Importance Of Motivation Research Articles

Economic feasibility and impacts of replacing tobacco with alternative crops in smallholder cropping systems: evidence from Uganda

ABSTRACT Tobacco is grown on more than 4 million hectares of global agricultural land in at least 124 countries. As a member state to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) international treaty, Uganda seeks to support economically viable alternative activities as a means to tobacco control because previous efforts with tobacco control that focused on the demand side have failed to control tobacco supply. This study employed the Tradeoff Analysis-Minimum Data (TOA-MD) model to assess tradeoffs and associated economic impacts of switching from tobacco to alternative crops in smallholder cropping systems. Results revealed that switching from tobacco to alternative crops is economically feasible for most of the farms owing to the higher net economic returns. The proportion of farms that expect higher returns from alternative crops is highest for cassava (97%) followed by maize (87%), rice (83%) and the least for beans (74%). Cassava is the best alternative for both small and large farms because of the highest gains in farm net returns, per capita income and poverty reduction. The next feasible crop alternatives for large farms are maize and rice. Despite their economic feasibility, alternative crops are typical of uncertain markets with unorganised structures for production. Since these are important incentives for tobacco farmers, the study recommends development of institutions that foster value chain development for alternative crops. Supporting agro-processors is likely to guarantee markets and provide for lump-sum payments, input credit for production and a reliable extension service system as way of incentivizing a sustainable switch to alternative cropping systems.

Smokeless tobacco: knowledge, attitudes and usage in Pakistan

BackgroundSmokeless tobacco (SLT) encompasses products that are not burnt but instead consumed orally or nasally. One-third of tobacco is consumed in the smokeless form in South Asia. Despite its widespread usage, there has been limited empirical research on the prevalence and factors influencing SLT consumption in Pakistan. This study aimed to provide an assessment of SLT knowledge, attitudes, and usage in Pakistan.MethodsUsing an online questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey was conducted across Pakistan. Convenience sampling was used to disseminate, and expert approval was sought followed by a pilot study to validate the questionnaire. A comprehensive questionnaire was developed using elements from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey and other tools which had previously been utilized within Pakistan. Participants’ responses were described using descriptive statistics, and SPSS version 26 was used to perform linear and logistic regression. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsData was collected from 1,195 participants among which 85.86% of participants had heard of SLTs prior to the survey. Sex, province, household income and previous doctor visits were significant determinants to product knowledge through which 72.55% agreed that these products can lead to serious illnesses but 30% noted a lack of knowledge on legality. General attitudes agreed that it makes one feel unwell (44.1%), gives a sense of guilt (43.85%) and more research is needed on it (54.39%). Negative health effects were the biggest deterrent from pursuing these products for 60.33% of participants. Among significant factors influencing the use of SLTs, the greatest odds of use were found with use as an alternative to cigarettes (OR 4.45) and secondly, due to its availability in a liked flavor (OR 2.27). About 31% reported to have used the product once, with 69.82% of current users expressing a desire to quit.ConclusionsAlthough adequate knowledge and aligning attitudes exist for SLTs, light is shed in the face of a sustaining public health problem. We offer important insights that can guide the creation of focused interventions meant to lower SLT use, and the health hazards associated with it in the Pakistani community by highlighting important myths, incentives, and deterrents.

Market-based or policy strategies to increase the cultivation of legumes for livestock? Effects on the cropping pattern and economic performance

Legume crops, the production of which is related to their use in animal nutrition (referred to in this study as “legumes for livestock—LL” and include species such as bean, lupin, pea, vetch and clover), have positive effects on the economic performance of farms and environmental outcomes, although their relation to sustainable weed management practices (SWMP) has received limited attention. The expansion of LL in Europe is limited due to market constraints, despite important policy incentives. This study was designed to investigate whether a policy-oriented Scenario (S1) or a market-based Scenario (S2) could induce the expansion of the cultivation of LL as well as to examine the possible impact on the economic performance of farming systems, including cost savings related to pest management. A farm typology was developed according to the level of expenses of farms for crop protection and their implemented SWMP. Using technical and economic data from 45 farms that cultivate annual arable crops in Greece, with special emphasis on LL, a Linear Programming model was constructed to examine the potential role of each one of the three identified farm types in the expansion of LL in Central Greece (Baseline Solution—BS). Following the BS, the effects of the two Scenarios were examined through a Price Parametric Programming approach. The solutions revealed that the valorization of LL had a significant economic potential for all farm types. In addition, it was found that a substantial policy incentive of increasing the coupled payments of LL by 128% (S1) can have an equivalent impact on the expansion of LL as modest levels of market interventions—through the achievement of higher yields or/and higher selling prices—to increase the revenues of LL by 59% (S2). Farms that relied more on chemical pesticides could play a more decisive role in expanding LL. The novel aspect is related to the investigation of the economic performance of different farm types cultivating LL with a specific focus on potentially higher profitability related to SWMP. Furthermore, this study contributed to the “policy versus market solutions” debate toward the expansion of LL.

