Maik Huettinger - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Maik Huettinger

Research paper thumbnail of Taxation of robots – what would have been the view of Smith and Marx on it?

Taxation of robots – what would have been the view of Smith and Marx on it?

International Journal of Social Economics, Nov 19, 2019

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to approach the issue of taxation of robotic process automat... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to approach the issue of taxation of robotic process automation (RPA) through an interpretive lens provided by both Adam Smith and Karl Marx. Both scholars have affected the understanding and attitudes of generations of economists, and their ideas have considerable influenced modern economic policy. It will be argued that Smith and Marx have much to offer to help contemporary economists understand the taxation of RPA, and their writings on machines, automation, and their impact on the human labor force will be discussed from their primary texts. Design/methodology/approach The paper interprets the works of Marx and Smith in relation to contemporary debates on automation, particularly, proposals to tax technological innovations to offset the social costs of automation’s displacement effects. Findings In the case of Adam Smith, there is not enough evidence to suggest that he would support a specific taxation of RPA; however, he very well might agree with a modest taxation of capital goods. Marx would very likely support a taxation in the short-run, however, would be inclined to caution that the ownership of robots should in the long run be transferred to society. Originality/value This paper uses primary texts from the discipline of history of economic thought to spark a discussion about compensating the externalities of technological innovation.

Research paper thumbnail of Smithian insights on automation and the future of work

Futures, Aug 1, 2019

Highlights  'Future of work' studies (FOWS) share an overreliance on measuring the 'technical fe... more Highlights  'Future of work' studies (FOWS) share an overreliance on measuring the 'technical feasibility' of automation.  FOWS overemphasise the trade-offs between unemployment and productivity.  Adam Smith points to a more holistic approach that FOWS could straightforwardly take into account.  Smith's ideas on innovation suggest important non-technical determinates of advances in automated technologies.  A Smithian perspective would highlight the benefits that fuller automation may bring to workers.

Research paper thumbnail of Relative Capitalist Systems and Fairness in the Baltics: The Case of Lithuania

Ekonomika, 2013

This paper deals with the concept of fairness as it is applied to economic decision making in dif... more This paper deals with the concept of fairness as it is applied to economic decision making in different cultures. The objective of the research is to determine whether the concept of fairness can be applied universally throughout all cultures by doing a study in Lithuania and comparing it to similar studies done in other countries. Lithuania was chosen because it belongs to the group of the Baltic advanced transition countries with their own unique form of capitalism. We find that Lithuanians are more apt to consider price or wage changes as fair as long as there is an underlying macroeconomic reasoning for the price change. These effects were found to hold true in spite of the framing effects of loss aversion found in previous studies.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Oil Refinery Market Power on Retail Fuel Prices in the European Union

Ekonomika, Jan 11, 2017

The present study investigates the degree to which imperfect competition in the oil sector affect... more The present study investigates the degree to which imperfect competition in the oil sector affects end retail prices. Specifically, we test how positive and negative price shocks in the oil market translate to final retail prices for petrol, diesel, and heating oil prices, focusing on the asymmetry of the price changes. We assume that the higher the level of imperfect competition, the more asymmetric the price change between the initial oil and final retail products will be. In addition, we also test the degree to which uncertainty, or oil price volatility, affects the final prices for these same products. We find that our proxy for market power does affect retail price asymmetries and that increasing volatility lowers retail price asymmetries.

Research paper thumbnail of No woman, no aggressive tax planning? A study on CEO gender and effective tax rates in the Lithuanian retail sector

No woman, no aggressive tax planning? A study on CEO gender and effective tax rates in the Lithuanian retail sector

Review of Behavioral Finance, Mar 9, 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether switching to a CEO of the opposite sex... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether switching to a CEO of the opposite sex affects the tax aggressiveness of firms.Design/methodology/approachRegression analysis using a difference in difference approach and propensity score matching on a dataset of 8,798 firms from 2007 to 2017.FindingsThe authors find evidence that switching to a female CEO reduces the effective tax rate paid, implying a higher level of tax aggressiveness.Social implicationsThe findings contradict the narrative that female CEOs are less tax aggressive.Originality/valueThe authors are the first (to the best of the authors' knowledge) to specifically investigate if changing the CEO gender has an impact on the effective tax rate paid by the firm.

