Aim/purpose – This study explores the nexus between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), trade openness, exchange rate, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in Vietnam between 1986 and 2020. Design/methodology/approach – The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) was used to evaluate the nexus between FDI, trade openness, exchange rate, and GDP per capita in Vietnam between 1986 and 2020. Moreover, the Johansen co-integration test examined the long-run relationship among these variables. Findings – Results address that GDP per capita, FDI, and trade openness may generate an appreciation of the Vietnamese currency in the short run. In the long run, we found that FDI inflows and trade openness support GDP per capita, but the depreciation of Vietnam Dong harms the economic growth of this country in the long run. The Johan- sen co-integration test confirmed a long-run association among GDP per capita, FDI inflows, trade openness, and exchange rate. Results also indicated a unidirectional cau- sality running from GDP per capita and trade openness to FDI and exchange rate. In addition, a bidirectional causality ran from FDI to the exchange rate. Research implications/limitations – Policies were recommended to facilitate macroe- conomic stability for Vietnam. First, fiscal and monetary policies should be carried out to achieve targets in macroeconomic stability, economic development, employment creation, and inflation control. Second, FDI inflows should continue to be encouraged since they accelerate economic growth. Still, FDI projects should concentrate on improving labor skills and technological progress and promoting sustainable development in crucial sectors such as agriculture, energy, and the environment. Third, fostering innovation in exports by shifting focus from raw materials and inputs exports towards processed and high-value-added commodities while also promoting exports from domestic enterprises to reduce reliance on exports from FDI enterprises. Lastly, improving flexible and active exchange rate regimes consistent with real conditions in both domestic and international markets is necessary to stabilize the exchange rate and foreign currency market in Vietnam. Originality/value/contribution – This paper contributes to the field by providing spe- cific policy recommendations for Vietnam. These recommendations aim to stabilize the economy, attract FDI, renovate exports, and implement flexible and active exchange rate regimes. Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), trade openness, exchange rate, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. JEL Classification: E60, O11, O24.

Aim/purpose – The study aims to investigate the role of organizational commitment as a mediator between internal marketing and job performance. Design/methodology/approach – For this purpose, data were collected from 239 per- sonnel working in the textile sector in Turkiye’s Organized Industrial Zone. The data obtained from the participants through the survey method were examined by explanatory factor analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation, and bootstrap regression analyses. Findings – The findings of the research clearly show that internal marketing practices have a significant impact on job performance. Internal marketing variable explained 52.24% of the change in organizational commitment. However, it has been revealed that organizational commitment has a partial mediating role in the relationship between internal marketing practices and job performance. Research implications/limitations – This study has limitations in taking samples from Turkiye, focusing on the textile industry, and using the convenience sampling method. Originality/value/contribution – These results strongly support the argument that internal marketing practices further increase job performance through organizational commitment. Keywords: internal marketing, organizational commitment, job performance. JEL Classification: M10, M12, M31, M19

Aim/purpose – This study investigated the nexus between labor force dynamics and economic performance in Nigeria, India, and China. Design/methodology – The study used annual time series data spanning from 1991 to 2021 obtained from World Development Indicators (WDI). After the unit root stationarity test, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) was used for the analysis. Findings – Findings from the study support a positive short-run relationship between labor force participation and economic growth in all three countries. However, in China, population growth impacts the economy positively in the long run, while life expectancy at birth negatively impacts the economy in the short run. This is because China’s popula- tion is aging. In India, employment in the industrial and service sectors positively impacts the economy in the long run. In the short run, life expectancy at birth influences the economy negatively. Furthermore, in Nigeria, the industrial and service sector employment impact the economy negatively in the long run, though there are positive effects in the short run. Research implications – The Indian government needs policy reforms in the areas of education and health to take advantage of the potential of its youthful population. The Nigerian government requires implementing a wide range of education, investment, and employment-generating policies to foster tangible economic growth. These reforms could help both India and Nigeria take advantage of the potential for demographic change. The Chinese government, already having policy reforms in place, is geared towards improved fertility and population growth for economic growth in the near future. These policies, coupled with the study’s findings, could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the implications of demographic change on economic performance. Originality/value contributions – This analysis explored and compared the demographic potentials of two young countries (India and Nigeria) and an aging, wealthy economy (China) from the working class. Policy lessons for the attainment of demographic divi- dends are borrowed from China. Keywords: labor force, economic performance, demographic change, population dynamics, ARDL model. JEL Codes: J10, J11

Aim/purpose – This study reports the demand for Big 4 audits among institutional and family owners, the two dominant ownerships in the GCC countries. We conducted this in-depth study to gain an understanding of the type of firms, family-owned or institu- tional-owned firms that lead to choosing audit firms. Design/methodology/approach – This study employed a quantitative cross-country study by selecting a sample based on secondary data extracted from the Capital IQ data- -set from a panel of 1827 non-financial firms listed on the stock exchanges of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from 2010 to 2018. The hypothesized effects of institutional ownership (IO) and family ownership (FO) on the selection of external auditors in these countries were examined using logit, probit, and heteroskedastic probit analysis. Findings – The study finds that institutional investors play a crucial role in influencing firms’ choice of auditors in the GCC. Family-owned firms tend to hire non-Big 4 firms when the owners actively monitor the firms’ financial transactions. In addition, the study finds that both domestic and foreign institutional investors have a significant positive effect on auditor selection, with domestic institutional investors having priority. These findings support the efforts of market authorities in the GCC to highlight the critical role of IO over FO in improving audit quality. Research implications/limitations – The results are highly relevant for shareholders, executives, institutional investors, regulators, and academics. They help them improve the growth of capital and audit markets by developing best practices, thereby helping achieve an optimal framework for auditor choice that matches higher audit quality. This study focuses on only two types of ownership structures (institution and family) despite the many options because of the extensive debates and discussions on the association between the studied ownership types and auditor choice. Originality/value/contribution – Study highlighted the role of institutional investors in GCC countries as one of the most attractive emerging economies in the Middle East. Since no research has been conducted on the role of institutional and family investors in selecting external auditors in GCC countries, this study has made a significant contribu- tion to the accounting and auditing literature. It mitigates the gap in the literature on emerging markets. The findings can provide policymakers with guidelines for including institutional investors and FO in GCC countries to ensure high-quality audits. Keywords: institutional ownership (IO), family ownership (FO), auditor choice, Gulf Cooperation Council, emerging economies. JEL Classification: G23, G32, D10, M42.

Aim/purpose – This pilot study explores the main obstacles hindering the effective implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). By thoroughly understanding these barriers, organizations can develop custom- ized strategies and interventions to overcome them, facilitating smoother and more successful AI adoption. The paper’s primary goal is to help organizations understand the barriers to AI adoption to develop tailored strategies and interventions to overcome these challenges, leading to a more efficient and successful integration of AI. Through a rigor- ous examination of real-world experiences and perceptions, this paper seeks to elucidate the multifaceted challenges that impede the effective deployment of AI solutions. Design/methodology/approach – The study identifies four main impediments to AI implementation based on data from 22 interviews with industry experts in the Czech Republic and Austria. Findings – First, a notable lack of trust emerges as a significant barrier, with stakehold- ers harboring apprehensions regarding AI’s reliability, ethical implications, or potential consequences. Second, the knowledge gap hampers progress, indicating a need for better understanding and expertise in AI technologies and applications. Third, infrastructure limitations, including inadequate computing resources, outdated systems, or insufficient technical support, pose a challenge. Lastly, a shortage of skilled professionals proficient in AI further complicates implementation efforts, highlighting the importance of nurtur- ing talent and expertise. Research implications/limitations – The findings regarding AI implementation strategies are significant for small and medium-sized enterprises. Although the research focuses on Czech and Austrian companies, the findings may apply to other countries. Additionally, it is worth noting that this is qualitative research with a smaller sample size. Originality/value/contribution – By addressing these barriers proactively, organiza- tions can navigate the complexities of AI adoption more effectively and unlock its trans- formative potential. Keywords: AI, barriers, implementation, SMEs. JEL Classification: M10, M15, M2.

Aim/purpose – This study examines authentic leadership’s influence on employee silence intention, mediated by perceptions of organizational politics and organizational commitment. Design/methodology/approach – Research data was obtained by surveying 251 lectur- ers at PGRI universities. The method used to analyze the data was structural equation modeling with AMOS. Findings – The research results show that authentic leadership, perceptions of organiza- tional politics, and organizational commitment directly affect employee silence inten- tion. In addition, Perceptions of organizational politics and organizational commitment mediate the influence of authentic leadership on employee silence intention. Research implications/limitations – The theoretical implications of this study strength- en the theory of authentic leadership by demonstrating its negative influence on employee silence intentions. However, a limitation of this study lies in the potential need for more generalizability of the findings, as the study focused only on higher education, so the results may not fully apply to different industries or cultural contexts. Originality/value/contribution – This research makes a significant contribution by exploring the influence of authentic leadership on employee silence intention. It enriches the literature with empirical findings linking leadership honesty, openness, and transpar- ency to reduced employee silence. Keywords: authentic leadership, perceptions of organizational politics, organizational commitment, employee silence intention. JEL Classification: M12, M54, O15.

