Drivers Of Performance Research Articles

Psychological, physical, and social capitals: A balanced approach for more effective human capital in today’s organizations and life

In this article, we propose a comprehensive and integrated approach for recognizing, managing, developing, and leveraging positive human capital for successful outcomes in a variety of organizational and life domains. We call this conceptual framework the Balanced Positive Human Capital Equation. With the ultimate goal of obtaining “The Good Life,” the first part of our simply called HumCap equation consists of Psychological Capital (i.e., PsyCap). The positive psychological resources which comprise one’s PsyCap have after 20 years of evidence been clearly determined to be Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism (i.e. “the HERO within”). The second part of our proposed HumCap equation includes Physical Capital (i.e., PhyCap). Some important dimensions of this PhyCap we suggest should include Mindfulness, Exercise, Nutrition, and Deep Breathing (i.e., “MEND your health”). The final pillar of this balanced approach to HumCap we propose includes Social Capital (SocCap). As established drivers of well-being and performance, we focus on the recognized important SocCap resources of Faith, Relationships/Networks, Organizational Culture, Noncognitive Empathy, and Teams/Communities (i.e., provide “A united FRONT”). We propose that these three positive psychological, physical, and social capital resources are interactive and when combined and, especially in balance, research and practice will support synergistic, desirable results. In constant pursuit of “The Good Life,” it is hoped the conceptual framework proposed in this article will provide a guide for developing stronger and more balanced human capital that is optimally suited to meet life’s worthwhile pursuits and wellness outcomes.

Unraveling the internal drivers of pharmaceutical company performance in Europe: A DEMATEL analysis

Research background: Internal business factors are vital to how a company achieves its goals. The present study of internal drivers of pharmaceutical company performance is very insightful, as it has the potential to boost further competitiveness, it may allow health authority personnel to have guidelines to make strategic decisions, as well as inspire investor confidence, ensure regulatory compliance and performance benchmarking, and support talent acquisition and retention. In addition, it can identify the important internal factors that need to receive more priority. Purpose of the article: The European pharmaceutical industry is currently facing multiple challenges. This paper aims to map the relative relationships among the internal factors that influence the business performance of pharmaceutical companies in Europe by using the DEMATEL approach. Method: There are two phases of the present study, an extensive literature review and the use of the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. To identify the key internal drivers and their cause-and-effect relationship with pharmaceutical company performance in Europe, data from experts were obtained using the predesigned DEMATEL questionnaire. Findings & value added: The extensive literature review from the Web of Science and Scopus databases found that seven internal factors are very demanding in the case of European pharmaceutical business performance. The main elements that have the highest impact on pharmaceutical business performance in Europe are human resources competencies, the information system, technological competitiveness, and the patent system. However, financial profitability, research and development competencies, alliances with other companies, and supply chain management are the factors that are affected more by other factors. The study is the first attempt to identify the internal business performance of the pharmaceutical sector in Europe by working with pragmatic and perceptive decisions from pharmaceutical stakeholders in Europe.

Evaluating Key Drivers of Green Logistics Performance During Economic Growth in African Countries

Evaluating Key Drivers of Green Logistics Performance During Economic Growth in African Countries

Financial Absorption of Cohesion Policy Funds: How Do Programmes and Territorial Characteristics Influence the Pace of Spending?

AbstractUsing data from the execution of 2014–2020 cohesion policy, this article presents a novel indicator to measure how fast European territories were able to spend their allocated budget and then explores the drivers of such financial performance. This analysis aims to fill a gap in scientific literature as most existing studies tend to focus solely on the total absorption at the end of the period without looking at the average financial performance over time. The article also explores the influence on financial absorption of the governance model (nationally or regionally managed programmes) and the thematic structure of the funds, which has never been done before. The determinants of the speed of financial absorption are investigated through a Tobit model. Results show that both programme‐specific and territorial characteristics are relevant factors in explaining the varying levels of fund absorption. This suggests that increased flexibility in spending rules and the adoption of more tailored strategies could be instrumental in improving fund absorption.

Integrating Social Drivers of Health into Hospital Ratings with Application to the 100 Top Hospitals Study.

