Assessing Cross-National Invariance of the Three-Component Model of Organizational Commitment: A Cross-Country Study of University Faculty

Purpose: This study examines affective commitment, normative commitment, and continuance commitment in a cross-national context to identify if the effect of country-specific cultural orientation on organizational commitment of faculty in higher education functions invariably in different countries. Methodology: The work expands on Meyer and Allen's (1991) three-component model of organizational commitment. It includes a review of relevant literature on 10 countries and the results of a survey of university faculty members in 8 of these countries, assessing their institutions' human resources practices and their effect on organizational commitment. Findings: Though certain differences may exist between different countries and cultures with respect to the three-component model of organizational commitment, there is strong evidence of the existence of invariance and thus generalizability of the model across cultures. Research: Cultural studies have focused on differences in organizational commitment at national levels. Further attempts to identify the universality of factors leading to organizational commitment should account for culture in the study of employee-related globalization issues in higher education institutes. Knowledge of cultural impact is also useful from a managerial perspective, and for the design of relevant strategies. Practical Implications: National context plays a major role in shaping the nature of educational institutions. This study brings out the need for a deeper understanding of invariance in organizational commitment (inter alia, through the three-component model). Originality/Value: This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between organizational commitment and its various antecedents, including human resources management practices, for faculty in higher education institutes.div_BaM13pub5248pub

The principles of Islamic marketing

The Principles of Islamic Marketing fills a gap in international business literature covering the aspects and values of Islamic business thought. It provides a framework and practical perspectives for understanding and implementing the Islamic marketing code of conduct. It is not a religious book. The Islamic Economic System is a business model adopted by nearly one quarter of the world's population. Baker Alserhan identifies the features of the Islamic structure of International Marketing practices and ethics. Adherence to such ethical practices elevates the standards of behaviour of traders and consumers alike and creates a value-loaded framework for meaningful cooperation between international marketers and their Muslim markets. His book provides a complete guide for an organization when managing its entire marketing function or when customising part of its offering to suit Muslim customers. It addresses the challenges facing marketers involved in business activities with and within Islamic communities, the knowledge needs of academic institutions, and the interest of multinationals keen on tapping the huge Islamic markets. Along the way, Baker Alserhan provides insights into key elements such as, distribution channels, retailing practices, branding, positioning, and pricing; all within the Muslim legal and cultural norms. This second edition brings the book up to date and features a number of new case studies and two additional chapters on Maqasid Al Shariah and the Islamic economy, and a strategic perspective on Islamic marketing and branding. Baker Ahmad Alserhan 2015. All rights reserved.Scopu

Principles of Islamic marketing

Baker Ahmad Alserhan, Qatar University

One Arab woman's journey to entrepreneurship: a case study

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is pegged as a highly opportunistic market. The region's unique demographics include a native population that is in the minority and high numbers of women involved in entrepreneurial activities. The latter trend brings women's issues to the forefront with implications for, among other areas, policymaking, infrastructure access, and new research avenues. This work offers a case study of a Syrian woman entrepreneur in the UAE, highlighting the particular and varied challenges that female immigrant entrepreneurs (FIEs) face. The study's findings point to a need for policy to introduce support mechanisms, as well as a need for family and community mentoring. Also, more research is needed to assess important elements of economic activity and to measure factors such as social status and self fulfilment. Efforts in these directions will help boost women's entrepreneurship ventures and influence their evolution, for even greater benefit to the region

Theories of Islamic marketing

In this paper the authors attempt to present a list of theories from the discipline of Islamic marketing. The list is neither complete nor a detailed description of all the attempts toward a theory of Islamic marketing. Indeed, it is not the intention of this work to provide such detail. Rather, this commentary is designed to motivate researchers to begin to address the subject of Islamic marketing in a manner that will pave the way for a more defined theory of Islamic marketing to be constructed, a subject that so far remains clearly under researched

Expressing herself through brands: the Arab woman’s perspective

Purpose This paper aims to extend Wallström et al.’s (2010) six-nation study on brand use and notions of self-expression to Arab women in the UAE. Additionally, it extends the scope of investigation to include an extensive qualitative data corpus to inform and explain the consumption practices of this large, very wealthy and under-researched sector of the global marketplace. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses mixed methodology emphasizing qualitative research as a means of building on the results of Wallström et al.’s (2010) quantitative study. Findings Results reveal that Arab women are less committed to the idea that beauty care products are a locus of self-expression, and their purchase choices are based on perceived quality of care products, scene of use and their lack of value in the culture as vehicles of conspicuous consumption cues. Originality/value The paper offers valuable insights to researchers and practitioners into the use of beauty care products as a means of self-expression, and emphasizes the value of word-of-mouth communication in enhancing reach in this category. The authors recommend the investigation of relationships between expressing self through brands and variables revealed in this study such as respondents’ relationships to religiosity and health concerns. An extension of this research is also recommended to produce a cross-cultural body of literature on women’s self-expression through brands and how the variable of self-expression can be an important driver of consumer preferences and choices in this population.Scopu