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The Paradox of Trust: How Leadership, Commitment, and Inertia Shape Sustainability Behavior in the Workplace
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Entrepreneurial Education and Innovation Intentions Among University Students: A Structural Assessment of Opportunity Recognition, Psychological Capital, and Fear of Failure
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Board Size and Financial Performance as a Driver for Social Innovation: Evidence from Italian Local State-Owned Enterprises
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Pension Funds Disclosure: Does Managers’ Knowledge Matter?
Journal Description
Administrative Sciences
Administrative Sciences
is an international, peer-reviewed, scholarly, open access journal on organization studies published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), RePEc, EconBiz, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Management) / CiteScore - Q2 (General Business, Management and Accounting)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 27.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
3.1 (2024);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.1 (2024)
Latest Articles
A Business-Driven ESG Strategy: A Case Study of Hansol Paper in South Korea
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090362 (registering DOI) - 13 Sep 2025
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In this study, we aimed to analyze whether ESG strategies can be utilized as sustainable strategies with practical necessity and effectiveness in solving problems within a realistic business environment. To this end, through an in-depth case analysis of Hansol Paper, South Korea’s leading
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In this study, we aimed to analyze whether ESG strategies can be utilized as sustainable strategies with practical necessity and effectiveness in solving problems within a realistic business environment. To this end, through an in-depth case analysis of Hansol Paper, South Korea’s leading paper company and a global paper manufacturer, we explored the conditions and processes under which ESG strategies can be implemented as practical problem-solving and sustainable strategies within the business environment. Hansol Paper addressed specific business crises such as supply chain instability, rising energy costs and declining paper demand by integrating ESG strategies, through which the company achieved results in problem-solving and innovation within the business value chain, building trust with external stakeholders and achieving high ESG performance. The foundation for the integration of ESG and business strategies and their sustained implementation was established through enhanced professionalism and transparency within the company’s governance structure, including an increase in the number of external directors and female executives. This study presents the processes and conditions under which ESG strategies are designed and implemented with the purpose of actively addressing business challenges, using Hansol Paper as an in-depth case study. Our findings are expected to contribute to the academic and practical development of strategies that can enable companies to adapt to changes in industrial structures and business environments.
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Open AccessArticle
Research Performance on the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the EU27 (2019–2023)
by
Emese Belényesi and Péter Sasvári
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090361 - 12 Sep 2025
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The increasing urgency of global sustainability challenges has elevated the role of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as benchmarks for both academic research and policy development. Within the European Union, measuring how national research systems contribute to SDG-related knowledge is critical
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The increasing urgency of global sustainability challenges has elevated the role of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as benchmarks for both academic research and policy development. Within the European Union, measuring how national research systems contribute to SDG-related knowledge is critical for guiding evidence-based policymaking and evaluating progress toward the 2030 Agenda. Since the adoption of the UN 2030 Agenda, research related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has expanded significantly, reflecting their central role in guiding both global and European science policy. Despite this growing attention, systematic comparative evidence on how EU27 countries contribute to SDG-related knowledge production remains limited. This study provides a bibliometric analysis of research related to the SDGs across EU27 countries between 2019 and 2023. Drawing on data from Elsevier’s Scopus and SciVal platforms, we examine publication volume, relative share (RS), citation impact (FWCI), growth dynamics (CAGR), and thematic distributions. The dataset includes all document types associated with SDG1–SDG16. Germany, Italy, and France lead in absolute publication output, while smaller member states such as Cyprus, Malta, and Luxembourg display disproportionately high RS values. Health-related research (SDG3) dominates, followed by SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), whereas socially oriented goals (SDG2 and SDG5) remain underrepresented. Hierarchical cluster analysis, validated through silhouette and agglomeration tests, identifies three groups of countries: (1) high-output, high-impact Northern and Western leaders; (2) diversified performers with balanced portfolios; and (3) emerging contributors from Eastern and Southern Europe. Explanatory analyses link bibliometric outcomes to contextual variables, showing strong correlations with Horizon Europe funding per capita and international collaboration, and moderate associations with GDP per capita and GERD. Institutional-level findings highlight the prominence of leading universities and research institutes, particularly in health sciences. The study introduces a robust cluster-based typology and a multidimensional framework that connects bibliometric performance with economic capacity, research investment, EU funding participation, and collaboration intensity. Policy recommendations are proposed to strengthen thematic balance, improve equitable participation in EU research programs, and foster international cooperation across the European Research Area.
