Search Results (252)

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the B Impact Assessment (BIA) as a catalyst for integrating sustainability into industrial firms through a qualitative case study of LC Paper, the first B Corp-certified tissue manufacturer globally and a pioneer in applying BIA in the pulp and paper sector. Based on semi-structured interviews, organizational documents, and direct observation, this study examines how BIA influences corporate governance, environmental practices, and stakeholder engagement. The findings show that BIA fosters structured goal setting and the implementation of measurable actions aligned with environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic resilience. Tangible outcomes include improved stakeholder trust, internal transparency, and employee development, while implementation challenges such as resource allocation and procedural complexity are also reported. Although the single-case design limits generalizability, this study identifies mechanisms transferable to other firms, particularly those in environmentally intensive sectors. The case studied also illustrates how leadership commitment, participatory governance, and data-driven tools facilitate the operationalization of sustainability. By integrating stakeholder and institutional theory, this study contributes conceptually to understanding certification frameworks as tools for embedding sustainability. This research offers both theoretical and practical insights into how firms can align strategy and impact, expanding the application of BIA beyond early adopters and into traditional industrial contexts. Full article

Agrarian women are at the forefront of rural livelihoods increasingly affected by the frequency and severity of climate change impacts. However, their household livelihood resilience (HLR) remains limited due to gender-blind policies, scarce sex-disaggregated data, and inadequate consideration of gender-specific needs in resilience-building efforts. Grounded in participatory feminist research, this study employed a multi-method qualitative approach, including semi-structured interviews and oral history narratives, with 60 women in two climate-vulnerable provinces. Data were analyzed through thematic coding, CATWOE (Customers, Actors, Transformation, Worldview, Owners, Environmental Constraints) analysis, and descriptive statistics. The findings identify nine major climate-related events disrupting livelihoods and reveal a limited understanding of HLR as a long-term, transformative concept. Adaptation strategies remain short-term and focused on immediate survival. Barriers to HLR include financial constraints, limited access to agricultural resources and technology, and entrenched gender norms restricting women’s leadership and decision-making. While local governments, women’s associations, and community networks provide some support, gaps in accessibility and adequacy persist. Participants expressed the need for financial assistance, vocational training, agricultural technologies, and stronger peer networks. Strengthening HLR among agrarian women requires gender-sensitive policies, investment in local support systems, and community-led initiatives. Empowering agrarian women as agents of change is critical for fostering resilient rural livelihoods and achieving inclusive, sustainable development. Full article

In crisis-stricken economies, leadership effectiveness increasingly hinges not on technical expertise alone but on emotional competence. While emotional intelligence (EI) has been widely acknowledged as a catalyst for effective leadership and employee outcomes, its role in volatile and resource-scarce contexts remains underexplored. This study addresses this critical gap by investigating the impact of five core EI dimensions, namely self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills, on employee performance amid Lebanon’s ongoing multidimensional crisis. Drawing on Goleman’s EI framework and the Job Demands–Resources theory, the research employs a quantitative, cross-sectional design with data collected from 398 employees across sectors in Lebanon. Structural Equation Modeling revealed that all EI dimensions significantly and positively influenced employee performance, with self-regulation (β = 0.485) and empathy (β = 0.361) emerging as the most potent predictors. These findings underscore the value of emotionally intelligent leadership in fostering productivity, resilience, and team cohesion during organizational instability. This study contributes to the literature by contextualizing EI in an under-researched, crisis-affected setting, offering nuanced insights into which emotional competencies are most impactful during prolonged uncertainty. Practically, it positions EI as a strategic leadership asset for crisis management and sustainable human resource development in fragile economies. The results inform leadership training, policy design, and organizational strategies that aim to enhance employee performance through emotionally intelligent practices. Full article

