Abstract Books of the International Conference on Management and Business
The Abstract Books of the International Conference on Management and Business (ICMBCONF) presents carefully peer-reviewed research presented at the annual Management and Business conference organized by Proud Pen. This collection captures original work across the field of Management and Business, spanning theoretical frameworks to applied studies. Each volume serves as a reference for ongoing research and study in the discipline.
Dynamic Causality among Economic Growth, Inflation, and Demand Management Policies in Vietnam
This research investigates the influence of demand management strategies—especially exchange rates, interest rates, and monetary policy—on Vietnam's economic development and inflation, considering both internal and external factors. By applying the aggregate demand and supply model, the study emphasizes how macroeconomic policies impact output and pricing. Data from 2005 to 2023 was reviewed, examining elements like the Consumer Price Index, money supply, interest rates, the VND/USD exchange rate, imports, exports, crude oil prices sourced from the IMF, and GDP data from VietstockFinance. Unit root tests, including ADF, PP, and KPSS, demonstrated that most variables are integrated of order one, with the exception of money supply, which is of order two. The Johansen cointegration method revealed long-term connections, subsequently analyzed using a vector error correction model. Results from Granger causality indicated that GDP growth is influenced by various factors rather than being caused by one specific variable; it is particularly impacted by fluctuations in oil prices, which also affect trade dynamics. Block exogeneity tests indicated that oil prices are independent of Vietnam's economic conditions, reflecting restricted domestic policy influence. Moreover, the growth of money supply and depreciation of the exchange rate were found to be mostly exogenous, whereas the money market rate was categorized as endogenous. The results suggest that Vietnam has systematically employed monetary policy as a strategy for managing demand during the observed period of economic variations and external pressures.
Copyright (c) 2025 Phi Tu Mai Hoang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Effect of Human Resource Quality and Employee Motivation on Service Delivery in Ghana's Local Government Service
The quality-of-service delivery within Ghana’s Local Government Service plays a crucial role in the country’s socio-economic development. This study examines how human resource quality (HRC) and employee public service motivation (EPS) influence service delivery quality (QOS) in this context. To investigate the impact of HRC and EPS on service quality within Ghana’s local government service, and to determine whether EPS moderates the relationship between HRC and QOS. Ghana’s Local Government Service has faced challenges delivering effective public services due to resource constraints and workforce-related issues. This study utilised a cross-sectional survey design, sampling 781 employees from the Local Government Service in Ghana. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and regression analyses, to assess the relationships among the variables. HRC significantly predicts QOS (β = 0.6535, p < .001), indicating the critical role of HR quality in enhancing service delivery. However, EPS did not significantly predict QOS (β = 0.0234, p > .05) and did not moderate the relationship between HRC and QOS, suggesting that motivation alone does not substantially impact service quality perceptions in this setting. Local Government Service should prioritise Human Resource (HR) development through training and structured recruitment practices to improve service quality. This study demonstrated that HR quality is a valuable asset for service delivery. It offers a practical model for enhancing service delivery through a combined focus on skill acquisition and employee support.
Copyright (c) 2025 Cyril Dzinyanu Xatse, Matsidiso Nehemia Naong (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of Authentic Leadership on Fostering Organizational Resilience at Al Ankabout Company, Syria
Because the continuing crisis has affected Syria negatively at the economic level, organizational resilience has emerged as a vital element for the survival and affluence of private companies. Even though these companies’ ability to rapidly and successfully handle potential challenges and adjust to new changes has become crucial, little substantial research has been published on this critical issue. This study aims to explore the effects of authentic leadership on enhancing organizational resilience at Al Ankabout Company, Syria. It employs a qualitative exploratory case study as the research strategy. To collect some reliable and valid data, semi-structured interviews and reflective journals were conducted with 20 Syrian employees. The qualitative data gathered were analyzed by means of thematic analysis. The findings showed that authentic leadership could have some positive effects on increasing employee resilience to cope with the hurdles of the crisis. When managers behave as authentic and ethical leaders, they demonstrate more fairness and integrity, trying to boost their employees’ self-motivation, work engagement and job satisfaction. The significance of this study is that it makes a genuine contribution in self-scrutinizing the complex nature of enhancing organizational resilience by means of authentic leadership in conflicting and turbulent business contexts. Its findings could have important consequences for employers, CEOs and other stakeholders. In particular, this study recommended conducting more in-depth exploration on how understanding the close link between authentic leadership and organizational resilience plays a key role in gaining more accurate insights into handling the negative impact of the Syrian crisis on employees’ performance at both private and public companies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Mohammad Kher Raad (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Volatility Spillover Between the US-China Tension and Emerging Foreign Exchange Markets
