Administrative Sciences

18 pages, 563 KB

Open AccessArticle

Toward a Deeper Understanding of Organizational Theory: An Organizational Performance Scale for Third-Sector Institutions in Latin America

by Ruth Alexandra Bejarano-Chalá, Elizabeth Emperatriz García-Salirrosas and Miluska Villar-Guevara

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15100378 - 26 Sep 2025

Abstract

Various corporate groups, such as third-sector institutions in Latin America, have shown increasing interest in evaluating organizational performance as a possible strategy for increasing their effectiveness and competitiveness. From this perspective, this study analyzes the psychometric properties of a scale that assesses organizational [...] Read more.

Various corporate groups, such as third-sector institutions in Latin America, have shown increasing interest in evaluating organizational performance as a possible strategy for increasing their effectiveness and competitiveness. From this perspective, this study analyzes the psychometric properties of a scale that assesses organizational performance in third-sector institutions in Latin America. The design was instrumental. The sample consisted of 355 workers from nine Latin American countries, recruited through non-probability sampling. A validity and reliability analysis of the scale confirmed the items and original factors. In this sense, the accessibility and use of a brief and useful tool for measuring organizational performance enriches knowledge about organizational theory by facilitating the comparison and validation of existing approaches or even by suggesting new dimensions that reflect the dynamic complexity of current organizations in Latin America. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating New Horizons in Organization Theory: Emerging Trends and Innovative Perspectives)

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27 pages, 1044 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship Between Occupational Stress, Burnout, and Perceived Performance: The Moderating Role of Work Regime

by Ana Conceoção and Ana Palma-Moreira

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15100377 - 26 Sep 2025

Abstract

Globalization, digital transformation, and organizational changes have led to significant transformations in the world of work, substantially increasing workloads, which can result in high levels of stress and burnout among employees. The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between [...] Read more.

Globalization, digital transformation, and organizational changes have led to significant transformations in the world of work, substantially increasing workloads, which can result in high levels of stress and burnout among employees. The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between occupational stress and perceived performance and whether this relationship was mediated by burnout. In addition, we sought to understand whether the work regime (in-person, hybrid, and remote) moderates the relationship between occupational stress and burnout. The sample for this study consisted of 325 participants working in organizations based in Portugal. The data collection procedure was non-probabilistic, intentional, and snowball-type. This is an exploratory, correlational, and cross-sectional study. The results indicate that only the dimension ‘stress with users’ has a negative and significant association with performance. On the other hand, the dimension ‘stress with career and remuneration’ has a positive and significant association with performance. The dimensions ‘stress with users’ and ‘stress with workload’ have a positive and significant association with performance. Only ‘stress with workload’ has a positive and significant association with exhaustion. Distancing has a total mediating effect on the relationship between stress with users and perceived performance. The work regime has a significant effect on distancing. The work regime moderates the relationship between ‘stress with working’ conditions and exhaustion. Given the current work regimes, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be concluded that, among the dimensions of occupational stress, the most critical is stress with working conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unleashing the Power: How Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning Drives Innovation)

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29 pages, 481 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Ethical Leadership on Employee Green Behaviors: A Study of Academic Institutions in the UAE

by Abdelaziz Abdalla Alowais and Abubakr Suliman

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15100376 - 25 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study explores the role of ethical leadership in fostering employee green behaviors (EGBs) within higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UAE. While environmental initiatives are increasingly being integrated into university operations, there has been limited empirical research examining how leadership styles influence [...] Read more.

This study explores the role of ethical leadership in fostering employee green behaviors (EGBs) within higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UAE. While environmental initiatives are increasingly being integrated into university operations, there has been limited empirical research examining how leadership styles influence pro-environmental behaviors among academic staff. Using a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, our study surveyed 105 HEI employees and conducted in-depth interviews with 6 of the participants. The quantitative findings reveal a moderate but significant positive correlation between ethical leadership (EL) and EGB (ρ = 0.314, p < 0.001). The reliability scores for both EL (α = 0.888) and EGB (α = 0.754) confirmed the internal consistency of the measurement items used. The qualitative insights support the theoretical foundation drawn from Social Learning, Value–Belief–Norm, and Environmental Stewardship Theories. Employees reported modeling their green behaviors on observable leadership actions aligning with their shared moral values. A key distinction emerged between authentic and performative green behaviors, with employees responding more positively to leaders who modeled consistency and sincerity. This study concludes that ethical leadership significantly influences the environmental culture in HEIs by embedding sustainability into daily practices and institutional values. This research addresses a regional and theoretical gap, contextualizing ethical leadership in the Middle Eastern academic setting and offering practical implications for leadership development, policy alignment, and sustainable cultural transformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Leadership)