As the global energy transition accelerates, the integration of solar power and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies offers new pathways for sustainable local development. This study examines four Serbian municipalities—Šabac, Sombor, Pirot, and Čačak—to assess how AI-enabled solar power systems can enhance energy resilience, reduce emissions, and support community-level sustainability goals. Using a mixed-method approach combining spatial analysis, predictive modeling, and stakeholder interviews, this research study evaluates the performance and institutional readiness of local governments in terms of implementing intelligent solar infrastructure. Key AI applications included solar potential mapping, demand-side management, and predictive maintenance of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Quantitative results show an improvement >60% in forecasting accuracy, a 64% reduction in system downtime, and a 9.7% increase in energy cost savings. These technical gains were accompanied by positive trends in SDG-aligned indicators, such as improved electricity access and local job creation in the green economy. Despite challenges related to data infrastructure, regulatory gaps, and limited AI literacy, this study finds that institutional coordination and leadership commitment are decisive for successful implementation. The proposed AI–Solar Integration for Local Sustainability (AISILS) framework offers a replicable model for emerging economies. Policy recommendations include investing in foundational digital infrastructure, promoting low-code AI platforms, and aligning AI–solar projects with SDG targets to attract EU and national funding. This study contributes new empirical evidence on the digital–renewable energy nexus in Southeast Europe and underscores the strategic role of AI in accelerating inclusive, data-driven energy transitions at the municipal level. Full article

Background: Equine-assisted experiential learning (EAL) is an emerging approach that uses human–horse interactions to develop leadership skills through experiential methods. Purpose: This review synthesizes the literature on the role of EAL in developing leadership competencies and explores its implications for workplace learning. Design/methodology/approach: A narrative review was conducted examining empirical studies and theoretical frameworks on EAL and leadership development. Findings/Conclusions: Recent studies show EAL improves self-awareness, emotional intelligence, nonverbal communication, trust building, adaptability, and problem solving. These competencies are fostered through activities such as ground-based exercises, join-up techniques, and trust-building tasks, which require congruence between intention and action. Participants report behavioral changes such as improved empathy, clarity under pressure, and team cohesion. These align with core management skills for organizational performance. Implications: EAL complements traditional leadership training by developing relational and embodied leadership skills, including trust building, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, which contribute to organizational resilience and sustainable growth. Full article

In the current era of a dynamic environment, organizations need to continuously innovate and transform to remain competitive. Digital transformation is an essential driver across organizations, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), reshaping organizational agility. This research examines the interconnection among knowledge sharing, digital transformation, open innovation, organizational agility, and transformational leadership. A quantitative research design was employed, using an online survey with data collected from 543 participants selected through a stratified random sampling from SMEs in China. Data were analyzed by utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results include a significant impact of knowledge sharing on digital transformation, digital transformation on open innovation, and open innovation on organizational agility. Additionally, digital transformation and open innovation were found to significantly mediate the relationship between knowledge sharing and open innovation and organizational agility. Moreover, transformational leadership significantly moderated the impact of digital transformation on open innovation. The model explained 67.7% of the variation in organizational agility. The research provides a holistic model for SMEs aiming to leverage information sharing, technological integration, and leadership practice to improve flexible and innovative systems, contributing to theoretical understanding and practical solutions to sustainable resilience. Full article

In response to growing environmental pressures and material constraints, circular economy principles are gaining traction across manufacturing sectors. However, most existing frameworks emphasize design and supply chain considerations, with limited focus on how circularity can be operationalized within internal manufacturing systems. This paper proposes a conceptual model that embeds circular operations at the core of production strategy. Grounded in circular economy theory, operations management, and socio-technical systems thinking, the model identifies four key operational pillars: circular input management, looping process and waste valorization, product-life extension, and reverse logistics. These are supported by enabling factors—digital infrastructure, organizational culture, and leadership—and mediated by operational flexibility, which facilitates adaptive, closed-loop performance. The model aims to align internal processes with long-term sustainability outcomes, specifically resource efficiency and operational resilience. Practical implications are outlined for resource-intensive industries such as automotive, electronics, and FMCG, along with a readiness assessment framework for guiding implementation. This study offers a pathway for future empirical research and policy development by integrating circular logic into the structural and behavioral dimensions of operations. The model contributes to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 and SDG 12, by positioning circularity as a regenerative operational strategy rather than a peripheral initiative. Full article

