Journal Description
Businesses
Businesses
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on business published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within RePEc, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 24.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
Latest Articles
Innovation Pattern Heterogeneity and Firm Strategic Agility: Push- and Pull-Effects of COVID-19 on Firms’ Innovation Strategies
Businesses 2024, 4(4), 596-619; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4040036 - 24 Oct 2024
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The coronavirus crisis hit both the world and national economies hard. By using a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach and microlevel data from the Community Innovation Survey (CIS2020) on a representative sample of 6437 Norwegian firms comprising a set of COVID-19-related questions, this
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The coronavirus crisis hit both the world and national economies hard. By using a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach and microlevel data from the Community Innovation Survey (CIS2020) on a representative sample of 6437 Norwegian firms comprising a set of COVID-19-related questions, this paper explores the role of firms’ innovation capabilities and strategic agility in times of crises. Our main hypothesis is that these two concepts are interrelated. More specifically, this paper investigates the ‘push’ and ‘pull’-mechanisms of the pandemic on firms’ innovation strategies, as well as which firms were most agile, adapted quickly, introduced innovation due to the COVID-19 crisis rapidly and became more effective with respect to their pre-crisis innovation capabilities. The results indicate that both mechanisms were active during the coronavirus crisis, and most of the firms carried out strategic reactions and changed their business operations on along-term basis. However, the results for innovation output and efficiency improvements vary significantly. “Process developers”, “active R&D doers” and “radical innovators” (the firms that are persistent innovators with the highest score on performing in-house R&D continuously and on innovating in the pre-crisis period) are found to be most agile during the pandemic. They had both introduced innovation and improved their efficiency in quick response to COVID-19. However, firms with low innovation capabilities demonstrated poorer performance during the crisis. These results imply that pre-existing innovation capabilities are important for firms’ strategic flexibility during crises and their ability to respond to changes quickly and efficiently.
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Open AccessArticle
Bridging Knowledge, Protection and Development Gaps Through an Interdisciplinary Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Natural Hazards Risk Management
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Nadia Netti and Martina de Cristofaro
Businesses 2024, 4(4), 582-595; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4040035 - 17 Oct 2024
Abstract
The escalation of climate-induced disasters underscores how climatic variability has become a main question in designing risk-sensitive policies in advanced and developing countries. The macroeconomic implications of Natural Hazards (NHs) are extremely significant, as they can compromise financial stability and long-term prosperity. To
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The escalation of climate-induced disasters underscores how climatic variability has become a main question in designing risk-sensitive policies in advanced and developing countries. The macroeconomic implications of Natural Hazards (NHs) are extremely significant, as they can compromise financial stability and long-term prosperity. To mitigate risks and close the knowledge, protection, and development gaps can free resources, speeding up reconstruction of infrastructure, recovering from disruption of supply chains, and returning to pre-disaster levels of activities. This is not a simple task involving different steps of a “ladder approach”, sharing the burden of cost and responsibilities across the relevant stakeholders and reducing moral hazard. This approach rests on Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) and technological R&D public investments able to crowd private ones in and establish useful Public–Private Insurance Schemes enhancing the disaster risk management role of the state. This paper proposes leveraging innovation technology both to enhance risk assessment and reduce uncertainty for climate-related NHs such as landslides. It is an important interdisciplinary question; in fact, despite the unequivocal acknowledgment of the global warming system, the precise ramifications of global warming and associated climatic shifts on NHs like landslides remain still elusive. The advanced modeling technique implemented by our interdisciplinary PPP contributes to geographically circumscribe the areas eventually subjected to landslides and constantly monitor the vulnerability of their structures, infrastructures, economic activities, and hence population. The reliable data that we can produce through remote sensing acquisition systems are necessary inputs to contain risk exposure both physically and financially.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pioneering Approaches and Global Challenges in Business, Management and Economic Engineering)
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Open AccessArticle
Do Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Factors Matter? Analyzing the Relationships Between Firm Characteristics and ESG Scores
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C. N. V. Krishnan, Jiemin Yang and Xiyao Tan
Businesses 2024, 4(4), 566-581; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4040034 - 16 Oct 2024
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We used three different databases that cover different years from 2006 through 2023 that provide different insights into the associations of firm features with their E, S, and G scores, as well as the composite ESG score. We find that large market capitalization
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We used three different databases that cover different years from 2006 through 2023 that provide different insights into the associations of firm features with their E, S, and G scores, as well as the composite ESG score. We find that large market capitalization firms are associated with higher ESG and environmental scores as well as with ESG-related strengths. These associations likely stem from the increased scrutiny and expectations from investors, regulators, and the public for large-cap firms. However, we find that changes in ESG scores have no significant associations with changes in basic firm characteristics—market cap, growth options, or profitability. That is, changes in ESG scores over time do not seem to significantly enhance or alter these basic features of a firm.