Proper understanding of the system or mechanism by which financial risk are transferred has become imperative due to the preponderance of international crises in recent years. The strife between the US and China has been going on for decades with many factors shaping the relationship. The tension between the two nations can trigger volatilities in their currencies and also affect their trading partners. For example, the imposition of retaliatory tariffs could impact investors expectations and weaken their currencies. The Chinese monetary authorities anticipate a decline in Yuan similar to 2018 Sino-US trade tensions’ experience in the wake of Donald Trump returns to the White House in 2025. Similarly, the US-China trade partners are prone to exchange rate volatilities. Nevertheless, the ripple and risk transmission effects of the US-China tension (UCT) on foreign exchange market has received limited research attention. We investigate the volatility spillover between the UCT index and emerging forex markets. As the enduring tension between the two nations is multidimensional, rather than focusing on one element of the tension, the UCT index dated back to 1990 enables us to address the multidimensional impact, thereby contributing new insight to the debate. In addition, we apply time-varying parameter vector-autoregressive model and connectedness matrix to capture the dynamic time-varying features and provide comprehensive understanding of the spillover effects of UCT. Understanding risk transmission mechanism between exchange rates and US-China index among US-China and their trading partners is crucial for the stability of international economy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Adefemi A. Obalad, Anthanasius Fomum Tita (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Strategic Omanisation in the Logistics Sector in Oman - Theoretical Perspectives
The main thrust of this seminal research is to strategically analyse strategic Omanisation in the logistics sector to meet employer human capital requirements and expectations in Oman and to localise skills. The main reasons giving rise to this research are to illuminate world best practices on recruitment, staff retention and consolidation of localisation in the logistics sector to meet employer human capital requirements and expectations in Oman logistics firms which logistics industries, government departments and academia can then use to advantage and benefit the country. This research is based on literature review and field research done at Sohar and Barka, Muscat, Oman for fair coverage of the economic hubs of Oman, and analysis and identification of substantive gaps in knowledge thus making a contribution to the stock of knowledge available. This is theory building in the human resources theory of the General Systems Theory (GST) which proffers that organizations depend on their environments for several essential resources: customers who purchase the product or service, suppliers who provide materials, employees who provide labor or management, shareholders who invest, and governments that regulates. In this research researchers would focus on strategic logistics employees who provide labour and management, with focus on Omanisation. A survey research method will be used as well as interviews for a deeper understanding of the issues. Oman had been quite successful in this area, but the logistics sector remained dominated by expatriates for many reasons outlined in the main project like the late starting of supply chain diplomas/degrees locally, dislike of the odd hours and weekends worked in this industry, especially by females and other reasons, a situation which the government was quite keen to reverse in the short, medium and long term naturally. Researchers believed these findings would help enhance and improve the logistics sector HR practices in Oman and contribute to development. Colleges and universities can disseminate this new knowledge for improvements. Firms can benchmark using these findings. Oman partly lags behind Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar in logistics performance and Omanisation (localization), depending on the industry sector, and findings in this research will illuminate possible reasons for correction. This research is still ongoing, and currently field research is being done in Barka, Muscat and Sohar. Researchers will disseminate and report findings in due course.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Faustino Taderera, Prof. Abebe Ejigu Alemu, Dr. Reason Masengu, Khalid Salim Said Al Kalbani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
This research addresses issues related to optimal pricing for strategic customers. Instead of a sequential decision-making process where marketing decides selling prices and operations determines a production plan, the organization can benefit from coordinated and simultaneous decisions. The situation is relevant to a manufacturer with capacity constraints, producing multiple products, and selling these products through online and traditional sales channels.
Copyright (c) 2025 Prof. Dr. Naeem Bajwa (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Legitimacy Through Symbolism: Strategic Institutional Work Behind Mobile Technology Adoption in Universities
Drawing on institutional theory, this study explores how universities strategically respond to institutional pressures while implementing mobile technology (MT) in higher education. It addresses a gap in the literature concerning how organizational actors manage institutional demands through adaptation strategies that preserve legitimacy while navigating internal constraints. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted at two French engineering universities. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and field observations, allowing for an in-depth analysis of organizational practices, leadership decisions, and the adaptation behaviors of institutional actors. Mobile technology adoption in higher education is not a straightforward implementation of digital tools but rather a negotiated process shaped by institutional pressures, leadership interpretation, and strategic responses. Three dominant strategic responses were identified: ceremonial conformity, selective coupling, and disguise. These strategies help universities symbolically comply with external demands while protecting their core practices. Legitimacy concerns and institutional work play a critical role in shaping both the discourse and actions around MT initiatives. This paper contributes to the institutional theory literature by extending Oliver’s typology of strategic responses and introducing “disguise” as a distinct response to institutionalized digital expectations. It offers practical insights for university leaders managing digital transformation, highlighting the importance of aligning strategy with perceived legitimacy and stakeholder expectations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Samantha Kakavand, Aria Teimourzadeh, Benjamin Kakavand (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unlocking New Perspectives: AI-Assisted Reanalysis of Entrepreneurial Leaps in IT Firms
