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Objective: This paper aimed to provide a systematic review of brand identity and understand how literature streams impact the current brand identity frameworks. Method: There are few systematic reviews about this salient topic, and the existing ones have not analyzed how the research in brand identity has evolved in the last 30 years, what have been the leading research streams and gaps, and which future avenues of study could be pursued. To fill this gap, this paper analyzed 67 articles published in 24 leading academic journals (Academic Journal Guide grades 3, 4, and 4*) between 1990 and 2021. Main Results: Five key research streams were identified: brand identity frameworks; consumer behavior; corporate branding; visual brand identity; co-creation. Despite the impressive progress made over the last 30 years, our review points out what we defined as a “middle-age brand identity crisis”, since there is still no convergence among scholars about what brand identity is and what would be its main components. Also, the current research streams uncover concepts and ideas that were not previously included in brand identity frameworks. Relevance / Originality: This study performed a comprehensive systematic analysis of the brand identity literature, highlighting essential recent research not considered by the current brand identity frameworks and connecting it to branding constructs. We also identified that there is still a lack of consensus regarding the brand identity components and dimensions. Theoretical / Methodological Contributions: This paper contributes to the literature by presenting a new framework to shed light on the interactions of brand identity with other branding constructs, proposing that brand identity has a core (brand essence) and extended identity (composed of personality, relationship, symbology, and cultural expressions). A new brand identity taxonomy is also proposed, with complexity and tangibility as its dimensions.

Context. There is an inflation of behavioral frameworks applied to social problems, such as tax dodging. There has been also a surge in the creation of the so-called nudge units throughout the world, following the success of the pioneer units in USA and UK. Meanwhile, there has been criticism directed at aspects such as ‘psychologism,’ paternalism, and short-termism associated with nudge approaches. Moreover, by ignoring systems thinking, complexity science and other broader approaches, nudging may lead to interventions that can be ineffective or counterproductive in the long term. Goal. To overcome such limitations, the paper proposes an integrative framework, the Nested Circles Model, which put the intended behaviors in a perspective ranging from microworlds to broader upstream influences. Method. The paper employs a qualitative approach to critically review the literature on nudging and map its shortcomings. Results and contributions. The proposed model integrates major concepts from popular behavioral frameworks and incorporates elements that influence the repertoire of behaviors adopted by individuals, including intangible stocks (trust and fairness) and complexity markers. The paper concludes by exemplifying the application of the Nested Circles Model to three problems in the context of taxation in Brazil.

ABSTRACT This paper aims to identify the explanatory factors of mandatory disclosure (MD) and voluntary disclosure (VD) levels related to discount rates, based on disclosure theories. The size, leverage, profitability, and audit firms were selected from different theories, namely agency theory, signaling theory, positive accounting theory, including the political cost hypothesis, and the cost of capital theory. Furthermore, the materiality (weight of the items) and the relevance (nature) of the topic were also considered, based on the evidence already obtained in the literature. Research on disclosures related to discount rates has been assessed either as an incidental topic or from a limited-scope analysis, particularly with respect to MDs. This paper assesses this topic as its specific object of analysis for both MD and VD. The use of the discount rate has been assuming growing importance within financial reporting. Therefore, this topic should deserve particular attention from international standard-setting bodies. The understanding of the proper set of items to be disclosed and understanding the factors that explain its disclosure, aligned with the efforts to assure its compliance by legal authorities, may contribute to reducing asymmetries and increasing transparency in entities' financial reporting. This study uses the method of archival research and content analysis of consolidated reports and accounts for the year 2020 of listed entities in Euronext Lisboa. Regression models were used, having disclosure indices related to discount rates as dependent variables. This paper finds a positive association between disclosures related to discount rates and the entity’s size, as well as the materiality and the relevance, assessed by the weight of the items and the nature of the topic under assessment, respectively. It adds new explanatory factors on the VDs and MDs related to discount rates in a broader perspective of analysis.

ABSTRACT This paper investigates if planning and cost controls and strategically aligned performance indicators (SAPI) are necessary and sufficient conditions to achieve a high level of organizational performance (OP). This article fills a gap in research by investigating elements of the management control system as necessary and sufficient conditions to achieve high levels of OP. Our findings show the reduced importance of planning controls and the great importance of aligning priorities and indicators to achieve high levels of performance. The paper is helpful for the practitioners that have to choose what kind of management controls are priorities to achieve high levels of performance. Management control frameworks are helpful for the literature and the practice. Still, the practitioners cannot implement the whole set of these components, considering the restriction of time and contingency aspects. The companies must choose what kind of management controls they have to implement, considering the goal of achieving performance. We used a quantitative methodology based on contingency theory in a survey of 89 Brazilian firms. The relationships were tested using partial least squares structural equations modeling (PLS-SEM), and necessary condition analysis (NCA) was applied to identify the management controls that are sufficient and necessary conditions for superior performance. The results of our study suggest that a high level of strategically aligned indicators is necessary to achieve a high level of performance. Results also suggest the importance of aligning strategic priorities with appropriated performance indicators, primarily defended in the normative (balanced scorecard) and empirical literature.

