<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Technology and its influence upon society have turned into a controversial topic in today’s fast-developing world, where advances in innovation are continuous, fast, and complex. The relationship between technology and society has become an increasing interest for many researchers, trying to explore and clarify this connection. This article focuses on the psychological impact of technology, expressed through activity tracking devices, upon user’s attitudes towards pursuing an active lifestyle. To conduct the analysis, users’ registered behavioral changes after engaging with technological devices are explored, by examining academic literature reports studies, supplemented by experimental material written by the users themselves on publicly available websites. The study proposes a deductive research design, by constructing its analysis on a relevant theoretical framework, that of Technological Determinism theory, which advocates that technology can influence society, however without being affected by humans. Nevertheless, the results of the research show that the relationship between technology and society is not that linear, as influences coming from the social environment usually interact and impact the way technology is used. This determines the consideration of an additional theoretical concept to the analysis, that of Social Shaping of Technology, and changes the dynamics of exploring the topic. Conclusions demonstrate that the relationship between user and technology can be characterized as a double-way approach, with complex and ambiguous attributes, where both forces interact and can lead to positive and constructive behavioral outcomes but also to critical and hard to control mental conditions.
</abstract>

Technological Determinism vs. Social Shaping of Technology. The Influence of Activity Trackers on User’s Attitudes

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Organizational performance is broadly defined in the literature as a complex concept, which clusters a myriad of elements that promote performance in a modern organization. Previous empirical research has studied various strategic management initiatives and found that, separately, elements related to organizational culture, leadership, work environment, learning, change, innovation, and individual performance are influencing organizational performance. This study aims to connect various research models to identify and analyze the relationships between organizational culture, leadership, work environment, learning, change, innovation, and individual performance, on the one hand, and organizational performance on the other. This paper further shows that these variables are more effective when people are in the center of the organizational focus and suggests a model for the relationship process between these in a structured diagram.
</abstract>

Strategic Management Initiatives that Promote Organizational Performance

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Past studies reported that social support correlated with work-family balance. However, the role of self-efficacy in the relationship between social support and work-family balance among the manufacturing sector employees is missing. Therefore, this study examined the indirect effect of self-efficacy in the relationship between social support and work-family balance. A sample of 456 (F=26.8%; mean age=31.55) manufacturing sector employees that were selected through the stratified sampling technique responded to the Work-Family Balance Scale, Social Support Questionnaire, and Self-Efficacy Scale. Results of the correlation analysis revealed that social support from family and co-workers positively associated with work-family balance. Self-efficacy was also found to relate positively to social support and work-family balance. Mediation analysis, using Hayes Process Macro, showed that self-efficacy had an indirect effect on the relationship between social support and work-family balance among employees of food and beverage companies. Improved social support from co-workers and family can assist manufacturing sector employees to balance the demands from both domains.
</abstract>

Social Support and Work-Family Balance of Manufacturing Companies’ Employee with Self-Efficacy as a Mediator

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The preventive management of risks in enterprises has a pivotal role in preserving the value created in the business processes. Despite the notable importance of this area of study, it has received little attention from researchers. A deep investigation and analysis of the literature on risk management led to reveal that there is a need for a solid foundation of preventive management of risks theory. Although the contribution of the previous studies in the area of preventive management of risks, by identifying the pillars that constitute it, and highlighting the contribution of the integration of risk management and knowledge management in preventing risks. However, we may only consider these studies as preliminary steps in the development of this new field since they did not justify the integration of different disciplines to generate a new one. Moreover, they did not provide any operational process that structures this paradigm. Thus, we aim through the present study to take one further step in the foundation of preventive management of risks and to develop an operational process that regulates this field by coupling a knowledge management process with the process of the integrated management of risks and business processes. This integration has followed a rigorous and strict methodology to justify and accept the integration of two separated fields in one single field as a scientific and valid foundation. This research has succeeded to provide theoretical implications and a conceptual model for preventive management of risks, which triggers the need for empirical implications to improve the outcomes of this study.
</abstract>

Toward Preventive Management of Risks Theory: Foundation of Process Structuring the Theory

