Administrative Sciences

21 pages, 827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leading in the Digital Age: The Role of Leadership in Organizational Digital Transformation

by António Sacavém, Andreia de Bem Machado, João Rodrigues dos Santos, Ana Palma-Moreira, Helena Belchior-Rocha and Manuel Au-Yong-Oliveira

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15020043 - 3 Feb 2025

Viewed by 104

Abstract

In the modern digital age, organizations face unprecedented challenges and possibilities while managing the intricacies of digital transformation. Accelerated technological developments, changing customer preferences, heightened competition, and dynamic regulatory environments necessitate companies to synchronize their business goals with technological innovations. Leadership is crucial [...] Read more.

In the modern digital age, organizations face unprecedented challenges and possibilities while managing the intricacies of digital transformation. Accelerated technological developments, changing customer preferences, heightened competition, and dynamic regulatory environments necessitate companies to synchronize their business goals with technological innovations. Leadership is crucial in steering businesses through changes, requiring a deep understanding of change processes and the capacity to adjust leadership accordingly. This research addresses the central question: How does leadership effectively promote organizational digital transformation? The study examines how leaders can effectively promote the adoption of advanced technologies and the promotion of innovation, by first exploring the nature of digital transformation within organizations and then analyzing the evolving dynamics of leadership in this context. An integrative review of the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases was conducted, using the search terms: “Leadership” and “Digital Transformation”. The findings emphasize that effective leadership is crucial for managing the minutiae of digital transformation, integrating technology into organizational processes to facilitate learning, collaboration, and agility, enabling companies to adapt to market shifts, reduce uncertainty, and enhance decision-making for sustainable growth. By using the right tools and with the right frequency, leaders may develop team cohesion—even at a distance. Attentive digital-age leaders will know how to leverage the right mechanisms, and herein, we hope to give some indication of how that may be achieved, so that digital transformation increases rather than decreases team motivation levels. Full article

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27 pages, 2661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Export–Import Activity and Its Assessment: The Ukrainian Case

by Lyudmyla Malyarets, Svitlana Labunska, Mykola Sidak, Hanna Bilokonenko and Viktoriya Onegina

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15020042 - 3 Feb 2025

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Abstract

The development of export–import activity at all levels of the national economic system is an important factor and the result of globalization and country integration in the world economy. The elaboration of sound public policy related to export–import activity is based on its [...] Read more.

The development of export–import activity at all levels of the national economic system is an important factor and the result of globalization and country integration in the world economy. The elaboration of sound public policy related to export–import activity is based on its assessment and analysis. The goal of this article is the systematization and development of methodological support for the evaluation of the export–import activity of the national economy, including the development of its technology and a conceptual assessment model, which is presented in a structural–logical–semantic form, and the analysis and forecasting of export–import activity using the proposed model. To achieve the research goal, quantitative methods were used: the method of integral taxonomic indicators of development and efficiency, the method of forecasting based on trend models, multivariate factor analysis, and the modified method of cointegration of time series. A set of indicators for the export–import activity “development–effectiveness” matrix was proposed, and their dichotomies were studied. To ensure the reliability and objectivity of the export–import activity assessment, a methodological basis, which is detailed by structural elements, was formed. The model was constructed and tested based on monthly data on the export–import activity of Ukraine for the years 2021–2023. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Strategic Management)

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22 pages, 1306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Drivers of VR Adoption by Generation Z: Education, Entertainment, and Perceived Marketing Impact

by Camelia Surugiu, Cătălin Grădinaru and Marius-Răzvan Surugiu

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15020041 - 2 Feb 2025

Viewed by 305

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) can influence people’s lives and business development. It can bring immersive experiences for people and can strengthen the relationships between customers and companies. In this paper, Generation Z (Gen Z) members’ interest in VR is analyzed in various domains, like [...] Read more.

Virtual reality (VR) can influence people’s lives and business development. It can bring immersive experiences for people and can strengthen the relationships between customers and companies. In this paper, Generation Z (Gen Z) members’ interest in VR is analyzed in various domains, like education, entertainment, and marketing. This study considers the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theoretical framework and explores the factors influencing Gen Z’s perceptions of VR potential. The approach is based on hypotheses and a survey-based investigation, followed by logistic regression modeling. The results show that VR attracts Gen Z members to educational and entertainment activities. Also, they believe that VR is important for marketing activities. The results show the importance of investments in VR, in all three domains, and the importance of adapting strategies to leverage VR’s potential effectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Era of Technology: Impacts and Implications of Digital and Artificial Intelligence Transformation on Organizations)

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17 pages, 1980 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of the Generational Succession Procedures for Retaining Organizational Knowledge in Companies Within the Basque Autonomous Community (Spain)

by Elene Igoa-Iraola, Fernando Díez Ruiz and José Antonio Campos Granados

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15020040 - 28 Jan 2025

Viewed by 522

Abstract

The retention of organizational knowledge is increasingly challenging for companies giventhe aging workforce, high turnover rates, and declining birth rates. This study explores the knowledge transfer processes during generational transitions and examines how digital transformation facilitates business model innovation. Specifically, it examines theknowledge [...] Read more.

