Adm. Sci., Volume 14, Issue 3 (March 2024) – 21 articles

Young people from Generation Z are a subject of analysis for researchers because they will prevail in the labor market as successors of the Millennial generation. Taking into account the imprint that digitization has left on the behavior of Generation Z, our research aims to analyze how young people manifest their entrepreneurial intention and, mainly, how the “Me generation” perceives entrepreneurship both as a means by which they manifest their desire to control their behavior and as a factor that contributes to their social inclusion. Therefore, based on the bottom-up spillover theory, we propose to analyze the moderating effect of gender and the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between social inclusion and entrepreneurial intention. Using a quantitative research approach and a sample of 781 representatives of Generation Z, we demonstrate that social inclusion is an essential factor for Generation Z. The findings prove that Generation Z manifests a strong desire for social inclusion, which influences entrepreneurial intention, and that gender moderates this relationship. Finally, the originality of our research consists of the empirical identification of the synergy between entrepreneurial intention, self-efficacy, and the desire for social inclusion of Generation Z. Full article

As the relevant European Union directives require in-depth sustainability reporting from large institutions, banks are among the concerned with disclosure obligations. Several institutions prepare self-structured recommendations by which companies are indirectly fostered to make their operation more sustainable through reporting and to help compliance with the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) regulations. However, in the preparation period, differences can be found in the actual sustainability disclosure practices across Europe (primarily by a western–eastern European relation). To examine this issue, this study aimed to investigate if there was any variation in the reporting compliance with aspects (key performance indicators—KPIs) of three reporting guidelines (Global Reporting Initiative—G4, Financial Services Sector Disclosures—GRI; Alliance for Corporate Transparency—ACT; ISO 26000:2010—ISO) between top European and Hungarian banks according to their 2021 sustainability/ESG reports, using content analysis-based disclosure scoring. The results revealed no significant differences among the general (aspect-pooled) scores for different guidelines, while the differences were significant for each guideline between the two bank groups. In the aspect-level evaluation, the European banks had higher scores in most cases, with the Hungarian banks receiving higher scores in 4 of 49 GRI, 1 of 16 ACT, and 2 of 37 ISO aspects. Significant correlations were indicated in disclosure score values between the two bank groups, which suggested similar preferences for the aspects demonstrated; however, elaboration levels differed. These findings showed that the European and Hungarian banks could be differentiated by their sustainability disclosure patterns. The results suggest a better CSRD-level preparedness of the top European banks than of the Hungarian ones, with the latter being introduced as a model group of the region. This reflects the need for more efficient adoption of best practices by financial institutions in the eastern parts of Europe. Full article

Translation, adaptation, and validation of instruments for cross-cultural investigation requires a rigorous methodological procedure that should be carefully planned to deliver instruments with adequate reliability and validity. This process was applied to a questionnaire measuring Organizational Citizenship Behavior toward the Environment (OCBE), Organizational Identification (OI), Environmental Responsibility (ER), and Green Human Resources Management (GHRM) in Portuguese and Slovak organizations. Several methodological procedures for cross-cultural adaptation and validation of questionnaires were analyzed, most of which used independent translators, experts’ analysis, and backward translation to the original language. In the present study, a procedure adapted from Beaton et al. (2000) was applied successfully, and the blind backward translations; expert committee; and the two pretests to assess content validity, functional equivalence, and clarity proved to be worthy. The psychometric properties were measured using a sample from Portugal (N = 122) and Slovakia (N = 269). Although employees were perceiving neither a strong environmental responsibility of their organizations nor strong green human resources management, they identified themselves with the organizations and engaged in OCBEs. Comparing both countries, the factorial structure was remarkably similar, highlighting the eco-helping actions and eco-civic engagement of OCBEs. Comparing both countries, the factorial structure was remarkably similar, highlighting the eco-helping actions and eco-civic engagement of OCBEs. The results indicated that the translated instrument was functionally equivalent to the original one, valid (scale CVI/Ave > 0.83), and reliable (Scale Alpha > 0.733) for evaluating the effect of employee practices and organization management in promoting and supporting environmental sustainability. Full article

