This research explores Social Cooperatives focusing on what factors characterize a successful soc... more This research explores Social Cooperatives focusing on what factors characterize a successful social cooperative. We apply a case for data collection. Semi-structured interviews and direct observation were used to collect qualitative data. A case on Unitis, a Swedish Social Cooperative, developed in 1998 with the main aim to create employment and to empower disable people by setting up a handicraft cooperative owning it together, has been conducted in its real life context. The results indicate that five factors are important for the success of the cooperative. Social well being and members empowerment, networking to identify and exploit business opportunities, financial independence by adapting innovative business ideas, independence from volunteers and trusting on sustainable own human resources and generation of economic wealth using it for the well being of the members. The research contributes to the literature and theoretical development on social enterprises by analysing a Sw...
ABSTRACT This study analyses how an interest-free cooperative bank is operating and its advantage... more ABSTRACT This study analyses how an interest-free cooperative bank is operating and its advantages. Qualitative data is collected in form of unstructured interviews and direct observation to conduct a case study of an alternative bank JAK Members Bank in Sweden, running an interest-free loan and savings system for individuals and small companies and associations. Cooperative enterprises have been democratically owned and controlled by their members and have taken economic and social responsibility for the development of local societies for the benefits of the members and the society. Our research shows that JAK- Members Bank creates relations with the members by communicating their value base as a cooperative organisation. They get advantage to attract new members by stressing democratic management and members´ sovereignty, educating members, involving young people, networking with people and organisations globally and using mouth to mouth marketing. For the cooperative bank we can see an enlargement of the market and members participation and also need for innovations. New entrepreneurial activities face difficulties because of lack of financial resources. The study contributes to the literature of cooperative financial sector, by presenting a model of successful operation of JAK. We recommend managers to develop networks with members and other stakeholders to promote cooperative financial banking activities in the local economy.
The international market of services is growing at a faster rate. Despite the importance of the s... more The international market of services is growing at a faster rate. Despite the importance of the service sector in both domestic and world markets, the amount of empirical research addressing the internationalization of services remains relatively low. Nature and characteristic of services have made service marketing and study related to it difficult. If the service is set for international market, question around intangibility, quality, and the demand for simultaneous production and consumption is likely to aggravate the situation. As people across the borders are different from a cultural viewpoint, the same service element can be perceived differently making the service internationalization process further difficult. This paper deals with a case of Swedish medical service marketing process in Egypt and offers a profound insight on the complex issue of international services marketing by addressing the following research questions:The data collection was a rigorous process and mainly took place in the form of direct interviews. Eight people including the managing director and the major owner of the Swedish-Egyptian firm were interviewed. Further three local consultants were interviewed and two seminars were held in Egypt to have an idea on general business practice in the host country. The conceptual framework is based on three variables, i.e. cultural adaptation, trust and network. Selling service internationally requires that the service provider is aware of the local taste, preference and habit. To be successful in internationalization, it is usually necessary that some cultural adaptation takes place, probably from both sides. The intangible characteristic of the services requires that trust is built and maintained throughout if the internationalization process has to be successful. Network represents a critical point of investigation in understanding internationalization. Network development is very important where the uncertainty is high due to physical and cultural distance, communication gap and service characteristics themselves which make the offerings heterogeneous, perishable and difficult to readily display. This study shows that cultural adaptation has taken place in respect to timing, building trust in the local environment, handling bureaucratic issues, local traditions and offering services to the clients. Problem of intangibility, heterogeneity and quality has been solved by providing consistent services and establishing links with the medical colleges and other institutions. This research work offers several opportunities for learning. First, it is important to recognize cultural differences and local traditions to design the service concept. Second, there is a need to develop sufficient local contacts and trust to make the service offerings tangible. Finally, the adaptation needs to take place from both sides, otherwise promising factors and strength may be kept outside the final business concept offered to the clients.
