Business Environment Research Articles

Toward hospital resilience: a qualitative study on the identification of hospital shocks during disruption era in Indonesia

BackgroundHospital resilience has been well recognized among healthcare managers and providers as disruption of hospital services that threatens their business environment. However, the shocks identified in the recent hospital resilience concept are mainly related to disaster situations. This study aims to identify potential shocks that hospitals face during disruptions in Indonesia.MethodThis qualitative study was conducted in Makassar, Indonesia in August-November 2022. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with hospital managers and resilience experts using a semi-structured interview guide. 20 key informants were interviewed and data were analyzed by thematic analysis.ResultsThe study identified seven shocks to hospitals during the disruption era: policy, politics, economics, hospital management shifting paradigms, market and consumer behavior changes, disasters, and conflicts. It also identified barriers to making hospitals resilient, such as inappropriate organizational culture, weak cooperation across sectors, the traditional approach of hospital management, inadequate managerial and leadership skills, human resources inadequacies, a lack of business mindset and resistance to change.ConclusionThis study provides a comprehensive understanding of hospital shocks during disruptions. This may serve as a guide to redesigning the instruments and capabilities needed for a resilient hospital.

Subsidiary strategy and importance of standards: An institutional development of the integration-responsiveness framework

According to the integration–responsiveness framework, subsidiaries of multinational enterprises (MNEs) are assigned different strategic roles depending on the business environments they operate in. MNEs are classified as multinational, international, transnational, and global firms. Although standards are crucial for both export performance and Foreign Direct Investment, there is no scientific knowledge on how different types of standards interrelate with MNE strategies. Derived from the review of the limited literature on the role of different types of standards for different MNEs subsidiary strategies, we take an institutional theory perspective and position different types of standards within the integration–responsiveness framework. Based on data collected within the German Standardization Panel, cluster analysis is performed confirming that MNEs’ subsidiary strategies can be grouped according to the importance of formal and company standards. While conformity with national formal standards is necessary to meet pressure for local responsiveness, the application of international standards provides firms with access to global markets. Company standards and management system standards are important to transnational firms to achieve efficiency gains and improve bargaining positions. We compare the export intensity of MNEs with different subsidiary strategies to validate our clustering. In addition, different motives for applying different types of standards confirm our conceptual positioning.

Employees’ perception of supervisors’ interest in their professional development in financial institutions in the republic of Croatia

Organizations today need leaders who understand the complexities of a rapidly growing and changing business environment. The subject of this research is employees’ attitudes on the interest of their superiors in their professional development in financial institutions in the Republic of Croatia. The objective of the study is to explain the attitudes of employees of financial institutions in the Republic of Croatia about the interest of their superiors in their professional development. The survey was conducted online. The sample size is 3141 respondents/ employees. The hypothesis “There is an interest of superiors in the personal and professional development of subordinates” is to be rejected. The obtained results show that in the financial industry in Croatia, employees find that superiors have no interest in their professional development. Through further analysis, research results provide differences in the respondents’ attitudes about the interest of their superiors in the professional development of employees in financial institutions. The interpretations are explanations of why certain groups of examinees have the attitudes they expressed, which represents the objective of the research.

Human Resource Management Innovation Strategy in Realizing Competitive Advantage

Human resource management is the most essential thing in an organization. Because superior human resource management can increase competitiveness, for this reason, management needs to study more deeply the resources that can be relied on to compete in a competitive business environment and place leverage on resources that can place the company in a competitive position in the long term. Therefore, human resource management innovation strategies have many managerial implications for business policymakers. The research used a qualitative approach with literature methods (library study), which are appropriate to the current problems. Namely the importance of human resource management strategies to realize superior competitiveness. The results of this research show that human resource management is the heart of corporate or organizational governance. Management strategies and innovations are needed to improve superior and competitive human resources. Steps or forms of innovation strategy for Human Resources (HR): Continuous training in stages and stages, Mastery of technology and digitalization, More active marketing, Forming a solid team, Establishing more comprehensive relationships, Transparency, Committed, Competent, Flexible, and Innovative integrated as a competitive quality.

