Abstract Book of the International Conference on Business, Management and Leadership
The Abstract Book of The International Conference on Business, Management and Leadership (ICBML) include peer-reviewed papers from the International Conference on Business, Management and Leadership. Conference Proceedings is intended to share knowledge in the field of Business, Management and Leadership. Learn more about the International Conference on Business, Management and Leadership
Bolstering The Insider Trading Regulation to Curb Negative Consequences of Mergers and Acquisitions in South Africa: A Comparative Assessment
This article considers the inclusion of express statutory provisions aiming at curbing insider trading in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As). Insider trading constitutes market abuse and is prohibited because it creates information asymmetry and undermines investor confidence. M&As potentially allow the incidence of insider trading. In South Africa, there is no specific statute that regulates insider trading in M&As. However, insider trading is generally regulated under the Financial Markets Act 19 of 2012 and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Listing Requirements. The institutions that regulate insider trading include the JSE Market Regulation Division and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. In addition, sections 126 and 127 of the Companies Act 71 of 2008 (“the Companies Act”) and the Companies Act’s related regulatory institutions, including the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP) and Takeover Special Committee (TSC), may be classified to be the statutory and institutional framework that implicitly regulates insider trading in the context of M&As. Conclusively, this article underscores the importance of M&As to the economy, simultaneously reiterating the need to infuse express statutory provisions that mitigate potential insider trading in M&A processes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abstract Book of the International Conference on Business, Management and Leadership
Human Resources Strategies required by Japanese companies in the future
It is important to maintain the long-term employment system while accepting job changers without disadvantages. It is necessary to extend the length of internships so that new university graduates do not leave the company early. As many employees are seeking to improve their skills, companies need to decide on a policy for skills development from a long-term perspective, such as training program. Especially, as it takes a lot of time and money to train AI and DX engineers in-house, career changers should be actively recruited. In Japan, in recent years, recruitment by job type has also increased for new graduates and experienced workers. Job-specific hiring involves hiring people who are best suited to a particular job type to fill the gap. This means that the job type and duties are clearly defined, and people who have the ability and motivation to perform those jobs and duties are hired. Examples of job-specific hiring include sales, marketing, advertising, accounting, public relations, human resources, general affairs, legal affairs, international affairs, logistics, production, factory management, research and development, and information. From the company's perspective, relying on new graduates for recruitment may lead to a distortion in the age composition of employees due to fluctuations in the economy, which may increase or decrease the number of new graduates hired. Furthermore, focusing on new graduates may limit the number of people with diverse backgrounds.
Exploring safety management measures and factors in construction: A qualitative study
This study employed a qualitative research method to explore the safety management measures and influencing factors at construction sites through in-depth interviews with practitioners at various levels of the construction industry. The study found that safety management measures mainly include three levels: technical engineering measures, management control measures, and personal protection measures. Their actual effects are jointly influenced by factors at the organizational, group, and individual levels. Safety investment, leadership commitment, and subcontract management model at the organizational level, safety culture and manager leadership at the group level, and safety knowledge and risk perception ability at the individual level all have a significant impact on the effectiveness of safety management. The study specifically highlighted that group factors play a key mediating role in safety management, conveying organizational policies and guiding individual behavior. Based on this, the study recommends building a multi-level, integrated safety protection system and implementing differentiated safety management strategies to improve the effectiveness of construction safety management.
Measuring Corporate Governance Quality in Swiss Listed Firms Using Textual Analysis and Readability Metrics
This paper presents a novel, multi-method approach for assessing corporate governance quality (CGQ) in publicly listed Swiss firms by integrating computer-aided text analysis (CATA), natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning (ML). Drawing on a longitudinal dataset of 1’573 annual reports spanning 18 years (2002 – 2019), we develop and validate governance-specific dictionaries tailored to the Swiss regulatory and linguistic context. Our final dictionary, constructed through supervised learning, comprises 3’627 positive and 277 negative terms and word combinations, capturing nuanced dimensions of governance discourse. To ensure robustness, we conduct convergent and predictive validity tests using the fine-grained governance proxy proposed by Barroso et al. (2016), and successfully replicate key findings from their study. This confirms the reliability of our text-based governance measure and its alignment with established governance constructs. Extending the analysis, we incorporate the Gunning Fog Index to examine the relationship between language complexity and governance quality. Our results reveal a significant inverse correlation: firms with higher governance scores tend to produce more readable and accessible disclosures. This finding supports theoretical expectations from agency theory and legitimacy theory, suggesting that well-governed firms prioritize transparency and stakeholder communication. By combining dictionary-based scoring, readability metrics and machine learning, this study contributes to the emerging literature on automated governance assessment. It demonstrates the feasibility of scalable, data-driven approaches to evaluating CGQ and offers practical implications for regulators, investors and scholars seeking to monitor governance practices through publicly available textual data.
