Adm. Sci., Volume 14, Issue 2 (February 2024) – 17 articles

Recently, there has been increased discussion of entrepreneurship and innovation as process-based phenomena. However, research on the essence of dynamic entrepreneurial and innovation processes and their simultaneous interactions needs to be more cohesive and well-covered. This article critically reviews prior publications and explores the process approach to entrepreneurial and innovation processes. Structuration and equivalence theory, systems and design thinking, and pattern matching theory were implemented to structure and synthesise a converged operationalised dynamic process model. Exploring different approaches to entrepreneurial and innovation processes by screening 468 publications on entrepreneurship and 527 on innovation and a critical review of prior findings, the article identified only 17 and 13 dynamic process models, respectively. Six structurally comparable models covering both disciplines were selected for further analysis. Both disciplines’ dynamic process models can be structured into five harmonised stages, which can partly be divided into (sub)phases. The article’s primary contribution to the theory is systematically integrating process-based and design approaches in entrepreneurship and innovation. As a result, a streamlined and converged dynamic process model is developed, and the role of the process venue and the entrepreneur or innovator is discussed. As a practical implication, future directions for entrepreneurship and innovation educators, policymakers, and entrepreneurial/innovation ecosystem stakeholders are presented at the end of the article. Full article

As public sector agencies face rising imperatives to digitally transform citizen services, data systems, and internal operations, questions persist as to whether investments in big data analytics and automation capabilities, evidenced to drive organizational performance in private industry, translate to bureaucratic government contexts. This research quantitatively investigates the link between digital capabilities and organizational performance in the Jordanian ministry of Justice. Survey data collected from 292 public officials assessed capabilities in data-driven decision making, flexible automation, and interactive constituent communications alongside organizational agility and performance indexes spanning efficiency, quality, and satisfaction metrics. Structural equation modeling analysis reveals that digital capabilities relate significantly to heightened agility and all targeted performance areas. Improved agility mediates over half the performance impact attributable to upgraded technical systems, highlighting the vital role of evolving digitally enabled flexibility in realizing returns on analytics and process modernization initiatives. Findings validate the applicability of conclusions on digitization returns formed in corporate environments to public sector contexts, contingent on bundled change management programming enabling both technical and adaptive capacity building across the workforce. As global regions expand e-governance programs premised on harnessing emerging technologies to enhance civic institutions, this research offers generalizable models guiding multifaceted preparations to amplify impact. Full article

Community-based tourism (CBT) operates on a paradigm of community self-governance wherein traditional communities assume the role of instigators and protagonists in the realm of tourism within their territories. Within this framework, CBT emerges as a means of realizing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) articulated in the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, outlined in 2015. The present study aims to compare three TBC communities with the SDG criteria and their contribution to the 2023 Agenda. To achieve this aim, we employed a methodological approach rooted in case study, leveraging secondary sources and adopting a qualitative methodology. The principal findings underscore that the three scrutinized CBT communities—Tekoá-Pirá, Chã de Jardim, and Amucafé, located in Brazil—directly contribute to the attainment of seven SDGs and indirectly influence two others. As prospective research avenues, we advocate exploring additional initiatives and implementing empirical studies to delve more profoundly into the realities of these communities. Full article

The recent circumstances of the COVID-19 crisis have brought significant changes to employees’ personal, as well as organizational, lives. For office workers worldwide, this has come as a result of the abrupt and wide adoption of telework, as organizations rushed to accelerate their digital transformation. This research focuses on analyzing the reception and effect of teleworking, as an imposed measure during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, on employees in Greek banking organizations. First, the circumstances and utilization of telework by a banking institution in Greece before and during the COVID-19 crisis are compared by utilizing autoethnographic evidence. Then, we conducted qualitative research with employees of the organization, who were asked to work remotely at 100% capacity, focusing on the way teleworking was performed utilizing information systems (IS), and the effect it had on them. Detailed information and results from interviews are presented and compared to autoethnographic evidence to reach our conclusions. We find that the vast majority of employees are in general positive about having telework as an option, while the time saved by not commuting to their offices is reported as the most positive element of telework. Most employees also reported having worked longer hours and more efficiently while teleworking, while a common concern—in a scenario where telework may become permanent in some form—is if the organization would cover their teleworking expenses. Theoretical and practical implications are explored and presented accordingly. Full article

