Purpose: This study explores how configurations of digital entrepreneurial ecosystem (DEE) components influence the internationalisation of new ventures. It moves beyond single-factor analyses to examine the configurational logic of how multiple DEE components interact to drive international expansion. Design/methodology/approach: Employing data from 47 countries retrieved from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) database and the Digital Platform Economy Index, this research applies fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to identify combinations of DEE components that are conducive to high levels of internationalisation among new ventures. Findings/results: The findings reveal that: (1) No single condition within DEE is necessary for improving internationalisation of new ventures; (2) Three configurations can lead to a high-level of internationalisation of new ventures, in which digital infrastructure governance and digital user citizenship are core conditions; (3) DEE components show the substitution effects among the configurations. Practical implications: The findings offer a nuanced understanding of how DEEs can be strategically leveraged to foster cross-border growth, providing valuable insights for policymakers, ecosystem designers, and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance international competitiveness. Originality/value: By adopting a systems theory perspective, this study contributes to international entrepreneurship research by revealing the system-level and interactive effects of DEE components.
Purpose: This study addresses a critical limitation in innovative work behaviour (IWB) research, which has predominantly relied on net-effect models that provide a narrow understanding of how innovation emerges. By focusing on isolated relationships, prior approaches fail to capture how personal and organisational conditions interact to jointly shape IWB. Consequently, this research adopts a configurational perspective to examine how a combination of resources collectively fosters innovative outcomes. Design/methodology/approach: Integrating Conservation of Resources (COR) theory and the Job Demands–Resources (JD–R) model, the study utilises a dual-analytic approach. While partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) establishes measurement validity and a symmetrical benchmark, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) serves as the primary technique for identifying configurational pathways among 595 employees in Vietnamese digital enterprises. Findings/results: Results demonstrate that no single condition is necessary for high IWB, revealing multiple equifinal configurations. Two dominant patterns are identified: synergistic resource alignment and compensatory resource substitution (Institutional Scaffolding), where organisational conditions effectively offset deficits in individual personal resources. The findings also reveal causal asymmetry, indicating that the drivers of high IWB differ fundamentally from those associated with its absence. Practical implications: Managers should move beyond ‘one-size-fits-all’ approaches, focusing on the strategic alignment of job autonomy and organisational support to democratise innovation beyond ‘superstar’ employees. This offers an evidence-based blueprint for firms in emerging markets, such as South Africa, to sustain innovation despite persistent talent shortages. Originality/value: The study contributes by shifting the focus from isolated net effects to configurational causation. By introducing a resource substitution logic, it challenges ‘superstar-centred’ views and positions fsQCA as a robust methodology for capturing complexity and equifinality in innovation processes.
Purpose: This paper examines how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, combined with evolving work practices, has reshaped expatriate roles in multinational corporations. It explores how the shift to hybrid and remote work has disrupted traditional expatriation, transformed the symbolic and functional roles of expatriates, and given rise to new approaches to adjustment, boundary spanning and career development. Design/methodology/approach: Using a qualitative exploratory approach, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with expatriates and human resource (HR) professionals across multiple industries. Findings/results: The findings reveal both challenges and opportunities: expatriates faced loss of symbolic authority, operational disruptions and social isolation, but also gained flexibility and productivity. New management styles emerged, digital tools were integrated and tasks were differentiated between those requiring physical presence and those suited to remote execution. Hybrid models created career opportunities while posing visibility and networking challenges, especially for early-career assignees. Practical implications: The findings offer implications for expatriates, multinational corporations and human resources managers, which are unpacked in the article. Originality/value: Expatriate roles are evolving into a portfolio of assignment types that balance digital coordination with physical presence. The study contributes to international human resource management theory by extending expatriate adjustment to multi-modal adaptation, reconceptualising expatriates as dual boundary spanners across physical and digital domains, and highlighting paradoxes of visibility, mobility and control in hybrid contexts. It advances understanding of global mobility as a dynamic, tension-laden process shaped by digitalisation.
