Naše gospodarstvo/Our economy Feed

Development of Tourism in Local Communities: A Systematic Review of Literature on Tourism Development with Collaborative Management in Rural Areas

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This integrative literature review explores the relationship between community-based tourism (CBT) development and local community involvement, focusing on collaborative management in rural areas. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 27 peer-reviewed articles—24 empirical and 3 review papers—published in English between 2020 and 2024 were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Active engagement of local communities as co-creators enhances sustainability outcomes, fosters cultural preservation, and improves socio-economic well-being, while challenges include institutional weaknesses, demographic shifts, and limited financial resources. The review is restricted to recent English-language publications and secondary data, potentially omitting earlier or regional studies. Results offer actionable insights for policymakers, destination managers, and researchers to design inclusive governance models. By integrating empirical and review studies across diverse contexts, this review identifies governance gaps and proposes strategies, including comparative policy research, standardized evaluation frameworks, and digital engagement tools, to strengthen CBT in rural settings.

Do Masculine CEOs in High-ESG-Rated Companies Avoid Committing Fraud? Evidence from European Countries

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Globally, fraud cases and financial losses remain substantial across European countries. This research offers a novel perspective on the determinants of fraud by examining biological factors, specifically, masculine behavior influenced by the testosterone hormone. CEOs’ masculine tendencies may drive riskier and potentially fraudulent behavior. Notably, masculine traits in males are often reflected in facial structure and can be objectively measured using the facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR). Conversely, robust internal controls and sound corporate governance are critical in preventing fraudulent activities. As global business practices evolve, sustainability has emerged as an urgent concern. In response, companies are increasingly adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles to promote sustainable operations and mitigate fraud risks. This study investigates whether ESG practices moderate the relationship between CEO masculinity and the likelihood of financial statement fraud. The sample comprises high-ESG-rated firms from 2022 to 2024, as ranked by S&P Global, focusing on publicly listed companies on European stock exchanges. Data were analyzed using the STATA software, employing Fixed Effects Model regression. The results reveal that masculine CEOs in high-ESG-rated companies are less likely to engage in financial misreporting. This finding underscores the importance of balanced ESG implementation in reducing opportunities for misconduct. Furthermore, to enrich future research, the scope of this research could be expanded to include countries in other regions with varying ESG ratings.

Legislative Shifts and Tax Compliance: The Impact of Receipt Issuance Requirements on Fiscal Verification in Slovenia

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This article investigates the behavioural impact of a 2022 legislative change in Slovenia that temporarily suspended the mandatory issuance of customer receipts while retaining the obligation to verify transactions with the tax authority (FURS) fiscally. Based on administrative data at the level of six economic sectors for 2019-2023, the study utilises t-tests and correlations to analyse the changes in the number of verified receipts during and after the legal change. Results show a significant reduction in the volume of receipts in some cash-based sectors, such as hospitality and retail, for which there is evidence of a decline in the perceived level of enforcement visibility based on our payment data. The impact was reversed in the year 2023 after the reimplementation of the policy. This study contributes to the tax morale and fiscal enforcement literature by demonstrating that even minimal procedural changes can yield substantial behavioural responses. Its implications are relevant for tax administrations seeking to balance simplification with deterrence.

Organisational Climate as a Driver of Employee Performance: The Case of Naftal Company Tlemcen⁠ in Algeria

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study aims to highlight the impact of organisational climate, with its dimensions represented by organisational structure, leadership style, communication pattern, teamwork, and incentive system, on employee performance ⁠ at Naftal Tlemcen Branch. To achieve its objectives⁠, the study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach based on a questionnaire with a sample of 200 valid responses, and the data were analysed using SPSS. The results revealed a strong and statistically significant relationship between the dimensions of organisational climate and employee performance, indicating that improving the organisational climate directly contributes to enhancing performance efficiency and strengthening human resourc e effectiveness. Furthermore, the findings emphasized that a clear organisational structure, a participatory leadership style, the development of communication channels, the promotion of teamwork culture, and a⁠fair incentive system are fundamental elements for creating a positive work⁠ environment capable of achieving the institution’s goals and improving employee productivity.