Governance challenges, success factors, and stakeholder dynamics are central to the implementation of Positive Energy District (PED) Labs, which aim to develop energy-positive and sustainable urban areas. In this paper, a qualitative analysis combining expert surveys, participatory workshops with practitioners from the COST Action PED-EU-NET network, and comparative case studies across Europe identifies key barriers, drivers, and stakeholder roles throughout the implementation process. Findings reveal that fragmented regulations, social inertia, and limited financial mechanisms are the main barriers to PED Lab development, while climate change mitigation goals, strong local networks, and supportive policy frameworks are critical drivers. The analysis maps stakeholder engagement across six development phases, showing how leadership shifts between governments, industry, planners, and local communities. PED Labs require intangible assets such as inclusive governance frameworks, education, and trust-building in the early phases, while tangible infrastructures become more relevant in later stages. The conclusions emphasize that robust, inclusive governance is not merely supportive but a key driver of PED Lab success. Adaptive planning, participatory decision-making, and digital coordination tools are essential for overcoming systemic barriers. Scaling PED Labs effectively requires regulatory harmonization and the integration of social and technological innovation to accelerate the transition toward energy-positive, climate-resilient cities. Full article

Global supply chains face unprecedented challenges from geopolitical conflicts, climate change, economic volatility, and technological disruptions, highlighting the critical role of supply chain resilience as a core strategy for firms to maintain stability and competitive advantage. Grounded in the resource-based view and dynamic capability theory, this study examines how supply chain capability—that is, entrepreneurial leadership, collaborative capability, and digital transformation—enhances resilience, which mediates its impact on performance. Using structural equation modeling on survey data from Chinese firms, we find that resilience, comprising absorptive, reactive, and recovery capability, significantly mediates the relationship between supply chain capability and performance. Environmental uncertainty moderates this relationship, particularly in highly uncertain contexts, where resilience becomes a key driver of competitive advantage. Theoretically, this study extends dynamic capability theory by disaggregating resilience and exploring its mediating role. Practically, it emphasizes strengthening entrepreneurial leadership, collaborative capability, and digital transformation to improve resilience and performance in uncertain environments. Full article

What motivates industrial companies to decarbonise? While climate policy has intensified, the specific factors driving corporate decisions remain underexplored. This article addresses that gap through a mixed-methods study combining qualitative insights from a leading automotive supplier with quantitative data from over 800 manufacturing companies in Germany. The study distinguishes between internal motivators—such as risk reduction, future-proofing, and competitive positioning—and external drivers like regulation, supply chain pressure, and investor expectations. Results show that internal economic logic is the strongest trigger: companies act more ambitiously when decarbonisation aligns with their strategic interests. Positive motivators outperform external drivers in both influence and impact on ambition levels. For instance, long-term cost risks were rated more relevant than reputational gains or regulatory compliance. The analysis also reveals how company size, energy intensity, and supply chain position shape motivation patterns. The findings suggest a new framing for climate policy: rather than relying solely on mandates, policies should strengthen intrinsic motivators. Aligning business interests with societal goals is not only possible—it is a pathway to more ambitious, resilient, and timely decarbonisation. By turning external pressure into internal logic, companies can move from compliance to leadership in the climate transition. Full article

Startups are often praised for their innovative power and dynamic work environments, but are also criticized for workplace cultures that perpetuate traditional masculine norms of competitiveness, workaholism, emotional resilience, and strength. This exploratory study examines the prevalence of Masculinity Contest Culture (MCC) in German startups and related gender dynamics. The Masculinity Contest Culture scale, which assesses masculine norms related to emotional resilience, physical superiority, workaholism, and aggressive competitiveness, was employed to collect data from 101 participants representing various startups. The results indicate an overall low prevalence of MCC, with slightly higher scores for strong commitment to work. Individuals from disparate gender and hierarchical status groups exhibited comparable ratings of the intensity of toxic masculinity. While the presence of female founders and supervisors did not affect MCC scores, male dominance within the work environment had a small but significant amplifying effect. Significant differences were observed based on the prevailing leadership style, indicating that a shared leadership approach is associated with the creation of a more inclusive and less toxic work environment. The results challenge commonly held assumptions about tech startups. In addition, the study highlights the need for further research into the impact of leadership dynamics on startup culture. Full article

This study explores the perceptions of primary school teachers in Sparta, Greece, regarding toxic leadership behaviors and their impact on job satisfaction (JS) and organizational commitment (OC). The study was motivated by the need to investigate how school management practices, particularly in smaller regional communities, influence teacher well-being—an area underexplored in the Greek educational context. A total of 163 teachers participated by completing validated questionnaires assessing toxic leadership, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified two factors explaining 61.3% of the variance: one linking toxic leadership and job satisfaction and another centered on organizational commitment. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations between toxic leadership and both OC (r = −0.230, p < 0.001) and JS (r = −0.476, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis confirmed the predictive effect of toxic leadership on both variables. Interestingly, teachers with over 15 years of experience exhibited higher OC compared with those with up to 5 years of teaching experience, suggesting the resilience-building benefits of tenure. This study underscores the urgency for leadership development programs emphasizing ethical practices, emotional intelligence, and accountability to mitigate the adverse effects of toxic leadership. Full article

