Top Management Support Research Articles

An empirical evidence on the impact of social customer relationship management on the small and medium enterprises performance

Social media has swiftly established itself as a primary source of products’ information for customers. Nowadays, Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs) can use social media to develop Customer Relationship Management platforms (social CRM). Firms, particularly SMEs in developing countries need to understand the factors affecting their performance by implementing social CRM. However, there is a dearth of awareness on the impact of social CRM on the performance of SMEs. This study proposes an integrated model that aims to investigate the effects of social CRM on SMEs’ performance. The model is constructed by incorporating three dominant theoretical frameworks: the Fit-Viability Model (FVM), Network Externalities, and the Resource-Based View (RBV). A cross-sectional survey was used to gather data from 149 SMEs managerial staff. Findings revealed that almost 50% of the variability in the performance of SMEs is explained by the fitness and viability of social CRM. In addition, network externalities of social media significantly impact the social CRM fitness in the context of SMEs with path coefficient 0.617. Furthermore, the internal financial resources factor makes sCRM viable for SMEs as the results show significant relationship between the internal financial resources and the sCRM viability with 0.536 path coefficient. Manager innovativeness, IT knowledge, top management support, and government assistance, on the other hand, do not contribute significantly to the viability of social CRM for SMEs. The model aids SMEs in making well-informed decisions regarding the adoption of social CRM by evaluating both the suitability of social media for CRM tasks and the enterprise preparedness to implement social CRM, leading to enhanced performance.

Adoption of cloud-based accounting solutions in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises: insights from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Purpose This study aims to explore the extent to which micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Saudi Arabia are adopting cloud-based accounting systems, what cloud accounting technologies MSMEs are using and the factors that affect cloud accounting system adoption. The technology, organizational and environmental model was used to assess the factors that affect the adoption of cloud accounting systems. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected via a survey distributed to MSME owners, directors and chief executives in Saudi Arabia. The final sample comprised 174 participants. Descriptive statistics, multiple response analysis and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Findings This study’s findings show that many MSMEs currently do not use cloud accounting. The findings also show that Sage One and Xero Accounting are the main cloud accounting technologies MSMEs use. Perceived benefits, security concerns, organizational readiness, government support and vendor support were found to significantly influence the adoption of cloud accounting systems, while compatibility, firm size, top management support and intensity of the competition were not found to affect MSMEs adoption of cloud accounting technologies. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore cloud accounting adoption by MSMEs in Saudi Arabia. It empirically shows the extent to which cloud-based accounting systems are used in MSMEs and the significant factors influencing the adoption of these systems.

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.

Organizational Factors Influencing Data Analytics Adoption in SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can use analytics tools to use data for strategic decision-making, but their adoption remains limited because of several issues. This study conducts a systematic literature review spanning the years 2018 to 2024 to investigate how the adoption of data analytics factors influences the widespread utilization of Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) frameworks within SMEs. After a rigorous selection procedure, 25 relevant publications were found on Web of Science and Google Scholar, providing insight into significant factors impacting adoption initiatives. The study highlights the significance of top management support, organizational readiness, rivalry, and relative advantage in fostering successful adoption campaigns within SMEs. By arranging and categorizing these variables, this study offers important perspectives to scholars and industry professionals, empowering them to formulate informed choices and tactical plans for the implementation of data analytics in SMEs.

Leveraging financial literacy into sustainable business performance: a mediated-moderated model

Purpose – The current study evaluates the linkage between financial literacy and the sustainable business performance model with access to finance and fintech adoption. Further, the moderating role of top management support in the linkage between financial literacy toward access to finance and fintech adoption was verified. Research methodology – This research was conducted in the SME sector in Indonesia. The sample frame were 261 SMEs and 783 respondents from three levels of management. Data was collected in the October-December 2023 period. Data were obtained utilizing Likert-scaled questionnaires and analyzed using SmartPLS. Findings – The results demonstrate that financial literacy is an instrumental driver of access to finance and fintech adoption that promotes sustainability performance. Subsequently, the study highlights the critical role of access to finance and fintech adoption as the mediator and top management support as moderator. Research limitations – The study is solely performed on the SME sector in one country; thus, the findings’ generalization is lacking. Practical implications – SME managers need to upgrade their financial literacy because financially knowledgeable managers are keenly informed of the costs, benefits, and risks related to funding schemes to encourage sustainable performance. Originality/Value – Empirical research that explores the implication of financial literacy on access to finance and fintech adoption in promoting sustainability performance is lacking, reported solely on manufacturing companies and banks. Meanwhile, the SME sector, especially in developing countries, is understudied. Consequently, the initial study leads the examination of financial literacy’s role in enhancing access to finance and fintech adoption to foster the sustainability performance of SMEs.

