Andrzej Cieślik

2025, 47, 1-24. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.01
 

Aim/purpose – This article’s main objective is to empirically assess the role of political representation in determining the spatial location of SEZs in Poland in the late 1990s. In particular, we test the main hypothesis, postulating that the location of SEZs was more likely to occur in regions with a stronger political representation of the ruling party.

Design/methodology/approach – To study the role of political representation in determining the location of SEZs in Poland in the 1995-1997 period, we use statistical data for the former 49 Polish regions and estimate the probit model with and without controlling for a number of regional characteristics.

Findings – We found that the political representation variable was an important determinant of the location of the SEZs in Poland. In particular, our estimation results showed that the likelihood of the SEZ location in a specific region was positively affected by a stronger political representation of the ruling party in that region.

Research implications/limitations – The study’s main limitation is its focus on a single country only: Poland.

Originality/value/contribution – This is the first empirical study devoted to the role of political representation in the location of SEZs in general and in Poland in particular.
 

Keywords: lobbying, Poland, political economy, special economic zones.

JEL Classification: D72, R12.

Saleha Iqbal, Rozmi Ismail, Abdul Rahman bin Ahmad Badayai, Charli Sitinjak, Józef Ober,
Anna Kochmańska

2025, 47, 26-58. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.02
 

Aim/purpose – Employees are expected to perform duties consistent with their professional roles. However, they are often required to undertake tasks they perceive as unreasonable or unnecessary. The concept of illegitimate tasks has garnered increasing attention since its introduction. Illegitimate tasks have been found to account for unique variations in well-being and stress. A systematic narrative review of the literature on illegitimate tasks is necessary since the relevant literature is still in its infancy.

Design/methodology/approach – A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines on three primary journal databases: Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost. The citations were screened out based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Findings – Illegitimate tasks represent the job designs and assignments of tasks within organizations. Various factors contribute to stress caused by illegitimate tasks among employees. This review encapsulates the antecedent factors of illegitimate tasks (leadership roles, psychological factors, workplace factors, individual characteristics, job factors) and results (emotions, cognition, work attitude, health, well-being, behavioral factors). Furthermore, this review provides insight into moderators and mediators associated with illegitimate tasks.

Research implications/limitations – One limitation of this SLR is the possibility of publication bias, as it primarily includes published studies, potentially overlooking unpublished and non-English studies. Furthermore, the included studies’ quality and heterogeneity may compromise the review’s generalizability, which could limit its scope.

Originality/value/contribution – This review also offers directions for future academic research. It suggests developing new stress measures for illegitimate tasks designed to the specific functions of organizational tasks rather than relying on a general illegitimate tasks scale.
 

Keywords: illegitimate stress, illegitimate tasks, unreasonable tasks, unnecessary tasks.

JEL Classification: M0, M10, M12.

Khan Zaman Khan, Yusuf Haji-Othman

2025, 47, 59-89. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.03
 

Aim/purpose – The primary intent of the study is to examine the effects of employee empowerment (EE) and employee training (ET) on perceived organizational performance (POP) among the academic and administrative staff of public and private sector higher education institutions of Pakistan with mediation of job satisfaction (JS). Specifically, this study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the factors affecting POP in higher education institutions in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach – 500 Questionnaires were distributed to the academic and administrative staff of 20 higher education institutions (public & private sector) in Faisalabad and Lahore, Pakistan, through a stratified random sampling technique. In this way, 461 out of 500 questionnaires were filled and returned. PLS-SEM was applied to analyze the collected data.

Findings – As per the research findings, EE and ET positively affected POP in Pakistan’s higher education institutions. JS positively mediated the relationship between EE, ET, and POP.

Research implications/limitations – This study is of great importance to individuals from varying backgrounds, especially those associated with higher education institutions. As a limitation, future studies can also consider longitudinal studies rather than cross-sectional observational studies, different industries rather than higher education institutions, and other relevant variables.

Originality/value/contribution – These findings vigorously argue that the determinants of POP, namely EE and ET, further increase JS and the overall performance of higher education institutions.
 

Keywords: employee empowerment, employee training, job satisfaction, perceived organizational performance, higher education institutions.

JEL Classification: M10, M12, M19.

Burcu Tosun, Gamze Güner Kibaroğlu, Hamdullah Nejat Basım, Fatih Çetin

2025, 47, 90-116. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.04
 

Aim/purpose – Social undermining actions in workplaces may adversely affect employee performance and job satisfaction, eventually leading them to leave the organization. This study aims to examine whether the level of job passion exhibited by employees targeted by social undermining impacts their inclination to remain employed at the organization.

Design/methodology/approach – The participants are 401 employees in the civil defense industry. Data have been analyzed using the SmartPLS and SPSS programs.

Findings – The findings have revealed that job passion moderated the impact of social undermining on employee turnover intention. Specifically, harmonious job passion has been found to reverse the effect of social undermining on turnover intention, while obsessive passion has been found to aggravate this effect.

Research implications/limitations – In addition to taking caution to prevent social undermining, managers should also support employees’ harmonious passion while avoiding obsessive passion to mitigate the negative impact of undermining behaviors on turnover intention.