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Open AccessArticle
Marketing Strategies for Olive Oil: A Supply-Side Perspective from Spain
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Jose Antonio López-Castro and Juan Antonio Parrilla-González
Businesses 2024, 4(4), 553-565; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4040033 - 12 Oct 2024
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Olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, encounters substantial commercial obstacles in Spain and other olive oil-producing nations. Historically, these obstacles have been examined from a consumer demand standpoint, focusing on aspects such as quality enhancement, pricing issues, and consumer awareness deficiencies.
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Olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, encounters substantial commercial obstacles in Spain and other olive oil-producing nations. Historically, these obstacles have been examined from a consumer demand standpoint, focusing on aspects such as quality enhancement, pricing issues, and consumer awareness deficiencies. This study shifts the focus to the supply-side perspective, providing novel insights into the factors affecting the marketing and sale of olive oil. To investigate these factors, a comprehensive consultation with an expert panel consisting of industry leaders from olive oil mills was conducted. These experts evaluated 13 critical factors identified through a literature review and their practical experience. The findings from this panel offer immediate practical applications, emphasizing the importance of marketing strategies, professionalization, internationalization, and the utilization of social networks and e-commerce in driving olive oil sales. The implications of these findings suggest that companies must restructure to become more professional and market-oriented to navigate and surmount the traditional commercial barriers in the olive oil industry. Overall, this research enhances our understanding of the supply-side dynamics influencing the marketing and sale of olive oil in the Spanish context and beyond.
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Open AccessArticle
Innovative Strategies and Transformations in the Montilla–Moriles Wine-Production Area: Adaptation and Success in the Global Market
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Fernando J. Fuentes-García, Sandra M. Sánchez-Cañizares, Miguel González-Mohíno and L. Javier Cabeza-Ramírez
Businesses 2024, 4(4), 531-552; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4040032 - 2 Oct 2024
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This study examines the transformative changes in the wine industry of Southern Europe over recent decades, focusing on one of Spain’s oldest Protected Designations of Origin (PDO), Montilla–Moriles. The region faced severe challenges during the second wave of globalization at the beginning of
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This study examines the transformative changes in the wine industry of Southern Europe over recent decades, focusing on one of Spain’s oldest Protected Designations of Origin (PDO), Montilla–Moriles. The region faced severe challenges during the second wave of globalization at the beginning of the 21st century. According to the 1999 Strategic Plan for this PDO, far-reaching strategic actions were needed; 25 years later, however, fewer than half of the original companies remain. To understand this complex issue, a qualitative analysis was conducted using case studies and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders in the sector. The paper presents several success stories featuring companies with strong dynamic capabilities: Bodegas Robles, Lagar de la Salud, and Tonelería del Sur–Casknolia. These companies were selected for their notable growth, contrary to the general industry trend, their diverse strategies, and their role in revitalizing the Montilla–Moriles wine market. Their success is attributed to a blend of traditional expertise, innovation, sustainability, and strategic internationalization. The findings of this study reveal that despite the industry’s challenges, innovative initiatives can thrive by leveraging global market opportunities.
