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1 – 10 of 109Raushan Aman, Maria Elo, Petri Ahokangas and Xiaotian Zhang
Entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) research has focused on high-growth scale-up entrepreneurship, whereas the role of EEs in nurturing the ventures of marginalised groups like…
Abstract
Purpose
Entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) research has focused on high-growth scale-up entrepreneurship, whereas the role of EEs in nurturing the ventures of marginalised groups like migrant women entrepreneurs (MWEs) has often been elided from extant discussions. This research explores how the EE's structure, policies and programmes advance diversity, equity and inclusion to foster MWEs, and MWEs' contribution to the dynamics and sustainability of the host country's EE based on EE actors' perspectives. We contribute to EEs' diversity, equity and inclusion, which are important but neglected social aspects of sustainable EEs.
Design/methodology/approach
The qualitative data was collected through thematic interviews with EE actors, including NGOs and entrepreneurial support-providing organizations based in Finland. The collected data was complemented by interviews with MWEs, archival data and published supplementary materials on ecosystem actors.
Findings
EE structure, policies, programmes and individual agency, coupled with MWEs' proactivity in lobbying the necessary actors in the required places for their interests, enhance their businesses' development. There were both impeding and fostering dynamics, which may have idiographic and contextual features. Evidently, by being occupied in various sectors, from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to socially beneficial niche service sectors, MWEs contribute to the host country's EE dynamics not only through their productive entrepreneurship but by enriching the ecosystem's resource endowments and institutional arrangements.
Originality/value
We argue that exploring the gender and inclusivity aspects of EEs as the accommodating context is particularly relevant, given that the United Nation's sustainable development goals 5, 8 and 10 aim to improve women's empowerment at all levels, promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and ensuring equal opportunities and reduced inequalities within the population. Inclusion and embeddedness in EEs positively affect diversity and sustainability in the host country. Theoretically, our contribution is twofold. First, by exploring female migrants' entrepreneurial experiences within the EE based on EE actors' perspectives, we broaden the research on inclusivity in EEs and gender aspects and enrich the research on their societal impact, which has received scant attention from scholars. More specifically, we contribute to EE research with (1) a novel understanding of MWEs and EE elements, their interconnections and dynamism, (2) identifying previously ignored elements shaping MWE and (3) providing EE actor insights into the co-creation of EE for MWE. Second, by analysing the impact of MWEs' businesses on the host country's EE, we contribute to calls for research on MWE contributions to its economic environment.
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The purpose of this research is to identify the most important attributes of metaverse influencers and examine their impact on customer engagement and social glue.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to identify the most important attributes of metaverse influencers and examine their impact on customer engagement and social glue.
Design/methodology/approach
Three studies (one qualitative and two quantitative) were conducted to understand the phenomenon better. The qualitative study (Study 1) was conducted to identify the antecedents of the theoretical model, which was tested in Study 2 using the covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) technique. Study 3 then divided the respondents based on the metaverse influencer attribute preferences.
Findings
Results of Study 1 revealed the six most influential attributes of metaverse influencers: physical attractiveness, social attractiveness, perceived credibility, metaverse-influencer fit, intimacy and attitude homophily. Further, Study 2 validated that attractiveness and perceived credibility enhance engagement. Also, the results revealed that intimacy, perceived credibility and homophily enhance social glue. Moreover, parasocial relationships mediate the association between intimacy, attitude homophily, perceived credibility and (engagement and social glue). The conditional indirect effect of physical attractiveness, social attractiveness and metaverse–influencer fit on (engagement and social glue) via parasocial relationships at different high and low levels of self-discrepancy was significant. Finally, Study 3 used latent class analysis to reveal different clusters of metaverse users.
Originality/value
This research enriches our understanding of metaverse influencers, contributing to the influencer marketing literature. It offers actionable insights for marketers by elucidating key influencer attributes, aiding in enhancing engagement and social glue.
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This study examines consumers’ usage intention towards retail metaverse banking. This research also investigated the mediating impact of trust and distrust. This research also…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines consumers’ usage intention towards retail metaverse banking. This research also investigated the mediating impact of trust and distrust. This research also examined the moderating impact of perceived security concerns.
Design/methodology/approach
Firstly, a qualitative study is performed to explore the benefits and sacrifices that may influence usage intention. Further, the quantitative study gathered a total of 308 responses to investigate the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
The findings suggest that perceived anthropomorphism and perceived immersion positively impact the usage intention towards retail metaverse banking. Further, lack of social interaction and perceived vulnerability had a negative influence towards retail metaverse banking. Further, trust and distrust were found to be significant mediators. Also, perceived security concern was shown to be a significant moderator.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the metaverse literature and suggests to banks how to enhance usage intention towards retail metaverse banking. The study also enriches the literature on dual-factor theory.
