Businesses

African traditional entrepreneurship schemes have gained growing scholarly attention in recent times, with the Indigenous Igbo Entrepreneurship Scheme (IIES) recognized as the most impactful. Although scholars have explored various dimensions of the IIES, they agree that the phenomenon requires more exploration in order to position it properly in the global literature of entrepreneurship and support its adoption in other regions beyond the Igbo context. Currently, very few studies have investigated the roles, impediments, and possible solutions to the challenges faced by the IIES, and none is known that covers these three areas simultaneously. By deploying a mixed research method involving in-depth interviews with IIES enrollees and trainers, and a systematic literature review, this study proposes the 3Rs framework to the IIES. Thus, it anchors on the entrepreneurial venture creation theory and the multidimensional construct to explore the IIES’s relevance, restraints, and remedies. Several findings relating to the relevance of the scheme, such as its economic, social, financial, and environmental contributions, the restraints (informality, lack of regulation, eroding trust, and dwindling enrolment), and the remedies (including the formulation of regulatory policies, formalization of the scheme, talent hunting, and rekindling the spiritual side) are highlighted. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Full article

This study explores the impact of COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions on manufacturing firms, focusing on external risks: demand, environmental, and supply. Our literature review reveals the general lack of comprehensive disruption plans and exposes the vulnerabilities in manufacturing firms with limited research addressing this issue. By adopting an interpretive research philosophy and a qualitative, inductive approach, our research delves into the operational challenges and adaptations implemented in the manufacturing sector during the pandemic through case studies. The findings reveal that COVID-19 significantly increased risks, causing demand surges, logistical disruptions, extended lead times, and labour shortages due to lockdowns, necessitating strategic shifts towards localised and digital supply chains in the manufacturing sector. Our study not only enriches the supply chain literature by detailing the pandemic’s effects and emphasising the need for robust disruption plans for enhanced resilience but also offers new insights into managing supply chain disruptions in crises, highlighting the necessity of strategic adaptations for future crisis preparedness across various industries. Full article

The purpose of this study is to identify airline asymmetric attributes that affect customer satisfaction based on the three-factor theory and to build an Asymmetric Impact-Sentiment Analysis (AISA) for resource allocation prioritization. We identified food and beverage service as a basic factor; inflight service as a one-dimensional factor; and seat comfort, ground service, and airline seat class as attractive factors. AISA analysis results showed that food and beverage services should be prevented from falling into customer dissatisfaction through Urgent Action (cell II), and in-flight services should be improved continuously to increase satisfaction (cell IV). Low-priority improvement is required for seat comfort, which is an attractive factor (cell VI), and strong maintenance is required for ground service and airline seat class as strength factors (cell V). The first contribution, the asymmetric relationship between customer opinions for service attributes and satisfaction, was verified. Second, this paper extended the IPA to the text mining-based asymmetric AISA. Full article

This study examines the defection patterns of post-paid telephone customers based on migrant status and season-wise acquisition using the Weibull model. Data from 48,666 post-paid customers were extracted from the data warehouse of a telephone company in Nepal. After pre-processing, the migrant status and season of acquisition for 48,583 customers were identified. Survival analysis was then conducted using the Kaplan–Meier (K-M) method to estimate the hazard of defection. Finally, the Weibull model was applied to analyse defection patterns concerning migrant status, default status, and season-wise acquisition in relation to survival periods. The results indicate that migrant customers have a significantly higher probability of defection compared to non-migrant customers. Additionally, the season of acquisition has a notable impact on customer survival duration. The study also highlights a higher risk of involuntary defection among migrant customers. These findings can inform the development of marketing strategies aimed at improving customer retention and acquisition in the telecommunications sector. Moreover, the model and methodology employed in this research can be extended to other marketing contexts. Full article

