RAUSP Management Journal is a quarterly publication organized by the Business Administration department of the University of Sao Paulo (Brazil). RAUSP Management Journal publishes original research that provides significant theoretical contributions and practical insights across diverse management-related disciplines within the international management community. This open-access, peer-reviewed academic journal is published by Emerald on behalf of the University of São Paulo under a diamond open-access arrangement, in which USP funds all publishing costs. It is a generalist, academic journal, covering all fields of management, including Business ethics, Consumer behavior and marketing, Entrepreneurship, Finance and accounting, Human resources and organizational behavior, Operations and supply chain management, Public management, Strategic management, Sustainability in management, Technology and innovation management. ***From January 1st 2022, original manuscripts must be submitted only in English.*** Peer review RAUSP operates through a double blind peer review model. All articles undergo an initial assessment by the journal editor. If they are considered suitable for peer review, articles will then be reviewed by a minimum of two external reviewers to assess their suitability for publication. Final responsibility for editorial decisions rests with the journal editor. Open access All articles published in RAUSP Management Journal are published in Open Access under a CC BY 4.0 licence. For further information on licencing, please see the author guidelines. Publishing Services partnership RAUSP Management Journal is published by Emerald Group Publishing on behalf of the University of Sao Paulo (USP) and it is owned by USP. RAUSP is published under a platinum OA arrangement, in that all charges for publishing an OA article in RAUSP are funded by the University of São Paulo. There is no charge to the author. View the journal's transparency statement.
Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade
Management Department of the School of Economics, Management and Accounting of the University of São Paulo. The publication of article segments is allowed, subject to prior authorization and source identification. Copyright is regulated under Licença Creative Commons Attribution
The rationales behind family business digitalization
Purpose This study aims to explore the factors influencing digital adoption within family businesses, highlighting its role in ensuring operational continuity, competitiveness and long-term viability. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative multiple-case study incorporated in-depth interviews with representatives from 13 family businesses across diverse industries. Data were analysed using thematic coding and cross-case analysis to identify key themes and rationales behind digital adoption. Findings This study identifies nine primary rationales for digital adoption: agility, collaboration, competitiveness, cost efficiency, productivity, innovation, sales orientation, time savings and operational streamlining. This study proposed a conceptual model to illustrate these forces. Research limitations/implications The findings enrich existing literature on family business digitalization by identifying key drivers and proposing a conceptual framework. Given its geographic focus, scholars should cautiously generalize findings. Practical implications Family business practitioners can leverage the identified forces to adopt digital technologies strategically, enhancing operational efficiency and market relevance. Social implications Digital adoption supports family business sustainability, job creation and long-term economic contributions. Originality/value This research provides actionable insights into digital adoption rationales for the family business operating within a developing economy.
Derechos de autor 2025 Nyayu Lathifah Tirdasari, Wawan Dhewanto, Neneng Nurlaela Arief https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Types and dimensions of intermediaries in the customer journey
Purpose This paper aims to examine the role of marketing intermediaries in the customer journey, identify key dimensions and analyze how different intermediaries influence customer experiences across various purchase stages. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review analyzed 36 articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The methodology followed a structured approach using assembling, arrangement and assessment criteria, complemented by coding and categorization processes to identify key dimensions and patterns in the literature review. Findings The analysis identified ten key dimensions that define marketing intermediaries’ roles and four main types: surrogate consumers, opinion leaders, expert sources and supplier-affiliated intermediaries. The results show that surrogate consumers and supplier-affiliated intermediaries affect all stages of the journey, while opinion leaders and expert sources primarily influence the pre-purchase stage. This study reveals that, despite shared characteristics, the impact of intermediaries varies significantly across contexts and types. Research limitations/implications This study advances consumer behavior theory by providing a comprehensive framework of marketing intermediary dimensions and their influence on customer journeys. It also strengthens stakeholder theory by systematically analyzing diverse intermediaries in the value-creation process. Practical implications Organizations can develop more effective marketing strategies by selecting appropriate intermediaries for different journey stages and enhancing service personalization and customer experience management through targeted engagement with intermediaries. Social implications This research illuminates how marketing intermediaries shape consumers’ decisions and experiences in the digital age. This contributes to a better understanding of social influence on purchase decisions and market dynamics. Originality/value This systematic investigation of marketing intermediaries in the customer journey provides a novel framework for understanding their defining dimensions and their impact across purchase stages, thereby filling a significant gap in the marketing literature.
Derechos de autor 2025 Daiane Pereira da Fonseca, Karim Marini Thomé, Ricardo Limongi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
S-commerce success for SMEs in an emerging economy: a technology-organization-environment-based approach
Purpose This study aims to examine a competency model of social commerce (s-commerce) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) performance and explores the moderating effect of locus of control on s-commerce success. Design/methodology/approach Based on the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework, the authors collected 414 samples and analyzed them using structural equation modeling. Findings The study finds that information and communication technologies, business processing, security and privacy, trust and governmental support each have a significant positive effect on s-commerce success for SMEs. Customer service, organizational culture and support from business partners do not significantly affect s-commerce success. In addition, locus of control strongly moderates the relationships between specific TOE factors – namely, business processing, security, trust and government support – and s-commerce success, either strengthening or weakening these effects depending on the individuals’ locus of control. Research limitations/implications The study records data from a single country and looks at SMEs from a variety of industries, thus caution is required to generalize the findings. Practical implications This study highlights how emerging technologies drive s-commerce success, especially in boosting revenue and sales through advanced generation and materials. Social implications These results highlight the value of s-commerce in the TOE framework for understanding key aspects of SME performance and sustainability. Originality/value This study identifies key future research areas for SMEs’ e-commerce, emphasizing digital marketing strategies to guide future research on s-commerce growth.
