Economics and Culture Feed

The Axiological Distance of Generation Z in Poland: Comparing Work-Related Value Expectations with the Globe Model’s Societal Practices and Values

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. This study identifies the axiological profile of Generation Z in the Polish work environment and measures the cultural distance between this cohort and national cultural patterns defined by the GLOBE model. The research investigates dimensions where Generation Z’s expectations diverge from societal values (Should Be) and where they contradict prevailing cultural practices (As Is).Design / Methodology / Approach. The research employed a diagnostic survey (CAWI) using purposive snowball sampling targeting Generation Z representatives. The tool was based on the GLOBE project’s nine cultural dimensions. Primary data were compared with reference data for the Polish population using comparative statistical procedures. Additionally, a one-way ANOVA was conducted to examine the impact of professional experience on the value-practice gap.Findings. The study identifies a profound practice gap (cumulative distance of 9.00 points), indicating that Polish organisational reality is significantly misaligned with the ethical and emotional needs of the youngest employees. Key tensions were noted in Gender Egalitarianism, Future Orientation and Human Orientation. Crucially, the analysis rejected the hypothesis that professional experience mitigates this gap; Generation Z demonstrates high axiological stability and resistance to traditional organisational socialisation, regardless of seniority.Originality / Value / Practical implications. The article fills a research gap by applying the GLOBE framework to a specific generational cohort in Poland. The findings suggest that traditional accommodation theories are failing; organisations must undergo deep cultural transformation toward egalitarian and relational models to attract and retain Generation Z talent. The practical value lies in guidelines for HR managers to redefine motivational systems based on substantive rather than formal authority.

When Authentic Brands Feel Like the Self: The Role of Self-Congruity in Brand Attachment

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. When authentic brands are aligned with consumers’ sense of self, strong emotional bonds are more likely to be fostered. However, previous studies do not provide a clear picture of how brand authenticity, consumer self-congruity, and brand attachment are related, and whether self-congruity is a central psychological mechanism in this process. The present study aims to address this gap by developing and testing a framework in which perceived brand authenticity is associated with brand attachment, both directly and indirectly through consumer self-congruity.Design / Methodology / Approach. This study is based on a quantitative research design using an online survey. Data were collected from a convenience sample of adult consumers (N = 482), primarily from Lithuania (74.9%), with additional respondents completing the survey in English (25.1%; including participants from England, Scotland, Germany, and the United States). The sample consisted of 71% women, 27% men, and 2% identifying as other, with a mean age of 26 years. All constructs were measured using established multi-item scales adapted to the context of this study. The hypothesised relationships were tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) with SPSS AMOS.Findings. The findings suggest that perceived brand authenticity is positively and significantly associated with both consumer self-congruity and brand attachment. In turn, consumer self-congruity is positively and significantly associated with brand attachment. Furthermore, the analysis of mediation shows that the relationship between brand authenticity and brand attachment is partially impacted by consumer self-congruity. Taken together, these findings are consistent with a process in which authentic brands are associated with stronger self-brand alignment, which in turn is associated with stronger emotional attachment.Value. The most significant theoretical contribution of the study is the identification of consumer self-congruity as a central psychological mechanism associated with the relationship between perceived brand authenticity and brand attachment. By integrating research on brand authenticity with self-congruity and identity-based perspectives in consumer behaviour, the study helps reconcile previously inconsistent findings and offers a more unified explanation of how and why authenticity fosters strong consumer-brand relationships. From a managerial perspective, the findings suggest that firms should prioritise the strategic cultivation of brand authenticity by emphasising heritage, core values, and distinctive brand characteristics. Importantly, authenticity should not be treated as an end in itself, but as a resource that enables consumers to perceive alignment between the brand and their self-concept.

Exploring Determinants of Metaverse E-Commerce Purchase Intention Among Albanian University Students