Eritrea’s intervention in the Tigray war: third-party authoritarian counterinsurgency reconsidered

ABSTRACT This article examines the motives, strategies, and outcomes of Eritrea’s military intervention in Ethiopia’s Tigray war (2020–22). It situates the Eritrean effort as a case of ‘third-party authoritarian counterinsurgency’ that reflects but also expands available scholarly understandings of this particular brand of warfighting. We highlight fear, ambition, and revenge as important motives for the Eritrean leadership’s intervention; large-scale clandestine operations, civilian brutalization, uneven coordination with allies, and loss aversion as key elements of the Eritrean strategy; and the ways in which the intervention, despite tactical successes, largely fell short of its strategic goals.

UK Public Attitudes and Perceptions of Seafood Sustainability: A Case Study of the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide

Globally, the ocean faces growing pressures from various human activities, not just those related to overfishing and other fisheries related issues. In response to these pressures over the last few decades, seafood guides were developed to influence seafood purchasing behaviour and in turn increase the sustainability of the fisheries sector. However, to date there has been limited evaluation of the use and impact of these guides, and little assessment of public perceptions and attitudes to seafood sustainability. Using a public questionnaire (n = 2409) and the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS’s) Good Fish Guide (GFG) as a case study, this study explored UK public attitudes and perceptions toward seafood sustainability and examined the role of the GFG in encouraging sustainable seafood purchasing habits. Motivational drivers and barriers to using the MCS GFG were also investigated. A positive attitude towards the guide and knowledge, including understanding of the importance of sustainability, were found to be important motivators of use. The main barrier was found as lack of awareness of the guide for 69% of participants. This study also revealed that the perception of seafood as healthy, and a more environmentally friendly animal protein than land-based alternatives is an important driver for its consumption. MCS GFG users were found to purchase significantly more (60%) seafood compared to non-users with a slight majority (53%) reporting that guide use influences their purchasing behaviour. These findings have practical implications for using guides to increase seafood consumption in line with UK government dietary guidelines whilst simultaneously meeting global sustainability goals. The study makes a unique contribution to understanding how the use of seafood guides can influence public purchasing behaviour both in the UK and globally and thus their potential for impacting the sustainability of seafood supply chains more generally.

A reform of value-added taxes on foods can have health, environmental and economic benefits in Europe.

Fiscal policies can provide important incentives for encouraging the dietary changes needed to achieve global policy targets. Across Europe, the foods relevant to health and the environment often incur reduced but non-zero value-added tax (VAT) rates at about half the maximum rates, which allows for providing both incentives and disincentives. Integrating economic, health and environmental modelling, we show that reforming VAT rates on foods, including increasing rates on meat and dairy, and reducing VAT rates on fruits and vegetables can improve diets and result in health, environmental and economic benefits in most European countries. The health improvements were primarily driven by reductions in VAT rates on fruits and vegetables, whereas most of the environmental and revenue benefits were driven by increased rates on meat and dairy. Our findings suggest that differentiating VAT rates based on health and environmental considerations can support changes towards healthier and more sustainable diets in Europe.

Female dental students' perceptions on barriers and motivators in pursuing oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Although females represent more than half of US dental students, less than 10% are practicing oral surgeons. This study sought to identify barriers and motivators perceived by female dental students in their D1 and D4 years concerning a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS). This cross-sectional study used a single survey in 2023 sent to all US dental schools for female D1 and D4 students. Perceived barriers and motivating factors were rated on a scale from 0 to 5, 5 indicating the highest importance. For comparisons between D1 and D4, the data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and adjusted for multiple correction using the Bonferroni method. All responses were pooled to identify statistically significant barriers and motivating factors. Combined cohort barriers identified were time commitment (86.2%), family sacrifices (75.2%), long work hours (70.7%), and need to perform at top of class (64.6%). The important motivators were financial security (82.1%), scope (71.2%), respect (62%), and lifestyle after residency (51.4%). A statistically significant difference between groups was on the need to excel academically, with D1 students rating it more important (4.14/5) and D4's rating 3.51/5 (adjusted p-value=0.02, which is less than 0.05). The responses for motivation to pursue OMS showed a significant difference, D1 rating it 3.81/5 and D4 rating it 3.26/5 (adjusted p-value=0.03, which is less than 0.05). As the primary barriers identified relate to issues of time and personal sacrifice, it may be beneficial to enhance female mentorship and surgical clerkship opportunities for female dental students to address these issues.

