Business Literature Research Articles

Preparing the successor through familial support and legitimacy: a multilevel framework

ABSTRACT This study investigates the interplay among parental support, familial legitimacy, and next-generation succession intentions in family businesses in different societal contexts. Building on attachment theory and insights from family business literature, the study underscores the influence of family at both the parental and societal levels in creating a nurturing environment that supports succession intentions. Using multilevel analyses, we show that a secure parental base of support empowers offspring to develop self-efficacy in participating in the family business (family business self-efficacy), which plays a central role in supporting succession intentions in family businesses. This relationship is strengthened by familial legitimacy – that is, how the societal values that surround family behaviours shape the relationships among parental support, self-efficacy in the family business, and succession intentions. The study provides a nuanced explanation for the family mechanisms and societal values that drive the succession intentions for family businesses’ next generations.

A literature review on CEE firms’ outward internationalization failures: definitions, processes, causes and consequences

Purpose This paper aims to summarize the literature (journal articles and book chapters) on Central and Eastern European (CEE) firms’ outward internationalization failures: definitions and understandings of “failure”, “failed” firms’ internationalization processes, causes of “failed” initial and subsequent foreign activities and consequences of “failed” internationalization. Design/methodology/approach This systematic-narrative hybrid literature review article focuses on CEE firms’ outward internationalization failures. Findings The paper demonstrates that different objective and subjective measures were used for defining and measuring “failure”. Consensus regarding which firms (from slow internationalizers to born globals) can be considered “failed” is lacking. In different studies, internal and external causes of CEE firms’ outward internationalization “failure” and internationalization-related and other consequences of “failed” internationalization also vary considerably. Due to the complexity of the “failure” phenomenon, it is impossible to identify the most characteristic type of “failed” internationalization or offer “optimal” advice for avoiding failures. Originality/value The author is not aware of any other literature review articles focused on CEE firms’ outward internationalization failures. This article contributes to the (international) business and (international) entrepreneurship literature focused on failures, exits and institutional and other factors affecting them.

Empowering bank employees for improved job performance: An evaluation of emerging strategies

Orientation: Employee empowerment has received widespread attention in both academic and business literature. The idea is that an empowered employee is a productive worker; a productive worker is, in turn, a competitive asset to the organisation. However, the banking industry in many developing nations still falls short in employee empowerment.Research purpose: This study aims to analyse the robust strategies for empowering bank workers and their effects on job performance.Motivation for the study: The study was motivated by the fact that extant studies seem inconsistent in identifying the precise empowerment strategies capable of igniting better work performance in the banking industry.Research approach/design and method: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design targeting 316 middle-level bank managers in the five biggest banks in Nigeria. Data were collected using the structured questionnaire and processed using the structural equation modelling in SmartPLS software.Main findings: Results showed that employee empowerment variables (employee input acknowledgment, mutual decision-making, joint resolution implementation, and sense of belonging climate) were positively related to improved job performance.Practical/managerial implications: The study has shown that improved employee performance can be achieved when the adopted empowerment strategy is a mix of employee input acknowledgment, mutual decision-making, joint resolution implementation, and a sense of belonging climate.Contribution/value-add: The study has addressed the existing gaps in the banking sector employee empowerment by highlighting four new strategies.

International market, network, and opportunity selection: A systematic review of empirical research, integrative framework, and comprehensive research agenda

International Market Selection (IMS) is a strategic and complex decision by which firms choose the markets in which to be present. Despite the undisputed academic and managerial relevance of IMS, extant reviews do not include the most recent empirical literature, do not consider different perspectives linked to alternative units of analysis and research domains, and ignore important changes in the international business environment. This research aims to carry out a holistic and systematic assessment of recent IMS empirical research, propose an IMS framework, and provide directions for future research. We contribute to the international business and management literature by updating and upgrading our understanding of IMS, by expanding the IMS conceptualization, proposing an integrative conceptual framework, and developing research propositions, and by suggesting a comprehensive, updated, and radically original research agenda.

