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Being Pushed or Pulled? The Role of (In)voluntariness of Solo Self-Employed Individuals’ Career Path in Self-Fulfillment or Precariousness
The Digital Economy’s Contribution to Advancing Sustainable Economic Development

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)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2076-3387

Latest Articles

23 pages, 627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Digital Transformation Job Autonomy on Lawyers’ Support for Law Firms’ Digital Initiatives: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Adjustment and the Moderating Effect of Leaders’ Empathy

by Bowei Liu, Shuang Cheng, Qiwei Zhou and Xueting Shi

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070260 (registering DOI) - 5 Jul 2025

Digital transformation has reshaped knowledge creation patterns, business models, and practices within the legal industry. However, many organizations have struggled to realize the anticipated benefits of digital transformation due to individual adaptation barriers. Drawing on the Job Demands–Resources model, this study employs both [...] Read more.

Digital transformation has reshaped knowledge creation patterns, business models, and practices within the legal industry. However, many organizations have struggled to realize the anticipated benefits of digital transformation due to individual adaptation barriers. Drawing on the Job Demands–Resources model, this study employs both regression analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to investigate the mechanisms and the boundary conditions through which digital transformation job autonomy affects lawyers’ supportive behaviors toward digital change in law firms. The regression analysis of multi-wave survey data from 423 lawyers demonstrates that digital transformation job autonomy not only has a direct positive effect on lawyers’ digital transformation-supportive behaviors, but also indirectly promotes such behaviors through lawyers’ cognitive adjustment in the workplace. Furthermore, leader empathy enhances the relationship between digital transformation job autonomy and supportive behaviors. The fsQCA results identify multiple pathways leading to high and low levels of digital transformation-supportive behaviors among lawyers. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how organizations foster individual support for digital transformation. Full article

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19 pages, 387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ignorantics: The Theory, Research, and Practice of Ignorance in Organizational Survival and Prosperity

by Rouxelle De Villiers

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070259 (registering DOI) - 5 Jul 2025

This study responds to the call by some scholars to establish a framework for ignorance. It challenges the myth that ignorance is all bad and an utterly undesirable state in organizations and proposes a new framework for the application of ignorance analytics in [...] Read more.

This study responds to the call by some scholars to establish a framework for ignorance. It challenges the myth that ignorance is all bad and an utterly undesirable state in organizations and proposes a new framework for the application of ignorance analytics in organizations. It includes a taxonomy of deliberate and unconscious ignorance in decision-making and judgment as well as the drivers of personal and corporate deliberate ignorance and their behavioral implications. Ignorance plays a substantial role in competency development, scientific progress, innovation, and organizational strategic advantage. The proposed framework can help developers of talent, including management trainers, educators, and HR practitioners, to recognize the drivers of willful ignorance and help managers design effective interventions to move employees from unconscious incompetence to mastery. This paper suggests an agenda and identifies opportunities for future research. Full article

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18 pages, 456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

KPIs for Digital Accelerators: A Critical Review

by Nuno J. P. Rodrigues

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070258 - 4 Jul 2025

This paper proposes a conceptual framework for studying the KPIs of digital accelerators. Therefore, a critical review was developed and we derived clear recommendations in terms of KPIs that researchers must consider when evaluating digital accelerators applicable to startups. Digital startup businesses must [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a conceptual framework for studying the KPIs of digital accelerators. Therefore, a critical review was developed and we derived clear recommendations in terms of KPIs that researchers must consider when evaluating digital accelerators applicable to startups. Digital startup businesses must focus on product, external factors, process, capability, organizational factors, and market to achieve sustainability. The proposed framework asserts that profitability, growth, productivity, and size are key categories that should be taken into consideration while grouping KPIs. These categories should be grouped into three different dimensions, economic, technological, and organization/client. The proposed KPIs can help the accelerator program evaluate its own performance and make the necessary adjustments to improve the program and eventually measure the startup’s success. Full article

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22 pages, 268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dark Triad in the Margins: Narcissism and Moral Erosion Among Marginal Migrant Entrepreneurs

by Abdelaziz Abdalla Alowais and Abubakr Suliman

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070257 - 3 Jul 2025

In informal economic contexts, migrant entrepreneurs have been extolled as highly resilient and adaptable. This study critically investigates the adverse psychological foundations inherent in such enterprises, focusing on how dark triad personality traits emerge in the leadership orientations of marginal migrant entrepreneurs. Following [...] Read more.

