Olivia Ellison, Dorcas Nuertey, Emmanuel Poku, Samuel Agbemude and Felix Owusu
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between environmental pressure, green logistics strategy (GLS) and sustainability performance as well as the moderating…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between environmental pressure, green logistics strategy (GLS) and sustainability performance as well as the moderating role of competitive intensity in the relationship between environmental pressure and GLS in the context of the Ghanaian Manufacturing firms.
Design/methodology/approach
The study included a thorough review of the literature and an empirical questionnaire-based data collection with responses from 220 participant manufacturing firms in Ghana. The data collected was statistically analysed using the PLS-SEM software.
Findings
The findings of the study indicated that environmental pressure positively influences the implementation of GLS. Again, it was revealed that there is a significant relationship between GLS and sustainability performance. Likewise, the study also found that environmental pressure significantly influences sustainability performance. Also, competitive intensity was found to moderate the relationship between environmental pressure and GLS.
Practical implications
This study gives insight into GLS and sustainability performance and also suggested that when managers in manufacturing industries adopt green practices as a result of environmental pressure, sustainability performance will be achieved. The geographic scope of the study area and time constraints were some of the research's limitations.
Originality/value
Although there have been studies carried out on the subject of green logistics, this study is the first of its kind to examine the relationship between environmental pressure, GLS and sustainability performance within the context of developing economies such as Ghana. Also, this study shows how intense competition in the market can moderate the adoption of GLS.
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The purpose of this study is to explore and present a clear overview of innovation topics during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and then organise these topics into…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore and present a clear overview of innovation topics during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and then organise these topics into various analyses.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use multiple language analysis methods, such as text mining and latent Dirichlet allocation topic modelling, to address the research questions. A total of 440 news articles are analysed using Python and Google Colaboratory tools.
Findings
The analysis identified 20 innovation topics, highlighted sector-specific analyses and proposed phases of innovation. The authors suggest that each sector develops unique patterns and forms of innovation for long-term benefits and further research. This study expands upon existing literature on innovation and crisis at a theoretical level by incorporating an actor as the agency.
Research limitations/implications
Based on the findings, the authors conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted businesses to adopt dynamic capabilities. Furthermore, the authors provide several strategic recommendations for addressing the pandemic in the developing context. The study discusses the roles of policymakers, business practitioners and academia in this context as well.
Originality/value
Very few studies specifically explore and identify forced innovation topics in emerging countries during the pandemic. There has been no review of forced innovations implemented in Indonesia using news media as a source. Additionally, this study presents the trajectory of innovation during the time of crises.
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Matilde Karlsson, Olivia Zaar Mårs, Bo Jenner and Elin Frögéli
This study aimed to investigate the effect of working remotely on new professionals’ learning and adjustment. Organizational socialization is the process of learning and adjusting…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the effect of working remotely on new professionals’ learning and adjustment. Organizational socialization is the process of learning and adjusting to a new professional role. Among new professionals working on-site, this learning and adjustment is indicated by a development of role clarity, task mastery and social acceptance. Less is known about the process when working remotely. This was recognized as a key organizational challenge following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, with a longitudinal design with 242 graduates and weekly data collections for the first five weeks following professional entry in 2021, the authors compared the learning and adjustment among individuals working on-site, in hybrid or remotely using longitudinal analyses of mean response profiles.
Findings
The group-by-time interaction effects were not statistically significant (i.e. no differences were found in the adjustment of the new professionals of the three groups).
Originality/value
These results indicate that working remotely does not jeopardize the organizational socialization process. Furthermore, a marginally statistically significant result indicated that participants working only remotely experienced a greater development of task mastery over time: This suggests that remote work may even benefit learning and professional adjustment. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
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Connor L. Ferguson and Julie A. Lockman
Strengths-based professional development has been associated with positive outcomes in academia and in the organizational workplace. Students pursuing their doctoral degrees in…
Abstract
Purpose
Strengths-based professional development has been associated with positive outcomes in academia and in the organizational workplace. Students pursuing their doctoral degrees in the biomedical sciences in the US are often on graduate assistantships, where they experience an academic component to their training integrated with an employee-like existence. The individual who serves as their academic and research advisor is often their supervisor, who pays their stipend. The traditional training structure poses unique challenges and may be accompanied by stress, burnout and imposter phenomenon. The purpose of this study is to utilize a strengths-based approach to equip students with essential personal and professional skills that build self-awareness and self-confidence further preparing them for their future in the scientific workforce.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors developed and implemented a novel strengths-based professional development cohort program for doctoral students in the biomedical sciences at a research-intensive (R1) institution. The program was designed to create a supportive and inclusive space for participants (n = 18) to explore their identity as a student and scientists and to develop and leverage their talents for more effective and strategic use. Program outcomes were evaluated through a mixed methods case study design using a post-program Likert-based survey (n = 10 participants) and participant interviews (n = 13). Explanatory sequential design was used in the interpretation of the findings.
