Qualitative Comparative Analysis Research Articles

Research on mining high performance path rules for new energy enterprises from the perspective of social responsibility—Empirical data from China

The high-quality development of new energy enterprises is of great significance to promote carbon peak and carbon neutrality and cope with the global warming crisis. However, with the increasing intensity of market competition and the appropriate weakening of the expected future subsidies, how to improve their performance through the fulfillment of the social responsibility of stakeholders has become a key scientific problem to be solved. Given the features of the new energy industry, including substantial initial investment, formidable technical barriers, and a pronounced reliance on policy support, this paper takes 182 new energy concept enterprises listed in China's A-shares in 2011–2020 as the research object. Employing qualitative comparative analysis, we extract four key rules for achieving high performance in new energy enterprises from the perspective of value co-creation of core stakeholders, including capital stakeholders (shareholders and creditors), technical stakeholders (employees), policy stakeholders (government and society), and upstream and downstream stakeholders (suppliers and customers). Then, we explore the performance improvement rules of typical cases. Our findings reveal that within the realm of new energy enterprises, capital-intensive enterprises with cost leadership and tax incentives, energy-manufacturing enterprises with suppliers dependence and saving environmental input, technology-innovation enterprises with cost leadership and talents dependence, and comprehensive-mature enterprises with suppliers dependence and tax incentives are more likely to achieve high performance. The findings can better guide management practice and promote the high-quality development of new energy enterprises.

Multi-driving paths for the coupling coordinated development of agricultural carbon emission reduction and sequestration and food security: A configurational analysis based on dynamic fsQCA

Exploring the coupling coordinated development of carbon emission reduction and sequestration (CERS) and food security in agriculture is conducive to mitigating climate change and achieving sustainable development goals. However, there is little research on the coupling coordinated development of these two systems. Based on panel data of 31 Chinese provinces from 2001 to 2021, this study used the dynamic fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method to analyze the levels and driving paths of coupling coordinated development between agricultural CERS and food security. The results revealed that (1) the coupling coordination degree increased from 0.443 in 2001 to 0.489 in 2021, showing an upward trend. (2) We identified three driving paths of coupling coordination development: technology-driven, finance-driven and urban-development-driven. (3) The grain sown area and unit yield are core variables, serving as fundamental pillars, and their combination with technology or financial expenditure enhances this coordinated development. Notably, the grain sown area and unit yield exhibit a complementary relationship, while agricultural technology and financial expenditure demonstrate a substitution relationship. (4) Temporal analysis showed a consistent trend in the technology-driven and finance-driven paths. Regional analysis revealed marked heterogeneity: the technology-finance synergy path predominates in the remote west, the technology-driven path lies in the mountainous southwest, the finance-driven path clusters in the north, and the urban-development-driven path is located in economically advanced regions. Policymakers should formulate policies according to these different driving paths to promote coupling coordinated development.

Spatiotemporal variations, influencing factors, and configurational promotion paths of energy efficiency in China’s cities

The promotion of energy efficiency (EE) helps address energy constraints and promote environmental sustainability. This study comprehensively explores the spatiotemporal variations, influencing factors, and configuration promotion paths of EE in 284 Chinese cities during 2003‒2019 using the global super-efficiency minimum distance to strong efficient frontier (G-S-MinDS), exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR), and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) methods. The findings are: ① China’s cities have an annual average EE of 0.658 with a growth rate of 0.53%, showing considerable promotion potential. ② Industrial structure optimization, population agglomeration, economic development, and increased green coverage contribute positively, while government intervention and openness hinder China’s urban EE. ③ Four configurational promotion paths for enhancing China’s urban EE are identified, where among those paths population density is a core condition, while government intervention is not. This study provides valuable insights into substantially improving urban EE, emphasizing the need for targeted policies to address energy and environmental crises in China.