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Open AccessArticle
Technology and Export Two-Way Link: Firm-Level Multidimensional Technology Adoption and Utilization
by
Andi Susanto, Arif Imam Suroso, Hermanto Siregar and Harianto
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090360 - 12 Sep 2025
Abstract
This study explores the relationship between multidimensional technology adoption and utilization with exports, focusing on textile and clothing firms in Indonesia. Grounded by self-selection and learning-by-exporting hypotheses, this study uses binomial probit and ordinary least squares (OLS) models with data from 376 firms
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This study explores the relationship between multidimensional technology adoption and utilization with exports, focusing on textile and clothing firms in Indonesia. Grounded by self-selection and learning-by-exporting hypotheses, this study uses binomial probit and ordinary least squares (OLS) models with data from 376 firms to estimate a two-way link between a granular technology index, export propensity, and export intensity. The findings show that firms adopting and utilizing advanced technology effectively in administrative and production functions are more likely to self-select into exporting. Upon entering export markets, firms significantly increased their adoption and utilization of technologies, primarily in production functions. However, as export intensity increased, production technology upgrading increased slowly, while administrative technology adoption and use decreased. These results provide nuanced insights into how technology evolves across different stages of export activity and underscore targeted technology upgrading programs that address acquisition or routine utilization in every export activity to foster competitiveness.
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(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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Gossip Gone Toxic: The Dual Role of Self-Esteem and Emotional Contagion in Counterproductive Workplace Behavior
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Abdelrahman A. A. Abdelghani, Hebatallah A. M. Ahmed, Ahmad M. A. Zamil, Osman Elsawy, Sameh Fayyad and Ibrahim A. Elshaer
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090359 - 12 Sep 2025
Abstract
Grounded in the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, this study investigates how negative workplace gossip (NWG) influences counterproductive work behavior (CWB) in the hospitality industry. It further examines the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating influence of emotional contagion in shaping this
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Grounded in the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, this study investigates how negative workplace gossip (NWG) influences counterproductive work behavior (CWB) in the hospitality industry. It further examines the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating influence of emotional contagion in shaping this relationship. While prior research has predominantly treated NWG as a social stressor or reputational threat, this study extends the COR theory by explicitly modeling the resource depletion mechanism, specifically, the erosion of self-esteem as a key pathway linking NWG to CWB. By doing so, it posits that gossip erodes self-esteem, a fundamental psychological resource that eventually leads to behavioral retreat or revenge. Within the COR framework, the study also presents emotional contagion as a unique moderating variable, emphasizing how individual differences in emotional susceptibility may either accelerate or buffer the process of resource loss. Data was collected from 437 employees working in five-star hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh using a structured questionnaire. Analysis via PLS-SEM revealed that NWG significantly increases CWB, both directly and indirectly, by undermining employees’ self-esteem. Additionally, self-esteem was found to mediate the NWG–CWB link, while emotional contagion moderated the impact of NWG on self-esteem, suggesting that individuals with better emotional regulation can maintain self-worth in the face of workplace gossip. The study offers both theoretical and practical insights, highlighting the value of incorporating emotional contagion within the COR theory to understand and manage gossip-induced stress. It also underscores the importance of emotional intelligence and HR practices such as training and selection in minimizing the harmful effects of gossip at work.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emotional Health in the Workplace: Implications for Organizational Dynamics, Performance, and Employee Well-Being)
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Assessment of Romania’s Tourism Competitiveness: A Strategic Analysis Using the Importance-Performance (IPA) and Competitive Importance-Performance Analysis (CIPA) Frameworks
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Eugenia Andronic and Elena-Nicoleta Untaru
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090358 - 11 Sep 2025
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In today’s dynamic tourism industry, shaped by globalization and digitalization, understanding destination competitiveness is crucial for crafting sustainable development policies. This paper explores Romania’s competitive advantage as a tourist destination through both theoretical and practical perspectives. The present research aims to diagnose Romania’s