Findings
The results show that the program had a positive impact on students’ perceptions of themselves as scientists, as well as on their self-efficacy, self-confidence and interpersonal interactions in the research setting.
Practical implications
This strengths-based professional development program demonstrates immense potential as a model to equip students with self-awareness and a new foundation of essential skills needed to supplement their technical and scientific training for their future careers in the team-based workplace.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates how professional development programming can complement scientific training by equipping students with self-awareness and other lifelong skills to navigate feelings of imposter phenomenon and interpersonal relationships in the team-based workplace.
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Elizabeth Candello and Mark Mohammadpour
The current inquiry advances the public relations field and practice in several ways. First, this research addresses a clear gap in research on subjective well-being, specifically…
Abstract
Purpose
The current inquiry advances the public relations field and practice in several ways. First, this research addresses a clear gap in research on subjective well-being, specifically among PR professionals across career stages and generations. Second, the findings reveal important generational similarities and differences in how PR practitioners talk about well-being. This provides an empirical basis for developing tailored, multi-generational approaches to supporting well-being in PR workplaces. Lastly, this research provides practical implications for PR professionals to understand generational perspectives and to implement flexible policies to improve well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study explored subjective well-being (SWB) across generations of public relations professionals. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 PR practitioners at various career levels – entry, mid-level and senior.
Findings
Analysis revealed several similarities but a key disparity among cohorts. Senior-level professionals specifically reported struggling with work–life balance and the perceived ability to be autonomous, while entry-level professionals expressed commitment to setting boundaries on their time. These findings highlight a need for the PR industry to establish flexible workplace standards that enable employees at different career stages to collaborate and support one another’s well-being.
Practical implications
Our findings will appeal to your readers who seek to cultivate employee subjective well-being and understand generational issues via qualitative methods. By conducting a qualitative study in an understudied area, PR industry leaders and managers can support employee well-being across generations and career stages.
Originality/value
Our study is the first to examine generational dispositions as it relates to SWB across the public relations industry.
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Liang Ding, Gianluca Antonucci and Michelina Venditti
This study aims to explore the impact of artificial intelligence-powered personalised recommendations (AI-PPRs) on user engagement, browsing behaviour and purchase intentions on…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the impact of artificial intelligence-powered personalised recommendations (AI-PPRs) on user engagement, browsing behaviour and purchase intentions on TikTok (Douyin in China), focusing on how these recommendations affect user satisfaction and purchase intention, while also addressing potential privacy concerns. In addition, the research investigates the influence of AI-recommended product presentation, timing and placement, as well as social factors such as key opinion leaders’ (KOLs) influence on consumer decision-making.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the expectancy-value theory and the stimulus-organism-response model, this research used a qualitative methodology through interviews with Douyin users to explore their experiences and perceptions of AI-PPRs.
Findings
The findings indicate that Douyin’s proactive “push” mechanism of AI-PPRs enhances user engagement by effortlessly integrating product discovery into the entertainment experience. Content-driven AI-PPRs align with user preferences, decrease search time and increase satisfaction and purchase intentions through engaging short videos and live streaming. However, privacy concerns emerge when personalisation is perceived as excessively intrusive, leading to negative emotions and avoidance behaviours. Recommendation timing and cultural context significantly influence receptiveness, with inappropriate timing (e.g. during holidays) causing negative reactions. Technical challenges, such as network issues during live streaming, negatively impact user experience and engagement. Content quality is crucial, and poor or irrelevant content leads to negative perceptions and disengagement. While KOLs face scepticism due to perceived commercialisation, endorsements from trusted figures and authentic influencers are better received. Innovative payment methods, like “Douyin Monthly Payment”, enhance financial flexibility and promote customer loyalty. This study highlights the need to balance personalisation with privacy, emphasising the importance of content quality and authenticity in influencer marketing. For businesses using AI-PPRs, maintaining this balance is essential for preserving trust and sustaining consumer engagement and loyalty.
Originality/value
This study contributes valuable insights to the field by unravelling the intricate dynamics between AI-PPRs, user preferences and social influences. The findings provide practical implications for companies aiming to optimise personalised recommendation algorithms and enhance user engagement, thereby facilitating business growth in the dynamic short video e-commerce market.