Identifying factors and configurations influencing the effectiveness of government data openness in China based on fsQCA

Engaging government data openness is of great significance to economic development and social services. As the government data openness process continues to deepen in China, it is worth studying the factors that affect government data openness and the development paths leading to the high performance of data opening. Based on the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) theory, this paper proposes a government data open analysis framework including five condition variables (i.e., data support, technical support, government support, economic development, and social development). Using Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to analyze data from 25 provincial governments, we discover the key influencing factors and configurations leading to high-level and non-high-level data openness. Experimental results show that a single factor does not determine the level of government data opening. Instead, it is jointly affected by multiple factors in technology, organization, and environment. Three configuration paths are found in developing China’s provincial government data openness, including technology-environment-driven, technology-organization-environment-driven, and technology-organization-driven modes. The analysis results of this paper provide inspiration and suggestions for provincial governments to improve the level of government data opening according to local characteristics.

How Does Interactivity Shape Users' Continuance Intention of Intelligent Voice Assistants? Evidence from SEM and fsQCA.

With the rapid expansion in the use of intelligent voice assistants (IVAs) in people's daily lives, how to improve users' continuous intention is crucial for the sustainable development of intelligent voice technology. Utilizing the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework, we propose a theoretical model to examine how three dimensions of interactivity (ie, two-way communication, responsiveness, perceived control) impact individuals' affective reactions (ie, psychological ownership, subjective well-being) and continuance intention of IVAs and how that effect differs technology readiness. To validate the proposed model, 412 valid samples were collected in China and underwent analysis using a comprehensive approach that incorporated partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The findings from the PLS-SEM analysis indicate that three dimensions of interactivity have significant impacts on affective reactions to varying degrees, thus affecting users' continuance intention. Among these dimensions, responsiveness is the strongest predictor of affective reactions. Additionally, the impact of subjective well-being on continuance intention is stronger when users with high technology readiness. Finally, the results from fsQCA support the PLS-SEM findings and provide three configurations with different combinations of antecedents that sufficiently explain high continuance intention. Our findings reveal the internal mechanisms through which the three dimensions of interactivity impact users' continued usage of IVAs. This study is among the first to examine the effects of dimensions of interactivity on behavioral intentions, utilizing both symmetric (PLS-SEM) and asymmetric (fsQCA) methodologies to identify the most significant dimensions of interactivity and determine sufficient combinations of dimensions to predict users' intention to continue using IVAs. These findings offer valuable and fresh insights for both theoretical understanding and practical application.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE OF BI-CURRENT SYSTEM OF DISTRIBUTED GENERATION

The paper discusses two circuit types of a distributed generation system for supplying power energy to private households. The first of them is called a mono-current system and it is a combined distributed generation system based on solar panels and a wind generator with power supply to AC loads. The second is called a bi-current system because it has two separate power distribution systems for AC and DC. The paper provides their functional and circuit descriptions, as well as a qualitative comparative analysis. The main goal of the work is to prove the technical advantage of the bi-current system. This problem is solved using the method of relative comparative estimates. The number of transformation elements and the generalized efficiency of the power circuit were selected as comparison criteria. As you know, for any system the cost is higher and reliability is lower, than its number of elements is more. It has been defined that during the flow of electrical power from sources to loads in a bi-current system, in general, half as many transformation elements are overcome as in a mono-current system. For any system the operating costs are lower, if the efficiency is higher. When calculating the generalized efficiency, only the power circuit was taken into account, since it is the most power-intensive circuit. The calculation was also performed for a stationary mode close to the nominal one. Such assumptions do not allow us to accurately calculate the quantitative values of efficiency, but they allow us to perform a preliminary qualitative comparative analysis. The paper presents algorithms for calculating the efficiency of both systems. An example calculation showed that the efficiency of the bi-current system is approximately 6% higher. As a result of the research, it was found that the resulting relative estimate of the bi-current system is higher by approximately a quarter of a point, which indicates its clear advantage. Thus, the technical advantage of the bi-current system has been proven, so it is a more promising circuit solution for distributed generation systems.