Strategic Alliances and Technological Innovation: Conditions and Mechanisms

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This paper examines how strategic alliances enable firms to access new technologies and enhance innovation performance, and under which conditions such alliances succeed or fail. The study presents a structured conceptual synthesis of peer-reviewed literature on strategic alliances and technological innovation, integrating multiple theoretical perspectives and evidence from technology-intensive industries. It identifies key mechanisms – such as knowledge transfer, learning processes, and alliance governance – through which strategic alliances influence innovation outcomes. The analysis shows that strategic alliances can significantly enhance innovation outcomes when partners demonstrate strong technological complementarity, effective governance structures, and high absorptive capacity. Conversely, misaligned objectives, weak governance, and risks of knowledge leakage often undermine alliance performance. The study is conceptual and does not empirically test causal relationships. The findings provide guidance for managers designing technology-oriented alliances and for scholars developing more nuanced models of collaborative innovation. The paper contributes by synthesising fragmented literature into an integrated framework that highlights the conditions for success and failure in alliance-based innovation strategies.

Does Greater Banking Inclusion Enhance or Undermine Banking Stability in Tunisia? Evidence from a Nonlinear Analysis

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This paper employs a panel smooth transition regression approach to investigate the relationship between banking inclusion and banking stability in Tunisia over the period 2006–2022. Considering various dimensions of banking stability, our findings indicate an inverted U-shaped relationship between banking inclusion and stability. This indicates that banking inclusion is pivotal for strengthening banking stability up to a certain threshold. Nonetheless, once this threshold is reached, higher levels of banking inclusion lead to banking instability. This is primarily due to increased exposure to less financially experienced clients. Additionally, rapid credit expansion can strain banks’ internal risk management systems, even under strong regulatory oversight in Tunisia. This transition between regimes unfolds gradually. Our research provides essential policy implications and guidance for Tunisian financial regulators in designing strategies to balance banking inclusion and banking stability.

Encouraging Eco-Entrepreneurship: The Impact of University Entrepreneurial Support on Developing Students’ Green Entrepreneurial Intentions in Skikda University

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study examines the effect of university support mechanisms on students’ green entrepreneurial intentions at Université 20 Août 1955, Skikda. The research methodically assesses how educational initiatives, institutional policies, and physical infrastructure shape students’ commitment to developing environmentally responsible ventures. Descriptive and analytical survey methods are systematically applied to investigate these relationships. The results indicate that university support significantly enhance s students’ green entrepreneurial intentions. These findings highlight the importance of integrating sustainability into entrepreneurship education and institutional strategies. Nonetheless, the research is limited by its focus on a single university and reliance on self-reported data, which may affect the generalizability of results. This study addresses a gap in Arabic academic literature by examining institutional support as a central factor in sustainable entrepreneurship. The findings indicate that universities and policymakers should enhance entrepreneurial ecosystems to promote green entrepreneurship and strengthen graduates’ contributions to sustainable development.

The Impact of IFRS on Strategic Decision-Making: Are Companies Indirectly Controlled From External?

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Publicly listed companies in Europe are required to prepare consolidated financial reports in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), providing a common framework that reduces the costs of international capital procurement. This study examines whether IFRS influence corporate strategic decisions or function as guiding frameworks rather than instruments of external control. A literature review identified five strategically relevant IFRS standards, complemented by structured interviews with six Austrian experts from the industrial and auditing sectors. Findings indicate that leading companies actively integrate IFRS into their strategic planning to guide financial reporting and stakeholder communication. At the same time, the standards are primarily regarded as recommendations that allow for interpretive flexibility and discretionary decision-making. The findings are not statistically representative of the Austrian market because the study aims to provide analytical and theoretical insights rather than generalisable results. The results highlight the influence of IFRS on strategy without constraining corporate autonomy, bridging accounting regulation and corporate decision-making.