Research paper thumbnail of Žmogaus Nevaldomi Saitai: Automatinės Savitarnos Poveikis Pirkėjų Lojalumui

Žmogaus Nevaldomi Saitai: Automatinės Savitarnos Poveikis Pirkėjų Lojalumui

Self-service is a type of service, where a customer can perceive his/her buying action with more ... more Self-service is a type of service, where a customer can perceive his/her buying action with more self-involvement. Since a customer has an impact on the quality of the creation of the service experience, it naturally has an effect on the image of the company. The loyalty to a store or a brand is affected by the customer’s experience as well. This effect on customer attraction to a company is an important variable in business. The literature therefore identified four main loyalty forms in the area of consumer behavior: brand loyalty, vendor loyalty, store loyalty and service loyalty. Before installation and during the usage of self-service automated systems, it is useful for vendors to know if it would not discourage some customers. Yet, the affect of self-service option deployment on customer loyalty is not known. The purpose of the research was to investigate and relate certain consumers’ traits to the usage/preference of self-service technology. It was discovered that, on average,...

Research paper thumbnail of Unmanned Bonds: the Impact of Self-Automated Service on Consumer Loyalty

Engineering Economics, 2011

Self-service is a type of service, where a customer can perceive his/her buying action with more ... more Self-service is a type of service, where a customer can perceive his/her buying action with more self-involvement. Since a customer has an impact on the quality of the creation of the service experience, it naturally has an effect on the image of the company. The loyalty to a store or a brand is affected by the customer's experience as well. This effect on customer attraction to a company is an important variable in business. The literature therefore identified four main loyalty forms in the area of consumer behavior: brand loyalty, vendor loyalty, store loyalty and service loyalty. Before installation and during the usage of self-service automated systems, it is useful for vendors to know if it would not discourage some customers. Yet, the affect of self-service option deployment on customer loyalty is not known. The purpose of the research was to investigate and relate certain consumers' traits to the usage/preference of self-service technology. It was discovered that, on average, more than 50% are active users and prefer ASS to personal service. The discovery of enhanced attitude towards a company, which offers self-service option, suggests opportunities of new type of loyalty development. The structure of the paper is determined by the scope of the research purpose. In the first two parts of the paper, the theoretical framework behind the proposed approach was evaluated. The methodological and analysis chapter discusses consumer behavior from a service and store loyalty perspective. The hypothesis of this paper is that the choice of self-service technology leads to a trait in that technology, resulting in a positive attitude towards the company. The empirical research is based on a sample of 547 respondents and addresses the potential existence of technology-driven loyalty. Usage patterns and opinions are assessed. Comparison of means and binomial regression were used to test for significant linkages between traits and usage/preference for self-service technologies. Research objectives were: a) review the literature about consumer interaction with self-service technologies and identify missing gaps/contradictions in existing knowledge b) describe consumer traits, that are influential for certain attitudes towards self-service technologies c) evaluate the importance of different consumer traits for preference and usage, using a statistical analysis and data from the survey; classify the traits on demographical parameters and d) provide recommendations for further exploration and implications for practical application. The findings indicate that consumers with a positive attitude towards self-service machines express an increased attraction to service providers. However, the frequency of usage has not a significant impact on the perception off self-service technology attributes. Furthermore, the findings show that the perceived advantages of self-service technology are homogenous among various users groups. The enhanced attitude towards a company, which offers a self-service option, suggests opportunities of a new type of loyalty development. Moreover, customers were grouped by demographic variables, indicating that younger and higher income customers are more loyal to technology-related service attributes.

Research paper thumbnail of A frAMEWOrK fOr ASSESSiNG ThE lOW-fArE MOdEl iN ThE AirliNE iNduSTrY

Abstract. Despite the popularity of the “low-fare ” (or sometimes called “no-frills”) airline bus... more Abstract. Despite the popularity of the “low-fare ” (or sometimes called “no-frills”) airline business model, no comprehensive framework has ever been developed to evaluate the level of implementation of this business model. In the paper, we propose a framework for evaluating the extent to which an airline has implemented a “low-fare ” business model. The framework (SFC) consists of three dimensions: (a) strategic direction factors; (b) pricing factors; (c) cost structure factors (COFA). Strategic direction factors primarily focus on the top-level strategic decisions of an airline: growth concepts, the range of flights, spatial strategy and target group selection. These factors serve to differentiate the “low-fare ” airlines from more traditional rivals on a strategic level. Pricing factors evaluate differentiators at the level of market offer: relative ticket prices, the number of booking classes, ticket restrictions, interlining, penalties, non-ticket income and target load levels...

