Strategic Importance Research Articles

The Import of Strategic and Nonstrategic Commodities During War: A Systematic Case Study Focusing on Israel from 1980 till 2014

Abstract Under what circumstances do belligerents succeed in increasing their imports during wartime? This research seeks to answer that question by addressing contradictory findings in the literature on the relationship between trade and war. We propose that the answer depends on two factors that have not been examined together: the value of the imports for the battlefield and the intensity of the war. These two factors influence the willingness of belligerents to reprioritize their import preferences based on strategic considerations. However, they also influence exporters’ willingness to signal their dissatisfaction, as well as the extent of the damage to the belligerent’s economy. To test this contention, we classified 96 commodities as strategic or nonstrategic using the HS02 classification, and then employed gravity models to analyze dyadic import flows from 168 countries to Israel between 1980 and 2014. The findings reveal that the relationship between war and imports varies with the intensity of the conflict. Strategic commodities are associated with a stronger positive relationship between war and imports when the intensity of the conflict does not exceed 1,000 casualties. In contrast, when casualties surpass 1,000, war is associated with a sharper decline in strategic imports, suggestive of economic damage and exporters’ dissatisfaction with war.

The Analysis of Cultural Convergence and Maritime Trade Between China and Saudi Arabia: Toda–Yamamoto Granger Causality

This study investigates the dynamic relationship between maritime trade and cultural convergence between China and Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on the roles of creative goods and information and communication technology (ICT) exports as proxies for sociocultural integration. Utilizing quarterly data from 2012 to 2021, the analysis employs the Toda–Yamamoto Granger causality approach within a Vector Autoregression (VAR) framework. This methodology offers a robust means of testing causality without requiring data stationarity or cointegration, thereby reducing estimation bias and enhancing applicability to real-world economic data. The empirical model examines causal interactions among maritime trade, creative goods exports, ICT exports, and population, the latter serving as a control variable to account for demographic scale effects on trade dynamics. The results indicate statistically significant bidirectional causality between maritime trade and both creative goods and ICT exports, suggesting a reciprocal reinforcement between trade and cultural–technological exchange. In contrast, the relationship between maritime trade and population is found to be unidirectional. These findings underscore the strategic importance of cultural and technological flows in shaping maritime trade patterns. Furthermore, the study contextualizes its results within broader policy initiatives, notably China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, both of which aim to promote mutual economic diversification and regional integration. The study contributes to the literature on international trade and cultural economics by demonstrating how cultural convergence can serve as a catalyst for strengthening bilateral trade relations. Policy implications include the promotion of cultural and technological collaboration, investment in maritime infrastructure, and the incorporation of cultural dimensions into trade policy formulation.

Examining LGBTQ Workplace Dynamics: A Systematic Review Of Discrimination’s Detriments And Inclusion’s Strategic Imperatives

As visibility of LGBTQ individuals continues to rise globally, workplaces remain critical sites where inclusion can either be realized or denied. This study presents a systematic literature review that discusses the dual landscape of workplace experiences—discrimination and inclusion. Employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement, a total of 122 studies were reviewed. Findings highlight that the discrimination, both formal and informal, including microaggressions, is deeply rooted in cultural factors and reinforced by structural or organizational deficiencies. The discriminatory practices not only limit the personal and professional development of individuals but also hinder overall organizational effectiveness. In light of this scenario, the review underscores the critical importance of fostering workplace inclusion in enhancing psychological safety, innovation, job satisfaction, and business performance. Further, the evidence affirms that LGBTQ inclusion is not merely a matter of human rights but also holds strategic importance for sustainable organizational success. The study offers theoretical and practical insights while underlining the exigent need for deeper empirical research, especially in non-Western contexts. Future research directions are also proposed by the study to address current gaps and foster more inclusive work environments globally.

THE EFFECTS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, BRAND REPUTATION, AND CONSUMER TRUST ON ENTREPRENEURIAL VENTURES

This study investigates the effects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), brand reputation, and consumer trust on the performance of entrepreneurial ventures. Utilizing a quantitative approach and surveying 250 consumers who have recently interacted with entrepreneurial businesses, the research employs Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test hypothesized relationships. Results reveal that CSR significantly enhances brand reputation and consumer trust, with brand reputation partially mediating the relationship between CSR and consumer trust. Furthermore, consumer trust strongly predicts entrepreneurial venture performance, highlighting trust as a critical driver of business success in emerging ventures. These findings underscore the strategic importance of integrating CSR initiatives and actively managing brand reputation to foster consumer trust, which in turn improves venture outcomes. The study contributes to both academic literature and practical management by providing a comprehensive model of how responsible practices influence consumer perceptions and entrepreneurial performance

