Artan Veseli, Fatih Çetin

2024, 46, 1-24. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.01

Aim/purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of HRM practices on OCB-I (altruism and courtesy) and OCB-O (sportsmanship, conscientiousness, and civic virtue) by examining the mediating role of organizational justice perceptions (i.e., distributional, procedural, and interactional justice) and the moderating role of gender.

Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a national sample of 10 organizations from the banking industry in Kosovo and data were obtained from 459 employees. The statistical method involved regression analyses by constructing 14 different models through controlling demographics and the Sobel test for testing the moderator hypotheses.

Findings – The findings of the study suggest that there are positive relations between HRM practices and both OCB-I and OCB-O. Additionally, HRM practices show positive relations with justice perceptions, while justice perceptions show positive relations with both OCB-I and OCB-O. Furthermore, justice perceptions play a mediating role in the relationship between HRM practices and both OCB-I and OCB-O. Gender moderates the relationship between HRM practices and justice perceptions, showing a positive relationship for females but a negative one for males. Lastly, gender also moderates the relationship between justice perceptions and OCB-O, being positive for males but nega-tive for females.

Research implications/limitations – Limitations of this study include uncertainties in determining the most suitable HRM practices for assessing their impact on OCBs, potential method bias from the limited sample, and limited generalizability beyond Kosovo’s banking sector due to cultural variations.

Originality/value/contribution – This study provides a comprehensive understanding of HRM practices, organizational justice, and OCBs within Kosovo’s banking sector. The findings not only contribute to theoretical knowledge but also offer practical insights for Kosovan commercial banks, emphasizing the importance of evaluating HRM practices and justice perceptions to enhance employee behaviors crucial for organizational success.

Keywords: HRM practices, justice perceptions, citizenship behavior, gender.

JEL Classification: M10, M12, M19.

Urszula Świerczyńska-Kaczor

2024, 46, 25-54. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.02
 

Aim/purpose – The study delves into the creation and the experience of interactive children’s narratives based on poetry, examining the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) as a collaborative partner in storytelling for children. The research questions are: 1) What are the experiences of readers, specifically children’s guardians, with interactive narratives based on children’s poetry?; 2) How do children’s guardians experience interactive stories co-generated in real-time through conversations with artificial intelli-gence?; 3) Is it feasible to create a satisfying narrative for children from a specific set of images through the use of AI technology?

Design/methodology/approach –This paper synthesizes findings from the following studies: a) Qualitative analysis of interactive narratives based on Stanisław Jachowicz’s poems, involving a comprehensive online questionnaire survey, with 80 respondents participating in the latest study; b) An evaluative study focused on real-time interactions with AI-generated interactive narratives based on Stanisław Jachowicz’s poems. This involved 12 participants who provided detailed feedback on their experience; c) An autoethnographic study exploring the creative process of generating children’s narratives from a set of images using AI.

Findings – The findings from the exploratory studies suggested that interactive narratives based on poetry would be beneficial for education and the promotion of reading. The interactive narrative can be simply designed (simple mechanics, simple options) and nevertheless, it can evoke a positive user experience. The constructs of telepresence and player agency apply not only to the interactive narrative and the poem that serves as its foundation. The evaluation of the interactive narrative generated by ChatGPT was positive, both as real-time interactive storytelling experienced by the reader with AI and as the interactive narrative created based on a set of images. In the process of generating interactive narratives during real-time interactions, ensuring safety, reliability, and trustworthiness for children is a crucial aspect.

Research implications/limitations – The research suggests that educational organizations can benefit from introducing interactive narratives based on poetry into children’s curricula. Furthermore, artificial intelligence can be effectively utilized in creating such content, both in the form of traditional interactive narratives presented to children and in real-time interactions with AI. However, it is also important for organizations to develop tools for monitoring children’s safety.

Originality/value/contribution – This paper sheds light on the reader’s experience with interactive narratives based on poetry and highlights the transformative impact of AI on reading and writing in children’s literature, emphasizing how significantly the roles of writers and readers have changed with the introduction of AI. The swift evolution of artificial intelligence raises concerns that vital literary participants – including authors, researchers, publishers, and readers – may not grasp the essential skills and knowledge for utilizing AI. This paper can be helpful for these groups as it provides clues on how to produce good prompts, leading to the creation of children’s narratives.
 

Keywords: art studies, Human-Centered AI, interactive narrative, game development, user experience.

JEL Classification: Z11, L86, M31.

