Administrative Sciences

21 pages, 848 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping European Countries’ Resilience to Cognitive Warfare

by Costel Marian Dalban, Ecaterina Coman, Vlad Bătrânu-Pințea, Mihail Anton, Iulia Para and Luminița Ioana Mazuru

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030160 - 23 Mar 2026

Viewed by 478

Abstract

This study maps European countries’ resilience to cognitive warfare by developing a cross-national composite measure. The framework integrates three pillars: information ecology, institutional-digital capacity, and socioeconomic context—drawing on a systemic perspective linking social structures to societal functions. Publicly available secondary indicators are compiled [...] Read more.

This study maps European countries’ resilience to cognitive warfare by developing a cross-national composite measure. The framework integrates three pillars: information ecology, institutional-digital capacity, and socioeconomic context—drawing on a systemic perspective linking social structures to societal functions. Publicly available secondary indicators are compiled from online sources for EU (European Union) and EEA (European Economics Area) states. The dataset is examined through descriptive analysis, association testing, multivariate modelling, dimensionality reduction to derive a composite resilience score, and unsupervised clustering to produce a country typology. Indicators capture governance effectiveness, e-government maturity, public-sector AI (Artificial Intelligence) readiness, digital connectivity and infrastructure, media freedom and broader media-ecosystem quality, academic freedom, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities such as youth labour market exclusion. Results show that resilience aligns most strongly with institutional capacity and governance performance; a healthy ecology acts as a reinforcing layer. Digital infrastructure appears necessary but insufficient without capable, credible institutions and coherent public policy. Socioeconomic vulnerabilities tend to erode resilience and heighten susceptibility to hostile cognitive influence. The study concludes that policy efforts should prioritise governance integrity and effectiveness, end-to-end digital government, responsible public-sector AI capability, and safeguards for media and academic autonomy, alongside measures that improve youth inclusion. Full article

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16 pages, 630 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Digital Shock: Administrative Burden and the Governance–Service Trade-Off in Indonesia’s Public Service Reform

by Irham Hanif Nabawi, Atwar Bajari, Wina Erwina and Ute Lies Siti Khadijah

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030159 - 23 Mar 2026

Viewed by 456

Abstract

This study explores the impact of implementing a mandatory e-government reform within Indonesia’s national ISBN service (Regulation No. 5/2022). It examines the effects of this policy shift on public service quality and the resulting administrative burden placed on stakeholders, specifically publishers. The study [...] Read more.

This study explores the impact of implementing a mandatory e-government reform within Indonesia’s national ISBN service (Regulation No. 5/2022). It examines the effects of this policy shift on public service quality and the resulting administrative burden placed on stakeholders, specifically publishers. The study employs an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design (QUAN → qual). The first phase analyzes longitudinal quantitative data from annual Public Satisfaction Surveys (2021–2024). The subsequent qualitative phase analyzes thousands of archival records, including complaint logs and policy memos, to contextually explain the quantitative findings. The results indicate that the reform induced a severe digital shock, causing the Public Satisfaction Index (IKM) to plummet from Good in 2021 to Poor (75.03) in 2022. The most significant declines were observed in the Procedures (2.79/4) and Service Time (2.30/4) indicators. Qualitative analysis reveals that this collapse was driven by specific policy-induced frictions: the mandatory implementation of a Single Account system and the intentional tightening of governance and validation parameters. While limited in statistical generalizability due to its single-case archival design, this study clearly demonstrates that public managers must recognize the inherent trade-off between tightening institutional governance (control) and maintaining public service quality (satisfaction). Proactive friction management and user-centric change management are essential to mitigating such digital shocks. Ultimately, this study offers a unique longitudinal analysis that forensically links quantitative satisfaction metrics with qualitative policy frictions. Full article

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18 pages, 2081 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quality Function Deployment Method for Streamlining Access to Information in Governance

by Timea Šimonová, Marcela Malindzakova and Zuzana Štofková

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030158 - 23 Mar 2026

Viewed by 354

Abstract

Nowadays information logistics and its integration with information systems is a competitive advantage for a company. The focus is on theoretical knowledge gained from e-maintenance environments, security measures, and objectives. In companies, it is important to conduct a risk analysis and subsequently to [...] Read more.

Nowadays information logistics and its integration with information systems is a competitive advantage for a company. The focus is on theoretical knowledge gained from e-maintenance environments, security measures, and objectives. In companies, it is important to conduct a risk analysis and subsequently to specify security measures. Risk analysis focuses on the creation of a Quality Function Deployment (QFD) matrix, taking into account customer requirements, with the outcome being the determination of the importance of these requirements. The result of the regression and correlation analyses confirm the research hypothesis, demonstrating a strong positive relationship (r = 0.849) between flexibility in problem solving and the implementation of security measures. The Mann–Kendall test was used to verify the trend of specified solved problems. When performed on the current data set, the test provided a variance of S = 31 and a standardized test statistic of Z_s = 2.0669. The outcomes of this article may guide organizations in refining their security strategies using customer-driven methodologies such as QFD. The field of information logistics and its integration with information systems can be beneficial for companies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Risk Management in Public Sector)

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24 pages, 2673 KB

Open AccessArticle

Balancing Sustainability and Well-Being: A Multivariate Analysis of European Pension Regimes

by Levente Sándor Nádasi and Sándor Kovács

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030157 - 21 Mar 2026

Viewed by 379

Abstract

As the European population ages, the sustainability of pension systems faces a trilemma: the structural conflict between achieving benefit adequacy, fiscal stability, and labor market flexibility. This study investigates the primary research hypothesis that these three objectives involve trade-offs under current institutional designs. [...] Read more.

