Business Leaders Research Articles

Consumer data protection laws and their impact on business models in the tech industry

This study investigates the impact of consumer data protection laws on the business models of technology companies through a mixed methods research (MMR) approach. In an era where data privacy concerns are paramount and regulatory landscapes are rapidly evolving, understanding how businesses adapt their models for compliance while fostering innovation is crucial. This paper offers a detailed examination of the legislative requirements imposed by prominent global data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as well as frameworks from Asia and Africa, such as Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). This inclusive perspective enhances our understanding of how technology businesses strategically adapt across various regulatory environments and explores the operational, financial, and strategic impacts of these laws on tech companies. Utilizing a dual-phase mixed methods research (MMR) design, the study initially analyzes quantitative data from surveys conducted with a wide range of technology firms, assessing the direct effects of data protection legislation on business operations and financial performance. This is complemented by qualitative insights drawn from in-depth interviews with business leaders and legal experts, shedding light on the strategic adaptations, challenges, and opportunities these laws present. The findings reveal a multifaceted impact, highlighting not only the compliance challenges but also the strategic opportunities for innovation and competitive differentiation that data protection laws offer. Integrated analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data provides a nuanced understanding of how tech companies navigate the complex interplay between legal compliance and business model innovation. This study contributes to the existing literature by offering empirical evidence and practical insights into the adaptation processes of tech companies in response to consumer data protection laws. It also provides valuable recommendations for both policymakers and business leaders, aiming to foster an environment where legal compliance coexists with technological innovation and business growth.

A disgraceful tale of déjà vu

In August 2023, the Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum (the “Forum”) published its inaugural State of a Thriving Nation (Eaqub, 2023) report. While many of those working closely with the health and safety system in New Zealand may not have been surprised by the report’s key findings – the $4.4 billion annual cost of New Zealand’s health and safety performance and how we’re continuing to drag behind comparable nations such as Australia and the UK in terms of worker harm rates – it caused many to stop and consider exactly what is going wrong in Aotearoa.

Green innovation as a strategic imperative for sustainable business performance: Evidence from Malaysian industries during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study explores how green innovations in organization, process, and marketing have impacted the environmental, social, and financial performance of major Malaysian industries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the resource-based view, the research delves into how these green innovations help companies gain a competitive edge and achieve success. By examining data from 93 companies, the study finds that green organizational innovations significantly boost both environmental and social performance, while green process innovations mainly enhance social performance. Green marketing innovations indirectly improve environmental and social performance by positively influencing organizational and process innovations. Importantly, the study uncovers a strong positive link between environmental and financial performance, indicating that being environmentally responsible can also be financially rewarding. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and business leaders, underscoring the importance of promoting green innovation to achieve sustainable business practices and protect the environment, especially during times of global disruption.

Digital Policy, Green Innovation, and Digital-Intelligent Transformation of Companies

In the midst of rigorous market rivalry, enhancing a company’s competitiveness and operational efficiency in an era of rapid IT advancement is a pressing concern for business leaders. The National Big Data Comprehensive Zone (BDCZ) pilot scheme, instituted by the Chinese government, systematically addresses seven core objectives, encompassing data resource management, sharing and disclosure, data center consolidation, application of data resources, and the circulation of data elements. This policy initiative aims to bolster the establishment of information infrastructure through big data applications, facilitate the influx and movement of talent, and propel corporate sustainable growth. Utilizing a quasi-natural experiment approach, we assess the pilot policy’s influence on the digital-intelligent transformation (DIT) of manufacturing companies from a green innovation ecosystem perspective, employing datasets from 2010 to 2022, and methodologies such as Difference-in-Differences (DID), Synthetic Differences-in-Differences (SDID), and Propensity Score Matching-DID (PSM-DID). The findings indicate that the BDCZ initiative significantly fosters DIT in manufacturing companies. The policy’s establishment confers benefits, including access to increased government support and innovation capital, thereby enhancing the sustainability of green innovation efforts. It also strengthens corporate collaboration, engendering synergistic benefits that improve regional economic progression and establish a conducive environment for digital development, ultimately enhancing the regional innovation ecosystem. The pilot policy’s impact varies across entities, with more profound effects observed in developed financial markets compared to underdeveloped ones. Additionally, non-state-owned companies exhibit a greater response to BDCZ policy interventions than their state-owned counterparts. Moreover, manufacturing bussiness with a higher proportion of executive shareholding are more substantially influenced by the BDCZ. This article fills the research gap by using the quasi-natural experiment of BDCZ to test the impact on DIT of companies and provides inspiration for local governments to mobilize the enthusiasm of manufacturing companies for DIT.

