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Volume 16
Issue 4
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Adm. Sci., Volume 16, Issue 4 (April 2026) – 35 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Leaders increasingly rely on dashboards and KPIs, which causes the crucial context and tacit expertise to often get lost between data and decision. This paper argues that narrative reporting, enhanced with machine learning, can bridge that gap by turning quantitative outputs into interpretable, strategically relevant explanations. Driven by a transdisciplinary approach, the paper reviews literature across business analytics, decision support systems, narrative reporting, and AI shows that narratives are usually treated as mere communication add-ons rather than analytical components. We propose reframing narrative as an integral layer of AI-enabled decision support, embedding tone, uncertainty, and domain knowledge directly into reporting architectures to improve understanding, trust, and decision quality. View this paper
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17 pages, 505 KB  
Article
When Workplace Bullying Escalates into Burnout: The Conditional Role of Emotion-Focused Coping Under Bystander Silence
by Jale Minibas-Poussard, Tutku Seckin and Haluk Baran Bingöl
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040195 - 21 Apr 2026
Viewed by 663
Abstract
Background: Workplace bullying constitutes a persistent psychosocial risk in public service settings, where hierarchical structures and limited exit opportunities may intensify employees’ psychological strain. Although previous research has documented associations between workplace bullying and burnout, less is known about the psychological processes [...] Read more.
Background: Workplace bullying constitutes a persistent psychosocial risk in public service settings, where hierarchical structures and limited exit opportunities may intensify employees’ psychological strain. Although previous research has documented associations between workplace bullying and burnout, less is known about the psychological processes through which bullying translates into emotional exhaustion and the contextual conditions under which these processes are activated, particularly in public sector contexts. Method: This study used survey data from 234 public service employees working in administrative, educational, and non-clinical healthcare institutions across three major cities in Türkiye (Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir). Participants who were frequently exposed to workplace bullying were selected to examine the detrimental cycle that victims experience. A moderated mediation model (PROCESS Model 7) was tested to examine emotion-focused coping as a mediating mechanism between workplace bullying and burnout, operationalized through emotional exhaustion, and to assess whether this indirect effect was conditional on perceived bystander silence. Results: Findings indicated that workplace bullying was associated with increased reliance on emotion-focused coping only when perceived bystander silence was high. The conditional indirect effect of workplace bullying on burnout via emotion-focused coping was significant at higher levels of bystander silence, whereas no indirect effect emerged under low silence conditions. Conclusions: These findings suggest that burnout does not arise as an automatic consequence of bullying exposure but unfolds through coping processes that are activated in socially silent environments. By highlighting the conditional role of bystander silence, this study emphasizes the value of social context in shaping how public service employees respond to workplace bullying and how burnout develops. We discuss the practical implications for organizational interventions that aim to reduce bystander silence and support healthier coping processes in organizations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building a Resilient Workforce: Strategies for Promoting Mental and Physical Health at Work)
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29 pages, 553 KB  
Article
Diving into a Developing Country’s Business Landscape: Uncovering Managerial Intentions for Corporate Socially Responsible Practices—The Case of Romania
by Andra Modreanu and Sorin-George Toma
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040194 - 20 Apr 2026
Viewed by 748
Abstract
The corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach from a managerial point of view has become a topic of interest especially in the European ex-Communist countries. This paper explores the intentions of Romanian managers of small and medium-sized enterprises and multinational corporations operating in Romania [...] Read more.
The corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach from a managerial point of view has become a topic of interest especially in the European ex-Communist countries. This paper explores the intentions of Romanian managers of small and medium-sized enterprises and multinational corporations operating in Romania to implement corporate socially responsible practices (CSRPs). To this end, a quantitative research methodology based on an online survey was employed, and partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The results show that the research model based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) has been validated. The values of composite reliability and Cronbach’s alpha exceed 0.7, the value of average variance extracted exceeds 0.5, while the values of average block variance inflation factor and average full collinearity are below 3.3. The findings also indicate that the intention of managers to integrate CSRP within their business organizations is mostly influenced by the stakeholder pressure, suggesting that the attainment of social approval is a crucial driver of responsible behavior, rather than other constructs related to the TPB. The study concludes that while negative attitudes towards CSR do not significantly affect managers’ intentions to engage in CSRP, positive attitudes exert a favorable influence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Future of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Strategies That Connect Insights from Business, Stakeholders and the Environment)
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16 pages, 407 KB  
Article
Family-Friendly Practices, Work–Family Conflict, and Job Satisfaction: A Study in the Portuguese Healthcare Sector
by Vânia Oliveira, Isabel Soares Silva, Daniela Costa and Ana Luísa Veloso
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040193 - 20 Apr 2026
Viewed by 984
Abstract
Job satisfaction (JS) is a key indicator in health-related professions. This variable can be crucial to the performance of healthcare workers as well as to patients’ perception of the care provided. However, JS can be influenced by personal and organizational variables and the [...] Read more.
Job satisfaction (JS) is a key indicator in health-related professions. This variable can be crucial to the performance of healthcare workers as well as to patients’ perception of the care provided. However, JS can be influenced by personal and organizational variables and the variables that interface between these two domains, such as work–family conflict (WFC), organizational support, and work–family support programs. In this sense, the main objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between family-friendly practices (FFPs) made available by organizations and used by workers, WFC, and JS. To this end, the present study uses mixed data (quantitative and qualitative) obtained from healthcare workers in Portugal. A total of 1495 workers participated in the study. The results indicate that the number of FFPs made available and used by healthcare workers is very small. There is a negative relationship between FFP availability and WFC as well as between WFC and JS. Conversely, FFP availability is positively associated with JS. Finally, FFP availability partially mediates the relationship between WFC and JS. Qualitative data support the importance of practices that help reconcile work and family life, which may have an impact on occupational indicators such as JS. Full article
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25 pages, 562 KB  
Article
An Integrated Organizational Performance Model for Dual-Sector Companies: The Moderating Role of Company Size
by Nenad Novaković, Aleksandar Sofić, Ranko Bojanić, Ognjen Dopuđ and Aleksandra Sitarević
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040192 - 19 Apr 2026
Viewed by 665
Abstract
The increasing adoption of servitization has led many manufacturing companies to operate simultaneously in manufacturing and service activities, creating dual-sector business models characterized by heightened organizational complexity. Although prior research acknowledges that both internal capabilities and contextual conditions shape organizational outcomes, fewer studies [...] Read more.
