Staff Profiles

Modules taught

Altinay’s research interests are in the areas of entrepreneurship, strategic alliances and international business. Using primarily qualitative methods as well as mixed methods, he is particularly interested in how entrepreneurs start up and develop their businesses and also how firms establish partnerships internationally. His work has been published in Journal of Business Research, International Small Business Journal, Journal of Small Business Management, Journal of Services Marketing, The Service Industries Journal, Annals of Tourism Research and Tourism Management. 

Altinay's research areas are listed below:

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
This research area is concerned with the interaction between culture and small business growth. It is also related to the role of small hospitality and tourism firms in tackling the loneliness of elderly and enhancing their social wellbeing.

Internationalisation of Organisations
This is concerned principally with socio-cultural issues associated with the management of strategic alliances and establishing international partnerships and has contributed to the understanding of identifying and selecting franchise partners in different country markets.

Research group membership

• British Academy of Management (BAM) (Year 2001-to present)
• INBAM (2001-To present)
• The European Institute for Advanced Studies in Management (EIASM) (Year 2002- to present)
  The Higher Education Academy (Year 2006 – to present)
  The Senate of Romanian Scientific Society of Management Awards the Prestigious Title of ‘Honorary Member’ for the acknowledged sustained contribution to the field of strategic management and entrepreneurship within the context of hospitality and service industries, 12th January, 2012.
  Board Member of Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce (This is a non-profit making organisation established to provide its members with a wide range of services targeted at promoting business, networking and one to one relationship building and business links between the UK and Northern Cyprus).

Research grants and awards

• Hong Kong Polytechnic University (£20k). Project Title: Tackling loneliness among elderly: The Role of Hospitality Industry. January 2016-2018. Project Partner Professor Haiyang Song, Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
• Macau Tourism Institute Grant (£10k). Project title: Strategic Orientations and small business growth. Grant Awarded in September 2012 to lead a two-year research project. Project partner: Dr Ruth Yeung (Macau Insitute)
• The British Academy Research Grant (£7k). Project title: Relationship quality in Turkish-British franchise partnerships. Grant Awarded in June 2010 to lead a two-year research project (with Dr Maureen Brookes).
• Macau Tourism Institute Grant (£10k). Project title: International Franchising in Emerging Markets. Grant Awarded in September 2010 to lead a two-year research project. Project partners: Dr Maureen Brookes (Oxford Brookes University) and Dr Ruth Yeung (Macau Insitute)
  
  
• Strategic Service Reorientation of Firms towards Co-creation (£20k). International Collaborative Project funded by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for two years. Collaborative Project Partners: Dr Prakash Chathoth, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Dr Ungson Gerardo, San Francisco State University, Dr Fevzi Okumus, University of Central Florida, Dr Harrington Robert, University of Arkansas (Years 2009-2011).
• ESRC Research Grant (£100k) (Principal Investigator). Project Title: Socio-Cultural Factors, Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurial Orientation and a Firm’s Growth: A Comparative Study of Turkish and Chinese Small Firms in the UK. Grant awarded in May 2006 to lead a two-year research project (Years 2006-2008).
• The British Academy Research Grant (£7.5k) (Principal Investigator). Project Title: The Interrelationship between Culture and Entrepreneurship: An Exploration of London’s Turkish Business. Grant awarded in May 2005 to lead a two-year research project (Years 2005-2007).

Research projects

Alleviating social isolation in the elderly

A study of older people’s use of hospitality services in Oxford initially prompted CITEM Co-Director Prof. Levent Altinay to develop this research stream. Events such as ‘classic coffee mornings’, held in hospitality outlets such as local cafés and restaurants, provided a focus to understanding people’s motivations for attending such gatherings and how these and similar events could be enriched to offer better social support for elderly people.

Like the UK, Hong Kong and China are experiencing a demographic imbalance caused by a rapidly ageing population. It is clear that innovative solutions are needed to combat elderly social isolation, not least since the existing research base indicates that such isolation leads to a number of related mental and physical health problems. This in turn leads to undue pressure on primary health care services, as elderly people present with complaints of loneliness. CITEM’s PhD student Kuo Feng is currently researching the role of hospitality and cultural activity in curtailing social isolation in elderly populations across China – particularly within luxury senior living facilities. CITEM’s ambition is to extend this activity into Eurasia, a chronically under-researched region, focusing on countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan where the policy and infrastructure surrounding older people’s wellbeing is far less developed than in countries such as the UK. Whilst opportunities for older people are still lacking in the UK, there is a greater commitment to tackling the issue from Government and third sector services. Our initial work with the Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan, has shown that there is untapped potential for collaboration between sectors, and that hospitality services could play a role in delivering solutions to combat elderly loneliness.

Research impact

The ESRC funded project entitled “Socio-cultural factors, ethnic minority entrepreneurial orientation and firm growth: a comparative study of Turkish and Chinese small firms in the UK” has been successfully completed. As part of project:

o The findings of the study have been disseminated at an academic conference and a practitioner/policy conference organised and hosted by Mr Andy Love, Edmonton MP, Chair of All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group (APPSBG).

o A report summarising the key findings of the study has been given to Mr Andy Love, Association of Community Based Business Advice (ACBBA), Federation of Small Business, Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and North London Business.

o The findings of the study have also been disseminated through ethnic (Turkish and Chinese) media and Engage Magazine in the form of short bulletins and articles and through the websites of ACBBA’s, Oxford Brookes, Royal Holloway, University of London, and London School of Economics and Political Science. ‘Ethnic accountants’ have also been influential to ‘pass the message across’ to business owners.

o A brief summary of the research findings has been circulated to the following policy makers, enterprise/business associations and leading figures in the ethnic communities including:

o Editor, London Turkish Gazette (a Turkish newspaper in London)

o Councillor (Turkish Cypriot origin), Edmonton

o CEO Dragonpage (a Chinese community-based organisation)

o Editor, Sing Tao Daily (a leading Chinese newspaper in London)

o Research Manager, Chinese in Britain Forum

o Director, United Asia Ltd (a Chinese consultancy company)

o Manager, Cage Consulting (a Chinese community-based organisation)

o Edmonton MP, chair of All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group (APPSBG)

o Manager of Association of Community Based Business Advice (ACBBA)

o London Policy Manager, Federation of Small Business

o Head of Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce

o Head of Business Growth, North London Business.

 In particular, the following users have taken on board our research findings and started to develop more effective training programmes for ethnic small businesses:

o The Manager of the Association of Community Based Advisors has shared the research findings with the advisors of the association which provides business support to the ethnic business owners. The findings have been adopted by this association in order to effectively target and support firms with growth potential as well as develop training programmes based on the needs of ethnic minority firms.

o The findings of the study created an awareness of the current problems of Turkish and Chinese owned businesses in London. As a result, the London Policy Manager of the Federation of Small Business is now working with the London Development Agency, Business Link and the Mayor’s Office to develop better business support and an advisory service for ethnic minority owned SMEs.

o The findings of the study provided an outline of the nature and need of Turkish businesses. These findings are being adopted by Business Growth, North London Business to develop better business support and advisory services for Turkish businesses which are investing and expanding into the UK market.

Further information

Books

• Brookes M, Altinay L, Ed., Entrepreneurship in hospitality and tourism : a global perspective, Goodfellows Publishers Ltd (2015)
  ISBN: 9781910158272 eISBN: 9781910158296
  Abstract Entrepreneurship in Hospitality and Tourism: a global perspective gives a new and definitive overview of the vital role and effective practice of entrepreneurship in one of the most dynamic industry sectors in the world. The highly qualified international team of contributors ensures a global perspective.
  The editors clearly outline the key theoretical perspectives and go on to cover the various types of entrepreneurship.
  
  Fully informed by the latest research, it incorporates: different country contexts; the social and cultural dimensions of entrepreneurship; case studies from a wide range of Hospitality and Tourism sectors; Industry perspectives and examples included.
  
  The book is core reading for both undergraduate and postgraduate students studying on hospitality and tourism degree programmes covering entrepreneurship.Website 
• Altinay L, Chathoth K, Okumus F, Strategic Management for Hospitality and Tourism, Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann (2010)
  ISBN: 075066522X
  Abstract Strategic Management in the International Hospitality Industry: content and process, is a vital text for all those studying cutting edge theories and views on strategic management. Unlike others textbooks in this area, it goes further than merely contextualising strategic management for hospitality and tourism, and avoids using a prescriptive, or descriptive approach. It looks instead, at the latest in strategic thinking and theories, and provides critical and analytical discussion as to how and if these models and theories can be applied to the industry, within specific contexts such as culture, profit and non-profit organisations. Key features: Cutting edge approach: applies advance and recent strategic management views into tourism and hospitality field. Critical treatment: provides critical discussions about whether and how strategic models/theories can be applied into the hospitality and tourism field. Sensitive to specific contexts: As the tourism and hospitality industry has become one of the largest industries worldwide, discusses how strategic management concepts can be applied in different cultures and profit and non-profit tourism organizations. With supporting case studies related to the strategy content, context and process, from international industries such as Radisson, McDonalds, Carnival Cruiselines and Disney, this text consist of five main sections: introduction, strategy content, strategy context, strategy process and cases. Each of the chapters within these sections has a thorough pedagogic structure consisting of a bulleted introduction, examples and vignettes, discussions points, exercises, case studies and further reading and web sites. Strategic Management in the International Hospitality and Tourism Industry: content and process also provides online support material for tutors and students, in the form of guidelines for instructors on how to use the textbook, PowerPoint presentations and case studies plus additional exercises and web links for students.
• Altinay L, Paraskevas A, Planning Research in Hospitality and Tourism, Butterworth-Heinemann (2008)
  Abstract Planning Research in Hospitality and Tourism provides a concise and clear approach to planning research projects which are a necessity in most hospitality and tourism courses taught at degree level. The text considers the particular characteristics of the hospitality and tourism industry, whilst providing a balanced approach toward both quantitative and qualitative methods of research. The text also carefully considers the international aspect of the industry and the people it employees, which supports the books aims of:* Providing an excellent understanding of the basic principles of conducting research, in a straight forward “no nonsense” guide* Carefully considering the particular characteristics of the hospitality and tourism sectors in relation to embarking on a research project in the area* Including in each chapter an “International Dimension” section, as well as case studies, questions and reflections on the research process.

Journal articles

• Anna Farmaki, Levent Altinay, Pokopis Christou, Ainur Kenebayeva, 'Religion and entrepreneurship in hospitality and tourism'
  International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 32 (1) (2020) pp.148-172
  ISSN: 0959-6119 eISSN: 1757-1049
  Abstract

  Purpose. This study aims to provide a theoretical account of the nexus of religion and entrepreneurship in
  hospitality and tourism (H&T) by considering the influences of religion on entrepreneurial motivation,
  acquisition of resources for entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial behaviour.
  Design/methodology/approach. The authors synthesise research and theory on religion and
  entrepreneurship and apply it within H&T, taking into account the specificities of the industry. Specifically, they
  pooled together relevant theory and empirical research findings which they summarised to identify points of
  convergence and divergence, before refining the data to allow for further theoretical insights to be gained.
  Findings. The authors suggest that religion may positively or negatively influence entrepreneurship; in
  particular, they identify various modes of religion influences, which offer insights into how religion may
  encourage, sustain and amplify entrepreneurship or alternatively inhibit entrepreneurship.
  Originality/value. Religion offers an important yet underused lens for understanding the activities and
  mechanisms influencing entrepreneurship in the rapidly evolving H&T industry. This study identifies
  different aspects of the two multidimensional and interdisciplinary concepts of religion and entrepreneurship
  and offers new insights into the relationship between the two within the context of H&T.
  

  Website 
• Kayhan Tajeddinia,*, Emma Martin, Levent Altinay, 'The importance of human-related factors on service innovation and performance'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 85 (2020)
  ISSN: 0278-4319 eISSN: 1873-4693
  Abstract

  Firm size, collaboration, foreign ownership and the level of formal training for employees are just some of the key inputs considered to be important in the amount of Service innovation in Tourism firms. However work has called for a greater empirical understanding on service innovation in Tourism and deeper consideration of employment focused practices as front line employees are crucial to innovation. The relationship customers have with service providers is a key determinate of satisfaction and as such the aim of this research is to unpick further the human-related factors associated with this area of study. Data for this research paper were gathered from 201 tourism service firms located throughout Japan. Whilst the results indicate that committed front-line employees and leadership are found to be the primary antecedents of service innovation, knowledge management and instilling creativity through the firm are also key. Our results suggestion that organizations can leverage the benefits associated with human-related factors to enhance service innovation behaviours and increase business performance.
  

  Website 
• Anna Farmakia, Jalayer Khalilzadeh, Levent Altinay, 'Travel motivation and demotivation within politically unstable nations'
  Tourism Management Perspectives 29 (2018) pp.118-130
  ISSN: 2211-9736 eISSN: 2211-9744
  Abstract

  This study aimed to investigate travel motivation and demotivation within a politically unstable setting. Using a mixed method approach, namely interviews and social network analysis, the study yields important insights on the nature of travel motivation and demotivation in contexts of political instability as well as on the role of the socio-political environment in determining and reinforcing respective travel behaviour. The paper highlights the need to consider the wider structural factors shaping societies if understanding on travel behaviour in politically unstable environments is to be gained and calls for further research on the dimensions influencing travel-related decision-making.
  

