Administrative Sciences

45 pages, 3469 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Public Policy in Advancing Social Innovation and Inclusion: EU and Romania’s Comparison

by Rodica Pripoaie, Anca-Gabriela Turtureanu, Riana Iren Radu, Andreea-Elena Matic, George-Cristian Schin, Camelia-Mădălina Beldiman and Gabriela-Cristina Pătrașcu

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110443 - 13 Nov 2025

Abstract

Our study analyzes the essential role of social innovation in reducing social exclusion and unemployment while improving citizens’ well-being through targeted public policies that enhance GDP allocations to social protection. Using Eurostat data and European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) from 2019 to 2020, a [...] Read more.

Our study analyzes the essential role of social innovation in reducing social exclusion and unemployment while improving citizens’ well-being through targeted public policies that enhance GDP allocations to social protection. Using Eurostat data and European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) from 2019 to 2020, a comparative econometric analysis of all 27 EU member states, focused particularly on Romania, examines the interdependence between social innovation, social protection expenditures, social exclusion, and unemployment rates. Regression and ANOVA models confirm a significant positive relationship between social innovation and social protection spending. However, Romania’s overall share of social protection in GDP remains well below the EU average, despite higher relative spending on health, pensions, and family support, reflecting structural limitations and a slower diffusion of innovative practices. As an exploratory effort, the study acknowledges possible distortions caused by the pandemic, which temporarily increased expenditures and altered long-term trends. Broader macroeconomic factors such as inflation, demographics, and technology were not included but may refine future analyses. The findings provide both theoretical and practical insights, suggesting that enhancing social innovation through public policy can strengthen social cohesion, improve quality of life, and support the sustainable development of national protection systems. Full article

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14 pages, 10290 KB

Open AccessArticle

Automatic Substitution of Prioritization Methods Preserving Information Integrity

by Joao Batista Mendes, Renato Dourado Maia, Marcos Flávio Silveira Vasconcelos D’Angelo, Iara Sibele Silva, Petr Y. Ekel and Matheus Pereira Libório

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 442; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110442 - 13 Nov 2025

Abstract

Companies face multi-criteria problems every day, such as prioritizing projects, investments, and suppliers. In this respect, the literature offers countless methods, some of which provide partial and flawed solutions. Therefore, identifying and replacing a flawed method with a more efficient one is fundamental. [...] Read more.

Companies face multi-criteria problems every day, such as prioritizing projects, investments, and suppliers. In this respect, the literature offers countless methods, some of which provide partial and flawed solutions. Therefore, identifying and replacing a flawed method with a more efficient one is fundamental. However, this replacement is not straightforward because each method has a different evaluation structure. More specifically, in this study, the Mapping method uses scoring evaluations, whereas the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) uses pairwise comparisons. In other words, scoring evaluations are incompatible with pairwise comparison evaluations. This incompatibility prevents one method from being replaced by another without loss of information. This is a significant gap because the re-evaluation process is expensive, time-consuming, and may even be impossible if the experts are no longer available. This study presents a novel approach to automatically substitute prioritization methods without loss of information. The approach was applied to a real-world case involving forty-four Brazilian companies. The specific case shows the prioritization of four projects evaluated by scores, combined with three new projects evaluated by pairwise comparisons. The application of the approach offers specific and general contributions. For example, substituting prioritization methods without loss of information, such as the Mapping method with AHP. Flexibility in choosing the evaluation method that offers greater psychological comfort to the experts. Obtaining transitive pairwise comparison matrices independently of the number of new projects evaluated. Full article

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14 pages, 227 KB

Open AccessArticle

Agents in the Alps: The Functions and Impacts of Orchestrator Platforms in the Mountains

by Matteo Landoni

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110441 - 13 Nov 2025

Abstract

This article integrates diverse strands of theory and empirical research to combine views on economic complexity and entrepreneurial ecosystems in the context of mountain regions, focusing on the role of orchestrator platforms in shaping innovation and growth. Mountains are often marginal, dispersed, and [...] Read more.