The objective was to investigate the relationship between social drivers of health (SDOH) and hospital performance within the 100 Top Hospitals study, exploring methods to recognize hospitals serving marginalized communities. Publicly available data sourced from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the 2023 100 Top Hospitals study was used. The study employed multivariable hierarchical generalized linear regression models to assess the association between an SDOH composite variable derived using principal component analysis and overall hospital performance measures within the 100 Top Hospitals study. The analysis revealed a statistically significant association between SDOH factors and study ranking results. The SDOH composite variable is a significant predictor of performance within the 100 Top Hospitals study. Accounting for SDOH is essential to recognize high-performing hospitals serving marginalized communities. The findings suggest a need for broader considerations of SDOH in hospital ranking methodologies across various industry programs.

'We thought supporting was strengthening': re-examining the role of external assistance for health systems strengthening in Zimbabwe post-COVID-19.

Zimbabwe has received substantial external assistance for health since the early 2000s, including funding earmarked for, or framed as, health systems strengthening (HSS). This study sought to examine whether external assistance has strengthened the health system (i.e. enabled comprehensive changes to health system performance drivers) or has just supported the health system (by increasing inputs and improving service coverage in the short term). Between August and October 2022, we conducted in-depth key informant interviews with 18 individuals and reviewed documents to understand: (1) whether external funding has supported or strengthened Zimbabwe's health system since the 2000s; (2) whether the experience of COVID-19 fosters a re-examination of what had been considered as HSS during the pre-pandemic era; and (3) areas to be reconsidered for HSS post COVID-19. Our findings suggest that external funders have supported Zimbabwe to control major epidemics and avert health system collapse. However, the COVID-19 pandemic showed that supporting the health system is not the same as strengthening it, as it became apparent at that time that the health sector is plagued with several system-wide bottlenecks. External funding is fragile and highly unsustainable, which reinforces the oft-ignored reality that HSS is a sovereign mandate of country-level authorities, and one that falls outside the core interests of external funders. The key positive lesson from the pandemic is that Zimbabwe is capable of raising domestic resources to fund HSS. However, there is no guarantee that such funding will be maintained. There is a need, then, to reconsider government's stewardship for HSS. External funders need to re-examine whether their funding really strengthens the national health system or just supports the country to provide basic services in their areas of interest.

An overview of the drivers of performance in nonbreeding Nearctic–Neotropical migratory songbirds

ABSTRACT Developing conservation and recovery strategies for Nearctic–Neotropical migratory songbirds requires key research because population-limiting factors remain unknown for many species. In particular, the stationary nonbreeding period (sometimes referred to as overwintering) encompasses 6–8 months of the full annual cycle. We conducted a systematic review to assess what is known about the factors that influence individual-level performance (i.e., fitness proxies or indicators of self-maintenance) of Nearctic–Neotropical migratory songbirds during the stationary nonbreeding period. We focused on the metrics of apparent survival, persistence, and body condition (mass-related) indices. We found that 51 of 125 migratory Passeriformes species’ performance has been studied in 57 studies during the nonbreeding period. However, most species appear in only one study; thus, knowledge is skewed toward 3 species appearing in ≥ 10 studies. Body condition indices were the most studied group of metrics and apparent survival was the least studied. Habitat type, food availability, and precipitation were studied much more than other drivers, such as disease and predation. The most studied driver of nonbreeding performance was habitat type. Evidence was found among these studies that suggest that natural habitat types, wetter habitats or precipitation, and high availability of food may positively influence body condition, apparent survival, and persistence. Significant knowledge gaps remain that, if filled, could inform conservation strategies, especially for 59.2% of Passeriformes that are Nearctic–Neotropical migratory species and for areas of the nonbreeding range.

Leveraging Innovation and Identity for Sustainable Competitive Advantage: An Analysis of Jordanian Bank Performance Drivers

Leveraging Innovation and Identity for Sustainable Competitive Advantage: An Analysis of Jordanian Bank Performance Drivers

SuperAging functional connectomics from resting-state functional MRI.