Forecasting the architecture billings index (ABI) using machine learning predictive models

PurposeThis research aims to forecast the ABI as a leading indicator of U.S. construction activities, applying multivariate machine learning predictive models over different horizons and utilizing the nonlinear and long-term dependencies between the ABI and macroeconomic and construction market variables. To assess the applicability of the machine learning models, six multivariate machine learning predictive models were developed considering the relationships between the ABI and other construction market and macroeconomic variables. The forecasting performances of the developed predictive models were evaluated in different forecasting scenarios, such as short-term, medium-term, and long-term horizons comparable to the actual timelines of construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThe architecture billings index (ABI) as a macroeconomic indicator is published monthly by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to evaluate business conditions and track construction market movements. The current research developed multivariate machine learning models to forecast ABI data for different time horizons. Different macroeconomic and construction market variables, including Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Total Nonresidential Construction Spending, Project Inquiries, and Design Contracts data were considered for predicting future ABI values. The forecasting accuracies of the machine learning models were validated and compared using the short-term (one-year-ahead), medium-term (three-year-ahead), and long-term (five-year-ahead) ABI testing datasets.FindingsThe experimental results show that Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) provides the highest accuracy among the machine learning and traditional time-series forecasting models such as Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) or seasonal ARIMA in forecasting the ABIs over all the forecasting horizons. This is because of the strengths of LSTM for forecasting temporal time series by solving vanishing or exploding gradient problems and learning long-term dependencies in sequential ABI time series. The findings of this research highlight the applicability of machine learning predictive models for forecasting the ABI as a leading indicator of construction activities, business conditions, and market movements.Practical implicationsThe architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry practitioners, investment groups, media outlets, and business leaders refer to ABI as a macroeconomic indicator to evaluate business conditions and track construction market movements. It is crucial to forecast the ABI accurately for strategic planning and preemptive risk management in fluctuating AEC business cycles. For example, cost estimators and engineers who forecast the ABI to predict future demand for architectural services and construction activities can prepare and price their bids more strategically to avoid a bid loss or profit loss.Originality/valueThe ABI data have been forecasted and modeled using linear time series models. However, linear time series models often fail to capture nonlinear patterns, interactions, and dependencies among variables, which can be handled by machine learning models in a more flexible manner. Despite the strength of machine learning models to capture nonlinear patterns and relationships between variables, the applicability and forecasting performance of multivariate machine learning models have not been investigated for ABI forecasting problems. This research first attempted to forecast ABI data for different time horizons using multivariate machine learning predictive models using different macroeconomic and construction market variables.

Developing a Strategic Methodology for Circular Economy Roadmapping: A Theoretical Framework

In response to the pressing need for effective implementation of the Circular Economy (CE), this research introduces a comprehensive theoretical framework for CE roadmapping. This study addresses the prevalent issue of fragmented and inconsistent CE strategies that often hinder the successful translation of long-term goals into achievable KPIs. Through a carefully designed methodology, this framework incorporates strategic management, systems thinking, sustainability science, and other disciplines, providing a structured approach to navigating the complexities of long-term planning for CE. The foundation for this framework is laid through an extensive review of the literature, which identifies theoretical gaps and guides its development. Practical insights are gained through an examination of various CE roadmaps, including sectoral, municipal, national, and regional strategies, thereby enhancing this framework’s applicability and robustness. This research highlights substantial variations in current CE roadmapping methods, emphasizing the need for a standardized approach. While acknowledging limitations due to the diverse contexts of the case studies, this study offers significant implications for policymakers, business leaders, and sustainability practitioners by presenting a versatile tool for strategic CE planning. Its interdisciplinary construction mirrors the multifaceted nature of CE, rendering it exceptionally adaptable across various disciplines and levels, reflecting the diverse reality of CE applications.

