Purpose This study investigates the impact of CEO personality on ESG performance within the context of developing economies, where weak regulatory frameworks and limited access to resources pose unique challenges for sustainable business practices. The study further examines the mediating role of proactive sustainability strategy and the moderating effect of stakeholder salience. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through questionnaires from 305 SMEs and analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) in Amos to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The results reveal that top management personality significantly influences ESG performance through proactive sustainability strategy. Stakeholder salience makes this effect stronger by shaping the strategic focus on sustainability. Practical implications The findings suggest that firms should actively integrate proactive sustainability practices and strategically engage stakeholders to enhance ESG performance and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by linking CEO personality to ESG performance through proactive sustainability strategies, providing new insights into ESG implementation in resource-constrained and regulatory grey environments.

Purpose This study examines how digital transformation amplifies the effect of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance on innovation, market competitiveness and financial performance in European multinational firms operating in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach Relying on the resource-based view and dynamic capability theory, we designed a model to assess a serial mediation to explain how ESG performance, innovation and market competitiveness can connect digital transformation to enhance financial performance. Data were collected from 340 senior and middle-level managers from European multinational firms in Ghana and employed structural equation modeling and the Sobel test for data analysis. Findings The study finds that digital transformation significantly enhances ESG performance. ESG performance positively influences innovation, market competitiveness and financial performance. Additionally, ESG performance has indirect positive effects on financial performance through innovation and market competitiveness, highlighting the importance of digital transformation in driving these outcomes. Practical implications The findings provide insights for managers, emphasizing the need to integrate digital transformation and ESG strategies to foster innovation and competitiveness, especially in emerging economies. Originality/value This research contributes to the growing literature on digital transformation and ESG by demonstrating their combined impact on business outcomes in an emerging market context. It offers a new framework for understanding how sustainability-driven strategies, enabled by digital transformation, can generate both economic and societal value.

Purpose This study explores the nexus between supply chain agility, lean manufacturing, supply chain integration and operational performance. It also provides an evaluation of the state of implementation of lean, integration and agility practices. By adopting the dynamic capabilities perspective, the paper aims to assess how lean and integration drive an agile behavior of the supply chain and how agility creates a bridge toward superior performance outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The hypothetical framework was tested through partial least squares regression. Analyzed data were collected via survey from 112 automotive, aerospace and agri-food Moroccan manufacturing industries. Findings Agility is the most implemented concept in the studied sectors, followed by supply chain integration and lean manufacturing. Lean is fundamental to agility within the automotive industry and integration is a precursor to agility within the aerospace and agri-food supply chains. Additionally, agility is the focal strategy of companies, transforming the dynamics between lean and integration into greater operational performance in all industries. Originality/value This study is one of the few to provide academics and practitioners with tangible evidence on how the interrelationships between operational programs and strategic initiatives enable designing agile and competitive networks. By comparing three fast-developing sectors in a growing emerging economy, the research showcases the power of the alignment between lean supply chain integration and agility in improving performance outcomes.

Purpose This paper investigates the role of the organizational culture and readiness for Just Transition (JT)/decarbonization, starting from the commitment to environmental issues toward the investments and expected outcomes and by proposing a novel research model and unfolding a cross-country firm-level survey. The survey assesses firms’ awareness of the EU energy transition, their internal and external responses, and the factors influencing these responses. Design/methodology/approach The questionnaire-based survey, conducted in Germany, Romania, Spain and the UK, included 550 companies. Data was collected via an online survey between December 2023 and January 2024. The analysis was performed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate complex structural models. A multigroup analysis (MGA) was also computed to provide a comparative outlook across countries. Findings All hypotheses tested were supported in both the four-country framework and in separate national contexts, indicating strong and significant relationships between the constructs. This supports the advanced research model and suggests that factors such as commitment to environmental issues, confidence in JT policies and organizational culture play relevant roles in sustainability and decarbonization efforts. Further, the results show that both organizational culture and financial costs influence the investments plan and expected results of companies. Also, the assumption of financial costs and perceived risks emerges as a prerequisite for achieving better outcomes. Research limitations/implications From a bird’s eye view, in terms of managerial implications, the results provide actionable insights for companies navigating toward the JT programs, offering inputs on how to develop organizational cultures prepared for this evolution while paying attention to the necessity to mitigate risks and ensure a transition that makes employees confident about it. Simultaneously, the findings inform policymakers about the crucial necessity to adopt and communicate supportive legislation for businesses that align with the JT goals in a continuous, predictable and transparent way. Originality/value By bridging the gap between business practices and public policy, this research can contribute to a smooth JT and confirms the necessity of more awareness of the JT, as well as of more support for companies to embrace it.

