Administrative Sciences

13 pages, 238 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Technological Advancements and Organizational Discrimination: The Dual Impact of Industry 5.0 on Migrant Workers

by Erhan Aydin, Mushfiqur Rahman, Cagri Bulut and Roberto Biloslavo

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14100240 (registering DOI) - 29 Sep 2024

This study explores the impact of Industry 5.0 on discriminatory behaviors toward migrant employees within organizations. Through semi-structured qualitative interviews with 15 migrant workers in the UK, this research identifies key challenges faced by migrant employees amidst the integration of advanced technologies like [...] Read more.

This study explores the impact of Industry 5.0 on discriminatory behaviors toward migrant employees within organizations. Through semi-structured qualitative interviews with 15 migrant workers in the UK, this research identifies key challenges faced by migrant employees amidst the integration of advanced technologies like AI and robotics in HRM systems. Thematic analysis reveals that while Industry 5.0 has the potential to mitigate human biases, it can also perpetuate existing prejudices if not managed effectively. This study highlights two main themes: the experiences of discrimination and challenges in the context of Industry 5.0, and the role of technology in HRM systems. The findings indicate that automated HR systems can both reduce and increase biases, highlighting the importance of inclusive practices and targeted support programs to help migrant workers adapt to a technologically advanced labor market. This research contributes to the literature by providing insights into the duality of technological advancements in reducing and reinforcing workplace discrimination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating New Horizons in Organization Theory: Emerging Trends and Innovative Perspectives)

66 pages, 1318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Portuguese Textiles and Apparel Industry: Assessing the Effect of International Trade on Employment and Green Employment

by Vitor Miguel Ribeiro

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14100239 (registering DOI) - 29 Sep 2024

Abstract

This study examines the impact of international trade activities on employment in the Portuguese textiles and apparel industry from 2010 to 2017. It finds evidence that imports and exports have a persistent, negative, and significant effect on overall job creation, with this impact [...] Read more.

This study examines the impact of international trade activities on employment in the Portuguese textiles and apparel industry from 2010 to 2017. It finds evidence that imports and exports have a persistent, negative, and significant effect on overall job creation, with this impact intensifying over the long-run. Additionally, the increasing elasticity of substitution between imports and exports indicates that private companies of this industry have benefited from a win–win situation characterised by higher production volumes and lower marginal costs. By applying an unsupervised machine-learning method, followed by a discrete choice analysis to infer the firm-level propensity to possess green capital, we identify a phenomenon termed the green international trade paradox. This study also reveals that international trade activities positively influence green job creation in firms lacking green capital if and only if these players are engaged in international markets while negatively affecting firms already endowed with green technologies. As such, empirical results suggest that the export-oriented economic model followed over the last decade by the Portuguese textiles and apparel industry has not necessarily generated new domestic employment opportunities but has significantly altered the magnitude and profile of skill requirements that employers seek to identify in new workforce hires. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Development within the Sustainable Development Goals)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 899 KiB

Open AccessReview

Artificial Intelligence in Auditing: A Conceptual Framework for Auditing Practices

by Diogo Leocádio, Luís Malheiro and João Reis

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14100238 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

The transition to digital business systems has revolutionized organizational operations, driven by the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). This integration indicates a shift, redefining traditional practices and enhancing efficiency across diverse sectors such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This [...] Read more.

The transition to digital business systems has revolutionized organizational operations, driven by the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). This integration indicates a shift, redefining traditional practices and enhancing efficiency across diverse sectors such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This study explores the impact of AI on auditing through a systematic literature review to develop a conceptual framework for auditing practices. The theoretical implications show the transformative role of AI in redefining auditors’ roles, shifting from retrospective examination to proactive real-time monitoring. Moreover, managerial contributions stress the benefits of AI integration, enabling informed decision-making in risk analysis, financial management, and regulatory compliance. Future research should explore AI’s influence on auditing efficiency, performance, regulatory challenges, and auditor adaptation. Overall, this study underlines the importance for organizations to embrace AI integration in auditing practices, fostering innovation, competitiveness, and resilience. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Organisational Climate on Employee Well-Being and Healthy Relationships at Work: A Case of Social Service Centres

by Andrius Janiukštis, Kristina Kovaitė, Tomas Butvilas and Paulius Šūmakaris

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14100237 (registering DOI) - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Multiple studies highlight the crucial role of management of a positive organisational climate, which in turn contributes to employee well-being and healthy workplace relationships and mitigates the occurrence of negative behaviour, including harassment at the workplace. Furthermore, contemporary scholars emphasise the importance of [...] Read more.