Technology-organization-environment framework
Derechos de autor 2025 Md. Alamgir Hossain, Nusrat Jahan, Abdullah Al Masud, Md. Jahid Hasan, Kajal Modak, Fatem Tuz Zohora https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Marketing with (or without) research and development: strategic investment drivers of sustained firm performance
Purpose How can companies balance marketing and research and development (R&D) to sustain competitive advantage through performance? Although these resources are widely recognized as key strategic investments, it remains unclear under what conditions and time frames they generate sustained impacts on firm performance. This study aims to examine the individual and combined impacts of marketing and R&D on market share and profitability over time, while accounting for prior performance levels. Design/methodology/approach Using 18 years of panel data, the authors examine how marketing and R&D investments affect market share and return on assets over a four-year period and under four distinct prior performance conditions. Findings Marketing yields rapid market-share gains but loses strength over time, whereas R&D offers slow yet steady improvements in market share and profitability. Joint investments yield modest but consistent profit gains, particularly when firms previously had low market power and high profit efficiency. Marketing, either alone or in combination with R&D, enhances future profitability for firms that previously had weak market power and efficiency, whereas firms strong in both dimensions face diminishing returns. Research limitations/implications The evidence clarifies how marketing and R&D investments dynamically shape firm performance, offering a more precise understanding of their interaction and sustainability. Practical implications Managers can use these insights to allocate financial resources strategically, thereby optimizing both short-term and long-term performance. Social implications Empowering companies to harness sources of competitive advantage improves sustained performance, thereby enhancing firm-level competitiveness and the persistence of profitability over time. Originality/value This research uniquely integrates marketing and R&D investment strategies, demonstrating how their interplay, contingent on prior performance, sustains long-term competitive advantage.
Derechos de autor 2025 Bayram Nofa, Rafael Barreiros Porto https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Relationship between search volume for digital transformation and stock returns: an empirical study in Vietnam
Purpose – This study aims to examine the relationship between digital transformation search volume and stock returns in the Vietnamese stock market. Design/methodology/approach – The authors collected weekly data from Google Trends and vn.investing.com, covering the period from week 33 of 2019 to week 32 of 2023. Using this dataset, the authors applied various quantitative methods, including VAR-Granger causality analysis, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression and Copula analysis, to examine the relationships between the variables. Findings – The VAR-Granger results reveal a unidirectional causal relationship from digital transformation search volume to the stock returns of the VN-Index, VN-30 and VN-100. The OLS results indicate a negative lagged effect of digital transformation search volume on stock returns. Furthermore, the Copula analysis shows that the dependency structure between digital transformation search volume and the VN-Index follows a normal distribution, suggesting that simultaneous positive and negative changes in the variables are equally likely to occur. Research limitations/implications – The findings provide a foundation for future research on the relationship between digital transformation and stock market performance. Practical implications – The study offers valuable insights for key stakeholders, including investors and policymakers. Originality/value – By providing evidence from the Vietnamese stock market, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between digital transformation and stock market performance.
Derechos de autor 2025 Tien Phat Pham, Duc Ngoc Nguyen, Tri Ba Tran https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Editorial: Digital assets at a crossroads: risk, governance, and sustainability in the evolving crypto ecosystem
Derechos de autor 2025 Paolo Tasca https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Decolonizing management research and education in Brazil: integrating theories and methodologies from the Global South
Derechos de autor 2025 Marlei Pozzebon, Ana Clara Souza, Juliana Rodrigues, Aline Gonçalves Videira de Souza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Factors influencing the prioritization of rival public value positions in Brazilian digital government initiatives
Purpose This study aims to identify factors influencing the prioritization of rival public values, with Brazilian state governments as locus. The paper also proposes a conceptual model comprising the intervening factors and their relationships with the public and the value positions. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study used a qualitative cross-sectional design. A focus group was used as the method of data collection, with 27 civil servants from 13 Brazilian states, representing all geographic regions, serving as respondents. Data analysis was based on the rhetoric of public managers’ discourses in counterpoint to their practical actions regarding decisions on prioritizing public value positions. Findings The government side was analyzed; however, the quantitative validation of the theoretical model remains to be conducted in further research. Research limitations/implications The data analysis revealed that political issues are the primary variable influencing digital government decisions. Therefore, political leadership is the decisive factor driving the choices regarding digital initiatives. It may also indicate why the values adopted differ from those defended by political agents and explain the imperative of efficiency, as political decision-making can interfere with internal factors. The media was the only external factor identified. Practical implications This research contributes to understanding the factors and variables that influence decision-making regarding digital government projects. Social implications The study can help in understanding public value positions, promoting transparency, inclusion and improving governance. Government social media efforts are key in cultivating digital participation and engagement. This digital transformation in government is vital, aligning with the growing expectations of digital experiences, thus empowering citizens and enhancing the relationship between government and citizens. Originality/value The proposed conceptual model makes a relevant theoretical contribution by illustrating the dynamics of prioritizing rival public value positions.
Derechos de autor 2025 Karen Lopes, Edimara Mezzomo Luciano, Guilherme Costa Wiedenhöft https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Stream smart, buy smart: optimizing persuasive strategies for enhanced decisions in live streaming commerce
Purpose The purpose of this study is to apply the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) to examine persuasive information processing in live streaming commerce (LSC). This study examines the impact of streamer credibility, viewer mindfulness and control variables (age, gender, viewing frequency and subscription status) on purchase and response intentions in the Indonesian context. Design/methodology/approach This study uses Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling to analyze responses from 372 individuals aged 18–45 years who had watched or purchased through LSC within the past month. The model incorporates streamer expertise and sociodemographic control variables. Findings The peripheral route, driven by streamer credibility (trustworthiness, attractiveness and expertise) and co-viewer engagement, strongly influences the persuasiveness of information more than the central route. Viewers are more influenced by social cues than by the quality of product information. Mindfulness does not significantly moderate the relationship between perceived persuasiveness and either purchase or response intention. However, younger, active subscribers demonstrate a higher likelihood of engagement. Research limitations/implications These findings contribute to practical enhancements in streamer branding and digital trust-building strategies, enabling LSC platforms to optimize content and strengthen collaborations with streamers and key opinion leaders, thereby increasing purchase and response intentions. Practical implications The findings of this study offer actionable recommendations for brands and streamers, including strategies to enhance streamer appeal and create persuasive content that resonates with target audiences. Social implications This study fosters stronger, trust-based interactions between streamers and their audiences, promoting inclusive digital economic growth across diverse demographic segments in Indonesia. Originality/value By integrating ELM with streamer credibility, mindfulness and sociodemographic factors, this study provides novel insights into viewer behavior in Indonesia’s emerging LSC landscape.
