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This study aims to develop an in-depth understanding of how supplier selection helps social enterprises achieve their social missions while maintaining commercial viability.

The paper applies a multiple-case design to study the supplier selection processes of 15 Dutch social enterprises.

Social enterprises tend to build supply relationships through existing networks and evaluate suppliers based on value alignment, relationship commitment, resource complementarity, and cost. Depending on the possibility of social value creation in supplier selection, the importance of these criteria varies across different social enterprise models and between key and non-key suppliers. Moreover, suppliers’ long-term relationship commitment can help reconcile tensions between the social and commercial logic of a social enterprise and facilitate impact creation.

Data collection is limited to the perspectives of buyers – the social enterprises. Future research could collect supplier-side data to explore how they engage with social enterprises during the selection process.

Managers of social enterprises can use our research findings as guidance for selecting the most suitable suppliers, while organizations that want to collaborate with social enterprises should actively build network ties to be identified.

We contribute to the cross-sector collaboration literature by showing the underlying reasons for the preference for network reinforcing and indirect networking in supplier identification. We contribute to the social impact supply chain literature by revealing the critical role of supplier selection in shaping collaboration outcomes.

This study constructs an efficiency evaluation framework for assessing the human, structural and relational capital in the semiconductor industry of Taiwan. Furthermore, we analyze whether there are significant differences in efficiency across different levels concerning the industry supply chain (upstream, midstream and downstream), employee service tenure, capital scale and company establishment years.

This study focuses on Taiwanese semiconductor companies, utilizing data sourced from the Taiwan Economic Journal (TEJ) Database for the period spanning 2017 to 2021, encompassing a total of five years. Due to the nondisclosure of intangible asset values by all companies, an effort was made to ensure a comparable baseline by excluding companies with incomplete or missing data. Finally, empirical analysis was conducted on a sample of 64 companies using the dynamic network data envelopment analysis method.

(1) Overall efficiency demonstrates structural capital as the most prominent, followed by relational capital, while human capital shows relatively poorer efficiency. (2) To enhance the efficiency of intellectual capital, priority should be given to improving the efficiency of outputs related to intellectual property rights such as patents. (3) The midstream segment exhibits the best efficiency in both structural and relational capital. (4) Companies with longer employee service tenures exhibit superior efficiency in human capital in the long run. (5) Companies with extended establishment years and larger capital scales demonstrate superior efficiency in both human and structural capital.

Reflecting on past literature, scholars have primarily focused on the relationship between intellectual capital and firm efficiency, often emphasizing the overall efficiency of intellectual capital. However, within organizations, human capital, structural capital, and relational capital are interrelated. This study, for the first time, assesses the efficiency of these three components within an organization. The research addresses the challenges in analyzing the efficiency of intellectual capital and introduces a highly contemporary approach – dynamic network data envelopment analysis (DNDEA). Using the semiconductor industry in Taiwan as a case study, this paper conducts empirical analysis in a captivating and worthy industry. Therefore, the ideas presented in this paper are original.

Transport and logistics companies (TLCs) have adopted green practices to reduce their emission and waste in support of environmental protection requirements. However, not all green practices of TLCs have resulted in green performance (GP) because of inherent variations in internal abilities and external factors affecting firms in different operational environments. Using institutional (INT) and resource-based view (RBV) theories we develop a model that shows how institutional pressures and internal abilities impact TLCs’ GP.

Underpinned by INT and RBV theories, this study utilised structural equation modelling on a cross-sectional survey of 222 TLC firms operating in the Philippines.

The study reveals that TLCs’ regulatory compliance, social obligations and competitor pressures have significant direct effects on TLCs’ GP while supplier integration and resource capabilities serially mediate the relationships. The findings indicate that institutional pressures and internal abilities that shape firms’ environmental policies and procedures explain TLCs’ GP.

As a result of the cross-sectional nature of our data, findings may be time, population and prevailing situation dependent. The long-term validity of the research can be improved if longitudinal design is employed. We collected data from a single respondent considered as the best respondent. However, with time and resource availability, a jury of executives for each company would have been a better alternative respondent.

The findings of this research provide TLC managers, policymakers and other stakeholders with much-needed guidance for crafting policies and strategies for handling the challenges of caring for the planet and maintaining sustainable operations.

Improving green practices of TLCs to enable waste and emission reductions is critical to the health and well-being of people and the planet. An environment free of pollution will result in fewer health challenges, fewer medical/insurance-related expenses, and, above all, enable a higher quality of life and a more productive workforce.

Studies have extensively explored the green practices of TLCs as well as the influences of both institutional pressures and internal abilities of TLCs on their green practices. This study identifies critical factors that significantly affect the GP of TLCs and provides a conceptual framework for a better understanding of the dynamics of strategic, tactical and operational issues that TCLs may face in their effort at greening the sector.

In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in global concern regarding the impact of economic activities on the environment and climate change. In this context, green entrepreneurship has become a growing trend in the business world. One of the most important benefits of green entrepreneurship is enhancing energy efficiency and resource utilization. By reducing the resources required to produce a product or deliver a service, green entrepreneurship can contribute to cost reduction and operational efficiency improvement. By implementing sustainable business practices, organizations can enhance their image in the eyes of consumers and attract new customers who are environmentally conscious. This chapter addresses the identified gap in the literature regarding the influence of green entrepreneurial activities on organizational financial performance from the perspective of employees in organizations engaged in such activities (waste reduction, waste recycling, energy conservation, air pollutant reduction, packaging reduction, sustainable transportation). Organizational financial performance is measured through perceived performance compared to the previous year and performance relative to expectations. Two visible financial indicators have been selected for analysis: turnover and net profit.