PurposeThis study analyses how the system of an interest-free cooperative bank is operating and i... more PurposeThis study analyses how the system of an interest-free cooperative bank is operating and its advantages. JAK is running an interest-free loan and savings system for individuals, small companies and associations. JAK´s philosophy and values are based on the principle that no one should earn money by passive owning of money lending them to others and thus JAK question the traditional financial system. Methodology/ApproachWe study in depth the case of JAK Members Bank. Qualitative data is collected in form of semi-structured interviews and direct observations. Seven people have been interviewed in 2010 and 2012. FindingsOur research shows that JAK- Members Bank creates relations with the members by communicating their value base as a cooperative organisation. They get advantage to attract new members by stressing democratic management and members´ sovereignty, educating members, supporting ecological projects, involving young people, networking with people and organisations locally and globally and using relationships and mouth to mouth marketing. By applying an interest-free saving-borrowing principle the bank succeeds getting people together in a financial alternative relationship. For the enlargement of the market and members participation it is a need for innovations to complete their financial services as a bank and sustain their business. Despite its success, new entrepreneurial activities face difficulties because of lack of access to financial resources which limits JAKs presence and business development. Research LimitationThis research is based on a single case. In future research, similar in-depth studies in Sweden or other countries can show how interest-free banking functions, and the results can be compared with the current study. Implications The study contributes to the literature by presenting a model of successful operation of JAK a cooperative bank. We recommend managers to develop networks with members and other stakeholders to promote cooperative banking activities and social entrepreneurship in the local economy. The structure of the global financial system and its contribution to development is an emerging and challenging issue, can local cooperative banks be considered as a viable local financial initiative? Originality value of the paperIn this research work we developed a theoretical model by combining cooperative identity and cooperative values in a successful operation of an alternative interest-free bank.
Purpose This study aims to increase understanding of factors influencing the international market... more Purpose This study aims to increase understanding of factors influencing the international marketing (IM) strategy of products from emerging markets (EMs) to international markets. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted case studies by collecting qualitative data through semistructured interviews with respondents from four food product companies in Bangladesh. Findings This study finds that the firms employ local Bangladeshi people who are knowledgeable in the company culture. They strategically focus on countries where the Bangladeshi diaspora lives and initially target them, approaching natives later. They adapt and customize products to the importers’ requirements to make them visible and increase understanding between product providers and local customers. The findings show that EM firms encounter a mentality that poor countries produce poor quality products; this mindset makes the internationalization of their business difficult. Research limitations/implications This...
PurposeThis study analyses how the system of an interest-free cooperative bank is operating and i... more PurposeThis study analyses how the system of an interest-free cooperative bank is operating and its advantages. JAK is running an interest-free loan and savings system for individuals, small companies and associations. JAK´s philosophy and values are based on the principle that no one should earn money by passive owning of money lending them to others and thus JAK question the traditional financial system. Methodology/ApproachWe study in depth the case of JAK Members Bank. Qualitative data is collected in form of semi-structured interviews and direct observations. Seven people have been interviewed in 2010 and 2012. FindingsOur research shows that JAK- Members Bank creates relations with the members by communicating their value base as a cooperative organisation. They get advantage to attract new members by stressing democratic management and members´ sovereignty, educating members, supporting ecological projects, involving young people, networking with people and organisations loca...
Iltg Conference in Graz Austria 6 7 April 2006, 2006
The international market of services is growing at a faster rate. Despite the importance of the s... more The international market of services is growing at a faster rate. Despite the importance of the service sector in both domestic and world markets, the amount of empirical research addressing the internationalization of services remains relatively low. Nature and characteristic of services have made service marketing and study related to it difficult. If the service is set for international market, question around intangibility, quality, and the demand for simultaneous production and consumption is likely to aggravate the situation. As people across the borders are different from a cultural viewpoint, the same service element can be perceived differently making the service internationalization process further difficult. This paper deals with a case of Swedish medical service marketing process in Egypt and offers a profound insight on the complex issue of international services marketing by addressing the following research questions:The data collection was a rigorous process and mainly took place in the form of direct interviews. Eight people including the managing director and the major owner of the Swedish-Egyptian firm were interviewed. Further three local consultants were interviewed and two seminars were held in Egypt to have an idea on general business practice in the host country. The conceptual framework is based on three variables, i.e. cultural adaptation, trust and network. Selling service internationally requires that the service provider is aware of the local taste, preference and habit. To be successful in internationalization, it is usually necessary that some cultural adaptation takes place, probably from both sides. The intangible characteristic of the services requires that trust is built and maintained throughout if the internationalization process has to be successful. Network represents a critical point of investigation in understanding internationalization. Network development is very important where the uncertainty is high due to physical and cultural distance, communication gap and service characteristics themselves which make the offerings heterogeneous, perishable and difficult to readily display. This study shows that cultural adaptation has taken place in respect to timing, building trust in the local environment, handling bureaucratic issues, local traditions and offering services to the clients. Problem of intangibility, heterogeneity and quality has been solved by providing consistent services and establishing links with the medical colleges and other institutions. This research work offers several opportunities for learning. First, it is important to recognize cultural differences and local traditions to design the service concept. Second, there is a need to develop sufficient local contacts and trust to make the service offerings tangible. Finally, the adaptation needs to take place from both sides, otherwise promising factors and strength may be kept outside the final business concept offered to the clients.