Since entering a period of population decline in 2009, Japan has faced a sustained labour shortage, particularly as labour demand has consistently exceeded supply. This challenge is especially acute among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which tend to suffer from limited brand recognition and offer lower average wages compared to large enterprises. While securing qualified personnel is essential for business continuity, some SMEs have successfully attracted talent and sustained profitability. Especially, the wage gap between large corporations and SMEs—once relatively modest—has widened in recent years. Consequently, SMEs are increasingly compelled to adopt recruitment strategies that appeal to job seekers beyond financial compensation alone. This study addresses the question: What recruitment strategies should Japanese SMEs employ amid a shrinking labour force? It posits that effective talent acquisition requires not only fulfilling employer needs but also understanding the expectations of job seekers. To investigate this, the study formulates hypotheses grounded in prior research, secondary data, and an online survey conducted in December 2024 by the author. One such hypothesis suggests that SMEs which improve labour practices gain a competitive advantage in recruitment. Through empirical testing, the study aims to identify key factors contributing to successful SME recruitment. Furthermore, by analysing case studies that support these findings, it seeks to clarify effective recruitment strategies from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives.
Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET) in Swiss Higher Education: An Exploratory Study of Institutional Practices
Student evaluations of teaching (SET) are a widely used management control tool for evaluating teaching performance in higher education. This study explores how SET is embedded and practiced within Swiss universities. In a first stage, 21 interviews with representatives from 17 institutions were conducted, based on an adapted version of Eckert and Huber’s (2020) questionnaire. The findings highlight considerable variation in the design of SET, tensions between formative and summative purposes, and a widespread awareness of bias in SET results - although few institutions actively address it. In a second, ongoing stage, the project turns to a case study of one university that made the unusual decision to discontinue SET surveys by replacing them with other evaluation techniques. This case provides an opportunity to analyze the processes surrounding the potential deinstitutionalization of a well-established control tool. By applying an institutional theory lens, the study aims to offer insights into how established practices in higher education are questioned, contested, and potentially abandoned.
From Dormant Assets to Shared Value－Rethinking For-profit Enterprise–Social Enterprise Partnerships in the UK and Japan
In recent years, many companies have sought to address social challenges while simultaneously building competitive advantage. This approach, known as Creating Shared Value (CSV), often finds its most significant expression in collaborations between for-profit enterprises and social enterprises. This study examines the institutional frameworks that enable such collaboration by comparing the UK Dormant Assets Scheme and Japan’s Dormant Accounts Scheme, focusing on their strategic implications. In the UK, the scheme was launched in 2008. Dormant bank accounts were transferred to the Reclaim Fund Ltd, and surplus funds not required for potential reclaims were allocated to Big Society Capital (BSC). BSC has channelled these resources into a wide range of social enterprises and organisations, supporting over 2,000 initiatives and generating both financial and social returns. In Japan, a similar scheme was introduced in 2018. Administered by JANPIA, it primarily operates through grants rather than investments. The Japanese model emphasizes community networks, capacity development, and non-financial support, enabling collaboration among local groups, non-profits, and companies. Both schemes promote CSV by connecting businesses and social enterprises, but their approaches differ, the UK fosters a long-term social investment market, while Japan prioritises community-based collaboration through grants. This comparison highlights how national systems shape cross-sector partnerships and offers insights into strengthening future CSV initiatives.
Not left behind for sure: Towards holistic inclusion of the marginalized through Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISE)
This Integrative Literature Review addresses the dual need created by (1) conflicting views on whether and how Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE) achieves its primary mission of social inclusion of the marginalized, and (2) the lacunae of theoretically supported explanations. It annotates, critiques, and synthesizes evidence from select literature while applying Pierre Bourdieu’s (1977) concept of cultural capital to gain a novel conceptual and nuanced understanding of social inclusion. The findings present a heuristic Resource Accrual Model, synthesizing the various means by which the accrual of embodied cultural capital of the marginalized and their enablers is facilitated through WISE, aiding the perception of holistic social inclusion. Apart from extending the seminal theory of Pierre Bourdieu (1977), this research contributes to social enterprise literature while presenting practical solutions to promote social inclusion, at the heart of the United Nation’s sustainable development goals.