This article integrates diverse strands of theory and empirical research to combine views on economic complexity and entrepreneurial ecosystems in the context of mountain regions, focusing on the role of orchestrator platforms in shaping innovation and growth. Mountains are often marginal, dispersed, and loosely integrated areas that suffer from scarce opportunities for resource combination and interaction at the basis of the innovative process. The research relies on the case study of the European Alps, combining multiple sources of data—surveys, interviews, and ethnographic studies—to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the mountain ecosystems. Orchestrator platforms emerged as the central actors in the innovative network that overcomes the difficulties and constraints of the mountains. The article provides a comprehensive perspective on how economic complexity can drive development in mountain regions, offering both theoretical and practical contributions to the broader discourse on entrepreneurship and regional growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalyzing Growth: Nurturing Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Business Development)

19 pages, 702 KB

Open AccessArticle

Personalization, Trust, and Identity in AI-Based Marketing: An Empirical Study of Consumer Acceptance in Greece

by Vasiliki Markou, Panagiotis Serdaris, Ioannis Antoniadis and Konstantinos Spinthiropoulos

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110440 - 12 Nov 2025

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in marketing to deliver personalized messages and services. Although such tools create new opportunities, their acceptance by consumers depends on several factors that go beyond technology itself. This study examines how trust and ethical perceptions, familiarity and [...] Read more.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in marketing to deliver personalized messages and services. Although such tools create new opportunities, their acceptance by consumers depends on several factors that go beyond technology itself. This study examines how trust and ethical perceptions, familiarity and exposure to AI, digital consumer behavior, and identity concerns shape acceptance of AI-based personalized advertising. The analysis draws on data from 650 Greek consumers, collected through a mixed-mode survey (online and paper), and tested using logistic regression models with demographic characteristics included as controls. The results show trust and ethical perceptions of acceptance as factors, while familiarity with AI tools also supports positive attitudes once trust is established. In contrast, digital consumer behavior played a smaller role, and identity-related consumption was negatively associated with acceptance, reflecting concerns about autonomy and self-expression. Demographic factors, such as age and income, also influenced responses. Overall, the findings suggest that acceptance of AI in marketing is not only a technical matter but also a psychological and social process. This study highlights the importance for firms to build trust, act responsibly, and design personalization strategies that respect consumer identity and ethical expectations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Challenges and Future Trends of Digital and Sustainable Marketing and Consumer Choices)

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29 pages, 1887 KB

Open AccessArticle

Remote Work and Job Satisfaction: A Decade of Insights Through a Bibliometric Lens

by Slim Belaid, Nour Ben Guedria and Houssein Ballouk

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110439 - 12 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study analyzes the relationship between remote work and job satisfaction from a bibliometric perspective. Remote work has grown in popularity, especially due to global trends accelerated by the pandemic, which impacts employee safety, wellbeing, and satisfaction. Based on 199 articles indexed in [...] Read more.

This study analyzes the relationship between remote work and job satisfaction from a bibliometric perspective. Remote work has grown in popularity, especially due to global trends accelerated by the pandemic, which impacts employee safety, wellbeing, and satisfaction. Based on 199 articles indexed in Scopus from 2014 to 2024, we identified a steady growth of this topic, with significant increases between 2021 and 2023. Global collaboration analysis indicates that the United States, India, and the United Kingdom are at the forefront of research and should work towards bridging knowledge across the Global North and South. We identify factors related to the satisfaction of remote workers (balance between on-site and off-site work, autonomy, flexibility, social isolation, gender differences). A keyword co-occurrence analysis was conducted to identify topical coverage and was complemented by clustering highly cited studies. We examine differences between the public and private sectors and suggest research paths to better understand the implications of remote work for job satisfaction in different organizational contexts. Full article

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4 pages, 184 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Development of Human Resource Management Due to Technological, Social, and Legal Changes: Editorial for the Special Issue “New Challenges and Directions in the Development of Human Resource Management”

by Augustin Starecek, Zdenka Gyurak Babelova and Natalia Vranakova

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110438 - 12 Nov 2025

Abstract

Human Resource Management (HRM) is evolving rapidly due to various challenges and opportunities [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges and Directions in the Development of Human Resource Management)

12 pages, 391 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Contemporary Trends in University Administration with the Integration of Digital/New Technologies

by Sotiria Panagiota Souli and Christos Pierrakeas

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110437 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study conducts a systematic scoping review to explore how universities are integrating digital and emerging technologies into administrative processes. Following the PRISMA-ScR methodology, we systematically searched four major databases—Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar—for peer-reviewed publications between 2019 and [...] Read more.