The publishers of the Business Process Management Journal wish to retract the article Al-Taweel, I.R. (2021), “Impact of high-performance work practices in human resource management of health dispensaries in Qassim Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, towards organizational resilience and productivity”, Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 27 No. 7, pp. 2088–2109. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-11-2020-0498An internal investigation into a series of submissions has uncovered evidence that the peer review process was compromised. As a result of these concerns, the findings of the article cannot be relied upon. This decision has been taken in accordance with Emerald’s publishing ethics and the COPE guidelines on retractions.Despite numerous attempts to contact the authors, the journal has received no response; the response of the authors would be gratefully received.The publishers of the journal sincerely apologize to the readers.

Purpose This research aims at investigating how business process management capabilities (BPMC) impact the effectiveness of sustainable digital transformation (ESDT). Furthermore, it delves into the mediation of dynamic decision-making (DDM) in the relationship between BPMC and ESDT. Design/methodology/approach This research employed the hypothetico-deductive technique. The statistical database was generated from sample of 712 respondents from small and medium companies (SMEs) in Vietnam, utilizing convenience and snowball sampling methods. The two-step process utilizing structural equation modeling, supported by SmartPLS version 4.1.0.9 and AMOS 28, was employed to assess the measurement model, while SmartPLS version 4.1.0.9 was used to evaluate the structural model. Findings The results of the analysis emphasize significant and positive correlations between the proposed constructs related to significance and effect size. The statistical results indicated that BPMC had a significant and beneficial effect on ESDT. This relationship was partially mediated by DMM. Practical implications The salient point emphasized that practitioners should prioritize enhancing focus on BPMC and DDM, as this would significantly facilitate more comprehensive solutions, enabling SMEs to achieve optimal success in sustainable digital transformation. Policymakers and government influencers are urged to concentrate on innovative attributes and ensure a conducive environment for the implementation of innovation by enacting regulations that promote the application of digital technology. Originality/value The findings of this study will broaden scholars’ understanding of the influence of BPMC on ESDT. The originality of the research is to provide research directions for advancing studies on the role of DDM in the context of sustainable digital transformation.

Purpose Through the theory of dynamic capability, this study aims to make theoretical hypotheses and empirical explorations on the relationship between supply chain quality management (SCQM) practices, dynamic supply chain capability (DSCC), supply chain resilience (SCR) and environmental dynamics. Design/methodology/approach In this study, DSCC is used as a mediating variable in the relationship between SCQM practices and SCR. To enhance the resilience of the supply chain, the moderating effect of environmental dynamics was tested. About 426 completed questionnaires were obtained from a cohort of Chinese manufacturing enterprises, and the proposed hypotheses were tested using the structural equation model method. Findings Empirical evidence shows that SCQM practices have a significantly positive impact on SCR at the overall level. Achieving better DSCC plays an important mediating role between SCQM practices and resilience. In addition, environmental dynamics have a moderating effect on the relationship between SCQM practices and DSCC. Originality/value This study constructs the influencing mechanism of SCQM practices on SCR through dynamic capability theory and enriches the relevant literature on SCR research. This study also provides management guidance for firms to enhance SCR through SCQM practices in an uncertain environment.

Purpose The purpose of this research is to advance the conceptual and practitioner understanding concerning the maximisation of Industry 4.0 technologies industries in an emerging economy. The study first examines the internal resources that companies possess to implement Industry 4.0 effectively and, second, identifies the critical gaps that necessitate external resources, both at the industry and government levels. Design/methodology/approach The study embraces qualitative and inductive approaches with semi-structured interviews conducted with 112 company leaders representing nine industries and operating in various cities/regions of Vietnam. Findings The data analysis helped unveil 16 critical dimensions. Notably, the organisation-developed competences dimension illuminates the understanding regarding firms’ available internal resources, while the financial management and technological leap ability dimensions help explain firms’ required resources. More broadly, the business community unity and business community learning dimensions ascertain the significance of industry-level support, while the technological sponsorship and legal framework guide dimensions underline government support. Originality/value First, the study unpacks various key aspects of their daily, mid- and long-term operations associated with their current internal resources, gaps identified and the support they require to progress within the Industry 4.0 environment. Second, the study proposes a framework that advances the extant conceptual understanding of operational, strategic, managerial and production aspects among firms operating in an emerging economy. Third, it focuses on companies operating in nine industries in an emerging economy. Fourth, the study contributes to addressing various extant research gaps.