Marijana Ćurak, Mirela Duvnjak, Maja Pervan

2024, 46, 55-78. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.03
 

Aim/purpose – In line with the general trend of digitalization and changing customers’ needs and preferences, insurance companies have increasingly applied digital technology to their business. This digital transformation should enhance insurance companies’ efficiency and provide further advantages. Therefore, this study’s main aim is to analyze the current relationship between the digital maturity of Croatian non-life insurers and their efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach – The empirical analysis is based on the data collected via an online survey on a sample of Croatian non-life insurers and from the insurance companies’ financial statements. The data was analyzed using the Digital Maturity Model 5.0 by Forrester Research, Inc., Data Envelopment Analysis, and correlation analysis.

Findings – The surveyed Croatian non-life insurance companies have achieved the second level of a four-level digital maturity scale, on average. Although the digital transformation of insurance companies is a promising efficiency driver, the current level of digital maturity of Croatian non-life insurance companies is not positively related to their efficiency.

Research implications/limitations – The research has implications for insurance companies regarding their path of digital transformation, as well as for the regulators establishing an adequate regulatory framework to encourage the digital development of insurance companies. The objective limits of the research refer to the means of measuring digital maturity and the sample size. The research is limited to the Croatian insurance market.

Originality/value/contribution – Analysis of the efficiency of insurance companies from the information technology perspective is rare in the academic literature, and this issue has not been investigated using a sample of Croatian insurers. The research contributes to advancing knowledge on the relationship between digital maturity and insurance companies’ efficiency.
 

Keywords: digital transformation and maturity, efficiency, Croatian non-life insurance companies.

JEL Classification: G22, C67, D22.

Tomasz Zema, Adam Sulich, Marcin Hernes

2024, 46, 79-110. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.04
 

Aim/purpose – This paper aims to explore both fuel sales forecasting and the business ecosystem, subsequently reversing the focus to examine the business ecosystem in the context of fuel sales forecasting. Accompanying this research objective are the following research questions: 1) Does the order in which the topics of “business ecosystems” and “fuel sales forecasting” are searched affect the search results? 2) Which keywords frequently co-occur in publications related to “business ecosystems” and “fuel sales forecasting”? 3) What is the relationship between the terms “fuel sales forecasting” and “business ecosystem”?

Design/methodology/approach – The study employs a hybrid review methodology, utilizing specific queries within the Scopus database to identify research themes and motifs. This hybrid form of literature review integrates the tenets of both bibliometric and structured reviews. In this study, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework was employed. The visual analysis was conducted using VOSviewer bibliometric software, with a focus on keywords relevant to the relationship between fuel sales forecasting and business ecosystem terms.

Findings – Key findings include the identification of co-occurring keywords in fuel sales forecasting and business ecosystem theory literature. The study reveals research gaps and potential areas for future study in business ecosystems, highlighting the impact of fuel sales forecasting in various economic sectors beyond traditional ones, like forestry, agriculture, and fisheries. Utilizing a hybrid literature study research method, the paper analyses data from scientific publications in the Scopus database and employs VOSviewer software to develop bibliometric maps of keyword co-occurrences.

Research implications/limitations – The research underscores the broad implications of fuel sales forecasting within a business ecosystem context and identifies areas lacking in-depth study. This study maps scientific publications, identifying the intellectual structure and current research trends. This study contributes to the understanding of fuel sales forecasting within the business ecosystem context as a part of the energy sector transition.

Originality/value/contribution – This paper contributes to the field of science and practice by identifying research areas integrating fuel sales forecasting within the business ecosystem construct. It indicates future promising research avenues for researchers and industry professionals, aiming to guide ongoing research. The article addresses a significant theme that warrants scholarly attention. This study allows researchers to define the research gaps covered by published articles and indicate the directions of scientific development.
 

Keywords: fuel sales forecasting, business ecosystems, hybrid literature review, petroleum products.

JEL Classification: Q41, L71, C83, M21, O13.

H. Mustafa Paksoy, Yakup Durmaz, B. Dilek Özbezek, Filiz Çopuroğlu

2024, 46, 111-142. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.05
 

Aim/purpose – The study aims to investigate the role of organizational commitment as a mediator between internal marketing and job performance.

Design/methodology/approach – For this purpose, data were collected from 239 personnel working in the textile sector in Turkiye’s Organized Industrial Zone. The data obtained from the participants through the survey method were examined by explanatory factor analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation, and bootstrap regression analyses.

Findings – The findings of the research clearly show that internal marketing practices have a significant impact on job performance. Internal marketing variable explained 52.24% of the change in organizational commitment. However, it has been revealed that organizational commitment has a partial mediating role in the relationship between internal marketing practices and job performance.

Research implications/limitations – This study has limitations in taking samples from Turkiye, focusing on the textile industry, and using the convenience sampling method.

Originality/value/contribution – These results strongly support the argument that internal marketing practices further increase job performance through organizational commitment.
 