This study conducts a systematic scoping review to explore how universities are integrating digital and emerging technologies into administrative processes. Following the PRISMA-ScR methodology, we systematically searched four major databases—Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar—for peer-reviewed publications between 2019 and 2024. Fifty-two studies met the inclusion criteria after rigorous screening and quality assessment using the CASP and JBI checklists. The originality of this review lies in synthesizing cross-disciplinary perspectives—encompassing digital marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), learning management systems (LMSs), open data, and collaborative digital tools—into a unified framework of administrative innovation. Findings reveal that digital marketing strategies enhance student engagement and institutional visibility, AI improves efficiency and decision-making, LMSs streamline academic and administrative coordination, and open data initiatives promote transparency but encounter legal and cultural resistance. Despite the potential of these technologies, persistent challenges include data privacy concerns, uneven digital infrastructure, and limited institutional readiness. This review contributes to the literature by mapping the intersection of technological innovation and university governance, identifying research gaps, and outlining directions for sustainable digital transformation in higher education. Full article

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42 pages, 503 KB

Open AccessArticle

DigStratCon: A Digital or Technology Strategy Framework

by Will Serrano

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110436 - 10 Nov 2025

Abstract

Digital or Technology strategies are the first step of the Digital Transformation. The main risk is that information and assessments not included in the strategy and left to be confirmed and managed at later stages have the potential to negatively affect the successful [...] Read more.

Digital or Technology strategies are the first step of the Digital Transformation. The main risk is that information and assessments not included in the strategy and left to be confirmed and managed at later stages have the potential to negatively affect the successful implementation of the Digital Transformation, therefore negating sought-after business benefits. To mitigate this risk, this article proposes DigStratCon, a Digital or Technology strategy framework that generalises the Digital Transformation, detaching it from its specific functional application, such as marketing, products, Information Technology (IT), and Operational Technology (OT). Therefore, DigStratCon applies to any area within a government, organisation or infrastructure, including Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI). DigStratCon defines seven components within a Digital or Technology strategy, specifically (1) market research, (2) target state, (3) current state, (4) roadmap, (5) risks, (6) supply chain, and finally (7) enablers. A qualitative analysis of several United Kingdom (UK) government digital strategies assesses their completeness against the DigStratCon model. On average, UK digital strategies score 6/7 with an innovative and ambitious vision; however, they generally lack a common or standardised structure and wider international benchmark and alignment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Strategic Management)

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31 pages, 2459 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Digital Governance Maturity in the Context of Municipal Resilience: The Triadic Model, Its Dimensions and Interrelations

by Rita Toleikienė, Mindaugas Butkus, Ilona Bartuševičienė and Vita Juknevičienė

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110435 - 7 Nov 2025

Abstract

Different Digital Governance maturity models are established; however, limited research has examined their applicability at the local government level, particularly concerning the interrelations among dimensions such as Strategy, Employees, and Processes. Understanding these connections is vital for municipalities striving to enhance resilience through [...] Read more.

Different Digital Governance maturity models are established; however, limited research has examined their applicability at the local government level, particularly concerning the interrelations among dimensions such as Strategy, Employees, and Processes. Understanding these connections is vital for municipalities striving to enhance resilience through Digital Governance amidst uncertainties. This study aims to develop, justify, and empirically test a Triadic Model capturing the relationships among its dimensions, assessing Digital Governance maturity in local governments during crisis response. To achieve this, a quantitative survey was conducted across all 60 Lithuanian municipalities, and the collected data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to validate the factor structure and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the hypothesized relationships among variables and latent constructs. The findings reveal significant interrelations among the model’s dimensions in enhancing municipal resilience. Research proposes a comprehensive framework for assessing Digital Governance maturity at three levels—Digital Consistency, Digital Adaptation, and Digital Transformation—and examines their interactive influence during crises. The results highlight how the dimensions of the Triadic Model collectively reflect municipal responses, emphasizing the importance of an integrated, staged approach to digitalization. This validated framework advances understanding of Digital Governance in local authorities and underscores the relevance of interrelated key dimensions for fostering resilience in uncertain contexts. In addition to model validation, the study also explores practical variations in Digital Governance maturity among Lithuanian municipalities, demonstrating the model’s applicability as a diagnostic tool for local governments. Full article

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

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33 pages, 654 KB

Open AccessArticle

Measuring Customer Experience in E-Retail

by Paulo Botelho Pires, Beatriz Martins Perestrelo and José Duarte Santos

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110434 - 7 Nov 2025

Abstract

In digital retail, where competition intensifies and customer expectations evolve rapidly, understanding the interplay among customer experience metrics is critical for strategic decision-making. Despite widespread adoption of feedback programmes, practitioners struggle to interpret how improvements in transactional ease, experiential quality, and satisfaction propagate [...] Read more.

