Sustainability

2024

Jump to: 2023, 2022, 2021

24 pages, 1087 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on Customers’ Perceptions and Loyalty in the Banking Sector: A Multi-Mediation Approach

by Hussin Elansari, Ahmad Alzubi and Amir Khadem

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8276; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188276 - 23 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1481

Abstract

The pursuit of sustainable development has become a global priority, with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) serving as a comprehensive framework for addressing various social, economic, and environmental challenges. Employing the stimulus–organization–response (SOR) model, this study examines the impact of [...] Read more.

The pursuit of sustainable development has become a global priority, with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) serving as a comprehensive framework for addressing various social, economic, and environmental challenges. Employing the stimulus–organization–response (SOR) model, this study examines the impact of customer’s perceptions of the firm’s compliance with the SDGs on customers’ perceptions and loyalty through the mediation roles of image, trust, and reputation in the customer’s evaluation of the firm in the banking sector in Turkey. To achieve these objectives, a quantitative research approach was used, and 455 valid responses were collected from retail banking customers through an online survey. Data from the study were statistically analyzed using partial least-squares–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal significant positive relationships between SDG implementation and customers’ perceptions of banking institutions’ image, trust, and reputation. Furthermore, favorable image, trust, and favorable reputation are found to positively influence customer loyalty in the banking sector. The mediation analyses confirm that each of the mediating variables partially mediates the relationships between SDG implementation and customer loyalty, underscoring the significance of these intermediate variables in shaping customers’ loyalty behaviors. This research contributes to both theoretical and practical domains by providing insights into the role of SDG implementation in enhancing customer perceptions and loyalty in the banking sector. Managerial implications are discussed, and recommendations are provided for banking institutions seeking to leverage the SDGs to strengthen customer relationships and achieve sustainable growth. Full article

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2023

Jump to: 2024, 2022, 2021

18 pages, 1451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Core Competence—As a Key Factor for a Sustainable, Innovative and Resilient Development Model Based on Industry 5.0

by Marta Christina Suciu, Doru Alexandru Plesea, Adrian Petre, Adrian Simion, Mircea Ovidiu Mituca, Decebal Dumitrescu, Ana Maria Bocaneala, Ramona Madalina Moroianu and Diana Florentina Nasulea

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7472; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097472 - 2 May 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2837

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to highlight the importance of core competences as an important catalyst to enable a sustainable transition of business models to Industry 5.0. According to our research based on a scientific methodology, we illustrated that Industry 4.0 [...] Read more.

The main objective of this paper is to highlight the importance of core competences as an important catalyst to enable a sustainable transition of business models to Industry 5.0. According to our research based on a scientific methodology, we illustrated that Industry 4.0 might greatly affect the labor market by introducing ITC, AI, IR and AR that will change many jobs in most areas of activity. One alternative solution to diminish these negative effects is to accommodate and prepare the shift to a more human-centric approach. In order to better implement this alternative solution and to generate mid- to long-run positive effects (from an economic, social and environmental perspective), we consider it is imperative that human resources be prepared to understand and to use new technologies. We have focused our research context on European countries. We found that only a part of the European Union Member Countries benefit from the use of human resources with advanced digital skills. Under these circumstances, we consider that only some countries will be able to face the challenges generated by the transition to Industry 5.0, while others, the emergent countries, such as Romania, will have to intensify the complex process of designing competitive and coherent strategies and implement a more efficient and effective mix of policies. This will help to better capitalize the potential sustainable competitive advantage of industries 4.0 and 5.0. Full article

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14 pages, 4810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shaping the Inclusivity in the New Society by Enhancing the Digitainability of Sustainable Development Goals with Education

by Lavinia Dovleac, Ioana Bianca Chițu, Eliza Nichifor and Gabriel Brătucu

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3782; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043782 - 18 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2152

Abstract

The literature introduced the concepts of sustainability and digitalisation as one, mixed-combined and named as digitainability. By linking digital divide, sustainability, and digitalisation, the authors aimed to: (i) identify variables that might influence the digital divide index; (ii) determine variables to model sustainable [...] Read more.

