Search Results (325)

Support professionals in organizational domains—encompassing information technology, administrative services, human resources, and records and archives management (RAM)—confront enduring obstacles, including peripheral status, interdisciplinary coordination imperatives, and standards proliferation. This conceptual synthesis investigates how congruence with Management System Standards (MSSs) can alleviate these predicaments by advancing system-level integration across support areas. Rooted in General Systems Theory, the inquiry scrutinizes ISO standards from pivotal technical committees and 2024 ISO Survey adoption metrics. It accentuates the voluminous standards burdening support functions and the attendant systemic complexity. The communal Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle and High-Level Structure (HLS) of MSSs are framed as unifying instruments that diminish fragmentation and augment coherence. Employing RAM as the principal exemplar, the examination discloses constrained alignment with overarching MSSs despite vigorous global embrace of standards like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO/IEC 27001. A succinct conceptual model is advanced to depict how PDCA and HLS can interlink support subsystems with organizational objectives. The study underscores strategic harmonization to amplify the prominence of underappreciated support roles, with ramifications for information technology (IT), human resources (HR), and administrative services. Recommendations are proffered for standards developers, practitioners, and professional associations, as well as educators, complemented by avenues for future empirical scholarship. Full article

As the strategic debate around corporate purpose intensifies, organizations face a persistent paradox: how to sustain purpose-driven commitments under the continuous pressure of exchange-system efficiency and competing institutional logics. This paper introduces affective infrastructure: the interdependent organizational systems through which firms cultivate and reproduce the emotional and evaluative dimensions of institutional identity. Building on a synthesis of Adam Smith’s moral philosophy and Kenneth Boulding’s integrative systems theory, the paper argues that corporations operate simultaneously as exchange systems and integrative systems and that institutional character emerges from the organizational systems that sustain integrative commitments alongside exchange efficiency. Four infrastructure components are identified (identity alignment systems, integrative human-resource architecture, stakeholder communion practices, and institutional memory mechanisms), and design principles, assessment methods, and organizational illustrations are developed for each. The paper situates the construct within seven adjacent literatures, develops a configurational diagnostic framework comprising six organizational types, and concludes with a structured empirical research agenda that includes proxies for each component. The governing proposition unifying these contributions is this: affective infrastructure explains how organizations sustain integrative capacity under exchange-system pressure as a system—not as a culture to be cultivated, not as a commitment level to be measured, not as a stakeholder orientation to be managed, but as the interdependent organizational architecture through which identity alignment, integrative membership, stakeholder communion, and institutional memory become simultaneously operative and mutually reinforcing. This is what the adjacent constructs, taken individually, cannot explain: no single tradition specifies the generative system through which all four domains become durable together. Full article

Directive (EU) 2024/3019 updates and introduces new approaches to the collection, treatment, and discharge of urban wastewater. The directive aims to safeguard the environment and human health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the wastewater treatment cycle, improve energy efficiency, and foster the transition towards climate neutrality, while promoting the circular economy and the reuse of water resources. Within this framework, the reuse of treated urban wastewater emerges as a strategic lever to confront the growing challenge of water scarcity, to support circular economy principles, and to alleviate pressure on natural water reserves. This paper, starting from the European and Italian regulatory frameworks for urban wastewater management, provides an in-depth analysis of potential reuse pathways, highlighting both the advantages and the challenges associated with their application. Full article

The New Energy Industry (NEI) is a strategic sector for harmonizing the energy-economy-environment nexus, yet it faces challenges from high technological complexity and industrial fragmentation. DIT enables enterprises to transition from passive response to proactive implementation of systematic adjustments. This study explores how Digital Intelligence Technology (DIT) drives integrated innovation within the sector. Utilizing a panel dataset of 750 listed firms from 2007 to 2023, we examine the influence of DIT through mediation, threshold, and moderation models. Our findings indicate that DIT significantly facilitates integrated innovation by expanding corporate capabilities and reducing information asymmetries. This impact is primarily contingent upon R&D intensity and government subsidies. Notably, R&D intensity exhibits a triple-threshold effect (3.82%, 7.47%, and 7.88%); specifically, once R&D investment surpasses 7.88%, DIT generates a multiplier effect with internal capabilities, substantially accelerating the integration of internal and external innovation elements. Furthermore, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) demonstrate superior efficiency in leveraging DIT for innovative outcomes compared to non-SOEs, bolstered by policy advantages. Government subsidies further mitigate resource constraints and enhance risk-bearing capacity. These results provide critical strategic insights for NEI to refine R&D management and bolster human capital, ultimately helping the industry achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Full article