In informal economic contexts, migrant entrepreneurs have been extolled as highly resilient and adaptable. This study critically investigates the adverse psychological foundations inherent in such enterprises, focusing on how dark triad personality traits emerge in the leadership orientations of marginal migrant entrepreneurs. Following a qualitative ethnographic approach, this research engaged 10–15 migrant employees through participant observation, field notes, and semi-structured interviews in an informal economic context. Thematic analysis revealed five dominant patterns: narcissistic leadership with entitlement and emotional disrespect; Machiavellian behavior of manipulation and deception; psychopathic detachment in emotional callousness; absence of light triad actions such as empathy, humility, and selflessness; and moral disengagement through rationalizations such as “everyone does it” or system blame. Migrant business owners prefer to rationalize their exploitative acts as being necessary for economic survival, thus legitimizing immoral conduct and suppressing moral self-regulation. The findings indicate that marginality not only drives entrepreneurial innovation, but also has the potential to create exploitative inclinations that are institutionally and morally unchecked. Solving this issue requires not only mere psychological awareness, but also systematic reforms that foster ethical robustness and emotional sensitivity. This study ultimately asserts the need to reframe migrant entrepreneurship discourse, including both ethical and psychological accountability. Full article

21 pages, 778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Transformational Leadership and Work Environment on Teachers’ Performance in Crisis-Affected Educational Settings

by Soha El Achi, Nada Jabbour Al Maalouf, Hwayda Barakat and Jeanne Laure Mawad

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070256 - 3 Jul 2025

This study investigates the impact of transformational leadership and the work environment on teacher performance, with a particular focus on how the work environment moderates this relationship within crisis-affected educational settings. A quantitative, survey-based approach was adopted, utilizing a random sample of 509 [...] Read more.

This study investigates the impact of transformational leadership and the work environment on teacher performance, with a particular focus on how the work environment moderates this relationship within crisis-affected educational settings. A quantitative, survey-based approach was adopted, utilizing a random sample of 509 teachers from various schools across Lebanon. Data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS 4 to assess direct and moderating relationships. The results reveal that while the work environment has a strong and significant positive effect on teacher performance, transformational leadership does not exhibit a statistically significant direct impact. This contrasts with prior studies conducted in stable educational settings, where transformational leadership has consistently been linked to improved teacher performance. The findings suggest that prolonged socio-economic and political crises shift teachers’ reliance more toward a supportive work environment, as basic stability and resource availability become more critical determinants of performance. In such conditions, leadership effectiveness appears contingent on the presence of a positive work environment. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the fundamental role of the work environment in shaping leadership effectiveness and teacher performance in crisis contexts. It offers empirical insights to inform leadership practices and policy interventions in fragile educational systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating New Horizons in Organization Theory: Emerging Trends and Innovative Perspectives)

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16 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strengths, Gaps, and Challenges in the Decision-Making Processes in the Design of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Australia

by Andrew Joyce, Gemma Carey and Fiona Buick

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070255 - 30 Jun 2025

This study examines the decision-making processes that were used in the development of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It draws on research that highlights that decision-making can be improved if organisations follow specific decision-making processes. This study sought to examine whether formal [...] Read more.