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In today’s dynamic tourism industry, shaped by globalization and digitalization, understanding destination competitiveness is crucial for crafting sustainable development policies. This paper explores Romania’s competitive advantage as a tourist destination through both theoretical and practical perspectives. The present research aims to diagnose Romania’s level of competitiveness by identifying tourist attributes perceived as relevant by visitors and evaluating their performance relative to other similar European destinations. A quantitative questionnaire-based survey was conducted to achieve this goal. The survey included 235 respondents, gathered through non-probability convenience and snowball sampling. Romania’s competitiveness was assessed using the Competitive Importance-Performance Analysis (CIPA) method, which allowed for the strategic mapping of the country’s position based on the relative performance of essential attributes. These attributes included cultural heritage, the diversity of natural landscapes, the digitalization of tourism services, and staff hospitality. The results highlighted that Romania possesses significant strengths in natural landscapes, gastronomy, accommodation quality, and outdoor activities. However, the study identified major negative gaps in critical areas such as service digitalization, tourist staff attitude, and the quality of cultural events. These findings underscore a latent competitive advantage based on authentic resources, which is currently underexploited from the perspective of modern management and infrastructure. The practical implications of this research provide a solid basis for optimizing tourism marketing policies, efficient resource allocation, and strengthening Romania’s positioning as an authentic, sustainable, and competitive destination within the European landscape.
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(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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Open AccessEditorial
Why and How Change? An Introduction to a Special Issue on Advancing Nonprofit Management: Innovations, Challenges and Best Practices
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Mary Tschirhart and Khaldoun AbouAssi
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090357 - 10 Sep 2025
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When we accepted the invitation to co-edit this Special Issue on innovations in the nonprofit sector in 2023, we did not know how much the world would change in less than two years [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Nonprofit Management: Innovations, Challenges and Best Practices)
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Developing a Compliance Index to Improve the Performance of Major State-Owned Enterprises: An Analysis of South Africa
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Oupa Madala Galane, Patricia Lindelwa Makoni and Chisinga Ngonidzashe Chikutuma
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090356 - 10 Sep 2025
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Performance evaluation frameworks are essential for monitoring and enhancing the performance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Nonetheless, the existing frameworks exhibit particular deficiencies in delivering a comprehensive assessment of SOE performance or facilitating significant improvement. This study developed a comprehensive compliance index (PCI) to
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Performance evaluation frameworks are essential for monitoring and enhancing the performance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Nonetheless, the existing frameworks exhibit particular deficiencies in delivering a comprehensive assessment of SOE performance or facilitating significant improvement. This study developed a comprehensive compliance index (PCI) to measure SOE performance. The PCI was developed through a systematic and integrative review of the current performance frameworks and refined using the Delphi technique via an online questionnaire. This study contributes to public sector performance evaluation research by offering a more integrated tool that captures the full scope of SOEs’ performance, including financial, non-financial and developmental dimensions, based on the South African context. It is recommended that policymakers, especially the National Treasury, promote the adoption and use of the PCI to assist SOEs in assessing, monitoring, and improving their performance.
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(This article belongs to the Section Strategic Management)
Open AccessArticle
Evaluating the Efficiency of the Private Healthcare Facilities in Italy: A Game Cross-Efficiency DEA Modeling Framework
by
Corrado lo Storto
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090355 - 10 Sep 2025
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This study evaluates the operational efficiency of accredited private healthcare facilities in Italy, a sector increasingly complementing the public National Health Service. Unlike previous studies that aggregate public and private providers, this research focuses exclusively on private facilities, providing a consistent and detailed
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This study evaluates the operational efficiency of accredited private healthcare facilities in Italy, a sector increasingly complementing the public National Health Service. Unlike previous studies that aggregate public and private providers, this research focuses exclusively on private facilities, providing a consistent and detailed evaluation of their performance. Utilizing game-theoretic cross-efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) combined with Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis, this study identifies endogenous and exogenous efficiency drivers. Results indicate that private facilities operate at high efficiency levels (mean cross-efficiency = 0.923), with smaller facilities outperforming larger ones, though resources remain underutilized. Inactive ward and bed non-occupancy rates emerge as key inefficiency factors. Regional analysis highlights minimal disparities between the north–center and south, but significant local variations persist, shaped by governance, funding allocation, and institutional frameworks. This study also identifies an “efficiency paradox”, as in deficit regions, private expenditure correlates with higher efficiency, whereas in surplus regions, greater spending does not necessarily improve performance. These findings provide actionable insights for healthcare managers and policymakers, emphasizing the need to maximize capacity utilization, optimize staffing, and structure public–private partnerships strategically. Methodologically, integrating game cross-efficiency DEA with CART strengthens accuracy, offering a robust tool for benchmarking and improving private healthcare performance.