International Expansion of Nigeria Banks: Constructing the Winning Business Model in Sierra Leone-A Case Study of Guaranty Trust Bank

The research study is aimed at examining the degree to which Business Model adopted impact corporate performance particularly in a low-income economy, identify the Business Model variables and suggest the best Business Model to operate in Sierra Leone. Exploratory research was conducted on Guaranty Trust Bank (SL) Ltd with findings compared and contrasted with that of notable competition, United Bank for Africa and Zenith Bank. The aim of the research was to facilitate understanding of the factors responsible for the successes recorded by the subsidiaries of Nigerian banks in one location and how these success factors could be replicated in other subsidiary locations. The research entailed gathering of qualitative data from the senior executives of these banks and quantitative data from the financial performances of the banks over a three-year period. The analyses of the qualitative and quantitative data were used to test the viability of the Business Models adopted by the sampled multinational banks based on identified features inherent in a viable Business Model. The study found that the competitive advantage of case study bank was due to the effectiveness of its Business Model in terms of alignment with the goals of the organization, reinforcement, virtuousness, and robustness. The study also revealed that the characteristics of an organization and inherent resources could be evaluated and assessed from the Business Model features and structured to deliver optimal results. The study demonstrated that a well-crafted Business Model is capable of providing a competitive advantage even in low-income economy and aid the replication of success in one location to another. The research findings provide practical implications to guide businesses in the designing of the most appropriate Business Model for optimal performance. The research study can help business leaders to develop a template for driving performances in their organizations, communicate performance actions and monitor performance objectives.

Values Above the Shareholder-Stakeholder Twist: Why do Asian Top Business Leaders Speak Differently?

Values Above the Shareholder-Stakeholder Twist: Why do Asian Top Business Leaders Speak Differently?

Beyond the Narratives on the Traits of Empathetic Leadership-Discovery from 20 Global Business Leaders

In the leadership literature, “empathetic leadership” as the narration of leadership traits is much more recent than that of other theories. Though empathetic leadership is a new behavior-based narrative of leadership, it has been attracting the attention of a lot of researchers around the world. P Progressing through the trajectory, the narrations on empathetic leadership have been focusing on trait-based theoretical explorations. Beyond narrations of traits and characteristics, inquiries on what empathic leaders do, what activities they focus on to create their enterprises as empathic organizations, whether there are any action-based models of empathetic leaders, etc. may enrich the leadership scholars. The present study is conducted based on examples of their activities and focus areas of empathetic action in order for their organization to examine the theoretical narratives of the earlier study. It has not been an attempt to refute all narrative but has been given an effort for narrative for empathetic leaders to prove with examples of global leaders. The study has clarified many traits and actions of empathetic leaders with a simplified, indicative model for explanation.

A Study on the Work Flexibility of Employees in the Post Epidemic Era

With the outbreak and continuation of the global COVID-19 epidemic, the traditional office model and workplace culture have been unprecedentedly impacted. This epidemic has not only changed people's daily lifestyles, but also had a profound impact on enterprise operations and employee work patterns. In the post pandemic era, the issue of employee work flexibility has become increasingly important and has become a focus of concern for both enterprises and employees. This study focuses on the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employees' work patterns, particularly the flexibility of time and space. It examines the concept of work flexibility, analyzes the shift in time flexibility for employees in the post-pandemic era, and its effect on company operations and employee satisfaction. By delving into the Google case, this article demonstrates the practicality of spatial flexibility in enhancing employee productivity and satisfaction. The research reveals that post-pandemic flexible work policies, such as remote work, not only help companies navigate uncertainty but also have the potential to reshape future work models. However, attention should be paid to addressing new challenges arising from this, such as work-life balance and digital divide issues. This article aims to provide a theoretical basis and practical insights for policymakers and business leaders to achieve more efficient, humane post-pandemic era work organizations.

The Impact of ESG Factors on the Firm Performance

This paper examines the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors on corporate behavior and performance. Amid increasing concerns from stakeholders, companies are pressured to prioritize ESG aspects. This study leverages stakeholder theory, which emphasizes balancing all stakeholder interests over solely maximizing shareholder wealth. A significant shift was noted in 2019 when U.S. business leaders endorsed a "Statement of Purpose" emphasizing societal benefits over shareholder interests, reflecting a broader move towards corporate social responsibility. The paper analyzes ESG's influence on three key areas: investor expectations, risk management, and long-term strategy. It highlights the mixed research findings on the correlation between ESG ratings and stock prices, noting emerging studies that explore behavioral biases in investor decisions. In terms of risk management, ESG practices are increasingly integral, with research showing that higher ESG ratings can reduce default risks. Regulatory risks are also discussed, particularly concerning climate change policies. Furthermore, the paper explores how sustainability, driven by investor and consumer activism, is becoming central to corporate long-term strategies. Models like the ISM and concepts like double materiality are used to demonstrate how ESG factors can optimize corporate performance. Ultimately, the study concludes that ESG elements significantly impact corporate behavior, suggesting a positive correlation with firm performance.