Derechos de autor 2025 Mudjahidin Mudjahidin, Hosiana Arga Putri, Andre Parvian Aristio, Lukman Junaedi, Ahmad Baihaqy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Understanding organizational changing behavior for enhancing sustainability performance
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the influence of behavioral change agents for adopting green innovation to enhance sustainability performance. Design/methodology/approach This paper employed a quantitative approach by disseminating a structured questionnaire to 141 supply chain professionals of manufacturing firms who are familiar with green innovation, operating in the metropolitan city of Pakistan, i.e. Karachi. Later, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the model. Lastly, SmartPLS was used to test the proposed hypotheses in the study. Findings The findings revealed that green transformational leadership, acceptance of change and work culture showed a significant impact on green innovation leading toward sustainable performance. Research limitations/implications The authors suggest that green innovation is a prime factor for enhancing a firm’s sustainability in the market and supply chain, requiring continuous improvement efforts from supply chain professionals. Practical implications The findings can help decision-makers to increase the efficiency and production of the organization and provide support to green policy-makers. It also empowers employees and fosters green awareness, ultimately generating benefits that serve the company’s best interests. Social implications The study supports a shift toward sustainable behavior, encouraging organizations to contribute positively to society and the environment. Empowering change agents can catalyze pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors, ultimately encouraging organizations to adopt eco-friendly innovations for broader societal and environmental well-being. Originality/value This paper is an initial effort to assess organizational behavioral change on green innovation for enhancing the sustainable performance of manufacturing firms in Pakistan.
Derechos de autor 2025 Syeda Wajiha Kazmi, Waqar Ahmed, Tooba Zahid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
What triggers environmental sustainability in the organization? Empirical evidence from the cause-and-effect relationship
Purpose The absence of environmental transformational leadership in many organizations may contribute to environmental destabilization. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact mechanism of environmental transformational leadership on employees’ pro-environmental behaviors. Design/methodology/approach Data were randomly collected from employees via self-administered questionnaires, and 216 valid responses were analyzed using the PROCESS Macro Model 4. The measurement instruments used in this study were adapted from previous studies that had been validated via exploratory factor analysis in the context. Findings The study found that the inspirational aspect of environmental transformational leadership is beneficial for employees’ autonomous environmental motivation and pro-environmental behaviors. These findings confirm that transformational leadership is a multidimensional, reflective-formative construct. Research limitations/implications The present study contributes to the environmental sustainability literature by empirically examining the proximate effect of ETL on AEM in nonprofit, environmentally sustainable organizations. By empirically testing the hypothesized relationship, this study advances the literature, which has so far lacked empirical validation in this context. Furthermore, the study integrates two distinct theoretical perspectives, transformational leadership and self-determination, into a unified framework, confirming its applicability in the field of environmental sustainability. The findings also confirm that ETL is a higher-order reflective–formative construct, thus addressing a gap in the conceptualization of leadership constructs in sustainability studies. Practical implications As the inspirational aspect of environmental transformational leadership is positively linked to employees’ pro-environmental behaviors, organizations should prioritize identifying and hiring leaders who demonstrate strong inspirational environmental motivation. To become more ecosystem-friendly, human resource departments in environmentally sustainable organizations should develop selection criteria that emphasize this attribute when evaluating managerial candidates. Social implications By encouraging environmental transformational leadership, organizations can foster a culture of sustainability that extends beyond the workplace, thereby contributing to broader societal awareness and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental protection. Originality/value There has been a lack of consensus among scholars on whether, and if so, how environmental transformational leadership is effective in triggering environmental sustainability in organizations.
Environmental transformational leadership
Derechos de autor 2025 Noor Ul Hadi, Furqan Rasool, John O. Kuforiji https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Navigating turbulent waters: the strategic role of embeddedness in location decisions
Purpose This study aims to investigate how political and institutional embeddedness (PIE) operates as a strategic mechanism shaping multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) location decisions in non-core regions in emerging economies. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on location theory and economic sociology, the analysis is based on semi-structured interviews with representatives from BMW, a German automaker that set up a production unit in Santa Catarina, a non-core Brazilian state. Findings Results reveal that MNEs develop PIE prior to foreign direct investment (FDI) as a strategic choice, influencing their location decisions. PIE moderates the effect of conventional determinants in non-core regions and mitigates the impact of host-country complexity, contributing to the creation and/or exploitation of ownership, location and internalization advantages. Research limitations/implications The findings indicate that MNEs strategically build PIE pre-FDI, which accelerates MNEs’ learning about non-core locations and deepens the construction of social and political networks. Analysing the relative importance of firm characteristics and contextual factors is still necessary. The authors recomend investigating how resources generated from PIE impact perceived distance at the national level. Practical implications The results suggest that MNEs can strategically manage their pre-FDI choices through PIE, enabling diversification of subnational location strategies. The study also highlights elements that can inform public policies aimed at attracting and retaining FDI at the subnational level. Originality/value The authors advance beyond conventional economic and institutional factors and analyze embeddedness pre-FDI. They integrate conventional determinants and PIE, examining their synergy and capturing their effects in isolation and interaction.
