Business Environment Research Articles

Collective Action and Business Competitiveness

This study aims to comprehensively review the extant literature examining the intricate relationship between collective action (CA) strategies employed within industrial contexts and the consequent impact on organizational competitiveness. Utilizing a systematic literature review methodology, this study meticulously identifies and synthesizes the challenges and solutions associated with CA. Additionally, it delineates various factors that influence business competitiveness in relation to collective action strategies. The analysis culminates in the development of a conceptual model that elucidates the dynamic interplay between collective action problems and strategies, alongside key business competitiveness factors. Furthermore, the study highlights the moderating role that governance structures can exert on this relationship. This review stands out in the literature due to its unique focus on the intersection of collective action strategies and organizational competitiveness. It addresses a gap in existing research by providing a comprehensive synthesis of these variables within the context of business environments. The study underscores the imperative for a more profound theoretical exploration of business-related collective action. It suggests a critical examination of the role that existing business associations play in enhancing or impeding the competitiveness of firms. By doing so, it offers valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers aiming to leverage collective action for competitive advantage. The comprehensive analysis offered in this review provides a robust framework for understanding the factors that drive the effectiveness of collective action strategies and their implications for business competitiveness. By identifying the challenges and solutions associated with collective action, as well as the business competitiveness factors influenced by these strategies, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the field. Additionally, the conceptual model proposed here highlights the crucial role of governance in moderating the relationship between collective action and competitiveness, offering a nuanced perspective that can inform both academic inquiry and practical implementation. Overall, this study provides a valuable foundation for future research and practice, emphasizing the importance of collective action in achieving and sustaining competitive advantage in the business world.

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

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).

The Importance of Sharia Business Ethics in Creating a Tolerant and Peaceful Economic Environment

This study explores the importance of implementing Sharia business ethics in creating a tolerant and peaceful economic environment, especially in the context of a multicultural global society. Sharia business ethics offers universal principles such as justice, transparency, and fair conflict resolution, which focus not only on achieving economic profit but also on promoting social harmony and common welfare. By emphasizing the values of tolerance and diversity, which are integral parts of Islamic teachings, this study shows that implementing Sharia principles can have a significant positive impact on economic development. This implementation, if supported by education, training, and strengthening individual capacity, has the potential to create a stable, trustworthy, and inclusive business environment. In addition, Sharia business ethics can serve as a comprehensive guide in building a just, harmonious, and tolerant society. Thus, this study confirms that Sharia business ethics is not just a set of rules, but a comprehensive approach to achieving economic and social justice in a global society.

Business English Literacy in Improving the Effectiveness of MSME Businesses

This study examines the impact of Business English literacy on the effectiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This study employs a qualitative research design to investigate the impact of Business English literacy on the effectiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. In today's globalized business environment, proficiency in Business English is crucial for MSMEs seeking to expand their market reach, engage in international trade, and enhance communication with global partners. The research explores how improved English literacy contributes to better business outcomes, such as increased sales, optimized marketing strategies, and more efficient operations. The study underscores the strong correlation between Business English skills and business success by analysing case studies and conducting surveys with MSME owners and employees. Investing in Business English training programs can significantly enhance the growth and competitiveness of MSMEs in the global market.

Develop fundamental principles for a strategic framework that incorporates the combination and integration of business ecosystems

This study aimed to investigate the fundamental strategic principles necessary for achieving a competitive advantage by promoting business growth through the identification of synergies within the business ecosystem and the comprehensive integration of the business environment. A qualitative research methodology was employed, with a design focused on an extensive literature review. The analysis was based on 32 pertinent scholarly articles related to the primary themes of interest. Data analysis was performed using NVivo software to facilitate the literature review process. The findings underscored the theoretical enhancement of business strategies among stakeholders to secure a competitive edge. This included an assessment of the impact of policies on strategic consolidation within the holding company, while highlighting the significance of the business ecosystem in bolstering competitiveness. The research emphasized the creation of synergies as a means to achieve a competitive advantage and the alignment of members through the integration of the business ecosystem.