This study develops an Industry 5.0- and IoT-enabled roadmap for green transformation in manufacturing, with a particular focus on Turkish industry. The study combines a structured literature review, bibliometric keyword mapping based on Web of Science records, and interview-informed framework refinement drawing on the sustainability departments of five large-scale manufacturing firms operating in Türkiye. Rather than treating green transformation as a single initiative, the roadmap organizes it into five interrelated modules: emission reduction, clean and reliable energy, circular-economy mobilization, energy- and resource-efficient construction and renovation, and zero-pollution waste management. The main contribution is a five-level qualitative maturity model that shows how firms can move from compliance- and governance-based foundations to integrated, data-driven, and predictive sustainability practices. The framework clarifies which factors are foundational, enabling, or advanced at each level and is intended to be used as a practitioner checklist and strategic assessment tool rather than as a fixed quantitative scoring model. The interview insights were used to refine the sequencing of actions, identify implementation bottlenecks, and adapt the framework to the realities of Turkish manufacturing. By linking human-centric Industry 5.0 principles with operational sustainability priorities, this study offers both conceptual novelty and practical guidance for firms and policymakers seeking to align industrial upgrading with long-term environmental competitiveness. Full article

Supply chains are increasingly exposed to compounding disruptions, volatile demand, and sustainability constraints, which challenge optimization approaches designed for stable operating conditions. This review synthesizes recent advances in supply chain optimization with a focus on the integration of artificial intelligence and operations research in decision-making. The paper examines three major capability layers: prescriptive optimization for planning and resource allocation, predictive modeling for demand and risk anticipation, and digitalized execution through simulation and digital twin environments. Across these layers, the analysis shows that hybrid AI-OR architectures tend to outperform isolated methods in settings characterized by high demand volatility, multi-echelon complexity, and disruption exposure, by combining predictive adaptability with constraint-aware decision quality. The review also highlights a strategic shift from single-objective efficiency toward multi-objective performance that jointly manages cost, service, resilience, and environmental impact. From an implementation perspective, the evidence indicates that measurable industrial gains depend less on algorithm novelty alone and more on system-level integration, data governance, and cross-functional deployment. Key research gaps remain in benchmark standardization, explainability, uncertainty-aware optimization, and long-horizon validation under disruption. The paper concludes that the next generation of supply chain optimization will be defined by continuously learning, human-supervised decision ecosystems that remain robust under uncertainty while delivering operational and sustainability outcomes. Full article

Despite the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in shaping brand perception and consumer trust, limited empirical evidence exists on how ESG indicators translate into measurable digital consumer engagement outcomes, particularly in ethically driven markets such as the vegan food sector. This study addresses this gap by examining how ESG performance translates into digitally observable consumer engagement and frames this relationship as a strategic performance measurement and decision-support problem. Building on the sector’s reliance on ethical positioning, trust, and online visibility, we integrate ESG indicators with digital marketing and web analytics metrics (e.g., traffic and engagement proxies) for a panel of five leading vegan food firms [Nestlé SA (Vevey, Switzerland), Kellanova (Chicago, IL, USA), Beyond Meat Inc. (El Segundo, CA, USA), Danone SA (Paris, France), and Conagra Brands Inc. (Chicago, IL, USA)], using data from the Semrush web analytics platform and the Eikon Refinitiv ESG database for the period January–December 2024. We employ a mixed-method design combining descriptive analytics with correlation analysis and simple linear regression to estimate the direction and strength of ESG–digital performance links, and we extend inference through Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) using the MentalModeler platform to simulate “what-if” scenarios that support managerial foresight under digital uncertainty. Results indicate that stronger ESG profiles are associated with more favorable digital outcomes, with specific ESG mechanisms (e.g., human-capital and environmental initiatives) aligning with deeper engagement signals. The FCM scenarios further suggest that coordinated ESG improvements can amplify digital traction and reinforce sustainable brand growth. The proposed framework contributes to strategic management by operationalizing an ESG-enabled digital performance measurement system and a lightweight Decision Support System (DSS) that can guide resource allocation, KPI monitoring, and risk-aware positioning in sustainability-oriented markets. Full article

This study examines how disruptive technologies reshape workforce skill requirements and organizational responses. As tools such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and cloud infrastructures become embedded in everyday operations, employees increasingly confront evolving competence demands. Drawing on data from 622 employees across Greece, Spain, and Italy, the study proposes and tests a structural model linking disruptive technology exposure with perceived skill gaps, organizational readiness, strategic HR alignment, and skill update intention. The findings show that disruptive technology exposure is positively associated with perceived skill gaps, which in turn relate to organizational readiness, strategic HR alignment, and stronger skill update intention. These results highlight the importance of coordinated organizational and HR mechanisms in supporting continuous learning. Full article