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15 pages, 805 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Funding Options for Female Entrepreneurs in Rural Areas in South Africa

by Sonia Vorster and Sebonkile Cynthia Thaba

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15100375 - 23 Sep 2025

Abstract

Women entrepreneurs in rural South Africa face structural and socio-cultural barriers in accessing funding. This study investigated how existing financial structures and support programs influence the sustainability and growth of female-owned businesses in rural areas. Using bibliometric analysis and sentiment mapping with ATLAS.ti, [...] Read more.

Women entrepreneurs in rural South Africa face structural and socio-cultural barriers in accessing funding. This study investigated how existing financial structures and support programs influence the sustainability and growth of female-owned businesses in rural areas. Using bibliometric analysis and sentiment mapping with ATLAS.ti, 36 documents were analyzed from a screened pool of 613, focusing on keywords, titles, and abstracts. Results reveal that over 65% of documents reflect themes of discrimination and systemic financial exclusion. Findings show that while government initiatives and non-governmental organizations’ (NGOs) efforts (e.g., Department of Small Business Development (DSBD Women’s Development Business, (WDB) are making strides, challenges, such as collateral requirements, limited financial literacy, and infrastructure gaps, persist. The originality of this research lies in its hybrid methodological approach and the emphasis on rural-centric funding misalignments. The study contributes to policy dialogues by recommending tailored financial products co-designed with rural women, improved outreach programs, and integration of gender-sensitive financing mechanisms. It also lays a foundation for further empirical studies on institutional responses to female entrepreneurship in marginal communities. This study applied a novel hybrid method, combining bibliometric analysis with sentiment mapping using ATLAS.ti to uncover both systemic patterns and discursive trends. Its policy relevance lies in offering evidence-based recommendations that align with G20 strategies on gender equity and financial inclusion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship Development)

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21 pages, 578 KB

Open AccessArticle

Entrepreneurship Education, Role Models, and Risk-Taking Propensity as Predictors of Entrepreneurial Intention and Behaviour: Evidence from TVET and University Students in Gauteng, South Africa

by Nkosinathi Henry Mothibi and Mmakgabo Justice Malebana

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15100374 - 23 Sep 2025

Abstract

The extent to which entrepreneurship education and exposure to role models influence the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention, entrepreneurial intention, and subsequent entrepreneurial behaviour has yielded mixed results in prior research. Furthermore, limited attention has been given to the role of risk-taking propensity in [...] Read more.

The extent to which entrepreneurship education and exposure to role models influence the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention, entrepreneurial intention, and subsequent entrepreneurial behaviour has yielded mixed results in prior research. Furthermore, limited attention has been given to the role of risk-taking propensity in shaping attitude towards behaviour and perceived behavioural control within the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework. To address these gaps, this study investigates the influence of entrepreneurship education and role models on the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention, entrepreneurial intention, and entrepreneurial behaviour, drawing on the TPB. In addition, the study examines the effect of risk-taking propensity on both attitude towards behaviour and perceived behavioural control, the relationships between the TPB antecedents and entrepreneurial intention, as well as the direct effects of perceived behavioural control and entrepreneurial intention on entrepreneurial behaviour. Data were collected from 496 final-year diploma students enrolled at a University of Technology and a TVET College in Gauteng, South Africa, using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data and test the hypothesised relationships. The findings revealed that entrepreneurship education significantly influences all the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention but does not have a direct influence on entrepreneurial intention or behaviour. Role models had a significant positive effect on perceived behavioural control, subjective norms, and entrepreneurial behaviour, but no effect on attitude towards behaviour or entrepreneurial intention. Risk-taking propensity had a positive effect on both attitude towards behaviour and perceived behavioural control. Furthermore, attitude towards behaviour and perceived behavioural control significantly predicted entrepreneurial intention, while subjective norms did not. Both entrepreneurial intention and perceived behavioural control exerted a significant direct effect on entrepreneurial behaviour. This study highlights the critical role of entrepreneurship education, exposure to entrepreneurial role models, and risk-taking propensity as drivers of entrepreneurial intention and behaviour. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Female Entrepreneurship and Diversity—2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 1890 KB