An Exploration of the Promotion of Human Resource Management to Enterprise Development Strategies

Human resource management, as a pivotal component of corporate management systems, exerts a direct influence on a company’s competitiveness and long-term development. With the acceleration of globalization and the intensification of market competition, the formulation and implementation of corporate development strategies increasingly hinge on the efficacy of human resource management. Recruitment, training, and motivation of talent have become crucial driving factors in achieving strategic goals. Through judicious resource allocation and systematic human resource management, enterprises can enhance their innovative capacities, bolster their market responsiveness, and sustain a competitive edge in an ever-changing business environment. Effective human resource management not only facilitates the execution of corporate strategies but also ensures that a company remains flexible and adaptive at various stages of development, thereby providing a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

Building Resilient Supply Chains with Intelligent Automation

Building Resilient Supply Chains with Intelligent Automation represents a transformative approach to modern supply chain management, focusing on optimizing operations through the integration of advanced technologies, data analytics, and process automation. In an increasingly complex and competitive global market, these solutions offer a framework to enhance efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness across the entire supply chain from procurement to final delivery. This paper explores the core components of Intelligent Automation, including data integration, supply chain visibility, inventory and demand management, and process automation. However, implementing these systems also presents challenges such as overcoming data silos, managing supply chain complexity, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Intelligent Automation in supply chains, emphasizing their benefits, challenges, and the critical role they play in the evolution of supply chain management in today's dynamic business environment. Keyword: Supply Chain, Advance Logistics, Courier Management, Supply Solution, Automation, Demant Management

Does transportation infrastructure contribute to urban entrepreneurship? Evidence from the high-speed railway in China

High-speed railways have a profound impact on entrepreneurship. Adopted China's city panel data, we use a time-varying DID model to estimate the influence of the high-speed railways on urban entrepreneurship and study its mechanism. The analysis results reveal that high-speed railways have improved the entrepreneurial vitality of cities. The mechanism test suggests that high-speed railway promotes entrepreneurship activities by accelerating human capital flow, strengthening producer services agglomeration, and promoting market integration. A range of robustness tests including a parallel trend test, placebo test, and PSM-DID model are used to ensure the reliability of the empirical results. Heterogeneity analysis and spatial analysis are used to deepen the research. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that high-speed railway construction is likely to motivate entrepreneurship in eastern cities, big cities, and cities with high-level business environments. The spatial analysis results show that the opening of the high-speed railways promotes the entrepreneurial level of surrounding cities. The research results help to evaluate the economic benefits of high-speed railway network expansion, and provide decision-making references for stimulating urban entrepreneurship.

Cross-media Integration of Film and Television and Cultural Tourism in the Context of Internet Celebrity Cities

In 2023, with the hit of the TV series "Long Moon Embers", Bengbu will become popular on the whole network, which will make film and television programs and cultural tourism a cross-media integration for a while. Despite the hot atmosphere of the tourism market, the quality of cultural and tourism products is uneven, and it is difficult to live up to the truth under the banner of culture. This not only affects the consumer experience, but also detrimental to the long-term development of the industry. The TV series is detonated, and Bengbu's own profound historical context and urban heritage are the blessings of cultural tourism development. In the face of the city's "out of the circle", Bengbu City should take advantage of the situation to pursue, dig deep into its own resource endowment, and deeply cultivate cultural resources to build a cultural and tourism city; It is necessary to take the opportunity to transform, improve the business environment and industrial ecology, and stimulate the vitality of the city to achieve sustainable development. Do a good job in service with heart and affection, and continue to stimulate new momentum for the development of the cultural tourism market.

Business Innovations in Healthcare: Emerging Models for Sustainable Growth

Today’s healthcare sector is a dynamic industry that can only support innovations in the business world that address the needs of clients. The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the growing trends of innovation in the context of the healthcare organization and practice with specific reference to technology, delivery of heath services, and system optimization. Analyzing the case studies or the current tendencies, the paper reveals the effects of these innovations on the quality of the caring service, on the effectiveness of a healthcare organization, and the future stability of a healthcare system. Furthermore, the paper examines the obstacles that hinder innovation and the legal frameworks that affect the business environment for sustainable growth and development recommendations. It is for this reason that the paper’s insights concretely highlight both the centrality and enduring importance of sustained innovation in realizing enduring positive changes in healthcare services as well as delivery.

