Strategic Value Research Articles

Human capital efficiency, corporate sustainability, and performance: Evidence from emerging economies

AbstractThis study examines how corporate sustainability (CS) influences the relationship between human capital (HC) effectiveness and corporate performance (CP) in the context of emerging economies. Drawing on HC theories and CS, we employ partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) to analyze data from 94 industrial and service firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) between June and October 2022. Our findings reveal the dual role of HC, which not only directly influences CP but also significantly reinforces CS efforts. This research contributes to strategic management literature by highlighting the mediating role of CS in the HC‐performance nexus. The results underscore the strategic value of HC in enhancing sustainable practices, which positively affect CP. These insights are particularly relevant for emerging economies, where understanding the role of HC can guide corporate strategies toward sustainable growth. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, with a focus on the importance of HC development to promote resilience and support sustainability goals in emerging markets. Future research could explore these dynamics across other industries and regions.

Improving the efficiency and person-centredness of occupational therapy input into care-plans in a forensic mental health and rehabilitation service

Care-planning is vital to the delivery of timely, person-centred, safe and effective care. Despite the understanding of the benefits of person-centred care-plan in both services, occupational therapists (OTs) within our...

Liquidity and the Strategic Value of Information

Abstract In Kyle (1985), the ratio of fundamental variance to price impact measures the value of information to a monopolist strategic informed investor. We show this same statistic provides an approximation for the value of information in a more general setting with multiple differentially-informed investors, and estimate it using high-frequency stocks data. We find that the value of information rises during crises. The value of information is higher for large, growth, and momentum stocks. Its most dramatic spikes occur at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and the financial crisis of 2008, when the Fed announces liquidity facilities.

Financial and Market Implications of the CSX-Conrail Acquisition

Conrail, Consolidated Rail Corporation, founded in 1976, was established due to the bankruptcy of multiple railway companies in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States. The federal government intervened to establish the company with the aim of restoring the services and profitability of bankrupt railways. As it developed, Conrail's railway network covered major cities and industrial centers in the Northeast and Midwest of the United States, possessing a strong market position and strategic value. Therefore, Conrail had become a target for mergers and acquisitions by large railway companies such as CSX and Norfolk Southern. Through mergers and acquisitions, the acquiring party could expand market coverage, enhance operational network connectivity and competitiveness. This is a complex and multi-layered issue, the CSX acquisition of Conrail involved financial and market implications, legal obstacles, competitive pressures, and strategic objectives. By analyzing these themes in depth, we could understand the key issues and response strategies that enterprises face in the M&A process, providing valuable experience for future M&A transactions. The study applied methods such as comparative analysis and case model analysis to analyze the main challenges, response strategies, and effects comprehensively and systematically in the M&A process, providing reference for similar cases. Overall, CSX's acquisition of Conrail demonstrates how companies can achieve acquisition goals and long-term development through flexible strategies, effective communication, and professional management in the face of complex legal, market, and operational challenges.

Bridging diversity management and intellectual capital: insights and impacts in healthcare organizations

PurposeThe study examines the relationship between diversity management (DM) and intellectual capital (IC) in healthcare organizations. It aims to understand how embracing diversity across various domains – including cultural, gender and physical ability – enhances strategic value and competitive edge among healthcare institutions. This study is among the first papers to link DM and IC in the healthcare setting.Design/methodology/approachThe two-phased methodological framework began with a bibliometric analysis of previous literature to distil significant variables commonly associated with DM in healthcare. Subsequently, based on the identified variables, the policy and planning documents of 17 Italian healthcare organizations were mapped to assess how well European Commission policies promoting the integration of DM into IC have been adopted, identifying any key oversights.FindingsA significant link exists between effective DM and enhanced IC, particularly in fostering an inclusive organizational culture that values diverse employee backgrounds. This enhancement is evident in the increased recognition of varied cultural perspectives, improved gender diversity in leadership positions and the implementation of comprehensive anti-discrimination policies. Despite these benefits being recognized theoretically, the extent of practical application in healthcare settings varies. Some organizations show robust integration of these principles, while others exhibit significant gaps, especially in the Italian sample analysed.Originality/valueThis research underscores DM’s critical role in strengthening IC, particularly within the healthcare sector, which demands a high level of interpersonal interaction and cultural competence. The study’s insights encourage healthcare organizations to adopt more strategic approaches to DM, ultimately contributing to a more equitable healthcare system.