In digital retail, where competition intensifies and customer expectations evolve rapidly, understanding the interplay among customer experience metrics is critical for strategic decision-making. Despite widespread adoption of feedback programmes, practitioners struggle to interpret how improvements in transactional ease, experiential quality, and satisfaction propagate across the customer journey to influence retention and growth. This study addresses this gap by examining the interrelations among Customer Effort Score (CES), Customer Experience (CX), Customer Satisfaction (CSAT), Customer Loyalty Index (CLI), and Net Promoter Score (NPS) within a unified framework. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey of recent online shoppers yielded 359 valid responses; the model was estimated with PLS-SEM. All hypothesised direct paths were positive and significant, evidencing a cascade from effort through experience and satisfaction to repurchase and recommendation intentions. Mediation analyses confirmed that CES and CX affect loyalty and advocacy indirectly via CSAT. Out-of-sample prediction validated predictive relevance. The study integrates transactional and relational indicators, establishes the empirical utility of single-item measures within PLS-SEM, and advances a portfolio view of CX metrics. Managerially, effort reduction and experience enhancement emerge as high-leverage interventions: improvements cascade through satisfaction to elevate loyalty and advocacy in digital retail. Full article

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35 pages, 964 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Gendered Entrepreneurial Cognition to Sustainable Performance: The Power of Women’s Entrepreneurial Capital in Emerging Economies

by Thamrin Tahir, Muhammad Hasan, Muhammad Ilyas Thamrin Tahir, Andi Tenri Ampa, Andi Caezar To Tadampali, Ratnah Suharto and Muhammad Ihsan Said Ahmad

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110433 - 5 Nov 2025

Abstract

Gender equality and sustainability remain critical global agendas emphasized in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015. Women entrepreneurs in emerging economies, despite facing structural constraints, hold strategic potential to advance inclusive and sustainable growth. Building on this context, the [...] Read more.

Gender equality and sustainability remain critical global agendas emphasized in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015. Women entrepreneurs in emerging economies, despite facing structural constraints, hold strategic potential to advance inclusive and sustainable growth. Building on this context, the present study develops and empirically tests an integrative framework that explains how gendered entrepreneurial cognition (GEC) influences sustainable performance (SP) through the mediating roles of women’s intellectual capital (WIC) and women’s social capital (WSC). A sequential explanatory mixed-method design was employed, combining survey data from 653 women entrepreneurs with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative results demonstrate that GEC significantly enhances WIC and WSC, which in turn strengthen SP, while the direct effect of GEC on SP is weaker. Qualitative insights reinforce these findings by revealing how women mobilize adaptive knowledge, experiential learning, and trust-based networks to achieve economic, social, and environmental objectives. Theoretically, this study advances an innovative multitheoretical integration of the resource-based view, knowledge-based view, and social capital theory, positioning GEC as a gendered cognitive microfoundation for the creation of intangible resources. Practically, the findings highlight that strengthening women’s entrepreneurial capital—represented by the synergy of WIC and WSC—is crucial for enhancing resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability among women-led SMEs in emerging economies. Overall, this study contributes novel evidence from Indonesia by demonstrating that women’s cognition, knowledge, and social networks operate as interconnected pathways toward sustainable entrepreneurial performance. Full article

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

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17 pages, 520 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Entrepreneurial Alertness to Commitment to Digital Startup Activities: A Mediation Model of Perceived Desirability, Feasibility, and Intentions

by Abrar F. Alhajri, Wassim J. Aloulou and Norah A. Althowaini

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110432 - 5 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study examines the transition from digital entrepreneurial alertness to digital startup intent in connection with perceived desirability, feasibility, and intentions. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the entrepreneurial event/potential model (EPM) form the foundation for a mediation model, which is examined [...] Read more.