Changing dynamics of the U.S.–Nepal policy: An analysis through the lens of hegemonic stability theory

This study examines the evolving dynamics of U.S.–Nepal relations through the lens of Hegemonic Stability Theory (HST), focusing on the period from establishment of diplomatic ties to Biden administration. The objectives are to analyze U.S.–Nepal foreign policy initiatives, assess Nepal’s positioning within these policies, and apply HST to understand the interactions. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical approach to collect, descibe and analyse relevant data from academic sources and grey literature, the study highlights Nepal’s strategic importance amid shifting global and regional power dynamics. Findings indicate that U.S.–Nepal relations have been shaped by the U.S. goal of maintaining a balance between China and India, particularly during the Cold War. U.S. policy emphasized supporting Nepal’s sovereignty and democratic development in coordination with India to counter communist influence. Following the Cold War, U.S. engagement with Nepal increased, driven by regional dynamics and concerns, including the Maoist insurgency and War on Terror. As global power structures shifted from unipolarity to multipolarity, U.S. policy towards Nepal has remained unchanged in terms of development assistance through the USAID program and the recent Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement. Although the U.S. has always consistently maintained that MCC is a bilateral development program, it has frequently been characterized in Nepal’s public discourse as a instrument of the Indo-Pacific Strategy. Despite deepening engagement, Nepal remains concerned that Indian perspectives are shaping U.S. policies towards Nepal. The study concludes by providing critical insights into U.S.–Nepal relations, suggesting that Nepal needs to redefine its foreign policy to engage more independently with the U.S., while balancing regional pressures and strengthening its institutional capacity to counter misinformation and check foreign influence over public discourse.

Leveraging Digital Marketing Strategies for Personal Branding in India’s Linguistically Diverse Market: A Strategic and Empirical Analysis

This study explores the integrative impact of digital marketing tools such as Social Media Usage, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Content Marketing Quality, and Consumer Engagement on Personal Brand Influence within India’s culturally and linguistically diverse digital market. Using a robust mixed-method approach, data were collected from 260 Indian professionals, entrepreneurs, and students through structured surveys and comprehensively analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses. Results indicate that Consumer Engagement and Content Marketing Quality have the strongest positive influence on personal branding outcomes, emphasising the necessity for interactive, authentic, and culturally adaptive communication strategies. Furthermore, the study identifies significant gaps in current SEO practices and highlights India’s distinct preference for vernacular content. These findings underscore the strategic importance of integrating culturally tailored digital marketing approaches to effectively leverage India’s rapidly growing digital market. This research contributes to scholarly literature by providing nuanced insights and actionable strategies for professionals seeking to enhance personal brand visibility, credibility, and influence in culturally diverse markets.

Developing a scale for value co-creation in producer-supplier relationships

This study aims to develop an original VcC scale in manufacturer-supplier relationships in industrial markets. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the study. The researchers first reviewed the scale development processes in the literature, and they utilized a five-stage scale development process. The original scale was developed by inductive and deductive methods. In the deductive method, similar scale items in the literature were examined and added to the item pool. In the inductive method, as a result of interviews with experts working in industrial markets, additions were made to the item pool. Following the fulfillment of all presumptions and analysis of the data, it was discovered that the initial version of the VcC scale comprised three dimensions and sixteen items related to supplier-manufacturer relationships in the machinery manufacturing industry. These dimensions are process development, information sharing and interaction. The three-dimensional scale explains 57.56% of the total variance. The originality of this study lies in the development of an advanced and detailed scale that determines how value co-creation (VcC) can be established in manufacturer-supplier relationships within the machine manufacturing industry, which holds strategic importance in industrial markets.

Trust and Ethical Influence in Organizational Nudging: Insights from Human Resource and Marketing Practice

This study investigates how persuasion, trust, and empathy from Human Resources (HR) managers affect the acceptance of nudging practices in workplace, especially when these interventions are meant to be ethical and supportive. Based on the theory of advisory nudge, the research connects ideas from Human Resource Management and ethical marketing. A quantitative method was applied using a structured questionnaire answered by 733 HR professionals in European companies. The model was tested with PLS-SEM, and results confirmed strong influence of supervisor’s persuasion and empathy on HR professionals’ perception of nudges as ethical and autonomy-enhancing. The findings also showed that empathy plays important role in how HR professionals experience the intention behind soft interventions, with gender-based differences being significant. Additional analyses with IPMA and MGA confirmed the strategic importance of trust and emotional intelligence in organizational settings. The results help to understand when a persuasive act is seen as ethical guidance and when it is not, offering theoretical and practical insights both for HR leadership and marketing communication. The study suggests future research to explore different types of nudging and include variables such as organizational culture or HR professionals’ values, to better understand the ethical acceptance of influence at work.