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Investigating the Effects of Work Intensification, Illegitimate Tasks and Psychological Detachment from Work on Work–Family Conflict
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Cláudia Andrade and Paula Costa Neves
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090354 - 9 Sep 2025
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Technological advancements and organizational restructuring have been linked to increased work intensification through longer workdays, increased responsibility, and increased pressure to meet high standards. Work intensification can have several negative effects such as the increase in work–family conflict. Moreover, due to the demands
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Technological advancements and organizational restructuring have been linked to increased work intensification through longer workdays, increased responsibility, and increased pressure to meet high standards. Work intensification can have several negative effects such as the increase in work–family conflict. Moreover, due to the demands related to work intensification, workers can be asked to perform illegitimate tasks. Since illegitimate tasks at work may be viewed by the worker as a waste of time and resources, illegitimate tasks can have a detrimental effect on workers’ morale and can impact the psychological detachment from work. The aim of the present study was to analyze the role of work intensification on work–family conflict, testing whether this relation is mediated by illegitimate tasks and psychological detachment from work. Participants (N = 480) were workers who filled out an online questionnaire that was disseminated using social media. The findings suggested that work intensification affected work–family conflict, and this relationship functioned through the two sequential mediators: illegitimate tasks and psychological detachment from work. Although past research has claimed that work intensification impacts work–family conflict, results showed that illegitimate tasks and psychological detachment from work play a critical role in this process. Practical contributions, limitations of this study and future research directions are discussed.
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Open AccessArticle
Motivation Mix and Agency Reputation: A Person-Centered Study of Public-Sector Workforce Composition
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Yongjin Ahn
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090353 - 8 Sep 2025
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Identifying what motivates public servants and how those motives vary across agencies is essential for both theory and practice, yet most existing “types of bureaucrats” remain untested against real workforces. Drawing on reputation theory, which posits that external audiences’ beliefs shape who seeks
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Identifying what motivates public servants and how those motives vary across agencies is essential for both theory and practice, yet most existing “types of bureaucrats” remain untested against real workforces. Drawing on reputation theory, which posits that external audiences’ beliefs shape who seeks and retains employment in an organization, we theorize that agency reputation will systematically sort employees into distinct motivational profiles. We analyze survey data from 13,471 U.S. federal employees merged with an externally derived, 40-year measure of agency reputation based on congressional speeches. A multi-level latent class analysis uncovers four robust motivation types—All-rounders (35%), intrinsically focused Job-motivated (25%), Self-interested (24%), and Amotivated (16%)—and two clusters of agencies distinguished by their profile mix. Reputational standing predicts profile membership: employees in highly reputed agencies are significantly more likely to be Job-motivated and less likely to be Self-interested or Amotivated, consistent with self-selection and socialization mechanisms highlighted in the extant literature. These findings validate classic typologies while demonstrating the value of integrating organizational-level reputation into motivation research, and they imply that recruiting and retention strategies should be tailored to the reputational context of each agency.