  Website 
• Levent Altinaya, Haiyan Song, Melih Madanoglu, Xuan Lorna Wang, 'The influence of customer-to-customer interactions on elderly consumers’ satisfaction and social well-being'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 78 (2018) pp.223-233
  ISSN: 0278-4319 eISSN: 1873-4693
  Abstract

  This study highlights the valuable role the hospitality industry can play in addressing a societal problem by studying how social interactions between elderly consumers and other customers influence the satisfaction and social well-being of the former. The data were collected from 268 elderly consumers in local coffee shops in the United Kingdom using a self-administrated questionnaire. The findings reveal that elderly customers’ interactions with other customers have a direct effect both on customer satisfaction and social well-being. They also show that social interactions with other customers have both direct and indirect effects on the social well-being of elderly customers. The study provides good evidence for how commercial hospitality settings can serve as a space for social exchange that helps to alleviate social isolation.
  

  Website 
• Patrizia Daniela Modica, Levent Altinay, Anna Farmaki, Dogan Gursoy, Mariangela Zenga, 'Consumer perceptions towards sustainable supply chain practices in the hospitality industry'
  Current Issues in Tourism 23 (3) (2018) pp.358-375
  ISSN: 1368-3500 eISSN: 1747-7603
  Abstract

  This study investigates the impacts of economic, social and environmental sustainability practices of companies in the hospitality supply chain on consumers’ satisfaction, loyalty and willingness to pay higher prices. Utilizing data collected from 288 tourists visiting south Sardinia, the study indicates that while economic sustainability practices have positive impacts on consumers’ satisfaction, loyalty and willingness to pay a premium, sustainability practices related to environmental and social dimensions have a direct positive impact on satisfaction and an indirect positive impact on consumer loyalty and willingness to pay a premium. Additionally, findings reveal that satisfaction is likely to mediate the impact of environmental and social sustainability practices on the loyalty of consumers. The theoretical and managerial implications of the study are provided.
  

  Website 
• Haiyan Song, Levent Altinay, Ning Sun, Xuan Lorna Wang, 'The influence of social interactions on senior customers’ experiences and loneliness'
  International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 30 (8) (2018) pp.2773-2790
  ISSN: 0959-6119 eISSN: 1757-1049
  Abstract

  Purpose. This study aims to use the theory of third places to understand how different kinds of social interactions in small hospitality businesses, such as restaurants and cafes, can enhance senior customers’ experiences and alleviate their loneliness. Design/methodology/approach. The target population of this study were Hong Kong residents of age 60 or older. The sampling frame comprised respondents who visited a Cha Chaan Teng (i.e. a Hong Kong-style tea restaurant) more than once a year. The authors distributed 500 questionnaires and collected 411 valid responses in 2016. They used structural equation modeling for data analysis. Findings – The results show that social interactions (service manner and need identification) with employees and other customers have a positive effect on senior customers’ experiences, while the service manner of employees reduces senior customers’ loneliness. Originality/value. This study demonstrates the respective contributions of social interactions with employees and those with other customers to enhancing senior customers’ experiences and alleviating their loneliness. This study’s findings may provide a foundation for future research into the relationships between social interactions, customer experience and loneliness in third places (that are, informal public places that offer individuals opportunities to escape from home and the workplace and to enjoy voluntary conversation, entertainment and gatherings). Further, this study also demonstrates the specific role and importance of the hospitality industry in addressing a contemporary social problem in the form of seniors’ loneliness.

  Website 
• Zhang N, Paraskevas A, Altinay L, 'Factors that shape a hotel company's risk appetite'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 77 (2018) pp.217-225
  ISSN: 0278-4319 eISSN: 1873-4693
  Abstract Despite a growing scholarly interest in risk management within the field of hospitality, risk appetite, which plays a key role in effective risk management, has not yet received wider attention. This paper contributes to our understanding of risk appetite by exploring the factors that influence risk appetite in a hotel company context. Through in-depth interviewing with risk appetite experts and corporate-level hotel executives, we identified two sets of factors (‘primary’ and ‘secondary’) that influence a hotel company’s risk appetite. Although, at corporate level, these factors do not differ from other industry contexts, they can be used by managers in the hotel sector as a starting point to understand drivers and inhibitors of their companies’ risk appetite while researchers can use them as a basis to develop descriptive or predictive models of a hotel company’s risk appetite.Website 
• Olya H, Altinay L, De Vita G, 'An exploratory study of value added services'
  Journal of Services Marketing 32 (3) (2018) pp.334-345
  ISSN: 0887-6045
  Abstract Purpose: Using data from 104 countries over a six-year period (2009-2014), this study proposes a value-added predictor in service industries based on the eight indicators of the prosperity index, namely economy, entrepreneurship and opportunity, governance, education, health, safety and security, personal freedom, and social capital.
  Design/methodology/approach: The fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and complexity theory, a relatively novel approach for developing and testing the conceptual model, are used for asymmetric modelling of value added in service industries, and the predictive validity of the proposed configural model is tested.
  Findings: Apart from advancing method and theory, this study simulates causal conditions (i.e., recipes) leading to both high and low scores of the value added of services. The configural conditions indicating a high/low level of value added in service industries can be used as a guiding strategy for marketers, investors and policy makers.
  Originality/value: An analysis of worldwide data provides complex models demonstrating both how to regulate country conditions to achieve a high value-added score and select a foreign country for investment that offers a high level of value added service.Website 
• Kasim A, Ekinci Y, Altinay L, Hussein K, 'Impact of market orientation, organizational learning and market conditions on small and medium-size hospitality enterprises'
  Journal of Hospitality Marketing and Management 27 (7) (2018) pp.855-875
  ISSN: 1936-8623 eISSN: 1936-8631
  Abstract

  This paper focuses on the impact of Market Orientations (MO), Organizational Learning (OL) and Market Conditions (MCs) on Firm Growth (FG), within the context of hospitality Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Entrepreneurs/managers were sampled using cluster-sampling technique and surveyed using a 5-point Likert type scale instrument. The questionnaire’s validity was determined by 1) expert opinions, and 2) pilot testing the instrument on a small group of target respondents. A total of 254 completed questionnaires were analyzed to test the research model using Structural Equation Modeling approach (SEM) via the Partial Least Squares (PLS) software. The findings reveal that MO has a strong influence on FG and that OL partially mediates the MO-FG relationship. However, MCs have no moderating influence on the OL-FG relationship. The paper then discusses the findings’ implications on theory and practice. = 本文着重研究了马来西亚中小企业的市场定位、组织学习（OL）和市场条件（MCS）对企业成长的影响。企业家/管理者采用整群抽样方法，调查采用李克特仪器采样。问卷的有效性由1个专家意见决定，2）在一小群受试者身上进行测试。用偏最小二乘（PLS）软件对254份完成的问卷进行分析，用结构方程模型（SEM）对研究模型进行检验。研究结果发现，市场导向对企业成长有显著影响，组织学习部分中介市场导向-企业成长关系。然而，市场条件对组织学习,企业成长关系的影响不显著。然后讨论了这些发现对理论和实践的启示。

