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

Maria Grace Herlina; Eren Ozgen; Stephanie Ingrid; Nicholas Tanuwijaya

doi:10.2478/jec-2026-0003

.blurhash-client-img { display: none !important; }

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

Economics and Culture

Volume 23 (2026): Issue 1 (June 2026)

By: Maria Grace Herlina , Eren Ozgen , Stephanie Ingrid and Nicholas Tanuwijaya

Open Access

|Jul 2026

Abstract

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.

References

Abid, G., Contreras, F., Rank, S., & Ilyas, S. (2023). Sustainable leadership and wellbeing of healthcare personnel: A sequential mediation model of procedural knowledge and compassion. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1039456. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1039456
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Almufarreh, A. (2024). Determinants of students’ satisfaction with AI tools in education: A PLSSEM-ANN approach. Sustainability, 16(13), 5354. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135354
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Benabed, A., Bujor, D., Manita Bulareanu, A., & Constantin Ene, A. B. (2024). The role of AI for business and companies’ leadership and internationalization in globalization: A background with analysis. Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, 18(1), 268–282. https://doi.org/10.2478/picbe-2024-0023
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bencsik, A. (2022). Measuring organisational well-being and happiness based on Gnh logic. Economics and Sociology, 15(3), 268–285. https://doi.org/10.14254/2071-789X.2022/15-3/15
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bencsik, A., & Pangsy-Kania, S. (2023). Sustainable leadership practices based on the logic of the honeybee pyramid — comparison of Hungarian and Polish SMEs. Sustainability, 15(17), 13103. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713103
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bergsteiner, H., & Avery, G. C. (2025). Honeybee leadership: Many winners and no losers. In M. John (Ed.), The Routledge handbook of global sustainability education and thinking for the 21st century (pp. 63–74). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003171577-8
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Chen, G., Wang, J., Huang, Q., Sang, L., Yan, J., Chen, R., Cheng, J., Wang, L., Zhang, D., & Ding, H. (2024). Social support, psychological capital, multidimensional job burnout, and turnover intention of primary medical staff: A path analysis drawing on conservation of resources theory. Human Resources for Health, 22(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-024-00915-y
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Chiu, T. K. F. (2022). Applying the self-determination theory (SDT) to explain student engagement in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 54, S14–S30. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2021.1891998
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Cramarenco, R. E., Burcă-Voicu, M. I., & Dabija, D. C. (2023). The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employees’ skills and well-being in global labor markets: A systematic review. Oeconomia Copernicana, 14(3), 731–767. https://doi.org/10.24136/oc.2023.022
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design. Sage Publications.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Deloitte (2024). 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey. https://www.deloitte.com/content/dam/assets-shared/docs/campaigns/2024/deloitte-2024-genzmillennial-survey.pdf?dlva=1
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Dhaneesh, R., Iswarya, V. S., & Anand, S. T. (2025). An analysis of stress burnout and work engagement of paternalistic leadership using job demand-resource (JD-R) model. Rajagiri Management Journal, 19(1), 44–56. https://doi.org/10.1108/RAMJ-12-2023-0343
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Fien, J. (2014). Chasing the honey bee: Enhancing leadership for sustainability (Working Paper No. 4). Swinburne Leadership Institute. https://apo.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2014-05/apo-nid40307.pdf
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Galanakis, M. D., & Tsitouri, E. (2022). Positive psychology in the working environment. Job demands-resources theory, work engagement and burnout. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1022102. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1022102
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ghozali, I. (2021). Partial Least Squares Menggunakan Program SmartPLS 3.2.9. Badan Penerbit Universitas Diponegoro.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Gonçalves, T., & Curado, C. (2023). The role of ethical leadership and social networks in the promotion of workplace happiness and quality of care: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 38(5), 1330–1344. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpm.3663
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Guay, F. (2022). Applying Self-Determination Theory to education: Regulations types, psychological needs, and autonomy supporting behaviors. Canadian Journal of School Psychology, 37(1), 75–92. https://doi.org/10.1177/08295735211055355
