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This paper focuses on a two-year program with a Norwegian public sector project-based construction company, where action learning groups and critical incident technique were combined to enhance organizational learning. Project-based organizations typically face difficulties of 'project amnesia', as they fail to integrate learning from experience into organizational memory. In drawing lessons from experience, employees often focus on solving short-term problems with individual projects rather than contributing to medium- and longer-term organizational learning. The program that is the focus of this paper engaged newly-appointed engineers in action learning groups and trained them to use critical incident technique to gather and analyze information about recent projects undertaken by the company. The groups reported back their findings to colleagues in the program and to managers and senior executives in the company. Originally designed as an alternative to the traditional induction training for new employees, the program generated useful practical learning across the whole organization about project success factors. This paper explains how action learning and critical incident technique combined in this program to enhance individual, team and organizational learning, and argues that the synergies between these three processes should be explored in other contexts.

The aim of this paper is to examine the communication content of Instagram social network users, on the basis of the hashtags they use relating to gamification and to define communities within the network in the context of education. The results are based on the analysis of Instagram's worldwide social network. Primary data were collected using script to capture communication on the social network Instagram. The analysis included Instagram photos selected on the basis of hashtag #gamification (17,994 contributions). The results identify that the most commonly associated expressions with hashtags #gamification are hashtags associated with education and business, especially where startup and innovation are concerned. On the basis of an analysis visually isolated communities with an average modularity of 0.506 were identified, which relate to the communication of the gamification on the social network Instagram: 1) Education, 2) Entrepreneurship, 3) Gamification in general, 4) Social and 5) Enjoyment. The benefit of analysis for the education area is to identify the university's links between Education and Entrepreneurship and the Teacher and Trust between education and enjoyment.

This article is a concise, comprehensive overview of the history of sustainability and sustainable design. The goal is to provide a ready-made lesson plan on the history of sustainability in its many forms: development, conservation, energy, manufacturing, design, agriculture, business, cultural/societal, and environmental science. The articles in this series demonstrate a means by which multiple Technology and Engineering Core Contexts can be integrated simultaneously. [For Part 2, see EJ1382644.]

This study tested a three-component community prevention intervention with alcohol businesses to reduce alcohol overservice and to reduce drinking and driving crashes using a longitudinal design. The intervention involved a responsible beverage serving practices toolkit, a series of on-site visits from law enforcement, and a supporting media campaign. The effort achieved a reduction in the monthly percentage of drivers arrested for driving under the influence who cited the alcohol-licensed establishments as the place of last drink, and the number of establishments mentioned 2+ times as well as a decline in alcohol-involved crashes in the 12-month postintervention period. Results supported a conclusion that the intensive intervention media can achieve a reduction in the frequency with which drinking drivers utilized bars and restaurants and overall impaired driving-related crashes.

During its existence, the retail industry underwent profound transformations. Over the past three decades the retail industry has incorporated new technologies, namely Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Big Data Analytics. All these advancements deeply intensified competition in global retailing. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the businesses of global retailers. The purpose of the paper is to present and briefly analyse the evolution of the largest global retailers in terms of their retail revenues in the COVID-19 pandemic period 2020-2021. In this respect, a qualitative research method was used. The results of the paper show that global retailers are dominating the retail industry. They obtained impressive retail revenues even during the COVID-pandemic period 2020-2021. Walmart, the American giant, was by far the largest global retailer in that period.

Today’s dynamic and changing business environment raises numerous challenges for any business organization, irrespective of its size and industry. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought numerous advancements in the information and communications technologies which require continuous innovation. This is why corporations, especially multinational and transnational, have heavily invested in research and development activities in order to increase their efficiency. The rapid spread of digital technologies has determined corporate management to re-evaluate its approach towards innovation and, therefore, corporations began to establish innovation ecosystems. The goal of the paper is to illustrate and analyse the hierarchy of America’s most innovative corporations in the period 2022-2023. The author applied a qualitative research method in order to achieve the aim of the paper. The paper demonstrates that innovation, in general, and corporate innovation, in particular, represent key factors in ensuring business success. The hierarchy of the first ten American most innovative corporations in the period 2022- 2023 was clearly dominated by the corporations from the IT&C sector.