Exploring Financial Motives for Earnings Management in the Economic Crisis. Evidence from Greek and German Listed Companies

The study examines the impact of economic crisis and focuses on the reasons for cases of earnings management. More specifically, it analyses whether executive compensation, analysts’ forecasts and violation of debt covenants are important motives for accounting fraud. It also examines whether voluntary disclosure of financial information could improve the quality of financial information or confuse investors. The paper examines listed companies in the Greek and German stock markets from 2007 to 2009 to find out how these two economies reacted after the introduction of IFRS. Thus, it would be interesting to find out whether Germany, a strong EU economy, was able to eliminate earnings management motives, as most would predict, while also examining whether Greece, a weak economy, was able to achieve similar results. The results of the study provide useful insights as they confirm that companies that provide additional accounting disclosures perform better in both countries. However, the remaining results suggest that credit covenant violations, executive compensation and bonuses, and analyst forecasts remain strong motivators for earnings management in both countries studied. In this order, it seems that IFRS need to introduce and maintain improved mechanisms to overcome such phenomena.

Features of Iran’s Integration Efforts in Trade Relations with Russia

The relevance of this research is determined by the growing interest in integration processes in Eurasia and their impact on international trade relations, particularly in the context of the interaction between Russia and Iran. In the face of global economic challenges, Iran’s integration efforts within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) become a significant factor contributing to the development of foreign economic ties. The novelty of the study lies in the application of various econometric methods to the analysis of trade and integration between Iran and Russia.Aim. The purpose of this study is to study the impact of Iran’s integration process into the economies of the EAEU and SCO on the foreign trade relations between Russia and Iran.Tasks. The objectives of the research include calculating the trade complementarity index to assess the mutual complementarity of the trade profiles of Iran, Russia, and their trading partners, analyzing economic data and indicators of EAEU and SCO integration to gain a deeper understanding of Iran’s integration process into the regional economy and its implications for trade between Iran and Russia, as well as developing an econometric trade model to evaluate the influence of various factors, particularly those related to integration, on the trade turnover between Russia and Iran and other countries.Methods. The methods employed include econometric modeling of international trade using a gravity approach, calculating the trade complementarity index, and descriptive statistics.Results and Conclusions. The results demonstrate a low level of trade complementarity between the trade profiles of Russia and Iran, which may indicate a weak potential for trade development. Nevertheless, trade between Russia and Iran is at a low stage of development, and there is significant potential for growth in various areas. Iran’s successful efforts to integrate into the EAEU, the conclusion of a Temporary Agreement leading to the establishment of a free trade zone, and the Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and Iran have become important incentives for increasing trade turnover and fulfilling existing potential. Econometric calculations show that the conclusion of free trade agreements and preferential trade agreements could lead to a multiple increase in trade turnover between Russia and Iran.

Southern Opening: Turkish Soft Power in Sub-Saharan Africa

This article discusses the Sub-Saharan relations of Türkiye from 2002 until 2016 from a political, economic and cultural point of view. The focus is on the performance of Turkish institutions on African ground, assessing not only governmental but humanitarian and public initiatives as well. The non-governmental factors are crucial in understanding Turkish African policy: the so-called Anatolian tigers and their associations connected with the Justice and Development Party and outside the scope of traditional state diplomacy exerted their influence on the political activity of Türkiye in general and in Africa, in particular. This new middle class formed the most important social and economic motivations behind Türkiye’s opening to Africa, creating space for public diplomacy and thus contributing to the democratisation of Turkish foreign policy.

