Institutional Theory Research Articles

The Genesis of the Crypto-economy: Application of the Institutional Theory

This study investigates the institutionalization of the crypto-economy from an institutional theory perspective and also examines the role of existing institutional pillars in its development. The path analysis using global institutional indicators reveals that the development of the crypto-economy is significantly affected by regulatory, cognitive, and normative factors of a country. Further, the regulative pillar fully mediates the relationship between the social pillar and the crypto-economy. While we find convincing evidence that a country’s social pillar endorses crypto-economy, its indirect effect is more prominent and significant than the direct effect.

고령사회 노인문화정책의 변화 고찰 및 과제

In 2025, South Korea is projected to enter a super-aged society with 20.6% of its population aged 65 and older. The Baby Boomer generation, which will constitute a significant portion of this aged society, values cultural needs, independence, and the identity of being a free and active participant in society. Thus, understanding the characteristics of an aging society and the new senior is essential, and policy responses based on this understanding are necessary. This study explains the policy lag phenomenon in cultural policies for an aging society, based on Thomas Kuhn's paradigm theory and the path dependency theory of new institutionalism. It demonstrates that the cultural policies for an aging society have not adequately responded to the aging population, using the low birth rate and aging society policies and senior cultural programs as case studies. The study found that society has shifted to an aging society centered on the Baby Boomer generation, which has high cultural activity demands. Despite the shift in social paradigms, the transition from senior policies to the “Basic Plan for Low Fertility and Aging Society” did not prioritize the fulfillment of cultural needs, but rather continued to focus primarily on employment policies, as seen in previous welfare policies. It was difficult to find policies implemented from the perspective of cultural activities for seniors in the first Basic Plan, and even in the second and third supplementary plans, the emphasis was predominantly on senior employment. Additionally, the budget for the representative senior cultural policy, the Senior Culture Program, decreased steadily from approximately 4.6 billion KRW in 2016 to 2.5 billion KRW in 2022, with the number of programs reducing from 391 in 2016 to 163 in 2023. This study, which highlights the changes in an aging society and the current state of senior cultural policies, can be used to develop policies that enhance the quality of life in an aging society. Moreover, it suggests the need for more detailed research to create more segmented cultural policies that address specific age groups and genders, rather than policies targeting everyone aged 65 and older as a single group.

Examining Microfinance Loan Repayment Challenges and Procedures by Small Business Owners: The Case of Vikenge Village, Morogoro, Tanzania

The research surveys the factors affecting the ability of small business owners in Vikenge village to refund microloans. This study uses institutional theory framework to investigates the constraints encountered by these firms, their means for handling these constraints, and offer hints for improvement. Applying a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were performed with 13 small business proprietors. Participants were purposively selected due to their experience in microfinance lending and efficient reimbursement. Through thematic analysis, substantial issues concerning repayment challenges, techniques, and recommendations for enhancement were proven. The survey reveals a variety of obstacles that influence the repayment of loans, for instance; unexpected events, personal and familial matters, fluctuations in the economy, seasonal fluctuations in business, and complications with cash flow. Methodologies to repayment include strategies like saving money daily, options for flexible repayment, clear communication, and seeking outside financial assistance. Survey respondents also offered supportive recommendations, such as using loans for their intended purposes, decreasing interest rates, allowing more flexibility in repayment schedules, providing enhanced customer education and support, ensuring loan amounts are appropriate, and improving monitoring and collection procedures. This research survey enhances value to the current body of knowledge by delivering detailed analysis on the repayment of microfinance loans in small businesses in Vikenge village. The results proposed practical recommendations for microfinance institutions to acquire tailored repayment strategies that meet the varied requirements of borrowers, eventually leading to improved financial accessibility and long-term viability.

Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Mombasa County, Kenya

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contribute over 70% of jobs, contribute to GDP, aid industrial development, satisfy local demand for services, innovate and support large firms with inputs and services. However, the SMEs in Mombasa County are constantly faced with the threat of failure where three out five fails at infancy. The study investigated the influence of economic factors (taxation, finance access and wages and unemployment) on growth of SMEs in Kenya, in Mombasa County. The specific objectives of the study were; to explore the effect of taxation on growth of SMEs, to find out the effect of Financial Access on growth of SMEs, to determine the effect of wages on growth of SMEs operating, and to evaluate the effect of general unemployment on growth of SMEs operating in Mombasa County. This study employed the institutional theory of growth, the Schumpeter theory of growth and the Endogenous growth theory anchored the study. An explanatory research design was used so as to meet the research objectives. The target population was 54,245 registered SMEs and a sample size of 246 was derived using the Cochran, statistical formula. The list of registered SMEs in Mombasa formed the study population. A Systematic Random Sampling was used from a sample of 246 SMEs was drawn. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Multiple regression Analysis technique was the main technique to find the effect of social economic factors on SME growth. to analyze the data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences with a significance level set at 0.05. Findings showed that SE conditions are just modest level. Correlation results showed that Taxation conditions (r=.344, p=.000), Financial Access (r=.430, p=.000), Wages affordability (r=.241, p=.000) are positively and significantly correlated with SME growth. Regression results showed that SE factors; Taxation conditions (=.268, p=.000), Financial Access ( =.383, p=.000), Wages ( =.182, p=.015) and Unemployment ( = -.170, p=.045) has significance effect on SMEs growth. Conclusions; Socioeconomic can reverse the current trend of high SMEs failure rate. Socioeconomic factors can buck the present trend of a high failure rate among SMEs. The study recommended that the county and national governments should implement measures enhancing tax benefits for SMEs such as utilizing the taxes prudently. Additionally, the SMEs should adopt strategies that enhance internal financial capabilities so as to incase their revenue streams. Moreover, it is recommended the SMEs to have a working and sustainable wage policy that is able to attracts and keeps talented workforce and therefore ensure continued business growth. By using a multi-sectoral approach, both local and national governments should prioritize and focus on short- and long-term policies that lower the rising rates of unemployment.

Quality Management Systems and Service Delivery in Parastatals in Kenya: A Case Study of Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis)

Total quality management is becoming more widely recognized due to businesses' efforts to provide high-quality goods and services. Government parastatals are confronted with various challenges due to shifting dynamics, such as inadequate legal and regulatory frameworks, subpar corporate governance, and unfavourable public perception. The main objective was to examine quality management systems and service delivery in Kenya. The investigation was guided and anchored by the following theoretical pillars: The study's fundamental anchor theory is Deming's Theory of Quality Management, which was backed by institutional theory The study employed a descriptive research design with a population of 300 as its target. Stratified random sampling was used to select a sample size of 171 people. Data was gathered through surveys. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS. The data was displayed using tables. The relationship between the variables was demonstrated using inferential statistics. Some ethical guidelines were considered to direct the research investigation throughout the study period. The relationship between quality services and service delivery had an R2 = 0.499, which indicates that a shift in quality services may be responsible for 49.9% of the variation in service delivery, and an R2 = 0.642, which indicates a strong positive association between quality services and service delivery. basic relationship between quality control and service delivery (R = 0.595) with an R2 value of 0.431. This means that to improve performance, businesses should be aware of their clients' requirements, meet their needs now and in the future, and aim to surpass their expectations. KEPHIS's management should think about incorporating quality service principles within the organization's divisions and departments. To ensure successful quality services and business success, KEPHIS should set up their quality management systems by ISO standards. More research can be done to broaden the study's focus to include other industries or look at how public, private, and SMEs are implementing the findings. Furthermore, knowledge generation processes can be integrated with a company's internal and external operations through quality management.

Breaking the Lock through Gender Responsive Workplace Practices in e-Commerce at GittiGidiyor

Gender responsive workplace practices which promote economic development progress and lead to a more sustainable future for the work life are on the agenda globally. Notwithstanding that the importance and promotion of gender responsive workplace practices has been recognized and accelerated in recent years; these practices have not reached the desired level worldwide yet. Thus, it is important to share and increase the number of best practices that businesses should perform on gender equality. Considering the importance of this subject, in the literature, gender responsive workplace practices have not been adequately addressed, especially in developing countries. To fill this gap in the field, in this study, we aim to reveal gender responsive workplace practices by opening a new door on this issue while grounding the subject on the New Institutional Theory and Feminist Institutionalist Paradigm at the macro level, and on the Strategic Human Resources Management (SHRM) and its sub-branch Diversity and Equality Management Systems (DEMS) at the micro level. Hence, we explain this issue by analyzing it in-depth via a case study in leading gender responsive workplace practices in the context of a developing country, Turkey. The results indicate that gender responsive workplace practices are put into practice by following acquiesce strategy and with SHRM and DEMS.