Originality/value/contribution – The main aim of this study is to extend the current literature by demonstrating that social undermining, regardless of its source, results in an increased desire to leave the organization. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of harmonious passion as a potential tool for mitigating this effect while also suggesting that obsessive passion may further intensify an employee's intention to quit.
 

Keywords: job passion, social undermining, turnover intention, moderation analysis.

JEL Classification: M1, M19.

Mieczysław Lech Owoc, Adam Stambulski

2025, 47, 117-137. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.05
 

Aim/purpose – This study aims to demonstrate machine learning (ML) applications to enhance software development quality management, specifically through optimizing regression test suites. This research aims to demonstrate how ML can predict and prioritize the most relevant regression tests based on software changes and historical testing data, thereby reducing unnecessary testing, assuring software quality, and leading to significant cost savings.

Design/methodology/approach – The methodology of this study involves developing and training a ML model using historical data on software modifications and test executions. The model analyzes the data to predict and prioritize the most relevant regression tests for new software builds. This approach is validated through a comparative analysis, whereby the recommendations from the ML model are benchmarked against traditional regression testing methods to evaluate their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The results demonstrate the prac-tical advantages of integrating ML into software quality management processes.

Findings – The conclusions indicate that implementing ML to optimize regression testing has the potential to significantly improve test efficiency and reduce operational costs. The ML model effectively prioritized crucial test cases, reducing the number of unnecessary tests by 29.24% while maintaining the required quality assurance level and focusing efforts on areas with the highest impact. This optimization not only streamlines the testing process but also significantly improves the allocation of resources and cost-effectiveness in software development practices.

Research implications/limitations – The research indicated that future studies should adopt more advanced ML algorithms, test these methods on a range of software products, and adopt a more diverse approach to testing. Such an expansion of research may provide better results and a deeper understanding of the role of ML in quality assurance, with the potential to optimize software development processes more broadly. Furthermore, establishing a more robust link between software code and specific tests within the scope of regression tests could enhance the effectiveness of ML-driven recommendations for regression test suites.

Originality/value/contribution – Integrating ML into regression testing selection represents a novel approach to the software development process, offering enhanced efficiency and cost savings. This research exemplifies the potential for transforming traditional testing method-ologies, thereby making a valuable contribution to the field of software quality assurance. The study demonstrates how advanced technologies can optimize software development processes, reducing costs while maintaining an assured level of software product quality.
 

Keywords: Quality management, machine learning, software testing, regression test suite.

JEL Classification: C61; C63; C91.

Lebohang Duduzile Moloko, Joyce Toendepi

2025, 47, 138-163. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.06
 

Aim/purpose – Effective leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) era requires the right mix of personality traits, a deep sense of meaning, and personal purpose. The Big Five personality traits theory was chosen for its cross-cultural applicability and effectiveness in describing various personality traits precisely. The study had a two fold objective: first, to explore the impact of meaning and personal purpose on the effectiveness of leaders in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in South Africa (SA) during 4IR era, and second, to understand how meaning and personal purpose are em-bedded within the Big Five personality traits.

Design/methodology/approach – The research design was qualitative phenomenological, and 13 purposively sampled participants were interviewed to explore their experiences as senior leaders adapting to the 4IR demands in the FMCG industry in SA. The data were analyzed using a manual thematic analysis process.

Findings – The findings showed that leaders perform optimally when they have a sense of meaning and personal purpose and that leaders in SA’s FMCG industry require support and expert guidance to adapt to the digital era.

Research implications/limitations – Leadership development should address the new competencies required to transition to a new way of leading in the 4IR. This study is limited to South Africa’s FMCG industry.

Originality/value/contribution – The study expanded the theoretical understanding of meaning and purpose and the integration of these concepts into the Big Five personality traits.
 

Keywords: leadership, meaning, personal purpose, fourth industrial revolution, five-factor personality theory, personality traits.

JEL Classification: O15, M10, M21.

Muafi Muafi, Nuradli Ridzwan Shah Bin Mohd Dali, Suhartini Suhartini, Hanifah Abdul Hamid

2025, 47, 164-188. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.07
 

Aim/purpose – This study aims to analyze the effect of offline and online social capital on social performance and business performance in SMEs, specifically, the mediating effect of digital innovation on the relationship between offline and online social capital on social performance and business performance in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach – This research is a quantitative study of the population of fashion SMEs fostered by SOEs in West Java, Indonesia. The sampling technique was selected using a purposive sampling method with the criteria of SMEs: (1) have been fostered for at least 3 years; (2) have adopted social media for business purposes; and (3) are creative SMEs that focus on fashion. The sample in this study was 258 SMEs in West Java Province located in Cirebon and Bandung. Furthermore, the collected data were analyzed using a structural equation model with SmartPLS.

Findings – The results of the analysis show that offline social capital has a positive effect on digital innovation, social performance, and SMEs’ business performance. Furthermore, online social capital has a positive effect on digital innovation, social performance and business performance of SMEs. This study also found that digital innovation can mediate the effect of offline and online social capital on SMEs’ social performance and business performance.

