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1 – 10 of 20Grace Akullo, Elisa Aracil, Samuel Mwaura and Carolyn McMillan
We seek to understand how informal entrepreneurship education and training (EET) processes support marginalised women in challenging institutional contexts into gainful…
Abstract
Purpose
We seek to understand how informal entrepreneurship education and training (EET) processes support marginalised women in challenging institutional contexts into gainful participation in entrepreneurial activities, facilitating empowerment and emancipation.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs an inductive qualitative approach drawing on in-depth individual interviews, a focus group and observation of how female informal EET educators facilitate hands-on EET to marginalised female entrepreneurs in Uganda.
Findings
We specify a range of novel complementary practices that informal EET educators undertake during the main instructional EET stage and present the wraparound purposive work, both pre-and-post the instructional stage, they enact to support female empowerment processes for their disadvantaged learners. We then propose a grounded model capturing practices enacted by EET practitioners that illuminates ways in which informal EET can contribute to processes of empowerment and emancipation.
Originality/value
Our contributions are twofold. First, we conceptualise EET educators as institutional entrepreneurs undertaking institutional work beyond core teaching. Second, we specify a range of novel complementary practices they undertake before, during and after the conventional instructional part. This illuminates how EET can contribute to processes of empowerment and emancipation. Drawing on data from a unique institutional context, we illuminate novel practices enacted by informal EET educators thereby extending both the pedagogy and the realm of entrepreneurship education with implications for grander empowerment and emancipatory outcomes beyond the development of entrepreneurial competencies.
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Jiapeng Wu, Dayu Gao, Cheng Xu and Yanqi Sun
This paper aims to investigate the influence of the regional business environment on local firm innovation, considering various dimensions such as administrative, financial and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the influence of the regional business environment on local firm innovation, considering various dimensions such as administrative, financial and legal environments.
Design/methodology/approach
Multiple regression analysis is employed to analyze archival data for firms listed on Chinese stock markets.
Findings
We find that the optimizations of the administrative and financial environments positively affect firm innovation, whereas the legal environment does not exert a similar impact. Our analysis also reveals that the business environment’s optimization significantly influences innovation in firms that are small, non-state-owned and operating in high-tech industries. Furthermore, the business environment acts as a moderating variable in the relationship between firm innovation and firm value.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of institutional-level determinants of firm innovation, highlighting the nuances of the legal environment and the importance of context-specific analysis, especially in emerging markets like China.
Practical implications
Developing countries can significantly enhance firm innovation by improving the business environment, including the optimization of administrative and financial systems, reducing transaction costs and ensuring capital supply. Tailored legal frameworks and alternative institutional strategies may also be explored.
Social implications
This study explicitly emphasizes the governmental role in promoting firm innovation, shedding light on policy formulation and strategic alignment with local administrative policies.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to explore the relationship between the business environment and firm innovation using World Bank indicators in an emerging market context, providing novel insights into the unique dynamics of legal, financial and administrative sub-environments.
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Eli Paolo Fresnoza, Devan Balcombe and Laura Choo
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the incorporation, prioritization and depth of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives in tourism industry restart policies of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the incorporation, prioritization and depth of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives in tourism industry restart policies of Canadian provinces and territories. This study investigates how the detailing of EDI in policies determine the priority in emancipating tourism workers from the inequities exacerbated during the pandemic. Such investigation enables a better understanding of the complexities, tendencies and rationale of involving EDI in the tourism industry’s recovery.
Design/methodology/approach
The research investigated the presence and prioritization of equity, diversity, and inclusion using systematic text analytics of 38 publicly available restart plans and statements from 52 government and non-government agencies. Using web-based software Voyant Tools to assist in text analytics, a hybrid deductive-inductive coding approach was conducted.
Findings
Key outcomes from the analysis revealed scarce to no full and dedicated content on EDI as a holistic initiative necessary for tourism industry relaunch. This lack of EDI content was a result of the greater impetus to prioritize economic generation and limited data due to practical and ideological issues. Results also suggested the tokenizing of EDI in some policies.