Understanding the relationship between functional connectivity (FC) of higher-order neurocognitive networks and age-related cognitive decline is a complex and evolving field of research. Decreases in FC have been associated with cognitive decline in persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, the contributions of FC have been less straightforward in typical cognitive aging. Some investigations suggest relatively robust FC within neurocognitive networks differentiates unusually successful cognitive aging from average aging, while others do not. Methodologic limitations in data processing and varying definitions of 'successful aging' may have contributed to the inconsistent results to date. The current study seeks to address previous limitations by optimized MRI methods to examine FC in the well-established SuperAging phenotype, defined by age and cognitive performance as individuals 80 and older with episodic memory performance equal to or better than 50-to-60-year-olds. Within- and between-network FC of large-scale neurocognitive networks were compared between 24 SuperAgers and 16 cognitively average older-aged control (OACs) with stable cognitive profiles using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) from a single visit. Group classification was determined based on measures of episodic memory, executive functioning, verbal fluency and picture naming. Inclusion criteria required stable cognitive status across two visits. First, we investigated the FC within and between seven resting-state networks from a common atlas parcellation. A separate index of network segregation was also compared between groups. Second, we investigated the FC between six subcomponents of the default mode network (DMN), the neurocognitive network commonly associated with memory performance and disrupted in persons with ADRD. For each analysis, FCs were compared across groups using two-sample independent t-tests and corrected for multiple comparisons. There were no significant between-group differences in demographic characteristics including age, sex and education. At the group-level, within-network FC, between-network FC, and segregation measurements of seven large-scale networks, including subcomponents of the DMN, were not a primary differentiator between cognitively average aging and SuperAging phenotypes. Thus, FC within or between large-scale networks does not appear to be a primary driver of the exceptional memory performance observed in SuperAgers. These results have relevance for differentiating the role of FC changes associated with cognitive aging from those associated with ADRD.

Drivers Of Financial Performance for Microfinance Institutions in Indonesia: The Roles of Leadership, Business Models and Environmental Dynamism

Drivers Of Financial Performance for Microfinance Institutions in Indonesia: The Roles of Leadership, Business Models and Environmental Dynamism

The Moderating Effect of Good Governance on Drivers of Local Government Performance

The Moderating Effect of Good Governance on Drivers of Local Government Performance

Conceptualizing Digital Readiness, Strategic Foresight, and Strategic Flexibility as Drivers of Digitalization and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises

The drivers of digitalization and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) performance have been primarily examined through resource-based theories. Hence, this study presents an alternative perspective based on such organizations' readiness and dynamic capabilities through a conceptual framework. A conceptual framework is developed by drawing upon the digital readiness theory (DRT) along with the dynamic capabilities view (DCV) to propose an integrated framework that posits a set of propositions linking constructs that reflect both digital readiness as well as the dynamic capabilities of an organization as possible drivers of business process digitalization (BPD) and performance. The empirical literature based on the DRT suggests that digital readiness will likely drive BPD and performance. Whereas leveraging the premise of the DCV indicates that the ability to sense opportunities and threats is reflected by strategic foresight. In contrast, the ability to seize and transform is reflected through strategic flexibility. The propositions posit that all three factors influence performance directly and through the mediating effect of BPD. The framework developed in this study may provide clues to practitioners and policymakers related to SME development regarding potential drivers of digitalization and performance. Growing scholarly publications on antecedents of digitalization and the performance of SMEs have focused primarily on resources. The current study offers an alternate perspective by integrating the two theories based on such organizations' readiness and dynamic capabilities.

The role of digital orientation and strategic emphasis in creating brand competitiveness

Although Brand Competitiveness (BC) has emerged as a key driver of brand performance, literature offers limited insights on how firms can improve and sustain BC. To uncover important antecedents of BC, we build on the resource-based theory and argue that Digital Orientation (DO), a key strategic orientation of modern businesses in an increasingly digital landscape, enhances BC and that a strategic emphasis on value creation strengthens the relationship between DO and BC. Using a novel database compiled from multiple sources and employing techniques like natural language processing, we find support for both of our predictions.