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the academic research in the management field, by exploring banking strategies implemented during complex crises, with a focus on the recent pandemic. To improve the comprehension of the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic we analyzed the differences between the crisis from 2008-2009 and the crisis induced by the pandemic. The banking system has always been at the center of the crises, both in 2008 and in the 1930s, but this time the situation is different because now, we are facing a crisis that is related to systemic health issues. In the previous crises, banks were considered as part of the problem, but this time they are perceived as part of the solution. This approach increases the role of banks in the coronavirus crisis and the strategies adopted by banks influence the whole economy. The pandemic has changed the world economy entirely and impacted tremendously most businesses. The banking system plays an essential role in this situation because it is a key component from an economic point of view. In recent years, the banking system has adapted continuously – it has been reinvented to keep up with customer expectations and the need for cost reductions. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digitalization in the banking system although, the need for innovation and digital strategies have been an important factor in banking even before the pandemic had started. We present furthermore an opinion based on a narrative literature review and a summary of the most important elements that redesign the banking system during the COVID-19 pandemic context. The literature regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for the banking system is still developing since the pandemic is an unfolding new experience for the world.
</abstract>

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Banking Sector

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The study investigated the Effect of Corporate Governance Structure and Financial reporting quality of quoted Pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria. A total of ten Pharmaceutical companies were used from 2006-2019. Data were extracted from the annual report and accounts of the Pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria. Financial reporting quality was calculated using Dechow and Dicher’s (2002) model. The Housman test of multiple regression analysis was employed to test the hypotheses. The result found that Board independence has a positive effect on the financial reporting quality, Board compositions have a positive and significant effect on financial reporting quality, Board meeting has negative association on the financial reporting quality of pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria. The ownership structure also reflects the positive and significant financial reporting quality of the selected companies. The number of times the risk management committee meets yearly as an indicator of corporate governance structure yield a positive influence on the financial reporting quality of selected pharmaceutical companies. The result for a ratio of female members in the board, i.e. gender composition and numerical strength of Audit committee members each, is yielding positive and significant effect on financial reporting quality. The r-squared outcome of 55% implies the ability of the selected pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria. The regression model is also supported by the outcome of Durbin-Watson statistics which is close to 2, indicating the possible absence of autocorrelated in the regression model. It, therefore, recommends that quoted firms should adhere to the guidelines given by CBN and SEC on the code of corporate governance as it affects their financial reporting quality. Regular and spontaneous supervising functions/checks by the different regulating agencies are also recommended.
</abstract>

Effect of Corporate Governance Structure and Financial Reporting Quality of Quoted Pharmaceutical Companies in Nigeria

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

This paper examines the relationship between financial development and private sector investment in the post-financial sector liberalization episode in Tanzania. The proxies for financial development were the financial market depth index and financial institutions depth index. Applying Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique, the results show the nexus between financial development and private sector investment in Tanzania. We find that the financial market depth index has a positive and significant impact on private sector investment in the long run but not in the short run. This is linked to the underdevelopment of capital markets in Tanzania at present. Similarly, we find that the financial institution depth index positively and significantly impacts private sector investment in both the long and short run. The degree of openness of the economy recorded a positive and significant impact on private investment in both periods suggesting that it has played a critical role in the financial development and growth of the private sector in Tanzania. In contrast, we observe that the real exchange rate has recorded a negative and significant impact on private investment in the long and short run. This suggests that appreciation of the real exchange rate had a negative impact on private investment. We recommend increasing financial openness and reinforcing the financial regulatory reforms to widen and deepen the financial system that can effectively support the mobilization of short, medium, and long-term finance for private sector investment.
</abstract>

Financial Development and Private Sector Investment in the Post-Financial Liberalization Era in Tanzania

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

A significant change in consumer viewing habits has taken place globally with the introduction and growth of over-the-top television services (OTT TV). In the absence of scientific evidence on television consumer behavior viewership changes, this paper’s objective was to ascertain the television viewing patterns, given the rise of OTT TV services in South Africa. The study adopted a quantitative research approach using a convenience sampling method. Online survey questionnaires were distributed on reputable social media networks and collected 391 responses. The study results suggest changes to TV consumption, in that more TV consumers are binge-watching and streaming content online. Furthermore, more than five hours a day are spent online consuming TV content, especially by male respondents. The sharing of OTT TV logon credentials with family and friends is prevalent across all demographic groups. The fundamental aspect of this paper is that it illuminates the rivalry between the Pay-Tv operators and OTT TV service providers while aiding the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to regulate the market.
</abstract>

Over-the-Top Television Services and Changes in Consumer Viewing Patterns in South Africa