This article investigates students' perceptions of the relationship between Problem-Solving and the activities and resources used in a Web-based course on the fundamentals of Information Technology at a university in Montreal, Canada. We assess for the different learning components of the course, the extent of perceived problem-solving skills acquisition including research, creativity and critical thinking skills. The course entailed two categories of learning, namely resources- based and interactive components. The study aimed at answering the following questions: 1) To what extent do students understand the definitions of Problem-solving, Research, and Creative Idea Generation skills, and Critical Thinking skills? (2) What is the relative contribution of the various learning components (activities and resources) of the course to the perceived acquisition of Problem-Solving, Research, and Creative Idea Generations skills, and Critical Thinking skills; (3) Is the understanding of the definitions correlated with the perceived contributions of the learning components (activities and resources) of the course to the skills development? (4) To what extent is perceived Problem-solving skill acquisition explained by the acquisition of the other three skills?

The present research aims to provide evidence, from a statistical point of view, of the relationship between the education level of individuals and their associated living standard. The study is based on correlation analysis, which is able to highlight the association between the two elements of interest and, at the same time, to show the strength of their relationship. Additionally, the correlation analysis will be conducted both for Generation Y and Generation Z. Presenting the correlation results in comparison with the two types of Generation will facilitate finding similarities or differences between Generations. The analysis considers 14 European countries and uses two ways of referring to the living standard in accordance with the scientific literature. Among the key findings, there is one in particular to be mentioned: the level of education does matter more for Generation Z as compared to Generation Y in having a higher living standard. The limits of the analysis and future research directions are mentioned in the conclusions.

This article delves into the intricate interplay among digitalization, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the business environment in the Balkans, presenting a robust framework to comprehend and navigate these intertwined influences. As digital transformation swiftly reshapes global business landscapes, its accelerated adoption during the pandemic has proven crucial in adapting to new economic realities. This study investigates how businesses across the Balkans have navigated these dual pressures, examining their adoption of digital technologies, shifts in consumer behavior, and the resilience of entrepreneurial ventures amidst uncertainties induced by the crisis. The research is guided by the question: What is the interplay between digitalization and the pandemic in restarting business activities? Insights include associations found between digitalization and the DiGiX 2022 index, and the correlation between restarting business and the annual real GDP growth rate in 2023. Moreover, the study explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), reflecting its broader economic effects. By synthesizing these elements, the framework aims to offer strategic guidance to businesses and policymakers navigating the evolving digital landscape and pandemic-induced challenges in the Balkans.

The case study conducted at the Gura Ocniței Village Hall aimed to analyze the role of communication in improving the performance of public servants. Qualitative research methods, such as interviews and direct observations of employee behavior, were used to achieve this goal. The study results showed that effective communication between employees and between employees and citizens has a significant impact on the performance of public servants. Clear and open communication can lead to greater employee engagement and motivation, improved citizen relations, and better conflict management. Additionally, the study found that certain communication problems can have a negative impact on the performance of public servants, such as insufficient or ambiguous information, delayed or inadequate communication of decisions, and a lack of communication with citizens. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the importance of communication within the Gura Ocniței Village Hall and suggested that investing in developing employees\’ communication skills could lead to better performance and better relations with citizens.

To improve efficiency in the communication between public officials and citizens, there are ten essential principles that must be followed. These include transparency, clarity, timely response, active listening, accountability, collaboration, adaptability, professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity. Applying these principles can have a positive impact on the communication between public officials and citizens and can improve public services. In this article, each principle will be explained and concrete examples of how they can be implemented will be provided.