Research paper thumbnail of Double Standards in the Judgment of Consumer versus Business Unethical Behavior

Double standards in terms of individuals being more tolerant of questionable consumer practices t... more Double standards in terms of individuals being more tolerant of questionable consumer practices than of similar business practices have been researched in several studies (e.g., De Bock, Vermeir & Van Kenhove, 2013; De Bock & Van Kenhove, 2011; Vermeir & Van Kenhove, 2008; DePaulo, 1987). However, a mismatch between the perceptions of a company’s corporate behavior and a consumer’s ethical behavior has scarcely been assessed from the point of view of individual differences on the consumer side. The purpose of the current study is to explore individual differences (optimistic versus pessimistic attitude towards business) in the use of ethical judgments regarding questionable conduct of a business versus that of a consumer. In other words, we investigate if the consumers who are positively disposed towards business are less critical of unethical corporate than of consumer actions. In our study, we compared the level of optimism with regard to businesses with attitudes towards business...

Research paper thumbnail of Innovation in “New” and “Old” Europe: A Comparison of the Lithuanian and Bavarian Biotechnology Sectors

The goal of this paper is to uncover what are the circumstances surrounding the favorable develop... more The goal of this paper is to uncover what are the circumstances surrounding the favorable development of the biotechnology sectors in “new” Europe (Lithuania) and “old” Europe (the Bavarian region of Germany). Drawing upon Schumpeter’s ideas of innovation and Porter’s business cluster theory, we argue that Lithuania is “at the right place and the right time” to make it a regional leader in Baltic biotechnology. Germany, on the other hand, has had a strong biotechnology sector that has been developing for some time and is already contributing greatly to its economy. In both Lithuania and Bavaria we find that determined government support and business clusters greatly aided in the formation of the respective regions’ biotechnology sector development.

Research paper thumbnail of No woman, no aggressive tax planning? A study on CEO gender and effective tax rates in the Lithuanian retail sector

No woman, no aggressive tax planning? A study on CEO gender and effective tax rates in the Lithuanian retail sector

Review of Behavioral Finance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether switching to a CEO of the opposite sex... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether switching to a CEO of the opposite sex affects the tax aggressiveness of firms.Design/methodology/approachRegression analysis using a difference in difference approach and propensity score matching on a dataset of 8,798 firms from 2007 to 2017.FindingsThe authors find evidence that switching to a female CEO reduces the effective tax rate paid, implying a higher level of tax aggressiveness.Social implicationsThe findings contradict the narrative that female CEOs are less tax aggressive.Originality/valueThe authors are the first (to the best of the authors' knowledge) to specifically investigate if changing the CEO gender has an impact on the effective tax rate paid by the firm.

Research paper thumbnail of No woman, no aggressive tax planning? A study on CEO gender and effective tax rates in the Lithuanian retail sector

No woman, no aggressive tax planning? A study on CEO gender and effective tax rates in the Lithuanian retail sector

Review of Behavioral Finance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether switching to a CEO of the opposite sex... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether switching to a CEO of the opposite sex affects the tax aggressiveness of firms.Design/methodology/approachRegression analysis using a difference in difference approach and propensity score matching on a dataset of 8,798 firms from 2007 to 2017.FindingsThe authors find evidence that switching to a female CEO reduces the effective tax rate paid, implying a higher level of tax aggressiveness.Social implicationsThe findings contradict the narrative that female CEOs are less tax aggressive.Originality/valueThe authors are the first (to the best of the authors' knowledge) to specifically investigate if changing the CEO gender has an impact on the effective tax rate paid by the firm.

Research paper thumbnail of Taxation of robots – what would have been the view of Smith and Marx on it?

Taxation of robots – what would have been the view of Smith and Marx on it?

International Journal of Social Economics

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to approach the issue of taxation of robotic process automat... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to approach the issue of taxation of robotic process automation (RPA) through an interpretive lens provided by both Adam Smith and Karl Marx. Both scholars have affected the understanding and attitudes of generations of economists, and their ideas have considerable influenced modern economic policy. It will be argued that Smith and Marx have much to offer to help contemporary economists understand the taxation of RPA, and their writings on machines, automation, and their impact on the human labor force will be discussed from their primary texts. Design/methodology/approach The paper interprets the works of Marx and Smith in relation to contemporary debates on automation, particularly, proposals to tax technological innovations to offset the social costs of automation’s displacement effects. Findings In the case of Adam Smith, there is not enough evidence to suggest that he would support a specific taxation of RPA; however, he very well might agre...

Research paper thumbnail of Will MiFID II tame the investment services industry of the Baltic tigers?

Will MiFID II tame the investment services industry of the Baltic tigers?