The increasing adoption of servitization has led many manufacturing companies to operate simultaneously in manufacturing and service activities, creating dual-sector business models characterized by heightened organizational complexity. Although prior research acknowledges that both internal capabilities and contextual conditions shape organizational outcomes, fewer studies have examined these variables within the same empirical model in companies operating under both manufacturing and service logics. Drawing on the resource-based view and contingency theory, this study examines the effects of organizational culture, organizational commitment, knowledge management, environmental uncertainty, and employee retention on organizational performance in dual-sector companies, while also assessing whether these relationships vary by company size. Survey data were collected from 433 employees working in dual-sector companies and were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis, covariance-based structural equation modeling, and supplementary hierarchical regression analysis. The findings indicate that environmental uncertainty and employee retention did not receive empirical support as independent direct predictors in the structural model. Organizational commitment, knowledge management, and two dimensions of organizational culture—consistency and adaptability—are significant positive predictors of perceived organizational performance. The moderation analysis does not provide strong evidence that company size changes these relationships, although the interaction suggests that environmental uncertainty may be more consequential in large firms. This study contributes to research on servitization by showing that, in dual-sector companies, performance is most strongly associated with internal capabilities that support coordination, shared meaning, and knowledge integration across manufacturing and service activities. For managers, the results highlight the importance of strengthening commitment, adaptive coordination, and cross-domain knowledge processes rather than relying on retention efforts alone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Strategic Management)
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22 pages, 362 KB  
Article
Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Organisational Commitment at a Selected TVET College in Gauteng, South Africa
by Suzan Matsila and Mmakgabo Justice Malebana
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040191 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 701
Abstract
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges in South Africa continue to experience challenges related to staff commitment, organisational performance, and institutional effectiveness. These challenges highlight the need to better understand leadership approaches that sustain academic engagement and stability. This study examines [...] Read more.
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges in South Africa continue to experience challenges related to staff commitment, organisational performance, and institutional effectiveness. These challenges highlight the need to better understand leadership approaches that sustain academic engagement and stability. This study examines the relationship between transformational leadership and organisational commitment among academic staff at a selected TVET college in Gauteng, South Africa. Grounded in the transformational leadership theory of Bass and Avolio, the study adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from 203 academic staff across six campuses using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were performed using SPSS. The findings revealed low levels of organisational commitment among academic staff. While transformational leadership, as a composite construct, did not significantly predict organisational commitment, specific components—namely intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and individualised consideration—showed significant positive relationships with organisational commitment. Theoretically, the study refines the application of transformational leadership theory within the TVET context by demonstrating that its components may operate differentially rather than as a unified construct in predicting organisational commitment. These findings challenge assumptions regarding the holistic predictive power of transformational leadership and extend leadership scholarship within under-researched TVET settings in developing-country contexts. Practically, the results provide evidence-based guidance for TVET management to design targeted leadership development interventions that emphasise specific transformational leadership behaviours to enhance academic staff commitment. Full article
17 pages, 1343 KB  
Article
Does Work Social Media Usage Affect Employee Skills Based on Self-Determination Theory
by Abdallah Mishael Obeidat
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040190 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 639
Abstract
The study examines the impact of Work Social Media Usage (WSMU) on employee skills through the mediating roles of perceived relatedness, perceived autonomy, and perceived competence. A comprehensive questionnaire was formulated to measure WSMU and employee skills, based on self-determination theory, along with [...] Read more.
The study examines the impact of Work Social Media Usage (WSMU) on employee skills through the mediating roles of perceived relatedness, perceived autonomy, and perceived competence. A comprehensive questionnaire was formulated to measure WSMU and employee skills, based on self-determination theory, along with collecting data using a five-scale Likert questionnaire. The study focused on local and international consulting and training firms that are registered and operational in Jordan. Managers, trainers, marketers, evaluators, consultants, and academics were the main participants of the sample, which was chosen with convenience sampling. There was a total of 518 employees in the sample. The results obtained through structural equation modeling show that WSMU greatly increases employee skills, with perceived competence being the strongest mediator. The research illustrates how social media is useful in promoting the sharing of knowledge, emotional care, and skill acquisition, which can be helpful to organizations in making use of digital interactions for the development of employees. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behavior)
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22 pages, 333 KB  
Article
Exploring the Role of Management Accounting Education in Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindset Development in Zimbabwe
by Moses Nyakuwanika
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040189 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 645
Abstract
The study explores the role of management accounting education in cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among management accountants and entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe. This study was motivated by the lack of a deep understanding of how management accounting education can contribute to the development of [...] Read more.
The study explores the role of management accounting education in cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among management accountants and entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe. This study was motivated by the lack of a deep understanding of how management accounting education can contribute to the development of the entrepreneurial mindset, despite the growing importance of entrepreneurship in driving innovation and economic development. This study seeks to bridge the gap by providing insights into the intersection of accounting education and the formation of an entrepreneurial mindset in Zimbabwe. The study utilised an inductive research approach, which aligned with the interpretivist research philosophy adopted. Data for the study were collected through in-depth interviews with 11 management accountants and entrepreneurs regarding management accounting education and its role in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings elucidate how management accounting education fosters entrepreneurial thinking, emphasising strategic decision-making, risk evaluation, and innovation. Participants underscored the need for courses that integrate practical skills with academic knowledge to better equip students for entrepreneurial challenges. This research study contributed to the literature by providing context-specific insights from Zimbabwe, a developing country, and thereby extending the understanding of how management accounting education shapes entrepreneurial mindset development in resource-constrained and volatile environments. Furthermore, it provides an integrated viewpoint that connects entrepreneurial thinking, experiential learning, and accounting education in the context of the Global South. This study concluded that management accounting education is essential for shaping the entrepreneurial mindset in Zimbabwe. Suggestions for improving the relevance and efficacy of accounting education in promoting entrepreneurship include changes to the curriculum and teaching methods. Full article
27 pages, 725 KB  
Article
Building Organizational Commitment in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Evidence from Cyprus
by Elena S. Panayiotou and Andreas Efstathiades
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040188 - 14 Apr 2026
Viewed by 739
Abstract
Organizational commitment constitutes a challenge for organizations. Despite the growing body of literature describing organizational commitment as a positive outcome of ideal job conditions, how organizational commitment develops has not been explored extensively. This study examines how organizational commitment develops in small and [...] Read more.
