PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to systematically examine and organize the literature that has explored the effects of several environmental conditions (ECs) on mergers and acquisitions (M & As), in particular highlighting the increasing role of protectionism.Design/methodology/approachThe systematic literature review methodology was applied for the purpose of identifying, analyzing and interrelating specific ECs that affect M & As, thereby underlining and elucidating the requisite role of protectionism. Specifically, this research is based on 51 methodically selected peer-reviewed articles published from 1991 to 2020.FindingsThe research summarizes and assesses the current state of relevant literature through comprehensive and coherent descriptive and thematic analysis. The proposed conceptual framework allows us to recognize the connections between M & As and external conditions, highlighting varying degrees of study and in-depth analysis across the different areas under consideration.Originality/valueThis study contributes to original and significant knowledge, by developing a conceptual framework that descriptively classifies existing knowledge; by defining refining and explicating the theoretical foundations for scholars to build on; by identifying the research gaps and proposing effective avenues for impactful further research; and by presenting practitioners and policymakers with a practical guide to implementation.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the financial and non-financial factors contributing to the success of hybrid offerings among Pakistani multinational enterprises (MNEs). Design/methodology/approach To capture the complexity and interdependence of success factors, this study employed fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Data were collected from 213 chief executive officers (CEOs) of Pakistani MNEs. Findings The findings indicate that organizational support for service plays a vital role in hybrid offerings. Specific paths, such as a service-oriented corporate culture and management commitment to service, are necessary conditions for successful hybrid offerings. Originality/value The study sheds new light on the causal relationship underlying hybrid offerings in Pakistan, one of the Next Eleven countries, which is among the fastest-developing economies. We identified various paths to the financial and non-financial success of hybrid offerings within the Pakistani manufacturing MNE sector, which, to the best of our knowledge, has been underexplored. Additionally, we considered the digitalization dimension, which integrates and strengthens previous configurational models.

eSport is revolutionising the video games and sport industry in the era of Digital Transformation. Applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study aims to investigate the links between eSport-associated individual motivation and financial behaviour in reward-crowdfunding. A survey has been conducted among 327 people to investigate their psychological and behavioural aspects related to eSport and subsequent funding decisions. The results demonstrate the preponderant role of personal, nonfinancial motivations in participating in reward-crowdfunding campaigns. The paper thus contributes to validating and applying TPB and TAM in the context of eSport and reward-crowdfunding.

Despite the burgeoning research on business failure in industrial markets, not much has been conducted on the role played by marketing analytics in mitigating such failure in the post-pandemic period. Against this backdrop, this study was aimed at investigating the antecedents of marketing analytics success (MAS) and its overall effects on strategic business value and profitability. Drawing on quality-dominant logic through the dynamic capability lens, this study yielded a model that, on the basis of data, model, and deployment quality, explains the achievement of MAS and the avoidance of business failure. This study, the data for which were gathered in Australia from 314 sample elements, shows that MAS significantly contributes to strategic business value and profitability. Such findings present a theoretically rigorous and practically relevant framework of MAS capable of mitigating the causes of business failure by harnessing analytics insights.

Drawing on the stewardship theory (ST) and socio-emotional wealth (SEW) perspective, this study investigates the role of sustainable activities within family firms (FFs) and the effect of marketing strategic decisions in improving their corporate social responsibility performance. To achieve the research aims, we analysed a sample of 730 American and European listed companies from 2015 to 2020. The results show that family businesses are more socially responsible than non-family businesses due to the presence of stewards. However, strategic marketing decisions have unclear effects in achieving these outcomes. This study expands the literature on ST and SEW in FFs, integrating them with sustainable principles. We also contribute to the sustainability debate and marketing literature related to FFs.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the different aspects of non-financial reporting that may influence company financial performance. In particular, the authors present an integrated framework of these features that have a direct impact on the financial sustainability of firms for future researchers to further explore and expand the boundaries of the domain. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review of peer-reviewed papers, covering the period 2015–2020, was done, and 41 paper were identified and analysed via a thematic review, to identify variables that either positively or negatively impact on the financial performance of listed companies. The literature focuses on disclosures related to integrated reporting disclosures, sustainability disclosures (also called corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures) and corporate governance disclosures. A synthesised inter-textual coherence strategy has been followed during the interpretation of the findings. Findings The results of the synthesised inter-textual coherence strategy were the development of an integrated framework, which indicates that the inclusion of control variables in regression analysis has no impact on the direction of the relationship between quality reporting and financial reporting. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to provide a comparison between the impact of the different types of reporting and financial sustainability.