Analysis of the Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Company Management Performance

General Background: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) significantly influences company performance in today’s business environment. Specific Background: Inconsistent findings exist regarding CSR's impact on management performance, particularly in Indonesia’s state-owned enterprises (BUMN). Knowledge Gap: This study addresses this gap by examining the effects of environmentally and socially oriented CSR on the management performance of BUMN companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from 2019 to 2022. Aims: The study aims to empirically assess how CSR influences management performance using quantitative data from annual reports. Results: The findings reveal that both environmentally and socially oriented CSR positively impact management performance, with implications for financial outcomes. Novelty: This research offers new insights into the relationship between CSR initiatives and firm performance. Implications: The results provide valuable information for investors and corporate managers, highlighting the necessity of effective CSR strategies to enhance operational performance and build investor confidence. Highlights: Positive Impact: Both environmentally and socially oriented CSR significantly enhance management performance in BUMN companies. Investment Insights: Effective CSR strategies are essential for building investor confidence and improving financial outcomes. Research Contribution: This study fills the knowledge gap by empirically linking CSR initiatives to firm performance in Indonesia. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Management Performance, State-Owned Enterprises, Indonesia Stock Exchange, Financial Outcomes

Differences in Cervical Spine Fractures in Patients Younger or Older Than 65 Years of Age: Implications for the Canadian C-Spine Rule.

There has been a distinction made in the 2001 Canadian C-Spine Rule regarding patients 65 and older and younger than 65 years of age as far as indications for cervical spine CT scanning. We sought to determine if there are differences in the symptoms, mechanisms of injury, fracture locations, and types that are still relevant in 2024. The institutional review board approved this retrospective study of cervical spine CT emergency department results from 2 hospitals in our health system after reviewing 5 years of data in patients experiencing trauma. In addition to the primary variable of age (younger than 65 years and 65 years and older), we looked at injury mechanism, fracture types, sites, symptoms, and operative or medical treatments. Because the demographics of our home site is different from most towns in the United States, we provide race/ethnicity data. Of 21,986 cervical spine CTs, 190/9455 (2.0%) participants 65 years of age and older and 199/12,531 (1.6%) participants younger than 65 years of age had fractures (total, 389/21,986, 1.8%). There were more cases of falls from standing (106, 55.8%) and falls from a height (46, 4.2%) in those 65 years and older and this mechanism was associated with a higher risk of C1 and C2 fractures (52, 27.4%; and 78, 41.1%, respectively). Among the C1 fractures, anterior and posterior arch fractures predominated (37, 19.5%). For C2 fractures, types 2 and 3 odontoid fractures (39, 20.5%; and 12, 6.3%) were more common in the older cohort. Motor vehicle collisions were more common in the younger cohort (89, 44.7%), and they were associated with more C5-C7 fractures (47, 23.6%; 60, 30.2%; and 66, 33.2%, respectively) including the facets (49, 24.6%), spinous processes (31, 15.6%), and transverse processes (52, 26.1%). Overall, the rates of instability, surgical intervention, and asymptomatic fractures were similar in the 2 age groups. Cervical spine fractures appear in about 1.8% of the CT scans performed in a busy emergency department environment. Fractures in the elderly occur more commonly due to falls, are located at C1 and C2, and may involve ligamentous injuries. Younger patients incur trauma more commonly due to motor vehicle collisions, and they are more likely to affect the posterior elements, especially C5-C7. The differences in trends for fractures in the 65 years of age and older and younger than 65 years of age groups have persisted since the Canadian C-Spine Rule 1996-1998 data were collected.

Praktik Ekonomi Lokal Masyarakat Melalui Bisnis Mangga dalam Perspektif Fikih Muamalah

This research aims to examine community economic empowerment through the mango business from the perspective of muamalah fiqh in Oro-Oro Ombo Kulon Village, Rembang District, Pasuruan Regency. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this research identifies the economic potential of the mango business in the village and analyzes the application of muamalah fiqh principles in every aspect of the business. The research results show that Oro-Oro Ombo Kulon Village has great potential in mango cultivation and economic empowerment through this business has had a positive impact on the local community. The application of the principles of muamalah fiqh, such as justice, transparency and honesty, in the mango business also creates an ethical and sustainable business environment. This research provides recommendations for infrastructure development, training, product diversification, collaboration, and marketing strategies that can increase the effectiveness of economic empowerment through the mango business and create a business model that is in accordance with Islamic principles.