Keywords: internal marketing, organizational commitment, job performance.

JEL Classification: M10, M12, M31, M19.

Elizabeth Omolola Oyedepo

2024, 46, 143-170. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.06
 

Aim/purpose – This study investigated the nexus between labor force dynamics and economic performance in Nigeria, India, and China.

Design/methodology/approach – The study used annual time series data spanning from 1991 to 2021 obtained from World Development Indicators (WDI). After the unit root stationarity test, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) was used for the analysis.

Findings – Findings from the study support a positive short-run relationship between labor force participation and economic growth in all three countries. However, in China, population growth impacts the economy positively in the long run, while life expectancy at birth negatively impacts the economy in the short run. This is because China’s population is aging. In India, employment in the industrial and service sectors positively impacts the economy in the long run. In the short run, life expectancy at birth influences the economy negatively. Furthermore, in Nigeria, the industrial and service sector employment impact the economy negatively in the long run, though there are positive effects in the short run.

Research implications – The Indian government needs policy reforms in the areas of education and health to take advantage of the potential of its youthful population. The Nigerian government requires implementing a wide range of education, investment, and employment-generating policies to foster tangible economic growth. These reforms could help both India and Nigeria take advantage of the potential for demographic change. The Chinese government, already having policy reforms in place, is geared towards improved fertility and population growth for economic growth in the near future. These policies, coupled with the study’s findings, could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the implications of demographic change on economic performance.

Originality/value contribution – This analysis explored and compared the demographic potentials of two young countries (India and Nigeria) and an aging, wealthy economy (China) from the working class. Policy lessons for the attainment of demographic dividends are borrowed from China.
 

Keywords: labor force, economic performance, demographic change, population dynamics, ARDL model.

JEL Classification: J10, J11.

Hamed Nozari

2024, 46, 171-188. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.07
 

Aim/purpose – This research aims to design an analytical framework to investigate the dimensions, factors, and key indicators affecting the green supply chain based on the innovative technology of Artificial Intelligence of Everything (AIoE). Understanding the cause-and-effect relationships of all actors in this smart and sustainable system is also one of the critical goals of this research. Also, examining the key features of AIoE technology as a new hybrid technology is one of this research’s most essential features.

Design/methodology/approach – This research has tried to extract and refine the most critical parameters affecting the green supply chain based on technology by reviewing the literature and examining the opinions of active experts in the field of study. Then, by using the focus group, it has been tried to provide an analytical framework to express the cause-and-effect relationships of all actors active in this system by examining the basic features of AIoE. Finally, this framework was validated and approved using experts’ opinions and the focus group, emphasizing integrity, comprehensiveness, and effectiveness.

Findings – This research identified the dimensions, components, and indicators affecting the smart, green, and sustainable supply chain based on Artificial Intelligence (AI). It also presented an analytical framework that shows the cause-and-effect relationships of all active actors in this system.

Research implications/limitations – This research simultaneously offers significant insights into implementing intelligent and sustainable process-oriented systems. However, it is important to note the limitations. One of the most significant challenges in presenting the framework was finding experts with sufficient awareness, knowledge, and experience and participants to analyze cause-and-effect relationships.

Originality/value contribution – This research provides a practical analysis of AIoE technology for the first time. The results strongly support the argument that hybrid AIoE technology can tremendously impact the sustainability and greenness of supply chain processes.
 

Keywords: green supply chain, sustainable supply chain, Artificial Intelligence of Eve-rything (AIoE), AIoE-based supply chain.

JEL Classification: O32.

Anh Tru Nguyen, Agnieszka Poczta-Wajda

2024, 46, 189-212. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.08
 

Aim/purpose – This study explores the nexus between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), trade openness, exchange rate, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in Vietnam between 1986 and 2020.

Design/methodology/approach – The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) was used to evaluate the nexus between FDI, trade openness, exchange rate, and GDP per capita in Vietnam between 1986 and 2020. Moreover, the Johansen co-integration test examined the long-run relationship among these variables.

Findings – Results address that GDP per capita, FDI, and trade openness may generate an appreciation of the Vietnamese currency in the short run. In the long run, we found that FDI inflows and trade openness support GDP per capita, but the depreciation of Vietnam Dong harms the economic growth of this country in the long run. The Johansen co-integration test confirmed a long-run association among GDP per capita, FDI inflows, trade openness, and exchange rate. Results also indicated a unidirectional causality running from GDP per capita and trade openness to FDI and exchange rate. In addition, a bidirectional causality ran from FDI to the exchange rate.