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Short-Term Impact of ESG Performance on Default Risk Under the Green Transition of Energy Sector: Evidence in China
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Yun Gao, Chinonyerem Matilda Omenihu, Sanjukta Brahma and Chioma Nwafor
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090352 - 6 Sep 2025
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The prevailing view is that ESG performance contributes to corporate financial stability, particularly regarding long-term sustainability objectives. However, there is a notable lack of critical research exploring its short-term financial effects, especially within capital-intensive sectors experiencing green transformation. This study examines the theoretical
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The prevailing view is that ESG performance contributes to corporate financial stability, particularly regarding long-term sustainability objectives. However, there is a notable lack of critical research exploring its short-term financial effects, especially within capital-intensive sectors experiencing green transformation. This study examines the theoretical gap by investigating whether increased ESG performance may unintentionally heighten the financial burden and default risk in the short run. To verify the stability of each variable in the series, we employed the short-panel unit root test on panel data from 234 Chinese energy industry companies covering the years 2015 to 2023. Including enterprise fixed effects as well as time fixed effects, we find that higher ESG ratings increase the possibility of default risk in the Chinese energy sector. This effect remains robust after controlling firm size, financial leverage, return on assets, return on equity, earnings per share, beta and firm age. In addition, we conduct robustness checks using alternative default risk measures, both endogeneity- and component-based, and the outcomes demonstrate that the impact is substantial and consistent. Consequently, we may draw the conclusion that raising the ESG rating has an adverse effect on reducing corporate default risk, which fills the knowledge gap regarding the influence of listed companies’ default risk on China’s energy sector. Moreover, it has been found that green innovation plays a strengthening role in the analysis of the interaction term between green innovation and ESG on default risk. This suggests that while green innovation is a strategic initiative aimed at long-term sustainability, it requires a significant amount of capital and resources in the short term, which may result in higher default risk in the beginning.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Corporate Governance: Strategy, Practice and Prospect)
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Exploring the Multifaceted Nature of Work Happiness: A Mixed-Method Study
by
Rune Bjerke
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090351 - 5 Sep 2025
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Work happiness is commonly described as an umbrella concept encompassing job satisfaction, engagement, and emotional attachment to the workplace. However, few studies have explored its underlying sources and emotional experiences, raising questions about its conceptual clarity and measurement. This exploratory inductive mixed-methods study
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Work happiness is commonly described as an umbrella concept encompassing job satisfaction, engagement, and emotional attachment to the workplace. However, few studies have explored its underlying sources and emotional experiences, raising questions about its conceptual clarity and measurement. This exploratory inductive mixed-methods study investigates whether work happiness can be better understood by distinguishing between its sources (antecedents) and emotional expressions (outcomes). In the qualitative phase, 23 part-time adult students from Norway’s public and private sectors reflected on moments of work happiness and the emotions involved. Thematic analysis identified five source-related themes, which informed the development of 49 items. These items were tested in a quantitative survey distributed to 4000 employees, yielding 615 usable responses. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed six conceptually coherent source dimensions—such as autonomy, recognition, and togetherness—and one emotional dimension. Regression analysis demonstrated statistically significant associations between source factors and emotional experiences, offering initial support for a dual-structure model of work happiness. Notably, the findings revealed a dialectical interplay between individual (“I”) and collective (“We”) sources, suggesting that work happiness emerges from both personal agency and social belonging. While promising, these findings are preliminary and require further validation. The study contributes to theory by proposing a grounded, multidimensional framework for work happiness and invites future research to examine its psychometric robustness and cross-contextual applicability.
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Open AccessArticle
Driving Strategic Entrepreneurship Through Organizational Commitment: Evidence from the IT Industry with Leadership Support as a Moderator
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Tayseer Afaishat, Amro Alzghoul, Mahmoud Alghizzawi and Sakher Faisal AlFraihat
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090350 - 5 Sep 2025
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This study examines the impact of job commitment on the adoption of strategic entrepreneurship within organizations, with leadership support considered as a moderating variable. Focusing on information technology companies in Jordan, we integrate perspectives from organizational behavior and strategic management to explore how
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This study examines the impact of job commitment on the adoption of strategic entrepreneurship within organizations, with leadership support considered as a moderating variable. Focusing on information technology companies in Jordan, we integrate perspectives from organizational behavior and strategic management to explore how employees’ commitment (affective, normative, continuance) influences their engagement in entrepreneurial initiatives, and whether supportive leadership environments amplify this effect. This study draws on social exchange theory and organizational support theory to propose that committed employees will reciprocate the organization’s support by innovating and taking initiative, especially when they feel backed by leadership. A quantitative survey was conducted, gathering 384 valid responses from employees across Jordan’s IT sector. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings reveal that all three forms of commitment positively affect the propensity to engage in strategic entrepreneurship, with affective commitment showing the strongest link. Notably, leadership support significantly moderates these relationships: in high-support contexts, committed employees exhibit substantially greater entrepreneurial behavior. These results indicate that committed employees are more likely to pursue innovative ideas and strategic opportunities, especially when leaders encourage and back their efforts. Theoretical implications include an enhanced understanding of commitment’s role in corporate entrepreneurship and the contingent value of leadership, while practical implications suggest actionable steps for IT firms and others in emerging economies to stimulate innovation. This research contributes to the literature by highlighting human and leadership factors as key drivers of strategic entrepreneurship in organizational settings, and by providing empirical evidence from the Middle East context.