The literature introduced the concepts of sustainability and digitalisation as one, mixed-combined and named as digitainability. By linking digital divide, sustainability, and digitalisation, the authors aimed to: (i) identify variables that might influence the digital divide index; (ii) determine variables to model sustainable development goals; and (iii) create a model to explain digitainability through education. Analysing the sample of 13 EU developed countries, the authors created three econometric models and analysed the manner of how education might shape the inclusivity in a new and ever-growing Society. The results generated an inter-connected model that shows that new Society depends on the users’ medium or high skills because of their strong and positive influence on the digital divide index. The scientific contribution reveals solutions for an inclusive future, not far from the demanding requirements of the present. The theoretical implications shape the necessity to collaborate with policy makers to optimise the educational public system requirements in order to form prepared specialists for high-demanding markets in which they will work. The orientation of managerial implications of top leaders from companies must address an adapted mindset to collaborate with the academic environment to discover and understand the truth about the challenges of the new Era. Full article

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21 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Exploratory Study Linking Intellectual Capital and Technology Management towards Innovative Performance in KIBS

by Elena Dinu, Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu, Roxana-Maria Stăneiu and Mihaela Rusu

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1356; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021356 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2682

Abstract

This study aims to fill a gap in the sparse literature that empirically investigates the relationships between intellectual capital (IC), technology management, and innovative performance in knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS). Semi-structured interviews with middle and senior managers from KIBS have been conducted with [...] Read more.

This study aims to fill a gap in the sparse literature that empirically investigates the relationships between intellectual capital (IC), technology management, and innovative performance in knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS). Semi-structured interviews with middle and senior managers from KIBS have been conducted with the purpose of exploring the various strategies, policies, and practices in managing the organisational intellectual capital and technology to enhance innovation performance. Several themes related to the development of intellectual capital in KIBS have been analysed (i.e., key dimensions of human, structural, and relational capital). The findings show that all KIBS investigated place importance on either recruiting the most qualified staff or building up their competencies and skills. Moreover, KIBS allot sizable resources for creating an organisational culture that encourages employee empowerment and knowledge sharing. Technology-forward KIBS have strategies for developing dynamic technological capabilities for knowledge management, business process flexibility and efficiency, and sustaining innovation. The unfolded investigation has both theoretical and managerial implications, pointing to the noteworthiness of sustainable and strategic approaches of intellectual capital management on purpose to support innovation. Full article

2022

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2021

27 pages, 5758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Response Design Optimisation of a Combined Fluidised Bed-Infrared Dryer for Terebinth (Pistacia atlantica L.) Fruit Drying Process Based on Energy and Exergy Assessments by Applying RSM-CCD Modelling

by Iman Golpour, Mohammad Kaveh, Ana M. Blanco-Marigorta, José Daniel Marcos, Raquel P. F. Guiné, Reza Amiri Chayjan, Esmail Khalife and Hamed Karami

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 15220; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142215220 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2167

Abstract

The present investigation aimed to perform an optimisation process of the thermodynamic characteristics for terebinth fruit drying under different drying conditions in a fluidised bed-infrared (FBI) dryer using response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) approach. The experiments were [...] Read more.

The present investigation aimed to perform an optimisation process of the thermodynamic characteristics for terebinth fruit drying under different drying conditions in a fluidised bed-infrared (FBI) dryer using response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) approach. The experiments were conducted at three levels of drying air temperature (40, 55, and 70 °C), three levels of drying air velocity (0.93, 1.765, and 2.60 m/s), and three levels of infrared power (500, 1000, and 1500 W). Energy and exergy assessments of the thermodynamic parameters were performed based on the afirst and second laws of thermodynamics. Minimum energy utilisation, energy utilisation ratio, and exergy loss rate, and maximum exergy efficiency, improvement potential rate, and sustainability index were selected as the criteria in the optimisation process. The considered surfaces were evaluated at 20 experimental points. The experimental results were evaluated using a second-order polynomial model where an ANOVA test was applied to identify model ability and optimal operating drying conditions. The results of the ANOVA test showed that all of the operating variables had a highly significant effect on the corresponding responses. At the optimal drying conditions of 40 °C drying air temperature, 2.60 m/s air velocity, 633.54 W infrared power, and desirability of 0.670, the optimised values of energy utilisation, energy utilisation ratio, exergy efficiency, exergy loss rate, improvement potential rate, and sustainability index were 0.036 kJ/s, 0.029, 86.63%, 0.029 kJ/s, 1.79 kJ/s, and 7.36, respectively. The models predicted for all of the responses had R²-values ranging between 0.9254 and 0.9928, which showed that they had good ability to predict these responses. Therefore, the results of this research showed that RSM modelling had acceptable success in optimising thermodynamic performance in addition to achieving the best experimental conditions. Full article

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16 pages, 1156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Resource Management in Sustainable Development

by Viera Sukalova, Zuzana Stofkova and Jana Stofkova

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14258; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114258 - 1 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4401

Abstract

The article deals with human resource management and selected personnel indicators in sustainable development. The main goal of this paper is to analyse and describe human resource management, focused on the audit of workload, the motivation of employees, the competence of staff, their [...] Read more.

