International Journal of Business Environment (13 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• The impact of international coopetitive relationships on surrounding vertical networks during COVID-19  
  by Shuwei Jiang, Annika Laine-Kronberg 
  Abstract: This study investigates the evolution of international coopetitive relationships and their impact on vertical networks during the global COVID-19 pandemic. There is a call for more research about coopetition from an international perspective. Moreover, vertical coopetition from a network perspective is scarcely researched. In this study we aim to fill these research gaps. The empirical study is based on qualitative case study methodology. The findings demonstrate that coopetitive relationships have both positive and negative effects on the activities, performances, and business relationships of actors within vertical networks. The impact differs for suppliers and distributors as relationships evolve, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This research contributes to existing theory on coopetition by widening the scope to include surrounding vertical networks and adopting a dynamic temporal perspective to illustrate the evolution of coopetitive relationships and their implications, particularly during a pandemic.
  Keywords: coopetition; vertical network; dynamics; Chinese market; automotive industry; COVID-19.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2024.10063675
   
  
• The role of absorptive capacity in the relationship global diversification-performance  
  by Encarnación Manresa-Marhuenda, Bartolomé Marco-Lajara, Pedro Seva-Larrosa, Esther Poveda-Pareja, Sergio Arjona Giner 
  Abstract: Many researchers have tried to test whether there really is a relationship between global diversification and firm performance, although many of them only deal with one aspect, be it market diversification or product diversification, without considering the role of the internal capacities of the company. Considering the importance of knowledge and its management in complex and uncertain contexts such as the current ones, the study investigates the effect of absorptive capacity on the global diversification-performance relationship. This research analyses the global diversification-firm relationship, considering the moderating role of absorptive capacity, in a sample of 496 Spanish medium-high and high technology companies for the period corresponding to 2019. The conclusions obtained, through statistical inference tests confirm an inverted U-shaped relationship between diversification and firm performance and, partially, the moderating effect of absorptive capacity in this relationship.
  Keywords: diversification; absorptive capacity; knowledge; corporate performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2024.10064060
   
  
• Exploring the future research directions in green human resource management: an analytical retrospection from the eye of latent Dirichlet allocation  
  by Chetan Sharma 
  Abstract: Environmental challenges have long concerned researchers, governments, and organisations. However, green organisational practices have remained dormant for ground-level implementation and deployment. Researchers must explore a field where the latest research patterns and trends may be identified to implement green HRM (GHRM). In this study, the Scopus database is considered to experiment, and 471 published articles between 2008 and 2022 have been considered to apply the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model under the topic modelling technique. Two, five, and ten GHRM research areas were identified using experiments that require more attention from future researchers. This study concludes that various research trends are increasing and need further examination further author provided semantic mapping of those topics which are core research, trends, and developing topics. This study’s research topics need greater attention to solve environmental problems and make society eco-friendly.
  Keywords: green; human resources; sustainability; green human resource management; GHRM; environment; policies; practices; topic modelling; latent Dirichlet allocation; LDA.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2024.10064667
   
  
• Validation and adaptation of the entrepreneurship intention scales in the population of Chilean scientists  
  by Eduardo Acuña-Duran, Nicolás Contreras, Juan Carlos Oyanedel, Andrés Rubio, Cristian Céspedes-Carreño, Guido Salazar, Luis Felipe Vergara 
  Abstract: In this study, a sample of 251 academics who conduct their research in Chile are used to assess the scales psychometric properties of the entrepreneurial intention model within the context of the theory of planned behaviour. The instruments under consideration are Spanish adaptations of Linan and Chen (2009) original English scales, validated in their article Development and cross-cultural application of a specific instrument to measure entrepreneurial intentions. For this purpose, factorial structure, internal consistency, content validity, convergent validity and discriminant validity analyses were performed for the four scales of the model: entrepreneurial intention; entrepreneurial attitude; subjective norm and perceived behavioural control. The results show a four-factor structure presenting, adequate internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Consequently, the scales tested in this article prove to be adequate instruments for measuring the academic researchers entrepreneurial intention in Chile. The importance of having reliable instruments that enable measurement of academic researchers entrepreneurial ambition together with their most immediate motivating elements is discussed. This is done in order to later be able to clarify how and to what extent academic researchers develop an entrepreneurial intention based on the findings of their research.
  Keywords: entrepreneurship; entrepreneurial intention; psychometric properties; subjective norm; personal attitudes.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2024.10065069
   
  
• Brand personality evolution: analysis of the concepts scientific production  
  by Eduardo Barrueto Mercado, Luis Araya Castilo, Andrés Rubio Rivera, Hugo Moraga Flores, Luis Felipe Vergara Maldonado 
  Abstract: This research will address the evolution of brand personality as a strategic marketing tool, through a bibliometric and scientometric analysis of the concept. The methodology that was used was through a search in the Web of Science database with the keywords brand personality during the period 19752023, finding 835 articles, which have been cited 34.141 times in academic journals in recent years (20 years). Based on this information, an analysis of scientific production linked to brand personality was carried out. The most common keywords are related to measurement, influence, and the role of brand personality in marketing and advertising to achieve brand loyalty and loyalty. The study focused on searching the online database WoS, which includes scientific articles from all disciplines. The search was done from the first database records from 1975 until 2023, which was the last year for the research.
  Keywords: brand personality; strategic marketing; advertising; scientometrics; bibliometrics; impact factor; web of science; WoS; loyalty; satisfactions; brand; consumers.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2024.10065200
   