Identification and Mapping of Fintech Clustering Using a Qualitative-dominant Mixed Method

This research delves into the complex landscape of the fintech ecosystem, specifically focusing on the Northwest City region of Ireland, employing a mixed-method approach. The study focused on the methodology used to identify and map the fintech clusters. Different methodologies have been used to map and identify clustering due to its evolving nature. In our case, due to the lack of fintech companies' records on publicly available databases, and fintech being an emerging phenomenon, our methodology relied on a combination of approaches like desk research, stakeholder engagement, geospatial analysis, and in-depth interviews which fall under the qualitative-dominant mixed method approach. Despite a diverse range of methodologies being used to identify clusters, some known studies have used mixed methods. This research aims to provide guidelines for identifying clusters by developing a database of the companies in the fintech sector and its validation in an evolving field like Fintech. It also highlights the importance of the use of geospatial analysis in clustering by mapping the fintech companies, however at the same time questions the simple agglomeration of the firms in the region. It’s not only the physical proximity that develops the clusters but the local linkages, collaborations, and networks that play a pivotal role in reaping the benefits of clusters. The detailed interviews with the fintech companies in the region and their relationship with different components of the fintech ecosystem using the triple helix model highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the fintech ecosystem in the region. The application of mixed methods in this research highlights the value gained in exploring fintech clustering and ecosystems. This study further enhances our understanding of the emerging phenomenon of fintech clusters and ecosystems in cluster-based economies, specifically how a combination of approaches could be used to map and identify fintech clusters. It also furthers the boundaries of knowledge in business and management methodological literature by introducing a comprehensive qualitative-dominant mixed method approach with a consolidating knowledge base on methodological approaches to clustering.

Applicability of Both/and Thinking in International Sustainable Business Studies

The purpose of this article is to provide a methodological demonstration making use of the both/and thinking (BAT) framework to perform analysis of intertemporal tensions. The BAT framework as an analytical tool is able to holistically examine complex multi-level business problems that involve tensions, contradictions and paradox that could be useful to others. Engaging the BAT framework in international sustainable business studies can be a challenging choice as it requires holistic understanding of the affects in the separation of contradictory elements across time and distance to shape research inquiry and direction. The approach considers that while paradoxes deal with contradictions, as a methodological process it enables a strategy for juxtaposing apparent opposites using an integrative lens embedded in BAT. As such, the use of BAT is discussed using a constructionist approach to gain insight and understanding on surfacing intertemporal tensions exemplified by the socio-business case study that is situated in the chocolate industry. The article draws on BAT primary and sub-themes and discusses implications and applications as a technique to frame the grappling of tensions. The findings are guided by the existing literature and the analysis from the empirical case study providing contributions in practice to further support the use of the BAT framework. Paradoxes examined in this article are based on affects for the themes of organizing, belonging, performing and learning. This article provides understanding of the findings to gain insight from an empirical and theoretical perspective to illustrate the practical implications of the methodological approach. As such, the principles of paradox theory are placed in the context of the BAT framework which are exemplified by making use of the empirical case study data to surface the potential applicability of the approach for future research. This article aims to contribute to the business and management methodological literature by demonstrating the use of the BAT approach and contributes with specificity in relation to the paradox taxonomy and the use of the BAT framework. Despite certain limitations, the BAT framework can be an excellent choice for qualitative sustainable business research that deals with contradictory demands.

Leadership in Social Work: Basis for Promotion of The Heads of Social Work Institutions in China

