Business Practices Research Articles

Ensuring goal-aligned care in a busy surgical practice

The US population is aging. Accordingly, older adults with multiple comorbidities and geriatric syndromes will present in increasing numbers for surgical consultation. Incorporating patient goals into surgical treatment decisions is recommended by a joint guideline from the American Geriatrics Society and American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the Geriatric Surgery Verification program, and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement as part of building Age-Friendly Health Systems, however uptake has been slow. The aim of this review is to provide a framework for how patient goals can be elicited and used in real-world surgical practices to achieve goal-aligned care.

Communicating strategic CEO activism to promote employee prosocial behaviors: Understanding the mediating role of employee prosocial sensemaking

The purpose of this research is to explore how CEOs effectively communicate their activism so as to encourage employee prosocial behaviors around social issues. An online experimental study with a 2 (narrative vs. non-narrative) x 2 (promotion- vs. prevention-focused messages) between-subjects design was conducted with 913 full-time employees (N=913) in the United States. This study uncovered the underlying role of employee prosocial sensemaking, which mediates the effect of narrative messaging in CEO activism communication on employee prosocial behaviors (e.g., employee activism supporting the issue and advocacy for the CEO’s activism). This study theoretically extends the scholarship on strategic communication to CEO activism communication in relation to employee prosocial behaviors. The findings also provide practical insight into how corporate leaders can strategically communicate their activism to employees in order to foster positive engagement, thereby contributing to organizational effectiveness as well as the expansion of responsible business practices.

Voluntrip atau Voluntrap? Mengungkap Permasalahan Etis dalam Voluntourism for Profit: Studi Kasus Project Bakti Milenial #6 Banda Neira

This study examined the ethical concerns related to profit-driven voluntourism, specifically highlighting Project Bakti Millenial #6 in Banda Neira. The study sought to elucidate the ethical issues and obstacles inherent in voluntourism, emphasizing the intricacies of merging voluntary activity with commercially-driven tourism activities, which was termed a 'voluntrap'. This study offered a comprehensive examination of the ethical implications and repercussions of such programs and delivered a critical analysis of Project Bakti Millenial #6 as a case study. This research revealed that the complexities stemming from the commercialization of voluntourism underscore ethical concerns, including deceptive claims, information manipulation, and business practices that commodify social activities, thereby necessitating a heightened sense of responsibility in fulfilling the altruistic objectives of voluntourism. Organizing voluntourism necessitates the active involvement of local communities, financial transparency, ethical education, partnership with qualified entities, and enhanced communication to assure sustainability, foster trust, and prevent future issues.

Developing Green Marketing Strategies: A Comprehensive Analysis of Consumer Behaviour and Business Practices

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between green marketing communication techniques, consumer behaviour patterns, and business organisations’ practices by employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. A hypothesized quantitative survey with 500 consumers and a qualitative case study of leading organisations to assess modern tendencies and approaches were carried out. The quantitative analysis shows that 70% of the consumers take environmental concern while purchasing products, but only 45% are ready to pay the premium price for green products. Moreover, there is a low level of confidence in green claims where only 30% of the consumers are confident that firms have sincere intentions about the statements they make. An analysis of Nike, Starbucks, and Toyota, Apple, and Microsoft organizations shows that they incorporate different strategies in supply chain management, carbon footprint, corporations’ responsibility, and customer relations. Some of these firms focus on the promotion of the company’s transparency, product sourcing based on an ethical approach, encouragement of the use of renewables, as well as community involvement in fulfilling sustainable objectives. Thus, the study also stresses the importance of clarity within communication channels and information reliability for the development of consumers’ trust. It defines factors like the cost and every person’s doubt or disbelief in what is green that prevents an extensive use of green products. Altogether, this research contributes useful knowledge for companies wanting to implement suitable green marketing initiatives that would be appealing to eco-aware consumers. It is clear that implementing corporate practice according to the customer expectation and practicing transparency would not only increase the brand value but also the customer loyalty and which in longer runs would also help in supporting and implementing sustainable development goals across the world.