Future research directions of information technology investment: a systematic literature review

Research aims: This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review on IT investment to answer the following research questions: 1) What are the current trends and future research directions in IT investment research? 2) What are the benefits and challenges of IT investments?Design/Methodology/Approach: The authors collected 57 published articles from the Scopus database and analyzed them using a hybrid approach that integrates the principles of structured review and bibliometric analysis.Research findings: Four current research trends have been observed in information technology investment: (1) IT investment, (2) sustainability development, (3) costs, and (4) profitability. The benefits of IT investment have become the primary driver of innovation, profitability, competitiveness, and performance within a business. IT investment has a negative effect in a stable environment, and companies with low levels of IT investment may be forced to choose between expanding revenue and reducing expenses.Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study used a structured literature review and bibliometric analysis. The authors present a new method of reviewing literature that provides a more focused and comprehensive view of future research.Practitioner/Policy implication: Three practical contributions are provided: (1) identifying trends and directions of IT investment research, (2) revealing the benefits and challenges of IT investment, and (3) integrating the principles of structured review and bibliometric analysis.Research limitation/Implication: It only used data from the Scopus database, which may not encompass all relevant articles on the topic of IT investment. Additionally, the study only selected articles written in English, potentially overlooking articles written in other languages. There is also a potential subjectivity in the content analysis process and in naming each cluster.

Construction framework process: a qualitative investigation of behaviour change drivers and project outcomes

Purpose Construction framework agreements are identified by the UK Government’s Construction Strategy 2025 as an integrated procurement path to improve construction industry efficiency. However, criticisms from the industry have arisen from the lack of transparency and incorrect application of such frameworks. This paper aims to examine the client and supplier relationships within a framework agreement to discover what behaviour change drivers should be applied in the framework process to achieve the desired project outcomes. Design/methodology/approach A triangulation approach was adopted. An initial literature review on organisational behaviour and job performance theories was conducted followed by a qualitative expert review survey of client construction managers to confirm the project outcomes desired by public-sector clients and the associated behaviour change drivers. This was followed by a qualitative multiple-case study investigation of eight typical framework projects to form a commonality of views to explain the impact of behaviour change drivers on project outcomes. Findings Results from both qualitative studies demonstrated that improvements in project outcomes of time, cost, quality, sustainability and closer relationships can be driven by two sets of behaviour drivers: client organisational behaviour change drivers (setting up incentive and risk-sharing procurement approach, effective communication through development of stronger relationships and performance monitoring using contract key performance indicators) and supplier contextual behaviour change drivers (motivating conscientious behaviour and attitude towards self-improvement and innovations, supporting shared culture of providing services aligning with the client needs, promoting learning and development amongst all suppliers and most importantly providing trust and collaboration to the client). Research limitations/implications The investigation was based on an expert review with eight multiple-case studies conducted within the geographical area of England. Further research should be conducted nationwide so that the findings can become more robust and benefit the entire public sector. Practical implications It is suggested that framework managers should apply the supplier contextual performance drivers as selection criteria in the procurement process, whilst the client organisational performance drivers should be applied in the whole procurement and construction monitoring process to drive project outcomes aligned with the government construction policy objectives. Originality/value This research demonstrates that the project behaviour of clients and suppliers can be shifted within the construction framework environment to yield the desired project outcomes. This can be achieved by applying the client organisational behaviour drivers and the supplier contextual behaviour change drivers in tandem to optimise the framework process.

The Relationship Between Environmentally Friendly Product Innovation, Sustainable Marketing Strategy, and Customer Satisfaction to Financial Performance in the Sustainable Fashion Industry in Indonesia

This research investigates the interplay between eco-friendly product innovation, sustainable marketing strategy, customer satisfaction, and financial performance in the sustainable fashion industry of Indonesia. A quantitative approach using structural equation modeling (SEM) with partial least squares (PLS) analysis was employed to analyze data collected from consumers and key stakeholders in the Indonesian fashion market. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between eco-friendly product innovation, sustainable marketing strategy, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. Specifically, eco-friendly product innovation and sustainable marketing strategy were found to positively influence customer satisfaction and financial performance, highlighting the importance of integrating sustainability principles into product development and marketing strategies. Additionally, customer satisfaction emerged as a critical driver of financial performance, underscoring the importance of delivering value and positive experiences to consumers in the sustainable fashion sector. These findings have important implications for fashion businesses, policymakers, and other stakeholders seeking to promote sustainability and economic growth in the Indonesian fashion industry.