Focusing on the individual in cross‐sectoral collaboration: A configurational approach

AbstractResearch focuses on various macro and meso aspects of collaboration and less on the individuals who make decisions about their organizations' collaborations. Organizational leaders make these decisions based on their interpretations, influenced by their personal characteristics. Existing studies examining organizational outcomes such as a decision to collaborate typically consider these characteristics separately and independently, ignoring the reality that a leader's characteristics jointly and interactively shape perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors. We focus on five prominent characteristics in the literature—gender, educational attainment, prior cross‐sector experience, current cross‐sector affiliation, and tenure in position—and study their configurational dynamics regarding the organization‐level outcome—the propensity of cross‐sector collaboration. We employ qualitative comparative analysis to develop and test a configurational model for cross‐sector collaboration, using survey data of local government and nonprofit leaders in Lebanon. The analysis offers exploratory insights into four configurational types of leaders whose organizations opt to collaborate at the local level.

A study on the action mechanism of digital transformation on the output quality of technological innovation

The fourth Industrial Revolution is in full swing, the whole world is pondering the same question: Where is the core breakthrough? With the continuous breakthrough and extensive application of cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence and other next-generation information technologies, One sign has emerged: digital economy is becoming a new driving force for global economic growth. The impact of digital transformation on enterprises is to improve the quality and efficiency、Improve information quality, Or spread out limited resources and reduce productivity, There is no consensus among academics. To fill that gap, this paper aims to sort out the internal mechanism of how digital transformation improves the output quality of the technological innovation of enterprises from a theoretical perspective, and to establish a digital transformation index at the micro level. On this basis, this study empirically examines how digital transformation affects the output quality of technological innovation.we adopts panel data. It uses data collected from 159 manufacturing enterprises in China. By adopting the methods of PLS structural equation and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), it empirically tests the research model and conducts a mediation analysis through regression analysis. The findings indicated that, Digital transformation can help manufacturing enterprises to improve the output quality of their technological innovation; digital infrastructure plays a significant mediating role between digital transformation and the output quality of technological innovation; the investment of manufacturing enterprises in software and hardware digital infrastructure have a positive impact on the output quality of technological innovation. There is a complementary relationship between the two. The paper was conducted in the context of Chinese culture and can be generalized to other Asian countries. We believe that the research conclusions of this study have important practical significance for how manufacturing enterprises can effectively carry out digital transformation and improve the output quality of technological innovation.

A fsQCA-Based Framework for Cybersecurity of Connected and Automated Vehicles: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Connected and automated vehicles (CAV) are increasingly recognized as a critical component of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), contributing to advances in transportation safety and mobility. However, the implementation of CAV in a real-world environment comes with various threats, and cybersecurity is among the most vulnerable. As the technology becomes more advanced and complex, it is essential to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that can address these concerns. This research proposes a novel framework based on complexity theory and employs the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) technique to identify combinations of security attacks that lead to achieving cybersecurity in CAV. Compared to structural equation modelling (SEM), the fsQCA method offers the advantage of demonstrating all possible ways to achieve the outcome. The study’s findings suggest that in-vehicle networks and data storage security are the most crucial factors in ensuring the cybersecurity of CAV. The results can be useful for automotive designers in reducing the potential for attacks while developing secure networks.

Nexus of environmental accounting, sustainable production and financial performance: An integrated analysis using PLS-SEM, fsQCA, and NCA

This study delves into the complex interplay of environmental accounting, sustainable production, and financial performance within the textile industry in Bangladesh. The background highlights the growing importance of sustainable practices in the business landscape and the need for empirical insights in the context of textile companies. The purpose of the study is to uncover the impact of environmental accounting practices, such as environmental cost accounting, carbon accounting, and sustainability reporting, on financial performance. Employing a comprehensive methodology that combines Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), and Necessity Condition Analysis (NCA), the research provides a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationships among these variables. The results reveal that environmental accounting positively influences financial outcomes, and sustainable production acts as both a direct enhancer of financial performance and a mediator in the relationship between environmental accounting initiatives and financial success. Practical and managerial implications emphasize the strategic integration of environmental accounting practices, prioritization of sustainable production, and the role of transparency in sustainability reporting for long-term financial success. Thus, the study offers a roadmap for businesses navigating the intersection of sustainability and financial performance, contributing valuable insights for both academia and industry practitioners.