The article deals with human resource management and selected personnel indicators in sustainable development. The main goal of this paper is to analyse and describe human resource management, focused on the audit of workload, the motivation of employees, the competence of staff, their knowledge and experience. The article shows how the selected personnel variables are investigated in selected establishments of a multinational company in Slovakia, as an attractive employer interested in the growth of its employees, thus employer branding. For the research methods, a case study methodology is used. Data collection was carried out through a study of the employees’ performance and through a survey with employees in the company, as well as an interview with the sale advisors and managers. The research aimed to point out a case study of the investigation of the selected personnel indicators in human resources management in a selected company and to examine the perception of the performance of the employees in connection with their financial evaluation and their satisfaction within the selected company and the impact on the employees’ performance. Furthermore, the research aimed to determine whether there was a dependence between the subjectively perceived performance of the employees and the selected aspects using the statistical SPSS program. Further indicators were calculated, such as workload, proportion of wasted time and labour productivity. Full article

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18 pages, 1068 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Reporting Impact on Non-Profit Stakeholder Satisfaction and Trust during the COVID-19 Pandemic in an Emerging Market

by Sefora-Marcela Nemțeanu, Dan-Cristian Dabija, Patrizia Gazzola and Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13153; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013153 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2912

Abstract

Attracting resources to achieve established goals makes social reporting necessary in relation to an organization’s stakeholders, and reports on the social impact of resource use and activities have an essential role in increasing stakeholder satisfaction and trust. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the importance [...] Read more.

Attracting resources to achieve established goals makes social reporting necessary in relation to an organization’s stakeholders, and reports on the social impact of resource use and activities have an essential role in increasing stakeholder satisfaction and trust. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the importance of sustainable development goals and transparent social reporting for different categories of stakeholders. This paper aims to identify the social reporting dimensions that influence the satisfaction and trust of the primary stakeholders of non-profit organizations in an emerging market (Romania), i.e., managers, employees, members, volunteers, donors, and collaborators. The results reveal the positive influence COVID-19 reporting had on stakeholder satisfaction. The lack of formal reporting has a weak yet statistically significant negative influence on stakeholder satisfaction, thus positively influencing the perceived need for external and internal auditing. Stakeholder trust in an organization is strongly and positively influenced by satisfaction with the organizational activity and internal auditing and is negatively influenced by a lack of formal reporting. Full article

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15 pages, 413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Celebrity vs. Product: A Neuroscientific Approach to the Distractors in Food Advertising for Sustainable Marketing

by Corina Pelau, Puiu Nistoreanu, Laura Lazar and Ruxandra Badescu

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12768; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912768 - 7 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2899

Abstract

Celebrity endorsement is nowadays a frequently used technique in marketing and advertising. On the one hand, celebrities have the ability to attract attention towards the advertising while on the other hand, their behavior is imitated by consumers, having a greater impact on buying [...] Read more.

Celebrity endorsement is nowadays a frequently used technique in marketing and advertising. On the one hand, celebrities have the ability to attract attention towards the advertising while on the other hand, their behavior is imitated by consumers, having a greater impact on buying decisions. One of the main challenges in advertising endorsed by celebrities is the overshadowing effect, by which consumers tend to watch the celebrity and not necessarily the advertised product. In three eye tracking experiments, we investigated the attention of consumers towards advertising with celebrities. The results showed that the celebrity was the eye-catcher of the advertising, being the first and longest object watched, but at the same time the product or the logo was also watched. The results also showed that the number of objects in advertising influenced the attention of the consumer. Across the three studies, we manipulated the number of objects and the results showed that in the case of information overload, the participants tended to watch the most familiar elements, which in our case were the celebrities. Therefore, the design and the number of objects in advertising endorsed by celebrities are also important in having a significant impact on the consumer. Full article

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22 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reducing Inequalities within and among EU Countries—Assessing the Achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Targets (SDG 10)

by Teodor Marian Cojocaru, George H. Ionescu, Daniela Firoiu, Laura Mariana Cismaș, Maria Daniela Oțil and Ovidiu Toma

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7706; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137706 - 24 Jun 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3668

Abstract

Reducing inequalities within and among countries is one of the main tenets of the sustainable development paradigm and has become an important pillar at the European Union level. By adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, EU countries have committed themselves to meet [...] Read more.