Teaching with Contentment: A Study on Job Satisfaction of Elementary Schools Teachers in Champhai

This study explores the level of job satisfaction among elementary school teachers in Champhai District, which is a significant district border region marked by both strategic importance and logistical challenges, located in the northeastern Indian state of Mizoram and a relatively under-researched area with a focus on differences across school types and gender. The research highlights the importance of aligning teachers’ expectations with their actual work experiences to foster professional fulfillment and effective teaching. The findings reveal that the majority of teachers reported either above-average or average satisfaction with their jobs, indicating a generally positive outlook toward the teaching profession in the region. A comparative analysis showed that private school teachers experienced a higher level of job satisfaction than their counterparts in government schools. Gender-wise comparisons also indicated that female teachers reported slightly higher satisfaction levels than male teachers, though the difference was marginal. The study highlights the importance of job satisfaction in enhancing teacher performance, student outcomes, and the overall effectiveness of the educational system. It emphasizes the need to foster professional commitment as well as the need to promote a supportive and motivating work environment to enhance teacher satisfaction so as to improve the quality of education in the region.

Impact of ESG and Multinational Corporation on Stock Returns: Empirical Analysis of Set-Listed Companies

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and Multinational Corporation (MNC) status on stock returns, using a cross-sectional dataset of companies listed on Thailand’s sSET Index. The findings offer insight into how corporate sustainability practices align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals related to responsible investment and inclusive economic growth. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in valuation- and risk-based theories of ESG relevance, including Pastor et al.'s (2021) risk-buffering perspective. Prior literature presents conflicting findings regarding the ESG-return nexus, highlighting the need for context-specific analysis in emerging markets such as Thailand. Method: A sample of 136 sSET-listed companies was analyzed using cross-sectional Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, incorporating variables such as ESG classification, firm size (lnSIZE), profitability ratios (ROA and ROE), MNC and export status, and industry fixed effects. Results and Discussion: The results show that MNC status is positively and significantly associated with stock returns, while firm size has a significant negative relationship. ROA and ROE are statistically insignificant. ESG performance does not show a direct impact on returns in the Thai sSET context but may still play an indirect role through reputational or regulatory mechanisms aligned with the SDGs. Research Implications: The study contributes to understanding how multinational operations and ESG integration affect financial performance in emerging markets. It supports the SDG agenda by highlighting the strategic importance of sustainability-oriented business practices in capital allocation decisions. Originality/Value: This research adds to the limited empirical evidence on ESG and MNC effects in the Thai capital market. It provides practical implications for firms aiming to align with global sustainability goals while enhancing shareholder value.

Intellectual Capital in Competitive Advantage through Green Human Resource Management

The wood craft industry in Badung Regency, Bali, significantly contributes to export value, yet faces challenges in maintaining sustainability and competitiveness. This study aims to examine the role of green human resource management as a mediator in the relationship between green human capital, green structural capital, green relational capital, and competitive advantage in wood small and medium enterprises. Employing a quantitative approach with descriptive and associative methods, the study sampled 267 enterprises from a population of 804 using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares. Findings reveal that green human capital, green structural capital, and green relational capital positively influence green human resource management and competitive advantage. Green human resource management significantly mediates these relationships, enhancing employees’ eco-friendly competencies, supporting efficient green systems, and fostering sustainable partnerships. These results underscore the critical integration of green human resource management and green intellectual capital to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the wood small and medium enterprise sector. The study highlights the strategic importance of aligning human resource practices with environmental goals to enhance efficiency, innovation, and market reputation, ensuring long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

Between two powers: Vietnam and the strategic balancing of Russia and China in the 21st century

In the context of intensifying competition for influence among major powers, especially between Russia and China, Vietnam has emerged as a key geopolitical actor in the Asia Pacific region in the early 21st century, gaining strategic importance in both countries’ policies. This study explores whether Vietnam, building on its Cold War experience, can continue to effectively balance relations with Russia and China. Employing a historical–political approach combined with international relations analysis grounded in realism and the balance of power theory, the paper examines Vietnam’s foreign policy adjustments in response to both cooperative and competitive dynamics in Russia – China relations.