Political and institutional embeddedness
Derechos de autor 2025 Cláudia Beatriz da Batschauer da Cruz, Dinorá Eliete Floriani, Mohamed Amal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unraveling prosumption: transformative trajectories in social media
Purpose This study aims to examine the trajectories through which individuals evolve into prosumers, focusing on the transition from personal practices to collective influence through social media. Design/methodology/approach This study used a multimethod qualitative approach, combining netnography and in-depth interviews, to analyze prosumer profiles on Instagram and YouTube. This allowed for real-time observation of prosumption activities, interactions and the development of practices within digital communities. Findings The findings reveal a transformation trajectory comprising three interconnected spheres of prosumption: individual prosumption, collective prosumption and professional prosumption. Each sphere is associated with specific triggers, skill development, challenges and accomplishments. Based on these dimensions, the authors introduce the Prosumer Trajectory Framework. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the prosumption literature by mapping distinct developmental pathways and highlighting the diverse motivations and processes that shape prosumption within digital environments. Practical implications The insights offer practical value to companies and managers seeking to engage with prosumers. By understanding the different stages of their trajectories, organizations can design targeted actions and foster strategic partnerships. Social implications This study highlights the growing cultural influence of prosumers, demonstrating how social media facilitates community building and enhances consumer agency in shaping collective influence. Originality/value By delineating the spheres of the prosumer trajectory, this research advances the conceptualization of prosumption as a transformative process. It offers a unique perspective on how individual, offline practices evolve into digital, public and potentially professional forms of engagement within the contemporary marketplace.
Derechos de autor 2025 Isabela Carvalho de Morais, Thaysa Costa do Nascimento, Flávia Pimenta Fracalanzza, Karin Brondino-Pompeo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cryptocurrency price returns volatility modeling and forecasting with GARCH models
Purpose The paper aims to identify suitable conditional variance models for the estimation and forecasting of cryptocurrency returns volatility. Design/methodology/approach The methodology comprises the use of GARCH-family models estimated by maximum likelihood considering different scedastic functions, number of parameters and error distributions. A cross-validation approach is conducted under different market dynamics to provide robust results. Findings Results indicated that the best GARCH methods for digital coins volatility modeling and forecasting are those associated with a small number of parameters, allowing for asymmetric volatility behavior and considering normal/student distributions. Research limitations/implications The findings indicated that volatility behaves differently for each evaluated cryptocurrency, and the selection of the best scedastic function depends on the corresponding digital coin more than the period under evaluation. Practical implications Investors should prefer parsimonious GARCH structures when modeling and forecasting cryptocurrency volatility, and must consider the current state of the market as the methods lose accuracy in high-volatile periods. Social implications The work provides a better understanding of the volatility dynamics of cryptocurrencies, providing evidence of more accurate tools for risk management in this volatile market. Further, better-informed investors on the risks associated with this market are less susceptible to high price variations. Originality/value The research presents an extensive experimental study to identify the optimal GARCH structure for modeling and forecasting return volatility in digital currencies, considering various market conditions and digital coins, which yields more robust results.
Derechos de autor 2025 Lukas Silva, Leandro Maciel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Startup business model adaptation amid uncertainty: evidence from Brazil
Purpose This article aims to investigate the relationship between business model adaptation, company performance and digitalization capability among startups during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic to determine whether there is a correlation among these aspects in uncertainty scenarios. Design/methodology/approach The research used a mixed approach. First, it utilized a survey-based data collection method in which over 400 Brazilian startups participated, representing diverse demographic and cultural characteristics. Following the data analysis, the authors interviewed startup founders who participated in the first phase to enrich the discussion section. Findings The results revealed that startups with stronger digital capabilities and higher performance were associated with lower levels of business model adaptation. However, this association was observed primarily in the dimensions of value creation and value capture, and not in value delivery. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this study includes the cross-sectional data collection, which prevents the assessment of causality between variables. Practical implications The findings suggest that startups should carefully evaluate their business models and adaptation strategies during uncertain periods. Social implications The social implications of this study lie in supporting public policies and initiatives for entrepreneurship and startups. Government agencies and support institutions can use the findings to better understand the challenges faced by startups during uncertain times, effectively guiding their assistance and resources. Originality/value This research contributes to the literature on business models and digitalization capability. It offers insights into the interplay between performance, digital capabilities and business model adaptation. Furthermore, the study contradicts the common sense that businesses should favor adaptation in uncertain moments, at least for startups in similar contexts.
Derechos de autor 2025 Moacir de Miranda Oliveira Junior, Felipe Mendes Borini; Thiago Iglesias da Silva https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Behaviors against food loss and waste: an analytical index of private policies
Purpose The paper aims to develop a pioneering assessment index for private policies targeting food loss and waste (FLW) reduction. Design/methodology/approach Starting with a review of seminal works on FLW, identifies variables related to corporate actions addressing FLW, process efficiency and sustainability. This process ensures that the developed indicators are robust, adaptable and suitable for diverse food processing organizations. The model’s applicability is enhanced by its alignment with publicly disclosed corporate reports, allowing a practical interface between theoretical development and market realities. Findings Introduces eight strategic indicators for evaluating private policies, FLW reduction policies, process innovations, measurement methodologies, partnerships, environmental actions, communication and the use of natural resources (water and energy). These indicators enable a nuanced evaluation of how organizations operationalize FLW strategies in markets with varying levels of development. Research limitations/implications The indicators’ effectiveness may vary depending on sectoral and regional specificities. Although this study focuses on food processing organizations, the model’s adaptability to different industries and geographical contexts offers potential avenues for further exploration. Practical implications The model provides organizations with a robust tool to monitor and refine FLW reduction strategies using transparent, evidence-based metrics. The indicators can evaluate organizational actions comparatively, across different entities or overtime, facilitating continuous improvement. Social implications Implementing FLW prevention strategies at the organizational level improves efficiency, reduces costs and promotes equitable resource allocation and environmental preservation. By applying these indicators, companies can enhance their contributions to societal goals. Originality/value An unprecedented assessment model tailored to private FLW policies, filling a critical gap in the literature. Its originality lies in its ability to operationalize sustainability in corporate contexts, enabling stakeholders to evaluate actions consistently across markets with diverse developmental profiles. The indicators’ versatility underscores their potential as a transformative tool for researchers, practitioners and policymakers.