This study examines the transition from digital entrepreneurial alertness to digital startup intent in connection with perceived desirability, feasibility, and intentions. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the entrepreneurial event/potential model (EPM) form the foundation for a mediation model, which is examined by structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS on data gathered from 571 Saudi youth engaged in digital entrepreneurship. The results show that digital entrepreneurial alertness has a strong predictive power in relation to intent to start digital ventures, and that this is partly mediated by perceived desirability and feasibility. Intentions, however, fully mediate the relationship between alertness, desirability, feasibility, and actual digital entrepreneurial behavior. This study adds to digital entrepreneurship scholarship by de-mystifying the thought processes bridging opportunity recognition and action, particularly in emerging economies. This study validates the EPM framework and confirms its applicability to include digital entrepreneurial alertness (DEA) as a key antecedent of digital entrepreneurial intentions (DEI) and other factors. This study also highlights the theoretical relevance of the EPM by illustrating its utility in understanding youth decisions to pursue digital entrepreneurship, particularly in transitional countries such as Saudi Arabia. Policymakers and educators in Saudi Arabia should promote attention and amplify desirability/feasibility perceptions to stimulate youth engagement in digital ventures. This work highlights intentions as the determinative gateway between entrepreneurial cognition and concrete digital startup success. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Moving from Entrepreneurial Intention to Behavior)

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14 pages, 531 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dual Pathways to Subjective Well-Being in Japanese Employees: Transformational Leadership and Trait Intrinsic Motivation

by Masao Saruhashi, Runjie Li and Noriyuki Kida

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110431 - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study examines employees’ subjective well-being (SWB) in large Japanese corporations using a single covariance-based SEM that integrates two sources of motivation: leadership and individual dispositions. We simultaneously test the indirect effects of transformational leadership (TFL) on SWB via three workplace resources—organizational esteem/recognition [...] Read more.

This study examines employees’ subjective well-being (SWB) in large Japanese corporations using a single covariance-based SEM that integrates two sources of motivation: leadership and individual dispositions. We simultaneously test the indirect effects of transformational leadership (TFL) on SWB via three workplace resources—organizational esteem/recognition (OEM), decision-making discretion (DM), and workplace intrinsic motivation/meaning (WPIM)—and the direct effects of trait-level intrinsic motivation (TLIM). Survey data from 600 employees indicated good model fit. Mediation via OEM and DM (but not WPIM) was supported. Higher TLIM was associated with higher SWB even after accounting for leadership and mediators; TLIM was also positively related to OEM, DM, and WPIM. WPIM was negatively related to SWB, consistent with a suppression effect under concurrent controls. Practically, recognition and discretion are actionable levers, with OEM exerting larger effects than DM. Overall, leadership acts indirectly through resources, whereas dispositions act directly. Future work should employ longitudinal and multilevel designs to establish causal generalizability. Full article

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23 pages, 291 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transforming Social Assistance into Entrepreneurial Empowerment: UMi as a Public Sector Innovation in Indonesia

by Nisa Novia Avien Christy, Syahrir Ika, I Ketut Ardana, Radna Andi Wibowo, Prameshwara Anggahegari, Lokot Zein Nasution, Darwin, Suryaneta, Juni Hestina and Roosganda Elizabeth

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110430 - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

The Ultra-Micro (UMi) financing program represents a significant public sector innovation in Indonesia’s approach to poverty alleviation and financial inclusion. Initially conceived as a social assistance initiative, UMi has evolved into a strategic government intervention designed to transform impoverished individuals into entrepreneurs. This [...] Read more.

The Ultra-Micro (UMi) financing program represents a significant public sector innovation in Indonesia’s approach to poverty alleviation and financial inclusion. Initially conceived as a social assistance initiative, UMi has evolved into a strategic government intervention designed to transform impoverished individuals into entrepreneurs. This shift reflects a policy innovation that redefines the role of the state from passive welfare provider to active enabler of economic participation. Despite ambitious goals, its implementation and impact face scrutiny. This study employed an exploratory qualitative approach through individual interviews with elite participants and debtors of UMi. The data used triangulation from documentation, observation, and in-depth interviews with key informants, selected through purposive sampling. Findings indicate that the program’s implementation—anchored in government regulations and executed through non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs)—demonstrates innovative service delivery. In this study, UMi exemplifies how public sector innovation—through policy reform, institutional collaboration, and community engagement—can drive inclusive economic growth. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars seeking to advance financial inclusion and sustainable economic development. Full article

