Role Of Top Management Research Articles

Narrowing the eco-innovation gender divide: insights for transition economies

ABSTRACT This paper aims to address the gender imbalance in eco-innovation within firms, particularly focusing on the role of top managers. Drawing on Upper Echelon Theory and Social Identity Theory, the study investigates the influence of female CEOs on the promotion of eco-innovation and examines how knowledge factors influence this relationship, especially within transition countries. Using a comprehensive cross-sectional dataset from the World Bank and EBRD (BEEPS), the research analyses over 12,000 firms operating across 28 European and Central Asian transition economies. The findings show that firms led by a female CEO are less likely to engage in eco-innovation. However, the moderating effect of knowledge can complement CEO actions, though this effect varies by macro-area. The study suggests tailored strategies, emphasising the need for knowledge-sharing networks, targeted investments in human capital, and a collaborative organizational culture. These strategies represent concrete steps to enhance management capabilities and mitigating the costs and uncertainties associated with eco-innovation process in specific socio-economic contexts

From dreamers to doers: A personal and job resources interaction among intrapreneurial managers

Abstract Drawing on job-demands resources and self-consistency theories, this study investigates individual and contextual factors influencing managers’ intrapreneurial intention (INI). We focus on the role of personal resources (organization-based self-esteem and proactivity) related to INI. Further, we analyze job resources (top management support and role clarity) shaping INI, and their interaction with proactivity. Our data comprises 193 Kosovan managers employed in companies varying in size and industry. The results show that organization-based self-esteem and proactivity are positively related to INI. Additionally, proactivity serves as the underlying mechanism, mediating organization-based self-esteem-INI relationship. Furthermore, job resources – top management support and role clarity – strengthen the likelihood of INI among proactive employees, suggesting a moderated mediation model. By jointly examining individual and contextual antecedents of INI, this study contributes to the debate of who the intrapreneur is and what nurtures his/her inclinations. Furthermore, this is among the few studies to examine INI using a managerial sample and in an emerging economy context.

Motherhood enrichment in leadership: exploring top female executives in Spain

PurposeExisting research suggests motherhood hinders women’s advancement to top management roles, but its specific influence on women who have achieved senior leadership is unexplored.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a qualitative approach based on 34 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with Spanish female executives who hold board positions or have the potential to become board members in male-dominated industries.FindingsThis study identifies motherhood as a key driver in career growth, countering the view of it as a barrier. Narratives from female leaders revealed that motherhood did not impede their careers, challenging the “motherhood penalty” notion. We introduce the concept of “motherhood enrichment,” highlighting its positive impact on leadership skills and career progression in top executive roles.Practical implicationsThese findings can challenge prejudices about the negative impact of motherhood on women’s careers and support policies promoting work–life balance and family-friendly cultures in organizations.Originality/valueThis study suggests the “motherhood-work enrichment” (MWE) concept in leadership, recognizing motherhood as a catalyst for leadership qualities and offering a preliminary theoretical model to explain MWE in the context of concurrent mother-top manager roles.

Towards a cybersecurity culture-behaviour framework: A rapid evidence review

A strong organisational cybersecurity culture (CSC) is critical to the success of any cybersecurity effort, and understanding and measuring CSC is essential if it is to succeed. To facilitate the framing and measurement of CSC we conducted a rapid evidence assessment (REA) to synthesise relevant studies on CSC. The systematic search identified 1,768 records. 59 studies were eligible for the final synthesis.Thematic analysis of the CSC definitions in the included studies highlighted that CSC should not be viewed solely as a technical problem but as a management issue too; CSC requires top management involvement and role modelling, with full organisational support for the desired employee behaviours. We identify both theoretically and empirically derived models of CSC in the REA, along with a range of methods to develop and test these models. Integrative analysis of these models provides detailed information about CSC dimensions, including employee attitudes towards CS; compliance with policies; the role of security education, training and awareness; monitoring of behaviour and top management commitment. The evidence indicates that CSC should be understood both in the context of the wider organisational culture as well as in the shared employee understanding of CS that leads to behaviour.Based on the findings of this review, we propose a novel integrated framework of CSC consisting of cultural values, the culture-to-behaviour link, and behaviour itself. We also make measurement recommendations based on this CSC framework, ranging from simple, broad-brush tools through to suggestions for multi-dimensional measures, which can be applied in a variety of sectors and organisations.