Qualitative Research in Financial Markets

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of the markets in financial instruments... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of the markets in financial instruments directive II (MiFID II) on investment services in the Baltic states. Design/methodology/approach The authors take an exploratory, qualitative approach, based on data conducted from interviews with nine investment industry professionals using the laddering technique. The pool of experts was selected using the purposeful sampling method, and experts must have had a minimum of five years investment experience in the Baltics, working familiarity with MiFID II, and a university education in the fields of finance or economics. Findings The strict requirements of MiFID II reduce the range of available investment products and services for customers in the Baltics. Also, the profitability of Baltic investment companies decreased due to high compliance costs and bans on inducements. The results indicate that this may lead to increased barriers to entry and mergers and acquisitions for small inves...

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Market-related Factors on the Choice of Foreign Market Entry Mode by Service Firms

Organizations and Markets in Emerging Economies

The topic of internationalization has received an increased amount of attention due to globalizat... more The topic of internationalization has received an increased amount of attention due to globalization and growing amounts of international trade. One of the most important factors for the success of foreign market operations is the choice of the entry mode. This paper investigates the key determinants for the choice of foreign market entry mode. Specifically, the research examines the effects of market-related factors of the selected entry mode on service companies. This study contributes to the existing knowledge of internationalization of service companies by analyzing market-related factors of entry modes. Moreover, it provides managerial implications that might be applied by companies and governmental agencies to promote investment and internationalization of local companies.

Research paper thumbnail of Smithian insights on automation and the future of work

Smithian insights on automation and the future of work

Futures

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Oil Refinery Market Power on Retail Fuel Prices in the European Union

The Impact of Oil Refinery Market Power on Retail Fuel Prices in the European Union

Ekonomika, 2017

The present study investigates the degree to which imperfect competition in the oil sector affect... more The present study investigates the degree to which imperfect competition in the oil sector affects end retail prices. Specifically, we test how positive and negative price shocks in the oil market translate to final retail prices for petrol, diesel, and heating oil prices, focusing on the asymmetry of the price changes. We assume that the higher the level of imperfect competition, the more asymmetric the price change between the initial oil and final retail products will be. In addition, we also test the degree to which uncertainty, or oil price volatility, affects the final prices for these same products. We find that our proxy for market power does affect retail price asymmetries and that increasing volatility lowers retail price asymmetries.

Research paper thumbnail of Relative Capitalist Systems and Fairness in the Baltics

This paper deals with the concept of fairness as it is applied to economic decision making in dif... more This paper deals with the concept of fairness as it is applied to economic decision making in different cultures. The objective of the research is to determine whether the concept of fairness can be applied universally throughout all cultures by doing a study in Lithuania and comparing it to similar studies done in other countries. Lithuania was chosen because it belongs to the group of the Baltic advanced transition countries with their own unique form of capitalism. We find that Lithuanians are more apt to consider price or wage changes as fair as long as there is an underlying macroeconomic reasoning for the price change. These effects were found to hold true in spite of the framing effects of loss aversion found in previous studies.

Research paper thumbnail of Economic crises and emission of pollutants: a historical review of select economies amid two economic recessions

Economic crises and emission of pollutants: a historical review of select economies amid two economic recessions

Ekonomika, 2016

This paper investigates the historical trends in economic development through the impact of econo... more This paper investigates the historical trends in economic development through the impact of economic depressions and emissions of greenhouse gasses, namely carbon dioxide (CO 2). The analysis includes four countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan. The focus, therefore, will be on the impact of two economic crises and their effect on global warming. Temperature changes in the longer period are very often regarded as a result of human activity, which can be measured by the increase of GDP (per capita). The findings indicate that GDP (per capita) parameters cannot be considered as correct measures of human pollution activity. The results show that the long-run temperature can be evaluated with the help of annual average temperatures of the previous four years. The proposed model does not only provide quite satisfactory forecasts, but is very stable with coefficients variables that can make a model more reliable for practice.

Research paper thumbnail of A Framework for Assessing the Low-Fare Model in the Airline Industry

Ekonomika, 2011

Despite the popularity of the "low-fare" (or sometimes called "no-frills") airline business model... more Despite the popularity of the "low-fare" (or sometimes called "no-frills") airline business model, no comprehensive framework has ever been developed to evaluate the level of implementation of this business model. In the paper, we propose a framework for evaluating the extent to which an airline has implemented a "low-fare" business model. The framework (SFC) consists of three dimensions: (a) strategic direction factors; (b) pricing factors; (c) cost structure factors (COFA).