The Cost of Responsibility: Assessing the Impact of ESG Performance on Bank Capital Costs Across Developed and Emerging Markets
As ESG criteria gains importance in investor assessments, their impact on bank’s capital costs is increasingly relevant. This study investigates whether higher ESG performance lowers the cost of equity and WACC for banks across different economic and regulatory settings. Based on agency and signaling theories, we propose that strong ESG performance reduces information gaps and boosts investor trust, resulting in cheaper financing. We analyze panel data from 150 banks in developed and emerging markets between 2017 and 2023, using ESG scores from Refinitiv. To correct for endogeneity and hidden bank-level factors, we apply a two-step System GMM estimator. The results show a significant negative link between ESG scores and cost of equity, especially in emerging markets with weaker governance systems. The effect on WACC is smaller but follows the same downward trend. This study adds to existing research by highlighting the financial impact of ESG integration in banking, focusing on institutional and regional variations. The results provide actionable insights for banks, investors and regulators: strong ESG performance can serve as a strategy to reduce capital costs. In transitioning economies like those in Central Asia, enhancing ESG practices and transparency may yield especially high financial advantages.
Relationship Between Auditors’ Independence and The Quality of Financial Reporting in The Nigerian Public Sector
This study is motivated by the persistent challenges of financial transparency and accountability within the Nigerian public sector, where the independence of auditors is frequently questioned. Specifically, the study analyzed the impact of auditors’ independence on financial reporting quality, assess the effectiveness of the regulatory framework in promoting auditor independence, evaluate stakeholder perceptions regarding auditors’ independence, and identify factors that threaten such independence. The research adopted an exploratory design, utilizing a purposive sample of 64 public sector auditors. Data were collected through structured questionnaires designed to capture auditors’ perceptions and experiences related to independence and reporting quality. The methodology involved both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, with regression analysis employed to determine the strength and significance of the relationship between various dimensions of auditor independence (investigative, reporting, and financial) and financial reporting quality indicators such as timeliness and faithful representation. The results revealed a strong positive relationship between auditors’ independence—particularly investigative independence and the quality of financial reporting in the Nigerian public sector. Investigative independence was found to have a statistically significant impact on both the timeliness and faithful representation of financial reports, while reporting and financial independence, though important, did not show the same level of significance. The study also highlighted persistent challenges, including political interference and inadequate regulatory enforcement, which continue to undermine auditor independence. In conclusion, the study underscores the critical importance of strengthening investigative independence and enhancing the regulatory framework to improve financial reporting quality in the Nigerian public sector. Achieving these objectives is essential for fostering public trust and ensuring accountability in the management of public resources. The study recommends empowering regulatory bodies, increasing stakeholder awareness, and establishing robust mechanisms to protect auditors from undue influence as key steps toward achieving higher standards of financial report.
Research on Supply Chain Contract Model considering Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to enterprises are required to pay attention to society, the environment, consumers and other stakeholders during their operations. This paper establishes a Stackelberg game theoretical model to study the management of social responsibility efforts with supply chain contract model. The supply chain includes with a single upstream supplier and single downstream retailer. Retailer orders from supplier according to market demand and sells the product to the final market. The market demand function is given by linear demand function in price and CSR, the higher the CSR level, the greater the market demand. Without loss of generality, we assume that the supplier follows a lot-for-lot policy, i.e., the supplier’s production lot size is equal to the lot size shipped to the retailer. We study three supply chain contract model: W-contract and D-contract in non-cooperation situation, C-contract in cooperation situation. We investigate decision-making issues such as the CSR, wholesale price, retail pricing, order quantity and system’s expected profit of supply chain. We then analyse and compare the influence of the coefficient of supplier CSR on order quantity and system’s expected profit of supply chain. The numerical analyses show that the C-contract is the optimal stratagem among the three. Meanwhile, supply chain D-contract is better than W-contract in non-cooperation situation.