The call for studies on social work leadership has been raised since then. Various leadership models from the business literature were adopted in social work literature but had not been analyzed thoroughly to determine their appropriateness with social work mission and values to advance the social work agenda. In China, nearly 8,000 social work service organizations (SWSOs) were developed quickly in the end of 2017 which offered both opportunities and challenges for social work administrators who were observed to practice transformational leadership often. Apparently, a Chinese version of transformational leadership was developed by Li & Shi (2005) based on the four-factor structure anchored on Chinese culture of moral integrity, leadership charm, vision motivation, and individualized consideration which was the study’s framework. The study investigated the transformational leadership of heads in social work institutions in China as basis for their promotion. This inquiry filled a perceived gap in the scant literature regarding leadership of Chinese social work heads. Also, it analyzed the organizational conditions and management of heads in social work institutions. The study involved 193 heads from 5 social work institutions in China who were mostly female with 1-5 years of service as a professional social worker with specialized educational background. Through quantitative descriptive, comparative, and correlational methods, the results showed that social work leaders always experienced transformational leadership. However, the heads presented numerous challenges that called for improved guidelines on their promotion. Thus, the output of the study was developed.

Future directions of R&D internationalization in international business

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a focused review of international business (IB) literature on research and development (R&D) internationalization, assessing the progress and proposing future research directions.Design/methodology/approachTotal 167 peer-reviewed articles from IB journals (following the ABS list 2021 from 4* to 2) published between 1996 and 2022 are critically reviewed using a science-mapping approach. This paper used Bibliometrix R-package to analyze the retrieved bibliometric data. Additionally, a strategic diagram was developed to comprehend the maturity stage of various R&D internationalization concepts.FindingsMost studies on R&D internationalization are influenced by perspectives from advanced-economy multinational enterprises (AMNEs), while perspectives from emerging-economy multinational enterprises (EMNEs) are underrepresented. Considering the characteristics of emerging economies, firms from these locations might embark on and develop their R&D internationalization strategies differently. Investigating the emerging economy perspectives will enrich the understanding of R&D internationalization strategies for both AMNEs and EMNEs. Additionally, bringing different underutilized theoretical perspectives will help to untangle the anomalies observed in extant literature.Originality/valueThis paper is among the few to scrutinize the IB literature on R&D internationalization by applying a unique combination of bibliometric techniques and a content analysis approach. By complementing existing reviews and providing fresh insights into the phenomenon, it offers a conceptual framework that can be used as a basis for further research on R&D internationalization.

Corporate social innovation: a systematic literature review and research agenda

PurposeThe new concept of corporate social innovation (CSI) has witnessed a steady growth in the business and management academic world over the past 20 years. Yet its adoption by corporations has been notably slow. This paper aims to operationalize the concept and develop a research agenda for CSI.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review of the current literature in the recent past (1999–2020) has been embraced in this research. The review is based on 40 articles and offers a descriptive and a thematic analysis of the literature.FindingsThe authors demonstrate the development of the concept over time and identify 12 themes to assist in the institutionalization of CSI.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to provide an enhanced overview of the current state of CSI. The paper shows how a variety of different definitions of corporate social innovation have been used in the business and management literature. The findings provide a unique conceptual framework and a detailed research agenda for scholars seeking to examine CSI.

Fair play in family firms: examining the perceived justice of performance management systems

PurposeThis study examines the intricate relationship between family influence and perceived justice in performance management systems within family firms. Recognizing the unique dynamics that family ownership brings to human resource practices, the research aims to delineate how family presence affects both the process and the perception of fairness in performance evaluations.Design/methodology/approachUsing a conceptual framework, the research adopts a dual-method approach, combining a comprehensive literature review with theoretical modeling. The study synthesizes existing research and theoretical insights to explore the effects of family influence on the perceived fairness of performance management practices.FindingsThe findings reveal that family influence profoundly shapes fairness perceptions in performance management, impacting family and non-family employees. It affects systems' design, implementation and reception, with mechanisms including resource distribution and criteria alignment. Specifically, family influence molds fairness perceptions within the performance management process, enhancing organizational performance and fostering trust in family businesses, thus supporting sustainable growth.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the family business and human resource management literature by providing a nuanced understanding of how family dynamics influence perceptions of justice in performance management. It underscores the dual role of family influence in enhancing and complicating fairness perceptions, thus offering a balanced view that can inform academic research and practical HR management in family firms.