Firm growth has been a critical subject in entrepreneurship literature for decades (Penrose, 1959), typically seen as sequential stages. Levie and Lichtenstein (2010) identified over a hundred stage models proposed between 1962 and 2006, which have faced criticism for being empirically untenable (Brown et al., 2017) (Phelps et al., 2007). Our perspective views firm growth as a non-linear, multidimensional phenomenon that cannot be reduced to predefined steps or purely quantitative measures. This paper presents a methodological extension of a prior qualitative research project on "entrepreneurial leaps" (Sternad & Mödritscher, 2022) as transitional growth phases between dynamic states within firms (Levie & Lichtenstein, 2010). The original study employed a multiple-case design and involved in-depth interviews with leaders from 24 companies across three industries in Austria, Germany, and Italy. In the current paper, we focus exclusively on a subset of that data: the interviews conducted with IT firms. These cases are now re-analysed using artificial intelligence tools, allowing us to compare AI-driven interpretations with the original human-coded analysis. By narrowing the scope to IT firms, we aim to ensure thematic consistency and explore whether AI can detect alternative patterns, highlight overlooked connections, or offer new theoretical insights within a well-defined industry context. This comparison aims to assess the methodological implications of using AI for qualitative analysis and examine potential differences in interpretation, structure, and emphasis between human and machine-driven research. This study contributes to the emerging discourse on hybrid research methodologies in entrepreneurship studies and offers reflections on the strengths and limitations of AI in analysing complex, narrative-based data.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gernot Mödritscher (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Time-Frequency Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Inflation Targeting Framework in South Africa Using Disaggregated Data
This study evaluates the effectiveness of South Africa's Inflation Targeting (IT) framework by examining the time-frequency relationship between inflation and interest rates using disaggregated data. Employing wavelet coherence analysis and the Glosten, Jagannathan, and Runkle Dynamic Conditional Correlation Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GJR-DCCGARCH) model, the study evaluates inflation expectations across various provinces and examines the distinct variations between urban and rural areas. The findings reveal significant regional disparities in monetary policy transmission, with urban areas and economically advanced provinces such as Gauteng and the Western Cape exhibiting stronger coherence between repo rate adjustments and inflation expectations. In contrast, rural provinces display weaker monetary policy transmission, suggesting structural barriers such as financial exclusion and limited economic activity. The study further identifies an asymmetric response to repo rate changes, with inflation reacting more strongly to interest rate hikes than to rate cuts. These findings highlight the need for a more nuanced, regionally tailored approach to monetary policy in South Africa. Enhancing financial inclusion and addressing structural constraints in rural and economically marginalised regions could improve the efficacy of inflation targeting, ensuring balanced economic stability nationwide.
Copyright (c) 2025 Olivier Niyitegeka, Sheunesu Zhou (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Additional Evidence on Cosmetic Manipulation on Reported Research and Development Expenses
Prior studies document that in addition to reported earnings and revenues, U.S. firms round up the reported research and development (R&D) expenses to achieve key reference points. The findings suggest that firms view R&D expenditures as an investment rather than an expense. This study provides further evidence on this cosmetic manipulation on R&D. We find that the degree of rounding manipulation on R&D is more severe than in reported earnings and revenues in profit firms. However, loss firms tend to engage more in revenue manipulations than in R&D. We also find that similar to the firms listed in the major U.S. stock market, OTC firms tend to manipulate their reported R&D expenses, with the cosmetic manipulation being more severe in the OTC market than in the major markets. The findings suggest that enhanced regulations constrain the rounding manipulations. This study also documents that auditors from the Big Four can constrain the rounding manipulation on R&D. In addition, it provides evidence that rounding manipulation on reported R&D exists in the industries of mining, manufacturing, wholesale & retail business, information, professional service & admin and support, and art, entertainment, food & other services.
Copyright (c) 2025 Prof. Daoping He, Prof. Yao Tian (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mental Health and Post-Pandemic Well-Being of Canadian Entrepreneurs: Stressors and Mitigation Strategies