As the European population ages, the sustainability of pension systems faces a trilemma: the structural conflict between achieving benefit adequacy, fiscal stability, and labor market flexibility. This study investigates the primary research hypothesis that these three objectives involve trade-offs under current institutional designs. We examine the structural interrelationships between economic development, population health, and institutional pension characteristics across the EU’s 27 member states. Using cross-sectional data from Eurostat and the OECD from 2023, the study employs a multivariate framework, including Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), to visualize latent trade-offs. Non-parametric statistical tests were applied to validate structural differences between the Nordic, Continental, Southern, and Central and Eastern European (CEE) welfare regimes. The paper’s central argument is that pension sustainability is less a demographic inevitability and more a path-dependent result of institutional “exit cultures” and regional health-wealth traps. The analysis explains 56.7% of the total variance across two primary dimensions, revealing a persistent east–west divide where GDP per capita and Healthy Life Years (HLYs) at age 65 are strongly coupled. Additionally, the analysis identified a fundamental sustainability trade-off: countries with higher pension expenditures and replacement rates, such as those in the Southern and Continental clusters, have significantly earlier labor market exit ages. Statistical evidence shows that the gender pension gap is the most significant factor in differentiating welfare regimes, with the CEE region showing significantly lower inequality than the Western cluster. Ultimately, the findings contribute to public administration literature by demonstrating that policy interventions must prioritize addressing the culture of early retirement in Western countries and the health-wealth trap in Eastern countries to ensure long-term viability. Full article

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28 pages, 966 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digitalization and Employee Health and Well-Being During COVID-19

by Hyesong Ha, Aarthi Raghavan, Mehmet Akif Demircioglu and Hyunkang Hur

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030156 - 20 Mar 2026

Viewed by 473

Abstract

Employees were required to adopt new working methods within a very short time frame during the COVID-19 period through digitalization. While digitalization has been largely perceived as an enabler during the pandemic, its impact on employee health and well-being remains complex and underexplored, [...] Read more.

Employees were required to adopt new working methods within a very short time frame during the COVID-19 period through digitalization. While digitalization has been largely perceived as an enabler during the pandemic, its impact on employee health and well-being remains complex and underexplored, particularly in the public sector, where employees have less discretion to adapt digital tools. This study examines how rapid workplace digitalization during COVID-19 affected employee health and well-being in the public sector. Drawing on the job demands–resources (JD-R) framework, we focus on three specific forms of digital work—digital meetings, digital clearance, and digital training—selected because they represent distinct theoretical pathways through which digitalization affects well-being, such as digital meetings and digital training can increase job demands that can deplete employee energy and increase stress, whereas digital clearance operates as a job resource that reduces bureaucratic hurdles and enhances autonomy. To test these ideas, this study uses data from the 2020 Australian Public Service Commission Census (n = 108,085), and applies ordinal and multinomial generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) to assess the effects of three new ways of working—digital meetings, digital clearance, and digital training—on employees’ health and well-being, as well as the mediating roles of organizational support. The results demonstrate that while digital clearance is positively associated with employee health and well-being, digital meetings and digital training are negatively associated. Organizational support mediates these relationships, underscoring its importance in mitigating adverse effects. These findings highlight the mixed consequences of digitalization for public employees’ health and well-being and point to the need for supportive organizational strategies in times of crisis. As a practical implication, this study suggests that public sector organizations should prioritize employee mental health in teleworking policies, adopt employee-centered digital transformation strategies that provide adequate resources and training support, and implement digital clearance processes that enhance employee well-being, particularly during a crisis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section International Entrepreneurship)

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29 pages, 445 KB

Open AccessArticle

Value Co-Creation Roadmapping with Stakeholders for Creating Innovative Technologies

by Pornprom Ateetanan, Thepchai Supnithi, Kunio Shirahada and Sasiporn Usanavasin

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030155 - 20 Mar 2026

Viewed by 376

Abstract

Roadmapping is widely used as a collaborative management tool for innovation planning; however, how stakeholders co-create value throughout the roadmapping process remains insufficiently evidenced and operationalized. Drawing on service-dominant (S-D) logic and stakeholder integration, this study examines how stakeholders co-create value in planning [...] Read more.

Roadmapping is widely used as a collaborative management tool for innovation planning; however, how stakeholders co-create value throughout the roadmapping process remains insufficiently evidenced and operationalized. Drawing on service-dominant (S-D) logic and stakeholder integration, this study examines how stakeholders co-create value in planning innovative technologies through a roadmapping process. We conducted an interpretive single-case study in a technology-oriented organization using seven facilitated workshops with 36 stakeholders, and analyzed workshop artefacts, facilitator notes, and follow-up communications captured via collaboration platforms. The findings show that stakeholder value co-creation is enacted through recurring interaction patterns observed across W1–W7 and across initiation, development, and integration, supported by collaboration platforms that enable continuity, transparency, and traceability from early ideation to integrated roadmap outputs. This study contributes an empirically grounded, traceable process model linking S-D logic to roadmapping practice and provides actionable guidance for organizations orchestrating stakeholder participation in innovation planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management of Organizations in the Digital Age)

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23 pages, 642 KB

Open AccessArticle

Complex Thinking as Cognitive Competence in Local Public Leadership: A Descriptive Study of Public Servants in the Philippines

by José Carlos Vázquez-Parra, Ismael N. Talili, Jenny Paola Lis-Gutiérrez, Demetria May Saniel, Linda Carolina Henao Rodríguez and Ma Esther B. Chio

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030154 - 19 Mar 2026

Viewed by 412

Abstract

This study offers a descriptive analysis of complex thinking as a form of cognitive competency among a group of 52 public servants holding local leadership positions in the Philippines. By extending the empirical examination of complex thinking beyond educational contexts and into local [...] Read more.

This study offers a descriptive analysis of complex thinking as a form of cognitive competency among a group of 52 public servants holding local leadership positions in the Philippines. By extending the empirical examination of complex thinking beyond educational contexts and into local public leadership, the study contributes to an emerging line of research on the cognitive competencies associated with decision making in decentralized governance environments. Drawing on complexity theory applied to public decision making, it assumes that local governance requires the capacity to integrate heterogeneous information, anticipate interdependencies, and act under conditions of uncertainty. The assessment employed the eComplexity instrument using an adapted 21-item version structured into four dimensions: systemic, scientific, critical, and innovative thinking. Scores were rescaled to a 0–100 metric and, after confirming non-normality (Shapiro–Wilk), non-parametric tests were applied (Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, and Dunn’s post hoc test with Bonferroni correction), along with Spearman’s rho correlations to examine dimensional coherence. No significant differences were observed by gender or income. Age showed overall variation across several dimensions, but robust pairwise differences were concentrated between the 31–40 and 41–50 age groups in systemic thinking and in the global score. Employment status differentiated only scientific thinking, with higher medians among permanent staff than contractual/project personnel. Correlations among dimensions were positive and significant, with particularly strong associations between systemic, critical, and innovative thinking, supporting the interpretation of complex thinking as an integrated competency in local public leadership. The findings should be interpreted considering the study’s descriptive design, localized convenience sample, and reliance on self-reported measures, which limit statistical generalizability beyond the analyzed context. Beyond its descriptive findings, the study offers initial empirical evidence relevant to governance research on the cognitive competencies associated with decision making among grassroots public leaders operating in decentralized institutional contexts. Examining complex thinking at this level helps illuminate how public actors interpret interdependencies, evaluate information, and navigate uncertainty in everyday governance practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Leadership)

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18 pages, 931 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bridge Employment as a Post-Retirement Strategy: Insights from Croatian Entrepreneurs

by Ljerka Sedlan Kőnig, Mirela Alpeza and Petra Mezulić Juric

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030153 - 19 Mar 2026

Viewed by 308

Abstract

Population aging is reshaping retirement trajectories, challenging traditional models that conceptualize retirement as a definitive withdrawal from productive roles. While bridge employment has been widely studied, research has largely focused on former salaried employees, leaving the post-retirement pathways of entrepreneurs underexplored. This qualitative [...] Read more.