Research paper thumbnail of Taxation of robots – what would have been the view of Smith and Marx on it?

Taxation of robots – what would have been the view of Smith and Marx on it?

International Journal of Social Economics, Nov 19, 2019

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to approach the issue of taxation of robotic process automat... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to approach the issue of taxation of robotic process automation (RPA) through an interpretive lens provided by both Adam Smith and Karl Marx. Both scholars have affected the understanding and attitudes of generations of economists, and their ideas have considerable influenced modern economic policy. It will be argued that Smith and Marx have much to offer to help contemporary economists understand the taxation of RPA, and their writings on machines, automation, and their impact on the human labor force will be discussed from their primary texts. Design/methodology/approach The paper interprets the works of Marx and Smith in relation to contemporary debates on automation, particularly, proposals to tax technological innovations to offset the social costs of automation’s displacement effects. Findings In the case of Adam Smith, there is not enough evidence to suggest that he would support a specific taxation of RPA; however, he very well might agree with a modest taxation of capital goods. Marx would very likely support a taxation in the short-run, however, would be inclined to caution that the ownership of robots should in the long run be transferred to society. Originality/value This paper uses primary texts from the discipline of history of economic thought to spark a discussion about compensating the externalities of technological innovation.

Research paper thumbnail of Smithian insights on automation and the future of work

Futures, Aug 1, 2019

Highlights  'Future of work' studies (FOWS) share an overreliance on measuring the 'technical fe... more Highlights  'Future of work' studies (FOWS) share an overreliance on measuring the 'technical feasibility' of automation.  FOWS overemphasise the trade-offs between unemployment and productivity.  Adam Smith points to a more holistic approach that FOWS could straightforwardly take into account.  Smith's ideas on innovation suggest important non-technical determinates of advances in automated technologies.  A Smithian perspective would highlight the benefits that fuller automation may bring to workers.

Research paper thumbnail of Relative Capitalist Systems and Fairness in the Baltics: The Case of Lithuania

Ekonomika, 2013

This paper deals with the concept of fairness as it is applied to economic decision making in dif... more This paper deals with the concept of fairness as it is applied to economic decision making in different cultures. The objective of the research is to determine whether the concept of fairness can be applied universally throughout all cultures by doing a study in Lithuania and comparing it to similar studies done in other countries. Lithuania was chosen because it belongs to the group of the Baltic advanced transition countries with their own unique form of capitalism. We find that Lithuanians are more apt to consider price or wage changes as fair as long as there is an underlying macroeconomic reasoning for the price change. These effects were found to hold true in spite of the framing effects of loss aversion found in previous studies.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Oil Refinery Market Power on Retail Fuel Prices in the European Union

Ekonomika, Jan 11, 2017

The present study investigates the degree to which imperfect competition in the oil sector affect... more The present study investigates the degree to which imperfect competition in the oil sector affects end retail prices. Specifically, we test how positive and negative price shocks in the oil market translate to final retail prices for petrol, diesel, and heating oil prices, focusing on the asymmetry of the price changes. We assume that the higher the level of imperfect competition, the more asymmetric the price change between the initial oil and final retail products will be. In addition, we also test the degree to which uncertainty, or oil price volatility, affects the final prices for these same products. We find that our proxy for market power does affect retail price asymmetries and that increasing volatility lowers retail price asymmetries.

Research paper thumbnail of No woman, no aggressive tax planning? A study on CEO gender and effective tax rates in the Lithuanian retail sector

No woman, no aggressive tax planning? A study on CEO gender and effective tax rates in the Lithuanian retail sector

Review of Behavioral Finance, Mar 9, 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether switching to a CEO of the opposite sex... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether switching to a CEO of the opposite sex affects the tax aggressiveness of firms.Design/methodology/approachRegression analysis using a difference in difference approach and propensity score matching on a dataset of 8,798 firms from 2007 to 2017.FindingsThe authors find evidence that switching to a female CEO reduces the effective tax rate paid, implying a higher level of tax aggressiveness.Social implicationsThe findings contradict the narrative that female CEOs are less tax aggressive.Originality/valueThe authors are the first (to the best of the authors' knowledge) to specifically investigate if changing the CEO gender has an impact on the effective tax rate paid by the firm.