This research article aims to explore how employees are coping with working from home and provides practical suggestions for employers and managers adapting to the “new normal”. The main contribution of this research lies in the comprehensive integration of various aspects of managing a home office into four strategies, surpassing the findings of prior studies that focused on specific areas. This was achieved through a qualitative descriptive approach. Through semi-structured interviews with employees in the Czech Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic, four distinct employee types (“Working from Home is Not for Me”, “Yin and Yang”, “Holiday with Emergency”, and “Chameleon”) were identified based on their adaptation strategies. These strategies encompass aspects like time management, self- and family management, setting boundaries, task management, stress reduction, and adherence to rules. The article concludes by offering suggestions for more effective collaboration and employee management, taking into consideration their approach to remote work. Full article

The increased popularity of social media has greatly affected the marketing-communications activities of companies. This study seeks to understand how influencers promoting products affect their followers’ purchasing intentions and attitudes towards endorsed products. Our main interest is to get an insight on differences between two generations (X and Z). We construct a structural model, based on the theory of credibility. Findings suggest that influencer endorsements have an impact on both age groups, with a more noticeable effect observed in the younger generation. The loyalty towards influencers emerges as a constructive intermediary factor, amplifying the influence of credibility on purchasing intentions across both generations. When considering attitudes towards the brands endorsed by the influencers, loyalty’s impact is comparatively modest. The results provide a building block in understanding the influencers’ activities in marketing-communications, and how they can be used for communication with different generations. Full article

The pandemic marked the beginning of a succession of events on a global scale (not the least of which is a greater concern for the environment and for quality of life/distance work) with a major impact on the economy. Innovation plays a key role in meeting the challenges of the future, but despite investment in innovation, global economic growth has fallen short of the expected performance. The aim of this study is to identify the factors with the greatest impact on the performance of innovation ecosystems based on the performance of the innovation ecosystems of 64 countries assessed by the Global Innovation Index 2022. The methodology consists of multiple hierarchical linear regressions, in which the impact factors on innovation ecosystems, measured through indicators, are the independent variables and innovation performance, in knowledge and technology and in creativity, are the dependent variables in an iterative process, using STATA/MP 18.0 data analysis software. The results indicate that human capital and research (the basis of business and innovative products aimed at filling gaps in the market are people with a good higher education, which is also linked to local university rankings) and business sophistication (highly qualified work, leveraging strategic partnerships, and with knowledge absorption capacity) are the main pillars determining innovation performance at a global level. Education (an educated workforce is of growing importance in the knowledge era), R&D investment (including support from the state in the form of tax incentives for whoever invests in R&D), innovation partnerships (for a faster, more open innovation effort), ecological sustainability (a new reinforced priority after COVID-19) and knowledge absorption (to absorb one must first detain valuable knowledge in the area) are the variables with the greatest impact on innovation performance. The work provides guidance on which areas should be prioritized in the development of policies and strategies to accelerate innovation in countries. The study is limited by the time frame and reveals, by comparison with pre-pandemic studies, that the determinants of innovation can be dynamic, varying according to the countries and, consequently, the global context of the analysis. Full article

Social entrepreneurial ventures thrive on diverse motivations, evolving through stages. This research delved into the dynamic shifts in motivations guiding social entrepreneurs across projects and initiatives in Tanzania. Despite numerous attempts by scholars to study and theorize the motivations of social entrepreneurs, there remains a significant gap in understanding the primary focus of social entrepreneurs’ involvement in various social entrepreneurship projects. This research aimed to address this knowledge gap by exploring the motivations that drive social entrepreneurs in Tanzania to engage in social entrepreneurship ventures. The study specifically investigated the CHEMA and Gongali Model cases. The respondents consisted of 20 social entrepreneurs, with 9 from CHEMA and 11 from the Gongali Model. The findings highlight the influence of personal experiences and backgrounds in establishing innovative social enterprises, emphasizing the importance of achieving successful outcomes. The study suggests that social entrepreneurs are motivated not only by their individual needs and goals but also by the satisfaction derived from witnessing the positive impact of their work on others. Successful entrepreneurship, the study argues, requires a focus on effecting changes at both the macro and micro levels. When the intended purpose of social entrepreneurs is achieved, it serves as a significant indicator of success. The report delves deeper into how these findings influence the overall infrastructure and mindset of social entrepreneurs in Tanzania. This research introduces a novel motivational model and connects it with critical success characteristics in social innovation projects, contributing to the advancement of social entrepreneurship research. Additionally, it proposes fundamental innovations in governance and operations within the field of social entrepreneurship. From the organizational context perspective, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the factors that contribute to the formation and growth of social enterprises in Tanzania. Full article