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of entrepreneurial individual vision and entrepreneurial role models on perceived entrepreneurial opportunities resulting from the COVID-19 crisis while assessing the moderating role of entrepreneurial grit (passion and perseverance). Design/methodology/approach The research adopts an applied path analysis method using Hayes' PROCESS MACRO with SPSS. The statistical population consists of early-stage entrepreneurs participating in Iran’s 2020 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor international research program. Findings The results indicate that regardless of gender, age and education of participants, the “entrepreneurial individual vision” of early-stage entrepreneurs has a direct positive impact on their perception of entrepreneurial opportunities arising from COVID-19. Moreover, due to the challenging circumstances during the crisis, the role model of successful entrepreneurs who began their ventures during the pandemic influences early-stage entrepreneurs. That is to say, the role model has an impact on the perceived entrepreneurial opportunities resulting from COVID-19. Research limitations/implications The study has focused exclusively on early-stage entrepreneurs. Hence, it is suggested that further research explores the influence of entrepreneurial vision characteristics among both early-stage and established entrepreneurs. Additionally, examining the interactions between their entrepreneurial role models, perseverance and types of entrepreneurial passion in relation to the perceived opportunities arising from the COVID-19 crisis would be valuable. Practical implications In critical situations, early-stage entrepreneurs persevere by maintaining a resilience spirit and stress management. As a result, they could identify new entrepreneurial opportunities in line with their entrepreneurial vision. Nevertheless, early-stage entrepreneurs should postpone exploiting those opportunities until a time close to the final stages of the crisis. Early-stage entrepreneurs should redefine a clear and effective entrepreneurial individual vision. Furthermore, they should firstly reinforce their growth mindset; secondly, apply a servant leadership style to their startups in order to enhance grit; and finally translate their vision into a shared vision in line with the expansion of their role models. Social implications During times of crisis, societies require early-stage entrepreneurs, who possess an individual entrepreneurial vision, have access to entrepreneurial role models and exhibit perseverance to identify and capitalize on entrepreneurial opportunities generated by the COVID-19 crisis. Originality/value Unlike normal situations, during the COVID-19 pandemic, entrepreneurial grit (passion and perseverance) exhibits a mixed and paradoxical moderating effect; the entrepreneurial grit-passion dimension weakens the positive effect of “entrepreneurial vision” on “perceived entrepreneurial opportunities caused by COVID-19.” This is while the entrepreneurial grit-perseverance dimension normally strengthens this positive effect. Therefore, the Entrepreneurial Grit Paradox is the most important contribution of the study. In contrast with prevalent theoretical perspectives such as the views of Blank (2020) and Rise (2011), early-stage businesses begin with the entrepreneurial individual vision, grit-perseverance and their entrepreneurs' role models in crisis times.

Purpose Research generally believes that both corporate venture capital (CVC) and independent venture capital (IVC) promote the innovation value of entrepreneurial ventures, but their roles in innovation risk remain unclear. To reveal the bright and dark sides of CVC and IVC, we compare their influence on innovation performance and performance variability of entrepreneurial ventures as well as their interaction effects with innovation assets through physical and intellectual assets. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a panel dataset consisting of 630 high-tech ventures and the Heckman selection model to test the hypotheses and correct the endogenous problems. Findings We find that CVC improves the innovation performance of entrepreneurial ventures but at the cost of increasing their performance variability, whereas IVC is the opposite. We also find the combination effect of external and internal capital of entrepreneurial ventures. CVC and IVC complement intellectual assets to enhance innovation performance and dance with physical assets to reduce variability. Originality/value We use a value-risk dyadic perspective to reveal the bright side and dark side of CVC and IVC. We unveil the interplay mechanism between internal and external capital of entrepreneurial ventures and develop some kinds of capital configuration strategies to balance innovation value and risk.