The Role of Digital Leadership Capabilities in Enterprise-Wide Digital Transformation
Digital transformation has shown to be effective in organizational success at a time of unforeseen technological advancement. The study looks into the digital leadership capabilities and the successful digital transformation initiatives, with attention to why over 80% of digital transformations do not achieve the set objectives. A comprehensive literature review and bibliometric analysis of journal articles published between 2021 and 2025. The study investigates digital leadership dimensions, transformational leadership, strategic agility, collaborative network leadership, and technological proficiency. There is a significant concertation of research in China and European nations, with critical gaps in digital leadership and its impact on given organizational functions. The study finds that there are limitations in existing literature, such as an overemphasis on theoretical framework rather than empirical evidence, a bias towards developed economies, and a lack of standardization in measuring digital leadership effectiveness. Not only does the paper contribute to the growing body of knowledge, it also highlights areas that need future investigations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Proceeding of the International Conference on Business, Management and Leadership
Big Data in Management Control: Enhancing Decision-Making and Organizational Performance
The growing availability of Big Data offers valuable opportunities to improve management control systems. This research examines how analyzing large datasets can transform decision-making, enhance forecasting accuracy, and optimize the use of limited organizational resources. A thorough review of existing studies forms the basis for a proposed framework that helps integrate Big Data into management control systems. Early findings indicate that a strategic approach to Big Data allows organizations to become more agile, improve overall performance, and gain a competitive edge through data-driven insights. However, this research also acknowledges significant challenges in implementation, such as data governance, skill shortages, and cybersecurity risks. Overcoming these obstacles is essential to fully harness the benefits of Big Data in management control. The paper concludes with insights into future research directions and practical recommendations for management control professionals.
Algorithm and Development Prospects of Holding Process of the Georgian Medical Sector
The Georgian medical sector operates within a complex entrepreneurial framework where business structures, particularly holdings, play a dominant role. This paper examines the development and operational mechanisms of holdings in the medical field, analyzing their influence on market competition, pricing strategies, and state-business relations. The study highlights the monopolistic tendencies, cartel agreements, and elite lobbying practices that shape the sector. Additionally, it evaluates the state's regulatory inefficiencies and the economic and social consequences of medical business consolidation. Drawing comparisons with European regulatory practices, the paper advocates for a more structured and transparent approach to price regulation and market competition in Georgia’s healthcare industry.
Redesign Tourism Flows for Sustainability and New Models of Cultural Tourism
Sustainable and experiential tourism, specifically linked to slow-moving is a theme that, in the post-pandemic context and with the advent of overtourism is today one of the main vectors for the valorization of Italian cultural heritage and landscape offering prospects for economic and social development at a global level. It is thus, to see alternative forms of tourism where, as recommended by the Council of Europe and UNESCO/ ICOMOS, a systemic approach based on human centered approach is developed, in which local communities, together with institutions and private companies become drivers of territorial development to stimulate the social and economic growth of this sector. This paper addresses the themes of destination management and territorial marketing as innovative models for sustainable cultural tourism, and the qualitative methodology is pursued through the analysis of a case study, "Via degli Dei" a path that connects the cities of Bologna and Florence and the first path in the world with an international certification of sustainability the GSTC (global, sustainable, tourism, Council). The paper contributes to literature by highlighting how the integration of public-private partnerships act as a multiplier of resources in the field of sustainable tourism, allowing projects to be developed where the various actors of the system work together to produce value for the community.
Innovative Business Models in Cultural Tourism: The Case of Cumalıkızık
Cultural tourism has acquired greater importance not only as a fundamental tool for the promotion and preservation of local cultures but also as a sector that favours economic development. Currently, cultural tourism, in its new forms with innovative business models, aims at the protection of cultural heritage in a sustainable way while bringing more economic benefits to the local communities. In this sense, such culturally rich settlements like the village of Cumalıkızık in Bursa are very good examples for the implementation of such innovative business models. This village earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the preservation of samples of civil architectural works from the Ottoman era. These features allow this village to become an object for cultural tourism and open certain perspectives for the development of new business models. In addition, the innovative cultural tourism business models contrast with their approach: enriching experiences for visitors and supporting economic and sustainable tourism for local communities. This study analyses visitor experiences in Bursa's historic village of Cumalıkızık in detail. The analysis was conducted by examining visitor reviews shared on the Tripadvisor platform for the village and on Google for its restaurants. Based on the data obtained, innovative models were developed, and strategies and recommendations were proposed for advancing the cultural tourism of the village and differentiating its restaurants.