The contribution of sustainable public administration to the promotion of sustainable development is increasingly emphasized in the literature, including through an emerging and facilitating concept: collaborative administration. The sustainability of public organizations and of the public interventions carried out by these organizations is a central pillar of a modern administrative model, the desideratum of any government agenda. For this reason, the aim of this paper is to contribute to a more nuanced view on the relationship of sustainable development–institutional sustainability–collaborative dimension, covering some gaps that prevail in the literature by contextualizing the theoretical hypotheses in a case study. The novelty and added value of the research lies in establishing links between these three concepts by referring to a fourth concept: organizational intelligence. The study uses theoretical instruments, such as a questionnaire based on the design model proposed by Lefter et al., for the indirect assessment of the collaborative dimension. The outcomes demonstrate that the collaborative dimension of a public organization can be quantified using the proposed model. Moreover, organizational plans that promote the sustainability of public administration and sustainable development are identified. However, additional complementary studies are required to further investigate the cause-and-effect relationship between sustainable development, institutional sustainability, and collaborative dimensions. Full article

The present study examines the impact of family ownership and control on the internationalization strategies of Portuguese manufacturing firms. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing evidence that different forms of international market presence are asymmetrically influenced by family control and by underscoring the importance of innovative strategies. The analysis includes a sample of 25,533 firms observed from 2018 to 2021. Econometric models address the role of ownership in alternative internationalization endeavors, demonstrating that these firms differ from their non-family counterparts. By comparing the export propensity, intensity, and reach of family businesses to non-family businesses, the research sheds light on the challenges faced by family-owned firms and the significance of structural characteristics such as technological regimes and regional competitive advantages. The findings emphasize the negative impact of family presence on internationalization while highlighting the importance of innovation and ecosystem support. Additionally, the study contributes to the empirical refinement of firm classification by proposing a more reliable segmentation method. It also presents alternative econometric methods to appraise internationalization strategies better. Future research directions are suggested, particularly regarding the use of additional information related to innovation and human capital, offering insights for enhancing the global engagement of family businesses in global markets. This research provides valuable empirical evidence and practical implications for policymakers and practitioners seeking to support the required actions to promote the growth and internationalization of family businesses in the context of the Portuguese manufacturing industry. Full article

In the contemporary context, characterized by the paramount importance of sustainability, both governments and companies, particularly multinational enterprises (MNEs), play an important role in fostering and overseeing the transformative processes necessary to establish a robust accounting framework for natural capital. The objective of this paper is twofold: firstly, to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing body of literature on this subject and to highlight the importance of avoiding intangible liabilities in MNE from bad practices based on Natural Capital bad practices, and secondly, to outline prospective directions for further research in this domain. To achieve these objectives, we pose two fundamental research questions: (1) What is the current state of knowledge regarding the intangible liabilities and accounting practices of MNEs concerning Natural Capital? (2) How can future research in the field of Natural Capital Accounting be oriented to assist MNEs in accounting for their interactions with Natural Capital? A mixed-method approach is used to address these inquiries. Initially, we substantiate the intrinsic connection between MNEs and the natural environment, utilizing bibliometric techniques to identify the primary themes and areas of focus in the realm of natural capital accounting. Subsequently, we employ in-depth analysis and logical reasoning to propose potential avenues for future research. Additionally, we present a comprehensive model designed to guide forthcoming research endeavors in the domain of natural capital accounting. Among the salient findings derived from our model analysis, it is evident that the inclusion of other environmental factors, such as ecosystem services and biodiversity, should be integral to the overall framework of natural capital accounting. Furthermore, the incorporation of such accounting practices into the day-to-day operations of companies is essential to preserving the natural capital and the reputation of the firms. Full article

This research aimed to investigate Japanese university students’ entrepreneurial development processes using the happenstance learning theory. The current research was an empirical study investigating the role of risk propensity, lifetime employment orientation, and entrepreneurship-related exploratory behaviour in developing the entrepreneurial intention of university students in Japan. Data were collected from 214 undergraduate students in Japan. The results demonstrated that the risk propensity characteristic of students influenced entrepreneurial intentions through entrepreneurship-related exploratory behaviour and lifetime employment orientation. The research also found that leadership experience moderated the relationship between risk propensity and entrepreneurship-related exploratory behaviour and the relationship between entrepreneurship-related exploratory behaviour and entrepreneurial intention. By applying the happenstance learning theory in an entrepreneurship study, the current research provides meaningful insights for research scholars, educators, and policymakers interested in the entrepreneurial intentions of students. This paper concludes with a discussion on the theoretical implications and future research directions. Full article