Derechos de autor 2025 Gessuir Pigatto, Giuliana Aparecida Santini Pigatto, Nicoli Carolini de Lázari Hatano, Suzana Márcia Marangoni, Fausto Makishi, Vivian Lara Santos Silva https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ethical behaviour, organisational support and employee outcomes in driving public sector organisational performance
Purpose This study aims to investigate the relationships between ethical behaviour, perceived organisational support (POS) and organisational performance within Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE). Design/methodology/approach This study uses a positivist philosophy using survey data collected from 127 FMLE employees. Structural equation modelling with partial least squares estimation was used to analyse the data and test the hypotheses. Findings The results support the hypotheses, indicating that ethical behaviour and POS positively affect organisational performance. Furthermore, job satisfaction and organisational commitment are confirmed to act as mediating mechanisms in these relationships. Research limitations/implications This study extends the application of the Organisational Support Theory to the public sector context, specifically within the FMLE domain. It demonstrates the relevance of this theory in understanding the complex interplay between ethical conduct, POS and organisational performance in the public sector. Practical implications The findings suggest that by promoting ethical behaviour and fostering a supportive organisational environment, the FMLE can enhance employee job satisfaction and organisational commitment, ultimately contributing to improved organisational performance. Social implications Improving the performance of the FMLE through ethical practices and organisational support can lead to better regulation of the labour market, ensure fair labour practices and promote social justice and economic growth in Nigeria. Originality/value This study uniquely applies Organisational Support Theory to the Nigerian public sector, specifically the FMLE. It provides valuable insights into how ethical behaviour and POS influence organisational performance in a context that has received comparatively less scholarly attention than the private sector.
Derechos de autor 2025 Abdulrazaq Kayode Abdulkareem, Ishola Abdulrasaq Ajadi, Abdulkareem Zulfah Jumoke, Kazeem Adebayo Oladimeji, Abdulhakeem Adejumo, Ahmad Ajibola Ayinla https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Strategic insights into last-mile delivery: modelling the industry 4.0 enabler for e-commerce industry
Purpose Excellent customer experience with doorstep delivery is one of the motivations for online purchasing and e-commerce. Optimal technology-driven last-mile delivery is the backbone of this business model. This paper aims to identify industry 4.0 (I4.0) technology-based enablers for efficient e-commerce logistics for last-mile delivery (LMD) operations. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts an empirically grounded quantitative approach for defining and analysing the I4.0 technology enablers for efficient LMD operations. It adopts interpretive structural modelling and matrice d’impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classement analysis to identify the dependency and relationship among the identified enablers. Findings The transformation technologies of I4.0 offer a comprehensive package to handle LMD and e-commerce business challenges. This research identified that LMD and logistics will be dominated by autonomous running vehicles, drones and robots; apart from that, in I4.0 adoption cases, the implementation of radio-frequency identification was found suitable for efficient logistics networks. In addition, digitalisation through digital twins, robots, autonomous vehicles and Internet of Things adoption was found to drive the system and is crucial for strategic action. Research limitations/implications The findings of this research help companies and the e-commerce industry to evaluate strategic technological investments in promising I4.0 for LMD. The study also helps managers to focus on initiating and integrating digital technologies and autonomous vehicles, drones and robots focused on LMD improvement. Practical implications The findings of this research help companies and the e-commerce industry to evaluate strategic technological investments in promising I4.0 for LMD. The study also helps managers to focus on initiating and integrating digital technologies and autonomous vehicles, drones and robots focused on LMD improvement. Social implications Industry 4.0 technologies enable more efficient route planning, reducing fuel consumption and lowering carbon emissions. Optimised delivery networks reduce waste and ensure more efficient use of resources by using suggested technologies. Originality/value This study presents strategic insights into LMD and I4.0 enablers for the e-commerce environment. It proposes a theoretical framework that can serve as a roadmap for implementing I4.0 technologies to address unaddressed bottlenecks in LMD operations, lowering the logistics network’s efficiency.
Derechos de autor 2025 Vijay Prakash Sharma, Surya Prakash, Ranbir Singh, Ojha Ravindra, Bharti Ramtiyal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Do technological products offer only functionality and aesthetics? Analyzing the social value of really new products
Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between the social value of really new products (RNPs), particularly technological ones, and the intention to consume this type of product when the individual’s materialistic motivation moderates this relationship. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this objective, this study conducted a quantitative and exploratory study using non-probabilistic data collection with 211 interviewees online. A self-administered questionnaire on a fictional technological RNP (a smartphone) designed with numerous innovative features was used. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM) technique was used to verify the relationships proposed in the conceptual model. Findings The results show that the social value proposition as a second-order variable, reflecting the construct’s perceived prestige and perceived conspicuity, affects the consumption intention, being enhanced by the moderation of materialistic motivation. Research limitations/implications The findings enhance the theoretical comprehension of the significance of social value in the context of RNPs, particularly technological ones, and provide evidence that materialistic motivation is a key moderator in the proposed model. As a limitation, this study is characterized as correlational and not generalizable. Furthermore, causal studies (experimental, for example) and longitudinal studies are needed to validate the effects of the constructs proposed in this model and to understand the effects of other possible intervening variables in the conceptual relationships proposed in the model. Practical implications From a managerial standpoint, developers of this type of product, marketing managers and advertising agents ought to consider the degree of conspicuity of the product and the prestige features to generate social value, always focusing on the willingness of individuals to acquire products. Social implications The study examines how RNPs can provide social value, acting as functional tools and as means of social expression. This can encourage the adoption of technologies that bring symbolic and status value to consumers, which reflects a change in consumer behavior, where technology is seen as a symbol of prestige and social differentiation. Furthermore, products with prestige features can contribute to strengthening the social identity of individuals within their social groups. Originality/value The study adds to the existing literature by arguing that RNPs can possess societal significance, challenging the notion that technological products are merely functional and demonstrating that the prestige and conspicuity characteristics of RNPs can boost consumption intention, particularly among individuals with a strong materialistic motivation. The proposed model presents a novel perspective, demonstrating that the social value of products is comprised of the amalgamation of conspicuity and prestige and how these factors influence the adoption of RNPs in the market.
