International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 2014
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between the IC of firms and their fin... more The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between the IC of firms and their financial performance. This paper uses the Pulic framework, has a Middle-East focus and draws on data from 146 publicly listed companies on the TSE. It is an empirical study using multiple regression for the data analysis. This paper tests four elements of IC and company performance. The findings show that IC and company performance are positively related; IC is correlated to future company performance; the rate of growth of a company's IC is positively related to the company's performance; and the contribution of IC to company performance differs by industry. The data sample used for this research is restricted to 146 companies listed on the TSE between the years 2004 and 2008. IC is an area of interest to numerous parties, including shareholders, institutional investors, scholars, policymakers and managers. This paper provides additional empirical evidence of the contribution of IC to companies' performance in Iran.
CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance, 2018
Sustainable business models (SBMs) archetypes have been introduced to develop a common language t... more Sustainable business models (SBMs) archetypes have been introduced to develop a common language that can be used to accelerate the development of SBMs in research and practice. The way in which SBMs are triggered by managers or entrepreneurs who act as leader of an organization has not yet been deeply investigated. Accordingly, the works aims to inquire the role of entrepreneurial and managerial leadership style—with a particular focus on servant leadership—in influencing the strategies, the organizational culture and the stakeholders engagement of companies, orienting them toward sustainable business models. After having traced the theoretical background, the empirical research in this chapter helps to shed light on corporate sustainability management and sustainable innovation in daily business and to inquire the extent to which servant leadership allows SBMs implementation. The cases-studies are relative to two Italian large-sized companies (Brunello Cucinelli Spa and Geico Spa) belonging to different sectors and geographical areas, led by managers and entrepreneurs with common traits in their servant leadership styles and characterized by the implementation of distinctive sustainable business models. Findings emphasize the role of the values and ethical-based conducts of the managers/entrepreneurs in forging the sustainable and servant leadership model and affecting the SBMs adopted by the companies .
Building New Bridges Between Business and Society, 2017
This chapter addresses the theme of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies concerning lab... more This chapter addresses the theme of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies concerning labor and employees by proposing an anthropologically-centered analysis—developed from both the theoretical and empirical profiles—of business and leadership models that are geared toward a multidimensional development, which focuses on the valorization and promotion of the employee.
This section presents a case-study relative to an Italian large Group, Brunello Cucinelli, that i... more This section presents a case-study relative to an Italian large Group, Brunello Cucinelli, that is of particular interest for its business model and the path of growth, characterized by a coherent and authentic CSR orientation. Sustainability of growth and healthy profitability are distinctive features of the Cucinelli Group. In pursuing the “humanistic enterprise” people work to achieve a shared objective adhering to a system of “soft” intangible values that represent the living core of the entire Group. The study employs a qualitative research approach. Firstly, it provides a brief description of the company; secondly, attention addresses the humanistic enterprise model and the leadership style. Finally, conclusions summarize the most relevant insights emerged from the case that represents an example of a sustainable growth and “a gentle capitalism”.
The chapter focuses on a particular type of family business, belonging to the Economy of Communio... more The chapter focuses on a particular type of family business, belonging to the Economy of Communion (EoC) project. The EoC project involves entrepreneurs of different cultures and religions, companies, associations, social organization (including workers, managers, consumers, investors, scholars, poor people, private citizens and families) in concretely developing a new economic model and a new way of conceiving and implementing business management, labor and economic relations. This membership renders the case study particularly interesting, since it represents a family business driven by ideal-motives tied to the principles of the Catholic “Focolare Movement” set up by the charisma of Chiara Lubich. If non-financial goals of family businesses represent a feature useful to explain their orientation toward sustainability, in the selected case a further variable, namely the adhesion to the EoC project, reinforces such orientation rendering it an expression of “strong sustainability.”
