Employees as advertisers: on the effects of internal advertising using a flexible online brand center platform

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between attitude cons­truct variables and internal advertising construct variables, brand awareness and brand knowledge, and to explo­re the effectiveness of a flexible online brand center platform for internal em­ployee communication. The data consisted of fourteen interviews with 32 employees as participants divi­ded into 5 focus groups based on their job category at the University of Aveiro. The qualitative data derived from the discussion was transformed into quan­titative data, counting the number of references associated with each variable. The relationship between attitude cons­truct variables (i.e., organizational commitment and identification) with the internal brand advertising varia­bles (i.e., brand knowledge and brand awareness), were found to be statistica­lly significant. Furthermore, each of the­se attitude construct variables and in­ternal brand advertising variables were also found to be statistically significant in their association with the variable measuring willingness to participate in the online brand center platform. Also, it was observed that sex and job cate­gory variables influences the attitude construct variables. The study confirms the previous mar­keting findings regarding the theore­tical explanation of brand integration among employees. The relationship between identification and organiza­tional commitment and the relationship between brand awareness and brand knowledge observed in previous stu­dies were confirmed. Future research may investigate the possible causes of higher identification in teaching staff compared to non-teaching staff, as well as the differences in the psychological variables for men and women. Mana­gerial implications suggest that online brand center may be effective in inter­nal advertising to employees and in turn employees can become advertisers of brands to potential consumers

Self-learning and classroom activities

This document consists of a set of practical activities proposed for the “Research techniques” and “Statistics” course of the Degree in Psychology, covering topics such as the scientific method and descriptive and inferential statistics applied to this disciplines. These activities are the product of two main aims: 1) illustrate explicitly the relationship between the methodological content and real life and/or real psychological practice, in order to motivate students to work with and fully understand the usefulness of this type of content; and 2) offer teachers several alternatives for classroom and self-learning activities for constructing knowledge related to methodological content. The document includes mainly practical activities presented in a fully detailed psychological context whose bases are to be found in scientific research, apart from offering some theoretical explanations where needed.The document was created during the teaching innovation project “Actividades de aprendizaje autónomo y presencial en Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento” (2014PID_UB/003). This text was revised by Joe Graham working at Serveis Lingüístics at the University of Barcelona. The revision was made with the support of the Serveis Lingüístics, thanks to a grant “Interlingua” by the Generalitat de Catalunya

Resolución de conflictos en la adolescencia: aplicación de un cuestionario en centros escolares coeducativos y diferenciados por sexos en España

The purpose of this research is to analyze the different styles of conflict resolution found in adolescent students in Spain and to see if there are significant differences between men and women, also taking into account the type of center they attend (mixed or differentiated by sex). For this purpose, a sample of 816 students from 12 Spanish schools was defined and a questionnaire based on the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI), adapted and validated for adolescents, was applied. The results confirm differences between sexes, already identified in other investigations, and for both sexes, in the differentiated school, higher scores appear in the collaborative style in comparison with male and female students attending a mixed school. No significant differences were found for the other styles of conflict resolution.El propósito de esta investigación es analizar los diferentes estilos de resolución de conflictos presentes en escolares adolescentes de España y ver si existen diferencias significativas entre varones y mujeres, teniendo en cuenta además el tipo de centro al que asisten (mixto o diferenciado por sexo). Para ello se definió una muestra de 816 alumnos, de 12 escuelas españolas, a la que se aplicó un cuestionario basado en el Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI), adaptado y validado para adolescentes. Los resultados confirman diferencias entre sexos, ya identificadas en otras investigaciones, y para ambos sexos, en la escuela diferenciada aparecen puntajes más altos en el estilo colaborador respecto de los estudiantes varones y mujeres que asisten a una escuela mixta. Para los demás estilos de resolución de conflictos no se encontraron diferencias significativas

Some common indexes of group diversity: upper boundaries

Workgroup diversity can be conceptualized as variety, separation, or disparity. Thus, the proper operationalization of diversity depends on how a diversity dimension has been defined. Analytically, the minimal diversity must be obtained when there are no differences on an attribute among the members of a group, however maximal diversity has a different shape for each conceptualization of diversity. Previous work on diversity indexes indicated maximum values for variety (e.g., Blau"s index and Teachman"s index), separation (e.g., standard deviation and mean Euclidean distance), and disparity (e.g., coefficient of variation and the Gini coefficient of concentration), although these maximum values are not valid for all group characteristics (i.e., group size and group size parity) and attribute scales (i.e., number of categories). We demonstrate analytically appropriate upper boundaries for conditional diversity determined by some specific group characteristics, avoiding the bias related to absolute diversity. This will allow applied researchers to make better interpretations regarding the relationship between group diversity and group outcomes

An experimental research on emotional stimuli of consumers: the case of H&M flagship store influence on the millennial customer experience in Barcelona