Open AccessReview

Mapping Research Trends on Quality in Electronic Services: A Scoping Review

by Omar Yaakoubi, Yassir El Guenuni, Nisrine Srainy, Imane Iraqi and Omar Boubker

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090373 - 22 Sep 2025

Abstract

Since the 20th century, quality has become a major strategic concern for both researchers and organizations, serving as a lever for performance and a key factor of differentiation in an increasingly digital environment. However, despite the development of e-government services, the exploration and [...] Read more.

Since the 20th century, quality has become a major strategic concern for both researchers and organizations, serving as a lever for performance and a key factor of differentiation in an increasingly digital environment. However, despite the development of e-government services, the exploration and evaluation of their success, particularly concerning civil servants, remains limited. The implications suggest that for the success of such systems, governments must prioritize satisfaction and trust for the users in their technology strategies. This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, based on the PRISMA model, focusing on the relationship between quality and electronic services (e-services). Using the Scopus database, 626 articles were initially identified, of which 204 were selected following strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Covering the period from 2014 to 2024, the analysis highlights publication trends, journal distribution, author contributions, and keyword frequency. Special attention was given to 17 key publications, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the dynamics between perceived quality and the performance of e-services, using the VOSviewer tool. The findings reveal a strong interdependence between quality dimensions and the development of electronic services, particularly through technologies such as automation, intelligent interfaces, and interactive platforms. These elements play a crucial role in enhancing user experience, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Full article

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16 pages, 397 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Importance of Ethics in Organisations, Their Leaders, and Sustainability

by Rui Caldeira and Alfonso Infante-Moro

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090372 - 19 Sep 2025

Abstract

In modern organisations, ethical leadership has emerged as a key driver of sustainability, shaping both employee behaviour and long-term organisational performance. This study investigates the mechanisms through which ethical leadership fosters organisational sustainability, with a focus on the mediating role of organisational commitment. [...] Read more.

In modern organisations, ethical leadership has emerged as a key driver of sustainability, shaping both employee behaviour and long-term organisational performance. This study investigates the mechanisms through which ethical leadership fosters organisational sustainability, with a focus on the mediating role of organisational commitment. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted in mainland Portugal between January 2024 and January 2025 with a sample of 285 employees from medium and large companies (48% male, 52% female). Ethical leadership was measured with the 10-item Ethical Leadership Scale (α = 0.94), organisational commitment with a 7-item validated scale (α = 0.91), and organisational sustainability with a 12-item scale capturing ethical climate and voluntary pro-environmental behaviours (α = 0.93). Data were analysed using structural equation modelling with maximum likelihood estimation and bootstrapping. Results support the hypothesised model, showing that ethical leadership positively predicts organisational commitment (β = 0.62, SE = 0.07, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.48, 0.75]) and organisational sustainability indirectly through commitment (indirect effect β = 0.31, SE = 0.06, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.20, 0.43]). Direct effects of ethical leadership on sustainability were weaker and non-significant once the mediator was included, confirming the centrality of commitment. Model fit indices indicated strong adequacy (CFI = 0.962, TLI = 0.954, RMSEA = 0.048, SRMR = 0.041). Theoretically, the findings reinforce the integration of ethical leadership theory with sustainability research, clarifying the role of commitment as a mediating mechanism. Practically, the study suggests that fostering ethical leadership behaviours—fair decision-making, role modelling, and integrity—can strengthen employee commitment, which in turn drives sustainable organisational practices. This highlights the importance of leadership development programmes centred on ethics as a strategic lever for long-term sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Leadership and Employee Well-Being: Fostering a Healthy Work Environment)