The retention of organizational knowledge is increasingly challenging for companies giventhe aging workforce, high turnover rates, and declining birth rates. This study explores the knowledge transfer processes during generational transitions and examines how digital transformation facilitates business model innovation. Specifically, it examines theknowledge transfer procedures implemented in companies in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, a competitive industrial region in Europe. Using a quantitative approach, 168 individuals in key leadership positions were surveyed on the mechanisms used for knowledge retention and their effectiveness. The results reveal that while companies prioritize knowledge transfer, most lack effective protocols. Organizations employing both digital and analog strategies are perceived as more efficient in retaining knowledge. Only half of the companies integrate knowledge transfer processes into their management strategies, with no observed differences in employee knowledge-sharing behaviors based on company size. This study concludes that a lack of structured procedures may harm long-term competitiveness, recommending that companies invest more in developing formal generational handover protocols. This research underscores the vital importance of knowledge retention for organizational sustainability and highlights the need for further exploration to address this issue. Full article

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28 pages, 7658 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of the Concept and Scientific Mapping of Sustainable Human Resource Management S-(HRM)

by Camilo Giraldo-Giraldo, Mercedes Rubio-Andrés, Elkin Darío Rave-Gómez and Santiago Gutiérrez-Broncano

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15020039 - 28 Jan 2025

Viewed by 424

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyse the evolutionary field of sustainable human resource management (S-(HRM)) over four strategically chosen sub-periods in order to understand its behaviour in the period from 1991 to 2024. We started by conducting a comprehensive review of [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to analyse the evolutionary field of sustainable human resource management (S-(HRM)) over four strategically chosen sub-periods in order to understand its behaviour in the period from 1991 to 2024. We started by conducting a comprehensive review of research articles related to our topic, aiming to produce a scientific, accurate, and well-argued result through quantitative and empirical research, incorporating both factorial and exploratory analyses. We began by carrying out an exhaustive review of different research articles related to our topic in order to generate a scientific, truthful and argumentative result, from quantitative and empirical research, in relation to a factorial and exploratory analysis. Regarding the analysis of the period between the years chosen for this research (1991–2024), we observe that the subject analysed has gradually evolved, with an increase in publications, as evidenced in the different graphs. In turn, the analysis of the most prominent themes for the sub-periods is illustrated by their classification in strategic diagrams and structured spheres quantified in the statistical software SciMAT v1.1.06, through keywords, which is the strategy best adapted to this type of research. The analysis (keywords) configures the most important concepts of the research field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effective Leadership and Management in the Sustainable Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises)

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27 pages, 1330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smart Practices in Modern Dairy Farming in Bangladesh: Integrating Technological Transformations for Sustainable Responsibility

by Mohammad Shamsuddoha and Tasnuba Nasir

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15020038 - 27 Jan 2025

Viewed by 701

Abstract

The current Bangladeshi dairy sector faces many problems related to sustainability indicators from economic, social, and environmental perspectives. In this circumstance, they must combine cutting-edge innovation to overcome growing sustainability concerns and technical revolutions to become smart farms. This study analyzes how dairy [...] Read more.

The current Bangladeshi dairy sector faces many problems related to sustainability indicators from economic, social, and environmental perspectives. In this circumstance, they must combine cutting-edge innovation to overcome growing sustainability concerns and technical revolutions to become smart farms. This study analyzes how dairy farmers might use cutting-edge technologies in their dairy sub-processes to determine the benefits of achieving additional productivity and efficiency. This paper examines precision livestock farming, information analytics, and alternative energy sources to reduce environmental hazards and increase resource efficiency. Using cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robotics (RPA), Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, system dynamics, and simulation modeling can assist the farmers in improving the results. Analyzing developing country case studies and best practices reveals crucial answers for reconciling sustainability stewardship and operational efficiency. The system dynamics method builds a simulation model and finds the projected results before implementing it in real life. The findings provide considerable waste reduction and productivity gains through technological deployments. The simulation model creates two scenarios of ‘current’ and ‘technology-adopted’ processes to examine the transformational benefits of sustainable practices. A case study method was adopted for this technology deployment to organize a comprehensive strategy that blends technology and sustainability. This study ends with recommendations for dairy farmers and policymakers to create a resilient and environmentally friendly dairy operation to secure the dairy sector’s long-term viability in transforming technologies. Future farms can follow the practical, technical, and policy, as well as recommendations to improve their processes, such as smart farm concepts available in academia and dairy-developed countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supply Chain in the New Business Environment)

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21 pages, 289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Radicalness of Innovation in Nonprofit Community Sport Organizations

by Alison Doherty, Larena Hoeber, Orland Hoeber, Kristen A. Morrison and Richard Wolfe

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15020037 - 26 Jan 2025

Viewed by 312

Abstract

Our study examined and compared the type, process, conditions, and consequences of radical and incremental innovations in community sport organizations (CSOs), which are a type of nonprofit membership association. Interviews were conducted with the president (or representative) of 14 CSOs engaged with both [...] Read more.