The adoption of disruptive technologies has become increasingly critical for organizations, particularly following the global shifts prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the potential benefits, many organizations, including those in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, face significant hurdles in this transition. Consequently, this study aims to understand the primary challenges and enabling factors influencing the adoption of disruptive technologies for sustainable digital transformation within the South African FMCG sector. A quantitative methodology was employed, utilizing a questionnaire for data collection. Data from 102 respondents were analyzed using SPSS version 28, involving descriptive statistics (mean item score) to rank factors and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify underlying constructs, and a reliability test was carried out with a score of 0.7. Key challenges identified include high initial costs and poor collaboration. Prominent enabling factors include top management commitment and operational cost reduction. The EFA revealed significant underlying challenge dimensions such as “Infrastructural and Resources Constraints” and “Human Factors Constraints,” and enabling dimensions including “Organizational Commitment and Strategy” and “Leadership.” The study concludes with key implications for promoting successful adoption. The adoption of disruptive technologies has become a strategic imperative for sustainable digital transformation (SDT), particularly in emerging markets such as South Africa’s FMCG sector. This study investigates the key challenges and enabling factors shaping technology adoption within this context. A quantitative methodology was employed, using a structured questionnaire distributed to 102 professionals across FMCG organizations in Gauteng. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed latent dimensions within both challenges and enablers, which were then interpreted through the lens of Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory. To enhance analytical clarity, a matrix model was developed linking factor dimensions to DOI attributes such as relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, trialability, and observability. The study found that high initial costs, poor collaboration, and human capability gaps significantly impede adoption, while strong leadership, strategic alignment, and operational cost savings facilitate it. The findings underscore the need for systemic interventions that address not only technical readiness but also leadership, organizational culture, and structural alignment. Practical implications are outlined for both policy and management, particularly in leveraging DOI attributes to accelerate digital transformation, as well optimize innovation diffusion within resource-constrained environments. For the future, the study proposed a hybrid methodology incorporating qualitative interviews to enhance depth and suggests longitudinal tracking to capture temporal shifts in transformation maturity. Full article

Employee loyalty in hospitality settings is influenced by a combination of economic, relational, and developmental factors, including remuneration, recognition, interpersonal relationships, and opportunities for career advancement. This study explores managerial perceptions of the key organizational drivers that enhance employee satisfaction and foster employee loyalty in luxury hospitality settings. Focusing on five-star hotels located in the Heraklion Prefecture of Crete, Greece, the research addresses a context characterized by high service expectations, strong cultural traditions of hospitality, and pronounced seasonal labor dynamics. While previous studies have predominantly examined employee attitudes and outcomes, limited attention has been given to how decision-makers perceive and prioritize the factors influencing employee loyalty in luxury hospitality environments. To address this gap, the study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining structured Likert-scale questionnaires and qualitative insights collected from senior managers and owners representing 28 luxury hotels. The quantitative component provides descriptive insights into managerial consensus regarding organizational practices, while the qualitative analysis offers deeper interpretation of perceived challenges and priorities. Findings indicate that managers consider leadership style, working conditions, professional development, and employee welfare as central drivers of satisfaction and loyalty, although variation exists regarding the role of benefits and technology. The study contributes to hospitality management literature by highlighting the managerial perspective as a distinct analytical lens and offers practical implications for strategic human resource practices in high-end tourism contexts. Full article

Environmental sustainability has emerged as a strategic requirement of those organizations that want to remain competitive in the long run, but most companies continue to adopt green human resource management (GHRM) practices and organizational change initiatives individually, thus restraining their potential transformation. This paper constructs and confirms a combined approach of how the fit between GHRM practices and adaptive change management processes results in high performance in sustainable innovation. In this study, 83 organizations from both the manufacturing and service sectors were selected using a purposive sampling method, to ensure diversity across developed and developing countries and varying levels of GHRM integration (low, moderate, and high). The sample was chosen to represent a broad spectrum of sustainability maturity levels, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of how GHRM practices influence green product, process, and business model innovation. This selection, alongside 30 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025, underpins the conceptual framework used to activate change preparedness and link GHRM dimensions with innovation outcomes. I demonstrate that organizations with a high GHRM–change management fit have much higher levels of innovation performance—both in terms of the number of green product innovations (485%) and more sustainable performance improvement (90.5 on average)—than low-integration organizations. Findings also reveal that leadership commitment, employee engagement, organizational learning, and systemic reinforcement are key mediating processes that enhance the effect of GHRM activities. Temporal trajectory analysis demonstrates that integrated organizations go through deployment, consolidation, and optimization phases, as well as increasing returns to performance, with an accelerating trend of 36 months. This paper is important in management research as it fills in gaps in the literature, providing an explanation of how human resource practices facilitate organizational change at the system level. In practice, this study offers evidence-based recommendations to managers who want to establish sustainability-oriented innovation capability by implementing a coordinated GHRM and adaptive change management approach. Full article