  Website 
• Darvishmotevalia M, Altinay L, De Vita G, 'Emotional intelligence and creative performance: Looking through the lens of environmental uncertainty and cultural intelligence'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 73 (2018) pp.44-54
  ISSN: 0278-4319 eISSN: 1873-4693
  Abstract Despite the need to better understand the relationship between employee creativity and emotional intelligence, research remains scant and ambiguous. We examine the effect of emotional intelligence (EI) on frontline employees’ creativity and the mediating role of environmental uncertainty (EU) as an explanatory mechanism to understand the EI and creative performance (CP) relationship. In addition, we test for the interaction effect of EI and CI on frontline employees’ creativity. Using a sample of 283 frontline employees (FEs) from four and five star hotels, structural equation modeling is employed to test the proposed hypotheses. Results reveal that EI has a positive impact on FEs’ creative performance. The findings also confirm the mediating role of EU in the relationship between EI and CP. Moderating regression analyses show that CI strengthens the impact of EI on CP, albeit with a marginal increment in explanatory power. Important theoretical and managerial implications flow from our findings.Website 
• Esfandiar K, Sharifi-Tehrani M, Pratt S, Altinay L, 'Understanding entrepreneurial intentions: A developed integrated structural model approach'
  Journal of Business Research 94 (2018) pp.172-182
  ISSN: 0148-2963 eISSN: 1873-7978
  Abstract The primary objective of this study is to develop the pioneering version of Krueger’s (2009) integrated model of entrepreneurial intention (EI) and to empirically test the new model in explaining individuals’ intentions of entrepreneurial activities. The data were collected by the self-reported in-person and electronic questionnaires from a population of tourism students from several universities in Iran. The results of partial least squares estimations indicate that desirability is the main determinant of entrepreneurial goal intention (EGI), followed by self-efficacy, feasibility, opportunity, attitude, and collective-efficacy, while social norms do not influence EGI. Also, EGI strongly influences entrepreneurial implementation intention. Concerning the modification effect, the impact of perceived opportunity on EGI tends to increase when an individual has a high propensity to act. The findings provide policy makers with important insights into how to nurture tourism students’ EIs through educational programs.Website 
• Gursoy D, Altinay L, Kenebayeva A, 'Religiosity and entrepreneurship behaviours'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 67 (2017) pp.87-94
  ISSN: 0278-4319 eISSN: 1873-4693
  Abstract This study investigates the impacts of entrepreneurs’ religiosity on their values and on the relationship between their values and entrepreneurial behaviours by examining the differences between practicing Muslim entrepreneurs and non-practicing Muslim entrepreneurs. Relationships between values and religiosity are examined within an integrative framework of Schwartz's value theory. Findings suggest that religion plays a critical role in shaping individuals values and their entrepreneurial behaviours. Practicing Muslim entrepreneurs have more respect for, commitment to and acceptance of the religious and traditional customs and ideas compared with those non-practicing Muslim entrepreneurs. On the other hand, non-practicing Muslim entrepreneurs have more independent thoughts and actions when it comes to choosing, creating and exploring compared with those practicing Muslim entrepreneurs. Furthermore, non-practicing Muslim entrepreneurs are more likely to seek for worldly pleasures and sensuous gratification compared with those practicing Muslim entrepreneurs. Website 
• Tajeddini K, Altinay L, Ratten V, 'Service innovativeness and the structuring of organizations: The moderating roles of learning orientation and inter-functional coordination'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 65 (2017) pp.100-114
  ISSN: 0278-4319 eISSN: 1873-4693
  Abstract
  This paper aims to investigate the influence of organizational structure on service innovativeness by testing the moderating roles of learning orientation and inter-functional coordination. This helps to understand how organic structure influences service innovativeness when it is effectively leveraged with favorable organizational factors. Data were collected from 178 hotel managers and executives in Japan and moderated regression analysis was performed to analyze the data. Findings of the study suggest that higher levels of service innovativeness are positively related to higher levels of hotel business performance. In addition, organic structure makes a positive influence on service innovativeness and an increase in the levels of learning orientation boost the effectiveness of organic structure on service innovativeness. Moreover, the positive association between organic structure and service innovativeness become stronger when all firm’s functions make an attempt to cooperate and contribute to disseminating customers and competitors’ information in the hotels. These findings contribute to understanding how hotel service innovation is affected by service innovativeness, organizational structure, learning orientation and inter-functional coordination.
  Website 
• Brookes M, Altinay L, 'Knowledge Transfer and Isomorphism in Franchise Networks'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 62 (2016) pp.33-42
  ISSN: 0278-4319 eISSN: 1873-4693
  Abstract This study draws on institutional and organisational learning theories to evaluate how knowledge transfer (KT) practices contribute to the development of isomorphism in franchise networks. It also analyses how the characteristics of franchise partners influence this process. Research conducted across a sample of hospitality and retail franchisees in Turkey reveals how the transfer of explicit knowledge aids in the realisation of coercive isomorphism and the transfer of tacit knowledge supports mimetic isomorphism. Additionally, the study identifies the factors that influence the extent to which these types of isomorphism are achieved. In doing so, it identifies the importance of franchisor institutionalisation, or the degree to which a strong and supportive infrastructure is developed, to isomorphism within franchise networks. Institutionalisation impacts on the antecedents to KT. Differences between the KT practices of hospitality and retail franchise networks are also identified.Website 
• Olya H, Altinay L, 'Asymmetric Modelling of Intention to Purchase Tourism Weather Insurance and Loyalty'
  Journal of Business Research 69 (8) (2016) pp.2791-2800
  ISSN: 0148-2963 eISSN: 1873-7978
  Website 
• Altinay L,Sigala M,Waligo V, 'Social value creation through tourism enterprise'
  Tourism Management 54 (2016) pp.404-417
  ISSN: 0261-5177 eISSN: 1879-3193
  Abstract Despite the role of social entrepreneurship to create social value and transformation, little is still known about how social value can be generated. Drawing upon the service dominant logic and entrepreneurship literature, the paper aims to identify the resource needs of a tourism social enterprise and evaluate the means by which these resources are mobilised. Twenty seven face-to-face interviews were conducted with key informants in a developing country case study context. The key resources required for social value creation in tourism are natural; financial; political and institutional and human capital. These resources enable the generation of social value at three levels with interlocking value creation processes: at an individual stakeholder level; at the meso level and at the macro-level. Strategies associated with resource mobilisation are stakeholder involvement and collaboration; and relationship development and local community empowerment. A shared understanding of the role of tourism and cultural values is critical.Website 
• Brookes M, Altinay L, Yeung RMW, 'The hospitality franchise purchase decision making process'
  International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 28 (5) (2016) pp.1009-1025
  ISSN: 0959-6119 eISSN: 1757-1049
  Abstract
  Purpose - This study explores the hospitality franchise purchase decision-making process undertaken by franchisees in Macau as an emerging tourism destination, and the role of national culture on purchasing a franchise brand and selecting a potential franchisor.
  Design/methodology/approach - Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 18  franchisees  in Macau, who purchased international and domestic hospitality franchise brands, were conducted to understand the feelings, attitudes and motivation of franchisees towards purchasing a hospitality franchise.
  Findings – The study reveals that national culture can play an important role in franchisees’ decision-making process. Personal networks of friends and family (guanxi) are very influential in introducing and steering aspiring entrepreneurs towards franchising as an option to realize their ambitions, although there may be some limitations to franchisees with this approach. Guanxi, was also found to be particularly relevant during negotiations and franchisees’ postpurchase reviews.
  Practical implications – International franchisors should understand the importance of guanxi at different stages of franchisees’ decision-making process. Franchisees should realize how a reliance on guanxi might negatively impact on their efforts to undertake sufficient research to thoroughly evaluate the franchisor offer prior to contract signature.
  Originality/value - A comprehensive hospitality franchisee decision-making purchase framework is developed which includes the cultural context and cultural values. Guanxi in particular, impacts upon the franchisee decision-making process. 
  Website 
• Brookes M. Altinay L, Wang L, Yeung, R, 'Opportunity Identification and Evaluation in Franchisee Business Start-Ups'
  Journal of Service Theory and Practice 26 (6) (2015) pp.889-910
  ISSN: 2055-6225 eISSN: 2055-6233
  Abstract
  Abstract
  Purpose: This paper examines franchisees’ business start-ups from an entrepreneurial
  perspective, adopting a process representative of entrepreneurship to examine opportunity
  identification and evaluation by franchisees and to analyse factors that influence this process.
  Design/Methodology: A qualitative study was employed and data collected using semistructured
  interviews with a sample of service industry franchisees in Macau.
  Findings: The study identifies that social networks play a key role in opportunity
  identification and that franchisees’ goals influence the criteria used and information search
  activities undertaken while evaluating franchise opportunities.
  Research implications: The study makes two contributions to franchise literature. It
  identifies that social networks can serve as substitutes for lack of prior knowledge in
  franchise opportunity identification. It also identifies the interrelated nature of franchisees’
  goals based on the activities and criteria used to evaluate franchise opportunities, and the
  importance of relational criteria when franchisees lack prior industry knowledge. It therefore
  also contributes to franchise/entrepreneurship literature by identifying the interrelated nature
  of the factors contributing to the dynamics of franchise chain growth.
  Practical implications: Franchisors should explore how to better use franchisees’ social
  networks and identify the longer-term goals of prospective franchisees to support market
  penetration and franchise chain growth. Franchisees are advised to use independent
  information sources to evaluate franchise opportunities using goal-informed objectives and
  demand and relational criteria.
  Originality: The study presents a more comprehensive understanding of franchisees’
  decision-making process when joining franchise chains by identifying the activities
  undertaken and criteria used to identify and evaluate franchise opportunities.
  Keywords: Franchisees, entrepreneurs, opportunity identification and evaluation, business
  start-up, social networks, guanxi
  Website 
• Olya H G T, Altinay L, 'Asymmetric modeling of intention to purchase tourism weather insurance and loyalty'
  Journal of Business Research 69 (8) (2015) pp.2791-2800
  ISSN: 0148-2963 eISSN: 1873-7978
  Abstract This study aims to craft and test a theory by examining the combinations of causal antecedents for predicting intention to purchase tourism weather insurance (IPTWI) and destination loyalty. Weather expectation, disconfirmation, perceived risk, and visit time are used as ingredients of complex configurations. To assess occurrences of both positive and negative contrarian cases, cross-tabulations were performed with data from tourists who traveled to a Mediterranean island (North Cyprus). Asymmetrical fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) data analyses were run to identify recipes of antecedent conditions for predicting high scores in IPTWI and loyalty. Results from fsQCA support the major tenets of complexity theory. Apart from fit validity of the measurement model, evidence of predictive validity of algorithm models is provided. This study tests an empirical model with complexity theory that contributes to the literature by providing new insights into the configural conditions indicating high score for IPTWI and loyalty, which is useful for proposing new risk-attached services (e.g., tourism weather insurance).Website 
• Altinay L, Madanoglu M, De Vita G, Arasli H, Ekinci Y, 'The Interface between Organizational Learning Capability, Entrepreneurial Orientation, and SME Growth'
  Journal of Small Business Management 54 (3) (2015) pp.871-891
  ISSN: 0047-2778
  Abstract This paper investigates the interface between organizational learning capability, entrepreneurial orientation (EO), and small business performance. It reports on the findings from 350 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in North Cyprus operating in the services and retailing sectors. The findings indicate a positive relationship between EO and sales and market share growth, but not between EO and employment growth. There is also a positive relationship between organizational learning capability and EO. This paper contributes to the small business management literature by providing a holistic analysis of the interface between organizational learning capability, EO, and growth.Website 
• Madanoglu M, Altinay L, Wang X, 'Disentangling the effect of family involvement on innovativeness and risk taking: The role of decentralization'
  Journal of Business Research 69 (5) (2015) pp.1796-1800
  ISSN: 0148-2963 eISSN: 1873-7978
  Abstract This study investigates the effect of family involvement on family firms' entrepreneurial behavior through decentralization. Borrowing from agency theory and using a sample of 145 entrepreneurs, this study contributes to entrepreneurship literature by providing a fine-grained explanation about how a decision-making mechanism such as decentralization influences the relationship between family involvement and innovativeness, and risk taking of family firms. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the importance of considering heterogeneity of family firms and the focal role of decentralization in spurring up firm-level entrepreneurshipWebsite 
• Altinay L, Madanoglu M, De Vita G, Arasli H, Ekinci Y, 'The Interface between Organizational Learning Capability, Entrepreneurial Orientation, and SME Growth'
  Journal of Small Business Management 54 (3) (2015) pp.871-891
  ISSN: 0047-2778
  Website 
• Madanoglu M, Altinay L, Wang X, 'Disentangling the effect of family involvement on innovativeness and risk taking: The role of decentralization'
  Journal of Business Research 69 (5) (2015) pp.1796-1800
  ISSN: 0148-2963
  Website 
• De Vita G, Kartircioglu S, Altinay S, Fethi S, Mercan M, 'Revisiting the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis in a Tourism Development Context'
  Environmental Science and Pollution Research 22 (21) (2015) pp.16652-16663
  ISSN: 0944-1344 eISSN: 1614-7499
  Website 
• De Vita G, Katircioglu S, Altinay L, Fethi S, Mercan M, 'Revisiting the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis in a Tourism Development Context'
  Environmental Science and Pollution Research 22 (21) (2015) pp.16652-16663
  ISSN: 0944-1344 eISSN: 1614-7499
  Abstract This study investigates empirically an extended version of the Environmental Kuznets Curve model that controls for tourism development. We find that international tourist arrivals into Turkey alongside income, squared income and energy consumption, cointegrate with CO2 emissions. Tourist arrivals, growth, and energy consumption exert a positive and significant impact on CO2emissions in the long-run. Our results provide empirical support to EKC hypothesis showing that at exponential levels of growth, CO2 emissions decline. The findings suggest that despite the environmental degradation stemming from tourism development, policies aimed at environmental protection should not be pursued at the expense of tourism-led growth.Website 
• Farmaki A, Altinay L, Botterill D, Hilke S, 'Politics and sustainable tourism: the case of Cyprus'
  Tourism Management 47 (15) (2015) pp.178-190
  ISSN: 0261-5177 eISSN: 1879-3193
  Abstract

  Cyprus' volatile political environment lends an interesting case for enhancing knowledge on the politics of tourism. The importance of tourism for the island's economy makes the study of the political influences on the new-found goal of sustainable tourism development imperative. This paper investigates the political factors influencing sustainable tourism implementation in Cyprus. Analysis is informed by Lukes' conceptualisation of power relations. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, the findings suggest that sustainable tourism implementation continues to be problematic, given Cyprus' complex political context, which is highly susceptible to external axes of power. The strong influence of the socio-cultural environment on the politics driving sustainable tourism inhibits its effective implementation. This paper proposes a theoretical framework and a methodology for studying the politics of sustainable tourism development.

  Website 
• Brookes M, Altinay L, Aktas G, 'Opportunistic behaviour in hospitality franchise agreements'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 46 (2015) pp.120-129
  ISSN: 0278-4319 eISSN: 1873-4693
  Abstract

  This paper combines agency theory and social exchange theoretical perspectives to examine opportunistic behaviour in hospitality franchise agreements.  It identifies and analyses the opportunistic behaviour of both franchisors and franchisees through a qualitative study of Turkish hospitality franchisees.  A model of opportunistic behaviour and social exchange is developed from the study for further empirical testing. The model depicts different categories of franchisee behaviour, how franchisee behaviour is influenced by the behaviour of franchisors, the relevant characteristics of social exchange between franchisors and franchisees and the outcomes of those exchanges.  As such, the study provides a complementary perspective of franchisee opporutunism and exchange relationships. 

  Website 
• Chathoth PK,Ungson GR, Altinay L, Chan ESW, Harrington R, Okumus F, 'Barriers affecting organisational adoption of higher order customer engagement in tourism service interactions'
  Tourism Management 42 (2014) pp.181-193
  ISSN: 0261-5177
  Abstract In this study, consumer engagement was examined from a service-dominant logic perspective in tourism service interactions. Extensive field interviews and focus groups in the context of three upscale hotels in Hong Kong identified numerous barriers towards successfully engaging consumers, extending from consumer, technological, and strategic cases to organisational cases. In all, a firm’s overall strategy, organisational structure and culture are the most important barriers determining whether consumer engagement as depicted in the literature can be successfully deployed within hotel organisations. Implications call for a more intensive study of engaging consumers from an organisational context with a reassessment of progressive stages that include leadership interventions and the incorporation of consumer feedback at all stages of the firm’s value-creating network.Website 
• Altinay L, Brookes M, Madanoglu M, Aktas G, 'Franchisees' trust in and satisfaction with franchise partnerships'
  Journal of Business Research 67 (5) (2014) pp.722-728
  ISSN: 0148-2963 eISSN: 1873-7978
  Abstract

  This paper aims to establsh the relationship between the antecedents of trust, trust itself, and franchisee satisfaction. Taking its cue from power-dependence, international business, and social exchange theories, the paper contributes to the franchise literature by offering a more comprehensive theoretical persepctive to aid understanding of trust development in, and satisfaction with franchise partnerships. The study provides empirical evidence of the impactof the franchisor's role performance and cultural sensitivity on franchisees' trust and satisfaction with franchise partnerships. Furthermore, this research demonstrates the central role of communication in the development of franchisees' trust.

  Website 
• Gregori N, Daniele R, Altinay L, 'Affiliate Marketing in Tourism: Determinants of Consumer Trust'
  Journal of Travel Research 53 (2) (2014) pp.196-210
  ISSN: 0047-2875 eISSN: 1552-6763
  Abstract Affiliate marketing is a prominent, contemporary type of performance-based Internet marketing whereby a company compensates affiliates for each customer referred through the affiliate’s marketing efforts. It is regarded as one of the most promising customer acquisition tools in eTourism. The present study aims to identify the key variables affecting consumer trust in tourism-related affiliate websites. A mixed method approach was adopted to explore both the consumers’ perspective, via focus-group interviews, and that of tourism affiliate practitioners via an online questionnaire. The main findings suggest that there is a distinction between pivotal determinants of trust and trust-enhancing factors. It is suggested that affiliates need to expose their competence and integrity to consumers. Affiliates that feature integrated booking engines need to reduce consumer’s uncertainty by structural assurances and by providing background information on their websitesWebsite 
• Harrington RJ, Chathoth PK, Ottenbacher M, Altinay L, 'Strategic management research in hospitality and tourism: past, present and future'
  International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 26 (5) (2014) pp.778-808
  ISSN: 0959-6119 eISSN: 1757-1049
  Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this study is to review the hospitality and tourism strategy literature to identify trends related to key topical areas of research. The study objectives include identifying hospitality and tourism strategy challenges; presenting a synthesis of frequent strategy topics; and identifying opportunities for future research.
  Design/methodology/approach – Earlier studies in the hospitality strategy literature were reviewed and synthesized to identify trends, gaps and opportunities.
  Findings – Hospitality strategy research continues to improve and extend the boundaries of strategic thought in the hospitality literature. In assessing the literature from 1980 to 2013, it was apparent that the literature was following the mainstream trend of combining theoretical perspectives to some degree as well as applying more process-based concepts to hospitality strategy research. There were several challenges for propelling hospitality strategy research forward; these included the educational infrastructure, theory development and the quantity and quality of researchers in the field.
  Research limitations/implications – Given the depth and breadth of the strategy topics and research, it was difficult to ensure sufficient coverage was provided in the limited space of one journal article.
  Originality/value – The study provides a good foundational understanding of where the hospitality strategy research had been and the trajectory of where it was headed. Further, it serves as a valuable resource for current researchers and those entering this area of research.Website 
• Brookes M, Altinay L, Ringham K, 'Successful implementation of responsible business practice'
  Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes 6 (1) (2014) pp.4-9
  ISSN: 1755-4217 eISSN: 1755-4225
  Abstract

  Purpose – The main aim of this paper is to introduce the articles of this issue.
  Design/methodology/approach – A critical content analysis of the papers selected for the issue was undertaken.
  Findings – The final articles for this issue examine a range of responsible business practices within hospitality and tourism businesses in diverse country settings. In addition, each article is followed by a commentary from an industry representative who reflects on the key message and/or value of the article for industry practice.
  Research limitations/implications – Although only one article examined the role of education specifically, collectively the articles in this special theme edition point to the critical role of education in implementing responsible business practices in the near future, as well as for ensuring the sustainability of these practices in the years to come. Additionally, these articles highlight the need for greater cooperation between different hospitality and tourism stakeholders in the development and implementation of responsible business practices.
  Originality/value – The current theme issue explores emerging issues in the implementation of responsible business practice in the context of hospitality and tourism industries in different country contexts.