Multiple studies highlight the crucial role of management of a positive organisational climate, which in turn contributes to employee well-being and healthy workplace relationships and mitigates the occurrence of negative behaviour, including harassment at the workplace. Furthermore, contemporary scholars emphasise the importance of open and transparent communication channels in reducing workplace tensions and improving employee mental health. However, the interrelationship between organisational climate, open communication, employee well-being, and negative behaviours in the workplace is a complex phenomenon. Despite the relevance and interest in organisational climate on employee well-being, limited efforts have been devoted to the area of relationships and causality, and straightforward answers about the objective links between these phenomena and their general nature remain complex. Therefore, this study aims to strengthen the understanding of the impact of the organisational climate on employee well-being and negative behaviours in the workplace. This is the first study that applied causality to the investigated problem to identify statistical relationships between the variables. This study was conducted in Lithuanian social service centres and schools, focussing on professionals with a high psychological risk at work due to their nature. This study offers valuable contributions and provides a comprehensive and profound insight into the management field, focussing on the impact of the organisational climate. The values of harassment in the workplace are explained by the values of organisational climate and employee well-being. This study demonstrates that improving the organisational climate contributes to employee well-being and healthy relationships and reduces the prevalence of negative behaviours in the workplace. This study introduces the academic and practical implications and suggests the pathways for further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellbeing and Healthy Work Relationships: From Theoretical Perspectives to Interventions—2nd Edition)

13 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emic and Etic Perspectives on HR Practice for Managing Human Resource Issues Affected by the Prevalence of Informal Networks in Arab Countries

by Sa’ad Ali, David Weir, Munirah Sarhan AlQahtani and Mansour Mrabet

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14100236 - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

Whilst research on Wasta has been improving in quantity and quality, there is still much more to know about the interactions between the different parties in Wasta transactions, the role of power in this process and how it impacts HR functions. As such, [...] Read more.

Whilst research on Wasta has been improving in quantity and quality, there is still much more to know about the interactions between the different parties in Wasta transactions, the role of power in this process and how it impacts HR functions. As such, this research aims to address this gap by exploring the use of Wasta in human resources (HR) functions, drawing on 17 semi-structured interviews with HR, recruitment and line managers working in the Jordanian banking sector. This paper focuses on the roles of trust and power in the organizational transactions in which Wasta is positioned and identifies recruitment and selection (R&S) as one of the main human resource (HR) practices and procedures that are affected by Wasta. The findings shed light on the impact of Wasta on HRM practice on the micro and macro levels, highlighting the complex socio-economic needs for this practice which, whilst they might be beneficial on the micro level in terms of securing employment for job seekers and benefits for organizations in the Wasta exchange process, can also have some substantive negative outcomes in the forms of social and economic exclusion of others outside the Wasta network. By doing so, it develops the conceptualization beyond the often-simplistic view of Wasta as a negative (and sometimes positive) practice as viewed by previous research extending it to a practice that could have either impact on different stakeholders. Full article

16 pages, 505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

It Is Not Enough: The Moderation Effect of Entrepreneurship Education in Mexican University Students

by Irery L. Melchor-Duran, Sandra Yesenia Pinzon Castro, Alejandro Cheyne-Garcia and Araceli Alvarado-Carrillo

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14100235 - 24 Sep 2024

Abstract

Understanding the impact of entrepreneurship education on the entrepreneurial cognition of university students is relevant to finding ways to foster entrepreneurship that boost the economy in developing countries. The objective of this study is to determine the influence of personal attitude, perceived behavioral [...] Read more.