Population aging is reshaping retirement trajectories, challenging traditional models that conceptualize retirement as a definitive withdrawal from productive roles. While bridge employment has been widely studied, research has largely focused on former salaried employees, leaving the post-retirement pathways of entrepreneurs underexplored. This qualitative case study research examines how seven retired Croatian entrepreneurs engage in bridge employment (paid or voluntary work undertaken after formal exit from their primary businesses) and how they interpret this engagement in later life. Drawing on Continuity theory, the findings suggest that entrepreneurial retirement is better understood as a process of role reconfiguration rather than role exit. Participants strategically redeployed accumulated human, social, and symbolic capital into advisory roles, mentoring, new ventures, and community activities. Contrary to dominant assumptions emphasizing financial necessity, engagement was predominantly intrinsically motivated, grounded in autonomy, competence, and purpose preservation. The study refines Continuity theory by demonstrating that identity continuity among entrepreneurs is structurally scaffolded through retained ownership, networks, and agency. By situating the analysis within a post-socialist transition economy, the paper contributes to retirement and entrepreneurship research by conceptualizing entrepreneurial bridge employment as a redistribution model of engagement in later life. The findings offer theoretical insights and inform policy discussions on active aging and the societal value of retired entrepreneurs. Full article

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28 pages, 1350 KB

Open AccessArticle

Management of Strategic Alliances in Portuguese Service-Based SMEs: Exploring the Role of Dynamic Capabilities in Developing Innovation Capabilities

by Flávia Soares Cruz and Fernando Oliveira Tavares

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030152 - 19 Mar 2026

Viewed by 395

Abstract

Strategic alliances have assumed a pivotal role in the growth and competitiveness of organisations, especially in contexts of rapid technological change and high environmental complexity. Drawing on the Dynamic Capabilities View (DCV), this study aims to analyse the impact of strategic alliance management [...] Read more.

Strategic alliances have assumed a pivotal role in the growth and competitiveness of organisations, especially in contexts of rapid technological change and high environmental complexity. Drawing on the Dynamic Capabilities View (DCV), this study aims to analyse the impact of strategic alliance management on technological, marketing, and new product development capabilities, considering the mediating role of dynamic capabilities. This research is based on a sample of 200 Portuguese firms, predominantly SMEs, using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to test a conceptual model composed of six hypotheses. The results demonstrate that effective alliance management is positively associated with dynamic capabilities, which in turn function as a pivotal mechanism for integrating and reconfiguring resources. Specifically, the findings reveal that these dynamic capabilities (exploration and exploitation) are fundamental to strengthening marketing and technological skills. Notably, technological capability did not yield a significant direct impact on new-product development, suggesting that in this service-intensive context, marketing capabilities and the overall orchestration of dynamic routines are more critical to innovation success. This research offers empirical evidence of how strategic alliances strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs in peripheral EU economies, highlighting that innovation stems from a configuration of integrative capabilities rather than technological assets alone. Full article

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17 pages, 633 KB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Associations Between Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Online Shopping Risk Determinants of Consumers in Bulgaria

by Zoya Ivanova

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030151 - 19 Mar 2026

Viewed by 424

Abstract

This study examines associations between socio-demographic characteristics and online shopping risk determinants of consumers in Bulgaria. It focuses on nine risk determinants grouped into four domains—technological, logistical, legal and geographical, and other risks. The analysis is based on aggregated official data from Eurostat [...] Read more.

This study examines associations between socio-demographic characteristics and online shopping risk determinants of consumers in Bulgaria. It focuses on nine risk determinants grouped into four domains—technological, logistical, legal and geographical, and other risks. The analysis is based on aggregated official data from Eurostat and the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria. The methodological framework employs a correlational approach using non-parametric correlation coefficients. The empirical results reveal statistically significant associations of varying strength. Employment status demonstrates the strongest associations among the socio-demographic variables, while gender, educational level, and age exhibit relatively weaker associations. These findings provide actionable insights for evidence-based strategies to mitigate online shopping risk determinants and support policies and initiatives to enhance consumer protection and engagement in Bulgaria’s e-commerce sector. Full article

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22 pages, 889 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transforming Telecoms: How Transformational Leadership, Creativity and Innovation Drive Organizational Performance

by Shishi Kumar Piaralal, Thiaku Ramalingam, Nur Amalina Zulkefli, Sayeeduzzafar Qazi, Rasheedul Haque and Abdul Rahman bin Senathirajah

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030150 - 18 Mar 2026

Viewed by 369

Abstract

Intense technological advancements and market liberalization have intensified competition in the telecommunication industry, challenging established operators to innovate continuously. This study investigates how transformational leadership drives creativity and innovation and, consequently, organizational performance, focusing on its four dimensions: inspirational motivation, idealized influence, individualized [...] Read more.

Intense technological advancements and market liberalization have intensified competition in the telecommunication industry, challenging established operators to innovate continuously. This study investigates how transformational leadership drives creativity and innovation and, consequently, organizational performance, focusing on its four dimensions: inspirational motivation, idealized influence, individualized consideration, and intellectual stimulation. Data were collected from 314 executives and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate that inspirational motivation, individualized consideration, and intellectual stimulation significantly enhance creativity and innovation, whereas idealized influence shows no direct effect. Creativity and innovation further mediate the relationships of inspirational motivation and individualized consideration with organizational performance, highlighting their critical role in translating leadership behaviors into tangible performance outcomes. The findings advance theoretical understanding by clarifying the pathways through which transformational leadership fosters innovation and creative engagement. Practically, the study provides actionable insights for organizational leaders to cultivate a culture of creativity and innovation to sustain competitive advantage, and informs policymakers and regulators in supporting organizational performance and sectoral development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forging Tomorrow’s Leaders: Innovations in Organizational Leadership Development)

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24 pages, 857 KB

Open AccessArticle

Data Science Competencies as Micro-Foundations of Digital Business Capability: A Digital Dynamic Capabilities Perspective

by Sateesh V. Shet, Shubha Puthran, Andreia Dionísio and Dinesh Panchal

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030149 - 18 Mar 2026

Viewed by 359

Abstract

This study investigates how data science competencies, conceptualized as the micro-foundations of digital dynamic capabilities (DDCs), combine to influence the development of digital business capability (DBC). Using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), we examine configurations of competencies that enable DBC and identify necessary [...] Read more.