Uniquely rooted in regenerative leadership and complemented by Complexity Leadership Theory (CLT), this conceptual essay offers a theoretical exploration of how educational institutions can act as dynamic systems that catalyze adaptive, community-led responses to anthropocentric socio-environmental crises. Rather than sustaining existing structures, educational leadership for regeneration seeks to restore ecological balance and nurture emergent capacities for long-term resilience. Positioned as key sites of influence, educational institutions are explored as engines of innovation capable of mobilizing students, educators, and communities toward collective environmental action. CLT offers a valuable lens for understanding how leadership emerges from nonlinear, adaptive processes within schools, enabling the development of innovative, collaborative, and responsive strategies required for navigating complexity and leading planetary-positive change. Drawing on a synthesis of the recent global literature, this paper begins by outlining the need to go beyond sustainability in envisioning regenerative futures, followed by an introduction to regenerative principles. It then examines the current and evolving role of educational leadership, the relevance in enabling whole-institution transformation, and how this relates to regenerative practices. The theoretical frameworks of systems thinking and CLT are introduced before noting their application within regenerative educational leadership. The final sections identify implementation challenges and offer practical recommendations, including curriculum innovation, professional development, and youth-led advocacy, before concluding with a call for education as a vehicle for cultivating planetary-conscious citizens and systemic change. This work contributes a timely and theoretically grounded model for reimagining educational leadership in an era of global turbulence. Full article

As environmental sustainability becomes a central strategic priority in the hospitality industry, understanding the mechanisms that enhance employees’ green behavior is increasingly essential. This study investigates the influence of Green Transformational Leadership (GTL) on employees’ green resilience (GR), exploring the sequential mediating roles of employee environmental commitment (ECOM), environmental engagement (EENG), and Green High-Performance Work Practices (GHPWPs). Drawing on data from 475 full-time employees working in green-certified hotels in Izmir, Türkiye, the proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that GTL significantly enhances employees’ green resilience, both directly and indirectly, through its positive impact on their environmental attitudes and the implementation of green-oriented work practices. This research contributes to leadership and sustainability research by integrating affective, cognitive, and behavioral pathways. It offers practical insights for hotel managers aiming to build a resilient and environmentally engaged workforce. Full article

Introduction: Work life quality (WLQ) in nursing is a critical factor that influences both staff well-being and the quality of care provided to patients. Spiritual intelligence (SI) and servant leadership (SL) have been identified as potential positive predictors of WLQ, as they facilitate resilience, job satisfaction, and stress management in highly demanding hospital environments. However, the specific relationship between these constructs in the Peruvian nursing context has not yet been thoroughly explored. Objective: We aimed to examine the impact of spiritual intelligence and servant leadership on the work life quality of Peruvian nurses, assessing their predictive role through a structural equation modeling approach. Methods: A cross-sectional and explanatory study was conducted with a sample of 134 Peruvian nurses (M = 36.29 years, SD = 7.3). Validated Spanish-language instruments were used to measure SI, SL, and WLQ. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with a robust maximum likelihood estimator (MLR) was employed to evaluate the relationships between the variables. Results: Spiritual intelligence showed a positive correlation with WLQ (r = 0.40, p < 0.01) and with servant leadership (r = 0.44, p < 0.01). Likewise, servant leadership had a significant relationship with WLQ (r = 0.53, p < 0.01). The structural model demonstrated a good fit (χ² = 1314.240, df = 970, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.05, SRMR = 0.08). The hypothesis that SI positively predicts WLQ was confirmed (β = 0.41, p < 0.001), as was the significant effect of SL on WLQ (β = 0.26, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results indicate that both spiritual intelligence and servant leadership are key predictors of work life quality in Peruvian nurses. SI contributes to developing a transcendent perspective on work and greater resilience, while SL fosters a positive and motivating organizational environment. It is recommended to implement training programs and leadership strategies focused on these constructs to enhance work life quality in the healthcare sector. Full article