Leveraging HR analytics for employee development: good for employees, organizations, and society

Purpose This paper aims to provide a new perspective on HR analytics that moves beyond the current narrative of its strategic value for organizations yet oftentimes at the cost of employee well-being. The paper argues that analytics-enabled employee development can unleash the positive impact of HR analytics on employees, organizations, and society. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper drawing on relevant literature and HR analytics applications. Findings Analytics-enabled employee development can help organizations gain employee buy-in by demonstrating the direct positive impact of HR analytics on employees. It contributes to social sustainability by focusing on developing employees' current and future skills, which benefits individuals, communities, and society. Moreover, it enhances organizations' human capital by aligning employees' skills and knowledge with business goals, creating a competitive edge. Originality/value This paper affords a new perspective on HR analytics implementation by focusing on the positive impact of analytics-enabled employee development. It provides three rationales for why organizations should invest in analytics-enabled employee development: gaining employee buy-in, contributing to social sustainability, and enhancing human capital.

Fostering inclusivity: Transforming South African school music programmes through the dalcroze approach

This article explores the transformative potential of the Dalcroze Approach in South African school music programs, with a focus on fostering cultural inclusivity. Employing a qualitative research methodology grounded in content analysis, the study systematically examines diverse sources, including archival materials, books, and peer-reviewed journal articles. The triangulation method enhances the robustness of data by cross-referencing information from platforms like Google Scholar, JSTOR, ResearchGate, and university repositories. The Dalcroze Approach, rooted in holistic and embodied learning experiences, emerges as a transformative pedagogy with the capacity to address historical disparities and celebrate South Africa's diverse musical traditions. Findings indicate a compelling alignment between the approach and inclusivity goals, emphasising the adaptability of the Dalcroze principles to the nation's cultural tapestry. The findings of this article reveal that educators, administrators, and students play pivotal roles in shaping the success of implementing the Dalcroze Approach. Educators witness positive impacts on student engagement and creativity, administrators recognise its strategic value, and students experience a transformative shift in their music learning journey. In conclusion, this article advocates for comprehensive professional development programs, collaboration with curriculum developers, and ongoing research initiatives to ensure the sustained integration of the Dalcroze Approach. By embracing this transformative pedagogy, South African music education can evolve into a more inclusive and culturally responsive domain, reflecting the nation's rich musical heritage.

INNOVATING IN URBAN DISTRIBUTION OF GOODS, SMALL CHANGES, BIG RESULTS FOR THE CITY

The conceptual article invites us to reflect on how innovation doesn’t always require huge investments or technological revolutions. Sometimes the most transformative changes come from simple ideas. It is in simplicity that we often find the greatest potential for change. Implementations such as optimizing routes, reorganizing delivery schedules or using electric bicycles. They show that accessible solutions can transform urban logistics. These small but modest steps, bring great benefits and contribute to sustainability. Likewise, the ability to reimagine our processes, reusing the strategic value of the resources we already have, is to see the familiar with new eyes, reusing the known to create something extraordinary. True innovation cannot flourish in isolation. This is where public-private collaboration becomes important. While companies can lead these efforts, support from the public sector is the direct way to create new opportunities. When we join forces, we generate an ecosystem of change that allows us to integrate these small advances. We believe that innovation is not just for the few, we all have the power to generate great results from small changes.