Purpose of the paper This research analyses credit guarantee associations and their contribution ... more Purpose of the paper This research analyses credit guarantee associations and their contribution to financial solutions in local societies. Credit cooperatives aim to guarantee bank loans for micro, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Research method Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and direct observation with organisations, public authorities, businesses and bank institutions to conduct a case study of Upper Norrlands Credit Guarantee Association (ÖNKGF), in Sweden. Research Findings Cooperative enterprises have been democratically owned and controlled by their members and have taken economic and social responsibility for the development of local societies and businesses for the benefits of the members and the society. The research shows that ÖNKGF creates relations with the members by communicating their value base as a cooperative organisation. They develop cooperation with local banks to support commercial business and entrepreneurs who want ...
Dutch Crossing: Journal of Low Countries Studies, 2016
This research explores Social Enterprises focusing on Social Marketing.It analyses how social mar... more This research explores Social Enterprises focusing on Social Marketing.It analyses how social marketing is used and its impact on social enterprises.Multiple cases were applied for data collection ...
Denna utvärdering behandlar projektet Etablering av två yrkeshögskoleutbildningar i Hofors och Sa... more Denna utvärdering behandlar projektet Etablering av två yrkeshögskoleutbildningar i Hofors och Sandviken. Syftet med utvärderingen är att studera projektmedlemmarnas inställning till etablering av programmen. Utvärderingen bygger på intervjuer och ...
This paper concerns the value of international exchanges at Universities. It carries forward the ... more This paper concerns the value of international exchanges at Universities. It carries forward the exploration of a link between international exchanges and the quality of higher education. The method used is based on a description of my own experience as an international departmental co-ordinator and a teacher, discussions with teachers and students who have been on exchange programmes and a critical reflection on the work that has been done at The Department of Business Administration, University of Gavle.The study showed that teachers´ and students´ exchange creates creativity and curiosity and makes the quality of teaching better by developing knowledge from different perspectives. That means, students/teachers get knowledge i.e. on using other pedagogical methods and languages and in organising and keeping new relations. The exchange develops the social skills of teachers and students and the understanding between people from different societies. To summarize, international excha...
This research deals with the influence of microfinance/microcredits on business development analy... more This research deals with the influence of microfinance/microcredits on business development analyzing how micro finances affect establishment of small enterprises in Sweden. For the analysis, the f ...
This research analyzes how culture impacts on the international marketing strategy of a Swedish h... more This research analyzes how culture impacts on the international marketing strategy of a Swedish health service provider in India. It examines how confidence in the market is achieved to establish and maintain trust and relationships, which influence the level of standardization and adaption in the market. A case study was conducted and an inductive qualitative research method applied. Data have been collected in the form of semi-structured interviews, direct observation and company documents. We found that the cultural dimensions of power distance, individualism/collectivism and masculinity and femininity imact on trust development, relationships and standardization and adaptation. The study highlights the importance of the cultural context in marketing health services. It reveals that respect for the human face and social responsibility in regional development are required to cultivate relationships and to develop trust and networks. The research contributes to international servic...