Nurturing Environmentally Responsible Practices Using Top Management Role on Effective Training and Supplier Orientation to Promote Green Logistics Management Practices

Purpose: This study investigated top management role on effective environmental training, using supplier environmental orientation to promote green logistics management practices. This was a deductive study since the positivist worldview was used to address the query about the relationship between variables. Methodology: The study used a quantitative method, which is consistent with the paradigm that was chosen. Data from the study population, which included Ghanaian manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and extraction companies, was gathered through questionnaires. The target population's size was ascertained using the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) database. The scientists used the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size estimation table. Given the above, a sample size of 300 firms was selected from a total of 1178 respondents. The inclusion of descriptive statistics, such as Mean (x̄) and Standard Deviation (SD), contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the data. The application of SPSS software, version 25, for data analysis underscores a commitment to using reputable tools in the research process. Findings: The conclusion drawn from the results yielded robust reputable evidence in support of the positive relationship between environmental training and green logistics management practices. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: Management should prioritize partnerships with suppliers who align with sustainable practices and contribute to the adoption of green logistics management practices within the supply chain.

Enhancing Biosafety and Biosecurity: Quality Management in High-Containment Laboratories

Quality Management in high-containment laboratories plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safe handling of biological agents and toxins, thereby mitigating potential biorisks. This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of the key aspects of Quality Management Systems (QMS) tailored to the unique challenges of high-containment laboratories. It delves into the significance of QMS in enhancing biosafety and biosecurity measures, safeguarding laboratory personnel, the community, and the environment. The paper also discusses the integration of international standards, risk management strategies, and the role of top management in fostering a culture of safety. Through this examination, it becomes evident that a robust QMS not only ensures compliance but also promotes continual improvement and innovation in high-containment laboratory operations, ultimately advancing the field of biosafety and biosecurity.

Green learning orientation and corporate environmental performance: the mediation role of green knowledge acquisition-management and the moderating role of CEO-gender

PurposeThe study aims to examine the role of green learning orientation, green knowledge acquisition and green knowledge management in fostering corporate environmental performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. In addition, this research assesses the moderating role of chief executive officer (CEO) gender between green knowledge management and corporate environmental performance. Finally, this study examines the sequential mediating role of green knowledge acquisition and green knowledge management.Design/methodology/approachThe study collected the data of 300 SMEs’ CEOs taken from five different provinces in China. The study used a partial least squares regression-based structural equation modelling technique.FindingsThe findings revealed that green learning orientation plays an important role in increasing SMEs’ corporate environmental performance. The results showed that green knowledge acquisition and green knowledge management serially and completely mediate the relationship between green learning orientation and corporate environmental performance.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study addressing the sequence of knowledge orientation, acquisition, management and results in terms of corporate environmental performance. Meanwhile, this study is the first to examine the indirect role of CEO gender on the relationship between green knowledge management and corporate environmental performance. As decisions are taken by the top management and CEO, especially in the case of SMEs, the role of top management and how well top management uses the knowledge acquired by the organization matters significantly.

The Role of Top Management Is to Generate a Perturbation without People Being Aware of It

The Role of Top Management Is to Generate a Perturbation without People Being Aware of It

Negative Performance Aspiration Gap and Stock Price Crashes: Based on Behavioral Theory and Agency Theory Perspective*

AbstractThe paper explores how agency behavior of insiders within a company influences the risk of a stock price crash in the context of a continued expansion of the performance expectation gap. A panel data analysis of 10 727 observations of Chinese A‐share listed companies over the period 2003–2020 shows that as the negative performance aspiration gap widens, stock price crashes are more likely to occur. Furthermore, the separated role of top management and chairperson and an increase in the ownership proportion of major shareholders significantly amplifies the positive effect, whereas the increase in managerial shareholding and the equity balance diminish the main relationship.

Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Business Model Innovation: Competencies and Roles of Top Management

Research in artificial intelligence and business model innovation is flourishing. Nevertheless, the current discussion lacks an overarching understanding of, and thus has not sufficiently addressed, the interface between artificial intelligence-enabled business model innovation and the critical role of top management. Although a paradigm shift affecting top management is already occurring, extant management literature is limited, especially in terms of primary research. Accordingly, this study explores how top management can encourage and facilitate artificial intelligence-enabled business model innovation. We utilized an inductive approach and conducted semistructured interviews with 47 practitioners to develop a grounded theory. The developed framework consists of five top management competencies and eight top management roles. Overall, our study contributes to research in business model innovation theory, revealing that top management requires a specific skill set to carry out their roles and fulfill expectations.

C-Level Managers’ Perspectives on Firms’ Digital Transformation: A Qualitative Analysis Through the Lens of Business Model Innovation

Given a mismatch between traditional paths and the opportunities resulting from new digital technologies, the aim of this paper is to understand why companies’ digital transformation may fail even before it starts. We analyze interviews with 20[Formula: see text]C-level managers from 15 traditional DAX-listed German companies that face digital transformations. Our objective is to integrate the different areas that have been studied in the field of digital transformation. We offer top management teams standpoints, as they concern how business decisions, including digital-transformation decisions, are made. We review the role of top management in digital business model innovation and identify value creation, leadership challenges, and culture development as the main factors that support or hinder business model innovation in a digital world. We further show that taking outside-in perspectives, implementing cross-sectional strategies, and having transformational capabilities represent important drivers on business model innovation. Employees are the most important factor. They should be brought in and guided by top managers to support the digital transformation. The patterns we identify might provide guidance for top managers engaging in digital business model innovation.

Linking top managers’ behavioural traits with business practices and firm performance

We embed an experiment in an ongoing firm-level panel survey with a sample of 623 firms managed by their owners to explore the role of top managers’ behavioral traits as drivers of corporate strategies and performance. We find that present biased managers are less likely to invest in business practices, leading to lower sales revenue. Younger managers are more patient and less risk-averse than older ones, and they play a more significant role in improving firm performance than their counterparts. Interestingly, we find compelling evidence that business practices play a crucial role as a mediating mechanism through which managers’ present bias and loss aversion affect firm performance.

The Role of Energy Management Practices in Sustainable Tourism Development: A Case Study of Jerash, Jordan

This study investigates the mediating role of Top Management Commitment (TMC) on the relationship between Energy Management Practices (including Energy Awareness [EAW], Energy Efficiency [EE], and Energy Knowledge [EK]) and Sustainable Tourism Development (STD) in Jerash, Jordan. Amid growing global concerns about environmental sustainability, understanding the dynamics between energy management and sustainable tourism has become critically important. The study utilizes Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the collected data. The empirical results reveal that EAW, EE, and EK have a significant positive influence on STD, indicating the direct impact of energy management practices on the sustainability of tourism. Furthermore, the findings suggest that these energy management variables also significantly influence TMC. Intriguingly, TMC emerges as a substantial mediator, enhancing the positive effects of EAW, EE, and EK on STD. This signifies the crucial role of top management's commitment to leveraging energy management practices effectively to foster sustainable tourism development. The study, despite focusing only on the context of Jerash, Jordan, contributes valuable insights to the existing literature and informs managerial practice in the tourism sector. Future research should expand its scope to different geographical regions and consider additional dimensions of energy management practices to further enrich the understanding of sustainable tourism development.