The processing and transformation of natural resources into completed and semi-finished products is the primary function of industry in each nation’s economy. There is no denying the significance of industry and sectoral classification of the economy, but the slow development and extension of one industry could have resulted in the advancement of other sectors that are now a part of contemporary communities. Since there are statistically significant differences between various industries, numerous authors are currently investigating the impact of the industry on the financial structure of firms, revealing the industry as a crucial determinant of corporate indebtedness. Thus, the main aim of this study is to determine the debt level of a sample of 4237 enterprises operating in the market in the period of 2018–2021 from various sectors using eight debt indicators, as well as to identify relationships between them, which may help to reveal sectors with homogeneous patterns of indebtedness (using the cluster analysis) and thus understand which sectors are the most stable and independent. The Kruskal–Wallis test is then used to determine if there are statistically significant differences between the calculated ratios related to the economic sector. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the choice of financial structure is significantly influenced by the industry. Financial performance and indebtedness indicators are quantitative statistics used to assess, monitor, and forecast company or sectoral financial health. They act as instruments for business insiders and outsiders to assess a company’s performance, particularly in comparison to competitors, and to pinpoint its strengths and weaknesses, making the outputs of this study important for all types of stakeholders. Full article

Although inter-organisational collaborative structures play a vital role in determining the level of collaboration among organisations, the identification of required organisational structural types and their features to facilitate fruitful collaboration is not satisfactorily discussed in existing studies. In addition, the connection between inter-organisational structural types and features, and their influence on collaboration, is not well understood. This systematised literature review study explores the available inter-organisational collaborative structural types, features, and their suitability to facilitate collaboration among organisations. Our findings underscore the importance of adopting a hybrid form of hierarchy and network arrangements to facilitate effective collaboration among organisations. Furthermore, this study developed a framework that presents how collaboration depends on inter-organisational structures and their features in facilitating vertical and horizontal integration. This framework can be used to identify the inter-organisational collaboration structures that are required to move towards a desired inter-organisational collaboration level. Full article

The article presents a theoretical generalisation and solution of a current scientific and applied problem which develops theoretical principles, methodological approaches and scientific and practical recommendations for improving the mechanism of labour efficiency management in terms of innovation-oriented development of enterprises. It is substantiated that in the conditions of innovation-oriented development of ecosystems, including enterprises, the disclosure of the essence of labour efficiency requires introduction of a dual quantitative–qualitative approach: on the one hand, labour efficiency reflects the ratio of the manufactured products (tangible and intangible benefits) and corresponding living labour costs (quantitative aspect) and, on the other hand, it is the result of using productive abilities of people, characterised by manufactured products of a particular consumer quality with the creation of added value (qualitative aspect). Conceptual bases of improvement of the mechanism of labour efficiency management at enterprises were developed. They are based on certain tasks, functions, principles, methods of labour efficiency management and the formed system of factors of influence and the revealed factors and reserves of an increase in labour efficiency. They presuppose development and realisation of the corresponding programme, which aims to: optimise total labour costs; improve quality of products at a constant mass and satisfaction with the work process of all its participants; ensure positive changes in material well-being and quality of life on the basis of the formation of modern innovation infrastructure of the enterprise. Full article

This study aims to deepen our understanding of the evolving landscape of public procurement (PP) and emerging technologies (ET). It addresses the critical gap in scholarly production analysis, author collaborations, and thematic trends in PP and ET, providing valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Employing a methodology inspired by prior research, this study leveraged advanced bibliometric tools, including Studio R and the Biblioshiny app, for data retrieval, processing, and visualization. This approach facilitated co-citation, source coupling, and network collaboration analyses. Thematic maps and correspondence analysis were used to explore research themes in depth. The findings highlight a significant surge in research interest in the integration of ET in PP since 2018, underlining the growing importance of technology-driven advancements in the field. These insights are vital for shaping policy decisions, spurring innovation, and enhancing PP processes’ efficiency, transparency, and sustainability, which are crucial for effective governance and economic growth. Full article

This study explores the transformative impact of IoT technologies on smart tourism, striving to boost operational efficiency and enrich the traveler experience. Using a systematic literature review with bibliometric analysis, we examined a sample of 83 studies indexed in SCOPUS to identify research activity on this topic until November 2023. The integration of cutting-edge technologies, including big data, smart sensors, cloud computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, wearables, mobile applications, augmented reality, and virtual reality, establishes the foundation of the IoT-enabled smart tourism ecosystem. These innovations bring distinct capabilities, from facilitating data collection with embedded sensor technologies to using cloud computing for essential services like data storage and analytics. Examining various IoT applications in smart tourism, such as recommender systems, smart cities, payment systems, and electronic ticketing, reveals their positive effects on safety, efficiency, and personalized services. However, challenges like security, privacy, software complexity, scalability, and interoperability necessitate robust measures. This study identifies future research directions, including enhancing security and privacy, exploring blockchain integration, investigating edge computing, and improving interactions between tourists and smart tourism systems. These endeavors aim to address challenges and seize opportunities, fostering innovative solutions for the evolving needs of the tourism industry in a technologically advanced landscape. Full article