The purpose of this paper is to extend the Resource Based View (RBV) theory of companies, integrating it into a multidisciplinary context of analysis. Authors tested an empirical model in which corporate venture capital (CVC) impacts on corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance with the aim of creating a sustainable competitive advantage. The authors performed a longitudinal analysis, based on the Generalized Least Square (GLS) model, on 100 American and European companies reported in the Fortune Global 500 ranking from 2015 to 2019. The findings reveal that CVC programs have a positive impact on firm’s environmental and social outcomes. They also broaden the boundaries of RBV theory analysis and contribute to corporate venture capital and corporate social responsibility literature. Additionally, authors develop insights applicable to practitioners to successfully implement CVC practices and CSR strategies jointly.

Digital and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and, consequently, remote working have increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, workers' economic-financial perception of remote working conditions, such as digital technology and its implementation, has scarcely been researched. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the economic-financial impacts of remote working on labourers. Using a mixed-methods sequential exploratory design, a sample of 976 workers is investigated. This study highlights that the majority of workers experience a negative economic-financial impact due to the additional costs incurred for digital technology and platforms and for utilities as well as the non-payment of overtime and meal vouchers, which are higher than the savings in commuting costs and out-of-pocket expenses. Furthermore, this research emphasizes that psychological-behavioural variables, specifically job satisfaction and technostress, are essential in the choice to continue working remotely after the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, our results have important theoretical implications related to the existing literature both on the managerial issues connected to digital transformation, with interdisciplinary elements linked to psychological aspects, and on corporate finance topics associated to the economic-financial impacts of remote working.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive analysis of international marketing (IM) studies within the context of banking and finance (B&F), articulating its significance and relevance in view of the growing influence of this topic in the global economy. Design/methodology/approach The systematic review methodology was applied for the purpose of identifying the relevant studies, as well as the key themes and dominant concepts. In establishing a quality benchmark for the review results, the final sample included articles published in peer-reviewed academic journals ranked 3, 4 and 4* in the ABS 2018 journal list, a common practice in existing systematic review studies. Findings Based on a systematic review of 66 studies, the results reveal that the topic has grown and continues to expand within the broader IM field over the past 35 years. From the proposed integrative framework, it is possible to identify the links between several IM subjects and B&F topics, highlighting a different intensity of studies and in-depth analysis among the various specific areas investigated. Originality/value The authors map and critically evaluate the extant IM research in B&F context for the purpose of increasing its coherence, scope and international dimension. Finally, the authors present a multidisciplinary, integrative framework that organizes the existing literature, provides the theoretical basis for scholars to further expand the boundaries of the domain and serves as a guiding tool for practitioners.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the constituents of cause-related marketing (CRM) capabilities in the context of an emerging market healthcare sector, by incorporating the resource-based view alongside the dynamic capability perspective. Moreover, the authors aim to illustrate how the typologies of CRM capabilities help to achieve service innovation whilst taking into consideration the role of service flexibility (SF) and service climate.Design/methodology/approachThe authors develop a research framework through a representative and novel case study in the Indian healthcare market by utilizing and analyzing the subject-specific literature. Furthermore, a quantitative survey of healthcare professionals was conducted to assess the relationships utilizing PLS–SEM.FindingsAfter identifying the constituents of CRM capabilities, the study confirms the mediating mechanism of SF between CRM capabilities and service innovation. Furthermore, findings from the study suggest that service climate positively moderates the relationship between CRM capability and SF.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in the emerging country healthcare market of India. Thus, the generalizability of the framework needs to be tested in a similar or contrasting context. Furthermore, the sample size for the study was limited to healthcare professionals, and the customer’s perspective was missing.Originality/valueThis paper is a first step to identify the specific dimensions of CRM capability and explain it as a higher-order factor. The study further provides an integrative framework that includes CRM capability, service innovation, SF and service climate. More specifically, it enhances the understanding of the constituents of the CRM capabilities and their influence on service innovation.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to construct a conceptual framework of the effects of customer engagement on cause-related marketing (CRM), with the goal of providing a solid scientific foundation for the development and stimulation of future research on the critical intersection of these two topics. Design/methodology/approach The research defines customer engagement in CRM campaigns as the conditions under which consumers are allowed to choose the cause that receives the donation, the cause proximity (geographical proximity) and the type of donation in a CRM campaign. Findings The paper conceptualizes the role of customer engagement in enhancing the effectiveness of a CRM campaign, in terms of coverage, customization and reduced consumer skepticism, as well as in triggering positive word-of-mouth (WOM) persuasion behaviors. Practical implications The conceptual framework provides several practicable directions toward effective control of CRM campaign outcomes, for both local and global firms. Originality/value The paper rests on established empirical foundations to develop a comprehensive preliminary multi- disciplinary framework on the subject, setting the path for further research in the fields of CRM, customer engagement and International Business Research , and reaching findings of both scholarly and executive worth.

