Oradea Journal of Business and Economics Feed

Occupational stress as a factor influencing organizational health– Implications for management and employees

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Occupational stress is an increasingly common problem, having a significant impact on employee health and organiza tional performance. The causes of stress are varied, from overwork, tight deadlines, lack of collegial or managerial support, to inadequate working conditions and lack of work–life balance, factors that not only affect employee morale and productivity but can also lead to physical and mental health problems. This article aims to analyse this issue from the perspective of employees, studying the level to which they are aware of this phenomenon as a barrier to their professional well-being, also seeking to identify appropriate measures, which could be reflected in positive effects on the health of the organization as a whole. Through exploratory research conducted on a sample of 208 respondents, this article explores the causes of stress at work, analysing the link between stress, individual well-being in the organization, and organizational performance, emphasizing the importance of adopting an integrated approach in managing this phenomenon.

The impact of workplace ethics education on the ethical attitudes and behavior of recent graduates

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This article explores the impact of ethics education and training on the ethical attitudes and workplace behavior of recent graduates. The study is based ona systematic literature review and analyzes secondary data, including empirical research, statistical findings, and theoretical discussions. The research question addresses whether ethics education influences the ethical attitudes of recent graduates and how it affects their behavior in the workplace. As recent graduates enter the labor market with developing value systems and behavior patterns, ethics training has the potential to shape their professional conduct significantly. This review includes studies that examine the relationship between ethics education, awareness, and behavioral outcomes. Particular attention is paid to interactive training methods such as case studies, role plays, value-based training, and group discussions, which help participants internalize ethical decision-making principles. Findings from the literature suggest that ethics training increases ethical awareness, improves conflict resolution skills, enhances employee satisfaction, and promotes an organizational culture based on integrity and collaboration. In addition, the research highlights that graduates with strong moral foundations are more likely to apply ethical principles in their work, especially when faced with dilemmas. While ethics education alone is not a guarantee for ethical behavior, it plays a vital role in reducing misconduct, strengthening workplace trust, and supporting long-term organizational success. Companies benefit not only from improved internal dynamics but also from enhanced reputation and stakeholder confidence. The findings also reflect a growing expectation from employers that graduates demonstrate responsible attitudes and ethical awareness. This study concludes that ethics education and training are essential tools in developing an ethical workplace culture, particularly in the formative career stages of young professionals. This research is useful for HR professionals, organizational leaders, educators, and policymakers who are seeking to enhance ethical standards within the workforce.

Tax planning and financial performance of conglomerate firms in Nigeria

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study explores the influence of tax planning on the financial performance of conglomerate firms in Nigeria between 2014 and 2023. The study focuses on the roles of effective tax rate (ETR), tunneling incentive (TI), and bonus mechanism (BM). A fixed effects panel regression model was employed, validated through the Hausman test (p = 0.0036). Findings indicate that ETR and log of gross profit (LOGGP) significantly and positively affect firm performance, showing that profitable firms often bear higher tax burdens but also display stronger operational efficiency. Conversely, TI and BM recorded negative and positive coefficients, respectively, though both were statistically insignificant. The model explained 46.57% of the variation in performance, and all diagnostic checks confirmed its robustness. These findings highlight the importance of taxmanagement, corporate governance, and incentive systems in shaping the financial outcomes of conglomerates in Nigeria.

Labor in the digital age: Platformization’s uneven impact in developed and developing economies

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study analyzes the heterogeneous labor market effects of digital infrastructure across 134 countries (2010–2022) using first-differenced fixed-effects panel models. Results show that in low-income economies, internet access significantly increases labor force participation but simultaneously reduces formal service employment, indicating substitution toward informal or gig work. No comparable effects are found in high-income countries, underscoring asymmetric digital transitions. These findings suggest that digital access without institutional safeguards may intensify labor precarity rather than promote inclusion. While consistent with the dual-channel hypothesis of participation and substitution, the results remain correlational, not causal.

Wage-price dynamics and structural unemployment in the Nigerian labor market, 1981–2022

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The recent agitation from labor unions in Nigeria for an upward review of wages as a result of hyper-inflation is a typical response in recessionary gaps and introduces new spheres of complexities in the dynamics of an already underper forming labor market. A novel feature of this research is its focus on the actual labor market rigidities (as opposed to the technological changes or skill mismatches) that cause long-run unemployment to persist in the Nigerian economy, a departure from current literature. To this end, this study attempts to eliminate cyclical and frictional noise via the application of a disaggregated labor market model within the real business cycle framework. This approach allows for a moreefficientdiagnosis of the threshold effects of wage–price interactions and the structural unemployment problem in the Nigerian labor market. Results show that the policy of upward wage adjustments in response to rising inflation rates can explain the structural unemployment levels in the Nigerian economy. Data analysis reveals that a strictly positive relationship exists between wage growth and price levels such that labor market rigidities are intensified in line with progressive wage policy regimes as far as the Nigerian economy is concerned. The study recommends a policy switch from wage increments to price controls in order to reduce the long-run unemployment rate and improve the overall dynamics of the Nigerian labor market.