The literature on individuals’ ability to predict their own level of risk tolerance is scarce and presents divergent results. Utilizing both differential prediction models and logit models on a sample of 391 individuals in Portugal, this study demonstrates that respondents’ gender play a crucial role in this predictive ability. Men tend to overestimate their level of risk tolerance, while women tend to believe they are less risk-tolerant than they actually are. Furthermore, the results reveal that men’s ability to correctly predict their level of risk tolerance is significantly higher. Being a man implies a 20% higher probability of being consistent in this prediction compared to being a woman, even after controlling for a set of sociodemographic factors. The finding of a systematic inconsistency between measures of subjective and objective risk tolerance suggests that the choice between the two measures of risk propensity is not indifferent. Our findings have relevant implications in the fields of corporate finance, financial investment, and various other spheres of economic life. Full article

The advance of the fifth generation (5G) network globally has completely changed business models, giving rise to the birth of new companies with their business models and the adaptation of existing companies. This change is greatest in developing countries where 5G network deployment is scarce and key to their economy. This article aims to analyze the strategic design of a business model to provide 5G network equipment installation services in Peru. In addition, the article includes the design of a business structure for the implementation of the business model, as well as the evaluation of economic and financial projections to determine the economic viability of its implementation. The methodological approach covers business management applied to business design, examining several key areas such as business management, human resource management, finance, accounting, marketing, and operations management. The study of the business model is based on business management theory, using accounting and finance concepts to analyze the most significant financial indicators. The information and data used to analyze the aspects of the business model are extracted from the databases of Peruvian institutions. Our results reveal that implementing a business model for providing 5G network equipment installation services in Peru is economically viable since the economic and financial projections show that a Net Present Value of 146,931.02 monetary units is obtained. Also, the results justify the design of the business structure based on the value proposition of experience and specialization focused on 5G networks in Peru. Full article

The objective of this study is to investigate and determine factors influencing user perception and acceptance of electronic government services in the context of technological advancements. The research focuses on classifying the main features of e-administrative systems with an emphasis on user satisfaction by integrating both traditional and modern data analysis techniques. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), machine learning (ML) techniques, and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods have been applied to survey data to uncover the interdependencies between variables from the perspective of online users. The developed models discover and explain the underlying relationships in user attitudes towards e-government services. As the perception of customer satisfaction is subjective and dynamic, stakeholders should conduct regular measurements and data analysis to ensure continuous improvement of e-public services. Full article

The world is marked by persistent and recurring socio-economic and environmental changes. The domains of social innovation and social entrepreneurship have gained prominence as catalysts for positive change and societal resilience. Despite the substantial body of literature assessing social innovation and social entrepreneurship, most studies address these topics through analyses of scientific production output or through systematic literature reviews. Conversely, the main objective of this paper is to conduct a thematic analysis of the existing scientific literature on social innovation and social entrepreneurship, published across various geographical contexts, to assess themes, trends, and discourse within these fields worldwide. Therefore, it synthesizes, analyzes, and evaluates the evolving landscape of social innovation and social entrepreneurship research over time, employing a sliding windows methodology. This approach divides the analyzed period into distinct times to meticulously track changes in themes and discourse over time. To accomplish this objective, this paper examines the evolving thematic dynamics of social innovation and social entrepreneurship within the scientific literature, serving as a driver and compelling researchers and practitioners to explore new dimensions in social innovation and social entrepreneurship. Evidence from the analysis is discussed, including the main theoretical and practical implications and proposals for future research. This paper emphasizes the importance of adaptive and resilient approaches within the domains of social innovation and social entrepreneurship and contributes to a deeper understanding of how social innovation and social entrepreneurship evolve and adapt over time, shedding light on the transformative potential of social innovation and social entrepreneurship. Full article