This study examines the decision-making processes that were used in the development of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It draws on research that highlights that decision-making can be improved if organisations follow specific decision-making processes. This study sought to examine whether formal decision-making rules and processes were used in the development of the NDIS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 58 senior public servants between 2016 and 2021 in the Commonwealth government departments that had policy oversight and responsibility for both the design and implementation of the NDIS. The data showed that there were examples of data-driven decisions and risk analysis used, but also considerable gaps in decision-making processes. These gaps potentially resulted in poorer decision-making quality, which may have negatively impacted the design of the NDIS and could potentially explain some of the current problems with the scheme. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research to improve decision-making processes within public administration. Full article

29 pages, 1248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Paradox of Trust: How Leadership, Commitment, and Inertia Shape Sustainability Behavior in the Workplace

by Winston Silvestre, Sérgio Begnini and Isabel Abreu

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070254 - 30 Jun 2025

This study explores the factors driving employees’ sustainability-switching behaviors (SSBs) by integrating the Push, Pull, and Mooring (PPM) model with the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 132 professionals actively involved in organizational [...] Read more.

This study explores the factors driving employees’ sustainability-switching behaviors (SSBs) by integrating the Push, Pull, and Mooring (PPM) model with the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 132 professionals actively involved in organizational sustainability initiatives across diverse industries and global regions. The findings reveal that leadership commitment significantly fosters both affective and normative employee commitments, with normative commitment positively influencing SSB. Surprisingly, organizational trust showed a negative impact on SSB, suggesting that employees may delegate responsibility for sustainability to the organization when trust is high. Inertia emerged as a strong barrier to behavioral change, independently inhibiting sustainability efforts. The study highlights the complex dynamics among leadership, trust, and inertia, offering practical insights for organizations aiming to foster sustainability. Addressing inertia directly and promoting shared responsibility for sustainability are critical for successful organizational transitions. Future research should explore the psychological mechanisms behind inertia and further investigate the paradoxical role of trust in sustainability initiatives. Full article

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28 pages, 2996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating the SDGs into Corporate Strategy: A Case Study of EDP Group

by Helena Costa Oliveira, Marta Gomes, Isabel Maldonado, Susana Bastos and Paulino Silva

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070253 - 29 Jun 2025

This research investigates the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the business practices of the Portuguese energy giant EDP Group. We analyse the company’s annual reports, sustainability reports, and public statements to explore the motivations, challenges, and key organisational dimensions involved [...] Read more.

This research investigates the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the business practices of the Portuguese energy giant EDP Group. We analyse the company’s annual reports, sustainability reports, and public statements to explore the motivations, challenges, and key organisational dimensions involved in this process. Our findings reveal that EDP Group’s strong commitment to sustainability, external pressures, and stakeholder expectations have driven the integration of the SDGs into its strategic and operational plans. The company’s cultural emphasis on environmental and social responsibility and formal management control systems has facilitated this integration. However, challenges such as the lack of standardised metrics to measure social and environmental impacts and the evolving regulatory landscape hinder progress. This study contributes to understanding how large corporations can effectively integrate the SDGs into their business models, providing valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers. Full article

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26 pages, 4284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scientometric Analysis of Entrepreneurial Orientation: Research Mapping and Opportunity Areas

by José Rubiales-Núñez, Andrés Rubio, Luis Araya-Castillo, Hugo Moraga-Flores and Carlos Gómez-Pantoja

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070252 - 29 Jun 2025

This research presents a comprehensive scientometric analysis of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), a fundamental concept in strategic management and business performance. Through a bibliometric approach, 4314 articles indexed in the Web of Science from 1975 to 2024 were analyzed using advanced network analysis tools [...] Read more.

This research presents a comprehensive scientometric analysis of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), a fundamental concept in strategic management and business performance. Through a bibliometric approach, 4314 articles indexed in the Web of Science from 1975 to 2024 were analyzed using advanced network analysis tools such as VOSviewer to examine the evolution of scientific production, citations, authors, journals, institutions, and the most influential countries in the field. The findings reveal an exponential growth in “EO” research over the past decades, with a high concentration of scientific output in the last eight years. The United States leads in publication volume and citations, followed by other countries with an increasing contribution. Co-authorship patterns and academic collaboration clusters have been identified, consolidating key research lines that link “EO” with innovation, market orientation, and business performance. This study provides a comprehensive perspective on the evolution of “EO” research, offering valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and professionals interested in new theoretical directions and practical applications that foster knowledge development and business competitiveness. Full article

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15 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Burnout and Work Engagement in Young Endocrinologists: Do Organizational Variables Matter?

by Yura Loscalzo, Giuseppe Lisco, Simonetta Marucci, Roberto Attanasio, Renato Cozzi, Marco Giannini and Vincenzo Triggiani

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070251 - 29 Jun 2025

The impact of work engagement and burnout on medical activities, physicians’ performance, and quality of care has gained interest over the last decades. However, the effect of demographics, job-related, and organizational variables on burnout and work engagement in young endocrinologists has not been [...] Read more.

