psychological factors, Islamic work ethics (IWE) and KSB in Pakistan despite the fact that more than 90% of Pakistanis are Muslim. IWE not only promotes positive ethical behaviour but also position KSB as an important facet of Islamic values. The underpinning theory of this research was Social Cognitive Theory which examined the effects of psychological factors (self-efficacy, expectations and personality traits) on KSB. Based on contingency approach, IWE was hypothesized to moderate the relationship between psychological factors and KSB. This study adopted a quantitative research approach and used convenience sampling technique to select the respondents. Four hundred and fifty data were collected from seven different telecommunication companies in Pakistan and were analysed using SPSS and PLS-SEM. It is found that there are positive relationships between self-efficacy, personality traits (except neuroticism), expected reward and KSB in Pakistan telecommunication industry. IWE did not moderate the relationship between expectations and KSB. Nevertheless, it moderates the relationship between personality (except neuroticism) and self-efficacy with KSB. The findings of this research have both empirical and managerial contributions. It validates the use of Social Cognitive Theory in understanding KSB and fill in the empirical gaps. In conclusion, managers in telecommunication industry should select employees that are extroverted, have openness to experience and high self-efficacy to promote KSB in the companies

Using the Theory of Reasoned Action to Analyze African American College Students Intentions to Participate in Bio banking Research

The proliferation of biobanks has created new opportunities for researchers to conduct cutting-edge research that was not possible a decade ago. The results of early studies using biospecimens in cancer research have been encouraging. However, researchers are concerned about the applicability of the new knowledge that is being produced to racially diverse subgroups because African American (AA) participation in biobanking research is low. The current study assessed how AA college students’ attitudes and social norms influenced their intentions to participate in biobanking research. This research was guided by Ajzen and Fishbein’s Theory of Reasoned Action as the analytic lens. Methods: An exploratory sequential, mixed-method study design was employed to collect cross-sectional open-ended questionnaire and survey data over a six-month study period. A total of 27 participants participated in the initial qualitative phase (open-ended questionnaires) to develop theory-based quantitative measures. In phase II, 105 participants responded to the newly-developed quantitative measures that were analyzed to evaluate four theory-driven hypotheses. Results: In the study phase I, a total of twelve most frequently mentioned behavioral beliefs about donating biospecimens along with personal health information (PHI) to biobanks were identified. Similarly, a total of ten most frequently mentioned normative referents who could approve and/or disapprove donating biospecimens along with PHI to biobank were identified. In the study phase II, the behavioral beliefs and normative referents identified in phase I were used to draw up a cross-sectional survey. Regression analysis revealed that attitude had a statistically significant association with intention to participate in biobanking (P-value There was no significant association between subjective norms and behavioral intention in regression analysis. Correlations between each of the normative referents with subjective norms were not significant. Results from this research will be used to inform theory-based interventions to increase AA participation in biobanking research. INDEX WORDS: Biobanking, Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), College students, African Americans

Influencing the Front-End of Innovation: A Study of Resource Challenges in The Banking Sector

Abstract Title: Influencing the Front-End of Innovation: A Study of Resource Challenges in The Banking Sector Date of Hand-in: 17/05/2017 Course: Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Internship and degree project ENTN 39 (Master’s Thesis 15 ECTS) Author: Adam Kachra-Johansson and Ross Mckinlay Supervisor: Joakim Winborg Examiner: Sotaro Shibayama Keywords: Resources, Resource challenges, Resource scarcity, Front-end of innovation, New Service Development Research Question: How do resource challenges influence the front-end of innovation in the banking industry? Methodology: An inductive approach, with deductive elements as well, was used within this case study. Semi-structured interviews were the main method of data collection, and the qualitative data analysis was done in line with Gioia et al. (2012). Theoretical Perspectives: In terms of epistemology, an interpretivist approach was utilised to allow for the potentially subjective nature of the data to be considered. The ontological considerations of this paper are centred around constructionism. Conclusions: The resource challenges - in terms of type, level and flexibility - within the case company influence several different constraints; Poor Cross-Functional Collaboration; Lack of Engagement; Limited Dynamic Development; Lack of an Efficient Structure; and Unsupportive Front-End Strategy. This study goes into a new level of depth, previously unexplored in related literature. The constraints identified can have negative effects on the output of the front-end and have various relationships with each other. These constraints can also lead to a change in working practices to mitigate their effects. The Resource Challenges Model provides a visualisation of the study’s findings