The main purpose of the research is to measure the managerial digitalisation cost of the hotel sector in Northern Greece. Taking into consideration the impact of the pandemic crisis on business management and the lack of rich relevant literature, the study focuses on the cost of managerial digitalisation and its possible relationship with certain hotel demographic characteristics, like star ranking, period of operation, size and accommodation type. The population consists of 2187 hotel units, based on the register of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels and other local associations such as Chalkidiki Hotels Association. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, registered in Google forms, and sent by e-mail or alternatively via social media like Facebook. The main finding concerns the low amount of investment related to revenue, as the majority of hotel units spend less than 2.5% of their annual turnover on managerial digitalisation. In addition to this, members of hotel groups, seasonal and summer accommodations invest more in the adoption of digital managerial tools. A positive correlation with the number of employees was also detected. As digitalisation cost in the Greek hospitality sector is a completely unexplored scientific field, this is the first effort to deal with it. Furthermore, as Northern Greece is not as popular a tourist destination as other parts of Greece (i.e., the Aegean islands), the present research is a unique attempt to focus on the hotel sector of a less well-known Greek tourist region. Full article

The construction industry is fraught with risks due to the use of heavy machinery and work at heights, leading to increased occupational accidents. Understanding how the work environment affects personnel adaptation is crucial, as a negative environment can have detrimental consequences on the physical and mental health of workers. The aim of this study is to identify and examine the significant dimensions, factors, and models related to the organizational climate, with a particular focus on the construction sector. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol, utilizing the SCOPUS database, from which 176 studies were obtained through search strings. Of this set, 142 were selected for final analysis. The results reveal that China has the highest number of studies on the organizational climate in construction. Regarding dimensions, emphasis is placed on occupational health and safety. Factors include a classification for dimensions, models, and other general factors. The model identified in studies with the most relevance is the JD-R (job demands–resources) model, which helps us to understand how job characteristics promote employee well-being. The implications of this study underscore the need for further research related to the work environment, implementing changes in occupational safety and health, and highlighting the importance of fostering a positive work environment from the early stages of organizational development. These findings provide valuable insights to refine labor practices, design more effective models, and guide future research in the realm of organizational climate in construction sector companies. Full article

The adoption of open innovation poses significant challenges that are important to explore. Studies in this field have mainly focused on exploring the causes of the failure of open innovation among large companies. This study addresses this research gap by employing a sample of 297 Portuguese small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to explore, through a quantitative study, whether the dimensions and causes of failure differ between large organizations and SMEs. A total of seven dimensions of causes of failure are considered, including strategy-related, organizational structure, organizational culture, knowledge and intellectual property management, management skill and action, resources, and interfirm collaboration. The findings reveal significant differences in four of these seven dimensions: the main causes of failure are related to the resources and management processes of open innovation in SMEs, while large companies face more challenges in the organizational structure and culture components. This study offers theoretical insights into the gaps in the literature to better understand the challenges facing open innovation. Furthermore, this study offers practical guidelines for SMEs to identify and mitigate these main obstacles, promoting better innovation management practices. Full article

Generation Z is arriving on the labour scene. In the near future, this generation will dominate organisations’ recruitment and selection processes. Theories regarding the attraction and retention of talent were initially developed based on the characteristics of previous generations in the late 20th century. This study aimed to conduct the first comprehensive literature review focused on identifying the attributes of attracting and retaining Generation Z talent. The findings will allow for the identification of the most significant attributes within the examined context. However, certain gaps were uncovered, such as the limited availability of publications explaining the applicability of the conventional theory of attracting and retaining talent to Generation Z natives. Significant lines of research are also suggested for the future. Full article