Unravelling the Dynamics of Necessity-Driven Entrepreneurs (NDEs) and Opportunity-Driven Entrepreneurs (ODEs): A Study of Immigrant Micro Enterprises (IMEs) in the Hospitality Industry

The purpose of the study is to investigate the notion of Necessity-driven Entrepreneurs (NDEs) and Opportunity-driven Entrepreneurs (ODEs) among IME (Immigrant Micro Enterprise) owners in the hospitality industry and how changes in motivational traits influence business practices, innovation, and growth aspirations. In many geographical contexts, the ever-challenging hospitality industry is dominated by businesses that are immigrant-owned and of micro sizes that experience additional challenges compared to their native and large counterparts. Through qualitative research and interviews with 18 owners of restaurants and eateries in the IME category in eastern Norway, the study found that while NDE traits are dominant during start-ups, ODE traits also exist, revealing a dynamic relationship between the two and thus problematic to classify hospitality IMEs as either NDE or ODE. Experiences and close customer interactions rather than formal R&D activities inspire changes and innovations in business practices, growth aspirations, and perceptions of success. This study offers new insights into hospitality IME owners’ motivations and goals, which may be relevant in other similar industries and geographical contexts. It underscores the importance of understanding the interplay of NDE and ODE traits among IME owners and their impact on business success in the challenging industry in which they operate.

Do audit committees impact corporate social responsibility? A review of empirical quantitative research and research opportunities

Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyze whether audit committees (ACs) influence corporate social responsibility (CSR) outputs. Design/methodology/approach A structured literature review of 57 archival studies on the influence of ACs on CSR outputs was conducted. According to a stakeholder–agency theoretical framework, the AC variables were structured as follows: presence, composition and resources, incentives and diligence. CSR is mainly divided into CSR performance, CSR reporting and CSR assurance. Findings Previous studies have mainly focused on AC composition and CSR reporting. There are indications that AC composition and CSR performance and assurance are positively linked. Moreover, AC resources, incentives and diligence increase CSR reporting. Research limitations/implications This study stresses the need for linking AC composition with sustainability, the inclusion of moderator and especially mediator variables and addressing endogeneity concerns via advanced regression models. Originality/value This paper reports the first literature review on the interaction between AC and CSR. It presents the main variables that have been included in previous studies, the limitations of these studies and useful recommendations for future research, business practice and regulators.

Innovation intermediaries and key-capability development: evidence from organisations in two Philippine agri-food business industries

ABSTRACT Innovation intermediaries can help boost and hasten the diffusion and adoption of technologies and practices in agri-food businesses, leading to better livelihoods, communities, and ecosystems. However, these organisations require several key-capabilities to ensure that their role performance leads to better innovation success for their stakeholders. This study employs a multiple case study approach to understand the key-capability building process and focuses on 18 innovation intermediaries in the rice and mango industries of the Philippines. The researcher finds that knowledge-building and management capabilities are essential and foundational across different organisation types. However, differences between organisations are seen in their networking-based capabilities. Moreover, the study finds four factors that may affect how innovation intermediaries build their key-capabilities. Additionally, evidence to support human resource development as a fifth key-capability and motivation as a third underlying capability was found. This study also provides policy and management implications for innovation intermediary key-capability development.

Analysis and forecasting of the importance of smart contracts and blockchain technology in SCM in Vietnam by using DEA and Grey model

In the context of a complex and demanding business environment, blockchain and smart contracts are becoming increasingly important in supply chain management in Vietnam. The application of these technologies can help to optimize processes, create a reliable platform for tracking, managing, and forecasting supply chains, and enhance transparency and integrity. In the study of supply chain management in Vietnam, the methods applied are DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) and the Grey forecasting model. These two methods not only focus on optimizing current processes but also create opportunities for analyzing, evaluating, and forecasting the importance of blockchain technology and smart contracts. This research topic not only raises questions about the potential for optimizing current processes, but also proposes innovative solutions to enhance transparency, integrity, and responsiveness to volatile markets. Additionally, the research aims to propose appropriate strategies for applying these new technologies to business practices in Vietnam, creating a flexible, secure, and adaptable supply chain system that is responsive to the changing business environment of the present.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Customer Loyalty and Acquisition in Sociopreneurship-Based Cleaning Services