Sustainability Reporting in Tourism Sector in Türkiye: Situation Analysis Before Mandatory Implementation
In Türkiye, sustainability reporting, which was voluntary until recently, became mandatory with the publication of the Turkish Sustainability Reporting Standards (TSRS) by the Public Oversight Accounting and Auditing Standards Authority in line with the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards published by the International Sustainability Standards Board and became effective as of 01.01.2024 for companies of a certain size. This study was conducted to evaluate the sustainability disclosures of Turkish-listed companies operating in the tourism sector prior to mandatory reporting and to analyse the extent to which their current reporting practices are in compliance with IFRS. In this context, firstly, TSRS 1, TSRS 2 and the Guidance on Sector-Based Application of TSRS 2 (Section 52: Hotels and Accommodation Enterprises) were analysed. Then, the sustainability reports of the enterprises in the accommodation sub-sector in Borsa Istanbul that have published sustainability reports were analysed and compared, and the issues that are missing according to the new regulations and that should be added in the future were determined. The results reveal which information is currently presented in the sustainability reports of enterprises in the tourism sector, which critical elements are missing, and which new disclosures will become mandatory under TSRS. Thus, this study provides a valuable framework for understanding the impacts of mandatory sustainability reporting on the sector and providing guidance for policymakers, regulators and practitioners.
IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards
Turkish Sustainability Reporting Standards
Implementing Sustainability in Higher Education: The SDS4HEI 7-Step Process Model
This paper introduces a holistic 7-step framework model for implementing sustainable development (SD) in higher education institutions (HEIs) developed within the EU-funded SDS4HEI project. The theory-informed framework is a practical tool to assist HEIs across Europe in embedding SD into their strategies, addressing SDG-related challenges through teaching, research, and governance, and meaningfully connecting their efforts with their respective regional, political, and cultural contexts. This holistic 7-step process model facilitates strategic implementation of SD, integrated across key areas including education, research, governance and operations. The aim of this paper is to show how the SDS4HEI process model provides a roadmap for embedding SD, and supporting SDGs, and to discuss its contributions in the context of strategic management, leadership and innovation. The process begins with analysing the institution’s current state and establishing a sustainability vision. Following this, existing activities are mapped to identify strengths and gaps which align with SDGs and strategic objectives. The following steps involve assessing institutional capacity and governance structures, evaluating regional challenges, and visualising key findings to enhance communication and stakeholder engagement. Finally, a gap analysis pinpoints improvement areas to meet regional goals. Each step is examined in detail, showcasing how the framework connects strategic management, leadership, and innovation to SD. To assess its effectiveness, the framework was tested in universities through user testing, providing empirical insights into its applicability and impact on institutional change.. The paper highlights its applicability in driving institutional change, offering valuable insights for HEI leaders, policymakers, and researchers. By aligning institutional goals with global sustainability challenges and responding to regional priorities, the process model provides a versatile tool for advancing sustainability in higher education.
ESG Practices in SMEs: Challenges, Opportunities, and Stakeholder Insights
This paper explores how small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are coping with the growing requirement to adopt environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices in their business model. Following a review of the literature, we undertook semi structured in-depth interviews with SME owner/mangers, ESG specialists and VET professionals in Ireland, Türkiye and Germany to capture the perceptions, experiences, drivers for change and challenges faced by SMEs regrading ESG practices. The study revealed that SMEs are conscious and supportive of the need to become sustainable and reduce the carbon footprint, but overall ESG awareness is low. The main ESG factors impacting on SMEs are energy usage, waste management and regulatory framework (Environmental); health & safety/employee welfare (Social) and the need for risk management & compliance and ethical & accounting integrity (Governance). The key drivers for change come from management seeking competitive advantage, meeting customer needs and government regulation. SMEs face challenges in implementing ESGs practices in the workplace particularly, balancing competing priorities (operational/profit making), resource & financial constraints and lack of knowledge skills and expertise including change management. The paper concludes that for SMEs to optimize the adoption of ESG practices, they require support from national/local government, to assist them with the cost of implementation and to increase awareness and capacity building. Implications for future research are also considered.
Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking as Predictors of Business Education Students’ Entrepreneurial Intentions in Tertiary Institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria
The study examined digital literacy and critical thinking as predictors of business education students’ entrepreneurial intentions in tertiary institutions in Anambra state, Nigeria. The advancement in technology has changed the activities of the 21st-century businesses in the environment. For business education students to fit in, it becomes imperative to determine the correlation between digital literacy and entrepreneurial intentions of business education students in tertiary institutions. The survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 1605 business education students in the 2023/2024 academic session from the four public tertiary institutions offering business education programs in Anambra State, from which a sample of 320 was drawn for the study. Thus, a proportional sampling method was used to select the sample. A 15-item self structured questionnaire was designed and validated by two business educators and found reliable at Cronbach's alpha coefficient value of 0.82. Data analysis was done using Ordinal Multiple regression technique. The findings revealed that digital literacy and critical thinking have a significant positive influence on entrepreneurial intentions among business education students, with lower levels of entrepreneurial intentions associated with lower levels of digital literacy and critical thinking, while higher levels linked to higher levels of these skills. Moderate levels of entrepreneurial intentions seem to be less influenced by digital literacy and critical thinking, suggesting other factors might be at play for students with moderate intentions. This study recommended among others that effects of other factors be investigated in addition to encouraging the integrating of the development of digital literacy and critical thinking skills in business education.
Entrepreneurial Intentions and Technology
Performance Management Improvement Using AI Tools: A Study from Start Ups Perspective
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into performance appraisal systems has revolutionized traditional evaluation methods, offering a more accurate, efficient, and unbiased approach. AI-driven tools leverage machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and data analytics to assess employee performance comprehensively. By analyzing large volumes of structured and unstructured data, such as project outcomes, communication patterns, and peer feedback, AI ensures a more holistic evaluation. Automation reduces the administrative burden on managers, enabling them to focus on strategic aspects of talent development. AI enhances objectivity by mitigating biases often associated with human judgment, promoting fairness and equity in appraisal processes. Personalized feedback generated through AI tools offers actionable insights, fostering employee growth and engagement. Moreover, predictive analytics identify high-potential talent and flag areas needing improvement, aiding in proactive workforce management. Despite its advantages, the use of AI in performance appraisals raises ethical concerns, such as data privacy and transparency. Ensuring employees understand how AI tools work and safeguarding sensitive information are critical for successful implementation. Additionally, AI should complement, not replace, human judgment to maintain a balance between automation and the nuanced understanding of human performance. The adoption of AI in performance appraisals marks a paradigm shift, enhancing organizational productivity and employee satisfaction. By addressing its limitations and fostering a human-centered approach, organizations can leverage AI to create a more effective and inclusive performance management system.
The Challenges of Managing Small Businesses in these Era of Emerging Technologies and the Way Forward in Anambra State, Nigeria
The need to instill and engender efficiency and effectiveness of leadership and management in the implementation of the current technological advancement calls for lots of concern. Adopting new technology isn’t all profit and efficiency, there are numerous challenges faced by leadership and management of organizations when it comes to technological advancement. The purpose of this study is to examine the challenges faced by the leadership and management of small businesses in these era of emerging technologies in Anambra State. Also, the study determined the factors that can proffer solutions to the challenges faced by small businesses in the era of emerging technologies in Anambra state. Two research questions and two hypotheses posed in line with specific objectives guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design to study a population of 1260 small businesses in Anambra state out of which 164 samples were taken from small businesses in Anambra. The instrument for data collection is the Extent of acceptability of the emerging technologies, challenges and way forward Questionnaire (EAETCW)structured in Likert scale format. The population of the study comprises of 1260 registered owners of small businesses in Anambra State. The sample size consists of 164 small-scale enterprises in Anambra State. The instruments were subjected to face and content validity and have reliability of 0.9266 using the test-retest and Cronbach’s alpha. Simple percentage and ANOVA analysis were used in addressing the research questions. Hypotheses for the study were tested using F –statistics and P-value. The findings of the study showed that lack of technical skills and inadequate infrastructure are significant obstacles to technology adoption. Training programs were identified as the most critical support aspect, underlining the importance of skill development. it was recommended that the leadership and management of small businesses in Anambra state should prioritize needs, seek expert advice, invest in training and encourage a culture of innovation.