Role of psychosocial safety climate in job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion: mediating role of effort–reward imbalance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the role of psychosocial safety climate (PSC) on job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion among employees and to examine the mediating role of effort–reward imbalance (ERI) in this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThis study investigated a mediation model with ERI explaining the relationship between PSC and the outcome variables using a sample of 441 employees of information technology (IT) organizations in India. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques with LISREL (linear structural relations) 8.72 software.FindingsThe results suggest that PSC significantly influences the employees' experiences of job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion. Also, ERI was demonstrated as a significant intervening construct with full mediation of the PSC–emotional exhaustion relationship and partial mediation of the PSC–job satisfaction relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides substantial results and arguments to encourage organizational-level commitment for psychosocial risk management through distributive fairness and reciprocity in the form of ERI to foster positive attitudes and prevent negative health and psychological outcomes. The cross-sectional nature of the study limits generalizability but contributes to the literature on work stress in a developing country's context.Originality/valueThe study demonstrates how employee outcomes like job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion often result from their perceptions of inequity and imbalance at the workplace. Further, the study builds a strong case for helping organizations contribute to the United Nations (UN) 2030 sustainability goals by empirically establishing the crucial role of top management's commitment and prioritization of employee psychosocial health and safety for designing primary stress-management initiatives for sustainable psychosocial risk prevention and management.

THE IMPACT OF TOP MANAGEMENT FEATURES ON SOUTH ALABAMA CONSTRICTIONS COMPANIES' FIRM PERFORMANCE: THE ROLE OF BOARD SIZE AS A MODERATOR

Understanding the impact of top management on South Alabama's construction firms is vital. This study investigates the relationship between specific top management traits, with a focus on gender diversity, and the financial performance of these businesses from 2018 to 2021. Using regression analysis, we assess top management's influence and explore whether board size moderates this relationship. Preliminary findings suggest that larger top management teams have a statistically significant, though negative, effect on corporate performance. The research also underscores the significance of top management's financial background and the presence of women in managerial roles on company performance. This study's uniqueness lies in its exclusive focus on South Alabama's construction industry, providing valuable insights. It assists businesses in making informed decisions about leadership and governance structures for long-term success. Policymakers can benefit by understanding how top management traits and gender diversity affect business success, informing diversity and inclusion initiatives in corporate leadership. Shareholders and investors can gain a deeper understanding of top management's role in performance, aiding investment decisions. Identifying key success factors supports strategic planning to maximize shareholder value. This study offers valuable insights into South Alabama's construction industry, enhancing our understanding of top management's impact on performance. By examining the interplay between top management traits, board dynamics, and company performance, it provides practical insights for improved decision-making, diversity, and long-term industry development.

Managerial ability and voluntary ESG disclosure and assurance: evidence from Taiwan

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the effect of managerial ability on voluntary environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure and assurance. By focusing on managerial ability, this study provides a more nuanced understanding of the factors influencing a firm’s ESG disclosure and assurance practices. This study contributes to a relatively unexplored area of study regarding the role of top management in promoting ESG reporting.Design/methodology/approachThis study draws on a sample of publicly listed firms from 2014 to 2019 in Taiwan and applies the data envelopment analysis method to measure managerial ability. Heckman’s (1979) two-step model is used to estimate the primary models to prevent the results from being affected by possible bias because of self-selection.FindingsThe empirical evidence suggests that managerial ability is positively related to voluntary ESG disclosure and intention to seek third-party assurance of the report. Overall, managerial ability determines whether a firm will use voluntary ESG disclosure and assurance as a corporate strategy to respond effectively to stakeholders’ needs. The findings are robust after using alternative measures of managerial ability.Practical implicationsInvestors and other stakeholders keen on seeking ESG information offered by companies could find the findings of this study valuable. By better comprehending how managerial competence impacts voluntary ESG disclosure and assurance, stakeholders may be better equipped to hold companies responsible for their ESG disclosure practices and make informed investment decisions.Social implicationsIn the ESG decision-making process, managers with better abilities have a higher tendency to use voluntary disclosure and assurance as a part of the company’s sustainable policy.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies of the determinant factors of ESG disclosure, which mainly explore factors at the national or corporate level, this study focuses on factors at the individual level (i.e. managerial ability) to fill the gap in the literature. This study also presents empirical evidence that corroborates the idea that managerial competence can influence not only ESG disclosure but also the voluntary assurance of ESG information.

