Business Context Research Articles

Social Exchanges in Family Businesses: A Review and Future Research Agenda

Different social exchange relationships among family members and between family and non-family stakeholders influence individual, group, and family-firm outcomes. Although many studies provide insights into social exchange relationships in family businesses, these studies are scattered across multiple literatures. Using the lens of social exchange theory, we review and organize 74 such studies. After discussing what is known and what gaps remain, we juxtapose our review with new theorizing about social exchanges to elicit research opportunities for family business research and for leveraging the family business context to “give back” to social exchange theory.

Longitudinal studies of leadership development: a scoping review

Although various reviews about leadership development (LD) have been published in recent years, no one has attempted to systematically review longitudinal LD studies, which is arguably the most appropriate way to study LD (Day, Leadership Quarterly, 22(3), 561–571, 2011). In this way, the focus of the present scoping review is to understand how true longitudinal LD studies have been investigated and what inconsistencies exist, primarily from a methodological perspective. Only business contexts and leadership-associated outcomes are considered. To achieve this, ample searches were performed in five online databases from 1900 to 2021 that returned 1023 articles after the removal of duplicates. Additionally, subject experts were consulted, reference lists of key studies were cross-checked, and handsearch of leading leadership journals was performed. A subsequent and rigorous inclusion process narrowed the sample down to 19 articles. The combined sample contains 2,776 participants (67% male) and 88 waves of data (average of 4.2). Evidence is mapped according to participants, setting, procedures, outcomes, analytical approach, and key findings. Despite many strengths, a lack of context diversity and qualitative designs are noticed. A thematic analysis indicates that LD authors are focused on measuring status, behavioral, and cognitive aspects. Implications for knowledge and future research paths are discussed.

Enhancing business performance through strategic integration of Naga worship

The extent to which businesses incorporate Naga worship into their strategies and operations and its effect on their success remains ignored. This study employed a multidisciplinary approach to examine the diverse practices of Naga worship in business contexts across different regions. This study utilized a mixed-methods research design to provide insights into the strategic integration of Naga worship into business practices and its impact on business performance. It employed a questionnaire to gather insights from respondents about their demographic data, awareness of Naga worship, its integration into business practices, consumer perceptions and behaviors, and overall business performance. Follow-up, in-depth interviews were developed to probe deeper into respondents’ experiences, motivations, and perceptions regarding the integration of Naga worship into their business practices. Most respondents agreed to integrate Naga worship into their company practices or marketing plans by using Naga symbols in branding, doing rituals for success, providing Naga-themed products and services, and scheduling activities on auspicious Naga-related dates. Respondents perceived companies that venerate Naga as culturally genuine and focused on the community. Worshipping the Naga deity improved the brand’s and corporation’s image and reputation. People patronized these enterprises by buying products and services associated with Naga culture. A substantial portion of respondents believe that worshiping Naga enhances commercial prosperity. Yet, a few participants from different regions mentioned difficulties regarding the integration of Naga religious customs.

Identity Disclosure and Anthropomorphism in Voice Chatbot Design: A Field Experiment

Fueled by the widespread adoption of algorithms and artificial intelligence, the use of chatbots has become increasingly popular in various business contexts. In this paper, we study how to effectively and appropriately use voice chatbots, particularly by leveraging the two design features identity disclosure and anthropomorphism, and evaluate their impact on the firm operational performance. In collaboration with a large truck-sharing platform, we conducted a field experiment that randomly assigned 11,000 truck drivers to receive outbound calls from the voice chatbot dispatcher of our focal platform. Our empirical results suggest that disclosing the identity of the chatbot at the beginning of the conversation negatively affects operational performance, leading to around 11% reduction in the response probability. However, humanizing the voice chatbot by adding our proposed anthropomorphism features (i.e., interjections and filler words) significantly improves response probability, conversation length, and the probability of order acceptance intention by over 5.6%, 24.9%, and 10.1%, respectively. Moreover, even when the chatbot’s identity is disclosed along with humanizing features, the operational outcomes still improve. This finding suggests that enhancing anthropomorphism may potentially counteract the negative effects of chatbot identity disclosure. Finally, we propose one plausible explanation for the performance improvement—the enhanced trust between humans and algorithms—and provide empirical evidence that drivers are more likely to disclose information to chatbot dispatchers with anthropomorphism features. Our proposed anthropomorphism improvement solutions are currently being implemented and utilized by our collaborator platform. This paper has been This paper was accepted by Felipe Caro for the Special Issue on the Human-Algorithm Connection. Funding: This study is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72172169 and 91646125], Program for Innovation Research at the Central University of Finance and Economic, and Shanghai Pujiang Program. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.03833 .