Research implications/limitations – This study analyzes SMEs’ performance in the fashion sector and under government guidance. The findings recommend that SMEs increase offline and online social capital when conducting business. Furthermore, SMEs are also expected to be able to carry out digital innovation continuously.

Originality/value/contribution – This study describes online and offline social capital in SMEs in the fashion sector and under government guidance.
 

Keywords: business performance, digital innovation, offline social capital, online social capital, social performance.

JEL Classification: M3, O1, O3.

Klaudia Olga Chamera

2025, 47, 189-210. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.08
 

Aim/purpose – This article aims to conduct a preliminary assessment of the quality of non-financial reports of banks considering their membership in the WIG-ESG index on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE). The research problem addresses whether the quality of reports from WIG-ESG banks is higher than that of those outside the index.

Design/methodology/approach – The study covered annual non-financial reports of banks operating in Poland as joint-stock companies. The research considered the inclusion in the WIG-ESG index as an essential factor in evaluating the quality of non-financial reporting. The non-financial reports of 16 banks for 2022 were analyzed (eight banks included in the WIG-ESG and eight banks outside the index). A literature review on the quality of non-financial reporting was conducted, followed by manual content analysis of non-financial reports, automated content analysis using the Escáner2030 tool, and comparative analysis of the reports. Quality was measured through external manifes-tations of reporting.

Findings – WIG-ESG banks use GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standards more frequently, publish more comprehensive reports, and commission external verification. Their reports are also richer regarding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings suggest that WIG-ESG banks’ reports are of higher quality, though this may not be directly attributable to index membership.

Research implications/limitations – The study is limited by the methodology of the WIG-ESG index, which includes the largest companies from the WIG-20 and mWIG-40. This means the analyzed banks might already be leaders in non-financial reporting, in-fluencing the results. Additionally, the focus on external reporting aspects limits the ability to assess report substance fully.

Originality/value/contribution – The article offers new insights into the impact of WIG-ESG membership on non-financial reporting quality in banks, laying the groundwork for future research on sustainable reporting. This study lays the groundwork for future work that may determine whether inclusion in the index truly improves report quality and whether the existence of the WIG-ESG index is justified.
 

Keywords: non-financial reporting, quality, banks, WIG-ESG.

JEL Classification: M14, M41, M48.

Krzysztof Szymoniak-Książek, Wojciech Gamrot

2025, 47, 211-228. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.09
 

Aim/purpose – This work aims to assess stochastic properties of finite population mean estimators under Pathak’s fixed-cost sequential sampling scheme by deriving their covariance and proposing its estimator. This scheme enables strict control over survey-related monetary expenditures when individual data acquisition costs differ and survey budget excesses are unacceptable. It facilitates economically efficient use of available resources. Our work is aimed at extending its applicability.

Design/methodology/approach – This paper’s main theoretical result concerning the covariance of Pathak mean value estimators and the unbiasedness of its proposed estimator was derived analytically. A short simulation study supports this.

Findings – The proposed estimator for the covariance between Pathak’s estimators of population averages is unbiased under the sequential fixed-cost sampling scheme, which prevents survey budget excesses when the per-unit costs of acquiring information are known in advance but not homogeneous.

Research implications/limitations – Our findings facilitate accuracy assessment for complex estimators of population parameters that utilize auxiliary information under restricted-budget sequential sampling and, in particular, for ratio, product, and regression estimators. They are potentially applicable to any quantities of interest that could be expressed in terms of averages, including, among others, unemployment rates, poverty measures, inflation indices, and GDP indicators. Their application is justified if the per-unit costs of acquiring information vary.

Originality/value/contribution – Our results allowed us to assess various economic variables’ distribution characteristics while controlling for randomly varying survey costs. This facilitates planning and managing sample surveys in an economically efficient way.
 

Keywords: Pathak’s estimator, sequential sampling, fixed-cost sampling, sum-quota sampling.

JEL Classification: C15, C83.

Harold Andrew Patrick, Nepoleon Prabakaran, Dharnish Praveenraj Elanchezian

2025, 47, 229-256. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.10
 

Aim/purpose – The article aims to explore the impact of positive leadership on trust and flourishing, examine the relationship between psychological capital and flourishing, and identify the role played by psychological empowerment in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach – Employing a two-study approach, the research utilized judgmental sampling across service sectors in India. The first study focused on software professionals, with 983 respondents from information technology organizations. The second study investigated employees in the banking, retail, and e-commerce sectors, involving 722 participants. Validated scales were used to measure constructs across these service sector contexts.

Findings – The results revealed significant insights into organizational dynamics. Positive leadership was found to substantially influence workplace trust and employee flourishing. Psychological capital demonstrated a critical mediating effect between leadership practices and employee well-being. Furthermore, psychological empowerment emerged as a key mechanism explaining how psychological capital translates into enhanced employee flourishing.

Research implications/limitations – The study proves positive leadership strategies can enhance software professionals’ well-being and organizational trust. However, the findings are limited to India’s specific service sectors and geographical context, suggesting the need for cross-cultural and cross-sector validation.