This study aims to explore sustainable operations management through a detailed analysis of Starbucks in Spain as a case study. The methodology used is content analysis, which examines scholarly articles, reports, and publications related to corporate sustainability, business model innovation, and supply chain management. This approach explains the field's key concepts and emergent themes in depth. However, it is necessary to consider the limitations of the study. Reliance on existing research may restrict coverage of recent developments, and the selection of sources may introduce potential bias. As the field is continually evolving, newer studies may offer additional perspectives. The case and study provide recommendations for future research, such as encouraging empirical studies to validate theoretical frameworks, exploring contextual factors influencing sustainable practices, and investigating the impact of emerging technologies on sustainable operations. Cross-disciplinary collaborations are also encouraged to foster a holistic knowledge of the challenges and possibilities in sustainable business practices. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in sustainable operations management. As the discourse on sustainable business practices evolves, this case provides a strong foundation for future investigations to contribute to meaningful advancements in the field.

The opportunities for meaningful classroom learning activities are everywhere. In this article, we explain some of the little known, widespread, horrific issues associated with one aspect of the pet trade. By the time they reach high school age, many students have personally experienced the end result of the deplorable business practices on which the commercial exploitation of pet turtles has developed. We provide suggestions for student-based activities that will draw local attention and provide solutions to the issues. These, in turn, could lead to broader resolution of the problem.

Total quality management (TQM) strives to improve organizational functioning by carefully studying the interface between an organization's mission, values, vision, policies and procedures, and the consumer that the organization serves. Central to this approach to revitalizing economic institutions is the importance placed on client satisfaction. The maxim "the customer is always right," or "the customer is the king" are the driving forces in TQM efforts to increase performance and profits. Customers' needs and desires are researched and analyzed, and product design, sales and service are modified to produce higher levels of customer satisfaction and, in turn, greater profitability for the company. Can the concept of "student-as-customer" readily fit into the context of education and learning in higher institutions as a jointly negotiated process? The main focus of this paper is to analyze the debate between the two opposing views: some concede that similarity exists between a university student and a more traditional customer at, say, a local department store, while others argue that this kind of comparison is without merit. A good number of university educations are indeed similar to business, and for these, the TQM emphasis on the customer rings true. In many ways, university students are customers. Universities should make every reasonable effort to satisfy students in such areas and to attempt to gather student input in assessing how well these needs are being met. However, applying the concept of student-as-customer in its fullest scope may run the risk of placing the teacher/instructor in the position of merely responding to what the students want, sacrificing any personal autonomy and professional responsibility. This could, if taken to its ultimate end, mean that the teacher would have very little part to play in decisions regarding the aims, content, methods and evaluation of the learning and educational processes. The major challenge for today's universities is to strike the balance between the "student-as-customer" and the "student-as-learner."

Purpose: This paper aims to empirically examine the linkages between best human resource (HRM) practices, knowledge management, organisational learning, organisational capabilities and organisational performance. The proposed framework and findings intend to add to the understanding of the specific processes that mediate between best HRM practices and organisational performance. Design/methodology/approach: To carry out this research a survey research strategy was followed. The sample frame for this study consisted of Greek firms that belong to the tertiary (services and commerce) sector, employing at least 50 employees. The final research sample consisted of 242 questionnaires. Descriptive statistics as well as structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques were used to analyse the data. Findings: This paper proposes an answer to "how" best HRM practices can influence performance. Results indicate that service and commercial firms pursuing best HRM practices achieve better performance through the interaction of these practices with knowledge management and organisational learning capability and the creation of organisational capabilities. Research limitations/implications: Possible limitations of the study include the relatively small sample size, the use of subjective performance indicators and the measurement of organisational capabilities. Practical implications: The paper can help human resource practitioners and/or managers to understand better the importance of organisational learning and knowledge management processes and the way best HRM practices, through the integration of these two processes, lead to superior and sustainable performance. Originality/value: This paper attempts to shed some light on the processes through which human resource management practices influence performance. Moreover, the value of the human factor in knowledge management and organisational learning initiatives, as well as on organisational capabilities, is explored. While this has already been underlined in the past, there is still no complete model simultaneously describing and testing all those relationships. (Contains 8 tables, 2 figures and 2 notes.)