This study investigates how data science competencies, conceptualized as the micro-foundations of digital dynamic capabilities (DDCs), combine to influence the development of digital business capability (DBC). Using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), we examine configurations of competencies that enable DBC and identify necessary and sufficient conditions. The necessary-condition testing indicates no single competency is universally required, highlighting the configurational, micro-foundational nature of DDC development. The fsQCA uncovers three equifinal competency configurations that act as sufficient pathways to high DBC. Beyond capability building, the study demonstrates how distinct competency bundles facilitate business model renewal capabilities, translate analytics into data-enabled services, and reconfigure capabilities to embed servitized offerings into scalable architectures in the digital ecosystem business. These insights offer actionable guidance for practitioners, educators, and policymakers seeking to design data science competency systems that not only strengthen DDCs but also enable sustained business model innovation in AI, Industry 4.0, and other data-driven contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Capabilities in Innovation and Strategy amid Technological Development and Economic Uncertainty)

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41 pages, 4823 KB

Open AccessArticle

AI-Driven Bankruptcy Prediction in Manufacturing SMEs: Comparing Machine Learning Techniques with Logistic Regression

by Stanislav Letkovský, Sylvia Jenčová, Petra Vašaničová, Marta Miškufová and Michal Erben

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030148 - 18 Mar 2026

Viewed by 453

Abstract

Bankruptcy prediction is currently a widely researched topic, as it typically results from a chain of negative events. Logistic Regression (LR) is one of the standard prediction tools; however, with advances in technology, machine learning (ML) methods are gaining prominence and demonstrating improvements [...] Read more.

Bankruptcy prediction is currently a widely researched topic, as it typically results from a chain of negative events. Logistic Regression (LR) is one of the standard prediction tools; however, with advances in technology, machine learning (ML) methods are gaining prominence and demonstrating improvements in performance and accuracy. It remains inconclusive whether ML methods significantly outperform traditional approaches such as LR in bankruptcy prediction. In this study, we identified the most commonly applied basic ML techniques—namely, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), and Decision Trees (DTs)—which are frequently used in the literature for classification tasks. These methods were selected for empirical comparison with LR to evaluate their relative predictive performance and potential advantages in bankruptcy forecasting. In the EU, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) constitute more than 99% of the economy; however, only a few survive beyond five years. This study examines bankruptcy prediction in the specific context of the Slovak Republic, using a sample of 2754 SME manufacturing enterprises from 2020 to 2021 and 3158 from 2022 to 2023. All models show good predictive performance; however, the small statistical difference between the results does not conclusively demonstrate the superiority of ML methods over LR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Business: Redefining Competencies, Finance, and Entrepreneurship)

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19 pages, 829 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unpacking the Black Box: How Occupational Subculture and Sensemaking Drive Strategic Learning Capability

by Hanna Moon

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030147 - 18 Mar 2026

Viewed by 306

Abstract

This study investigates the internal antecedents of Strategic Learning Capability (SLC) within volatile business environments. Specifically, it explores the tripartite relationship between occupational subculture, the cognitive process of sensemaking, and the multi-dimensional facets of SLC (external focus, strategic dialogue, engagement, etc.). The research [...] Read more.

This study investigates the internal antecedents of Strategic Learning Capability (SLC) within volatile business environments. Specifically, it explores the tripartite relationship between occupational subculture, the cognitive process of sensemaking, and the multi-dimensional facets of SLC (external focus, strategic dialogue, engagement, etc.). The research aims to bridge the empirical gap regarding how bottom-up subcultural values influence a firm’s capacity to pivot and execute new strategies. The research adopts a multi-dimensional framework of SLC, integrating theories of occupational context with sensemaking theory. By distinguishing between top-down organizational culture and bottom-up occupational subcultures, the study utilizes a conceptual (or empirical—adjust if you have specific data) model to examine how localized rules and practices within specific functions (e.g., R&D vs. Operations) lead to varied strategic outcomes through the generation of meaning. The paper proposes that sensemaking serves as a critical “bridge” or mediating mechanism that translates localized subcultural values into systemic innovative behaviors. While organizational culture sets the general tone, the findings suggest that the specific occupational environment determines the depth of strategic engagement and reflective responsiveness. The results indicate that SLC is not a monolithic construct but is lived and enacted differently across various occupational silos within the same firm. Unlike previous studies that focus on top-down leadership as the primary driver of culture, this research highlights the “bottom-up” influence of occupational subcultures on strategic agility. By introducing sensemaking as a pre-decisional activity that connects subcultural identity to Strategic Learning Capability, the study provides a more nuanced, multi-level understanding of organizational learning that accounts for internal diversity rather than assuming cultural homogeneity. Managers and OD practitioners are provided with a framework to identify subcultural barriers to learning. The study suggests that to enhance SLC, leaders must move beyond uniform cultural initiatives and instead facilitate sensemaking processes that align diverse occupational identities with the broader strategic vision. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning: Strategies for Continuous Improvement)

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34 pages, 673 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Responsible Leadership in Organisations (2000–2025): A PRISMA-Guided Systematic Review of Definitions, Theories, Trends, and Research Gaps

by Werner Koen and Anton Grobler

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030146 - 17 Mar 2026

Viewed by 657

Abstract

As background to this study, organisational leadership has faced scrutiny due to ethical failures, governance crises, and global challenges, highlighting the limitations of models focused on short-term gains, specifically over the past two decades. This study, as a systematic literature review, aims to [...] Read more.