  Website 
• Altinay L, Saunders M, Wang CL, 'The Influence of Culture on Trust Judgments in Customer Relationship Development by Ethnic Minority Small Businesses'
  Journal of Small Business Management 52 (1) (2014) pp.59-78
  ISSN: 0047-2778
  Abstract This paper explores the influence of culture on trust judgments in customer relationship development by ethnic minority small businesses (EMSBs). Chao and Moon’s “cultural mosaic” of overlapping “cultural tiles” is used to develop a generic conceptual model regarding the relationships between multiple cultural identities, trust, and customer relationship development. Drawing on qualitative data from semistructured interviews with 134 Turkish EMSBs in London (United Kingdom), our findings contribute to the understanding of how different cultural tiles influence the dimensions of trust judgments in relationship development between EMSBs and different customer groups. Seven propositions and a theoretical framework regarding these relationships are offered for future research.Website 
• Altinay L, Brookes M, Yeung R, Aktas G, 'Franchisees' perceptions of relationship development in franchise partnerships'
  Journal of Services Marketing 28 (6) (2014) pp.509-519
  ISSN: 0887-6045
  Abstract

  The paper aims to evaluae the antecedents of franchise relationship development from the perspective of a sample of Chinese and Turkish franchisees. This paper advances franchsiing literature by offerin a combined and complementary theoretical persepctive to our understanding of the influence of power and social investments in relationship development between franchisees and franchisors. In particular, the study identifies role performance of franchsor and communication with franchisees as the key antecedents of relationship development.

  Website 
• Paraskevas A, Altinay L, 'Signal detection as the first line of defence in tourism crisis management'
  Tourism Management 34 (1) (2013) pp.158-171
  ISSN: 0261-5177
  Abstract The vulnerability of the tourism industry to a range of crises has attracted many scholars to investigatethe crisis strategies and practices employed by destinations and tourism organizations mainly withregards to crisis preparedness, containment and damage limitation, crisis recovery and subsequentlearning. One over-looked area has been that of crisis signal detection. This paper proposes a three-stageconceptual framework for crisis signal detection consisting of signal scanning, capture and transmissionto the crisis response centre. With this framework as a basis, 16 corporate level executives of interna-tional tourism organizations were interviewed in order to explore the significance of signal detection intheir crisis management practice and the challenges faced in each of these three stages. Thefindings offerinsights into the design of crisis management mechanisms and open areas for further researchWebsite 
• Chathoth P, Altinay L, Harrington RJ, Okumus F, Chan ESW, 'Co-production Versus Co-creation: a Process Based Continuum in the Hotel Service Context'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 32 (2013) pp.11-20
  ISSN: 0278-4319
  Abstract

  This paper reviews the theoretical underpinnings of co-production and co-creation and discusses these service production approaches in a hotel context. Based on a synthesis of the literature, we present a co-production to co-creation matrix and offer several propositions: (1) the co-production versus co-creation concepts create a continuum rather than a dichotomy; (2) service innovation and the customisation of service production are conceived as lying somewhere between co-production and cocreation on this continuum; and (3) the key factors that define a typology of service production types (co-production, service innovation, customisation, and co-creation) include the primary value-creation driver and customer involvement/dialogue type. We further discuss the benefits for hotels of moving from co-production to co-creation on this continuum. As one of the first papers to discuss co-creation in hospitality, it contributes to the field by providing specific theoretical and practical implications for how hotel companies can move from co-production to co-creation.

  Website 
• Altinay L, Brookes M, Aktas G, 'Selecting franchise partners: Tourism franchisee approaches, processes and criteria'
  Tourism Management 37 (2013) pp.176-185
  ISSN: 0261-5177
  Abstract This paper identifies and evaluates the partner selection approaches, processes and criteria use by tourism franchisees to select their franchisor partners. A qualitative study of a sample of Turkish franchisees identifies the partner selection criteria and two distinct approaches used to select franchisor partners. The study contributes to our understanding of franchisee partner selection by demonstrating how the selection criteria, approaches and processes impact on franchisee satisfaction post contract signature. In addition, a framework that depicts the relationship between the criteria, approaches and processes is developed from the study. The study yields a number of implications particularly for prospective franchisees interested in joining a franchise network.Website 
• Paraskevas A, Altinay L, McLean J, Cooper C, 'Crisis Knowledge in tourism. Flows and governance'
  Annals of Tourism Research 41 (2013) pp.130-152
  ISSN: 0160-7383
  Abstract Driven by the rapidly growing number of crises that affect tourism, the study of crisis knowledge management is gaining an increased interest in the tourism field. Effective management of crisis knowledge enhances the resilience of tourism organizations and destinations in crisis situations, strengthens their defense mechanisms, limits potential damages and allows them to bounce back to normalcy faster. This paper uses critical incident interviews with 21 tourism executives in order to identify the types of crisis knowledge they employ in the advent of a crisis and to explore the crisis knowledge management processes and flows within their organizations. Drawing from extant generic literature and the informants’ responses, the paper proposes a framework for the governance of crisis knowledge in tourism. Keywords: knowledge management, knowledge governance, knowledge flows, codification, personalization, crisis. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Website 
• Bhatt P, Altinay L, 'How social capital is leveraged in social innovations under resource constraints?'
  Management Decision 51 (9) (2013) pp.1772-1792
  Abstract Purpose – This paper aims to explore how social capital is leveraged in social innovations to overcome resource constraints. The paper reports on the findings from an exploratory study on the social innovation process within Indian social entrepreneurial ventures (SEVs) developed in a resource constrained environment.
  Design/methodology/approach – This study adopts an interpretive case study approach to investigating social innovation that enables researchers to identify the cultural contexts within which social entrepreneurship emerges. Views of the social entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs were gathered through semi-structured interviews and observations.
  Findings – Findings of the study demonstrated that there are distinctive stages of the social innovation process. The stages of the process are initial phase: emergence of a social idea for a venture; development phase: building the social venture; and scaling phase: growing the social venture. These stages of the process lead to the identification of social needs as social entrepreneurial opportunities, then to the initiation, development and scaling of conjectured solutions generating economic and social value.
  Practical implications – During the development stage of the social innovation, closer relationships with investors could help access scarce financial resources. Finally, in the scaling phase, greater involvement with the target beneficiaries can help reduce marketing and search-related costs for SEVs. Thus, greater engagement of beneficiaries throughout the social innovation process can help in the successful initiation, development and scaling of a social innovation.
  Originality/value – First, this study identifies the distinctive stages of the social innovation process. Second, this study provides empirical evidence to support previous claims that social innovations develop in resource-constrained environments. Finally, this exploratory research has investigated social innovations in a developing country context – IndiaWebsite 
• Paraskevas A, Altinay L, 'Signal detection as the first line of defence in tourism crisis management'
  Tourism Management 34 (2013) pp.158-171
  ISSN: 0261-5177
  Abstract The vulnerability of the tourism industry to a range of crises has attracted many scholars to investigate the crisis strategies and practices employed by destinations and tourism organizations mainly with regards to crisis preparedness, containment and damage limitation, crisis recovery and subsequent learning. One over-looked area has been that of crisis signal detection. This paper proposes a three-stage conceptual framework for crisis signal detection consisting of signal scanning, capture and transmission to the crisis response centre. With this framework as a basis, 16 corporate level executives of international tourism organizations were interviewed in order to explore the significance of signal detection in their crisis management practice and the challenges faced in each of these three stages. The findings offer insights into the design of crisis management mechanisms and open areas for further research.Website 
• Altinay L, Brookes M, Aktas G, 'Selecting franchise partners: Tourism franchisee approaches, processes and criteria'
  Tourism Management 37 (-) (2013) pp.176-
  ISSN: 0261-5177
  Abstract

  This paper identifies and evaluates the partner selection approaches, processes and criteria use by tourism franchisees to select their franchisor partners. A qualitative study of a sample of Turkish franchisees identifies the partner selection criteria and two distinct approaches used to select franchisor partners. The study contributes to our understanding of franchisee partner selection by demonstrating how the selection criteria, approaches and processes impact on franchisee satisfaction post contract signature. In addition, a framework that depicts the relationship between the criteria, approaches and processes is developed from the study. The study yields a number of implications particularly for prospective franchisees interested in joining a franchise network.