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Investigating the Association Between Transformational Leadership and Job Satisfaction: The Role of Gratitude Towards the Organization in the Peruvian Context
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Edgardo Muguerza-Florián, Elizabeth Emperatriz García-Salirrosas, Miluska Villar-Guevara and Israel Fernández-Mallma
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090349 - 5 Sep 2025
Abstract
Leadership literature suggests that a transformational leadership style can reduce negative employee outcomes, even in challenging work environments such as the education sector, where teachers play a key role in social development. This study aimed to analyze the association between transformational leadership and
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Leadership literature suggests that a transformational leadership style can reduce negative employee outcomes, even in challenging work environments such as the education sector, where teachers play a key role in social development. This study aimed to analyze the association between transformational leadership and job satisfaction: the role of gratitude toward the organization in the Peruvian context. A cross-sectional study with an explanatory design was conducted considering 457 men and women who declared themselves teachers, aged between 18 and 73 years (M = 38.63; SD = 10.61), recruited through non-probability convenience sampling. The theoretical model was evaluated using the Partial Least Squares method (PLS-SEM). An adequately fitting measurement model was obtained (α = between 0.893 and 0.969; CR = between 0.897 and 0.971; AVE = between 0.757 and 0.845), demonstrating that transformational leadership is positively associated with the components of gratitude toward the organization and job satisfaction, as well as the association of the components of gratitude toward the organization and job satisfaction. In turn, it was evident how gratitude toward the organization plays a mediating role in these relationships. In this sense, the study provides valuable information for Peruvian educational leaders seeking to improve indicators of satisfaction, gratitude, and leadership in their work environment. These findings enrich educational management, given that it is the first empirical study to demonstrate these links in a challenging sector of an emerging country, offering a solid foundation for the development of more humanized, effective, and sustainable management strategies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Leadership in Fostering Positive Employee Relationships)
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Open AccessArticle
Determinants of Student Loyalty and Word of Mouth in Dual VET Secondary Schools in Bulgaria
by
Teofana Dimitrova, Iliana Ilieva and Valeria Toncheva
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090348 - 4 Sep 2025
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In response to the growing importance of vocational education for youth employability, this study examines students’ perceptions of dual vocational education and training (dVET) in Bulgaria, focusing on the following determinants of student loyalty (SL) and word-of-mouth communication (WOM) in the secondary education
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In response to the growing importance of vocational education for youth employability, this study examines students’ perceptions of dual vocational education and training (dVET) in Bulgaria, focusing on the following determinants of student loyalty (SL) and word-of-mouth communication (WOM) in the secondary education context: brand associations, brand relevance, brand image, image of dVET, service quality, and student satisfaction, based on previously validated scales adapted to the Bulgarian context. A structured questionnaire was administered to a target population of 608 students across nine vocational secondary schools in the Plovdiv region. A total of 507 usable surveys were collected from students in 11th and 12th grades who were actively participating in work-based learning. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with the SmartPLS 4 software. The findings indicate that brand image is the strongest direct predictor of the image of dVET. Furthermore, student satisfaction stands out as the most influential antecedent of WOM. The indirect pathways from service quality to both SL and WOM, mediated by student satisfaction, underscore the pivotal role of satisfaction as a transmission mechanism. The study contributes to the limited empirical research on branding in dVET and offers insights for policymakers, school administrators, and employers seeking to improve the attractiveness of these pathways.
