International Journal of Business Environment (16 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Firms eco-innovativeness and its determinants. An empirical cross-country analysis  
  by Ida D'Attoma, Silvia Pacei 
  Abstract: The paper studies the determinants of different types of eco-innovation in German, Romanian and Portuguese manufacturing sectors over 2012-2014, through an empirical analysis of the Community Innovation Survey. To this end, we consider a measure of eco-innovativeness that counts different types of innovations with environmental benefits that enterprises have undertaken. Due to the count nature of our focal variable and to the large presence of zeros, we estimate a zero-inflated negative binomial model. Drawing upon a consolidated framework of drivers, including “technology push”, “regulatory push-pull” and “firm-specific” factors, this work gives an overview of the main eco-innovation drivers and contributes to enlarge the geographical scope of the debate on eco-innovation drivers. Findings highlight how the different regulatory contexts and different levels of competitiveness of the market affect the firms’ eco-innovation behavior in the three countries and suggest important implications for the design of smart policy mix supporting eco-innovation.
  Keywords: eco-innovation; EI drivers; CIS data; ZINB regression.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2022.10052618
   
  
• The impact of environmental turbulence on business sustainability through organisational resilience and dynamic capabilities  
  by Mohammad Hamsal, Mohammad Ichsan, Hendro Wicaksono 
  Abstract: This paper investigates how the telecom sector’s organisational resilience in Indonesia responds to environmental turbulence and how it affects business sustainability during the COVID-19 pandemic. An integrated conceptual framework is developed and empirically tested using survey data from 158 telecommunication companies and analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling. This study reveals that environmental turbulence significantly and positively influences dynamic capabilities and organisational resilience. Based on the path analysis result, the relationship between environmental turbulence and business sustainability is fully mediated by both dynamic capabilities and organisational resilience. The study has expanded the determinants of organisational resilience in the context of a pandemic as part of environmental turbulence. This study finally shows that dynamic capabilities and organisational resilience are key determinants to business sustainability in the turbulent business environment such as the COVID-19 pandemic to telecom companies. Many lessons can be learned by the telecom companies due to this pandemic situation including business model alignment as a consequence of responding to environmental turbulences.
  Keywords: business sustainability; COVID-19; dynamic capabilities; environmental turbulence; organisational resilience; pandemic.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2022.10053131
   
  
• The impact of adopting corporate entrepreneurship in the public sector on innovative performance: the moderating role of knowledge sharing  
  by Taghreed Akram Khirfan, Mohammad Hamid Al Khasawneh 
  Abstract: This study examines the critical impact of adopting corporate entrepreneurship (CE) in the public organisations on the level of innovative performance (IP). Several studies examined the impact of adopting CE on the organisation performance in the private sector. However, it is noted that insufficient studies investigated thoroughly entrepreneurship in the public sector and its reflections on IP under the critical impact of knowledge sharing. A quantitative study was held by a validated questionnaire on the Jordanian Social Security Corporation. The structural equation modelling technique is adopted to analyse the purposeful sample of 300 valid surveys. The outcomes showed that the research model variables explained 72.8% of the variance of the IP variable. Also, it confirmed the significant positive relationship between CE and IP and the significant positive relationship between organisational support factors and CE. Moreover, these results contribute to the existing body of knowledge on CE by linking it to IP in public organisations.
  Keywords: corporate entrepreneurship; public sector; innovative performance; knowledge sharing; organisational support.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2023.10053362
   
  
• The journey of service quality to loyalty: a gender-based multigroup analysis in car-hailing service  
  by Wajeeha Aslam, Imtiaz Arif, Kashif Farhat 
  Abstract: The study examines the role of car-hailing service (CHS) online and offline service quality on satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, it examines the impact of satisfaction on trust and its impact on loyalty, and the differences in the perception of males and females. The data was collected through a questionnaire from people who had experience using CHS. PLS-SEM and multigroup analysis (MGA) was used for hypotheses testing. The findings revealed that online and offline service quality both affects satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, significant relationships were found between satisfaction, trust, and loyalty. The results of MGA showed that offline service quality predominantly affects the satisfaction and loyalty of females. Moreover, trust predominantly affects the loyalty of males in comparison to females. The study offers valuable insights to CHS providers as the findings benefit in developing strategies that help in catering to male and female users.
  Keywords: car-hailing; loyalty; sharing economy; mobile app; service quality; trust; satisfaction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2023.10053894
   