This study aims to establish a robust evaluation framework for suppliers within the automotive supply chain, specifically in the stamping sector. The primary objectives are to elucidate the performance criteria of suppliers, identify indicators and scales for measuring these criteria and find the importance of the criteria.

The evaluation framework comprises a criteria hierarchy and indicators developed based on the evaluation criteria of major automotive manufacturers. Specific indicators and measurement scales are recommended for assessing suppliers. Importance weights for the criteria are assigned based on the input of nine experts using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Finally, four sheet metal stamping tooling (SMST) suppliers are evaluated by four specialists using the proposed evaluation framework.

The study introduces a novel classification of criteria, encompassing financial and commercial perspectives, delivery capability, supplier facility and cultural approaches and business process necessities. The findings underscore the significance of financial and commercial stability in the selection of SMST suppliers, emphasizing their role in mitigating risks associated with disruptions, bankruptcies and unforeseen events. Additionally, several SMST evaluation factors identified in this study contribute to the development of resilience capabilities, highlighting the crucial importance of their inclusion and assessment in the proposed evaluation framework.

This research presents a comprehensive model for evaluating SMST suppliers, which tackles the multidisciplinary challenges within the automotive supply chain. Given the inadequacy or nonexistence of current SMTS selection models, this study bridges the gap by exploring potential and necessary criteria, alongside 116 specific indicators and measurement scales.

Production systems occupy geographically dispersed organizations with limited visibility and transparency. Such limitations create operational inefficiencies across the Supply Chain (SC). Recently, researchers have started exploring applications of Digital Twins Technology (DTT) to improve SC operations. In this context, there is a need to provide comprehensive theoretical knowledge and frameworks to help stakeholders understand the adoption of DTT. This study aims to fulfill the research gap by empirically investigating DTT readiness to enable transparency in SC.

A comprehensive literature survey was conducted to develop a theoretical model related to Supply Chain Transparency (SCT) and DTT readiness. Then, a questionnaire was developed based on the proposed theoretical model, and data was collected from Indian manufacturers. The data was analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to confirm the proposed relationships.

The findings from the study confirmed a positive relationship between DTT implementation and SCT. This study reported that data readiness, perceived values and benefits of DTT, and organizational readiness and leadership support influence DTT readiness and further lead to SCT.

This study contributes to the literature and knowledge by uniquely mapping and validating various interactions between DTT readiness and sustainable SC performance.

This study aims to explore the interplay of ambicultural sensitivity and relational embeddedness in the quality of B2B relationships. Specifically, it examines how these factors contribute to enhancing the adaptability, collaboration and competitive advantage of multinational corporations and institutions operating within diverse cultural landscapes.

Using an abductive qualitative case study methodology, this study engaged professionals from three diverse multinational corporations in Indonesia − an energy services provider, a logistics services company and a not-for-profit institution. The objective was to explore the integration and implications of ambicultural sensitivity across varied cultural and industry settings.

This study demonstrates that ambicultural sensitivity − the ability to understand, appreciate and integrate diverse cultural values − enhances B2B relationships through its manifestation in individual and organizational practices. It facilitates a dynamic merging of cultural perspectives and management approaches within intercultural interactions. Furthermore, relational embeddedness is identified as crucial for successful cross-cultural collaboration and innovation. These insights highlight the strategic value of cultural integration and sensitivity in maintaining a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

This study adds to the B2B marketing literature by providing a nuanced understanding of how ambicultural sensitivity and relational embeddedness operate in the context of B2B relationships.

This study aims to evaluate the knowledge structure of knowledge management (KM) applications within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In pursuit of excellence, SMEs must adopt KM like large corporations, even with limited resources.

Through a bibliometric approach, this study evaluates current themes based on bibliographic coupling analysis and predicts future trends based on coword analysis. A total of 726 documents and 2,658 keywords were derived from the Web of Science database.

Findings show four clusters in bibliographic coupling and three in coword analysis. A common theme discovered converged on digital technology to ensure SMEs follow current market trends.

Advanced application of Industry 4.0 requires digital transformation for SMEs’ pursuit of excellence. Implications include sustaining SMEs through a considerable KM system integrated with digital technology for sustainable business activities.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to provide a science mapping analysis on KM in SMEs by applying a bibliometric analysis.

Research examining the joint role of serial acquisitions and subsidiary autonomy in holistic value provision within servitizing industrial firms is scarce. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the role of serial acquisition and subsidiary autonomy in providing value within servitizing industrial networks.

A conceptual framework is developed based on the case study of a large Swedish industrial group specializing in selling industrial products and providing industrial solutions to business customers through its numerous subsidiaries.

The analysis of 14 interviews with the five subsidiaries and seven customer firms and secondary data reveals interesting findings concerning the role of serial niche acquisition strategy and subsidiary autonomy in customer value provision in servitizing organizations. In particular, the authors find that the role of acquisitions in industrial firms extends beyond growth to customer sensing and proximity. Likewise, the authors find that subsidiary autonomy facilitates value provision to customers in industrial networks.

The paper provides a more nuanced understanding of how serial acquisitions and subsidiary autonomy are intertwined and jointly affect industrial firms’ value provision activities amidst the servitization transition in an intraorganizational network.