Research implications/limitations – Policies were recommended to facilitate macroeconomic stability for Vietnam. First, fiscal and monetary policies should be carried out to achieve targets in macroeconomic stability, economic development, employment creation, and inflation control. Second, FDI inflows should continue to be encouraged since they accelerate economic growth. Still, FDI projects should concentrate on improving labor skills and technological progress and promoting sustainable development in crucial sectors such as agriculture, energy, and the environment. Third, fostering innovation in exports by shifting focus from raw materials and inputs exports towards processed and high-value-added commodities while also promoting exports from domestic enterprises to reduce reliance on exports from FDI enterprises. Lastly, improving flexible and active exchange rate regimes consistent with real conditions in both domestic and international markets is necessary to stabilize the exchange rate and foreign currency market in Vietnam.

Originality/value/contribution – This paper contributes to the field by providing specific policy recommendations for Vietnam. These recommendations aim to stabilize the economy, attract FDI, renovate exports, and implement flexible and active exchange rate regimes.
 

Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), trade openness, exchange rate, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita.

JEL Classification: E60, O11, O24.

Andrés A. Osorio-Londoño, Pablo F. Marín-Cardona, Debihd Luz Alcívar Chávez

2024, 46, 213-245. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.09
 

Aim/purpose – This study evaluates the influence of opportunity-enhancing human resource practices on radical innovation and examines the mediating role of exploration capability in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach – Hypotheses were formulated to determine the relationship between opportunity-enhancing human resource practices and radical innovation, as well as the mediating role that exploration capability plays in this relationship. These were tested in 168 Colombian companies from the telecommunications and chemical-pharmaceutical sectors using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via the Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique.

Findings – The study indicates that opportunity-enhancing human resource practices positively and significantly influence radical innovation. In addition, this relationship is mediated by exploration capability.

Research implications/limitations – Organizations should implement opportunity-enhancing human resource practices to support radical innovation development. These practices provide employees with opportunities to explore relevant knowledge and technologies necessary for radical innovation.

Originality/value/contribution – Identifying and testing a specific group of human resource practices that facilitate radical innovation is one of the most significant gaps in the scientific literature on the relationship between human resource practices and innovation. According to this article, opportunity-enhancing human resource practices facilitate radical innovation in organizations. Furthermore, previous research has not examined the relationship between opportunity-enhancing human resource practices, exploration capability, and radical innovation.
 

Keywords: exploration capability, radical innovation, opportunity-enhancing HR practices, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).

JEL Classification: O3, M1.

Michał Nadolny, Ewa Walaszczyk, Sebastian Walerysiak

2024, 46, 246-273. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.10
 

Aim/purpose – Energy is traditionally produced using fossil fuels as raw materials, which impacts the environment negatively. Due to the scarcity of fossil fuel supplies, rising prices of energy carriers, and global trends, consumers are turning to renewable energy sources (RES) for home heating. The aim of this study was to determine whether the choice of house heating system using different sources than fossil fuels is driven by any additional components of single-family house users’ purchasing decisions besides cost. Based on research results, the prospects for further transformation of thermal energy in single-family housing in Poland towards RES were determined.

Design/methodology/approach – The research on the inhabitants of single-family houses was conducted in December 2022 in Poland. The research method used was a survey using the CATI and CAWI techniques. 600 respondents filled out the questionnaire. The results were statistically analyzed. A non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test (non-parametric ANOVA) and a post-hoc test were used. The distributions’ normality and the variances’ homogeneity were measured using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Brownian–Forsythe tests. Calculations were performed using Statistica software.

Findings – The choice of heating energy source in single-family houses, taking CO2 emissions into account, is not dictated by income level. Instead, it is determined by the number of people in the household. More numerous households opt for a zero-emission heat source. Households using emission-based heating energy sources are significantly more driven by the cost of using heating appliances; their purchase price, reliability, and product quality are more important than those using zero-emission methods. The partial use of renewable energy source solutions promotes further investment in emission-free heat sources.

Research implications/limitations – The analysis illustrates the state of thermal transformation in single-family houses during the energy transition process at the national level. A limitation of the research is that it samples only one EU country struggling with too high CO2 emissions compared to other countries.

Originality/value/contribution – A unique approach used in this study is to address the variation in incentives for renewable energy purchasing decisions, considering CO2 emissions. This aspect, although noticeable to some extent, is not directly taken into account by users who do not have the tools to assess their CO2 emissions. However, the proposed research approach showed that the CO2 emission level of a heating system is a factor differentiating some aspects of the decision-making process of system users. In particular, it showed what elements of the decision are essential in households that have not yet taken any action towards energy transformation.
 

Keywords: energy, decision-making process, heat source, hybrid heat sources, emission-free heat sources, consumers’ characteristics.

JEL Classification: Q56, G51, O13.