Coping with Integrated Reporting: An Overview of financial and Social Reporting Using the Integra... more Coping with Integrated Reporting: An Overview of financial and Social Reporting Using the Integrated Approach: An Introduction -- Part I: Theoretical Insights and Outlooks on Integrated Reporting -- Part II: Critical Perspectives on Integrated Reporting in Theory and Practice -- Part III: Implementing Integrated Reporting in Different Countries and Organisations: Issues, Benefits and Challenges.
In the Italian doctrine, Catturi and Riccaboni (2001), after having analyzed the various threads ... more In the Italian doctrine, Catturi and Riccaboni (2001), after having analyzed the various threads of institutionalism theory, reach a definition of a notable analogy between “Old Institutional Economics” (Commons 1934) and Business Economics (Zappa 1957; Masini 1982; Ceccherelli 1964; Costa and Ramus 2012), as it considers the non-written rules to be of fundamental importance, as being like the “genius” of organizational change, which orientates the behavior of subjects who characterize the response of the specific and particular company. From this emerges the fact that for each company, the standardized indicators only describe a limited part of the performance which is more effectively monitored also through social- and institutional-type factors (Catturi and Riccaboni 2001: 167). Among contemporary authors, who in the Italian doctrine have directly confronted the institutionalism theory, we can recall Lai who traces the evolution of business theory basing it on the explanation sup...
The work discusses the most critical aspects faced by SMEs in releasing an integrated report and ... more The work discusses the most critical aspects faced by SMEs in releasing an integrated report and adapting the Integrated Reporting (IR) principles to their needs and features. After presenting the literature framework, the paper analyses a case-study relative to a medium-sized company belonging to the Italian Network Business Reporting working group, which has been involved in the drafting process of the Guidance for IR in SMEs. Results emphasize the need for simplifying concepts such us materiality, integrated thinking and connectivity and understanding the benefits deriving from the IR adoption. The work has both theoretical and practical implications, since it contributes to nourish a research field which has not been adequately investigated and support the diffusion of IR among SMEs and practitioners, by emphasizing the SMEs’ possible approach toward “the IR journey”.
Contributions to Conflict Management, Peace Economics and Development, 2017
Abstract This chapter focuses on the care of our “common home,” emphasizes the complexity of the ... more Abstract This chapter focuses on the care of our “common home,” emphasizes the complexity of the crisis, and suggests the path to overcome it through renewed environmental, economic, anthropological, and social ecology. Starting from the premise of the Encyclical Letter Laudato Si (Pope Francis, 2015), the chapter discusses the role of leadership models based on virtues and moral constructs to promote a new business culture. Which leadership models and which business models are necessary to guide companies toward the integral development? After a review of the Encyclical Letter, the chapter traces the theoretical framework of leadership theories connected with the emergence of a sustainability-oriented business model. The empirical analysis explores three cases of exemplary Italian companies which show how entrepreneurs can promote cultural reorientation, can help others to unlearn the bad habits of “turbo-capitalism,” and place value on humanity, relationships, and the love of the place in which they do business. This chapter contributes to the development of leadership approaches and models incorporating the orientation toward the common good. Accordingly, it highlights the “roots” of entrepreneurial and managerial behavior which appear to inspire a profound rethinking of business conduct. From the business examples analyzed, the chapter shows models that make integral development possible.
PurposeThis study aims to provide empirical evidence on the link between intellectual capital and... more PurposeThis study aims to provide empirical evidence on the link between intellectual capital and a firm's ability to attract funding and financing in Italian companies.Design/methodology/approachData from 125 Italian companies was collected through an online survey and analysed using structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).FindingsResults show that structural capital has a positive, direct impact on both human and relational capital. At the same time, relational capital is the only intellectual capital component that has a positive, direct impact on a firm's ability to attract funding and financing. Finally, we found that a firm's ability to attract funding and financing impacts both innovation and financial performance.Originality/valueThis novel study is among the first to provide empirical evidence of how human, relational and structural capital interact with each other and enhance a firm's ability to attract funding and financing.