Digital Disruption and Author Strategy: A Qualitative Study of Self-Publishing in the US Science Fiction and Fantasy Market as a Source of Intangible Assets

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This paper examines how self-published authors in the U.S. science fiction and fantasy (SFF) market strategically respond to digital disruption in the publishing industry. Drawing on fifteen expert interviews analyzed through Mayring’s qualitative content analysis, the study integrates four theoretical perspectives: disruptive innovation, diffusion of innovations, the resource-based view, and actor-network theory. The results show that independent authors act as entrepreneurial micro-firms, leveraging intangible assets such as brand identity, digital marketing skills, and reader communities to navigate platform-based markets. Authors adopt funnel marketing, hybrid publishing, and platform-specific strategies to enhance visibility and monetise creative output. The sample is limited to one genre and national context, and findings are therefore exploratory. The study advances our understanding of cultural entrepreneurship and platform economies by demonstrating how digitalisation reconfigures authorial agency within sociotechnical networks of platforms, algorithms, and digital tools.

Workload, Social Support and Emotional Stability: A Comparative Study of Croatian and German Employees

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The following article examines the question of whether factors such as workload and social support from colleagues and superiors have a significant positive or negative impact on the emotional well-being of employees. Additionally, it compares the results between Croatia and Germany in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, a sample of 1,800 employees (900 per country) was used for statistical analysis, using data from the European Working Conditions Telephonic Survey. A descriptive analysis and an inferential analysis using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test were performed for variables such as work-life balance, high-speed work, work under time pressure, work autonomy, perceived well-being, disruptive emotions, presenteeism, and social support from colleagues and supervisors. The results show that Croatians exhibit a higher level of emotional stability than German employees, as they tend to be happier and in a better mood, have a lower workload, and receive more social support from coworkers and managers.

Perceptions of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Pharmaceutical Industry after COVID-19 and Implications for Health-Conscious Tourism

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The paper examines the perception of Generation Z regarding the social corporate responsibility (CSR) of pharmaceutical companies after the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased health awareness. Using a structured online questionnaire conducted among students, the study sheds light on generational attitudes towards economic, social, and environmental dimensions of CSR in the pharmaceutical industry. The results show that the social dimensions, in particular good working conditions, are generally rated most favourably. CSR activities need to be supported by appropriate communication with stakeholders, with online information proving to be particularly influential for Generation Z. Furthermore, some CSR activities of the pharmaceutical industry go beyond this sector and could be reflected in health-conscious tourism.

Job Satisfaction Among Auditors in Slovenia: An Empirical Study

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study examines job satisfaction among auditors (CPAs) in Slovenia, and its relationship with professional age, decision-making level, gender, and audit firm size. A modified Job Descriptive Index (JDI) questionnaire was administered to auditors in Slovenija. Data were analysed using ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis H, and Mann–Whitney U tests. Overall, job satisfaction is high, about 75% all possible points on JDI measurement scale. No statistically significant differences were identified across professional age, decision-making level, gender, or audit firm size, indicating a homogeneous satisfaction pattern. Cross-sectional, self-reported data from a single country may limit generalisability. The results highlight the need for audit firms to support well-being, clarify career paths, and strengthen perceived autonomy to retain and attract young auditors. This is one of the first empirical studies of Slovenian auditors’ job satisfaction, using the JDI framework and several demographic and organisational variables.