Thermo-energetic performance of two dwellings during a heat wave in the Buenos Aires province, Argentina: On-site response assessment and adaptation strategies testing

This study evaluates the effects of heat waves on habitability conditions, energy consumption and cooling expenses through on-site measurements in two houses in Buenos Aires Province: an urban house located in La Plata, with low thermal quality of the envelope and two air conditioners; and a rural one in Brandsen, with an intermediate thermal quality of the envelope and one fan. Energy strategies were simulated on both houses that, simultaneously, allow the adaptation to heat waves and reduce, or generate the least possible, impact on electricity grids: a photovoltaic (PV) system and a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system. Both locations experienced similar average outdoor temperatures (∼28°C), but La Plata had fewer fluctuations due to heat accumulation in built surroundings. Indoor temperatures were comparable (∼29°C living spaces/∼27°C bedrooms), but the house in La Plata experienced lower thermal fluctuations due to its air-conditioning (ACs) and outdoor temperatures. Average heat index values were alike (∼30°C living spaces/∼29°C bedrooms). Although La Plata’s dwelling had ACs, results show the influence of envelope performance and nighttime ventilation in the Brandsen’s rural setting. Adaptation assessment revealed that PV and GSHP systems are adequate measures to face heat waves; however, they require important incentives to achieve massiveness.

Daži diasporas skolēnu latviešu valodas mācīšanās motivācijas aspekti

The topicality of the problem stems from the results of a study conducted by the Latvian Language Agency in 2022 about the diaspora students’ attitude towards the Latvian language and its acquisition, the motives for learning it using the ClassFlow education platform. The aim of the article is to analyse the main motives that determine the need of diaspora students to learn Latvian. The research methodology is based on theories of motivation (Cherry 2019; Garleja 2001), theories of pedagogy and psychology (Over 2016; Āboltiņa 2014; Svence 1999) on the motivation of young children and adolescents to learn. Empirical data was obtained by performing a content analysis of questionnaire results as well as the pedagogical process of diaspora students. The obtained data was ranked. The study reveals that students’ learning motivation is a complex issue, as it is based on biological, emotional, social, and cognitive aspects. This can be addressed if the student's learning motives are made clear. The individual and often subjective stimuli of each student must also be considered. The most important learning motives of diaspora students are awareness of belonging to Latvia and Latvian people, opportunity to visit Latvia (visit relatives, friends, travel, participate in summer camps), plan or desire to return to Latvia in the near or distant future, use of Latvian language in the family, and the personal significance of the environment and its connection with real life, the teacher’s personality and his professionalism. Among the respondents, 49 % indicate the need to communicate with relatives and friends in Latvia as the most motivating factor. These include trips to visit relatives or friends in Latvia on holidays, participation in summer camps in Latvia, as well as remote communication with relatives and friends in Latvia via telephone or other means of communication. A quarter of the surveyed students (25 %) justify learning Latvian by associating themselves and / or their parents with Latvia, Latvian nationality, Latvian language, Latvian citizenship. Quite a significant part of the respondents (17 % of the students) answered that it is their parents’ wish for them to learn Latvian, or they do not know why they are studying at all. 22 % of students mention facing various difficulties in learning Latvian as a foreign language as a motivation lowering factor, since for many of them Latvian is no longer their native language, and it is not used or used very little in their family. Learning grammar is difficult, especially suffixes, pronunciation and spelling, long vowels and punctuation, pronunciation, and spelling of two consonants, as well as the difference in alphabet. Students often confuse the language they are learning with other languages they know. 10 % of students point to the high total workload of general education, after school education, Latvian language lessons and other responsibilities. In order to promote the learning motivation of diaspora students, Latvian language teachers should pay more attention to issues like the correspondence of the curriculum to the precisely tested level of the student's language acquisition, his/her age and interests, diversified teaching methodology, immediate feedback and necessary support.

Head Teachers' Perspectives and Implementation of Green Leadership in Pakistani Secondary Schools

This qualitative study was conducted to determine how secondary school head teachers in Punjab Pakistan perceive and carry out green leadership practices. Fifteen head teachers from secondary schools in a district of Punjab were selected using purposive sampling and data was collected through semi-structured interviews. For data analysis, thematic analysis was used with the facilitation of NVivo 15. Four main themes were explored: conceptual understanding of green leadership, implementation strategies and practices, challenges and resource constraints, and motivational and cultural influences. The findings revealed the multiplicity of green leadership, ranging from mere environmentally friendly actions to complete leadership tactics. Implementation strategies encouraged collaborative approaches and engaging stakeholders, while participants discussed curricular and co-curricular activities. Financial constraints, limited infrastructure, and varying support by the stakeholders were identified as major implementation challenges, and religious and cultural values were identified as important motivators of environmental initiatives. Despite these constraints, head teachers developed innovative ways of finding local solutions and quite often, cultural and religious values were mobilized to reinforce environmental initiatives. The findings disseminate knowledge of green leadership implementation in the context of developing countries’ educational sectors and yield evidence-based suggestions for Pakistan’s policymakers and educational administrators focusing on the importance of structured professional development and organized resource support.