Anatolii P. Getman, Oleg M. Yaroshenko, Olga І. Demenko, Оlena Yе. Lutsenko,Roman Ye. Prokopiev

2024, 46, 274-299. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.11
 

Aim/purpose – This article analyzes the impact of gamification on staff motivation, performance, and corporate culture at the international level. It also examines the integration of advanced technologies such as AI (artificial intelligence), AR (augmented reality), and VR (virtual reality) into gamification strategies to enhance their effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach – The study utilizes a semi-systematic literature review, synthesizing information from various scientific sources. This approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of gamification’s impact on employee engagement and productivity, focusing on incorporating advanced technologies.

Findings – The research identified that gamification significantly enhances employee motivation and performance. It highlights the additional benefits of AI-driven personalization, AR, and VR, which create immersive and adaptive learning environments. A framework for gamification implementation in business is proposed, including six steps such as (1) define objectives, (2) analyze the audience, (3) select game elements, (4) develop a game mechanism, (5) implement and train, (6) collect feedback and adapt.

Research implications/limitations – The study’s reliance on a semi-systematic literature review may not capture all practical nuances and recent advancements. Future empirical research involving direct observation within organizations is recommended. Additionally, the findings are based on theoretical analyses and case studies, which may not fully represent the diversity of real-world applications across different industries and cultural settings.

Originality/value/contribution – This research contributes to the existing literature by expanding traditional gamification models to include advanced technologies. It provides actionable insights for businesses seeking to implement gamification strategies, offering examples and recommendations for practice. The study underscores the need for strategic and context-specific implementation of gamification to ensure its effectiveness.
 

Keywords: gamification, staff motivation, HR management, artificial intelligence, virtual reality in working process.

JEL Classification: M12, M14, M20.

Mawih Kareem Al Ani, H Gin Chong, Omar Ikbal Tawfik

2024, 46, 300-330. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.12
 

Aim/purpose – This study reports the demand for Big 4 audits among institutional and family owners, the two dominant ownerships in the GCC countries. We conducted this in-depth study to gain an understanding of the type of firms, family-owned or institutional-owned firms that lead to choosing audit firms.

Design/methodology/approach – This study employed a quantitative cross-country study by selecting a sample based on secondary data extracted from the Capital IQ data-set from a panel of 1827 non-financial firms listed on the stock exchanges of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from 2010 to 2018. The hypothesized effects of institutional ownership (IO) and family ownership (FO) on the selection of external auditors in these countries were examined using logit, probit, and heteroskedastic probit analysis.

Findings – The study finds that institutional investors play a crucial role in influencing firms’ choice of auditors in the GCC. Family-owned firms tend to hire non-Big 4 firms when the owners actively monitor the firms’ financial transactions. In addition, the study finds that both domestic and foreign institutional investors have a significant positive effect on auditor selection, with domestic institutional investors having priority. These findings support the efforts of market authorities in the GCC to highlight the critical role of IO over FO in improving audit quality.

Research implications/limitations – The results are highly relevant for shareholders, executives, institutional investors, regulators, and academics. They help them improve the growth of capital and audit markets by developing best practices, thereby helping achieve an optimal framework for auditor choice that matches higher audit quality. This study focuses on only two types of ownership structures (institution and family) despite the many options because of the extensive debates and discussions on the association between the studied ownership types and auditor choice.

Originality/value/contribution – Study highlighted the role of institutional investors in GCC countries as one of the most attractive emerging economies in the Middle East. Since no research has been conducted on the role of institutional and family investors in selecting external auditors in GCC countries, this study has made a significant contribution to the accounting and auditing literature. It mitigates the gap in the literature on emerging markets. The findings can provide policymakers with guidelines for including institutional investors and FO in GCC countries to ensure high-quality audits.
 

Keywords: institutional ownership (IO), family ownership (FO), auditor choice, Gulf Cooperation Council, emerging economies.

JEL Classification: G23, G32, D10, M42.

Lucie Sara Zavodna, Margarethe Überwimmer, Elisabeth Frankus

2024, 46, 331-352. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.13
 

Aim/purpose – This pilot study explores the main obstacles hindering the effective implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). By thoroughly understanding these barriers, organizations can develop customized strategies and interventions to overcome them, facilitating smoother and more successful AI adoption. The paper’s primary goal is to help organizations understand the barriers to AI adoption to develop tailored strategies and interventions to overcome these challenges, leading to a more efficient and successful integration of AI. Through a rigorous examination of real-world experiences and perceptions, this paper seeks to elucidate the multifaceted challenges that impede the effective deployment of AI solutions.

Design/methodology/approach – The study identifies four main impediments to AI implementation based on data from 22 interviews with industry experts in the Czech Republic and Austria.

