Iacopo Cavallini, Daniela Marzo, Luisa Scaccia, Sara Scipioni and Federico Niccolini
Scuba diving tourism is reputed to be a potential low-impact recreational activity that allow environmental conservation and socioeconomic benefits for local communities. Few…
Abstract
Purpose
Scuba diving tourism is reputed to be a potential low-impact recreational activity that allow environmental conservation and socioeconomic benefits for local communities. Few studies have addressed the issue of sustainability of scuba diving tourism through the simultaneously investigation on the economic and socio-cultural aspects and its implications for tourism development. This study aims to examine the scuba diving tourism in three under-explored North African tourism destinations with high ecotourist potential. The authors present an exploratory picture of scuba diving tourist demand, divers' preferences, motivations for recreational diving experiences and their propensity towards conservation.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors developed a case study research strategy collecting profile data on 123 divers. Furthermore, regression analysis was performed to investigate the divers' preferences, motivations and propensity towards conservation.
Findings
The divers' limited number, the presence of mainly local seasonal tourists and a moderate propensity towards conservation influence the potential of the diving tourism segment to generate significant socioeconomic benefits for local sustainable development in these destinations. However, establishing a marine protected area (MPA) could foster the development of a long-term strategy for scuba diving tourism, improve conservation awareness and increase divers' satisfaction.
Practical implications
Diverse profiles, preferences and motivations can provide tools to sustainably manage and preserve coastal and marine biodiversity, while also maximising the quality of the recreational experience. One of the most effective site-based strategies to orient the diving sector towards sustainability involves the design and strengthening of MPAs.
Originality/value
The research provides an original contribution to the debate on sustainable tourism strategies by demonstrating how the study of economic and socio-cultural aspects of scuba diving could provide guidelines to orient the tourism development of marine and coastal areas towards the principles of sustainability (also through the establishment of MPAs). The findings present an overview of the sustainability of the scuba diving tourism segment by investigating the preferences, motivations and inclination towards conservation among tourists for whom the diving experience is not a core holiday activity.
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Anette Kaagaard Kristensen, Martin Lund Kristensen and Mari Holen
This paper aims to nuance the understanding of hazing’s negative impact on newcomers.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to nuance the understanding of hazing’s negative impact on newcomers.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a qualitative interview study of recently employed nurses’ (n = 19) and nursing students’ (n = 42) hazing experiences and analysed through reflexive thematic coding.
Findings
The analysis uncovered two themes relating to hazing’s normative harm on newcomers’ professional self-image: “Being denied a voice” and “Being infantilised.”
Originality/value
This paper challenges the two-dimensional challenge-hindrance framework for elucidating the individual consequences of hazing and suggests adding threat stressors.
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Dan Luo, Xiewen Ni, Eugene Cheng-Xi Aw and Garry Wei-Han Tan
This study aims to propose and validate a research framework pertaining to the willingness to disclose information in the context of mobile banking apps. The interrelationships…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose and validate a research framework pertaining to the willingness to disclose information in the context of mobile banking apps. The interrelationships between privacy protection, perceived personalization, social presence, design aesthetics, consumer empowerment, parasocial interactions and privacy concerns are assessed as antecedents of willingness to disclose information.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a self-administered survey, this study gathered data from 450 Chinese consumers. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling via SmartPLS 4 software.
Findings
The findings indicate that (1) privacy concerns are negatively related to willingness to disclose information, (2) parasocial interaction reduces privacy concerns, (3) consumer empowerment is positively influenced by privacy protection and perceived personalization and (4) social presence and design aesthetics positively contribute to the formation of parasocial interaction.
Originality/value
The current study serves to reinforce a theoretical understanding of the willingness to disclose information in mobile banking apps, which is underresearched. The findings offer alternative psychological mechanisms (i.e. consumer empowerment and parasocial interaction) and relevant mobile banking app attributes to explain the willingness to disclose information.
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Daniel Gameti and Sussie Morrish
This study aims to examine the effect of different types of innovation on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and small to medium enterprise (SME) growth.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effect of different types of innovation on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and small to medium enterprise (SME) growth.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a quantitative approach to collect data from 480 SMEs in Australia and New Zealand through convenience sampling.
Findings
Based on partial least square structural equation modelling, this study found a direct positive relationship between EO and SME growth and an indirect positive relationship between EO and SME growth through business model innovation (BMI). This study emphasised that while SMEs use different types of innovation, they will achieve significant growth by innovating their business models.
Research limitations/implications
The work has some limitations as the focus was on two countries (Australia and New Zealand) considered as developed countries. The result may differ when the study is conducted in developing countries. Also, EO was measured as a unidimensional construct without looking at the individual contributions of the EO dimensions to growth.
Practical implications
SME owner managers seeking growth of their firms must focus their effort on innovating their business models to achieve competitive advantage. Also, SMEs can integrate their product and process innovations in their BMIs to minimise imitation and increase growth.
Originality/value
The novelty of this paper is that while there are existing studies on EO and SME growth, this paper explores the mediating effect of different types of innovation on the relationship between EO and SME growth.
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Cesar Jhonnatan Horna-Saldaña, Juan Ernesto Perez Perez and Manuel Leonardo Toro Galeano
The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how artificial intelligence contributes to the preservation of the cultural identity of native peoples as well as to reduce the gap…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how artificial intelligence contributes to the preservation of the cultural identity of native peoples as well as to reduce the gap in access to verified information in native languages of Peru.
Design/methodology/approach
An analysis of the context of artificial intelligence in the field of preservation of native languages was developed. Subsequently, the case of the digital tool Quispe Chequea was highlighted, which uses artificial intelligence to produce journalistic content of verification in three native languages of Peru (Quechua, Aimara and Awajún). Finally, a reflection was made on the contributions of artificial intelligence in reducing the gap in access to information, vindication and preservation of native Peruvian languages.
Findings
The findings evidenced the importance of the principles of indigenous data sovereignty to respect cultural rights. Also, it was determined that artificial intelligence contributes to the preservation of cultural values of ethnic groups. It also provides verified information in the native language in order to promote inclusion. Finally, this enabling technology proved to be an important resource in reducing social and cultural gaps.
Practical implications
The use of artificial intelligence will enable the preservation of the native languages of marginalized and ethnic groups. It also favors the dissemination and communication of truthful information in native languages.
Originality/value
This opinion article highlights a little-explored context in the field of native Peruvian languages. It highlights the contribution that artificial intelligence can bring to ethnic groups, especially in the preservation of their languages and the reduction of the information access gap.
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This study investigated the factors that influence customer satisfaction with AI-driven services by focusing on chatbot agents. The conceptual model included psychological and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigated the factors that influence customer satisfaction with AI-driven services by focusing on chatbot agents. The conceptual model included psychological and social factors, such as trust, perceived social presence, competence perception, social-oriented communication style, warmth perception, subjective norms and attachment anxiety.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative methodology was employed utilising a survey conducted among 525 consumers who interacted with chatbot services. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling (Smart-PLS 4.0) to test the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
The study revealed that social-oriented communication, perceptions of competence and warmth, trust and subjective norms significantly enhanced customer satisfaction with chatbots. Trust was critical in fostering satisfaction, whereas perceived social presence and attachment anxiety had minimal impact. The findings suggest that despite the emphasis on social presence, its influence on satisfaction may depend on contextual factors that were not captured in this study.
Originality/value
This study extended the Technology Acceptance Model and Stereotype Content Model by integrating factors such as perceived social presence, trust, competence perception, social-oriented communication style, warmth perception, subjective norm and attachment anxiety. Challenging conventional assumptions on the role of social presence and attachment anxiety, the study provides new insights into the complex dynamics of human–chatbot interactions, offering practical implications for improving chatbot design and enhancing user experience that emphasise the importance of trust, competence and social-oriented communication in customer satisfaction.