This paper analyses the network evolution of the internationalizing firm, focusing on a generative mechanism called preferential attachment. Preferential attachment means that more connected actors are likely to form more relationships. This paper uses longitudinal quantitative data of a single case of the internationalization of an American multinational firm’s operational division in the Brazilian market. The data analysis is based on Clauset et al.’s (2009) computational algorithm and PAFit, a new statistical method. The aim is to identify the extent to which the network evolution follows a power-law distribution and the degree to which preferential attachment affects the network evolution. It finds that the network evolution of the internationalizing firm follows a power-law distribution. It is affected by a sub-linear form of preferential attachment. Few actors accumulate a disproportionally high number of relationships. The preferential attachment does not homogeneously manifest itself in the network evolution. It has a strong effect on the network onset. This paper contributes by advancing a relational, process-based approach to the internationalization of the firm. It shows that the network evolution of the internationalizing firm grows over time and becomes sparser. More connected actors form hubs, meaning increased status, more power and resources.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este artigo revisa pesquisas existentes relacionadas à avaliação do impacto da inovação social e identifica várias barreiras para essa avaliação. Em seguida, são propostas intervenções para superar essas barreiras. Originalidade/valor: A inovação social tem desempenhado um papel importante na promoção de mudanças positivas para a sociedade. No entanto, medir seu impacto é um desafio muito significativo devido às muitas barreiras enfrentadas na seleção de métricas que se encaixam em sua definição e objetivo. Reconhecendo esses desafios, a principal contribuição deste artigo foi identificar as barreiras mais comuns e sugerir como elas podem ser superadas. Design/metodologia/abordagem: Duas abordagens foram consideradas nesta pesquisa. Por um lado, aplicou-se uma abordagem bottow-up para revisar a literatura relevante relacionada a métricas de impacto para inovação social e boas práticas para avaliação de impacto de inovação social. Por outro, utilizou-se uma abordagem top-down, por meio da coleta e análise de projetos de pesquisa relacionados à identificação de métricas de impacto da inovação social, amplamente difundidos e bem consolidados na literatura atual. Resultados: Esta pesquisa oferece insights valiosos para pesquisadores acadêmicos, decisores de políticas e profissionais que trabalham no campo da inovação social, identificando e classificando as principais barreiras enfrentadas para medir o impacto da inovação social, ou seja, a falta de conscientização das partes interessadas no campo da inovação social, dificuldades para selecionar as métricas para avaliar a inovação social, dificuldades para selecionar critérios para identificar indicadores mais adequados à inovação social, falta de engajamento dos beneficiários, falta de apoio financeiro e público e falta de consenso na definição de inovação social. / ABSTRACT Purpose: This paper reviews extant research related to the impact assessment of social innovation and identifies several barriers to this assessment. Following this is a proposal of interventions to overcome these barriers. Originality/value: Social innovation has played an essential role in enhancing positive changes for society. Nonetheless, measuring its impact is a very significant challenge due to the many barriers faced in selecting metrics that fit its definition and goal. Recognizing these challenges, the main contribution of this paper was to identify the most common barriers and to suggest how these barriers can be overcome. Design/methodology/approach: Two approaches were considered in this research. On the one hand, a bottom-up approach was applied to review relevant literature related to impact metrics for social innovation and good practices toward social innovation impact assessment. On the other hand, we used a top-down approach through collecting and analyzing research projects related to identifying metrics of social innovation impact, broadly disseminated and well-consolidated in the current literature. Findings: This research offers valuable insights to academic researchers, policy decision-makers, and practitioners working in the field of social innovation by identifying and classifying the main barriers faced to measuring the impact of social innovation, namely lack of stakeholder awareness in the field of social innovation, difficulties in selecting the metrics to assess social innovation, problems in selecting criteria to identify best-fitted indicators to social innovation, lack of beneficiaries engagement, lack of financial and public support, and lack of consensus in the social innovation definition.

