Estelle van Tonder, Daniël J. Petzer, Naomi van Vuuren and Leon T. De Beer
The purpose of this paper is to explore the proposed relationships between perceived usefulness (a dimension of perceived value), the relationship quality factors (competence…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the proposed relationships between perceived usefulness (a dimension of perceived value), the relationship quality factors (competence trust and continuous commitment) and positive word-of-mouth intentions in an electronic banking setting.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted among 511 electronic banking customers.
Findings
Continuous commitment was found to mediate the relationships between perceived usefulness and competence trust with positive word-of-mouth intention, respectively.
Research limitations/implications
The results indicate the role of perceived value and relationship quality in contributing to positive word-of-mouth intention.
Practical implications
The findings could also guide banking institutions in managing their existing electronic banking customers more appropriately and to encourage them to engage in word-of-mouth behaviour that will convince other potential users of the benefits of the service.
Originality/value
Little is known on a mediated model noting the connection between perceived value, the relationship quality factors competence trust and continuous commitment and positive word-of-mouth intention. The findings provide more insight into the matter and accordingly contribute to the developing body of knowledge on perceived value, relationship quality and behavioural intention and their importance to the stream of research on positive word of mouth.
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Jessica Borg, Naomi Borg, Christina M. Scott-Young and Nader Naderpajouh
There is a need for project management practitioners to adapt and thrive in today's volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) project-based workplaces. In this paper, the…
Abstract
Purpose
There is a need for project management practitioners to adapt and thrive in today's volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) project-based workplaces. In this paper, the linkage between work readiness and career resilience is developed, presenting both concepts as critical for effective strategic responses and adaptation to the changing labor market in organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
The resource-based view (RBV) and integrated dynamic capabilities (IDCs) are the theoretical lenses that are used to link the concepts of work readiness and career resilience across the individual and organizational levels.
Findings
A framework and model are proposed to establish a holistic understanding of catalysts for addressing the VUCA context that organizations face. The proposed conceptual linkage adds a chronological dimension to the formation of the interrelated dynamic capabilities during the early career phase of project management practitioners.
Practical implications
The contribution to the project management literature includes a theoretically driven conceptual framework that links two complementary concepts to address the career challenges faced by project managers. Work readiness is positioned as an enabler of career resilience and together they constitute vital attributes which foster talent retention in the current VUCA work environment.
Originality/value
Work readiness and career resilience are underexplored topics in the project management literature, both individually and in conjunction. Specifically, there is a research gap in view of linking these two concepts to present them as a catalyst for project management talent sustainability, and the proposed framework is an initial step in addressing these gaps.
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The World Bank report Changing Wealth of Nations 2018 is only the most recent reminder of how much poorer Africa is becoming, losing more than US$100 billion annually from…
Abstract
The World Bank report Changing Wealth of Nations 2018 is only the most recent reminder of how much poorer Africa is becoming, losing more than US$100 billion annually from minerals, oil, and gas extraction, according to (quite conservatively framed) environmentally sensitive adjustments of wealth. With popular opposition to socioeconomic, political, and ecological abuses rising rapidly in Africa, a robust debate may be useful: between those practicing anti-extractivist resistance, and those technocrats in states and international agencies who promote “ecological modernization” strategies. The latter typically aim to generate full-cost environmental accounting, and to do so they typically utilize market-related techniques to value, measure, and price nature. Between the grassroots and technocratic standpoints, a layer of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) do not yet appear capable of grappling with anti-extractivist politics with either sufficient intellectual tools or political courage. They instead revert to easier terrains within ecological modernization: revenue transparency, project damage mitigation, Free Prior and Informed Consent (community consultation and permission), and other assimilationist reforms. More attention to political-economic and political-ecological trends – including the end of the commodity super-cycle, worsening climate change, financial turbulence and the potential end of a 40-year long globalization process – might assist anti-extractivist activists and NGO reformers alike. Both could then gravitate to broader, more effective ways of conceptualizing extraction and unequal ecological exchange, especially in Africa’s hardest hit and most extreme sites of devastation.
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Jessica Borg, Christina M. Scott-Young and Naomi Borg
As the youngest generation – Generation Z (Gen Z) – enters the workplace, there is a growing interest in this cohort's career needs and expectations. This paper explores the…
Abstract
Purpose
As the youngest generation – Generation Z (Gen Z) – enters the workplace, there is a growing interest in this cohort's career needs and expectations. This paper explores the under-researched topic of Gen Z project management (Gen Z PM) professionals. In addition to shedding light on the factors that positively affect Gen Z PM professionals' early career-development phase, this research aims to identify specific organization-led practices that can foster sustainable early PM careers and so achieve greater workforce sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
Through the lens of the resource-based view (RBV), Gen Z PM professionals are considered critical resources that can help ensure workforce sustainability in project-based organizations (PBOs). Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 Gen Z PM professionals in Australia to explore the professionals' early career experiences and the organizational-support initiatives that facilitate positive experiences. The results were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Findings
The results revealed that most Gen Z PMs experienced many challenges and a lack of support during their early career phase: Gen Z value (1) mentoring, (2) time for training and development, (3) showing support and guidance, (4) understand skill-gaps and (5) reasonable workloads. Through catering to these needs, PBOs can ensure better career sustainability for their young Gen Z talent and, therefore, greater workforce sustainability for the project profession.
Originality/value
According to the career sustainability lens, PBOs play a significant role in ensuring that their valuable young PM talent are supported and retained in the profession. This research sheds light on what Gen Z PM professionals value in their early careers, which guided recommendations to better support this new generation of project professionals.
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Viktorija Skvarciany and Daiva Jurevičienė
Purpose: Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors indeed play a vital role in sustainability efforts across various sectors and industries. ESG factors are often…
Abstract
Purpose: Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors indeed play a vital role in sustainability efforts across various sectors and industries. ESG factors are often aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a framework for addressing global challenges related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and more. Countries that prioritise ESG considerations in their operations and decision-making processes contribute to achieving the SDGs, thus advancing sustainability. The study explores the interplay between ESG practices and overall sustainability outcomes. This involves examining how ESG considerations influence environmental conservation, social equity, and economic resilience and how these factors collectively contribute to sustainability goals.
Methodology: Data envelopment analysis (DEA), which is performed in order to find out the most efficient countries, which will provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between ESG factors and sustainability, informing decision-making and driving positive change towards a more sustainable future.
Findings: ESG practices transform to sustainable development efficiently in half of the EU countries; however, the efficient countries differ depending on the model. Demonstrating the efficient transformation strengthens the country’s case for sustainability. Countries that embrace ESG practices not only contribute to environmental and social well-being but also enhance their competitiveness and long-term value-creation potential.
Implications: Policymakers can use the findings to advocate for policies and regulations that promote ESG integration and sustainable development. This may include measures to incentivise responsible business practices, enhance corporate transparency and disclosure, support sustainable finance initiatives, and strengthen regulatory frameworks to address emerging ESG risks.