Digital transformation has emerged as a pervasive force in today’s rapidly evolving world, touching almost every sector and industry. In the higher education sector, in which education, research, and knowledge dissemination hold paramount significance for society, the notion of digital transformation per se becomes particularly important. This paper focuses specifically on higher education, acknowledging that it exists in a broader environment. In this work, qualitative methods were applied to explore the meaning and scope of digital transformation in higher education institutions. The systematic literature review formed the basis for in-depth interviews with experts in the discipline to explore the meaning and scope of digital transformation in higher education institutions. Then, for the purpose of preparing the case study, the concepts that emerged from the systematic literature review and interviews with experts were grouped together through a keyword-based pattern. Lastly, a case study was conducted at a Greek university with the aim of better understanding the way in which university members of a particular higher education institution perceive the meaning and scope of digital transformation. Our analysis provides valuable insights into higher education institutions for decision-makers and those involved in digital transformation initiatives, offering a comprehensive definition of digital transformation in higher education institutions. Finally, this paper can also serve as a basis for researchers who are interested in defining the meaning and scope of digital transformation in their own research fields. Full article

Contemporary economies worldwide appreciate the underlying importance of service sectors, culminating in sectorial growth and satisfactory performance of agri-preneurship. This study is premised on two simple explanations that cascaded into two hypothetical questions: (i) Are there inspiring factors for individuals to start up their own agri-preneurship business? (ii) Are there factors hindering individuals from starting up their own agri-preneurship business? These two hypothetical constructs triggered four primary arguments established in the study. This study was conducted in Mbombela local Municipality in category ‘B’, which is made up of the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga South Africa. From a population of 1021 farmers, 458 samples of respondents were obtained and considered to be realistic for the study. The study embraced the mixed research approach, and the field survey was done between the months of February 2022 and June 2022. Descriptive statistics, involving the frequency count and percentages, were used to determine the motives and obstacles of starting up one’s own business. The hypothesis was assessed by employing multinominal logistic regression to determine the relationship between demographic variables and predictor variables. The findings revealed that potential agri-preneurs are affected by an array of inspiring factors in the decision-making process. Further, the results revealed that agri-preneurial spirit is inhibited by numerous challenges. In the shared view of respondents, there was a portmanteau of obstacles impeding the commencement of one’s own business. The results also showed that, in the self-realization variant, age (p < 0.035) and marital status (p < 0.033) were found to be correlated and statistically significant as an inspiration for setting up an agri-preneurship business, while the self-satisfaction variant specified marital status (p < 0.001) to be significant and to negatively (β −1.564) influence inspiration for agri-preneurship. In the independence variant category, two crucial variables, level of formal education (p < 0.005) and farm experience (p < 0.007), were found to be correlated and statistically significant in determining agri-preneurial decisions. This study has several policy propositions: the government and allied stakeholders must consider the motives that inspire potential investors in agriculture. The government must also oversee the reasons for young and old agri-preneurs leaving agri-businesses because of failure. This study underscores the need to subjectively analyze agri-preneurial inspiring factors and obstacles to performance. The contributions of agri-preneurial businesses to economic growth and poverty alleviation justify the need for a concerted effort to motivate potential investors. Another pertinent contribution of the study is highlighting the obstacles of agri-preneurs to enable the government to support and prepare responsive, innovative, and resilient agri-preneurs in South Africa. This paper recommends that starting up one’s own agri-preneurial business is a good idea for abating hunger and unemployment. Full article

With sustainability becoming the new norm, the discussion about followers’ attitudes towards sustainability-oriented leadership is growing globally. Therefore, this study investigates the extent to which employees’ industry and sector background influence their perception of the ideal leader in relation to preferred sustainability orientation. This study also examines preferred sustainability leadership values and the role of culturally endorsed leadership in this process. Using the Preferred Sustainability Leadership Orientation (PSLO) survey, we gathered and analyzed data from 11 countries and 11 industry backgrounds (n = 5530). Our findings show that there is a statistical significance in followers’ valuing a leader with a high sustainability orientation most. Moreover, our results indicate that respondents working in public administration organizations value a leader with a strong sustainability orientation in addition to environmental and equality goals. While respondents associated with agriculture and real estate do not seem to place so much value on an ideal leader focusing on gender equality, in industries such as finance, manufacturing, and real estate, followers seem to value a leader with a stronger focus on profit and less emphasis on promoting gender equality. This research offers implications for the development of the PSLO (preferred sustainable leadership orientation) as a useful sustainability leadership barometer tool for measuring an organization’s sustainability culture and suggests avenues for future research. Full article