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. This study investigates how metaverse knowledge, perceived value and perceived security risk relate to university students’ intention to engage in metaverse e-commerce in a developing-economy context. Focusing on Albanian students as an early-adopter cohort, it examines whether knowledge and value act as enablers and perceived security risk as a barrier to metaverse-based shopping.Design / Methodology / Approach. A quantitative, cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 221 undergraduate and graduate students from universities in Albania. Knowledge of the metaverse, along with its perceived value, perceived security risk, and metaverse e-commerce purchase intention, were evaluated using multi-item five-point Likert scales based on privacy-calculus and technology-acceptance research. Descriptive statistics profiled respondents’ perceptions. Bivariate associations were examined using Spearman correlations, and hypotheses were evaluated using hierarchical regression (controls: gender, age) and PLS-SEM with bias-corrected bootstrapping (5,000 resamples). Programme-group differences were explored using Mann-Whitney U tests. Reliability was excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.911).Findings. Students reported moderate but uneven metaverse knowledge, with greater familiarity with basic concepts and commercial applications and lower familiarity with VR/AR/XR technologies and ethics or privacy issues. Bivariate results supported both hypotheses: metaverse knowledge (ρ = .249, p < .001) and perceived value (ρ = .400, p < .001) were positively associated with metaverse e-commerce purchase intention, whereas perceived security risk was negatively associated (ρ = −.118, p = .040). Hierarchical regression showed a significant improvement from the control model to the full model (∆R2 = .128, p < .001), and PLS-SEM showed comparable explanatory power (R2 = .177).Originality / Value / Practical implications. The study adds evidence from a developing-economy setting by jointly examining knowledge, value, and security risk as determinants of metaverse e-commerce intention. The results show a clear benefit-risk balance: knowledge and perceived value encourage intention, but high security concerns continue to hold students back, even among tech-savvy users. For universities and policymakers, this points to the need for metaverse-focused literacy on VR/AR/XR, data protection and digital rights, not just technical pilots. For firms and platform providers, the findings underline that successful metaverse offers must pair personalisation and rewards with transparent information, visible security-by-design measures, and real control over how students’ identities and avatars are used.

Exploring Workplace Happiness Through Honeybee Sustainable Leadership, AI Experience, and Financial Literacy: The Outlook from Indonesia

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. This study examines the relationships among Honeybee Sustainable Leadership (HSL), Artificial Intelligence Experience (AIX), Financial Literacy (FL), and Workplace Happiness (WPH) among Indonesian white-collar employees. It also examines the mediating role of AIX in the relationship between HSL and WPH.Design / Methodology / Approach. A quantitative research design was employed using survey data collected from 512 employees in Indonesia. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).Findings. HSL is positively associated with WPH and AIX. AIX is also positively related to WPH and partially mediates the relationship between HSL and WPH. In addition, FL is significantly positively related to WPH. The findings also suggest that WPH in digitally transforming organisations is influenced not only by leadership and technology-related experiences but also by employees’ financial management behaviours.Originality / Value / Practical implications. This study is significant to the existing body of knowledge by integrating HSL, AIX, and FL into WPH. This study extends the existing theoretical model of HSL. In practical terms, this study suggests that organisations should develop and implement an integrated model that combines sustainable leadership development, AIX, and financial wellness to develop happy workplaces.

Beyond Single Ratios: A Pattern-Based Validation of Financial Risk Resilience in Visegrad Economies

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. The growing frequency of macroeconomic shocks has reignited interest in the financial risk resilience of enterprises and their ability to absorb adverse disturbances. Existing empirical research relies predominantly on particular financial ratios to depict resilience, thus overlooking the overall impact of leverage and liquidity. The main aim of this paper is to empirically validate a pattern-based framework of financial risk resilience that encompasses combined liquidity-leverage configurations and to examine whether the distribution of these patterns differs systematically across post-transition economies. Focusing on enterprises operating in the Visegrad Group (V4) countries, the study investigates whether national financial environments contribute to persistent heterogeneity in financial risk resistance beyond firm-specific characteristics.Design / Methodology / Approach. Using a large cross-country dataset of enterprises from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary, enterprises are classified into four financial risk resistance patterns based on median thresholds of leverage and liquidity. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests, along with Dunn’s post-hoc comparisons, are utilized to examine cross-country differences in financial constraints, supplemented by effect size estimates using epsilon squared to determine economic relevance. A multinomial logistic regression model is developed to test the robustness of the non-parametric findings and to account for firm-level heterogeneity while controlling for firm size and sectoral affiliation.Findings. The findings reveal significant differences in financial risk resistance patterns across V4 economies. Hungarian and Polish enterprises have a higher prevalence of high-leverage and low-liquidity configurations, whereas Czech firms are predominantly characterised by low leverage and strong internal liquidity. Although non-parametric studies demonstrate statistically significant cross-country differences in leverage and liquidity, effect sizes imply that these differences are economically modest. The multinomial regression analysis shows that country affiliation remains a significant predictor of pattern membership even after controlling for firm size and sectoral composition.Originality / Value / Practical implications. This study contributes to the literature by extending beyond single-ratio approaches and providing large-scale empirical validation of a pattern-based financial risk resilience framework in post-transition economies. The findings underscore the importance of considering combined liquidity–leverage configurations for measuring firm resilience and proposing policy interventions. From a practical perspective, the pattern-based classification facilitates the identification of financially vulnerable enterprises and encourages enhanced regulatory and risk management strategies.

