Organisational context and behavioural complexity affecting ambidextrous behaviours among SMEs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents of exploitative and explorative behaviours and to give valuable insight into the role of ambidextrous behaviours in developing creativity and innovativeness among owner-managers in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – A review of existing literature was carried out and drawing upon ownermanagers, a survey using structured questionnaires was carried out with a total of 183 useful responses received. The proposed model was analysed using SmartPLS v2.3.7. Findings – The empirical result suggests that behavioural complexity and organisational flexibility encourages exploitative and explorative behaviours, while ambidextrous behaviours encourage creativity and innovativeness. Rigidity, on the other hand, hinders the cultivation of ambidextrous behaviours. Originality/value – The paper entails useful implication by demonstrating that flexibility enables ownermanagers to reconcile competing demands and consequently, cultivate innovative outcomes. In this regard, business owner-managers must learn implicitly how to juggle these contradictory demands, suggesting an internal balancing mechanism independent of the organisational context and individual behavioural complexity. This paper suggests that cultivation of exploitative and explorative behaviours among ownermanagers is useful in encouraging ambidextrous behaviours among SMEs

The Effects of Independent Non-Executive Directors (INED) on Company Performance

This paper examines the influence of and relationship between independent non-executive directors (INEDs) and the performance of firms listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (SEHK). Many previous studies argue that INEDs can improve corporate governance and firm performance. However, research in this area is ongoing in different countries and stock exchanges and has produced inconsistent conclusions. The results of this study should help in reviewing the suitability of the current INED standards and whether they can be applied to different firm segments in Hong Kong. The paper aims to help policymakers/regulators determine whether further revision of the current INED policy is necessary. The results can be further investigated and applied to other emerging markets/regions worldwide and may be particularly suitable for regions with many family-controlled and state-owned enterprises

Immunoregulatory Protein Profiles of Necrotizing Enterocolitis versus Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation in Preterm Infants

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) are the most common acute surgical emergencies associated with high morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. We aimed to compare the profiles of immunoregulatory proteins and identify novel mediators in plasma of NEC and SIP infants. We also investigated the expression of target genes in resected intestinal tissues and an enterocyte cell line. Using Cytokine Antibody Array assay, we reported the first comparative profiles of immunoregulatory proteins in plasma of NEC and SIP infants, and showed that dysregulated proteins belonged to functionally diversified categories, including pro- and anti-inflammation, angiogenesis, cell growth, wound healing, anti-apoptosis, cell adhesion and extracellular matrix reorganization. Validation by ELISA confirmed significantly higher concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, angiopoietin (Ang)-2, soluble type II interleukin-1 receptor (sIL-1RII), and soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in NEC infants compared with gestational age-matched control, and a lower level of an epidermal growth factor receptor, secreted form of receptor tyrosine-protein kinase ErbB3 (sErbB3), compared with SIP infants. mRNA expressions of IL1-RII and uPAR were up-regulated in resected bowel tissues from NEC infants, indicating that immunoregulation also occurred at the cellular level. In FHs-74 Int cells, Ang-2, IL1-RII and uPAR mRNA expressions were significantly induced by the combined treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and platelet activating factor (PAF). Our study provided plasmatic signatures of immunoregulatory proteins in NEC and SIP infants, and demonstrated involvement of multiple functional pathways. The magnitude of changes in these proteins was significantly more extensive in NEC infants, reflecting the different nature of injury and/or severity of inflammation. We speculate that dysregulation of IL-6, Ang-2, IL-1RII and uPAR occurred at both systemic and cellular levels, and probably mediated via LPS and endogeneous PAF signals. Such exaggerated immunologic responses may account for the high morbidity and mortality in NEC compared with SIP patients

Associations of Problematic Internet Use, Weight-Related Self-Stigma, and Nomophobia with Physical Activity: Findings from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Malaysia

Insufficient physical activity is a common problem for university students because they may engage in sedentary lifestyle owing to excessive time spent on their smartphones and social media use. This may result in problematic internet use (PIU) and nomophobia (fear of not having a mobile phone). Moreover, prior evidence shows that weight-related self-stigma is an important factor contributing to low physical activity. Therefore, the present study examined the associations between PIU, nomophobia, and physical activity among university students across mainland China, Taiwan, and Malaysia. Participants (3135 mainland Chinese, 600 Taiwanese, and 622 Malaysian) completed the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS), Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMPQ), Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The measurement invariance of the assessed questionnaires was supported across the three regions. The present findings analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling showed that (i) greater nomophobia was associated with higher levels of physical activity, (ii) greater weight-related self-stigma was associated with higher levels of physical activity, and (iii) greater nomophobia was associated with greater weight-related self-stigma. Although the present findings suggest the possibility that experiencing some level of nomophobia or weight-related self-stigma appears to help improve physical activity, it is not recommended that these be encouraged, but reducing PIU should be targeted as a means to improve physical activit

Organisational Context And Behavioral Complexity As Antecedents Of Ambidexterity And Its Role Towards Enhancing Individual Entrepreneurial Characteristics

This research examined the relevance of ambidexterity in the context of SMEs in Malaysia and how ambidexterity could enhance individual entrepreneurial characteristics (e.g. creativity, innovativeness, proactiveness and risk taking) from the perspective of dynamic capability. This research also investigated factors affecting the development of ambidextrous behaviours in SMEs. Furthermore, it examined antecedents (e.g. organisational context and behavioural complexity) influencing ambidextrous behaviours from the perspective of organisational effectiveness. In addition, it tested the moderating role of perceived business environment between ambidextrous behaviours and individual entrepreneurial characteristics

