Abstract This paper is one of the first to propose a research model to assess the quality and satisfaction perceived by low-income Brazilian patients using public healthcare services, under the moderating effect of perceived crowding. The model was evaluated from data obtained from 417 patients, and its proposed relationships and statistics were tested through Structural Equation Modeling using a Partial Least Squares approach (PLS-SEM). To explore the moderating effect of perceived crowding, the sample was divided into two groups and tested by employing multi-group analysis (MGA). The results show that Reliability, Safety, Tangibles, Empathy and Responsiveness have a positive effect on Perceived Healthcare Quality (PHQ), which, in turn, has a marked effect on patient satisfaction (PS), ergo, PHQ acts as antecedent of PS. However, perceived crowding has no moderating effect on any relationship in the model.

Resumo Este trabalho é um dos primeiros a propor um modelo de pesquisa que avalie a qualidade percebida e satisfação de pacientes brasileiros de baixa-renda em relação aos serviços públicos de saúde sob o efeito moderador do crowding percebido. O modelo é avaliado por meio de dados obtidos de 417 pacientes e tanto suas relações propostas, quanto suas estatísticas foram testadas por meio da Modelagem de Equações Estruturais com a Abordagem de Mínimos Quadrados Parciais (PLS-SEM). A fim de explorar o efeito moderador do crowding percebido, a amostra foi dividida em dois grupos e testada por meio do emprego da análise multigrupo (MGA). Os resultados demonstraram que a Confiabilidade, Segurança, Aspectos Tangíveis, Empatia e Capacidade de Resposta tem um efeito positivo na Qualidade Percebida do Serviço (QPS) que, por sua vez, tem um impacto positivo na satisfação dos pacientes (SP), logo, QPS atua como antecendente da SP. O crowding percebido, contudo, não possui efeito moderador em nenhuma das relações do modelo.

Abstract Purpose This study aims to evaluate the influence of factors attributed to relationship attractiveness between supplier and customer, from the supplier’s perspective. Design/methodology/approach The empirical exercise was based on the use of multivariate data analysis with confirmatory factor analysis and a partial least squares approach to structural equation modeling. Findings The study resulted in a robust model, with a high explanatory factor for the latent variable relational attractiveness and commitment was the most influential factor, followed by expected value and interorganizational trust. Research limitations/implications Some limitations of the study can be highlighted: conducting research in a single cooperative and with a single audience; choosing a short-cycle supply chain, which may make it difficult to generalize to other industries; the cross-section nature of data also hinders the analysis to understand how the association between variables of interest may vary over time. Practical implications The negative influence of interpersonal trust reinforces the importance of developing collaborative attitudes between parties, whereas the non-significant value for dependence (financial and volume dependence) shows this is not a risk factor for relational attractiveness in a supply chain. Such results provide evidence on how to develop relationship management between suppliers and customers that are part of the same supply chain. Social implications It offers a new perspective for research in cooperatives, which still have no consensus on the motivating factors for members’ participation, including as evidence the results of the largest flower producing center in Latin America. The more a cooperative succeeds in increasing relational attractiveness, the greater the cooperative power and the ability to adapt to shocks and changes, which are fundamental factors for the success and longevity of the cooperative. Originality/value The research presents a model that is comprehensive enough to fit in different contexts and consider its specific characteristics. Additionally, this paper has added in-depth information on the relational attractiveness relationships in the context of a developing country.

Abstract Purpose This study aims to identify the marginal impact of introducing a signal attribute of pasture-raised beef on consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for other independent attributes. Design/methodology/approach The study is divided into two steps. The first, qualitative, consisted of investigating the values consumers have regarding beef production. To this end, 52 interviews with Brazilian and US consumers were conducted using laddering. In the second, quantitative, six experiments, (face to face and online) with 267 consumers of beef were performed. Findings As a result, the main value found for the Brazilians was security, while for the Americans was self-direction. For consumers, the WTP for animal welfare was the most important in the choice experiments where this information was present. Originality/value These findings offer an alternate beef differentiation, enabling it to be sold with higher added value by integrating these.

Vários são os apelos para se introduzirem as discussões ambientais nos conteúdos programáticos dos cursos de graduação em Administração. A educação ambiental é vista como um elemento indispensável para a transformação da consciência dos alunos. O objetivo do estudo foi caracterizar a dimensão ambiental do comportamento de futuros administradores e explorar condições, desafios e perspectivas para a ampliação da formação socioambiental nos projetos pedagógicos da escola de gestão analisada. Foram aplicados questionários de mensuração do comportamento ambiental numa amostra de 341 graduandos em Administração de uma instituição de ensino superior de São Paulo, que tiveram formação em meio ambiente ao longo de sua trajetória educacional. Procedeu-se à construção de um modelo fatorial e à aglomeração dos dados por meio de uma análise de conglomerados. Pelos dados analisados, pode-se considerar que a formação e o avanço da consciência ambiental ainda representam grandes desafios para essa escola de gestão, exigindo um profundo repensar dos métodos de ensino em Administração.

There have been several requests to introduce environmental discussions within the program content of undergraduate courses in Business Administration. Environmental education is seen as an indispensable element when it comes to transforming student awareness. The objective of the study was to characterize the environmental dimension of the behavior of future managers and explore the conditions, challenges and prospects for broadening social and environmental training in the teaching projects of the business school that was analyzed. Questionnaires were used for measuring environmental behavior in a sample of 341 Business Administration undergraduate students from a higher education institution in São Paulo who received environmental education throughout their course. A factor model was constructed and data were agglomerated using cluster analysis. The analysis revealed that the training and advance of environmental awareness represent major challenges for business schools, demanding that Business Administration teaching methods be profoundly reconsidered.