Enhancing Healthcare Information Systems in Ethiopian Hospitals: Exploring Challenges and Prospects of a Cloud-based Model for Smart and Sustainable Information Services

Hospitals are the primary hubs for healthcare service providers in Ethiopia; however, hospitals face significant challenges in adopting digital health information systems solutions due to disparate, non-interoperable systems and limited access. Information technology, especially via cloud computing, is crucial in healthcare for efficient data management, secure storage, real-time access to critical information, seamless provider communication, enhanced collaboration, and scalable IT infrastructure. This study investigated the challenges to standardizing smart and green healthcare information services and proposed a cloud-based model for overcoming them. We conducted a mixed-methods study in 11 public hospitals, employing quantitative and qualitative approaches with diverse stakeholders (N = 103). The data was collected through surveys, interviews, and technical observations by purposive quota sampling with the Raosoft platform and analyzed using IBM SPSS. Findings revealed several shortcomings in existing information systems, including limited storage, scalability, and security; impaired data sharing and collaboration; accessibility issues; no interoperability; ownership ambiguity; unreliable data recovery; environmental concerns; affordability challenges; and inadequate policy enforcement. Notably, hospitals lacked a centralized data management system, cloud-enabled systems for remote access, and modern data recovery strategies. Despite these challenges, 90.3% of respondents expressed interest in adopting cloud-enabled data recovery systems. However, infrastructure limitations, inadequate cloud computing/IT knowledge, lack of top management support, digital illiteracy, limited innovation, and data security concerns were identified as challenges to cloud adoption. The study further identified three existing healthcare information systems: paper-based methods, electronic medical catalog systems, and district health information systems2. Limitations of the paper-based method include error-proneness, significant cost, data fragmentation, and restricted remote access. Growing hospital congestion and carbon footprint highlighted the need for sustainable solutions. Based on these findings, we proposed a cloud-based model tailored to the Ethiopian context. This six-layered model, delivered as a Software-as-a-Service within a community cloud deployment, aims to improve healthcare services through instant access, unified data management, and evidence-based medical practices. The model demonstrates high acceptability and potential for improving healthcare delivery, and implementation recommendations are suggested based on the proposed model.

EXPLORING DIGITAL MARKETING ADOPTION DYNAMICS IN PAKISTANI STARTUPS THROUGH THE TECHNOLOGY-ORGANIZATION-ENVIRONMENT (TOE) FRAMEWORK

This study investigates the factors involved in digital marketing adoption among small and medium startups (SMSs) in Pakistan using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. Data were collected through an online survey from 409 startups based in Karachi, Pakistan, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for analysis. Results indicate SMSs prioritize internal capabilities and resources for digital marketing adoption over external factors. Key factors identified in digital marketing adoption include technology knowledge, compatibility and cost while the effect of technology complexity was found to be insignificant. Top management support and digital marketing orientation were also crucial, highlighting the importance of strategic leadership and a focused digital approach. These findings highlight the distinct characteristics of SMSs compared to established SMEs, providing insights for developing targeted strategies and regulations to support the startup ecosystem. The research contributes to understanding the unique challenges and factors influencing digital marketing adoption in startups, paving the way for better and effective support mechanisms.

Effects of Organizational Elements on Emerging Information and Construction Management Technology Implementation in Building Professionals: Moderating Role of Top Management Support

Effects of Organizational Elements on Emerging Information and Construction Management Technology Implementation in Building Professionals: Moderating Role of Top Management Support