Teachers’ values in a space of change: The idea of teacher assistants as re-negotiation of teacher professionalism

ABSTRACT Teacher professionalism has long been subject to contestation as embedded with certain ideas, norms and values. Transnational discourses on teacher professionalism have spurred the recontextualisation of the idea of teacher assistants in Swedish educational reform. Policy imperatives around increasing teachers’ professional responsibility and accountability have raised issues regarding what values around teacher professionalism ought to be prioritised. The aim of this article is to explore teachers’ values regarding professional responsibility in the compulsory school context based on the interaction with teacher assistants and in light of policy discourses on teacher professionalism. The concept of “discursive space” is utilised to explore juxtaposed values within the local and across national and transnational levels. This concept is based in a combination of discursive institutionalism and curriculum theory with an actor-centred approach around ideas and discourses in an institutional context. The analysis shows dilemmas around holistic aspects and fragmentation regarding professional responsibility, but also, possibilities when “sharing” responsibilities with teacher assistants. Dilemmas emerge around questions on purpose and temporal struggles. Dilemmas emerge regarding professional responsibility against accountability purposes and result-orientation. Re-negotiation of teacher professionalism is spurred by the idea of teacher assistants, and surrounding discourses, creating dilemmas for teachers in the negotiated discursive space.

Cognitive microfoundations and social interaction dynamics. The implications of complexity for institutional theory

AbstractThis paper investigates the intersection of cognitive sciences and social network theory and its counterpart, the complexity sciences, aiming to shed light on the compatibility and potential integration of these frameworks into institutional theory. Institutional scholars have for long selectively adopted notions linked with the cognitive sciences and complexity sciences, such as the notion of path dependence, without exploring the broader implications of systematically integrating such perspectives into institutionalism. This paper aims to advance such a comprehensive theoretical integration, by investigating the effective combination of these approaches and their significant implications. It shows how the complexity sciences contribute to dissolving the barriers between the cognitive and social realms and illustrates how this impacts notions of human agency and reflexivity. Theoretical integration also involves acknowledging considerable diversity in individual human agency, which in turn prompts a reconsideration of how notions of institutional stability, change, diffusion and adaptation are understood. Furthermore, the paper addresses the epistemological challenge presented by the complexity sciences, before it highlights the general relevance of institutional theory in analyzing complex social phenomena. Finally, the paper explores implications for research methodology, proposing that a fusion of institutional theory and the complexity sciences provides a metatheoretical framework for assessing the contextual suitability of different theoretical and methodological approaches.

Impact of Cryptocurrency Adoption on Financial Inclusion in Myanmar

Purpose: Aim of the study was to analyze the impact of cryptocurrency adoption on financial inclusion in Myanmar. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Cryptocurrency adoption in Myanmar holds promise for enhancing financial inclusion by offering faster and cheaper remittance options, especially in underserved rural areas. However, challenges such as regulatory uncertainties and concerns over consumer protection must be addressed through clear and supportive regulatory frameworks. To maximize benefits, Myanmar should focus on improving financial literacy, developing user-friendly cryptocurrency platforms integrated with mobile money services, and establishing coherent regulatory guidelines in collaboration with international bodies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion of innovation theory, technology acceptance model (TAM) & institutional theory may be used to anchor future studies on impact of cryptocurrency adoption on financial inclusion in Myanmar. Practical initiatives should prioritize enhancing financial literacy and digital education programs tailored to Myanmar's population. Initiatives that promote understanding of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies among consumers, businesses, and policymakers are crucial. Policymakers in Myanmar need to develop clear and supportive regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with consumer protection.