Purpose: The main objective of this exploratory research study was to demonstrate the extent to which customers' approach-avoidance responses to fast fashion flagship stores can be predicted from their emotional states framed according to the PAD (Pleasure, Arousal, and Dominance) model and information rates. Design/methodology/approach: Data was collected through a survey questionnaire from 72 randomly selected millennials visiting H&M flagship store, just after their visit (55% women and 45% men). Data was analysed using exploratory factor analysis to classify the measures and later through regression analysis explaining the predictor variables. Findings: In accordance with the theory and past research on PAD measures, results show PAD as a highly predictable variable over most of the approach-avoidance behaviour in a flagship store environment. Pleasure variable shows highly significant relationship with affect, approach-avoidance (average of all measures of approach-avoidance), and time spent in the store and to an extent significantly relates to purchase intentions. This signifies that in a highly pleasant environment, an individual’s affectionate behaviour, to remain exploring in the store for a longer time, and on an average the approach behaviour to the flagship store will be highly positive. Originality/value: This study is a unique exploration, as very little is known in the literature, on flagship store influences over consumer experiences. Findings suggest interesting advancement in the field of in person shopping effects and encourages future research in flagship store economic investments and marketing impacts, which may extend consumer behavioural scopes as well. This exploratory research may have implications of interest for business strategic decision, brand management, and for marketing as well. As brands seek to recover consumers in their physical stores, offering them a safer and more complete shopping experience, flagship stores can play a key role in encouraging online customers’ visiting stores in-person, which may ultimately increase salesPeer Reviewe

The process of communicating trust

For years research has shown that teams with higher levels of trust have a propensity to be higher performers. Furthermore, many studies have discussed the significance of trust in facilitating knowledge sharing at workplaces. While the separate effects of trust and knowledge sharing on team performance is well documented, few scholars have investigated the specific links between these factors over time

On the Convergence of Collaborative and Social Economy: A Quality Model for the Combined Effects

This article has two aims: the first is to propose a definition for social collaborative companies that encompasses their main characteristics, and once the companies to which we refer is settled, the second aim is to propose a quality model for social collaborative companies. These companies are of a particular type based on a collaborative business model and with a social focus as part of their mission. They employ a democratic style of governance, whether or not they are cooperatives, and operate through a platform in the collaborative environment. The quality model has three main categories: management, operations, and continuous improvement in a cyclical manner to ensure continuous improvement. The findings may be interesting for academics due to the fact that it is the first attempt to provide a quality model for these social collaborative companies and provide a conceptual framework for these organizations. Additionally, some managerial implications can be evident, such as when (i) the framework functions as a management guide for excellence, (ii) a tool for benchmarking, and (iii) a tool for internal and external communication

Self-learning and classroom activities

This document consists of a set of practical activities proposed for the “Research techniques” and “Statistics” course of the Degree in Psychology, covering topics such as the scientific method and descriptive and inferential statistics applied to this disciplines. These activities are the product of two main aims: 1) illustrate explicitly the relationship between the methodological content and real life and/or real psychological practice, in order to motivate students to work with and fully understand the usefulness of this type of content; and 2) offer teachers several alternatives for classroom and self-learning activities for constructing knowledge related to methodological content. The document includes mainly practical activities presented in a fully detailed psychological context whose bases are to be found in scientific research, apart from offering some theoretical explanations where needed.The document was created during the teaching innovation project “Actividades de aprendizaje autónomo y presencial en Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento” (2014PID_UB/003). This text was revised by Joe Graham working at Serveis Lingüístics at the University of Barcelona. The revision was made with the support of the Serveis Lingüístics, thanks to a grant “Interlingua” by the Generalitat de Catalunya

Self-learning and classroom activities

This document consists of a set of practical activities proposed for the “Research techniques” and “Statistics” course of the Degree in Psychology, covering topics such as the scientific method and descriptive and inferential statistics applied to this disciplines. These activities are the product of two main aims: 1) illustrate explicitly the relationship between the methodological content and real life and/or real psychological practice, in order to motivate students to work with and fully understand the usefulness of this type of content; and 2) offer teachers several alternatives for classroom and self-learning activities for constructing knowledge related to methodological content. The document includes mainly practical activities presented in a fully detailed psychological context whose bases are to be found in scientific research, apart from offering some theoretical explanations where needed.The document was created during the teaching innovation project “Actividades de aprendizaje autónomo y presencial en Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento” (2014PID_UB/003). This text was revised by Joe Graham working at Serveis Lingüístics at the University of Barcelona. The revision was made with the support of the Serveis Lingüístics, thanks to a grant “Interlingua” by the Generalitat de Catalunya

The Involvement of Future Generations in the Circular Economy Paradigm: An Empirical Analysis on Aluminium Packaging Recycling in Spain

The European circular economy action plan, launched in 2015 includes a group of measures aligned with the 3r principles. To meet recycling goals, valuable materials such as aluminium must have packaging that helps to increase their recycling rate above the current 45.6%. This recycling rate could be improved with the help of current consumers and the education of future generations. In this way, the aim of this study is to prove the positive effects of childhood education in the circular economy by teaching sustainable practices in the case of aluminium packaging recycling. The study was conducted in the form of a survey, with data being gathered via questionnaires carried out “pre” and “post” workshop in schools of different regions of Spain in students between 8 and 12 years old. This study provides an exciting opportunity to advance our knowledge of the use of workshops to increase children’s knowledge, awareness, and intention of recycling