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

In a VUCA world dominated by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity as it is the case today, strategic management is redefined by the necessity to acquire strong organizational capabilities of agility and resilience, simultaneously with a prominent orientation toward adoption of measures destined to meet climate change and social challenges. The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are the new must when designing corporate programs, starting to be adopted by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well, but with different success rates. High-profile ESG programs tend to be launched and developed mainly by organizations that integrate them into evolving business models and strategies, thus translating gradually to sustainable strategic management frameworks. Nevertheless, to adopt sustainability in business requires concomitantly acquiring financial performance and having access to disposable financial capital. The paper explores the current challenges of sustainable strategic management in parallel with the academic discussions on shareholders’ value creation, investigating the relation with available sustainable investments’ practices. The long-term and short-term financial performance of sustainable business practices are investigated, as well as the orientation of professional investors regarding ESG programs, as presented in recent literature. The authors discuss the importance of knowledge in adopting sustainability in business, the organizational maturity in adopting sustainability in day-to-day activities, as well as the impact of regulatory stimulus and of financial performance on investing in ESG programs. Finally, the paper tackles the necessity to make available more financial resources alongside a gradual transformation of managerial mentalities oriented toward measurable and well-defined planned sustainable strategic management.
</abstract>

florina.pinzaru@facultateademanagement.ro

National University of Political Studies and Public Administration

Advancing Strategic Management through Sustainable Finance

AHEAD OF PRINT

Volume 12 (2024): Issue 2 (June 2024)

Volume 12 (2024): Issue 1 (March 2024)

Volume 11 (2023): Issue 4 (December 2023)

Volume 11 (2023): Issue 3 (September 2023)

Volume 11 (2023): Issue 2 (June 2023)

Volume 11 (2023): Issue 1 (March 2023)

Volume 10 (2022): Issue 4 (December 2022)

Volume 10 (2022): Issue 3 (September 2022)

Volume 10 (2022): Issue 2 (June 2022)

Volume 10 (2022): Issue 1 (March 2022)

Volume 9 (2021): Issue 4 (December 2021)

Volume 9 (2021): Issue 3 (September 2021)

Volume 9 (2021): Issue 2 (June 2021)

Volume 9 (2021): Issue 1 (March 2021)

Volume 8 (2020): Issue 4 (December 2020)

Volume 8 (2020): Issue 3 (September 2020)

Volume 8 (2020): Issue 2 (June 2020)

Volume 8 (2020): Issue 1 (March 2020)

Volume 7 (2019): Issue 4 (December 2019)

Volume 7 (2019): Issue 3 (September 2019)

Volume 7 (2019): Issue 2 (June 2019)

Volume 7 (2019): Issue 1 (March 2019)

Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy

Aims and Scope  The aim of Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy (MDKE) is to address in an interdisciplinary framework the dynamics of the organization management and its strategic approaches by considering the imperatives and the contingencies of the new societal and economical environments at a local, national or global scale, with a special emphasis on emerging economies.  MDKE aims to foster meaningful academic discussions and to support the exchange of ideas on principles, strategies, models, techniques, methodologies, and applications of management science in all the important fields of interest.  The first issue of MDKE was published in April 2013, both online and in print. The journal was initiated by Prof. Dr. Constantin Brãtianu from the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Prof. Dr. Florina Pînzaru and Prof. Dr. Alexandra Zbuchea, from the Faculty of Management, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), Bucharest, Romania. Starting with 2015, the journal is published exclusively online, 4 issues annually. Since 2019 the journal is published in cooperation with de Gruyter, on the Sciendo platform.  As intended from its very beginning, the journal is interested in research that crosses the boundaries of single academic subjects stimulating interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research. Topics can cover research, non-exclusively, in the following domains: management, strategic management, innovation management, change management, international management, organizational behavior, entrepreneurship, leadership and governance, knowledge management, brand management and consumer behavior, business, business process optimization, corporate social responsibility, financial and economic management, e-business and digitalization, and sustainability management.  Types of Submissions  The journal welcomes three types of submissions, namely: conceptual papers, research articles and literature reviews, all of them being subject to a double-blind peer review.  Description of the Peer Review Process  Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy is a double-blind peer-reviewed academic publication. Peer review is a key element of scientific publishing, and it serves several main purposes: to filter the research to select the most relevant studies; to improve research quality, by highlighting key points and correcting errors; to help the authors to improve their work, through offering specific comments on the key aspects of a research article: title, abstract, keywords, content and analysis, discussions, conclusions and references.  Regarding the selection of the review-team, to ensure the high-quality and the objectivity of the review, the two reviewers associated to each proposal are selected based on the following principles: they are specialists in the field of the submitted article, and they are from different countries of origin so to support an international perspective.  Abstracting &amp; Indexing  Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy is abstracted/indexed in: BASE (Bielefeld Academic Search Engine), CEEOL, DOAJ, EBSCO, ERIH Plus, Index Copernicus, ProQuest, and RePEc – EconPapers and other databases (please visit the A&amp;I section).  Several other A&amp;I service providers are evaluating the journal for inclusion. Please periodically check this section for further information.  Open Access Statement  MDKE is an open access scholarly journal that allows free access to its content (articles, issues). MDKE is available online to the readers without financial, legal, or technical barriers (no article publication charges), based on the theory to keep an article's content intact. Authors can use Creative Commons licenses to specify usage rights of articles.  This journal is licensed under a Creative Commons — Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International — CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.  Copyright Notice  Authors hold the copyright for the published papers. They can make the respective works available in different situations, such as: on their websites, on universities blackboard systems, as teaching materials, etc.  APC Policy  To publish in Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy, authors are not required to pay an Article Processing Charge.  Manuscript Formatting  Formatting – Before publication, all articles undergo a formatting stage in which their format is made compatible to the requirements of the journal MDKE. All authors are asked to comply with the Article Template requirements before submitting their articles, but all accepted articles still require minor alterations in format and style. Once the editorial team agrees on the final version, a final copy of the article will be sent to the authors for approval and then will be sent to the Publishing House to ensure the online publication. After that moment, the papers cannot be altered in any way. For further details, please see Author guidelines page.  Manuscript Submission  Authors should submit their manuscript in a MSWord format, adapted for the Windows operating system and DOC or RTF file to the Editor via the online platform. No hard copies are required.  When submitting an article, no author identification has to be provided in the paper uploaded initially on the platform. If the paper is finally accepted for publication, the final submission should comply with the MDKE Author Guidelines. Please note that submissions not complying with these guidelines will be rejected on formal grounds.  Authors should register and log-in prior to submission. When registering on the platform, we recommend the authors to register themselves as readers as well. This will enable them to easily have access to all the issues of the journal.  By submitting the paper, the authors certify that the study proposed is their own, that they hold the rights to present the information included in the paper and that they give the publication rights to the publishers of the journal. All papers are checked with anti-plagiarism software.  Alongside the manuscript in a MSWord format, two other documents filled and signed should be uploaded: MDKE Originality Statement and Copyright Agreement and Open Access License.  Submission Management  Each submission is acknowledged by one of the members of the editorial team and then the pre-selection begins. At this stage, the members of the editorial team choose to either reject the article directly or to send it to the reviewers for a thorough review. The grounds for immediate dismissal (desk rejection) of a manuscript are the following:   Plagiarism  The standard of English is not considered to be good enough for publication. If English is not the first language of the authors, they should make sure the paper is proofread by a professional or a native speaker.  The manuscript does not fit with the scope of the journal or does not follow rigorously the author’s guidelines and paper template.  The data presented in the article are outdated (either the bibliography is not up-to-date or the research materials are too old).  Each author receives notice of the final decision made by the editorial team which can be of two kinds: a) decision to include the article in the review process or b) decision to reject the article followed by the list of reasons that have led to that decision. Authors whose articles have been rejected for reasons other than fraud can choose to resubmit their work for a second time. If after the second try the article is still not considered a good fit for the journal, then the author is prohibited from resubmitting the work again.  If the article passes this pre-selection then it is sent for peer-review to two professionals with experience in the field. This stage lasts for maximum four weeks, depending on the complexity of the article and the availability of experts in the field. The final decision of the peer-review process can be as follows:    Accepted with no changes – When the paper satisfies all qualitative and quantitative requirements.  Accepted with minor changes – This decisions signal that the article in its present form, with minor modifications is suitable for publication. The authors received the decision followed by the suggestions of the peer reviewers and their submission, after alterations, will step on to the next stage.  Accepted with major changes – Most of the articles submitted to MDKE fall in this category. These are articles which show promise, but they need further elaborate work. Thus, each reviewer sends his or her recommendations and the authors are encouraged to revise their articles, answering to each of these recommendations.  Rejected – This decision signals that there are major concerns over the quality of the scientific materials presented in the paper and that the reviewers consider there is no chance in improving the article in such a way as to become a suitable candidate for publication in MDKE.   After formatting, all articles set to be included in the following issue will appear online according to the publication schedule.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process.     Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Publication timeline  The editors of the journal accept manuscript submissions all year round. The journal is published quarterly, in March, June, September, and December.  Privacy Statement  The names and email addresses entered in this journal site will be used exclusively for the stated purposes of this journal and will not be made available for any other purpose or to any other party. Please pay attention to all the information on the website and be aware that affiliations of authors and reviewers are public on the platform. By submitting the required information, the authors implicitly agree to make public the data. 

Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy

Volume 9 (2021): Issue 2 (June 2021)

Search

All Volumes and Issues in this Journal