Analisis Kinerja Pegawai pada Dinas Pertanian Kabupaten Karawang

In the era of organizational dynamics and changing business environments, enhancing employee performance becomes a pivotal factor for the success of an institution. This research aims to investigate and comprehensively analyze the performance of employees in the Department of Agriculture of Karawang Regency. The method in this research is descriptive qualitative. The results of this studyindicate that motivational aspects, such as the fulfillment of physiological needs, security, social relationships, recognition, and self-actualization, have a positive impact on employee performance. A profound understanding of the contributions of employees with initials L, A, and D in achieving quantity targets, maintaining quality, and ensuring timely completion of tasks provides a foundation for designing effective workplace motivation strategies.

Assessing the influence of entrepreneurial education on individual entrepreneurial orientation of university students

A number of empirical studies have underscored the significance of entrepreneurial orientation in understanding the dynamic business environment driven by entrepreneurial actions. However, the notion of individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) has received less attention in scholarly literature. It’s widely acknowledged that entrepreneurial education (EE) makes a substantial contribution to a country’s economy. It’s believed that EE can empower individuals and thus play a crucial role in addressing various societal challenges faced by countries globally. Nonetheless, the influence of EE on the IEO of university students, and whether it effectively guides them towards an entrepreneurial career, hasn’t been thoroughly examined. This study aimed to explore the influence of EE on the IEO of university students. This study focuses on two distinct economies—a developing one (South Africa) and a developed one (Scotland), the latter being recognized for its high-quality EE and a high proportion of individuals opting for entrepreneurial careers. A quantitative research approach was followed making use of an adapted questionnaire, which was analysed with SPSS and EQS 6.4 using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, multivariate analysis of variance and path model analysis. A total of 2841 questionnaires were distributed online, yielding 575 valid responses. Findings indicate that EE significantly influences the IEO of university students in South Africa, but to a lesser extent in Scotland. The study expands the existing body of knowledge on IEO of university students. In addition, it provides insight for policymakers in the respective countries.

Gender of a manager and firm performance in Africa: Does the business environment play a moderating role?

AbstractThis study explores the moderating role of the business environment in the relationship between top manager gender and firm performance, using firm‐level data from 29 African countries. Controlling for endogeneity and country fixed effects, we find that female‐managed firms generally underperform male‐managed firms, except among large firms where female managers excel. The performance gap is exacerbated by a weak business environment, highlighting the need for reforms to close the managerial gender gap in Africa. Strengthening the business environment is essential for improving female‐led firm performance and by extension promoting gender equality in African business leadership.

The accounting challenges for indigenous businesses: a Pacific Islands case study

Purpose This paper aims to examine the accounting challenges faced by indigenous businesses in the wholesale and retail market in Tonga. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 participants, from a mix of individuals from the wholesale and retail market in Tonga. This paper uses institutional logics framework to inform the study. Findings The research findings suggest an inability of indigenous businesses to adapt to significant changes in the market and overcome the economic and social challenges faced in the business environment involving accounting values. A lack of business skills and accounting knowledge, restrictive traditions and religious obligations and a poor business investment climate are key factors behind the inability of the indigenous Tongan businesses to succeed. Research limitations/implications The paper is limited to a study on Tonga only. The paper suggests better accountability from government sector on their effort to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. Practical implications The paper suggests better accountability from government sector on their effort to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. As a way forward, participants suggest that an inclusive approach for the government, businesses and stakeholders in policy formulation and consultation would create a better business environment that would foster the development and growth of the wholesale and retail business sector in Tonga. There is a dearth of cultural studies in accounting in countries within the developing world, particularly in the Oceania region. Social implications There are many accounting challenges faced by the indigenous Tongan business people in the market, which indicate specific areas where the attention of the policymakers should be directed. A better accountability from the government is needed on their efforts to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. Originality/value This paper extends the literature by considering inclusivity challenges for ethnically marginalised collectives of individuals in small business. The research findings suggest a gap in knowledge in the current business environment with respect to the Western accounting practices in the indigenous society.

Decision-making strategies for organizational processes

This research aims to explore decision-making strategies in organizational processes and their relevance in today's business environment, using a comprehensive methodology based on a review of the scientific literature. Different approaches and methodologies used for decision making are presented, such as data-driven decision making, multi-criteria decision making, collaborative decision making and decision making based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. In addition, recent applications of these strategies in various organizational contexts, such as manufacturing, logistics and supply chain, project management, and product innovation and development, are discussed.