Purpose: This study examines the influence of digital transformation (DT) on the sustainable performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. Digital transformation is gradually identified as a driver of competitiveness, allowing businesses to adjust to technological and market changes. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was used for the study, drawing responses from a sample size of 213 SME owners and managers in the City of Matlosana Municipality, South Africa. Respondents were identified through a random sampling method. Hypothesised relationships were examined using Structural Equation Modelling with Smart-Partial Least Squares as the analytical tool. Findings/results: The results show that Digital Intensity significantly and positively influences financial, environmental, and social performance (SP), highlighting its role as a primary driver of SME sustainability. In contrast, Transformation Management Intensity shows no significant effects across these performance dimensions, suggesting that managerial effort without robust digital capabilities is insufficient to deliver measurable sustainability outcomes. Practical implications: The study contributes to Resource-Based View by demonstrating that digital resources function as critical enablers of long-term competitiveness and sustainability in SMEs. For practice, these findings underline the need for prioritising investment in digital tools and skills. Policymakers and support agencies should consider targeted initiatives, including training, funding and infrastructure support, to address barriers that constrain SME DT. Originality/value: The study offers empirical data from a developing market, integrating financial, environmental and SP into the examination of DT. It advances current debates by distinguishing between the roles of digital resources and managerial transformation efforts in shaping SME sustainability.
Purpose: The purpose of the research was to determine the competencies of small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs’) owners and managers and the association between these factors and the financial performance of their SMEs to help reduce the high failure rate of SMEs in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: A survey was conducted among SME owners and managers in Johannesburg, South Africa. Because the questionnaire used a five-point Likert scale, factor analysis was used to determine the role the various competencies play in the financial performance of SMEs and to determine a Business Success Driver Index (BSDI) based on their responses. Findings/results: The competencies positively influence the return on investment (ROI) of SMEs, where competency is regarded as a combination of knowledge, skills, values, attitude and experience as an attribute. Practical implications: The implication for practice is that SME owners and managers could improve their firms’ profitability and business success by enhancing their competencies by focusing on their knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and experience. The results of the study could help reduce the SMEs’ failure rate in South Africa. Originality/value: This study is the first to investigate the combination of knowledge, skills, values, attitude and experience as competency factors driving SMEs’ profitability (measured by the ROI). The authors followed a positive approach by considering the factors contributing to success instead of the factors leading to failure in SMEs.
Purpose: This study examines whether trust in the sharing economy (SE) is driven more by decentralised, peer-based mechanisms (normative or cultural-cognitive institutions) or centralised regulatory authority. Design/methodology/approach: Structural equation modelling was performed to test a multi-level trust model using data from 635 respondents exposed to a between-subjects experimental vignette online survey. Findings/results: The mechanisms of peer pressure, micro-level platform reputation, and meso-level platform brand assurance are the primary drivers of consumer trust and participation intention. The authority of macro-level independent regulation plays a significantly weaker role. The collective judgement of peers holds more sway for consumers than the oversight of formal authorities in establishing SE legitimacy. Practical implications: Service providers must prioritise curating excellent platform reputations, as high peer ratings are a de facto market requirement. Platforms should strengthen their brand’s perceived reliability. Policymakers should adopt a nuanced regulatory approach, recognising that traditional top-down assurances are less influential than decentralised, social proof mechanisms for legitimising most SE services. Originality/value: This is one of the first studies to integrate and contrast trust-building institutions across micro-, meso- and macro-levels within a single SE framework. It provides empirical evidence that normative and cultural-cognitive institutions are more effective than regulatory ones in legitimising the SE, highlighting a pivotal shift in how trust is established in digital, peer-to-peer markets.
