Abstract Background Digital payment systems have already become the key to transforming financial services in emerging markets, but their usage remains highly dependent on user trust, perceptions of usefulness and convenience, and the availability of favourable conditions. Objectives This research sought to investigate how consumer trust and adoption of digital payment platforms depend on variables, drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and a multidimensional trust theory. Methods/Approach A quantitative survey of 500 respondents across four emerging-market regions was conducted. The relationship among performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and the three trust dimensions was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Results Performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and trust-related constructs proved to be strong predictors of behavioural intention to use digital payments, and actual system utilisation was strongly predictable by behavioural intention. Trust was identified as mediating the users’ technological perceptions and their intentions to adopt. Qualitative implications revealed issues of security, data privacy, and infrastructural inconsistency that continued to influence user reluctance and perceptions of risk. Conclusions The results highlight the roles of trust-building mechanisms, effective user support systems, and regulatory assurance in promoting digital financial inclusion in emerging markets.

Abstract Background Lecturers play a critical role in shaping the academic environment, and understanding their psychological well-being and commitment is essential for effective organizational management. Objectives The primary objective is to investigate the relationship between psychological empowerment dimensions (competence, self-determination, impact, and meaning) and different forms of organizational commitment (affective, continuance, and normative) within the context of higher education. Methods/Approach Data were collected through an online survey. The Psychological Empowerment Questionnaire (PEQ) assessed psychological empowerment, while the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) measured organizational commitment. IBM SPSS Statistics 24 facilitated data processing and analysis. Results Findings reveal significant associations between psychological empowerment dimensions and organizational commitment. Some relationships are positive, while others exhibit nuances across Central and Eastern European countries. Conclusions This research contributes valuable insights for organizational psychology and human resource management.

Abstract Background Bank stability is fundamental for sustaining economic growth, fostering investment, and maintaining confidence in the financial system. In recent years, the rise of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the creation of CSR committees (CSRCs) have transformed banks’ governance models toward more ethical, transparent, and accountable practices. Objectives This study examines how CSR committees influence bank stability in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with a comparative analysis between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and non-GCC countries. Methods/Approach Using an unbalanced panel of 40 commercial banks from 2010 to 2022, the study employs the System Generalised Method of Moments (SGMM) estimator to address endogeneity, account for dynamic panel bias, and control for unobserved heterogeneity, thereby producing robust and reliable estimates. Results Empirical findings reveal that the presence of CSR committees significantly enhances bank stability in the overall sample. However, this positive association is statistically significant only for GCC banks, not for non-GCC counterparts. Conclusions These results highlight that institutional quality, regulatory strength, and governance culture determine how CSR governance mechanisms translate into financial stability. The study contributes to understanding the role of CSR governance in promoting sustainable banking in emerging economies.

Abstract Background Asset management organizations have integrated new technologies before, but this trend is expected to reach its peak in the coming years. Investors using technical instruments buy financial products from asset management companies (AMCs). Thus, AMC is working diligently to enhance its operations and processes, enabling investors to have seamless transaction experiences across its various platforms through simplified procedures and efficient management. Objectives This study examines the performance drivers of AMCs, more specifically, how fundamental components contribute to business excellence by improving firm procedures and operations and creating new investor experiences. Methods/Approach The report uses data from 387 asset management professionals from 10 businesses. In India, 10 prominent AMCs provided 387 valid replies to a work survey. The analysis was conducted using the PLS-SEM approach. Results The findings indicate that Industry 4.0, business process management, and Lean Six Sigma facilitate operational excellence and are key drivers of achieving business excellence in asset management firms in India. Conclusions Organizations can achieve business excellence by applying concepts from Industry 4.0, business process management, Lean Six Sigma, and operational excellence. This is among the few empirical studies examining the enablers of business excellence in Indian AMCs.

Abstract Background Digital health interventions (DHI) have been identified as a tool that has the potential to meet the growing demand for healthcare, improve the efficiency and sustainability of healthcare, and increase the accessibility and quality of care. The adoption and use of DHI for healthcare was strongly encouraged during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a sharp increase in the number of DHI-related publications. Objectives The number of DHI’s economic evaluations (EE) is significantly smaller, accounting for less than 5% of publications on DHI. However, they are essential for demonstrating DHI’s cost-effectiveness relative to comparable healthcare interventions. Methods/Approach We conduct a bibliometric analysis of publications on EE of DHI extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection. Results We analyse 2,308 publications from 2005 to 2023 and present the most influential countries, organisations, journals, and publications along with the corresponding bibliometric networks to explore the existing literature on EE of DHI. Furthermore, we systematise concerns and methodological challenges surrounding the economic justification of DHI. Conclusions This paper aims to build a knowledge base for future research to improve EE of DHI, given that only strong clinical and economic evidence can adequately inform resource allocation decisions and thereby encourage adoption of DHI.