Business Management in an Unstable Economy: Adaptive Strategies and Leadership

In the current world economy that is characterized by dynamism, it has become a norm for the business environment to present volatilities and uncertainties. It is for this reason the various organizations must possess measures that enable them respond aptly to these challenges, as a way of ensuring that it remains strong and operational always. Therefore, this paper undertakes a study on the increased centrality of strategic management in the management of economic unpredictability with particular reference to the need for flexibility, and proactive planning. As a part of a set of detailed case studies, in this paper, we compare different strategies and approaches that helped brands and companies get through the critical period and be resilient enough to come out of the economic downturns. Moreover, this paper focuses on the possible leadership approaches and leadership effectiveness in dealing with crisis, as well as to analyze the importance of great leadership in managing the organization during crises. Here we specify various descriptors and actions of the leaders who managed to maintain their organizations’ stability during an economic crisis and discuss the effective leadership practices for the organization’s resilience. Also, it contains some guidance on how to construct robust business models capable of handling atrocious economic conditions and achieving constant growth. The principles provided in this publication are generated basing on theory and supported by available research findings, and thus can serve as a handy business management manual for professional executives.

China in Africa: companies as enablers and beneficiaries? An empirical evaluation of state-business relations in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

Abstract China’s strong economic presence in Africa has resulted in an increased interdisciplinary debate. Our contribution is the incorporation of a business perspective by uncovering the prominence and role of business in China’s diplomatic Africa engagement. Our theoretical contribution by applying the state-business relations (SBR) literature is to examine whether established frameworks can be expanded by an international dimension through intergovernmental initiatives like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The paper conducts a document analysis of all declarations and Action Plans of all FOCAC conferences in the period 2000–2021, combining both a content and a thematic analysis based on an explorative and iterative coding process. Our data suggests that the prominence of businesses has increased while the scope of their activities and the number of focus sectors (especially infrastructure) has risen particularly since 2012. Companies are considered as enablers for political and economic goals in the state-driven FOCAC. We find that SBR frameworks are applicable to international contexts and propose an expanded SBR approach integrating transnational intermediary institutions like the intergovernmental FOCAC and transnational business platforms which facilitate positive state-business relations across countries and a conducive business environment.

Export Dynamics and Performance of Tree Seeds in Tanzania: An Analytical Study of Tanzania Forest Services Agency

Purpose: This study investigates the determinants of export performance for tree seeds by the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) through an analytical framework grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory. It aims to identify and analyze the influence of Foreign Market Characteristics (FMC), Export Competence (EC), and Business Environment (BE) on the export performance of tree seeds in Tanzania. Design/Methodology: The study adopted a longitudinal research design to analyze the export dynamics and performance of tree seeds in Tanzania over 14 years, from 2003 to 2016. Data was collected from TFS over 14 years, covering export volumes and values. The analysis examines the effects of FMC, EC, and BE on tree seed export performance. Findings: The findings indicate that FMC, EC, and BE significantly affect export performance. Foreign market characteristics enhance export performance by improving market demand and accessibility. Export competence contributes to success through superior production quality and logistics. A supportive business environment facilitates exports by reducing trade barriers and improving infrastructure. Thus, these insights suggest the need to foster internal competencies, improve export strategies, and enhance regulatory and economic frameworks to boost the export potential of tree seeds from Tanzania. Originality/Value: This study offers new insights into how internal capabilities and external market conditions jointly influence the export performance of tree seeds. It bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implications for TFS. The study provides actionable recommendations for policymakers to improve export strategies, optimize market access, and strengthen business conditions, thereby advancing Tanzania’s position in the global tree seed market.

Firm Performance in Business Environment: Revealing Determinants from a Scientific Production Perspective

Firm Performance in Business Environment: Revealing Determinants from a Scientific Production Perspective

BIM- and blockchain-enabled Automatic Procurement System (BBAPS) removing relationship bias

In the subcontractor (Sub) procurement process, the General Contractor (GC) can seek potential Subs from a limited pool based on their past relationships. This challenges new subcontractors who are qualified for the project but lack prior relationships with the GC. Furthermore, it creates a relationship bias that impedes the creation of a constructive business environment where potential Subs are encouraged to enhance their quality and compete fairly to secure procurement contracts. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a proof-of-concept of a transformational procurement system that integrates blockchain-enabled smart contracts and Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based project management. The proposed system can facilitate the data-driven automatic matching of GC with Subs, thus extending the pool of Subs and eliminating relationship bias in the procurement proceedings to enhance the effectiveness and fairness of the procurement. It contributes to the body of knowledge by enabling a digitalized and automated subcontractor procurement leveraging blockchain.