Purpose: Limited evidence exists on the application of the African philosophy of Ubuntu in family businesses and how it relates to ethical values, ethical behaviour and business outcomes. Our study identifies ethical values influencing the decisions and behaviours of indigenous Black South African (IBSA) family businesses and explores the manifestations of these values in this context. Design/methodology/approach: Our study adopts a qualitative approach and case study design and draws on semi-structured face-to-face interviews to collect data from participants in seven IBSA family businesses. The software ATLAS.ti was utilised to manage the data, and reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken. Findings/results: The analysis reveals that ethical values relate to relational, coexistence and compassion values, which are aligned with the Ubuntu philosophy and reinforce each other. These values are the antecedents of ethical behaviour in IBSA family businesses and are associated with business outcomes, including organisational transparency, employee engagement, customer satisfaction, societal impact, long-term value creation and organisational identity and reputation. Practical implications: The study explored the link between ethical values, Ubuntu philosophy and business outcomes in IBSA family businesses. We recommend adopting relational values to strengthen stakeholder connections, coexistence values for harmony and cooperation and compassion values to foster empathy and mutual care. Originality/value: This study contributes to the family business literature on values and ethics, as well as to the broader conversations in the fields of management and organisational behaviour. Our study advances knowledge of ethical values and Ubuntu in family businesses by proposing a new framework through which values related to Ubuntu can be categorised and understood better.
Purpose: We investigate the impact of climate policy uncertainty (CPU) on bank asset quality (BAQ) in the context of Chinese commercial banks. Design/methodology/approach: Using quarterly panel data from A-share listed commercial banks in China from 2008 to 2022, we employ fixed-effects regression models to examine the relationship between CPU and BAQ, measured by the non-performing loans to total loans ratio (NPL). We also explore the moderating effects of capital adequacy, corporate governance and digital transformation. Findings/results: The results reveal that CPU significantly increases NPL, thereby weakening asset quality, with variations observed across different bank types and sizes. In addition, a higher capital adequacy ratio (CAR), enhanced corporate governance and improved digital transformation capabilities help mitigate the negative effects of CPU on BAQ. Practical implications: The findings suggest that bankers should develop differentiated climate risk response strategies and bolster resilience to address the CPU. Policymakers are encouraged to enhance the foresight and stability of climate policies to lessen the impact of CPU on financial institutions. Originality/value: This study enriches the understanding of climate financial risks by identifying CPU as a critical external factor affecting bank stability. It offers new insights into how internal governance mechanisms and digital capabilities can buffer the effects of climate-related uncertainties in the banking sector.
Purpose: This study examines when and how green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) influences business model innovation (BMI) in start-ups, focusing on boundary-spanning search (BSS) as a conversion mechanism and big data capability (BDC) as a boundary condition. Design/methodology/approach: Grounded in resource-based theory and organisational search theory, the research employs an empirical approach using survey data collected from 307 start-ups. The study examines the mediating effect of BSS and the moderating role of BDC through quantitative analysis. Findings/results: The analysis reveals three key findings: (1) GEO has a positive impact on BMI. (2) Boundary-spanning search mediates the relationship between GEO and BMI. (3) Big data capability positively moderates the link between BSS and BMI. Practical implications: For start-ups, the results imply that ‘going green’ is more likely to lead to BMI when firms design a focused external-search portfolio and build minimum viable data capabilities (e.g. data governance, cross-functional information sharing and decision-linked analytics) to reduce information overload and accelerate experimentation. Originality/value: The study advances an orientation–conversion perspective by explaining heterogeneous BMI outcomes amongst green-oriented ventures and highlighting the contingent value of BSS. The findings are particularly informative for start-ups in emerging-market contexts (including South Africa and many African economies), where resource constraints and uneven digital infrastructure can make the conversion of sustainability intent into a scalable business model change highly contingent.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the value of synergised structures in South African retail merchandising services. Specifically, it explored how senior managers in reputable retail organisations that sell fast-moving goods perceived the value added by supplier accountability, out-of-stock (OOS) management, operational efficiency, consumer satisfaction on the synergy between suppliers, retailers and merchandising service providers through capitalising on synergised merchandising structures in the South African retail sector. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted an interpretivism paradigm using a qualitative inductive approach. Nine senior managers were interviewed face-to-face. The collected data was analysed by means of six-phased thematic analysis. Findings/results: Synergised structures can improve merchandising service levels by fostering supplier and retailer collaboration, improving accountability, and decreasing stockouts. In addition, maintaining on-shelf availability and operational efficiency relies on investments in human capital development, proactive monitoring and technology-enabled inventory management. Practical implications: The study offers strategic guidance for enhancing cost-effective solutions through shared infrastructure, OOS prevention, human capital development and structured engagement to improve service levels. Originality/value: The study enriches current limited literature on synergised merchandising structures, especially in the South African retail sector, where it is influencing sales and from the perspective of senior managers employed by major retailers.