Organizational commitment constitutes a challenge for organizations. Despite the growing body of literature describing organizational commitment as a positive outcome of ideal job conditions, how organizational commitment develops has not been explored extensively. This study examines how organizational commitment develops in small and medium enterprises in Cyprus by modelling the roles of work–life balance, flexible work arrangements, employee remuneration, motivation, and job satisfaction. To test the hypothesized relationships among the variables, structural equation modelling was used to analyze survey data collected from 462 employees. The findings of this study show a strong effect of work–life balance and employee remuneration on organizational commitment. The results indicate a sequential pattern, in which work–life balance and employee remuneration showed stronger effects within the model, while motivation acted as a first-stage mediator and job satisfaction as a second-stage mediator linking these effects to organizational commitment. These findings suggest that organizational commitment develops primarily through earlier motivational and evaluative experiences, rather than resulting solely from favorable job conditions. The study offers theoretical insight into the process through which organizational commitment develops and provides practical implications for managers of small and medium enterprises seeking to strengthen employee commitment through everyday work conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behavior)
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22 pages, 538 KB  
Article
Experience at Work: Why Employees Experience Their Work Differently
by Paula Cristina Nunes Figueiredo and Sandra Miranda
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040187 - 14 Apr 2026
Viewed by 653
Abstract
Research on Employee Experience Management (EXM) has traditionally emphasized demographic segmentation—age, gender, or educational level—as the main differentiators in how employees perceive their career path within organizations. However, this demographic focus shows fragmented evidence and limited explanatory power regarding the mechanisms that truly [...] Read more.
Research on Employee Experience Management (EXM) has traditionally emphasized demographic segmentation—age, gender, or educational level—as the main differentiators in how employees perceive their career path within organizations. However, this demographic focus shows fragmented evidence and limited explanatory power regarding the mechanisms that truly shape EX. To fill this gap, this study proposes a structural and contextual reformulation of EX segmentation, arguing that employee experiences vary less depending on who they are and more depending on their position within organizational systems. Using data from 403 employees across various sectors and an 18-item EXM scale covering Reputation, Recruitment, Physical, Technical, and Cultural Experiences, we performed t-tests, ANOVAs, cluster analysis, and effect size estimates. Findings show that hierarchical position is the main predictor of EX in the dimensions of Physical, Technical, and Cultural Experience, as well as in the overall dimensions, while demographic differences—especially age and education—are negligible. Employee seniority and organisational size have a significant impact on Cultural Experience, which emphasizes how socialisation and organisational structure shape the EX. These findings reveal that EX segmentation is essentially structural, underscoring the necessity of EXM strategies that prioritize employees, particularly those without management functions, and enhance cultural integration through leader communication and onboarding procedures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Strategic Management)
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17 pages, 1070 KB  
Article
The Role of Regulatory Quality and the Rule of Law on Business Demographic Dynamics in the European Countries
by Elena Rusu Cigu and Marius Brănici
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040186 - 14 Apr 2026
Viewed by 587
Abstract
The aim of the paper is to precisely identify the impact of regulatory quality and the rule of law on business demographic dynamics in European countries during the 2015–2024 period. The first aim is to provide a theoretical approach by reviewing aspects of [...] Read more.
The aim of the paper is to precisely identify the impact of regulatory quality and the rule of law on business demographic dynamics in European countries during the 2015–2024 period. The first aim is to provide a theoretical approach by reviewing aspects of the regulatory system in European countries and the most relevant studies on the issue. The second aim is to develop a linear regression model to evaluate the roles of regulatory quality and the rule of law during periods of economic volatility and changing business demographics in European Countries. The OLS estimation technique for panel data models will be chosen. The results support the hypothesis of an institutional convergence effect, indicating that regulatory quality and the rule of law significantly enhance net firm performance creation, but this impact is conditional on the level of economic development. The paper offers a useful perspective on the complex relationship between regulatory quality and the rule of law in advancing business demographics and promoting performance in the business environment, thereby adding to the existing literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Management in the 21st Century: Innovations and Challenges in Governance)
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26 pages, 645 KB  
Systematic Review
An Integrative Systematic Review of Knowledge Management, Organizational Performance, and Business Sustainability
by Abobakr Aljuwaiber
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040185 - 13 Apr 2026
Viewed by 750
Abstract
This study comprehensively reviews the literature on knowledge management (KM) to explain its impact on organizational performance and business sustainability. It examines the dominant KM frameworks and theories; performance and sustainability outcomes; and key contextual enablers and constraints across sectors. Following the PRISMA [...] Read more.
This study comprehensively reviews the literature on knowledge management (KM) to explain its impact on organizational performance and business sustainability. It examines the dominant KM frameworks and theories; performance and sustainability outcomes; and key contextual enablers and constraints across sectors. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis), a systematic review was used to find and collect relevant empirical and theoretical studies through Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. Thematic descriptive analysis of articles published between January 2020 and January 2026 revealed major themes, research trends, and conceptual gaps, which informed the key research agenda. A total of 70 studies were included after screening and eligibility assessment. The findings indicate that KM consistently enhances innovation capability and operational efficiency to boost competitive advantage and support social, economic, and environmental outcomes. These relationships are largely mediated by organizational learning and innovation, especially green innovation, and are moderated by leadership, organizational culture, and technological integration. Adoption patterns vary across industries and sectors based on differences in resources, digital maturity, and regulatory environments. Ongoing challenges include resistance to change, difficulties in managing tacit knowledge, measurement limitations, and limited longitudinal and cross-sectoral research. Overall, this systematic review highlights the need for integrated KM frameworks that align leadership, culture, and technology to strengthen performance and sustainability outcomes. It advances KM theory by clarifying the dominant models and mechanisms to offer actionable insights for managers and policymakers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unleashing the Power: How Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning Drives Innovation)
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24 pages, 965 KB  
Article
Bridging the Strategy–Execution Gap in Digital Process Transformation: An Organizational Development Process Model from a Chinese Brewery Case
by Yunlu Cai and Siti Rohaida Mohamed Zainal
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040184 - 10 Apr 2026
Viewed by 662
Abstract
This study explains how strategy–execution gaps become self-reinforcing during digital process transformation in layered manufacturing organizations. Drawing on an embedded qualitative process study of a large Chinese brewery’s transformation (2020–2024), we triangulate 10 semi-structured interviews across hierarchical levels with longitudinal public disclosures to [...] Read more.
This study explains how strategy–execution gaps become self-reinforcing during digital process transformation in layered manufacturing organizations. Drawing on an embedded qualitative process study of a large Chinese brewery’s transformation (2020–2024), we triangulate 10 semi-structured interviews across hierarchical levels with longitudinal public disclosures to reconstruct the initiative timeline and trace mechanisms across change phases. The analysis shows that platform-based process governance can scale faster than shared meaning and dialog, producing frontline sensemaking gaps and formalistic, top-down communication. These conditions thin employee voice and weaken feedback closure, which in turn erodes the legitimacy of organizational diagnosis and fragments implementation support. As interface problems are handled through local workarounds, management intensifies visibility-based monitoring, further suppressing voice and reinforcing the execution gap. We develop an organizational development process model that centers feedback closure and diagnosis legitimacy as bridging mechanisms linking soft change dynamics (meaning, trust, voice) with hard digital governance (process standards, data infrastructures, monitoring). The model offers actionable implications for leaders to build closure and legitimate diagnosis as operational capabilities throughout transformation. Full article
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26 pages, 587 KB  
Article
Defining Technology-Based Business Models Through a Systematic Literature Review and Empirical Research
by Camilla Reis, Florian Ratz and Christiana Ropposch
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040183 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 503
Abstract
A business model is an essential concept for securing long-term success and competitive advantage, where technologies take on an enabling role. Without the respective technology, the business model becomes unviable. Digital technologies are well known to enable business models, and various definitions of [...] Read more.
A business model is an essential concept for securing long-term success and competitive advantage, where technologies take on an enabling role. Without the respective technology, the business model becomes unviable. Digital technologies are well known to enable business models, and various definitions of the term digital business models and their characteristics are discussed in the existing literature. However, scholars sometimes use this term interchangeably with the term technology-based business models, although not all technologies are digital in nature. In fact, many different types of technologies other than digital ones exist. A strong theoretical foundation for digital business models is available, while the research on technology-based business models is fragmented and incomplete. This term has been used without further defining its meaning or the definitions provided are too narrow and decisive characteristics are missing. Although authors have used these two terms interchangeably, they cannot be seen as equivalent, and the definitions and characteristics of digital business models cannot be simply transferred to the concept of technology-based ones. Therefore, the absence of a holistic and comprehensive definition of the term technology-based business models in the existing literature represents a significant gap that this research seeks to address. The aim of our study was to examine how business models are based on a particular technology. We use the results of a systematic literature review and semi-structured expert interviews to construct a comprehensive definition for the term technology-based business models, and we identify the major and minor characteristics of both terms. In addition to adding to the business model literature, these findings help practitioners understand technology-based business models in more detail and how technology can enable business models to meet customers’ needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reimagining Value Creation: Digital Business Models in a Global Context)
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21 pages, 638 KB  
Article
Artificial Intelligence and New Quality Productive Forces: Evidence from Vietnam’s Banking Sector
by Anh Phuong Hoang and Vinh Thi Vu
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040182 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 463
Abstract
This study examines how artificial intelligence (AI) contributes to the formation of new quality productive forces (NQPF) at the employee level. While prior research has largely treated AI as an external technological driver, this study investigates whether AI becomes embedded within employees’ capabilities [...] Read more.
This study examines how artificial intelligence (AI) contributes to the formation of new quality productive forces (NQPF) at the employee level. While prior research has largely treated AI as an external technological driver, this study investigates whether AI becomes embedded within employees’ capabilities through confidence and skill transformation. Using survey data from 303 employees in Vietnamese commercial banks, the study applies exploratory factor analysis and regression models to analyze the relationships among AI confidence, skill transformation, work experience, and NQPF. The results show that AI confidence has a significant positive effect on NQPF, and this relationship is strengthened by skill transformation. However, work experience weakens this effect, suggesting uneven adaptation across employee groups. These findings indicate that the impact of AI on productive transformation depends not only on technological deployment but also on workforce capability development. The study contributes to the literature by providing micro-level evidence on how AI may be internalized within labor processes in emerging economies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Business: Redefining Competencies, Finance, and Entrepreneurship)
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14 pages, 651 KB  
Article
Decisions Beyond Data: Narrative Reporting Practices in Decision-Making
by Tamás Zelles, Bernadett Domokos and Sándor Remsei
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040181 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 469
Abstract
Leaders and managers frequently face the need to make highly complex decisions with incomplete or fragmented information. Traditional decision support systems largely emphasize the visualization of data but often fall short in producing context-sensitive insights that can directly inform decision-making. This paper examines [...] Read more.
Leaders and managers frequently face the need to make highly complex decisions with incomplete or fragmented information. Traditional decision support systems largely emphasize the visualization of data but often fall short in producing context-sensitive insights that can directly inform decision-making. This paper examines how narrative techniques combined with machine learning can strengthen communication across organizational hierarchies, particularly by improving the transfer of tacit expertise and contextual knowledge. To explore this, a transdisciplinary literature review was conducted using articles published within the last five years from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. The review highlights that narrative-driven reporting has been most commonly applied in fields such as accounting and sustainability, where expert interpretation replaces purely numerical summaries with more meaningful analytical explanations. Such approaches can also embed sentiment and personalization, commonly referred to as Narrative Disclosure Tone. Building on this foundation, the study investigates how Artificial Intelligence-driven decision support can formally integrate narrative elements to enhance report clarity, usability, and strategic relevance. Findings suggest that combining machine learning with expert-driven narrative reporting supports more innovative decision support systems and facilitates the alignment of tacit knowledge with data-driven insights. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Leadership)
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36 pages, 5989 KB  
Article
Hierarchical Structure of the Entrepreneurial Career Competency Instrument: Evidence from Frequentist and Bayesian Bifactor Structural Equation Modelling
by Pieter Schaap and Melodi Botha
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040180 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 447
Abstract
Robust measurement of entrepreneurial competencies (ECs) is crucial for entrepreneurship education, yet their internal structure remains theoretically contested and empirically underexamined. This study examined whether the four-factor Entrepreneurial Career Competency Instrument (ECCI) exhibits a hierarchical (bifactor) structure among South African entrepreneurs. Using two [...] Read more.
Robust measurement of entrepreneurial competencies (ECs) is crucial for entrepreneurship education, yet their internal structure remains theoretically contested and empirically underexamined. This study examined whether the four-factor Entrepreneurial Career Competency Instrument (ECCI) exhibits a hierarchical (bifactor) structure among South African entrepreneurs. Using two non-probability samples (N = 1305; N = 280), we analysed competing models, including a bifactor exploratory structural equation model (ESEM). The selected 56-item bifactor ESEM solution was examined for conceptual replicability in the smaller sample using Bayesian structural equation modelling (BSEM) with informative priors and sensitivity analyses to address small-sample uncertainty. Our findings revealed a theoretically supported hierarchical structure with a strong general factor and distinct specific factors: entrepreneurial career mindset, innovativeness, motivation, and implementation, enhancing the interpretation of scores. This study guides ECCI usage by suggesting total scores for broad assessments and domain scores for diagnostic feedback. Methodologically, the findings demonstrate that combining frequentist and Bayesian approaches across samples strengthened structural validity and provided insights into evaluating imprecise responses to self-report measures and addressing sampling constraints. Overall, this work contributes a robust structural model of the ECCI and enriches the EC literature, serving as a framework for refining, testing and applying attribute-based EC measures in diverse contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behavior)
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17 pages, 661 KB  
Article
Assessing Operational Performance of Manufacturing Companies in the Context of Environmental Dynamism, and Competitive Strategy
by Arzu Karaman Akgül
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040179 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 684
Abstract
Today’s global and competitive environment forces companies to revise their competitive strategies and assess their operations’ performance. Customers are demanding new products and services, and organizations should adapt to the changing requirements of the customers. Companies may achieve excellence in their operations with [...] Read more.
Today’s global and competitive environment forces companies to revise their competitive strategies and assess their operations’ performance. Customers are demanding new products and services, and organizations should adapt to the changing requirements of the customers. Companies may achieve excellence in their operations with cost reduction, by reducing time-to-market, and through improvements in delivery and quality. The main contribution of this study is assessing the linkages among operational performance (OP), environmental dynamism (ED), and competitive strategy (CS) in an emerging economy, Turkey. This study also aims to define the dimensions used to assess the operational performance, which are called the competitive manufacturing priorities in the operations management literature. To test the linkages between environmental dynamism, operational performance, and competitive strategy, a structural model is proposed. Analyses are conducted in SPSS 28.0 and AMOS 24.0 programs using the data gathered from Turkish manufacturing companies. Since 99.8% of firms operating in Türkiye are SMEs, most of the companies participating in this study (124 of 211) are also SMEs, and another contribution of this study is understanding the dimensions affecting the operational performance of SMEs According to the results, environmental dynamism has a significant relation to operational performance, and operational performance has a positive linkage with competitive strategy as well. The results also indicate that the most important dimensions used in assessing operational performance are customer satisfaction and supplier performance, as expected for manufacturing companies. Furthermore, the results of this study are expected to support organizations in developing and implementing effective strategies that integrate new capabilities and environmental considerations into their competitive strategy. As expected in SMEs, the most used competitive strategy is found to be “cost leadership,” because they can achieve operational performance by efficiently using resources, and by minimizing the production and transaction costs, they can enhance their competitiveness in the market. 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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23 pages, 509 KB  
Article
Artificial Intelligence: Accelerating Innovation in Sustainable Lean Production Systems
by Mustapha Jebor, Hanaa Hachimi, Ikhlef Jebbor, Hayet Benhamida and Zoubida Benmamoun
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040178 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 784
Abstract
Lean production philosophy and sustainability approach have become a critical framework for efficiency improvement, waste reduction, and promoting sustainable manufacturing practices. In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), there is a synergy, which has now found new dimensions, data-driven decision-making, predictive analytics, and [...] Read more.
Lean production philosophy and sustainability approach have become a critical framework for efficiency improvement, waste reduction, and promoting sustainable manufacturing practices. In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), there is a synergy, which has now found new dimensions, data-driven decision-making, predictive analytics, and operational agility. AI technologies promise to transform industrial processes by converging lean production and sustainability principles, a synergy explored in this paper. AI APIs enable the use of AI to improve resource utilization, reduce environmental pressure, and maintain economic growth inherent to all business sectors while also fostering social accountability. In this study, a robust regression model is employed to study the role of AI in moderating the lean practices and sustainability outcomes relationship, using a sample of 528 manufacturing firms. The results show that the contribution of AI technologies to economic, ecological, and social sustainability is effectively multiplied by that of lean production. This research offers a framework to help practitioners and policymakers optimize production systems in line with Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, the study delivers actionable recommendations for navigating skill gaps and cybersecurity risks that were identified. In sum, this paper contributes to the rapidly emerging conversation by providing empirical evidence on AI’s moderating role in the lean–sustainability relationship and offering a strategic framework for practitioners. Full article
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27 pages, 1861 KB  
Article
Reframing Student–Institution Distrust in Higher Education: Antecedents, Mechanisms, and Outcomes Across Business Administration and Tourism Programs
by Karam Zaki and Wagih Salama
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040177 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 625
Abstract
This study examines the development and consequences of student–institution distrust (SID) in higher education. While prior research has predominantly focused on trust, limited attention has been given to distrust as a distinct psychological construct influencing student experiences. Guided by Institutional Logics Theory, the [...] Read more.
This study examines the development and consequences of student–institution distrust (SID) in higher education. While prior research has predominantly focused on trust, limited attention has been given to distrust as a distinct psychological construct influencing student experiences. Guided by Institutional Logics Theory, the study investigates how perceived institutional practices, institutional support, and cost–value (ROI) perceptions shape SID and how distrust influences sense of belonging, academic engagement, and help-seeking intentions. Data were collected from 600 undergraduate students enrolled in Business Administration and Tourism programs at public universities in Saudi Arabia. Multi-Group Structural Equation Modeling (MG-SEM) was employed to examine the proposed relationships and the moderating role of academic discipline. The results indicate that institutional practices, perceived support, and ROI perceptions significantly predict student–institution distrust. In turn, distrust exerts significant negative effects on students’ sense of belonging, academic engagement, and help-seeking intentions, confirming the theorized detrimental role of distrust in shaping student outcomes. The findings further reveal that academic discipline strengthens the negative impact of distrust on student outcomes, with stronger effects observed among Tourism students. By conceptualizing distrust as a multidimensional construct rather than simply the absence of trust, this study contributes to the literature on student–institution relationships and provides practical insights for designing transparent and supportive institutional environments that reduce distrust and enhance student engagement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Learning Organizations and Sustainable Value Creation in Changing Environments)
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29 pages, 960 KB  
Article
How Generative Artificial Intelligence Creates Value: A Function and Readiness Perspective in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
by Leandro Bitetti, Carmine Garzia and Emanuele Carpanzano
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040176 - 3 Apr 2026
Viewed by 755
Abstract
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is increasingly portrayed as a transformative technology capable of simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency and enabling strategic growth. Yet small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) experience heterogeneous outcomes, suggesting that GenAI does not generate value uniformly across firms. This study develops [...] Read more.
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is increasingly portrayed as a transformative technology capable of simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency and enabling strategic growth. Yet small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) experience heterogeneous outcomes, suggesting that GenAI does not generate value uniformly across firms. This study develops and empirically informs a contingency framework explaining how distinct GenAI functions relate to differentiated strategic objectives and how technological, organizational, and environmental (TOE) readiness conditions shape this relationship. Using a three-round Delphi study with an interdisciplinary expert panel, including GenAI consultants, corporate managers, legal experts, academic researchers, and public-sector policymakers, we identify six core GenAI functional domains associated with efficiency-oriented and growth-oriented strategies. The findings suggest that operational automation and data intelligence are more strongly associated with efficiency objectives, whereas market intelligence, market testing, linguistic expansion, and idea generation are more closely related to growth objectives, although none is exclusively linked to a single strategic goal. Importantly, TOE readiness is found to play a key role in shaping the extent to which function-specific GenAI deployment translates into realized strategic value, with organizational readiness appearing more prominent than technological or environmental conditions. By shifting the focus from adoption to function-specific strategic alignment and readiness configurations, this study advances understanding of GenAI-enabled strategic value realization and heterogeneous transformation pathways in SMEs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Business: Redefining Competencies, Finance, and Entrepreneurship)
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35 pages, 18589 KB  
Article
A Dual-Drive Recommendation Model for Smart Healthcare Platforms: Synergizing Proactive Search and AI-Driven Decision-Making
by Lingyu Gao and Xiaoli Wang
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040175 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 550
Abstract
The emergence of smart healthcare platforms has significantly enhanced the accessibility of medical services, yet it has also introduced critical challenges such as information overload and patient decision-making dilemmas. This study investigates the interaction and synergistic optimization of a dual-drive mechanism—comprising ‘patient proactive [...] Read more.
The emergence of smart healthcare platforms has significantly enhanced the accessibility of medical services, yet it has also introduced critical challenges such as information overload and patient decision-making dilemmas. This study investigates the interaction and synergistic optimization of a dual-drive mechanism—comprising ‘patient proactive search’ and ‘artificial intelligence (AI)-driven recommendations’—within healthcare platform recommendation systems. By developing a game-theoretic model that incorporates heterogeneous users (including random single-search users and rational multi-stage decision-makers) and competitive medical institutions, we systematically analyze how different recommendation strategies influence market equilibrium, patient utility, and platform profit. The findings reveal that in the absence of AI-driven recommendations, a higher proportion of random users intensifies price competition among providers. In contrast, the integration of AI-driven recommendations with proactive search behavior effectively mitigates price wars and enhances matching efficiency. Furthermore, our analysis identifies an optimal recommendation strategy weight that enables the platform to simultaneously improve both equilibrium price and user demand. This research offers a theoretical foundation for the design of efficient and sustainable recommendation systems in smart healthcare platforms and provides practical managerial insights for improving medical service efficiency and optimizing resource allocation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The AI-Augmented Marketer: Strategy, Creativity, and Ethics in the Age of Automation)
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20 pages, 461 KB  
Article
From Leadership Recession to Systemic Leadership: An Ethical Model of Recovery
by Sofia Manoutzopoulou, Panagiotis Serdaris and Konstantinos Spinthiropoulos
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040174 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 624
Abstract
The contemporary crisis of trust in institutions and organizations has intensified what recent literature describes as a “leadership recession”, characterized by declining ethical legitimacy and limited capacity to manage systemic change. This article introduces the concept of leadership recession as a systemic and [...] Read more.
The contemporary crisis of trust in institutions and organizations has intensified what recent literature describes as a “leadership recession”, characterized by declining ethical legitimacy and limited capacity to manage systemic change. This article introduces the concept of leadership recession as a systemic and ethical phenomenon and proposes an ethical–systemic leadership model as potential pathway toward leadership recovery. Drawing on Aristotelian ethics—particularly the concepts of phronesis (practical wisdom), justice, and virtue—combined with systems theory and change management, the study develops an integrated theoretical framework that reconceptualizes leadership legitimacy as both a moral and organizational condition. Empirically, the study is based on a quantitative survey of 402 employees from the public and private sectors in Greece. The findings indicate that employees’ perceptions of effective leadership are positively associated with ethical virtues and leaders’ capacity to understand and manage organizational interdependencies. Ethical legitimacy emerges as an important relational mechanism that enhances trust, participation, and acceptance of organizational change. The article contributes to leadership and administrative sciences literature by introducing the notion of leadership recession and by proposing an ethical–systemic leadership paradigm that integrates values-based leadership, systemic thinking, and change management. The findings offer both theoretical insights and practical implications for leaders and organizations seeking sustainable and ethically legitimate transformation. Full article
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38 pages, 1306 KB  
Systematic Review
AI-Driven Leadership: Decision-Making, Competencies, and Ethical Challenges—A Systematic Review
by António Sacavém, Andreia de Bem Machado, João Rodrigues dos Santos, Ana Palma-Moreira and Manuel Au-Yong-Oliveira
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040173 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 2979
Abstract
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming leadership and raising critical questions about decision-making, leadership capabilities, and ethical accountability in increasingly digitalized organizations. Objective: This systematic review synthesizes peer-reviewed evidence to answer: How does AI integration transform leadership and decision-making in organizations? Methods: A [...] Read more.
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming leadership and raising critical questions about decision-making, leadership capabilities, and ethical accountability in increasingly digitalized organizations. Objective: This systematic review synthesizes peer-reviewed evidence to answer: How does AI integration transform leadership and decision-making in organizations? Methods: A PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review was conducted using structured Boolean searches in Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection on 26 February 2026. Eligibility was restricted to English-language, peer-reviewed, open-access journal articles with an explicit AI–leadership integration signal. Records were deduplicated and screened by two reviewers, with full-text assessment conducted against predefined criteria. A qualitative, narrative (conceptual) synthesis integrated heterogeneous empirical and conceptual contributions. Results: From 452 records, 84 studies met inclusion criteria. The synthesis identified three recurring analytical dimensions: (i) AI-augmented decision-making, (ii) leadership competencies and role shifts, and (iii) ethical challenges (accountability, transparency/opacity, fairness, privacy, and human agency). Integrating these dimensions, the review conceptualizes AI-driven leadership as a hybrid decision phenomenon in which AI accelerates and expands decision cycles, leaders reconfigure roles toward decision architecture and orchestration, and ethical conditions shape legitimacy, adoption, and authority dynamics. Conclusions: The review advances theory by specifying a mechanism-oriented model of AI-driven leadership and proposing testable propositions linking AI modality, role reconfiguration, and ethically conditioned legitimacy under key boundary conditions (e.g., sectoral stakes, governance capacity, and data/infrastructure readiness). Practically, it outlines an implementation pathway emphasizing decision criticality assessment, formalized human–AI task allocation, and institutionalized oversight mechanisms. Limitations: Findings are bounded by database selection and the open-access full-text constraint, which may under-represent paywalled scholarship. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forging Tomorrow’s Leaders: Innovations in Organizational Leadership Development)
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20 pages, 1406 KB  
Article
Impacts of the Installation of the São João Monument on the Residents in a City in the Interior of Brazil
by Luísa Cagica Carvalho, Josiane Rodrigues dos Santos, Silvio Roberto Stefani, Gelson Menon and Josélia Elvira Teixeira
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040172 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 697
Abstract
In the current context of the complexity of municipal management, the sustainable development of communities and compliance with the “2030 Agenda” objectives are essential. These objectives aim to reduce the negative environmental impact of cities by the year 2030, with special attention to [...] Read more.
In the current context of the complexity of municipal management, the sustainable development of communities and compliance with the “2030 Agenda” objectives are essential. These objectives aim to reduce the negative environmental impact of cities by the year 2030, with special attention to issues such as air quality and municipal waste management, among other UN actions. The main objective is to verify the impacts on the residents around the São João monument, located in a city in the interior of Brazil, with its installation following the principles of sustainable development, Agenda 2030, and SDG 8. It is relevant to verify, with the rural community, the positive and negative impacts on the quality of life and development of families who reside around the São João monument. The research method was a single case study, and the data collection techniques were qualitative. Finally, the results point to benefits for the community with the implementation of the São João monument, such as the generation of income and jobs, the development of tourism, and compliance with SDG 8, goal 8.9. However, improvements in local planning and development are still needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility and Strategic Management: Integrating Ethical Practices with Sustainable Goals)
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26 pages, 527 KB  
Article
Servant Leadership, Work Engagement, and Public Service Motivation in the Chilean Public Administration from a Gender Perspective
by Dinka Villarroel-Nuñez, Marisa Salanova and Hedy Acosta-Antognoni
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040171 - 30 Mar 2026
Viewed by 824
Abstract
Chile faces an institutional context marked by public distrust and increasing demands for legitimacy in public management. In this scenario, this study aimed to examine, within the framework of the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) theory and the HERO model, the relationships between servant leadership, [...] Read more.
Chile faces an institutional context marked by public distrust and increasing demands for legitimacy in public management. In this scenario, this study aimed to examine, within the framework of the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) theory and the HERO model, the relationships between servant leadership, public service motivation, work engagement, and healthy organizational outcomes in the Chilean public sector, considering the moderating effect of the supervisor’s gender. We used a sample of 428 employees from 22 public institutions, with validated instruments to assess servant leadership, public service motivation, work engagement, and organizational outcomes. Structural equation modeling confirmed the five proposed hypotheses: servant leadership was positively related to public service motivation and work engagement, and work engagement was positively associated with healthy organizational outcomes, showing partial mediation effects among these variables. No moderating effects of the supervisor’s gender were found. This study provides empirical evidence on the motivational mechanisms operating within the public sector and highlights the relevance of servant leadership as a key social resource for fostering motivation, work engagement, and organizational well-being within the specific context of Chilean public institutions included in the study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Leadership in Fostering Positive Employee Relationships)
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28 pages, 580 KB  
Article
Rethinking Hospital Sustainability: Integrating Circular and Green Economy Principles Within Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility and Management Frameworks
by Gianpaolo Tomaselli, Gloria Macassa, Karen Maria Borg, Jose Guilherme Couto, Jonathan L. Portelli, Karen Borg Grima and Sandra C. Buttigieg
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040170 - 30 Mar 2026
Viewed by 929
Abstract
Hospitals play a central role in promoting health and well-being, yet they are also among the most resource-intensive institutions, contributing significantly to environmental degradation through high energy and water consumption, extensive waste generation, and reliance on single-use materials. This conceptual paper explores how [...] Read more.
Hospitals play a central role in promoting health and well-being, yet they are also among the most resource-intensive institutions, contributing significantly to environmental degradation through high energy and water consumption, extensive waste generation, and reliance on single-use materials. This conceptual paper explores how principles of the circular economy and green economy can be integrated into hospital operations through a strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework, reframing sustainability as a strategic management issue rather than a compliance-driven activity. Drawing on environmental economics, sustainability studies, and institutional theory, the paper develops an integrated conceptual model structured around the environmental, social, and economic pillars of sustainability. Within this framework, four interconnected operational domains are identified: waste management and circular practices, energy consumption and renewable integration, sustainable procurement and circular supply chains, and economic and policy incentives. The social dimension explicitly encompasses healthcare staff and patients, addressing issues of workforce well-being, health education, safety, quality of life, and equitable care delivery. This advances theory by positioning strategic CSR as a function of circular and green economy, yielding a new model for hospitals, S-CSR = f(CE, GE). The paper also examines institutional and cultural barriers that constrain sustainability implementation and highlights the role of strategic leadership, governance, and system-wide innovation in overcoming these challenges. While not empirical, the study provides a theoretical foundation to inform future research, policy development, and strategic decision-making aimed at advancing sustainable, low-carbon, and resilient healthcare systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Social Responsibility and Strategic Management: Integrating Ethical Practices with Sustainable Goals)
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19 pages, 1347 KB  
Article
Ageism: (De)constructing Perceptions and Cultures
by Vera Alves, Armanda Antunes, Ana Palma-Moreira, Ivo Dias and Andreia Borges
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040169 - 30 Mar 2026
Viewed by 626
Abstract
Population ageing is one of the most significant phenomena of the 21st century. The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship between organizational culture (supportive culture, innovative culture, market culture, and rule culture) and ageism (prejudice and discrimination) and whether [...] Read more.
Population ageing is one of the most significant phenomena of the 21st century. The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship between organizational culture (supportive culture, innovative culture, market culture, and rule culture) and ageism (prejudice and discrimination) and whether this relationship is moderated by organizational age (obsolescence, age norms, perceived time and opportunities left, and disengagement phase). The sample for this study comprises 400 participants from organizations across different sectors. This is a quantitative and correlational study. The results indicate that only supportive culture and perceived time and opportunities left have a negative and significant effect on discrimination. As for the moderating effect, only obsolescence moderates the relationship between rule culture and prejudice. Additionally, older employees reported a stronger perception of a supportive culture. Considering the results obtained, a supportive culture can combat discrimination and the high perception of the ageing process, the latter requiring a greater understanding of what is meant by perceived opportunities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thriving Through People: Human-Centered Strategies for Organizational Sustainability)
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29 pages, 904 KB  
Article
From Engagement to Action in Hospitality Management: Brand Experience and Value Co-Creation as Dual Engines of Hotel Loyalty
by Maria Magdalini Karalazarou, Evangelos Christou, Chryssoula Chatzigeorgiou and Ioanna Simeli
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040168 - 29 Mar 2026
Viewed by 841
Abstract
This study develops and tests an Engagement–Experience–Co-creation–Loyalty (EECL) framework explaining how hospitality brand engagement (HBE) is translated into multidimensional hotel loyalty through two parallel mechanisms: Hospitality brand experience (HBX) and hospitality value co-creation (HVCC). A variance-based PLS-SEM model with seven reflective latent constructs [...] Read more.
This study develops and tests an Engagement–Experience–Co-creation–Loyalty (EECL) framework explaining how hospitality brand engagement (HBE) is translated into multidimensional hotel loyalty through two parallel mechanisms: Hospitality brand experience (HBX) and hospitality value co-creation (HVCC). A variance-based PLS-SEM model with seven reflective latent constructs and 57 indicators was estimated using data from 1407 members of four global hotel loyalty programs; generational cohort was used only as a grouping variable in multi-group analysis, not as an additional construct. MICOM established measurement invariance across Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers. HBE is positively associated with both HBX and HVCC, and both mechanisms transmit its relationship to cognitive, affective, and conative loyalty. These three attitudinal facets jointly predict action loyalty, supporting a parallel rather than strictly staged loyalty-formation logic in hotel loyalty-program contexts. Younger cohorts translate engagement more strongly into experience and co-creation, whereas older cohorts rely more on experience when forming cognitive loyalty. The study contributes a hospitality-specific, predictive, and cohort-sensitive explanation of how engagement is converted into hotel loyalty. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism and Hospitality Marketing: Trends and Best Practices—2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 517 KB  
Article
Entrepreneurial Marketing Effects on Sustainable Social Performance of SMEs: The Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Policy
by Collins Kankam-Kwarteng, Dennis Yao Dzansi and Victor Yawo Atiase
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040167 - 27 Mar 2026
Viewed by 709
Abstract
The Ghanaian economy faces significant challenges in providing robust policy support and cohesive ecosystem structures that enable small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the country to effectively convert entrepreneurial marketing activities into sustainable social outcomes. The research examines the effect of entrepreneurial [...] Read more.
The Ghanaian economy faces significant challenges in providing robust policy support and cohesive ecosystem structures that enable small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the country to effectively convert entrepreneurial marketing activities into sustainable social outcomes. The research examines the effect of entrepreneurial marketing on sustainable social performance of SMEs using entrepreneurial ecosystem policy as the mediating variable. The Resource Dependency Theory, Resource-Based View and the Stakeholder Theory were utilized, and the study was designed a cross-sectional survey. The data collected were based on 386 SME owners and managers of different sectors in Ghana. Structural equation modeling with SmartPLS 3 was used to test the proposed relationships. The results indicate that entrepreneurial marketing has a significant positive impact on sustainable social performance. In addition to that, ecosystem policy has a strong and positive impact on sustainable social performance. The mediating effect of ecosystem policy in the relationship between entrepreneurial marketing and sustainable social was found to be positive. The research has limitations in that it was cross-sectional and specific to Ghana, which might limit its generalizability. Longitudinal and cross-country designs may be used in future studies to include the dynamic effects of policy interventions. Hypothetically, the research moves towards the mediating role of the ecosystem policy in the relationship between marketing and sustainability. In practice, the study findings highlight the necessity to use combined policy frameworks that empower SMEs to enhance their marketing strengths and social investments to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8, 9, and 12. The research finds that enabling policies of entrepreneurial ecosystems are needed to convert the marketing efforts by SMEs into a sustainable social value. Full article
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10 pages, 946 KB  
Article
Exploring Factors That Support and Impede Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment in Saudi Arabia
by Sura Alayed, Laurice Alexandre and Sultan Alateeg
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16040166 - 27 Mar 2026
Viewed by 557
Abstract
This study’s purpose is to explore the factors that support and impede women’s economic empowerment in rural settings of Saudi Arabia. A qualitative study was conducted in particular rural settings of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 rural women. [...] Read more.
This study’s purpose is to explore the factors that support and impede women’s economic empowerment in rural settings of Saudi Arabia. A qualitative study was conducted in particular rural settings of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 rural women. A thematic analysis was performed to analyze and present the findings. The findings reveal the challenges that women face that limit their engagement in economic activities, such as low levels of education, limited access to finance, and societal and cultural barriers. Moreover, there are opportunities for women’s empowerment via technical training, policy reforms and infrastructural development. Hence, women’s engagement in economic activities is vital for their personal development as well as overall economic growth. It is necessary to uplift the economy with women’s engagement in economic activities by emphasizing community-based programs, redesigning gender-sensitive policy and providing initial finance to start activities. Thus, policymakers should focus on creating environments that provide access to technical education, financial inclusion, and startup initiatives. Moreover, tailored programs based on women’s needs in rural settings could be highly supportive in empowering them economically. Full article
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