  Website 
• Altinay L, Brookes M, 'Factors influencing relationship development in franchise partnerships'
  Journal of Services Marketing 26 (4) (2012) pp.278-292
  ISSN: 0887-6045
  Abstract Purpose – This paper aims to identify and evaluate the factors which influence relationship development between franchisors and franchisees in international service franchise partnerships.
  Design/methodology/approach – Case studies of two international hotel firms were the focus of the enquiry. Interviews and document analysis were used as the data collection techniques. Findings – Findings demonstrate that role performance, asset specificity and cultural sensitivity influence relationship development in franchise partnerships. The influence of these factors, however, varies in different forms of franchise partnerships, namely individual and master franchises.
  Research limitations/implications – The findings are based on case studies in the international hotel industry and therefore may not be generalizable to other industry sectors.
  Practical implications – Service firms should adopt a systematic organization-wide approach to, and management of, relationship development in franchise partnerships. In particular, in the case of cross-country partnerships, both franchisors and franchisees need to develop and exploit their intercultural skills and adapt their business practices to the cultures of host and home countries where appropriate.
  Originality/value – The paper exploits three main streams of research which could inform the antecedents of business-to-business relationships, namely power-dependence, transaction cost theories and international business. It thus advances services marketing and more specifically international franchising literatures by offering a holistic theoretical perspective to our understanding of business-to-business relationship development.Website 
• Wang C, Altinay L, 'Social embeddedness, entrepreneurial orientation and firm growth in ethnic minority small businesses in the UK'
  International Small Business Journal 30 (1) (2012) pp.3-23
  ISSN: 0266-2426 eISSN: 1741-2870
  Website 
• Abbott A, De Vita G, Altinay L, 'Revisiting the convergence hypothesis for tourism markets: Evidence from Turkey using the pairwise approach'
  Tourism Management 33 (3) (2012) pp.537-544
  ISSN: 0261-5177
  Abstract This paper empirically revisits the tourism markets convergence hypothesis (Narayan, 2006) for the case of Turkey by employing the newly developed pairwise approach to the analysis of stochastic convergence ( [26] and [27]). This new approach allows for unit root tests to be conducted on all possible pairs of tourist arrival differentials across Turkey" s 20 major tourist source markets, thus avoiding the need to choose a base source market or total tourist arrivals figure as the benchmark. Using monthly data over the period January 1996 to December 2009, the main finding is that despite considerable"co-movement" of international tourist arrivals in Turkey, there is no evidence of long-run"convergence" among Turkey" s major tourism markets. Cluster-based club convergence analyses alongside bivariate pairwise estimations confirm the lack of convergence and highlight specific tourist source markets with considerable untapped potential. These findings have profound policy implications for Turkey" s inbound tourism planning and promotion.Website 
• Altinay L, Brookes M, 'Factors affecting relationship development in international franchise partnerships'
  Journal of Services Marketing 26 (4) (2012)
  ISSN: 0887-6045
  Abstract
  Purpose: This paper aims to identify and evaluate the factors which influence relationship development between franchisors and franchisees in international service franchise partnerships.
   Design/methodology/approach: Case studies of two international hotel firms were the focus of the enquiry. Interviews and document analysis were used as the data collection techniques.  
  Findings: Findings demonstrate that role performance, asset specificity and cultural sensitivity influence relationship development in franchise partnerships. The influence of these factors, however, varies in different forms of franchise partnerships, namely individual and master franchises.
  Research limitations/implications: The findings are based on case studies in the international hotel industry and therefore may not be generalizable to other industry sectors.
  Practical implications: Service firms should adopt a systematic organization‐wide approach to, and management of, relationship development in franchise partnerships. In particular, in the case of cross‐country partnerships, both franchisors and franchisees need to develop and exploit their inter‐cultural skills and adapt their business practices to the cultures of host and home countries where appropriate.
  Originality/value: The paper exploits three main streams of research which could inform the antecedents of business‐to‐business relationships, namely power‐dependence, transaction cost theories and international business. It thus advances services marketing and more specifically international franchising literatures by offering a holistic theoretical perspective to our understanding of business‐to‐business relationship development.
  Purpose: This paper aims to identify and evaluate the factors which influence relationship development between franchisors and franchisees in international service franchise partnerships.
   Design/methodology/approach: Case studies of two international hotel firms were the focus of the enquiry. Interviews and document analysis were used as the data collection techniques.  
  Findings: Findings demonstrate that role performance, asset specificity and cultural sensitivity influence relationship development in franchise partnerships. The influence of these factors, however, varies in different forms of franchise partnerships, namely individual and master franchises.
  Research limitations/implications: The findings are based on case studies in the international hotel industry and therefore may not be generalizable to other industry sectors.
  Practical implications: Service firms should adopt a systematic organization‐wide approach to, and management of, relationship development in franchise partnerships. In particular, in the case of cross‐country partnerships, both franchisors and franchisees need to develop and exploit their inter‐cultural skills and adapt their business practices to the cultures of host and home countries where appropriate.
  Originality/value: The paper exploits three main streams of research which could inform the antecedents of business‐to‐business relationships, namely power‐dependence, transaction cost theories and international business. It thus advances services marketing and more specifically international franchising literatures by offering a holistic theoretical perspective to our understanding of business‐to‐business relationship development.
  Website 
• Altinay L, Madanoglu M, Daniele R, Lashley C, 'The Influence of Family Tradition and Psychological Traits on Entrepreneurial Intention'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 31 (2012) pp.489-499
  ISSN: 0278-4319
  Abstract This paper investigates the influence of family tradition and psychological traits on the entrepreneurial intention of university hospitality students in the UK. The empirical study was predicated on the need to consider both socio-demographic variables and especially family background and personality traits. The research also tested the suggestion that risk taking propensity may act as a potential mediator. The findings of the study suggest that family entrepreneurial background and innovation influence the intention to start a new business; that there is positive relationship between tolerance of ambiguity and risk taking propensity; and a negative relationship between locus of control and risk taking propensity. The paper emphasizes the importance of taking a more holistic approach when researching the factors that influence entrepreneurial intention.Website 
• Brookes M, Altinay L, Gannon J, 'Internationalization of the hospitality industry : editorial'
  International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 23 (2) (2011) pp.144-146
  ISSN: 0959-6119 eISSN: 1757-1049
  Website 
• Altinay L, Wang C, 'The influence of an entrepreneur's socio‐cultural characteristics on the entrepreneurial orientation of small firms'
  Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development 18 (4) (2011) pp.673-694
  ISSN: 1462-6004
  Abstract Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the relationship between Turkish ethnic entrepreneurs’ socio-cultural characteristics (namely education, experience and religion) and the entrepreneurial orientation of their firms.
  Design/methodology/approach – The study collected data through 139 face-to-face structured interviews with Turkish ethnic entrepreneurs in London, UK.
  Findings – The study illustrates that educational attainment of an entrepreneur makes a positive impact on a firm’s entrepreneurial orientation. Educational attainment equips business owners with the skills and reflective mindsets of understanding customers and responding to their needs. Previous business experience of the entrepreneur also impacts positively upon a firm’s entrepreneurial orientation, while religion of the entrepreneur does not have a significant impact on the firm’s entrepreneurial orientation.
  Research limitations/implications – This paper reports findings based on Turkish ethnic entrepreneurs in London. Therefore, care should be taken in making generalisations from the sample. Practical implications – This paper identifies those socio-cultural attributes that entrepreneurs can capitalise on in order to enhance the entrepreneurial orientation of their firms.
  Originality/value – The paper fills in a glaring gap by providing empirical evidence about the relationship between socio-cultural characteristics of entrepreneurs and their small firms’ entrepreneurial orientation.Website 
• Brookes M, Altinay L, 'Franchise partner selection: perspectives of franchisors and franchisees'
  Journal of Services Marketing 25 (5) (2011) pp.336-348
  ISSN: 0887-6045
  Abstract Purpose – This paper aims to identify the partner selection criteria employed both by franchisors and franchisees in master franchise agreements and evaluate how different selection criteria interact within the selection process and influence the decisions taken. Design/methodology/approach – A single embedded case study of an international hotel firm was the focus of the enquiry. Interviews and document analysis were used as the data collection techniques.
  Findings – The findings reveal that the establishment of franchise partnership involves a mutual and careful evaluation between franchisors and franchisees to assess whether their partnership criteria are compatible. The partner selection approach determines the extent of importance attached to different task- and partner-related selection criteria. In addition, the study identifies the role that different selection criteria play at different stages of the process.
  Research limitations/implications – The findings are based on a single case study in the international hotel industry and therefore may not be generalisable to other firms or industry sectors. Moreover, the study comprised master franchise agreements, and this contextual variable may impact on the findings determined.
  Practical implications – This paper illuminates the challenges both international franchisors and franchisees face in selecting their partners and proposes that both franchisors and franchisees should employ clearly defined selection criteria, utilise a defined selection process and choose their selection approach carefully in recruiting partners.
  Originality/value – This paper cross-fertilises the strategic alliance and franchise literature to evaluate the interplay of partner selection criteria, process, selection approach and international franchise recruitment. The findings contribute to the understanding of a largely neglected area, franchise partner selection and recruitment, by taking a holistic approach and incorporating the views of both franchisors and franchisees.Website 
• Altinay L, 'Market orientation of small ethnic minority-owned hospitality firms'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 29 (1) (2010) pp.148-156
  ISSN: 0278-4319 eISSN: 1873-4693
  Abstract This paper seeks to evaluate the influence of changing co-ethnic consumer habits and the nature of competition on the market orientation of ethnic minority-owned hospitality firms in the UK. The paper reports and analyses the findings of 40 face-to-face interviews with Turkish small business owners. The findings of the study indicate that ethnic minority owned small firms operate within a strong sociocultural environment. Not only co-ethnic customers and competitors but also both mainstream customers and competitors have a bearing on the market orientation of firms. Their market orientation is the result of the interplay between the changes in ethnic and mainstream business environments.Website 
• Wang C, Altinay L, 'Social embeddedness, entrepreneurial orientation and firm growth in ethnic minority small businesses in the United Kingdom'
  International Small Business Journal 30 (1) (2010)
  ISSN: 0266-2426 eISSN: 1741-2870
  Abstract

  Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of ethnic minority small businesses (EMSBs) and its antecedents and consequences are under-researched. Grounded in ethnic entrepreneurship theory and the social embeddedness approach, this article examines the relationships of EMSBs" access to various networks, their EO and firm growth. Drawing on quantitative data collected through 258 face-toface structured interviews with Chinese- and Turkish-owned EMSBs in London, UK our findings reveal that family and co-ethnic advice and labour do not have a significant impact on firms" EO. Instead, both access to co-ethnic products and access to co-ethnic suppliers of utilities and facilities have a significant impact on firms" EO, which in turn has a significant positive effect on employment growth. Moreover, Chinese-owned EMSBs demonstrate a higher level of EO and pursue different paths to growth (that is, they are more likely to grow through acquiring more business premises) compared with Turkish-owned EMSBs. The findings have important implications for the understanding of growth patterns of EMSBs, particularly the role of EO in the EMSBs" break-out strategies and growth.

  Website 
• Gurel E, Altinay L, Daniele R, 'Tourism students entrepreneurial intention'
  Annals of Tourism Research 37 (3) (2010) pp.646-669
  ISSN: 0160-7383
  Abstract This study aims to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurial traits, socio-cultural background and entrepreneurial intention of university students in the UK and Turkey. 409 tourism students were surveyed to measure entrepreneurial intention, entrepreneurial traits including risk-taking propensity, innovativeness, tolerance of ambiguity and locus of control and socio-cultural factors. The findings indicate that there is a statistically significant relationship between innovation, propensity to take risks, entrepreneurial family and entrepreneurial intention. Education does not seem to play an important role in fostering entrepreneurial traits and intentions of university students.
• Altinay L, Okumus F, 'Franchise partner selection decision making'
  Service Industries Journal 30 (6) (2010) pp.929-946
  ISSN: 0264-2069 eISSN: 1743-9507
  Abstract

  The 2010 UK General Election was unique in that for the first time, televised leaders' debates took place. The impact of these plus paid for advertising and uncontrolled events are considered, and their likely affect on the image of Brown, Cameron, and Clegg, the three main party leaders, discussed. Then, using a brand-mapping approach, we analyse changes to consumer perceptions of the leader brands from just prior to the first debate through to the election day itself, Thursday 6 May. Specifically, we consider whether, over the campaign, the number of leader associations increases, which policies were associated with which leader, and the favourability of the leaders associations. We then use a measure of brand-image strength to chart overall changes to the leaders. Finally, we consider how Brown's image was affected by the so-called"Duffy" affair.

  Website 
• Altinay L, Altinay E, 'Marketing strategies of ethnic minority businesses in the UK'
  Service Industries Journal 28 (8) (2010) pp.1183-1197
  ISSN: 0264-2069 eISSN: 1743-9507
  Abstract

  This paper seeks to evaluate the influence of the entrepreneurs' educational backgrounds, the firm's target market, and the sector of operations on the marketing practices of Turkish ethnic minority businesses. The paper reports and analyses the findings of 227 face-to-face structured interviews with Turkish small business owners. The findings of the study indicate that Turkish ethnic minority businesses operating in different sectors use both transactional and relational approaches to marketing. Their choices of pursuing different marketing strategies are influenced by the entrepreneurs' educational backgrounds, the firm's target market, and the sector of operations.

  Website 
• Yasarata M, Altinay L, Burns P, Okumus F, 'Politics and sustainable tourism development: Can they co-exist? Voices from North Cyprus'
  Tourism Management 31 (3) (2010) pp.345-356
  ISSN: 0261-5177
  Abstract

  This paper investigates ways in which political obstacles inhibit the formulation and implementation of sustainable tourism development in small-island developing states through the example of North Cyprus. The methodology draws on in-depth interviews and participant observation of significant actors in the tourism sector. The research findings suggest that understanding the intricate political system and power structure in a society is the key to understanding sustainable tourism policy development, planning and implementation. In the case of North Cyprus, policy development was found to be a product of political influence (referred to as ego-driven politics in the text), specifically the use of public resources as an instrument for political power, retention and that the politicisation of the public sector is the underlying cause of the weakened progress in sustainable tourism development. It is therefore essential to have a clear understanding of political issues, key political actors" interests and how to mitigate personal interests to facilitate and maintain sustainable tourism development in such small states.

  Website 
• Altinay L, Okumus F, 'Franchise partner selection decision making'
  Service Industries Journal 30 (6) (2010) pp.926-946
  ISSN: 0264-2069
  Abstract This paper aims to investigate international franchise partner selection from the perspective of different decision making models and analyse the influence of organisational factors on the franchise selection decision making. Empirical data were collected from a leading international hotel group through multiple data collection methods. The research findings indicate that the participant organisation mainly exploits a processual approach to decision making. Power over the decision making shifts to different levels where the necessary information can best be accumulated and interpreted in different stages of the process. Different organisational parameters interact and exert influence upon each other while a franchise organisation decides to choose the most appropriate franchise partner.Website 
• Saunders M, Altinay L, Riordan K, 'The management of post merger cultural integration: implications from the hotel industry'
  Service Industries Journal 29 (10) (2009) pp.1359-1375
  ISSN: 0264-2069 eISSN: 1743-9507
  Abstract

  "This paper evaluates the effectiveness of post merger management of cultural integration in the hotel industry. Using a mixed method design incorporating a structured card sort of possible feelings and subsequent in-depth interview,data were collected from Head Office employees. Findings highlight the importance of human dynamics of a merger, emphasising the importance of strong leadership, open and honest communication as pre-cursors to mutual learning and suggesting the need for a pre merger cultural audit. Merging two organisations involves the dedication of a remarkable level of resources and activities both before and after the M&As and yet, a successful outcome is uncertain and it is subject to effective management of cultural integration."

  Website 
• Altinay L, 'Market orientation of small ethnic minority-owned hospitality firms'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 29 (1) (2009) pp.148-156
  ISSN: 0278-4319 eISSN: 1873-4693
  Abstract This paper seeks to evaluate the influence of changing co-ethnic consumer habits and the nature of competition on the market orientation of ethnic minority-owned hospitality firms in the UK. The paper reports and analyses the findings of 40 face-to-face interviews with Turkish small business owners. The findings of the study indicate that ethnic minority owned small firms operate within a strong sociocultural environment. Not only co-ethnic customers and competitors but also both mainstream customers and competitors have a bearing on the market orientation of firms. Their market orientation is the result of the interplay between the changes in ethnic and mainstream business environments.Website 
• Altinay L, Wang C, 'Facilitating and Maintaining Research Access into Ethnic Minority Firms'
  Qualitative Market Research 12 (4) (2009) pp.367-390
  ISSN: 1352-2752
  Abstract

  Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to address the cultural challenges of gaining and maintaining qualitative research access into ethnic small firms. In particular, it evaluates the influence of cultural affinity - between researchers and business owners - on gaining and maintaining access into ethnic minority owned firms. Design/methodology/approach - This paper reflects on the experiences of facilitating and maintaining research access into a sample of 258 small Turkish and Chinese ethnic minority businesses in London. Findings - This paper study illustrates that researchers need to demonstrate cultural awareness to ethnic business owners and understand the socio-cultural environment in which their firms operate in order to be able to gain and maintain research access. Research limitations/implications - Data collection is limited to Turkish and Chinese ethnic minority owned businesses in London, and other ethnic entrepreneurs are excluded. Therefore, care should be taken in making generalisations from the sample. Practical implications - This paper identifies a number of important skills which can be exploited in negotiating and gaining research access. These are communication, interpersonal and cultural awareness skills. Originality/value - This paper addresses a neglected area in the research process, namely research access, which has important implications for the type of data collected, sampling and data collection techniques. The paper thus identifies -œresearch access- as an important element of research design.