Reducing inequalities within and among countries is one of the main tenets of the sustainable development paradigm and has become an important pillar at the European Union level. By adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, EU countries have committed themselves to meet targets against which progress in reducing inequalities can be measured. Through the present research, we aim to analyze and assess the extent to which EU countries will achieve the specific SDG 10 targets. Based on data published by Eurostat for the period 2010–2020, we forecast the trends of the indicators until the year 2030, using a model based on the AAA (Holt–Winters) version of exponential smoothing (ETS), to assess the degree to which the assumed targets will be reached. For more detailed information, we used dynamic indices to analyze the dynamics of the progress achieved. The results showed that it is difficult to clearly distinguish one or more countries as part of a group of high or low performers in terms of the efforts made and the effects achieved in reducing inequalities. However, we could mention Poland as a good and very good performer on most of the indicators analyzed. As opposite examples, we can mention Bulgaria and Greece, for which more attention and involvement are needed in adopting measures to correct the negative trend forecast. Full article

20 pages, 1155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Certain Social Aspects on Most Likely Internet Usage Scenarios

by Claudiu-Ionuţ Popîrlan, Irina-Valentina Tudor, Constantin-Cristian Dinu, Gabriel Stoian, Cristina Popîrlan and Daniela Dănciulescu

Sustainability 2022, 14(12), 7129; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127129 - 10 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1643

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the influence that certain social factors (education and area of residence) have on the most likely scenarios people encounter in their online activities. Among the possible scenarios of using the internet, based on everyday individuals’ activities, we selected [...] Read more.

This paper aims to analyze the influence that certain social factors (education and area of residence) have on the most likely scenarios people encounter in their online activities. Among the possible scenarios of using the internet, based on everyday individuals’ activities, we selected seeking information about health, goods, and services, taking online courses, internet banking, and participating in social networks. Using data acquired from international databases over the 2002–2020 period, we proposed five hypotheses and applied a multilinear regression model to the data collected for four European countries, namely, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and Slovenia. We have analyzed the degree of confirmation for all five hypotheses. The results provided a better understanding of the influence of the above-mentioned factors on the considered scenarios, allowing stakeholders to define and propose specific development policies. Full article

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19 pages, 357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contrasting Traditional and Virtual Teams within the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic: From Team Culture towards Objectives Achievement

by Mădălina-Elena Stratone, Elena-Mădălina Vătămănescu, Laurențiu-Mihai Treapăt, Mihaela Rusu and Cristian-Mihai Vidu

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4558; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084558 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7511

Abstract

The current paper aimed to comparatively scrutinize some key dimensions apposite for the dynamics of traditional versus virtual teams in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emphasis was laid on the positive leadership perception, communication effectiveness among team members, objectives achievement, diversity approach, [...] Read more.

The current paper aimed to comparatively scrutinize some key dimensions apposite for the dynamics of traditional versus virtual teams in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emphasis was laid on the positive leadership perception, communication effectiveness among team members, objectives achievement, diversity approach, and the perception of team culture strength. Invitations to fill in an online questionnaire consisting of paired items were sent in January 2022 via email to over 200 potential respondents working in both traditional and virtual teams, using a snowball sampling technique; 137 subjects completed the entire questionnaire, hence allowing a reasonable research sample for conducting relevant statistical analyses (i.e., paired t-test given that the aim was to investigate the difference between paired sets of variables for the same issues). The empirical exploration brought to the fore significant differences among the considered dimensions, thus underscoring the benefits and drawbacks of working in traditional versus virtual teams in the context of the new normal. Evidence was brought forward that teamwork in traditional teams (i.e., based on face-to-face interaction) is preferable to that in virtual teams (i.e., based on online interaction). Meaningful differences were observed regarding the perception of team culture strength, communication effectiveness, positive leadership perception, and diversity approach in favor of traditional teams, the questioned respondents opting for the offline coordination and collaboration processes. Full article

22 pages, 738 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Performance in EU Member States in the Context of the Transition to a Climate Neutral Economy

by Daniela Firoiu, Ramona Pîrvu, Elena Jianu, Laura Mariana Cismaș, Sorin Tudor and Gabriela Lățea

Sustainability 2022, 14(6), 3343; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063343 - 12 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2405

Abstract

The climate-neutral economy is today, more than ever, the priority issue for all governmental and non-governmental bodies, directly and indirectly involved in the ambitious and responsible process of society’s transition to the green economy. To be or not to be sustainable today is [...] Read more.

