Management Literature Research Articles

Analyzing the role of social value in megaprojects: toward a new performance framework

Purpose Megaprojects stimulate and challenge public opinion across countries, generating extensive reactions from citizens. Given their ability to attract public attention, they may also influence public participation in collective choices and political decision-making. These issues are relevant for evaluating projects, but are unfortunately rarely discussed in the managerial literature. This study aims to open up a debate on social issues and how they could be taken into account within management studies. Design/methodology/approach This study carried out a systematic review of the literature on the social impact of megaprojects to identify different research areas related to the evaluation of megaprojects from a social perspective. Findings This study identified three different research areas related to the evaluation of megaprojects from a social perspective: the role of power and social issues; infrastructure and social space; and stakeholder engagement and endorsement. Originality/value This paper underlines the need to go beyond current understanding of the social impacts of megaprojects and calls for a more interdisciplinary research agenda.

Industry 4.0 in the Perspective of Supply Chain Management: Evolution and Future Research Agenda

With the rise of Industry 4.0 (I4.0), there has been a shift from traditional to digital ways of running businesses by bringing the real and virtual worlds together. This study examines I4.0 literature in Supply chain management (SCM) over the last five years, finds essential research areas and gaps, and suggests a roadmap of new possibilities and opportunities for further research. First, a performance analysis was undertaken in which the most relevant or productive authors, leading journals, and top countries were examined. Second, a science mapping analysis involving citation, co-citation, and keyword analysis was conducted. Third, a thematic analysis was performed in which numerous themes were discussed in the direction of I4.0 in SCM. The authors examined 260 research publications published during the last five years. The authors used the R package bibliometrix, biblioshiny application, and the Vosviewer to visualize the structure of over 19,000 different references. Finally, the paper suggests a framework for implementing I4.0 in the supply chain (SC). The outcome of this study will help academic scholars, industry practitioners and engineering managers to identify significant themes and areas and implement I4.0 standards in SCM.

The road to eco-excellence: How does environmentally specific empowering leadership foster hospitality employees’ green creativity through green creative self-efficacy and green learning orientation

Recent literature in environmental management implies that employee behaviour is imperative for improving environmental sustainability. Despite this, few attempts have been made into how environmentally specific empowering leadership (ESEL) relates to employees’ green creativity. This study aims to uncover how and when ESEL can foster hospitality employees’ green creativity through the sequential mediation path of employee green learning orientation (GLO) and green creative self-efficacy (GCSE), and moderation of green organizational culture (GOC) for the effects of ESEL on green learning orientation and green creative self-efficacy. To test the model, a multi-wave survey process was used to collect and analyze data from 333 employees of three-to-five-star hotels in China using PLS-SEM. The results demonstrated a significant relationship of ESEL with green learning orientation, green creative self-efficacy, and green creativity. Similarly, green learning orientation and green creative self-efficacy showed significant relationships with green creativity. Moreover, results demonstrated that green learning orientation and green creative self-efficacy functioned as sequential mediation path to link ESEL to hospitality employees’ green creativity. Moreover, the impact of ESEL on green learning orientation and green creative self-efficacy was moderated by green organisational culture. Overall, our study contributes to scholarly knowledge on empowering leadership and environmental management by providing new insights into the critical role of ESEL in fostering green creativity. Using the conservation of resources (COR) theory and the resource-based view (RBV) theory as a foundation, this research provides theoretical and practical contributions, implications, and valuable recommendations for scholars and managers in the hospitality discipline.