Aim/purpose – Energy is traditionally produced using fossil fuels as raw materials, which impacts the environment negatively. Due to the scarcity of fossil fuel supplies, rising prices of energy carriers, and global trends, consumers are turning to renewable energy sources (RES) for home heating. The aim of this study was to determine whether the choice of house heating system using different sources than fossil fuels is driven by any additional components of single-family house users’ purchasing decisions besides cost. Based on research results, the prospects for further transformation of thermal ener- gy in single-family housing in Poland towards RES were determined. Design/methodology/approach – The research on the inhabitants of single-family houses was conducted in December 2022 in Poland. The research method used was a survey using the CATI and CAWI techniques. 600 respondents filled out the question- naire. The results were statistically analyzed. A non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test (non- -parametric ANOVA) and a post-hoc test were used. The distributions’ normality and the variances’ homogeneity were measured using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Brownian– –Forsythe tests. Calculations were performed using Statistica software. Findings – The choice of heating energy source in single-family houses, taking CO2 emis- sions into account, is not dictated by income level. Instead, it is determined by the number of people in the household. More numerous households opt for a zero-emission heat source. Households using emission-based heating energy sources are significantly more driven by the cost of using heating appliances; their purchase price, reliability, and product quality are more important than those using zero-emission methods. The partial use of renewable energy source solutions promotes further investment in emission-free heat sources. Research implications/limitations – The analysis illustrates the state of thermal trans- formation in single-family houses during the energy transition process at the national level. A limitation of the research is that it samples only one EU country struggling with too high CO2 emissions compared to other countries. Originality/value/contribution – A unique approach used in this study is to address the variation in incentives for renewable energy purchasing decisions, considering CO2 emissions. This aspect, although noticeable to some extent, is not directly taken into account by users who do not have the tools to assess their CO2 emissions. However, the proposed research approach showed that the CO2 emission level of a heating system is a factor differentiating some aspects of the decision-making process of system users. In particular, it showed what elements of the decision are essential in households that have not yet taken any action towards energy transformation. Keywords: energy, decision-making process, heat source, hybrid heat sources, emis- sion-free heat sources, consumers’ characteristics. JEL Classification: Q56, G51, O13.

Aim/purpose – This article analyzes the impact of gamification on staff motivation, performance, and corporate culture at the international level. It also examines the inte- gration of advanced technologies such as AI (artificial intelligence), AR (augmented reality), and VR (virtual reality) into gamification strategies to enhance their effective- ness. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilizes a semi-systematic literature review, synthesizing information from various scientific sources. This approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of gamification’s impact on employee engagement and produc- tivity, focusing on incorporating advanced technologies. Findings – The research identified that gamification significantly enhances employee motivation and performance. It highlights the additional benefits of AI-driven personali- zation, AR, and VR, which create immersive and adaptive learning environments. A framework for gamification implementation in business is proposed, including six steps such as (1) define objectives, (2) analyze the audience, (3) select game elements, (4) develop a game mechanism, (5) implement and train, (6) collect feedback and adapt. Research implications/limitations – The study’s reliance on a semi-systematic litera- ture review may not capture all practical nuances and recent advancements. Future em- pirical research involving direct observation within organizations is recommended. Ad- ditionally, the findings are based on theoretical analyses and case studies, which may not fully represent the diversity of real-world applications across different industries and cultural settings. Originality/value/contribution – This research contributes to the existing literature by expanding traditional gamification models to include advanced technologies. It provides actionable insights for businesses seeking to implement gamification strategies, offering examples and recommendations for practice. The study underscores the need for strategic and context-specific implementation of gamification to ensure its effectiveness. Keywords: gamification, staff motivation, HR management, artificial intelligence, virtual reality in working process. JEL Classification: M12, M14, M20.

Aim/purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of HRM practices on OCB-I (altruism and courtesy) and OCB-O (sportsmanship, conscientiousness, and civic virtue) by examining the mediating role of organizational justice perceptions (i.e., distributional, procedural, and interactional justice) and the moderating role of gender. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a national sample of 10 organi- zations from the banking industry in Kosovo and data were obtained from 459 employ- ees. The statistical method involved regression analyses by constructing 14 different models through controlling demographics and the Sobel test for testing the moderator hypotheses. Findings – The findings of the study suggest that there are positive relations between HRM practices and both OCB-I and OCB-O. Additionally, HRM practices show posi- tive relations with justice perceptions, while justice perceptions show positive relations with both OCB-I and OCB-O. Furthermore, justice perceptions play a mediating role in the relationship between HRM practices and both OCB-I and OCB-O. Gender moderates the relationship between HRM practices and justice perceptions, showing a positive relationship for females but a negative one for males. Lastly, gender also moderates the relationship between justice perceptions and OCB-O, being positive for males but nega- tive for females. Research implications/limitations – Limitations of this study include uncertainties in determining the most suitable HRM practices for assessing their impact on OCBs, poten- tial method bias from the limited sample, and limited generalizability beyond Kosovo’s banking sector due to cultural variations. Originality/value/contribution – This study provides a comprehensive understanding of HRM practices, organizational justice, and OCBs within Kosovo’s banking sector. The findings not only contribute to theoretical knowledge but also offer practical insights for Kosovan commercial banks, emphasizing the importance of evaluating HRM prac- tices and justice perceptions to enhance employee behaviors crucial for organizational success. Keywords: HRM practices, justice perceptions, citizenship behavior, gender. JEL Classification: M10, M12, M19.