The paper addresses the theme of authentic CSR based on a virtues and a charismatic approach. Sev... more The paper addresses the theme of authentic CSR based on a virtues and a charismatic approach. Several studies underline how entrepreneurial behaviors and values lie at the base of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)-oriented strategies and actions. The business ethics literature emphasises the values dimension of entrepreneurial and managerial activity and has introduced concepts such as management integrity, authenticity and virtues, which are becoming widespread in the corporate context.
Atti Del Xxiv Convegno Annuale Di Sinergie, Oct 14, 2012
Obiettivo . Il paper si propone di analizzare il concetto di “sviluppo integrale” delle aziende -... more Obiettivo . Il paper si propone di analizzare il concetto di “sviluppo integrale” delle aziende - inteso come crescita congiunta della dimensione competitiva, sociale e ambientale, che valorizza i fondamenti antropologici della cultura aziendale nel rapporto con il contesto territoriale - e il ruolo che le imprese “di territorio” giocano nel promuovere tale modello. Il lavoro sviluppa sul piano concettuale ed empirico i concetti di impresa di territorio, radicamento, coesione e capitale sociale e, nel sottolineare la circolarita del legame tra sviluppo integrale dell’azienda e del territorio, arricchisce con un nuovo schema interpretativo il filone degli studi che verte sul rapporto tra impresa e contesto locale. Metodologia . Il lavoro si snoda attraverso la duplice prospettiva deduttiva e induttiva. Quest’ultima e incentrata sull’analisi qualitativa e sulla metodologia del multiple case studies applicata a due aziende italiane “di territorio” (Distillerie Varnelli Spa, Gruppo Loccioni) localizzate nelle Marche. Risultati . Dopo avere definito il framework teorico in cui si colloca la ricerca, l’analisi empirica consente di formulare proposizioni che sintetizzano gli attributi delle imprese “di territorio” e del modello dello sviluppo integrale di cui sono protagoniste e di identificare la bidirezionalita del legame tra sviluppo integrale dell’azienda e del territorio. Limiti della ricerca . Il principale limite dello studio risiede nell’ impossibilita di generalizzare i risultati emersi dall’analisi qualitativa condotta in questa prima fase esplorativa. La verifica delle proposizioni formulate richiede una seconda fase della ricerca, tesa ad esplicitare le variabili rilevanti del modello di sviluppo integrale delle aziende di territorio in altri casi aziendali appartenenti allo stesso e ad altri contesti territoriali. Implicazioni pratiche . Il lavoro contribuisce a sottolineare la centralita delle imprese radicate, protagoniste di percorsi di sviluppo reale basati su elementi soft di natura intangibile (capitale sociale, intellettuale, relazionale) sedimentati nel genius loci del territorio, e a diffondere la conoscenza delle “buone pratiche” promosse da imprese che rappresentano protagonisti importanti nella costruzione di modelli di governance sostenibile del territorio. Originalita . Coniugando la prospettiva della responsabilita, dell’etica aziendale con quella dello sviluppo locale, sul piano scientifico il lavoro offre spunti di riflessione riflessioni sul concetto di “imprese di territorio”, contribuendo ad arricchire il filone degli studi che verte sul rapporto tra imprenditorialita e sviluppo locale, regionale e nazionale.
... 1 LO STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT E IL GLOBAL REPORT DI BOXMARCHE SPA di Mara Del Baldo 1. Premessa... more ... 1 LO STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT E IL GLOBAL REPORT DI BOXMARCHE SPA di Mara Del Baldo 1. Premessa Partecipare allo stakeholder forum organizzato da Boxmarche Spa per la presentazione del Global Report 20061 è stata una preziosa occasione per acquisire ...
International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 2014
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between the IC of firms and their fin... more The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between the IC of firms and their financial performance. This paper uses the Pulic framework, has a Middle-East focus and draws on data from 146 publicly listed companies on the TSE. It is an empirical study using multiple regression for the data analysis. This paper tests four elements of IC and company performance. The findings show that IC and company performance are positively related; IC is correlated to future company performance; the rate of growth of a company's IC is positively related to the company's performance; and the contribution of IC to company performance differs by industry. The data sample used for this research is restricted to 146 companies listed on the TSE between the years 2004 and 2008. IC is an area of interest to numerous parties, including shareholders, institutional investors, scholars, policymakers and managers. This paper provides additional empirical evidence of the contribution of IC to companies' performance in Iran.
CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance, 2018
Sustainable business models (SBMs) archetypes have been introduced to develop a common language t... more Sustainable business models (SBMs) archetypes have been introduced to develop a common language that can be used to accelerate the development of SBMs in research and practice. The way in which SBMs are triggered by managers or entrepreneurs who act as leader of an organization has not yet been deeply investigated. Accordingly, the works aims to inquire the role of entrepreneurial and managerial leadership style—with a particular focus on servant leadership—in influencing the strategies, the organizational culture and the stakeholders engagement of companies, orienting them toward sustainable business models. After having traced the theoretical background, the empirical research in this chapter helps to shed light on corporate sustainability management and sustainable innovation in daily business and to inquire the extent to which servant leadership allows SBMs implementation. The cases-studies are relative to two Italian large-sized companies (Brunello Cucinelli Spa and Geico Spa) belonging to different sectors and geographical areas, led by managers and entrepreneurs with common traits in their servant leadership styles and characterized by the implementation of distinctive sustainable business models. Findings emphasize the role of the values and ethical-based conducts of the managers/entrepreneurs in forging the sustainable and servant leadership model and affecting the SBMs adopted by the companies .
Building New Bridges Between Business and Society, 2017
This chapter addresses the theme of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies concerning lab... more This chapter addresses the theme of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies concerning labor and employees by proposing an anthropologically-centered analysis—developed from both the theoretical and empirical profiles—of business and leadership models that are geared toward a multidimensional development, which focuses on the valorization and promotion of the employee.
This section presents a case-study relative to an Italian large Group, Brunello Cucinelli, that i... more This section presents a case-study relative to an Italian large Group, Brunello Cucinelli, that is of particular interest for its business model and the path of growth, characterized by a coherent and authentic CSR orientation. Sustainability of growth and healthy profitability are distinctive features of the Cucinelli Group. In pursuing the “humanistic enterprise” people work to achieve a shared objective adhering to a system of “soft” intangible values that represent the living core of the entire Group. The study employs a qualitative research approach. Firstly, it provides a brief description of the company; secondly, attention addresses the humanistic enterprise model and the leadership style. Finally, conclusions summarize the most relevant insights emerged from the case that represents an example of a sustainable growth and “a gentle capitalism”.
The chapter focuses on a particular type of family business, belonging to the Economy of Communio... more The chapter focuses on a particular type of family business, belonging to the Economy of Communion (EoC) project. The EoC project involves entrepreneurs of different cultures and religions, companies, associations, social organization (including workers, managers, consumers, investors, scholars, poor people, private citizens and families) in concretely developing a new economic model and a new way of conceiving and implementing business management, labor and economic relations. This membership renders the case study particularly interesting, since it represents a family business driven by ideal-motives tied to the principles of the Catholic “Focolare Movement” set up by the charisma of Chiara Lubich. If non-financial goals of family businesses represent a feature useful to explain their orientation toward sustainability, in the selected case a further variable, namely the adhesion to the EoC project, reinforces such orientation rendering it an expression of “strong sustainability.”
Coping with Integrated Reporting: An Overview of financial and Social Reporting Using the Integra... more Coping with Integrated Reporting: An Overview of financial and Social Reporting Using the Integrated Approach: An Introduction -- Part I: Theoretical Insights and Outlooks on Integrated Reporting -- Part II: Critical Perspectives on Integrated Reporting in Theory and Practice -- Part III: Implementing Integrated Reporting in Different Countries and Organisations: Issues, Benefits and Challenges.