Research paper thumbnail of Žmogaus Nevaldomi Saitai: Automatinės Savitarnos Poveikis Pirkėjų Lojalumui

Žmogaus Nevaldomi Saitai: Automatinės Savitarnos Poveikis Pirkėjų Lojalumui

Self-service is a type of service, where a customer can perceive his/her buying action with more ... more Self-service is a type of service, where a customer can perceive his/her buying action with more self-involvement. Since a customer has an impact on the quality of the creation of the service experience, it naturally has an effect on the image of the company. The loyalty to a store or a brand is affected by the customer’s experience as well. This effect on customer attraction to a company is an important variable in business. The literature therefore identified four main loyalty forms in the area of consumer behavior: brand loyalty, vendor loyalty, store loyalty and service loyalty. Before installation and during the usage of self-service automated systems, it is useful for vendors to know if it would not discourage some customers. Yet, the affect of self-service option deployment on customer loyalty is not known. The purpose of the research was to investigate and relate certain consumers’ traits to the usage/preference of self-service technology. It was discovered that, on average,...

Research paper thumbnail of Unmanned Bonds: the Impact of Self-Automated Service on Consumer Loyalty

Engineering Economics, 2011

Self-service is a type of service, where a customer can perceive his/her buying action with more ... more Self-service is a type of service, where a customer can perceive his/her buying action with more self-involvement. Since a customer has an impact on the quality of the creation of the service experience, it naturally has an effect on the image of the company. The loyalty to a store or a brand is affected by the customer's experience as well. This effect on customer attraction to a company is an important variable in business. The literature therefore identified four main loyalty forms in the area of consumer behavior: brand loyalty, vendor loyalty, store loyalty and service loyalty. Before installation and during the usage of self-service automated systems, it is useful for vendors to know if it would not discourage some customers. Yet, the affect of self-service option deployment on customer loyalty is not known. The purpose of the research was to investigate and relate certain consumers' traits to the usage/preference of self-service technology. It was discovered that, on average, more than 50% are active users and prefer ASS to personal service. The discovery of enhanced attitude towards a company, which offers self-service option, suggests opportunities of new type of loyalty development. The structure of the paper is determined by the scope of the research purpose. In the first two parts of the paper, the theoretical framework behind the proposed approach was evaluated. The methodological and analysis chapter discusses consumer behavior from a service and store loyalty perspective. The hypothesis of this paper is that the choice of self-service technology leads to a trait in that technology, resulting in a positive attitude towards the company. The empirical research is based on a sample of 547 respondents and addresses the potential existence of technology-driven loyalty. Usage patterns and opinions are assessed. Comparison of means and binomial regression were used to test for significant linkages between traits and usage/preference for self-service technologies. Research objectives were: a) review the literature about consumer interaction with self-service technologies and identify missing gaps/contradictions in existing knowledge b) describe consumer traits, that are influential for certain attitudes towards self-service technologies c) evaluate the importance of different consumer traits for preference and usage, using a statistical analysis and data from the survey; classify the traits on demographical parameters and d) provide recommendations for further exploration and implications for practical application. The findings indicate that consumers with a positive attitude towards self-service machines express an increased attraction to service providers. However, the frequency of usage has not a significant impact on the perception off self-service technology attributes. Furthermore, the findings show that the perceived advantages of self-service technology are homogenous among various users groups. The enhanced attitude towards a company, which offers a self-service option, suggests opportunities of a new type of loyalty development. Moreover, customers were grouped by demographic variables, indicating that younger and higher income customers are more loyal to technology-related service attributes.

Research paper thumbnail of A frAMEWOrK fOr ASSESSiNG ThE lOW-fArE MOdEl iN ThE AirliNE iNduSTrY

Abstract. Despite the popularity of the “low-fare ” (or sometimes called “no-frills”) airline bus... more Abstract. Despite the popularity of the “low-fare ” (or sometimes called “no-frills”) airline business model, no comprehensive framework has ever been developed to evaluate the level of implementation of this business model. In the paper, we propose a framework for evaluating the extent to which an airline has implemented a “low-fare ” business model. The framework (SFC) consists of three dimensions: (a) strategic direction factors; (b) pricing factors; (c) cost structure factors (COFA). Strategic direction factors primarily focus on the top-level strategic decisions of an airline: growth concepts, the range of flights, spatial strategy and target group selection. These factors serve to differentiate the “low-fare ” airlines from more traditional rivals on a strategic level. Pricing factors evaluate differentiators at the level of market offer: relative ticket prices, the number of booking classes, ticket restrictions, interlining, penalties, non-ticket income and target load levels...