This research explores Social Cooperatives focusing on what factors characterize a successful soc... more This research explores Social Cooperatives focusing on what factors characterize a successful social cooperative. We apply a case for data collection. Semi-structured interviews and direct observation were used to collect qualitative data. A case on Unitis, a Swedish Social Cooperative, developed in 1998 with the main aim to create employment and to empower disable people by setting up a handicraft cooperative owning it together, has been conducted in its real life context. The results indicate that five factors are important for the success of the cooperative. Social well being and members empowerment, networking to identify and exploit business opportunities, financial independence by adapting innovative business ideas, independence from volunteers and trusting on sustainable own human resources and generation of economic wealth using it for the well being of the members. The research contributes to the literature and theoretical development on social enterprises by analysing a Sw...
ABSTRACT This study analyses how an interest-free cooperative bank is operating and its advantage... more ABSTRACT This study analyses how an interest-free cooperative bank is operating and its advantages. Qualitative data is collected in form of unstructured interviews and direct observation to conduct a case study of an alternative bank JAK Members Bank in Sweden, running an interest-free loan and savings system for individuals and small companies and associations. Cooperative enterprises have been democratically owned and controlled by their members and have taken economic and social responsibility for the development of local societies for the benefits of the members and the society. Our research shows that JAK- Members Bank creates relations with the members by communicating their value base as a cooperative organisation. They get advantage to attract new members by stressing democratic management and members´ sovereignty, educating members, involving young people, networking with people and organisations globally and using mouth to mouth marketing. For the cooperative bank we can see an enlargement of the market and members participation and also need for innovations. New entrepreneurial activities face difficulties because of lack of financial resources. The study contributes to the literature of cooperative financial sector, by presenting a model of successful operation of JAK. We recommend managers to develop networks with members and other stakeholders to promote cooperative financial banking activities in the local economy.
The international market of services is growing at a faster rate. Despite the importance of the s... more The international market of services is growing at a faster rate. Despite the importance of the service sector in both domestic and world markets, the amount of empirical research addressing the internationalization of services remains relatively low. Nature and characteristic of services have made service marketing and study related to it difficult. If the service is set for international market, question around intangibility, quality, and the demand for simultaneous production and consumption is likely to aggravate the situation. As people across the borders are different from a cultural viewpoint, the same service element can be perceived differently making the service internationalization process further difficult. This paper deals with a case of Swedish medical service marketing process in Egypt and offers a profound insight on the complex issue of international services marketing by addressing the following research questions:The data collection was a rigorous process and mainly took place in the form of direct interviews. Eight people including the managing director and the major owner of the Swedish-Egyptian firm were interviewed. Further three local consultants were interviewed and two seminars were held in Egypt to have an idea on general business practice in the host country. The conceptual framework is based on three variables, i.e. cultural adaptation, trust and network. Selling service internationally requires that the service provider is aware of the local taste, preference and habit. To be successful in internationalization, it is usually necessary that some cultural adaptation takes place, probably from both sides. The intangible characteristic of the services requires that trust is built and maintained throughout if the internationalization process has to be successful. Network represents a critical point of investigation in understanding internationalization. Network development is very important where the uncertainty is high due to physical and cultural distance, communication gap and service characteristics themselves which make the offerings heterogeneous, perishable and difficult to readily display. This study shows that cultural adaptation has taken place in respect to timing, building trust in the local environment, handling bureaucratic issues, local traditions and offering services to the clients. Problem of intangibility, heterogeneity and quality has been solved by providing consistent services and establishing links with the medical colleges and other institutions. This research work offers several opportunities for learning. First, it is important to recognize cultural differences and local traditions to design the service concept. Second, there is a need to develop sufficient local contacts and trust to make the service offerings tangible. Finally, the adaptation needs to take place from both sides, otherwise promising factors and strength may be kept outside the final business concept offered to the clients.