Investigating the Impact of Organisational Culture and Leadership on Knowledge Sharing Behavioural Intention Among Employees in Organisations in the United Arab Emirates

This study seeks to obtain a better understanding of the factors influencing employees’ knowledge sharing behavioural intentions within the Emirati organisational context. While the literature provides some examples of studies on the subject in Western countries and Asia, there has been a lack of research around the topic in the Middle East, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Some organisations have placed a lot of emphasis on innovation and technology and forgotten what (ultimately) makes their business really successful – the human factor. The study followed a mixed methodology approach; the quantitative method was the primary approach and qualitative methods were employed as a complementary technique to deepen the understanding of some of the quantitative data results. The theoretical foundation of this thesis is based on the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). These theories are widely used in social psychology to explain many human behaviours. The model therefore is developed based on the latest evolution of the TRA and TPB framework as well as additional factors highlighted in the literature. Eleven variables were tested to examine their impact on the intention to share knowledge in an organisational context. Primary data were obtained from a questionnaire administered to three large government organisations in the UAE: of 1073 questionnaires, 881 were usable. A total of 21 (including the pilot interviews) semi-structured interviews were carried out in the same three organisations with organisational executives, KM managers and KM practitioners. Structural equation modelling was used to test the three study models. The results show that both inclusive leadership’s and knowledge leadership’s influence on organisational culture dimensions (participation, trust, agreement, team orientation, and openness) were highly significant. Interestingly, and contrary to expectations, the quantitative data show that neither participation nor team orientation had a significant impact on attitude toward knowledge sharing. Also, the results show that inclusive leadership has a positive an impact on attitude toward knowledge sharing whereas knowledge leadership was found to have a negative influence. In addition, all TRA constructs were significant for all three models. The results offer various insights into knowledge sharing behavioural intentions in organisations in the UAE. Policy makers, executive leaders and KM managers will be able to utilise the results and the practical implications of this study to create intervention programs to enhance knowledge sharing intentions and practices in organisations. The thesis provides an alternative view to the more common technological focus, moving it more onto human related factors. It is important for organisations to acknowledge the importance of both leadership and organisational culture on knowledge sharing behavioural intentions among employees. Like anything else that keeps evolving, organisational culture and leadership too evolves and therefore, organisations need to look for the best organisational culture and leadership style that will keep them on top of the market

Believe it or not: what factors affect the blog readers' perception of bloggers’ credibility and blog readers’ trust in bloggers' recommendations

Bloggers have a strong influence on others, such that they have become far more than just a means for recording and sharing personal interests but an effective marketing tool for influencing consumers’ decision-making processes. The main aim of this study is to develop and propose a conceptual framework for assessing the factors affecting the perception of bloggers’ credibility and blog readers’ trust. A review of the existing literature showed that the psychological theory of social attractiveness can provide an explanation of how people can gain the confidence of, and influence over, other people. There is a gap in the literature in terms of examining the effect of influencers from a psychological point of view. Therefore, this research adopts the social attractiveness theory from psychology and extends it within the context of bloggers’ “effectiveness”. A total of 348 questionnaires were distributed to university students in the UK. Covariance-based structural equation modelling was conducted to analyse the collected data. This research offers a conceptual model integrating the factors affecting bloggers’ credibility and blog readers’ trust and willingness to adopt bloggers’ recommendations. This study analyses the effects of social attractiveness, perceived bloggers’ experience, sponsorship, social influence and gender on bloggers’ credibility and blog readers’ trust. The findings show that social attractiveness and perceived bloggers’ experience positively affect bloggers’ credibility and blog readers’ trust in relation to the adoption of recommendations. This study also examines the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between blog readers’ perception of bloggers’ credibility and loyalty in relation to adoption of bloggers’ recommendations. This research contributes to knowledge by proposing a conceptual framework for understanding the effect of blog readers’ trust and bloggers’ credibility in relation to the adoption of bloggers’ recommendations. This research also provides practical contributions that can benefit brands and bloggers. Understanding the effects of trust and credibility can assist both brands and bloggers to apply these strategies to their customers/readers which may increase the possibility of meeting customers’ needs