In the Italian doctrine, Catturi and Riccaboni (2001), after having analyzed the various threads ... more In the Italian doctrine, Catturi and Riccaboni (2001), after having analyzed the various threads of institutionalism theory, reach a definition of a notable analogy between “Old Institutional Economics” (Commons 1934) and Business Economics (Zappa 1957; Masini 1982; Ceccherelli 1964; Costa and Ramus 2012), as it considers the non-written rules to be of fundamental importance, as being like the “genius” of organizational change, which orientates the behavior of subjects who characterize the response of the specific and particular company. From this emerges the fact that for each company, the standardized indicators only describe a limited part of the performance which is more effectively monitored also through social- and institutional-type factors (Catturi and Riccaboni 2001: 167). Among contemporary authors, who in the Italian doctrine have directly confronted the institutionalism theory, we can recall Lai who traces the evolution of business theory basing it on the explanation sup...
The work discusses the most critical aspects faced by SMEs in releasing an integrated report and ... more The work discusses the most critical aspects faced by SMEs in releasing an integrated report and adapting the Integrated Reporting (IR) principles to their needs and features. After presenting the literature framework, the paper analyses a case-study relative to a medium-sized company belonging to the Italian Network Business Reporting working group, which has been involved in the drafting process of the Guidance for IR in SMEs. Results emphasize the need for simplifying concepts such us materiality, integrated thinking and connectivity and understanding the benefits deriving from the IR adoption. The work has both theoretical and practical implications, since it contributes to nourish a research field which has not been adequately investigated and support the diffusion of IR among SMEs and practitioners, by emphasizing the SMEs’ possible approach toward “the IR journey”.
Contributions to Conflict Management, Peace Economics and Development, 2017
Abstract This chapter focuses on the care of our “common home,” emphasizes the complexity of the ... more Abstract This chapter focuses on the care of our “common home,” emphasizes the complexity of the crisis, and suggests the path to overcome it through renewed environmental, economic, anthropological, and social ecology. Starting from the premise of the Encyclical Letter Laudato Si (Pope Francis, 2015), the chapter discusses the role of leadership models based on virtues and moral constructs to promote a new business culture. Which leadership models and which business models are necessary to guide companies toward the integral development? After a review of the Encyclical Letter, the chapter traces the theoretical framework of leadership theories connected with the emergence of a sustainability-oriented business model. The empirical analysis explores three cases of exemplary Italian companies which show how entrepreneurs can promote cultural reorientation, can help others to unlearn the bad habits of “turbo-capitalism,” and place value on humanity, relationships, and the love of the place in which they do business. This chapter contributes to the development of leadership approaches and models incorporating the orientation toward the common good. Accordingly, it highlights the “roots” of entrepreneurial and managerial behavior which appear to inspire a profound rethinking of business conduct. From the business examples analyzed, the chapter shows models that make integral development possible.
PurposeThis study aims to provide empirical evidence on the link between intellectual capital and... more PurposeThis study aims to provide empirical evidence on the link between intellectual capital and a firm's ability to attract funding and financing in Italian companies.Design/methodology/approachData from 125 Italian companies was collected through an online survey and analysed using structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).FindingsResults show that structural capital has a positive, direct impact on both human and relational capital. At the same time, relational capital is the only intellectual capital component that has a positive, direct impact on a firm's ability to attract funding and financing. Finally, we found that a firm's ability to attract funding and financing impacts both innovation and financial performance.Originality/valueThis novel study is among the first to provide empirical evidence of how human, relational and structural capital interact with each other and enhance a firm's ability to attract funding and financing.
The paper addresses the theme of authentic CSR based on a virtues and a charismatic approach. Sev... more The paper addresses the theme of authentic CSR based on a virtues and a charismatic approach. Several studies underline how entrepreneurial behaviors and values lie at the base of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)-oriented strategies and actions. The business ethics literature emphasises the values dimension of entrepreneurial and managerial activity and has introduced concepts such as management integrity, authenticity and virtues, which are becoming widespread in the corporate context.