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Open AccessArticle
Adapting International Business Models for EU Projects: Macro- and Micro-Foundations of the Uppsala Model in Multinational Collaborations
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Cheryl Marie Cordeiro and Erik Sindhøj
Businesses 2024, 4(4), 509-530; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4040031 - 2 Oct 2024
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This study examines the adaptation of the Uppsala Model to enhance the management of European Union (EU)-funded projects, particularly focusing on the macro- and micro-foundational elements of the model. The Uppsala Model, originally developed for firm-level internationalization, provides a valuable framework for addressing
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This study examines the adaptation of the Uppsala Model to enhance the management of European Union (EU)-funded projects, particularly focusing on the macro- and micro-foundational elements of the model. The Uppsala Model, originally developed for firm-level internationalization, provides a valuable framework for addressing the complex challenges of EU project implementation, which include bureaucratic hurdles, diverse stakeholder management, and the intricacies of European integration. This paper highlights the persistent issues faced by project managers despite improved application processes and skilled beneficiaries. By applying the Uppsala Model, which emphasizes incremental knowledge development and resource commitment, this study aims to bridge the gap between fund acquisition and project delivery. The integration of both macro- (broad external factors) and micro- (individual and organizational behaviors) perspectives of the Uppsala Model offers a comprehensive approach to managing international, multi-stakeholder EU initiatives. This approach is exemplified through the SuMaNu project, which addresses nutrient recycling and sustainable manure management in the Baltic Sea Region. The findings suggest that the Uppsala Model’s principles can be effectively applied to enhance the execution of complex EU projects by fostering better stakeholder relationships, incremental learning, and adaptive strategies. This study underscores the relevance of experiential learning and network perspectives in achieving successful project outcomes in the EU context.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pioneering Approaches and Global Challenges in Business, Management and Economic Engineering)
Open AccessSystematic Review
Unveiling the Shadow of Workplace Cyberbullying in the Digital Age: A Call for Research in Africa
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Cheryl Akinyi Margaret Genga and Sunday Samson Babalola
Businesses 2024, 4(4), 491-508; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4040030 - 29 Sep 2024
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Workplace cyberbullying, exacerbated by the growing prevalence of digital work environments, has emerged as a significant threat to employee well-being and organisational productivity. Despite increasing research attention around the world, there is a critical gap in understanding the unique context and implications of
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Workplace cyberbullying, exacerbated by the growing prevalence of digital work environments, has emerged as a significant threat to employee well-being and organisational productivity. Despite increasing research attention around the world, there is a critical gap in understanding the unique context and implications of cyberbullying within African workplaces, particularly those operating in digital spaces. This bibliometric analysis, utilising Scopus and Web of Science databases, systematically examines the publications on workplace cyberbullying from 2000 to 2024 using Microsoft Excel and visualisation tools such as VOS Viewer. The findings underscore a stark disparity in research focus, with most studies originating from developed countries and neglecting African organisations’ specific challenges. Although South Africa and Ghana have made initial contributions, a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence, manifestations, and consequences of cyberbullying in diverse African cultural and organisational settings in Africa remains elusive. This study serves as a call to action for researchers and practitioners to prioritise investigations into cyberbullying in Africa, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive interventions and policies tailored to digital work environments. By addressing this research gap, organisations can promote healthier and more sustainable workplaces for employees across Africa.
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Open AccessArticle
Consumer Readiness for Microtransactions in Digital Content Business Models
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Pankaj Chaudhary and Richelle Oakley DaSouza
Businesses 2024, 4(3), 473-490; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4030029 - 14 Sep 2024
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As digital content increasingly moves away from free access, microtransactions may provide an alternative. There is a need for research on microtransactions as a general digital content payment mechanism. Businesses can capitalize on this technological advancement by expanding their paid digital content offerings
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As digital content increasingly moves away from free access, microtransactions may provide an alternative. There is a need for research on microtransactions as a general digital content payment mechanism. Businesses can capitalize on this technological advancement by expanding their paid digital content offerings without resorting to subscription-based services. This study examines a taxonomy for microtransactions based on consumer buying behavior, presents business models for microtransaction payment processing, and examines issues with its implementation. Data collected from 180 consumers were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative analyses to assess the receptiveness and perception of microtransactions. The results indicate that consumers are receptive to the concept of microtransactions and are willing to spend on five distinct digital content categories. This study concludes with a discussion of issues that consumers foresee with digital content microtransactions and implications for interested businesses.