Findings – First, a notable lack of trust emerges as a significant barrier, with stakeholders harboring apprehensions regarding AI’s reliability, ethical implications, or potential consequences. Second, the knowledge gap hampers progress, indicating a need for better understanding and expertise in AI technologies and applications. Third, infrastructure limitations, including inadequate computing resources, outdated systems, or insufficient technical support, pose a challenge. Lastly, a shortage of skilled professionals proficient in AI further complicates implementation efforts, highlighting the importance of nurturing talent and expertise.

Research implications/limitations – The findings regarding AI implementation strategies are significant for small and medium-sized enterprises. Although the research focuses on Czech and Austrian companies, the findings may apply to other countries. Additionally, it is worth noting that this is qualitative research with a smaller sample size.

Originality/value/contribution – By addressing these barriers proactively, organizations can navigate the complexities of AI adoption more effectively and unlock its transformative potential.
 

Keywords: AI, barriers, implementation, SMEs.

JEL Classification: M10, M15, M2.

Shivani Agarwal, Rekha Mewarfarosh, Vijender Kumar Solanki

2024, 46, 353-386. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.14
 

Aim/purpose – This study explores the crucial link between the quality of work life (QWL) and subjective well-being (SWB) among aviation industry employees. By delving into the current state of QWL and its relationship with key aspects of SWB, such as life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect, this research aims to offer valuable insights that can help employee well-being and job satisfaction in the aviation industry.

Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 350 employees, including front-line executives such as cabin crew, airport staff, cargo handlers, and administrative personnel from the aviation industry, was selected for the study. The path analysis method was employed to develop and evaluate a model that links QWL with SWB and its dimensions, using SEM through AMOS version 20.0.

Findings – The study found that six aspects of QWL, namely: (1) support from manager/supervisor, (2) freedom from work-related stress, (3) salary and additional benefits, (4) job satisfaction, challenge, use of skills, and autonomy, (5) relationships with colleagues, and (6) communication, decision-making, and job security, are positively correlated with SWB. However, one aspect ‒ involvement and responsibility at work ‒ was found to have a negative association with SWB. The results demonstrated that most of the model’s indicators were appropriate, confirming the model’s fitness. It was concluded that QWL is a significant antecedent that affects SWB.

Research implications/limitations – There is a dearth of links between the concepts of QWL and SWB in the aviation industry. The sample is related to NCR (India), and it is recommended that the relationship between QWL and SWB in these findings be extended to other professionals and non-professionals employed in different industries.

Originality/value/contribution – The study has formed a comprehensive model connecting QWL and SWB. This study offers a fresh perspective on best management practices to encourage the implementation of QWL, which further affects SWB in the aviation industry.
 

Keywords: subjective well-being, life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect, quality of work life, aviation industry.

JEL Classification: I3, L2, M1, Z3.

Prosenjeet Ghosh, Uttam Golder, Md. Shanur Rahman, Nishat Rumaly

2024, 46, 387-423. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.15
 

Aim/purpose – Aside from conventional debt financing, mezzanine debt funding is an essential, nontraditional, and innovative instrument for financing a corporation. Nonetheless, the use and discussions on this particular type of financing are still limited. This study aims to investigate the nature and patterns of mezzanine debt financing and agreements at the global and regional levels, seeking to understand the trends and differences in its funding flows and deal movements across various continents so that businesses looking to grow abroad might use this analysis to identify places where mezzanine finance is more accessible or advantageous. Moreover, investors can select the most appealing markets and conditions for mezzanine investments, thus improving their portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach – Using seven global regions (e.g., Asia, Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America, Oceania, and rest of the world (RoW)) annual data from 2006 to 2023, this study employs descriptive analysis and applies the one-way between groups ANOVA.

Findings – The findings show notable differences in the flows of mezzanine debt fundings and deals across different geographical locations globally. Besides, it also explores that mezzanine debt financing and agreements in North America and Europe make up most of the contributions, while other regions are still at the early stage of development.

Research implications – Policymakers and governments in regions like Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, and the RoW should look into ways to increase the flow and growth of their agreements because the patterns and trends of funding and deals in those regions are considerably lower than North America and Europe.

Originality/value/contribution – The literature on mezzanine debt mainly addresses its definition, features, facilities, disadvantages, and possible borrowers. This study investigates the recent pattern and trend of mezzanine debt funding and its deals globally based on different geographical locations.
 

Keywords: mezzanine, mezzanine financing, mezzanine debt, mezzanine deals.

JEL Classification: D24, G11, H63.

Saptaningsih Sumarmi, Murniady Muchran, Arif Sudaryana

2024, 46, 424-447. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.16
 

Aim/purpose – This study examines authentic leadership’s influence on employee silence intention, mediated by perceptions of organizational politics and organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach – Research data was obtained by surveying 251 lecturers at PGRI universities. The method used to analyze the data was structural equation modeling with AMOS.