A Data Storage, Analysis, and Project Administration Engine (TMFdw) for Small- to Medium-Size Interdisciplinary Ecological Research Programs with Full Raster Data Capabilities

Over almost 20 years, a data storage, analysis, and project administration engine (TMFdw) has been continuously developed in a series of several consecutive interdisciplinary research projects on functional biodiversity of the southern Andes of Ecuador. Starting as a “working database”, the system now includes program management modules and literature databases, which are all accessible via a web interface. Originally designed to manage data in the ecological Research Unit 816 (SE Ecuador), the open software is now being used in several other environmental research programs, demonstrating its broad applicability. While the system was mainly developed for abiotic and biotic tabular data in the beginning, the new research program demands full capabilities to work with area-wide and high-resolution big models and remote sensing raster data. Thus, a raster engine was recently implemented based on the Geo Engine technology. The great variety of pre-implemented desktop GIS-like analysis options for raster point and vector data is an important incentive for researchers to use the system. A second incentive is to implement use cases prioritized by the researchers. As an example, we present machine learning models to generate high-resolution (30 m) microclimate raster layers for the study area in different temporal aggregation levels for the most important variables of air temperature, humidity, precipitation, and solar radiation. The models implemented as use cases outperform similar models developed in other research programs.

Sustainable Construction Technologies: Are Construction Firms Ready for Sustainable Cities?

ABSTRACT Sustainable construction technologies (SCTs) play a significant role in improving living standards and human comfort by contributing to smart and sustainable cities. However, endorsing SCTs is difficult for developing nations. This research identified the primary motivators and examined their influence on the adoption of SCTs in Pakistan. Data was obtained from 333 respondents through a questionnaire survey. For the empirical results, this research employed the structural equation modeling approach. The findings showed that cost and energy, economic, environmental, and industry-related factors are important motivators for the adoption of SCTs. The findings also confirmed that smart technologies are gaining popularity because potentially they have lower costs, consume less energy, and have a lower impact on the environment. Based on findings, this study recommended that the government should promote the use of SCTs in a proactive manner. The results of this research are important for the urban and smart cities’ development in Pakistan and other developing nations.

Sensory preferences are important motivators for using herbs and spices: A cross-sectional analysis of Australian adults.

Herbs and spices have been used in cooking and food preparation to add flavour and aroma for centuries. However, many herbs and spices are also associated with a number of health benefits. Despite this, little is known about the types and frequency of use of herbs and spices in Australian households. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the types of herbs and spices used in cooking and food preparation in Australian households. A cross-sectional study was undertaken amongst Australian adults aged ≥18 years. Participants were recruited via social media platforms requesting voluntary participation in an online questionnaire. The survey tool included questions related to the types of herbs and spices used and consumed in Australian households, frequency of use, and adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener. A total of n = 400 participants responded and completed the survey. Participants were mostly female (n = 341; 85.3%) aged between 25 and 64 years (n = 331; 82.8%) and were overweight (body mass index: 26.5 ± 5.9 kg/m2). In the previous 12 months, two-thirds of participants (n = 257; 64.3%) reported consuming herbs and spices 1-2 times per day, which were mostly consumed as part of lunch/dinner meals (n = 372; 93%). Basil (n = 391; 97.8%), pepper (n = 390; 97.5%) and garlic (n = 387; 96.8%) were amongst the most frequently used herbs and spices. Moderate to high adherence to a MedDiet was associated with daily use of herbs and spices [χ2 (1, n = 397) = 5.6, P = 0.018]. This cross-sectional analysis of Australian households shows that most Australian adults consume herbs and spices daily. Further investigation into the quantities used and needed to elicit potential health benefits of herbs and spices when incorporated into a healthy dietary pattern warrants future investigation.

Natural language processing in mixed-methods evaluation of a digital sleep-alcohol intervention for young adults

We used natural language processing (NLP) in convergent mixed methods to evaluate young adults’ experiences with Call it a Night (CIAN), a digital personalized feedback and coaching sleep-alcohol intervention. Young adults with heavy drinking (N = 120) were randomized to CIAN or controls (A + SM: web-based advice + self-monitoring or A: advice; clinicaltrials.gov, 8/31/18, #NCT03658954). Most CIAN participants (72.0%) preferred coaching to control interventions. Control participants found advice more helpful than CIAN participants (X2 = 27.34, p < 0.001). Most participants were interested in sleep factors besides alcohol and appreciated increased awareness through monitoring. NLP corroborated generally positive sentiments (M = 15.07(10.54)) and added critical insight that sleep (40%), not alcohol use (12%), was a main participant motivator. All groups had high adherence, satisfaction, and feasibility. CIAN (Δ = 0.48, p = 0.008) and A + SM (Δ = 0.55, p < 0.001) had higher reported effectiveness than A (F(2, 115) = 8.45, p < 0.001). Digital sleep-alcohol interventions are acceptable, and improving sleep and wellness may be important motivations for young adults.