Research limitations/implications
Difficulties in data used for research include the lack and availability of restart policies specifically for tourism; most policies were generalized and referred to economic recovery as a whole. Studies of tourism-specific EDI issues were also limited.
Originality
The research is revelatory for investigating EDI prioritizations in restart policies even among well-developed and worker-diverse tourism industries such as in Canada, where inequities and injustices to women, Black, Indigenous, gender-diverse, and newcomer tourism workers among others have been withstanding.
Irfan Ulhaq, Rajkishore Nayak, Majo George, Hung Nguyen and Huy Quang
Green knowledge management (GKM) has become a critical factor for modern organizations, offering a multifaceted approach to enhancing business operations while promoting…
Abstract
Purpose
Green knowledge management (GKM) has become a critical factor for modern organizations, offering a multifaceted approach to enhancing business operations while promoting environmental sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and explore how GKM helps companies reduce their ecological footprint by digitalizing processes and minimizing physical storage needs, thus aligning with growing expectations for corporate environmental responsibility. The necessity for conducting a GKM review is underscored by the increasing recognition of sustainability, environmental performance and as a critical component of organizational corporate success in the contemporary business landscape.
Design/methodology/approach
This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 994 papers related to GKM from 2005 until August 2024.
Findings
Over the 20 years of research on GKM, this bibliometric analysis drew the interlinked relationships between main theme of KM in the context of sustainable practices, processes, social and related theories. This study identifies green innovation, digital transformation, green and lean supply chains, leadership and technology tools. Future research can explore themes such as green and lean processes, barriers and enablers, role of leadership and ambidexterity in green supply chain integration using different theoretical lenses.
Research limitations/implications
Although the findings of this study are important to GKM research, there are a number of limitations to this investigation. The research database used exclusively was the Web of Science and Scopus, which contained the indexed papers. Future investigations may draw from various databases, such as EBSCO and Google Scholar. Additionally, the use of topic modelling and other artificial intelligence frameworks could enhance research analysis. Subsequently, research papers may expand their scope to encompass conference papers, books and book chapters, in addition to articles.
Practical implications
This review gives a holistic understanding of GKM practices across various sectors which not only enhances organizational performance but also contributes to broader environmental goals. This study offers an understanding on GKM on holistic approach that combines total quality management (TQM), absorptive capacity and collaborative frameworks to foster innovation and sustainability.
Originality/value
It is evident from the review that research in GKM is evolving gaining momentum. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the GKM literature, from its earliest forms of basic concepts aligned with the sustainability and progressing more into the concepts of GKM adoption for green innovation by highlighting multiple theories, factors and gaps in the studies.
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Suhair Alkilani and Martin Loosemore
This research examines the employability challenges faced by skilled female migrants in the Australian construction industry, focusing on barriers to employment and their negative…
Abstract
Purpose
This research examines the employability challenges faced by skilled female migrants in the Australian construction industry, focusing on barriers to employment and their negative impacts on confidence, health and well-being. The paper concludes with recommendations for construction firms and policymakers to improve the employability of these women, offering insights that are applicable internationally.
Design/methodology/approach
Using employability theory, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with 16 skilled female migrants seeking employment in the Australian construction industry. The interviews captured the lived experiences of these women, and thematic analysis was applied to identify key barriers and inform recommendations for construction firms and policymakers.