The trends in contemporary authoritarian leadership studies: A bibliometric data analysis

The study of authoritarian leadership has undergone significant development, with researchers exploring its different dimensions and consequences. This leadership style, characterized by a top-down approach and centralized decision-making authority, has been extensively examined in psychology, organizational behavior, and management literature. Scholars have delved into the effects of authoritarian leadership on various aspects of organizations such as employee satisfaction, motivation levels, productivity rates, turnover rates, and team dynamics. The research landscape surrounding authoritarian leadership has witnessed a recent surge in interest as scholars strive to understand its intricate connections with different variables. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis on authoritarian leadership, aiming to identify the key research areas, influential authors, prominent journals in the field, and citation patterns. To our knowledge, no bibliometric analysis on authoritarian leadership can be found in the Scopus database, highlighting the novelty of our research. Through a source-based examination of scholarly articles and their citations pertaining to authoritarian leadership, this analysis offers valuable insights into the current state of research in this domain. By focusing on publications from the past decade onwards, we aim to uncover trends and potential gaps within existing literature while also providing guidance for future research endeavors. Our research findings will provide valuable insights into the phenomenon of authoritarian leadership, contributing to a deeper understanding of its implications. By delving into this topic, we hope to pave the way for future studies and investigations in this field that can build upon our findings and expand knowledge even further.

Unveiling the relationships between visibility, information technologies and innovation management for sustainability performance: an empirical study

PurposeThe paper investigates how visibility, information technology and innovation management impact sustainability performance. It proposes a framework explaining the role of visibility in driving firms' sustainable performance and the relevance of innovation management and information technologies in enhancing organisational visibility. This study intends to add to the discussion within the management literature about the potential of innovation management to drive sustainability. It seeks to provide insight into the practices that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can adopt to improve their sustainable performance.Design/methodology/approachUsing empirical methods, the study investigates SMEs in central Mexico. The demographic information in the dataset includes 15 years as an average length of service from firms. Of the surveyed firms, 70% were from the manufacturing sector and 30% were from the service sector, as these are the most representative sectors of the productive region. A variance-based structural equation model approach was used to test the hypotheses, processed with the partial least squares (PLS) regression method.FindingsThe research results show that visibility significantly impacts sustainability performance. Innovation management has a higher influence on visibility than information technologies, emphasising the need to improve the quality of information in firms, not just the tools. The findings support managers in comprehending the crucial importance of visibility in aiding firms to achieve higher sustainability performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study only examined a sample of Mexican SMEs; therefore, the findings' generalizability must be considered within this context. Secondly, the survey only focused on services and manufacturing firms and a more detailed analysis of the sector could provide further clarity on the relationships between variables. As a result, future research should consider these limitations and explore additional contexts to improve the overall understanding of the topic. Moreover, the scale used to measure the variables was adapted from other researchers with similar context research and reflective variables.Practical implicationsThe results provide helpful information for SME managers about the importance of focusing on innovation management processes and employing information technologies as crucial managerial strategies. This will aid in increasing visibility and supporting the development of sustainability performance in firms.Social implicationsThe world red-code, among others, with climate change and social gaps, has generated the need to contribute to sustainable development, and it has mobilised people on all levels all over the world for the simple purpose of preserving life. Therefore, society, as a crucial group that affects and is affected by this red-code situation, should act in favour of visibility, the use of high-quality information (e.g. transparent, accessible and relevant) and information technologies to promote sustainable practices. This could mean that society should be prepared to incorporate new capabilities and spaces to interchange knowledge as a participatory community that can contribute to better sustainable dynamics that could expand its participation in public decisions. Also, the government should encourage digital democracy (e.g. develop social participation platforms), opening and harmonising rules and mechanisms combining high-quality information with IT to provide flexible and adequate services that support sustainable development, such as efforts towards constructing sustainable and smart cities.Originality/valueThis study explores how innovation management can drive firms' sustainability performance, which is crucial for improving competitiveness. The question of how to enhance sustainability performance through managerial drivers is a critical one. This study empirically investigates the nexus of visibility and sustainability performance, innovation management and information technology with visibility.

The State of Crisis Communication in Contemporary Nonprofit Literature

ABSTRACT Emergency and disaster management and public relations literature both apply crisis communication strategies and theories, although the nonprofit sector is rarely examined. To deliver services effectively and disseminate critical information, nonprofit leaders must adapt to various contexts while also considering their reputation following crises. In addition to providing a theoretical framework for crisis communication in the nonprofit context, this study systematically examines recent literature on nonprofit crisis communication. The study reveals a set of crucial insights from nonprofit crisis communication literature, particularly surrounding four themes: 1) crisis sensemaking and crisis understanding; 2) nonprofit leadership and governance; 3) nonprofit structure; and 4) communication tools and networks. The findings open up a wide range of possibilities for further investigation into the dissemination of nonprofit crises, particularly empirical work utilizing longitudinal analysis. The findings provide applications for nonprofit leaders for becoming more aware of their crisis communication tactics.