Investigating the impact of advertising spending on brand equity dimensions in Kosovo: A comprehensive market analysis

This research paper examines the impact of advertising spending on three crucial aspects of brand equity—brand awareness, perceived quality, and consumer purchase intention—in Kosovo's unique market environment. The study aims to offer a detailed analysis of both the actual advertising expenditures and consumers' perceptions of these expenditures, exploring their influence on brand-related metrics. This approach not only fills a significant gap in the literature concerning advertising spending in Kosovo—a developing economy facing substantial economic challenges—but also provides practical insights for businesses to optimize their advertising strategies even in times of economic downturns. The research encompasses a diverse array of 24 brands from sectors such as banking, microfinance, insurance, furniture retail, and supermarkets, thus presenting a comprehensive view of advertising's role in shaping consumer behavior. Employing a robust quantitative framework, the study integrates both secondary and primary data through statistical models like ordinary least squares and Probit, highlighting the strategic value of advertising investments and offering a contextually rich perspective on its effectiveness in enhancing brand equity elements within a challenging economic landscape.

Why and how do suppliers develop environmental management capabilities in response to buyer-led development initiatives?

PurposeAlthough buying firms increasingly adopt supplier development to help suppliers enhance their ability to deal with environmental issues, little is known about the mechanisms by which buyer-led environmental supplier development (ESD) affects the environmental management capabilities (EMC) of suppliers. Focusing on the supplier perspective and specifically on the role of psychological mechanisms at the supplier level, the authors adopt the stimulus–organism–response framework from functionalist psychology to investigate the mediating role of environment-related supplier perceived relationship value in the association between ESD, in the form of environmental requirements and audits (indirect development – ID) vs. direct development projects (direct development – DD), and supplier EMC.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used structural equation modeling and regression analysis to test the hypotheses using survey data from 221 supplying organizations in China.FindingsResults reveal that each of the three considered dimensions of the environment-related supplier perceived relationship value (i.e. economic, strategic and co-creation) helps enhance EMC. However, while DD influences positively all three dimensions, ID has a positive effect on only the economic and strategic dimensions. Moreover, the mediation analysis suggests that, while DD affects EMC both directly and via the three dimensions of environment-related supplier perceived relationship value (partial mediation), ID affects EMC only through its impact on environment-related supplier perceived relationship economic and strategic value (full mediation).Originality/valueThe study sheds light on the psychological mechanisms that drive suppliers’ involvement in green supplier development activities. By doing so, it contributes to the understanding of ESD practices and processes and their effectiveness.

Group-based reputational incentives can blunt sensitivity to societal harms and benefits.

People's concern with maintaining their individual reputation powerfully drives judgment and decision making. But humans also identify strongly with groups. Concerns about group-based reputation may similarly shape people's psychology, perhaps especially in contexts where shifts in group reputation can have strategic consequences. Do individuals allow their concern with their group's reputation to shape their reactions to even large-scale societal suffering versus benefits? Examining both affective responses and financially incentivized behavior of partisans in the United States, five preregistered experiments (N = 7,534) demonstrate that group-based reputational incentives can weaken-and sometimes nearly eliminate-affective differentiation between present-term societal harms and benefits. This can occur even when these societal harms and benefits are substantial-including economic devastation and national security threats-and when the consequences impact ingroup members. Individuals' sensitivity to group-based reputation can even cause them to divert resources from more effective to less effective charities. We provide evidence that partisans care about group-based reputation in part because it holds strategic value, positioning their group to improve its standing vis-a-vis the outgroup. By allowing group-based reputational incentives to reduce their sensitivity to societal outcomes, partisans may play into the other side's cynical narratives about their disregard for human suffering, damaging bridges to cooperation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Mergers and Acquisitions in the Digital Age: The Role of Technology in Streamlining Financial Integration

Abstract: This comprehensive article explores the transformative role of technology in streamlining financial integration during mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the digital age. It examines how advanced technological solutions, including cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, automated reconciliation tools, and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications, are revolutionizing traditional M&A processes. The paper delves into the impact of these technologies on consolidating financial data, enabling real-time analysis, reducing manual errors, and providing predictive insights for risk assessment and opportunity identification. It also discusses best practices for successful financial integration, emphasizing the importance of pre-merger due diligence, phased integration approaches, and robust cybersecurity measures. Furthermore, the article investigates emerging trends and future prospects in technology-driven M&A, including the potential of blockchain, advanced analytics, and quantum computing to further enhance integration processes. Drawing on recent research and industry surveys, this study highlights the critical role of technology in realizing M&A potential, improving deal outcomes, and creating strategic value in an increasingly complex business environment. The findings underscore the necessity for organizations to embrace technological advancements to remain competitive in the evolving landscape of corporate mergers and acquisitions.