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57 pages, 1307 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

From Brochures to Bytes: Destination Branding through Social, Mobile, and AI—A Systematic Narrative Review with Meta-Analysis

by Chryssoula Chatzigeorgiou, Evangelos Christou and Ioanna Simeli

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090371 - 19 Sep 2025

Abstract

Digital transformation has re-engineered tourism marketing and how destination branding competes for tourist attention, yet scholarship offers little systematic quantification of these changes. Drawing on 160 peer-reviewed studies published between 1990 and 2025, we combine grounded-theory thematic synthesis with a random-effect meta-analysis of [...] Read more.

Digital transformation has re-engineered tourism marketing and how destination branding competes for tourist attention, yet scholarship offers little systematic quantification of these changes. Drawing on 160 peer-reviewed studies published between 1990 and 2025, we combine grounded-theory thematic synthesis with a random-effect meta-analysis of 60 datasets to trace branding performance across five technological eras (pre-Internet and brochure era: to mid-1990s; Web 1.0: 1995–2004; Web 2.0: 2004–2013; mobile first: 2013–2020; AI-XR: 2020–2025). Results reveal three structural shifts: (i) dialogic engagement replaces one-way promotion, (ii) credibility migrates to user-generated content, and (iii) artificial intelligence–driven personalisation reconfigures relevance, while mobile and virtual reality marketing extend immersion. Meta-analytic estimates show the strongest gains for engagement intentions (g = 0.57), followed by brand awareness (g = 0.46) and image (g = 0.41). Other equity dimensions (attitudes, loyalty, perceived quality) also improved on average, but to a lesser degree. Visual, UGC-rich, and influencer posts on highly interactive platforms consistently outperform brochure-style content, while robustness checks (fail-safe N, funnel symmetry, leave-one-out) confirm stability. We conclude that digital tools amplify, rather than replace, co-creation, credibility, and context. By fusing historical narrative with statistical certainty, the study delivers a data-anchored roadmap for destination marketers, researchers, and policymakers preparing for the AI-mediated decade ahead. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Scrutiny in Tourism Destination Management)

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40 pages, 2178 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Mapping Gender Pay Disparities in Chinese Finance: A Systematic Literature and Bibliometric Review

by Yunhao He and Marcus V. Goncalves

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090370 - 18 Sep 2025

Abstract

Despite growing global concern, the gender pay gap (GPG) within China’s financial sector remains underexplored through systematic, data-driven approaches. This study presents one of the few, if not the only, systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analyses focused on the GPG in this [...] Read more.

Despite growing global concern, the gender pay gap (GPG) within China’s financial sector remains underexplored through systematic, data-driven approaches. This study presents one of the few, if not the only, systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analyses focused on the GPG in this context, aiming to map the intellectual landscape, thematic evolution, and policy relevance of the field. Peer-reviewed English-language articles published between 1975 and 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, enabling international benchmarking and citation mapping. A three-tiered screening protocol narrowed 209 initial records to 64 eligible studies. Bibliometric tools, including VOSviewer and R Bibliometrix, were applied to visualize co-authorship and co-citation networks. The analysis revealed three dominant research clusters—salary transparency, organizational barriers, and leadership gaps—while identifying emerging intersections with FinTech, ESG, and intersectionality frameworks. Despite these trends, the findings indicate limited citation influence, thematic fragmentation, and weak scholarly integration. While the exclusion of Chinese-language literature is a limitation, it is justified for comparative consistency. Overall, this study demonstrates how combining bibliometrics with policy analysis uncovers underexplored “invisible metrics” that sustain gender disparities. It provides a foundational evidence base for future academic inquiry and actionable reforms aligned with SDG 5 and ESG mandates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship Development)

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25 pages, 876 KB

Open AccessArticle

Redefining the Digital Frontier: Digital Leadership, AI, and Innovation Driving Next-Generation Tourism and Hospitality

by Abdullah Hamoud Ali Seraj, Ahmed Mohamed Hasanein, Bassam Samir Al-Romeedy and Mohammed N. Elziny

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090369 - 18 Sep 2025

Abstract

Despite the recognized importance of digital transformation, there remains a research gap regarding the specific mechanisms through which digital leadership enables organizations to translate digital strategies into sustainable outcomes. This study addresses this gap by examining the role of digital leadership (DL) as [...] Read more.

