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Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) can communicate with their consumers and provide them with relevant information on cost-effective goods or services with the help of social media technologies. Thus, this study investigated the factors influencing social media technologies on SMEs' performance. In addition, this study also tests the capability of social media networks and customer involvement to enhance the positive effect of social media usage. The data was collected from 253 SMEs. Our results show that cost-effectiveness, compatibility, and interactivity, were positively related to social media usage. However, trust was not significantly related to the use of social media. Notably, the positive effect of social media usage and SMEs' performance was positively moderated by the capability of the social media networks and customer involvement. The relationship was more robust when social media capability and customer involvement were high than low. Therefore, this study has highlighted the role of social media usage, customer involvement, and social media capability and their effect on SMEs' performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The importance of brand value has been increasingly recognized in business-to-business (B-to-B) marketing settings. Leek and Christodoulides (2012) proposed a comprehensive B-to-B brand value framework based on qualitative examination, which has yet to be quantitatively examined. As such, the objectives of this study are twofold: first, to quantitatively investigate Leek and Christodoulides’ (2012) B-to-B brand value framework and reveal the relative importance of the various attributes/elements; second, to explore whether the attribute/element priority in Leek and Christodoulides’ (2012) value framework differs for various types of buyers with respect to supplier characteristics, environmental factors, and situational factors. The research context is small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Taiwan. For industrial marketers, a better understanding of attribute/element priority pertaining to brand value is helpful in terms of marketing efficiency and success probability. Methodology/Approach: Based on data from 22 SME buyers in Taiwan, a cluster analysis was performed to classify SME buyers into different buyer groups based on supplier characteristics, environmental factors, and situational factors, while an analytic hierarchy process was used to indicate the preference structure under different buyer groups. Findings: The results reveal that the functional value items outperformed emotional value ones; further, quality, technology, and after-sales service were the top three elements of brand value. However, the attribute/element priority varied across different buyer groups. In general, the importance of functional value items was greater than that of emotional value items for most SME types. Top attributes/elements that exceeded 10% importance weight were almost all function-related, aside from emotion-related credibility—the primary concern (20.3%) of forced SMEs that held pessimistic perceptions regarding the economic environment, and procured within a highly concentrated market structure. Originality/Value: This research study contributes by indicating the relative importance of brand value attributes/elements in the SME context and examining whether the attribute/element priority varies for distinct types of buyers. Based on the results, a target marketing strategy is provided for B-to-B marketers to effectively design marketing offerings and create brand value for their business buyers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the influence of different organisational cultures on e-commerce adoption maturity in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach -- The data for this study were gathered using postal survey questionnaire and analysed using quantitative analysis methods. Findings -- The result indicates a positive correlation between adhocracy culture and e-commerce adoption. However, those firms with hierarchy cultural characteristics indicate a negative correlation in relation to e-commerce adoption. The organisational culture differences explain these issues. Research limitations/implications -- The analysis is conducted in a single country (i.e. Sri Lanka). Initial findings provide a basis for further research in other country. Practical implications -- This research reveals the significance of organisational culture and how it influences e-commerce adoption maturity, both positively and negatively. The research findings are useful for SMEs that are planning or are in the process of implementing or reviewing their e-commerce, as well as for SMEs policy makers and business support community that engaged with e-commerce initiatives. Originality/value -- This study is the first to research the influence of different types of organisational cultures on e-commerce adoption maturity. It fills the research gap by advancing the understanding between the association of organisation cultures and e-commerce adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the currency crisis, Indonesia has undergone rapid economic and political changes. However, the IMF‐directed recovery program, such as decentralization, does not seem successful. Despite the improvised legal system, the implementation of the recovery program is very poor. Lack of consensus on the role of conglomerates and the direction of competition policy, has prevented Indonesia from recovery. Anti‐conglomerate sentiment of the post‐Suharto times has given rise to unbalanced competition law and inconsistency among related laws. Treatment of the banking sector including ownership is a critical factor in the recapitalization process. Due to the similarity between Indonesia and Korea, Korean experiences would help Indonesia to establish the principles on competition policy. The separation principle is strongly recommended for Indonesia at the current development stage, and it is urgent to establish a rule‐based, not a discretion‐based, economy. The problems of conglomerates should be resolved through comprehensive competition policies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]