PurposeThis study analyses how the system of an interest-free cooperative bank is operating and i... more PurposeThis study analyses how the system of an interest-free cooperative bank is operating and its advantages. JAK is running an interest-free loan and savings system for individuals, small companies and associations. JAK´s philosophy and values are based on the principle that no one should earn money by passive owning of money lending them to others and thus JAK question the traditional financial system. Methodology/ApproachWe study in depth the case of JAK Members Bank. Qualitative data is collected in form of semi-structured interviews and direct observations. Seven people have been interviewed in 2010 and 2012. FindingsOur research shows that JAK- Members Bank creates relations with the members by communicating their value base as a cooperative organisation. They get advantage to attract new members by stressing democratic management and members´ sovereignty, educating members, supporting ecological projects, involving young people, networking with people and organisations locally and globally and using relationships and mouth to mouth marketing. By applying an interest-free saving-borrowing principle the bank succeeds getting people together in a financial alternative relationship. For the enlargement of the market and members participation it is a need for innovations to complete their financial services as a bank and sustain their business. Despite its success, new entrepreneurial activities face difficulties because of lack of access to financial resources which limits JAKs presence and business development. Research LimitationThis research is based on a single case. In future research, similar in-depth studies in Sweden or other countries can show how interest-free banking functions, and the results can be compared with the current study. Implications The study contributes to the literature by presenting a model of successful operation of JAK a cooperative bank. We recommend managers to develop networks with members and other stakeholders to promote cooperative banking activities and social entrepreneurship in the local economy. The structure of the global financial system and its contribution to development is an emerging and challenging issue, can local cooperative banks be considered as a viable local financial initiative? Originality value of the paperIn this research work we developed a theoretical model by combining cooperative identity and cooperative values in a successful operation of an alternative interest-free bank.
Purpose This study aims to increase understanding of factors influencing the international market... more Purpose This study aims to increase understanding of factors influencing the international marketing (IM) strategy of products from emerging markets (EMs) to international markets. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted case studies by collecting qualitative data through semistructured interviews with respondents from four food product companies in Bangladesh. Findings This study finds that the firms employ local Bangladeshi people who are knowledgeable in the company culture. They strategically focus on countries where the Bangladeshi diaspora lives and initially target them, approaching natives later. They adapt and customize products to the importers’ requirements to make them visible and increase understanding between product providers and local customers. The findings show that EM firms encounter a mentality that poor countries produce poor quality products; this mindset makes the internationalization of their business difficult. Research limitations/implications This...
PurposeThis study analyses how the system of an interest-free cooperative bank is operating and i... more PurposeThis study analyses how the system of an interest-free cooperative bank is operating and its advantages. JAK is running an interest-free loan and savings system for individuals, small companies and associations. JAK´s philosophy and values are based on the principle that no one should earn money by passive owning of money lending them to others and thus JAK question the traditional financial system. Methodology/ApproachWe study in depth the case of JAK Members Bank. Qualitative data is collected in form of semi-structured interviews and direct observations. Seven people have been interviewed in 2010 and 2012. FindingsOur research shows that JAK- Members Bank creates relations with the members by communicating their value base as a cooperative organisation. They get advantage to attract new members by stressing democratic management and members´ sovereignty, educating members, supporting ecological projects, involving young people, networking with people and organisations loca...
Iltg Conference in Graz Austria 6 7 April 2006, 2006
The international market of services is growing at a faster rate. Despite the importance of the s... more The international market of services is growing at a faster rate. Despite the importance of the service sector in both domestic and world markets, the amount of empirical research addressing the internationalization of services remains relatively low. Nature and characteristic of services have made service marketing and study related to it difficult. If the service is set for international market, question around intangibility, quality, and the demand for simultaneous production and consumption is likely to aggravate the situation. As people across the borders are different from a cultural viewpoint, the same service element can be perceived differently making the service internationalization process further difficult. This paper deals with a case of Swedish medical service marketing process in Egypt and offers a profound insight on the complex issue of international services marketing by addressing the following research questions:The data collection was a rigorous process and mainly took place in the form of direct interviews. Eight people including the managing director and the major owner of the Swedish-Egyptian firm were interviewed. Further three local consultants were interviewed and two seminars were held in Egypt to have an idea on general business practice in the host country. The conceptual framework is based on three variables, i.e. cultural adaptation, trust and network. Selling service internationally requires that the service provider is aware of the local taste, preference and habit. To be successful in internationalization, it is usually necessary that some cultural adaptation takes place, probably from both sides. The intangible characteristic of the services requires that trust is built and maintained throughout if the internationalization process has to be successful. Network represents a critical point of investigation in understanding internationalization. Network development is very important where the uncertainty is high due to physical and cultural distance, communication gap and service characteristics themselves which make the offerings heterogeneous, perishable and difficult to readily display. This study shows that cultural adaptation has taken place in respect to timing, building trust in the local environment, handling bureaucratic issues, local traditions and offering services to the clients. Problem of intangibility, heterogeneity and quality has been solved by providing consistent services and establishing links with the medical colleges and other institutions. This research work offers several opportunities for learning. First, it is important to recognize cultural differences and local traditions to design the service concept. Second, there is a need to develop sufficient local contacts and trust to make the service offerings tangible. Finally, the adaptation needs to take place from both sides, otherwise promising factors and strength may be kept outside the final business concept offered to the clients.