Blending logics with performance management systems in an NGO setting

PurposeThis study aims to examine the role of performance management systems (PMSs) in enabling logic blending to manage institutional complexity and tensions arising from coexisting institutional logics.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a case study of an Australian non-government organisation (NGO) operating in an institutional field dominated by the state government, in which policy reform jolted the balance between institutional logics. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, archival documents and observations.FindingsWe find the policy reform required the NGO to transform from a wholly care focus to accommodate a more balanced approach with a focus on care coupled with efficiency, outcome delivery and performance measurement. The NGO responded by revising its purpose, strategy and operational model and by seeking to address the imperatives of two dominant and often competing care and managerial logics. We find this was achieved through logic blending, in which PMSs played a pivotal role, with the formalisation and collaboration processes mobilising different elements of PMSs, mobilising some elements differently or not mobilising some elements at all.Originality/valueThis study highlights the central role of PMSs in managing tensions between and the complexity arising from coexisting institutional logics through logic blending, a form of enduring compromise. This study extends the accounting logics and performance management literature by developing the understanding of what constitutes logic blending and how it is distinct from other forms of compromise.

Host-country climate risk and the expansion of emerging market firms: a strategic tripod application

ABSTRACT Climate risk is a pressing global concern that affects multinational enterprises in manifold ways. Yet this has received less attention in international management literature. To address the gap, this study examines the impact of climate risk on the expansion and performance of emerging multinational enterprises (EMNEs) and tests the moderating effects of industry and institutional factors on the relationships. Using a dataset comprising the international acquisitions initiated by MNEs from emerging markets in 1998–2018, we find that host-country climate risk negatively affects the firms’ expansionary entries and is detrimental to firm performance. In addition, we find that firms from high-polluting industries are likely to show greater environmental awareness and increase their commitment to climate-risk countries. At the country level, our results show that home-host country political ties reduce the negative impact of climate risk on firms’ expansion and performance. The findings contribute to the literature on environmental management in an international business context and offer important practical implications for managers and government agencies.

Ten years of Industry 4.0 adoption: external and internal perspective in a systemic model towards Industry 5.0

PurposeThis study aims to provide a systemic and integrated view of how Industry 4.0 and its enabling technologies affect companies' internal and external environments. It offers a comprehensive view of the contribution about ten years after the start of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.Design/methodology/approachThe study performs a systematic literature review based on Industry 4.0 management literature. Analyzing the results of the 308 final papers in the sample made it possible to build a theoretical model to explain the contribution of Industry 4.0 to the internal and external environment of the company.FindingsThe results highlight the contribution of Industry 4.0 to the processes and environment of the company by providing a systemic and integrated view, highlighting the most applied enabling technologies and their internal, external, and combined usefulness in business processes.Research limitations/implicationsFinally, the paper provides a broad view of the Industry 4.0 topic ten years after its origin through an extensive literature analysis that allows us to highlight the significant studies and the areas still under-researched by researchers and opens the debate on the Industry 5.0 scenario.Originality/valueThe model makes it possible to appreciate the role of Industry 4.0 and its enabling technologies in companies in a broad and systemic view and to understand, from a managerial point of view, the interactions, synergies, and possibilities within processes and the reflection on the external environment.