Understanding the impact of entrepreneurship education on the entrepreneurial cognition of university students is relevant to finding ways to foster entrepreneurship that boost the economy in developing countries. The objective of this study is to determine the influence of personal attitude, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms on entrepreneurial intention, and to discover if there exists a moderation effect of entrepreneurship education on the abovementioned aspects. We collected 343 questionnaires of students of the Center for Administrative and Economic Sciences of a Mexican university. We used structural equations through the method of partial minimum squares, and, to test the hypothesis, we used the Smart-PLS 3.0 software. The results indicate that entrepreneurship education does not have a significant moderation effect on the relationship between personal attitude on entrepreneurial intention and perceived behavioral control on entrepreneurial intention. However, there exists a significant and positive influence of personal attitude on entrepreneurial intention and perceived behavioral control on entrepreneurial intention. We conclude that current entrepreneurship education has the opportunity to create impactful outcomes because the theory is easy, but entrepreneurship in reality is hard and requires more effort. We recommend including a wider view with external resources like lectures of experts from the entrepreneurial ecosystem and support from government and potential investors, among other approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurial Education in Developing Countries: Opportunities and Challenges for Universities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Believing in Change: Predicting Identification, Performance, and Ethical Culture in an Organizational Acquisition Case in Romania

by Elena Cristina Manole, Petru Lucian Curșeu, Nicoleta Iulia Olar and Oana Cătălina Fodor

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14100234 - 24 Sep 2024

Abstract

This study examines how positive beliefs about organizational changes during a foreign acquisition case influence organizational identification, perceptions of ethical organizational culture, and individual performance seven months post-acquisition. By integrating theories of social identity and organizational change, we offer a new perspective on [...] Read more.

This study examines how positive beliefs about organizational changes during a foreign acquisition case influence organizational identification, perceptions of ethical organizational culture, and individual performance seven months post-acquisition. By integrating theories of social identity and organizational change, we offer a new perspective on how positive perceptions of change influence key outcomes following mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Using a cross-lagged design with two cross-sectional datasets within a high-intensity telecommuting organization in Romania, we found that viewing change positively significantly enhanced organizational identification, perceptions of ethical organizational culture, and individual performance. These findings highlight the crucial role of effectively managing the narrative surrounding change processes and enhancing employee perceptions in successful organizational integration following M&As. Full article

17 pages, 571 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ethical Leadership and Emotional Exhaustion: The Impact of Moral Intensity and Affective Commitment

by Carlos Santiago-Torner, Mònica González-Carrasco and Rafael Alberto Miranda Ayala

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090233 - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The impact of ethical leadership on employee emotional exhaustion has been extensively analyzed. However, the impact of a leader’s moral intensity on an employee’s emotional state has gone largely unnoticed. This research demonstrates that ethical leadership influences employee emotional exhaustion as [...] Read more.

Purpose: The impact of ethical leadership on employee emotional exhaustion has been extensively analyzed. However, the impact of a leader’s moral intensity on an employee’s emotional state has gone largely unnoticed. This research demonstrates that ethical leadership influences employee emotional exhaustion as a function of the extent of the leader’s moral standards. Furthermore, this research finds that affective commitment acts as a mediating mechanism. Methods: A simple mediation model is used. The sample consists of 448 professionals in six organizations in the Colombian electrical sector who responded to an online questionnaire. The sampling is probabilistic by conglomerates. Findings: This research found a positive relationship between ethical leadership and emotional exhaustion, with affective commitment being a mechanism that helps explain this association. Ethical behavior is voluntary in nature and develops in an environment of trust. When an ethical leader surpasses specific moral turning points, a follower’s learning becomes an obligation, preventing affective fluidity. A search for acceptance implies constant consumption of resources that weakens the follower’s capacity for self-regulation until it is exhausted. Moreover, when the leader’s expectations are difficult to meet, affective commitment can lead to significant emotional ambiguity in followers. This context intensifies role stress and increases the likelihood of emotional exhaustion. Lastly, seniority in the workplace promotes emotional exhaustion. Originality: This research challenges conventional wisdom about the mitigating effect of ethical leadership on employees’ emotional states. It broadens the understanding of this management style and fills a crucial knowledge gap by introducing a new perspective. Practical Implications: A balanced and accessible leader can quickly convey a convincing ethical discourse. Emphasizing the vulnerability and importance of human beings can help prevent moral anguish and ethical distances. This, in turn, provides followers with resources to mitigate exhaustion and strengthen commitment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Ethical Leadership in Its Cultural Context: New Challenges and Prospects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Employee Engagement and Innovative Work Behavior: The Mediating Role of Knowledge-Sharing Behavior in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Service Context

by Abdallah M. Elamin, Hazem Aldabbas, Ahmed Zain Elabdin Ahmed and Abdulaziz N. Abdullah