Sensory synergy and energy dynamics: unveiling the performance drivers of Chinese hotel frontline employees

ABSTRACT This study explores the relationship between sensory experiences and the energy levels of Chinese hotel frontline employees, examining the pathways through which their resource energy is activated and the underlying mechanisms. Specifically, it looks at how frontline employees in Asian hotels promote work integration through relational and collective energy. Set within the Asian hospitality sector, this research highlights the Asian paradigms – service philosophies and management styles embedded in Asian culture and values – that have made an impact on the global hospitality industry. Interviews with 35 hotel employees resulted in 35 narrative structure maps, revealing that sensory synergy and compensation can activate an interactive dynamic mechanism, facilitating the ongoing activation of energy in their daily tasks. This process advances the five critical nodes of energy activation at work. The study significantly contributes by focusing on the individual and collective values of frontline employees as they navigate and adapt to shifts in the Asian paradigm. It reveals the internal mechanism that regulates the integration and optimisation of hotel frontline employees’ energy, providing insights into improving employee well-being and performance in the hospitality industry.

Identification of Key Drivers for Performance Measurement in Sustainable Humanitarian Relief Logistics: An Integrated Fuzzy Delphi-DEMATEL Approach

Sustainable humanitarian relief logistics (SHRL) is gaining attention due to increased disasters, unpredictable demand, large volumes, high delivery stakes, and limited resources, evaluated through adaptable performance drivers. This study presents a novel hybrid framework for SHRL, combining the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) and Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (FDEMATEL). Initially, FDM is utilized to reach a consensus among experts concerning key performance indicators (KPIs) for humanitarian logistics and supply chains. By incorporating the inherent uncertainty and vagueness in expert judgments, FDM refines the list of key performance indicators that reflect the real-life conditions and constraints in disaster operations. Finally, the fuzzy DEMATEL approach was used to analyze the interrelationships among factors, identifying cause-and-effect behavior and ranking them, forming a robust theoretical framework. Based on the acquired results, the KPIs attached to the Quality (P1) aspect of the proposed framework have gained significant importance and are the main cause in a cause-and-effect relationship which impacts and is helpful to improve the performance of humanitarian organizations in all phases of disaster management. The KPIs prompt delivery (D1), and delivery accuracy (D2) are more significant, while capacity building and training (D19) and delivery compliance (D15) are least significant in SHRL scenarios. This research is expected to support humanitarian organizations in enhancing their capabilities, thereby improving the effectiveness and efficiency of aid delivery in disaster-stricken areas.

Drivers of geographical indication food supply chain performance: a B2B network perspective

PurposeThis study aims to examine the role relational dynamics, grounded in the theories of social exchange and social capital, play within the context of geographic indication (GI) food supply chain network (FSCN) performance.Design/methodology/approachA total of 30 qualitative interviews were undertaken with key informant stakeholders across a variety of organizations within Turkish GI FSCNs. An open, axial and selective grounded theory coding process was used for the analysis, teasing out critical themes that underpinned the conceptual framework.FindingsThe findings identify the formal and informal mechanisms which govern GI FSCNs. These two forms of governance mechanisms influence network performance, which was found to comprise logistics, production, business and socio-economic performance dimensions. Transparency, GI traceability, trust and psychological contract violations were found to mediate the link between governance and network performance outcomes.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore GI FSCNs from the perspective of relationship marketing and through the lens of social exchange and social capital theory. Accordingly, both academics and practitioners can benefit from the study, as it unveils relevant relational factors underpinning such networks.

Digital Transformation as a Driver of Sustainability Performance—A Study from Freight and Logistics Industry

Over the past two decades, environmental sustainability has become a key corporate and organisational issue. Today, firms are increasingly turning to existing and emerging digital technologies to help ensure that they meet the medium and long-term needs and expectations of customers and other stakeholders with respect to sustainability performance. This raises the important question of which digitisation factors most significantly impact environmental sustainability performance, as well as the mediating factor of sustainability innovation balance (the ability of a firm to balance the exploration of new innovations with the exploitation of existing innovations). A comprehensive survey instrument was developed and refined through expert feedback and a pilot study, leading to data collection from 374 professionals in the Freight and Logistics industry in Saudi Arabia, all of whom held senior positions in areas such as business development, IT, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) departments. This data was then analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). The results of this analysis showed that the key factors impacting sustainability performance were digital competence, strategy alignment, digital adaptability, innovation exploitation and innovation exploration. These findings contribute to the current literature by expanding our understanding of the real-world drivers of sustainability performance. In practical terms, the study will help managers improve sustainability performance by enhancing resource efficiency, streamlining, and supply chain management, as well as improving employee engagement and training, fostering a culture of sustainability within the organisation.