Despite the recognized importance of digital transformation, there remains a research gap regarding the specific mechanisms through which digital leadership enables organizations to translate digital strategies into sustainable outcomes. This study addresses this gap by examining the role of digital leadership (DL) as a critical driver of digital transformation (DT), while highlighting the mediating effects of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation (DI). Drawing on the Dynamic Capabilities Theory, we conceptualize DL as a sensing and seizing capability that mobilizes organizational resources to foster AI adoption and support DI, thereby achieving transformational resilience. Using a convenience sample of 346 employees from five-star hotels and class-A travel agencies in Greater Cairo, Egypt, data were analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that DL has a strong direct impact on DT and, more importantly, an indirect effect through enhancing AI productivity and enabling DI. This dual pathway advances theoretical understanding of how digital leadership shapes transformation processes and offers practical evidence for tourism and hospitality firms seeking to sustain competitiveness in dynamic market environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Era of Technology: Impacts and Implications of Digital and Artificial Intelligence Transformation on Organizations)

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21 pages, 790 KB

Open AccessArticle

WHO–WHAT–HOW: A Product Operating Model for Agile, Technology-Enabled Digital Transformation

by Raul Ionuț Riti, Claudiu Ioan Abrudan, Laura Bacali and Nicolae Bâlc

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090368 - 17 Sep 2025

Abstract

Organizations face rising market volatility, while legacy, plan-driven structures struggle to translate strategy into adaptive execution. Prior studies discuss product-centric operating models, yet typically treat decision rights, product definition, and technology-enabled execution separately. This paper introduces the WHO–WHAT–HOW framework, an authorial synthesis that [...] Read more.

Organizations face rising market volatility, while legacy, plan-driven structures struggle to translate strategy into adaptive execution. Prior studies discuss product-centric operating models, yet typically treat decision rights, product definition, and technology-enabled execution separately. This paper introduces the WHO–WHAT–HOW framework, an authorial synthesis that links decision boundaries (WHO), product scope and value hypotheses (WHAT), and workflow and technology routines (HOW) into a single, operational model. A triangulated design is employed, comprising a systematic document analysis of 62 sources published between 2018 and 2024, illustrative case studies of Amazon and Spotify, and a scenario-based organizational illustration that contrasts a baseline hierarchy with a WHO–WHAT–HOW configuration. Rather than constituting empirical validation, these elements serve as illustrative demonstrations of conceptual plausibility. Indicative composite indices, synthetically constructed from document-coded constructs and simulated rules, suggest improvements in decision speed, cycle time, and coordination; these indices are heuristic and non-inferential. The contribution is threefold: First, it provides a pragmatic five-step implementation roadmap. Then, we make the mechanisms concrete via a construct-to-rule mapping and three rule-based vignettes (incident pathway, value-hypothesis experiment, cross-team dependency), showing how WHO–WHAT–HOW compresses decision time, cycle time, and coordination without introducing new measurement programs. Finally, the composite indices remain heuristic and non-inferential. Limitations include reliance on secondary evidence and a scenario-based, non-empirical illustration; robust validation requires longitudinal, multi-sector primary data and testing in regulated or low-automation settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating the Challenges: Entrepreneurship and Leadership in the Modern Global Business Landscape)

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31 pages, 1505 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Decision-Making Framework for Public–Private Partnership Model Selection in the Space Sector: Policy and Market Dynamics Across Countries

by Marina Kawai and Shinya Hanaoka

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090367 - 16 Sep 2025

Abstract

The increasing complexity and commercialization of the global space sector have elevated the strategic role of public–private partnerships (PPPs). However, the criteria for selecting suitable PPP models remain underexplored, particularly regarding the influence of national policy and market environments. This study proposes a [...] Read more.