Derechos de autor 2025 Everaldo Marcelo Souza da Costa, Emílio José Montero Arruda Filho, Delane Botelho https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Training and proprietary equipment: the bow and the arrow to shoot the target
Purpose This study aims to investigate the relationship between proprietary equipment and anticipation of new technologies in enhancing product innovativeness and competitive performance. Design/methodology/approach It used survey data collected in the fourth round of the High-Performance Manufacturing project (HPM), which comprised 270 plants in 15 countries across three industries. The relationships proposed in this study were analyzed through structural equation modeling, confirmatory factor analysis and endogeneity tests. Findings Results show that proprietary equipment alone does not directly impact performance but can still serve as as a source of advantage since the proper mechanisms are implemented. Research limitations/implications The theoretical underpinnings of the relationship among proprietary equipment, anticipation of new technologies and training provide a strong foundation for a better understanding of the integration of the structural and infrastructural elements of operations strategy and their benefits for competitive performance. Practical implications Results show how operations managers can capitalize on proprietary equipment to anticipate new technologies by developing training routines to absorb and apply new knowledge in the plant. Social implications This research contributes to the competitiveness of manufacturing firms by showing how knowledge can be created and disseminated in their operations to develop better-prepared employees. Originality/value This study advances the literature on world-class manufacturing by demonstrating that proprietary equipment per se has no direct impact on product performance and innovativeness, contrary to what previous literature has demonstrated.
Derechos de autor 2025 Fernando Picasso , Ely Paiva https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Detecting and analyzing explosive bubbles and their relationship with volatility: evidence from Tunisia
Purpose This study aims to identify and analyze speculative bubbles in the Tunisian stock market from 2004 to 2023 and examine the evolution of return volatility during these periods. Design/methodology/approach The research uses the Supremum Augmented Dickey-Fuller (SADF) and Generalized Supremum Augmented Dickey-Fuller (GSADF) tests, alongside Monte Carlo and bootstrap simulations (Sieve-bootstrap and Wild-bootstrap), to detect speculative bubbles. The Markov-Switching Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity model is used to analyze volatility regimes. Findings The study identifies multiple speculative bubbles with varying timing, duration and response to external events. The GSADF test proves more effective than the SADF test for detecting longer, more frequent bubbles. Despite methodological differences, strong correlations among bootstrap techniques improve bubble identification. Bubble periods align with a high-volatility regime (regime 2), emphasizing volatility’s role in bubble formation. Research limitations/implications This study enhances the understanding of speculative bubble formation in emerging markets, highlighting the importance of considering national financial market specifics in bubble analysis. Practical implications The findings offer valuable insights for investors, regulators and policymakers, helping inform decisions and improve financial regulation to foster market stability. Social implications By identifying speculative bubbles, the research helps mitigate economic uncertainty, protects savings and supports financial stability, aiding policymakers in curbing excessive speculation and promoting sustainable economic growth. Originality/value This research contributes to the understanding of speculative bubbles in the underexplored Tunisian stock market, using innovative methodologies for a comprehensive analysis of bubbles and volatility dynamics.
Derechos de autor 2025 Sirine Ben Yaala, Jamel Eddine Henchiri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bioplastics value chain and blockchain: reducing transaction costs
Purpose This paper aims to identify and explain the main transaction costs (TCs) in the second-generation bioplastics value chain and to propose the insertion of blockchain technology to reduce TCs. Design/methodology/approach It is a holistic single case study of a firm that produces a bioplastic resin made from açaí seeds residues. It analyzed transactions occurred between input supplier (cooperative) and resin factory and between resin factory and transformation industry. Findings Dominant TCs result from monitoring specific attributes of pretreated açaí seeds and biopolymers, supplier selection, environmental purchasing, time and place specificity, quality control management and technological specificity. Research limitations/implications Blockchain can potentially reduce TCs by enhancing trust, transparency, material traceability and information exchange. Practical implications Blockchain can support the further development and commercialization of genuine biodegradable bioplastics by assuring product quality and functioning as a distributed database for stakeholders, minimizing a specific type of opportunism: “greenwashing”. Social implications This study can help create metrics and policies to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal related to consumption and production patterns by doing better with less and increasing resource efficiency while contributing to strengthening Brazil’s circular (bio)economy. Originality/value This study’s originality lies in framing the most important challenges regarding TCs in developing bioplastics chains, which can be significantly reduced using a particular distributed database technology.