Purpose: Flexibility in work location has become a demand in the shifting world of work, but the experience remains precarious across gender lines. Technology is a significant enabler in remote working, and therefore adoption of new technology plays a role in facilitating more engagement. This article considers technology adoption and the influence of inclusion on workers’ level of engagement. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional empirical survey was conducted in a shipping company based in South Africa, and data were analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling approach. In addition to gender, the authors also considered the effect of worker location. Findings/results: Different experiences for men and women, and those on-site as opposed to those working in a hybrid way, were observed. The study validated the relationship between technology adoption and workers’ engagement and confirmed the experience of inclusion as a moderating trend. It furthermore contributes insights into gender differences in experience as well as differences in remote and on-site work arrangements. Practical implications: In a male-dominated industry like the maritime industry and shipping, attention needs to be given to gender differences and how to create more inclusive and enabling work environments. Originality/value: Crucially, the research highlights gender-specific dynamics, finding that job satisfaction fully mediates the technology-engagement relationship for women, while resources like autonomy and support provide a stronger moderating boost to their engagement compared to men.
Purpose: Directors’ dealings have the potential to provide valuable information to the market. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the market reaction to directors’ dealings has any relationship with other available sources of information about the company (i.e. its ‘information environment’). Design/methodology/approach: Market reaction to directors’ dealings was measured in an event study. Thereafter, a regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between market reaction and indicators of the firm’s information environment. Findings/results: Directors’ dealings trigger statistically significant abnormal returns for small companies during the anticipation and event window and for medium and large companies during the post-event window. We find statistically significant relationships between the market reactions to directors’ dealings and various indicators of the information environment. There is a significant relationship between market reactions and analyst following (in large- and medium-sized firms) and bid-ask spread (in small companies). Practical implications: Directors’ trades possess differing levels of informational value, depending on the information environment of the firm, with implications for market efficiency and corporate reporting. Originality/value: The juxtaposition of research on directors’ dealings and the information environment contributes to two strands of research that are often studied in isolation.
Purpose: This study examined the social construction of collective leadership in plural organisations with South African state-owned entities (SOEs) as its setting. Adopting the social construction lens, this autoethnographic study investigated how affiliation-driven appointments and personal relationships affected leadership practice, team composition and organisational outcomes. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a qualitative approach and analysed collective leadership through multiple datasets collected from reflexive journals, self-interviews and media reports at three SOEs where the researcher occupied executive leadership roles. In-depth semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 11 participants who held senior positions in SOEs. Findings/results: Thematic analysis revealed that affiliation-driven appointments shaped team dynamics through perceived biases, hostility and rivalries, which influenced collective leadership in SOEs. Furthermore, unresolved tensions undermined collective leadership and accountability and highlighted the interplay of micro-relational dynamics in shaping collective leadership outcomes. Practical implications: The implications of the study highlights the need for merit-based and transparent appointment process, inclusive team practices and aligned leadership. It emphasises structured onboarding, conflict resolution and clear accountability mechanisms as key to fostering effective, collaborative leadership and improved organisational performance. Originality/value: The study proposed three emergent strategies to address the challenges of affiliation-driven appointments: (1) strengthening merit-based appointments through transparent criteria and independent oversight, (2) fostering inclusive onboarding and conflict resolution mechanisms to build trust and team cohesion and (3) enhancing shared accountability through clear role definitions, common purpose alignment and rigorous oversight. These strategies aim to leverage collaboration and trust to promote effective collective leadership within SOEs.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to discuss the mediating effects of research and development (RD) and advertising expenditures on the relationship between free cash flow (FCF) and sales from a dynamic perspective. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing upon the resource-based and knowledge-based views, we propose a dynamic model, in which FCF change positively affects RD expenditure change and advertising expenditure change, which in turn positively affect sales change, and the effect of FCF change on RD expenditure change is moderated by industry type (high-tech vs. non-high-tech). To test for the dynamic mediating effects, we use a two-step approach that incorporates growth modelling and structural equation modelling, utilising longitudinal financial data. Findings/results: Research and development and advertising expenditure changes mediate the relationship between prior FCF change and subsequent sales change, with RD expenditure change having a stronger dynamic mediating effect for high-tech firms. Practical implications: As FCF increases, managers should allocate a proportionate share of the incremental resources to RD and advertising. High-tech firms should be particularly attentive to the need for allocation to RD. Short-term gains should not come at the expense of long-term value creation. Businesses should establish mechanisms for continuous monitoring and adaptation. Originality/value: The results spotlight the mechanism of dynamic mediation of RD and advertising expenditures on the relationship between FCF and sales and the moderating role of industry type on the dynamic mediation of RD expenditures. This study enhances our understanding of dynamic mediation in the context of strategic investments.