The increasing complexity and commercialization of the global space sector have elevated the strategic role of public–private partnerships (PPPs). However, the criteria for selecting suitable PPP models remain underexplored, particularly regarding the influence of national policy and market environments. This study proposes a decision-making framework that links six indicators—national strategic goals, government role preferences, regulatory structures, capital access, private-sector capabilities, and commercial demand—to four distinct PPP models in the space sector. Drawing on Eisenhardt’s multi-case theory-building methodology, this study analyzes PPP evolution in four countries representing mature, emerging, and nascent countries: the United States, Japan, India, and the United Arab Emirates. The cross-case analysis reveals that high-autonomy PPP models emerge only when institutional, financial, and market factors are systemically aligned. Divergence in PPP forms is driven not solely by technical capabilities but also by governance postures and regulatory designs. The findings contribute to addressing ongoing challenges related to policy reform and increasing private-sector involvement in the space sector by developing a practical decision-making tool for public and private-sector actors engaged in space governance. Specifically, the diagnostic framework enables stakeholders to assess national readiness and select appropriate PPP models. It also supports strategic planning by highlighting the reforms and capacity-building measures required for countries with nascent and emerging economies to transition from government-led missions to commercially integrated space ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Developments in Public Administration and Governance)

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38 pages, 971 KB

Open AccessArticle

Does It Matter? Experimental Evidence on the (Signaling) Effect of Gender-Specific Accelerator Programs on Access to Angel Capital

by Elfi M. Lange, Isabel Schulze and Karina Sopp

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090366 - 16 Sep 2025

Abstract

Despite the acknowledged importance of capital for start-up success, gender disparities persist when trying to raise funds from external sources, including angel investors, venture capitalists, and financial institutions. Many studies have shown that gender stereotypes are harmful and prevent women from gaining access [...] Read more.

Despite the acknowledged importance of capital for start-up success, gender disparities persist when trying to raise funds from external sources, including angel investors, venture capitalists, and financial institutions. Many studies have shown that gender stereotypes are harmful and prevent women from gaining access to resources, e.g., capital, distorting their start-up valuations, and influencing the resulting financing decisions. In recent years, gender-specific support measures have emerged that attempt to overcome gender inequalities in early-stage entrepreneurship, including gender-specific accelerator programs. However, there remains a lack of research on the effects of these gender-specific support programs. This study therefore investigates the influence of participating in gender-specific accelerator programs on access to angel capital, as a highly relevant source for the early financing of (women-founded) start-ups, considering signaling theory and its influence by the role congruity theory in an entrepreneurial context. A laboratory experiment involving 227 participants was conducted to explore these dynamics, reflecting perceptions of signals for angel investors. Overall, the findings suggest that gender-specific accelerator programs may positively influence perceived investment decisions by enhancing perceived team competence. Furthermore, investor gender moderates the perception of team competence. The signaling effect that (gender-specific) accelerators have on angel investors does not appear to be as great for men investors as it is for women investors. The findings contribute to signaling theory by understanding the impact of participation in (gender-specific) accelerator programs on the investment decision of angel investors while advocating for more inclusive approaches to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the start-up ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship Development)

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25 pages, 861 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Transformation of the State: A Multivariable Model Applied to the Public Sector in Lima, Peru

by Lorena Espina-Romero

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090365 - 15 Sep 2025

Abstract

Digital transformation has become a central strategy for modernizing the public sector. This study analyzes the relationships between digital competencies, digital literacy, change management, soft skills, technology adoption, digitization of the public function, digital public services, e-governance, the digital divide, digital transformation, and [...] Read more.

Digital transformation has become a central strategy for modernizing the public sector. This study analyzes the relationships between digital competencies, digital literacy, change management, soft skills, technology adoption, digitization of the public function, digital public services, e-governance, the digital divide, digital transformation, and state modernization in Peru. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was applied, using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling with data collected from 379 public servants in Metropolitan Lima. The results show that digital transformation and e-governance significantly influence state modernization. Digital competencies and digital literacy play an important role in facilitating technology adoption, while soft skills mediate the link between individual capacities and institutional processes. Digitization of the public function supports efficiency in administration and connects with the provision of digital public services, which in turn improves citizen access and trust. E-governance contributes to reducing the digital divide and reinforces the delivery of digital public services. The findings extend existing frameworks by integrating technological, organizational, and human dimensions into a single model. In practical terms, the study provides guidance for policymakers to strengthen digital competencies and literacy, implement structured change management programs, reinforce soft skills in civil service, advance the digitization of administrative functions, expand digital public services, and design inclusive policies to reduce the digital divide, thereby supporting sustainable state modernization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Sector Innovation: Strategies and Best Practices)