Digital Banking’s Role in Financial Inclusion: A Bibliometric Review
Recent technological advancements have enabled banking systems worldwide to extend their services to previously untapped markets. Especially in developing countries, the poorer segments of society, previously unable to access credit and banking services, can now do so through their mobile phones. The governments of various countries have also started using these services to provide better access to development-related aid and services to the poorest sections of society. The PMJDY scheme of India and m-PESA of Africa are studied as successful examples of such interventions. The academic literature on the impact of advancements in digital technology towards enhancing financial inclusion has grown from 8 papers published in 2014 to over 450 papers published in 2024. However, given the recency of the applications of these technologies in the field, much remains to be studied. What are the technological and contextual factors that enable easier uptake of mobile technologies? How do financial literacy and other demand-side factors influence the level of uptake of these technologies? Do these technologies positively impact financial inclusion in developing countries? How does improved financial inclusion impact economic development and inequality? In this paper, we conduct a bibliometric analysis of this literature to identify research gaps in the existing literature on digital banking and financial inclusion in developing countries. We conduct performance analysis to understand how the literature has grown over the last decade and the primary contributing authors, institutions and countries in this literature. We use science mapping to understand the key themes of development in the existing literature so far. These insights help us make sense of the research areas that need further scientific attention.
Unraveling the Dividend Puzzle: Insights from the Global Oil & Gas Industry
This study analyzes the factors influencing dividend payout in the Oil & Gas (O&G) industry, examining differences sectors within it. The research includes 203 O&G companies over the period 2000-2022. Using a panel data model, statistical methods such as Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), random effects, logit, and probit are applied. Sectoral analysis and market shocks study provide added depth to the findings. Results indicate that Brent Oil Price has a significant impact on dividend payout ratio, and that market shocks tend to favor it. Variables such as leverage, liquidity, and profitability also emerge as significant factors. Companies in different sectors exhibit variations in their dividend policy and factors. With a global sample, an extended time frame, and variables not previously tested in the literature, this study aims to offer novel insights for a deeper understanding of dividend policy in the O&G industry. Understanding dividend policy is essential for investors and executives to make informed investment decisions. The findings suggest that independent O&G companies should be examined separately, opening avenues for future research.
Engineering Leadership: A Case Study from the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers – Singapore Chapter
This study examined the leadership style and authenticity of leaders in the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers - 69th Chapter Singapore (PSME-SG). Analyses were focused on the Filipino Engineers that served in the organization. This research focuses on the leadership style and authenticity of the leaders by means of appropriate questionnaires. Leadership and leadership effectiveness literature has been abundant and available. Literature on Full Range of Leadership formulated by Avolio and Bass (1991) was reviewed. However, available literature is either focused on large organization, and with a view of the Western culture. Literature concerning small organizations and Filipino leaders are few and scarce. This study intends to contribute to filling that gap. Findings are documented, consolidated, and weighted to show objectively the results. The study reveals that leaders are more transformational. They also exhibit moral / ethical authenticity. Age seems to be a significant factor in a leader’s style and authenticity. The implication of this research will benefit other small organizations of similar size and context. It is recommended to conduct the study among larger sample size to verify the results.
Multitheoretical model proposed for mixed triangulation in insurers' brand positioning research
The main objective of this article is to explore a robust multitheoretical model that allows investigating the operationalization of Brand Positioning in insurance companies. This exploratory research aims to contribute to deepening the most appropriate theories to investigate Brand Positioning. Through a multi-theoretical lens, it may be possible to build a solid foundation for the application of mixed, quantitative and qualitative methods in this context. By operationalizing this multi-theoretical lens, it will be possible to find possible gaps between the Intended Brand Positioning of an insurer and the Perceived Brand Positioning of insurance consumers. After a preliminary literature review elaborated on the concept of Brand Positioning, the aim of this exploratory research is to identify theories that can form part of a robust multi-theoretical lens that serves as a basis for the application of mixed methods in any investigation into Brand Positioning. The results show 5 fundamental theories that are really useful in mixed methods approaches for operationalizing Brand Positioning in insurance companies: Stakeholder Theory, Service Dominant Logic Theory, Dynamic Capabilities Theory, Resource-Based View Theory and Positioning Theory. A proposal for the operationalization of this multi-theoretical lens in each procedural phase of Brand Positioning research is presented. This multi-theoretical lens can be useful in mixed methodologies, with triangulated approaches, between data from quantitative studies on "Perceived Brand Positioning" obtained from insurance consumers, and data from qualitative studies on "Intended Brand Positioning" obtained from insurance company managers.