Originality/value/contribution – This research contributes novel insights into the psychological mechanisms driving sustainable organizational development. By integrating positive leadership, psychological capital, and empowerment, the study offers a comprehensive framework for understanding how psychological resources influence employee flourishing, a perspective underexplored in previous literature.
 

Keywords: flourishing; hope, optimism, self-efficacy, resilience, two studies approach positive leadership, sustainability, trust in workplace, psychological empowerment.

JEL Classification: M1, I3, D2, C9.

Anna Popik-Mazur

2025, 47, 257-298. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.11
 

Aim/purpose – The goal of the paper is to examine the current state of research on illicit financial flows (IFF) and money laundering (ML) with a specific focus on detection and estimation methods. This study seeks to identify and evaluate the most promising approaches that can effectively counter IFF and ML in the context of economic stability, ensuring they remain adaptive to constantly evolving threats.

Design/methodology/approach – The analysis was conducted on papers from Scopus and Web of Science, both recognized as leading academic databases. The application of screening analysis (1,249 papers) enabled the exclusion of articles not primarily focused on IFF and ML. In comparison, thematic synthesis (1,135 papers) facilitated the presen-tation of the current state of literature, highlighting main trends and categorizing articles by thematic dimensions. Textual narrative synthesis (234 papers) allows the identification of existing methods and the variables and proxies used in the literature to detect and estimate IFF and ML.

Findings – The analysis reveals that a multidisciplinary approach to IFF and ML, integrating law, social sciences, and computer science, holds promise. The study emphasizes innovative methodologies, like machine learning, alongside gravity-based models. Specifically, 38% of the literature focuses on systematizing knowledge, while advanced techniques like machine learning (26%) and modified gravity-based models (3.33%) are increasingly influential. Legal and economic approaches provide a broad framework for understanding illicit activities and identifying emerging threats and trends among the methods used by criminals. Challenges remain in measuring and detecting IFF/ML due to the secretive nature of such flows.

Research implications/limitations – This review summarizes IFF and ML detection/ estimation techniques, including research up to 2024. Limitations include potential source selection bias (WOS/Scopus) and the exclusion of 81 studies due to access restrictions. Future research should refine source selection and improve access to critical literature.

Originality/value/contribution – This study uniquely integrates thematic and textual narrative synthesis with bibliometric visualization to provide a comprehensive overview of research on IFF and ML. By reviewing existing detection and estimation tools in the context of emerging risks, the research offers valuable insights for enhancing the effectiveness of prevention strategies against these phenomena.
 

Keywords: money laundering, illicit financial flows, literature review, bibliometric analysis, anti-money laundering.

JEL Classification: E26, F38, K42.

Sameer Pingle, Shubhangi Jore, Rajwinder Kaur

2025, 47, 299-332. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.12
 

Aim/purpose – This study explores the dimensions of employer attractiveness and its impact on segmenting potential employees based on their preferences. The research focuses on socio-demographic variables, personality traits, and critical aspects of employer attractiveness to elucidate the factors influencing individuals’ inclination to align themselves with their employers.

Design/methodology/approach – The research employs a non-probability sampling technique to collect data from undergraduate and postgraduate management and engineering students in Indore City, India. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic details, perceptions of employer attractiveness, and personality traits. Factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to analyze the data.

Findings – The study provides insights into understanding employer attractiveness and its components. Segmenting employees based on their preferences reveals how individuals perceive different aspects of employers. By analyzing socio-demographic factors and personality traits in combination with employer attractiveness, the research offers a nuanced perspective on the determinants of individuals’ preferences for employers.

Research implications/limitations – This study’s findings are limited by the non-probability sampling technique and its focus on students in a specific geographic area, which may affect the generalizability of the results. Future research could include diverse demographic and geographic samples to validate the identified clusters. Despite these limitations, the study’s findings have practical implications for developing targeted employer branding strategies to enhance employer attractiveness and employee retention.

Originality/value/contribution – This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on employer attractiveness. It highlights the significance of effective employer branding strategies for organizations striving to attract and retain top talent in a competitive labor market.
 

Keywords: employer attractiveness, talent acquisition, retention, personality traits, em-ployer branding, segmentation.

JEL Classification: L2, M1.

Muhammad Aris, Ariodillah Hidayat, Liliana Liliana, Xenaneira Shodrokova

2025, 47, 333-354. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.13
 

Aim/purpose – This study examines the effects of non-performing loans (NPL), net interest margin (NIM), and capital adequacy ratio (CAR) on the return on equity (ROE) of banks in selected ASEAN countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, and Viet Nam.

Design/methodology/approach – The study utilizes secondary data obtained from the Federal Reserve Economic Data, the World Bank, and CEIC, covering the annual period from 2008 to 2022. In this study, a panel data regression analysis technique, specifically a Fixed Effects Model (FEM), was employed.

Findings – This study found that NPLs and CARs have a negative and significant impact on ROE. This study emphasizes the importance of credit risk management and capital adequacy in supporting the financial performance of banks in ASEAN-6. There is a positive and significant influence of NIM on ROE.