Assessing the Impact of Point-of-Sale Beer Brand Ads Through Consumer Neuroscience Research

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study employs EEG and eye-tracking to assess how brand equity, creative complexity, and spatial layout influence implicit consumer responses to point-of-sale (POS) beer advertisements. Through the theoretical lens of predictive coding and processing fluency, laboratory testing with Serbian beer consumers (N = 20) revealed that simpler designs yielded superior attention performance across TFD and TTFF (d up to 2.62), independent of brand strength. Spatial repositioning reduced packshot detection time by 0.89s (p<0.001, d=1.78) in horizontal versus vertical layouts. EEG showed no significant brand differences (valence d=0.07, p=0.765), offering a theoretical interpretation consistent with predictive coding, wherein expected stimuli elicit reduced neural activation, with brand strength operating solely through attentional pathways. Eye-tracking revealed strong brands’ automatic attentional capture of iconic elements (e.g., letter ‘J’; TTFF=0.47s), theoretically reconciled via processing fluency as effortless decoding. We derive actionable POS benchmarks: packshot detection < 0.5s, slogan engagement > 1.0s, emotional valence > 5.0, cognitive load < 5.0. This advances GDPR/NDA-compliant methodology while offering practical guidelines grounded in neurocognitive theory.

Artificial Intelligence in ERP Quality Management Modules: A Comparative Analysis of SAP and Infor

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are widely recognised as strategic enablers of digital transformation, integrating core business functions and supporting operational efficiency. Quality Management (QM) is a pivotal component of their curriculum, critical in ensuring compliance, sustaining competitiveness, and driving continuous improvement. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have further augmented the potential of ERP systems by facilitating predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and intelligent process automation. However, the integration of AI into ERP-based QM has not yet been systematically examined in academic research. The present article addresses this gap by comparing two leading ERP vendors, SAP and Infor, focusing on their AI-enabled QM modules. The study utilises academic literature, industry reports, and vendor documentation to demonstrate that SAP emphasises horizontal breadth and positions its QM functionalities as part of a global digital core. Concurrently, Infor prioritises vertical specialisation, customising its QM functionalities to meet the distinct needs of specific industries and augmenting them with advancements in AI and generative AI. The findings contribute to theory and practice by demonstrating how ERP vendors differentiate their approaches to AI integration in QM. The present study contributes to the extant literature on ERP and Total Quality Management (TQM) by extending the current body of knowledge in this area. It highlights the strategic role of AI in shaping ERP value creation. It provides managerial guidance for organisations evaluating ERP systems in the context of quality assurance, sustainability, and digital transformation.

Bank Guarantee as a Means of Securing Contract Performance under the Law of the Republic of Serbia

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Bank guarantees are the most widely used instrument to secure contract performance in commercial law, both nationally and internationally. They are commonly employed in sales contracts and during the execution of foreign investment projects. Establishing a bank guarantee is prompt and effective falling under neutral banking operations. As the number of business entities has grown significantly, there has been a corresponding increase in commercial contracts requiring secured performance. Despite the advantages of swift transactions at both levels, business entities face economic and legal risks that drive them to secure contracts most effectively to protect their interests and achieve their business goals. In this context, the bank is essential in fostering successful business collaborations. Given the importance and complex nature of bank guarantees in today’s legal transactions, this paper examines current issues and challenges related to the key aspects of bank guarantees as a means to secure contract performance, including their efficiency and speed in enforcement, along with their advantages and disadvantages, with particular reference to judicial decisions and electronic bank guarantees in light of innovative technologies. It reviews existing statutory provisions and provides a comparative analysis across various levels. The paper focuses on eliminating uncertainties surrounding the bank guarantee institution to promote more secure business practices.

The Influence of Visual Elements of Social Media on the Behavior of Generation Z Tourists

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In today’s online world, where all information is available to users with just one click, it is challenging to determine their credibility. Given the fact that there are almost 5 billion social media users, it is safe to say that social media has become an essential part of everyday life for many users, especially members of Generation Z. When filtering the pool of information, visual elements play a significant role in the decision-making process for users. Generation Z is composed of young people born between 1995 and 2005. They are considered the originators of social media and the virtual world, and spend the most time analysing content in the form of photographs or videos. The main reason why Generation Z members prioritise visual elements more than textual ones stems from the higher degree of reliability and trust that this type of content displays. To analyse how photos and videos influence the trust of members of Generation Z in online recommendations, a survey was conducted in the territory of the Republic of Serbia, in which the Pearson correlation test was applied. The research lasted from February to March 2024. Moreover, a study was conducted on a sample of 305 respondents, where the sample was convenience, and the obtained data were tested using the IBM SPSS Statistics platform. The main findings indicate how visual elements of social media, such as photos and videos, influence a greater degree of trust in credibility among Generation Z.