Atti Del Xxiv Convegno Annuale Di Sinergie, Oct 14, 2012
Obiettivo . Il paper si propone di analizzare il concetto di “sviluppo integrale” delle aziende -... more Obiettivo . Il paper si propone di analizzare il concetto di “sviluppo integrale” delle aziende - inteso come crescita congiunta della dimensione competitiva, sociale e ambientale, che valorizza i fondamenti antropologici della cultura aziendale nel rapporto con il contesto territoriale - e il ruolo che le imprese “di territorio” giocano nel promuovere tale modello. Il lavoro sviluppa sul piano concettuale ed empirico i concetti di impresa di territorio, radicamento, coesione e capitale sociale e, nel sottolineare la circolarita del legame tra sviluppo integrale dell’azienda e del territorio, arricchisce con un nuovo schema interpretativo il filone degli studi che verte sul rapporto tra impresa e contesto locale. Metodologia . Il lavoro si snoda attraverso la duplice prospettiva deduttiva e induttiva. Quest’ultima e incentrata sull’analisi qualitativa e sulla metodologia del multiple case studies applicata a due aziende italiane “di territorio” (Distillerie Varnelli Spa, Gruppo Loccioni) localizzate nelle Marche. Risultati . Dopo avere definito il framework teorico in cui si colloca la ricerca, l’analisi empirica consente di formulare proposizioni che sintetizzano gli attributi delle imprese “di territorio” e del modello dello sviluppo integrale di cui sono protagoniste e di identificare la bidirezionalita del legame tra sviluppo integrale dell’azienda e del territorio. Limiti della ricerca . Il principale limite dello studio risiede nell’ impossibilita di generalizzare i risultati emersi dall’analisi qualitativa condotta in questa prima fase esplorativa. La verifica delle proposizioni formulate richiede una seconda fase della ricerca, tesa ad esplicitare le variabili rilevanti del modello di sviluppo integrale delle aziende di territorio in altri casi aziendali appartenenti allo stesso e ad altri contesti territoriali. Implicazioni pratiche . Il lavoro contribuisce a sottolineare la centralita delle imprese radicate, protagoniste di percorsi di sviluppo reale basati su elementi soft di natura intangibile (capitale sociale, intellettuale, relazionale) sedimentati nel genius loci del territorio, e a diffondere la conoscenza delle “buone pratiche” promosse da imprese che rappresentano protagonisti importanti nella costruzione di modelli di governance sostenibile del territorio. Originalita . Coniugando la prospettiva della responsabilita, dell’etica aziendale con quella dello sviluppo locale, sul piano scientifico il lavoro offre spunti di riflessione riflessioni sul concetto di “imprese di territorio”, contribuendo ad arricchire il filone degli studi che verte sul rapporto tra imprenditorialita e sviluppo locale, regionale e nazionale.
... 1 LO STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT E IL GLOBAL REPORT DI BOXMARCHE SPA di Mara Del Baldo 1. Premessa... more ... 1 LO STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT E IL GLOBAL REPORT DI BOXMARCHE SPA di Mara Del Baldo 1. Premessa Partecipare allo stakeholder forum organizzato da Boxmarche Spa per la presentazione del Global Report 20061 è stata una preziosa occasione per acquisire ...
Historically, in most countries, the accounting profession has always been male-dominated. Libera... more Historically, in most countries, the accounting profession has always been male-dominated. Liberal professions such as lawyers, engineers, architects and doctors share the common trait of conservatism. The accounting profession, which is also a liberal profession, is no exception. Starting from this premise, this work aims to provide, using a historical and institutional perspective, a picture of the past and current "journey" in the accountancy profession of women-chartered accountants and auditors in Italy and Romania. Drawing from the theoretical framework of gendered construction of the accounting profession, the paper points out issues affecting the presence, the degree of representativeness and the role (concerning the presence among the higher level of professional activities and governance positions) of women within the National Chartered Association and their continued under-representation in Italy and Romania. Findings contribute to providing insights useful to develop a future agenda and fill in the research gaps in this field.
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