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(This article belongs to the Section Strategic Management)
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Social Well-Being Strategies for Academics Working in a Hybrid Work Environment
by
Rudo Rachel Marozva and Anna-Marie Pelser
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090347 - 4 Sep 2025
Abstract
The hybrid work environment significantly undermines the social well-being of employees in the workplace. Existing research predominantly addresses academics’ well-being challenges without offering practical strategies to counter these issues. This study identifies strategies that higher education institutions must adopt to enhance the social
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The hybrid work environment significantly undermines the social well-being of employees in the workplace. Existing research predominantly addresses academics’ well-being challenges without offering practical strategies to counter these issues. This study identifies strategies that higher education institutions must adopt to enhance the social well-being of their academics in hybrid work settings. It employs Demerouti’s Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model and Baumeister and Leary’s theory of the need to belong as its theoretical framework. Using a cross-sectional qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were guided by an interview schedule to gather data. The sample comprised 23 academics from three campuses of North-West University, and thematic analysis was utilized to analyse the data. The study revealed that growth strategies, such as training, development, and mentoring, are crucial for fostering a sense of belonging, strengthening work relationships, and helping academics connect in a hybrid work environment. Support strategies like providing peer support, management support, physical resources, effective communication, and improvements in job quality enhance academics’ social well-being in this setting. Relationship strategies, which entail organizing social events and promoting a positive organizational culture, are key to encouraging social well-being in the hybrid work environment. Additionally, reward strategies, such as recognition and direct compensation, are essential for reinforcing a sense of belonging, improving work relationships, and enhancing social connections in a hybrid work environment. Intentional, coach-oriented, sensible, and inclusive leadership is vital. The findings offer valuable insights for higher education institutions to adopt a more comprehensive approach to managing the well-being of academic employees. This highlights the need to focus not only on mental and psychological health but also on social well-being.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behavior)
Open AccessArticle
Impact Assessment in the Wine Industry: Potential and Limitations of the Social Return on Investment (SROI)
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Paolo Landoni and Angelo Moratti
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090346 - 3 Sep 2025
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As sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility gained increasing importance in agriculture, several impact assessment methodologies have been proposed. Social Return on Investment (SROI), a methodology used for understanding, measuring, and reporting the social, economic, and environmental value created by an organization, emerged as
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As sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility gained increasing importance in agriculture, several impact assessment methodologies have been proposed. Social Return on Investment (SROI), a methodology used for understanding, measuring, and reporting the social, economic, and environmental value created by an organization, emerged as a promising approach to quantify and monetize social and environmental impacts. However, research on SROI application within the wine industry remains limited, despite the sector’s global relevance and unique economic, social, and cultural dimensions. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the potential and limitations of SROI in assessing the social impact of a wine cellar’s products, services, and activities on its stakeholders. Indeed, we find confirmation that, as in other sectors, this methodology can support sustainability reporting and strategic decision-making. Applying the SROI methodology, stakeholder outcomes were analyzed, and the results indicate that for every EUR 1 invested, approximately EUR 1.44 of social value is generated, demonstrating SROI’s effectiveness in capturing social contributions beyond financial metrics. This study highlights SROI’s advantages, while also acknowledging challenges. Findings suggest that, despite some limitations, SROI can enhance wineries’ sustainability strategies and offers a robust framework to guide wineries—and potentially other agricultural sectors—toward socially responsible and sustainable practices. Future research should focus on developing industry-specific proxies and integrating SROI with other sustainability assessment tools, particularly in support of ESG reporting. This study contributes to academic discourse on impact evaluation methodologies and provides practical implications that aim to balance economic performance with social responsibility.
