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Despite the benefits that firms obtain from merger and acquisition (M&A), this strategy frequently poses a significant challenge for management in encouraging employees of the acquired firm to develop shared goals with the new organization. This research analyzes the effect of transformational leadership by department managers in the acquiring firm on the degree to which employees in the acquired firm develop shared goals. We also examine whether the effect of transformational leadership on shared goals could be moderated by organizational support and employee participation in decision-making.

This research was conducted using the case of a firm in the power and energy sector that was undergoing M&A. Survey data were obtained from 203 employees and their department managers to avoid common method bias. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

We found that employees in the acquired firm who worked for the department managers of the acquiring firms who demonstrated transformational leadership were more likely to adopt shared goals than those who did not. Moreover, the moderating effect analysis shows that transformational leadership had a greater effect on shared goals when employees perceived that they received a high level of organizational support. On the contrary, transformational leadership had a weaker effect on shared goals when employees actively participated in decision-making.

Transformational leadership is the leadership practice that the management of the acquiring firm needs to apply to employees, who are a critical part of the firm’s human capital, when they manage the M&A activities. The management also needs to demonstrate to the employees that the acquiring firm cares about the employees’ well-being and has sincere concern for them throughout and after the M&A process. Despite the transformational leadership practice’s essential role, participative decision-making is another management practice that should be implemented to reduce employees’ reliance on the management’s transformational leadership to persuade them to adopt shared goals, which might be essential when the transformational leadership practice cannot be effectively implemented.

Our results regarding the moderating effects of perceived organizational support and participative decision-making add some new knowledge to the theory by showing that the management’s implementation of transformational leadership during M&A will need to consider other management practices that may either intensify or weaken the benefit that employees may gain from the management’s transformational leadership.

This study aims to analyze the impact of the bottom-line mentality (BLM) of sales managers on the emotional exhaustion of salespeople, and also examines its subsequent impact on the affective organizational commitment of salespeople. This research also analyzes whether the effect of the BLM of sales managers on the emotional exhaustion of salespeople could be lessened when the sales managers exhibit political skill.

This research used self-administered paper questionnaires to collect multisource survey data from 245 salespeople and their sales managers working at 50 export firms in Thailand. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used as the method for statistical data analysis.

This research obtains evidence to support the impact that the perceived BLM of sales managers has on the emotional exhaustion of salespeople, which in turn lowers the affective organizational commitment of salespeople. Moreover, the evidence also supported the moderating effect of sales managers’ political skill which lessens the impact of perceived BLM on the emotional exhaustion of salespeople.

While the focus on the bottom line is crucial for firms, management must be sensitive toward the psychological impacts it might potentially have on employees in the long run. To achieve sustainable development, the management should not prioritize financial objectives over the well-being of its employees, as this could potentially undermine employees’ commitment to the organization and ultimately affect overall productivity.

This study helps scholars gain more understanding about the role of the political skill of the manager that could interact with their BLM to minimize its negative impact on employees’ emotional exhaustion.

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the research of knowledge management in higher education institutions (HEIs) by studying the enablers of knowledge entrepreneurship. Anchored in the dynamic capability theory, knowledge entrepreneurship is heterogeneously distributed in HEIs and is critical for the sustenance of organizations in the knowledge economy. This aim is realized by understanding the determinants of knowledge entrepreneurship and empirically investigating the relationship of knowledge-sharing behaviour and entrepreneurial leadership with knowledge entrepreneurship.

Data was collected through structured questionnaires from 550 faculty members of HEIs in Pakistan by adequately representing the sample size through regional stratification and proportionate sampling. Data was analyzed through the Analysis of Moment Structures software where the data validation and reliability were achieved using correlations, confirmatory factor analysis and structured equation modelling to generate generalizable results.

The findings revealed that knowledge sharing is an important component in developing knowledge entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial leadership is pivotal in providing the support, vision and autonomy to individuals with personal and professional capabilities to ensure the creation of new knowledge, collaboration and innovation.

The study contributes to an understanding of relationship of knowledge sharing and entrepreneurial leadership that leads to promotion of knowledge entrepreneurship in HEIs of Pakistan. In addition, the findings of the study extend the existing literature on knowledge entrepreneurship by offering the positive mediating role of entrepreneurial leadership in the universities of Pakistan, hence, addressing the specific challenges and opportunities faced by the HEIs of a developing country like Pakistan. The theoretical framework of the study elucidates the importance of knowledge sharing and entrepreneurial leadership by using the dynamic capabilities theory and extends the scope of the aforementioned theory in entrepreneurial leadership realm.

By generating an understanding of the dynamics of knowledge entrepreneurship this study tries to help policymakers and educational leaders to develop strategies to cultivate a culture of knowledge sharing and entrepreneurial leadership in Pakistani HEIs. Building the entrepreneurial ecosystem entails prioritizing knowledge creation, knowledge sharing and retention that can lead to innovative solutions for local and global challenges.