Abstract Regions play an important role in the global economy by driving research and innovation policies through a major tool, the Regional Innovation System (RIS). The RIS is a social system that encompasses the systematic interaction of the various organizations that comprise it, to improve local knowledge and innovation. It consists of interconnections of various public and private sector institutions, whose activities and interactions create, introduce and diffuse innovations. This paper outlines the methodology employed in developing and validating a mathematical model of Regional Innovation Systems, utilizing the system dynamics approach. To provide a demonstration of the aforementioned concept, the proposed model will then be implemented in the RIS of two specific regions in Greece, namely Western and Central Macedonia. Within this context, various policies will be formulated to modify the indicators of Smart Technology, with the objective of assessing their influence on the overall regional development of the aforementioned regions. The model focuses on the functional structure of the RIS, separating it in six diverse, interacting subsystems consisting of different components, captured by a total of 38 different factors which can be quantitatively assessed.

Purpose – This study aims to deal with the paucity of studies in the stages of the development of loyalty behaviour of customers in the healthcare context by incorporating three crucial service quality dimensions (physical environment, personnel quality and technical quality) and also investigating trust and commitment as mediating factors. Design/methodology/approach – Survey data were obtained from 420 respondents admitted to government hospitals in Kerala employing a convenience sampling method. The formulated hypotheses were tested using partial least square structural equation modelling. Findings – Results indicate that patient satisfaction, trust and commitment can create favourable behavioural intentions amongst patients. When patients reveal higher trust, they are more inclined to value healthcare services and willing to commit to a long-term relationship, resulting in increased patient loyalty. Practical implications – Organisational efforts should improve trust and commitment and build a good relationship between service providers and patients. Efforts should be taken to raise the standard of technical and personnel aspects, and a focus on physical infrastructure should also be considered to build a favourable behavioural intention to revisit and positive referrals. Originality/value – This is the first empirical study to analyse technical quality, personnel quality and physical environment along with the mediating effect of trust, and commitment in a four-stage loyalty development model in the healthcare context of Kerala, India.

The subject under analysis pertains to the research field of semi-strong informational efficiency, which is established when the autocorrelation coefficient of stock prices during the event period being analyzed is zero. This indicates that stock price fluctuations before and after the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) event occur randomly. If the release of new information regarding mergers and acquisitions is followed by abnormal returns before or after the M&A event, then semistrong efficiency is not confirmed. There is a notable movement in stock prices one day prior to the official announcement of mergers and acquisitions, followed by a significant reverse movement for several subsequent days. This fluctuation in returns, along with market movements, exceeds 11% over a 10-day period. The day of the event is considered to be the day when the Board of Directors’ decision regarding the acquisition is made public. Firstly, we highlighted the purpose of the event study, namely, to identify the „residuals” of returns between actual returns (R_it) and expected returns during the period when M&A information was publicly disseminated. Furthermore, we reviewed elements of the literature that addressed event studies in general, with a focus on the impact of M&A on the capital market in particular. Subsequently, we outlined the research methodology and hypotheses, and the models used to identify return residuals. For analyzing the impact of M&A on market reactions, we used the market model and the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). Our empirical study estimates the impact on the stock price of Transilvania Bank resulting from the acquisitions of Volksbank Romania and Bancpost. Finally, we analyzed the impact of the merger between the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) and SIBEX Sibiu. This paper offers a thorough empirical analysis of the economic advantages received by shareholders of acquiring companies after mergers and acquisitions. Our research findings show that, in general, acquiring firms yield positive abnormal returns. This stands in contrast to much of the existing literature, which indicates that, on average, there are losses (although not always statistically significant) associated with merger and acquisition transactions in developed countries.