INTEGRATION OF INTERNATIONAL ECO-FINANCING MECHANISMS INTO THE INSURANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THE CONTEXT OF ESG AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The article considers the issue of introducing eco-financing mechanisms into the field of insurance management, taking into account ESG principles and sustainable development goals. The authors prove that the traditional role of insurance as a compensatory instrument is no longer sufficient – instead, its strategic importance in systemic risk management, in particular environmental and social, is being actualized. It is substantiated that the integration of environmental financial instruments allows insurance companies not only to respond more effectively to the challenges of climate change, but also to form new competitive advantages. International approaches to ESG adaptation of insurance companies are analyzed, including cases of using "green" insurance and an ecosystem approach to risk management. Particular attention is paid to the transformational role of the insurance sector in the conditions of Ukrainian realities.

Environmental and Social Dimensions of Energy Transformation Using Geothermal Energy

The use of geothermal energy is gaining strategic importance in the context of sustainable development and the decarbonisation of local energy systems. As a stable and low-emission renewable energy source, geothermal energy offers tangible environmental and social benefits, including improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced energy independence. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the social dimensions of geothermal energy deployment in Poland, with a particular focus on environmental impacts, public acceptance, and participatory governance. Based on a Polish geothermal district heating system example, the paper demonstrates that geothermal projects can significantly reduce local pollution and support low-carbon economic transitions. The study includes a comparative assessment of avoided emissions, a critical discussion of potential social barriers, and SWOT and PESTEL analyses identifying systemic enablers and constraints. The authors argue that for geothermal energy to fulfil its sustainability potential, it must be supported by inclusive planning, transparent communication, and a holistic policy framework integrating environmental, technological, and social criteria.

Enhancing Human-AI Collaboration through Emotional Intelligence: The Mediating Role of Trust and the Moderating Effect of Technological Readiness in Knowledge-Intensive Industries

The growing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in knowledge-intensive industries is transforming traditional workplace dynamics, making human-AI collaboration a critical success factor. However, while technical and operational efficiencies of AI are widely discussed, the role of human emotional intelligence (EI) in enhancing this collaboration remains underexplored. This study investigates the strategic importance of EI in fostering effective human-AI synergy and proposes that EI-driven human resource management (HRM) practices can significantly improve organizational adaptability and performance. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, data will be collected from 300 employees and 30 HR professionals across IT, healthcare, and education sectors in Pakistan. The research draws on Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence Model and Socio-Technical Systems Theory to frame the analysis. Preliminary expectations suggest a positive relationship between EI levels and the perceived success of human-AI collaboration. The findings are anticipated to guide HRM strategies in building EI competencies to optimize AI integration, thereby offering actionable insights for organizations navigating the era of workforce automation. This study explores how emotional intelligence (EI) influences human-AI collaboration in knowledge-intensive industries, introducing trust in AI systems as a mediator and technological readiness as a moderator. Drawing on Goleman’s EI model and Socio-Technical Systems Theory, the research adopts a mixed-method approach, surveying 300 employees and 30 HR professionals from the IT, healthcare, and education sectors in Pakistan. Findings are expected to show that EI enhances trust in AI, which subsequently improves collaboration. Moreover, the effect of EI on collaboration is stronger when technological readiness is high. These results offer actionable insights for HRM practices in optimizing AI integration through emotional and technological preparedness.

Sustainable Governance and ESG Awareness: Evidence From Tunisian Investors

ABSTRACTThis study explores how investors in Tunisia perceive the country's 2021 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting guidelines, with a particular focus on implications for corporate governance. Using qualitative data from 20 semistructured interviews with financial analysts, investment managers, and regulators, the findings reveal low overall awareness of the ESG framework but growing investor expectations for enhanced governance practices. These expectations include stronger board oversight, ESG‐linked executive compensation, and greater organizational accountability. While ESG adoption in Tunisia remains limited, investor insights point to significant potential for ESG principles to drive corporate governance reforms and promote sustainable business strategies. The research highlights the critical role of regulatory clarity, data availability, and targeted ESG education in aligning investor and organizational objectives. This paper contributes to the literature on ESG integration in emerging markets and emphasizes the strategic importance of investor engagement in shaping governance outcomes. It also offers practical implications for policymakers and business leaders seeking to improve ESG implementation and investor confidence in transitional economies. While the study is limited by its sample size and early‐stage context, it opens pathways for future comparative and longitudinal research on ESG‐driven governance transformation.