Findings
The findings provide new conceptual insights into the multiple barriers which female skilled migrants have to overcome in improving their employability in the construction industry. It is also found that these experiences of seeking employment in construction align with the theoretical concept of “contextualized employability” and have potentially profound negative impacts on skilled female migrants’ confidence, hope, health, well-being and family and community relationships. This is despite the Australian construction industry facing a serious labour and skills shortage and being the most gender segregated industry in Australia. The study highlights the need for tailored support, improved industry practices and collaborative efforts from government and private sectors to enhance the employability and integration of skilled female migrants in the construction industry.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited by its focus on the Australian context, which may not be generalisable to other countries with different institutional systems, policies and cultural attitudes towards migrants. The sample size of 16 participants, while providing in-depth insights, may not capture the full diversity of experiences among female skilled migrants. Further research is needed in other countries to compare findings and develop more comprehensive strategies. Despite these limitations, the study’s implications highlight the urgent need for better support systems and industry reforms to improve the employability of skilled female migrants in the construction sector.
Practical implications
Improving the employability of skilled female migrants promotes social integration, mental health and stronger community ties. It challenges gender stereotypes and reduces discrimination in the construction industry, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Practical recommendations include mentorship programs, inclusive recruitment and tailored training. Social procurement policies could set hiring targets for female migrants in the construction industry, while streamlined qualification recognition and tax incentives can encourage hiring. Non-profits and community organisations can support these efforts through mentorship, networking and internships, helping these women build sustainable careers and strengthen workforce diversity. The recommendations aim at enhancing the job prospects and overall well-being of these women while addressing labour shortages in the construction industry.
Originality/value
This study contributes original insights into the under-researched area of skilled female migrants’ employability in the construction industry. It expands employability theory by highlighting the impact of intersecting factors such as gender, migration status and industry-specific barriers on employment outcomes. Its practical recommendations offer pathways for policymakers and industry leaders to improve the integration and employment outcomes of this untapped talent pool.
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Sunil Kumar Yadav, Shiwangi Singh and Santosh Kumar Prusty
Business models (BMs) are becoming increasingly crucial for value creation in the healthcare sector. The study explores the conceptualization and application of BM concepts within…
Abstract
Purpose
Business models (BMs) are becoming increasingly crucial for value creation in the healthcare sector. The study explores the conceptualization and application of BM concepts within the healthcare sector and investigates their evolution in emerging economies (EEs) and developed economies (DEs). This study aims to uncover these two contexts' shared characteristics and unique variances through a comparative analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper systematically investigates and consolidates the literature on healthcare by employing the antecedents, decisions and outcomes (ADO) framework and finally examines 71 shortlisted articles published between 2003 and 2022.
Findings
The recognition of the BM within healthcare is increasing, both in EEs and DEs. EEs prioritize value creation and capture through cost efficiency, while DEs focus on innovation. Key theories employed include a resource-based view, the network theory and the theory of innovation. Case studies are commonly used as a methodology. Further research is needed to explore the decisions and outcomes of BMs.
Research limitations/implications
The study adopts stringent filtration and keyword criteria, potentially excluding relevant research. Future researchers are encouraged to broaden their selection criteria to encompass a more extensive range of relevant studies.
Practical implications
Beyond comparing and highlighting gaps in BMs between EEs and DEs, benchmarking DE's healthcare business models (HBMs) helps healthcare organizations in EEs align their practices, mitigate risks and establish efficient healthcare systems tailored to their specific contexts. The study adopts stringent filtration and keyword criteria, potentially excluding relevant research. Future researchers are encouraged to broaden their selection criteria to encompass a more extensive range of relevant studies.
Originality/value
The study analyzes HBMs using an SLR framework perspective and provides practical implications for academicians and practitioners to enhance their decision-making.
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Nataliia Krasnokutska, Amparo Merino, Carmen Escudero Guirado and Estela M. Díaz-Carmona
This paper examines open innovation (OI) based on sustainability principles within the agri-food sector. The study aims to understand the interplay between different actors and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines open innovation (OI) based on sustainability principles within the agri-food sector. The study aims to understand the interplay between different actors and develop a typology of their roles in fostering sustainability. Three key research questions guided our inquiry: “WHY” sustainability is driving the OI initiatives as presented by companies, “WHO” participates in OI interactions and “HOW” these interactions are structured among diverse agri-food actors.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a theoretical prism encompassing OI modes, types, practices, sustainability dimensions and multilevel perspectives, we analyzed 78 agri-food sustainable OI initiatives, as described by the companies, to identify and explain why, who and how they engage in OI to drive sustainability shifts.