The climate-neutral economy is today, more than ever, the priority issue for all governmental and non-governmental bodies, directly and indirectly involved in the ambitious and responsible process of society’s transition to the green economy. To be or not to be sustainable today is no longer an option, but an urgent necessity. Based on these considerations, our research aims to add to the knowledge on the digital performance of the Member States in the context of the transition to a climate neutral economy, by analyzing the mutations that have occurred in the digital performance of the EU countries in the period 2015–2020, as well as forecasting developments for the year 2025. In order to obtain a relevant result, we used the components of the DESI index, published by the European Commission, and the variables were processed through hierarchical cluster analysis. The results demonstrate that, around the core formed in 2015 by four high digitally performing countries from the North of Europe in 2015, other countries have gradually clustered, so that in 2025 we estimate that a number of eight Member States will be part of the group of the most digitally performing countries. These countries are decisively committed to the transition towards a climate-neutral economy, their initiatives and examples of good practice can be taken up by all European and non-European countries pursuing the same objectives of sustainable development. Full article

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27 pages, 3212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Societal Technological Megatrends: A Bibliometric Analysis from 1982 to 2021

by Florin Victor Jeflea, Daniela Danciulescu, Catalina Soriana Sitnikov, Dumitru Filipeanu, Jeong O Park and Alexandru Tugui

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1543; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031543 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4545

Abstract

This article presents a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications investigating technological megatrends at the societal level, through the parallel analysis of 549 documents from Scopus and 291 documents in Web of Science (WoS) using the VOSviewer software and the Excel component of the [...] Read more.

This article presents a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications investigating technological megatrends at the societal level, through the parallel analysis of 549 documents from Scopus and 291 documents in Web of Science (WoS) using the VOSviewer software and the Excel component of the MS Office 365 package. The main purpose of this study was to obtain an overview of the evolution of the research on the subject of technological megatrends from the perspective of interest, domains, geographical areas, sources, authors and cocitation networks, research clusters of countries, and cluster-related concepts. The results showed that publications on technological megatrends started in 1982, but from a scientific point of view they started in 1983 (Scopus) and 1984 (WoS), and that they display an increasing trend after 2010. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Nature, SAE Technical Papers, VDI Berichte, Harvard Business Review, Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, and Sustainability represent the most important sources, and Gibbs, Kraemer, Dedrick, Kim, Chmiela, Sauceda, Müller, Tkatchenko, Pratt, Sarmiento, Montes, Ogilvie, Marcus, Perez, Brownson, D. Mourtzis, M. Doukas, and Bernidaki are the most notorious researchers in the field. At the societal level, technological megatrends are closely related to foresight, globalization, industry 4.0, the internet of things, digitalization, technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, the future, and sustainability. This study is original and useful for researchers in the context of the lack of similar studies on this subject. Full article

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2021

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2022

17 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

E-Commerce and the Factors Affecting Its Development in the Age of Digital Technology: Empirical Evidence at EU–27 Level

by Roxana Maria Bădîrcea, Alina Georgiana Manta, Nicoleta Mihaela Florea, Jenica Popescu, Florin Liviu Manta and Silvia Puiu

Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010101 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 9422

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors influencing e-commerce and to evaluate the long and short-term impacts on the development of e-commerce activity. After establishing the hypotheses to verify, we use multiple panel regressions to test the influence of education [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors influencing e-commerce and to evaluate the long and short-term impacts on the development of e-commerce activity. After establishing the hypotheses to verify, we use multiple panel regressions to test the influence of education level, consumer’s residence, consumer’s labour market status, internet banking, mobile and non-mobile users on the development of e-commerce. For this matter, in this paper, by adopting the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) method and a vector error correction model (VECM), we performed an empirical analysis of the nexus between education level, consumer’s residence, consumer’s labour market status, internet banking and mobile and non-mobile users and e-commerce, based on panel data for EU–27 countries from 2011 to 2020. The results of the study indicate that all the variables involved in the two econometric models and associated with education level, consumer’s residence, labour market status, internet banking, mobile and non-mobile users, all have significant impacts on the development of e-commerce. Most of the variables positively influence the development of e-commerce except for internet purchases by individuals un-employed and for internet purchases by non-mobile users that are negatively correlated with e-commerce activity. Full article