Unveiling Power Dynamics: Diversity Interpretations, Management Practices, and Inclusion Perceptions in the Workplace

The current diversity management literature highlights a lack of empirical investigations into nuanced diversity characteristics within specific contexts, with a predominant focus on the USA, Europe, and Asia. This article addresses these gaps by exploring the intricate relationship between interpretations of workforce diversity dimensions and ensuing diversity management practices, shaping perceptions of inclusion or exclusion. Workplace diversity is viewed subjectively, influenced by contextual factors like industry and location. A case study was conducted in June 2022 within a Japanese automotive company, gathering qualitative data through techniques such as semi-structured in-depth interviews and non-participant observations were made during two guided visits. AtlasTi was utilized for the analysis of results. Findings reveal that socio-economic differences' interpretation is swayed by power imbalances in labor relationships. Diversity management practices aligned with the dominant group exacerbate inequality among demographic groups, establishing metaphorical «glass ceilings» for minorities and fostering exclusion perceptions. Considering the case study’s limitations, the research contributes to the diversity management discourse, prompting a reevaluation of practices to mitigate unintentional inequality perpetuation in the workplace.

The varying effects of standardisation on digital platform innovation: evidence from OpenStreetmap

ABSTRACT We investigate the effects of standardisation as a means of direct control on digital platform innovation. Specifically, we study the standardisation of parameters and procedures implemented in the web editing API on the popular geodata platform, OpenStreetMap. Using a regression-based approach to interrupted time series analysis, we assess the quantity and quality of new content generated on the platform before and after the standardisation. We find that the intervention had positive and negative effects on the generation of platform content on OpenStreetMap, which we summarise in three different effects (control, simplification, spill-over). Through the control effect, standardisation decreases the generation of content in quantity by enforcing conformity and reducing complementor’s freedom in producing certain outcomes. Through the simplification effect, standardisation increases the generation of new content in quantity by simplifying and streamlining the production of certain outcomes. Lastly, through the spill-over effect, standardisation increases the generation of content in quality and new areas of the platform by improving the compatibility and interoperability of content. Framing these findings through the rich body of work on standardisation and innovation in the technology management literature, we engage a long-standing tension in research on digital platforms – the balance between control and innovation. We discuss the prospect of standardisation as one way to directly control the balance between desirable and undesirable variation necessary for platforms to innovate, as it restricts some activities while enabling others.

Strategic Compensation and Firm Performance: The Mediating Role of Earnings Management in Taiwan

This study bridges a notable gap in the earnings management literature by incorporating R&D expenses into a novel research model. It categorizes earnings management into two types: predictive and opportunistic. This research explores the intricate relationship among earnings management, compensation structures, and firm performance—a triad of persistent concern to regulators, practitioners, and academics alike. Our findings reveal that in Taiwan, an emerging market, corporate governance mechanisms like compensation policies significantly influence executive behavior and overall firm performance. Specifically, we demonstrate that enhancing executive compensation can improve firm outcomes by encouraging executives to engage in predictive earnings management.

What can we learn from service model analysis? An application in the government export finance sector

The service model approach, like business models in the private sector, is gaining increasing attention in public management literature. In line with this evolving discourse, our study analyzes service models in government export promotion. By exploring the use of service models and discussing key developments, we shed light on the diverse application of service models in the context of officially supported export credits – an under-researched field in which a lot of innovation is happening. We observe a limited number of traditional service models with significant relevance. In addition, our findings suggest a rising diversity that signifies innovation and the broadening scope of activities. We also uncover the underlying motivations and practical experiences associated with their implementation and provide valuable insights into the benefits they offer.

Implementing AI in the public sector

ABSTRACT Artificial Intelligence (AI) has advanced as one of the most prominent technological innovations to push the conversation about the digital transformation of the public sector forward. This special issue focuses on actual implementation approaches or challenges that public managers are facing while they fulfil new policy that asks for the implementation of AI in public administrations. In addition to assessing the contributions of papers in this issue, we also provide a research agenda on how future research can fill some of the methodological, theoretical, and application gaps in the public management literature.