Digital transformation and sustainability have become key priorities in strategic HR management; however, their implementation and integration remain inconsistent and are strongly influenced by organizational context. This study examines strategic HR management at the intersection of digital transformation, sustainability, and organizational culture. The objective is to explore how Romanian organizations align these dimensions within strategic human resource management. The research employed a qualitative approach, consisting of nine semi-structured interviews with HR professionals and managers from diverse organizational settings. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns across the three dimensions. Although limited to the characteristics of the qualitative sample and not intended to generate findings applicable to the entire Romanian HR practice, the findings suggest that digital transformation in HR is primarily experienced as a capability development process, supported by integrated digital systems that enhance employee efficiency and autonomy, while also presenting challenges related to resistance to change and skills shortages. Sustainability emerges as a developing component of HR strategy, often limited by inadequate measurement mechanisms and competing organizational priorities. Organizational culture serves a mediating role by shaping how digital and sustainability initiatives are interpreted, adopted, and evaluated. The study highlights the need to align technological, sustainability, and cultural dimensions to support coherent and future-oriented HR strategies. Full article

Achieving gender parity in leadership remains a persistent challenge in the fintech industry, where women continue to be underrepresented in senior and C-suite roles. This paper argues that such disparity is not only a matter of equity but also a structural constraint on governance quality and sustainability outcomes. Building on insights from social role theory and the resource-based view, this paper develops a conceptual framework linking sustainable human resource management (HRM) practices to gender parity in organizational leadership and, in turn, to environmental, social, and economic sustainability outcomes. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature and illustrative case vignettes, the paper identifies key barriers to women’s advancement in fintech, including the broken rung in early promotions, tokenism driven by unconscious bias, and unequal access to venture capital. The model specifies how three dimensions of sustainable HRM—inclusive networking, diversity training, and mentorship programs can address these barriers by fostering equitable promotion pathways, credible merit-based leadership, and inclusive leadership pipelines. By positioning gender parity in leadership as a central mechanism through which HRM systems shape firm sustainability outcomes, the paper reframes gender equity as a strategic organizational capability, rather than a standalone diversity goal. The derived propositions offer a foundation for future empirical research and provide actionable insights for fintech organizations seeking to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable leadership structures. Full article

Manufacturing firms face intensifying pressure to achieve sustainability while remaining competitive under environmental stress, rapid technological change, and institutional uncertainty—challenges that are particularly acute in developing economies. Although Industry 5.0 has emerged as a human-centric and sustainability-oriented industrial paradigm, limited research explains how it can be systematically operationalized to enhance sustainable business performance. This study addresses this gap by developing an integrative conceptual framework linking Industry 5.0, Smart Circular Economy (SCE), and Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) within manufacturing contexts. Drawing on resource-based, dynamic capability, and institutional perspectives, the framework conceptualizes Industry 5.0 as a strategic digital orientation that enables circular resource orchestration and sustainability-aligned human capital systems. SCE and GHRM are positioned as complementary operational mechanisms that translate Industry 5.0 principles into organizational capabilities. Innovation capability is introduced as a mediating dynamic capability explaining how technological and human resource investments generate environmental, social, and economic performance outcomes. Digital maturity and policy support are incorporated as contextual moderators shaping transformation pathways in developing economies. The proposed model advances sustainability-oriented industrial transformation theory by integrating previously fragmented research streams into a coherent socio-technical capability architecture. It also offers actionable insights for managers and policymakers seeking to align digital industrial development with long-term sustainability objectives under conditions of institutional heterogeneity. Full article

Islands often suffer from relatively limited freshwater resources, and the effective utilization and distribution of water resources are a key issues for the sustainable development of island-based economies and societies. While island water security has been widely discussed, few studies trace the socio-technical construction of island water-supply systems across the stages of planning, construction, and operation. Integrating Actor-Network Theory with political ecology, this study investigates the water-supply infrastructure of Kinmen. Drawing on official archives, participant observation, and in-depth interviews, this research analyzes the collective actions mobilized to address Kinmen’s water scarcity following the lifting of martial law in 1992. These efforts jointly reshaped both water-supply practices and the infrastructural network. Over the past three decades, Kinmen’s water-supply system has transformed into a sophisticated technological network, integrating reservoirs, desalination plants, and advanced sewage infrastructure. The introduction of these technologies, which function as critical non-human actors within the system, marks a clear shift in how water is managed and distributed. However, the rapid expansion of water-intensive industries, especially tourism, liquor distilling, and cattle farming, has outpaced local ecological limits, precipitating the current water crisis. The study concludes that this shortage has been mitigated through the strategic integration of water sources, most notably the cross-strait pipeline from mainland China, which now provides more than 80 percent of the island’s water. This transition marks a profound shift in the island’s socio-technical and geopolitical network. Full article