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21 pages, 623 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Expectation and Participation to Satisfaction: The Moderating Role of Perceived Government Responsiveness in Digital Government

by Hongjing Mo and Loo-See Beh

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090364 - 15 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study examines the mechanisms shaping citizen satisfaction in the context of digital government, taking Guangdong Province’s highly centralized “Yue Sheng Shi” platform as a case study. Building on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) framework, a structural model was tested with survey [...] Read more.

This study examines the mechanisms shaping citizen satisfaction in the context of digital government, taking Guangdong Province’s highly centralized “Yue Sheng Shi” platform as a case study. Building on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) framework, a structural model was tested with survey data from 647 respondents and variance-based structural equation modeling. The results indicate that digital service expectations and citizen participation both enhance perceptions of service quality, with participation showing the stronger influence. Higher perceived service quality leads to greater citizen satisfaction, while government responsiveness strengthens this relationship. These research findings enrich the theoretical understanding of how satisfaction with e-government services is formed and extend the application of the ACSI framework to the Chinese digital governance context, while offering practical implications for governments on managing expectations, promoting citizen participation, and enhancing responsiveness in building citizen-centered digital platforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends in Digital Government)

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16 pages, 405 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sexual Appeals in Advertising: The Role of Nudity, Model Gender, and Consumer Response

by Aníta Karen Sigurðardóttir, Vaka Vésteinsdóttir and Haukur Freyr Gylfason

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090363 - 15 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study examines whether sexual appeals, specifically nudity (body coverage) and model gender, shape consumer responses to advertising. Guided by the Elaboration Likelihood Model, we test whether these factors operate as peripheral cues when argument strength is minimal (fragrance advertising). In a 3 [...] Read more.

This study examines whether sexual appeals, specifically nudity (body coverage) and model gender, shape consumer responses to advertising. Guided by the Elaboration Likelihood Model, we test whether these factors operate as peripheral cues when argument strength is minimal (fragrance advertising). In a 3 (model gender: male, female, both) × 2 (clothing: swimwear vs. outdoor wear) between-subjects experiment (n = 195), participants viewed one of six real advertisements from the same luxury fragrance brand featuring the same professional models. Nudity level did not affect attitudes toward the ad, brand attitude, or purchase intention. By contrast, ads depicting both a male and a female model produced small but reliable omnibus improvements in brand attitude and purchase intention relative to single-model ads; attitudes toward the ad were unaffected. Mediation tests indicated that these differences were not explained by attitude toward the ad or brand attitude, consistent with peripheral-cue processes rather than the classic ad → brand attitude sequence. Practically, the results challenge the assumption that “more nudity” is persuasive and suggest that, in low-argument contexts, gender-balanced model composition can be a modest, context-dependent cue. Advertisers should prioritize brand/category fit, pretest in the intended media environment (and locale), and expect incremental rather than large effects. Full article

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20 pages, 1277 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Business-Driven ESG Strategy: A Case Study of Hansol Paper in South Korea

by Beomjun Kim and Young-Hee Ko

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090362 - 13 Sep 2025

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to analyze whether ESG strategies can be utilized as sustainable strategies with practical necessity and effectiveness in solving problems within a realistic business environment. To this end, through an in-depth case analysis of Hansol Paper, South Korea’s leading [...] Read more.