Determinants of Occupational Health and Safety Compliance by Malaysian SMEs

Occupational safety and health (OSH) are a critical component of effective business governance. Efficient management of occupational safety and health fosters potential for growth and sustainability, and conversely. Disregarding occupational safety and health negatively impacts all stakeholders, from individual workers to national healthcare systems. This indicates that stakeholders can benefit from enhanced OSH compliance via consistent approaches. The primary principle of global OSH compliance is the mitigation and reduction of accidents, incidents, and diseases. A comparable viewpoint is relevant for small and medium-sized firms (SMEs), including those in Malaysia. This study investigated the factors influencing OSH compliance among Malaysian SMEs using a quantitative research methodology. The impact of five critical determinants: top management support, human resource practices, training and education, organisational attitude, and organisational awareness, on the attainment of OSH compliance was evaluated, drawing from literature support. A survey was done utilising convenience sampling with 400 SMEs in Malaysia. Data was gathered from 380 responding SMEs and examined using structural equation modelling (SEM) with partial least squares (PLS). The statistical findings indicated that human resource practices, organisational attitudes, and organisational awareness were key predictors of occupational safety and health compliance in the sampled Malaysian SMEs. The significance of administering OSH focused human resource policy, particularly the HR practice of endorsing safety and related training programs, has facilitated enhanced support for OSH training programs and employee awareness. The findings indicated that SMEs’ practice of displaying hazardous warning signs and promoting incident reporting has resulted in improved occupational safety and health compliance. The level of SMEs’ awareness regarding the necessity to review standard operating procedures before initiating work, safety information related to hazardous materials, understanding the risks associated with chemical substances, and the segregation of waste materials prior to disposal has facilitated effective OSH compliance among the participating SMEs. The investigation yielded multiple implications derived from the results obtained.

SME's E-Commerce Adoption in Sabah and Sarawak: The Moderating Role of Government Support

This study investigates the factors influencing e-commerce adoption among SMEs in Sabah and Sarawak, addressing gaps in the existing consensus and theoretical framework. Utilizing the Technology-Organisation-Environment theory, the research focuses on perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, organizational readiness, and top management support, with government support as a moderating variable. Employing a quantitative approach and survey methodology, data analysis was conducted using SPSS and SmartPLS 4. The results reveal that perceived usefulness and ease of use positively impact e-commerce adoption, and government support moderates the relationship between ease of use and adoption. The findings highlight the crucial role of the technological context, particularly user experience. The study underscores that user-friendly and useful e-commerce platforms increase the likelihood of adoption, while government support is vital through regulations and infrastructure improvements. Future research is recommended to explore e-commerce adoption across diverse industries and examine post-adoption stages to identify evolving patterns over time.

Beyond the hype: A TAM-based analysis of blockchain adoption drivers in construction industry

In complementing our existing knowledge of blockchain technology adoption in the construction industry, this research investigated how the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) applies to adopting blockchain technology among Saudi Arabian Construction companies. This study utilized cross-sectional data collection, causal research design, a quantitative research approach, and a simple random sampling technique to collect data from 248 Saudi Arabian construction companies. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to analyze the data. The results showed that attitude toward adopting Blockchain (ATT) and perceived ease of use (PEU) are good predictors of behavioural intention to adopt Blockchain. The findings showed that when construction companies perceive the ease of use of Blockchain, they intend to adopt the technology. Attitude toward adopting Blockchain, directly and indirectly, influences behavioural intention to adopt the Technology. However, top management support only directly leads to intention once the companies perceive the usefulness of blockchain technology. This paper complements the existing literature on adopting Blockchain in the Saudi Arabian construction industry. The study provides insight into the influence of top management support, attitude toward adoption, and perceived ease of use in the blockchain adoption process.

Readiness of big health data analytics by technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework in Ethiopian health sectors

BackgroundBig health data is a large and complex dataset that the health sector has collected and stored continuously to generate healthcare evidence for intervening the future healthcare uncertainty. However, data use for decision-making practices has been significantly low in developing countries, especially in Ethiopia. Hence, it is critical to ascertain which elements influence the health sector's decision to adopt big health data analytics in health sectors. The aim of this study was to identify the level of readiness for big health data analytics and its associated factors in healthcare sectors. MethodsA cross-sectional study design was conducted among 845 target employees using the structural equation modeling approach by using technological, organizational, and environmental (TOE) frameworks. The target population of the study was health sector managers, directors, team leaders, healthcare planning officers, ICT/IT managers, and health professionals. For data analysis, exploratory factor analysis using SPSS 20.0 and structural equation modeling using AMOS software were used. Result58.85 % of the study participants had big health data analytics readiness. Complexity (CX), Top management support (TMS), training (TR) and government law policies and legislation (GLAL) and government IT policies (GITP) had positive direct effect, compatibility (CT), and optimism (OP) had negative direct effect on BD readiness (BDR) ConclusionThe technological, organizational, and environmental factors significantly contributed to big health data readiness in the healthcare sector. The Complexity, compatibility, optimism, Top management support, training (TR) and government law and IT policies (GITP) had effect on big health data analytics readiness. Formulating efficient reform in healthcare sectors, especially for evidence-based decision-making and jointly working with stakeholders will be more relevant for effective implementation of big health data analytics in healthcare sectors.