Purpose: Brand leadership studies focus on validating their four dimensions of brand innovativeness, value, popularity and quality but neglect their predictors. This study was based on three theories and integrated ideas from three models, examining people and person factors that influence brand admiration and leadership through employee-customer-oriented behaviour. Design/methodology/approach: The study hypothesises that person and people factors affect brand leadership dimensions through employee-customer-oriented behaviour and brand admiration. Quantitative methods were employed to collect data from 312 employees, including managers of two leading African brands. The hypotheses were examined with partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings/results: The findings showed that four of the people factors and all two person factors significantly affected customer-oriented behaviour. In addition, brand admiration had a significant effect on all four brand leadership dimensions. Practical implications: African brands striving to be leaders can use our findings to understand that brand admiration and leadership do not only come from customers’ positive response to brands but also from the top person’s leadership style and internal brand management strategies around people. Originality/value: The study is based on theories and perspectives from brand management, human resources management, internal brand management and leadership to provide an interdisciplinary explanation of four brand leadership dimensions, whose explanation is not only sparse in the literature but also for leading brands in Africa.
This Table of Contents reflects the print compilation of peer-reviewed articles published in the journal. Each article listed was originally published online under the journal’s open access model and remains individually accessible and citable. This compilation has been created solely for print distribution, reference, and archival purposes. No new research content is introduced. The publisher affirms that all articles included in this compilation have undergone the journal’s standard editorial and peer-review processes.
Purpose: This study investigates the impact of managerial myopia on green innovation in Chinese listed companies from 2001 to 2021, focusing on how short-termism undermines sustainable innovation at both firm and industry levels. Design/methodology/approach: Utilising Management Discussion and Analysis (MDA) textual analysis and corporate patent data, we employ high-dimensional fixed-effects and robustness tests to assess the relationship between managerial myopia and green innovation. Heterogeneity analysis and mediation models explore variations across firm types and mediating mechanisms, including RD investment, digital transformation and environmental, social and governance (ESG) management. Findings/results: Results confirm that managerial myopia significantly inhibits green innovation, with stronger effects in non-state-owned enterprises (non-SOEs), non-heavy polluting firms and non-CEO-duality firms. At the industry level, managerial myopia indirectly suppresses green innovation through reduced RD investment, limited digital transformation and weaker ESG management, as validated by mediation analysis. Practical implications: The findings offer policymakers and corporate leaders’ insights into aligning managerial incentives with long-term environmental and economic goals. Encouraging sustainable focus in non-SOEs and enhancing RD and ESG practices could mitigate the adverse effects of short-termism on green innovation. Originality/value: This research integrates MDA textual analysis with patent-based metrics to provide a novel perspective on managerial myopia’s impact on green innovation in an emerging market context. It elucidates nuanced mechanisms – RD, digital transformation and ESG management – through which short-termism disrupts sustainability, contributing to the literature on corporate governance and environmental innovation.