Research implications/limitations – This highlights the importance of interest rate management strategies in increasing profitability. ASEAN needs to implement a coordinated policy in optimizing interest rates that support growth and increase ROE.

Originality/value/contribution – This research makes an original contribution by offering added value through an exploration of the dynamics of banking in a region with rapid economic development. In contrast, prior research has tended to focus on individu-al country analyses.
 

Keywords: Non-performing loan, capital adequacy ratio, return on equity, panel data.

JEL Classification: G21, E58, E44.

Idowu Eferakeya

2025, 47, 355-384. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.14
 

Aim/purpose – This research investigates the influence of environmental uncertainty on applying strategic management accounting among listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach – The study population comprises 76 manufacturing firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as of December 2023, with a sample size of 60 firms derived using the Green (1991) formula. The data collection method involved administering a structured questionnaire. The independent variables include competition intensity, market turbulence, and environmental uncertainty, while the dependent variable is the application of strategic management accounting. The factor loading test confirmed the construct’s validity and reliability, as indicated by Cronbach’s alpha test and Bartlett’s test of sphericity, which demonstrated internal consistency. Additionally, the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test was used to verify the sampling adequacy. Pearson Correlation and variance inflation factor tests confirmed the absence of multi-collinearity, and multiple regression analysis was employed to estimate the model.

Findings – The article reveal that competition intensity, market turbulence, and environmental uncertainty significantly influence strategic management accounting applications.

Research implications/limitations – These findings have theoretical, managerial, and practical implications for manufacturing firms. They stress the importance of strategic management accounting in times of environmental uncertainty. The study recommends that firms adopt strategic management accounting in response to increased competitive intensity, market turbulence, and environmental uncertainty. The study’s limitations are sample size, industry, scope, and variables.

Originality/value/contribution – It contributes to the existing literature, offers valuable insights to academia, industry experts, and practitioners, and sheds light on and bridges the knowledge gap between environmental uncertainty and the application of strategic management accounting.
 

Keywords: Competitive intensity, market turbulence, environmental uncertainty, and strategic management accounting.

JEL Classification: M40, M41, M31 L60.

Justyna Grabowska, Magdalena Jaciow, Artur Strzelecki

2025, 47, 385-412. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.15
 

Aim/purpose – This study investigates how TikTok influences consumers’ purchase intentions by examining the relationships among key factors, including habit, intelligent recommendation, perceived ease of use, perceived cost, perceived usefulness, attitude, and social influence. The research aims to integrate aspects of the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to offer a comprehensive model of consumer behavior on TikTok, specifically within the Polish market.

Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected targeting TikTok enthusiasts, yielding 204 Polish respondents, predominantly comprised of young adults and students. The study employed PLS-SEM using SmartPLS4 software to assess both the measurement model and the structural model. Seven hypotheses were formulated to evaluate the influence of various factors on purchase intention.

Findings – All proposed hypotheses were supported. Habit and intelligent recommendation significantly shape users’ attitudes toward TikTok. Perceived ease of use has a positive influence on perceived usefulness, while perceived cost also significantly impacts perceived usefulness. Both attitude and perceived usefulness are strong predictors of purchase intention. Social influence has a significant, though comparatively smaller, effect on purchase intention. The model explains 85.6% of the variance in purchase intention, indicating strong predictive capability.

Research implications/limitations – For practitioners, the results highlight the importance of leveraging personalized content and intelligent recommendation systems to foster user engagement and drive purchasing decisions on TikTok. Marketers are encouraged to optimize user interface design and minimize perceived cognitive and finan-cial “costs” to enhance perceived usefulness.

Originality/value/contribution – This study contributes to the emerging literature on social media marketing by extending established theories (TAM and TPB) within the context of TikTok. The comprehensive model developed in this study can serve as a framework for future research and practical strategies in digital marketing on short-video platforms.
 

Keywords: purchase intentions, consumer behavior, technology acceptance model, social media marketing, TikTok.

JEL Classification: D01, D12.

Subbulakshmi Somu, Noor Azman Ali

2025, 47, 413-448. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.16
 

Aim/purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of remote onboarding practices on organizational citizenship behavior. This study addresses the gap in understanding how remote onboarding influences employees’ behavior through psychological processes.

Design/methodology/approach – The study utilizes a quantitative research approach, analyzing data collected from 608 respondents through structured surveys. It employs a serial mediation process to explore the roles of psychological contracts and psychological ownership in the relationship between remote onboarding and organizational citizen-ship behavior.

Findings – The study reveals that remote onboarding programs have a significant impact on organizational citizenship behavior by fostering a psychological contract and psychological ownership. These factors act as mediators, linking effective onboarding practices to enhanced employee organizational citizenship behavior.

Research implications/limitations – The findings provide valuable insights into management practices, highlighting the importance of prioritizing comprehensive digital onboarding strategies for organizations. However, the study’s reliance on self-reported data may introduce biases, and future research should consider conducting longitudinal studies to validate the results.