The impact of knowledge characteristics on process performance: experimenting with the conversion perspective on knowledge transfer velocity

PurposeWith shorter product cycles and a growing number of knowledge-intensive business processes, time consumption is a highly relevant target factor in measuring the performance of contemporary business processes. This research aims to extend prior research on the effects of knowledge transfer velocity at the individual level by considering the effect of complexity, stickiness, competencies, and further demographic factors on knowledge-intensive business processes at the conversion-specific levels.Design/methodology/approachWe empirically assess the impact of situation-dependent knowledge transfer velocities on time consumption in teams and individuals. Further, we issue the demographic effect on this relationship. We study a sample of 178 experiments of project teams and individuals applying ordinary least squares (OLS) for regression analysis-based modeling.FindingsThe authors find that time consumed at knowledge transfers is negatively associated with the complexity of tasks. Moreover, competence among team members has a complementary effect on this relationship and stickiness retards knowledge transfers. Thus, while demographic factors urgently need to be considered for effective and speedy knowledge transfers, these influencing factors should be addressed on a conversion-specific basis so that some tasks are realized in teams best while others are not. Guidelines and interventions are derived to identify best task realization variants, so that process performance is improved by a new kind of process improvement method.Research limitations/implicationsThis study establishes empirically the importance of conversion-specific influence factors and demographic factors as drivers of high knowledge transfer velocities in teams and among individuals. The contribution connects the field of knowledge management to important streams in the wider business literature: process improvement, management of knowledge resources, design of information systems, etc. Whereas the model is highly bound to the experiment tasks, it has high explanatory power and high generalizability to other contexts.Practical implicationsTeam managers should take care to allow the optimal knowledge transfer situation within the team. This is particularly important when knowledge sharing is central, e.g. in product development and consulting processes. If this is not possible, interventions should be applied to the individual knowledge transfer situation to improve knowledge transfers among team members.Social implicationsFaster and more effective knowledge transfers improve the performance of both commercial and non-commercial organizations. As nowadays, the individual is faced with time pressure to finalize tasks, the deliberated increase of knowledge transfer velocity is a core capability to realize this goal. Quantitative knowledge transfer models result in more reliable predictions about the duration of knowledge transfers. These allow the target-oriented modification of knowledge transfer situations so that processes speed up, private firms are more competitive and public services are faster to citizens.Originality/valueTime consumption is an increasingly relevant factor in contemporary business but so far not been explored in experiments at all. This study extends current knowledge by considering quantitative effects on knowledge velocity and improved knowledge transfers.

An Integrated Framework for Addressing the Challenges and Strategies of Technology Adoption: A Systematic Review

While the rapid growth of information technology (IT) adoption has not lessened, insufficient attention has been directed towards the major themes and sub-themes of IT adoption challenges. Consequently, this study consists of a systematic literature review of the challenges of technology adoption based on a total of 235 peer-reviewed articles from the business and management literature between 2012-2022. Our longitudinal study provides an integrated framework for matching IT challenges to organizational strategies for transforming IT practices and processes. The results of the review broaden scholarly understanding of the importance of strategic IT agility, the need to keep pace with competitive information systems and IT environments. The findings enhance understanding of the pre-change and post-change processes of IT adoption, expanding knowledge on adoption success and organizational strategies for achieving IT strategic agility. Three key contributions include closing gaps not explored in comparative studies, adopting a unified approach with an integrated research model, and strategies to enhance an organization's absorptive IT capacity and agility. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-03-025 Full Text: PDF

Formal institutions and cross-border mergers and acquisitions: A systematic literature review and research agenda

In the last three decades, cross-border mergers and acquisitions have been the most preferred vehicle for unprecedented internationalization and integration of the global economy. This paper synthesizes the empirical research examining the impact of formal institutions related to state effectiveness, corporate governance and investor protection, and inter-country institutional differences on cross-border mergers and acquisitions. Our review summarizes a total of 156 studies across strategy, international business, finance, and economics literature published from 1995–2023. It presents a synthesized framework across each phase of cross-border mergers and acquisitions. In parallel, we identify opportunities for future research that should address the limitations in the existing stream of research and push the boundaries through the novel integration of theoretical lenses.

