Positive Business Outcomes Research Articles

‘Woman-Owned Business’ Labels Enhance Perceived Competence

Abstract Gender bias is widely recognized as having negative effects on women in business, including on outcomes such as hiring, promotion, pay, and access to venture capital funding. This study identifies a strategy that women business owners can employ to boost business outcomes. Across five preregistered studies (N = 2585), including a field study, affixing the owner attribute label “woman-owned business” can engender positive business outcomes, including perceptions of business competence and service quality (studies 1 and 2). These effects are driven by an increase in perceptions of the business owner’s agency (study 3). Affixing a gender-based owner attribute label is especially effective in situations that lack other credible cues of competence (study 4) and in industries that are perceived as difficult to succeed in (study 5). The present work advances our understanding of stereotypes, discrimination, and identity in the consumer marketplace, and it offers practical implications for business owners in traditionally marginalized groups who face—and must combat—stereotypes.

The Influence of AI Chatbots in Fintech Services on Customer Loyalty within the Banking Industry

The convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and FinTech services has brought about a transformative impact on customer engagement in institutions. AI-powered chatbots have emerged as indispensable tools for enhancing customer experiences within the banking sector. In this era of digital transformation, financial institutions have recognized the vital importance of exceptional service quality and the utilization of chatbots in attracting and retaining customers. Consequently, there is a growing interest in comprehending the role of chatbot service quality in shaping customer loyalty. This study adopts an empirical and descriptive approach, employing a quantitative research method. Data were obtained from 729 respondents through an online survey employing judgemental nonprobability sampling. The gathered data were analysed using Smart PLS- Structural Equation Model (SEM). The study delineates the attributes of AI chatbot service quality and identifies their significant influence on customer loyalty, taking into account the mediating role of customer satisfaction. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of the relationship between chatbots, customer satisfaction, and loyalty. The study validates the significance of customer satisfaction, enhances the understanding of chatbot effectiveness, explores the unique characteristics of chatbot interactions, and demonstrates how technology-driven customer service can be integrated into loyalty models. Moreover, this study offers practical implications that can guide businesses in optimizing their chatbot strategies. By prioritizing the enhancement of chatbot performance, personalizing interactions, integrating across channels, and monitoring customer satisfaction and loyalty metrics, organizations can elevate customer satisfaction, cultivate loyalty, and achieve positive business outcomes.

Big data analytics capability, marketing agility, and firm performance: a conceptual framework

ABSTRACT This study proposes that the proficient use of big data enables organizations to respond swiftly to market opportunities and threats, leading to positive business outcomes. Drawing on research from marketing, information technology, and management, the study builds a conceptual framework that outlines the relationships between big data analytics capability, marketing agility, and firm performance and pinpoints the contingencies that shape these relationships. While highlighting the importance of agility in harnessing big data for a firm’s success, the study offers avenues for further research and valuable insights for managers looking to invest in big data.

The effect of positive psychology on business

This paper explores and establishes a link between positive psychology coaching and business outcomes by investigating the benefits to employees, their well-being, job satisfaction, and organizational performance. The mixed-methods research design involved a quantitative survey involving 200 employees from various industries and qualitative input through semi-structured interviews with 20 managers. The study sought to establish empirical evidence (through statistical data and measurement scales) to support the benefits of positive psychology coaching in business through meeting key criteria and to illustrate the impact of positive psychology coaching on business outcomes both quantitatively and qualitatively. Generally, the findings indicate that there is a strong and positive benefit to implementing positive psychology coaching in the workplace environment, evidently enhancing employee well-being (mean score of 4.2), job satisfaction (mean score of 4.0), and organizational performance (mean score of 4.1). The qualitative analysis provided deeper insights into the process and types of positive psychology coaching interventions that stood out and were more effective. This strategy of thematic analysis on interview transcripts revealed that strengths-based development and goal-setting seemed to be key positive psychological interventions. The findings support existing literature and key theoretical models, such as the PERMA model and the Broaden-and-Build Theory.