As background to this study, organisational leadership has faced scrutiny due to ethical failures, governance crises, and global challenges, highlighting the limitations of models focused on short-term gains, specifically over the past two decades. This study, as a systematic literature review, aims to synthesise definitions, theoretical drivers, and research gaps in Responsible Leadership (RL) within organisational contexts, addressing conceptual fragmentation and the need for culturally diverse exploration, particularly in the underrepresented non-Western regions. The study employed a PRISMA-based approach to conduct a structured literature review on 67 peer-reviewed articles from 2000 to June 2025, sourced from 12 databases using Boolean searches. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies on RL in organisational settings; data extraction covered metadata, paradigms, methods, and outcomes, with narrative and quantitative synthesis applied. One of the major findings is that RL is a multidimensional, relational construct rooted in Stakeholder Theory, Corporate Social Responsibility, and the Triple Bottom Line, emphasising ethics, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability. Inconsistencies in definitions and measurements persist, with limited research in non-Western contexts and a need for standardised tools. The value of this study is in the consolidation of RL scholarship, highlighting trends and gaps (e.g., Global South underrepresentation), and proposes a research agenda for culturally responsive frameworks, offering value for theory refinement and practical leadership development in diverse settings. This systematic literature review was conducted and reported in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsible Leadership at the Crossroads: Integrating Theory and Practice)

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30 pages, 3548 KB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in the ESG Discourses of Korean Global B2B Corporations Before and After Trump’s Second Term: A Social Media-Based Text Mining Analysis

by Youngbin Park and Sungho Lee

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030145 - 16 Mar 2026

Viewed by 467

Abstract

This study empirically investigates how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) discourses among major Korean Business-to-Business (B2B) corporations (POSCO, LG Chem, and HD Hyundai) were reconfigured in the context of former President Trump’s re-election campaign and the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The observation periods [...] Read more.

This study empirically investigates how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) discourses among major Korean Business-to-Business (B2B) corporations (POSCO, LG Chem, and HD Hyundai) were reconfigured in the context of former President Trump’s re-election campaign and the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The observation periods were divided into the Pre-Trump period (1 May 2023 to 30 April 2024) and the Post-Trump period (1 May 2024 to 30 April 2025). External discourses were examined using social media, news, and blog posts, while internal discourses were analyzed through the CEO’s New Year addresses from 2021 to 2025. Keyword frequency analysis and co-occurrence network analysis, conducted via the ‘Sometrend’ platform, were combined to trace structural transitions in corporate discourses. The results show that: (1) the relative share and network centrality of environmental (E) keywords declined in the Post-Trump period, with several environmental terms losing core positions and becoming peripheral or bridging nodes, while policy- and economic-related terms increased; (2) social (S) and governance (G) keywords appeared only sporadically and remained peripheral across periods; (3) temporal concentrations of policy–economic keywords coincided with significant political and market-related events, such as financial volatility in 2023 and the tariff policy announcement in February 2025, indicating temporal alignment rather than deterministic causality; (4) firm-level differences were evident: POSCO exhibited the most pronounced structural shift, LG Chem’s discourses increasingly emphasized supply chain and investment-related terms alongside environmental keywords, and HD Hyundai showed a shift toward more risk- and operation-oriented keywords in the later period; and (5) CEO New Year addresses displayed directionally consistent patterns with external discourse, supporting cross-textual alignment. These findings demonstrate that ESG discourse is not a fixed normative language but a strategically adaptive frame that varies according to political–economic contexts and industrial conditions. The relative weakening of the environmental frame in terms of discourse centrality, alongside the strengthening of the policy–economic frame, differed by industry, reflecting variations in regulatory exposure and operational characteristics. By observing ESG discourses longitudinally and comparatively, this study provides empirical evidence of how political and industrial dynamics reshape corporate discourses and CEO communication. Moreover, keyword frequency and co-occurrence network analysis are validated as effective methods for identifying discourse shifts, offering both academic contributions and practical implications for corporate communication analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Strategic Management)

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19 pages, 870 KB

Open AccessArticle

Explainable AI Interviews and Organizational Attractiveness: The Roles of Perceived Organizational Support and Innovativeness

by Qianfu Zhou, Chia-Huei Wu, Huizhen Long and Xin Zhang

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030144 - 16 Mar 2026

Viewed by 429

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) systems are increasingly adopted in recruitment practices, applicants’ responses to AI-mediated interviews have become an important issue for organizations. Understanding how applicants interpret these systems is relevant for organizational attractiveness and employer branding. Drawing on social exchange theory and [...] Read more.

As artificial intelligence (AI) systems are increasingly adopted in recruitment practices, applicants’ responses to AI-mediated interviews have become an important issue for organizations. Understanding how applicants interpret these systems is relevant for organizational attractiveness and employer branding. Drawing on social exchange theory and signaling theory, this study examines the role of AI interview explainability in shaping applicants’ evaluations of organizations. It proposes that explainability influences organizational attractiveness through two parallel mechanisms: perceived organizational support and perceived innovativeness. Survey data were collected from 196 job applicants with experience in AI-based interviews. The results show that higher perceived explainability of AI interviews is associated with stronger perceptions of organizational support and organizational innovativeness. Both perceptions are positively related to organizational attractiveness. These findings support a dual-mediation model and suggest that explainable AI interview systems communicate both supportive intentions and technological capability to applicants. By focusing on applicants’ perceptions, this study contributes to the growing literature on AI use in human resource management. It highlights the importance of explainable system design in shaping early applicant reactions. The findings also provide practical implications for organizations seeking to implement AI-based recruitment tools that are transparent, credible, and attractive to potential applicants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Business: Redefining Competencies, Finance, and Entrepreneurship)

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24 pages, 1424 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Critical Export Performance Drivers Through SWARA Analysis: Internal vs. External Factors

by Eyup Kahveci, Biset Toprak and Selim Zaim

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030143 - 13 Mar 2026

Viewed by 425

Abstract

This study aims to identify and prioritize the key factors influencing export performance among Turkish exporters, based on the resource-based view (RBV) and industrial organization theory (IO), categorizing the factors as internal and external, and employing the Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA). [...] Read more.

This study aims to identify and prioritize the key factors influencing export performance among Turkish exporters, based on the resource-based view (RBV) and industrial organization theory (IO), categorizing the factors as internal and external, and employing the Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA). Twenty-five factors across Internal (IF) and External (EF) categories were evaluated through expert assessments. Results reveal that Internal Factors (58.0%) significantly dominate External Factors (42.0%), indicating that Turkish exporters possess substantial control over their export competitiveness. The top five critical factors are Management and Leadership (9.6%), Strategy (6.2%), Technological Change (5.3%), Industry and Sector Activity (5.0%), and Competitors (5.0%). Surprisingly, traditional factors such as firm size, international experience, and digitalization ranked much lower, challenging conventional assumptions about export success. A leave-one-out (LOO) sensitivity analysis further validated the robustness of these rankings, with Management and Leadership, and Strategy emerging as the most stable and dominant factors across all scenarios. The predominance of management and strategic factors over structural characteristics suggests that even smaller, less experienced companies can achieve export success through effective leadership and strategic planning. These findings contribute theoretically by supporting the notion that the resource-based view has a greater impact on export performance than the industrial organization theory, and they provide practical guidance for companies to focus on managerial and leadership skills, organizational capabilities, and strategic approaches to enhance export investments. The study presents the first comprehensive SWARA-based ranking of export performance factors in the Turkish context, providing empirical evidence to support the internal-external factor debate in the international business literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Strategic Management)

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22 pages, 899 KB

Open AccessArticle

Operationalizing Functional Analysis in Public Administration: A Diagnostic Framework for Enhancing System Efficiency in Eastern European Parliamentary Secretariats

by Petar Stanimirović, Marko Mihić and Zorica Mitrović

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030142 - 12 Mar 2026

Viewed by 379

Abstract

Functional analysis (FA) is increasingly used in public sector reforms to assess organizational performance and guide administrative change. However, FA frequently stays procedural and descriptive in both theory and practice, providing little insight into the roots of inefficiencies. The paper addresses this gap [...] Read more.