Research paper thumbnail of Double Standards in the Judgment of Consumer versus Business Unethical Behavior

Double standards in terms of individuals being more tolerant of questionable consumer practices t... more Double standards in terms of individuals being more tolerant of questionable consumer practices than of similar business practices have been researched in several studies (e.g., De Bock, Vermeir & Van Kenhove, 2013; De Bock & Van Kenhove, 2011; Vermeir & Van Kenhove, 2008; DePaulo, 1987). However, a mismatch between the perceptions of a company’s corporate behavior and a consumer’s ethical behavior has scarcely been assessed from the point of view of individual differences on the consumer side. The purpose of the current study is to explore individual differences (optimistic versus pessimistic attitude towards business) in the use of ethical judgments regarding questionable conduct of a business versus that of a consumer. In other words, we investigate if the consumers who are positively disposed towards business are less critical of unethical corporate than of consumer actions. In our study, we compared the level of optimism with regard to businesses with attitudes towards business...

Research paper thumbnail of Innovation in “New” and “Old” Europe: A Comparison of the Lithuanian and Bavarian Biotechnology Sectors

The goal of this paper is to uncover what are the circumstances surrounding the favorable develop... more The goal of this paper is to uncover what are the circumstances surrounding the favorable development of the biotechnology sectors in “new” Europe (Lithuania) and “old” Europe (the Bavarian region of Germany). Drawing upon Schumpeter’s ideas of innovation and Porter’s business cluster theory, we argue that Lithuania is “at the right place and the right time” to make it a regional leader in Baltic biotechnology. Germany, on the other hand, has had a strong biotechnology sector that has been developing for some time and is already contributing greatly to its economy. In both Lithuania and Bavaria we find that determined government support and business clusters greatly aided in the formation of the respective regions’ biotechnology sector development.

Research paper thumbnail of No woman, no aggressive tax planning? A study on CEO gender and effective tax rates in the Lithuanian retail sector

No woman, no aggressive tax planning? A study on CEO gender and effective tax rates in the Lithuanian retail sector

Review of Behavioral Finance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether switching to a CEO of the opposite sex... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether switching to a CEO of the opposite sex affects the tax aggressiveness of firms.Design/methodology/approachRegression analysis using a difference in difference approach and propensity score matching on a dataset of 8,798 firms from 2007 to 2017.FindingsThe authors find evidence that switching to a female CEO reduces the effective tax rate paid, implying a higher level of tax aggressiveness.Social implicationsThe findings contradict the narrative that female CEOs are less tax aggressive.Originality/valueThe authors are the first (to the best of the authors' knowledge) to specifically investigate if changing the CEO gender has an impact on the effective tax rate paid by the firm.

Research paper thumbnail of No woman, no aggressive tax planning? A study on CEO gender and effective tax rates in the Lithuanian retail sector

No woman, no aggressive tax planning? A study on CEO gender and effective tax rates in the Lithuanian retail sector

Review of Behavioral Finance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether switching to a CEO of the opposite sex... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether switching to a CEO of the opposite sex affects the tax aggressiveness of firms.Design/methodology/approachRegression analysis using a difference in difference approach and propensity score matching on a dataset of 8,798 firms from 2007 to 2017.FindingsThe authors find evidence that switching to a female CEO reduces the effective tax rate paid, implying a higher level of tax aggressiveness.Social implicationsThe findings contradict the narrative that female CEOs are less tax aggressive.Originality/valueThe authors are the first (to the best of the authors' knowledge) to specifically investigate if changing the CEO gender has an impact on the effective tax rate paid by the firm.

Research paper thumbnail of Taxation of robots – what would have been the view of Smith and Marx on it?

Taxation of robots – what would have been the view of Smith and Marx on it?

International Journal of Social Economics

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to approach the issue of taxation of robotic process automat... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to approach the issue of taxation of robotic process automation (RPA) through an interpretive lens provided by both Adam Smith and Karl Marx. Both scholars have affected the understanding and attitudes of generations of economists, and their ideas have considerable influenced modern economic policy. It will be argued that Smith and Marx have much to offer to help contemporary economists understand the taxation of RPA, and their writings on machines, automation, and their impact on the human labor force will be discussed from their primary texts. Design/methodology/approach The paper interprets the works of Marx and Smith in relation to contemporary debates on automation, particularly, proposals to tax technological innovations to offset the social costs of automation’s displacement effects. Findings In the case of Adam Smith, there is not enough evidence to suggest that he would support a specific taxation of RPA; however, he very well might agre...

Research paper thumbnail of Will MiFID II tame the investment services industry of the Baltic tigers?

Will MiFID II tame the investment services industry of the Baltic tigers?