The Australian Frailty Network: Development of a consumer-focussed national response to frailty.

Frailty is an important concept in the care of older adults. Over the past two decades, significant advances have been made in measuring frailty. While it is now well-recognised that frailty status is an important determinant of outcomes from medical illnesses or surgical interventions, frailty measurement is not currently routinely integrated into clinical practice. In the community setting, it is uncommon for general practitioners to deliver frailty-optimised care. In hospitals, there is substantial variability in how people living with frailty are managed. This variability is notable between and even within disciplines. Furthermore, gains from understanding frailty mechanisms and risk factors are not yet applied/implemented at scale to delay the progression of frailty in community-dwellers. The Australian Frailty Network (AFN) is a national collaborative group of researchers, clinicians, non-government organisations, consumers and policymakers, in which the engagement and active involvement of consumers has been embedded from the outset. The AFN aims to generate new knowledge to improve health outcomes, to ensure evidence-based management is translated into clinical practice and to build capacity in multidisciplinary and translational frailty research. Here, we describe the development of the AFN, highlighting important milestones: (i) securing funding for the network and flagship elements; (ii) an inaugural summit to establish the strategic vision, values and scope with end-users; (iii) sabbatical visits to learn from international examples; and (iv) developing the governance structure and an actionable plan encompassing consumer engagement, research, education and policy and practice to maximise impact.

Gender differentials in primary processing and market participation by mopane worm harvesters in Zimbabwe: insights from the COVID-19 pandemic phase

BackgroundGender disparities in access to inputs, markets, financial inclusion, and participation in strategic value chains are major developmental challenges in emerging economies. Participation in the edible insect value chain has become an essential source of income, food, and nutrition in some African countries. This paper uses a bivariate probit model to examine the gender differentials for primary mopane worm harvesters’ participation in primary processing and market participation during COVID-19 in Southeastern Zimbabwe. Using a structured questionnaire, the data were gathered from 393 primary harvesters in five purposively selected wards in the Gwanda District of Zimbabwe. This study examines the gender differentials for primary mopane worm harvesters’ participation in primary processing and market participation during COVID-19 in Southeastern Zimbabwe.ResultsResults show that women are likelier to participate in primary value addition to preparing for the lean season opportunities. There are gender differentials in the participation in markets during COVID-19. Results show a significant negative relationship between participants' ages and female engagement in mopane processing and a positive correlation with female involvement in lean COVID-19 season marketing. Male harvesters’ participation in the lean market during the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly correlated positively with age and education level, while the choice to participate in the lean market was negatively correlated with the dependency ratio.ConclusionsCollaborative, community-centric, and gender-accommodative development of the mopane worm value chain is important. Focal issues are on supporting primary value addition for lean season market participation and during market shocks such as COVID-19. This can be a leap towards gender equality and improving livelihoods of women and men in mopane harvesting areas. The study recommends marketing and district-specific policies explicitly addressing mopane worm harvesting and marketing affects market participation and primary value-addition decisions.

Adaptive Stakeholder Management in Social Startups

This research examines the implementation and outcomes of stakeholder relationship management (SRM) strategies in social startups, focusing on Indonesia's Social Organization Matchmaking program. Conducting by a qualitative approach, this study explores how the Outreach Campaign team designed and implemented SRM strategies to engage diverse Organizations within a resource-constrained, emerging market context. The findings highlight a multifaceted SRM approach encompassing strategic communication, personalized engagement, value co-creation, and digital interaction. This adaptive strategy significantly enhanced program outcomes, including a higher success rate in matching Organizations with sponsors, increased retention, and overall satisfaction. Key factors contributing to effective SRM were identified, such as fostering trust through transparent communication, cultivating commitment through shared value creation, and balancing digital and traditional engagement methods. Contextual factors, including cultural norms, economic realities, technological infrastructure, and regulatory environment, shaped SRM strategies.