The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply disrupted the Canadian entrepreneurial landscape, triggering unprecedented psychosocial pressures. Faced with financial uncertainty, isolation, work overload, and the urgent need to adapt their business models, many entrepreneurs experienced deteriorating mental health, marked by stress, anxiety, and burnout (BDC, 2021; Gish et al., 2022; Nisa et al., 2023). Despite governmental interventions, such as wage subsidies and emergency loans, 83% of SMEs ceased operations (SMEs Canada, 2022), revealing systemic inadequacies and inequities in access to support (ul Haq et al., 2024). This study addresses a critical gap in the literature: the underexplored mental health experiences of Canadian entrepreneurs during crises (Torrès & Thurik, 2019; Wach et al., 2016). Grounded in Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress and coping, it examines the stressors encountered and coping strategies mobilized by entrepreneurs during and after the pandemic. A mixed-methods design was used: a quantitative survey of 200 entrepreneurs, using validated tools (Perceived Stress Scale, Brief COPE), and 30 in-depth interviews capturing lived experiences and perceptions of support mechanisms. Findings aim to inform evidence-based recommendations for public policy and organizational practice by highlighting effective forms of psychological, financial, and social support. This research contributes to both entrepreneurship and occupational health literatures, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to enhance psychological resilience in the face of systemic crises.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dihya Hessas, Prof. Marie-Ève Dufour, Prof. Julie Dextras Gauthier, Sarab Driad, Prof. Marie Hélène Gilbert (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Characterizing The Project Success Function: A Study of Benchmarks for Application in the Technology Development Sector (2000-2025)
Project development is the traditional vehicle for driving transformation and managing change within organizations. However, the assessment of project results and the definition of success are often subjective and vary significantly across industries, as well as within the same sector. This heterogeneity complicates objective comparisons and the development of generalizable value metrics. This study aims to characterize and propose a general mechanism for evaluating the project success function, specifically for application in the technology sector. By analyzing studies from the last two decades, with an emphasis on the most recent decade, this research aims to formulate a function or set of functions that describe project success based on identified Critical Success Factors (CSFs), thereby reducing the subjectivity inherent in its evaluation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Daniel Antonio Castañeda Forero, Guillermo Enrique Real Florez (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Test Of Capital Account Monetary Model of Exchange Rate Determination: Empirical Evidence from Selected African Countries
This study tested a variant of the monetary model of exchange rate determination, called Frankel’s Capital Account Monetary Model (CAAM) based on Real Interest Rate Differential using the floating exchange rate experiences of three developing countries of Africa; viz: Ghana, Nigeria and the Gambia. The CAAM model hypothesised that such macroeconomic variables as money supply, income, interest rate and inflation differentials, in a situation of perfect substitution of domestic and foreign bonds, perfect capital mobility, uncovered arbitrage condition and sticky prices, are significant determinants of exchange rate behaviour in a floating exchange rate regime. The study adopted the Auto regressive Instrumental Package (AIV) and Almon Polynomial Lag Procedure of Regression Analysis based on the assumption that the coefficients follow a third-order Polynomial with zero-end constraint. The results found some support for the CAAM proposition that exchange rate responds proportionately to changes in money supply, inversely to income and positively to interest rates and expected inflation differentials. On this basis, the study points the attention of monetary authorities and researchers to the relevance and usefulness of CAAM as appropriate tool and useful benchmark for analysing the exchange rate behaviour of most developing countries.
Copyright (c) 2025 Prof. Oloyede John Adebayo (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Barriers and Catalyst of Female Social Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia: Case Study
Social entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in fostering societal well-being and economic growth. Unlike traditional businesses focused on profit, social enterprises balance social objectives with financial sustainability by reinvesting revenues into their missions. Women’s contributions to social entrepreneurship are significant but remain underrepresented in academic discourse, particularly in less-developed nations. This study explores how informal institutions—such as cultural norms, family networks, and social support systems—shape women-led social entrepreneurship ventures in Saudi Arabia. Using institutional theory, this research examines how informal institutions influence the motivations, opportunities, and challenges of Saudi women entrepreneurs. Informal institutions, including societal norms and cultural beliefs, play a crucial role in shaping entrepreneurial activities, especially in societies where women's entrepreneurship often operates within the informal economy. Given Saudi Arabia’s unique socio-cultural landscape, deeply ingrained traditions significantly impact women's entrepreneurial roles. Through qualitative methods, particularly in-depth interviews, the study explores the interplay between cultural, religious, and personal motivations in driving women toward social entrepreneurship. Findings reveal that cultural norms and social networks can both enable and constrain women’s entrepreneurial efforts. Supportive community networks provide crucial resources, mentorship, and empowerment. However, traditional gender roles and rigid societal expectations pose significant barriers, requiring strategic adaptation by women entrepreneurs. This study underscores the dual role of informal institutions as both facilitators and obstacles in entrepreneurial development. Additionally, it highlights the potential of social entrepreneurship to empower women by fostering autonomy and challenging historical gender inequalities. The study contributes both theoretically and practically by advancing institutional economics perspectives on women's entrepreneurship and offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners. Addressing cultural barriers, strengthening community support, and promoting inclusive policies are essential steps toward enhancing women’s participation in social entrepreneurship. Recognizing their contributions is key to achieving gender equality and addressing pressing societal challenges.