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Open AccessArticle
Using Artificial Intelligence to Advance the Research and Development of Orphan Drugs
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Carla Irissarry and Thierry Burger-Helmchen
Businesses 2024, 4(3), 453-472; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4030028 - 9 Sep 2024
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While artificial intelligence has successful and innovative applications in common medicine, could its application facilitate research on rare diseases? This study explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in orphan drug research, focusing on how AI can address three major barriers: high financial
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While artificial intelligence has successful and innovative applications in common medicine, could its application facilitate research on rare diseases? This study explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in orphan drug research, focusing on how AI can address three major barriers: high financial risk, development complexity, and low trialability. This paper begins with an overview of orphan drug development and AI applications, defining key concepts and providing a background on the regulatory framework of and AI’s role in medical research. Next, it examines how AI can lower financial risks by streamlining drug discovery and development processes, analyzing complex data, and predicting outcomes to improve our understanding of rare diseases. This study then explores how AI can enhance clinical trials through simulations and virtual trials, compensating for the limited patient populations available for rare disease research. Finally, it discusses the broader implications of integrating AI in orphan drug development, emphasizing the potential for AI to accelerate drug discovery and improve treatment success rates, and highlights the need for ongoing innovation and regulatory support to maximize the benefits of AI-driven research in healthcare. Based on those results, we discuss the implications for traditional and AI-powered business in the drug industry.
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Open AccessArticle
Effects of Secure Base Leadership vs. Avoidant Leadership on Job Performance
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Ana Laguia, María C. Navas-Jiménez, Rocio Schettini, Fidel Rodríguez-Batalla, David Guillén and Juan A. Moriano
Businesses 2024, 4(3), 438-452; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4030027 - 9 Sep 2024
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Organizations need high performance from their employees to achieve their goals, provide specialized services and products, and ultimately secure a competitive edge. Performance is also a source of satisfaction for employees, as it creates feelings of mastery and pride. Different leadership styles positively
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Organizations need high performance from their employees to achieve their goals, provide specialized services and products, and ultimately secure a competitive edge. Performance is also a source of satisfaction for employees, as it creates feelings of mastery and pride. Different leadership styles positively influence both employee performance and organizational excellence; thus, the present study aimed to analyze the relationship between a novel leadership style based on attachment theory, secure base leadership, and job performance (i.e., task and conceptual performance and counterproductive work behaviors). Additionally, a passive-avoidant leadership relationship with performance dimensions is analyzed. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling with self-reported data from 422 Spanish employees, the results show that secure base leadership is positively related to task and contextual performance, while it is negatively related to counterproductive work behaviors. The opposite pattern is found for passive-avoidant leadership (except for the link between passive-avoidant leadership and contextual performance, which is not significant). The promotion of secure base leadership within organizations allows for the cultivation of a supportive environment that favors work behaviors that are aligned with organizational objectives, and since leadership can be trained, these results are relevant for practitioners in organizations.
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Open AccessArticle
A National Profile of Latino Serial Entrepreneurs in the United States of America
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Michael J. Pisani
Businesses 2024, 4(3), 426-437; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4030026 - 3 Sep 2024
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This study examines the scope and determinants of serial entrepreneurship among employer firms of Latino-owned businesses (LOBs) in the USA. The primary data are derived from the 2023 Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative nationally representative survey of 5102 LOBs and Latino entrepreneurs. The scope
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This study examines the scope and determinants of serial entrepreneurship among employer firms of Latino-owned businesses (LOBs) in the USA. The primary data are derived from the 2023 Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative nationally representative survey of 5102 LOBs and Latino entrepreneurs. The scope of Latino serial entrepreneurship—entrepreneurs who have started more than one business—reveals approximately 30% of Latino entrepreneurs have started two or more enterprises. The determinants of serial entrepreneurship are derived from entrepreneur demographics, utilizing binomial logistic regression to predict the odds of Latino serial entrepreneurship. Findings suggest Latino serial entrepreneurs are more likely to be male, native US-born, identify less as Latino, reside in the Midwest and South, possess high levels of education, and are of Mexican descent.