The impact of work engagement and burnout on medical activities, physicians’ performance, and quality of care has gained interest over the last decades. However, the effect of demographics, job-related, and organizational variables on burnout and work engagement in young endocrinologists has not been fully investigated. To assess the impact of demographics, job-related, and organizational variables on burnout and work engagement in young endocrinologists who joined the Italian Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. The levels of burnout and work engagement were assessed by the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, respectively, as a part of an online survey of the “Associazione Medici Endocrinologi” addressed to young members (31–40 years). Eighteen MANOVAs were applied to analyze differences in burnout and work engagement based on demographic, job-related, and organizational factors. We collected responses from 160 young endocrinologists, mainly women (80.6%), aged 31–35 years (33.8%) and 36–40 years (66.2%). Most were in a stable relationship with (40%) or without (45%) children. Most of them worked in hospitals or local healthcare districts (35.6%), as independent contractors (31.9%), or as Ph.D. students or residents (25.6%). Multivariate analyses found no statistically significant differences in burnout and work engagement due to demographics (gender, age, and partnership) and job-related variables (type of job and contract). On the other hand, organizational variables (levels of conflict amongst colleagues, more than expected time spent working, and no involvement in team-building activities) were associated with higher emotional exhaustion, lower dedication, and less vigor. The novelty of the study is that both burnout and work engagement can be affected by organizational variables in early-career Italian endocrinologists, highlighting the need for supporting the healthcare system to overcome this gap. Full article

18 pages, 1150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Systematic Literature Review on the Impact of Business Intelligence on Organization Agility

by Luay Malawani, Ramón Sanguinoa and Juan Luis Tato Jiménez

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070250 - 29 Jun 2025

Background: In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, organizational agility (OA) has become increasingly critical for companies to maintain competitiveness and sustainability. Business intelligence (BI) is pivotal in enabling organizational agility by providing the necessary tools and insights to navigate uncertainties and capitalize on [...] Read more.

Background: In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, organizational agility (OA) has become increasingly critical for companies to maintain competitiveness and sustainability. Business intelligence (BI) is pivotal in enabling organizational agility by providing the necessary tools and insights to navigate uncertainties and capitalize on opportunities. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between BI and organizational agility, particularly within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The systematic literature review followed Kitchenham’s guidelines, which was supplemented with a VOS analysis to visualize the interconnectedness of BI and organizational agility. The analysis revealed a direct relationship between BI and organizational agility, with the critical variables of innovation, competitive advantage, firm performance, and dynamic capabilities influencing this connection. The MENA region shows promise in contributing to this field, but further research is needed. Leveraging BI capabilities can enhance organizational agility, positioning companies for sustained success amidst uncertainty. Addressing challenges and fostering a supportive organizational culture is essential for realizing the full potential of BI-driven agility. This study makes an original and timely contribution by examining the relationship between business intelligence (BI) and organizational agility (OA) through a systematic literature review across multiple countries. The study focuses specifically on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which has received insufficient attention in previous research. Unlike previous studies that focus on isolated cases, this work combines bibliometric analysis with a structured review methodology. It provides a clear summary of how BI supports key outcomes such as innovation, dynamic capabilities, and competitive advantage Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Strategic Management)

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18 pages, 412 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Adoption of Modern Sports Technologies from Professional Settings to Everyday Life

by Ivana Gabrišová, Gabriel Koman, Jakub Soviar and Martin Holubčík

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070249 - 28 Jun 2025

This study examines how advanced sports technologies, initially designed for elite athletes, are being applied in everyday contexts. Despite the proliferation of wearable and AI-powered tools, the sports management literature has largely overlooked how these innovations transition from professional use to consumer settings. [...] Read more.