The rise in talent management complications led organizations to rely on the latest technologies to automate their routine HRM tasks through AI. This study proposed to examine fundamental aspects of AI in talent acquisition (cost-benefit, opportunities, and risk factors) from the context of strategic analysis and decision-making. 52 respondents from HRM and the information technology departments from fifteen large dairy enterprises, each with more than one thousand employees, were included in the focus group discussion. Both departments were included in the focus group discussion as they heavily employ AI in talent acquisition. The opinions were collected in multiple rounds based on the cost, benefit, opportunity, and risk criteria using the analytical hierarchy process, a multi-criteria decision-making framework. The findings demonstrated that most respondents opinioned AI supports talent acquisition with many opportunities (38.7%) that involve the identification of the best applicants (18.7%) and different benefits (33.2%) to the organization in the form of saving time and cost (16.1%) leading to higher efficacy. The study infers that the application of AI in HRM significantly contributes to talent acquisition, streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and enhancing decision-making. The study recommends that implementing AI in talent acquisition requires a strategic approach, and organizations need to consider factors such as data privacy, ethical use of AI, and ongoing training to ensure successful integration into their hiring processes. Additionally, regular monitoring and adjustments are essential to optimize the effectiveness of AI tools in talent acquisition. AcknowledgmentThe authors of this article would like to thank Prince Sultan University for its financial and academic support for this publication.

The last decades have seen an increase in entrepreneurial development based on innovation. Having access to innovation and setting up a business in a country that can serve as an innovationenabler can increase the degree of attractiveness of that respective country. Governments around the world have adopted innovation-centered views and implemented relevant policies to serve as a driver for reaching high competitiveness and to ensure a more rapid economic and, implicitly, social progress. The aim of the paper is to present the top ten countries in the world in their evolution specific to the Global Innovation Index (GII) for the 2021-2023 period. The research methodology is based on a qualitative method. The paper shows that the top ten ranked countries in the world using this specific index remained the same for the investigated period, also maintaining a fairly constant relative position for the three years subject to analysis, Switzerland being the acknowledged leader.

The automotive industry has always represented a key sector within the economy of any country. Moreover, its significant contribution to the gross domestic product of many countries transformed this industry into one of the main pillars of the global economy. Therefore, numerous countries have built and produced various motor vehicles on different continents. The purpose of the paper is to briefly present and analyze the evolution of the world motor vehicle production on the four continents (Europe, America, Asia-Oceania, and Africa) in the period 2018-2022. The research methodology is based on a qualitative research method. The paper shows that the pre-pandemic period was a better period for the automotive industry than the pandemic period. Also, it demonstrates that AsiaOceania dominates the production hierarchy by continents.

Examines the introduction and evolution of the Strategic Management Process in England's further education sector. Critiques the transfer of business-sector management models to postsecondary education, reviews related policy literature, and summarizes a detailed longitudinal study of cultural change in one college embarking upon incorporation. (MLH)

This study aims to provide a scientific and extensive review of behavioral intention studies in sports marketing research. Also, it informs directions for further studies that help in progressing sports marketing research. 362 articles were extracted using the Scopus database, and an extensive review of these articles was performed using the VOSviewer and Biblioshiny software tools. The performance analysis reveals the most influential articles, authors, sources, organizations, and countries in this domain. The thematic map and trend topic show the domain’s development and relevance. The co-citation network revealed four distinct research clusters, themed (a) Sponsorship in sports marketing, (b) Sports as service, (c) Behavioral intention analysis methods in Sports marketing, and (d) Theories and concepts. Finally, the results are summarized using the Theory, Context, and Methodology (TCM) framework. Along with the TCM framework, cluster analysis will also provide avenues for further studies in the form of research questions pertaining to each research cluster.