Copyright (c) 2025 Omamah Ameen Brqawi, Andreu Turro, David Urbano (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Juggling, Surviving, and Winning: Women in Asia’s Largest Rail Network
This study employs a qualitative approach to investigate the challenges and coping strategies of women employed in the Indian Railways, a field traditionally dominated by men. Through forty-four in-depth, semi-structured interviews, the research gathered rich qualitative data, which were analyzed using thematic analysis. These challenges stem primarily from a male-dominated organizational culture, queen-bee behaviour, and systemic gender biases embedded within organizational structures, systems, and policies, rather than solely from job demands and workload. Consequently, women employed four prominent coping strategies, including adopting masculine characteristics, acknowledging gender differences, proving their worth, and outweighing advantages over disadvantages to address the challenges of working in the railway industry. Given India’s comparatively low female labour force participation rate relative to countries with similar levels of development (World Economic Forum, Global Gender Gap Report, 2025), these findings underscore a critical need for gender-sensitive policies aimed at reducing the challenges faced by women in non-traditional occupations. Employment relations can be improved over time by enhancing women's representation and making their voices heard, thereby increasing productivity, job satisfaction, and retention. This research significantly contributes to the gender and human resource management literature, leading to successful organizational change and productivity. The study calls for future research to determine whether the observed occupational gender segregation is an inherent characteristic of the occupation itself or a self-reinforcing cycle perpetuated by systemic and institutional barriers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Leena Sachdeva (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Factors Associated with ESG Bond Issuances: Empirical Evidence from Thailand
Thailand has promoted the issuance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) bonds since 2019, and the volume of such issuances has steadily increased. Motivated by this trend, the present study investigates the factors associated with ESG bond issuance in Thailand during the initial five-year period (2019–2023). Specifically, the study examines whether firms with strong ESG performance scores and the presence of a dedicated ESG committee on their boards are more likely to issue ESG bonds instead of conventional bonds. The final sample comprises 203 firm-year observations, including 24 ESG bond issuances. The empirical findings reveal that neither overall sustainability performance nor the presence of a sustainability committee has a statistically significant effect on the likelihood of issuing ESG bonds. Nevertheless, the governance score from the preceding year demonstrates a significant positive association with ESG bond issuance. This result aligns with previous studies conducted in the Thai context, suggesting that firms with stronger corporate governance are more likely to access public debt markets and, within those markets, this research exposes that they are more inclined to issue ESG bonds over conventional bonds. This study is, however, limited by the relatively small proportion of ESG bond issuances compared to conventional bonds and the presence of multicollinearity between the environmental (E) and social (S) scores.
Copyright (c) 2025 Suneerat Wuttichindanon, Panya Issarawornrawanich (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Workplace Incivility and Employees’ Job Apathy: The Roles of Employee Vulnerability and Resilience
Workplace incivility is an irritable blemish of restaurant businesses that has attracted much academic attention. How to alleviate the negative psychological and behavioral impacts of workplace incivility on employees has become a crucial issue for restaurant managers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among workplace incivility, employee vulnerability, and job apathy, and examine the mediating role of employee vulnerability and the moderated mediation effect of employee resilience. A survey was conducted with 405 restaurant employees in Taiwan, and structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that workplace incivility positively affected employee vulnerability, and employee vulnerability positively affected job apathy. In addition, employee vulnerability mediated the relationship between workplace incivility and job apathy. Employee resilience weakened the positive association between workplace incivility and employee vulnerability, thereby diminishing job apathy. This study expands current knowledge on workplace incivility and job apathy, offering insights into their psychological effects and boundary conditions. From a practical implication, the findings provide strategic suggestions for human resource management in restaurants to effectively address workplace incivility, enhance employee resilience, and thereby reduce employee vulnerability and job apathy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chang Hua Yen, Jen Son Cheng, Shu Chin Wu, Yi Xun Lin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Effect of Job Apathy on Employee Negligence Behavior: A Moderated Mediation Approach
In recent years, the phenomenon of employee quiet quitting has attracted much attention from academics in the hospitality sector. How to effectively alleviate the negative impact of quiet quitting on employee psychology and behavior has become an issue of concern for restaurant managers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among employee job apathy, quiet quitting, and negligence behavior, and examine the mediating effect of quiet quitting and the moderating effect of career crafting. This study conducted a questionnaire survey involving 413 restaurant employees in Taiwan and used structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that employee job apathy positively affected quiet quitting, and quiet quitting positively affects employee negligence behavior. In addition, quiet quitting mediated the relationship between employee job apathy and negligence behavior. Career crafting weakened the positive association between employee job apathy and quiet quitting, thereby diminishing negligence behavior. This study expands the existing knowledge on quiet quitting in the hospitality industry and understand the influencing factors and boundary conditions of employees quit quitting and negligence behavior. In the practice of restaurant management, strategic suggestions can be formulated for human resource management in restaurants to effectively strengthen employee job apathy and career crafting, thereby preventing employee quiet quitting and negligence behavior.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chang Hua Yen, Chia Wen Hung, Jen Son Cheng, Cheng Hsien Tsai (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Effect of Service Authenticity on Brand Resonance: Roles of Memorable Customer Experience and Self-Image Congruity
Nostalgia is a major marketing tool in the hospitality industry; however, few scholars have investigated how nostalgic hotel service authenticity affects customer attitudes and behavior. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between nostalgic hotel service authenticity and brand resonance and examine the mediating effect of memorable customer experience and the moderating effect of self-image congruity on this association. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 473 customers of nostalgic hotels in Taiwan, and hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that service authenticity positively affected memorable customer experience and memorable customer experience positively affected brand resonance. In addition, memorable customer experience mediated the association between service authenticity and brand resonance, and self-image congruity enhanced the positive association between service authenticity and memorable customer experience, thereby strengthening brand resonance. This study contributes to the understanding of nostalgic hotel service authenticity and brand resonance by identifying the factors that drive brand resonance and the boundary conditions involved. Gaining a comprehensive understanding how service authenticity affects brand resonance, as well as recognizing the mediating and moderating roles played by memorable customer experience and self-image congruity, respectively, can help nostalgic hotel managers effectively plan their physical environments and devise nostalgia-oriented marketing strategies. By understanding customers’ psychological traits and how they relate to self-image congruity, hotels can create memorable customer experiences and foster brand resonance in customers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chang Hua Yen, Cheng-Hsien Tsai, Chun Yu Huang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Effects of Tourist Affinity and Animosity on Behavioral Intentions: Mediating Roles of Tourist Value Co-Creation and Co-Destruction Behaviors