This study examines how advanced sports technologies, initially designed for elite athletes, are being applied in everyday contexts. Despite the proliferation of wearable and AI-powered tools, the sports management literature has largely overlooked how these innovations transition from professional use to consumer settings. Addressing this gap, the article evaluates key technologies based on cost, complexity, accessibility, and user-friendliness to determine their viability for broader adoption. The findings reveal a clear divide: while affordable, intuitive devices like WHOOP bands and Polar monitors are well-suited for general use, complex systems such as SportVU and VALD remain limited to elite environments. This study underscores simplicity, affordability, and contextual usability as critical enablers of adoption. By connecting theoretical innovation models with real-world patterns, this research offers practical guidance for developers, educators, and policymakers seeking to promote equitable access to sports technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Capital Development—New Perspectives for Diverse Domains)

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35 pages, 1550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leadership and Mediation Approaches for Social Cohesion in the Greek Public Sector

by Kyriaki Aravidou, Sotiria Triantari and Ioannis Zervas

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070248 - 27 Jun 2025

This study investigates how inclusive leadership, mentorship, and digital tools shape conflict prevention and social cohesion within the Greek public sector. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative design, data were collected from 203 employees across municipalities, ministries, regional, and decentralized administrations. The survey instrument captured [...] Read more.

This study investigates how inclusive leadership, mentorship, and digital tools shape conflict prevention and social cohesion within the Greek public sector. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative design, data were collected from 203 employees across municipalities, ministries, regional, and decentralized administrations. The survey instrument captured four dimensions: leadership and mediation for social cohesion, mentorship for the empowerment of vulnerable groups, use of digital tools, and the perceived social impact of inadequate conflict management. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test direct and indirect effects, evaluate the explanatory and predictive power of the model, and explore the mediation mechanisms linking leadership, mentorship, and digital tools to social cohesion. The results demonstrate that both leadership and mentorship are positively perceived and significantly interrelated, jointly enhancing workplace cohesion and trust. Mentorship emerged as a critical predictor of digital tool adoption, highlighting its role as a bridge for digital inclusion and organizational innovation. In contrast, digital tools, despite their high importance in the model, remain underutilized and require further investment in training and integration. Poor conflict management is perceived as a major organizational risk, strongly linked to increased stress, diminished trust, and a deteriorated workplace climate. These findings highlight the value of integrating mentorship and inclusive leadership with mediation and digital technologies, supporting the development of hybrid strategies for conflict management. The study enriches theoretical debates on organizational resilience and social cohesion, while offering practical recommendations for modernizing public administration through participatory leadership, targeted mentoring programs, and the thoughtful adoption of digital solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Leadership in Fostering Positive Employee Relationships)

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19 pages, 424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Board Size and Financial Performance as a Driver for Social Innovation: Evidence from Italian Local State-Owned Enterprises

by Cristina Cersosimo and Nathalie Colasanti

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070247 - 26 Jun 2025

This article investigates the effects of board size on financial performance and the indirect effects of this relationship on social innovation (SI). An Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model was run on a stratified random sample of 111 Italian local state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Data [...] Read more.

This article investigates the effects of board size on financial performance and the indirect effects of this relationship on social innovation (SI). An Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model was run on a stratified random sample of 111 Italian local state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Data refer to the year 2018. Many other prior studies have provided empirical evidence on the connection between board size and financial performance, with controversial results. In addition, none of them have investigated the context of local Italian SOEs, and none have linked this relationship with SI. This gap is significant given the growing role of Italian local SOEs in addressing public needs and promoting SI. We discovered that a larger board enhances financial performance in the sample analysed. This result finds its foundations in resource dependence theory, independence theory, and in the work of some agency theorists, and it also supports these theoretical lenses. In addition, in line with arguments on the theory of shared value, we support the view that the positive relationship between board size and financial performance incentivises SI. Full article

20 pages, 607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Driving Innovative Work Behavior Among University Teachers Through Work Engagement and Perceived Organizational Support

by Pouya Zargar, Amira Daouk and Sarah Chahine

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070246 - 26 Jun 2025

Leaders are critical players in determining how their employees behave in the workplace. Particularly in higher education, teachers are required to utilize psychological, social, and physical resources to perform their tasks. This, along with institutional limitations, renders the role of ethical leaders more [...] Read more.