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

31 pages, 3077 KB

Open AccessArticle

Six-Dimensional Collaboration Innovative Training and Practice for Interdisciplinary Outstanding Graduate Students Based on Employment-Driven Approach

by Wei Li, Weiyu Liu, Changhao Yang and Yukun Ren

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110429 - 3 Nov 2025

Abstract

This paper addresses the core issue of the imbalance between supply and demand for high-level medical–engineering integration talents under the “Healthy China” strategy in the AI+ era. Based on human capital theory and innovation capital theory, it constructs a six-dimensional collaborative theoretical model [...] Read more.

This paper addresses the core issue of the imbalance between supply and demand for high-level medical–engineering integration talents under the “Healthy China” strategy in the AI+ era. Based on human capital theory and innovation capital theory, it constructs a six-dimensional collaborative theoretical model for the cultivation of medical–engineering integration postgraduates, driven by high-quality employment and guided by innovative financial capital. This model breaks through the disciplinary barriers and institutional constraints of traditional postgraduate education and for the first time creates a knowledge graph curriculum system for medical–engineering interdisciplinary studies. It also establishes a multi-dimensional evaluation index system that integrates the appreciation of innovation capital and the premium of human capital. Through the case of the six-dimensional collaborative research and development and transformation of intelligent medical equipment by our research group, the feasibility and promotion value of this new paradigm for future postgraduate education have been fully verified. Full article

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21 pages, 319 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reconsidering Bad Leadership and Bad Theory to Improve Research

by Richard Arend and Jie Li

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110428 - 2 Nov 2025

Abstract

Given the continued existence, personal success, and organizational damage of ‘bad’ leadership (e.g., with Bankman-Fried, Lay, Welch, Stonecipher), how do we—in academia—do more good than harm in studying and informing others about it? We address that question to improve leadership research more generally. [...] Read more.

Given the continued existence, personal success, and organizational damage of ‘bad’ leadership (e.g., with Bankman-Fried, Lay, Welch, Stonecipher), how do we—in academia—do more good than harm in studying and informing others about it? We address that question to improve leadership research more generally. We do so through a dialectic inquiry approach where we join current conversations about teaching and research related to the private benefits and the public costs produced by ‘bad’ leadership. As part of the dialectic, we offer a new model of the phenomenon—where ‘bad’ behaviors can be used to win a contest for leadership where the leader can then act badly or not. Furthermore, we inquire as to the efficacy of how the literature diagnoses ‘bad’ leadership (at either stage), suggests treatments, and attempts to impact practice. We ground our inquiry in two foundational definitions of ‘bad’-ness—one based on psychology’s dark triad, and one based on economics’ self-interest-seeking with guile agent. We critique a relevant, representative set of recent examples to make our points about the significant issues involved in the three elements, across two stages and two definitions. This antithesis-like critique provides the grounds for a set of synthesizing recommendations to improve leadership studies, in light of practical (and often unnecessarily self-imposed) constraints. Full article

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

20 pages, 1472 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

From Safety to Sharing: A Bibliometric Mapping of Psychological Safety, Knowledge Management, and Organizational Learning

by Paula Figueiredo, Rosa Rodrigues and Ana Diogo

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110427 - 31 Oct 2025

Abstract

Psychological safety (PS), knowledge management (KM), and organizational learning (OL) are increasingly recognized as critical foundations for resilient, adaptive, and innovative organizations. However, the connections among these constructs remain fragmented in the literature, making bibliometric mapping an essential step to consolidate knowledge in [...] Read more.