The Role of Modern Technology in Promoting Human Development in Emerging Economies

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research PurposeHuman development spurs progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enabling the capabilities, productivity, and resilience needed to meet economic, social, and environmental targets. Promoting human development facilitates achieving SDGs. Giving attention to factors that spurred human development in the right direction propagates education, health, and economic prosperity and, as such, achieves SDGs. Hence, the determinants of human development are central to SDGs. This study examines the relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) and access to electricity on human development in selected emerging economies.Design/ Methodology/ ApproachFollowing the modernisation theory, the relationship between ICT, access to electricity and human development is assessed within an econometric second-generation panel unit root test, cross-sectional dependence test, slope heterogeneity, a panel-corrected standard error model, a Dumitrescu and Hurlin causality test, and a threshold model between 2000 and 2022.FindingsThe findings reveal the crucial importance of ICT and access to electricity on human development in emerging economies. ICT spur human development and suggests that it remains one of the key drivers in the transitory economies, as they support human development in education, health, and social protection and, as such, improves quality of life. Meanwhile, the ICT-human development nexus could break down when access to electricity is not commensurate with ICT. The finding shows that access to electricity has a direct and significant impact on human development in emerging economies. In addition, there is unidirectional causality from ICT to human development and from access to electricity to human development. Within the threshold regression, the result reveals that ICT and access to electricity spur human development at lower and upper regimes. The policy implication is that when access to electricity is not commensurate with ICT, heavy reliance on ICT can create vulnerabilities when systems fail or when communities cannot adapt without digital solutions and as such, it may have a negative impact on human development. The study recommends that ICT penetration and usage should be encouraged since small improvements in ICT access can produce significant gains in human development. Also, energy policies and electrification programs should be strengthened as a foundation for sustainable improvements in human well-being.Originality/ Value/Practical ImplicationsThe study stressed that the criticality of access to electricity and ICT is central to human development in emerging economies.

Cultural Values, Psychological Readiness, and Policy Support: Explaining Perceived Venture Behaviour in Yogyakarta’s Heritage-Based Tourism Economy

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. Tourism-based entrepreneurship in heritage-rich regions offers fertile ground for inclusive development, yet venture-oriented perceptions and early entrepreneurial readiness remain uneven. This study examines how cultural values, psychological readiness, and government financial support help explain perceived venture behavior among early-stage and aspiring entrepreneurs in Yogyakarta’s culture-based tourism economy. Psychological readiness is treated as an umbrella concept represented by self-confidence and risk-taking propensity, while cultural values are conceptualized as culturally embedded entrepreneurial value orientations. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV), the study positions cultural and psychological factors as internal intangible resources, and government financial support as an institutional enabler that shapes entrepreneurial cognition and readiness to consider venture-related opportunities.Design / Methodology / Approach. Employing a cross-sectional design, data were collected through an online survey of 211 purposively selected respondents involved in or preparing to enter tourism-related micro and small enterprises in Yogyakarta. The constructs were measured using validated instruments adapted through back-translation and pilot testing. Data were analyzed using PLS-SEM to assess the measurement model, structural relationships, and moderation effects.Findings. The findings show that risk-taking propensity and cultural values significantly explain perceived venture behavior, whereas self-confidence exerts no meaningful influence in this context. Government financial support does not strengthen the effects of self-confidence or risk-taking propensity on perceived venture behavior. Its interaction with self-confidence is unexpectedly negative, suggesting that external financial support may weaken the association between personal confidence and venture-oriented perceptions. In contrast, government financial support positively moderates the effect of cultural values, strengthening their association with perceived venture behavior at higher levels of support.Originality / Value / Practical implications. This study refines the RBV by applying it to an informal, pre-venture, culture-based tourism context. It clarifies how cultural values, psychological readiness, and government financial support operate as distinct but interrelated resources in shaping perceived venture behavior. Practically, the findings suggest that financing schemes and entrepreneurship development programs should be sensitive to culturally embedded entrepreneurial orientations and local entrepreneurial needs, rather than relying solely on standardized psychological enablers.