Although the Middle East is often perceived as politically, economically, and socially unstable, Saudi Arabia offers a different narrative. Inspired by the country’s vision (Vision 2030) and the growing body of research exploring its socio-economic transformation, this article examines how organizational strategy theories and practices can be advanced by inviting researchers to focus on Saudi Arabia’s evolving context. To achieve this, the article addresses three pivotal questions: (a) Why should academics consider conducting research in Saudi Arabia? (b) What research topics could significantly advance organizational strategy theories and practices? (c) What are the primary barriers to conducting research in Saudi Arabia? Using a comprehensive review of existing literature, socio-economic analysis, and an evaluation of Vision 2030 targets, the article identifies three key themes: (1) socio-cultural dynamics and their influence on organizational strategies, (2) economic diversification and its impact on strategic resilience, and (3) the strategic alignment of foreign direct investment (FDI) with expatriate mission success. These findings lead to distinct research agendas linked to relevant theoretical frameworks, including Cross-Cultural Theory, Institutional Theory, and the Resource-Based View. The article concludes by inviting scholars to explore these themes and generate findings that contribute to existing organizational strategy theories and practical solutions, fostering a deeper understanding of organizational strategy within Saudi Arabia and the broader global landscape. Full article

The aim of this paper is to fill the identified gap in the literature regarding a holistic approach to the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and transformational leadership (TL). In fact, this paper contributes to the annotation of the literature in this particular field through a selective bibliography, aiming to cover the main contributors to the development of this topic and explore their different views in order to critically approach the pros and cons, producing implications for academia and organizations. A leader who applies the transformational style is able to indirectly or directly influence the efficiency of employees through increased levels of emotional intelligence and developed cognitive skills. The purpose of this paper is to examine the correlation between EI and TL. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted for papers published from 2000 onwards (21st century). Published papers were selected from international scientific journals that have been indexed as Q1 or Q2 (best quartiles) in the SJR database fields of business, management, and accounting. For the initial screening, the Google Scholar database was used to access papers through the following keywords: emotional intelligence, transformational leadership, organizational behavior, management, and organizational development. Furthermore, SLR’s PRISMA flow chart indicated the most suitable papers to be analyzed in the context of this paper. The research yielded 16 published studies confirming the positive relationship between EI and TL and 9 papers questioning it. These papers have been analyzed to open a discussion and draw conclusions. Research on the relationship between transformational leadership and emotional intelligence demonstrate a positive correlation in the majority, while there are some who question it. Full article

This study aims to determine the influence of digital touchpoint usage experience, specifically through the myIndiHome application, on customer loyalty, with digital engagement and customer satisfaction as mediating variables. The study used a quantitative method to survey 385 active IndiHome broadband customers in Indonesia. Structural Equation Modelling–Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that digital touchpoint usage positively and significantly affected digital engagement, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty. Additionally, digital engagement and customer satisfaction had a positive and significant impact on customer loyalty. The results further demonstrated that digital engagement positively influenced customer satisfaction. Mediation analysis showed that digital engagement and customer satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between digital touchpoint usage and customer loyalty. This study demonstrates the role of digital experience, digital engagement, and customer satisfaction in fostering consumer loyalty. The current findings provide insights into the development of more effective marketing strategies, ensuring business sustainability and strengthening long-term relationships with customers. Full article

Information technology (IT) strategic planning plays a pivotal role in enhancing the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), improving operational efficiency and decision-making, and fostering innovation. This systematic review aims to synthesize the impacts of IT strategic planning on SME performance, focusing on key performance indicators such as operational efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction. A total of 80 studies were rigorously analyzed. Quantitative methods were used in 45% of the studies, while 25% applied thematic analysis. The adoption of cloud-based solutions (11.25%) and hybrid IT setups (17.5%) were also evaluated as critical enablers of flexibility and cost-efficiency. SMEs aligning their IT strategies with business objectives demonstrated up to a 20% reduction in operational costs and a 15% increase in customer satisfaction. Resource constraints were identified as a significant challenge in 60% of the studies. Nevertheless, effective IT planning contributed to long-term sustainability and competitive advantage in 60% of the reviewed studies. This review provides actionable insights and strategic frameworks to guide SMEs in optimizing their IT investments, overcoming resource limitations, and ensuring sustainable growth. Full article