This study explores the interdependence of exchange rates between the West African Monetary Zone and the West African Economic and Monetary Union countries using monthly data from 2000 to 2021. Employing wavelet multiple correlation and wavelet multiple cross-correlation by Fernando-Macho, we generally uncovered low degrees of integration between the two blocs at higher frequencies, but the level of integration gradually becomes stronger as it navigates from higher a frequency (lower scale) to a lower frequency (higher scale). This implies that ex-ante convergence of exchange rates is difficult; however, in the long time horizon, exchange rate convergence is possible. Evidence from cross-correlation analysis shows that lead (lag) effects is time-varying and heterogeneous, showing no particular country’s exchange rates as leaders or followers. Different currencies have the potential to lead or lag on varying scales. These results suggest that member states establish a regional surveillance mechanism that can monitor macroeconomic indicators in the region. The effective implementation of this mechanism can aid in identifying macroeconomic imbalances and potential risks to macroeconomic stability and convergence.

AbstractGender roles have evolved with time; however, males often demonstrate aggressive and risk-prone behaviours. Both genders show different attitudes towards objects and situations due to hormonal differences. Nevertheless, such a relationship is significantly influenced by the perception of the retail mix. It has been argued that women, in particular, are more influenced by the retail mix, shaping their view of a retail brand’s image. Consequently, this study aims to explore women’s perceptions of the retail mix on the retail brand image and examine the mediating role of employee attitudes. A quantitative research approach was used for this study. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect primary data from 287 women who were shopping. Partial Least Square Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the primary data and investigate the relationship among the variables. The study’s findings have revealed a positive relationship between retail stock/product quality and retail brand image and employee attitude and retail brand image. The study revealed that the location and environment of a retail store do not significantly impact consumers’ evaluation of the brand. The study’s findings also indicated that employee attitude fully mediates the connection between retail store location and environment, retail brand image, and the association between retail pricing and retail brand image, but partially mediates the connection between retail stock/brand quality and retail brand image. This study addresses a subject matter that is rarely covered in retail literature: the function of employee attitudes as a mediator between marketing mix and brand image in retail settings, particularly in emerging markets. The study builds on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and Stimulus-Organism-Response Theory (S-O-R) by providing new insights into a largely unstudied area of retail marketing dynamics. Specifically, it deepens our understanding of how customer perceptions of employee attitudes shape a retail firm’s image and reputation. The findings of this study suggest that retail managers should prioritize effective management of retail stock and product quality as a strategy for competitive advantage. Additionally, it is imperative for them to invest significantly in employee training. This investment is crucial as the study highlights the impact of employees’ attitudes on the perception and reputation of the retail brand. Therefore, fostering positive employee attitudes through comprehensive training programs is essential for enhancing brand perception and gaining a competitive edge in the market.

AbstractThe widespread coronavirus (COVID-19) has sparked considerable worry among businesses worldwide, including Ghana. Despite a growing body of information on market and business reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are few to no studies that have empirically examined the direct impact of COVID-19 on a firm’s financial reporting. The paper employed a panel regression model to examine COVID-19 impacts on a firm’s financial reporting delay over 3 years for 100 firms in Ghana comprising 30 listed firms and 70 private firms. The study’s empirical findings indicate COVID-19 and financial report delays have a positive and significant relationship. The study also established that the positive relationship is more pronounced for low-performing and private firms. The study recommended that a firm’s operational strategies be improved and well-coordinated during pandemics to avoid reporting and subsequent operational delays.

AbstractThis study investigates the moderating role of political party affiliation in the relationship between tax knowledge, service quality, and tax compliance. The study gathered data from 450 respondents comprising informal sector traders within the Kejetia market through a structured questionnaire administered by the Ashtown Small Tax Office personnel. The demographic characteristics reveal age, income, and education as key control variables significantly influencing compliance. Using the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM), the study finds a significant and direct positive relationship between tax knowledge and tax compliance. Additionally, service quality positively and significantly affects tax compliance. Meanwhile, the indirect results reveal that political affiliation positively mediates the relationship between tax knowledge and compliance. The same positive mediation effect was realized for the relationship between service quality and tax compliance. Further robustness checks using demographic segmentations reveal a significant positive correlation between young and old tax compliance groups. Also, low-income taxpayer groups exhibit a positive influence on compliance. The educated group has a significant positive effect on tax compliance. The indirect effect of political affiliation is also positively significant for all categories of demographic segmentation. These outcomes highlight the dynamic role of political party affiliation in enhancing national voluntary tax compliance. The study recommends that individual taxpayers perceive tax compliance as a civic duty and not based on partisanship through political party affiliation. However, the government should also ensure equitable distribution of national infrastructure.