Financial Performance and Cultural Differences in E-Commerce: A Comparative Analysis of Czech and Slovak Firms

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. The study compares the financial performance of Czech and Slovak e-commerce firms and examines cross-country differences in profitability, liquidity, efficiency and value-creation proxies (gross margin, added value and labour productivity). The purpose is to identify statistically detectable differences in key indicators and to discuss them through the lens of cultural economics and institutional context as an interpretative framework, while acknowledging that financial-statement data do not allow direct measurement of firm-level culture or ownership nationality.Design / Methodology / Approach. The analysis is based on firm-level financial data extracted from the ORBIS database for companies classified under NACE 4791. The normality of the data is verified using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Since most indicators did not show a normal distribution, non-parametric procedures were chosen for comparisons between countries, in particular the Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman rank-order correlations to examine internal financial relationships. Multiple-testing corrections were performed using the Holm–Bonferroni and Benjamini–Hochberg methods to ensure robustness. A total of 483 firms were included in the analysis.Findings. The results reveal marked cross-country differences. Slovak firms tend to demonstrate a more performance-oriented profile, with profitability more closely associated with labour productivity, margin optimisation and value-creation proxies (gross margin and added value). In contrast, Czech firms tend to exhibit a more stability-oriented profile, where profitability is more strongly linked to liquidity, solvency and working-capital management. Slovakia shows higher levels of profitability and value-creation proxies, while the Czech Republic shows significantly higher levels of liquidity and financial stability. These patterns may be interpreted as broadly consistent with cross-country differences in uncertainty avoidance, risk perception and business adaptability discussed in the economic-culture literature; however, cultural factors are not directly observed at the firm level in the dataset.Originality / Value / Practical implications. The study provides original evidence on how financial strategies in the e-commerce sector differ between two closely related Central European economies and discusses these differences using cultural and institutional context as an interpretative framework. By integrating financial analysis with cultural-economic theory, the results can be interpreted as suggesting that national context may be associated with profitability- and stability-oriented profiles in digital industries. The findings offer practical implications for managers and policymakers: Slovak firms may strengthen liquidity planning to reduce vulnerability to shocks, while Czech firms could enhance competitiveness by improving productivity and operational margins. The results also contribute to the theoretical debate on the role of culture in financial behaviour in the digital age, while acknowledging that culture is not directly measured in firm-level financial statements.

Digital Financial Exclusion in the EU: Socio-Economic Determinants and Inclusion Effects

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. This paper examines the potential of digital financial services to increase financial inclusion. It analyses socioeconomic factors associated with the adoption of basic and advanced digital options. By distinguishing between levels of digital engagement, the study clarifies whether digitalisation is associated with broader access to finance or serves as an additional benefit for already advantaged groups.Design / Methodology / Approach. Using micro-level data from the Flash Eurobarometer 509 for EU countries, the study employs logistic and probit regression models. These methods are used to examine potential socio-economic factors of digital financial service adoption and to evaluate whether their use is associated with financial inclusion or exclusion. The empirical approach allows us to compare basic services, such as mobile banking and digital payments, with more advanced tools, including digital investments. In addition, robustness checks and alternative model specifications are employed to compare the results across different measures of financial inclusion.Findings. The results show that digital financial services vary widely by socio-economic group. Older people, those with lower levels of education, and the economically inactive are more likely to experience digital financial exclusion. These patterns suggest that digital finance is shaped by existing socio-economic structures, rather than being universally accessible. While basic digital services are linked to significantly lower exclusion, advanced options are mostly used by already advantaged groups. This means digital finance may help with basic financial inclusion but may further reinforce disparities at higher levels.Originality / Value / Practical implications. By linking digital financial service adoption to financial inclusion outcomes, the study provides new empirical evidence on the limits of digitalisation as an inclusion strategy. Unlike much of the existing literature, it jointly examines both the factors associated with its adoption and the consequences for financial inclusion. The results suggest that policies should focus not only on expanding digital financial technologies but also on reducing socio-economic barriers that shape their use. Attention needs to be paid to digital skills, financial literacy, and access to digital infrastructure. Such targeted approaches are likely to be more effective in ensuring that digital finance contributes to inclusive economic participation rather than reproducing existing inequalities.

Financing Constraints and Sustainable Academic Resilience: A Cross-Context Comparative Analysis

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. This study examines how institutional support mechanisms shape students’ ability to manage financial constraints and sustain academic resilience in higher education. Using a cross-context comparative design, it evaluates whether support structures differ between Kosovo (KOS) and the Philippines (PHL) and identifies which institutional practices most effectively enhance students’ capacity to cope with financial pressures.Design / Methodology / Approach. Survey data from 363 students were analysed using a comparative statistical framework that assessed institutional flexibility, administrative and financial support, and access to digital learning resources. The analytical strategy emphasises cross-country contrasts and the joint influence of these dimensions on perceived institutional support.Findings. Perceived support levels were low in both contexts, but clear differences emerged. Students in KOS reported greater flexibility in lecture scheduling, wider access to recorded materials, and more consistent supplementary learning programs. Students in PHL perceived more limited institutional responsiveness, which constrained their ability to navigate financial barriers and maintain academic stability. Flexible scheduling and digital resource availability were the strongest contributors to perceived support.Originality / Value / Practical implications. The study demonstrates that institutional responsiveness, particularly administrative flexibility and digital accessibility, plays a decisive role in strengthening the academic resilience of financially constrained students. The findings offer actionable guidance for higher education institutions seeking to reduce financial stressors through targeted organisational and digital reforms.