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Open AccessArticle
The Implementation and Barriers of Green Recruitment: A Qualitative Study on Green Human Resource Management
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Jinghan Wang, Lijun Tang, Tiancheng Zhang, Chris Phillips and Lamis Sultan Aldawish
Businesses 2024, 4(3), 411-425; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4030025 - 3 Sep 2024
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Green human resource management (GHRM) has become an indispensable strategy in green management. As the first step of GHRM, green recruitment and selection (GRS) has been emphasised as the important and probably the only practice to help the firm obtain green human capital
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Green human resource management (GHRM) has become an indispensable strategy in green management. As the first step of GHRM, green recruitment and selection (GRS) has been emphasised as the important and probably the only practice to help the firm obtain green human capital directly. However, research has shown that not many firms implement GRS in practice, and there is a lack of studies exploring the barriers to GRS. This study fills this gap by examining the barriers to GRS across different industries in China. It adopted a qualitative and inductive approach, which is relatively rare in the GHRM field. Based on interviews with senior managers, a number of barriers were revealed in relation to the two components of GRS: paperless recruitment and green candidates. More specifically, two new factors that have not been reported in the existing literature were identified: the alignment between the job profile, green practices, and profit orientation. These two factors have both theoretical and practical implications.
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Open AccessSystematic Review
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Improving Workplace Well-Being: A Systematic Review
by
Miguel-Ángel García-Madurga, Ana-Isabel Gil-Lacruz, Isabel Saz-Gil and Marta Gil-Lacruz
Businesses 2024, 4(3), 389-410; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4030024 - 30 Aug 2024
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In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly increased in the field of workplace well-being. This study systematically reviews the most common applications of AI in this context, covering literature published between 2018 and 2023, and evaluates both its current
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In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly increased in the field of workplace well-being. This study systematically reviews the most common applications of AI in this context, covering literature published between 2018 and 2023, and evaluates both its current and potential impact. The research involved a comprehensive search in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, following PRISMA guidelines, resulting in 31 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The qualitative synthesis reveals that AI is being utilized in areas such as mental health monitoring, emotional support, personalized well-being programs, identification of psychosocial risk factors, and training and development. This review contributes to the existing literature by offering a detailed categorization of AI applications in workplace well-being, and it highlights the practical utility of AI in enhancing employee mental health and overall well-being. The findings suggest that AI has the potential to revolutionize the management of workplace well-being, providing actionable insights for both researchers and practitioners. Recommendations for future research are also discussed.
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Open AccessArticle
Airport Service Providers in Support of SDGs
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Gabriela Tigu, Adrian Cioranu, Alexandra Miron, Olimpia State and Vlad Diaconescu
Businesses 2024, 4(3), 371-388; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4030023 - 16 Aug 2024
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This pilot study investigates the contributions of an airport service provider from Romania specializing in ground handling, operations, and passenger services towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognizing the critical role of service providers in the aviation ecosystem, this research
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This pilot study investigates the contributions of an airport service provider from Romania specializing in ground handling, operations, and passenger services towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognizing the critical role of service providers in the aviation ecosystem, this research focuses on how operational practices can be optimized to support sustainability objectives. It also reveals how businesses can leverage achievements and internal policies that would fit under, and support, SDGs. The study covers the operations of an airport service provider at several airports across the country. Through a series of qualitative questionnaires and interviews with employees, the research identifies best practices and challenges in aligning airport services with the SDGs. The study underscores the importance of collaboration between service providers, airport authorities, and regulatory bodies to achieve sustainable outcomes. By providing practical recommendations and a framework for sustainable operations, this pilot study aims to guide airport service providers in contributing to the global sustainability agenda, demonstrating the potential for meaningful impact in the aviation sector.