Examines implications of the networked economy for e-commerce business start-ups. Revisits the notion of "value" and "value creation" in a network context. Examines "value" relative to technological innovation. Looks at implications of the network environment for the organization and transformation of the enterprise's internal governance called for in the new economy. Examines implications of the "new rules" for Access Point, the new Philips multimedia business venture. (Contains 19 references.) (AEF)

Brexit has undeniably had effects on power relations in the world economy and beyond. This article aims to measure the dimensions of power for the European Union, the United States and the BRICS countries and to provide a case study about the prospective impact of Brexit on the EU’s and the UK’s positions within the global architecture of power. In this regard, the paper proposes a new method of measurement of the world power by using six dimensions of power, using data before the Brexit procedures started. The highlights of the empirical findings are that the exclusion of the UK has strengthened EU’s position only for the economic dimension of power, while for the UK, the most dominant repositioning within the power architecture due to the Brexit is recorded for the political & governance. The findings can contribute to raising awareness among policy–makers, companies, institutions and the population, both at European and at national level, about populist tendencies and attitudes towards potential separations of some member countries from the European community and their consequences for the European development from multiple perspectives.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how knowledge assets and corporate social responsibility jointly influence the market value of a firm. In the contemporary knowledge-driven economy, where competitive advantage is based on intangible and intellectual capital, this paper emphasizes the strategic significance of knowledge assets, open innovation, and sustainable development practices in creating and maximizing market value. By employing multiple regression analysis on panel data for ten financial years, the study examines the optimal composition of knowledge assets and the impact of CSR initiatives on firm value. Key findings highlight a crucial threshold leading to the peak of market value, approximately when knowledge assets account for about 36% of a firm’s total non-current assets. Further, this study demonstrates that maintaining a balance between internally developed knowledge assets and external acquisitions significantly enhances value, correlating with the cultivation of a capitalization ability. Finally, this paper shows that corporate social responsibility emerges as a substantial driver of generating firm value, suggesting that integrating these practices into corporate strategic decisions not only aligns with ethical goals but also enhances market valuation. The insights from this study offer valuable perspectives for both academic researchers and industry professionals, advocating for a well-balanced approach to corporate asset management and underscoring the strategic importance of incorporating corporate social responsibility.

Prior research shows the importance of trading communities in the Indian economy. We investigate whether these trading communities have an advantage in firm founding and/or firm survival. While prior research suggests that trusted within-community networks enable access to resources and knowledge and help support entrepreneurs from these communities, some scholars show that community ties constrain entrepreneurial options and produce lock-in. We hypothesise that trading communities in India have higher founding and survival rates and we find strong support for our hypotheses. Our research contributes to research on communities and entrepreneurship, and to our understanding of the Indian entrepreneurial context.

Cyberloafing is a term that defines the behavior amongst staff who are involved in the usage of the internet and gadgets for non-work-associated purposes during their work periods. This study aims to understand how demographic and organizational factors relating to job overload, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation affect cyberloafing intensity. The demographic variables age and gender were controlled throughout the study and later analyzed for possible Cyberloafing behavior links. This topic has been of great importance during the COVID-19 period, forcing many employees to work from home. These conditions have shown greater degrees of Cyberloafing with easy access to gadgets and the internet. A structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale was circulated through online mediums among male and female IT employees in Kerala exposed to cyber deviancy during their work from home situation to fulfill these factors. Three hundred seventeen responses were collected and analyzed using Structural Equational Modelling using Smart PLS 3 software. The findings observed were that job overload positively affects Cyberloafing, while intrinsic and extrinsic motivation does not significantly affect Cyberloafing. The effect of generation difference and gender on Cyberloafing does exist and shows significance to Cyberloafing behavior. This research can be used for further studies concerning Cyberloafing antecedents. The topic is gaining greater importance with the changing perception towards work from home culture and millennials’ attitudes and thus be used to identify the factors impacting such a situation and help take proper actions to reduce counterproductive behaviors. It will also provide a base for further insights as it is not explored by many and studied in a pandemic context.