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090232 - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of knowledge-sharing behavior (KSB) in the relationship between employee engagement and innovative work behavior (IWB). We collected 193 completed survey responses from employees working in the service sector in the United Arab [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of knowledge-sharing behavior (KSB) in the relationship between employee engagement and innovative work behavior (IWB). We collected 193 completed survey responses from employees working in the service sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Drawing on social exchange theory (SET), we employed hierarchical regression to analyze the research framework and the mediation effect. The primary findings indicate a significant positive association between employee engagement and IWB, as well as between employee engagement and KSB. Additionally, there is a significant positive association between KSB and IWB. Furthermore, employee engagement has an indirect effect on IWB via the mediating role of KSB. We recommend further research and practical investigation into how employee engagement contributes to enhancing knowledge-sharing behavior and IWB, ultimately improving organizational performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behavior)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 1144 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Strategies, Methods, and Supports for Developing Skills within Learning Communities: A Systematic Review of the Literature

by Majid Zamiri and Ali Esmaeili

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090231 - 22 Sep 2024

Abstract

This systematic review underscores the significance of learning communities as fertile grounds for skill development across diverse contexts. Furthermore, it reviews and theoretically evaluates several commonly used strategies, methods, and supports for developing skills within learning communities by synthesizing the existing literature. We [...] Read more.

This systematic review underscores the significance of learning communities as fertile grounds for skill development across diverse contexts. Furthermore, it reviews and theoretically evaluates several commonly used strategies, methods, and supports for developing skills within learning communities by synthesizing the existing literature. We followed the procedure outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to ensure a transparent, comprehensive, and standardized approach to conducting and reporting our systematic review, thereby enhancing the review’s credibility and reproducibility. Through an extensive analysis of the literature, we identified eleven strategies, methods, and supports (application of collaborative projects, mentorship programs, workshops and training sessions, online learning platforms, peer learning and feedback, problem-based learning, cross-collaboration initiatives, leadership development programs, inclusive learning environments, gamification and simulations, and social media and networking) that play pivotal roles in nurturing different types of skills. We describe each identified solution, its advantages and challenges, the types of skills targeted for development, and their overall contribution to skill enhancement. The findings emphasize the importance of fostering collaborative and interactive environments within learning communities to facilitate collective skill development and personal growth. Our systematic review faced some challenges (e.g., heterogeneity of studies and lack of longitudinal data) due to the overwhelming diversity of the literature on skill development across various disciplines and contexts. Overall, by synthesizing existing knowledge and identifying gaps in the literature, this review serves as a foundation for advancing theory, informing practice, and promoting continual improvement in skill development within learning communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Knowledge Work Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Munificent Environment Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Intention and Behaviour: The Moderating Role of Risk-Taking Propensity

by Nkosinathi Henry Mothibi, Mmakgabo Justice Malebana and Edward Malatse Rankhumise

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090230 - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

This study examined the effect of munificent environment factors on the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention and risk-taking propensity by means of the theory of planned behaviour. The study also assessed the effect of perceived behavioural control and entrepreneurial intention on entrepreneurial behaviour, as [...] Read more.

This study examined the effect of munificent environment factors on the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention and risk-taking propensity by means of the theory of planned behaviour. The study also assessed the effect of perceived behavioural control and entrepreneurial intention on entrepreneurial behaviour, as well as the moderating role of risk-taking propensity on the association between the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention, entrepreneurial intention, and entrepreneurial behaviour. Data were gathered from 127 SME owners in the Gauteng metropolitan cities of Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, and Tshwane using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the relationships. Findings revealed the varying effects of the munificent environment factors on the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention and risk-taking propensity. Perceived behavioural control had a significant effect on entrepreneurial intention, while attitude towards behaviour and subjective norms were non-significant. Risk-taking propensity weakened the link between entrepreneurial behaviour and entrepreneurial intention and did not exhibit a significant moderating effect on the association between attitude towards the behaviour and entrepreneurial intention or between subjective norms and entrepreneurial intention. Risk-taking propensity had a significant effect on both entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial behaviour. Perceived behavioural control had a direct positive significant effect on entrepreneurial behaviour, whereas entrepreneurial intention did not. Efforts to promote access to entrepreneurial role models and social capital are vital in regard to stimulating risk-taking propensity and entrepreneurial behaviour. Thus, interventions that are directed at the enhancement of perceived behavioural control could help shape the formation of entrepreneurial intentions and stimulate entrepreneurial activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Female Entrepreneurship and Diversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bridging Generations and Values: Understanding Generation Z’s Organizational Preferences and the Mediating Role of Sustainability and Innovation Attitudes in Turkey

by Ceren Cubukcu Cerasi and Yavuz Selim Balcioglu

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090229 - 19 Sep 2024

Abstract

Gen Z is well-recognized as the first generation to have lived through the full digital era. They are used to utilizing technology, have been on social media since they were young children, and have even developed an addiction to it because they grew [...] Read more.