Qualitative Research in Financial Markets

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of the markets in financial instruments... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of the markets in financial instruments directive II (MiFID II) on investment services in the Baltic states. Design/methodology/approach The authors take an exploratory, qualitative approach, based on data conducted from interviews with nine investment industry professionals using the laddering technique. The pool of experts was selected using the purposeful sampling method, and experts must have had a minimum of five years investment experience in the Baltics, working familiarity with MiFID II, and a university education in the fields of finance or economics. Findings The strict requirements of MiFID II reduce the range of available investment products and services for customers in the Baltics. Also, the profitability of Baltic investment companies decreased due to high compliance costs and bans on inducements. The results indicate that this may lead to increased barriers to entry and mergers and acquisitions for small inves...

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Market-related Factors on the Choice of Foreign Market Entry Mode by Service Firms

Organizations and Markets in Emerging Economies

The topic of internationalization has received an increased amount of attention due to globalizat... more The topic of internationalization has received an increased amount of attention due to globalization and growing amounts of international trade. One of the most important factors for the success of foreign market operations is the choice of the entry mode. This paper investigates the key determinants for the choice of foreign market entry mode. Specifically, the research examines the effects of market-related factors of the selected entry mode on service companies. This study contributes to the existing knowledge of internationalization of service companies by analyzing market-related factors of entry modes. Moreover, it provides managerial implications that might be applied by companies and governmental agencies to promote investment and internationalization of local companies.

Research paper thumbnail of Smithian insights on automation and the future of work

Smithian insights on automation and the future of work

Futures

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Oil Refinery Market Power on Retail Fuel Prices in the European Union

The Impact of Oil Refinery Market Power on Retail Fuel Prices in the European Union

Ekonomika, 2017

The present study investigates the degree to which imperfect competition in the oil sector affect... more The present study investigates the degree to which imperfect competition in the oil sector affects end retail prices. Specifically, we test how positive and negative price shocks in the oil market translate to final retail prices for petrol, diesel, and heating oil prices, focusing on the asymmetry of the price changes. We assume that the higher the level of imperfect competition, the more asymmetric the price change between the initial oil and final retail products will be. In addition, we also test the degree to which uncertainty, or oil price volatility, affects the final prices for these same products. We find that our proxy for market power does affect retail price asymmetries and that increasing volatility lowers retail price asymmetries.

Research paper thumbnail of Relative Capitalist Systems and Fairness in the Baltics

This paper deals with the concept of fairness as it is applied to economic decision making in dif... more This paper deals with the concept of fairness as it is applied to economic decision making in different cultures. The objective of the research is to determine whether the concept of fairness can be applied universally throughout all cultures by doing a study in Lithuania and comparing it to similar studies done in other countries. Lithuania was chosen because it belongs to the group of the Baltic advanced transition countries with their own unique form of capitalism. We find that Lithuanians are more apt to consider price or wage changes as fair as long as there is an underlying macroeconomic reasoning for the price change. These effects were found to hold true in spite of the framing effects of loss aversion found in previous studies.

Research paper thumbnail of Economic crises and emission of pollutants: a historical review of select economies amid two economic recessions

Economic crises and emission of pollutants: a historical review of select economies amid two economic recessions

Ekonomika, 2016

This paper investigates the historical trends in economic development through the impact of econo... more This paper investigates the historical trends in economic development through the impact of economic depressions and emissions of greenhouse gasses, namely carbon dioxide (CO 2). The analysis includes four countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan. The focus, therefore, will be on the impact of two economic crises and their effect on global warming. Temperature changes in the longer period are very often regarded as a result of human activity, which can be measured by the increase of GDP (per capita). The findings indicate that GDP (per capita) parameters cannot be considered as correct measures of human pollution activity. The results show that the long-run temperature can be evaluated with the help of annual average temperatures of the previous four years. The proposed model does not only provide quite satisfactory forecasts, but is very stable with coefficients variables that can make a model more reliable for practice.

Research paper thumbnail of A Framework for Assessing the Low-Fare Model in the Airline Industry

Ekonomika, 2011

Despite the popularity of the "low-fare" (or sometimes called "no-frills") airline business model... more Despite the popularity of the "low-fare" (or sometimes called "no-frills") airline business model, no comprehensive framework has ever been developed to evaluate the level of implementation of this business model. In the paper, we propose a framework for evaluating the extent to which an airline has implemented a "low-fare" business model. The framework (SFC) consists of three dimensions: (a) strategic direction factors; (b) pricing factors; (c) cost structure factors (COFA).