The aim of this study is to identify the factors affecting the credibility of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) stimulation through Social Networking Sites (SNSs) through an empirical model providing both theoretical understandings and practical implications. The proposed framework explicates the consumer’s use of SNSs as a tool for information sharing and its effect on brand image and online purchase intentions. The consumer survey was done through a structured questionnaire developed in accordance with the literature. Data was collected from 256 respondents, using both offline and online modes from 4 different cities of India. Structural Equation Modeling was employed to estimate the proposed model and determine the antecedents of consumer eWOM credibility and in turn its effect on brand image leading to consumer purchase intentions. The results show SNS activities play a significant role in creating eWOM credibility, which leads to shaping the brand image and purchase intentions. The findings would help companies to create a positive brand image to enhance their purchase intentions through eWOM aroused via SNSs.

This article is an empirical investigation into the role of the CEO manager in the affiliates of multinational corporations operating in the Middle East. Grounded in a literature review of the reasons for employing either parent country nationals (PCNs) or host country nationals (HCNs) in top management position in foreign subsidiaries, a number of factors influencing the choice between these alternatives are identified. Using a data collected from 147 multinational companies (MNCs) operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the influence of each of these factors on this selection is empirically tested with the help of primary data. The study proposed that the relationship between the home and host country managers could be linked to agency theory (with the ‘classical’ principal–agent relationship) and to resource dependency theory (implying relations between the branch and other partners based on interdependence). Our results show that the agency and resource dependency mechanisms are indeed used side by side and complementary to each other to exercise control. Home country managers can strategize to implement control by the informal and social means by positioning a sizeable number of managers from the home country within the subsidiary. Indeed, our results revealed this as true.

The three levels of the industrial sector in Saudi Arabia (primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors) are collectively regarded as a pillar of the economy, with great potential that offers attractive job prospects. Therefore, the success of Saudi private sector companies and foreign companies operating in the Kingdom is pivotal. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of incentives and rewards on the performance of employees in the Saudi industrial sectors, and the role of job satisfaction in this relationship. The research population consisted of employees working with the industrial sectors in Eastern Region in Saudi Arabia, and the sample comprised 216 full-time employees. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used as a statistical method for testing the hypotheses. The results demonstrated that there is an insignificant direct effect between incentives and rewards, and employees’ performance. However, evidence shows a significant direct effect between incentives and rewards, and job satisfaction, as well as a significant direct effect between the mediating variable, job satisfaction, and performance. Furthermore, when job satisfaction acts as a mediator, the influence of incentives and rewards on employees’ performance is significant. The research findings have notable theoretical and practical implications for incentive and rewards systems. The present study seeks to further our understanding of the incentive and reward effect on employees’ performance by examining job satisfaction as a mediating variable to the relationship. Additionally, the study attempts to explain how the relationship between proposed variables works in Saudi cultural context, which differs than Western contexts where most of the previous studies have been conducted. Analyzing employee job satisfaction as a mediator facilitates a better understanding of how and why different forms of incentives and rewards enhance employees’ behavior at work.

The aim of this study is to identify the factors influencing the adoption of cloud computing. The Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) Framework was utilized to analyze the organizational-level adoption of cloud technology using three contexts that might influence decision-makers to use such technology. A quantitative research approach was employed to analyze the hypothesis. Data was collected via a questionnaire-based survey involving 110 participants comprising mid-level managers and IT specialists from a public health organization. The inferential sta-tistical results show that among the three types of context, certain factors influenced decision makers to adopt cloud computing technology. These factors are relative advantage, compatibility of technology, management support, techno-logical readiness, and competition pressure. This research provides fruitful insight and contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field of technology management, specifically cloud computing technology, and has research and practical implications.

The aim of this study is to identify the factors of social media marketing involved in creating electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) via social networking sites (SNSs), and the impact e-WOM has on brand image and purchase intention. A proposed integrated model was developed in accordance with theoretical background. Structural equation modelling was applied to analyze the data obtained from 622 social media users in Saudi Arabia to test our research model. The results indicate that social media marketing activities have a significant positive direct effect on creating e-WOM. The research findings also show the impact of e-WOM on generating a positive brand image. In addition, a positive brand image initiated by e-WOM communication promotes intention to purchase among social network users. This research contributes to broadening the scope of the literature by providing a comprehensive and empirical model with integrated variables. In practical terms, the current study offers insight, to social media marketing managers, in terms of improving the effectiveness of their business decisions, developing successful communication channels, and continuously refining their marketing strategies for the competitive arena of social network sites based on the research model and findings.