Purpose of the paper This research analyses credit guarantee associations and their contribution ... more Purpose of the paper This research analyses credit guarantee associations and their contribution to financial solutions in local societies. Credit cooperatives aim to guarantee bank loans for micro, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Research method Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and direct observation with organisations, public authorities, businesses and bank institutions to conduct a case study of Upper Norrlands Credit Guarantee Association (ÖNKGF), in Sweden. Research Findings Cooperative enterprises have been democratically owned and controlled by their members and have taken economic and social responsibility for the development of local societies and businesses for the benefits of the members and the society. The research shows that ÖNKGF creates relations with the members by communicating their value base as a cooperative organisation. They develop cooperation with local banks to support commercial business and entrepreneurs who want ...
Dutch Crossing: Journal of Low Countries Studies, 2016
This research explores Social Enterprises focusing on Social Marketing.It analyses how social mar... more This research explores Social Enterprises focusing on Social Marketing.It analyses how social marketing is used and its impact on social enterprises.Multiple cases were applied for data collection ...
Denna utvärdering behandlar projektet Etablering av två yrkeshögskoleutbildningar i Hofors och Sa... more Denna utvärdering behandlar projektet Etablering av två yrkeshögskoleutbildningar i Hofors och Sandviken. Syftet med utvärderingen är att studera projektmedlemmarnas inställning till etablering av programmen. Utvärderingen bygger på intervjuer och ...
This paper concerns the value of international exchanges at Universities. It carries forward the ... more This paper concerns the value of international exchanges at Universities. It carries forward the exploration of a link between international exchanges and the quality of higher education. The method used is based on a description of my own experience as an international departmental co-ordinator and a teacher, discussions with teachers and students who have been on exchange programmes and a critical reflection on the work that has been done at The Department of Business Administration, University of Gavle.The study showed that teachers´ and students´ exchange creates creativity and curiosity and makes the quality of teaching better by developing knowledge from different perspectives. That means, students/teachers get knowledge i.e. on using other pedagogical methods and languages and in organising and keeping new relations. The exchange develops the social skills of teachers and students and the understanding between people from different societies. To summarize, international excha...
This research deals with the influence of microfinance/microcredits on business development analy... more This research deals with the influence of microfinance/microcredits on business development analyzing how micro finances affect establishment of small enterprises in Sweden. For the analysis, the f ...
This research analyzes how culture impacts on the international marketing strategy of a Swedish h... more This research analyzes how culture impacts on the international marketing strategy of a Swedish health service provider in India. It examines how confidence in the market is achieved to establish and maintain trust and relationships, which influence the level of standardization and adaption in the market. A case study was conducted and an inductive qualitative research method applied. Data have been collected in the form of semi-structured interviews, direct observation and company documents. We found that the cultural dimensions of power distance, individualism/collectivism and masculinity and femininity imact on trust development, relationships and standardization and adaptation. The study highlights the importance of the cultural context in marketing health services. It reveals that respect for the human face and social responsibility in regional development are required to cultivate relationships and to develop trust and networks. The research contributes to international servic...
Uploads