Institutional Investors and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A Comprehensive Review of Theoretical Frameworks and Empirical Insights

In the evolving discourse of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the role of institutional investors stands out as a pivotal area of exploration. This work delves deep into the intricate interplay between these investors and CSR, emphasizing its significance in the modern corporate landscape. Drawing upon the Institutional, Legitimacy, Agency, and Resource-Based View theories, this paper elucidates how societal norms, alignment with societal expectations, and strategic asset perspectives shape corporate behavior toward CSR. In this work, we highlight the diverse strategies and objectives of institutional investors, such as pension funds and hedge funds, and their profound influence on the CSR landscape. Our findings underscore that these investors not only steer corporations toward sustainable actions but also redefine the very essence of corporate responsibility. The conclusions drawn emphasize the need for synergistic regulations and incentives, aligning with the CSR objectives of these influential stakeholders. Furthermore, the significance of this study lies in its potential to guide future research, especially in understanding the nuanced roles of different investor types and their global implications. In summation, this paper offers a comprehensive insight into the institutional investor-CSR dynamic, spotlighting its profound responsibility and potential in shaping the future of corporate sustainability.

Effects of Government Public Relations on Citizen Trust and Engagement in Sudan

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of government public relations on citizen trust and engagement in Sudan. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that effective public relations strategies can enhance transparency, accountability, and open communication, fostering a sense of trust among citizens. When governments actively engage in clear and honest communication, they address citizens' concerns, clarify policies, and provide timely updates on public affairs. This transparency helps mitigate misinformation and builds credibility, leading to increased citizen trust. Furthermore, well-executed public relations efforts can stimulate civic engagement by encouraging public participation in decision-making processes, promoting community involvement, and fostering a collaborative environment between the government and its citizens. Studies indicate that when citizens perceive their government as trustworthy and responsive, they are more likely to engage in civic activities, support governmental initiatives, and participate in democratic processes, thereby strengthening the overall relationship between the government and its citizens. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Grunig's excellence theory, social exchange theory and institutional trust theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the effects of government public relations on citizen trust and engagement in Sudan. For effective practice, government agencies must prioritize transparency and proactive communication strategies to build trust with citizens. On the policy front, governments should formalize frameworks that mandate transparency and accountability in public relations practices.

Exploring interventions for improving rural digital governance performance: A simulation study of the data-driven institutional pressure transmission mechanism

Considering the technological and institutional nature, along with the inherent complexity, of the rural digital governance context, a data-driven institutional pressure transmission (D-IPT) mechanism is developed in this study. This mechanism aims to facilitate effective regulation of villagers' behaviours, thereby improving rural digital governance performance. Firstly, we proposed a conceptual model based on complex adaptive systems theory and institutional theory to demonstrate how this mechanism can ensure an improvement of the emergent rural digital governance performance. Subsequently, we translated the conceptual model into a computational representation, thereby constructing a theory-informed simulation model. A behavioural dataset consists of 1,255,206 rural households from 119 villages over a span of 18 months was used to instantiate and validate the simulation model based on a specific scenario. Then, we designed five simulation experiments to investigate interventions aimed at harnessing the D-IPT mechanism more effectively to improve the rural digital governance performance. The results show that interventions targeting interaction efficiency, interaction frequency, and institutional environment configuration significantly affect the role of the D-IPT mechanism in enhancing rural governance performance. Finally, we discussed the theoretical and practical implications of the D-IPT mechanism.

Effect of Transparency Initiatives on Public Trust in Government in Kenya

Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the effect of transparency initiatives on public trust in government in Kenya. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Transparency initiatives in Kenya have shown a positive impact on public trust in government. Efforts such as open access to government information, transparent budgeting processes, and public participation in decision-making have increased accountability and reduced corruption. These initiatives have led to greater citizen engagement and trust, as the public perceives the government to be more accountable and responsive to their needs. However, challenges remain in fully implementing these initiatives, and inconsistencies in transparency efforts can still undermine public trust. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social exchange theory, institutional theory & information processing theory may be used to anchor future studies on the effect of transparency initiatives on public trust in government in Kenya. Continuously improve online transparency portals by enhancing user interfaces, ensuring data accuracy, and expanding the scope of information available. Develop sector-specific transparency policies tailored to the unique needs of different governmental sectors (e.g., healthcare, education). This approach ensures that transparency initiatives address sector-specific challenges and enhance sector-specific public trust. Invest in training programs for public officials on transparency practices and the effective use of transparency tools.