Effects of strategic value orientation on personal data privacy, value in use and organizational reputation

Effects of strategic value orientation on personal data privacy, value in use and organizational reputation

Sustainable Business Practices for Economic Instability: A Data-Driven Approach

This paper postulates that with economic uncertainties being prevalent in the contemporary business world, sustainability is one of the most viable and effective managerial approaches that can be implemented in organizations. This paper seeks to understand the importance of sustaining business during economically draining periods and find out some quantified measures of sustaining a business during such periods. When reviewing the discussed literature, and presenting case-studies of different organizations, we showcase practices of sustainable business. The authors stressing that companies should use data to advance sustainability strategies provide methodological instructions for such practices. When sustainability is incorporated into the company’s strategic value chain, this also helps the business to survive and thrive even during challenging economic conditions while at the same time supporting sustainable environmental and social objectives. The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the client’s current and potential sustainability approaches and develop a clear structure for classifying and analyzing them.

Strategic public value(s) governance: A systematic literature review and framework for analysis

AbstractThis article offers evidence‐based understanding of public value creation in multi‐actor collaborations by presenting the results of a systematic literature review of empirical studies published within the public administration field. Specifically, it focuses on two primary research questions: How do multi‐actor collaborations generate public value(s)? What types of public value(s) are created by these collaborative endeavors? Our results shed light on 12 strategic governance components for enacting public value(s) governance (PVsG) in multi‐actor collaborations, including six key public values to be considered for discerning and assessing processes of public value generation. We contribute to theory and practice by providing a unifying framework to PVsG which updates the public value strategic triangle combining Moore's managerial action‐focused approach with Bozeman's policy or societally oriented public values approach.

Social Media: A Catalyst for Business Growth

Social media platforms, as potent communication channels, are witnessing a surge in user adoption. Their interconnected nature facilitates the sharing of links, ideas, videos, and content, while also enabling user interaction through comments and compliments. Recognizing the strategic value of social media, businesses are increasingly integrating it into their marketing strategies. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn play a pivotal role in attracting target audiences by fostering direct connections. Empirical evidence suggests a correlation between increased social media engagement and enhanced sales figures. This research paper seeks to investigate the factors driving social media usage and its subsequent impact on business growth. By analyzing secondary data, the study aims to uncover the positive influence of social media on sales and business performance.

Metaverse adoption in the manufacturing industry: impact on social and environmental sustainability performance

PurposeThis study aims to examine the adoption of Metaverse technology in the manufacturing industry and its potential impact on firms’ social and environmental sustainability performance.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 157 technology-based firms in the Malaysian high-tech manufacturing industry and analyzed using PLS-SEM to investigate the influence of social (i.e. social capital, open/innovative culture and empowerment) and technological factors (i.e. digitalization preparedness, integrability and strategic value) on Metaverse adoption and the moderating roles of digital trust and absorptive capacity.FindingsSocial and technological factors were found to significantly impact Metaverse adoption, with digital trust enhancing the influence of social factors. Absorptive capacity strengthens firms’ abilities to use social factors for adoption. However, digital trust does not significantly moderate the relationship between technological factors and adoption, nor does absorptive capacity impact this relationship. Finally, Metaverse adoption is shown to positively contribute to firms’ social sustainability, improving social well-being and equity, but it does not significantly impact environmental sustainability.Practical implicationsFor practitioners, the study highlights the importance of fostering an organizational culture that supports digital trust and developing absorptive capacity as critical enablers of successful Metaverse adoption. Policy implications include the need for creating supportive policies that encourage digital transformation efforts aligned with sustainability goals.Originality/valueTheoretically, this study integrates the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, Human-Organization-Technology fit (HOT-fit) framework and Resource-Based View (RBV) to improve understanding of technology adoption and sustainability performance. From a managerial perspective, it highlights the importance of fostering digital trust and developing absorptive capacity as critical enablers of successful Metaverse adoption. Policy implications include the need for policies supporting digital transformation efforts aligned with sustainability goals.