This study investigates the fundamental role of collaboration in promoting a culture of continuous innovation in companies, driving them to become serial innovators, as evidenced by their industrial property registrations. Furthermore, it explores, in an innovative way, how various factors, such as the level of technological advancement in the sector, government support for innovation, investments in research and development, the degree of international involvement, and the level of education of employees, influence the probability of a company achieving the status of serial innovator. Based on data extracted from CIS reports spanning from 2012 to 2018, this research employs Logit models to explore the relationship between these variables. The findings clarify the positive impact of collaboration on a company’s ability to sustain innovation over time, thereby establishing itself as a serial innovator. The promotion of collaborative networks and partnerships with external entities, such as partner companies, research institutions, and government organizations, emerges as a powerful strategy for promoting innovation in organizational contexts. Furthermore, the study reveals the critical roles played by public support for innovation, the educational level of the workforce, and investments in R&D in increasing companies’ innovation capabilities. These factors contribute to increasing a company’s propensity for innovation and increasing its likelihood to become a serial innovator. A qualified and educated workforce is known to have the skills and knowledge required to actively engage in innovative activities, thus positioning companies as serial innovators. Full article

Society in general, and markets in particular, are increasingly sensitive to principles linked to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. The literature is prolific in this vein—providing a broad range of research covering the terms’ meaning, implementation processes, drivers and brakes and the impact on variables of interest for business management. Far fewer studies, however, address these phenomena in the context of emerging economies. In response to the growing interest in developing countries in terms of the population and market, this study aims to deepen the vision of large-firm managers in an emerging LATAM economy—namely, Peru—while providing insights into the potential impact of a number of different cross-cultural traits. To this end, we opted for a grounded theory-based approach. Data were collected by way of nine semi-structured interviews with managers at the same number of Peruvian firms. Our findings both coincide with and differ from the extant CSR literature in terms of signification, implementation and intensity, perceived benefits and consumer behavior. Key theoretical and practical implications of our research are discussed in the final section. Full article

Globalization has led to a geographical concentration of economic activities, known as territorialized networks of organizations, especially technopoles. That is why the knowledge process takes on new dimensions and requires a multidimensional and dynamic approach. This study aims to analyze factors of knowledge production dynamics in technopoles based on a conceptual model that is elaborated based on the literature review and tested in a technopole’s environment, knowledge creation, knowledge transfer, and knowledge utilization processes. We used partial least squares structural equation modeling confirmatory composite analysis techniques to test the validity and reliability of the model. The technopole actors’ heterogeneous nature allowed us to use a stratified sampling technique. The data were collected from 303 respondents from four technopoles in Morocco. Our findings indicate the existence of a strong influence of the factors presented in the research model on knowledge production dynamics in technopoles. Moreover, the technopole actors’ contribution to the creation, transfer, and utilization of knowledge is more likely to be effective in increasing knowledge production dynamics within the network. The technopoles are likely to be more successful in regions that have the properties of a large, diversified, and well-established metropolitan economy, a robust research base, and an entrepreneurial culture where stakeholders are actively engaged. Our study is the first to analyze the dynamics of knowledge production in Moroccan territorialized networks of organizations (i.e., technopoles). This study provides insights to managers in formulating efficient knowledge production strategies in technopoles and offers suggestions at three levels: actors of technopoles, technopoles, and regional actors. Full article