Findings
The results reveal typical patterns of transaction and cooperation between actors and confirm the collaborative nature of sustainable OI in the agri-food sector when actors must transcend traditional economic boundaries and reshape both the internal performance culture and the broader industrial or community mindset. The paper also conceptualizes the roles of actors in co-creating value in the context of sustainable food transitions.
Originality/value
This study brings the theoretical lenses of OI to conceptualize the collaborative nature of sustainability transitions in the agri-food system. The focus on sustainability transitions is dominantly placed on innovators at the niche level, while incumbents tend to be depicted as protecting the status quo. Thus, the focus on the collaborative interplay among different actors engaged in OI for sustainability contributes to offering a more nuanced view of innovation in sustainability transitions. In turn, the development of a typology of actors, motivations and configurations of OI from sustainability transition perspectives contributes to strengthening the conceptualization of sustainable value co-creation in the OI realm.
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Zehra Altinay, Fahriye Altinay, Ahmed Tlili and Sanaz Vatankhah
ChatGPT has been receiving mounting research attention recently. However, its application and challenges to adopt for tourism and hospitality businesses remain relatively…
Abstract
Purpose
ChatGPT has been receiving mounting research attention recently. However, its application and challenges to adopt for tourism and hospitality businesses remain relatively unexplored. To address this research gap, this study aims to systematically assess the application of ChatGPT and its challenges within the domain of tourism and hospitality.
Design/methodology/approach
This study conducts bibliometric and content analyses of papers retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus. Particularly, it systematically reviewed the tourism and hospitality research to identify critical applications of ChatGPT in the context of tourism and hospitality. In addition, this study identified challenges associated with the application of ChatGPT in this context.
Findings
It has been revealed that the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, in tourism and hospitality research is ascending, with an opportunity to advance the existing knowledge in customer service research. In addition, the results suggest an ongoing interest in assessing the role of AI and language modeling for tourism education and human resource management.
Research limitations/implications
The results are constrained by the used search keywords and electronic databases. Additionally, this study covered only papers published in English. However, the findings shed light on existing knowledge concerning ChatGPT’s transformative potential, identify areas for further exploration and offer guidelines for practice in the tourism and hospitality industry. The findings also revealed various challenges that various stakeholders should keep a closer eye on to ensure the effective and safe use of ChatGPT accordingly.
Originality/value
This study initiates a discussion on ChatGPT’s role in tourism and hospitality and underscores the importance of comprehensive AI integration within the sector.
研究目的
近年来, ChatGPT受到了越来越多的研究关注。然而, 它在旅游和酒店业中的应用及其面临的挑战仍然相对未被探索。为填补这一研究空白, 本研究系统评估了ChatGPT在旅游和酒店业中的应用及其挑战。
研究方法
本研究通过对从Web of Science(WoS)和Scopus检索的文献进行文献计量分析和内容分析。特别是, 系统回顾了旅游和酒店业的研究, 以识别ChatGPT在这一背景下的关键应用, 并识别了与其应用相关的挑战。
研究发现
研究揭示了生成式人工智能(如ChatGPT)在旅游和酒店业研究中的应用日益增多, 为推动客户服务研究的现有知识提供了机会。此外, 研究结果表明, 对人工智能和语言建模在旅游教育和人力资源管理中的作用存在持续的兴趣。
研究创新
本研究开启了对ChatGPT在旅游和酒店业中作用的讨论, 并强调了在该行业中全面整合人工智能的重要性。
实践意义
本研究受限于所用的搜索关键词和电子数据库。此外, 本研究仅涵盖了英文论文。然而, 研究结果揭示了关于ChatGPT变革潜力的现有知识, 确定了进一步探索的领域, 并为旅游和酒店业实践提供了指导。研究还揭示了各利益相关者应密切关注的各种挑战, 以确保ChatGPT的有效和安全使用。
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This study presents the impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU)-induced Trade Supply Chain Vulnerability (TSCV) on the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in India by…
Abstract
Purpose
This study presents the impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU)-induced Trade Supply Chain Vulnerability (TSCV) on the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in India by leveraging the World Bank Enterprise Survey data for 2014 and 2022. Applying econometric techniques, it examines firm size’ influence on productivity and trade participation, providing insights for enhancing SME resilience and trade participation amid uncertainty.