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the antecedents and consequences of green packaging behavior (GPB). A conceptual model has been developed wherein green packaging awareness (GPA) and green packaging initiatives (GPI) are precursors of GPB, and environmental concern and availability of various green packaging alternatives are moderators. The outcomes of GPB in terms of environmental and personal benefits are examined. Design/methodology/approach – Unlike most papers focusing on green packaging from a marketing perspective, this study explores the behavior of rural households from 47 villages in southern India. A carefully crafted survey instrument was developed, and data were collected from 395 respondents. After checking the instrument’s psychometric properties, the results were analyzed using Hayes’s PROCESS macros. Findings – The results indicate that GPA and GPI are positively associated with GPB, GPA predicts GPI, and GPI mediates the relationship between GPA and GPB. Furthermore, findings suggest that environmental concern moderates the relationship between GPI and GPB, and the three-way interaction between the availability of green packaging (second moderator), environmental concern (first moderator), and GPI influences the GPB. Moreover, the outcomes of GPB in terms of environmental and personal benefits are established. Research limitations/implications – This research has several theoretical implications. It documents that individual awareness of green packaging is a precursor to GPB. This study focused on the rural population from a developing country (India) and hence may suffer from a lack of generalizability across developed nations. However, the results could be generalizable across other developing nations worldwide. Practical implications – This study motivates individuals to engage in proenvironmental behavior. Moreover, it highlights the importance of GPB in deriving environmental and personal benefits. It is also equally crucial for individuals to engage in proper waste management practices so that the environment is not polluted. Social implications – The findings from this research are helpful to society as it focuses on the proenvironmental behavior of individuals. Particularly concerning packaging, this study points out that buying products with green packaging and reusing and recycling such packages is essential to protect the environment. Originality/value – This study fills the gaps in the literature by focusing on the GPB of the rural population. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the moderated-mediation model developed and tested in this research is the first of its kind and thus makes a significant contribution to the literature on green packaging and waste management.

Purpose: To a large extent, the recent global instability is responsible for the rapid structural mutation of the career landscape, thereby affecting individuals’ career development, especially expatriates who are subjected to an acculturation process. Even though the cultural element exists in the career development literature, the implications of expatriate acculturation (EA) on individual expatriates’ career competence (CC) and career sustainability (CS) remain understudied. Therefore, this study proposes to fill this gap in literature by exploring the intrinsic role EA plays in regulating the CC–CS interactions. Design/methodology/approach: For a more comprehensive analysis, we attempt to identify the effect on each dimension of CC, thus Reflective, Social, and Behavioural competencies (RC, SC, and BC), in the case of Chinese University postgraduate alumni from Africa. We conducted a double-layer analysis with 389 respondents’ data samples. Findings/results: Results reveal that, at the aggregate level, the positive relationship between CC and CS is weakened by EA in the case of African postgraduates who studied at Chinese universities. The detailed analyses reveal that the negative effect of EA significantly undermines the RC–CS mechanism, but significantly strengthens the BC–CS interaction. Besides, the SC–CS mechanism is not significantly moderated by EA despite the negative acculturation tendencies. Practical implications: From the perspective of international interdependence, this research elucidates the magnitude and diversity of expatriates’ contribution to the host country’s career ecosystem. Originality/value: Investigating from the career construction theory (CCT) perspective, this article aims to fill this gap by finding the moderating effect of EA on the CC–CS mechanisms.