Derechos de autor 2025 Eduarda Lara Mendonça Moreira, Andrei Domingues Cechin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring digital leadership - TOE framework in CRM adoption by SMEs in developing countries
Purpose This study aims to investigate how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries can leverage customer relationship management (CRM) for business growth. It extends the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework by incorporating digital leadership and examining its role in moderating the effects of technological and organizational contexts on CRM adoption. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional approach, collecting data from 223 SMEs in Indonesia supported by Jadah Tempe Kaliurang Small and Medium Industries, which have already adopted CRM. Data analysis was conducted using SEM-PLS with SmartPLS. Findings The study finds that environmental factors and digital leadership are crucial for CRM adoption in SMEs, while technological and organizational factors have minimal impact. Notably, digital leadership negatively moderates the effect of organizational context on CRM adoption. Research limitations/implications The study emphasizes the need to integrate digital leadership into the TOE framework for a more comprehensive understanding of CRM adoption. Practical implications The results help SMEs identify key factors affecting CRM adoption and develop strategies for successful implementation, highlighting the importance of digital leadership. Social implications The study underscores that SME leaders in developing countries must enhance their digital skills to adopt CRM effectively. Originality/value This research contributes to the TOE framework by showing digital leadership’s critical, albeit unexpectedly negative, role in CRM adoption among SMEs.
Derechos de autor 2025 Yoga Religia, Yussi Ramawati, Asri Sekar Mawar Firdausi, Dedy Sunaryo Nainggolan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From resilience to sustainability: exploring key stakeholders in agribusiness
Purpose This study aims to investigate agribusiness organizations’ resilience in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and its implications for sustainability. Design/methodology/approach Using the Benchmark Resilience Tool model, a multi-case study examined three organizations representing different agribusiness supply chain stakeholders: a rural firm, a farmer’s union and an agriculture cooperative. Each organization successfully navigated recent crises. Findings Organizations exhibit varying resilience levels. The rural firm prioritizes financial management but lacks governance, necessitating enhancements in governance, risk diversification and resilience training for sustainability. The farmer’s union, with robust governance, can bolster resilience and sustainability via innovation and external partnerships. The cooperative, although proactive, should target resource resilience and knowledge sharing to enhance sustainability. Research limitations/implications This study focused exclusively on Mato Grosso do Sul agribusiness organizations. Further research could explore other regions and industries to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between resilience and sustainability. The small sample size is also a limitation. Practical implications The research identified six strategies through which organizations can enhance sustainability through resilience mechanisms. By integrating the proposed strategies, organizations can navigate the modern business environment while aligning with long-term sustainability goals. Social implications The lessons learned from this study underscore the pivotal role of resilience in advancing sustainability goals, promoting responsible practices and contributing positively to social facets of organizations. Originality/value This study contributes to the synergy between organizational resilience and sustainability. It underscores resilience’s pivotal role in achieving sustainability objectives, promoting responsible practices and positively impacting organizations’ environmental, social and economic aspects.
Derechos de autor 2025 Guilherme Fowler A. Monteiro, Silvia Morales de Queiroz Caleman, Júlia Silva Mendes https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Maturity of risk management in agricultural supply chains
Purpose This paper aims to assess the maturity level in the strategic risk management of an agricultural cooperative’s supply chain. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive qualitative research approach was employed for a case study. Four interview scripts were administered to 15 stakeholders within the supply chain and subjected to content analysis. Findings The findings reveal 23 strategic risks in the supply chain, whereas the maturity assessment identified five dimensions at the “Defined” level and two at the “Fragmented” level. To elevate the risk management maturity, this paper delineated 22 intervention actions. Research limitations/implications The theoretical contribution is the presentation of the various maturity assessment models and how they can be employed in studies on agribusiness supply chain risks. Practical implications Managerial implications underscore the formal establishment of a risk governance unit, the appointment of a Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and the constitution of an interdisciplinary risk management committee. Social implications Cooperatives contribute to adding value to rural production in many regions and project small and medium-sized producers in global markets. They play an economic and social role, promoting fair prices and providing services to members and the community. Efficient risk management can contribute to fostering the social role of cooperatives. Originality/value No maturity model for risk management in agribusiness supply chains is listed in the literature. This study can contribute to the development of such maturity models.
Derechos de autor 2025 Ezequiel Scopel, Vilmar Rodrigues Moreira, Alex Antônio Ferraresi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Visionary leadership and job crafting: a moderated mediation model
Purpose This study aims to test a proposed model that examines the mediating role of psychological meaningfulness and the moderating role of organizational identification in the relationship between visionary leadership and job crafting. Design/methodology/approach The study used a survey to collect data from 242 employees from various sectors in Jordan. The collected data was used to examine how visionary leadership impacts job crafting behaviors, relying on partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the study’s hypotheses. Findings By testing the proposed hypotheses, the results provided evidence that a positive relationship exists between visionary leadership and job crafting. Furthermore, the results indicated that psychological meaningfulness is a mediator. Lastly, the authors found that the relationship between visionary leadership and job-crafting behaviors is moderated by organizational identification. Research limitations/implications The study has limitations that should be considered. First, the cross-sectional design impedes establishing causal relationships between variables (Setia, 2016). Future research should use longitudinal or experimental designs for more robust evidence on the directionality and causality of identified relationships. Second, using self-report measures introduces potential common method bias. To enhance reliability, future studies could explore objective measures or alternative data collection methods. Lastly, the study’s findings are based on a specific sample and context, raising concerns about generalizability. Addressing this limitation requires replication across diverse industries, organizational sizes and cultural contexts to validate external validity. Practical implications This study emphasizes practical implications for organizations, advocating the development of visionary leadership skills to inspire an environment conducive to job crafting. Nurturing psychological meaningfulness is also crucial, with training programs designed to enhance both visionary leadership and the meaningfulness of work experiences. Additionally, the study underscores the amplifying role of organizational identification in strengthening the positive effects of visionary leadership on employees’ sense of purpose, suggesting initiatives to foster a sense of belonging for collective success. Social implications Socially, encouraging visionary leadership and meaningful work can enhance job-crafting behaviors, fostering a positive workplace culture. Emphasizing organizational identification may contribute to a sense of purpose among employees, promoting collective success. By prioritizing these aspects, organizations can positively impact the well-being and engagement of individuals within the broader social context, potentially influencing societal perceptions of work and leadership. Originality/value This study explores how visionary leadership affects job crafting through psychological meaningfulness and organizational identification. It shows that visionary leadership positively influences job crafting, emphasizing leaders’ role in fostering commitment. Using a moderated mediation model, it provides new insights into job crafting across various contexts.