Originality/value/contribution – This research contributes to the existing literature on social exchange theory and social identity theory by elucidating the psychological mechanisms that connect remote onboarding to organizational citizenship behavior. It offers practical recommendations for enhancing digital onboarding processes to promote employee engagement and improve organizational outcomes.
 

Keywords: new hires, organizational citizenship behavior, psychological contract, psychological ownership, remote onboarding.

JEL Classification: M10, M12, M19.

Ardian Mustofa, Heru Kurnianto Tjahjono, Ika Nurul Qamari

2025, 47, 449-484. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.17
 

Aim/purpose – The leadership style in an organization should align with its goals and context. Prophetic leadership (PL) is particularly suited to Indonesian culture, where most of the population is Muslim. This research explores the impact of PL on employee job performance (EJP), mediated by employee job satisfaction (EJS) and Islamic citizenship capability (ICC), within the context of Indonesian Islamic financial institutions. By examining these relationships, this research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how PL enhances EJP through the mediating roles of EJS and ICC, addressing inconsistencies in previous studies.

Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative approach based on empirical principles was used, with data collected via questionnaires distributed to 230 employees of Islamic financial institutions in Yogyakarta and Central Java, selected through non-probability sampling. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS 22 software.

Findings – Results indicate that PL positively influences EJP, EJS, and ICC. Additionally, EJS significantly affects EJP, while ICC does not. Mediation analysis shows that EJS mediates the relationship between PL and EJP, whereas ICC does not.

Research implications/limitations – These findings highlight the critical role of PL in enhancing EJS and EJP, suggesting that organizations should focus on strengthening this leadership style to improve overall performance.

Originality/value/contribution – These findings underline the novelty of the concept of ICC and the importance of adopting PL to improve EJP in Indonesian Islamic organizations.
 

Keywords: Prophetic leadership, employee job satisfaction, Islamic citizenship capabil-ity, employee job performance.

JEL Classification: D23, J28, M12, M14.

Phuong Mai Nguyen, Thi Minh Ngoc Luu, Xuan Hoa Nghiem, Hai Thi Thu Tran, Van Toan Dinh

2025, 47, 485-513. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.18
 

Aim/purpose – This paper reviews existing studies on digital transformation in higher education to develop a digital maturity model for universities in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach – Content analysis methods were used for a systematic literature review, adhering to the PRISMA approach. Of the 150 records, 50 articles remained following the application of exclusion criteria. Then, the four-stage process, including (1) diagnosis, (2) planning, (3) evaluation, and (4) improvement, was employed to develop the digital maturity model. Focus group interviews were conducted to evaluate the proposed model.

Findings – A digital maturity model was developed and evaluated using several techniques in a sequential research process. The model has seven dimensions and 40 indicators covering a variety of activities in a university, including: (1) Planning, leadership, and management, (2) Digital teaching and learning, (3) Scientific research, (4) Quality assurance, (5) Technology transfer and social service, (6) Human resources, (7) ICT infrastructure and resources.

Research implications/limitations – This model is helpful for universities to self-evaluate and identify their digital maturity level. Adopting the model will be an initial step in their digital transformation process, which can provide university managers with input for their digital transformation strategy and plans. However, this study has not yet validated the model using quantitative methods, which should be addressed in future research.

Originality/value/contribution – Research on digital transformation and digital maturity in the Vietnamese higher education sector remains scant. This paper aims to fill this void by developing a new digital maturity model applicable to Vietnamese universities.
 

Keywords: Digital transformation, digital maturity, higher education, transition context, Vietnam.

JEL Classification: I23, M10, O14, O33.

Aleksandra Gaweł, Oleksandr Patlatoi

2025, 47, 514-542. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.19
 

Aim/purpose – Global value chains (GVCs), along with their specific forms of forward and backward linkages, remain the predominant mode of global production. However, their consequences for national economies are not universally clear. Our study aims to assess the impact of forward (FWD) and backward (BWD) GVC participation on busi-ness innovation in the European Union (EU) countries. We analyze this influence using a dual approach: examining all member states as well as four subgroups of EU countries, categorized by their level of innovation and length of EU membership.

Design/methodology/approach – Macro-panel regressions based on data for 27 EU countries were used to achieve these aims. Followed by the variance inflation factors (VIFs) tests, the Breusch–Pagan tests, and the Hausman tests, we estimated panel regressions with fixed effects, controlled for heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and cross-sectional dependence.

Findings – Results confirm that backward GVC linkages have a positive impact on the innovativeness of European businesses. When considering subgroups of EU countries, the impact of backward GVC participation on innovation is stronger in countries with a lower level of innovativeness compared to those with higher innovativeness, and in countries with shorter EU membership compared to those with longer membership. The impact of forward GVC participation is mostly statistically insignificant, with the only effect being a reduction in innovation among companies in the “new” EU countries. Thus, we confirm the differences in the impact of GVC linkages on the innovativeness of businesses at the EU macro level.

