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Purpose - The results which that study seeks to report are the first part of a larger research programme funded by the New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science & Technology (FRST) aimed at gaining a better understanding of stakeholder perceptions in relation to bio-based products. Design/methodology/approach - Utilising three chemically modified wood products, data were collected from focus groups and questionnaires and centred primarily on perceptions surrounding the acceptability of building materials that have been bio-modified. Irrespective of the type of chemical modification, family health and durability were the most important factors identified. Findings - The study finds that product cost rated lower in the 16 factors evaluated, and energy used in production was of little concern. When comparing the three products to one another, two distinct groups with quite differing purchasing philosophies were identified and these perspectives significantly influenced perceptions of product acceptability and willingness to purchase. Utilising a paired comparison technique, an investigation of trade-offs indicated preference for performance over cost and product familiarity. Similarly, low chemical emissions were also preferred over cost considerations. Among the findings, there was scepticism regarding trust in manufacturers to adequately safeguard health and safety and to have a minimum impact on the environment. Low levels of trust were expressed in regard to manufacturers' concern for future generations. Originality/value - The paper develops an investigative framework which could be applied to the evaluation of products arising from bio-material technology innovation and recommendations for future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between religion and entrepreneurship and whether religious practice impacts on how individuals view the individual and societal contribution of business enterprise. As ethnic diversity is increasing within the Western world, so too is the religious mix of value systems and religious belief systems that come with such diversity/religions. Paralleling increasing diversity is the decreasing participation rates in the traditional Christian churches. The paper questions the impact of this changing religious mix on entrepreneurial participation and perception. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 2,000 randomly-selected New Zealanders were telephone-surveyed to measure their perceptions of individual and societal impacts of entrepreneurial participation and religious practice. Findings – The findings indicate that increasing ethnic diversity and associated religious value systems are certainly not going to negatively reduce the business start-up rate. If anything, the start-up rate may be enhanced. Originality/value – The paper shows that the value that New Zealand society places upon entrepreneurship is not diminished by the increasing religious diversity in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]