The competitive landscape necessitates that startups have competitive strategies to attract consumers and retain customers. Startups need to realize sustainable business practices where companies cannot solely focus on profit but also implement sustainable business concepts that consider social and economic dimensions. Various digital platforms can be utilized by companies to publicize their business activities. One such startup that applies this strategy is Cleansheet, a sociopreneurship in the field of cleaning service based on empowerment. The research was conducted in Bogor from January to March 2024 through interviews and the distribution of questionnaires to 285 respondents. The results of the SEM analysis show that Cleansheet's customer acquisition is significantly influenced by digital marketing, customer loyalty, and sustainability perception. Meanwhile, customer loyalty is significantly influenced by customer satisfaction, sustainability perception, digital marketing, and service quality. Regarding the indirect effect, customer satisfaction significantly acts as a mediating variable in the partial influence of digital marketing and service quality on customer loyalty.

Socio-Environmental Management: Green Marketing and its Contributions to Sustainable Consumption

Objective: The objective of this research was to investigate the contributions of green marketing to sustainable consumption, analyzing how this approach can influence consumer behavior and promote more responsible business practices. Methodology: The research was carried out through a bibliographic review, involving the critical analysis of already published studies on green marketing and sustainable consumption. Academic databases such as SciELO, Google Academic and Scopus were used to collect relevant articles, books and theses. The analysis of the collected data was conducted through the content analysis technique, which allowed to identify significant themes and patterns. Results and Data Analysis: The results show that green marketing plays a crucial role in consumer education, promoting awareness about sustainable choices. Furthermore, the research showed that this approach stimulates innovation in products and processes, creating competitive differentials for companies. However, the phenomenon of greenwashing represents a challenge, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in green marketing practices. Companies that implement genuine sustainable marketing strategies tend to strengthen consumer loyalty and create a positive impact on the consumer culture. Concluding Considerations: The research concludes that green marketing is an essential tool to foster sustainable consumption, promoting cultural change and encouraging responsible business practices. Collaboration between businesses, consumers and governments is key to building a more sustainable future, reinforcing that sustainability must be integrated into operations and business models.

Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies of Pentahelix Stakeholders in Realizing Sustainable Supply Chains in Indonesia

The sustainable supply chain sector is increasingly becoming an important concern in Indonesia, especially amidst the threats of climate change, environmental degradation, and exploitation of natural resources. This study aims to identify the challenges, opportunities, and strategies faced by pentahelix stakeholders in realizing a sustainable supply chain in Indonesia. This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. The data collection technique in this study is through literature studies. The data that has been collected is then analyzed in three stages, namely data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results of the study show that efforts to realize a sustainable supply chain in Indonesia require strong collaboration between the government, academics, business, society, and the media. Pentahelix is ??the right strategy to ensure that each stakeholder plays its role optimally. By taking advantage of existing opportunities, such as increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products and strong government support and overcoming challenges through technological innovation and comprehensive policy development, Indonesia has great potential to become a leader in sustainable business practices at the global level.

A Systematic Literature Review of Blockchain-Based Triple-Entry Accounting in Crypto Assets

The digital revolution in accounting is a major change that affects the way we view, manage, and report financial information. One form of the digital revolution in accounting is the emergence of blockchain technology and Triple-entry Accounting (TEA). This research aims to examine the application of triple-entry accounting with blockchain in the recording of crypto assets. This research uses a qualitative approach with a systematic literature review using the WATASE UAKE platform. This method summarizes research from many sources into specific topics based on items determined by the researcher. The results show that the application of blockchain technology can help achieve a country's economic development goals and can establish more secure, transparent, and efficient business practices by reducing various existing risks.

The Effect of Islamic Financing on the Growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Indonesia

This study investigates the impact of Islamic financing on the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the research involved 110 MSMEs that have accessed Islamic financing products. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through SPSS version 26, employing correlation and multiple regression analyses. The study focuses on three key growth indicators: profitability, market expansion, and operational efficiency. The results reveal that Islamic financing has a significant positive impact on all three indicators, with the strongest effect observed on operational efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of Islamic financing to promote MSME growth in Indonesia, providing valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and business owners. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on Islamic finance and its role in supporting sustainable business practices.