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Gupta, A., Chadha, A., Tiwari, V., Varma, A., & Pereira, V. (2023). Sustainable training practices: Predicting job satisfaction and employee behavior using machine learning techniques. Asian Business and Management, 22(5), 1913–1936. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41291-023-00234-5
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hadianto, B., & Mariana, A. (2023). Gender, financial literacy, internal control locus, and economic well-being: The employee viewpoint. Owner: Riset & Jurnal Akuntansi, 7(4), 3621–3629. https://doi.org/10.33395/owner.v7i4.1855
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hair, Jr., J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2014). A primer on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). SAGE Publications.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hoang, G., Yang, M., & Luu, T. T. (2023). Ethical leadership in tourism and hospitality management: A systematic literature review and research agenda. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 114, 103563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2023.103563
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kantabutra, S., & Saratun, M. (2013). Sustainable leadership: Honeybee practices at Thailand’s oldest university. International Journal of Educational Management, 27(4), 356–376. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513541311316304
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Karimi, S., Ahmadi Malek, F., Yaghoubi Farani, A., & Liobikienė, G. (2023). The Role of transformational leadership in developing innovative work behaviors: The mediating role of employees’ psychological capital. Sustainability, 15(2), 1267. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021267
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kazmi, S. I. H., Afzal, M. F., Gondal, S., Ashraf, M. U., & Umair, M. (2024). Evaluating the impact of artificial intelligence on employee engagement and performance in Pakistan. Journal of Excellence in Social Sciences, 3(1), 30–42. https://doi.org/10.69565/jess.v3i1.184
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kumar, P., Pillai, R., Kumar, N., & Tabash, M. I. (2023). The interplay of skills, digital financial literacy, capability, and autonomy in financial decision making and well-being. Borsa Istanbul Review, 23(1), 169–183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bir.2022.09.012
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kyambade, M., Nkurunziza, G., Sewante, L., Namatovu, A., & Tushabe, M. (2024). Servant leadership and healthy work relationships in university context: a moderated mediation analysis of psychological safety and socially responsible leadership. Cogent Education, 11(1), 2418802. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2418802
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Li, H., Zhang, R., Lee, Y. C., Kraut, R. E., & Mohr, D. C. (2023). Systematic review and meta-analysis of AI-based conversational agents for promoting mental health and well-being. Npj Digital Medicine, 6, 236. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-023-00979-5
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Lusardi, A., & Messy, F.-A. (2023). The importance of financial literacy and its impact on financial wellbeing. Journal of Financial Literacy and Wellbeing, 1(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1017/flw.2023.8
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Montenegro Méndez, S., Laguía González, A., & Moriano León, J. A. (2025). Is leadership a resource? A systematic review of its role in burnout and engagement among nurses within the JD-R model. Journal of Nursing Management, 2025(1), 853148. https://doi.org/10.1155/jonm/8853148
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Munir, S., Mahmood, G., Abdullah, F., & Noreen, A. (2023). Exploring the impact of digital leadership on sustainable performance with mediating role of artificial intelligence. Journal of Accounting and Finance in Emerging Economies, 9(3), 213–226. https://doi.org/10.26710/jafee.v9i3.2712
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Nisha, N. T., Nawaz, N., Mahalakshmi, J., Gajenderan, V., & Hasani, I. (2022). A study on the impact of sustainable leadership and core competencies on sustainable competitive advantage in the information technology (IT) sector. Sustainability, 14(11), 6899. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14116899
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Oarue-Itseuwa, E. (2024). Artificial intelligence’s impact of the management consultancy sector over the next five years. Management Consulting Journal, 7(1), 49–58. https://doi.org/10.2478/mcj-2024-0005
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Obeng, H. A., Atan, T., & Arhinful, R. (2025). Exploring organizational politics, psychological well-being, work-life balance, and turnover intentions in Ghanaian hospitals: A conservation of resource theory perspective. BMC Health Services Research, 25, 1053. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-13056-2
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) International. (2023). Asia Pacific Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2023. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) International. https://www.pwc.com/vn/en/publications/vietnam-publications/workforce-hopes-fears-vietnam-2023.html