Enhancing Digital Innovation Ecosystem Resilience through the Interplay of Organizational, Technological, and Environmental Factors: A Study of 31 Provinces in China Using NCA and fsQCA

Digital innovation ecosystems are currently experiencing a period of growth and are navigating uncertain environments. Improving resilience is an important prerequisite for ensuring sustainable developments. This study, based on the technology, organization, and environment (TOE) framework, examines the impact of multilevel antecedent conditions on digital innovation ecosystem resilience using data from 31 Chinese provinces. By applying a necessary condition analysis (NCA) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), this study reveals complex causal relationships between five antecedents at the “technology–organization–environment” levels and digital innovation ecosystem resilience, along with the improvement paths of digital innovation ecosystem resilience. The results show the following: Firstly, individual antecedent conditions alone do not constitute necessary conditions for high or non-high digital innovation ecosystem resilience. Secondly, there are five configuration paths leading to high digital innovation ecosystem resilience, namely, a digital technology-enabled organization–environment-driven type (H1a), an organization–environment dual-wheel-driven type (H1b), a digital technology-led environment-driven type (H2), a technology–organization–environment trilateral type (H3), and a pressure–organization-driven type (H4). Thirdly, three configuration paths result in non-high digital innovation ecosystem resilience, exhibiting an asymmetric relationship with paths associated with the configuration paths of high digital innovation ecosystem resilience. Finally, potential substitution relationships exist among antecedent conditions at the technological, organizational, and environmental levels.

Exploring the Evolutionary Path of Digital Financial Inclusion in Guangdong Province, China

This study explores the development trajectory of digital financial inclusion in 21 cities in Guangdong Province through fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The findings emphasize that the success of digital financial inclusion goes beyond individual dimensions, forming a systematic initiative marked by multifaceted interaction among different disciplines. In the trajectory of high-level digital inclusive finance development, the study identifies economic prosperity and technological innovation as crucial elements, highlighting their centrality, and elucidates the synergistic collaboration between market mechanisms and government guidance. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the government’s pivotal role in supporting market mechanisms and guiding policies, highlighting the need to achieve a nuanced equilibrium in the digital financial inclusion strategy. In contrast, non-high-level development paths of digital inclusive finance show a spectrum of diversities, emphasizing the critical roles played by economic fundamentals, government regulation, market mechanisms, and other contextual factors in different trajectories. Regarding policy implications, the study emphasizes the comprehensive and systemic nature inherent in the development of digital inclusive finance. It proposes four policy recommendations, including integrating development strategies, emphasizing scientific and technological innovation and economic development, achieving a delicate balance between market mechanisms and government guidance, and providing precise policy support. These insights provide valuable lessons for shaping digital inclusive financial policies in Guangdong Province and beyond, offering profound insights for strategically constructing robust digital financial ecosystems.

Mixed methods research on satisfaction with athletes’ compensation

This study explores the factors influencing athletes’ compensation satisfaction and their configuration effects. A mixed research approach that combines regression analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was applied to process the survey data of 352 athletes from six provinces. The regression analysis results demonstrate that economic compensation, the compensation system, the external environment, and compensation fairness all have a significant positive effect on athletes’ compensation satisfaction. Accordingly, the fsQCA approach was applied to explore the combined effects of the factors influencing athletes’ compensation satisfaction, which verifies the conclusions drawn from regression analysis and provides improvement paths for increasing athletes’ compensation satisfaction.