  Website 
• Altinay L, Wang C, 'Facilitating and maintaining research access into ethnic minority firms'
  Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal 12 (4) (2009) pp.367-390
  ISSN: 1352-2752
  Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the cultural challenges of gaining and maintaining qualitative research access into ethnic small firms. In particular, it evaluates the influence of cultural affinity – between researchers and business owners – on gaining and maintaining access into ethnic minority owned firms.
  Design/methodology/approach – This paper reflects on the experiences of facilitating and maintaining research access into a sample of 258 small Turkish and Chinese ethnic minority businesses in London.
  Findings – This paper study illustrates that researchers need to demonstrate cultural awareness to ethnic business owners and understand the socio-cultural environment in which their firms operate in order to be able to gain and maintain research access.
  Research limitations/implications – Data collection is limited to Turkish and Chinese ethnic minority owned businesses in London, and other ethnic entrepreneurs are excluded. Therefore, care should be taken in making generalisations from the sample.
  Practical implications – This paper identifies a number of important skills which can be exploited in negotiating and gaining research access. These are communication, interpersonal and cultural awareness skills.
  Originality/value – This paper addresses a neglected area in the research process, namely research access, which has important implications for the type of data collected, sampling and data collection techniques. The paper thus identifies “research access” as an important element of research design.Website 
• Altinay L, Altinay E, 'Factors influencing business growth: The rise of Turkish entrepreneurship in the UK'
  International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research 14 (1) (2008) pp.24-46
  ISSN: 1355-2554
  Abstract Purpose - This paper seeks to evaluate the cultural variables which influence the growth of Turkish speaking ethnic minority businesses in London, UK. Design/methodology/approach - The paper reports and analyses the findings of 227 face-to-face structured interviews with Turkish small business owners. Findings - This study illustrates that there is a relationship between fluency in English and business growth in all sectors. Education appears to be an important variable for the business growth of the firms in the catering and service sectors. Reliance on co-ethnic market is a key contributor to growth of firms in the retailing sector. Research limitations/implications - Data collection was limited to London; and non-Turkish small business owners were excluded. Therefore, care should be taken in making generalisations from the sample. Practical implications - This paper illuminates challenges ethnic minority small business owners may face in their determination to grow and highlights the options that they may consider as part of their growth strategies. Originality/value - In terms of theoretical value, the findings of this study clearly demonstrated linkage between internal and external environments of entrepreneurship thus providing support for the -œmixed embeddedness- approach to explaining ethnic minority business growth. What is distinctive in this study is that it recognises the need for ethnic minority small business owners to scan the dynamics of business growth and the survival process.Website 
• Altinay L, 'The relationship between an entrepreneur's culture and the entrepreneurial behaviour of the firm'
  Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development 15 (1) (2008) pp.111-129
  ISSN: 1462-6004
  Abstract Purpose - This paper seeks to evaluate the relationship between Turkish entrepreneurs' cultural attributes and the entrepreneurial behaviour of their firms. Design/methodology/approach - The paper reports and analyses the findings of 227 face-to-face structured interviews with Turkish entrepreneurs. Findings - This study illustrates that there is a strong relationship between the religion of an entrepreneur and the firm's recruitment, market segmentation and advice-seeking practices. The English fluency of the entrepreneurs also influences their choice of using formal channels for advice. Research limitations/implications - Data collection was limited to London, and non-Turkish entrepreneurs were excluded. Therefore, care should be taken in making generalisations from the sample. Practical implications - This paper identifies those cultural attributes of the ethnic entrepreneurs that need to be aligned with the wider economic environment of the host country. Originality/value - This study focuses on the most critical player in an ethnic firm - the owner. It evaluates the linkage between the cultural attributes of the owner and the entrepreneurial behaviour of the firm.Website 
• Altinay L, Altinay E, Gannon J, 'Exploring the relationship between the human resource management practices and growth in small service firms'
  Service Industries Journal 28 (7) (2008) pp.919-937
  ISSN: 0264-2069 eISSN: 1743-9507
  Abstract This paper seeks to evaluate the relationship between the growth and the human resource management (HRM) practices of small service firms in catering to professional services and the retailing sectors in the UK. The paper reports and analyses the findings of 196 face-to-face structured interviews with small service business owners. Findings suggest that employee empowerment contributes to the sales growth of small firms in the different sectors of the service industry. The study also shows that employee training and recruitment through formal channels contribute to the sales growth of firms operating in the catering sector. This paper argues that contextual variables - the extent of the competition and the availability of the workforce - have a bearing on the HRM practices employed by small service businesses. Website 
• Wang C, Altinay L, 'International franchise partner selection and chain performance through the lens of organisational learning'
  Service Industries Journal 28 (2) (2008) pp.225-238
  ISSN: 0264-2069 eISSN: 1743-9507
  Abstract This study aims to investigate how international franchisors engage in exploratory and exploitative learning in the partner selection process and the implications for chain performance. Based on an embedded case study of a leading international hotel organisation, the findings reveal that the franchisor attempted a balanced learning approach in response to challenges caused by high cultural distance in international markets. However, the"crowd-out" effect of exploration and exploitation created a"tension" : exploration emphasising adaptation to local needs dominated the partner identification stage in country markets, whilst exploitation stressing standardisation and efficiencies dominated the partner decision-making stage at division. As a result, a consistent brand image came at the cost of very cautious international expansion.Website 
• Altinay L, Altinay E, 'Factors influencing business growth: the rise of Turkish entrepreneurship in the UK'
  International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research 14 (1) (2008) pp.24-46
  ISSN: 1355-2554
  Abstract Purpose – This paper seeks to evaluate the cultural variables which influence the growth of Turkish speaking ethnic minority businesses in London, UK.
  Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports and analyses the findings of 227 face-to-face structured interviews with Turkish small business owners.
  Findings – This study illustrates that there is a relationship between fluency in English and business growth in all sectors. Education appears to be an important variable for the business growth of the firms in the catering and service sectors. Reliance on co-ethnic market is a key contributor to growth of firms in the retailing sector.
  Research limitations/implications –
  Data collection was limited to London; and non-Turkish small business owners were excluded. Therefore, care should be taken in making generalisations from the sample.
  Practical implications – This paper illuminates challenges ethnic minority small business owners may face in their determination to grow and highlights the options that they may consider as part of their growth strategies.
  Originality/value – In terms of theoretical value, the findings of this study clearly demonstrated linkage between internal and external environments of entrepreneurship thus providing support for the “mixed embeddedness” approach to explaining ethnic minority business growth. What is distinctive in this study is that it recognises the need for ethnicPurpose – This paper seeks to evaluate the cultural variables which influence the growth of Turkish speaking ethnic minority businesses in London, UK. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports and analyses the findings of 227 face-to-face structured interviews with Turkish small business owners. Findings – This study illustrates that there is a relationship between fluency in English and business growth in all sectors. Education appears to be an important variable for the business growth of the firms in the catering and service sectors. Reliance on co-ethnic market is a key contributor to growth of firms in the retailing sector. Research limitations/implications – Data collection was limited to London; and non-Turkish small business owners were excluded. Therefore, care should be taken in making generalisations from the sample. Practical implications – This paper illuminates challenges ethnic minority small business owners may face in their determination to grow and highlights the options that they may consider as part of their growth strategies. Originality/value – In terms of theoretical value, the findings of this study clearly demonstrated linkage between internal and external environments of entrepreneurship thus providing support for the “mixed embeddedness” approach to explaining ethnic minority business growth. What is distinctive in this study is that it recognises the need for ethnic minority small business owners to scan the dynamics of business growth and the survival process.Website 
• Altinay L, Altinay E, Gannon J, 'Exploring the relationship between the human resource management practices and growth in small service firms'
  Service Industries Journal 28 (7) (2008) pp.919-937
  ISSN: 0264-2069 eISSN: 1743-9507
  Abstract This paper seeks to evaluate the relationship between the growth and the human resource management (HRM) practices of small service firms in catering to professional services and the retailing sectors in the UK. The paper reports and analyses the findings of 196 face-to-face structured interviews with small service business owners. Findings suggest that employee empowerment contributes to the sales growth of small firms in the different sectors of the service industry. The study also shows that employee training and recruitment through formal channels contribute to the sales growth of firms operating in the catering sector. This paper argues that contextual variables – the extent of the competition and the availability of the workforce – have a bearing on the HRM practices employed by small service businesses.Website 
• Levent Altinay, 'The relationship between an entrepreneur's culture and the entrepreneurial behaviour of the firm'
  Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development (2008)
  ISSN: 1462-6004
  