Nexus between household composition and expenditure in Manyara region: A quantile regression analysis

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between household (HH) composition and HH expenditure using quantile regression. Secondary data for the analysis were obtained from the 2017–2018 Household Budget Survey, utilizing a sample of 296 HHs. The analysis reveals significant heterogeneity in expenditure determinants across the distribution of HHs.Theanalysis further revealed that secondary education increases expenditure by 0.53–0.77 log points (p < 0.05) across quantiles, while urban residence shows a consistent positive effect (p < 0.01 in all quantiles). There is a widening expenditure gap between urban and rural HHs across quantiles, with urban HHs spending 25–38% more. The findings also revealed that there is a positive effect of HH size and that expenditure diminishes from 0.13 (20th quantile) to negligible at higher expenditure levels. The findings highlight the need for differentiated policies, with education inter ventions showing greater returns for middle-income HHs (pseudo R2 = 0.14–0.16) and social protection being more crucial for larger, low-expenditure HHs. The analysis also shows that medium and large HH sizes are linked with higher expenditures, especially among middle- and upper-income groups, suggesting growing consumption needs with family expansion. Formal employment emerges as a crucial driver of spending capacity from the 40th percentile upward. The f indings underscore the importance of tailored, income-sensitive policy interventions that address both poverty reduction and sustainable HH development across the expenditure spectrum.

Foreign direct investment in Romania: Evolutions during the 2020–2023 multiple global shocks

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study examines the foreign direct investment (FDI) dynamics in Romania during the challenging 2020–2023 period characterized by multiple global shocks– the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions of supply chains, and geopolitical instability. Despite these adverse conditions, Romania demonstrated remarkable resilience in attracting and retaining foreign capital, with FDI flows reaching record levels in 2022. The research combines macroeconomic analysis of national FDI trends with a comparative case study of two prominent multinational companies in the fast-moving consumer goods sector: Procter & Gamble and Unilever Romania. Through examination of financial performance indicators and strategic positioning, this study reveals how these companies have navigated market volatility while maintaining substantial contributions to Romania’s economy. The findings highlight three critical factors that influence Romania’s FDI landscape: institutional quality and regulatory stability, strategic government policies beyond tax incentives, and the competitive advantages stemming from European Union (EU) membership and geographical positioning. This research contributes to the understanding of FDI resilience during economic turbulence and provides insights for policymakers seeking to enhance Romania’s investment attractiveness in an increasingly competitive global environment. The study concludes that Romania’s ability to sustain FDI growth will depend on addressing structural challenges while leveraging its strategic advantages through coordinated, forward-looking policies.

Sustainable entrepreneurship among university students: Motivation, challenges, and opportunities

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study examined the factors that motivate student entrepreneurs in adopting sustainable entrepreneurial practices, ascertained the factors that pose a challenge to student entrepreneurs in adopting sustainable entrepreneurial practices, as well as examine the sustainable entrepreneurial opportunities available to student entrepreneurs. This study made use of the survey design. The population of this study is made up of all the students of the University of Benin, Edo State, and Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria. A sample of 450 students was taken from the two universities. However, 398 copies of the questionnaire administered were found usable for data analyses. This study made use of descriptive statistics, explanatory factor analysis, t-test, and ANOVA in order to analyze the data that were obtained from the questionnaire with the aid of IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 22.0) software. The findings reveal that student entrepreneurs are primarily motivated to adopt sustainable practices by environmental safety concerns, self fulfillment, recognition, psychological needs, and profit considerations. The results also indicate that student entrepre neurs are inclined to develop environmentally friendly products and processes that reduce waste, minimize pollution, and lower reliance on finite natural resources. The factor analysis confirmed that students’ motivations for adopting sustain able entrepreneurship are structured around environmental–intrinsic, social recognition, and economic dimensions, while perceived challenges are grouped into institutional and structural barriers to demonstrate a clear multidimensional pattern. While gender did not significantly influence these perceptions, faculty affiliation significantly shaped environ mental and social motivation dimensions, suggesting that academic discipline plays a role in sustainability orientation. The study recommends that more awareness of sustainability, as low awareness results in the poor acceptance of sustainable products by members of society. Governments should be more involved in the training of entrepreneurs in adopting sustainable practices, especially students in tertiary institutions.

