Tejas R. Shah, Sonal Purohit, Manish Das and Thavaprakash Arulsivakumar
AI-powered digital human avatar influencer (DHAI) is a digitally created character with a human-like appearance and noteworthy social media presence. They mimic human behavior…
Abstract
Purpose
AI-powered digital human avatar influencer (DHAI) is a digitally created character with a human-like appearance and noteworthy social media presence. They mimic human behavior through form, behavior and emotional realism. However, there have been varied viewpoints in the literature about the effect of DHAI realism on consumer response. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of form, behavioral and emotional realism on consumer engagement and parasocial relationships that further affect attachment toward DHAI and brand, with the moderating effect of content authenticity.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a cross-sectional design, 426 respondents in India were asked to visit the Instagram page of a specific DHAI identified through a pretest study. The authors used the Smart PLS 4.0 version to examine the hypotheses.
Findings
Accordingly, based on the social presence theory, the findings of the quantitative study indicated that DHAI’s form, behavioral and emotional realism positively influence customers’ engagement with DHAI, but only the behavior and emotional realism of DHAI positively affect the parasocial relationship. Further, perceived DHAI’s content authenticity moderates the effect of DHAI engagement and parasocial relationship on DHAI sentimental attachment.
Originality/value
This study provides novel and practical insights for developing DHAI by considering realism characteristics for enhanced customer engagement, parasocial relationship and attachment toward DHAI and brands.
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Rashi Malpani, Manish Mohan Baral, Rashmi Ranjan Panigrahi and Venkataiah Chittipaka
With the rapid rise in the number of start-ups, corporate social responsibility (CSR) can principally contribute to the nation’s socioeconomic development, making it more…
Abstract
Purpose
With the rapid rise in the number of start-ups, corporate social responsibility (CSR) can principally contribute to the nation’s socioeconomic development, making it more critical. This study aims to explore the effect of sustainability practices on a firm’s performance with competitive advantage (CA) and innovation (INN) as the mediating variable.
Design/methodology/approach
An exhaustive literature review was done to identify the constructs relationship for this study, and a questionnaire was used to gather the data from the start-up owners. In total, 400 samples were received, and partial least squares structural equation modeling was used for testing and validating the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
CSR and financial performance (FP) have a significant relationship. According to this study’s findings, innovation and CA substantially mediate the relationship between a firm’s FP and CSR. This study will highlight how CSR practices stimulate organizational creativity, problem-solving and strategic thinking. It will also demonstrate how CSR can foster a culture of innovation that generates long-term value and positively impacts FP.
Practical implications
It will aid in improving the knowledge of start-up owners that CSR is more than just pure altruism or philanthropy; instead, it must be promoted strategically as an investment that boosts productivity and creativity while also bringing overall financial benefits to the company. It will ultimately enhance the start-ups’ ability to improve the economy and society. Furthermore, this study holds the potential to inform policy discussions and recommendations for fostering responsible business practices in the Indian start-up ecosystem. Policymakers can benefit from insights into how regulations and incentives can be designed to encourage start-ups to adopt CSR practices that not only fulfill legal obligations but also contribute to their CA and FP.
Originality/value
This study provides empirical validity to establish linkages between sustainability measures on the FP concerning start-ups that were not considered in the prior studies. Identifying the current conceptual framework and CA and Innovation as the two major factors influencing CSR in Indian enterprises is a novel contribution. This study aims to fill the research gap. By unravelling the intricate dynamics between CSR, FP and CA, the research contributes to the understanding of how start-ups can navigate the complex interplay of social responsibility and business success in the Indian context.
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Mayank Parashar, Ritika Jaiswal and Manish Sharma
In the era of Industry 5.0, understanding the balance between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and firm performance is crucial for mitigating climate change and…
Abstract
Purpose
In the era of Industry 5.0, understanding the balance between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and firm performance is crucial for mitigating climate change and enhancing financial outcomes. This paper aims to analyze the effect of ESG disclosure on the financial performance (FP) of renewable and clean energy (RCE) companies, focusing on the combined ESG disclosure and individual E, S, and G disclosure scores.
Design/methodology/approach
The study analyzed a panel data sample from 2015–2021, covering 41 RCE companies. By applying the K-means++ clustering technique, the research also explored how firm-specific features influence the relationship between ESG disclosure and FP. The Bloomberg database and audited financial reports were used to gather the data for the study.
Findings
The findings indicate that increased ESG disclosure positively influences FP. Further, a significant positive relationship exists between FP and a company’s E and S disclosure. However, firm-specific characteristics significantly influence this relationship. Findings suggest that a company’s commitment to comprehensive ESG efforts enhances financial efficiency rather than increasing costs.
Originality/value
This study adds to the ESG-FP literature by emphasizing global RCE companies, a key player in sustainability. Further, to the best of the author’s knowledge, the study’s uniqueness is attributed to its application of a two-step approach, combining ESG-FP analysis with K-means++ clustering to account for firm-specific characteristics. It also uniquely examines the individual impact of E, S, and G disclosure on the FP of global RCE companies. The findings offer valuable insights for businesses and policymakers in developing strategies that improve profitability while addressing climate change risks.
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Anshu Kumari and Manish Tiwari
This study explored the role of assertiveness, family satisfaction, and family support in enhancing farm performance in women-led dairy farms, with family cohesion as a mediating…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explored the role of assertiveness, family satisfaction, and family support in enhancing farm performance in women-led dairy farms, with family cohesion as a mediating variable. It explores how these elements interact within socioeconomic contexts, where patriarchal norms and resource constraints are prevalent.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a structural equation Modelling (SEM) which involved a quantitative approach through a structured questionnaire with 330 target respondents using a five-point Likert scale. This study is based on the registered dairy farmers of rural Bihar. The data were analyzed using SmartPLS 4 model and applying bootstrapping to examine Family Cohesion’s direct and mediation effects between variables.
Findings
The findings emphasize the critical role of assertiveness in fostering open communication and decision-making within family settings, which enhances cohesion and farm productivity. Family satisfaction and support were key drivers of cohesion, creating emotionally stable and collaborative environments essential for successful farm operations. It also confirms that family cohesion mediates the relationship between assertiveness, satisfaction, support, and farm performance.
Originality/value
This study contributes to family systems theory by identifying family cohesion as a pivotal factor in the leadership dynamics of women-led agricultural enterprises. This underscores the potential for empowering women through training in assertiveness and family support mechanisms, thus providing a framework for policymakers and stakeholders to foster sustainable development in rural sectors. This study offers actionable insights into improving gender equity and performance in agriculture, with implications for similar socio-economic settings globally.
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Pamphile Mezui-Mbeng, Eugene Kouassi, Afees Salisu and Loukou Landry Eric Yobouet
The paper aims at analyzing the co-movements between stock returns and oil prices (West Texas Intermediate, Brent) controlling or not for COVID-19.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims at analyzing the co-movements between stock returns and oil prices (West Texas Intermediate, Brent) controlling or not for COVID-19.
Design/methodology/approach
It uses continuous wavelet transforms and wavelet coherence over the period July 19, 2019 to August 16, 2021 based on daily data. Continuous wavelet transforms provide an over complete representation of stock returns signals by letting the translation and scale parameters of the wavelets vary continuously.
Findings
There are not significant evidence supporting the fact that the COVID-19 has altered the relationship between stock returns and oil prices except perhaps in the case of South Africa. In fact, Southern African Development Community stock markets react more to oil prices than to health shock such as the COVID-19.
Originality/value
The findings of the study are original and have not been published anywhere prior.