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Open AccessArticle
A Scientific Discussion of Post-Materialism Values and Environmental Behavior
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Ted Peterson and Kacey Tollefson
Businesses 2024, 4(3), 347-370; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4030022 - 13 Aug 2024
Abstract
Inglehart developed a theory examining the changes of values in post-industrial societies from materialist towards post-materialist views. Inglehart contended that the rise of post-materialism helps explain the rise of environmentalism since the 1960s. Through a 2022 survey targeting individual utility customers, we employed
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Inglehart developed a theory examining the changes of values in post-industrial societies from materialist towards post-materialist views. Inglehart contended that the rise of post-materialism helps explain the rise of environmentalism since the 1960s. Through a 2022 survey targeting individual utility customers, we employed Inglehart’s post-materialist index examining the impact of environmental behavior and other attributes. This study considers demographic profiling for material and post-materialist views in light of recent social movements and inflationary pressures. We observed that materialists, predominately Asians and Whites, tend to be older, are homeowners, are either married or widowed, and have lived in their homes the longest. Post-materialists were also found to be young, partnered, politically liberal, and least likely to be Asian. While investigated, environmental behavior was not explained by any of the demographic characteristics. We suggest research assessing any value shifts pertaining to attitudes and behaviors towards environmental behavior. Future research should obtain a more representative minority-group sample.
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Open AccessArticle
Examining Dark Triad Traits in Formal Leaders and Their Impact on Employee Workplace Stress: A Comparative Study of Family and Non-Family Businesses
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Duarte Pimentel, Sofia Lagarto and Pedro Marques-Quinteiro
Businesses 2024, 4(3), 331-346; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4030021 - 5 Aug 2024
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This paper aims to explore differences between the perception of dark traits in formal leaders and levels of workplace stress among employees working in family and non-family businesses. Furthermore, we assess if the company nature (family-owned versus non-family-owned) moderates the relationship between the
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This paper aims to explore differences between the perception of dark traits in formal leaders and levels of workplace stress among employees working in family and non-family businesses. Furthermore, we assess if the company nature (family-owned versus non-family-owned) moderates the relationship between the employees’ perception of dark triad traits in their formal leaders and their workplace stress levels. The empirical evidence is provided by a sample of 220 Portuguese employees who responded to a questionnaire that included their perceptions of their formal leaders’ dark triad traits and workplace stress measures. All respondents are employed in small and medium-sized private companies, holding no management responsibilities and under formal hierarchical supervision. The initial ideas that family firms’ employees perceive higher levels of dark triad traits in their formal leaders than non-family firms’ employees and that they also show higher levels of workplace stress than non-family firms’ employees were confirmed. The results also support the notion that higher perceptions of dark triad traits in formal leaders are related with higher levels of workplace stress of employees and that the company nature significantly moderates this relationship. These findings enhance the research literature by addressing two often overlooked aspects in the comparison between family and non-family firms. Additionally, they provide valuable insights into the relationship between dark triad traits in formal leaders and employee workplace stress levels.
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Open AccessArticle
The Role of Information Technology and Employee Engagement in Enhancing Knowledge Management in the Pharmaceutical Research and Development Process: Insights from Dynamic Capabilities Theory
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Natalia Chatzifoti, Eleni A. Didaskalou, Panos T. Chountalas, Konstantina K. Agoraki and Dimitrios A. Georgakellos
Businesses 2024, 4(3), 315-330; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4030020 - 2 Aug 2024
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This study investigates the impact of Information Technology and employee engagement on the implementation of Knowledge Management within the Research and Development processes of pharmaceutical companies. Based on Dynamic Capabilities Theory, this research examines the interaction between these factors in facilitating Knowledge Management
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This study investigates the impact of Information Technology and employee engagement on the implementation of Knowledge Management within the Research and Development processes of pharmaceutical companies. Based on Dynamic Capabilities Theory, this research examines the interaction between these factors in facilitating Knowledge Management practices. The findings indicate that while both Information Technology and employee engagement significantly enhance Knowledge Management implementation, the latter has a more pronounced effect. Engaged employees are crucial for identifying opportunities and driving strategic initiatives, whereas Information Technology supports information processing and decision making. This study highlights the complex interaction between technology and human creativity, demonstrating that the future of Knowledge Management in Research and Development relies not only on advanced systems but also on the active and committed individuals who utilize them.