The perceived influence of Christian leadership competencies during COVID-19

Purpose: Surviving the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic required much of leaders. It highlighted the complexities of faith in the workplace. Christian business leaders drew on their faith to influence employees’ work intentions and behaviours through specific leadership competencies. This study aimed to gain insights into the leadership competencies of Christian leaders during COVID-19 and its perceived influence on colleagues’ values and workplace behaviour through the leaders’ integration of faith and work.Design/methodology/approach: The study used a qualitative, grounded theory approach with semi-structured interviews to collect data. Participants (N = 14) were full-time Christian leaders selected through purposeful, convenient, and snowball sampling.Findings/results: The findings indicated that Christian business leaders exhibited distinctive leadership competencies attributed to their faith. These competencies allowed them to express their beliefs to co-workers in ways that surpassed verbal communication.Practical implications: Organisations should consider implementing leadership development programmes focusing on integrating faith and values into leadership practices. Providing Christian leaders with tools and resources to align their leadership approach with their spiritual beliefs can enhance their ability to create a positive and ethical workplace culture.Contribution/value-add: Although no study has directly explored religion’s role in dealing with pandemics, understanding the impact of beliefs such as Christian religiosity on work can complement management and organisational practices. The findings contribute to leadership studies by laying the groundwork for future investigation into the role of faith integration in leadership behaviours and outcomes.

Leadership and Organizational Performance in Small-Scale Businesses: A Study of Sivagangai District

Leadership and Organizational Performance in Small-Scale Businesses: A Study of Sivagangai District

Exploring changes in banking workplaces because of digital technology implementation

Orientation: The study was conducted in a banking organisation that was undergoing the implementation of digital technologies as part of the organisation’s strategy.Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine how work and work processes have changed because of the implementation of digital technologies in the banking workplace. The findings would allow the banking workplace to implement talent management practices that are aligned with the new digital environment.Motivation for the study: The study was prompted by the implementation of digital technologies that is underway in the banking industry, which is precipitating an evolution of the human capital (HC) function, and talent management processes and practices. To appropriately respond to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the new digital workplace of banking requires a novel approach to talent management.Research approach/design and method: This study employed a qualitative approach, and 18 interviews were conducted with employees from the selected banking organisation.Main findings: The present study found that the implementation of digital technologies influenced work and work processes, and thus the talent management value chain within the banking sector. The effective implementation of these technologies requires the transformation of talent management processes and practices. Furthermore, it was found that a reimagined HC function delivery is required. The study established that the HC function delivery must incorporate a digitalised HC function to improve the efficiencies of people-related work processes. Human capital must operate as a strategic business partner and must become a change management agent primed by the action of partnering with business leaders to lead digital transformations from a people perspective in the banking workplace.Practical/managerial implications: Practical recommendations for the HC function, HC professionals, leaders and talent management in the world of banking are provided.Contribution/ value-add: The study contributes to extant literature by exploring theory on the implementation of 4IR technologies and the resultant implications for talent management practices in the digital workplace.

Courageous Role Model or Threatening Villain: A Parallel Mediation Model of Corporate Activism and Citizen Political Engagement

Through their sociopolitical activism, business leaders increasingly call for citizens to become more politically engaged in favor of a partisan position. This research develops and tests a framework that reveals that corporate sociopolitical activism can indeed elicit such political engagement but runs the risk of simultaneously inciting backlash from citizens who oppose the company’s envisioned political ends. Whereas politically congruent citizens perceive a company’s activism to be morally courageous and are thus inspired to support the company’s stance, politically incongruent citizens feel threatened by the company’s activism and become politically engaged in protection of their political identity. Companies may, however, succeed in increasing moral courage attributions without simultaneously affecting citizens’ political identity threat by acting as first movers in their activism. A series of experiments, including a stimulus sampling approach with 30 real cases of corporate sociopolitical activism, lend support for this framework. The results provide several implications for the political responsibilities of business leaders in contemporary democracies.