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Purwanto, M. (2024). Sustainable leadership: A new era of leadership for organizational sustainability and challenges. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, XI(III), 62–68. https://doi.org/10.51244/ijrsi.2024.1103007
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Rodríguez-Leudo, A. L., & Navarro-Astor, E. (2024). Workplace happiness in architectural companies in the city of Valencia: A gender comparison. Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, 6, 1460028. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2024.1460028
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Rožman, M., Tominc, P., & Milfelner, B. (2023). Maximizing employee engagement through artificial intelligent organizational culture in the context of leadership and training of employees: Testing linear and non-linear relationships. Cogent Business and Management, 10(2), 2248732. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2248732
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: Classic definitions and new directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 54–67. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1020
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Salas-Vallina, A., & Alegre, J. (2021). Happiness at work: Developing a shorter measure. Journal of Management and Organization, 27(3), 460–480. https://doi.org/10.1017/jmo.2018.24
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sekaran, U., & Bougie, R. (2016). Research methods for business. John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sender, G., Carvalho, F., & Guedes, G. (2021). The happy level: A new approach to measure happiness at work using mixed methods. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 20, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069211002413
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Shal, T., Ghamrawi, N., & Naccache, H. (2024). Leadership styles and AI acceptance in academic libraries in higher education. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 50(2), 102849. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2024.102849
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sonnentag, S., & Meier, L. L. (2024). Gain and loss cycles revisited: What to consider when testing key assumptions of conservation of resources theory. Journal of Management Scientific Reports, 2(2), 154–167. https://doi.org/10.1177/27550311241247833
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sumintono, B. (2014). Model Rasch untuk Penelitian Ilmu-Ilmu Sosial). Trim Komunikata.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Suriyankietkaew, S., Krittayaruangroj, K., & Iamsawan, N. (2022). Sustainable leadership practices and competencies of SMEs for sustainability and resilience: A community-based social enterprise study. Sustainability, 14(10), 5762. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105762
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Versal, N., Honchar, I., Balytska, M., & Erastov, V. (2023). How do savings and personal budgeting matter on financial literacy and well-being. Business, Management and Economics Engineering, 21(2), 190–203. https://doi.org/10.3846/bmee.2023.19062
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wang, C., & Peng, K. (2023). AI experience predicts identification with humankind. Behavioral Sciences, 13(2), 89. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13020089
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Waworuntu, E. C., Kainde, S. J. R., & Mandagi, D. W. (2022). Work-life balance, job satisfaction and performance among Millennial and Gen Z employees: A systematic review. Society, 10(2), 384–398. https://doi.org/10.33019/society.v10i2.464
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Yao, A., Wu, J., & Cai, Z. (2024). An empirical study on the influence factors of digital human resource management on deviant innovation. Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on New Media Development and Modernized Education, NMDME 2023, October 13–15, 2023, Xi’an, China. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.13-10-2023.2341271
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Zhang, Y., & Chatterjee, S. (2023). Financial well-being in the United States: The roles of financial literacy and financial stress. Sustainability, 15(5), 4505. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054505
Search in Google Scholar Back to article

Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jec-2026-0003 | Journal eISSN: 2256-0173

Journal RSS Feed

Language: English

Page range: 27 - 38

Submitted on: Sep 29, 2025

Accepted on: Jun 1, 2026

Published on: Jul 3, 2026

Published by: EKA University of Applied Sciences

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 2 issues per year

Keywords:

honeybee sustainable leadership,

artificial intelligence experience,

financial literacy,

workplace happiness,

white-collar employee

Related subjects:

Business and economics,

Business management,

Corporate social responsibility (CSR), compliance management, business ethics,

© 2026 Maria Grace Herlina, Eren Ozgen, Stephanie Ingrid, Nicholas Tanuwijaya, published by EKA University of Applied Sciences
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 23 (2026): Issue 1 (June 2026)