ОЦІНЮВАННЯ ВПЛИВУ ІННОВАЦІЙ НА СОЦІАЛЬНО-ЕКОНОМІЧНИЙ РОЗВИТОК ПІДПРИЄМСТВ В УМОВАХ ЕКОНОМІКИ ЗНАНЬ

The current state of world economic development leads to the emergence of new paradigms for innovations and the promotion of knowledge related to economic activity, which necessitates the determination of the parameters in which innovations will impact on the socio-economic functioning and development of individual enterprises as subjects of the development in the knowledge economy. The aim of the research. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the impact of innovativeness on the socio-economic development of enterprises in the conditions of the knowledge economy and to highlight the directions of such influence. The subject of the research is the influence of innovations on the development of the enterprise. The methods of the research. In the researched analysis of literary sources, correlation analysis and generalization were used. The hypothesis of the research: innovations contribute to the socio-economic development of enterprises. The statement of basic materials. The main research material. According to the Global Innovation Index (GII), Ukraine took 55th place among 37 countries with a group of economies with income below 132 economies. The main innovative advantages of Ukraine and weak points are identified. As a result of the correlation analysis of costs for innovations of industrial enterprises and the volumes of net profit of enterprises, it was found that innovations affect the volumes of net profit, however, this is not a key factor, but rather one of the factors of growth of the enterprise's profit. As a result of the correlation analysis of the costs of industrial enterprises for innovation and the volume of enterprises sales, it was determined that innovations contribute to the increase of the volume of sales, and, therefore, the growth of the scale of the enterprise, which, in turn, indicates socio-economic growth. A study of the place in the market of the most innovative enterprises of Ukraine determined that innovations contribute to the increase of capital. The originality and practical significance of the research. The conducted research confirms the need for the development of innovations to increase the company's profitability, strengthen competitive advantages and strengthen its position on the market. Conclusions and perspectives of further research. Innovation provides positive business outcomes, allowing them to have sustainable long-term growth, lower costs and automated work for employees. At the same time, innovation leads to increased costs that businesses incur in training staff to adapt to the innovation, or in other cases where the company has to hire new and skilled employees who can be trained and follow the innovation

Connecting organizational context to environmental sustainability initiatives and industrial symbiosis: Empirical results and case analysis

Industrial symbiosis can move us closer to a circular economy and enable efficient and sustainable use of resources. Its potential has however been far from realized, and to increase our understanding of why that is, we investigate drivers, barriers, and outcomes associated with both broadly defined environmental sustainability initiatives and industrial symbiosis from an organizational context perspective. A mixed-methods approach is used, combining statistical analysis of survey material with an embedded case study at an industrial symbiosis network in Sotenäs, Sweden. The position of the customer order decoupling point (CODP), a critical aspect of supply chains that separates forecast-based operations from those tied to specific orders, enables comparisons between organizations with primarily forecast-driven operations from those with primarily order-driven operations. We find that the CODP plays an important role in organizations' commitments to sustainability initiatives in general, as organizations with different CODP positions experience different levels of benefits from such initiatives. We did not find that the CODP position had the same impact for industrial symbiosis initiatives. Our results indicate that both industrial symbiosis, a very specific type of sustainability initiative and collaboration, and environmental sustainability initiatives in a broad sense, are associated with multiple, positive business outcomes. However, case study participants also described that their industrial symbiosis participation was time consuming and associated with an added administrative burden. This could be a reason why such collaborations are not more prevalent, despite the potential of bringing about several positive business outcomes. Finally, our findings indicate that industrial symbiosis may bring business-related benefits to firms regardless of their CODP position, but then in order to understand why such networks are not more prevalent, we recommend that future research investigates ways of quantifying and distributing burdens and rewards associated with industrial symbiosis collaboration.

Uticaj digitalnog marketinga na održivo poslovanje - primer kompanije Unilever

Digital marketing, placed on the application of the Internet and digital tools, is one of the means to achieve business sustainability, as well as competitive advantages in the market. This paper presents the basis of the concept of digital marketing, as a new phase in the development of marketing, and its connection with the concept of sustainability. This paper aims to point out how much impact digital marketing can have on business sustainability and the creation of positive business outcomes, shown through the example of Unilever and its Dove brand. The paper analyses the digital marketing activities that this company has undertaken in the development of its Dove brand, which has resulted in its successful positioning in the market, as a brand that is sustainable and socially responsible on the one hand, and profitable on the other.