From Policy to Practice: Social Innovation and Systemic Transformative Governance Boosting Science, Technology and Innovation Through Living Labs

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. The conceptual framework for this study is grounded in third-generation innovation policies, often referred to as transformative or mission-oriented, which aim to tackle complex societal challenges posed by the Triple Transition through systemic innovation. Systemic governance frameworks are underpinned by multi-dimensional transformative social innovation (SI) with Living Labs (LLs) serving as platforms and mechanisms to identify and prioritise actors’ needs and challenges. Encompassing SI, systemic governance and next-generation LLs can better support the definition of STI policies to effectively respond to real community/context-driven demands, addressing persistent European competitiveness issues (e.g. the European Paradox of Innovation, which refers to the difficulty of translating scientific advancements into viable innovations). The driving research question is how social innovation can create tailored STI policies to address specific challenges in regional and national innovation ecosystems through the next-generation LLs.Design / Methodology / Approach. This study adopts a qualitative research methodology to explore the role of social innovation in shaping the next generation of LLs and their capacity to create tailored STI policies. Given the complexity of multi-actor innovation ecosystems, qualitative methods are well-suited for capturing nuanced perspectives, contextual dynamics and transformative governance processes across diverse regional and national settings. The research follows a case study approach, examining initiatives of varying maturity in different geographical and socio-cultural contexts. Purposeful and snowball sampling techniques identify key actors and initiatives prioritising diversity and representativeness. Data collection consists of 24 semi-structured in-depth interviews with experienced and emerging leaders involved in collaborative innovation initiatives.Data analysis employs advanced keyword coding using Atlas.ti, enabling a systematic exploration of key themes and patterns that inform the development of tailored STI policies within diverse innovation ecosystems.Findings. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of how SI contributes to the evolution of next-generation Living Labs, identifying key governance models, co-creation mechanisms and multi-stakeholder engagement strategies that enhance policy adaptability and responsiveness to local challenges. The findings will likely reveal best practices in integrating SI into policy design and implementation, offering insights into effective collaboration among public, private, academic and civil society actors (quadruple or n-helix cooperation).Originality / Value / Practical implications. The research will contribute to the broader discourse on innovation governance and provide actionable recommendations for policymakers seeking to enhance regional and national STI frameworks through socially driven innovation approaches.

A Comparative Study of Commercial Banks’ Resilience Across Crisis Timeframe: Case of Lithuania

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. The primary purpose of the current study is to analyse commercial banks’ resilience in Lithuania in pre-, under-, and post-COVID-19 pandemic settings in order to understand if the banking sector has recovered and reached the pre-crisis level.Design / Methodology / Approach. The analysis involved seven commercial banks operating in Lithuania in the analysed period. In order to calculate the resilience score, the CRITIC-TOPSIS methodology was employed. The CRITIC method was used to determine the objective weights of the selected resilience criteria, while TOPSIS was used to compute the resilience scores and rank the banks. The research period covers 2019, 2021, and 2024, where 2019 is treated as the pre-pandemic phase, 2021 – pandemic onset and peak, and 2024 – post-pandemic period.Findings. The findings revealed that larger banks have almost recovered after the pandemic and reached the pre-pandemic resilience level. Moreover, digital banks are the most stable in the light of financial shocks and economic disruption. On the other hand, the smaller banks are still suffering from the challenges caused by COVID-19 and continue to face challenges in restoring their resilience.Originality / Value / Practical implications. Theoretical research on resilience indicators showed that even indirect measures of resilience could be included as criteria. This was supported by the results showing that such unusual criteria as Large Exposure Ratio are concluded to be the most weighted resilience measure, especially in post-pandemic settings. The current results might be used by policymakers and banking sector stakeholders of all the Baltic countries to better assess the current state of the banking sector and its ability to absorb financial shocks caused by different crises.