Functional analysis (FA) is increasingly used in public sector reforms to assess organizational performance and guide administrative change. However, FA frequently stays procedural and descriptive in both theory and practice, providing little insight into the roots of inefficiencies. The paper addresses this gap by reconceptualizing FA as an organizational diagnostic framework and applying it to parliamentary administrations, a field that has not received much scholarly attention. Using a comparative qualitative case study design, the analysis examined the parliamentary secretariats of Armenia, Ukraine, and Serbia, drawing on functional review reports, institutional documents, and available employee self-assessment data. The proposed framework operationalizes FA across four analytical dimensions: governance and strategic management, structural design, staffing, and process efficiency. The findings show that system efficiency is shaped by governance arrangements and strategic management capacity, while structural design influences functional coherence and coordination. Staffing affects performance indirectly by mediating process efficiency rather than through staffing levels alone. Overall, inefficiencies appear cumulative and systemic rather than the result of isolated functional weaknesses. By advancing FA as a diagnostic approach, the study contributes to public administration theory and offers a transferable framework for assessing organizational efficiency in parliamentary administrations and other complex public sector organizations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Administrative Strategies and Practices for Economic Growth and Development: Governance, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation in the 21st Century)

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25 pages, 379 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamics of the Approach to Enterprise Risk Management in the Context of Economic Growth and Global Crises

by Mária Hudáková, Alena Kuricová and Matej Masár

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030141 - 12 Mar 2026

Viewed by 494

Abstract

The primary objective of this research is to identify, analyse, and compare the development of risk management approaches adopted by Slovak industrial enterprises in two distinct economic periods: during a phase of economic growth (2019) and during a period of global crises and [...] Read more.

The primary objective of this research is to identify, analyse, and compare the development of risk management approaches adopted by Slovak industrial enterprises in two distinct economic periods: during a phase of economic growth (2019) and during a period of global crises and regional crises with significant global implications, which have had substantial global economic, energy, and security impacts, as well as the increasing intensity of cyber threats affecting enterprises in Slovakia (2022–2023). Emphasis is placed on identifying key factors influencing the effectiveness of risk management implementation, as well as on assessing the use of individual stages of the risk management process in business practice. The research has a quantitative character and consists of two empirical surveys conducted through questionnaire-based data collection. The first survey was carried out in 2019 under conditions of economic growth, while the second was conducted in 2022–2023 in the context of multiple global crises and regional crises, particularly the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global energy crisis, the military conflict in Ukraine, and increasing cyber threats. The first study obtained 450 valid responses, and the second obtained 390 responses from enterprises operating across various sectors of the private economy in Slovakia. The results of the study confirmed the existence of significant differences in companies’ approaches to risk management depending on the economic context. During the period of economic growth, the main reason for insufficient attention to risks was low staff motivation, with enterprises focusing primarily on risk identification, analysis, and assessment, and less on designing specific mitigation measures. In contrast, during the period of global crises and regional crises, companies’ attitudes shifted, with stronger resistance to implemented measures but, at the same time, increased attention to the development of risk-reduction actions. Neglecting systematic preventive steps increases companies’ vulnerability to crises, which may result in operational, financial, and reputational losses, delayed responses, and a decline in competitiveness. The two-phase nature of the research made it possible to capture the dynamics of managerial behaviour under different economic conditions and to formulate practical recommendations for integrating risk management into both strategic and operational levels of management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Risk Management in Public Sector)

21 pages, 1137 KB

Open AccessArticle

Corporate Self-Representation on Official Websites: Strategic Signifiers and Sentiment Profiles

by Katarina Kostelić and Marli Gonan Božac

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030140 - 11 Mar 2026

Viewed by 322

Abstract

Organizations communicate across many channels, yet official websites remain a controlled, authoritative space where firms articulate identity and strategy. This study examines how Croatia’s top enterprises (n = 100) describe themselves on their websites and which emotional tones they use to signal strategic [...] Read more.

Organizations communicate across many channels, yet official websites remain a controlled, authoritative space where firms articulate identity and strategy. This study examines how Croatia’s top enterprises (n = 100) describe themselves on their websites and which emotional tones they use to signal strategic intent. Our goal is to identify recurring strategic signifiers and map distinct sentiment profiles in corporate narratives. We compiled company descriptions from official sites; texts were originally in Croatian and machine-translated into English, and all analysis was conducted on the English corpus. Using lexicon-based sentiment methods (AFINN, Bing, NRC), we quantified polarity and discrete emotions, aggregated scores at the firm level, and applied k-means clustering to normalized emotion vectors. Results show a consistent emphasis on mission–vision–values language and a dominance of positive emotions—especially trust and anticipation. We interpret, based on cluster exemplars, that higher trust/anticipation tones can function as soft governance cues, while transparency about negatives characterizes an issue-addressing regime without eroding overall positivity. Cluster analysis reveals three stable profiles: optimistic consumer-oriented narratives, transparent issue-addressing messaging, and low-affect technical descriptions. We conclude that sentiment profiling offers a practical audit tool for aligning website copy with stakeholder expectations and governance communication, supporting benchmarking, and future tests linking narrative tone to investor behavior and firm performance. Full article

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25 pages, 841 KB

Open AccessArticle

Trust, Digital Capability, and Knowledge Sharing: An Opportunity for Technological Innovation

by Rohit Kumar Nanduri and Liliana Canquiz Rincón

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030139 - 11 Mar 2026

Viewed by 439

Abstract

The rapid pace of digital transformation has increased organizations’ reliance on digital technologies and collaborative systems as key drivers of technological innovation. However, the mechanisms through which digital trust, digital technology, and digital capability shape innovation performance—particularly through knowledge sharing—remain insufficiently explored. This [...] Read more.