Identifying Factors Influencing Organizational Leadership for Adequate Housing Delivery in Nigeria: A Delphi Survey Approach

Nowadays, there exists a high incidence of competitions between organizations seeking control, relevance, and dominance in the market space due to globalization exacerbated by the continuous advancement in technologies, high customers’ tastes, and expectations. This has significantly influenced organizational decisions leading to constant reevaluation of operational procedures, adopting and implementing changes that will influence positive business outcomes. The literature search revealed that past studies on organizational leadership focused mainly on elements of leadership styles, strategies, and ethics. Hence, studies have not identified the factors that influence organizational leadership for adequate housing delivery in Nigeria. The study identified the factors that influence organizational leadership in the delivery of housing in Nigeria using the Broaden and Build theory, and Kurt Lewin’s leadership philosophical concepts as the fundamental basis underpinning the study. Delphi study approach was used to determine the areas of commonality before a consensus was reached. A structured questionnaire was administered to validate and removing outliers from the result. The Delphi study identified 20 distinct factors that influence organizational leadership for AHD in Nigeria. Factors such as organizational sustainability, motivation, etc., are the most significant factors influencing organizational leadership towards AHD. However, results from SEM analysis showed that only 12 variables are significant in measuring organizational leadership and management for AHD. The study concludes that the 12 identified factors are significant in AHD. Nevertheless, the application of these factors in housing delivery is still low in Nigeria. Hence, it is recommended that real estate developers and other operators in housing should use the result from this study as a template for developing adequate housing.

The role of internal market orientation on the adoption of external market orientation in retail banking

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the role of internal market orientation on the adoption of external market orientation among the retail banks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study adds to the previous research regarding external market orientation. It also develops an empirical model on the basis of the results.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a self-administered structured questionnaire to collect data from the front-line marketing and non-marketing employees from the banks. Data were collected from 98 branches of all the 49 banks that operate in the UAE. Two major emirates of the UAE, namely, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, were considered for data collection. Each bank contributed responses from a minimum of two branches, and 113 completed questionnaires were received out of 196 respondents approached for data collection. The reliability, convergent and discriminant validity issues of the data were assessed, and the results of these confirmed the appropriateness of the data used in this study.FindingsDirect entry regression and multivariate analysis of variance were used for identifying the conclusions surrounding the hypotheses of the study. The results measured the extent of internal market orientation and employees’ organisational commitment. They both confirmed their positive role on the adoption of external market orientations among the retail banks in the UAE. The results of the study further provided evidence that once an external market orientation focus is adopted, this benefits customer loyalty and satisfaction in addition to overall positive business outcomes for the banks concerned.Originality/valueThe findings of this study support the theoretical arguments of the role of employees and internal market orientation on the adoption of external market orientation. This study further identifies the reason why the adoption of external market orientation is critical for the success of banks.

Offensive or amusing? The study on the influence of brand-to-brand teasing on consumer engagement behavioral intention based on social media.

With the development of social media, advertising has migrated from traditional media to social media. Marketers are increasingly using social media’s brand pages to actively create humorous dialogue interactions with other brands for brand communication to achieve positive business outcomes. Especially brand-to-brand’s aggressive humor dialogue can also be an effective brand communication strategy. Based on benign violation theory, we have studied the influence mechanism and boundary condition of the brand-to-brand’s aggressive humor styles (low-aggressive and high-aggressive) on consumer engagement behavioral intention in social media context. Through experiments, it is indicated that low-aggressive humor could promote consumer engagement behavioral intention more than high-aggressive humor. Benign appraisal mediates the relationship between low-aggressive humor and consumer engagement behavioral intention. Furthermore, brand personality not only moderates the effect of low-aggressive humor on consumer engagement behavioral intention, but also moderates the mediating role of benign appraisal between low-aggressive humor and consumer engagement behavior intention.