Scholars have examined the effects of tourist affinity and animosity on their attitudes and behaviors. However, the underlying mechanisms involving tourist value co-creation behaviors and tourist value co-destruction behaviors are less well studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of tourist affinity and animosity on behavioral intentions within the context of community-based rural tourism and examine the mediating roles of tourist value co-creation behaviors and tourist value co-destruction behaviors. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 402 tourists visiting Jiufen, Taiwan. The results revealed that tourist affinity positively affected tourist value co-creation behaviors and negatively affected tourist value co-destruction behaviors and that tourist animosity negatively affected tourist value co-creation behaviors and positively affected tourist value co-destruction behaviors. Furthermore, tourist value co-creation behaviors had a positive effect on behavioral intentions, and tourist value co-destruction behaviors had a negative effect on behavioral intentions. Both tourist value co-creation behaviors and tourist value co-destruction behaviors served as mediators in the relationships between tourist affinity, tourist animosity, and behavioral intentions. From a value creation perspective, this study expands the theoretical understanding of tourist affinity and animosity and offers practical recommendations for the marketing and management of community-based rural destinations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hsiu Yu Teng, Jo Hui Lin, Hui Chen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Can Tour Leaders’ Career Crafting Promote Well-Being? The Roles of Career Resilience and Career Embeddedness
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed considerable challenges to the career management and development of tour leaders in the tourism industry, and therefore, developing effective coping strategies for such leaders has become a critical focus in the postpandemic era. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between career crafting and workplace well-being among tour leaders, the mediating effect of career embeddedness, and the moderating effect of career resilience. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 320 tour leaders in group package tours in Taiwan, and the hypotheses proposed by this study were tested using structural equation modeling. The results reveal that career crafting positively affected career embeddedness, which in turn positively affected workplace well-being. Furthermore, career embeddedness mediated the association between career crafting and workplace well-being, and career resilience moderated the association between career crafting and career embeddedness. The findings contribute to the current body of knowledge regarding career construction by highlighting the key mechanisms of career crafting and career resilience. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the mediating and moderating roles of career embeddedness and career resilience, respectively, can enable the development of effective managerial strategies to support tour leaders’ career development. Engaging in career crafting and improving career resilience can lead to tour leaders becoming more embedded in their careers, which can improve their workplace well-being.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hsiu Yu Teng, Yi Xun Lin, Shu Yun Chang, Cheng Hsien Tsai (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Relationship Between Supply Chain Collaboration, Supply Chain Responsiveness, and Customer Satisfaction in South African Manufacturing SMEs
In South Africa, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are acknowledged as a major contributor to national GDP and employment creation. Manufacturing SMEs are among the most dominant forms of SMEs in South Africa. However, their success is hamstrung by numerous challenges that affect their growth and sustainability. Lack of collaboration and responsiveness across the supply chains (SCs) have been branded as striking challenges contributing to the failure of many manufacturing SMEs in the country. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the impact of supply chain collaboration (SCC) on SC responsiveness (SCR) and customer satisfaction (CS) of South African manufacturing SMEs. The study followed a quantitative survey approach. A questionnaire was distributed to a purposively sampled 321 managers, owners and SC management (SCM) professionals drawn from manufacturing SMEs in the Gauteng, Free State, and North-West provinces of South Africa. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) based on the SMART partial least squares (PLS) technique. The results reveal that SCC and SCR impacted positively on CS, Further, SCR significantly mediated the relationships between SCC and CS. The study suggests that the implementation of SCC and SCR programmes is vital in influencing CS. This study contributes to SCM literature as it is one of the few studies exploring SCC, SCR, and CS in the context of the South African manufacturing SMEs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Irvine Langton, Chengedzai Mafini (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Advanced Hope Speech Detection for Business Impact in Low-Resource Languages
The rise of social media has led to a surge in user-generated content, expressing a wide range of emotions. While significant efforts have been made to address hate speech, positive expressions, or "hope speech," have received less attention. This study fills this gap by developing an ensemble model to detect hope speech in low-resource languages, utilizing advanced deep learning and transformer techniques. The research investigates two main questions: (1) Which computational architectures are most effective for detecting hope speech in low-resource languages from social media data? (2) Can an ensemble approach of high-performing models enhance detection accuracy? Using a diverse dataset from Language Technology for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (LT-EDI-ACL 2022), comments are classified as either hope speech or non-hope speech. Models such as CNN, LSTM with GloVe embeddings, and transformer models like mBERT and XLM-RoBERTa are employed. An ensemble model that integrates these individual models is proposed to harness their combined strengths and improve performance. The results demonstrate that this ensemble model significantly outperforms individual and previously proposed models in detecting hope speech, owing to the diverse training data and synergistic model strengths. The advancement of hope speech detection through ensemble models holds significant implications for various industries. Businesses can leverage this technology to enhance online engagement by fostering a more positive and supportive brand presence. For managers, implementing such models can improve customer interaction and satisfaction by identifying and amplifying supportive content, thus enhancing overall brand reputation. Industries focusing on customer relations and online community management can utilize these insights to develop strategies that promote positive user experiences and build stronger connections with their audience. This approach not only supports a more encouraging online atmosphere but also contributes to improved brand perception and customer loyalty.