Critical Success Factors for Adopting Corporate Social Responsibility in the Malaysian Hotel Industry

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming more highly regarded in the hotel sector as a strong weapon in promoting sustainable economic development and addressing ethical concerns. Nevertheless, there is a limited knowledge of the notion of CSR in the hotel business, as well as how to effectively implement it. This study seeks to understand the views and recommendations of experts regarding the key elements of that are essential for the effective implementation of CSR in the hotel industry. This study uses the NGT method as the main method of the study. A panel of ten highly skilled Malaysian industry practitioners and academics was convened. The data were descriptively collected and analyzed, and they were weighted according to ranking (1-3, lowest to highest priority) of domain. The rationale for the choices were analyzed thematically. The domain of "financial resources," "top management support," "employees’ education and training on CSR," and " managerial or internal skills on CSR” was recommended as the preferred measure of time period over which the domains were rated. The adoption of these recommendations will help standardize approaches to improving the CSR practices particularly in the Malaysian hotels.

A principal component analysis of corporate dispositions for sustainable building construction in South Africa

Corporate dispositions have been associated with implementing sustainable building construction (SBC). Prior studies have underscored the need for institutions to adopt sustainable development concepts as an integral part of their operations. Nonetheless, there remains ambiguity about the characteristics essential for enabling SBC, particularly for construction companies. Consequently, this study explored the corporate dispositions influencing SBC implementation in South Africa. The respondents included built environment professionals in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Descriptive and principal component analyses were used to determine the essential characteristics or features. The study found that top management support, competency, availability of finance for the project operation, good project management culture, stakeholders’ involvement and commitment, and commitment to innovative construction are the most critical corporate disposition features for SBC implementation. These formed a principal cluster called corporate capability and commitment. The insight from the critical corporate dispositions analysis is anticipated to trigger improvement initiatives and mitigate unsustainable practices and the unaffordability of smart houses in the South African construction industry. The findings suggest that mobilising competent human and financial resources for project operation among construction firms will support the adoption of modern building techniques and the erection of smart houses. Similarly, competitive advantage and committed involvement of the relevant stakeholders, including government and community, can lead to subsidy, alignment of local needs and aspirations, and reducing the high price of erecting sustainable/smart buildings and rental costs.

Building a framework to drive government systems' adoption of cloud computing through IT knowledge

abstractMany governments in developing countries are finding it challenging to integrate cloud computing into their e-government systems because of the limited effective identification and evaluation of important factors. Cloud computing usage in government organizations is still restricted due to concerns over security, regulatory challenges, cultural resistance to new technologies, infrastructure limitations, and other factors (Abied et al. in Sustainability 14:15590, 2022). This research suggests a model that analyses the factors influencing the adoption of cloud computing in e-government systems within Jordanian government organizations by decision-makers. The survey was distributed online to a purposive sample consisting of 373 IT professionals and top-level managers in government organizations in Jordan. The study demonstrates that the technological factors which include complexity, compatibility, relative advantage, and security, the organisational factors which consist of top management support and cost, and the environmental factors which include industry competition and government rules and regulations, had a significant and positive impact on the adoption of cloud-based services in government systems. Furthermore, IT knowledge held by decision makers was recognized as a key factor in the adoption of cloud computing for e-government systems. This research is anticipated to provide significant insights for any organizations making investment decisions about the use of cloud-based services. This research considers the assessment of multiple aspects to encourage top management to analyse the consequences of implementing cloud services for e-government systems. This case study might not be applied broadly to all types of organizations in Jordan. Future research should employ large-scale samples to ensure the study's representativeness and could also broaden the scope by including samples from similar countries to validate the model or its implementation across different cultures, IT infrastructure and geographical settings. In addition, it is recommended that upcoming research consider using the level of experience and education as moderators.