Sustainable green revolution through the development of solar power projects in Pakistan: a techno-economic analysis.

Energy is essential to a recent way of life that needs to be addressed in economic and environmentally supportable improvement negotiations. The economic output of solar energy development has become the primary concern, particularly in emerging nations like Pakistan. The present research estimates a techno-economic analysis and sustainable green revolution by improving this country's solar energy projects (SEP). The study observes the moderating role of top management and risk factors of the procedures between financial management procedures and the economic output of SEP. A comprehensive opinion poll assessment accomplishes the investigation on facts from 61 respondents (finance executives, financial managers, shareholders, and owner investors). Partly least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) evaluates the hypotheses. The findings indicate that a techno-economic analysis and green revolution favor the ecological improvement of solar energy installations. The cash-flow analysis significantly contributes to the SEP's improved economic output. In addition, the results reveal that the role of top management and risk factors suggestively moderate the relationship between financial management procedures and the economic output of SEP. These outcomes give policymakers, competent authorities, and regulators an excellent guide to upsurge cleaner fabrication and ecological improvement of SEP.

The impacts of the cyber-trust program on the cybersecurity maturity of government entities in the Kingdom of Bahrain

PurposeThis study aims to determine the impacts of the Bahrain Government framework [cyber-trust program (CTP)] on the cybersecurity maturity of government entities and how the CTP can impact the cybersecurity of government entities in the Kingdom of Bahrain.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a quantitative and qualitative approach. The data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with the information technology experts in the Bahrain Government entities participating in the CTP. Also, quantitative data was obtained through a questionnaire distributed to relevant people in the information technology field.FindingsThe findings of this study suggest that the CTP had a significant impact on the cybersecurity assurance of the government entities that participated in the CTP; it increased the employees’ awareness, reduced the number of cyberattacks and optimized the available resources. The findings also highlighted the role of top management in the success of the implementation of the CTP. The results also ensure that the CTP’s maturity model affected the cybersecurity compliance of an organization and the implementation of cybersecurity policies and controls.Practical implicationsThis study enhances cybersecurity researchers’ and practitioners’ understanding of the impact of the CTP and its components and evaluates its influence on Bahrain’s cybersecurity assurance.Originality/valueThis study implies that to achieve better cybersecurity, managers should focus on implementing the policies and controls provided by cybersecurity frameworks to enhance cybersecurity assurance.

Enhancing supply chain resilience in SMEs: the role of business and political ties

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has created disruptions across the supply chain that are beyond the resources of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to effectively deal with. This study aims to examine the idea that top managers' business and political ties can play direct roles in enhancing SCR in SMEs during COVID-19 by providing access to valuable resources. The study further investigates integrative capability as an underlying mechanism through which the effects of business and political ties can be transformed into enhanced SCR.Design/methodology/approachResponses from 217 SMEs in the country of Jordan were received via an online survey. The measurement and structural models were tested using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique.FindingsThe study found that business and political ties are positively related to SCR. However, integrative capability fully mediates the relationship between business ties and SCR, whereas it partially mediates the relationship between political ties and SCR.Research limitations/implicationsThe study examined only the direct and indirect impacts of business and political ties on SCR. It could be extended by exploring the conditions under which they influence SCR.Originality/valueThe study explicates the role of top managers' business and political ties on improving SCR in a developing country context. It further examines the mediating role of integrative capability in the relationships between business and political ties and SCR.

Top managers in public organizations: A systematic literature review and future research directions

AbstractDespite increasing attention, top management research has been heavily dominated by a focus on private companies with much less emphasis on the top managers in public organizations. We present a systematic literature review of 212 studies focused on public sector top managers published between 2005 and 2020. First, the paper provides descriptive results suggesting that the empirical focus on top managers in the public sector is increasing, though still limited compared to research on upper echelons in private firms. Second, we develop an empirically based “systems” model illustrating the role and function of top managers in public organizations. We use the model to show that the components of top management are interdependent, adaptive, and embedded in complex relationships in the system, and to identify avenues for future research.