Research implications/limitations – Practical implications of the study include recommendations for increasing the innovation capabilities and absorptive capacity of European businesses through backward participation in GVCs, with nuances related to the characteristics of the EU countries. The innovation policies should reflect differences between “old” and “new” EU members to bridge the EU’s innovation gap.

Originality/value/contribution – Our paper contributes to the discussion on innovation and its connection with the GVC. We delve deeper into the impact of GVC linkages on the innovativeness of European businesses by decomposing them into the forward and backward GVC participation and by categorizing EU countries into groups with relatively high or low levels of business innovation, as well as into “old” and “new” member states. Our findings confirm the complexity of these relationships depending on the nuances of countries’ characteristics, which have not yet been clearly highlighted in the existing literature on the GVC-innovation nexus within the EU.
 

Keywords: global value chains (GVCs), backward GVC participation, forward GVC participation, innovation, European Union.

JEL Classification: F10, F20.

Ömer Faruk Kömürcüoğlu

2025, 47, 543-568. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.20
 

Aim/purpose – This study aims to explore the impact of FinTech developments on Türkiye’s economic growth from 2012:Q2 to 2024:Q1. While FinTech offers faster, cheaper, and more flexible financial services, its rapid evolution may pose risks, such as economic instability and growth limitations, stemming from digital credit and speculative investments.

Design/methodology/approach – An index representing FinTech developments is constructed using the PCA method, incorporating eight distinct variables. Gross fixed capital formation, labor force, government expenditure, and inflation are included as control variables. The study employs the ARDL bounds testing approach to examine long-run relationships, and robustness checks are performed using FMOLS, DOLS, and CCR methods. Finally, causality relationships are investigated using the Toda–Yamamoto test.

Findings – The analysis reveals that FinTech developments and economic growth are closely linked in the long run, exhibiting a strong bidirectional causality relationship. However, FinTech has a dampening effect on economic growth, emphasizing its disruptive potential in Türkiye. These findings are consistent across alternative estimation methods.

Research implications/limitations – The study highlights the importance of regulating FinTech innovations to mitigate their adverse effects on economic stability. However, the research faces limitations, including the lack of comprehensive data that better captures the FinTech ecosystem and the inability to use panel data due to the single-country focus. Future studies could address these limitations by incorporating richer datasets or conducting cross-country analyses for broader insights.

Originality/value/contribution – This research contributes to the literature by developing a unique FinTech index and providing empirical evidence on its impact on economic growth in a developing economy. It underscores the critical role of effective regulation and the development of an inclusive financial ecosystem in ensuring sustainable growth.
 

Keywords: financial technology, FinTech, economic growth, ARDL.

JEL Classification: G00, O40, C22.

Iustina Alina Boitan, Wafaa Shabban

2025, 47, 569-601. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.21
 

Aim/purpose – Given the growing global recognition that climate change, natural hazards, and environmental issues can lead to adverse effects on the financial sector, the paper subscribes to the research field of climate-related financial monitoring frameworks. It aims to empirically investigate the interplay between climate-related factors and major banking soundness (prudential) indicators.

Design/methodology/approach – A panel regression framework is used to model and validate the influence exerted by various climate-related drivers on a range of core banking system indicators. A series of baseline models is tested for a pool of 27 European Union countries over a two-decade period (2000-2021).

Findings – The most frequent relationships of determination are established between transition risk proxies and banking indicators, with the net greenhouse gas emissions showing the most persistent influence. From the standpoint of core banking indicators, those that account for financial performance exhibit a higher propensity to be influenced by climate-related risks, compared with those that account for strategic or operational performance. More in detail, banking solvency appears to be sensitive to all four climate risk metrics included in the model specification; the same conclusion holds for banks’ ability for revenue diversification as a strategic performance indicator.

Research implications/limitations – The research has implications for financial intermediaries, banking regulators, and supervisory authorities as it fits with the broader, challenging framework related to climate risk management. The comprehensive identification, measurement, and monitoring of various climate-risk dimensions have become a significant focus for decision-makers, given their potential to catalyze adverse systemic events in the financial market. An objective limit of the research relates to the still underdeveloped metrics associated with climate challenges and the lack of ample longitudinal datasets, which restricts the sample size.

Originality/value/contribution – The research advances knowledge of the intricate relationship between climate-related indicators and core banking indicators that account for financial, operational, and strategic performance. In particular, a granular taxonomy of climate risks is employed, by delineating between physical risks (further classified into acute and chronic events) and transition risks.
 

Keywords: climate change, transition risk, physical risk, financial soundness indicators.

JEL Classification: G21, Q54.

Sabina Kubiciel-Lodzińska, Agnieszka Brzozowska, Katarzyna Widera, Jolanta Maj

2025, 47, 602-632. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.22
 

Aim/purpose – This paper examines the entrepreneurial intention of native and international students, focusing on the willingness to start a business and attitudes to risk. There is limited research comparing these groups in this regard. In Poland, a new immigration country and a new destination for international students, knowledge on this subject is lacking.

Design/methodology/approach – The survey was carried out at four universities in the Opole region among 295 students. The questionnaire was distributed in a traditional paper version using personal contact. We employed purposive sampling to obtain two comparable groups – international and native students. To analyze the risk-taking behav-ior, we used the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale.

