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In studying the relationship between individualism–collectivism and team performance, empirical research has shown that individualistic team members exert a negative influence on team performance. However, theoretical understanding of why this relationship exists is lacking. Addressing this gap in the literature, this research proposes a theoretical model of the relationship between individualism–collectivism and team performance by integrating two previously distinct theories, social identity theory and the social relations model. Drawing upon these theories, we propose that team identification, meta-perception accuracy, and team identity will mediate the relationship between individualism–collectivism and team performance. Further, we posit that task interdependence will moderate the relationship between individualism–collectivism and team identifi-cation. In developing our work, we formulate testable propositions which are aligned with the specific relationships shown in our model. After presenting our model and propositions, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our work, and suggest areas for future research.

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Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in consumer reactions to high- versus low-equity brands in terms of consumer attitude toward the brand, involvement with the brand, company credibility and consumer purchase intentions. Design/methodology/approach – Experimental procedure is conducted to test three hypotheses using 317 consumer participants. The experiment is carried out comparing a high-equity personal computer (PC) brand and a low-equity PC brand involved in product-harm crisis. Findings – The results indicate that, in the case of product-harm crisis, negative consumer perceptions regardless of brand equity level; less negative perceptions for a high-equity brand than for a low-equity brand; and smaller loss in consumer perceptions for a high-equity brand than for a low-equity brand. Research limitations/implications – The findings highlight the importance of brand equity in crisis management explained by covariation theory of attributions. Practical implications – Although product-harm crisis is inevitable for many firms, continuous investment in brand equity can mitigate the negative consequences. Originality/value – Product-harm crisis can pose serious consequences for firms on both financial and intangible dimensions. Given the occurrence of numerous product-harm crises involving both reputable and less known brands, it is important to consider potential influences of brand equity on consumer reactions to such crisis.

The authors examined the unique moderating potential of need for achievement, perceived organizational support, and faith in management on the relationship between perceptions of politics across 3 hierarchical levels (one's peer level, 1 level up, and at the highest level in the organization) and depressed mood at work. Results from 173 full-time employees, representing a wide range of occupations, supported the hypotheses. Specifically, the authors found that need for achievement interacted with perceived politics at one's peer level, perceived organizational support interacted with perceived politics at 1 level up, and faith in management interacted with politics perceived at the highest levels in the organization to relate to depressed mood at work. Contributions of this study, strengths and limitations, and future research directions are provided.