Copyright (c) 2024 Proceeding of the International Conference on Business, Management and Leadership
The critical vulnerability of an authentic leader as a tool for achieving outstanding results
Carrying out management activities for more than 15 years, we were faced with the fact that there was a critical vulnerability among business leaders who implemented transformation of the organization and subsequently achieved large-scale results. Vulnerability could be caused by criticism of the leader's behavior by stakeholders (employees, partners, shareholders), by expression of distrust in the vision, by sabotage of leader's decisions and could even lead to the termination of leadership activities. However, with the consolidation of the efforts of stakeholders, the vulnerability gradually disappeared, which led to an outstanding results and recognition of the leader. We hypothesized that: 1) there was a unique behavior pattern of an authentic leader, which paradoxically led to uncontrollable, critical vulnerability and only then led the organization to an outstanding result; 2) the reason for the leader’s vulnerability was the gap in the level of leadership mindset between the leader and the stakeholders. A preliminary research of leader vulnerability was conducted, the main purpose of which was to search for unique patterns in the leader's behavior. The research objectives included: 1) to pinpoint the leader behavior patterns using the Michigan Model of Leadership, namely the underlying Competing Values Framework; 2) to find examples of the gap in the level of leadership mindset of the leader and stakeholders. The participants included 8 top managers actively involved in the transformation of their companies. Research methodology integrated quantitative method (survey) and qualitative method (in-depth interviews). The study expands our understanding of authentic leadership.
An Exploration of Millennials' Attitudes Towards the Use of Artificial Intelligence Chatbots for Customer Service within Ecommerce Platforms
The research aims to identify the determinants impacting millennials' adoption intention towards AI-powered chatbots in e-commerce customer service. This quantitative study employed a survey instrument to collect data from 113 millennials, utilizing a convenience sampling approach. The well-established Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) served as the foundation, extended to incorporate trust and social influence alongside perceived usefulness and ease of use. Linear regression analysis tested the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal a significant positive influence of all four factors (PU, ease of use PU, PEOU, trust, and SI) on millennials' intention to utilise AI chatbots. Trust emerged as the most impactful determinant. The study's generalizability might be limited due to the sample size and recruitment method. Future research should consider a more diverse sample encompassing socio-cultural, technical, and socioeconomic factors. E-commerce companies can leverage these findings to optimise their AI chatbots for customer service and achieve greater adoption among millennials. Strategies include prioritising trust-building mechanisms, harnessing social influence, enhancing the perceived usefulness of the chatbot's functionalities, and ensuring user-friendly interfaces. This research contributes to narrowing the knowledge gap by investigating factors influencing millennials' adoption of AI chatbots in eCommerce customer service.
Unraveling Environmental Threads: Non-Linear Causality in Bitcoin Prices, Energy Consumption, and Crypto Market Volatility
With a market capitalization of US$1 trillion, Bitcoin has established itself as a decentralized asset for investors worldwide. However, Bitcoin uses a lot more energy than nations like Finland, Israel, Belgium, or Bangladesh. The carbon impact of this enormous usage is around 55.04 mt CO2. We look for a nonlinear correlation between the energy used by Bitcoin, its price (BP), and the Crypto Volatility Index (CVI). This study makes use of 1100 daily observations from various datasets between March 23, 2020, and March 30, 2023. We use the Diks and Panchenko (2006) causality based on lags specified using Vector Autoregression (VAR) to analyze the relationship between the BP, CVI, and Bitcoin-based power consumption (proxied by Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index). A NonLinear Granger causality test also based on VAR is used to check for the robustness of the findings. It was discovered that the past values of Bitcoin prices provide information that aids in predicting the future values of Cryptocurrency Volatility. The relationship between CBECI and BP remains unexplained, opening doors for future research. Green Investors and policymakers can use the results to frame policies regarding sustainable trading of crypto assets.
Mobile digital technology and attention dynamics: An Attention-based view
Recent research emphasizes the need for further investigation into employees' experiences with mobile digital technologies (MDTs). In a qualitative study involving employees of microfinance institutions, we explore how WhatsApp - a widely used MDT for work communications, is employed to selectively focus on financial goals by these hybrid institutions, committed to social goals by offering uncollateralized loans to impoverished households while striving for financial sustainability. We contribute to the literature on attention in organizations by expanding the role of a generic MDT communication tool – WhatsApp, in cognitive processing and shaping attentional dynamics through attentional engagement, attentional vigilance, and attentional surveillance. Our study highlights how a generic mobile digital application – WhatsApp, functions as a channel and a platform for communication and social interactions at work - it plays a pivotal role in attentional engagement and attentional vigilance and becomes central for attentional surveillance, for selective attention and processing of issues, shaping organizational behavior.