  
• Green HRM and sustainable organisation growth: a mediating role of team building  
  by Ghulam Muhammad, Asma Ilyas, Muddassir Sayeed Siddiqui 
  Abstract: The main purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of the green human resource management (HRM) on sustainable organisation growth and the mediating role of teambuilding. The procedure of analysis started with the distribution of the structured questionnaire. We have distributed 200 questionnaires among human resource (HR) professionals working in 50 healthcare sector organisations. Only 120 participants were used for data analysis by using Smart PLS. We have found a significant relationship between green HRM and sustainable organisational growth (SOG). Similarly, the relationship between green HRM and team building was found to be significant. Whereas the relationship between team building and SOG is not found significant in our analysis. Simply concluded that there is no mediating role of Team Building between the Green HRM and SOG.
  Keywords: green human resource management; GHRM; sustainable organisation growth; SOG; team building; corporate social responsibilities; environmental sustainability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2023.10054043
   
  
• The determinants of non-consumption disposables plastic: application of an extended theory of planned behaviour  
  by Joaquim A. Casaca, Ana Loureiro 
  Abstract: The main purpose of this study is to explore a framework to predict the non-consumption of disposable plastics behaviour, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour and a further extension adding two new variables to the model: social media engagement and lifestyle values. The empirical research builds on a survey with a sample of 466 individuals using an online questionnaire. Data analysis followed a PLS-SEM approach, to test the group of hypotheses. The group of predictors of social media engagement, lifestyle values, attitude, perceived behaviour control, and intention explain 39,7% of the variance of the expected behaviour of no-use of disposable plastic, which is considered a high value in the consumer behaviour domain. Together, the results show that the theory of planned behaviour proved its applicability in explaining social behaviour and that social media engagement is a very relevant predictor of lifestyle.
  Keywords: sustainable consumption; disposable plastics; theory of planned behaviour; social media engagement; lifestyle; structural equation modelling; PLS-SEM.
  
  
• Shopping for a worthy cause - the theory of planned behaviour for vegan personal care products with a special focus on animal welfare  
  by Annika Reeh, Nadine Walter, Frauke Sander, Thomas Cleff 
  Abstract: Consumers are increasingly considering ethical aspects when purchasing goods. Considerations about the triple bottom line of ethical consumption, i.e., environmental, social and animal welfare are included into their shopping behaviour. However, academics have so far focused on the research areas of ecology and human rights, while animal welfare has been largely ignored. Hence, this study focuses on analysing the impact of animal welfare concern using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Our findings of an empirical study (n = 186) in Germany show that the best predictors of attitude towards vegan personal care products are moral obligation, animal welfare concern and environmental concern. Perceived behavioural control, self-identity, health consciousness and appearance consciousness are not confirmed as predictors. The method of this study has contributed significantly to research: firstly, it is the first empirical study of vegan personal care products using the TPB; secondly, it includes a newly developed scale of animal welfare concern.
  Keywords: theory of planned behaviour; TPB; animal welfare concern; environmental concern; moral obligation; vegan; ethical consumption.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2023.10056159
   
  
• An exploratory perspective on reciprocal pharmaceutical export operations and their underlying dynamic capabilities  
  by Mohammad Zarei, Amir Zolfaghari, Behrouz Zarei 
  Abstract: To gain a sustainable competitive advantage, it is vital for firms to nurture capabilities that are hard for others to imitate, specifically in rapidly changing business environments. Based on the dynamic capabilities framework, we designed this study to: 1) explore major export operations in pharmaceutical firms; 2) investigate their underlying dynamic capabilities; 3) establish associations between them. We conducted in-depth interviews with 11 pharmaceutical export firms and analysed data using a grounded inductive approach. The study yielded an integrative process model that explains how pharmaceutical export firms manage their dynamic capabilities by establishing associations between export operations and their underlying dynamic capabilities. The interviews highlighted leadership as an agent for developing dynamic capabilities, although the literature has no satisfactory explanations for its cognitive mechanisms. We see this gap as a starting point for developing a new concept - export leadership.
  Keywords: dynamic capabilities; pharmaceutical export firms; internationalisation; business environment; export leadership; opportunity recognition; entrepreneurial orientations; inductive grounded approach.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2023.10056653
   