Organisational context and behavioural complexity affecting ambidextrous behaviours among SMEs

The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents of exploitative and explorative behaviours and to give valuable insight into the role of ambidextrous behaviours in developing creativity and innovativeness among owner-managers in SMEs. A review of existing literature was carried out and drawing upon owner-managers, a survey using structured questionnaires was carried out with a total of 183 useful responses received. The proposed model was analysed using SmartPLS v2.3.7. The empirical result suggests that behavioural complexity and organisational flexibility encourages exploitative and explorative behaviours, while ambidextrous behaviours encourage creativity and innovativeness. Rigidity, on the other hand, hinders the cultivation of ambidextrous behaviours

The rise of online food delivery culture during the COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis of intention and its associated risk

Purpose – This study aims to understand consumer behaviour in the context of online food delivery (OFD), especially given the mandatory lockdown imposed in some countries that have modified the behaviour of consumers. Using model goal-directed behaviour (MGB), this study was conducted to investigate consumer perceived risk on the use of OFD services. Design/methodology/approach – Responses of food delivery services users were collected online throughout April 2020 to understand their risk profile and behaviour. A total of 339 responses were collected and subsequently analysed using partial least square (PLS). Both measurement and structural model were evaluated to ensure that the structural equation modelling (SEM) is valid. Findings – The results revealed that attitude (ATT), subjective norm (SN), positive anticipated emotion (PAE) and negative anticipated emotion (NAE) and perceived behavioural control (PBC) significantly influenced users’ desire. It was also found that PBC significantly influenced users’ intention. The empirical result suggests that performance, privacy, financial, physical and the risk of contracting COVID-19 negatively influenced users’ desire. In contrast, only physical and the risk of contracting COVID-19 negatively influenced users’ intention to use OFD services. Practical implications – These findings provide OFD service providers and scholars with significant insights into what compels urbanites to adopt OFD services amid a health pandemic. It also allows OFD companies to realign their operation in addressing these concerns and changes in consumer behaviour. Originality/value – Against the backdrop of the pandemic, this study provides insights for OFD providers in developing new strategies and approaches for business development and consumer retention in a post-pandemic world

Consumer risk perception of online food delivery during the COVID-19 Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia

Malaysia’s online food delivery (OFD) has developed into a vibrant scene. Urban dwellers are slowly getting used to the idea of OFD services as the new normal for eating out at the times of COVID-19. During the movement control order (MCO), government initiatives and movement restrictions propelled OFD services into the limelight, allowing locals the opportunity to support their favorite local businesses. Using model goal-directed behavior (MGB), this study investigated the effect of consumers’ perceived risk (e.g., performance risk, privacy risk, financial risk, physical risk, and COVID-19 risk) on their use of OFD services. The results of the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis of 339 responses indicates that perceived risk negatively affects consumers’ desire to use OFD services, while perceived physical risk and COVID-19 risk negatively affect their intention to use OFD services. Further, the study uncovers the moderating role of perceived risk in the relationship between desire and intention. This study offers insights to OFD service providers in formulating new business strategies and propositions for business growth and consumer retention in the post-pandemic world

The rise of online food delivery culture during the COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis of intention and its associated risk

Purpose – This study aims to understand consumer behaviour in the context of online food delivery (OFD), especially given the mandatory lockdown imposed in some countries that have modified the behaviour of consumers. Using model goal-directed behaviour (MGB), this study was conducted to investigate consumer perceived risk on the use of OFD services. Design/methodology/approach – Responses of food delivery services users were collected online throughout April 2020 to understand their risk profile and behaviour. A total of 339 responses were collected and subsequently analysed using partial least square (PLS). Both measurement and structural model were evaluated to ensure that the structural equation modelling (SEM) is valid. Findings – The results revealed that attitude (ATT), subjective norm (SN), positive anticipated emotion (PAE) and negative anticipated emotion (NAE) and perceived behavioural control (PBC) significantly influenced users’ desire. It was also found that PBC significantly influenced users’ intention. The empirical result suggests that performance, privacy, financial, physical and the risk of contracting COVID-19 negatively influenced users’ desire. In contrast, only physical and the risk of contracting COVID-19 negatively influenced users’ intention to use OFD services. Practical implications – These findings provide OFD service providers and scholars with significant insights into what compels urbanites to adopt OFD services amid a health pandemic. It also allows OFD companies to realign their operation in addressing these concerns and changes in consumer behaviour. Originality/value – Against the backdrop of the pandemic, this study provides insights for OFD providers in developing new strategies and approaches for business development and consumer retention in a postpandemic world

Examining the Antecedents of Ambidextrous Behaviours in Promoting Creativity among SMEs in Malaysia

This study investigates the effect of organizational context and entrepreneurial orientation in facilitating ambidextrous behaviours that shape creativity in Malaysian-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A cross-sectional research design was used with a total of 183 owner-managers. Questionnaires were distributed via email and analysed using Partial Least Squares (SmartPLS). The results reveal that organizational context and entrepreneurial orientation positively predict ambidextrous behaviours. Furthermore, ambidextrous behaviours were found to be positively influencing creativity. This study recommends a possible route in developing innovative firms through ambidextrous behaviours among SMEs in Malaysia. Accordingly, several important implications for academics and industry decision-makers are formulated