The Moderating Factors of Cross-Border E-Commerce Development Dimensions and the International Trade Value: Pre-Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Era

This study investigates the moderating factors influencing the relationship between cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) development dimensions and international trade value among Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member states prior to the agreement's enforcement. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational research design and secondary data from 2018 to 2021, the study applies Kruskal-Wallis H test and Spearman’s Rho to assess the influence of key CBEC dimensions Internet penetration, trade facilitation, liner shipping connectivity, and logistics performance on import and export values, while controlling for macroeconomic indicators such as GDP, trade dependency, population, and tariff-weighted averages. Findings reveal that liner shipping connectivity and logistics performance are strongly and significantly correlated with trade value, whereas Internet penetration and trade facilitation exhibit weaker or context-dependent effects. When moderated by border processing time, the impact of Internet penetration, trade facilitation, and logistics performance shifts to negative, highlighting potential inefficiencies in trade execution despite digital readiness. The results emphasize the strategic importance of physical infrastructure and border efficiency over digital capacity alone in fostering trade competitiveness in the pre-RCEP landscape. These insights offer vital policy implications for optimizing CBEC-driven trade, especially among emerging economies within the RCEP bloc.

Progress in cryopreservation of marine molluscan spermatozoa: technological advances, challenges and aquacultural applications

Cryopreservation of spermatozoa is of strategic importance in aquaculture breeding, large-scale seed production, and the conservation of endangered species. While research on sperm cryopreservation in marine mollusks lags behind that of livestock and fish species, significant progress has been made in recent years, particularly for key economically valuable species such as oysters, mussels, scallops, pearl oysters, clams, and abalones. This review systematically addresses four key technical aspects of sperm cryopreservation in bivalves and gastropods: (1) optimization of extender formulations; (2) selection of cryoprotectants; (3) regulation of cooling rates during the freezing process; and (4) thawing temperature control. Existing research has demonstrated that a combination of physiological traits, environmental factors, and cryopreservation protocols influences sperm quality. However, critical knowledge gaps remain in understanding marine mollusk sperm cryopreservation. This article synthesizes recent advancements and offers theoretical and practical frameworks for standardizing cryopreservation protocols, aiming to enhance post-thaw sperm viability and promote sustainable management of molluscan genetic resources.

Menjaga Kedaulatan Laut Natuna: Diplomasi Pertahanan Indonesia dalam Menghadapi Tekanan Tiongkok

The North Natuna Sea is an area of strategic importance to Indonesia, both in terms of national security and economy. Legally, this area is part of Indonesia’s Exclusive Zone (EEZ), but China’s unilateral claim to most of this area through the nine-dash line has created tension in the region. Indonesia faces a major challenge to safeguard the sovereignity of this region by using various strategies, one of which is defense diplomacy. This article aims to explore how Indonesia utilizes defense diplomacy in maintaining stability in the Natuna Sea, as well as to analyze the challenges faced and the effectiveness of this approach. The results show that Indonesia’s defense diplomacy can maintain stability, but is still plagued by a number of challenges, including limited resources and the influence of major powers such as China.

Communications of Government, Business and Civil Society in the Context of Mediatization of Public Administration (based on the Arctic Zone materials)

The article represents the study of the influence of mediatization on the transformation of modern public administration, based on the understanding of the mutual adaptation of media and institutions, as well as the integration of mediatization processes into modern management practices. The specification of this position occurs taking into account the contribution of new media to the formation of the information agenda, signaling a shift in the fundamental concept of the relationship between the state, media and citizens. The analysis is based on the material of the Arctic zone of Russia, selected for its specific background and complexity of tasks for the coming decades including the creation of a unified management system for the sustainable development of the macro-region as a territory of special strategic importance for the country’s development. The conceptual positions of the work are formed based on the analysis of theoretical and empirical studies and official documents that determine the trends in the development of the Arctic zone; materials of Arctic forums and media forums; secondary analysis of sociological research; analysis of search engines; Internet sites and social networks; the opinion of experts permanently residing in one of the Arctic regions – Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. Conclusions are made that the formation of the media image of the Arctic does not yet fully meet the needs of the development of the macro-region. It is necessary to form a common media strategy that is mutually beneficial for the participants in the communication process, which requires further analysis of this issue against the background of a small number of empirical studies of the special contribution of social networks to the formation of the communication practices of government bodies, additional reflection and discussion regarding regional development.