Derechos de autor 2025 Mohammed Yasin Ghadi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Research ethics in management studies: reflections and strategies for early-stage scholars
Derechos de autor 2025 Rafaela Almeida Cordeiro, Pâmela Ingrid Simioni Costa, Caroline Aparicio Dutra Pereira https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Market concentration and implicit taxes: analyzing Brazilian firms
Purpose This study aims to explore the interplay between market concentration and implicit tax burdens in Brazil, offering a fresh perspective on the conventional belief of perfect competition. Design/methodology/approach Data was sourced from Brazilian firms on the B3 stock exchange between 2011 and 2021. Multiple linear regression techniques were employed to analyze the relation of explicit tax rates to firms’ pre- and post-tax returns. Findings Dominant firms in the market tend to bear a lower implicit tax burden and have the capacity to extend tax incentive benefits to shareholders. Research limitations/implications The findings highlight Brazil’s intricate corporate tax fabric, particularly regarding implicit taxes. They provide a foundation for deeper inquiries into how market dominance, taxation policies, and corporate strategies converge. Practical implications Regulators and business leaders can harness this knowledge to recalibrate tax strategies and market regulations. Specifically, a closer examination of the dynamics that permit reduced implicit tax implications in monopolized markets is essential for equity. Social implications Companies with pronounced market concentration can mitigate their implicit tax burdens, potentially offloading them to consumers and suppliers. This points to potential inequities in current tax structures. Originality/value This research unveils nuanced insights into Brazil’s multifaceted interrelations between corporate influence, taxation strategies, and market forces.
Derechos de autor 2025 Antonio Lopo Martinez, Raimundo da Silva, Alfredo Sarlo Neto https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Repertory Grid Technique and Honey’s Content Analysis: gathering and processing qualitative data
Purpose This study aims to demonstrate a rigorous approach to applying the Repertory Grid Technique (RGT) and Honey’s Content Analysis (HCA) to obtain and process qualitative data through structured interviews. Design/methodology/approach An illustrative case study using the OpenRepGrid package from the open-source software R facilitates a deeper understanding of these techniques. The study subjects were employees of a corporate charter company. Findings The RGT enables the identification of key attributes as perceived by interviewees regarding the phenomenon, whereas HCA clarifies how these attributes impact the desired analysis outcome. The presented case study identified constructs related to the client–supplier relationship and their impact on service performance from the provider’s perspective. Research limitations/implications This study illustrates the use of qualitative methods based on an interpretative naturalistic approach to rigorously and systematically capture interviewees’ perspectives. Practical implications The combination of RGT and HCA can be a valuable tool for management studies by allowing controlled researcher interference in empirical investigations. In addition, the data-driven selection of constructs by interviewees can lead to the emergence of novel theories. Social implications Using diverse methodologies enables researchers to address complex managerial challenges that often surpass the capabilities of conventional analysis methods. Originality/value The proposed methodology offers a robust understanding of phenomena from the interviewees’ perspectives. Consequently, this study highlights the potential of these techniques for theoretical and empirical research in the field of administration.
Interorganizational governance mechanisms
Marina Bastos Carvalhais Barroso Barroso
Derechos de autor 2025 Marina Bastos Carvalhais Barroso Barroso, Ricardo Silveira Martins, Jonathan Simões Freitas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Entrepreneurial intentions and the role of educational and social support: do the self-efficacy and the theory of planned behavior variables matter?
Purpose The study aims to ascertain whether educational and social support for entrepreneurs significantly affects university students’ intentions to become successful entrepreneurs. This study examines the mediating role of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables (e.g. entrepreneurial personal attitude, subjective norms and entrepreneurial perceived behavioral control) and entrepreneurial self-efficacy in encouraging young entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach An online survey with a structured questionnaire collected data from different university students in Bangladesh; subsequently, it was analyzed through the structural equation model. Findings The results suggested that educational support has a direct positive relationship with the three variables of TPB. Moreover, the findings indicated that social support positively influences the variables of TPB, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intentions. The variables of TPB and entrepreneurial self-efficacy were found to have a significant direct impact on entrepreneurial intentions and also exhibited favorable mediating effects of educational and social support on entrepreneurial intentions. Research limitations/implications First, the study is only generalized to some sectors of entrepreneurship activities because the researchers used samples from university students across Bangladesh. Second, the implicit limitation of survey-based research is that respondents need to know more ways of understanding the questionnaires accurately, and some participants need to be taught how to answer the question items. Practical implications The main practical implication for the relationship between entrepreneurial intentions and educational support involves different entrepreneurial educational programs, which give rise to attitude, behavior, self-efficacy and intentions and enhance the student's awareness of advancing a successful entrepreneurial career. Social implications This study demonstrated that universities and social communities should promote the improvement of innovative thoughts for entrepreneurs and offer essential information about entrepreneurship. Originality/value Because entrepreneurial educational support is a crucial factor in entrepreneurial intentions, universities need to develop a practical education system that can help improve the skills required to start new ventures. The results will improve a new route to developing students’ entrepreneurial intentions using the variables of TPB and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Subsequently, these research findings will help to achieve governmental goals and increase the number of startups in the future.
Derechos de autor 2025 Mst. Nirufer Yesmin, Md. Alamgir Hossain, Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Nusrat Jahan, Minho Kim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0