Psychological safety (PS), knowledge management (KM), and organizational learning (OL) are increasingly recognized as critical foundations for resilient, adaptive, and innovative organizations. However, the connections among these constructs remain fragmented in the literature, making bibliometric mapping an essential step to consolidate knowledge in this domain. This study analyzes the relationships between PS, KM, and OL, identifying thematic patterns and theoretical contributions that support the integration of these constructs into organizational cultures. Drawing from empirical literature indexed in Web of Science (WoS) (2000–2025), we applied the SPIDER framework and PRISMA methodology to identify and evaluate 103 peer-reviewed articles. Using VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) and data mining techniques, we generated bibliometric networks and thematic clusters that offer a comprehensive view of the conceptual landscape. Findings reveal that PS acts as a key enabler of knowledge sharing and OL, particularly in inclusive environments with leadership support and tolerance for error. An inductively developed conceptual model illustrates how trust-driven cultures can enhance knowledge flows and reduce dysfunctional behaviors such as knowledge hiding. By mapping these intersections, the study consolidates fragmented literature and demonstrates how PS, KM, and OL contribute to sustainable learning cultures while also highlighting promising avenues for future research on collective learning and organizational resilience. Full article

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

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22 pages, 347 KB

Open AccessArticle

Does the Interplay Between Audit Committee Independence and Audit Quality Mitigate Tax Avoidance? Evidence from Non-Financial Firms Listed on the Amman Stock Exchange

by Hamzeh Yousef Abu Quba, Krayyem Al-Hajaya and Ahmed Eltweri

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110426 - 31 Oct 2025

Abstract

Through the synergy between an independent audit committee (AC) and the high-quality external audit, the opportunities for unethical management behavior, including tax avoidance, can be significantly reduced. Independent audit committees and fair audit fees jointly strengthen governance by ensuring oversight integrity, audit quality, [...] Read more.

Through the synergy between an independent audit committee (AC) and the high-quality external audit, the opportunities for unethical management behavior, including tax avoidance, can be significantly reduced. Independent audit committees and fair audit fees jointly strengthen governance by ensuring oversight integrity, audit quality, and a reduced risk of unethical tax avoidance. Therefore, the study aimed to identify the impact of AC independence on tax avoidance practices in non-financial firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE), considering the moderating role of the external AFs. The research used a sample consisting of 53 non-financial companies listed on the ASE from 2017 to 2023, yielding 371 firm-year observations. Regression analysis was applied to test the direct effect of AC independence on tax avoidance, as well as the interaction effect of AFs. The results show that the effect exerted by the independence of AC on tax avoidances is negative but statistically insignificant. However, when the interaction between AC independence and AFs is considered, the effect becomes statistically significant, indicating that appropriate audit fees enhance the effectiveness of AC independence in curbing tax avoidance. The study shows that audit committee independence is effective only when supported by fair audit fees, underscoring the need for balanced governance practices in emerging markets like Jordan. Full article

27 pages, 331 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transforming Adversity into Strategic Success: Management Approaches in Palestinian Higher Education

by Al-Khansaa Mostafa Diab

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 425; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15110425 - 31 Oct 2025

Abstract

Palestinian higher education institutions operate under extraordinary challenges due to military occupation, including movement restrictions, resource limitations, and institutional closures, requiring university leaders to develop innovative approaches to maintain academic standards. This study explores how deans in Medicine, Law, and Engineering—the first programs [...] Read more.

Palestinian higher education institutions operate under extraordinary challenges due to military occupation, including movement restrictions, resource limitations, and institutional closures, requiring university leaders to develop innovative approaches to maintain academic standards. This study explores how deans in Medicine, Law, and Engineering—the first programs established in Palestine—navigate these constraints through strategic management practices that transform them into strategic capabilities. Using semi-structured interviews, we conducted in-depth qualitative research with three program deans who possess a comprehensive understanding of their faculties’ organizational dynamics and adaptive strategies. Thematic analysis revealed several key management approaches, including the strategic adaptation of curricula to meet community needs while maintaining global standards; deliberate investment in faculty development and international collaborations; the integration of critical pedagogy that connects academic learning with social responsibility; and the successful advancement of gender equity in traditionally male-dominated fields. Deans created innovative solutions, including community-based medical training, legal clinics addressing occupation-related cases, and engineering projects focused on local infrastructure challenges. These findings demonstrate how educational leaders transform systemic constraints into opportunities for pedagogical innovation and institutional strengthening. This research contributes new theoretical insights into management practices in crisis-affected higher education, demonstrating how strategic leadership can sustain academic excellence despite severe restrictions. The insights offer valuable lessons for university administrators worldwide facing similar challenges, particularly in conflict-affected regions where educational continuity is threatened. Full article

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

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