Entrepreneurial Competency of Single-Mother Entrepreneurs

Today, the business world has embraced increasing uncertainty and abrupt changes. The concern for business owners is business sustainability, which is crucial for their business to remain relevant and flexible in unpredictable business environments. The process of change forces business owners to be ready for any consequences that affect their business. Due to overwhelming tasks and responsibilities, single mothers may need help to succeed in business. The present research offers a comprehensive review of business continuity from the perspective of single mothers. Within the scope of this research is an exhaustive and methodical investigation of the business acumen of single mothers as entrepreneurs. A literature review was conducted, and the findings may offer a comprehensive discussion of several dimensions of entrepreneurial competency. The findings contribute new information to the existing body of knowledge regarding entrepreneurial competency, which has been a recurrent topic of discussion among earlier academics who have explored the subject matter to investigate. At the end of this paper, practising entrepreneurial competency with single-mother entrepreneurs has several implications. These findings can be applied and utilized by single-mother entrepreneurs, as well as by the government, industry, and the community.

Moderating effects of country-level institutional quality and cultural dimensions on CSR-stock price crash risk relationship: a meta-analysis study

PurposeThis study uses meta-analysis to examine the relationship between corporate sustainability reporting (CSR) and stock price crash risk (SPCR) and to discern the moderating effects of country-level institutional quality and cultural dimensions on this link.Design/methodology/approachThe study used mean correlation coefficients to test the relationship between CSR and SPCR and meta-regressions to test the moderating effects. The analysis considers 65 effect sizes from 24 empirical studies.FindingsThe results showed that CSR reduces the chances of SPCR. The inverse relationship between CSR and SPCR is stronger in masculine, high power distance and long-term oriented cultures and is less pronounced in individualistic, uncertainty avoidance and indulgent cultures. The inverse relationship is also stronger in countries where high-quality institutions exist.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on correlation coefficient analysis and excludes studies publishing only regression results. Furthermore, it provides guidance to lessen SPCR. Findings suggest that such initiatives may mitigate the risk of stock price crashes for firms. Through meta-analysis, this research investigates the correlation between environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure and stock price crash occurrences, offering insights with significant implications for the European financial landscape and globally.Originality/valueThis is a pioneer meta-analysis that investigates the link between CSR and SPCR and the moderating effects of country-level institutional quality and cultural dimensions. Our study sheds light on the potential impact of promoting a sustainable and responsible business environment in Europe through comprehensive ESG disclosure under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Examining the relationship between organizational capabilities and business sustainability among start-ups: a dynamic capability view

PurposeStart-ups require a competitive advantage to integrate sustainable practices and develop organizational capabilities to thrive in dynamic business environments. However, implementation of these practices presents several ethical challenges. This study aims to quantify the influence of organizational capabilities (information technology capabilities and organizational virtues) on start-ups' competitive advantage and readiness to implement environmental, social and governance practices.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a survey design, and data were collected from 320 start-up founders and/or managers in India. The data were analyzed using Smart PLS 4.0.FindingsThe findings suggest that organizational capabilities, including information technology capabilities and organizational virtues, play an important role in enhancing start-ups' competitive advantage and readiness to implement sustainable practices. Dynamic capability mediates these relationships, while entrepreneurial orientation moderates the relationship between organizational virtues and dynamic capability.Practical implicationsThis study has significant implications for organizations implementing sustainable business practices through the development and nurturance of organizational virtues and information technology capabilities. The study is also useful for leaders, managers and entrepreneurs in training and development, managing tradeoffs and maintaining important organizational capabilities to establish a balance between people’s concerns, the environment and profits.Originality/valueFew studies have examined the role of organizational capabilities, sustainable business practices and competitive advantage in the context of start-ups. This study contributes to the literature on sustainable entrepreneurship and organizational capabilities.