Understanding the influence of business innovation context on intentions of enrolment in master education of STEM students: a multi-level choice model

This article studies educational decisions, focusing on intentions of enrolment in master’s education of STEM bachelor students. Integrating human capital theory with concepts of cultural and social capital, we propose a two-level model for the choice of pursuing master’s degrees. First level (individual) includes factors covering individual habitus and organisational habitus (higher education institutions of bachelor students), while the second level (local) reflects the local business innovation environment. The proposed model was empirically tested on data collected from a sample of STEM and non-STEM bachelor students enroled in 10 public universities located in Romania. The results show that STEM students display a higher propensity to enrol in master's education, and the gap between STEM and non-STEM majors varies across regions. We find that educational decisions related to master’s degrees are shaped by local circumstances reflecting the business innovation intensity as more innovative business contexts are less conducive for enrolment of students in master programmes. In addition, the findings of the study show that local circumstances are not independent of the field of study when shaping students’ educational choices, highlighting the complex way in which individual and local levels factors interplay and shape educational decisions. STEM students’ propensity to enrol in master’s degrees is more influenced by the innovative business environment than other students. This study has implications for higher education policy and practice aiming to support longer educational careers in STEM.

THE EVOLUTION AND REVOLUTION OF MARKETING MIX FROM 4P TO 4C TO 4E TO E-MARKETING MIX: A LITERATURE OVERVIEW

Marketing mix is an important concept in the world of marketing that was first introduced by an academic named Jerome McCarthy in the 1960s. The marketing mix was created in the early days of the marketing concept when physical products, physical distribution and mass communication were dominant. The marketing mix paradigm, in its famous version of the 4 Ps, went all the way through the evolution of marketing theory being object of discussion both in academic literature as well as in managerial practice. In today’s era of revolutionary change, the digital business represents the more recent of the business contexts and the one with the greater need for a differentiation and upgradation of the mix. Throughout this evolutionary process, researchers have given their views who think the 4 Ps paradigms is able to adapt to the environmental changes by including new elements inside each “P”, and some affirmed that the 4 Ps paradigm is obsolete and propose new paradigms. This paper aims to clarify these two different approaches to marketing mix evolution through a review of the main literature regarding e-marketing mix and its constituents which provides an up gradation to the existing elements of marketing mix as well as focusing on the development of marketing mix theory for the digital context. . In the context of the wars between the upstart internet retailers and the existing brick and mortar retailers, this study would pave the way to consider E-marketing as an innovated way to customer delight. The evolution of 'Product,' 'Price,' 'Place,' and 'Promotion' in the digital era requires a holistic understanding of consumer behavior, technological advancements, and the interconnected nature of the online world.

The Managerial Economics Implications Of Rupiah Exchange Rate Fluctuations On Investment And Corporate Growth

The managerial economics implications of Rupiah exchange rate fluctuations on investment and corporate growth are critical considerations for businesses operating in Indonesia's volatile economic environment. This study, conducted through an extensive literature review, explores the multifaceted impacts of exchange rate volatility on corporate decision-making and performance. Key findings indicate that fluctuations in the Rupiah increase investment risks and uncertainties, adversely affecting private sector investment and corporate growth. The review highlights that exchange rate volatility escalates production costs and diminishes profit margins, thereby impeding business expansion and competitive positioning in international markets. From a managerial perspective, effective risk management strategies such as hedging and portfolio diversification are essential for mitigating exchange rate risks. Additionally, efficient resource management and operational efficiency are pivotal in cushioning the adverse effects of currency fluctuations. The study underscores the importance of dynamic pricing strategies and financial instruments in stabilizing cash flows and sustaining growth amidst economic turbulence. This paper contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of exchange rate impacts on managerial decisions and provides actionable insights for businesses to navigate currency volatility. Future research should focus on empirical analyses to validate the findings and explore case studies across various sectors to further elucidate the nuances of managing exchange rate risks in different business contexts.