Concurrent 10. Presentation for: Collaborating to bring new technology on developments

Presented on Wednesday 18 May: Session 10 Project delivery certainty is a key a success factor for positive business outcomes. Taking on world first applications across multiple delivery streams comes with risk that requires significant risk reduction to meeting business requirements. The Julimar Development completed this successfully across both drilling and completions, and subsea. Reliable multizone completions with robust sand control have traditionally been a challenge in high-rate gas wells. Cased hole stacked gravel packs can leave high mechanical skin, require multiple trips and are complex operations. While Open Hole Gravel Packs (OHGPs) have provided reliable sand control in such wells, multizone applications have been limited due to the tradeoff between effective gravel placement and zonal isolation. Recent developments in technology have enabled reliable gravel placement and complete zonal isolation. The collaboration between Woodside and Subsea 7 has delivered an ‘industry first’ on the Julimar Project, with the completion of an 18″ Corrosion-Resistant Alloy (CRA) gas transmission flowline installed via reel-lay – the largest diameter insulated CRA pipeline ever reeled. For background, most projects have traditionally used the ‘S-Lay’ method for installing pipe in Australia – the reel-lay method is less common. A key benefit of the reel-lay method is it removes thousands of welds from the offshore installation vessel critical path, transferring them onshore into a safer, quality-controlled environment earlier in the schedule. Pipe joints are welded into ‘stalks’ which are then spooled onto purpose-built reel-lay vessels. Woodside and Subsea 7 were able to jointly demonstrate the safety, quality, technical and cost advantages of this innovative but field-proven reeled pipe-lay technology. The 18″ CRA flowline is a tangible example of the performance that can be delivered through early collaborative engagement and strategic investment in technology and is a step change in Australia and the industry. This joint presentation discusses contracting, design, execution and evaluation of technologies on the Julimar Development. It includes the method followed for reel-lay technology selection, engineering development, post project evaluation and the health and safety benefits. The presentation provides both the Operator and Contractor perspectives on the challenges of implementing new technology in developments in Australia. To access the presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here and also here.

Multiple world first technology applications on Julimar Development Phase 2 – multizone openhole gravel packing with enhanced shunted screens and zonal isolation in high rate gas wells and 18″ reel lay for corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) flowlines

Project delivery certainty is a key success factor for positive business outcomes. Taking on world first applications across multiple delivery streams comes with risk that requires significant risk reduction to meet business requirements. The Julimar Development completed this successfully across both drilling and completions, and subsea. Reliable multizone completions with robust sand control have traditionally been a challenge in high-rate gas wells. Cased hole stacked gravel packs can leave high mechanical skin, require multiple trips and are complex operations. While OpenHole Gravel Packs (OHGPs) have provided reliable sand control in such wells, multizone applications have been limited due to the trade-off between effective gravel placement and zonal isolation. Recent developments in technology have enabled reliable gravel placement and complete zonal isolation. The largest flow line installation by reel lay for corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) flowlines was previously 16″. Increasing this size to 18″ required an in-depth understanding of key risks for the contractor to deliver on the size increase, and for Operator to engineer in risk mitigation. Key areas to understand included vessel capability, new build spool base, engineering methods to support delivery and the Operators role in change management when additional risks are identified, or issues occur. This paper discusses contracting, design, execution and evaluation of technologies on the Julimar Development. It includes methodology followed for both technology selections, engineering development, qualification tests, post project evaluation, lessons learned along with health and safety benefits.