Design/methodology/approach
The econometric techniques focus on export participation, along with variables such as total exports, firm size, productivity, and capital intensity. It addresses crucial factors such as the direct import of intermediate goods and foreign ownership. Utilizing the Cobb-Douglas production function, the study estimates Total Factor Productivity, mitigating endogeneity and multicollinearity through a two-stage process. Besides, the study uses a case study of North Indian SMEs engaged in manufacturing activities and their adoption of mitigation strategies to combat unprecedented EPU.
Findings
Results reveal that EPU-induced TSCV reduces exports, impacting employment and firm size. Increased productivity, driven by technological adoption, correlates with improved export performance. The study highlights the negative impact of TSCV on trade participation, particularly for smaller Indian firms. Moreover, SMEs implement cost-based, supplier-based, and inventory-based strategies more than technology-based and risk-based strategies.
Practical implications
Policy recommendations include promoting increased imports and inward foreign direct investment to enhance small firms’ trade integration during economic uncertainty. Tailored support for smaller firms, considering their limited capacity, is crucial. Encouraging small firms to engage in international trade and adopting diverse SC mitigation strategies associated with policy uncertainty are vital considerations.
Originality/value
This study explores the impact of EPU-induced TSCV on Indian SMEs’ trade dynamics, offering nuanced insights for policymakers to enhance SME resilience amid uncertainty. The econometric analysis unveils patterns in export behavior, productivity, and factors influencing trade participation during economic uncertainty.
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Francisco Guzmán, Diego Alvarado-Karste, Fayez Ahmad, David Strutton and Eric L. Kennedy
Obesity imposes myriad negative consequences upon society, the economy and personal well-being. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using political correctness…
Abstract
Purpose
Obesity imposes myriad negative consequences upon society, the economy and personal well-being. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using political correctness (PC) in social marketing messages to persuade consumers to change their unhealthy behavior. It also explores various underlying mechanisms that drive this effect. Specifically, this research studies that messaging approach – politically correct vs politically incorrect and gain vs loss message framing – generates higher consumer intentions to change their behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Four experiments were conducted with nationally representative samples to examine the effect of PC and gain vs loss message framing on consumers’ behavior changing intentions.
Findings
Politically correct prosocial marketing messages displayed higher persuasiveness than politically incorrect messages. Each relationship was mediated by the perceived manipulative capacity of the message and consumers’ attitudes toward the message. Message framing performed as a boundary condition for these effects.
Research limitations/implications
This paper sought to contribute to the literature that investigates the effectiveness of social marketing efforts. Three specific contributions related to the effects of message frames on politically correct and incorrect social marketing messages were developed.
Practical implications
The strategies presented in this paper benefit firms wishing to create a more prosocial approach to their business. A firm can present a prosocial message to their target market in a frame focusing on what will be gained instead of lost. Likewise, firms should welcome this type of messaging that embraces politically correct terminology instead of shying away from it.
Originality/value
This paper generates actionable insights for marketers and policymakers regarding how best to communicate with targeted segments about culturally- and personally sensitive topics related to obesity and weight loss. This paper also contributes to the literature that explores the effectiveness of social marketing initiatives. The findings suggest policymakers and social marketers should be cautious and, regardless of today’s sociopolitical environment, avoid falling into the temptation of developing politically incorrect and loss-framed messages.
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