The Implementation of Value Co-Creation in the Food Industry

In this study, we analyse, and classify the literature that discusses the implementation of value co-creation in the food industry. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic literature review identified from Scopus database search results. Then, it was further screened and filtered to obtain specific literature that could answer the proposed research question. Our analysis focuses on how those studies put value co-creation into real business and industrial contexts. We are looking at the value co-creation phases, mechanisms, and how those could create particular value. We found that value co-creation can be implemented in various ways tailored to the context that the actors wish to achieve. Another classification is made to find out the focus of the present research. This classification is based on the different functions they were focusing on across the food industry. Finally, we organise and summarise the suggestion for future research directions

Detecting Process Duration Drift Using Gamma Mixture Models in a Left-Truncated and Right-Censored Environment

Within the realm of business context, process duration signifies time spent by customers between successive activities. This temporal perspective offers important insight to customer behavior, highlighting potential bottlenecks, and influencing business management decisions. The distribution of these process duration often changes over time due to factors such as seasonality, emerging legislation, changes to supply chains, and customer demand. Referred to as concept drift, these variations pose challenges for robust process modeling, understanding, and refinement. Subsequently, gamma mixture models are widely employed to model durations. These source data can, however, become left-truncated and right-censored within any specific observation window thereby necessitating a (well-known) modification to the likelihood function. The approach reported in this article leveraged this adapted likelihood across a series of observation windows, applying the likelihood ratio test to identify duration changes/concept drift. Due to its flexibility in modelling any duration distribution, the gamma mixture model was used with Nelder–Mead optimized likelihood for the left-truncated and right-censored data. The number of gamma components was determined by the Bayesian information criterion. The proposed framework underwent validation through simulated exponential samples, leading to recommendations for its practical application. Subsequently, we applied the methodology to three real-life event logs exhibiting diverse characteristics. Experimental results showcase the effectiveness of our approach in terms of data fitting, as compared to Kaplan–Meier curves, and in detecting instances of drift. This comprehensive validation underscores the practical utility and reliability of our framework for dynamic business scenarios.

INSTAGRAM IN TEACHING ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC ACADEMIC PURPOSES

The purpose of the study is to explore the potential of integrating Instagram in university-level English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP) courses, focusing on Business English for Advanced Students. Using a mixed-methods approach, it combines qualitative data from observing the completion of Instagram-based assignments and subsequent semi-structured group interviews with quantitative data from a five-point Likert scale questionnaire distributed to the students who participated in the study. The research sample consisted of twenty-six undergraduate students from the Faculty of Commerce at the University of Economics in Bratislava, Slovakia, who completed four Instagram-based tasks related to communication, international marketing, promoting Slovakia, and success, which were linked to topics covered in the course during the winter semester of the academic year 2020/2021. The findings show that Instagram can be used effectively in ESAP courses mainly due to its popularity, visual appeal of posts, and, most importantly, as a platform that serves as a powerful marketing tool. The results indicate that the implementation of Instagram activities was positively perceived by most students, with high levels of agreement regarding the relevance, engagement, and creativity of the tasks. The study highlights the potential benefits of using Instagram in ESAP, providing insights into effective language learning through authentic, business-related tasks. Ultimately, integrating Instagram into ESAP can enable students to develop the language skills and competencies needed in real business contexts.

КӨРКӨМ КОТОРМОДО САНАРИПТИК ТЕХНОЛОГИЯЛАРДЫ КОЛДОНУУ

In today's world, digital technologies play a key role in the field of translation, especially in a formal business context. However, their use in the translation of fiction remains less common. This article explores the possibilities of using digital methods in pre-translation activities and evaluates their effectiveness in the context of translating literary works. Special attention is paid to the issues of introducing digital technologies into the work of a translator of literary texts and their potential application in teaching. Using the example of the translation of Kyrgyz poetry, the problems arising from the use of digital means, including machine translation, are considered. This article offers an analysis of the possibilities and limitations of digital technologies in the context of translating literary texts in order to improve the quality and speed of translation. Digital technologies are actively being introduced into the work of a translator, especially in such areas as written translation in official business discourse. Digital technologies are used less often in the translation of fiction, but such techniques allow for pre-translation activities. In other words, it provides a literal translation of the text and helps to find the literal meaning of each word in the dictionary. However, some digital methods can be successfully used in the translation of literary works.