How can coworking spaces promote knowledge sharing among coworkers: an identification-based perspective

Purpose Coworking spaces provide coworkers significant opportunities to connect, share knowledge, learn from each other and innovate. Yet, there is hardly any research literature on how coworking spaces support this. This paper examines how coworking spaces can promote knowledge sharing among coworkers to support innovation and develops a conceptual framework for the same. Design/methodology/approach This paper brings together literature from the fields of coworking spaces, communities of practice, identification and knowledge sharing to develop a conceptual framework. Findings Coworking space managers can drive specific activities to promote a sense of community among coworkers. This can create identification with the coworking community and with the coworking space, leading to higher propensity to collaborate, share knowledge and work together to innovate. Research limitations/implications This paper proposes a conceptual framework that can be further examined through qualitative and quantitative research. Practical implications This paper suggests specific activities which coworking space managers can undertake to promote learning and innovation – important motivations for people to use coworking spaces. This will also help coworking spaces to make a strong business case and differentiate themselves from competitors. Originality/value Since coworking spaces bring together people from varied backgrounds who belong to diverse organizations and work on varied domains, nudging them to share knowledge is difficult. This paper is one of the first attempts at developing a framework to promote knowledge sharing in coworking spaces.

Strategies to recruit and retain generation Z in the built environment sector

PurposeGeneration Z built environment (BE) undergraduates and graduates (Zoomers) are the latest cohort entering the job market. Existing research has yet to comprehensively explore approaches for attracting and engaging Zoomer employees within the BE sector. This study aims to identify effective strategies for recruiting and retaining Zoomers in the BE sector.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods research design comprising survey and interviews with Zoomers was employed. Data were collected from Zoomers via an online survey using a structured questionnaire and interviews.FindingsThe first finding, job flexibility, is the most important job motivator. Zoomers seek hybrid work arrangements, and a mix of fieldwork and desk bound work. The second finding, “earned media” (and not “owned media”), is an important way to attract Zoomers. As savvy digital natives, Zoomers rely on reviews about the organization posted on independent online platforms or employees’ own social media accounts. The third finding is the diminishing role of family in Zoomers’ decision-making about their careers.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are limited to Zoomers’ views about recruitment and retention within the BE sector.Practical implicationsRecommendations are offered to organizations on strategic job redesign and increasing “earned media” to attract Zoomers.Originality/valueThe findings contribute to understanding Zoomers’ approach to recruitment and retention based on Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory. Herzberg’s hygiene factors, which are essential benefits such as salary and career progression, remain important. The novel finding is the discovery of specific human resource (HR) practices that Zoomers consider to be hygiene factors, whereas older generations view them as “good-to-have” motivators. This underscores the intergenerational divergence in attitudes towards recruitment and retention in the BE sector.

Integration of digital transformation and the concept of sustainable development in small and medium-sized businesses

The purpose of the study is to develop a concept that allows integrating sustaina-ble development and digital transformation in small and medium-sized businesses using an evaluation algorithm for determining the potential and risks for the sub-ject. The study uses such approaches as the rating method, methods of economic and statistical analysis, forecasting based on retrospective data, system and struc-tural method, causal analysis, expert evaluation method, matrix of potential as-sessment, as well as analysis and synthesis. As a result of the conducted research, the need for the introduction of digital transformation in small and medium-sized businesses was proved. Analysis of the results of ratings on indicators of sustaina-ble development and digital transformation shows a fairly high position of the Re-public of Kazakhstan on a number of indicators, which shows the high potential of the country in the context of further implementation and development of the con-cepts under study. An important incentive for small and medium-sized businesses in the context of the integration of digital transformation and sustainable devel-opment is the expansion of long-term lending opportunities for such entities in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The concept of integration of sustainable development and digital transformation in small and medium-sized businesses was established using an algorithm for assessing the potential of such entities and risk factors. The results obtained can find practical application and be useful for the management of small and medium-sized businesses in the process of implementing digital trans-formation and aspects of sustainable development.