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Fei Hao, Wailing Ng, Adil Masud Aman and Chen Zhang
This study evaluates the impact of Avatar-led Green Training on enhancing organizational citizenship behavior for the environment (OCBE) and green creativity among employees in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study evaluates the impact of Avatar-led Green Training on enhancing organizational citizenship behavior for the environment (OCBE) and green creativity among employees in the hospitality sector. This study aims to understand how such innovative training influences green engagement and workplace spirituality, exploring the role of employees’ biospheric values in this context.
Design/methodology/approach
The research involved implementing Avatar-led Green Training courses for 724 hotel employees, followed by comprehensive online surveys. The collected data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling to assess the effectiveness and implications of the training.
Findings
Findings indicate that Avatar-led Green Training significantly enhances green engagement in OCBE, primarily through the development of workplace spirituality. Additionally, the study discovers a moderating effect of biospheric value on the training’s efficacy in fostering workplace spirituality, underlining its critical role in environmental consciousness and creativity.
Practical implications
This research benefits managers, human resources professionals, senior leaders and employees by enhancing training effectiveness and workplace satisfaction, while also positively impacting the industry’s environmental footprint and reputation.
Originality/value
This study’s originality lies in its exploration of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven training methods, particularly Avatar-led Green Training, in enhancing OCBE and green creativity in the hospitality sector. It offers a novel perspective on how technology can be leveraged for environmental stewardship and employee engagement.
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Fei Hao, Adil Masud Aman and Chen Zhang
As technology increasingly integrates into the restaurant industry, avatar servers present a promising avenue for promoting healthier dining habits. Grounded in the halo effect…
Abstract
Purpose
As technology increasingly integrates into the restaurant industry, avatar servers present a promising avenue for promoting healthier dining habits. Grounded in the halo effect theory and social comparison theory, this study aims to delve into the influence of avatars' appearance, humor and persuasion on healthier choices and customer satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper comprises three experimental studies. Study 1 manipulates avatar appearance (supermodel-looking vs normal-looking) to examine its effects on perceived attractiveness, warmth and relatability. These factors influence customer satisfaction and healthy food choices through the psychological mechanisms of social comparison and aspirational appeal. Studies 2 and 3 further refine this theoretical model by assessing the interplay of appearance with humor (presence vs absence) and persuasion (health-oriented vs beauty-oriented), respectively.
Findings
Results suggest that avatars resembling supermodels evoke stronger aspirational appeal and positive social comparison due to their attractiveness, thus bolstering healthier choices and customer satisfaction. Moreover, humor moderates the relationship between appearance and attractiveness, while persuasion moderates the effects of appearance on social comparison and aspirational appeal.
Research limitations/implications
This research bridges the halo effect theory and social comparison theory, offering insights enriching the academic discourse on technology’s role in hospitality.
Practical implications
The findings provide actionable insights for managers, tech developers and health advocates.
Originality/value
Despite its significance, avatar design research in the hospitality sector has been overlooked. This study addresses this gap, offering a guideline for crafting attractive and persuasive avatars.
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Mohammed Z. Salem and Aman Rassouli
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing Palestinian consumer attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI)-powered online banking, focusing on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing Palestinian consumer attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI)-powered online banking, focusing on performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions while considering the moderating role of trust in financial institutions.
Design/methodology/approach
To test the hypotheses, an empirical study with a questionnaire was carried out. The study was completed by 362 Palestinian customers who use online banking services.
Findings
The findings of this paper show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions significantly influence consumer attitudes toward AI-powered online banking. Furthermore, trust in financial institutions as a moderating variable strengthens the impact of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions on consumer attitudes toward AI-powered online banking. Therefore, more studies should focus on certain fields and cultural contexts to get a more thorough grasp of the variables influencing adoption and acceptability.
Research limitations/implications
The study's findings may be specific to the Palestinian context, limiting generalizability. The reliance on self-reported data and a cross-sectional design may constrain the establishment of causal relationships and the exploration of dynamic attitudes over time. In addition, external factors and technological advancements not captured in the study could influence Palestinian consumer attitudes toward AI-powered online banking.
Practical implications
Financial institutions can leverage the insights from this research to tailor their strategies for promoting AI-powered online banking, emphasizing factors like perceived security and ease of use. Efforts to build and maintain trust in financial institutions are crucial for fostering positive consumer attitudes toward AI technologies. Policymakers can use these findings to inform regulations and initiatives that support the responsible adoption of AI in the financial sector, ensuring a more widespread and effective implementation of these technologies.
Originality/value
This research delves into Palestinian consumer attitudes toward AI-powered online banking, focusing on trust in financial institutions. It aims to enrich literature by exploring this under-explored area with meticulous examination, robust methodology and insightful analysis. The study embarks on a novel journey into uncharted terrain, seeking to unearth unique insights that enrich the existing literature landscape. Its findings offer valuable insights for academia and practitioners, enhancing understanding of AI adoption in Palestine and guiding strategic decisions for financial institutions operating in the region.
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Mishra Aman, R. Rajesh and Vishal Vyas
This study aims to examine empirically the nature of supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on the Indian automobile sector.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine empirically the nature of supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on the Indian automobile sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors evaluate the stock market performance of individual company and its quantitative relationship to certain variables related to company’s supply chain.
