Global retailers are expanding their business to countries with diverse cultures and consumer preferences. Competitive and sustainable retail chains require advanced e-services linked to in-store digital innovations. This research focuses on cultural dimensions and the implications of implementing global and internet-linked e-service innovations. The research studies how cultural dimensions influence consumers' attitudes toward five types of retail innovations. The cultural dimensions include uncertainty avoidance and collectivistic cultural dimensions to predict acceptance. The research case compares differences between Taiwanese and Swedish university students. A multi-attribute model shows that Taiwanese prefer innovations with a lower level of self-service. On the other hand, Swedish prefer opposite types of retail innovations. We propose future research to show that these barriers of acceptance can be lowered through the use of advertising, social media, and in-store interaction between customers and staff. The research yields new research directions to help international retailers develop competitive strategies to fit the cultural characteristics of consumers.
The potential of human factors and ergonomics (HFE) contributions to business performances is underestimated. Companies have a narrow understanding of ergonomics and do not perceive it as a strategic partner. In order to call for attention within the HFE community and in the business world, the authors conducted a series of interviews with eleven leading HFE experts on their visions of HFE as a strategic aid to business. Results indicate the challenges and issues along with the opportunities and activities for cooperation between HFE professionals and business managers. The research illustrates examples of the crucial changes that must take place for the enhancement of HFE values and opens the floor for it as a strategic partner to business managers. HFE experts are recommended as key players and responsible actors for implementation of the changes with the aim of repositioning HFE within businesses.
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