AI-driven digital business ecosystems: a study of Haier's EMCs

PurposeThere is a knowledge gap regarding the determinants of open innovation processes and outcomes in a joint value creation context, as well as what role artificial intelligence (AI) and data management play in facilitating open innovation processes. One strategy to better understand joint value creation through open innovation, supported by AI and data management, is to conduct studies on the digital business ecosystem (DBE). The purpose of this paper is to improve our current knowledge of this urgent issue in contemporary management through the lens of an ecosystem-based theory by conducting an empirical study on two DBEs (called ecosystem micro-communities (EMCs)), developed by Haier, as well as multiple literature reviews on the key concepts “Haier EMC” and “digital business ecosystem”.Design/methodology/approachBy building on multiple literature reviews and empirical data from a multi-year and ongoing research program driven by Haier, this study examines Haier’s EMC model for AI-driven DBEs. Secondary data were collected through iterative literature reviews on DBEs, the EMC concept and the two selected EMC cases. The empirical data were collected through a qualitative study of two Haier EMCs in China.FindingsHaier's ecosystem micro-community concept represents a radical shift towards a more flexible, responsive and innovative cross-industry organizational structure, offering valuable lessons for business leaders and scholars. Haier’s ecosystem micro-community model, part of their RenDanHeYi philosophy and here viewed as a DBE, is a pioneering management concept that not only redefines the management of the firm and the traditional corporate structure, but also the traditional view on innovation management, business strategy, human resource management and marketing (customer centricity). The concept has therefore an important and big impact on traditional management. For scholars, the gap in understanding innovation processes in open business ecosystems is addressed by the concept. However, the concept also opens new areas for academic research, particularly in innovation management, business strategy, human resource management and marketing. The concepts further encourage more interdisciplinary research.Research limitations/implicationsThe DBE is a relatively new research area that will need more research. While the EMC model is promising as an effective version of a DBE, its effectiveness across different industries and organizational cultures needs to be explored further. Future research should investigate its applicability and impact in diverse business environments. To understand the EMC’s long-term impact, longitudinal studies are needed. These should focus on the sustained competitive advantages, potential market disruptions and the evolution of customer value propositions over time. Finally, considering increasing concerns about data privacy and security, future research should also explore how DBEs solve the issue of data protection and IP while promoting open innovation and value sharing.Practical implicationsFor managers and practitioners, the EMC concept could inspire leaders to learn how to foster innovation by creating smaller, autonomous teams that can respond quickly to market changes in the form of a DBE. The concepts exemplify how value creation and capture could be enhanced for any company and even could be a new strategy in the company’s digital transformation and repositioning into a more competitive, high-end player on the market. The concept also emphasizes employee empowerment and ownership, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and retention rates. The concept can further improve companies’ adaptability and resilience by decentralizing decision-making. Finally, the micro-communities allow businesses to be more customer-centric, developing products and services that better meet specific customer needs.Social implicationsThe social implications could be positive, as complex social problems commonly need an ecosystem approach to develop and deliver impactful solutions. In addition, Haier’s ecosystem micro-community model seems inherently scalable and culturally adaptable.Originality/valueHaier’s EMC model is well-known in the research literature and is a novel approach to DBEs, which has been proven successful and replicable in different countries and industries. Providing insights from multiple literature reviews and two unique Haier EMC cases will contribute to a better understanding of highly effective data- and AI-driven business ecosystems, as well as of determinants of open innovation processes and outcomes in a joint value creation context, as well as what role AI and data management play in facilitating open innovation processes.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Stakeholder Engagement: Impact on Organizational Performance

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become increasingly pivotal in shaping organizational strategies, impacting not only societal perceptions but also organizational performance metrics. This paper explores the multifaceted relationship between CSR initiatives, stakeholder engagement practices, and their collective influence on organizational performance. By reviewing theoretical frameworks and empirical studies, it examines how CSR activities contribute to enhancing brand reputation, fostering stakeholder trust, and mitigating risks. Furthermore, the study delves into the strategic alignment of CSR with business objectives, emphasizing its role in driving long-term financial sustainability and competitive advantage. Through a comprehensive analysis of case studies and industry examples, this research elucidates the nuanced impacts of CSR and effective stakeholder engagement on organizational success in contemporary business environments.