Applying spending review theory to developing countries: The case of South Africa

ABSTRACT The seminal spending review (SR) theoretical framework by Catalano & Erbacci [2018. A theoretical framework for spending review policies at a time of widespread recession. OECD Journal on Budgeting 17(2), 9–24] draws on the cutback management and related academic literature to articulate the first theory for explaining the ability of medium-term SRs conducted after the global financial crisis of 2008 to effect targeted savings. This literature is however dominated by advanced economies with sophisticated public financial management systems. Comparatively little attention, however, has been paid to theoretical perspectives on developing countries, like South Africa. This article applies this theoretical framework by Catalano and Erbacci to the South African SR initiative in order to interrogate its theoretical and empirical relevance. Proposals are made for enhancing the operationalisation of the organisational and process dimensions of C&E’s theoretical framework to lay a foundation for future empirical research and its policy implications for South Africans SRs are explored.

How Do Curbside Feedback Tactics Impact Households’ Recycling Performance? Evidence From Community Programs

Much of the responsibility for advancing the circular economy has been directed towards firms, yet many reuse opportunities can only be achieved through environmentally compliant, household-level recycling behaviors. In response, policymakers and recycling organizations are using a range of feedback mechanisms to promote household recycling that meets local quality standards. However, the effectiveness of these tactics remains unclear, and stakeholders are divided on the appropriateness of their use. In this research, we examine the role of two popular feedback mechanisms—information-only and information-plus-penalty—in correcting households’ curbside recycling behaviors. With information-only feedback, households are provided with best practices for recycling and are not penalized for their errors. With information-plus-penalty feedback, households also receive information, but temporarily forfeit their recycling services. While previous studies have explored the use of information and penalties as feedback mechanisms to guide behavioral changes, there is mixed evidence of their effectiveness, particularly in the recycling context. We address this research gap by analyzing unique data collected from a 2019 curbside auditing effort that occurred in a large, Mid-Western city. Our analysis leverages econometric methods, and recycling feedback and performance data from 25,359 audits across 11,899 households and 15 recycling routes. We find that information-only feedback mechanisms, while preferred by some stakeholders, are not associated with improvements in recycling quality (measured using household contamination rates). By contrast, our results indicate that punitive mechanisms (i.e., information-plus-penalty) involving cart refusals are associated with significant reductions in contamination rates: that is, households that receive punitive feedback reduce their contamination rate severity by 59%, and are 75% less likely to commit a violation in the future. More importantly, we do not find evidence that punitive feedback mechanisms generally discourage households’ participation in recycling programs (measured using future set out rates). Our study informs sustainable operations management literature by investigating how curbside feedback mechanisms, with differing levels of severity, influence critical dimensions of households’ recycling performance (i.e., recycling quality and participation). We also inform policymakers on how curbside feedback mechanisms can be more effectively leveraged to enhance opportunities for material reuse.

Toward a sustainable research agenda on food eco-labelling in the business and management research domain

PurposeThis study aims to critically review the research on food eco-labels to identify research gaps and recommend future research directions in business and management.Design/methodology/approachA hybrid integrated review combines bibliometric analysis with an in-depth framework-based study of theory–context–characteristics–methodology (TCCM) and reviews quality research published over 21 years between 2002 and 2022.FindingsWe identify key research themes and the knowledge structure of food eco-label research. Future researchers should explore food eco-label dynamics and phenomena in areas related to consumer behaviour, information, consumer knowledge, environmental concerns, trust, packaging and willingness-to-pay as antecedent factors.Research limitations/implicationsThis review contributes to the business and management literature by quantifying existing research and consolidating its evolution. The articles were sourced from the established Web of Science (WoS) database. Other databases should be included in future reviews. We also focus on research published in business and management. Further studies could include research beyond such specialised domains.Practical implicationsConsumers need more information on the objectives and meaning of food eco-labels. The dissemination of knowledge on eco-labels, as well as effective communication and information on eco-labels, are relevant to future research issues.Social implicationsThe knowledge derived from this research holds significant potential in shaping policies and devising tools aimed at reducing the carbon footprint linked to food production and consumption. Considering the substantial impact of these activities on our planet’s carbon footprint, addressing food security and sustainability emerges as a crucial concern for humanity. Recognising the importance of eco-label communication and information becomes particularly pertinent for future generations, who stand to bear the most substantial impact of climate change and sustainable development. These generations are also more inclined toward embracing and implementing sustainable practices.Originality/valueThere are no comprehensive, integrated reviews exploring the methods, variables and constructs used in studies on food eco-labels based on all articles published in WoS journals in the business and management domains. This is the first comprehensive literature review using a hybrid approach (bibliometric review with TCCM framework) in the field of food eco-label research.