The Photovoice Project: Fostering Students' Autonomous, Collaborative, and Authentic Business/Engineering English Learning Experiences

This perspective article elaborates an instructional approach to business English learning utilizing a photovoice project as a strategy to promote a real-world learning encounter. In professional and vocational colleges, project-based learning (PBL) is an instructional strategy for promoting autonomous, collaborative, and authentic learning nuances. This article sheds light on how photovoice project fosters the students’ technical and business English learning experiences. The project empowers students to take charge of their learning, work collaboratively, and engage in real-world business context. This paper presents the concept of photovoice, learners’ autonomy and collaboration towards photovoice, authentic business English learning encounters, technology-integrated photovoice, project evaluation, and case studies on photovoice project. On top of that, language teachers can utilize project-based photovoice as a valuable tool for promoting innovative and engaging business English learning activities, thus providing students with contextual-based learning environment and preparing them for the real business world. It also brings several implications: 1) for vocational English teachers, implementing photovoice projects offers a powerful tool to create innovative and engaging learning activities, 2) for students, these projects provide a contextualized learning environment that prepares them for the real business world by developing practical language skills and industry-specific knowledge, and institutions will benefit by fostering an educational approach that bridges classroom learning with real-world applications, thereby enhancing the overall quality and relevance of their programs.

Delving into the Architecture of International B2B Relationship Marketing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: From Business Convergence to Partnership Effectiveness

ABSTRACT Purpose The study seeks to address the influence of different facets of business-to-business (B2B) relationship marketing on internationalization effectiveness, by taking into account the turbulent environment generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus falls on the factors that generate, frame, catalyze, sustain and strengthen international business relationships between managers from organizations with converging interests. Methodology B2B relationship marketing in the international arena is analyzed by means of various angles such as business convergence, business context, interpersonal compatibility, business credibility and network interconnections as availed by the “new normal” triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire-based survey with 158 business owners and managers from European industrial companies was carried out during November 2023 to investigate the configuration and dynamics of B2B relationship marketing in the unprecedented and systemic COVID-19 crisis. Data was analyzed via structural equation modeling using SmartPLS 4. Findings The findings showed that while business convergence remains a strong influencer of all the other relational dimensions, the restrictions and limitations engendered by the pandemic have also altered international B2B relationship marketing to such an extent that the only significant factor for internationalization effectiveness relies on business networking. Research and practical implications The study has both theoretical and practical implications, bringing forward a topical perspective on international B2B relationships during COVID-19 disruptions and their impact on the effectiveness of international operations. Originality The study advances a phenomenological view of the unprecedented changes and their influences on the overseas operations of SMEs in a particular field. It complements and adds to the literature by stressing a more articulated relationship-centric architecture, which probed relevance during the pandemic.

Value capture in IoT-driven business models: considerations about smart resources and isolating mechanisms in networked environments

PurposeThis conceptual paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of value creation and value capture with smart resources in the Internet of Things (IoT)-driven business models against the backdrop of an increasingly networked and connectivity-based environment. More specifically, the authors screen strategic management theories and adapt them to the specificities of new types of smart resources by focusing on a conceptual analysis of isolating mechanisms that enable value creation and value capture based upon different types of smart resources.Design/methodology/approachBy adapting the state of the art of the contemporary resource-based discussion (resource-based view, dynamic capabilities view, relational view, resource-based view for a networked environment) to the context of IoT-driven business models, the paper typifies valuable intra- and inter-organisational resource types. In the next step, a discursive discussion on the evolution of isolating mechanisms, which are assumed to enable the translation of value creation into value appropriation, adapts the resource-based view for a networked environment to the context of IoT-driven business models.FindingsThe authors find that connectivity shapes both opportunities and challenges for firms, e.g. focal firms, in such business models, but it is notably social techniques that help to generate connectivity and transform inter-organisational ties into effective isolating mechanisms.Originality/valueThis paper lays a foundation for a theoretically underpinned understanding of how IoT can be exploited through designing economically sustainable business models. In this paper, research propositions are established as a point of departure for future research that applies strategic management theories to better understand business models that work with the digitisation and connectivity of resources on different levels.

Unlocking Business Value: Integrating AI-Driven Decision-Making in Financial Reporting Systems

This research article investigates the synergies between artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation (DT), and financial reporting systems within the business context. The central theme explores how organizations enhance their decision-making processes by integrating AI technologies into digital transformation initiatives, particularly in financial reporting. The focal point is comprehending how the synergy of these integrated systems can unlock substantial business value, instigate strategic innovation, and elevate overall financial analytics through the adoption of intelligent, data-driven decision-making methodologies. By harnessing advanced analytics, automation, and adaptive decision support capabilities, organizations navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving business environment, in which neural networks emerge as a valuable tool for calibrating outcomes in the financial accounting environment, demonstrating effectiveness in processing complex financial data, identifying patterns, and making predictions, ushering in a new era of transformative possibilities. The introduction of a game theory payoff matrix in this AI decision-making tool adds a strategic framework for analyzing interactions among decision-makers, considering strategic choices and outcomes in a dynamic and competitive context.