This study explores the unique realm of women’s entrepreneurial leadership within Stewart’s role demands-constraint-choice in Greece. This brings to light the underrepresented role of women entrepreneurs in the country and sets out to fill the literature gap by exploring their distinct motivations and leadership. By employing a qualitative method and conducting semi-structured interviews with Greek women entrepreneurs, this study uncovers a complex web of motivations intertwined with personal goals, sociocultural norms, and economic conditions that diverge from those in other advanced economies. Notable motivations include financial autonomy, family support, societal betterment, and personal fulfillment. The findings also provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between entrepreneurs’ roles, motivations, and leadership decisions within socioeconomic and cultural contexts. This research enriches the broader discourse on international entrepreneurship and women’s studies, deepening our understanding of Greek women’s entrepreneurship. The practical implications of these findings offer strategies for policymakers, educators, and industry professionals to foster an environment that supports women’s entrepreneurial leadership in Greece and other emerging economies. Full article

This study investigates how organizational contingency factors, namely company size, environmental uncertainty, technological capacity, and organizational structure, affect the design and effectiveness of management control systems (MCS) in Moroccan industrial companies. Drawing on contingency theory, which emphasizes the alignment of organizational systems with contextual factors, this research applies quantitative methods to a sample of 190 industrial firms in Morocco, achieving a 76% response rate to the distributed surveys. The data are analyzed using correlation and linear regression techniques to explore these relationships. The findings reveal that larger firms, those operating in dynamic and uncertain environments, and those with advanced technological systems tend to implement more sophisticated, integrated, and participative MCS. Furthermore, flexible and decentralized organizational structures significantly enhance the adoption of adaptive control systems. These results underscore the importance of tailoring MCS to organizational characteristics and environmental conditions, particularly in emerging market contexts. This study’s novel contribution lies in its application of contingency theory to a non-Western industrial context, addressing a gap in the literature by demonstrating how specific regional factors influence MCS practices. This research offers practical insights for Moroccan industrial firms seeking to improve their operational efficiency, adaptability, and strategic decision making in volatile markets. Full article

Not-for-profit organizations provide a range of services that satisfy the needs of individuals and help a community to be sustainable. To explain how staff based at a social inclusion community center contribute to social impact, we undertake a case study and incorporate the stakeholder approach that draws on the activities of Pembroke House in south London. Pembroke House engages in social action and provides a number of services considered beneficial to the local community it serves. By adopting this approach, we place emphasis on how the value co-creation concept, which is reinforced by the social marketing approach, helps staff to provide different forms of intervention that ultimately give rise to trust-based relationships involving those providing the service and those receiving the service. To explain this, we make an analogy between a Formula 1 motor racing team servicing a car during a pit-stop while competing in a grand prix and a vulnerable person who visits a food bank seeking assistance in the form of a food parcel. Through the process of drawing on the use of metaphors and making a link with Formula 1 motor racing, we elucidate the value co-creation process and reveal how the social impact provision provided by Pembroke House can be intensified through the deployment of the stakeholder approach, which gives rise to a social inclusion community center partnership framework. Full article