Findings
The authors analysed the company’s operations considering several ratios like asset intensity, company size, labour intensity and inventory to revenue.
Research limitations/implications
The results of analysis can help the companies to understand how disruptions in the supply chain can affect the company’s operations and how it is perceived by the investors in the stock market.
Practical implications
Also, investors are benefitted, as they can understand how different companies with different operational characteristics react to global disruptions in supply chains, which in turn would help them to find better investment opportunities.
Originality/value
Although there is some literature available on the qualitative as well as quantitative analysis, the authors go further to analyse the impact of supply chain disruption on the stocks of the automobile sector.
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Farzana Aman Tanima, Lee Moerman, Erin Jade Twyford, Sanja Pupovac and Mona Nikidehaghani
This paper illuminates our journey as accounting educators by exploring accounting as a technical, social and moral practice towards decolonising ourselves. It lays the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper illuminates our journey as accounting educators by exploring accounting as a technical, social and moral practice towards decolonising ourselves. It lays the foundations for decolonising the higher education curriculum and the consequences for addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Design/methodology/approach
This paper focuses on the potential to foster a space for praxis by adopting dialogism-in-action to understand our transformative learning through Jindaola [pronounced Jinda-o-la], a university-based Aboriginal knowledge program. A dialogic pedagogy provided the opportunity to create a meaningful space between us as academics, the Aboriginal Knowledge holder and mentor, the other groups in Jindaola and, ultimately, our accounting students. Since Jindaola privileged ‘our way’ as the pedagogical learning process, we adopt autoethnography to share and reflect on our experiences. Making creative artefacts formed the basis for building relationships, reciprocity and respect and represents our shared journey and collective account.
Findings
We reveal our journey of “holding to account” by analysing five aspects of our lives as critical accounting academics – the overarching conceptual framework, teaching, research, governance and our physical landscape. In doing so, we found that Aboriginal perspectives provide a radical positioning to the colonial legacies of accounting practice.
Originality/value
Our journey through Jindaola contemplates how connecting with Country and engaging with Aboriginal ways of knowing can assist educators in meaningfully addressing the SDGs. While not providing a panacea or prescription for what to do, we use ‘our way’ as a story of our commitment to transformative change.
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Gebremeskel Mesafint, Nigusie Shifera and Alemayehu Sayih
Domestic violence is an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or mental suffering. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has had a ruinous effect globally, particularly in…
Abstract
Purpose
Domestic violence is an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or mental suffering. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has had a ruinous effect globally, particularly in increasing the rate of domestic violence. Thus, this study aims to assess the prevalence of domestic violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors.
Design/methodology/approach
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on Bench Sheko Zone residents from May to June 2021. Participants in the study were selected by multistage sampling technique. The collected data were coded, entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Bi-variable and multiple logistic regression analysis models were fitted. Odds ratio was used at a 95% confidence level, and P-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.
Findings
A total of 1,512 eligible women participated, with a 98.3% response rate. The proportion of domestic violence against women was 42.5%. The prevalence of psychological violence was 30.4%, followed by physical violence at 20.2% and sexual violence accounted for 9.6%. Variables, such as rural residency, women with no formal education, partner who had no formal education, women with monthly income of less than 25,00 Ethiopian birr and partner who was current substance user, were found to be associated with domestic violence against women.
Practical implications
Domestic violence against women is still an important public health problem in Ethiopia. Special attention should be paid to identified predictors to reduce domestic violence beyond designing prevention and control strategies along with coronavirus pandemic intervention plan.
Originality/value
The findings of this study show domestic violence against women is still an important public health problem in Ethiopia. Special attention should be paid to identified predictors to reduce domestic violence beyond designing prevention and control strategies, along with the coronavirus pandemic intervention plan.
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Shazia Aman Jatoi, Sobia Shafaq Shah, Abdul Sattar Shah and Sajjad Hyder Channar
The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between high- performance work systems (HPWS) and organisational innovation in hospital settings, examining the role of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between high- performance work systems (HPWS) and organisational innovation in hospital settings, examining the role of employee engagement as a mediator in this relationship. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the moderating role of perspective-taking between HPWS and employee engagement as well as the moderating effect of trust in leader on the connection between employee engagement and organisational innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative-deductive causal method, along with a cross-sectional approach, was utilized. Structural equation modelling was applied to analyse data from a sample of 530 doctors employed in hospitals, practicing human resources management in the public and private sectors of Sindh province, Pakistan.
Findings
The findings show positive effects of HPWS on employee engagement and organisational innovation. Additionally, employee’s engagement partially mediates the relationship between HPWS and organisational innovation, while the moderating role of perspective-taking significantly influences the link between HPWS and employee engagement.
Originality/value
While HPWS are recognized for enhancing organisational innovation, this study confirms their positive effects on individual and organisational outcomes, particularly within the healthcare sector in Pakistan. This study suggests that when HPWS are effectively perceived and implemented, these integrated practices can be beneficial for both employees and organizations, even in challenging situations.
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