Exploring the nexus between CEO characteristics and the value of excess cash holdings through the lens of the resource-based view theory

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between CEO characteristics and the value of excess cash holdings from the perspective of resource-based view (RBV) theory in the context of Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach The analyses were made using ordinary least squares across 173 non-financial firms listed in Bursa Malaysia over the period of 2015–2021. The authors address potential endogeneity through the generalized method of moments. The results are also robust to alternative measures of excess cash holdings. Findings The results showed that female CEOs and CEOs’ educational level are significantly positively related to the value of excess cash holdings. In contrast, CEO tenure and CEO age negatively affect a firm’s excess cash valuation. The results are robust to measurement error and endogeneity issues. Practical implications The empirical results have useful policy implications. For practitioners, firms are recommended to prioritize the selection of female CEOs and CEOs with high education levels within their top management, as this initiative can result in improved value associated with excess cash holdings. In addition, policymakers are recommended to guide programs that attempt to improve educational attainment and gender diversity in business leadership. This study also provides investors with insightful information about the possible relationship between CEO traits and company performance, especially with regard to measures for managing surplus capital. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the role of CEO characteristics in the value of excess cash holdings based on the RBV theory.

Sustainable sojourns: Fostering sustainable hospitality practices to meet UN-SDGs.

This research discusses the significance of environmental transformational leadership (ENTL) in the creation of energy-saving sustainable behaviors (EESB) among employees in the tourism and hospitality sector of China. The method is consequently a quantitative analysis, where the mediating effect of green intrinsic motivation (GNIM) and green passion (GRP), and the moderating role of green altruism (GNA) are examined to understand their influence on the relationship between ENTL and EESB. The data were gathered from multiple hotels in major Chinese cities, with the use of a structured questionnaire. The study shows that ENTL has significant effect on EESB, with GNIM and GRP serving as mediating factors. In addition, GNA was shown to have been able to boost the effects that ENTL has on these mediators. The findings are indicative of the vital role of leadership in promoting responsible practices within the tourism and hospitality sector, and towards the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This research not only fills the gaps in the existing literature that primarily focuses on developed economies but also provides policy makers and business leaders with practical solutions for enhancing the sustainability in emerging economies.

Innovative Strategies in Digital Marketing: Enhancing Consumer Engagement and Brand Loyalty

This study examines innovative strategies in digital marketing aimed at enhancing consumer engagement and brand loyalty. Utilizing a qualitative literature review method, the research synthesizes data from diverse sources, including academic journals, industry reports, and case studies, to provide a comprehensive understanding of current trends and practices in digital marketing. Key strategies identified include personalized content marketing, the use of social media platforms for interactive engagement, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics to understand consumer behavior and preferences. The findings reveal that personalized content significantly boosts consumer engagement by tailoring messages to individual preferences and needs, thus fostering a deeper connection with the brand. Social media platforms serve as powerful tools for creating a dialogue between brands and consumers, leading to increased brand awareness and loyalty. The use of AI and big data allows for more precise targeting and predictive analytics, enhancing the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Challenges such as data privacy concerns and the rapid pace of technological change are also discussed, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies and ethical considerations in digital marketing. The study concludes that while challenges exist, the strategic implementation of innovative digital marketing techniques can substantially increase consumer engagement and brand loyalty. This research offers valuable insights for marketers and business leaders looking to leverage digital technologies to enhance their brand’s relationship with consumers.

“‘A Period Favorable to Economic Imperialists’: Railroads and the Hidden History of Slum Clearance in Cleveland, 1910–1930”

Between 1910 and 1930, the Van Sweringen brothers of Cleveland, allied with many of Cleveland’s business leaders, undertook three railroad projects--including the nationally renown Union Terminal--that collectively displaced between 15 and 20,000 working class residents from two neighborhoods near downtown long believed to be slums. They also erased a significant portion of Cleveland’s oldest section of its downtown, and even dramatically altered the city’s food economy by reorienting the city’s produce district. This “hidden era” of slum clearance predates postwar urban renewal and indicates railroads may have had a greater role in urban redevelopment than previously thought.

When Is a Family Business Leader Too Old?

When Is a Family Business Leader Too Old?