The study used dynamic capabilities theory to link the knowledge and resources together for the education sector for sustainable outcomes in the knowledge economy. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to empirically study the behaviour of HEIs to create and support knowledge entrepreneurship in the presence of entrepreneurial leadership in the context of a developing country, Pakistan. Becoming a knowledge-based society will help Pakistan upgrade itself to the list of developed countries.

The research explores how artificial intelligence-driven natural language processing can be integrated into digital game-based learning to enhance science education worldwide. It conducted a thorough literature review focusing on electronic bibliographic databases, identifying nine key themes. The chapter discusses the potential of digital games to improve science education, including theoretical frameworks, integration techniques and problem-solving methods. It also examines the impact of gaming on critical thinking and natural language processing. The findings suggest that integrating natural language processing into digital game-based learning shows promise for improving inquiry-based teaching and student performance in science education. Digital platforms can offer personalized feedback, support natural language interactions and customize content for each student. However, addressing pedagogical concerns and technological limitations is crucial for fully realizing these benefits. Practically, the research offers guidance for educators, curriculum developers and policymakers. It emphasizes the importance of educating educators on natural language processing, developing inquiry-driven digital learning platforms and establishing supportive policies. This signifies a move toward student-centered learning and the integration of innovative technologies into education. In terms of originality and value, the study contributes to the existing knowledge by discussing challenges and potential strategies for integrating digital game-based learning with natural language processing globally. It suggests that future research and practical efforts in this area can benefit from a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and implications of this educational approach, informed by extensive research across various themes.

The objectives of this study are as follows: RO1: to determine the key enablers that encourage the adoption of sustainable practices; RO2: to create a structural relationship model between the enablers that have been discovered and RO3: to use dependence and driving power to classify and analyse these factors.

In total, 11 variables were extracted through systematic literature review and experts opinion, and a group interview with more than 15 experts who have an experience of more than 10 years in academics was conducted. Generally odd in numbers, they presented each pair of variables and took their opinion. Using “Interpretative Structural Modelling” and “Cross-Impact Multiplication Applied to Classification” (ISM MICMAC) analysis, a model describing the structural relationship between these factors has been formulated to know the conceptual framework.

The study shows that the digital payment and waste treatment as the linkage or mediating variables. Top management commitment (TMC), regulatory framework and transparency are the drivers or independent variables. Green logistics, sustainable packaging and production are the dependent variables. Further, the resulting hierarchy and contextual linkages among variables shed light on key dimensions for decision-making. Green logistics, sustainable packaging and production are interconnected, playing a significant role, in the framework and influenced by the lower level variables. Transparency should be given due consideration to ensure sustainable competitive advantage.

(1) Owing to a lack of time and resources, the researchers have been able to explore only limited variables; more factors or enablers can be taken in future for further research. (2) Money constraint is also there. (3) One major limitation is that this research includes opinion from different experts which are dynamic in nature and keep on changing from time to time. (4) Primary research can also be done with the help of different software like partial least squares and structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) by taking same variables or merging new variables with the given variables of this paper. (5) With the help of this paper, the author tried to give an overview of some important enablers which are helpful in sustainability. Given a time in future, more research can be done by taking different sectors or a specific sector.

Findings are helpful for policymakers about effective strategies for promoting sustainability. They provide evidence-based insights into the potential impact of policy interventions and help shape the development of environmental regulations and initiatives. Sustainability is a global issue. Thus, this research paper contributes to international discussions and collaborations on environmental conservation and sustainable development goals (SDGs). They may influence diplomatic efforts to address transnational environmental challenges. Companies can use research findings to improve their sustainability practices and develop environmentally friendly products and services. Understanding sustainability enablers can help businesses reduce their ecological footprint while remaining economically viable. Research on sustainability enablers often involves exploring new technologies and innovations. Practical implications include the development and adoption of renewable energy sources, waste reduction techniques and sustainable agricultural practices. Sustainable communities rely on a range of enablers, from renewable energy infrastructure to local governance structures. Research informs community development efforts by identifying best practices and effective strategies for building resilient, environmentally friendly neighbourhood.

This research paper contributes to raising awareness about sustainability issues among the public. It also provides insights into the importance of sustainable practices and their impacts on society. Sustainability enablers can influence individual and collective behaviour, and they may encourage people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and consumption habits. Sustainability research often addresses issues of equity and social justice. Understanding the enablers of sustainability can help identify strategies to ensure that sustainable practices benefit all segments of society, including marginalized communities.

This research paper endeavour to identify key sustainability development enablers (SDEs) by consolidating numerous factors within a single study. While several research papers have explored various sustainability enablers separately, no previous study has delved into their interactions. Furthermore, there is a dearth of research on classifying enablers based on the fuzzy MICMAC analysis. The ISM-based model presented here serves as a valuable resource for both practitioners and academics, aiding in their comprehension of the framework of relationships.

This paper aims to document a novel course titled Harm Reduction Design Studio. The course introduced the harm reduction problem space to design students for designing objects, social worlds, infrastructures and ecologies that shape human and nonhuman social interactions within them.

Extending tenets drawn from social movements for harm reduction from the focus on drugs and habits begins the reparative work of undoing past harms, living well in the present and reducing future harms. This course introduces history, theory and practice of harm reduction in relation to health, well-being, social connection and safety.

The course was piloted from August to December 2024 in the Department of Science and Technology Studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, USA.

Society-wide implications for mainstreaming harm reduction are far-reaching. For instance, the U.S. National Science Foundation has recently called for ways to “incorporate ethical, social, safety, and security considerations” into research design to mitigate potential harms of scientific research and amplify societal benefits. This course prepares students to think upfront about incorporating harm reduction into the design of technological artifacts.

This course presents a replicable model for bringing harm reduction and design pedagogy together in the shared spirit of encouraging the readership of Drugs, Habits and Social Policy to widen participation in design practice.

This paper aims to explore the factors influencing customers' attitudes and behaviours, specifically in terms of affective satisfaction, participation behaviour, and word-of-mouth, within the restaurant industry, with a focus on both tangible and intangible elements. Additionally, the study seeks to identify the dual mediating role of customer affective satisfaction in this relationship.

In this exploratory study, SEM-VB was utilized to examine data from 312 valid respondents who completed a face-to-face questionnaire using a quantitative methodology. The respondents were targeted at restaurants that serve comparable food and beverages for a similar socioeconomic class.

The findings reveal that perceived value, physical appearance, and standardization significantly contribute to customer affective satisfaction, which, in turn, positively influences their participation behaviour and word-of-mouth.

Practically, restaurant managers can enhance customer experiences and boost positive word-of-mouth by fostering affective satisfaction and encouraging interactive customer participation.

The novel concept of “affective satisfaction” contributes to restaurant management literature by identifying its tangible and intangible drivers and uncovering its outcomes in participation behaviour and word of mouth. By combining numerous factors and investigating the mediating function of affective satisfaction and based on the theory of Expectancy-Disconfirmation, this study adds to the theoretical understanding of what drives the affective satisfaction and word-of-mouth of casual dining restaurants’ customers.

The current research study aims to explore the rising appeal of creative industry for institutionally embedded women entrepreneurs of rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A qualitative research methodology is adopted to conduct the research study. Primary data is collected through in-depth interviews with 38 women entrepreneurs working in two sectors of creative industry in rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The research study explored creative industry as the most informal, non-traditional, low cost, flexible and convenient business sector for institutionally embedded Pukhtoon women entrepreneurs of rural KP.

The study draws the attention of policymakers and government to consider the informal norms in which women entrepreneurship is deeply embedded, while making entrepreneurship development policies and programs. The research study drives the attention of government toward making entrepreneurial education and training facilities easily available so that the skill and talent of women entrepreneurs can be more polished and enhanced. It further suggests that if the policymakers and Government of Pakistan take positive initiations and recognize the paramount importance, the creative industry of Pakistan has the potential of contributing toward uplifting of the economy.

The study helps in identifying the prevailing social and cultural norms in KP that shapes the choice of women entrepreneurs toward entrepreneurship in creative industry. It emphasizes to understand the reasons, for which women in KP, opt to open their entrepreneurial ventures in creative industry.

Taking the support of social capital theory and conservation of resource theory, the present study explores the mediating role of rumination and moderating role of mindfulness in the relationship of workplace ostracism (WO) and workplace withdrawal (WW).

The data were collected in two waves from 467 employees working in hotels located in Delhi NCR region of India. The hypothesised relationships were investigated by macro-PROCESS (Hayes, 2013).

The results found a mediating impact of rumination on WO and WW relationship. It further supported the moderating effect of mindfulness in weakening the association between WO and WW via rumination.

This study identified mindfulness as an essential mechanism by which WO may be regulated to control employee's tendency to ruminate. Rumination may initially be prevented in organisations by regulating the primary effect of WO on employees' decisions for WW.

By linking the research model with the social capital theory, the study has contributed to the existing body of knowledge. The study is the first of its kind in India to examine the impact of hypothesised associations on the hotel industry. The findings of the study would help the industry in understanding the role of mindfulness in reducing aberrant behaviours at workplace.

Transactional leadership and old-school management practices may not answer the changes in today’s world. Therefore, the study aimed to examine the influences of transformational leadership and the practice of sufficiency economy philosophy (SEP) on the performance of the coast tourism business in Thailand.

The population of this study comprised all Thai coast tourism businesses. Using simple random sampling, the quantitative data were collected from 407 coast tourism businesses in Thailand as the samples. Transformational leadership, SEP practice and business performance were adapted from the literature. Path analysis and factor confirmation including a correlation matrix were used to test the causal factors influencing the Thai coast tourism business’s performance.

Transformational leadership, SEP practice and performance of coast tourism business in Thailand were on a high level. Moreover, there were positive influences of transformational leadership (direct and indirect) and SEP practice on the coast tourism business’s performance.

Tourism business managers should pay attention to transformational leadership and SEP practice to lead to better performance for their businesses. Policymakers should educate businesses about new management practices to prepare for the changes in the future.

The findings of this study demonstrate that stakeholder theory can be used to explain the positive influences of transformational leadership and SEP practice on the coast tourism business’s performance in Thailand.