Copyright (c) 2025 Vedika Gupta (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Corporate Demand Side Emissions: A Critical Pathway to Net Zero
With a view to slowing down the rise in average global temperatures, many countries and corporations have committed to reaching Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2050. One of the pathways pursued to achieve NZE has been through a sharp rise in renewable energy (RE) installations, which has not proved adequate. Demand-side innovation could be slashing demand-side emissions. Using the Avoid-Shift-Improve (A-S-I) methodology originally developed for policymakers, we address demand side emissions in four sectors-electricity, transportation, industry, and buildings. Increasing digitalization by corporations helps them identify and deal with areas where electricity is wasted, combine REs with their existing energy mix, and optimize the cost-risk-emission mix. In transportation, challenges faced by companies transitioning to EVs are discussed particularly with reference to battery production, charging, and recycling. Avoiding emissions could depend on the uptake of public transit, the popularity of remote work, and reconfiguring city design especially in urban areas of the future. Industry includes consumer and industrial goods (e.g. steel). The need for manufacturers to include scope 3 emissions in their NZE plans is of paramount importance. The ways in which circularity can be enhanced are reviewed. Building heating and cooling emissions may be ameliorated, in part, by energy efficiency improvement measures, while building construction emissions are dependent substantially on mitigating emissions from producing steel and concrete. Though the investments needed to implement these A-S-I strategies are massive, the returns to business and society, even if not immediate, would be sufficient to justify the initial outlays. Sustainable finance, public-private partnerships, and government subsidies and incentives are vital to facilitate the demand-side innovations.
Copyright (c) 2024 Bernard Arogyaswamy (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Digital Transformation as Part of Entrepreneurship Development in Kazakhstan
Currently, the market is dictating the evolution of companies introducing modern business process management technologies so that they can compete with each other in the market. However, not all companies know how to properly use digital technologies and what solutions should be chosen for their activities. The article examines the current situation of small and medium-sized business in the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding digital transformation in the further development of the company. It is noted that, in Kazakhstan, the largest number of residents and visitors have access to the Internet and digital technologies, which makes it necessary for companies to adapt to their customers in order to further develop the potential and to transform their business into digital technologies. The most common digital platforms that are in greatest demand among small and medium-sized business companies are also considered. The article also describes the main problem that companies face is mainly the lack of qualified specialists who can develop strategies and implement them as part of the digital transformation process. Moreover, a large number of enterprises do not have the resources necessary to successfully implement digital transformations. Business can benefit from digital technologies to simplify processes, speed up decision making, and reduce production and customer service costs. The digital transformation process requires active management support and the participation of all team members.
Copyright (c) 2024 Akerke Bekbula (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Research on Employee Green Behavior from the Perspective of Sustainable HRM: The Role of Diversity, Inclusion, and Well-Being
Enterprises are increasingly prioritizing social and ecological issues, cultivating sustainable HRM, and focusing on the sustainability of both people and the environment to achieve overall sustainable development goals (SDGs) (Dyllick and Muff, 2016; Ehnert et al., 2016). This study primarily draws on green HRM, selecting four key variables, including organizational diversity and inclusion, employee well-being (EWB), work stress, and employee green behavior (EGB), focusing on Chinese enterprises. Through quantitative research and SEM analysis, the study explores the relationships among these variables, aiming to promote internal green behavior within organizations and achieve SDGs. The research found that organizational diversity and inclusion have a positive impact on EWB and EGB. There is also a positive correlation between EWB and EGB. However, organizational diversity and inclusion are negatively related to work stress, and work stress is negatively related to EGB. EWB and work stress mediate the relationship between organizational diversity, inclusion, and EGB. This study deepens the understanding of the relationship between diversity, inclusion, well-being, and green behavior, providing new directions for future research, and offering pathways for organizations to improve their environment and EWB to promote social sustainability.