Abstract Objectives The main aim of this study was to examine the effect of the HEXACO domains and triarchic psychopathy dimensions on interpersonal and organisational deviant workplace behaviour. Methods/Approach The Workplace Deviance Measure, HEXACO-PI-R and Triarchic Psychopathy Measure were applied to a sample of 429 workers recruited from employees of several IT organisations and education staff working in higher education. Results Results showed that honesty-humility and agreeableness significantly predicted both interpersonal and organisational workplace deviance, and agreeableness showed significant effects on interpersonal workplace deviance. Openness to experience was unrelated to both interpersonal and organisational workplace deviance, but extraversion positively predicted organisational deviance. All triarchic dimensions (boldness, meanness, and disinhibition) showed significant effects on both interpersonal and organisational workplace deviance. Conclusions Findings indicate that honesty-humility, agreeableness, and conscientiousness significantly enhance the probability of developing positive relationships with co-workers. Triarchic psychopathy features demonstrate considerable maladaptive potential, consequently presenting a significant risk factor for the development of positive workplace interactions.

Abstract BackgroundEnergy production plays a major role in the Saudi Arabian economy, but energy production can lead to an increase in environmental pollution.Objectives:This study investigated the impact of energy production and trade openness on Saudi Arabia’s economic growth and environmental pollution using annual data from 1970 to 2020.Methods/Approach:The fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and the dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) methods were employed to develop two models, including an economic growth model and an environmental Sustainability or pollution model.Results:The results of the two tests ensured that both expanding trade openness and increasing energy production led to faster economic growth. Nevertheless, the expansion of trade openness and energy production also led to environmental pollution; hence, the increase in energy production did not support sustainable development.Conclusions:Thus, policymakers should develop a green economy strategy to reduce the use of fossil fuels and increase renewable energy in energy production to reduce environmental pollution. Moreover, the Saudi Arabian government should highly promote investment in renewable energy production through trade openness.

Abstract Background Digital technologies have significantly changed the way adolescents perceive the world around them. The perception of the social environment is crucial for their well-being and health. Objectives This paper aims to evaluate the relationship between the perceived life circumstances of adolescents, such as dietary habits, physical activity, obesity, subjective health, the use of digital technology devices, and the level of occupancy with school obligations. Methods/Approach The survey research was conducted on a sample of adolescents between the ages of 11 and 15. Data was analysed using regression analysis and association rules. Results The results present a moderate positive correlation between the level of school obligations and life satisfaction or subjective health, while for the independent variable, time spent in front of screens, the strength of the relationship is moderate and negative. Conclusions The model represents a useful starting point for the recommendations for creating patterns to influence life satisfaction and well-being in adolescence. It provides insight into the potential optimisation of school obligations of adolescents according to the level of life satisfaction, subjective perception of health, and time spent in front of the screen.

Abstract Background Digital advertising and the amount of money spent on influencer marketing increases every year. Nowadays, it has become one of the most profitable ways to promote products and services and increase a company’s profit through an endorsement on social media networks. Objectives This paper explores the parallel mediating effect of brand awareness and influencer credibility between sponsorship disclosure and purchase intention among the Generation Z. Methods/Approach We used a convenience sample method and used regression analysis to test the parallel mediator effect. Results Findings of the research indicate that the direct influence of sponsorship disclosure on purchase intention is non-significant. However, this relation is significant when mediated by brand awareness and influencer credibility. Conclusions The contribution of the research adds to the new knowledge in the field of influencer marketing and gives practical implications for brand managers who want to influence customers to buy.

Abstract Background A noteworthy attempt has recently been made to extend the same or analogous evaluation criteria traditionally employed in natural and technical sciences to social sciences and humanities domains. However, this endeavor has sparked considerable reactions among researchers, leading to robust discussions and debates. Objectives This research aims to describe the scholars’ perception of the research quality evaluation in Montenegro's social sciences and humanities. Methods/Approach Focus-group interviews in which 25 interlocutors from various fields of social sciences and humanities were used. The participants discussed the given topic in five focus group interviews and were prompted by questions that specified the topic. Results Different perceptions occur within the social sciences and humanities and are visible within individual areas. Respondents think that the current way of evaluating the results of research work in social sciences and humanities ignores the specificities of research methodologies and practices. Conclusions The respondents show a common element of perception, i.e., that the research quality evaluation in the social sciences and humanities must be multidimensional, meaning that it must include the necessary indicators adjusted to concrete research field as much as possible but also contain agreeably qualitative criteria.