Design thinking is an innovative methodology that may be applied by small and medium enterprises which emphasizes a human-centered approach to problem-solving, facilitating the creation of novel solutions for complex and open-ended challenges like the development of new products. Despite its recognized importance in business and academia, many industrial SMEs struggle with applying design thinking in their product development processes. This research aims to identify the central characteristics of design thinking and its critical success factors to enable effective application by industrial SMEs. Based on a systematic search in the Scopus database (last searched 14 May 2024) for the relevant literature, which resulted in a selection of 30 published papers, with titles and/or abstract fields containing words of design thinking and small- and medium-sized enterprises in industrial sectors, and a bibliometric analysis of co-word occurrence using VOS Viewer (1.6.20 version), we construct a framework that identifies central characteristics, design thinking principles, criteria, phases, and tools, as well as four dimensions of critical success factors: strategy, culture, competences, and implementation. This finding is new as it applies to industrial SMEs, as compared to extant research’s more general orientation. The framework is presented in visual form to facilitate use in developmental workshops with SMEs and supporting actors. This paper ends with notes on limitations and proposals for further research. Full article

The purpose of this research is to explore the fitting models for cross-border e-commerce by developing localized business strategies tailored to cultural factors. The study adopts Hofstede’s five cultural dimensions along with Sheth et al.’s five consumption value dimensions. A canonical correlation analysis is employed to identify the fitting relationships between cultural dimensions and consumer values. The targeting samples focus on the rapidly growing Southeast Asian economy. The results indicate differences in cultural dimensions among countries like Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar. The canonical correlation analysis reveals fitting combinations for each region: Taiwan’s higher individualism, masculinity, and long-term orientation align with demands for functional, conditional, and emotional values in e-commerce. Vietnam’s high risk-taking propensity fits demands for conditional and epistemic values. Malaysia and Indonesia, with similar cultural profiles, are highly correlated with consumer demands in functional and emotional values, with Malaysia additionally emphasizing epistemic value. Myanmar’s high masculinity and long-term orientation correlate with demands for functional, emotional, and conditional values, while its low power distance links to demands for social and epistemic values. Overall, the study shows that there is no fixed correspondence between cultural dimensions and consumption values in e-commerce. Optimal configurations vary, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies to promote e-commerce development across different regions. Full article

Technology has become crucial for businesses of all scales, enhancing operational efficiency, customer experience, and overall performance. While many formal businesses have embraced technology, small and informal businesses, particularly in rural areas, often struggle with adoption due to resource constraints. This study examines the impact of technological capability (TC) on the performance of informal food service operators (IFO) in southwestern Nigeria. This study employed a quantitative approach whereby a closed-ended questionnaire was administered to 180 IFOs across different LGAs in Oyo State to elicit information about the effect of their activities on performance indicators. The response rate was 93.8%. Data was analyzed using a binary logistic regression model. Findings revealed that the innovation capability (β—1.657; p—0.003*) and production capability (β—3.276; p—0.009*) of the IFOs significantly influenced their sales turnover and profit level is influenced by innovation capability (β—1.657; p—0.013*), investment capability (β—2.013; p—0.004*) and linkage capability (β—2.716; p—0.003*) within the study area. The study recommends that there should be strong linkages between the operators and technology-providing organisations to enhance their innovation capability. Full article

In response to the rapid advancement in smart technology and the 2019–2020 pandemic, the hospitality industry has accelerated its adoption of innovative technologies. However, new technologies are often disruptive and may not be aligned with the organization’s strategy, technological expertise, and employee and customer expectations. This negatively affects the perceived value of the new technology and its adoption and continuous use. The review of the relevant research presented in this paper indicates that despite the many potential points of intersection between technology acceptance and adoption theories and studies of entrepreneurship and change management, these connections have not been explored in sufficient depth in the hospitality context. Drawing on extant theories, this study proposes a novel conceptual framework for the management of technology adoption in hotel organizations. The four stages of the framework represent the process of technology adoption from initiation to institutionalization to new challenges, connecting the theoretical constructs with the tangible needs of the hotel organizations. The framework considers technology adoption as a process of change that involves capability and leadership building. It shows how managing technology adoption through an integrated change management and digital capability-building perspective can lead to sustainable digital innovation. Practitioners can use the framework to systematically evaluate the potential of new and emerging technologies and develop the required digital competencies while managing organizational culture shifts and user resistance to change. Full article