Findings – International students in the study group were more inclined to establish businesses than their Polish counterparts. This study also highlights that not all types of risk-taking contribute equally to entrepreneurial activity. While recreational and finan-cial risk-taking are key predictors, the lack of a significant relationship with ethical and health-related risks suggests that entrepreneurship is more closely associated with practical, opportunity-driven risk domains rather than moral or personal safety considerations.

Research implications/limitations – By comparing native and international students, the research presents a dual perspective: natives’ familiarity with the economic system leads to higher financial risk-taking, while foreigners’ adaptation to uncertainty fosters a willingness to take health and safety risks. A limitation of our study is that it uses a cross-sectional dataset, which captures entrepreneurial intention and risk attitudes at a single point in time.

Originality/value/contribution – The study contributes to current debates on personal attitudes toward economic activities in the native and international context. By comparing native and international students, the research offers a dual perspective and extends the theory of planned behavior by integrating cultural and migration-related factors into the model.
 

Keywords: international student, native student, entrepreneurship, risk-taking behavior.

JEL Classification: F22, L26, O15.

Ansa Ansa, Sarah Shaharruddin

2025, 47, 633-661. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.23
 

Aim/purpose – This study aims to develop a model of the relationships between job resources (autonomy, recognition), personal resources (self-efficacy), and work engagement among academic staff. Moreover, the moderation of job demand was also exam-ined in relation to the association between these constructs.

Design/methodology/approach – In the context of survey research, 554 questionnaires were distributed using a simple random sampling technique in public secondary schools of seven districts across Punjab, Pakistan, out of which 398 questionnaires were considered usable for the research. To analyze the data, the structural equation modeling meth-od was applied through PLS-SEM software.

Findings – This study found that recognition and self-efficacy have a significant and positive impact on work engagement. Furthermore, the study revealed that academic staff’s work engagement was not significantly affected by job autonomy. Regarding the moderation analysis, no moderating effect was found on the association between job resources, self-efficacy, and work engagement.

Research implications/limitations – This study contributes to the existing knowledge on the JDR model of work engagement and has several implications. The current study holds practical importance for individuals in all fields, especially those in the educational industry. It is recommended that future studies expand the relationship between these variables across a range of industries. Future research may consider other relevant factors and longitudinal studies as alternatives to cross-sectional observational studies.

Originality/value/contribution – This study makes a significant contribution to the work engagement literature by examining how job resources and self-efficacy affect work engagement while moderating job demands. To increase the work engagement of academic staff, this study presents a fresh approach to optimal management, enhancing the implementation of job and personal resources that increase work engagement.
 

Keywords: Job resources, self-efficacy, job autonomy, recognition, job demand, work engagement.

JEL Classification: M10, M12, M19.

Eyüp Tanıl, Ali Yasin Kalabak, Mine Aksoy, Mehmet Karakaş

2025, 47, 662-687. doi.org/10.22367/jem.2025.47.24
 

Aim/purpose – This study investigates the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on carbon emission allowance prices within the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Given the growing significance of geopolitical risks in carbon markets, this study examines the extent to which such conflicts influence spot and futures carbon prices, and whether these effects are short term or persistent.

Design/methodology/approach – The study employs two complementary econometric techniques: event study methodology and wavelet analysis. The event study method captures short-term price reactions to the conflict, while wavelet analysis provides insights into both short-term and long-term dynamics. The dataset consists of daily trading prices of CO₂ emission allowances from June 1, 2022, to December 30, 2023, sourced from the Refinitiv Eikon database. The research design allows for the identification of market participants’ immediate reactions and the subsequent adjustment of market expectations.

Findings – The empirical results indicate a divergence in the short-term responses of spot and futures carbon markets. The event study shows that the carbon spot market reacted positively to the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict, whereas the carbon futures market reacted negatively. Wavelet analysis confirms this short-term divergence but also shows that, in the long term, both markets eventually move in the same direction. This suggests that short-term market dislocations driven by geopolitical shocks are temporary, and carbon markets tend to stabilize over time.

Research implications/limitations – This study underscores the need to account for geopolitical risks when analyzing carbon market volatility. However, its focus on the EU ETS may limit the generalizability of the findings to other carbon markets. Additionally, the lack of detailed military emissions data prevents a direct analysis of such impacts. Future research should explore other carbon markets and incorporate more granular data on military-related emissions.

Originality/value/contribution – This study is probably the first to examine the influence of the Israel-Hamas conflict on carbon markets, thereby filling a gap in the literature on geopolitical risks and carbon pricing. Unlike prior studies that assume parallel movements in spot and futures markets, this research reveals a short-term divergence that eventually converges in the long run. The findings provide policymakers and market participants with valuable insights by emphasizing the role of geopolitical shocks in shaping carbon market dynamics and advocating risk mitigation strategies for emissions trading systems.
 

Keywords: Israel-Hamas conflict, carbon market, EU ETS, event study, wavelet analysis.

JEL Classification: Q54, C58, G14.