Board chair characteristics and firm performance: Evidence from family business groups in India

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study examines the relationship between board chair characteristics and firm performance in Indian family business group firms. Drawing on agency and stewardship theories, it investigates whether family chair leadership enhances or constrains firm performance. Using a panel dataset of 223 listed family business group firms over a five-year period, the analysis employs pooled ordinary least squares and instrumental variable two-stage least squares (IV2SLS) estimations to address potential endogeneity concerns. The results indicate that the presence of family board chairs is positively and significantly associated with firm performance, even after controlling for endogeneity. The estimated effect is economic ally meaningful, suggesting that concentrated family leadership may enhance strategic alignment and monitor efficiency in emerging market contexts. In contrast, CEO duality is negatively related to firm performance, consistent with agency based arguments regarding excessive managerial power. These findings contribute to the corporate governance literature by providing new evidence from Indian family business groups and highlighting the contextual relevance of stewardship mechanisms in emerging economies.

Assessing the Impact of Human Capital on Economic Growth: A Dual Approach Using Quantity and Quality Proxies

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study explores the long- and short-run effects of human capital on economic growth across 27 European Union countries between 1980 and 2024, using a panel ARDL–PMG framework. It distinguishes between the quantity and quality dimensions of education, evaluating their respective contributions to GDP growth.The findings indicate a statistically significant and robust long-run relationship among the selected variables, as confirmed by the negative and highly significant error correction term (–0.3176, p < 0.01). Cognitive skills, proxied by PISA mathematics scores, exhibit a positive and significant effect on long-run economic growth, reinforcing the idea that education quality is a stronger growth driver than traditional quantity-based indicators.In contrast, variables such as tertiary education expenditure and enrollment show no significant impact in the long run, suggesting that increasing access or funding alone may not yield sustained economic benefits without improving learning outcomes. However, these same indicators are positively associated with short-run growth, highlighting their role in generating immediate positive effects through enhanced human capital utilization.Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) remains a key short-run driver of growth, while other labor force variables show no significant effects in either time horizon. These findings emphasize the importance of focusing policy efforts on improving the effectiveness and outcomes of educational systems, rather than expanding inputs alone.Overall, the study provides empirical support for shifting from a quantity-based to a quality-focused human capital development strategy, offering valuable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance long-term economic performance in the EU context.JEL classification: I25, J24, O47, O15, C23I25, J24, O47, O15, C23 JEL classification:

The Impact of Financial Innovations on Demand for Money and Currency Outside Bank: Evidence from Nigeria

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This research examined how financial innovations affect the demand for money and currency outside the banking system in Nigeria. Two models were estimated for the study with the measure of broad money M2 used as proxy for Money Demand and currency outside bank (COB) as the dependent variables for model 1 and model 2 respectively. Value of ATM transactions, value of Internet Banking (web), value of Mobile Money transactions and value of POS transactions were used as proxies for financial innovations and RGDP and interest rate as control variables. Data used in the study was from the period 2010Q1 to 2021Q4, which were estimated with the cointegration and ECM technique. The findings from model 1 indicated that real gross domestic product, value of ATM transactions as well as value of mobile banking transactions exert a positive impact on money demand. Deposit interest rate, value of POS transactions and value of web (internet) transactions displayed a negative impact on demand for money. For model 2, findings showed that RGDP increase currency outside the banking system, interest rate decreases it, while VATM and VMOB have a positive impact on COB, VPOS and VWEB impact negatively on COB. The study clearly proved the significant influence of financial innovations in influencing the demand for money and currency outside the banking sector in Nigeria. In light of the foregoing, the study recommends promoting the acceptability of financial innovations in payment methods, thereby providing a secure medium through continuous engagement of Nigerians who have the means to use the various financial innovations. Also, the monetary authorities should make policies that will encourage more participants in the sector through investments in critical infrastructures that ensures hitch-free service delivery of the financial innovation. Due to the mixed influence of financial innovation on the currency outside banking system, caution must be taken by the monetary authority when advocating for the use of financial innovation especially ATM and Mobile banking apps, also we can infer from the findings that transactional and precautionary motives drives the demand for currency outside the banking system.