Purpose – The paper concludes with showing that in the most optimistic scenario, end-of-life (EOL) batteries will account for 86% of energy storage for wind and 36% for solar PV in 2040. Design/methodology/approach – With the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), the stock of discarded batteries will increase dramatically if no action is taken for their reuse or recycling. One potential avenue is to reuse them as energy storage systems (ESS) to mitigate the intermittent generation of renewable energy such as solar PV and wind. In a sense, the reliability for solar PV and wind energy can increase if energy storage systems become economically more attractive, making solar and wind systems more attractive through economies of scale. Findings – The paper concludes with showing that in the most optimistic scenario, EOL batteries will account for 86% of energy storage for wind and 36% for solar PV in 2040. Originality/value – The projection of scenarios can contribute to the information of policies, standards and identification of environmental promotion and promotion related to efficient management for EOL batteries.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework of the relationship between technological transitions and hegemonic transitions in the international system from a historical perspective and discuss its consequences for technologically dependent countries and regions. Design/methodology/approach – This paper analyzes the relationship between technological transitions and hegemonic transitions in the international system from a historical perspective. It then constructs four possible transition scenarios for China's international order and the USA's central role in defining the international order. IT closes with a discussion of how changes in ICT and global health public goods can impact China's position in the international order and opportunities for Latin America–China technology partnerships. Findings – Historically, technological transitions and hegemonic transitions in the international system simultaneously occur, with the country winning the technological dispute emerging as the international system's hegemon. The USA and China are currently involved in technological races in several next-generation technologies. The outcome of these technological races will define each country's position in the international system in the coming decades and the transformations in the international order. Research limitations/implications – This paper is limited to discussing the technologies/sectors: ICT, specifically 5G, and AI technologies, and medical technologies with the potential of global public health goods. Research on other technologies/sectors will provide a deeper understanding of the likely outcomes of the current technological transition and its implications for the balance of power in the international system. Practical implications – This paper makes a case for Latin American countries to (1) engage in a pragmatic bargain with China and the USA to establish technological partnerships in emerging technologies and (2) to develop national technology strategies aimed at promoting autonomous technology development capabilities. Social implications – This paper addresses the need for Latin America to take a strong stance for technological autonomy, stressing the differences in buying technology and making technology. Originality/value – This paper presents an original framework of the relationship between technological transitions and hegemonic transitions in the international system. It discusses how technological leadership impacts the international order by establishing relations of technological dominance and technological dependency.

Purpose – This study characterizes the scenario of emerging countries (ECs) – “Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS)” concerning digital transformation and its association with the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) value creation system. For such, the authors developed a discussion paper based on content analysis of 857 journals in business administration, describing in a proposed framework the institutionalization “BRICS” policies that nurture global competitiveness among ECs and development needs to catching up. Design/methodology/approach – Data from 16 official documents of government, ministries and economic studies were analyzed by applying Atlas TI contrasting theory of 875 papers to develop and discuss the framework. Content analysis showed research gaps, technological needs and governance to enable firms to sustain competitive advantages applying I4.0 value creation system. Results converged into a microfoundation of the agile journey of a digital transformation to global organizations in between BRICS. Findings – This paper's central question is to understand: How can organizations achieve a sustainable I4.0 value creation system adopting digital transformation in “BRICS”? The reduced transaction costs driven by platforms and ecosystems orchestration and the related or integrated multiple level sources of knowledge could speed benefits of domestic firms and subsidiaries of global organizations. Research gaps could be understood by a new combination of resources and knowledge, exploiting technologies and, also, the discussion of social economic relevance of I4.0. Research limitations/implications – Because of the complexity and the novelty of the framework, further studies could be discussed by its elements. New structures and paths for alternative strategic factors may be proposed in the future with the inclusion of new relationships in the adoption of platform business models and ecosystems. Future studies should consider digital knowledge-based assets attained to economic activities across national boundaries; data analytics or data-driven technology adoption and their effects on global attractiveness. Practical implications – The paper implicates in evaluating whether dynamic capabilities subsidize performance propitiating the catching up with a focus on the I4.0 system and digital transformation management journey. The proposed framework demonstrates the benefits of digital transformation by enabling strategic capabilities, making efforts to reduce a lack of research paths concerning the policy attributes that define the platform use strategy from an architectural standpoint and its benefits. Social implications – The particularities of turning either an I4.0 global organization or a digital organization operate in various environments, allowing access to the activities' digital context. Social implications concerning digital resources as strategic accelerators are determined by the BRICS peculiarities, such as social behavior, consumerism or communication pattern, leadership and workforce skills. Finally, political aspects and interference in the economy are deployed in society what must be considered. Originality/value – This paper proposes a conceptual framework to better understand whether the heterogeneity of resources could explain I4.0 and digital configurations, while new platforms have driven features in global industrial environments and ecosystems. The seizing opportunities in these countries and sense-making use of platforms and orchestration of ecosystems are found as the critical topics being the main value of this important discussion.