15 pages, 4043 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Social Media Listening in Crisis Communication and Management: New Methods and Practices for Looking into Crises

by Corina Buzoianu and Monica Bîră

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13015; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313015 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6064

Abstract

The paper aims to explore new methods and practices for looking into crises in online environments by using social media listening tools and methods. Based on the case of two privately owned hospitals in Romania facing boycotts due to their response to the [...] Read more.

The paper aims to explore new methods and practices for looking into crises in online environments by using social media listening tools and methods. Based on the case of two privately owned hospitals in Romania facing boycotts due to their response to the COVID-19 outbreak, we study the social media conversations on the topic, the emerging themes, the visibility triggered and the impact on the brand and actors involved. Drawing on a social media listening and crisis communication framework, our research looks to unveil the relationship between stakeholders’ expectations and brand promise, aiming to foresee predictive crisis communication and management models. Full article

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15 pages, 603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Death Reflection and Employee Work Behavior in the COVID-19 New Normal Time: The Role of Duty Orientation and Work Orientation

by Shilong Wei, Yuting He, Wenxia Zhou, József Popp and Judit Oláh

Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11174; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011174 - 10 Oct 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2768

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a destructive affair for both workplace and community. However, with the strengthen of global anti-pandemic measures, COVID-19 becomes the norm and there is an increased trend for people to reflect on life or death. Moreover, regardless of its [...] Read more.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a destructive affair for both workplace and community. However, with the strengthen of global anti-pandemic measures, COVID-19 becomes the norm and there is an increased trend for people to reflect on life or death. Moreover, regardless of its facilitating role in advancing organizational behavior (OB) study, very few studies empirically examine the effects of death reflection in the work domain. Drawing on the generativity theory, we identify how death reflection influences employees’ in-role and extra-role performance under the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal study is performed by using multi-source data from 387 employees in China. Our results reveal that the COVID-19-triggered death reflection is associated with the stronger in-role performance and organizational citizenship behaviors. We find that duty orientation is the mechanism that can explain the effects of the COVID-19-triggered death reflection on employees’ work behaviors. Furthermore, employees who reflect on death with high (vs. low) career and calling orientations tend to have higher in-role and extra-role performance, while employees who reflect on death with low (vs. high) job orientation are likely to have lower in-role and extra-role performance. Full article

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17 pages, 1160 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Romanian Mobile Commerce Companies on Developing Green Innovation

by Violeta Mihaela Dincă, Anca Bogdan, Cristinel Vasiliu and Francisca Zamfir

Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10075; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810075 - 8 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2655

Abstract

Lately, concern for green innovation has expanded in the business environment and many companies see it as a helpful element to gain competitive advantage. Due to the strains of maintaining sustainable businesses, mobile commerce companies are propelled to build up their own green [...] Read more.

Lately, concern for green innovation has expanded in the business environment and many companies see it as a helpful element to gain competitive advantage. Due to the strains of maintaining sustainable businesses, mobile commerce companies are propelled to build up their own green innovation programs and harmonize them with the firm’s management programs. The central scope of this research is to examine the drivers for green innovation within a range of Romania-based mobile commerce companies that operate in different industries. With the aim of identifying the factors that determine the development of green innovation, a conceptual model has been conceived. The dependent variable within the model is the action of the company’s management to develop green innovation. Four independent types of variable structures that have an impact on the development of green innovation in mobile commerce firms were distinguished. The four categories of constructs are business environmental factors (1), green training (2), green supplier development (3), and technological factors (4). An online survey tested the model based on the responses of senior level management representatives from 182 Romanian mobile commerce companies from Bucharest. The validity of the model was fulfilled though factor analysis and reliability tests for the data; a logistic regression analysis was also used to test the research hypotheses. The research revealed that green training embodies the fundamental element enhancing green innovation among Romanian mobile commerce companies. This article benefits both academia and business. Firms could be inspired by the results of this paper to broaden the level of green innovation throughout the Romanian business environment. Full article

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SDGs in the Age of New Industrial Revolutions—Impacts, Trends, and Issues beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic

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