The rapid pace of digital transformation has increased organizations’ reliance on digital technologies and collaborative systems as key drivers of technological innovation. However, the mechanisms through which digital trust, digital technology, and digital capability shape innovation performance—particularly through knowledge sharing—remain insufficiently explored. This study examined the relationships among these digital enablers and innovation performance, positioning knowledge sharing as a central mediating mechanism grounded in the Knowledge-Based View and Open Innovation Theory. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured survey of 280 professionals working in IT, software development, telecommunications, and other technology-intensive industries. Convenience sampling was employed, and statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS to assess reliability, validity, and structural relationships. The findings revealed that digital trust, digital technology, and digital capability significantly enhance knowledge-sharing practices, which in turn positively influence innovation performance. Moreover, knowledge sharing was found to play a critical mediating role in translating digital enablers into innovation outcomes. This study contributes to the digital innovation literature by highlighting the importance of digital preparedness and collaborative knowledge practices in fostering technological innovation. The findings also offer practical insights for organizations seeking to strengthen innovation performance by developing digital capabilities, fostering trust, and promoting effective knowledge-sharing cultures in technology-intensive environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unleashing the Power: How Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning Drives Innovation)

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20 pages, 513 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Governance of Global Value Chains from the Perspective of Economic Competence: A Literature Review

by Carine Dalla Valle, João Garibaldi Almeida Viana and Andrea Cristina Dorr

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030138 - 11 Mar 2026

Viewed by 589

Abstract

This article examines the governance of Global Value Chains (GVCs) through the lens of economic competence based on a systematic literature review of 32 selected studies. The findings show that economic competence functions as a governance-contingent construct whose effects vary across hierarchical, captive, [...] Read more.

This article examines the governance of Global Value Chains (GVCs) through the lens of economic competence based on a systematic literature review of 32 selected studies. The findings show that economic competence functions as a governance-contingent construct whose effects vary across hierarchical, captive, relational, and modular governance structures. Rather than directly determining upgrading outcomes, competence dimensions operate through governance repositioning and shifts in dependence asymmetries within value chains. The review identifies recurring mechanisms—such as substitutability reduction, coordination cost mitigation, and institutional alignment—that explain how competence and governance interact. The analysis further demonstrates that economic competence is multidimensional, encompassing innovation-oriented, market-oriented, decision-making, relational, and systemic components. These dimensions operate differently depending on coordination complexity and power distribution within the chain. By advancing a contingency-based framework, the study refines GVC governance theory through a micro-foundational explanation of upgrading dynamics. From a managerial perspective, the framework offers a structured tool for aligning competence development strategies with specific governance configurations, supporting informed capability investments and improved strategic positioning. Overall, the study contributes by systematically integrating competence theory with governance typologies and power asymmetries, providing a coherent analytical model for future empirical research. Full article

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25 pages, 703 KB

Open AccessArticle

Employee Training, Types of Activity, and Prevention of Opportunistic Behaviour

by Markus Hagemeister, José Alfredo Delgado-Guzmán and Arturo Rodríguez-Castellanos

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030137 - 11 Mar 2026

Viewed by 520

Abstract

In today’s world, characterised by rapid technological advances, particularly in AI, companies are compelled to acquire knowledge through employee training. This article seeks to empirically validate four hypotheses derived from a theoretical model identifying key factors firms should consider when investing in training. [...] Read more.

In today’s world, characterised by rapid technological advances, particularly in AI, companies are compelled to acquire knowledge through employee training. This article seeks to empirically validate four hypotheses derived from a theoretical model identifying key factors firms should consider when investing in training. The hypotheses concern the most suitable type of knowledge for companies to invest in, according to their production processes, as well as the mechanisms for preventing opportunistic behaviour by trained employees. Cross-frequency tables are analysed using data obtained from a sample of 105 Mexican companies operating in both manufacturing and services sectors, representing an appropriate approach given the nature of the data. The results partially support the model. Manufacturing firms tend to train employees in specific skills and use simultaneous training to prevent opportunistic behaviour, whereas companies with heterogeneous production processes predominantly invest in general knowledge. However, firms providing professional services invest more in general knowledge than predicted by the model, contrasting with evidence from Spanish companies in the same industry. These findings suggest that the model should be refined to account for the possible complementarity between specific and general knowledge in training and for differences in institutional, cultural, and economic environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Resource Development and Retention in the Digital Age: Best Practices and Technologies for Maximizing Positive Employee Outcomes)

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30 pages, 528 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Planning to Act Green: A Systematic Review of the Theory of Planned Behavior in Employee Green Behavior Research

by Erica Frosini, Luigina Canova and Andrea Bobbio

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030136 - 10 Mar 2026

Viewed by 517

Abstract

This systematic review synthesizes empirical applications of the theory of planned behavior to employee green behavior, including only studies that are consistent with the theory’s assumptions and methodological requirements. In doing so, the review reconciles a fragmented, discipline-specific body of knowledge, provides a [...] Read more.

This systematic review synthesizes empirical applications of the theory of planned behavior to employee green behavior, including only studies that are consistent with the theory’s assumptions and methodological requirements. In doing so, the review reconciles a fragmented, discipline-specific body of knowledge, provides a rigorous assessment of the TPB’s validity in organizational contexts, and clarifies standards for theory-consistent refinement and extension. Seventeen peer-reviewed articles published since 2011 were retained after independent screening. Findings indicate a marked increase in TPB-based research since 2020, predominantly in Asian contexts, and a strong reliance on extended models—most frequently including personal norm and seldom organizational factors—while relatively few studies implemented the traditional framework with measures of salient beliefs. Most investigations focused on resource-conservation behaviors defined at a high level of generality and relied on convenience samples of employees from heterogeneous organizational and industrial settings. Across studies, belief-based constructs were positively associated with intentions, with attitudes as the strongest antecedent, and intentions consistently predicted behavior. At the same time, many investigations relied on cross-sectional self-reports and assessments of either intention or behavior. Finally, most studies fail to provide theoretical and empirical justifications for including additional relationships. Implications for advancing TPB-based research on employee green behavior are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behavior)

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32 pages, 1326 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Digital Maturity in the Textile Sector: An Integrated MEREC and OCRA Approach

by Eyup Kahveci, Biset Toprak, Emine Elif Nebati and Selim Zaim

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030135 - 10 Mar 2026

Viewed by 555

Abstract

The digital transformation of the textile industry poses unique challenges due to its labor-intensive processes, complex global supply chains, and coexistence of traditional methods and emerging technologies. Despite the urgency of this transition, existing digital maturity models lack sector-specific frameworks and often fail [...] Read more.