Collaborating to bring new technology on developments

Project delivery certainty is a key a success factor for positive business outcomes. Taking on world first applications across multiple delivery streams comes with risk that requires significant risk reduction to meeting business requirements. The Julimar Development completed this successfully across both drilling and completions, and subsea. Reliable multizone completions with robust sand control have traditionally been a challenge in high-rate gas wells. Cased hole stacked gravel packs can leave high mechanical skin, require multiple trips and are complex operations. While Open Hole Gravel Packs (OHGPs) have provided reliable sand control in such wells, multizone applications have been limited due to the tradeoff between effective gravel placement and zonal isolation. Recent developments in technology have enabled reliable gravel placement and complete zonal isolation. The collaboration between Woodside and Subsea 7 has delivered an ‘industry first’ on the Julimar Project, with the completion of an 18″ Corrosion-Resistant Alloy (CRA) gas transmission flowline installed via reel-lay – the largest diameter insulated CRA pipeline ever reeled. For background, most projects have traditionally used the ‘S-Lay’ method for installing pipe in Australia – the reel-lay method is less common. A key benefit of the reel-lay method is it removes thousands of welds from the offshore installation vessel critical path, transferring them onshore into a safer, quality-controlled environment earlier in the schedule. Pipe joints are welded into ‘stalks’ which are then spooled onto purpose-built reel-lay vessels. Woodside and Subsea 7 were able to jointly demonstrate the safety, quality, technical and cost advantages of this innovative but field-proven reeled pipe-lay technology. The 18″ CRA flowline is a tangible example of the performance that can be delivered through early collaborative engagement and strategic investment in technology and is a step change in Australia and the industry. This joint presentation discusses contracting, design, execution and evaluation of technologies on the Julimar Development. It includes the method followed for reel-lay technology selection, engineering development, post project evaluation and the health and safety benefits. The presentation provides both the Operator and Contractor perspectives on the challenges of implementing new technology in developments in Australia.

Does the relationship between brand attitude, brand attachment and purchase intention vary based on the type of prosocial expression-based brand emoji?

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the most effective type of emoji for deriving positive marketing results by determining whether the relationship between brand attitude, brand attachment and purchase intention is moderated by the various types of prosocial expression-based brand emojis used.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was administered to Koreans in their 20s. Starbucks brand emojis were classified into three types: static gesture, animated gesture and a combined animated gesture and displayed word. A moderated–mediation analysis was performed to verify the research hypotheses. Gender, age, region of residence, frequency of Starbucks use and Starbucks favorability were used as control variables.FindingsAnimations in emojis were shown to strengthen the marketing effect. Further, combining animated prosocial gestures and displayed words had a more positive marketing effect than merely applying animated prosocial gestures.Originality/valueThis study closely examined the role of verbal, in the form of colloquial words, and nonverbal aspects, in the form of emojis, in the creation of positive business outcomes. Additionally, the positive marketing effect of animated emojis is discussed from a mechanistic point of view by linking research results to those in the field of neuroscience (mirroring by mirror neurons).

Boards can accelerate business performance by fully engaging on organizational culture

Jeffrey Greene is a Senior Advisor at Fortuna Advisors, a management consulting firm focused on strategic decision making, resource allocation, and culture transformation. In this article, he discusses the importance of culture in driving positive business outcomes.

Full curriculum-based venture creation programmes: current knowledge and research challenges

PurposeFull curriculum-based Venture Creation Programmes (VCPs) are a relatively new and potentially underutilised form of degree programme in which students explore the on-going creation of a new venture as a primary aspect of their formal study. The highly experiential nature of VCPs has the potential to meet the calls of researchers and policymakers for students to actively participate in and control their own learning for enterprise and entrepreneurship. However, research into VCP's remains limited which constrains their development. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to review the literature surrounding VCPs in order to investigate the current research and explore areas for further study to support the development of these courses.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was conducted in order to find and explore literature around VCPs, defined here as credit-bearing whole programmes of study, focused on learning for entrepreneurship, with the creation of a real-life business venture as an integral part of the learning experience, on which completion of the programme is dependent. First, academic literature published in peer-reviewed journals was collected through a systematic search. In parallel with this, academic colleagues working in this space were contacted for recommendations of literature and for information on work in progress. This led to additional emerging work being discovered that is primarily being presented at conferences. A further general Internet search was conducted to find non-academic information, reports and literature relating to VCP practice.FindingsFour themes were explored covering the entire student journey (1) application and recruitment; (2) teaching, learning and assessment; (3) development of entrepreneurial identity; and (4) entrepreneurial outcomes. The literature presented in the paper suggests that VCPs can meet calls to provide an innovative curriculum based on experiential learning principles. VCPs can provide a positive learning experience in addition to leading to actual business start-up during the degree or after graduation.Originality/valueThis paper presents a comprehensive review of literature focusing on VCPs. Recommendations are made for further research. A key question remains: if full VCPs have the potential to enhance learning, produce positive business outcomes, and address policy calls, why are there so few known VCPs at universities around the world?