Gen Z is well-recognized as the first generation to have lived through the full digital era. They are used to utilizing technology, have been on social media since they were young children, and have even developed an addiction to it because they grew up in a technologically advanced world. Preliminary research has looked at Gen Z’s educational preferences in the marketing and education realms, as well as product promotion techniques directed towards them. Furthermore, most of the early Gen Z research was conducted in the United States. Because there is a lack of reliable literature studies on HR and organizational research material related to Gen Z and their career-related objectives, organizations are ill-prepared to accept this new generation into the workforce. This study identifies the organizational values that the members of Generation Z find significant. The purpose of the study is to ascertain how closely the members of Generation Z align with corporate values and preferences. The research employs a quantitative methodology: 109 Turkish university students who were enrolled in classes were given a survey. Consequently, this identified the preferences of Generation Z members in Turkey. The literature lacks reliable studies regarding diverse investigations on Generation Z’s preferences conducted outside of the United States. This research will add to the literature about this topic. This study’s conclusions highlight how complex and multidimensional Generation Z’s views are regarding innovation and sustainability in the Turkish setting. The analyses did not show any significant mediating or predicting effects, contrary to the initial hypotheses that suggested a direct relationship between these attitudes, society contributions, educational attainment, and personal values. This implies that the variables influencing university students in Generation Z’s sustainability and innovation orientations are more complicated than previously thought and might not be directly impacted by the variables looked at in this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating New Horizons in Organization Theory: Emerging Trends and Innovative Perspectives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Advantages of Entrepreneurial Holism: A Possible Path to Better and More Sustainable Performance

by Richard J. Arend

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090228 - 19 Sep 2024

Abstract

In the present business environment, the strategic challenge of increasing performance along multiple dimensions simultaneously—e.g., financial, social, and personal—has never been greater. Thus, the purpose of this study is to improve the understanding of how firms can successfully pursue diverse performance goals simultaneously. [...] Read more.

In the present business environment, the strategic challenge of increasing performance along multiple dimensions simultaneously—e.g., financial, social, and personal—has never been greater. Thus, the purpose of this study is to improve the understanding of how firms can successfully pursue diverse performance goals simultaneously. To that end, specifically, this study’s objectives are to not only explore whether entrepreneurs are more successful than their corporate manager peers in that pursuit but also to explore how being an entrepreneur and being spiritual provide possible paths to being successful in such a pursuit. We draw upon a recent survey of 168 medium-sized venture entrepreneurs and their corporate executive peers in the US to better understand how such integration of roles and goals can be managed. Results indicate that being an entrepreneur and being spiritual lead to greater synergies among the performance outcomes, with some exceptions. The holistic nature underlying the findings has implications for policy (e.g., resource allocation) and for practice in that all firms should be seeking ways to find synergies not only between pairs of outcomes (e.g., profits and CSR) but among networks of outcomes (and at different levels of impact). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Evolutionary Path of Performance Measurement and Management in Light of Global Challenges)

18 pages, 293 KiB

Open AccessReview

Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Care: Management Implications, Ethical Challenges, and Policy Considerations

by Stephan Hoose and Kristína Králiková

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090227 - 17 Sep 2024

Abstract

Adopting AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the provision of psychiatric services has been groundbreaking and has presented other means of handling some of the issues related to traditional methods. This paper aims at analyzing the applicability and efficiency of AI in mental health practices [...] Read more.