  
• Impact of marketing policies and strategies on the advancement of sustainable development goals: a systematic review  
  by Marta Marco-Gardoqui, Almudena Eizaguirre, María García-Feijoo 
  Abstract: Through this research study, we aim to shed light into the discussion on the role that marketing strategies and policies plays in the attainment of SDGs. Companies that promote sustainability through their marketing initiatives have been proven to achieve greater appreciation than those that do not. Moreover, actions performed by organisations in different sectors within the sustainability framework demand the need to create a clear and comprehensive scheme that helps combine and clarify the typology of these actions and their contribution to SDGs. The main objective of this research is to understand the specific role played by marketing strategies in the achievement and progress towards a more sustainable world using the systematic review methodology. The major finding is to understand where the research on the topic is focused regarding the economic sector (secondary sector), the addressed goal (Goal 12), and the main marketing strategies and actions considered (being marketing orientation the most mentioned and price the least). In addition, this study provides some implications for researchers, managers and policy makers, related to the understanding of the SDGs, the actions to be taken and the relevance of citizens education.
  Keywords: SDG; 2030 Agenda; sustainable development goals; SDGs; marketing.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2023.10056654
   
  
• Determinants of entrepreneurship and self-employment for older people in Chile  
  by Julio J. Guzman, Juan I. Merlo 
  Abstract: In most countries self-employment rates move up along with age. This may reflect that people are expelled from wage-work as they age, facing more precarious job conditions. However, labour statistics tabulated by age might be affected by survival bias, that is, older people who remain in the labour force might differ from those who exit the labour force. To attack this problem, we estimate bivariate probit models with sample selection using Chilean data to assess the effect of aging on self-employment choices, controlling for the decision to remain working. We find that the age gradient in self-employment almost vanishes for all groups once we control for observable characteristics and for potential selection bias. These results suggest that self-employment is more frequent among older people mainly because of differential labour market exits between wage workers and self-employed, and not necessarily because of large transitions to self-employment at older ages.
  Keywords: entrepreneurship; mature-aged entrepreneurship; old-age entrepreneurship; senior entrepreneurship; self-employment; older workers; bivariate probit models with sample selection; Chile.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2023.10056686
   
  
• Business environment and competitiveness in Portugal  
  by Ricardo Teixeira, Leandro F. Pereira, José Crespo De Carvalho, Rui Vinhas Da Silva, Ana Simões 
  Abstract: The context for this research was the lack of data and studies on how to improve the business competitive environment and make it more interesting for foreign direct investment, in particular in Portugal economy. Two research questions were formulated to understand the main perspectives of Portugal competitiveness and main ideas to Portuguese companies become more competitive using a qualitative methodology based on in depth interviews of 67 persons from entrepreneurs, economist, researchers and academics. The main findings identify a set of factors that turns the Portuguese economy more competitive, as well the types of investments that matches with Portuguese dynamics and environment, and a roadmap for economic development.
  Keywords: market selection; business competitiveness; economic competitiveness; Portuguese competitiveness; foreign direct investment; FDI; Portugal.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2023.10056810
   
  
• Barriers to hospitality innovativeness: the Colombian case  
  by Salvador Estrada, Héctor Cuevas-Vargas, Maria Laura Toraldo, Mario Benassi 
  Abstract: There is still a gap in innovation research in the hospitality sector. This work will provide new evidence of innovative behaviour in a developing country. Few studies jointly use various barriers to predict innovative behaviour and innovation capacity, and some criteria for grouping the barriers are missing. Based on this consideration, a conceptual framework is suggested that relates the following: 1) obstacles associated with information and internal capabilities; 2) risk obstacles; 3) obstacles in the business environment as independent variables and three types of innovation capabilities; 4) product innovativeness; 5) process innovativeness; 6) market innovativeness as dependent variables. The analysis used a second-generation structural equation method (PLS-SEM). The results prove that with the awareness of obstacles, Colombian tourism companies may strategically generate innovation capabilities.
  Keywords: innovativeness; obstacles; barriers; service; innovation capabilities; tourism.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2022.10051505
   