Innovation in Cultural and Creative Industries as a Factor for Sustainable Regional Development in Latvia

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. Cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have long been recognised as important drivers of economic growth, social cohesion, and innovation in sustainable regional development. However, their full potential is still not fully exploited, especially outside large cities. This study examines the development and innovation potential of CCI companies in Latvian regions, taking into account their role in sustainable regional development. The aim of the study is to identify the challenges and obstacles for CCI companies in implementing innovations and their impact on sustainable regional development in Latvia. Unlike most existing studies focusing either on national strategies or sectoral analyses, this study provides the first regional comparison of CCI innovation practices in all five planning regions of Latvia, combining policy analysis with qualitative evidence from companies.Design / Methodology / Approach. The study used a qualitative research approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with representatives of CCI companies in all five planning regions of Latvia. In addition to the interviews, an analysis of planning documents at the planning region level was conducted to assess the importance of CCI defined in them. Thematic analysis was used as a data processing method, identifying challenges and obstacles that CCI companies face in implementing innovations and their role in sustainable regional development. The study also showed that the importance of CCIs in sustainable regional development varies across different planning regions of Latvia, which is related to the greater focus of such companies on creating cultural rather than economic value.Findings. The study confirms that CCI companies make a significant contribution to sustainable regional development, promoting innovation and economic diversification and strengthening cultural identity. However, their growth is hampered by limited financial resources, fragmented policy support, and challenges related to digitalisation. An important discovery is that innovative CCIs in Latvia often arise due to limited resources, resulting in adaptive organisational and communication practices that differ from traditional R&D-driven innovation models.Originality / Value / Practical implications. The originality of this study lies in its integrated methodology, which combines analysis of regional policy papers with direct business views to detect systemic discrepancies between strategically determined and practically necessary support for CCIs. As well as documenting barriers, it shows how informal, practice-based innovation contributes to regional identity and resilience. Highlighting this understudied dynamic in a small EU member state, the study provides new evidence for international debate that CCIs can serve as both a creator of cultural assets and an innovation partner for sustainable regional development.

Satisfaction with Cultural Facilities in European Cities: The Role of Income, Overtourism and Congestion Effects

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Culture is a constitutive part of urban life quality and a crucial urban policy dimension. Most of European cultural heritage is concentrated in cities. European cities differ substantially with regard to how well residents are satisfied with cultural facilities.Research purpose. The purpose of this research is to find which city characteristics are linked to higher or lower satisfaction with cultural facilities across European cities. In particular, the study explores the relationship between the perceived quality of cultural facilities and income level, tourist inflows and local congestion effects (measured as population density and traffic congestion), while controlling for the city size, capital city status and the overall urban life satisfaction.Design / Methodology / Approach. Satisfaction with cultural facilities is based on the European Commission survey data on the quality of urban life in 83 European cities. Respondents assess perceived quality of cultural facilities (museums, theatres, concert halls and libraries) on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from “not at all satisfied” to “very satisfied.” This article calculates the balance of replies to the respective question, ranks European cities according to the perceived quality of cultural facilities, and then employs a multifactor regression analysis to check the relationship between satisfaction with cultural facilities and different city characteristics.Findings. The findings indicate that residents of Zurich, Vienna, and Groningen are the most satisfied with cultural facilities in their cities, while those in Tirana, Valletta, and Skopje are the least satisfied. Satisfaction with cultural facilities is positively associated with income level, overall satisfaction with urban life, as well as with the actual per capita number of cultural facilities in a given city. In turn, large tourist inflows, high population density and traffic congestion decrease satisfaction with cultural facilities. Residents of the European capital cities tend to be less satisfied with cultural facilities, even after controlling for city size, overtourism and local congestion effects.Originality / Value / Practical implications. This study offers several contributions. First, it utilises the most recent wave (2023) of the European Commission survey on the quality of life in European cities and focuses on satisfaction with cultural facilities, while outlining the role of culture in urban economic development and general well-being. Second, it formally shows how tourist inflows and local congestion effects decrease satisfaction with cultural facilities in several European cities. Third, it highlights that the perceived quality of cultural facilities is lower in the capital cities, even after controlling for the actual per capita number of cultural facilities, tourist inflows and local congestion effects. These findings can provide insights for policymakers seeking to enhance the efficient use of cultural infrastructure and improve satisfaction with cultural life across Europe.

Digital Transformation in Higher Education: Challenges and Transformation Directions