Exploring the mechanisms of platform empowered cluster development: evidence from the case of Taobao villages in rural China

ABSTRACT By studying a Chinese characteristic phenomenon, the expansion of Taobao villages at the county level, we coin the term ‘platform empowered cluster development’ (PECD). Based on cluster theory and empirical knowledge of Taobao villages, we analyse the pre-existing context, the process forces and outcome of Taobao village expansion in 50 counties with a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The following four patterns of PECD are finally identified: A: local government driven without pre-existing context; B: pre-existing advantages driven without process forces; C: first-mover advantage, grassroots driven with locational advantage and D: dual driven without pre-existing context.

How relative technological size affects innovation performance of cross-border technology M&A enterprises: a configuration perspective

ABSTRACT Cross-border technology mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are critical strategic decisions for emerging multinational enterprises (EMNEs) seeking to gain competitive advantage. While previous research has examined the net effect of relative technological size on the innovation performance of EMNEs, their theoretical hypotheses and empirical results have been inconsistent. These studies fall short in explaining how relative technological size enhances innovation performance under conditions of acquirer knowledge absorptive capacity (comprising knowledge base and R&D investment) and macro-institutional contexts (comprising host country institutional quality and diplomatic relations). Utilising a sample of 44 listed firms in mainland China from 2008 to 2018, and employing the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) approach, our research reveals the relationship between different configurations of these influencing factors and the innovation performance of EMNEs. Our findings suggest that the mechanism by which relative technological size affects innovation performance is contingent upon the conditions of knowledge absorptive capacity and macro-institutional contexts.

Case-to-Condition Ratios in Qualitative Comparative Analysis: Adding Cases Instead of Removing Conditions

In qualitative comparative analysis, as with all methods, there is a question about how many cases are needed to make an analysis robust. In deciding on the number of cases, a key consideration is the number of conditions to be analyzed. I suggest that adding cases is preferable to dropping conditions if there are too many conditions relative to the number of cases. I first consider the relationship of low n and limited diversity, followed by an exploration of two scenarios: (1) cases in the study are the universe; (2) more cases could exist. I suggest that a simple rule or benchmark on how many cases to include in relation to the number of conditions is unlikely to be helpful since this depends at least in part on the goals and circumstances of the research. Finally, this issue is not confined to QCA but affects all types of research.

Spatio–Temporal Patterns and Driving Mechanisms of Urban Land High-Quality Use: Evidence from the Greater Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration

Efficient urban land use plays a crucial role in promoting regional development and ensuring economic growth. Analyzing the spatio–temporal pattern of urban land high-quality use (ULHU) and identifying its key influencing factors and pathways can contribute to enhancing land use efficiency and achieving high-quality development. This study established a comprehensive measurement indicator system for evaluating ULHU using the entropy method and investigated the spatio–temporal evolution pattern of ULHU in the Greater Pearl River Delta (PRD) urban agglomeration in the years 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020. Furthermore, a multi-period fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis method was adopted to explore the concurrent driving mechanisms that impact ULHU from the configuration perspective. The findings reveal that the level of ULHU has exhibited a significant improvement, increasing from 0.1150 in 2005 to 0.2758 in 2020, with an annual growth rate of 8.739%. The spatial pattern in the PRD region exhibits an incremental distribution, characterized by higher values in the central region and lower values in the peripheral area, as this pattern reveals significant heterogeneity across the region. The configurations for ULHU in the PRD were identified, such as Population-industry-talent driven, Openness-fiscal-talent driven, Population-led, and Population-industry driven. Among these configurations, population density and industrial structure were identified as the core driving factors, while the role of talent resources is gradually diminishing. This study provides practical guidance for promoting the ULHU and optimizing national spatial planning.