AI concierge in the customer journey: what is it and how can it add value to the customer?

PurposeAn AI concierge is a technologically advanced, intelligent and personalized assistant that is designated to an individual customer, proactively taking care of that customer’s needs throughout the service journey. This article envisions the idea of AI concierges and discusses how to leverage AI concierges in the customer journey.Design/methodology/approachThis article takes a conceptual approach and draws insights from literature in service management, marketing, psychology, human-computer interaction and ethics.FindingsThis article delineates the fundamental forms of AI concierges: dialog interface (no embodiment), virtual avatar (embodiment in the virtual world), holographic projection (projection in the physical world) and tangible service robot (embodiment in the physical world). Key attributes of AI concierges are the ability to exhibit semantic understanding of auditory and visual inputs, maintain an emotional connection with the customer, demonstrate proactivity in refining the customer’s experience and ensure omnipresence through continuous availability in various forms to attend to service throughout the customer journey. Furthermore, the article explores the multifaceted roles that AI concierges can play across the pre-encounter, encounter and post-encounter stages of the customer journey and explores the opportunities and challenges associated with AI concierges.Practical implicationsThis paper provides insights for professionals in hospitality, retail, travel, and healthcare on leveraging AI concierges to enhance the customer experience. By broadening AI concierge services, organizations can deliver personalized assistance and refined services across the entire customer journey.Originality/valueThis article is the first to introduce the concept of the AI concierge. It offers a novel perspective by defining AI concierges’ fundamental forms, key attributes and exploring their diverse roles in the customer journey. Additionally, it lays out a research agenda aimed at further advancing this domain.

Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development: Major Themes and Research Trajectories

Our research endeavors to uncover patterns and understand the intellectual framework of studies on cultural heritage management and sustainable development. In this study, we utilize secondary data sourced from the Scopus database. We retrieved and downloaded 185 documents for subsequent analysis. The data was subjected to bibliometric analysis for thorough examination. The analysis exposed six melodies, i.e., Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Urban Development; Sustainable Development and Management of Cultural Heritage; Cultural Heritage and Vernacular Architecture; Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Heritage Sites and Urban Regeneration; Heritage Management and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); World Heritage Sites and United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), respectively. This study makes contributions both academically and within the community. The study provides important insights into the most influential journals, countries, and articles, which is academically essential. Also, six major themes that significantly contribute to the domain of cultural heritage management and sustainable development literature are presented, and they also provide an avenue for future research. Defending biological diversity, ecosystem services, cultural heritage, and associated values is crucial on the communal front. It should be the mainstay for achieving economic and social growth of local communities with environmental sustainability.

Drivers of Sustainable supply chain for sustainable development in industry

This analysis explores the different elements that constitute sustainable supply chains used by companies as genre on the road to sustainable development across different industries. The analysis of a body of literature and empirical data is carried out by a critical objective to determine the fundamental aspects of sustainability practices. The research suggests that we should have the necessary knowledge of these drivers for the stage to be raised of the environmental responsibility, social equity and economic development. Strategies are detailed to enable stakeholders throughout industries in adopting sustainable supply chain methods. Through this process, the long-term resilience of supply chains and the sustainability of the profitable position are promoted. The results are of this type, clarifying the crucial role of sustainable supply chain in reaching the global sustainability targets and promoting sustainability model for the companies and societies all over the world. Through this research we strive to add to the already established supplies chain management literature and aid the change process management in the pursuit of sustainable development in the different industries. Result of the cocreation with this domain has brought up meaningful implications to the literature. One of the new concepts we are proposing is a dynamic setting for a three-level model serving as a tactical plan for strategic sustainable supply management. Our study has contributed a theoretical framework that distinguishes practical facts of supply chain management and is for the purposes of future research and appraisals in terms of UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals