Administrative Sciences

21 pages, 387 KB

Open AccessArticle

Inclusive Education in Context: A Comparative Analysis of Support Systems for Disabled Students in Pakistani and Kenyan Universities

by Muhammad Qasim Rana, Angela Lee and Lekan Damilola Ojo

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020081 - 6 Feb 2026

Abstract

The pursuit of disabled students’ inclusion in higher education remains a significant global concern, particularly in developing nations where systemic and institutional barriers persist. Despite progressive legislative and policy frameworks promoting inclusive education, Kenyan and Pakistani universities continue to encounter structural, financial, and [...] Read more.

The pursuit of disabled students’ inclusion in higher education remains a significant global concern, particularly in developing nations where systemic and institutional barriers persist. Despite progressive legislative and policy frameworks promoting inclusive education, Kenyan and Pakistani universities continue to encounter structural, financial, and attitudinal challenges that hinder equal participation in learning and research for disabled students. This study aims to identify, analyze, and prioritize the complementary support strategies necessary for disabled students’ inclusion in learning and research opportunities in both Kenyan and Pakistani higher education institutions. Employing a quantitative research design, data were gathered through structured questionnaires distributed among disabled students in institutions of higher learning. The data were analyzed using the fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE) approach, which integrates fuzzy logic with descriptive statistics to objectively determine the weight, level of agreement, and internal consistency of the identified support strategies. Among the six support strategies, Physical Facility Support emerged as the most crucial in Pakistan, followed by Attitudinal and Community Support. On the other hand, the Kenyan group indicated Policies and Advocacy as the most essential support strategy for disabled students’ inclusion in higher education. The findings underscore that the two countries differ in how they prioritize support strategies for the inclusion of students with disabilities. This study contributes theoretically by advancing the application of the FSE model within inclusion research, offering a rigorous, data-driven framework for understanding multidimensional support strategies for disabled students. Full article

30 pages, 2053 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Technological Innovation and Sustainability in Public Administration: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda

by Benedetta Pini, Alberto Petroni and Barbara Bigliardi

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020080 - 5 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study examines how technological innovation and sustainability jointly reshape contemporary public administration by integrating digital transformation with public value creation. Using a mixed-method approach, we compile a Scopus-based bibliographic dataset and conduct descriptive and network analyses on 199 articles to map publication [...] Read more.

This study examines how technological innovation and sustainability jointly reshape contemporary public administration by integrating digital transformation with public value creation. Using a mixed-method approach, we compile a Scopus-based bibliographic dataset and conduct descriptive and network analyses on 199 articles to map publication trends, methodological patterns, and core keyword clusters. We then perform an in-depth qualitative content analysis of 83 papers, coding public sector domains, actors, technological innovations, and sustainability dimensions. Findings highlight a shift from early e-government, centered on administrative efficiency, toward a paradigm of “sustainable digital governance”, where AI, IoT, blockchain and data analytics drive the twin digital–green transition. Five conceptual clusters and several application domains show that public value increasingly emerges within collaborative ecosystems involving administrations, firms, universities, citizens and digital platforms. The study offers an integrated overview of this evolving field and clarifies technology’s role as an enabling factor in sustainable governance. Building on the review results, we propose the Sustainable Public Innovation Ecosystem (SPIE) framework, which links systemic enablers (technological and sustainability innovation) governance efficiency and sustainable public value through ecosystem dynamics and governance mechanisms. It also outlines a future research agenda on hybrid actors ethical and regulatory issues, and approaches to measuring sustainable public value, providing guidance for scholars and policymakers designing digitally enabled and sustainability-oriented public reforms. Full article

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20 pages, 484 KB

Open AccessArticle

Breaking Under Pressure: How Toxic Work Environments Trigger Musculoskeletal Discomfort Through Stress and Dissatisfaction

by Souad Hassanie, Orhan Uludag and Ayowale Olufemi Olatunde

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020079 - 5 Feb 2026

Abstract

Although toxic work environments are acknowledged as harmful, hospitality research rarely explains how toxic work environments translate into musculoskeletal discomfort through psychosocial mechanisms. Therefore, our study addresses that gap by integrating the stimulus–organism–response framework and the conservation of resources theory to examine the [...] Read more.

Although toxic work environments are acknowledged as harmful, hospitality research rarely explains how toxic work environments translate into musculoskeletal discomfort through psychosocial mechanisms. Therefore, our study addresses that gap by integrating the stimulus–organism–response framework and the conservation of resources theory to examine the impact of a toxic work environment on employees’ perceptions of musculoskeletal discomfort mediated by perceived work stress and job dissatisfaction. Data were collected from hotel employees working in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study’s interrelationships were analyzed utilizing structural equation modeling. The results showed that a toxic work environment significantly increases work stress and job dissatisfaction, and that both mechanisms are associated with musculoskeletal discomfort. Moreover, the findings indicated that the indirect effect through job dissatisfaction is stronger than the indirect effect through work stress, suggesting that attitudinal erosion is a key channel linking toxic climate to physical discomfort. Our study is the first to combine the stimulus–organism–response framework and the conservation of resources theory to explain how sensory processes and resource allocation mechanisms would operate in the presence of a toxic environment, influencing employees’ psychological and health-related outcomes. Practically, managers should prioritize anti-toxicity policies, supervisor coaching, confidential reporting channels, and psychosocial support to reduce employee strain. 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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25 pages, 351 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Rhetoric to Implementation: Embedding the Rule of Law in EU Public Administration and Governance

by Dimitris Kirmikiroglou, Dimitra Tomprou and Paraskevi Boufounou

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020078 - 5 Feb 2026

Abstract

The rule of law, a foundational value of the European Union as enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, faces challenges in implementation due to historical and political factors that have evolved over the past decade, particularly within Member States [...] Read more.

The rule of law, a foundational value of the European Union as enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, faces challenges in implementation due to historical and political factors that have evolved over the past decade, particularly within Member States in the administrative domain. While institutional backsliding in countries like Hungary and Poland has drawn significant political attention, less emphasis has been placed on the role of public administrations in upholding or undermining the rule of law on a day-to-day basis. This paper argues that the sustainability of the rule of law in the EU requires more than legal compliance mechanisms. These alone do not address the underlying administrative and cultural factors necessary for effective implementation. Instead, it requires closer attention to how rule-of-law principles are embedded in the everyday functioning of public administrations. This argument is informed by the authors’ systematic examination of recent EU monitoring practices and administrative reform instruments. Adopting a mixed conceptual-empirical methodology, the paper draws on primary data from EU Rule of Law Reports (2020–2024), the EU Justice Scoreboard, the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), and the Technical Support Instrument (TSI), complemented by relevant OECD/SIGMA indicators. Several structural obstacles emerge from the analysis. These include symbolic compliance, whereby organisations adopt formal structures without corresponding behavioural change; weak institutional leadership that fails to drive reform momentum; and the absence of integrated performance metrics, which hampers meaningful accountability. Fragmented ownership of reform agendas, in turn, breeds inconsistency in implementation. These challenges point to the limitations of a technocratic or legalistic approach to rule-of-law governance. Strategic leadership and organisational flexibility emerge from the evidence as preconditions—not merely facilitators—of genuine internalisation, though the relationship is context-dependent. Digitalisation can reinforce these dynamics, yet its contribution depends on whether it is embedded within broader integrity-oriented reforms. The paper advocates for a shift from externalized compliance mechanisms to a model that emphasizes administrative ownership through specific strategies such as developing integrity-based leadership programs and embedding governance practices that prioritize transparency and accountability. It proposes concrete institutional reforms, including performance-linked conditionalities that tie funding to measurable outcomes, ethical leadership academies to train future leaders, integrity audits to ensure accountability, and administrative benchmarking to set clear standards, as tools to foster autonomous, value-driven public institutions capable of adapting to evolving governance challenges while maintaining core democratic values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Developments in Public Administration and Governance)

26 pages, 609 KB

Open AccessReview

Generative Behavioral Explanation in Micro-Foundational HRM: A Functional Architecture for the Safety–CLB Recursive Mechanism

by Manabu Fujimoto

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020077 - 4 Feb 2026

Abstract

Micro-foundational HRM has advanced our understanding of how employees perceive and respond to HR practices, yet explanations of how HR systems can generate and sustain coordinated action in day-to-day work remain underspecified. This article presents a theory-building integrative review that specifies a constrained, [...] Read more.

Micro-foundational HRM has advanced our understanding of how employees perceive and respond to HR practices, yet explanations of how HR systems can generate and sustain coordinated action in day-to-day work remain underspecified. This article presents a theory-building integrative review that specifies a constrained, generative mechanism grounded in observable interaction episodes. We propose a functional architecture that assigns constructs to distinct explanatory roles: enabling states (Role A), interaction episodes as the behavioral engine (Role B), and emergent coordination products (Role C). Psychological safety is positioned as an enabling condition that shifts the likelihood and quality of enactment, whereas collective leadership behavior (CLB) is defined as response-inclusive influence episodes (an influence attempt plus an observable response such as uptake, contestation, neglect, or sanction). We formalize a recursive safety–CLB cycle in which response patterns update subsequent safety and influence dispersion over time, which can yield divergent coordination trajectories even when HR conditions are broadly similar. The framework generates discriminant predictions about response profiles, dispersion versus centralization of influence, and temporal signatures, and it clarifies minimal design requirements for testing recursion with episode-level and intensive longitudinal evidence. We discuss implications for micro-foundational HRM, measurement alignment, and testable design-relevant implications for HR system design as an interaction-relevant cue environment. Full article

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

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34 pages, 2536 KB

Open AccessReview

Corporate Communication of Sustainability in the Fashion Industry: A Systematic Literature Review

by Sonia Llácer-Falcón, María J. Vilaplana-Aparicio and Cristina González-Díaz

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020076 - 4 Feb 2026

Abstract

Corporate communication of sustainability within the fashion industry operates in a sector with high reputational exposure and increasing demands for environmental and social accountability. Despite the growing volume of research, the field remains conceptually and methodologically dispersed, with a predominant focus on discourse [...] Read more.

Corporate communication of sustainability within the fashion industry operates in a sector with high reputational exposure and increasing demands for environmental and social accountability. Despite the growing volume of research, the field remains conceptually and methodologically dispersed, with a predominant focus on discourse and limited emphasis on verification and structural integration. This study presents a systematic review of 80 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025 in Scopus and Web of Science, examining how sustainability communication in the fashion industry has been conceptualised, investigated, and operationalised across the literature. Following the PRISMA protocol and employing a mixed-method approach combining bibliometric and content analyses, four thematic lines were identified: (1) corporate communication and reputation; (2) digital communication and social media; (3) CSR and sustainability; (4) transparency and greenwashing. Keyword co-occurrence and conceptual clusters were mapped using VOSviewer. Results reveal a predominance of content analysis, case studies, and corporate narratives, with fewer quantitative and mixed-method designs. Research largely focuses on discourse interpretation and credibility-building rather than on empirically verifying sustainability commitments. Thematic developments indicate a shift from general CSR frameworks toward transparency, digital traceability, and social media communication. Key gaps persist in message authenticity, greenwashing evaluation, and communicating public sustainability funds, including Next Generation EU programs. Overall, the review portrays an expanding yet fragmented field in which sustainability communication operates primarily as a reputational mechanism. Methodologically, the study combines a PRISMA-guided systematic literature review with bibliometric mapping techniques to support thematic synthesis and field contextualisation. 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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23 pages, 1343 KB

Open AccessArticle

Using Sandboxes for Testing Decisions in the Public Sector

by Bogdan Pahonțu, Florentina Pană-Micu, Georgiana Mădălina Mihăila, Luminița Movanu and Catalin Vrabie

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020075 - 4 Feb 2026

Abstract

Technological advances are increasingly influencing how the public sector makes decisions according to citizens’ needs and the community’s problems. The need for a solution that facilitates the fast adaptation of administration to social context and people’s feedback becomes mandatory in order to ensure [...] Read more.

Technological advances are increasingly influencing how the public sector makes decisions according to citizens’ needs and the community’s problems. The need for a solution that facilitates the fast adaptation of administration to social context and people’s feedback becomes mandatory in order to ensure better services and implement projects that are in concordance with needs. In this paper, we propose a sandbox solution that helps public administration better understand community problems in real time, allocate public money more effectively to projects that really matter, and assess the administration’s performance. We started by collecting, filtering and analyzing social platforms posts and comments for 95 municipalities, and we extracted both the impressions/sentiment, but also the real problems that the communities are facing. Also, we categorized all cities depending on population, geographical area, and historical area to better identify common problems and create clusters of topics based on this split. We identified the most common issues communities face and integrated all the information into a sandbox that can be easily used by local administration for reactive decision-making and by central administration to provide a better overview of how public money is spent and whether the decisions align with needs. The results show that there is a real need for a sandbox to bring more clarity to the central and local administration layers and also better connect administrations with the people. Full article

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14 pages, 375 KB

Open AccessArticle

Driving Innovation: Entrepreneurial Leadership in the Jordanian IT Sector, the Role of Artificial Intelligence

by Saleh Fahed Al-khatib and Fatima Mahmoud Bani Sakher

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020074 - 3 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the interplay between entrepreneurial leadership and innovation performance in Jordanian IT firms, with a specific focus on the strategic role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Grounded in a quantitative methodology, data were collected via a structured questionnaire from 162 professionals within [...] Read more.

This study investigates the interplay between entrepreneurial leadership and innovation performance in Jordanian IT firms, with a specific focus on the strategic role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Grounded in a quantitative methodology, data were collected via a structured questionnaire from 162 professionals within the Jordanian IT sector. The research model positions AI not merely as a tool but as a potential catalytic factor, examining its direct and moderating effects on the leadership–innovation dynamic. Entrepreneurial leadership was assessed through the dimensions of innovative thinking, pro-activeness, and risk-taking, while innovation performance was measured across product, process, and organizational domains. The findings demonstrate that entrepreneurial leadership exerts a significant positive influence on innovation performance. Beyond the primary leadership effect, our data also reveal a significant, direct benefit from AI adoption on innovation outcomes. However, contrary to the proposed hypothesis, the analysis indicates that AI does not function as a statistically significant moderator in the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and innovation. This suggests that, within this context, AI operates as a parallel driver of innovation rather than an enhancer of the leadership’s effectiveness. The study provides a critical contribution to the literature by challenging the assumed interactive role of AI in leadership models within emerging economies. It offers actionable insights for leaders in technology firms, emphasizing the imperative of developing strong entrepreneurial leadership capabilities and pursuing strategic AI adoption as complementary, yet independent, pathways to achieving superior innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Leadership)

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16 pages, 307 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reputational Threats and Controversial Issues: Comparing Reputation Management Approaches in Three State-Owned Enterprises

by Jonas Lund-Tønnesen and Simon Neby

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020073 - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study examines how state-owned enterprises (SOEs) manage reputational threats related to morally controversial issues. Analyzing three Norwegian SOEs—Norsk Tipping, Equinor, and Kongsberg Gruppen—over 2002–2023, we identify three distinct reputation management approaches: mitigation, translation, and symbolism. The findings show that the SOEs adopt [...] Read more.

This study examines how state-owned enterprises (SOEs) manage reputational threats related to morally controversial issues. Analyzing three Norwegian SOEs—Norsk Tipping, Equinor, and Kongsberg Gruppen—over 2002–2023, we identify three distinct reputation management approaches: mitigation, translation, and symbolism. The findings show that the SOEs adopt reputation management approaches aligned with norms of appropriateness. Specifically, they show that Norsk Tipping emphasizes mitigation to address concerns about gambling harms, while Equinor and Kongsberg Gruppen use symbolic and translational approaches to manage broader, evolving controversies related to fossil energy production and defense industry activities. Contrary to expectations, the approaches do not become more complex over time but remain stable and refined. We explain these patterns through the Logic of Appropriateness and discuss implications for reputation management theory and government ownership policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Strategic Management)

34 pages, 1077 KB

Open AccessArticle

Leadership Under Pressure: Professional Burnout and Gender Differences Among Secondary School Principals

by Nikos Spyropoulos, Hera Antonopoulou, Apostolos Rafailidis and Constantinos Halkiopoulos

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020072 - 2 Feb 2026

Abstract

(1) Background: Professional burnout threatens secondary school principals’ well-being and educational quality worldwide. This study investigated burnout prevalence and gender differences among Greek secondary school principals, addressing gaps in understanding gendered manifestations of burnout in educational leadership. (2) Methods: A census survey was [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Professional burnout threatens secondary school principals’ well-being and educational quality worldwide. This study investigated burnout prevalence and gender differences among Greek secondary school principals, addressing gaps in understanding gendered manifestations of burnout in educational leadership. (2) Methods: A census survey was conducted with 54 secondary school principals (68.5% male, 31.5% female) from Fokida Prefecture, Greece. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educators Survey assessed three burnout dimensions. Mann–Whitney U tests examined gender differences, with effect sizes calculated for practical significance. (3) Results: Emotional exhaustion was prevalent among principals regardless of gender. Significant gender differences emerged in depersonalization, with male principals showing higher emotional distancing (small-to-medium effects). Female principals demonstrated significantly higher personal achievement, maintaining professional efficacy despite equivalent exhaustion. (4) Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that while workplace stressors create universal emotional exhaustion, gender shapes burnout manifestation through different coping pathways. Male principals appear more prone to emotional distancing, while female principals sustain achievement through maintained engagement. Pending replication in larger samples, findings support the need for gender-sensitive interventions alongside systemic organizational reforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Leadership)

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28 pages, 941 KB

Open AccessArticle

Validating a Theoretical Model to Measure Performance Management in South African Private Secondary Schools

by Debapriyo Nag, Christo Alfonzo Bisschoff and Christoffel Jacobus Botha

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020071 - 30 Jan 2026

Abstract

Performance management systems (PMSs) in private secondary education are vital, and although several tried and tested public sector performance measurement models exist, limited private secondary school performance measurement models exist in South Africa. This study aims to empirically validate a South African tailor-made [...] Read more.

Performance management systems (PMSs) in private secondary education are vital, and although several tried and tested public sector performance measurement models exist, limited private secondary school performance measurement models exist in South Africa. This study aims to empirically validate a South African tailor-made theoretical performance measurement model (developed from a systematic literature review of 220 articles) and determine the relationships between its key antecedents (Academic Excellence, Internal Processes, Learning and Growth, and Resources) and their respective sub-antecedents. Data were collected by distributing a hard-copy questionnaire to appointed coworkers at 12 schools in the eThekwini Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal, in Durban, South Africa. The schoolmaster’s permission and blessing were obtained, and a coworker was appointed to assist with the distribution and collection of the structured 5-point Likert-scale questionnaires. A high response rate of 89% (N = 274; n = 244) was realised. The data were tested for normality and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha coefficients consistently exceeded 0.70), and investigated for evidence of model validity using an exploratory factor analysis. The data were normally distributed and not skewed, and the antecedents could be validated. The model showed evidence of validity, and the respective relationships between the antecedents were determined. Learning and Growth (16.46%) was the most critical antecedent, followed by Student perspective (15.51%), and Resource perspective (12.20%). The Internal perspective for academic excellence was, surprisingly, the least important (7.94%). The results show that all four antecedents are valid and should be used in the performance measurement of private secondary schools. 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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26 pages, 763 KB

Open AccessArticle

Can the Application of Artificial Intelligence Technology Enhance the ESG Performance of Tourism Enterprises?

by Chong Wang, Yi Huang, Tian Wang and Dong Lu

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020070 - 30 Jan 2026

Abstract

As global sustainable development increasingly intersects with rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), understanding how emerging technologies reshape corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) behavior has become essential. This study investigates the role of artificial intelligence adoption in shaping firms’ ESG performance and [...] Read more.

As global sustainable development increasingly intersects with rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), understanding how emerging technologies reshape corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) behavior has become essential. This study investigates the role of artificial intelligence adoption in shaping firms’ ESG performance and analyzes the channels through which such effects are realized. Panel data on Chinese A-share listed tourism enterprises for the period 2013–2023 were used in the analysis. Grounded in corporate social responsibility theory and stakeholder theory, the empirical analysis indicates that the adoption of artificial intelligence is positively associated with improved ESG performance among tourism enterprises. Further analysis suggests that AI adoption positively affects ESG performance mainly through two channels: customer base diversification and improvements in corporate reputation. Moderating effect tests reveal that climate risk strengthens the promoting effect of AI on ESG performance, while media attention weakens this effect. The heterogeneity results indicate that the positive impact of AI adoption on ESG performance is stronger among firms facing less government environmental scrutiny and those operating outside the culture, sports, and entertainment sectors. These findings deepen the understanding of how emerging technologies support sustainable corporate development in the tourism industry and provide evidence that may assist policymakers in promoting the coordinated advancement of AI applications and green governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI-Driven Business Sustainability and Competitive Strategy)

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18 pages, 298 KB

Open AccessArticle

Navigating Multiple Crises: An Analysis of Digital Transformation in Lebanese Public Administration

by Bissane Harb

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020069 - 29 Jan 2026

Abstract

Despite global advances, the digital transformation of public services in developing countries often fails to meet its objectives. This study argues that a primary reason for this is an overemphasis on technological solutions and a neglect of the broader institutional context. Through a [...] Read more.

Despite global advances, the digital transformation of public services in developing countries often fails to meet its objectives. This study argues that a primary reason for this is an overemphasis on technological solutions and a neglect of the broader institutional context. Through a qualitative case study of Lebanon and applying the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework, this research identifies the critical drivers and barriers to digital government transformation. The analysis demonstrates that organizational factors (e.g., leadership, inertia) and environmental factors (e.g., political will, economic crisis) are more decisive than technological capacity alone. The findings underscore that digital transformation is a fundamentally socio-technical process, where success depends on managing the complex interplay between political interests, organizational culture, and public demand. This study offers theoretical contributions by validating an integrated view of digital transformation and provides practical implications for reformers in developing nations, highlighting the need for strategies that build dynamic capabilities and navigate contentious political landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Future Trends in Digital Government)

23 pages, 1297 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Missing Link in Albania’s Innovation System: Evidence on Academia–Business Cooperation and Sustainable Innovation

by Perseta Grabova, Arjan Tushaj, Ditjona Kule, Brikena Leka and Saša Petković

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020068 - 29 Jan 2026

Abstract

Sustainable innovation is important in Albania, a small transition economy facing pressures from digitalization, the green transition, and increased competition. Yet the country’s innovation system is still developing, and academia–business linkages remain weak. This article investigates how academia–business (A2B) collaboration contributes to firms’ [...] Read more.

Sustainable innovation is important in Albania, a small transition economy facing pressures from digitalization, the green transition, and increased competition. Yet the country’s innovation system is still developing, and academia–business linkages remain weak. This article investigates how academia–business (A2B) collaboration contributes to firms’ sustainable innovation, addressing the lack of quantitative evidence from a country in the Western Balkans context. Building on innovation systems and resource-based perspectives, A2B cooperation is conceptualized as a multidimensional latent construct, capturing types of collaboration, key actors, and organizational drivers. Using survey data from 298 firms operating in Albania, collected in 2025, the study applies Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) to test whether the intensity and quality of A2B cooperation are linked to sustainable innovation outcomes. The findings indicate that collaboration is still limited and inconsistent, dominated by student internships and sporadic joint projects. However, the CB-SEM results confirm that more intensive and better-structured cooperation is strongly associated with higher levels of sustainable innovation. The study offers one of the first CB-SEM-based quantitative assessments of A2B collaboration and sustainable innovation in Albania and provides policy implications for strengthening innovation-oriented partnerships in transition economies. Full article

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37 pages, 1347 KB

Open AccessArticle

Empowering Green Transformation: The Strategic Nexus of Innovation, Regulation, and Sustainability in Chinese SMEs

by Hasnain Javed, Marcus V. Goncalves and Hoorulanne Ali

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020067 - 29 Jan 2026

Abstract

Growing pressure for sustainability has intensified the need for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt environmental innovation while maintaining competitive performance. This study examines how green innovation strategy, environmental regulations, and green absorptive capacity jointly shape the sustainable performance of Chinese manufacturing [...] Read more.

Growing pressure for sustainability has intensified the need for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt environmental innovation while maintaining competitive performance. This study examines how green innovation strategy, environmental regulations, and green absorptive capacity jointly shape the sustainable performance of Chinese manufacturing SMEs. Drawing on Resource-Based View, Institutional Theory, and Dynamic Capability Theory, we develop and empirically test a model that positions green innovation as a mediating mechanism linking strategic intent and regulatory forces to environmental, social, and economic performance outcomes. Data were collected through a structured survey of 250 SME managers in Jiangsu Province and analyzed using PLS-SEM. Results show that green innovation strategy significantly enhances both green innovation and sustainability performance, and that green innovation partially mediates the effects of both strategy and regulatory pressure on performance. While environmental regulations positively influence green innovation, they do not directly improve sustainability outcomes unless translated into innovation. Furthermore, green absorptive capacity displays a boundary-conditioning role, unexpectedly weakening the strategy–innovation path when knowledge integration exceeds implementation capacity. The findings extend the sustainability-oriented innovation literature by clarifying the indirect nature of regulation–performance linkages and revealing conditions under which absorptive capability accelerates or impedes green transformation. The study offers practical guidance for policymakers seeking to design innovation-enabling regulatory frameworks and for SMEs aiming to balance capability development with strategic focus to advance sustainability transitions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Studies on the Development of International Business)

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25 pages, 662 KB

Open AccessArticle

Systematic Review on Academic Spin-Offs: Challenges, Impacts, and Success Factors

by Vilma dos Santos Ramos, Rafael Verão Françozo, Eliane da Silva Leandro and Valdecir Alves da Silva

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020066 - 28 Jan 2026

Abstract

Academic spin-offs (ASOs) are one of the main means of relationship between universities and the market. ASOs transform scientific research results into products, services, or processes that can be commercialized, promoting the transfer of technology between the academic and industrial sectors. This study [...] Read more.

Academic spin-offs (ASOs) are one of the main means of relationship between universities and the market. ASOs transform scientific research results into products, services, or processes that can be commercialized, promoting the transfer of technology between the academic and industrial sectors. This study aims to identify institutional, organizational, and policy-related aspects and drivers influencing the use of ASOs as technology transfer mechanisms. The article systematically reviews the literature on ASOs, aiming to explore concepts, types, creation processes, barriers, and success factors for these initiatives from 2010 to 2023. The search was conducted in the Scopus database, selected according to the following criteria: article format, publication in a scientific journal, and written in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. The analysis resulted in 82 articles published in 47 journals, which revealed different types of ASOs and creation models, as well as determining factors, such as institutional support and external context, that impacted their formation and success. The study suggests that ASOs can contribute significantly to technological innovation and economic development, but they face challenges such as cultural barriers, lack of funding, and university–market integration. 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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16 pages, 366 KB

Open AccessArticle

Innovation Efficiency and Its Influencing Factors in China’s New Energy Enterprises: An Empirical Analysis

by Bei Li and Dongwei Li

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020065 - 27 Jan 2026

Abstract

Against the backdrop of global energy transition and sustainable development, advancing the new energy industry has become a critical pathway for optimizing energy structures and achieving the dual carbon goals. However, while China’s new energy sector has experienced rapid growth, it has also [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of global energy transition and sustainable development, advancing the new energy industry has become a critical pathway for optimizing energy structures and achieving the dual carbon goals. However, while China’s new energy sector has experienced rapid growth, it has also exposed a series of challenges, including insufficient innovation momentum, irrational resource allocation, and low conversion rates of R&D outcomes. To delve into the root causes and propose improvement pathways, this study selected 76 listed new energy enterprises from 2021 to 2023 as samples. It comprehensively employed the DEA-BCC model, Malmquist productivity index, and Tobit regression model to conduct empirical analysis across three dimensions: static, dynamic, and influencing factors. The findings revealed: firstly, during the study period, overall static efficiency remained low, with only about 32.90% of enterprises operating efficiently. Efficiency decomposition indicated that low and unstable pure technical efficiency constrained overall efficiency gains. In contrast, while scale efficiency was relatively high, its growth was sluggish, and some enterprises exhibited significant scale irrelevance. Secondly, dynamic total factor productivity exhibited fluctuating growth primarily driven by technological progress. However, declining technical efficiency—particularly the deterioration of scale efficiency—indicated that while the new energy industry advanced technologically and expanded in scale, its management capabilities had not kept pace. This mismatch among the three factors trapped the industry in a “high investment, low efficiency” dilemma. Thirdly, regression analysis of influencing factors indicated that corporate governance and market competitiveness were pivotal to innovation efficiency: the proportion of independent directors and revenue growth rate exerted significant positive impacts, while equity concentration showed a significant negative effect. Firm size had a weaker influence, and government support did not demonstrate a significant positive impact. Accordingly, this paper proposes pathways to enhance innovation efficiency in new energy enterprises, including optimizing corporate governance structures, formulating differentiated subsidy policies, and improving the innovation ecosystem. The findings of this study not only provide empirical references for the innovative development of the new energy industry but also offer theoretical support for relevant policy formulation. Full article

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25 pages, 1622 KB

Open AccessArticle

Unfolding the Relationship Between Psychological Safety, Knowledge Sharing, and Innovation Commitment in Private Higher Education Institutions in Egypt

by Wael Elshanhaby, Najlaa Ahmed, Amr Noureldin, Moustafa Leila, Ibrahim Abdelmutalib, Mohamed Aboueldahab and Ahmed Attiea

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020064 - 27 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study examines how psychological safety (PS) relates to employees’ innovation commitment (IC) in private higher education institutions (HEIs) in Egypt by specifying a learning-based mechanism and two enabling boundary conditions. Drawing on organizational learning theory and commitment research, we surveyed 405 academic [...] Read more.

This study examines how psychological safety (PS) relates to employees’ innovation commitment (IC) in private higher education institutions (HEIs) in Egypt by specifying a learning-based mechanism and two enabling boundary conditions. Drawing on organizational learning theory and commitment research, we surveyed 405 academic and administrative staff (faculty members, teaching assistants, and administrators) across six private universities using validated multi-item measures and analyzed the proposed moderated-mediation model using PLS-SEM (SmartPLS 4), alongside procedural checks to mitigate common method bias. Results indicate that psychological safety is positively associated with knowledge sharing (KS) and innovation commitment, and that knowledge sharing partially mediates the relationship between psychological safety and innovation commitment. The findings further show that transformational leadership (TL) strengthens the positive association between psychological safety and knowledge sharing, while digital readiness (DR) strengthens the positive association between knowledge sharing and innovation commitment. The study contributes by clarifying when psychologically safe climates are most likely to be linked to innovation commitment through day-to-day exchange behaviors and by identifying leadership and digital capability conditions that amplify these relationships in private HEIs. Practically, the results underscore the value of institutionalizing psychologically safe dialog, developing transformational leadership behaviors, and investing in digital infrastructure and skills to make knowledge flows more actionable for innovation-related persistence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Psychology of Employee Motivation)

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19 pages, 611 KB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Where We Work: Daily Informal Communication, Knowledge Sharing, and Commitment in Hybrid Teams

by Dorothee Lütjens and Jörg Felfe

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16020063 - 27 Jan 2026

Abstract

Hybrid work not only redistributes where employees work; it also reshapes how they stay connected to their colleagues. Drawing on Communicate–Bond–Belong (CBB) theory, we examine how daily work location shapes employees’ team commitment in hybrid work environments through informal communication and knowledge sharing, [...] Read more.

Hybrid work not only redistributes where employees work; it also reshapes how they stay connected to their colleagues. Drawing on Communicate–Bond–Belong (CBB) theory, we examine how daily work location shapes employees’ team commitment in hybrid work environments through informal communication and knowledge sharing, and how these daily links depend on task interdependence. Using a daily diary study with 219 employees who work at least one day a week from home and one day a week in the office (1655 day-level observations), we applied multilevel structural equation modeling in Mplus 8.8 to capture within-person day-to-day fluctuations. Our findings show that on days when employees worked from home rather than in the office, they reported less informal communication and less knowledge sharing with colleagues, which in turn related to lower team commitment. These indirect effects suggest that it is not physical distance per se, but the loss of cue-rich, relationship-building and task-related exchanges that erodes commitment on remote days. We further show that task interdependence differentially qualifies these daily relationships: for informal communication, the positive association with commitment is stronger when task interdependence is low and weaker when interdependence is high. In contrast, the positive association between knowledge sharing and commitment becomes stronger at higher levels of task interdependence. Together, the results advance understanding of social dynamics in hybrid work environments and offer actionable guidance for leaders and organizations. Full article

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