In this study, we aimed to analyze whether ESG strategies can be utilized as sustainable strategies with practical necessity and effectiveness in solving problems within a realistic business environment. To this end, through an in-depth case analysis of Hansol Paper, South Korea’s leading paper company and a global paper manufacturer, we explored the conditions and processes under which ESG strategies can be implemented as practical problem-solving and sustainable strategies within the business environment. Hansol Paper addressed specific business crises such as supply chain instability, rising energy costs and declining paper demand by integrating ESG strategies, through which the company achieved results in problem-solving and innovation within the business value chain, building trust with external stakeholders and achieving high ESG performance. The foundation for the integration of ESG and business strategies and their sustained implementation was established through enhanced professionalism and transparency within the company’s governance structure, including an increase in the number of external directors and female executives. This study presents the processes and conditions under which ESG strategies are designed and implemented with the purpose of actively addressing business challenges, using Hansol Paper as an in-depth case study. Our findings are expected to contribute to the academic and practical development of strategies that can enable companies to adapt to changes in industrial structures and business environments. Full article

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27 pages, 2676 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research Performance on the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the EU27 (2019–2023)

by Emese Belényesi and Péter Sasvári

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090361 - 12 Sep 2025

Abstract

The increasing urgency of global sustainability challenges has elevated the role of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as benchmarks for both academic research and policy development. Within the European Union, measuring how national research systems contribute to SDG-related knowledge is critical [...] Read more.

The increasing urgency of global sustainability challenges has elevated the role of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as benchmarks for both academic research and policy development. Within the European Union, measuring how national research systems contribute to SDG-related knowledge is critical for guiding evidence-based policymaking and evaluating progress toward the 2030 Agenda. Since the adoption of the UN 2030 Agenda, research related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has expanded significantly, reflecting their central role in guiding both global and European science policy. Despite this growing attention, systematic comparative evidence on how EU27 countries contribute to SDG-related knowledge production remains limited. This study provides a bibliometric analysis of research related to the SDGs across EU27 countries between 2019 and 2023. Drawing on data from Elsevier’s Scopus and SciVal platforms, we examine publication volume, relative share (RS), citation impact (FWCI), growth dynamics (CAGR), and thematic distributions. The dataset includes all document types associated with SDG1–SDG16. Germany, Italy, and France lead in absolute publication output, while smaller member states such as Cyprus, Malta, and Luxembourg display disproportionately high RS values. Health-related research (SDG3) dominates, followed by SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), whereas socially oriented goals (SDG2 and SDG5) remain underrepresented. Hierarchical cluster analysis, validated through silhouette and agglomeration tests, identifies three groups of countries: (1) high-output, high-impact Northern and Western leaders; (2) diversified performers with balanced portfolios; and (3) emerging contributors from Eastern and Southern Europe. Explanatory analyses link bibliometric outcomes to contextual variables, showing strong correlations with Horizon Europe funding per capita and international collaboration, and moderate associations with GDP per capita and GERD. Institutional-level findings highlight the prominence of leading universities and research institutes, particularly in health sciences. The study introduces a robust cluster-based typology and a multidimensional framework that connects bibliometric performance with economic capacity, research investment, EU funding participation, and collaboration intensity. Policy recommendations are proposed to strengthen thematic balance, improve equitable participation in EU research programs, and foster international cooperation across the European Research Area. Full article

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21 pages, 2139 KB

Open AccessArticle

Technology and Export Two-Way Link: Firm-Level Multidimensional Technology Adoption and Utilization

by Andi Susanto, Arif Imam Suroso, Hermanto Siregar and Harianto

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090360 - 12 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between multidimensional technology adoption and utilization with exports, focusing on textile and clothing firms in Indonesia. Grounded by self-selection and learning-by-exporting hypotheses, this study uses binomial probit and ordinary least squares (OLS) models with data from 376 firms [...] Read more.

This study explores the relationship between multidimensional technology adoption and utilization with exports, focusing on textile and clothing firms in Indonesia. Grounded by self-selection and learning-by-exporting hypotheses, this study uses binomial probit and ordinary least squares (OLS) models with data from 376 firms to estimate a two-way link between a granular technology index, export propensity, and export intensity. The findings show that firms adopting and utilizing advanced technology effectively in administrative and production functions are more likely to self-select into exporting. Upon entering export markets, firms significantly increased their adoption and utilization of technologies, primarily in production functions. However, as export intensity increased, production technology upgrading increased slowly, while administrative technology adoption and use decreased. These results provide nuanced insights into how technology evolves across different stages of export activity and underscore targeted technology upgrading programs that address acquisition or routine utilization in every export activity to foster competitiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

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