The role of microfinance in improving living standards: Evidence from Tunisia

AbstractThe main objective of this article is to investigate the effects of microfinance on poverty alleviation and improving living standards of poor households in Tunisia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that analyzes such topics in the Tunisian context. We employed Logistic regressions (both binomial and ordered logit) and Fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to examine the consequences of microfinance usage. Based on complexity theory, fsQCA contributes to the literature by generating a richer understanding of complex poverty phenomena. Overall, we find a positive and significant relationship between the amount of microcredit an individual receives and the improvement of the living standards of beneficiaries. The improvements mainly relate to increased income, improved health care, and more consistent attendance at school. This study shows the potential for microfinance to reduce poverty in Tunisia, especially in the period following the Arab spring.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR SIA AND EIA IN MALAYSIA

Public participation is an essential element in the decision-making process of social impact assessments (SIA) for proposed developments that are located near to the community. It assists the panel of evaluators in deciding whether to approve the assessment through the information obtained from the affected community. This medium is also applied to other assessments, such as environmental impact assessments (EIA), and its implementation varies according to the nature of the assessment. However, the objective of public participation remains the same: to protect the interests of the public. Thus, this paper will analyse the implementation of public participation between SIA and EIA in Malaysia using qualitative methods, library research, and comparative analysis. The results show that EIA and SIA each have their own implementations in public participation.

Exploring online social platform affordances for digital creators: a multi-method approach using qualitative and configurational analysis

PurposeThis study explores the key platform affordances that online social platform providers need to offer digital creators to strengthen the creator ecosystem, one of the leading accelerators for platform growth. Specifically, it aims to investigate how these affordances make the dynamic combinations for high platform quality across diverse platform types and demographic characteristics of digital creators.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a multi-method approach. Drawing upon the affordance theory, Study 1 aims to identify the key affordances of online social platforms based on relevant literature and the qualitative interview data collected from 22 digital creators, thereby constructing a conceptual framework of key platform affordances for digital creators. Building on the findings of Study 1, Study 2 explores the dynamic combinations of these platform affordances that contribute to platform quality using a configurational approach. Data from online surveys of 185 digital creators were analyzed using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).FindingsThe results of Study 1 identified key online social platform affordances for digital creators, including Storytelling, Socialization, Design, Development, Promotion, and Protection affordance. Study 2 showed that the combinations of these platform affordances for digital creators are diverse according to the types of platforms, creators’ gender, and their professionality.Research limitations/implicationsLike many studies, this research also has several limitations. One limitation of the research is the potential constraint of the extent of how well the data samples represent the group of creators who are actively producing digital content. Despite the addition of screening questions and meticulous data filtering, it is possible that we did not secure sufficient data from creators who are actively engaged in creative activities. In future research, it is worth contemplating the acquisition of data from actual groups of creators, such as creator communities. Future researchers anticipate obtaining more in-depth and accurate data by directly involving and collaborating with creators.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the need for online social platforms to enhance features for storytelling, socializing, design, development, promotion, and protection, fostering a robust digital creator ecosystem. It emphasizes clear communication of these affordances, ensuring creators can effectively utilize them. Importantly, platforms should adapt these features to accommodate diverse creator profiles, considering differences in gender and expertise levels, especially in emerging spaces like the Metaverse. This approach ensures an equitable and enriching experience for all users and creators, underlining the importance of dynamic interaction and inclusivity in platform development and creator support strategies.Social implicationsThis study underscores the social implications of evolving digital creator ecosystems on online platforms. Identifying six key affordances essential for digital creators highlights the need for platforms to enhance storytelling, socializing, design, development, promotion, and product protection. Crucially, it emphasizes inclusivity, urging platforms to consider diverse creator profiles, including gender and expertise differences, particularly in transitioning from traditional social media to the Metaverse. This approach nurtures a more robust creator ecosystem and fosters an equitable and enriching experience for all users. It signals a shift towards more dynamic, adaptive online environments catering to diverse creators and audiences.Originality/valueFor academics, this study builds the conceptual framework of online social platform affordances for digital creators. Using the configurational approach, this study identified various interdependent relationships among the affordances, which are nuanced by specific contexts, and suggested novel insights for future studies. For practices, the findings specified by creators and platform types are expected to guide platform providers in developing strategies to support digital creators and contribute to platform growth.