How Crises Work as a Barrier Activator for Immigrant Entrepreneurship: A Case from Hungary During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study explores how the challenges faced by immigrant entrepreneurs during times of economic stability were intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to demonstrate how the pandemic acted as an activator of pre-existing entrepreneurial barriers, making them more visible and impactful. A qualitative research approach was employed, based on in-depth online interviews with 16 immigrant entrepreneurs who had established businesses in Hungary between 2010 and 2019. This time frame was selected to focus on nascent immigrant enterprises that remained active during the COVID-19 crisis. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed to identify recurring barriers experienced both before and during the pandemic.The findings reveal that immigrant entrepreneurs in Hungary encounter multifaceted and persistent challenges, including limited access to financial capital, ethnonational discrimination, and difficulties in labor force recruitment. These barriers were present during periods of economic stability but were significantly exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic not only highlighted existing obstacles but also intensified their impact on the entrepreneurial activities of immigrants.The study suggests that such challenges may be common across different national contexts and that addressing these issues requires systemic changes. Specifically, efforts should focus on simplifying bureaucratic procedures and legal requirements for immigrant entrepreneurs, irrespective of their ethnic background. This research contributes to the limited but growing body of literature on immigrant entrepreneurship in crisis contexts. It expands our understanding of how crises can amplify structural inequalities and highlights the need for targeted policy interventions to support immigrant business owners, particularly in environments like Hungary’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.JEL classification: J6, J7, J10J6, J7, J10 JEL classification:

CEO Overconfidence and Tax Aggressiveness: The Role of CEO Age and Firm Size

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study aims to investigate the effects of CEO overconfidence on tax aggressiveness and analyses the role of CEO age and firm size as moderators. The study conducted 590 observations of manufacturing firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2019. The data was analyzed using the FGLS method. The results show that CEO overconfidence leads to the practice of tax aggressiveness. Other results confirmed that the CEO age strengthens the CEO overconfidence effect to practice tax aggressiveness. Furthermore, this study found that the firm size enhances the effect of CEO overconfidence to engage in tax aggressiveness. These findings suggest that manufacturing firms should not allow managers to exhibit overconfidence, considering that it can raise the likelihood of tax aggressiveness practices, which can be detrimental to the firm’s long-term performance.JEL Classification: G41, H26, M41G41, H26, M41 JEL Classification:

Unveiling Direct Effects of Service Quality and Price Perception on Brand Trust and Purchase Intention: A Comprehensive PLS-SEM Analysis

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Tanzanian telecom industry has shifted from growth to customer retention, highlighting the importance of understanding service quality and price perception. This study explores how these factors influence customer satisfaction, brand trust, and purchase intention, using the SERVQUAL model, Expectancy Disconfirmation Theory, and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Data from 601 users across Tanzania, which were analysed using PLS-SEM, revealed that service quality and perceived price significantly impact satisfaction and trust, which in turn drive purchase intentions. Customer satisfaction most strongly influenced brand trust (β = 0.832), and brand trust predicted purchase intention (β = 0.616). The perceived price had a stronger effect on satisfaction (β = 0.350) than on purchase intention (β = 0.153), implying that fairness matters more than does low cost. While service quality greatly impacted satisfaction (β = 0.537), its direct influence on purchase intention was limited (β = 0.102). The study offers valuable insights for telecom providers and policymakers aiming to enhance consumer trust, pricing strategies, and service quality in a competitive, developing market

Evaluating the Effect of Monetary Policy on Current Account in Nigeria

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Despite several empirical investigations on the interaction effect between monetary policy transmissions and the current account balances of countries, evidences have been inconclusive. This study examines the monetary policy transmission effect on current account in Nigeria from 1970 to 2021. Employing the vector error correction model (VECM) procedures, the results of the stationarity test indicate that all the variables are first differenced I(1) at 5% significance level in Augmented Dicky Fuller test procedure. The cointegration test results showed that there are three cointegrating equations at 5% significance level. The long-run results showed that coefficient of interest rate (INTR) indicated a negative sign to the current account of Nigeria and it is statistically significant. The shortrun result shows that 2.2% of the disequilibrium in the effect monetary policy on current account of Nigeria is corrected annually. The impulse response function results showed that response of current account to the global monetary policy variable, (USINTR) increased immediately and continued significantly with positive sign in the long run the result showed that response to INTR and rate of exchange (EXCH) declined immediately and continued to decline along the horizon to a negative shock in both the short and long-runs. Therefore, importation of industrial materials should be encouraged to increase the country’s export volume.JEL classification: B23, C13, E52, E63, F32, N17B23, C13, E52, E63, F32, N17 JEL classification:

Nonverbal Communication in Business

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in communication, complementing what we express verbally and providing clues to our real emotions and intentions. Gestures, facial expressions and posture contribute to building or diminishing confidence in interactions. Congruence between verbal and non-verbal messages is essential for clear and effective communication, while discrepancies can cause confusion. In addition, the meaning of nonverbal language varies according to context and culture, requiring adaptability and sensitivity. Mastering this type of communication can improve personal and professional relationships.JEL Classification: Z19.Z19. JEL Classification:

The Contribution of Competitive Intelligence Process in Achieving Strategic Agility: A Qualitative Study of Opinions from a Sample of Executives in the Food Industry Enterprises of Annaba and Skikda

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study qualitatively analyzes the contribution of the competitive intelligence process to achieving strategic agility, using NVivo v14 software to examine the views of a sample of executives from food industry enterprises in Annaba and Skikda. The study draws on structured interviews with nine executives, all of whom are practitioners in the strategic field. The findings indicate that while the enterprises under study demonstrate strategic agility, this is primarily due to their practice of competitive intelligence, albeit not fully implemented in a comprehensive manner. Based on these results, the study recommends that food industry enterprises develop a clear strategy for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information, leveraging modern techniques. This will enable decision-makers to enhance the quality and speed of their decisions, further boosting strategic agility.JEL classification: D83.D83. JEL classification:

Emerging Trends in Teaching English for Specific Purposes: A Case Study of ChatGPT

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This paper examines the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the field of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), with a particular emphasis on Business English. The study is constructed around whether AI will redefine teaching methodologies and enhance the effectiveness of ESP instruction. Focusing on a Business English course at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Oradea, the study compares the effectiveness of AI-powered tools with traditional teaching methods. The paper explores both the benefits and challenges of incorporating AI technologies, highlighting ChatGPT as a key innovation in the ESP teaching process. It discusses the advantages of using AI, while also addressing potential obstacles, such as accessibility concerns, the need for AI systems to accurately interpret specialized terminology, and the reliance on technology, which may impact conventional teaching approaches. Additionally, the paper presents practical examples of AI-generated exercises tailored to Business English, showcasing the ability of AI to provide true-to-life adapted situations that enhance the learning experience. Finally, the paper tries to offer insights into future trends in language education and the evolving role of AI in shaping the landscape of ESP, particularly in Business English.JEL Classification: F12; J11F12; J11 JEL Classification:

Challenges of Artificial Intelligence for Knowledge Management Systems: A Bibliometric Analysis Perspective

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This paper explores the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into knowledge management systems (KMS), by using a bibliometric analysis. The rapid advancement of AI technologies, particularly generative models, has opened new avenues for enhancing KMS theories and practices. The study examines publication trends, key contributors, predominant research themes, and the practical applications of AI in KMS, with a specific focus on how these technologies can transform knowledge creation, sharing, and dissemination. The study draws on data from the Scopus database, revealing the significant impact of AI on KMS practices, particularly its capacity to enhance knowledge transfer, support decision-making processes, and foster organizational learning. However, the study also identifies several challenges, including ethical concerns, the interpretability of AI-driven tools, and the scalability of AI methods. The analysis underscores the need for further research in addressing these challenges and exploring the full potential of AI to fill knowledge gaps and create new knowledge artefacts. This paper provides valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and organizations looking to harness AI for improving KMS theories and practices, offering a systematic analysis for future research on the evolving intersection of AI and KMS.JEL classification: D83, O32, O33, C88, L86, M15, J24D83, O32, O33, C88, L86, M15, J24 JEL classification:

Investigating the Romanian Digital Transformation Progress in the EU Context

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

There is an increasing emphasis on the role played by digitalization in our daily life. Starting with the industrial revolution, digitalization was applied primarily in the automation of manufacturing processes or in service provider processes. As a result, the effect of digitalization in many economic sectors has grown worldwide. The enhancement of digital potential is continuously supported at the European Union level. In order to improve the lives of citizens and enterprises, the 27 EU member nations therefore develop regulations that allow digitalization to be implemented at national level. The main goal of this article is to provide an overview of Romania's digital position within the framework of the European Union. The outcomes provide important insights into this nation's strengths as well as possible growth sectors that could potentially meet the level of the European Union. In regard to this goal, the paper first proposes a brief descriptive analysis of Internet access in Romania based on certain groups related to education and occupation. This will ultimately be followed by a comparative analysis that aims to highlight the ways in which Romania and the European Union differ based on the primary dimensions of the Digital Economy and Society Index.JEL classification: O33, J24O33, J24 JEL classification: