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1 – 10 of 17Madalina-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.
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Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu, Constantin Bratianu, Dan-Cristian Dabija and Simona Popa
This paper aims to explore the relationships among several key constructs which link the individual’s motivation for knowledge acquisition to his affiliation with online knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the relationships among several key constructs which link the individual’s motivation for knowledge acquisition to his affiliation with online knowledge networks, to further access the intellectual capital of the network as a prerequisite for organizational achievement.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey with 227 members of higher education and research centers from 30 countries was carried out between July and September 2021. The data were analyzed by means of partial least squares structural equation modeling technique, using the statistics software package SmartPLS 3.0.
Findings
Individual motivation to acquire knowledge has a significant influence on the affiliation with online academic networks approached as online knowledge networks. Further, active engagement with the network’s intangible resources leads to a significant harnessing of the three-component intellectual capital, that is, human, structural and relational capital. Human and relational capital is proven to exert a significant effect on organizational achievements, whereas structural capital falls short of reporting a meaningful influence on the dependent variable.
Research limitations/implications
This research adds new knowledge to the capitalization of online knowledge networks and its influence on organizational achievements via intellectual capital.
Originality/value
A novel perspective is advanced in which online knowledge networks are acknowledged as a pivotal bond and nonlinear integrator between the individual level of knowledge fields and organizational knowledge leveraged into organizational achievements.
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Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu, Juan-Gabriel Cegarra-Navarro, Andreia Gabriela Andrei, Violeta-Mihaela Dincă and Vlad-Andrei Alexandru
In the context of resource scarcity, the affiliation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to strategic networks has emerged as a fruitful path towards knowledge sharing as…
Abstract
Purpose
In the context of resource scarcity, the affiliation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to strategic networks has emerged as a fruitful path towards knowledge sharing as a reaction to fierce competition and with a view to enhance their innovative performance. In this framework, this paper aims to investigate the influence exerted by a specific relational design (i.e. types of strategic networks) and methodology (i.e. channels and content) of knowledge sharing on SMEs innovative performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire-based survey with 102 top managers of European SMEs in the industrial field was conducted from June to August 2019 and a partial least squares structural equation modelling technique was used. The database was initially filtered to ensure the adequacy of the sample and data was analysed using the statistics software package SmartPLS 3.0.
Findings
The results concluded that the structural model explains 38.5% of the variance in SMEs innovative performance, indicating the positive effects exerted by offline and online and by competitive knowledge sharing on the dependent variable.
Research implications
The study has both theoretical and practical implications in that it sets out a reference point for the key performance indicators for strategic networks structure, formation and development and, implicitly, for the selection of the most efficient relational design and methodology.
Originality/value
The pivotal originality elements reside in the advancement of a more comprehensive conceptual and structural model combining a two-fold operationalization of SMEs strategic networks (founded on business abilities or on the personality of the partner) and in the investigation of knowledge transfer processes at the inter-organizational levels within a context-centric approach.
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Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu, Juan-Gabriel Cegarra-Navarro, Aurora Martínez-Martínez, Violeta-Mihaela Dincă and Dan-Cristian Dabija
The study sets out to explore the mediating role of intellectual capital (IC) dimensions (i.e. human, structural and relational) between scholars' affiliation to online academic…
Abstract
Purpose
The study sets out to explore the mediating role of intellectual capital (IC) dimensions (i.e. human, structural and relational) between scholars' affiliation to online academic networks and institutional knowledge capitalization. Online academic networks are tackled through the lens of knowledge networks which have been of primary importance for new relevant knowledge acquisition during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire-based survey of 305 academics from 35 different countries was conducted from July to December 2021, employing a partial least squares structural equation modelling technique. The database was initially filtered to ensure the adequacy of the sample, and data were analyzed using the statistics software package SmartPLS 3.0.
Findings
Evidence was brought forward that the proposed conceptual model accounted for 52.5% of the variance in institutional knowledge capitalization, the structural and relational capital availed by knowledge networks exerting strong positive influence on the dependent variable.
Research limitations/implications
The study has both research and managerial implications in that it approaches a topical phenomenon, namely the capitalization of online academic networks in the COVID-19 context, which has dramatically altered the way that research and teaching are conducted worldwide.
Originality/value
The most important contribution of the paper resides in the comprehensive research model advanced which covers individual, organizational and network multifaced layers, starting with the personal and institutional motives to join a specialized network, continuing with the opportunities provided by knowledge networks in terms of intellectual capital harnessing, and ending with its influence on higher education organizations.
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Stefano Amelio, Patrizia Gazzola, Madalina Vatamanescu and Elena Dinu
Tax evasion and tax avoidance consistently strip national budgets of tremendous financial resources. Consequently, the discussion on tax fraud remains topical and a moving target…
Abstract
Purpose
Tax evasion and tax avoidance consistently strip national budgets of tremendous financial resources. Consequently, the discussion on tax fraud remains topical and a moving target subject matter. Various antecedents and moderators of tax fraud have been investigated over the years, yet the literature dedicated to the linkage between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and tax practices exhibited ambiguous results. In this respect, the purpose of this study is to present the results of an investigation into the nonfinancial factors affecting tax fraud and the moderating effect of CSR-related behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied in a multivariate statistical analysis technique to analyze structural relationships. The measurement and structural models were evaluated using component-based partial least squares (PLS), a rigorous statistical instrument. The opportunity to use PLS-SEM is supported by the advancement of models comprising both reflective and formative constructs as in the present case.
Findings
Data collected from a sample of 290 respondents from Romania confirmed that social and ethical factors significantly impact tax fraud and CSR-related behaviors. In addition, the latter plays a moderating effect between nonfinancial factors and tax fraud.
Research limitations/implications
The research sample is country-centric (i.e. subjects come from Romania) while the questionnaire-based survey relies on self-reported measures.
Originality/value
The paper adds new evidence to the extant knowledge and points to theoretical and managerial implications.
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Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu, Andreea Mitan, Andreia Gabriela Andrei and Alexandru Mihai Ghigiu
The present study aims to tackle SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) managers' awareness of coopetition benefits underpinning the process of knowledge sharing with a view to…
Abstract
Purpose
The present study aims to tackle SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) managers' awareness of coopetition benefits underpinning the process of knowledge sharing with a view to achieve innovative performance. The scrutiny of coopetition is placed within the context of SMEs strategic networks, which foster a fertile ground for competitive knowledge sharing and direct collaboration among members.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 102 top managers and business owners of European steel SMEs were questioned regarding various issues related to coopetition, knowledge, collaboration and innovative performance strategies. The collected data were analyzed via the technique of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The obtained values confirm that intense competition in the field stimulates SMEs to become aware of the benefits of coopetition. This awareness directly influences the innovative performance of the SMEs, as well as their interest in competitive knowledge sharing and their willingness to engage in direct collaboration. Direct collaboration catalyzes more intense competitive knowledge sharing at the inter-unit level whereas both direct collaboration and competitive knowledge sharing lead to better innovative performance in the case of the studied steel SMEs.
Research limitations/implications
A key theoretical contribution resides in revealing the influence of manifold factors in the overall equation of innovative performance, integrating competition, coopetition and knowledge sharing as antecedents.
Originality/value
The research advances a phenomenological view on SMEs networks in their strategy to leverage competitive knowledge and enhance system-driven innovation.
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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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Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu, Andreia Gabriela Andrei and Florina Pînzaru
The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of five dimensions of similarity (i.e. condition similarity, context similarity, catalyst similarity, consequence similarity…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of five dimensions of similarity (i.e. condition similarity, context similarity, catalyst similarity, consequence similarity and connection similarity) on Facebook social networks development.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 245 Romanian college students. SmartPLS 3 statistical software for partial least squares structural equation modeling was chosen as the most adequate technique for the assessment of models with both composites and reflective constructs.
Findings
More than 52 percent of the variance in social network development was explained by the advanced similarity model. Each dimension had a positive effect on Facebook social networks development, the highest influences being exerted by condition similarity, context similarity and consequence similarity.
Research limitations/implications
The current approach is substantively based on the homophily paradigm in explaining social network development. Future research would benefit from comparing and contrasting complementary theories (e.g. the rational self-interest paradigm, the social exchange or dependency theories) with the current findings. Also, the research is tributary to a convenience-based sample of Romanian college students which limits the generalization of the results to other cultural contexts and, thus, invites further research initiatives to test the model in different settings.
Social implications
Similarity attributes and mechanisms consistently determine the dynamics of online social networks, a fact which should be investigated in depth in terms of the impact of new technologies among young people.
Originality/value
This study is among the first research initiatives to approach similarity structures and processes within an integrative framework and to conduct the empirical analysis beyond US-centric samples.
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Juan-Gabriel Cegarra-Navarro, Constantin Bratianu, Aurora Martínez-Martínez, Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu and Dan-Cristian Dabija
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the generation of civic and public (C&P) engagement as an integrative outcome of a proper balance between emotional, rational and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the generation of civic and public (C&P) engagement as an integrative outcome of a proper balance between emotional, rational and spiritual knowledge, via the mediation of interpersonal competencies.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical analysis relies on a questionnaire-based survey conducted with 294 respondents from two knowledge-intensive organizations. Structural equation modeling, using Smart PLS 4, is used to analyze the data.
Findings
Individual knowledge can be considered as the refined outcome of the underlying transformations of various knowledge sources and resources, which is apposite for the next level of knowledge workers’ acumen. Individual knowledge – which relies on a good balance of rational, emotional and spiritual knowledge – exerts a positive effect on interpersonal competencies, wherein the latter positively influences the C&P engagement of knowledge workers.
Research limitations/implications
Policymakers should capitalize on the development of strong interpersonal competencies; they should be able to understand the social mechanisms of motivating people, of stimulating, harnessing and channeling individual knowledge toward higher C&P as a prerequisite of value creation.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first argumentative undertaking intended to explore the conversion of the three knowledge types into individual knowledge as a premise of interpersonal competencies development and as a relevant antecedent of C&P engagement. The results of this paper support that achieving balance in one's life is essential for increasing interpersonal competencies and C&P engagement. This study not only represents the first contribution to this debate but also helps managers and organizations to recognize that a good balance requires emotional, rational and spiritual knowledge.
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