Bucking the Trend: Civil Society and the Strengthening of Environmental Rights in Latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract In 2021, environmental procedural rights were strengthened in Latin America and the Caribbean when the legally binding Escazu Agreement came into force. This new treaty seeks to implement Principle 10 of the 1992 Rio Declaration, which promotes access to information, participation, and justice in environmental matters. The treaty is empirically and theoretically surprising: it bucks the growing trend of informalization in regional and international cooperation and is more highly legalized than institutional design theory would predict. Applying an interpretivist logic of inquiry and drawing on interviews with twenty-three participants in the negotiations, I argue that this outcome can be explained by an alignment of structural conditions that facilitated an alliance between ambitious state and nonstate actors and enabled their influence throughout negotiations. Applying theories of political opportunities and mobilization structures, I show how a network created by the World Resources Institute influenced the agreement’s design and helped secure a high degree of obligation and precision in Latin America’s first environmental treaty.

Impacts of institutional pressures and internal abilities on green performance of transport and logistics companies

PurposeTransport and logistics companies (TLCs) have adopted green practices to reduce their emission and waste in support of environmental protection requirements. However, not all green practices of TLCs have resulted in green performance (GP) because of inherent variations in internal abilities and external factors affecting firms in different operational environments. Using institutional (INT) and resource-based view (RBV) theories we develop a model that shows how institutional pressures and internal abilities impact TLCs’ GP.Design/methodology/approach Underpinned by INT and RBV theories, this study utilised structural equation modelling on a cross-sectional survey of 222 TLC firms operating in the Philippines.Findings The study reveals that TLCs’ regulatory compliance, social obligations and competitor pressures have significant direct effects on TLCs’ GP while supplier integration and resource capabilities serially mediate the relationships. The findings indicate that institutional pressures and internal abilities that shape firms’ environmental policies and procedures explain TLCs’ GP.Research limitations/implications As a result of the cross-sectional nature of our data, findings may be time, population and prevailing situation dependent. The long-term validity of the research can be improved if longitudinal design is employed. We collected data from a single respondent considered as the best respondent. However, with time and resource availability, a jury of executives for each company would have been a better alternative respondent.Practical implications The findings of this research provide TLC managers, policymakers and other stakeholders with much-needed guidance for crafting policies and strategies for handling the challenges of caring for the planet and maintaining sustainable operations.Social implications Improving green practices of TLCs to enable waste and emission reductions is critical to the health and well-being of people and the planet. An environment free of pollution will result in fewer health challenges, fewer medical/insurance-related expenses, and, above all, enable a higher quality of life and a more productive workforce.Originality/value Studies have extensively explored the green practices of TLCs as well as the influences of both institutional pressures and internal abilities of TLCs on their green practices. This study identifies critical factors that significantly affect the GP of TLCs and provides a conceptual framework for a better understanding of the dynamics of strategic, tactical and operational issues that TCLs may face in their effort at greening the sector.

Human Resource Planning and Budgeting Process in Government Health Institutions in Kenya: A Case Study of Magutini Level Four Hospital

Human resource planning is a crucial component of HRM that many businesses use to make sure the best employees are hired for the proper positions with the correct skills and knowledge. In terms of efficiency, service delivery, and product quality, this is particularly true. Budget discrepancies persistently persist during the implementation. Planning for human resources typically reflects the effectiveness of a certain institution's performance, which depends on it. To determine the human resource planning and budgeting processes in government health institutions in Kenya, Magutini Level Four Hospital was study focus. The study examined, employee retention, and staff training, The study's major anchor theory was goal-setting theory, which is backed by institutional and human capital theory. The study's foundation was a positivist research paradigm that used a study design that was descriptive. The researcher intended to reach 750 respondents; however, secondary data was employed in the literature study, and 260 respondents were chosen as the sample size by the use of stratified random sampling and administered questionnaires. Findings were examined using descriptive statistics (standard deviation, percentages, and frequencies), and the data were shown using tables. To show how the study variables related to one another, inferential statistics were used. The Pearson correlation can assist in determining the direction and strength of the relationship between the variables. Regression analysis showed a substantial correlation and a link between training, development, and performance. Employee retention and the budgeting process were significantly correlated and linked. The research study makes the following suggestions for enhancements to the management and board of directors of the Magutini Level 4 Hospital: The administration of Magutini Level 4 Hospital has to invest in its people. Training and development expenditures are crucial for building human capital, and top management must support this by providing the required funds. HRM initiatives are important in this, but they won't be able to flourish if top management of the company doesn't actively support them. The study's conclusions suggest that the company's executives should provide adequate funding for HRD and the budgeting procedure. Periodic cost estimates are required for every job in the plan in order to make sure that funds are used as efficiently as feasible.