Work life balance and pro environmenal behavior on sustainability

This study investigates the impact of work-life balance (WLB) and pro-environmental behavior (PEB) on sustainability outcomes in Indonesia's manufacturing sector. As sustainability becomes increasingly important within industrial settings, understanding the role of human-centric factors like WLB and PEB can offer unique insights into achieving sustainable practices. Data were collected from 278 employees across the top four manufacturing companies in Indonesia. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via LISREL, the study demonstrates that both WLB and PEB significantly contribute to perceived sustainability outcomes. The results indicate that employees who experience a healthy work-life balance are more likely to engage in behaviors that support environmental initiatives, ultimately enhancing organizational sustainability. These findings suggest that promoting a supportive work environment and encouraging eco-friendly behaviors can facilitate sustainable business practices. The study’s implications highlight the importance of integrating employee well-being into sustainability strategies within manufacturing industries, providing actionable recommendations for managers and policymakers aiming to foster sustainable development.

Transformation of e-commerce business models in the digital economy

Purpose. Research on the transformation of e-commerce business models in the conditions of the digital economy, analysis of the main directions of changes in business processes, as well as the determination of key differences between Internet commerce, e-commerce and online commerce, substantiation of the difference in the sources of generation of added value and identification of the factors that facilitate the transition from traditional e-commerce business models to digital ones. Methodology. When conducting the research, the trends of the development of electronic commerce and the factors contributing to their transformation in the conditions of the digital economy were revealed by the method of formal analysis. Findings. This study presents an analysis of trends and factors affecting the development of digital commerce and the transformation of digital commerce business models. The directions of integration of digital technologies into business processes and strategic aspects of the implementation of digital solutions into business practice are substantiated. The key factors that contribute to the transformation of e-commerce business models into digital commerce business models are identified, in particular, in the creation and implementation of new business models that allow for effective adaptation to the conditions of the digital economy. It is found that the economic basis of transformations of business models is the sources of creation of added value. It has been proven that digital technologies, which form the basis of e-business, are carriers and main sources of added value creation, which is reflected in business monetization models. The impact of artificial intelligence on the prospects and further development of digital commerce business models is analyzed. Originality. The scientific novelty obtained as a result of this research consists in the definition and substantiation of a new factor – added value, which is the main factor influencing the transformation of e-commerce business models into a digital commerce business model, which takes place under the influence of the digital economy. The novelty of the obtained research results in terms of substantiation of added value as a factor of transformation is proven by confirming the hypothesis that the formation of e-commerce business models and their transformation into digital commerce models take place under the influence of digital sources of added value creation.

Spiritual Branding and Corporate Profit in the Japanese Modern Mystery School

This article analyzes the irreducibility of spiritual branding, theologies of self-divinity and the business practices of a global esoteric company. Based on fieldwork with the Modern Mystery School (MMS) in Tokyo, I show how initiates, by purchasing an ascending syllabus of esoteric courses, recognize their own divinity and parlay this recognition into a spiritual brand that helps them market to their own clientele niche. The spiritual transformation of recognizing one’s transcendent individual royalty is necessarily monetized as Adepts transition from paying clients to income-generating spiritual therapists. Parallel to this, top leadership have consciously fused MMS as an ancient hermetic lineage with a modern-day entertainment company, fashion company and lifestyle magazine. This has given MMS in Japan a recognizable public aesthetic which, combined with teachings about opposite but complementary Divine Masculinity and Femininity, advances gender normative ideologies often experienced by followers as spiritual alternativity. This article theorizes the intertwined relationship of other-worldly self-branding and this-worldly business acumen without reifying the binary between religion and economy or reducing meaningful spiritual transformation to corporate profit.

Protection of Human Rights in the Global Garment Industry

Considerable expansion of the global garment industry, which in recent decades has become one of the largest employment sectors worldwide, has intensified scrutiny of states’ and businesses’ responsibilities, especially as production increasingly shifts to countries with less strict labour regulations. Analysis of the landscape reveals that, significant progress notwithstanding, world dialogue on business responsibilities has still not arrived at a solution. The complex network of stakeholders in the garment industry brings particular challenges to enforcing human-rights protection in this domain. The article explores the intersection of business practices and human rights within the garment sector, focusing on Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, three countries which play a pivotal role in global fashion exports. Examining the legal obligations of state and non-state actors under various UN instruments by analysing the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and the concluding observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, it identifies critical issues in protecting human rights in these countries and briefly also reviews recent advances in the EU in the realm of business and human rights. The paper presents evidence that the growing influence of non-state actors calls for extending the obligations from traditional approaches’, which have focused on state responsibilities. Among the solutions proposed are reforming wage systems and imposing direct human-rights requirements on corporations, supported by more vigorous enforcement.