• Altinay L, Var T, Hines S, Hussain K, 'Barriers to sustainable tourism in Jamaica'
  Tourism Analysis 12 (2007) pp.1-13
  ISSN: 1083-5423 eISSN: 1943-3999
  Abstract Many destinations have recognized the importance of implementing sustainable tourism development. However, for many developing countries worldwide, economic, social, and physical challenges pose great hindrances to sustainable development. The aim of this article is to investigate and evaluate the difficulties of implementing sustainable tourism development practices in Jamaica. The primary research is based on qualitative analysis to find out the obstacles regarding the implementation of sustainable tourism development, based on three themes, namely financial constraints, social instability, and lack of coordinated tourism planning. The overall results revealed that, in terms of sustainable practices, there are several initiatives being implemented by both public and private sectors, but they lack management, cohesiveness, and in some cases, collaboration. Also, if sustainability is to be achieved in a developing country, it will require effective financial management of all industries and a serious concentration on social sustainability.Website 
• Altinay L, 'The internationalization of hospitality firms: factors influencing a franchise decision‐making process'
  Journal of Services Marketing 21 (6) (2007) pp.398-409
  ISSN: 0887-6045
  Abstract Purpose – The paper’s purpose is to evaluate the factors which influence a multinational hospitality organization’s franchise decision-making process.
  Design/methodology/approach – A single embedded case study of an international hotel firm was the focus of the enquiry. Interviews and document analysis were used as data collection techniques.
  Findings – Findings suggest that the two important contextual variables which have a bearing on the franchise decisions are the key stakeholders of the organization and different country markets. Decisions with regard to franchising are driven by capital market systems trying to meet the demands of shareholders and also by a strong desire to protect the core competences to meet the expectations of international customers. The growth through franchising mode however faces strong cultural challenges in different hotel markets in Europe.
  Research limitations/implications – Conducted on a single case study basis, with the hotel industry chosen as its focus the applicability of the research findings to other industries is therefore debatable. The findings are also limited to franchisors versus firms pursuing other growth strategies.
  Practical implications – This paper illuminates the socio-cultural challenges international service organizations face, and highlights the types of practices required to enable growth through franchising in different country markets.
  Originality/value – This paper investigates a franchise decision-making process and examines different factors that interact and exert influence on each other while a service organization decides to choWebsite 
• Altinay L, Paraskevas A, 'A computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) approach in teaching research methods'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 26 (2007) pp.623-644
  ISSN: 0278-4319 eISSN: 1873-4693
  Website 
• Okumus F, Altinay L, Roper A, 'Gaining Access for Research - Reflections From Experience'
  Annals of Tourism Research 34 (2007) pp.7-26
  ISSN: 0160-7383
  Abstract This paper reflects on the experiences of facilitating and maintaining qualitative research access into a sample of international hotel groups. The existing methodology literature tends to simplify the access process by explaining it through a number of stages. Fieldwork experience suggests that the propositions stated in literature are partly relevant; however, there are further critical issues that need to be considered by investigators and their academic institutions. Particularly, researchers should be better trained not only in developing relevant skills to carry out qualitative case studies but also in dealing with the complexities of facilitating and maintaining access into large organizations.Website 
• Litteljohn D, Roper A, Altinay L, 'Territories Still to Find - the Business of Hotel Internationalisation'
  International Journal of Service Industry Management 18 (2) (2007) pp.167-183
  ISSN: 0956-4233
  Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present directions for researching “new territories” by systematically reviewing contemporary research in the area of hotel internationalization. Design/methodology/approach – Comprehensive analysis drawing on frameworks and debates in the international services management literature of research published over the period 1996-2005 identifies approaches and results of hotel internationalization research. Work is organized into two broad categories: studies that relate hotel organizations to their external environments and those taking an internal perspective. This analysis is complemented by a short review of relevant demand and policy trends to ensure relevance of the critique.
  Findings – Modal choice research has now reached a stage where it can provide greater depth of understanding in the relationships between this choice and organizational capabilities. Secondly, there has been a welcome increase in more internalised, qualitative research. Thirdly, while there have been some comparative industry studies more is encouraged as dialogue between researchers in different service (and manufacturing) industries will be of value as hotel internationalization meets new supply and demand conditions.
  Research limitations/implications – Eclectic paradigms to be supplemented by more focused industry and comparative industry studies; internal, organization focused research must account for cultural diversity amongst new hotel developers, firms and customers to prevent parochialism or ethnocentrism; more specific work could explore policy dimensions.
  Practical implications – The paper outlines some future trends which will affect the internationalization process and bases of competitiveness/competitive advantage of hotel companies.
  Originality/value – Through a timely review of one of the first service businesses to internationalise the paper contributes to knowledge of hotel internationalization by a rigorous review of contemporary research and suggests a research compass for the future.Website 
• Altinay L, 'Selecting partners in an International Franchise Organisation'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 25 (2006) pp.108-128
  ISSN: 0278-4319 eISSN: 1873-4693
  Abstract Whilst there has been research into the selection of partners in joint venture arrangements, there has been little investigation into the selection process involved in selecting franchise partners. This paper aims to provide an insight into the process of selecting potential franchise partners in the European Division of an international organisation. Interviews, observations and document analysis were used as qualitative data collection techniques. Findings suggested that the organisation employed both partner and task related criteria to select potential franchisees. However, the process of selection is not just about employing a number of selection criteria, it is a substantial multidimensional organisational activity which involves human dynamics. The paper discusses the real-life complexities of selecting franchise partners and illuminates the challenges franchising organisations face internationally in their determination to growWebsite 
• Altinay L, Altinay E, 'Determinants of Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurial Growth in the Catering Sector'
  Service Industries Journal 26 (2006) pp.203-221
  ISSN: 0264-2069 eISSN: 1743-9507
  Abstract This paper seeks to evaluate the variables which influence the growth of the Turkish-speaking ethnic minority businesses in the catering sector, in London, UK. The paper reports and analyses the findings of 111 face-to-face structured interviews with Turkish Cypriot, Kurdish and Turkish restaurant business owners. Findings suggest that fluency in English, recruitment through formal recruitment channels, and the high proportion of co-ethnic labour force makes a positive impact on business growth. The paper concludes that these determinants of growth are crucial for the ethnic minority catering entrepreneurs to gain a competitive edge in this customer focused, labour intensive sector.Website 
• Mehmetoglu M, Altinay L, 'Examination of grounded theory analysis with an application to hospitality research'
  International Journal of Hospitality Management 25 (1) (2006) pp.12-33
  ISSN: 0278-4319
  Abstract The focus on qualitative research has unfortunately been mainly confined to methods of data collection, neglecting a more significant aspect, namely data analysis. Hospitality and tourism research is no exception to this observation. This is considered to be one of the main reasons why there has been a lower output of qualitative research in hospitality and tourism. In order to elevate the status of and, consequently, use of qualitative research more attention should be shown towards the issue of data analysis. Consequently, the current work aims to make a modest contribution in this direction by thoroughly examining one specific analytic strategy—that of grounded theory—with an application of it to a hospitality study. r 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Website 
• Issa I, Altinay L, 'Impacts of political instability on tourism planning and development: the case of Lebanon'
  Tourism Economics 12 (3) (2006) pp.361-381
  ISSN: 1354-8166 eISSN: 2044-0375
  Abstract Tourism is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries, and tourism planning is regarded as a prerequisite for success. ‘Political instability’ is a complex term, open to various interpretations, which applies to a number of countries worldwide. The implications for tourism of political instability are significant. This paper investigates tourism planning and the effects of political instability in Lebanon, and discusses how countries in such a situation can increase their potential for successful tourism development. A possible solution through the use and practice of crisis management is suggested, as this approach may help to prepare nations better for unexpected instability and the uncertainty of the future.Website 
• Altinay L, Wang CL, 'The Role of Prior Knowledge in International Franchise Partner Recruitment'
  International Journal of Service Industry Management 17 (5) (2006) pp.430-443
  ISSN: 0956-4233
  Abstract
  To investigate the role of prior knowledge in the international franchise partner recruitment process and to evaluate how cultural distance influences the role of prior knowledge in this process.
  A single embedded case study of an international hotel firm was the focus of the enquiry. Interviews, observations and document analysis were used as the data collection techniques.
  Findings reveal that prior knowledge of the franchisor enables the franchisor to coordinate more efficiently with prospective partners. However, the case study firm experienced a great deal of cultural distance in different country markets. The greater the cultural distance, the more challenges the firm has to face in terms of upgrading and adapting its prior knowledge to local needs.
  The findings are based on a hotel franchise chain, and may not be generalisable to other firms or industry sectors, although the literature on international management does not indicate any substantial differences between hotel firms and other types of organisations. Despite this limitation, the findings shed light on the importance of critically evaluating a firm's prior knowledge in a complex, multinational context.
  This paper illuminates the challenges international franchisors face, and highlights the need to adapt their prior knowledge base to the local needs. The findings also reinforce the message that selecting prospective franchisees that are familiar to the franchise business format and willing to adopt the franchise system is crucial to the long‐term success of the franchise system.
  This paper cross‐fertilises literature of organisational learning and franchising and evaluates the interplay of prior knowledge, cultural distance and international franchise recruitment. The findings provide further evidence on the mixed influences of prior knowledge on international franchise partner recruitment, and caution firms to critically evaluate their prior knowledge in international expansion. The findings also contribute to the understanding of franchise partner selection and recruitment, and bring in new addition to the body of existing franchising literature which largely examines the operations of the franchise system.
  To investigate the role of prior knowledge in the international franchise partner recruitment process and to evaluate how cultural distance influences the role of prior knowledge in this process.
  A single embedded case study of an international hotel firm was the focus of the enquiry. Interviews, observations and document analysis were used as the data collection techniques.
  Findings reveal that prior knowledge of the franchisor enables the franchisor to coordinate more efficiently with prospective partners. However, the case study firm experienced a great deal of cultural distance in different country markets. The greater the cultural distance, the more challenges the firm has to face in terms of upgrading and adapting its prior knowledge to local needs.
  The findings are based on a hotel franchise chain, and may not be generalisable to other firms or industry sectors, although the literature on international management does not indicate any substantial differences between hotel firms and other types of organisations. Despite this limitation, the findings shed light on the importance of critically evaluating a firm's prior knowledge in a complex, multinational context.
  This paper illuminates the challenges international franchisors face, and highlights the need to adapt their prior knowledge base to the local needs. The findings also reinforce the message that selecting prospective franchisees that are familiar to the franchise business format and willing to adopt the franchise system is crucial to the long‐term success of the franchise system.
  This paper cross‐fertilises literature of organisational learning and franchising and evaluates the interplay of prior knowledge, cultural distance and international franchise recruitment. The findings provide further evidence on the mixed influences of prior knowledge on international franchise partner recruitment, and caution firms to critically evaluate their prior knowledge in international expansion. The findings also contribute to the understanding of franchise partner selection and recruitment, and bring in new addition to the body of existing franchising literature which largely examines the operations of the franchise system.
  Website 
• Altinay L, Bowen D, 'Politics and Tourism Interface - the Case of Cyprus'
  Annals of Tourism Research 33 (2006) pp.939-956
  ISSN: 0160-7383
  Abstract

  The Cyprus tourism industry has had to be sensitive to the political problems between Turkish and Greek Cypriots. Federation is considered to be a partial solution to the problems. This paper evaluates the influence of politics and nationalism on the tourism planning and development under a possible federal constitution. The views of Turkish and Greek Cypriot participants from private and public organizations are studied through semistructured interviews. The findings suggest that any future planning and development is likely to be a complex undertaking, as the two societies tend to have different sets of objectives and expectations.

  Website 
• Altinay L, Miles S, 'International Franchising Decision-making: An Application of Stakeholder Theory'
  Service Industries Journal 26 (2006) pp.421-436
  ISSN: 0264-2069 eISSN: 1743-9507
  Abstract Stakeholder theory is used to provide a frame of reference to examine the decision-making process involved in international franchising agreements. An international hotel group was selected as a case. Previous studies focus on investigations of the franchising process after the decision to engage has been taken and contracts duly exchanged. The analysis presented here focuses on the pre-contracting level: on selection and recruitment. The findings emphasise the importance of managing business cultural incompatibility between potential partners and the franchisor and within the franchising company itself.Website 
• Altinay L, 'The Intrapreneur Role of the Development Directors in An International Hotel Group'
  Service Industries Journal 25 (2005) pp.403-419
  ISSN: 0264-2069 eISSN: 1743-9507
  Abstract This article fills a gap in the research undertaken into the role of intrapreneurs in the international expansion process of an organisation. The intrapreneurial role of development directors (DDs) in implementing franchising decisions in an international hotel group was investigated.  In-depth interviews, observations and document analysis were used as the data collection techniques. Findings suggest that human factors play an important role in the expansion process and, in a culturally diverse context, franchising is very much the concern of the development directors who provide the attributes of intrapreneurs, both in the organisation and externally in the market.Website 
• Altinay L , Altinay M, 'The influence of organisational structure on entrepreneurial orientation and expansion performance'
  International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 16 (6) (2004) pp.334-344
  ISSN: 0959-6119
  Abstract This paper fills a gap in the research undertaken into the influence of organisational structure on entrepreneurial orientation and expansion performance. The expansion decisionmaking process of an international hotel group was investigated. In-depth interviews, observations and document analysis were used as the data collection techniques. Findings suggest that the concern about protecting and developing internationally recognised brands profitably caused the organisation to be remarkably centralised. A centralised decision-making structure, however, not only slowed down the decision-making process and limited international expansion, but also resulted in frustration and de-motivation among the market-based organisational members who were responsible for international expansion. The paper therefore concludes that organisations whose growth performance is highly dependent on having market-based organisational members in diverse host country environments need to structure differently and bring about a new way of thinking to the management.Website 
• Altinay L, 'Implementing International Franchising: the Role of Intrapreneurship'
  International Journal of Service Industry Management 15 (2004) pp.426-443
  ISSN: 0956-4233
  Abstract

  This paper fills a gap in the research undertaken into the role of intrapreneurs in the international franchise process of an organisation. The intrapreneurial role of organisational members in implementing franchising decisions in an international hotel group was investigated. Semi‐structured interviews, observations and document analysis were used as the data collection techniques. Findings suggest that human factors play an important role in the expansion process and, in a culturally diverse context, franchising is very much the concern of the development directors who provide the attributes of intrapreneurs externally in the market.

  Website 
• Altinay L, Altinay M, 'How will growth be financed by the international hotel companies?'
  International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 15 (5) (2003) pp.274-282
  ISSN: 0959-6119
  Abstract � ��  This paper presents a set of secondary findings about the environmental factors influencing the international expansion plans of Bass Hotels and Resorts. Literature indicates that different factors in the business environment influence decisions of the organizations as they plan expansion into new international markets. A case study approach was chosen for this study to investigate these issues and the organization was researched from the outside through company publications and analyst reports. The findings of this study reveal that capital markets and the host country hotel market conditions play the determinant role in the expansion plans of the hotel organization. This paper evaluates these factors and discusses their influence on the organization’s expansion decisions.Website 

Book chapters

• Altinay L, Okumus F, 'Factors influencing entrepreneurial orientation of ethnic minority small and medium sized hospitality enterprises' in Handbook of hospitality strategic management, Butterworth-Heinemann (2008)
  ISBN: 9780080450797
  

Areas of expertise

Membership of professional bodies

• Appointed as Visiting Professor at the University of Cagliari, Italy, Year, 2017.
•  Altinay, L. (2017)Keynote address and Meet the Editors session, “Franchise Partnerships in Emerging Economies”, Challenges of Marketing Communications in a Globalized World Conference, Zaragoza, Spain
•  Altinay, L. (2017) “Current and Future Trends in Service Management”, Association of North America Higher Education International (ANAHEI) Lecture series
•  Altinay, L. (2017) Keynote address, “Changing Landscape in Higher Education: Implications for Research Innovation”, 4th International Tourism and Hospitality Conference, Cyprus
•  Forthcoming: Altinay, L. (2017) Keynote address, Global Conference on Services Management (GLOSERV), Tuscany, Italy
•  Invited Keynote Speaker to the 17th National Tourism Conference, Bodrum, Turkey, 20-23rd October, 2016.
•  Invited Keynote Speaker to the VIII Astana Economic Forum, Kazakhstan, Sustainable Development and Green Economy in Kazakhstan: Conditions and Prospects, 21st May, 2015.
•  Invited keynote speaker to the VI Postgraduate Conference Management, Hospitality and Tourism, School of Management, Hospitality and Tourism of the University of Algarve, Portugal,
• 10th July 2015