The Intersection of Gender, Operational Barriers, and Diversification Strategies: Evidence from Chinese Female Business Owners

This study examines the strategic responses of Chinese female business owners to perceived operational barriers, integrating insights from the Resource-Based View, Signaling Theory, Institutional Theory, and Social Role Theory. Data from the World Bank Enterprise Survey (conducted in China in 2012; the sample comprises 2,700 firms from diverse China’s industries) was analyzed with advanced path modeling techniques. All statistical analyses were conducted using R (version 4.0.2) and SPSS 29. The R packages lavaan and semTools were utilized for implementing Structural Equation Model (SEM) techniques. How female ownership influences diversification strategies was investigated with the mediation effect of business environment barriers and the moderation effect of international certifications. It is revealed that female entrepreneurs are more likely to pursue international diversification due to heightened perceptions of business environment barriers. Perceived regulatory barriers are positively related to product

Entrepreneurial ecosystem pillars and performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Uganda

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to determine which entrepreneurial ecosystem pillars matter most in enhancing the performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Uganda. Design/methodology/approach Descriptive cross-sectional survey of 310 SMEs in manufacturing sector were sampled. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed because of the population’s homogenous characteristics. Data was collected using a Self-Administered Questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS and AMOS version 23. Findings The results indicate both institutional arrangements and resource endowments significantly influence performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector of Uganda. However, institutional arrangements have a stronger predictive power on performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector of Uganda as compared to resource endowments. Research limitations/implications The data was cross-sectional in nature thus limiting monitoring changes in the performance of SMEs in the manufacturing sector over a long period of time. Besides, the study concentrated on SMEs in the manufacturing sector which is just subset of the industrial sector leaving other sectors like trade and services. Originality/value An empirical study on entrepreneurial ecosystem pillars in a strategic and important sector – SMEs manufacturing sector, at a micro-level, and being done in Uganda is a contribution to existing literature. This is because, most entrepreneurial ecosystem studies are largely conceptual and are normally done at macro and meso-levels targeting SMEs generally and mostly in developed countries which have completely different business environment compared with developing countries.

Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Policy on Customers' Appetite to Buy Environmental Friendly Products before and After COVID-19

Purpose: This research aims to thoroughly examine the diverse effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on consumer Appetite, specifically concentrating on consumers' inclination toward purchasing environmentally sustainable products. Notably, we investigate consumers' perceptions across different periods, scrutinizing behavioral shifts before and after the COVID-19 era. Design/Methodology/Approach: Employing a robust empirical strategy, our survey methodology involves a substantial sample of 815 respondents, focusing on the demographic of young consumers in Bangladesh-a dynamic developing nation. The data collection process encompasses a meticulously crafted questionnaire, and our analysis employs the sophisticated framework of structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: Our insights go beyond conventional observations, revealing a nuanced understanding of consumer priorities even in the wake of the pandemic. Consumers consistently prioritize corporate practices related to circular economy principles, the geographical aspects of cloth production, raw material origins, pollution control, workers' rights, and the responsible utilization of recycled materials. Originality/value: This study introduces an original model that significantly contributes to comprehending the impact of CSR on consumer behavior, highlighting its relevance for policymakers in Bangladesh. The implications extend beyond the immediate scope, influencing strategies for integrating eco-friendly products into the broader business environment. Consequences: The empirical findings in this study challenge existing assumptions, emphasizing the pivotal influence of environmental considerations on shaping positive consumer behavior. Beyond superficial observations, this research offers a more sophisticated view of the intricate processes, providing significant insights for academics, industry experts, and businesses.

Leadership in small business environments: from the heroic model to distributed approach