The digital transformation of the textile industry poses unique challenges due to its labor-intensive processes, complex global supply chains, and coexistence of traditional methods and emerging technologies. Despite the urgency of this transition, existing digital maturity models lack sector-specific frameworks and often fail to integrate multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodologies for quantitative performance assessment. This study addresses these gaps by proposing a novel digital maturity model tailored specifically to the textile sector. The research employs an integrated decision-making framework using the Method Based on the Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC) to determine objective criterion weights and the Operational Competitiveness Rating Analysis (OCRA) method to rank firm-level digital maturity performance. The findings indicate that Strategy is the most influential dimension, whereas Technology receives the lowest weight. At the sub-criterion level, Management Support, Market Analysis, and Vision and Strategic Awareness are the most critical factors, while Technology Usage Competency is less influential. The performance evaluation shows that Company A3 achieves the highest level of digital maturity, whereas Company A2 ranks lowest. The robustness of the proposed framework is comprehensively validated through a scenario-based sensitivity analysis and a comparative evaluation using the Additive Ratio Assessment System (ARAS) method. Overall, the results suggest that successful digital transformation in the textile sector depends primarily on strategic vision and managerial support rather than on technological infrastructure alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Resilient and Agile SMEs: Strategic Responses to Digital Disruption and Transformation)

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26 pages, 1458 KB

Open AccessArticle

Establishing the Theoretical Foundations of Metaverse-Sustainable Tourism Nexus. Mapping the Research Front

by M. Ángeles López-Cabarcos, Analía López-Carballeira and Vanessa Miramontes-Viña

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030134 - 10 Mar 2026

Viewed by 385

Abstract

The tourism sector is widely recognized as a pivotal catalyst for global development and economic growth. However, it faces significant challenges, which have intensified the search for alternative and more sustainable tourism models. Digital technologies have become essential tools for transformation, with the [...] Read more.

The tourism sector is widely recognized as a pivotal catalyst for global development and economic growth. However, it faces significant challenges, which have intensified the search for alternative and more sustainable tourism models. Digital technologies have become essential tools for transformation, with the metaverse emerging as a disruptive and promising innovation strategy for the tourism industry. Thus, this study aims to provide a comprehensive review of all previous scientific literature related to the adoption of the metaverse in the context of sustainable tourism, developing a bibliometric analysis (through techniques such as co-citation analysis of references and author keyword co-occurrence) of all articles indexed in Web of Science database from January 2021 to September 2025. Specifically, the references co-citation analysis has concluded three main thematic clusters related to conceptual foundations, technological advances, and metaverse adoption possibilities, respectively. The results obtained indicate that research on the metaverse in sustainable tourism is still at an early stage of development and is primarily conceptual in nature. This study contributes to the emerging research field of metaverse and sustainable tourism by offering a comprehensive review to establish its theoretical foundations and identify opportunities for future research. Full article

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1 pages, 133 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Indira et al. (2025). The Role of Entrepreneurial Leadership, Knowledge Management, and Digital Capability in Enhancing Entrepreneurial Performance and Value Co-Creation in the Education Sector. Administrative Sciences, 15(12), 462

by Syahda Sukma Indira, Sasmoko Sasmoko, Agustinus Bandur and Yosef Dedy Pradipto

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030133 - 9 Mar 2026

Viewed by 257

Abstract

In the published publication (Indira et al [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth)

20 pages, 1310 KB

Open AccessArticle

Resilience and Risk Tolerance of Small Entrepreneurs in the Brazilian Northeast

by Joyce Silva Soares de Lima, Liana Holanda Nepomuceno Nobre, Wesley Vieira da Silva and Juliana Carvalho de Sousa

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030132 - 9 Mar 2026

Viewed by 443

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between financial risk tolerance and organizational resilience among small business managers in the Brazilian Northeast, a region strongly affected by economic fragility and intensified uncertainty during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a positivist, quantitative, cross-sectional design, data [...] Read more.

This study examines the relationship between financial risk tolerance and organizational resilience among small business managers in the Brazilian Northeast, a region strongly affected by economic fragility and intensified uncertainty during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a positivist, quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were collected from 218 managers through validated scales of financial risk tolerance and organizational resilience and analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis, cluster analysis, ANOVA, and correlation techniques. Results indicate that most managers exhibit medium to high financial risk tolerance and that higher tolerance is positively associated with greater organizational adaptability, especially in dimensions related to teamwork, knowledge sharing, and leadership. In contrast, no significant association was found between financial risk tolerance and organizational planning capacity, suggesting that planning routines operate independently of individual risk attitudes. The findings underscore the role of behavioral characteristics in shaping resilience and highlight innovation, internal resources, and leadership as critical factors supporting organizational adaptation in resource-constrained environments. This study contributes to the limited empirical literature connecting behavioral finance and organizational resilience in emerging economies and offers practical implications for strengthening entrepreneurial training and resilience culture in small firms. Future research should expand geographic coverage and explore team-level perspectives and mixed-method approaches. Full article

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22 pages, 1215 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prospects for Integrating Artificial Intelligence into the Administration of Higher Education in Greece

by Ourania Bousiou, Michael Paraskevas, Vaggelis Kapoulas and Panagiotis Liargovas

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16030131 - 6 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1472

Abstract

This study examines administrative employees’ perceptions of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the administration of Greek public universities. Using a cross-sectional online questionnaire administered across three universities (N = 127), we map perceptions across five domains: (i) perceived efficiency/effectiveness contributions, (ii) perceived automation [...] Read more.

This study examines administrative employees’ perceptions of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the administration of Greek public universities. Using a cross-sectional online questionnaire administered across three universities (N = 127), we map perceptions across five domains: (i) perceived efficiency/effectiveness contributions, (ii) perceived automation benefits, (iii) perceived adoption challenges, (iv) perceived ethics and data protection requirements, and (v) perceived skills development needs. Results indicate a generally supportive climate for AI use in university administration, but support is conditional: ethics and data protection are prioritized most strongly, whereas perceived efficiency/effectiveness gains are closer to neutral-to-slightly positive. Respondents endorse task-level automation more than broad organizational performance claims and emphasize training and human oversight as enabling conditions for responsible deployment. These findings suggest that a governance-first and capacity-first implementation pathway may be more aligned with staff priorities in the Greek public university context. The study provides an exploratory baseline for future evaluative research on AI-enabled administrative modernization. Full article

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