Copyright (c) 2024 Yuetong Wang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Congressional Sex Scandals: Sonic Therapeutic Intervention Approach
Leadership researchers have not conducted studies on sonic therapeutic interventions for preventing sex scandals in Congress. This study covers the lacuna in leadership literature. Sex scandals have ruined many lawmakers’ legislative careers. Legislators are expected to be role models in sexual integrity and in helping to make laws to redirect any misdirected social privileges, norms, and rights. Many citizens imitate the activities of their lawmakers, and whatever standards the legislators set become the grand norm of the members of their constituencies. This qualitative phenomenological study aims to sonographically investigate the lived experiences of eight sonic therapeutic intervention (STI) practitioners on how STI helps women leaders avoid sex scandals, grounded in Goleman's emotional intelligence and Prabhupada's sonic therapeutic frameworks. The researcher utilized a snowball sampling approach to generate research samples and obtained data through semi-structured interviews and reviews of relevant documents. According to an analysis of the data from the transcription of the interviews, STI reduced the likelihood of cheating, promoted consequentiality awareness, increased emotional intelligence, enhanced self-regulation, demonstrated self-control, reduced the urge for illicit sex, improved mental health, promoted supra-mundane values, and helped lawmakers maintain sobriety. These ten recurring themes made it easier for legislators to abstain from sex scandals. Leading with emotional intelligence, trustworthy legislative leadership, self-regulatory leadership, values-based leadership, preventing trauma related to sex scandals, people-oriented leadership, inclusive leadership, and diversity leadership are among the implications of the research for positive societal transformation.
Copyright (c) 2024 Vasudev Das (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Learning to Outsmart a Crisis: A Strategic Management View on Managing Aviation Crises with Machine Learning
Across strategic management and crisis communication literature, a crisis is public, unexpected, disrupts the norm, and has negative impact on organizations. Bridging the wisdom of crisis management and organizational learning research in strategic management with the practical challenges and context of crisis communication, this study leveraged machine learning to expedite and deepen organizational learning by looking at past crisis communication outcomes in the aviation industry to extrapolate recommended communication trajectories. Specifically, with pre-trained sentiment analysis models and purpose-built machine learning models, content analysis with reliable human-machine agreement (Cohen’s κ above 0.85 for three separate sample groups) shortened the analysis process tremendously while the approach to quantify corporate reputation through social media comments have been increasingly accepted across academic research – these technological provisions form the foundation of the methodology for this study. Validating a crisis social media communication framework (CONSOLE; Tan et al., 2019) through a pilot experiment (n = 50) and incorporating it in a dashboard backed by few shot learning from social media data from past aviation crises, and recommendations drawing from large language models (LLMs), the CONSOLE-D (CONSOLE dashboard) presents the potential for practitioners and organizations to fine-tune their crisis organizational messages to achieve the tact and nuance stakeholders are looking for in an aviation crisis. With contextual learning from past data, the CONSOLE-D shows promise for organizations to outsmart crises by leveraging AI to learn from past crises and to avoid relearning lessons.
Copyright (c) 2024 Kevin Kok-Yew Tan, Pavelkova Drahomira (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Determinants of Personal Finance Difficulties by Machine Learning – with Special Focus on Socio-Economic and Behavioural Changes Brought by COVID-19
Purpose: This research aims to explore how personal and environmental factors, especially the socio-economic changes and behavioural changes fostered by the outbreak COVID-19 pandemic, affect the financial vulnerability of a specific segment of people in financial distress. Innovative research methodology of machine learning will be applied to data collected from over 300 local individuals in Hong Kong seeking counselling or similar services in recent years. Results: First, machine learning has found that too much exposure to digital services and information of digitised services may lead to adverse effects on respondents’ financial vulnerability. Second, the improvement in financial literacy level provides benefits to the financially vulnerable group, especially those respondents who have started with a lower level. Third, serious addiction to digital technology can lead to worsened debt servicing ability. Machine learning also has found a strong correlation between debt servicing situation and income seeking behaviour as well as spending behaviour. In addition, if the vulnerable groups are able to make appropriate investments, they can reduce the probability of incurring financial distress. Finally, being too active in borrowing and repayment can result in higher likelihood of over-indebtedness. Conclusion: Findings can be employed in formulating a better counselling strategy for the professionals. Debt counselling services can be more preventive in nature. For example, according to the findings, with low level of financial literacy, the respondents are prone to over-spending and unable to react properly to the e-marketing promotion messages pop-up from digital services, or even falling into financial/investment scams. In addition, people with low level of financial knowledge will benefit from financial education. Therefore, financial education program could include tech-savvy matters as special features.
Copyright (c) 2024 Brian Tung, Yam Wing Siu, Tsun Se Cheong (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Service Quality and Competitive Advantage in Ghana’s Telecommunication Industry: Evidence of MTN Ghana
This study is conducted in the telecommunication sector in Ghana using MTN as a case study. The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between service quality and competitive advantage in the telecom industry. The current study used quantitative descriptive research design to help determine the relationship between variables. This research used a self-administered questionnaire to quantify the impact of service quality constructs and competitive advantage. The study employed convenience sampling techniques with a sample size of 272 MTN users in Ghana. Data was analyzed using SPSS and Smart PLS. The results showed that customers have a positive view about customer service and convenience of MTN Ghana. The study also found that there is a statistically significant relationship between the two service quality dimensions namely: customer service and convenience and competitive advantage with respective to market share and profitability. This study can serve as guidance for current mobile operators in Ghana and new entrants who intend to enter the industry. This research aspires to contribute to the body of best practices for mobile service providers in Ghana.
Copyright (c) 2024 Abdul- Majeed Iddrisu, François Benhmad, Mohamed Awada (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0