Isolating the Effect of Social Risk on MNEs’ CSR Reporting: A New Approach Based on China's Belt & Road Initiative

AbstractThis article highlights CSR disclosure as a strategic response of Chinese multinational enterprises (MNEs) to the social risk they face in host countries. Deviating from prior research that aims to directly measure social risk, we offer a new approach to isolate the effect of social risk by leveraging China's Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) as the research context, under which Chinese MNEs are largely protected from political risk in membership countries but are exposed to substantial social risk from local nongovernment stakeholders. Results from difference-in-differences analyses show that after the enactment of the BRI, Chinese MNEs investing in BRI countries significantly increases their likelihood of CSR disclosure than that of their counterparts investing in non-BRI countries. Further, such effects are more pronounced for state-owned MNEs and MNEs in natural resource industries. This research enriches the international business literature on the relationship between political risk and social risk, and that between corporate political actions and corporate social responsibility.

Exploring the Role of Digital Innovation in Management and Business Literature: A Bibliometric Analysis

This paper examines the existing field of digital innovation publications in management and business journals. Due to the exponential growth of digital technology adoptions in companies, much attention has been given to the new phenomenon of digital innovation. Prior literature reviews have attempted to explore the phenomenon but they seem to lack objectivity and are limited in scope. By applying three bibliometric techniques – co-citation, co-occurrence, and bibliographic coupling analysis – we provide a holistic overview of the digital innovation publications. We employ 354 primary documents, identify three foundational themes from which digital innovation draws on, and seven emerging topics. We conclude with recommendations for future research in the field of innovation management.

Export manager profile in small and medium-sized enterprises: a gender issue?

ObjetivoExplorar la existencia de perfiles de gestor de exportaciones diferenciados en función del género. El estudio pretende responder a dos preguntas de investigación: (1) ¿difiere el perfil de los gestores de exportación en función del género? En caso afirmativo, (2) ¿en qué atributos directivos/rasgos se observa la diferencia y cuál es la relación entre ellos?Diseño/metodologíaAnálisis empírico cuantitativo sobre una muestra de gestores de exportación de pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMEs) españolas.ResultadosNuestros resultados apuntan a la existencia de perfiles de gestor de exportación diferenciados por género en términos de atributos objetivos, rasgos personales, estilos de gestión y percepciones relativas a prácticas discriminatorias y estereotipos perjudiciales. Existen dos efectos sustitución en función del género: (1) experiencia profesional versus educación formal y (2) orientación empresarial versus uso de redes relacionales.OriginalidadEl género es una cuestión escasamente estudiada en la literatura sobre gestión internacional a pesar de su relevancia en el contexto institucional internacional. Este artículo aborda el aspecto del género en la gestión de exportaciones.LimitacionesNuestros datos son limitados en términos de ámbito geográfico y tamaño de las empresas; por tanto, no son generalizables sin la realización de nuevos estudios.Implicaciones prácticasNuestras conclusiones pueden ayudar a comprender la relevancia de los equipos de exportación que integran a directivos de diferente género y se benefician de la combinación de diversos atributos directivos, rasgos personales y procesos relacionales en su crecimiento internacional.