Findings – The research results show that authentic leadership, perceptions of organizational politics, and organizational commitment directly affect employee silence intention. In addition, Perceptions of organizational politics and organizational commitment mediate the influence of authentic leadership on employee silence intention.

Research implications/limitations – The theoretical implications of this study strengthen the theory of authentic leadership by demonstrating its negative influence on employee silence intentions. However, a limitation of this study lies in the potential need for more generalizability of the findings, as the study focused only on higher education, so the results may not fully apply to different industries or cultural contexts.

Originality/value/contribution – This research makes a significant contribution by exploring the influence of authentic leadership on employee silence intention. It enriches the literature with empirical findings linking leadership honesty, openness, and transparency to reduced employee silence.
 

Keywords: authentic leadership, perceptions of organizational politics, organizational commitment, employee silence intention.

JEL Classification: M12, M54, O15.

Idowu Daniel Onisanwa, Sule Yohanna

2024, 46, 448-473. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.17
 

Aim/purpose – The benefit of changing the population age structure only accrues to an economy if the labor market absorbs the increasing number of the working population at a given labor income that surpasses the prevailing consumption of that age group. However, the prevailing conditions in Nigeria suggest that consumers outweigh producers amidst the increasing working-age share of the population. While the demographic dividend has been established in some advanced countries, the same cannot be said in Nigeria. Thus, this study uses annual data projections by the United Nations to examine the interplay between consumption, labor income, and the economic support ratio in Nigeria between 2001 and 2050.

Design/methodology/approach – The study is anchored on the National Transfer Accounts (NTA) modeling approach. The study used annual population data projections from the United Nations. Age profiles for private-public consumption and labor income data were sourced from the 2018/2019 National Living Standard Survey (NLSS) produced by the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics. The paper employed the NTA approach to analyze Nigeria’s life cycle deficit and economic support ratio.

Findings – Nigeria’s demographic window of opportunity began in 2001 and will last till 2050. Lifecycle surplus exists among the effective producers for 28 years. Also, individuals in Nigeria enjoy financial autonomy from the age of 35 to 63. During the surplus window, individuals’ labor earnings are more than consumption.

Research implications/limitations – Nigeria experiences a lifecycle deficit (LCD) between ages 0 and 14 that extends to the early ages of effective production (15 to 34). The country has a weak take-off point of demographic dividend along the transition path.

Originality/value/contribution – The study analyzed the composition of age structure, the effects of changes in the population structure of Nigeria, the flow of resources across age groups, and its implications. Relying on the NTA framework, this study attempts to forecast economic growth in Nigeria up to 2050.
 

Keywords: National Transfer Accounts, demographic dividend, lifecycle deficit, economic support ratio, Nigeria.

JEL Classification: J11, O47.

Aldi Bin Syamsul Kamal, Icut Pridani Putri, Anita Maharani

2024, 46, 474-507. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.18
 

Aim/purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of transformational leadership (TL) on innovative work behavior (IWB) among middle management in the non-metallic mineral products industry, focusing on job crafting (JC) and knowledge-sharing behavior (KSB) as mediating factors.

Design/methodology/approach – Employing a cross-sectional design, this study investigated the non-metallic minerals industry in Indonesia through a deductive approach. Data was collected from an online survey of 237 middle management personnel. A partial least squares SEM and mediation analysis using the bootstrap method were used for the data analysis.

Findings – The study reveals that TL significantly enhances KSB and IWB among middle management in the non-metallic minerals industry. However, JC did not considerably affect IWB and did not mediate the TL-IWB relationship, challenging the established paradigms. These results underscore the complex dynamics between leadership, innovation, and JC, highlighting the need for further research into contextual factors that influence these relationships and the pivotal role of KSB in driving IWB.

Research implications/limitations – This study enhances the social exchange theory (SET) by examining the interplay between TL, JC, KSB, and IWB in Indonesia’s non-metallic minerals sector. Practical insights include leadership training for fostering innovation and embedding knowledge

Originality/value/contribution – This research offers novel insights into the intricate roles of TL, JC, and KSB in fostering IWB within the Indonesian non-metallic minerals sector. It challenges the existing paradigms about JC roles, highlighting the conditional influences of organizational context and leadership dynamics on IWB.
 

Keywords: innovative work behavior, transformational leadership, middle management, non-metallic minerals sector.

JEL Classification: M10, M50, M54, L69.