Purpose This study explores the process of interactions experienced by leaders during the evolution of the small firm. Three key propositions are conceptualized into a model with the main aim of supporting leaders of small organizations in understanding better the leadership phenomena. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative research project investigates the dynamics of leadership in small businesses through an inductive and abductive approach, inherent to grounded theory. This enabled the development of propositions directly from data. Field research involved responsive interviews with 12 established small enterprise leaders. Selective and theoretical sampling coupled with ongoing data comparison and analysis were applied to uncover and refine emerging leadership concepts. Findings Intellectual assets of leaders in small firms propel the recognition and sensitivity to the process of organizational evolution which requires a continuous adaptation of the leadership paradigm. Research limitations/implications The researchers’ philosophical stance to construct reality based on the participants own experiences, cannot produce generalized findings on the subject area. Practical implications Enhanced Decision-Making and Strategic Planning: Small business leaders can leverage their academic and industry backgrounds to make more informed and strategic decisions. Facilitating Organizational Change: By understanding the necessity of continuous change, small business leaders can implement frameworks that encourage flexibility and adaptability within their organizations. Adopting Distributed Leadership: Encouraging small business owners to move away from centralized control towards a more distributed leadership model can lead to better organizational outcomes. Originality/value A considerable amount of research has been devoted to leadership in the past decades. There is very little evidence on behavioral patterns of leaders, grounded in data within the context of the Small Firm aimed at the practitioner. This work is contribution towards this shortfall.

Prototype of a Virtual Assistant System Integrated with AI

This research focuses on the development of a prototype virtual assistant system integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) using the Rational Unified Process (RUP) method. The system is designed to improve user flexibility and efficiency by allowing interaction through voice commands, removing the need for traditional input devices. Python was selected as the primary programming language due to its robust capabilities in handling AI-driven applications. The system utilizes Whisper API for speech recognition, enabling the virtual assistant to accurately interpret voice inputs. Additionally, the integration of Chat GPT API allows the assistant to process and generate responses in a natural, context-aware manner. The combination of these technologies is expected to enhance user experience by making the system more intuitive and seamless, applicable to both daily tasks and complex business environments. The RUP method, structured into phases such as inception, elaboration, construction, and transition, was applied to ensure that the development process was iterative, flexible, and aligned with user needs. The results indicate that the integration of Whisper API with Chat GPT API significantly improves the quality and accuracy of voice-based interaction, streamlining system operation while minimizing the need for complex graphical interfaces. This research demonstrates the potential of voice-driven AI systems in increasing overall operational efficiency.

Competition policy and agent discretion: transatlantic regulatory cooperation in the digital economy

ABSTRACT Despite a framework of bilateral agreements governing cooperation in competition policy since 1991, the European Union (EU) and United States of America (US) established a new Joint Technology Competition Policy Dialogue in 2021, which was different from previous cooperation and separate from the transatlantic Trade and Technology Council. Drawing from the principal-agent literature, this article argues that the choice to establish the new Joint Dialogue can be understood as an exercise of discretionary authority by agents in different jurisdictions with similar preferences who responded similarly to the common external factor of digitalisation. Facing new and shared challenges arising from the digital economy, the EU and US competition authorities undertook a new effort at cooperation – the Joint Dialogue – through which regulatory agents at various levels can interact, exchange information and improve enforcement in a rapidly changing business environment.

Business environment, financing constraints and enterprise innovation investment

This study utilizes a sample of A-share listed companies in China spanning from 2012 to 2022 to delve into the correlation between the business environment and corporate innovation investment. The findings reveal that a favorable business environment significantly bolsters corporate investment in innovation. Additionally, financing constraints emerge as a crucial intermediary factor, facilitating the enhancement of corporate innovation through improved business conditions. Notably, the business environment in both the eastern and central regions exerts a marked positive influence on innovation investment, with the eastern region demonstrating a more profound effect.

How does supply chain collaboration improve innovation performance of SMEs? The roles of absorptive capacity and business environment

There is increasing awareness that customers and suppliers serve as key external information sources for the innovation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, existing research on the influence of customer participation (CP) and supplier participation (SP) remains inconsistent. This study addresses this gap by investigating how CP and SP affect different types of innovation performance of SMEs in China. Furthermore, by addressing the gap regarding the unclear mechanisms of CP and SP in SMEs’ innovation performance, this study explores the mediating role of a firm's absorptive capacity on innovation performance and the conditions under which absorptive capacity will be more effective. Based on a sample of 1861 SMEs in China, the findings highlight that CP positively impacts product innovation performance, with absorptive capacity acting as a partial mediator. Additionally, both CP and SP influence process innovation performance directly or through absorptive capacity. Meanwhile, the business environment moderates the effect of absorptive capacity on product innovation performance. These findings contribute to the theory of open innovation and offer valuable insights for SME managers, entrepreneurs, and scholars in enhancing innovation outcomes.