FINANCIAL LITERACY, INFORMALITY, AND SMALL BUSINESS OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN ZIMBABWE

Introduction: The exponential growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in many developing economies is a well-documented phenomenon in business literature. However, research indicates that the expansion of most SMEs is hindered by financial illiteracy and high levels of informality, posing significant challenges to their performance and long-term sustainability. Concerns arise from the fact that only a small fraction of these enterprises successfully transition into larger firms. This study sought to address these issues by investigating the levels of financial literacy among 120 SMEs operating in Harare and Bindura, taking into account the pervasive informality within the sector. The research also aimed to evaluate the relationship between financial literacy and SME operational performance. Methods: Employing a quantitative approach within an explanatory research design, data collection was facilitated through a structured questionnaire. To capture the diverse landscape of SMEs operating in an informal context, both purposive and convenience sampling methods were utilized to select participants for the survey. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS software. Results: The findings of the study revealed a significant positive impact of financial literacy on SME operational performance, indicating that advanced financial literacy can contribute to enhanced business outcomes. Moreover, the research observed an improvement in financial literacy within SME operations, evidenced by increased awareness and application of financial management skills. Conclusion and suggestion: The study recommends that efforts to promote financial literacy among SMEs should be intensified through advanced financial education initiatives, awareness campaigns, and enhanced financial inclusion strategies. Financial service providers are encouraged to play a proactive role in supporting SME growth by investing in financial awareness programs, funding educational initiatives, and actively engaging SMEs in key economic policy frameworks. Ultimately, SMEs are urged to fully embrace financial literacy as a fundamental pathway for achieving sustainable growth and long-term business success amidst the challenges of informality.

(WHETHER) WHAT IS WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE UKRAINIAN LITERARY LANGUAGE WHILE LEARNING IT AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (THE END OF THE X – XVIII CENT.)

As the interest to the Ukrainian language is currently growing it is worth deepening the lingual and country study aspect of the Ukrainian language as a foreign language by involving the history – key stages of the Ukrainian language formation and development as a literary language. The war has made people get to know the Ukrainian language mainly as the language of resistance to the russian invasion and, therefore, become interested in its history. It became necessary to briefly outline the main stages of the historical formation of the Ukrainian language as a written and literary one, starting from the earliest times, and at the same time to emphasize its identity and self-sufficiency, which didn’t depend on ‘’ruskii mir’’. The ancient Ukrainian and middle Ukrainian periods of the formation of the Ukrainian literary language have been considered. The main language creation tendencies have been determined in each context. The initial ancient Ukrainian period, at the end of the X – the middle of the XIV centuries, lay the basis for the language creation tendency, penetrating of live conversational features into written texts at different extent (depending on a subject,a genre, a purpose) and at different linguistic levels. It became the foundation for the language development, affirmation and resistance to the future social and historical challenges. From the middle of the XIV century business literature represented the Ukrainian language as the official one in the ethnically foreign country, thus pushing forward the implementation of folk colloquial features and asserting this language for the future. The period between the XVI and the first half of the XVII centuries showed the ability of the Ruthenian-Ukrainian language to provide a new sphere to itself – a religious one, displacing Church Slavonic. It determined a high social status and prestige of the Ukrainian language as the internal and external identifying factor in the contemporary society. Different social and political conditions of Naddnipriavshchyna under russian rulership, Galychyna as a part of Poland, and later of the Austrian empire, determined unequal intensity and social severity of language creation processes in the second half of the XVII- XVIII centuries, which were, yet, aimed at the common direction of the literary language on a live colloquial basis. Key words: the history of the Ukrainian language, periodization, language creation tendencies, written records.

On the scientometric value of full-text, beyond abstracts and titles: evidence from the business and economic literature

On the scientometric value of full-text, beyond abstracts and titles: evidence from the business and economic literature

African Continental Free Trade Area and Regional Trade in ICT and Digital Technologies

This study examines the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on regional trade in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Digital Technologies (DT) sector across 43 African countries from 2014 to 2021. Employing the augmented gravity model and confidence-level estimations, it highlights AfCFTA's mediating role in enabling ICT&DT trade on the continent. Using hierarchical regression analysis of a panel dataset comprising 5,160 observations, the findings imply that trade openness and productive capacities not only facilitate trade in the ICT&DT sector but also result in positive spillover effects across various economic sectors. This study contributes to the international business literature by refining the application of the gravity model to capture the need for sector-specific analyses to unpack institutional dynamics and dis-enablers of trade. It identifies AfCFTA as a pivotal yet underexplored element in the global trade landscape, highlighting its potential as Africa seeks a more prominent role on the global stage. The research stresses the significance of digital empowerment and policy reforms to maximise the benefits of regional integration under AfCFTA.