Relationship between Employer Branding, CSR and Social Media Communication

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This research aims to examine whether employer branding (EB) activities are related to the ranking of the Most Desirable Employer in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), and to explore the correlation between EB, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and organisational representation on social media. The research was conducted among employees of 15 organisations ranked as the Most Desirab le Employers, potential employees, and final-year university students from various academic fields. While in developed countries, specialised companies focus on talent attraction and recruitment as part of EB strategies, employers in BiH have yet to reach that level of long-term workforce planning and fully recognise the strategic benefits EB can offer. The findings indicate that EB significantly influences employer’s desirability among current and potential employees, and that organisations perceived as socially responsible tend to enjoy a stronger employer brand and are considered more desirable. Moreover, the analysis revealed no significant differences in the perception of the relationship between socially responsible business practices and organisational representation on social media between current and potential employees. The study’s key contributions include the finding that EB correlates positively with employer desirability; and that the impact of perceived dimensions of EB attractiveness is evident from the perspectives of both current and potential employees.

Comparative Study on Job Security and Stability among German and Spanish Workers and Their Ability to Work from Home

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This research article analyses the situation in the labour markets in Germany and Spain using a comparative study to identify differences in job security and stability and the possibility of working from home. The study is based on data from statistical sources provided by Eurofound (2024) with a sample of 907 employees in Germany and Spain. A binary logistic regression was performed, where the dependent variable was the binary variable country (Germany and Spain) and the independent variables are related to job security and stability (job loss, employment opportunities, recognition, performance expectations, employment contract). In addition, a Chi-square independence test was performed to determine the difference between countries regarding working conditions and teleworking. The analysis in this study reveals a clear difference between the labour markets in Spain and Germany. German workers are in a significantly more favourable position than Spanish workers. For this reason, Germany must continue to improve the quality of its labour market to ensure the sustainability of employment.

Adoption of Social Media for Products Marketing in Algerian Traditional and Handicraft Firms: Evidence from Setif Province

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Social media provides opportunities for traditional and handicraft industries to promote products and stimulate sales. Therefore, this study investigates the extent of social media adoption for product marketing among a sample of Algerian traditional and handicraft industries. For that, a questionnaire was administered to 123 randomly selected industries in Setif province. The results revealed moderate social media use for product marketing, along with low awareness of its benefits. The level of usage is strongly associated with awareness but was negligibly affected by age. Experience with social media did not predict usage for marketing. The findings suggest that this sector can further capitalise on social media by increasing managers’ awareness of its advantages and developing strategies to enhance its adoption. Further research should identify specific actions that traditional and handicraft firms can take to fully leverage social media for product promotion and sales growth.

(De)Globalisation and the New Industrial Policy

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The processes of economic and political cooperation since the Second World War have stimulated economic growth and improved living standards and prosperity, while intensified economic integration and contributed to a better response to global challenges. Following the 2008 global financial crisis, there is a trend towards deglobalisation or slowbalisation. The article provides a comprehensive literature review and examines data sources on the situation and trends related to the globalisation of the world economy and the rise of industrial policy measures in advanced economies. It was found that the world economy is facing several challenges, including the reshaping of global supply chains, mitigating the effects of economic inequality and climate change, and the rise of economic populism and nationalism. This article consequently provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on globalisation and industrial policy, examining the interplay between deglobalisation processes and industrial policy measures and their increasing prominence in advanced economies.