Adopting AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the provision of psychiatric services has been groundbreaking and has presented other means of handling some of the issues related to traditional methods. This paper aims at analyzing the applicability and efficiency of AI in mental health practices based on business administration paradigms with a focus on managing services and policies. This paper engages a systematic and synoptic process, where current AI technologies in mental health are investigated with reference to the current literature as to their usefulness in delivering services and the moral considerations that surround their application. The study indicates that AI is capable of improving the availability, relevance, and effectiveness of mental health services, information that can be useful for policymakers in the management of health care. Consequently, specific concerns arise, such as how the algorithm imposes its own bias, the question of data privacy, or how a mechanism could reduce the human factor in care. The review brought to light an area of understanding of AI-driven interventions that has not been explored: the effect of such interventions in the long run. The field study suggests that further research should be conducted regarding ethical factors, increasing the ethical standards of AI usage in administration, and exploring the cooperation of mental health practitioners and AI engineers with respect to the application of AI in psychiatric practice. Proposed solutions, therefore, include enhancing the AI functions and ethical standards and guaranteeing that policy instruments are favorable for the use of AI in mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Management and Business Models in Public Administration: An International Perspective—2nd Edition)

19 pages, 1231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Payment Delay on Consumer Purchase Intention

by Minkyung Choy

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090226 - 16 Sep 2024

Abstract

While previous studies have focused on the form of payment methods as a criterion, this study proposes payment delay as a new criterion and examines the relationship between consumers’ need for closure (NFC) and temporal construal in payment situations. Three empirical studies were [...] Read more.

While previous studies have focused on the form of payment methods as a criterion, this study proposes payment delay as a new criterion and examines the relationship between consumers’ need for closure (NFC) and temporal construal in payment situations. Three empirical studies were conducted with participants who had experience with plastic card payments to ensure they understood the concept of payment delay. Participants with a low NFC tended to construe payment situations more abstractly, leading to increased purchase intentions for hedonic products when payment was delayed and for utilitarian products when it was not. In contrast, participants with a high NFC exhibited higher purchase intentions for hedonic products when payment was delayed but no significant difference for utilitarian products based on payment delay. The findings provide implications for strategies to mitigate excessive hedonic consumption through credit card payments and address reluctance toward credit card use stemming from consumers’ aversion to debt or uncertainty. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 794 KiB

Open AccessEssay

Understanding and Mitigating Leadership Fear-Based Behaviors on Employee and Organizational Success

by Jason A. Hubbart

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090225 - 16 Sep 2024

Abstract

Leadership behavior profoundly influences organizational culture, serving as a cornerstone for environments that foster safety, innovation, and employee satisfaction. This article utilizes research from the primary literature to demonstrate how leaders’ actions and underlying fears influence organizational dynamics and employee outcomes, highlighting the [...] Read more.

Leadership behavior profoundly influences organizational culture, serving as a cornerstone for environments that foster safety, innovation, and employee satisfaction. This article utilizes research from the primary literature to demonstrate how leaders’ actions and underlying fears influence organizational dynamics and employee outcomes, highlighting the importance of respect, transparency, and trust. Studies have shown that leadership styles shape the work environment, driving innovation and performance. However, concerns over productivity, evaluation, and control can lead to poor communication, low transparency, reduced innovation, and diminished performance, creating a culture of mistrust and anxiety. Authoritarian control or neglect of employees’ needs exacerbates these issues, stifling creativity. The Pygmalion and Golem effects demonstrate how positive reinforcement enhances morale, productivity, and retention, while negative reinforcement is detrimental. Leaders operating under fears of failure or loss of control or political capital inadvertently create a culture of fear and increasingly severe feedback loops of reduced employee trust, satisfaction, and commitment. Addressing these fears fosters open communication, psychological safety, transparency, and mutual respect. Strategies for transforming leadership fears into positive change include promoting open communication, decentralizing decision-making, and implementing positive reinforcement mechanisms. Constructive feedback mechanisms encourage bidirectional communication and help mitigate the negative impacts of leadership fears. Leaders who address their fears can strengthen team trust, enhancing collaboration and engagement. Ultimately, managing leadership fears proactively catalyzes organizational learning and development, promoting a mindset where challenges are seen as opportunities for growth. This approach enhances adaptability and resilience while fostering continuous improvement. Addressing leadership fears and fostering a supportive culture is essential for sustainable productivity and success, serving as a starting point for exploring strategies that support employee performance and development, ultimately contributing to organizational success. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preferences of Generations of Customers in Slovakia in the Field of Marketing Communication and Their Impact on Consumer Behaviour

by Matúš Cagala and Dagmar Babčanová

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090224 - 14 Sep 2024

Abstract

This paper deals with the analysis of the preferences of different customer generations in Slovakia in the field of marketing communication and its influence on consumer behaviour. Currently, marketing communication is an integral part of company strategies and has a key influence on [...] Read more.