Environmental aspects are considered a specific process that requires a multidisciplinary analysis, as the application of indicators in organizations stems from effective performance management; the tourism sector is no exception. In 2015, the United Nations formulated 17 sustainable development goals to contribute to a common vision for people and the planet. The main objective of this study is to propose a framework of science-based environmental sustainability indicators for the hospitality industry, which can be used by hotel managers to improve the efficiency of sustainable management of tourism destinations. This study used a mixed methodology of systematic review and content analysis, which is an innovative methodological approach; an in-depth analysis of various scientific articles, consultancy firms’ websites, and technical books was carried out. The results categorized the environmental indicators into four domains: water, energy, waste, and emissions. After a framework was established with 24 environmental indicators, the most relevant were water consumption per guest, water consumption per occupied room, and energy consumption per square meter/foot. However, there were disparities in the use of indicators between the scientific literature, consultancy firms, and the technical books. In this way, there is a need to create stronger relationships between these sources for effective adoption by hoteliers, allowing for adequate environmental indicators with positive impacts on the tourism destination management. Full article

This research advances the field of digital government by developing and empirically validating a model for measuring the digital state of public administration, with a specific focus on Slovenia. Moving beyond traditional digital maturity models, our study introduces a holistic framework that integrates elements of technology, process, structure, people and organisational culture, enriched by dimensions of digital principles, good governance, and external environmental factors. This framework is grounded in an adaptation of Leavitt’s diamond model, tailored to capture the nuances of digitalisation in public administration. The empirical validation is conducted through a comprehensive questionnaire administered to Slovenian public administration organisations at both local and state levels. The results provide a nuanced understanding of the current digital state that extends beyond technological aspects, including process optimisation, organisational structure, people elements and culture dynamics, and insights into internal and external barriers to digitalisation as well as principles of good governance and digitalisation. The study’s results show that ministries in Slovenia generally possess a more advanced digital infrastructure than municipalities, particularly in various aspects of ICT development and integration. While Slovenia aspires to align with the EU digital strategy, it faces various challenges, particularly at the municipal level, in achieving coherent development of digital skills and policy implementation. The comprehensive approach allows for a more informed evaluation of digital transformation efforts, offering insights into areas of strength and opportunities for further development. The findings have significant implications for policymakers and stakeholders, highlighting critical areas for targeted improvement and strategic planning in the digitalisation of public administration. Full article

Within a construction project, the clients are categorized as private individuals, private companies, public institutions, etc. In this research, the private client is identified as a non-professional individual building owner and is involved in making decisions and solving problems for successful construction project performance. However, irrational decision-making and conflicts frequently occur with project delay and poor performance because the individual clients are normally non-professionals and lack the capacity to lead various stakeholders on the project. This study analyzes the effects of the project managerial competencies of the private individual clients on the construction performance. The client’s competencies were defined as ‘personal’, ‘social’, and ‘professional’ factors, and participation attitude and partnership were used as the mediating factors. The offline survey was conducted with 241 building owners in South Korea. The result indicates that personal and professional competencies had a positive effect on project performance, whereas social competency did not have an effect. Personal competency had the greatest effect on participation attitude and partnership. Social and professional competencies had a positive effect on partnership, not participation attitude. Hence, this shows that the personal competencies of the building owner as the end user of the project related to cognition, planning, and decision-making are important for project success. Full article

Organizational restructuring and technological developments have been associated with working for longer hours, assuming more responsibilities, and feeling more pressure to reach demanding work targets leading to work intensification. Guided by the framework of the JD Resources and stress-as-offense-to-self theory, the aim of the present study was to explore how work intensification decreases work engagement. We posit that illegitimate tasks and work–family conflict could play a mediator role between work intensification and work engagement. A total of 480 employees in Portugal completed an online survey. The results showed a negative correlation between work intensification, illegitimate tasks, and work–family conflict. Work identification can affect work engagement indirectly through two paths: the separate intermediary effect of illegitimate tasks or work–family conflict and the continuous mediating role of illegitimate tasks and work–family conflict. The results indicate that work intensification decreases work engagement through the role of illegitimate tasks and work–family conflict. This study contributes to the literature on the impacts of work intensification by considering the sequential mediating effect of illegitimate tasks and work–family conflict on work engagement. Although past research has claimed that work intensification negatively impacts work engagement, our results showed that illegitimate tasks and work–family conflict play a critical role in this process. Full article