Purpose: Outsourcing is a widely used supply strategy for activities in which firms lack sufficient or appropriate competencies. While it enhances efficiency, extensive outsourcing may reduce transparency and control, thereby limiting firms’ ability to detect disruptions and increasing supply chain vulnerability. This study examines to what extent outsourcing contributes to supply chain vulnerability in the context of the Republic of Serbia. Design/methodology/approach: An empirical survey was conducted among 52 large enterprises from various sectors in Serbia, all of which were listed among the most successful based on their net profit. Hypotheses were tested using statistical methods, specifically the χ2 test, cluster analysis, analysis of variance and linear regression in SPSS. Findings/results: The survey results indicate that the proportion of outsourced activities did not significantly affect supply chain vulnerability (p = 0.695 and p = 0.556), while greater dispersion of outsourced activities (p = 0.005 and p = 0.003) and higher supply chain complexity (p = 0.014 and p = 0.007) were statistically significant. These findings suggest that although the share of outsourced activities alone does not increase vulnerability, both dispersion and complexity significantly elevate it. Practical implications: These findings do not argue against outsourcing but emphasise the importance of enhanced risk management and contingency planning. Originality/value: This pilot study provides initial empirical evidence on the impact of specific outsourcing activities on supply chain vulnerability. It also lays the foundation for future research, potentially extending to broader studies across the Western Balkans, given the similar business context and interconnections among enterprises in the region.
Purpose: This study examines collaboration among industry stakeholders and how it influences the sustainability of Zimbabwe’s dairy supply chains (DSCs) through practitioners’ perspectives. Design/methodology/approach: Adopting an interpretive paradigm, the study employed purposive sampling to select 25 DSC professionals with extensive experience across different value chain segments. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using ATLAS.ti (version 9.1) following a rigorous thematic analysis approach. Findings/results: Six themes emerged from the analysis: recognition of value chain interdependence, industry knowledge exchange and resource sharing networks, structural and economic power dynamics, resource constraints and input challenges, infrastructure and technical capacity limitations and environmental sustainability and climate resilience. These themes collectively reveal how collaboration operates within Zimbabwe’s dairy sector and the complex factors that influence its effectiveness. Practical implications: The study developed a framework that provides a structured approach for practitioners and policymakers to enhance collaboration by addressing foundational determinants, developing appropriate collaborative mechanisms and measuring multi-dimensional impacts. Findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing power asymmetries, prioritising infrastructure development and integrating environmental sustainability initiatives into core business practices. Originality/value: This research extends supply chain collaboration theory by explicating how contextual factors in developing economies shape collaborative capacity and sustainability outcomes. The proposed framework advances theoretical understanding by accounting for structural conditions that determine collaborative possibilities, offering insights applicable to agricultural supply chains in similar resource-constrained environments globally.
Purpose: This primary aim of this study was to assess the relationship between selected demographic factors (age, gender, education and marital status) and the entrepreneurial willingness of social grant recipients, framed within Human Capital Theory. Design/methodology/approach: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Quantitative data was collected in Johannesburg, Tshwane and rural Limpopo from 725 social grant recipients using structured questionnaires in 2021. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyse relationships between demographic variables and entrepreneurial willingness. Findings/results: The findings revealed that education and age were significantly associated with entrepreneurial willingness. Respondents with higher levels of education demonstrated stronger intentions to pursue self-employment, highlighting the importance of education in shaping entrepreneurial behaviour. Younger participants also showed higher entrepreneurial willingness, suggesting the relevance of age-specific interventions. No statistically significant relationships were found between gender or marital status and entrepreneurial willingness. Practical implications: Policymakers can enhance entrepreneurial willingness among social grant recipients by strengthening access to entrepreneurship education, tailoring support to different age groups and linking grant programmes to entrepreneurial development pathways. Simplifying access to resources and encouraging experimentation may further promote self-employment and reduce long-term dependence on social grants. Originality/value: This study contributes empirical evidence on how demographic factors relate to entrepreneurial willingness among South African social grant recipients, offering insights to inform targeted policy and programme design.