This paper deals with the analysis of the preferences of different customer generations in Slovakia in the field of marketing communication and its influence on consumer behaviour. Currently, marketing communication is an integral part of company strategies and has a key influence on how customers choose products or services. With the increasing importance of the generational segmentation of customers, understanding their individual preferences and tendencies in communication becomes an essential prerequisite for success. In this paper, we explore how preferences differ between Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z, and how these preferences influence their consumer behaviour. Based on the analysis of primary and secondary data, the main trends and preferences of generations in the field of marketing communication were identified. This paper provides useful information that can be used by companies in the creation and implementation of marketing strategies. At the same time, the paper enables a better understanding of the dynamics of consumer behaviour in the context of generational preferences and will help identify opportunities for improving marketing activities and more effective communication with target groups. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 4214 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Competence Development and Affective Commitment as Mechanisms That Explain the Relationship between Organizational Culture and Turnover Intentions

by Ana Palma-Moreira, Ana Lúcia Dias, Beatriz Pereira and Manuel Au-Yong-Oliveira

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090223 - 14 Sep 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of organizational culture (supportive culture, innovation culture, goal culture and rule culture) on turnover intentions and whether this relationship was mediated by organizational practices of competencies development (training, functional rotation and individualized support) and affective commitment. The study [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effect of organizational culture (supportive culture, innovation culture, goal culture and rule culture) on turnover intentions and whether this relationship was mediated by organizational practices of competencies development (training, functional rotation and individualized support) and affective commitment. The study sample consisted of 369 participants working in organizations based in Portugal. The results show that only goal culture positively and significantly affects the three dimensions of organizational practices of development competencies and affective commitment. The culture of support has a positive and significant effect on functional rotation, individualized support and affective commitment. The culture of innovation has a positive and significant effect on training. Supportive culture, goal culture and the dimensions of organizational practices of development competencies negatively and significantly affect exit intentions. The serial mediating effect of organizational practices of development competencies and affective commitment on the relationship between organizational culture (supportive culture and goal culture) and turnover intentions was proven. Organizational culture, especially supportive culture and goal culture, proved to be relevant in boosting the implementation of organizational practices of development competencies, boosting affective commitment and reducing turnover intentions. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of the Agglomeration Economy and Innovation Ecosystem in the Process of Competency Development and Growth of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

by Dario Peirone, Dina Batista Pereira, João Leitão and Olha Nezghoda

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14090222 - 14 Sep 2024

Abstract

In our paper, we examine the simultaneous impact of the agglomeration economy (AE) and the innovation ecosystem (IE) on the competency development of SMEs in the Piemonte region in three high-tech sectors: aerospace, mechatronics, and automotive. This study focuses on the critical challenge [...] Read more.

In our paper, we examine the simultaneous impact of the agglomeration economy (AE) and the innovation ecosystem (IE) on the competency development of SMEs in the Piemonte region in three high-tech sectors: aerospace, mechatronics, and automotive. This study focuses on the critical challenge for SMEs: survival and market position expansion amidst rapidly changing external environments. We used the capability approach, which includes identifying and assessing a company’s competencies through the capability matrix, as a tool to analyse a company’s competitiveness in the industry based on structural changes; we determined the key insights from managerial practices of SMEs that help to comprehend the behaviour of high-performing, sustainable-performing, and low-performing companies in the development of competencies. The key finding is that SMEs’ sustainability in the context of structural changes in the external environment is primarily influenced by factors such as investment in the development of company competencies, industrial cooperation, strategic planning, cross-fertilisation, and the impact of company age and size on the availability of resources, along with the level of internationalisation. This study also identifies the main challenges these SMEs face, particularly the lack of highly skilled human resources to meet the sector’s specific needs, as well as the difficulties companies face in adapting to changes in consumer behaviour and forecasting future business strategies. In addition, this study introduces the AE and IE variables as strategic tools to enable company representatives to improve their development strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Opportunities, Societal Challenges, and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Description

Administrative Sciences

Latest Articles

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

Latest Books

E-Mail Alert

News

Topics

Conferences

Special Issues

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI