Florin Mihai, Ofelia Aleca, Andrei Stanciu and Iuliana Ionescu
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Andreia Gabriela Andrei, Patrizia Gazzola, Alexandra Zbuchea and Vlad Andrei Alexandru
The purpose of the present study is intended to fill a research gap, by advancing a conceptual model which brings novel insights on the relationships between socially responsible…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the present study is intended to fill a research gap, by advancing a conceptual model which brings novel insights on the relationships between socially responsible consumption and consumer’s need for uniqueness.
Design/methodology/approach
Relying on a questionnaire-based survey for data collection, the proposed model was tested using the partial least squares (PLS) algorithm for structural equation modeling (SEM), which allows the assessment of the models containing both formative and reflective constructs.
Findings
The research found that 73.7 per cent of the variance in the consumer’s belief in the importance of personal power to make a difference through socially responsible choices is explained by the proposed model. Moreover, four of the five factors of socially responsible consumption fully mediate the positive effect of the consumer’s need for uniqueness on the importance attached to personal socially responsible choices in driving positive change.
Research limitations/implications
The study avails a phenomenological perspective by offering novel insights from a Romanian sample. The limitation associated with a country-centric vision is compensated through the contextual analysis and integration of a new point of reference in the overall framework of socially responsible consumption.
Practical implications
The evidence is indicative of new consumption insights and should be closely considered by companies.
Originality/value
The study draws upon a conceptual model integrating the relationships between socially responsible consumption and a psychological characteristic – the consumer’s need for uniqueness – which has been never tested as such before.
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Rodica Ianole-Calin, Elena Druica, Geoffrey Hubona and Bingyi Wu
This study aims to explore the relationship between different categories of motivation and the intention to engage in collaborative consumption (CC), using attitude as a mediator.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the relationship between different categories of motivation and the intention to engage in collaborative consumption (CC), using attitude as a mediator.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors extend an existing measurement scale focused on sustainability, enjoyment, reputation and economic benefits, as factors relevant in shaping how people perceive CC. The extension includes the role of personal beliefs and social relationships. The authors conduct a mediation analysis using partial least squares path modelling.
Findings
This study partially confirms existing literature: sustainability and enjoyment are positively related and statistically significant in predicting attitude towards CC, while only enjoyment impacts behavioural intention; attitude further impacts behavioural intention. Further, reputation and economic benefits positively and significantly impact attitude; economic benefits are not significant for behavioural intention in this study’s Romanian sample, but reputation is. Neither beliefs nor relationships are significantly associated with behavioural intention.
Originality/value
The authors investigate CC determinants in a post-communist economy, a novel setting for the development of sharing economy, as most studies focus on traditionally developed economies.
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Andreea Mitan, Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu, Violeta-Mihaela Dincă and Mihai-Alexandru Ghigiu
This article explores the connections between the entrepreneur's global mindset and entrepreneurial motivation in the quest for determining the underlying relationships among…
Abstract
Purpose
This article explores the connections between the entrepreneur's global mindset and entrepreneurial motivation in the quest for determining the underlying relationships among these constructs. The aim of the study resides in the advancement of various entrepreneurial profiles which imply specific configurations of the global mindset and motivational drivers, by also covering their correlations with the business outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected in 2022 from over 100 entrepreneurs operating in the Romanian SMEs sector, using a questionnaire-based survey.
Findings
The results posit that at least three statistically relevant clusters can be observed in the studied population, stemming from the particularities of the entrepreneurs' global mindset. The findings reveal that the levels of development of the entrepreneur's social capital, psychological capital and intellectual capital are linked to different entrepreneurial motivations and impact the company in specific manners.
Practical implications
The research offers useful cues to the entrepreneurs for identifying prospective partners for their local or cross-border operations.
Originality/value
The results foster a new topical framework for discussion on the motivational configurations of entrepreneurs and the global mindset.
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Madalina-Elena Stratone and Elena-Madalina Vatamanescu
The study seeks to investigate the impact of intellectual capital (IC) management on the performance and agility of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Romania, with a…
Abstract
Purpose
The study seeks to investigate the impact of intellectual capital (IC) management on the performance and agility of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Romania, with a particular focus on the post-COVID-19 recovery period. By examining the roles of human, structural and relational capital, the study sets out to provide insights into how SMEs can build resilience against future socioeconomic disruptions and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research method was employed, utilizing a questionnaire distributed to 121 managers from Romanian SMEs. The collected data was analyzed using SmartPLS 4 software to test hypotheses regarding the role of intellectual capital management in enhancing organizational agility and performance.
Findings
IC, especially human capital, substantially influences organizational agility and performance in SMEs. Findings confirm that adapting to a dynamic work environment requires that SMEs invest in employee development, foster strong internal and external relationships, and embrace new technologies. Furthermore, building an adaptive organizational culture open to change and learning is essential for sustaining long-term competitive advantage in an unpredictable market.
Research limitations/implications
The study advances theoretical and practical recommendations for academics, managers and policymakers on leveraging IC to enhance organizational agility and performance, offering a roadmap for organizations navigating systemic crises. The main limitation is the context-driven focus of the research on Romanian SMEs.
Practical implications
Switching to the practical implications, this research offers managers of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Romania insightful knowledge about how to strategically manage IC to improve organizational agility and performance and illustrates the need for the SMEs to invest in the human capital, to adapt quickly to the market changes and to invest their resources in integrating new technologies, alongside with building strong relationships (both inside and outside the organization) and to cultivate an adaptive organizational culture that is open to change and to learn.
Social implications
This study provides guidance to the Romanian managers in finding the key to success, by ensuring competitiveness in the nowadays dynamic market, foster innovation and boost the agility and the performance of the organization.
Originality/value
The research is the first one to address the strategic importance of IC management in Romanian SMEs with a view to attaining agility and performance in turbulent times.