Simona Alfiero, Enrico Battisti, Niccolò Nirino and Armando Papa
This study aims to investigate how knowledge management (KM) influences the achievement of sustainable objectives in new ventures, considering the mediating roles of board…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate how knowledge management (KM) influences the achievement of sustainable objectives in new ventures, considering the mediating roles of board composition and financial performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study considers primary and secondary data from 177 Italian start-ups. Data collection involved a standardized questionnaire to assess KM processes and sustainable practices, supplemented with secondary data on financial performance and the gender composition of the board of directors (BoD). The analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modeling to evaluate the relationships between KM practices, gender diversity, financial performance, and sustainable outcomes.
Findings
The results reveal a significant positive impact of KM on firms’ sustainable practices. Specifically, gender diversity within the BoD and higher financial performance were identified as mediators in start-ups’ sustainability programs. Our study supports the hypothesis that KM practices influence sustainability, highlighting the critical role of specific practices such as knowledge transfer.
Originality/value
This study highlights the significance of KM in improving the sustainability performance of start-ups, addressing a research gap in the intersection between KM and environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in new ventures. Furthermore, it highlights the pivotal roles of gender diversity and financial performance as critical factors mediating the relationship between KM and ESG practices.
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Niccoló Nirino, Enrico Battisti, Michal Erben, Antonio Salvi and Stefano Bresciani
The purpose of this paper is to explore the connection between initial public offerings (IPOs) and knowledge management (KM). Specifically, the manuscript critically examines the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the connection between initial public offerings (IPOs) and knowledge management (KM). Specifically, the manuscript critically examines the literature on IPOs and KM underlying how KM practices influence the IPO processes of companies.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors employ a systematic literature review methodology to identify and thematically investigate 21 articles published in journals by the Chartered Association of Business Schools (ranked 2, 3, 4, 4*).
Findings
This research sheds new light on the relevance of KM practices in the context of IPOs. Specifically, the authors identify four crucial aspects concerning companies that opt for an IPO: (i) reasons for IPO and the role of KM; (ii) IPO process and the role of KM; (iii) underpricing and the role of KM; (iv) post-IPO and the role of KM.
Originality/value
This paper shows the pivotal role of effective KM strategies in fostering a successful IPO. Additionally, it provides practical recommendations for companies seeking to effectively harness their intellectual assets during the IPO process.
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Antonio Salvi, Vittorio Boscia, Niccolò Nirino, Gazi Mahabubul Alam and Felice Petruzzella
This study investigates the relationship between the individual’s levels of innovativeness (ILI) and the individual’s intention to finance (IIF) an equity crowdfunding campaign to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the relationship between the individual’s levels of innovativeness (ILI) and the individual’s intention to finance (IIF) an equity crowdfunding campaign to understand whether and to what extent individuals' personalities (IP) can foster crowdfunding success.
Design/methodology/approach
OLS models are applied based on survey data collected from 385 US and UK citizen respondents. Further, the baseline relationship between ILI and IIF is broken down on the basis of the interactions with two behavioral characteristics: proactive personality (PP) and openness to experience (OE).
Findings
Results show a positive relationship between individual’s levels of innovativeness and the individual’s intention to finance an equity crowdfunding campaign. Furthermore, this relationship continues to be positive when moderators are introduced in the models, demonstrating that PP and OE are personal traits that strengthen the main relationship.
Originality/value
Our findings contribute to enriching the stream of literature according to which equity crowdfunding is a helpful tool not only able to bridge the financial gap of companies during the first phase of their life cycle. The findings also contribute to the development of the innovation process, creating also a social identity within the crowdfunding community.
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Marialuisa Saviano, Giuseppe Russo, Massimiliano Farina Briamonte and Loris Di Nallo
Assuming that knowledge management is a pivotal issue in business to improve and maintain competitive advantages, this paper aims to investigate how knowledge management is useful…
Abstract
Purpose
Assuming that knowledge management is a pivotal issue in business to improve and maintain competitive advantages, this paper aims to investigate how knowledge management is useful to face challenges about the integration of environment, social and governance (ESG) factors, filling the gap in the literature regarding knowledge management and ESG in the banking world by considering a real case.
Design/methodology/approach
Starting from the analysis of the more relevant literature on the topic, this paper describes an illustrative real case through interviews with the credit department of an Italian bank that has adopted a specific sustainability approach. This paper discusses this case in the context of the outlined theoretical background to explore the trends and challenges of ESG integration. The case study allows us to evaluate and expand our theoretical framework, leading to a greater understanding of the complex phenomenon under investigation.
Findings
Based on the analysis of the literature combined with the insights that emerged from the experience of the real case, this study shows that there are three primary factors to consider: data issues, competencies and workflow. This study outlines an enhanced knowledge management framework displaying the complexity emerging from the integration of ESG into a bank’s credit department and identify the best practices to pursue.
Practical implications
Given the increasing pressure toward the incorporation of ESG factors into the banking sector, the practical implications of the study are relevant as they provide guidelines for action. Specifically, the practical problems highlighted by the real case, like the priority on themes such as questionnaires, the need for ad hoc commissions and workflow, drive the attention of decision-makers on key aspects to effectively adopt an advanced knowledge management approach aimed at improving the ESG integration. Considering the effect of the banking system on the economy, the best practices this study has identified can also have a positive impact on society as a whole.
Originality/value
The proposed enhanced knowledge management framework offers a guideline to orchestrate ESG integration into banks’ credit departments, considering the increasing need to frame a sustainability-oriented strategic approach that emerges from academic and practical enquiries. This research represents an initial attempt to investigate the integration of ESG factors in the banking system through the lens of knowledge management. The strategic nature of the ESG approach clearly appears in a dynamic environment where stakeholder pressures and regulatory evolutions are strong.