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Open AccessArticle
Socioeconomic Effects of Land Use Change for Industrialization: Evidence-Informed Learnings from Sri City India
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Aradhna Aggarwal and Ankita Garg
Businesses 2024, 4(3), 299-314; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4030019 - 29 Jul 2024
Abstract
This study examines the socioeconomic impacts of large-scale land conversion from agriculture to industry on affected households, focusing on Sri City, an industrial hub in South India established under the SEZ Act 2005. Data from 250 households in and around Sri City were
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This study examines the socioeconomic impacts of large-scale land conversion from agriculture to industry on affected households, focusing on Sri City, an industrial hub in South India established under the SEZ Act 2005. Data from 250 households in and around Sri City were collected on socioeconomic indicators aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals using a structured survey method. Quasi-experimental methods, specifically nearest neighbor matching based on the Mahalanobis distance model, were employed for analysis. The findings indicate that affected households experience benefits, but these are not unequivocal. The study underscores the importance of project-specific factors, land acquisition strategies, and approaches to business leadership in shaping the socially sustainable outcomes of land conversion, from agriculture to industry.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue International Trade, FDI, and Sustainable Development)
Open AccessArticle
E-Commerce Cross-Border and Domestic Dynamics: Decision Tree and Spatial Insights on Seller Origin Impact
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Natalia Grishchenko
Businesses 2024, 4(3), 270-298; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4030018 - 11 Jul 2024
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Despite the cross-border availability of almost all goods and services online due to global Internet access, the domestic origin of sellers remains significant. This study examines the preferences for domestic versus cross-border goods and services in online purchases in the EU online market
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Despite the cross-border availability of almost all goods and services online due to global Internet access, the domestic origin of sellers remains significant. This study examines the preferences for domestic versus cross-border goods and services in online purchases in the EU online market from 2020 to 2023. We use quantitative methods including ordinary least squares (OLS), decision trees, and spatial autocorrelation analysis. We find significant effects of currency, language(s), and Internet use on domestic online purchases, while cross-border online purchases are further influenced by prices and urbanization. Our analysis reveals patterns based on the origin of the seller: domestic, intra-EU, or non-EU seller. There is a strong preference for electronic goods and services, regardless of the seller’s origin, while physical goods show a decreasing preference from domestic to intra-EU and non-EU sellers. Limited geographical effects and spatial patterns in online retailing were found, with a trend towards domestic localization. These differences in e-commerce by seller origin are primarily driven by country-specific characteristics (language(s), currencies) rather than geographic distance. The variation in the purchase of goods and services also depends on their physical and electronic form, that is, digital ordering and/or digital delivery. The expansion of e-commerce and the importance of country-specific characteristics require the development of standards to measure these influences.
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Open AccessArticle
Governments and the Private Energy Sector: Analysis of Energy Sector and Relationship between State
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Anastasia M. Cholacu
Businesses 2024, 4(3), 259-269; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4030017 - 8 Jul 2024
Abstract
A symbiotic relationship exists between the state and the energy sector that often leads to conflicting relationships between the two. The best example of this complicated relationship is between the state and free markets is the case of the United States, European Union,
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A symbiotic relationship exists between the state and the energy sector that often leads to conflicting relationships between the two. The best example of this complicated relationship is between the state and free markets is the case of the United States, European Union, and Global Energy Sector. The decline in the gas import—due to sanctions placed on the Russian Federation—to Europe from Russia, along with other counties that import gas from Russia, has negatively affected the economies of European counties. The Russian government has restructured the exporting of gas to other counties in order to continue to sustain companies’ growth. This literature review will analyze how sanctions against Russian Federation have affected the energy market and how it will affect entire energy markets.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inclusive and Innovative Businesses and Sustainability: New Trends in Challenging Times and the Path to Performance and Excellence)
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Topic Editors: José Luís Mendes Loureiro Abrantes, Natália de Lima Figueiredo, Bruno Morgado Ferreira, Luís F. MartinezDeadline: 15 June 2025
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Interactive Marketing in the Digital Era
Topic Editors: Chenglu Wang, Jiaxun He, Fue Zeng, Rui Guo, Morgan Yang, Andy Hao, Hongfei LiuDeadline: 26 June 2025
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Pioneering Approaches and Global Challenges in Business, Management and Economic Engineering
Guest Editor: Andrea IvanisevicDeadline: 31 December 2024