Selfism, Empathy, Idealism and Ethical Decision Making in Business and Non-Business Context

Research Aims: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of individual personality on ethical decision-making in the business and non-business context. An individual's personality is measured using narcissism, empathy, and idealism. In addition, this study also examines the influence of idealism as a variable that moderates the relationship between narcissism and ethical decision-making. Design/methodology/approach: Causal studies are conducted to answer research problems. Furthermore, purposive sampling techniques were used to select samples to be used in this study. A total of 192 Accounting and management students were used as sample in this study. Research Findings: . As a result, narcissism, empathy, and idealism influence ethical decision-making in non-business contexts. In addition, the variable of idealism is not able to moderate the influence of narcissism on ethical decision-making. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The result of this study may benefit the stream of literature related to ethical decision making. The result of this study may also benefit the business practice.

A comprehensive review of treasury management practices and their impact on corporate sustainability in emerging economies: Strategic insights from the oil and gas sector

Treasury management practices are critical for ensuring financial stability and fostering corporate sustainability, particularly in the volatile oil and gas sector of emerging economies. This comprehensive review examines the relationship between treasury management practices and corporate sustainability, focusing on strategic insights that can be drawn from the oil and gas industry. The review highlights the importance of effective cash management, risk assessment, and liquidity optimization as key components of successful treasury operations. The study categorizes treasury management practices into several essential areas, including cash flow forecasting, working capital management, investment strategies, and risk management frameworks. Each category is analyzed concerning its contribution to corporate sustainability, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that aligns financial objectives with environmental and social considerations. The findings indicate that robust treasury management practices can significantly enhance operational resilience, improve resource allocation, and support long-term sustainability initiatives. Furthermore, the review discusses the challenges faced by oil and gas companies in emerging economies, such as economic instability, regulatory uncertainty, and fluctuating commodity prices. These challenges necessitate the adoption of innovative treasury strategies that not only safeguard financial assets but also promote sustainable business practices. By integrating sustainability metrics into treasury decision-making, companies can better manage risks associated with environmental regulations and stakeholder expectations. Additionally, the role of technology in modernizing treasury management is examined, particularly in terms of digital tools and platforms that enhance data analysis and decision-making capabilities. The review underscores the potential for fintech solutions to streamline treasury operations and improve transparency, thereby contributing to enhanced corporate sustainability. In conclusion, this review provides strategic insights into the interplay between treasury management practices and corporate sustainability in the oil and gas sector of emerging economies. The insights presented herein are intended to guide industry practitioners in developing effective treasury strategies that foster sustainable growth while addressing the unique challenges of the emerging market context.

Exploring the synergy of corporate gender diversity, sustainability committee, and reporting ESG practices: An international evidence

This study delves into how gender diversity on the corporate board shapes the reporting of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Besides, it examines the moderating role of a sustainability committee in the nexus between gender diversity and reporting of ESG practices. It analyzes an international sample of the S&P Global 1200 index from 2011 to 2022. The ESG reporting is based on the Refinitiv disclosure index of the firm ESG scores. The study utilizes various statistical models to provide precise empirical evidence, including fixed effects, a two-stage least squares (2SLS), and a generalized method of moments (GMM). The results demonstrate that disclosing ESG practices is a positive function of the percentages of corporate female board members and executive female directors. This suggests that companies with greater gender diversity disseminate more information about their ESG practices. Besides, a corporate sustainability committee strengthens the positive nexus between reporting ESG performance and corporate female board members and executive female directors. This underscores the moderating role of the sustainability committee in simplifying the nexus between gender diversity and reporting ESG practices. The results offer substantial implications for the leverage of gender diversity on ESG reporting. Policy-setters should actively support and promote greater corporate gender diversity, recognizing its pivotal role in fostering transparency. Additionally, a dedicated sustainability committee is crucial in enhancing the reporting of ESG performance and aligning business practices with sustainable development goals.