Cracking the hybrid work culture conundrum: how to create a strong culture across a workforce you may never even see

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at how workplaces can create a healthy corporate culture as a hybrid way of working comes into force. The pandemic has made many businesses rethink their corporate culture strategy, and this study addresses how to regain and sustain a positive long-term culture. This is done by exploring aspects of pre-pandemic work life, how businesses can continue this going forward, and additional ways to ensure employees are fulfilled – all while providing a safe environment to work in.Design/methodology/approachThe author analyses pre-pandemic working culture, impartial report findings, third-party research, and her deep understanding and domain expertise in human resources (HR) to guide the reader in identifying key components of an effective corporate culture during this fast-paced, disruptive era. The study provides background context and offers three main ways on how to successfully achieve this.FindingsThe findings from this study demonstrate three main ways in which HR leaders can enhance the working environment and how this can have multiple positive business outcomes. Driving and living core values from the most senior positions all the way through the workforce, changing values which are no longer fit for purpose, creating new workplace networking opportunities and recognising colleague contributions, especially during times of uncertainty, are all critical components of long-term culture success. The findings demonstrate how this is not only beneficial for a business but for the workforce too – helping retain important talent and also attracting new employees.Originality/valueThe study fulfils an identified need to analyse and inform on forward-looking corporate culture trends and challenges amid the pandemic.

The Social Impact of Green Innovation: Towards a Conceptual Framework

ABSTRACT Amidst the environmental crisis, governments and communities increasingly expect businesses to follow a “green agenda” when undertaking innovation. This paper proposes that innovating firms, when following a green strategy, have the potential to generate a wider social impact, besides the usual positive business outcomes. The main arguments are developed under the multiple helices concept (derived from the original triple helix model of innovation), which proposes a collaborative approach between key institutions. The framework allows investigation of: (1) how various innovation-actors assist firms in undertaking green innovation and (2) to what extent does green innovation (via multiple helices) create a social impact? This paper will be valuable as the conceptualisation of social impact assists governments in supporting those business-initiated green innovation projects which maximise public good.

Predicting production-output performance within a complex business environment: from singular to multi-dimensional observations in evaluation

Performance evaluation (also measurement) provides a mechanism to ensure that organisations thrive in today’s complex and dynamic business environment. Performance evaluation is widely used for not only interpreting present performance but also for examining the future production output. An understanding of the ‘future’ is reliant on ‘prediction’, which should consider potential uncertainties as a result of the change of time or the variations between organisations, sectors or regions. However, the development of the epistemology of prediction has been overlooked within the context of performance evaluation. This paper develops and expands an existing paradigm of prediction by addressing the multi-dimensional observation for predicting an organisation’s production performance under the auspices of evaluation and specifically in the context of a construction organisation that delivers infrastructure projects, which are acknowledged as being dynamic, uncertain and complex. Three advanced econometric models are applied by using the production-related data provided by a construction organisation to test the developed paradigm. The managerial implications of the research are discussed to ensure their relevance to practice. The empirical study presented in this paper provides a significant contribution to improving the practice of performance evaluation, which is essential for construction organisations to ensure positive business outcomes can be achieved.

Active sport event participants’ behavioural intentions: Leveraging outcomes for future attendance and visitation

A key concern for event organisers and community leaders is how events can be leveraged for repeat visitation to the destination and event. This study investigated how sport event and destination attributes influence behavioural intentions of active sport tourists and further discussed how this knowledge can be leveraged by the sport event and destination marketers to attain positive business outcomes, namely repeat event participation, repeat destination visitation, and positive word of mouth. A survey of 649 active sport event participants was conducted. The analysis revealed that event and destination attributes had both direct and indirect effects on behavioural intentions of active sport tourists. Implications for leveraging behaviour outcomes for future attendance and visitation are discussed.