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Open AccessArticle
Data-Driven Performance Evaluation and Behavior Alignment in Port Operations: A Multivariate Analysis of Strategic Indicators
by
Gabriel de Vico, Charles Jefferson Rodrigues Alves, Miguel Afonso Sellitto and Débora Oliveira da Silva
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090345 - 2 Sep 2025
Abstract
This study investigates how a KPI-based incentive system can enhance behavior alignment and operational performance in complex port environments, addressing the growing need for data-driven governance in public logistics operations. The research analyzes a two-year dataset from 145 navigation teams across 22 Brazilian
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This study investigates how a KPI-based incentive system can enhance behavior alignment and operational performance in complex port environments, addressing the growing need for data-driven governance in public logistics operations. The research analyzes a two-year dataset from 145 navigation teams across 22 Brazilian ports, employing a multivariate approach that integrates cluster analysis, Wilcoxon signed-rank testing, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Results reveal distinct performance tiers, with high-performing ports showing consistent improvement in safety, compliance, and technical availability, while low-performing areas exhibit stagnation or decline. The stability of the three-factor structure—Operational Safety, Technical Availability, and Procedural Compliance—over time confirms the model’s robustness and suggests increasing internalization of performance expectations by teams. These findings demonstrate that incentive systems, when combined with transparent feedback and recognition, can align team behaviors with organizational goals and drive sustained operational improvement. The study contributes a validated, replicable framework for performance management, offering practical guidance for enhancing governance and strategic alignment in high-risk, complex settings. Future studies should explore motivational factors and the model’s applicability across the public sector.
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(This article belongs to the Section Strategic Management)
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Open AccessArticle
From Influence to Impact: How Transformational Leadership Shapes Employee Behavior Through Psychological Activation
by
Muhammad Rofiqul Islam, Leonel Prieto and Md Farid Talukder
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090344 - 1 Sep 2025
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This study investigates how transformational leadership impacts pro-environmental and proactive work behaviors through key employee psychological states: self-efficacy, change orientation, and positive affect. We argue that transformational leadership significantly enhances these psychological states, which can drive proactive and pro-environmental workplace behaviors. We used
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This study investigates how transformational leadership impacts pro-environmental and proactive work behaviors through key employee psychological states: self-efficacy, change orientation, and positive affect. We argue that transformational leadership significantly enhances these psychological states, which can drive proactive and pro-environmental workplace behaviors. We used survey data collected via Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) from 542 full-time employees in the United States. Data analysis used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results confirm that transformational leadership significantly enhances self-efficacy, change orientation, and positive affect, factors that in turn promote pro-environmental work behavior. Moreover, change orientation and positive affect (but not self-efficacy) favor proactive work behavior. These findings emphasize the role of employee psychological mechanisms in translating leadership into sustainable workplace behavior. The study contributes to the leadership and sustainability literature by clarifying how internal psychological resources act as behavioral catalysts. Leaders can formulate strategies focusing on emotional and cognitive empowerment. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.
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Open AccessArticle
Unfolding the Relationship Between Dialogue and Inquiry, Empowerment, and Employee Commitment in Healthcare Industry: Evidence from India
by
Nisha Eapen, Nisha Thundiyil, Sheela Shenai, Karthikeyan Somaskandan, Satyanarayana Parayitam and Matteo Cristofaro
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15090343 - 1 Sep 2025
Abstract
Healthcare is a complex sociotechnical system consisting of several groups of people interacting with each other to provide patient care. Employee commitment, empowerment, and continuous learning are crucial factors in this system. This study aims to investigate the relationship between dialogue and inquiry,
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Healthcare is a complex sociotechnical system consisting of several groups of people interacting with each other to provide patient care. Employee commitment, empowerment, and continuous learning are crucial factors in this system. This study aims to investigate the relationship between dialogue and inquiry, a significant component of individual learning, and employee commitment in the healthcare industry. Based on organizational learning theory (OLT) and organizational commitment theory (OCT), a conceptual model was developed, and hypotheses were tested by collecting data from 346 employees working in a multi-specialty hospital in southern India. After checking the psychometric properties of the survey instrument, structural equation modeling was used to analyze data. The results indicate that (i) dialogue and inquiry positively predicts empowerment and employee commitment, (ii) empowerment is a precursor to employee commitment, and (iii) empowerment mediates the relationship between dialogue and inquiry and employee commitment. The results also support the moderating effect of system connection in the relationship between dialogue inquiry and empowerment. Further, strategic leadership interacts with empowerment to positively influence employee commitment. The findings provide valuable insights to the administrators and decision-makers in the healthcare industry for enhancing employee commitment necessary to provide low-cost and high-quality patient care. The conceptual model is first of its kind with regard to healthcare industry in India and hence makes a pivotal contribution to the advancement of literature on healthcare.
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(This article belongs to the Section International Entrepreneurship)
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