Leaders are critical players in determining how their employees behave in the workplace. Particularly in higher education, teachers are required to utilize psychological, social, and physical resources to perform their tasks. This, along with institutional limitations, renders the role of ethical leaders more critical for driving positive performance outcomes. In this context, the current study investigates the role of ethical leadership on innovative work behavior of university teachers in Turkey. To provide a better understanding, mediating effect of work engagement and the moderating impact of perceived organizational support are also analyzed. With a total of 211 surveys gathered in a cross-sectional manner and using partial least squares—structural equation modeling with Smart-PLS software—the hypotheses were tested. By embedding social exchange, self-determination, and organizational support theories, the current study highlights the importance of the unique characteristics of ethical leaders in academia as antecedents of innovation for teachers, implementing long-term positive changes in the faculty. When institutional support systems exist, faculty deans can trigger engagement by leveraging the facilities and initiatives of the university, ultimately enhancing the learning environment of students while tending to the wellbeing of academic staff. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Innovative Learning Environments and Entrepreneurial Learning)

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19 pages, 732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovation and Resignification: Social Entrepreneurship for Reincorporating Women into Peace Communities

by Luz Elena Malagón-Castro, José Carlos Vázquez-Parra, Gloria Clemencia Valencia-González and Luis Guillermo Restrepo-Jaramillo

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070245 - 25 Jun 2025

Around the world, many post-conflict societies face the pressing challenge of reintegrating former combatants, especially women, into community life in ways that promote peace and sustainable development. Educational strategies that foster Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Complex Thinking are increasingly recognized as essential tools [...] Read more.

Around the world, many post-conflict societies face the pressing challenge of reintegrating former combatants, especially women, into community life in ways that promote peace and sustainable development. Educational strategies that foster Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Complex Thinking are increasingly recognized as essential tools in this process, helping to rebuild social cohesion and empower local leadership. This study evaluates the impact of the SEL4C methodology on strengthening key competencies in Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Complex Thinking among 49 women signatories of the Peace Agreement in Colombia, who currently live in the Mariana Páez Territorial Training and Reincorporation Space (ETCR). Through a pre- and post-intervention design using validated instruments and statistical analyses (paired t-tests and effect size calculations), the study found significant improvements in areas such as Social Awareness, Social Innovation, and Scientific Thinking. Although the gains in Complex Thinking were moderate, the results show that the methodology effectively enhanced leadership skills and the ability to address systemic challenges—both crucial for successful reintegration. In practical terms, the findings support the use of SEL4C by organizations working in peacebuilding, educational institutions, and public programs that seek to empower women in vulnerable contexts. The methodology’s adaptability and evidence-based structure make it a valuable resource for designing participatory training processes focused on innovation, sustainability, and community transformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship Development)

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26 pages, 2283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Institutional Roots of M&A Success: Evidence from European Business Environments

by Irina Chiriac and Valentina Diana Rusu

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070244 - 25 Jun 2025

This study investigates the relationship between the business environment and the financial performance of companies engaged in mergers and acquisitions (M&As), with a particular emphasis on how “ease of doing business” (EDB) indicators affect post-merger outcomes, as measured by return on assets (ROA), [...] Read more.