Institutional power and the deinstitutionalization of marriage

AbstractIn this article, I revisit the debate surrounding the deinstitutionalization of marriage. I identify the divergent methodologies used to evaluate deinstitutionalization and argue that institutional power requires greater definition. I develop the concept of institutional power by applying a Lukesian lens to new institutionalist theories of institutional activities. I define deinstitutionalization as the loss of connection between institutions and their sources of institutional power which constitutes their institutionality. Further, I argue that the indicators used to assess deinstitutionalization must recognize (a) the formal and informal aspects of marriage's institutionality and (b) the regulatory, normative, and cultural‐cognitive bases of marriage's institutional power. I argue that discursive processes drive developments in the discursive field of intimacy yet the emphasis on individualization in existing scholarship struggles to adequately explain developments such as same‐sex marriage. I propose that the personal life thesis offers a more cogent explanation of these changes.

Emerging Partnerships of SDGs and HRM Practices During the Pandemic: A Study of the Indian IT Industry

Post-pandemic, the world of work has changed, and the pandemic has accelerated the responsible business agenda, representing a huge opportunity for the human-centric approach to HRM to transform the world of work. The drive towards responsible and sustainable business demands a new way of thinking, and the old conventional thinking approach addressing piece-meal solutions is an approach of the past. The human resource management (HRM) practices of multinational corporation (MNC) subsidiaries in India in the IT sector are studied within an institutional theory framework to look at how MNCs operating in India are incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Applying the tenets of DiMaggio and Powell’s (1983) work, we understand that an MNC subsidiary located in India will be influenced by both potentially contradictory pulls from institutional factors in the local environment and international isomorphic processes. With a qualitative approach and primary data collected via in-depth interviews with 52 HR professionals (including host and subsidiaries) from 8 MNCs, our findings indicate that the subsidiaries based in India are mostly adopting the pattern exhibited by larger organizations in their environment that are viewed as successful (mimetic isomorphism) in implementing the SDGs. There is still a huge scope for improvement in these subsidiaries in terms of investing in people’s capabilities for future sustainable work. The research contributes to the bourgeoning literature on HRM practices and how MNC subsidiaries operate in different contexts and cultural settings in the IT sector.

How Do New Forms of Organizations Manage Institutional Voids? Social Enterprises’ Quest for Sociopolitical Legitimacy

This study draws on institutional theory to provide insights into how new forms of organizations gain legitimacy under institutional voids. Based on interviews with leaders of 42 Chinese social enterprises (SEs), we find that dominant stakeholders—the state—are ambivalent about new ventures’ agendas and practices, which is displayed in their being sometimes supportive and other times skeptical, even hostile. SEs favor the contingent engagement political strategy to develop mutually beneficial relationships with the state while keeping a healthy distance. This enables them to gain sociopolitical legitimacy in a nonthreatening and acceptable way for survival and growth. The findings further highlighted the individual, organizational, and environmental factors that condition SE legitimation approaches, including the form of state control, leaders’ political capital, organizational social mission, and regional political environment. This study makes theoretical contributions to the institutional and SE literatures, highlighting stakeholder ambivalence as an essential characteristic of an institutional context fraught with institutional voids.

Driving sustainable entrepreneurship: Institutional and psychological influences at the Macao food festival

This study examines the impact of institutional pressures on restaurant entrepreneurs' adoption of biodegradable cutlery and tableware at the Macao Food Festival. Through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis with 30 entrepreneurs, the study reveals that despite the increasing demand for sustainability, entrepreneurs often prioritise other business concerns. However, findings highlight that implementing regulations at the food festival can create learning opportunities that influence entrepreneurs' psychological mechanisms, leading to a favourable attitude, intention and behaviour towards sustainable practice. Drawing on Institutional Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the study develops an Integrated Model of Institutions and Planned Actions, shedding light on the institutionalisation process. Additionally, the 5Ps typology captures the diverse range of entrepreneurial attitudes towards sustainable practices. These insights provide valuable implications for policymakers and practitioners seeking to promote sustainable entrepreneurship in the restaurant industry.