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the challenges and transformation directions of digital transformation in higher education institutions (HEIs), with a direct focus on management processes. The paper study applies a systems-based managerial perspective to identify and systematise the main and supplementary processes directly affected by digital transformation, and to evaluate their implications for governance, institutional competitiveness, and academic performance.Design / Methodology / Approach. The study is based on secondary sources, including legislation and policy documents, and publicly available studies. A qualitative case study and thematic content analysis were applied to examine strategic and operational documents of nine Lithuanian HEIs. Document selection followed the defined inclusion criteria of relevance, validity, and institutional scope. Coding was performed using both deductive and inductive categorisation. The study adopts a systems approach to the digitalisation of higher education, focusing on aspects such as the transformation of higher education, process transformation, and the governance of digitalisation of higher education processes.Findings. Digitalisation is transforming the main functions of HEIs, reshaping traditional activities into new formats. At the same time, findings reveal that digitalisation is unevenly implemented across different institutional processes. Core academic functions such as study organisation, assessment, and research are more advanced, while supplementary areas like student support, administrative modernisation, and digital communication remain underdeveloped. The study identifies challenges in managing digital transformation and highlights areas where effective governance solutions are lacking to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition. Key governance challenges identified include the lack of strategic alignment, limited system capacity, and insufficient digital competencies among staff.Originality / Value / Practical implications. This research contributes to the understanding of digital transformation in higher education by offering insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with digital transformation. It provides a systems-oriented contribution by combining managerial decisions with technological change, emphasising governance, leadership, and organisational culture. Practical recommendations are offered for HEIs, particularly for institutions with limited resources, on how to prioritise actions, enhance digital capabilities, and implement digital strategies.

An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Non-Tariff Trade Restrictions on Manufacturing Jobs in Nigeria

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. The research sought to investigate the impact of non-tariff trade restrictions on manufacturing jobs in Nigeria.Design / Methodology / Approach. In accomplishing this, the study adopts an econometric approach and employs the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) estimation technique to capture both short-run dynamics and long-run relationships between employment (EMP) and explanatory variables.Findings. The findings show that non-tariff trade restrictions significantly contribute to short-term and long-run job creation within the Nigerian industrial sector. However, import restrictions excluding taxes and tariffs do not exhibit significant short-term effects, suggesting that the type of trade restrictions implemented matters for immediate employment outcomes. The negative relationship between real wages and industrial employment across both short and long runs indicates that rising labour costs can deter firms from expanding their workforce, pointing to the critical role of managing wage levels for job sustainability in the industrial sector.Originality / Value / Practical implications. The extent to which non-tariff measures affect trade, manufacturing employment and wages is less well understood and documented in Nigeria; hence, this study examines the impact of non-tariff trade restrictions on manufacturing jobs in Nigeria. Unlike most previous studies that used factor content or growth accounting approaches and the gravity model in explaining the effects of trade on employment, this study employs an econometric modelling approach to labour demand and uses measures of aggregate trade restrictions as a proxy for measuring non-tariff trade restrictions in Nigeria. Thus, while trade restrictions can be used to protect domestic industries and industrial employment, nevertheless, manufacturing job sustainability can only be guaranteed if complementary policies that would improve the quality of manufactured products, increase domestic demand and value addition in industries are implemented.

Economic Costs of Labour Productivity Losses Due to the Inappropriate Use of Social Media and Smartphones: The Case of Argentina

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. The objective of this research was to calculate the cost of labour productivity loss measured exclusively as the decrease in Gross Value Added (GVA) associated with distractions caused by problematic use of social media in the workplace, where users continuously check their smartphones for updates. The calculation was conducted using Argentina as a case study, based on national statistical data from the year 2023.Design / Methodology / Approach. The design of this research is quantitative, descriptive, and explanatory, focusing on measuring and analysing labour productivity losses caused by the inappropriate use of social media and smartphones in the workplace. A national statistical series from the year 2023 was used to observe and estimate productivity losses in the context of Argentina. The applied methodology includes the collection of statistical data and the construction of a simple mathematical model to estimate the economic losses (measured exclusively as the decrease in Gross Value Added (GVA)) associated with distractions.Findings. The results of the estimation validate the hypothesis that distractions caused by the use of social media and smartphones decrease labour productivity, representing a cost by reducing the gross value added. The productivity losses resulting from this model for the year 2023 in Argentina account for 12.73% of the gross value added. It can also be observed that sectors of economic activity with high exposure to social media and smartphones experience productivity losses greater than their relative contribution to GDP, while sectors with medium and low exposure suffer losses below their relative weight in GDP. These productivity losses are not only significant in terms of Argentina’s gross value added, but they are likely to be even greater if the analysis includes the time it takes for an individual to refocus after a distraction, a cost not included in the model.Originality / Value / Practical implications. The article provides an estimate of the losses in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to workplace distractions caused by the inappropriate use of new information and communication technologies (ICT) in Argentina, a developing country. This analysis not only measures the economic impact of this phenomenon but also opens the door to new discussions about business models and labour relations, specifically regarding how the losses may be absorbed by both employers and employees, who might be trying to counteract the distractions with faster work, but of lower quality and higher stress.

Income Inequality and Stock Returns: Asymmetric Effects on Canadian Provinces

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. Most countries with highly capitalised free markets and countries with dominant state-owned economies may have difficulty in preventing income inequality. Productivity and income distribution are expected to have an impact on income inequality. The present paper aims to discover whether there is an asymmetric effect between Stock Return and Income inequality in Canada at the provincial level.Design / Methodology / Approach. We analyse annual data from 1976 to 2021 from ten representative Canadian provinces employing an autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) for linear and nonlinear model approaches, and reconstruct the error correction model (ECM) to identify aggregation bias.Findings. While in the long run, the impact on income inequality is not significant due to aggregation, our short-run results indicate a significant relationship between stock returns and income inequality in most of the Canadian provinces.Originality / Value / Practical implications. There is evidence of these effects of stock returns on income inequality being asymmetric (partial sums have different coefficients in sign and size) in most cases, and this effect may persist in the long term. This asymmetry suggests that policy measures addressing income inequality should account for temporal variations and the differential impacts of financial market developments.

Meta-Analysis of the Concept of Brand Humanisation in Higher Education

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Research purpose. The purpose of this study is to identify and quantitatively evaluate the volume of scientific publications, the latest research trends, and the main topics related to brand humanisation in higher education (HE). This aim is motivated by the growing importance of empathetic and human-centred communication in a competitive and digitalised educational environment. Although widely applied in practice, the concept remains fragmented in academic research, creating the need for a systematic bibliometric analysis to clarify its development and future directions.Design / Methodology / Approach. A bibliometric analysis was applied to systematise knowledge on brand humanisation in HE during 2005-2024. The analysis was conducted in several stages, including literature review, database selection, keyword specification, article screening, data extraction, and analysis. Data were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection, ensuring access to peer-reviewed publications and reliable citation indicators. After applying selection criteria, 84 articles were retained. Descriptive bibliometrics (publication dynamics, citation statistics, collaboration patterns) were combined with science mapping techniques (keyword co-occurrence networks, overlay visualisation, and thematic mapping) using VOSviewer, R Bibliometrix, and Microsoft Excel. This framework enabled the identification of research clusters, dominant themes, and emerging areas.Findings. The analysis reveals that research on brand humanisation in HE remains underdeveloped but shows growing interest. The most influential works focus on constructs such as brand personality, image, and identity, while direct studies on anthropomorphism and storytelling are rare. Results highlight the USA, Malaysia, and Canada as leading contributors, though international collaboration is still limited. Science mapping uncovers six thematic clusters: brand image and reputation; brand identity and loyalty; personality and perception; social media engagement; consumer behaviour; and anthropomorphism. Findings confirm a shift from traditional branding approaches towards digital communication, personalisation, and emotional engagement, reflecting universities’ adaptation to students’ evolving expectations in digital environments.Originality / Value / Practical implications. This study provides the first systematic bibliometric overview of brand humanisation in HE, consolidating fragmented knowledge and identifying emerging themes. While primarily academic in focus, its practical relevance lies in offering insights into the most studied and underexplored aspects of the field. These insights can guide universities and HE marketers in recognising trends, addressing conceptual gaps, and aligning their communication strategies with approaches emphasised in the literature. In this way, the study serves as a roadmap for institutions seeking to enhance positioning and responsiveness in a digitally mediated education environment.

Intangibility and Productivity in Public Service Healthcare

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Purpose. The paper discusses the causes of rising costs and lowering productivity in healthcare systems.Design / Methodology / Approach. OECD healthcare system data from six developed countries (the USA, Japan, France, the UK, Finland, and Sweden) is cleaned and structured. Sample selection is based on a mix of size and type of healthcare system. Data from published sources is used to cross-reference quantitative data analysis.Findings. The paper challenges service management theory (Vargo & Lusch, 2004) and public service management theory, which argues that services are necessarily intangible, by showing that all services have a tangible element. The paper disputes Baumol’s (2012) cost disease theory (that service productivity necessarily declines with rising labour costs), arguing that the quality of service cannot be discounted, and taking healthcare as an example, that increasing deployment of tangible technologies enhances productivity, recognising that exogenous factors (rising cost of pharmaceuticals) are a drag on performance.Originality / Value / Practical implications. Our research question is: Does characterising public services as an intangible obfuscate the argument about their relative productivity. We conclude that basing the definition of services on intangibility obfuscates productivity. The paper concludes that the contingent element of intangibility in services is overemphasised and wrongly ascribes it as a necessary condition of public services since the person-to-person element remains pervasive and important in public services. In the SDL case of Vargo and Lusch (2007, 2017), we further conclude that ascribing logics to services, including their intangibility, suggests an uncontested meaning of services that does not exist, and in doing so subsumes agency and leadership of services by imputing a deterministic trajectory.