This study investigates the relationship between the business environment and the financial performance of companies engaged in mergers and acquisitions (M&As), with a particular emphasis on how “ease of doing business” (EDB) indicators affect post-merger outcomes, as measured by return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and profit margin (PM). We consider a sample of 230 firms from fifteen European countries (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Germany, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain) grouped according to COFACE criteria for five years (2015–2019). By applying panel data methods, the research highlights that, three years after the merger in low-risk countries, there is an increase in return on equity, better asset recovery, and economies of scale, largely due to effective government policies. The study highlights the differentiated effects of specific EDB sub-indicators, providing insight into how tailored regulatory frameworks can enhance M&A success across varying economic contexts. The business environment can stimulate the performance of firms after mergers and acquisitions if the regulations are friendly to the firms and are adapted to the state of the country’s economy. Full article

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26 pages, 764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pension Funds Disclosure: Does Managers’ Knowledge Matter?

by Leticia Martins Medeiros, Clea Beatriz Macagnan, Bruno de Medeiros Teixeira and Cristiane Benetti

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070243 - 25 Jun 2025

This study aimed to analyze whether formal managers’ qualifications explain the Brazilian pension funds’ disclosure level. It started from the assumption of information asymmetry between stakeholders. We also recognize that the problems related to asymmetry in companies participating in the capital market, commonly [...] Read more.

This study aimed to analyze whether formal managers’ qualifications explain the Brazilian pension funds’ disclosure level. It started from the assumption of information asymmetry between stakeholders. We also recognize that the problems related to asymmetry in companies participating in the capital market, commonly pointed out in the literature, would not behave in the same way in pension funds. Other factors explain the disclosure in these organizations, like the qualification of managers. We calculated the disclosure level for each of the 209 Brazilian pension funds that made up the sample. We analyzed the dates using multiple linear and logistic regression as a robustness test. The results indicated that the formal qualification of managers, characterized by master’s and or doctoral degrees, has a positive relationship with the level of disclosure of pension funds, indicating that the greater the formal qualification of the manager, the greater the level of disclosure. Thus, this study shows insights that the explanations about company disclosure given in the literature, especially its effect on market value, are not necessarily the same in pension funds, which are explained by other factors, such as the qualification of managers. The results can contribute to regulatory bodies to formulate new rules that favor the capability of managers, in addition to identifying the information demanded by stakeholders, allowing for an increase in the level of disclosure and a reduction in information asymmetry, as well as the improvement of governance practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Accounting: Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals)

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23 pages, 875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimism, General Self-Efficacy, and Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy Among Greek Students: Research, Management, and Society

by Argyro Charokopaki and Panagiotis Douros

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070242 - 24 Jun 2025

This study explored the mediating role of general self-efficacy between dispositional optimism, a construct within the domains of positive emotions and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Using a sample of 484 Greek business administration students from public universities, it was found that dispositional optimism influenced entrepreneurial [...] Read more.

This study explored the mediating role of general self-efficacy between dispositional optimism, a construct within the domains of positive emotions and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Using a sample of 484 Greek business administration students from public universities, it was found that dispositional optimism influenced entrepreneurial self-efficacy via general self-efficacy. The findings are discussed with reference to social cognitive career theory (SCCT) conceptual framework to entrepreneurial intentions. The study contributes to and expands on the specific literature on this topic by introducing dispositional optimism as a person input variable in the first component of the conceptual framework. Implications for research and students’ career counseling, entrepreneurial education programs, and social policy are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Moving from Entrepreneurial Intention to Behavior)

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Open AccessArticle

Developing a Supportive Organisational Culture for Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing Firms in Saudi Arabia

by Adel Algethami, Fadi Assad, John Patsavellas and Konstantinos Salonitis

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15070241 - 24 Jun 2025

Continuous improvement (CI) is vital for Saudi manufacturing firms to remain competitive in the global market. However, cultural factors significantly influence CI adoption. This qualitative study, involving 28 interviews and focus groups with employees from five local manufacturing firms, explored these factors. Seven [...] Read more.

Continuous improvement (CI) is vital for Saudi manufacturing firms to remain competitive in the global market. However, cultural factors significantly influence CI adoption. This qualitative study, involving 28 interviews and focus groups with employees from five local manufacturing firms, explored these factors. Seven key cultural themes emerged, including communication, employee wellbeing, talent management, ethics, top management support, organisational learning, and compliance. A conceptual framework was developed to assess a firm’s cultural proximity to an ideal CI state. This framework integrates a diagnostic tool to guide firms in evaluating their cultural landscape and implementing targeted interventions for successful CI adoption. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of cultural shifts on performance and competitiveness. Full article

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