The rising commitment to entrepreneurial learning, both in academic and industry settings, has prompted the development of new mechanisms and methodologies. In recent years, the literature on entrepreneurship has progressively focused on the problem-based learning (PBL) methodology, particularly in response to evolving challenges within the learning environment. This paper presents a systematic bibliographic literature review (SBLR) on the application of PBL across various entrepreneurial processes in higher education and industry. This review aimed to identify significant entrepreneurial opportunities for PBL. A comprehensive search of bibliographic databases was conducted for documents published between 2002 and May 2024, resulting in the identification of 142 empirical and non-empirical papers related to PBL in entrepreneurship. The data analysis uncovered a range of subthemes regarding the use of PBL in entrepreneurship, highlighting its applications in both higher education institutions and industry. This study was guided by the research question: “What is the relationship between problem-based learning methodology and entrepreneurship?”. This research’s central and novel contribution lies in identifying diverse applications of PBL to address the various challenges that emerge within different entrepreneurial contexts. This paper also suggests future research directions. Full article

In the context of sustaining innovation, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) strive to enhance their market position through product improvements. However, globalization and rapid technological advancements pose significant challenges, urging SMEs to integrate innovative capabilities into their business models. Effective SME business model innovation, fueled by customer insights, process efficiency, and technology application, can promote development and unlock additional value-creation resources. Despite this, SMEs encounter difficulties in capitalizing on disruptive innovation due to the competitive, technology-driven, and volatile global market. This study aimed to define a comprehensive conceptual model of disruptive innovation specifically tailored for SMEs. Through an automated content analysis of relevant literature, 13 themes and 82 concepts were identified and categorized into four strategic alignment domains. These domains provide a framework for operationalizing the findings and constructing a conceptual model of disruptive innovation. Utilizing this conceptual model as a checklist can assist SMEs in turning disruption into opportunity, thereby supporting their adaptation and growth in an increasingly competitive landscape. Full article

Entrepreneurship has gained significant relevance in contemporary societies due to its role in generating economic and social value, including job creation, new businesses, and technological and social innovations. Scientific interest in entrepreneurship, which dates back to the 17th century, has increased since the 1990s. This field of study has evolved to encompass not only strict business creation but also impactful social initiatives. This article explores the intersection of academic and social entrepreneurship, examining factors to understand impactful initiatives through the seminal ideas presented by Joseph Schumpeter. The text offers insights and recommendations for advancing the transdisciplinary study of academic social entrepreneurship starting from an Economic Sociology perspective. Full article

With global leadership as the new norm, discussion about followers’ preferred leader behaviors across cultures is growing in significance. This study proposes a comprehensive predictive model to explore significant preferred leadership factors, drawn from the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQXII), across cultures using automated machine learning (AML). We offer a robust empirical measurement of culturally contingent leader behavior and entrepreneurship behaviors and provide a tool for assessing the cultural predictors of preferred leader behavior to minimize predictive errors, explore patterns in the data and make predictions in an empirically robust way. Hence, our approach fills a gap in the literature relating to applications of AML in leadership studies and contributes a novel empirical method to better predict leadership preferences. Cultural indicators from Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior (GLOBE) predict the likelihood of the preferred leader behaviors of “Role Assumption”, “Production Emphasis” and “Initiation of Structure”. Hofstede’s Long-Term/Short-Term Orientation is the most critical predictor of preferences for “Tolerance of Uncertainty” and “Initiation of Structure”, whereas the value of restraint impacts the likelihood of preferring leaders with skills in “Integration” and “Consideration”. Significant entrepreneurial values indicators have a significant impact on preferences for leaders focused on “Initiation of Structure”, “Production Emphasis” and “Predictive Accuracy”. Findings also support earlier studies that reveal age and gender significantly impact our preferences for specific leader behaviors. We discuss and offer conclusions to support our findings that foster development of global business managers and practitioners. Full article