Systematic Investigation of the Influence of Religion on Business Management: A Bibliometric Approach

Abstract In the dynamic context of modern business, the role of religion in business management is increasingly attracting the attention of researchers and practitioners. Religion, seen as a set of spiritual beliefs and practices, deeply shapes people’s values, behaviors, and decisions, thus impacting the way organizations are managed. Using bibliometric analysis allowed us to identify research trends, the links between the keywords underlying the selected studies, and the impact of the publications on the business environment. The study revealed that religious values can shape ethical behavior, leadership styles, and corporate social responsibility in business. Most studies focus on the influences of Islamic, Catholic, and Protestant religions, leaving a significant gap in understanding how orthodox values and practices influence organizational behavior and business ethics, even though this is the dominant religion in many Eastern and South-Eastern European countries. For a more comprehensive perspective, future research should include case studies and surveys in these geographical and cultural regions, combining qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis. This study provides a robust basis for future research, stimulating reflection on how religious values can shape the business landscape in the 21st century.

Going Circular in a Linear Business Context: Squaring the Circle?

Going Circular in a Linear Business Context: Squaring the Circle?

Principles of Honesty in Business according to the Qur'an (Case Study of Cocoa Seed Traders in Cendana Village)

This research explores the concept of honesty in a more specific business context, namely in the case study of Cendana Village cocoa seed traders and explores the relevance of the importance of the principle of honesty in the Koran. Cendana Village is a clear example where Islamic principles, including honesty, are implemented in community life and economic activity, with special emphasis on verses that specifically underline honesty in a business context. The research method used is qualitative with a descriptive analysis approach. Primary data was obtained through direct interviews with Cendana Village cocoa seed traders, secondary data was collected through various sources, including library literature related to business, ethics and Islamic principles, as well as print and electronic media which contained articles related to the cocoa business and the principles of honesty in Islam. Cendana Village cocoa seed traders run their business with integrity, transparency and commitment to customer interests and long-term business sustainability. Thus, these traders become a good example for other business practitioners in applying the principle of honesty in their activities. Traders understand that honesty is not only a moral value, but also a solid foundation for building good relationships with customers and ensuring long-term business success.

THE NECESSITY OF PROTECTING LIVES: THE LUCAS LAW AS A STARTING POINT FOR OTHER LABOR SECTORS

Objective: To analyze the importance of first aid within the business context, highlighting the necessity and benefits of training employees to effectively handle emergency situations. Theoretical Framework: The Lucas Law prevents tragedies by training professionals for emergencies, increasing survival rates. It emphasizes the importance of daily preparedness and serves as a starting point for promoting public policies that encourage companies to train employees in first aid. Method: A qualitative research was conducted in scientific articles, using an integrative literature review, identifying the theme and guiding question; establishing inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results and Discussion: It is estimated that workplace accidents cause an annual loss of 4% of the global gross domestic product (GDP), with Brazil ranking fourth worldwide in fatal workplace accidents. Research with rural workers showed that 11% suffered some work-related accident within a year. These data highlight the importance of proper training for the prevention of workplace accidents. Research Implications: This research highlights the importance of first aid training in the business environment, promoting a safe workplace and influencing public policies on accident prevention. Originality/Value: This study underscores the critical need for first aid in the business environment, offering an innovative approach to training. Its relevance is evidenced by the potential reduction in workplace accidents and the promotion of a safer environment

Synthesizing Information Security Policy Compliance And Non-compliance: A Comprehensive Study And Unified Framework

ABSTRACT In today’s organizational landscape, safeguarding information against both intentional and unintentional insider threats has become a paramount concern. To address this challenge, organizations formulate Information Security Policies (ISP) aimed at maximizing compliance regarding sensitive data and information. However, confining the analysis solely to compliance falls short, as even a minor fraction of non-compliant individuals can lead to significant organizational vulnerabilities. In such scenarios, it becomes imperative for organizations to delve into the intricacies that influence both ISP compliance and noncompliance. While numerous literature reviews have explored factors contributing to ISP compliance, they often treated compliance and noncompliance as mere opposites, neglecting their nuanced differences and the need for a combined perspective. Our study bridges this gap by conducting a comprehensive review of 50 peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2022. This unique undertaking yields three crucial contributions: First, it elucidates the characteristics distinguishing ISP compliance and noncompliance within business contexts. Second, it provides an encompassing explication of the variables influencing both ISP compliance and noncompliance. Most notably, our review culminates in the development of a unified framework that amalgamates existing insights and charts a path for future inquiry.