Purpose A significant body of research has now been accumulated in the intercultural service encounter (ICSE) literature. However, no study to date has provided scholars and practitioners with a systematic review to map and better understand the ICSE domain. Design/methodology/approach To fill this gap, the authors systematically review and critically examine the state of academic research on ICSE. Findings Based on a systematic review of 31 journal articles published over the last two decades, the results illustrate that ICSE research is a vibrant and rapidly growing stream of the broader international business domain, and it is topically and methodologically diverse. This review also identifies significant knowledge gaps related to the adoption of different theoretical orientations by researchers examining ICSE at different levels of analysis, a lack of contextual positioning, as well as poor methodological rigor. Originality/value Based on the findings, the authors introduce a multilevel and multidisciplinary conceptual framework that integrates the concepts of emotional intelligence (EI) and intercultural communication competence (ICC) as the key variables that explain trust development during the interaction between two key culturally different stakeholders: service providers (employees) and service receivers (customers). Finally, the authors discuss the contributions and implications for both academics and practitioners.

Purpose This paper aims to explore the perceived negative emotions of both customers and frontline service employees (FSEs) during intercultural service encounters (ICSEs); and the building and utilization of corresponding knowledge in the banking sector. Design/methodology/approach To reach the paper’s goal, a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews conducted in the context of the banking industry is developed and presented. Findings The findings presented and discussed the “perception of emotion” and the building of corresponding knowledge about ICSEs. Specifically, FSEs and foreign customers were found to be capable of perceiving negative emotions, both their own and of others. The authors further identified an array of emotions and feelings that facilitate the understanding of how ICSEs can be managed and improved. The findings finally highlight the degree and nature of the importance of building and storing knowledge on ICSEs soft processes, which are termed a key asset for service companies. Originality/value An encounter between a service provider and a customer of different cultural backgrounds can become complex and critical. Despite this, there is not enough empirical evidence neither on the socio-psychological processes that take place during these encounters nor on how different ethnic groups develop interpersonal trust within the service sector. This research offers empirical insights regarding the means of detecting emotions and of improving the quality and management of knowledge on ICSE.

This article is the first to consolidate the state of scholarly research on stakeholder engagement in innovation management and entrepreneurship development. We hereby systematically review the relevant literature published over the past 27 years, and we integrate the various prominent research perspectives into a preliminary, multi-dimensional and integrative framework of stakeholder engagement; thus, interlinking the antecedent role of stakeholder engagement for innovation management and subsequent entrepreneurship development. Through this methodologically systematic review and framework development, we provide a more comprehensive and deeper understanding of the interaction between entrepreneurs and the various stakeholders, for enhancing innovation management and entrepreneurship development. In so doing, we consequently identify various research gaps and prescribe effective avenues for future works in this research stream. Conclusively, we discuss the implications of the stakeholder management perspective for the theory and the practice of entrepreneurship.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to systematically review and critically examine marketing research on mergers and acquisitions (M&As), and articulates its importance and relevance in consideration of the growing influence of the M&A phenomenon in the global economy. Design/methodology/approach A two-stage systematic review of the extant literature was conducted focusing on peer-reviewed journal articles published during a 28 year period – from 1987 to 2014. Findings A systematic analysis of 32 journal articles reveals that M&A research is a vibrant and rapidly growing stream of the broader marketing domain, and that it is contextually, methodologically and thematically diverse. The findings also highlight several literature trends and shortcomings, as well as the complex nature of the relationship between marketing and M&As. Originality/value On the basis of the critique, we develop an ambitious research agenda that raises exciting new research questions for the scholar community and helps promote future theory development in marketing, strategy, and other related disciplines.

This article posits a framework that illustrates how the concepts of cause–related marketing, product innovation and extraordinary sustainable leadership are conjoined in order to create a sustainable organisation. The intended contributions are: to accumulate the state of academic research on successful sustainable development within organisations, and to identify important underdeveloped connections between cause–related marketing, product innovation and extraordinary sustainable leadership on the one hand, with the three–dimensional concept of sustainability on the other hand. Moreover, this manuscript, to our knowledge, appears to be the first of its kind to theoretically examine the dynamics implied by synthesising these, so far, distinct concepts. Within the model explication, we offer a set of research directions designed to enable researchers to further enhance the integration of the aforementioned concepts from both problem–driven theory development as well as theory–driven practice management dimensions.

Purpose – This paper aims to illustrate how innovation typologies may lead to cause-related marketing (CRM) success when applied to services. Design/methodology/approach – Hence, the paper identifies product/service and brand factors that underpin CRM success, undertakes an innovation theory application in CRM and examines its theoretical and practical significance. Findings – The paper develops a conceptual framework that may serve to facilitate CRM success. Originality/value – Intended contributions include: a critical review of academic research related to CRM success; identification of underdeveloped connections between five innovation types and CRM success; enrichment of the innovation and CRM literature by developing a framework that combines these; managerial guidelines to achieve successful CRM practice in services; and an agenda for future research in CRM via a multi-dimensional concept of innovation.