Invited keynote speaker to the International Conference of Young Scholars: ‘Innovative Economy of Kazakhstan: Sustainable Development in the conditions of Globalisation’, Organised in the frames of VI Astana Economic Forum, 21st of May, 2014.
 Invited keynote speaker at the 14th International Conference on Knowledge, Culture and Change in Organizations taking place at the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, August 4-5, 2014.
 Invited keynote speaker at the 3rd International Tourism Conference, Hungry, June, 2014.
 Invited to serve as a member of the Business & Economics Panel in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2014, by the University Grants Committee (UGC) of Hong Kong.
 Chosen as an Outstanding Reviewer by Emerald for the significant contribution made as a Reviewer to International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management throughout 2014.
 Chosen as an Outstanding Reviewer by Emerald for the significant contribution made as a Reviewer to Journal of Services Marketing throughout 2012.
 Invited Keynote Speaker at the International Conference on Management, Leadership and Innovation towards a Better Changing World, ‘Changing Nature of Management Research: Implications for Research Innovation’. Bucharest, Romania, 7-9th November, 2013.
 Invited speaker at The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan, Research Seminar to the Faculty Deans in Social Sciences, ‘Research Strategies, Structures and Processes’, 3rd of October, 2013.
 Invited keynote speaker to the GIKA (Global Innovation and Knowledge Academy) Conference, Valencia, 9-11th July, 2013.
 Invited keynote speaker to the International Conference of Young Scholars: ‘Current Trends in Economics and Management: View of the Youth’, Organised in the frames of VI Astana Economic Forum, 22nd of May, 2013.
 Invited keynote speaker to the Franchising and Entrepreneurship Seminar, organised by the Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey, 18th March, 2013.
 Opportunities and Challenges in Higher Education, PhD research seminar to PhD Students, Near East University, 27th Dec, 2012.
 Future of Hospitality and Tourism Research: How to gain and sustain competitive advantage, PhD seminar to PhD students, Eastern Mediterranean University, 24th Dec, 2012.  Visiting Professor responsible for PhD student research methods training, The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan, Years 2012-2014.
 Guest Speaker, Research Seminar on ‘Research Project Management: Learning from the experience of previous academic grant applications’, International Conference on Interdisciplinary Research in Education, Cyprus, 15-17th of May, 2012.
 Guest Speaker, Research Seminar on ‘Grounded Theory Analysis with an application to hospitality research’, London College of Fashion, 23rd February, 2012.
 Guest Speaker, Research Seminar entitled, ‘Publish or Perish’, Mahasarakham University, Thailand, 2nd February, 2012.
 Guest Speaker Disseminating the findings of the ESRC funded project ‘Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship’, Romanian-American University, Bucharest, Romania, 12th January, 2012.
 Workshop on ‘How to Get Your Paper Published’, Romanian-American University, Bucharest, Romania, 13th January, 2012.
 Dissemination seminar on ‘Franchise Partner Selection and Relationship Development: Perspectives of Macau Franchisees’, Macau Institute, Macau, 2nd December, 2011.
 Guest speaker lecturing on ‘Socio-cultural Factors and Entrepreneurial Orientation of Ethnic Firms’, at Daniels College of Business, University of Denver, 18th Nov, 2011.
 Research Seminar to Business School Academics at IIMT (Indian Institute of Management and Technology) on ‘Getting your paper published’, 17th of May, 2011.
 Visiting Professor, College of Administrative Sciences and Economics, Business School, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey, Years 2010-2012.
 A 2011 finalist for the Most Successful Turk Award in the UK.
 Visiting Professor, Faculty of Economics, Department of Business Studies and Environment, University of Piemonte Orientale (ranked 8th in Italy for the quality of research output and 1st amongst the newer Italian universities), Italy, 2009/2010.
 Visiting Speaker, Tourism Recreation and Sport Management Department Seminar Series, Seminar on ‘Linking Research to Curriculum Development and Delivery’, University of Florida 2011, March 21-23.
 Invited Research Seminar to the PhD students on ‘PhD Research Journey: Rhetoric and Realities’, Tourism Recreation and Sport Management Department Seminar Series, University of Florida 2011, March 21-23.
 Guest speaker at the seminar on ‘Franchise Partner Selection and Relationship Development’, Macau Institute, Macau, 2nd December, 2010.
 Research Seminar to the members of Faculty of Economics, Department of Business Studies and Environment, University of Piemonte Orientale on ‘how to get your academic papers published’, May, 2010.

Guest speaker at the AIM (Advanced Institute of Management) workshop on Research Bid Writing, jointly organised by Oxford Brookes University, Surrey and Kingston University Business Schools, “Learning from Experience”, 24th of October 2009, Oxford.

 Visiting Lecturer responsible for Research Methods Teaching at Tourism School Sant Ignasi, Barcelona / Maastricht Business School, Maastricht, 2009/2010.

 Presentation to a group of senior academics from Tourism School Sant Ignasi, Barcelona / Maastricht Business School, Maastricht on ‘Teaching Research Methods’, 3rd June 2009, Barcelona.

 A dissemination workshop/seminar ‘Social Embeddedness and Entrepreneurial Orientation in Ethnic Small Firms in the UK’ at the London School of Economics and Political Science as part of China in Comparative perspective seminar series to which both academics and practitioners were invited, the research findings of the ESRC funded project were presented, 6th of October 2008.

 Guest speaker at the University of Kent, Kent Business School, Hospitality Management Symposium, 2 June 2008, “Future of Hospitality Research”.

 Guest speaker, at a practitioner and policy making conference organised by Andy Love, MP, head of small business parliamentary group, ‘Turkish speaking businesses in London’, June, 2007.

 An invited lecture entitled ‘International Expansion of a Hotel Company: Challenges and Opportunities’ to a group of academics and practitioners at Finnmark University College at Norway. The lecture drew on PhD research findings, 2001, September.

 An invited lecture entitled ‘Teaching and Learning Experience in the UK’ to a group of academics and students at Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus, 2004 June.

 A seminar entitled ‘Opportunities for Collaborative Research’ to a group of academics at Americanos College in Cyprus, 2005 July.

Conferences

• Brookes, M. and Altinay, L. (2015) 'Franchise Knowledge Transfer and Institutionalisation'. Paper presented at the 13th Annual APacCHRIE Conference, Auckland, June.
• Brookes, M. and Altinay, L. (2014) 'Evaluating Knowledge Transfer in Franchise Partnerships'. Paper presented at the 7th International Conference on Services Management, Macau, December.
• Brookes, M. and Altinay, L. (2013) 'Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Orientation and Growth of SMEs'. Paper presented at the Industry Seminar presented at Institute for Tourism Studies, Macau, November.
• Brookes, M. and Altinay, L. (2013) 'Strategic Marketing for SMEs in Retail, Hospitality and Tourism'. Paper presented at the Guest Lecture presented at Institute for Tourism Studies, Macau, November.
• Brookes, M., Altinay, L., Madanoglu, M. and Aktas, G. (2013) 'The effect of franchisor’s role performance, cultural sensitivity and communication on franchisees’ trust in and satisfaction with franchise partnerships'. Paper presented at the Global Innovation and Knowledge Academy (GIKA) Conference, Valencia, Spain, July.
• Brookes, M., Yeung, R. and Altinay, L. (2013) 'Franchising in emerging markets:franchise purchase'. Paper presented at the Academy of Marketing, University of Glamorgan, Cardiff, July.
• McLean, J., Altinay, L., James, P. and Adesola, S. (2013) 'The Influence of Organisational Variables on Knowledge Management in New Product Development'. Paper presented at the 6th International Conference on Services Management, Cyprus, June.
• Brookes, M., Altinay, L. and Aktas, G. (2013) 'Franchisee Business Start-up from an Entrepreneurial Process Perspective'. Paper presented at the 6th International Conference on Services Management, Cyprus, June.
• Waligo, V., Altinay, L. and Daniele, R. (2013) 'Opportunity Exploitation in Social Entrepreneurship: The Influence of a Resource Constrained Environment'. Paper presented at the 6th International Conference on Services Management, Cyprus, June.
• Brookes, M., Yeung, R. and Altinay, L. (2013) 'Trend of franchising hospitality and retail services in Macau'. Paper presented at the APAC CHRIE Conference, University of Macua, Macau, May.
• Brookes, M., Altinay, L. and Aktas, G. (2013) 'Evaluating Knowledge Transfer in International Franchising'. Paper presented at the 22nd Annual CHME Research Conference, Queen Margaret University, Scotland, May.
• Brookes, M., Altinay, L. and Aktas, G. (2013) 'Selecting Franchise Partners In Emerging Markets'. Paper presented at the Industry Seminar, Izmir, Turkey, March.
• Brookes, M., Altinay, L. and Yeung, R. (2012) 'Examining Franchising through an Entrepreneurial Lens'. Paper presented at the Annual EuroCHRIE Conference, Lausanne, Switzerland, October.
• Brookes, M., Altinay, L. and Yeung, R. (2012) 'Franchisee Perspectives on Relationship Development: Preliminary Findings from a Macau Study'. Paper presented at the 21st Annual CHME Research Conference, Birmingham, May.
• Papadaki, A. A. and Altinay, L. (2012) 'Service Innovation Implementation In International Hotel Chains'. Paper presented at the 2nd Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Marketing & Management Conference (AHTMMC), Corfu, Greece, May.
• Brookes, M., Altinay, L. and Yeung, R. (2012) 'An Examination of Franchisee Business Start Up through an Entrepreneurial Lens'. Paper presented at the Oxford Brookes and Burgundy Business School Joint Conference, Oxford, May.
• Altinay, L., Madanoglu, M. and Arasli, H. (2012) 'The interface between learning capability, entrepreneurial orientation and SME Growth in North Cyprus'. Paper presented at the 2nd INBAM Conference, Valencia, March.
• Brookes, M. and Altinay, L. (2011) 'Selecting Franchise Partners'. Paper presented at the Annual CHME conference, Leeds, May.
• Altinay, L. and Brookes, M. (2011) 'Franchise Partner Selection: Perspective of Franchisees'. Paper presented at the Oxford Brookes Business School - Burgundy Business School Joint Research Conference, Dijon, May.
• Altinay, L. and Brookes, M. (2011) 'Franchise Partner Selection: Franchisee Perspectives'. Paper presented at the Annual Eirass Conference, San Diego, January.
• Datta, P. and Altinay, L. (2010) 'Innovation in Social Entrepreneurship: Cases from India'. Paper presented at the ISBE Conference, London, December.
• Altinay, L. and Brookes, M. (2010) 'International Franchise Partnerships'. Paper presented at the Seminar presented to industry and government representatives, IFT, Macau, December.
• Brookes, M. and Altinay, L. (2010) 'The Factors that Influence Knowledge Transfer in International Master Franchise Partnerships.'. Paper presented at the Annual Eurochrie Conference, Amsterdam, October.
• Brookes, M. and Altinay, L. (2010) 'The Factors that Influence Knowledge Transfer in International Master Franchise Partnerships'. Paper presented at the Annual Eurochrie Conference, Amsterdam, October.
• Ekinci, Y., Altinay, L. and Saunders, M. (2010) 'An Investigation of the Interface between Strategic Orientations, Organizational Learning and SME Growth in the Retail Industry'. Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Retailing and Services Science (EIRASS), Istanbul, Turkey, July, pp. ,
• Brookes, M. and Altinay, L. (2010) 'Knowledge Transfer in International Franchise Partnerships'. Paper presented at the Annual Business School Research Conference, Oxford, June.
• Brookes, M. and Altinay, L. (2009) 'Franchise Partner Selection'. Paper presented at the 4th Annual International Conference on Services Management, Oxford, May.
• Bowen, D. and Altinay, L. (2008) 'The dynamic game: Skirting beyond access problems in academic tourism research'. Paper presented at the 3rd International on Services Management, Penn State University, P.A., May.
• Altinay, L. and Wang, C. (2007) 'Socio-cultural background, entrepreneurial behaviour of the firm and its growth'. Paper presented at the First International Colloquium on Ethnic Entrepreneurship: Changing Faces of Ethnic Entrepreneurship, Bradford University School of Management, March.
• Altinay, L. and Roper, A. (2003) 'The influence of organisational structure on corporate entrepreneurship: empirical findings from an international hotel group'. Paper presented at the British Academy of Management Conference, Harrogate, Yorkshire, September.
• Okumus, F., Karamustafa, K. and Altinay, L. (2002) 'Impacts of the recent economic crisis in Turkey on the Turkish hotel sector: empirical findings from Mugla and Nevsehir regions'. Paper presented at the British Academy of Management Conference, London, September.
• Okumus, F. and Altinay, L. (2002) 'Facilitating and maintaining qualitative research access into international hotel groups'. Paper presented at the CHME Research Conference, Leeds Metropolitan University, April.
• Okumus, F., Karamustafa, K. and Altinay, L. (2002) 'Impacts of the recent economic crisis in Turkey on the Turkish Hotel Sector: empirical findings from Mugla and Nevsehir regions'. Paper presented at the CHME Research Conference, Leeds Metropolitan University, April.
• Altinay, L. and Roper, A. (2002) 'The entrepreneur role of the development directors in franchising: empirical findings from an international hotel group'. Paper presented at the British Academy of Management Conference, London, January.
• Altinay, L. and Roper, A. (2001) 'International hotel development: people make it happen'. Paper presented at the 10th Annual CHME Research Conference, South Bank University, London, April.

Other experience

Levent's research interests are in the areas of entrepreneurship, strategic alliances and international business. Using primarily qualitative methods as well as mixed methods, he is particularly interested in how entrepreneurs start up and develop their businesses and how firms establish partnerships internationally. He is a visiting Professor the Faculty of Economics, Department of Business Studies and Environment, University of Piemonte Orientale, Italy, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey and The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan. Levent was a member of the Business & Economics Panel in Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2014 in Hong Kong. He sits on the editorial boards of more than twelve journals including Journal of Services Marketing, The Service Industries Journal, Management Decision and International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. He is the Associate Editor, Europe, for Journal of Service Theory and Practice JSTP.

Levent has been invited to give several keynote presentations and seminars in different countries. He has also chaired/co-chaired six international conferences and is the co-author of a hospitality management research methods, entrepreneurship and strategic management text books: Planning Research in Hospitality and Tourism (2016). Entrepreneurship in Hospitality and Tourism with Maureen Brookes (2015). Strategic Management for Hospitality and Tourism (2010).

Levent has strong record of attracting blue chip external funding, having secured funding from the ESRC and the British Academy as well as funding from Hong Kong Polytechnic University for an international collaborative project. His ESRC funded project aimed to investigate how entrepreneurs' socio-cultural backgrounds influence the entrepreneurial orientation of firms and how this in turn influences firm growth. This study was conducted with particular reference to Turkish and Chinese small firms in London, operating in a variety of sectors including manufacturing, retailing, and catering. Different stakeholder groups, including the Association of Community Based Advisors have taken the findings of the project on board and started to develop more effective training programmes for ethnic small businesses.

Levent has supervised seven PhDs to successful completion and is currently supervising students conducting research in entrepreneurship, internationalisation of firms, strategic alliances/partner selection and franchising.

Press, publicity and reviews

Further information

Open access publications

https://oxfordbrookes.academia.edu/LeventAltinay

Google Scholar 

https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=6N__zBsAAAAJ&hl=en