Ewa Wanda Ziemba, Cong Doanh Duong, Joanna Ejdys, Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez, Ruta Kazlauskaitė, Pawel Korzynski, Grzegorz Mazurek, Joanna Paliszkiewicz, Jelena Stankevičienė, Krzysztof Wach

2024, 46, 508-583. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.19
 

Aim/purpose – This study aims to identify the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with specific reference to their targets, and to present good practices in this regard.

Design/methodology/approach – This study adopts qualitative research based on an integrative literature review encompassing five stages: problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis, and presentation of findings.

Findings – This study presents a framework for leveraging AI to achieve SDGs. It details the role of AI in achieving each SDG, identifies the best practices for using AI to achieve these goals, and recommends the main steps for systematically deploying AI to achieve SDGs.

Research implications/limitations – The presented findings reflect the authors’ perspective on the role of AI in achieving SDGs based on an integrative literature review, which may have overlooked some literature on AI’s impact on individual SDGs or lacked published evidence on such interlinkages.

Originality/value/contribution – This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive framework for leveraging AI to achieve the SDGs. It systematically identifies and details the role of AI in advancing each SDG, highlights best practices for deploying AI effectively, and recommends steps for integrating AI into SDG initiatives. The study’s value lies in its ability to guide policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in harnessing AI’s potential to address critical global challenges while highlighting the need for careful consideration of potential limitations and gaps in the existing literature.
 

Keywords: sustainable development, SDGs, Agenda 2030, Artificial Intelligence, AI.

JEL Classification: 033, M15; Q01.

Hermanto Hermanto, Widji Astuti, Pudjo Sugito, Boge Triatmanto

2024, 46, 584-612. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.20
 

Aim/purpose – This study aims to determine whether a green attitude can complement the influence of green marketing on green purchase intention for environmentally friendly fast-food products, considering the orientation toward sustainable environmental preservation.

Design/methodology/approach – The research uses a quantitative method with a survey technique, with a five Likert scale questionnaire ranging from “1” (strongly disagree) to “5” (strongly agree). The object of the study is a fast-food franchise product. The data were collected from 500 respondents from cities in East Java using a non-probability sampling of respondents who have purchased and consumed fast food products. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with several stages of analysis, including an instrument feasibility test using common method bias analysis, validity and reliability analysis, measurement model analysis, and structural model analysis with the help of SmartPLS.

Findings – Green promotion, products, and places can positively contribute to green marketing, whereas green price plays a lesser role. Effective green marketing can change consumers’ attitudes positively, ultimately increasing their purchase intentions. Additionally, green attitude plays a crucial role; it complements the influence of green marketing on green purchase intention and enhances consumers’ purchase intentions toward environmentally friendly products.

Research implications/limitations – This research will provide implications for expanding green marketing and the theory of planned behaviour.

Originality/value/contribution – A formative green marketing model can enhance green attitudes. The practical implications are expected to provide insights for marketing managers to increase consumer purchase intentions by implementing green marketing strategies that can change consumers’ positive attitudes toward green marketing.
 

Keywords: green attitude, green marketing, green purchasing intention, consumer behavior, sustainability.

JEL Classification: M31, A11, D12, Q56.

Md. Shanur Rahman, Uttam Golder, Prosenjeet Ghosh

2024, 46, 613-636. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2024.46.21
 

Aim/purpose – Despite the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) in fields as diverse as finance, healthcare, and education, little is known about the factors motivating its financing. This study investigates the drivers influencing corporate investment in AI using global data from 2013 to 2022, focusing on the relationship between GDP growth, ICT goods exports, AI patent applications (AIPA), and regulatory quality with corporate AI investments.

Design/methodology/approach – Descriptive statistics and the ordinary least squares method were employed to analyze aggregated global data, identifying patterns and relationships among the factors influencing corporate AI investment.

Findings – The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between GDP growth, ICT goods exports, AIPA, and corporate AI investments. Conversely, the relationship between corporate AI investment and regulatory quality was negative but not statistically significant. Thus, the key findings of our study suggest that economic growth, AI patents, and technological advancements are key drivers of corporate AI investment.

Research implications – The study suggests policymakers should prioritize national economic growth, enhance the IT ecosystem by promoting ICT goods exports, and encourage innovation through AI patents. Collaboration with legislators is essential to develop balanced AI regulations that minimize negative impacts on corporate AI financing. By strategically aligning AI investments with favorable economic conditions, businesses can drive sustainable growth, respond to evolving market demands effectively, and secure long-term financial stability.

Originality/value/contribution – The existing literature contains information about the current state and the potential of corporate AI investment for the economic development of the world and a specific nation. This study tries to explore the key determinants influencing corporate AI investment to obtain a comprehensive understanding of this industry for economic growth.
 

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, corporate AI investment, GDP, ICT, regulatory quality.

JEL Classification: F30, F62, F63, F65.