  
• The impact of personality variables on entrepreneurial orientation  
  by Mauricio Vallejo-Vélez, Joan Boada-Grau, María José Serrano-Fernández, José Carlos Sánchez-García, Maria Boada-Cuerva, Luis Araya-Castillo 
  Abstract: Numerous studies suggest that a relationship exists between certain personality variables and entrepreneurial orientation (EO). The aim of this study is to conduct a predictive study of personality variables that may influence entrepreneurial orientation. To do so, we use the following indicators: big five personality, hardiness, self-esteem, self-efficacy, impulsivity, pro-activeness, curiosity, internal locus control, optimism and pessimism. Participants in the study were 883 workers selected through non-probabilistic sampling and the data collected were processed with the SPSS 25.0 program. Our results determine the predictive capacity of personality variables, curiosity, and optimism in relation to EO. We conclude that OE can be predicted through the variables openness to experience, proactivity, curiosity-I, optimism and internal locus of control that explain greater variance when predicting entrepreneurial behaviour. This study contributes to wider knowledge of entrepreneurial orientation and the empowerment of variables that influence it.
  Keywords: entrepreneurial orientation; personality; self-esteem; self-efficacy; impulsivity; pro-activeness; curiosity.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2022.10051620
   
  
• Deliberative public engagement in Ghana: consultation processes and outcomes during the privatisation of water  
  by Philip Boahen, Emanuel Gomes 
  Abstract: The existing body of knowledge suggests that deliberative public engagement in major public sector reforms improves service users' participation and maximises successful outcomes. However, limited research has addressed public involvement during the privatisation of essential services within developing countries. Based on a case study research method in the context of Ghana, this paper highlights how ineffective consultation and a lack of deliberative engagement during water privatisation led to public protests and limited benefits for service users. The paper extends existing debates by showing how political dynamics, social status, and power can impact the modes and outcomes of privatisation within developing countries. The conclusions call for a more nuanced understanding and better use of deliberative processes during privatisation within developing country contexts.
  Keywords: deliberative engagement; public consultation; water privatisation; public-private partnerships; Ghana; Africa.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2022.10051120
   
  
• Do established firms explore more in punctuated environments?  
  by Jun Lin 
  Abstract: I introduced the punctuated equilibrium theory to account for the fast emergence of new business 'species' in the internet era. The commercial use of the internet altered the industrial environment with new challenges and opportunities, constituting a phase of environmental punctuation. This study examined how established firms respond strategically to such an environment by reorienting to the exploration of new possibilities. I collected data by a content analysis approach using 95 randomly sampled firms during the period of 1998-2001. The results from MANOVA suggested the strategic differences between firms from industries with or without 'environmental punctuation'. Firms that must cope with environmental punctuation, initiate strategic actions more frequently, and their strategic actions are more novel with wider breadth. This study enriches the understanding of the forms and contexts of organisational exploratory learning. Environmental punctuation is envisioned as the suitable context for strategic exploration.
  Keywords: punctuated equilibrium; internet era; industrial environment; business environment; strategic exploration; organisational learning; exploratory learning; business models; knowledge management; content analysis; MANOVA; multivariate analysis of variance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2022.10051822
   
  
• Evolution and trends of intellectual property crime research between 1991 and 2020  
  by Jorge J. Román, Abdul Quddos Al Obaidli, Abdelrahman Hassan Almuaini, Christian A. Cancino 
  Abstract: The appropriability of innovation benefits is essential to promote business development. Formal mechanisms protect this appropriability, such as patents or intellectual property (IP) rights. But not all countries respect IP rights and this phenomenon has increased in a complex way. There has been an academic interest in studying the trends regarding IP criminal activities. This study aims to identify the authors, universities and regions that publish the most in IP crime research worldwide. Using the Web of Science database, we analysed 589 articles published between 1991 and 2020 on the topic. The results indicate that approximately 75% of scientific production on IP Crime was written in the last decade, which is of great concern nowadays. The most influential authors come from the USA. This economy has stood out making progress in the establishment of formal mechanisms for the appropriation of innovation as a way to encourage more firms and innovators to develop new productive activities. Different developed economies, in Europe and Asia, also showed that academics study how markets advance through the protection of IP rights, but their studies have different focuses.
  Keywords: intellectual property crime; intellectual property rights; innovation; appropriability; Web of Science; WoS; bibliometric analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2022.10052596