Trust in AI and Top Management Support in Generative-AI Adoption

ABSTRACT Generative AI technologies like ChatGPT have gained popularity, promising substantial benefits, but have also started debates on their potential to redefine roles in the workforce. This study explores how trust and top management support are related to the actual employment of these technologies in various work environments. The research, conducted among experienced professionals from different countries, utilized an online survey. After data cleaning, the final analysis cohort comprised 128 participants. This study leveraged PLS-SEM for statistical analysis, underlining that top management support, while not directly leading to actual usage, profoundly impacts trust in AI. This trust forms a bridge between top management support and actual technology use. Thus, this study offers a novel concept of trust in AI as a key mediator. Despite the mixed sentiments surrounding generative AI, these insights are important for organizations willing to integrate such tools.

Navigating post-pandemic challenges through institutional research networks and talent management

Institutions actively seek global talent to foster innovation in the contemporary landscape of scientific research, education, and technological progress. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of international collaboration as researchers and academicians faced limitations in accessing labs and conducting research experiments. This study uses a research collaboration system to examine the relationship between organizational intellectual capital (Human and structural Capital) and team scientific and technological performance. Further, this study underscores the moderating role of top management support. Using a time-lagged study design, data were collected from 363 participants in academic and research institutions. The results show a positive relationship between organizational intellectual capital (Human and structural Capital) and team scientific and technological performance using a research collaboration system. Moreover, top management support positively moderates the study’s hypothesized relationships. The study’s findings contribute significantly to existing knowledge in this field, with implications for academia, researchers, and government focused on technology transmission, talent management, research creative collaboration, supporting innovation, scientific research, technological progress, and preparing for future challenges.

Determinants of Internal Audit Effectiveness in Local Government Authorities (LGAs): Evidence from Morogoro Region of Tanzania

This study examines the determinants of internal audit effectiveness in Local Government Authorities (LGAs), addressing the growing importance of robust Internal Audit Function (IAF) in public sector governance. The study employed the descriptive research design based on a mixed research approach integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected from 45 purposively selected respondents with extensive auditing experience. A multiple linear regression model was used to assess the impact of these factors on internal audit effectiveness. The empirical results indicate that the four factors account for 65.7% of the variance in internal audit effectiveness, with IT utilization being the most significant contributor (R² = 0.657, Adjusted R² = 0.616). The ANOVA results further validate the model, showing a statistically significant F-statistic of 3.2976 with a p-value of 0.001, indicating the robustness of the findings. Top management support was found to be critical in fostering a culture of accountability, while the independence of internal audit ensures objectivity and unbiased assessments. IT utilization was identified as a key driver in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of audit processes. Finally, the competence of internal auditors was shown to significantly influence the quality and accuracy of audit outcomes. The study recommends the need for institutionalizing top management support, safeguarding auditor independence, advancing IT utilization, and promoting continuous professional development for auditors. These measures are essential for improving governance and accountability within LGAs, thereby contributing to more effective and reliable internal audit practices.

DETERMINAN FAKTOR YANG MEMENGARUHI KINERJA SISTEM INFORMASI PADA KOPERASI DI KABUPATEN BANYUMAS

Currently, technological developments are increasingly rapid and sophisticated, one of which is developments in accounting information systems. In this situation, users are required to adapt to current developments in technology because many companies are competing to advance their business. This research aims to determine the variables influencing the performance of accounting information systems in cooperatives in Banyumas Regency. Data was obtained in this research by distributing questionnaires to employees with a total of 106 respondents. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling with certain criteria. The results of this research indicate that user technical abilities, formalization of system development, user training and education programs, and top management support have a positive influence on accounting information system performance, while the work experience variable has no effect.Keywords : performance; accounting information system; cooperative;

Influence Sophistication Technology Information, Support Management Peak and Ability Personal Techniques on Effectiveness System Information Accountancy

The aim of this research is to examine the influence of information technology sophistication, top management support and personal technical capabilities on the effectiveness of accounting information systems. This research was conducted at the Denpasar City Regional Apparatus Organization (OPD), the number of samples used was 40 respondents using a non-probability sampling method using a purposive sampling technique. The collected data was then analyzed using Partial Least Square (PLS). The research results show that the sophistication of information technology, top management support and personal technical abilities have a positive effect on the effectiveness of the accounting information system. The implications of this research include two things, theoretical implications and practical implications. The theoretical implications of this research relate to the development of theories regarding the variables of information technology sophistication, top management support and personal technical abilities that support the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory. The practical implications of this research relate to the contribution of research in Denpasar City Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) as material for consideration in improving the effectiveness of accounting information systems.