Our study examined and compared the type, process, conditions, and consequences of radical and incremental innovations in community sport organizations (CSOs), which are a type of nonprofit membership association. Interviews were conducted with the president (or representative) of 14 CSOs engaged with both radical and incremental innovations. Radical innovations were reported to be mostly technical (but also administrative), undertaken with the goal of club growth and enhancing club management, adopted and further adapted from outside the organization, influenced by the culture and expertise of the board and the culture and capacity of the CSO at large, and informed by market opportunity and best practices. The radical innovations were reported to be successful in reaching their intended goals, and a wide variety of unanticipated (positive) consequences was also realized. The findings have implications for the management of radical (and incremental) innovation in the focal nonprofit context and contribute to theorizing about the radicalness of organizational innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Nonprofit Management: Innovations, Challenges and Best Practices)

13 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysing the Impact of Entrepreneurship Education on Early-Stage Entrepreneurship—Focusing on the Transitional Countries of Central and Eastern Europe

by Judit Csákné Filep, Gigi Timár and Áron Szennay

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15020036 - 26 Jan 2025

Viewed by 386

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in tradition and culture in many countries; however, transitional market economies in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) underwent 40–45 years of socialism, which disrupted these traditions by collectivising private property. Education is recognised as a key tool for regional [...] Read more.

Entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in tradition and culture in many countries; however, transitional market economies in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) underwent 40–45 years of socialism, which disrupted these traditions by collectivising private property. Education is recognised as a key tool for regional development and restoring entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, potentially enhancing entrepreneurial intentions within society. This paper investigates the impact of entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial activity in transitional CEE countries. Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted using a combined national-level dataset from the Annual Population Survey (APS) and the National Expert Survey of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) spanning 2021–2023. Results reveal inconsistent findings across the years. In 2021 and 2022, there was a significant moderate correlation between total early-stage entrepreneurial activity (TEA) and an indicator of entrepreneurial education at primary and secondary levels in CEE countries. In contrast, no such relationship was observed in other regions. In 2023, however, no significant correlations were identified for any country group. These results highlight the temporal variability of education’s influence on entrepreneurship in transitional economies. Full article

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

21 pages, 750 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Economic Impact Analysis of Mega Events for Sustainable Tourism: Insights from the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France

by Alberto Sardi, Alessandro Rizzi and Enrico Sorano

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15020035 - 25 Jan 2025

Viewed by 594

Abstract

The growing awareness of economic, environmental, and social issues related to tourism highlights the need to identify innovative practices that promote sustainability in tourist destinations. This study investigates mega sporting events and their fundamental role in sustainable tourism; these events contribute to tourism [...] Read more.

The growing awareness of economic, environmental, and social issues related to tourism highlights the need to identify innovative practices that promote sustainability in tourist destinations. This study investigates mega sporting events and their fundamental role in sustainable tourism; these events contribute to tourism promotion by regenerating and revitalizing host areas. However, the increasing demand for transparency in the management of public resources, aimed at ensuring the economic sustainability of the areas hosting these events, has heightened the focus on monitoring resource allocation. Beyond the use of technological innovations, it becomes essential to study the role of innovation in promoting sustainable tourism management practices to guarantee the economic sustainability of destinations hosting major sporting events. A key tool for planning tourism promotion and ensuring economic sustainability is undoubtedly economic impact analysis. Although numerous methods are available, the integration of multiple approaches enhances both the completeness and accuracy of such evaluations. This study proposes an innovative approach that combines different methods to provide a robust approach for economic impact analysis. This research validates the proposed approach through the analysis of two prestigious cycling competitions: the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France. The proposed approach enables the identification of areas where targeted investments and strategic improvements can promote sustainable and long-term economic benefits for host regions. It can support decision-making processes to plan tourism promotion and ensure economic sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Sustainable Tourism: Shaping the Future of Destinations)

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36 pages, 1628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards a Deeper Understanding of Strategic Management Factors in International Non-Governmental Organizations

by Xue Zhang and Raafat George Saadé

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15020034 - 23 Jan 2025

Viewed by 596

Abstract

International activities by all NGOs have become ubiquitous. Therefore, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) are significantly and gradually increasing their international influence shaping a new paradigm for global affairs ranging from human aid to digital governance. In this study, we delve into the literature [...] Read more.

International activities by all NGOs have become ubiquitous. Therefore, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) are significantly and gradually increasing their international influence shaping a new paradigm for global affairs ranging from human aid to digital governance. In this study, we delve into the literature and connect with professionals to get a deeper understanding of how strategic management is addressed and perceived in INGOs. The paper is composed of two parts, namely a comprehensive literature review followed by a pilot survey-based empirical study, to assess and validate relevant constructs/factors in the context of INGOs. The survey methodology approach was used to assess factors using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Outcomes from the literature review were cross-examined against the EFA to guide the categorization of factors vis-à-vis new findings. Twelve validated questions relevant to our context were adapted and composed in the survey. EFA resulted in the significant regrouping of items into three factors. We therefore reformulated the constructs in the INGO context. These constructs are strategic structures, human capital, and change management. Strategic constructs represent the traditional strategic management theory. Change management was shown to be a strong factor for the adequate setup and management of strategic structures, and human capital represents a new factor specific to INGOs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Strategic Management)

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33 pages, 852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Communication Dynamics and Performance in Organizational Leadership

by Nicoleta Valentina Florea and Gabriel Croitoru

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15020033 - 23 Jan 2025

Viewed by 741

Abstract

This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies on leadership-based organizational communication and employee performance within contemporary workplaces. While prior research has acknowledged AI’s potential in optimizing communication processes, significant gaps remain in understanding its specific influence on core communication dimensions [...] Read more.

This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies on leadership-based organizational communication and employee performance within contemporary workplaces. While prior research has acknowledged AI’s potential in optimizing communication processes, significant gaps remain in understanding its specific influence on core communication dimensions and organizational outcomes. This study addresses these gaps by examining six key communication elements—informing, message reception, feedback, acceptance, persuasion, and reaction—to assess whether AI technologies significantly enhance employee performance by improving internal communication efficiency and reducing transmission errors, which are crucial for productive interactions. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire from 203 employees of a major Romanian food industry company operating globally, including leaders and employees from three Eastern European countries. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships between communication dimensions and performance. The findings revealed that informing, receiving, and accepting messages, along with reaction-provoking, had strong positive effects on performance, while feedback and persuasion showed moderate impacts. These results emphasize the transformative role of AI in communication processes, optimizing message flow and positively influencing employee behavior, thereby enhancing productivity and organizational efficiency. This research contributes to the growing body of literature by situating AI-driven communication within the broader organizational context, offering actionable insights for managers aiming to integrate AI ethically and effectively. Additionally, it offers a set of recommendations for employees and managers to lead communication process according to the new actual era of digitization, which is offering real benefits for both parts. It also provides a robust foundation for future research, encouraging longitudinal and cross-cultural studies to further investigate AI’s implications for organizational diversity, innovation, and employee well-being. Full article

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18 pages, 889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Nationality Moderate Tourists’ Intention to Co-Create? Investigating Tourist Behavior in a Developing Country

by Al Taqdir Badari, Amalia E. Maulana, Viany Utami Tjhin and Yosef Dedy Pradipto

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15020032 - 21 Jan 2025

Viewed by 432

Abstract

The intention to co-create plays a pivotal role in sustainable tourism development. This study investigates whether tourist nationality moderates the intention to co-create within the tourism experience. The research sample consists of 400 international tourists visiting Indonesia for tourism purposes, with data collected [...] Read more.

The intention to co-create plays a pivotal role in sustainable tourism development. This study investigates whether tourist nationality moderates the intention to co-create within the tourism experience. The research sample consists of 400 international tourists visiting Indonesia for tourism purposes, with data collected between October 2023 and February 2024. The findings reveal that tourist nationality significantly moderates the relationships among tourists’ experiences, trust, and involvement in co-creation. Specifically, tourist nationality influences the relationship between tourist trust and the intention to co-create. However, it does not moderate the correlation between the tourist experience and the intention to co-create. Additionally, tourist nationality moderates the relationship between tourist involvement and the intention to co-create. This study contributes to the Value Co-Creation Theory and offers practical insights for developing more comprehensive platforms and programs aimed at enhancing traveler engagement. The implications of these findings highlight the significance of considering tourist nationality as a moderating factor that influences tourists’ intentions to collaborate within the tourism context. This research provides valuable insights for designing more effective and inclusive tourism development strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tourism and Hospitality Marketing: Trends and Best Practices)

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Adm. Sci., Volume 15, Issue 2 (February 2025) – 12 articles

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