  
• Unveiling the silent climate: a validation study of the organisational silence scale in the Indian IT industry  
  by Anisha Elama, Pooja Garg 
  Abstract: Integral to organisational functioning, employees often decide whether to express ideas or remain silent on valuable information. When not addressed, this silence can hinder an organisation’s ability to adapt to changing environmental circumstances. This paper aims to validate the organisational silence (OS) scale developed by Dyne et al. (2003) among 320 employees working in the IT sector in India. The data were subjected to the framework of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to confirm the scale’s dimensionality, which yielded a unidimensional nature of this scale among the Indian population in contrast to the original multidimensional scale. The findings also provided robust evidence in favour of the nomological validity of the OS scale with employee engagement. The study carves a niche while providing the psychometric properties of OS in the Indian work setting with a robust tool to assess and improve communication and foster an environment for open dialogue and feedback.
  Keywords: organisational silence scale; uni-dimensional construct; convergent validity; nomological validity; employee engagement; IT sector; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2024.10065335
   
  
• Use of qualitative methods in international business: a systematic literature review  
  by José Satsumi López-Morales, Antonio Huerta-Estevez, María Isabel García-Pavón 
  Abstract: Qualitative methods have traditionally been underutilised in international business. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to identify the main qualitative methods used in international business during century XXI. To reach this aim a systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out about qualitative methods used in international business. The Journal of International Business (JIBS) was used as database and were selected 77 qualitative articles published in the period 2000 to 2021. The main results identify that the case study is the most used research approach, as well as the main words of the objectives are related to the theme of the JIBS. Likewise, it was found that most of the researches are carried out in a single country, also the articles that are literature reviews analysed more elements (articles) than those that studied people as the unit of analysis. The main conclusions are that qualitative techniques in international business, although their use has been increasing in recent years, are still very little used compared to quantitative ones.
  Keywords: International Business; Qualitative Methods; Journal of International Business Studies; Research Methods.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2024.10066274
   
  
• The effect of ownership structure on integrated reporting: a research in EU countries  
  by Cennet Gürbüz, Ahmet Fethi Durmuş, İsmail Bekci 
  Abstract: The study focuses on the impact of the ownership structure of companies operating in 17 European Union countries on the quality of integrated reporting. For this purpose, panel data analysis was applied to the sample obtained from a data set consisting of 17 European Union countries for the years 20102021. The IRM variable regarding integrated reporting quality was used as the dependent variable. Share ownership (CHS), employee ownership (NSEO), and corporate ownership variables related to the ownership structure were examined as independent variables. Corporate ownership structure is discussed separately as investment company ownership (NSICO) and pension fund ownership (NSPFO). The findings reveal the positive impact of ownership concentration on integrated reporting quality, especially in companies with moderate integrated reporting scores. In addition, within the scope of corporate ownership, investment fund ownership and partial pension fund ownership have a positive impact on integrated reporting. However, the results indicate that employee ownership reduces the quality of integrated reporting. The study will shed light on the studies to be carried out on reporting the environmental activities of ownership structures in EU countries and making more accurate decisions for investors.
  Keywords: closely held stock ownership; corporate ownership structure; employee ownership; European Union; integrated reporting; ownership structure.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2024.10066471
   
  
• Antecedents of green entrepreneurial intention of the Centennials: empirical evidence from female students in Vietnam  
  by Trung Ngoc Phat Le, Ngoc Truc Han Nguyen, Kim Hanh Nguyen 
  Abstract: This study aims to investigate the green entrepreneurial intention of female university students in Vietnam. Partial least squares method is utilised for analysing the data obtained from 204 respondents who are Centennials (Generation Z). The findings prove that entrepreneurship education activities and environmental awareness have positive impacts on perceived desirability of female students. Meanwhile, the perception of feasibility is positively affected by entrepreneurship education but negatively affected by environmental awareness. Moreover, both perceived feasibility and perceived desirability have positive relationships with green entrepreneurial intention. Interestingly, entrepreneurship education and environmental awareness have indirect effects on green EI via the perception of feasibility and desirability. These outcomes provide some valuable implications for local governments and universities in promoting green start-up intention of the Centennials female students.
  Keywords: green entrepreneurial intention; GEI; entrepreneurial event theory; EET; green business; entrepreneurship education; environmental awareness; Vietnam.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2024.10066613
   
  
• Entrepreneurial orientation: a bibliometric analysis and comparative literature review between Latin America and the USA  
  by Andrea Lazarte-Aguirre 
  Abstract: Most studies on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) have focused on developed countries, leaving emerging economies relatively underexplored despite their high entrepreneurial activity. This paper seeks to systematise the literature on EO across Latin America and the USA. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 75 manuscripts from the Scopus database, complemented by a comparative literature analysis of 36 relevant papers. The results show that 75 articles were published across 53 journals, among which the Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development accounts for five articles and 203 citations. Moreover, most of the manuscripts were published ten years ago or less, with a peak of publications in 2020, mainly from the USA. A thematic map revealed five key clusters of research: competitive advantage, entrepreneurship, internationalisation, sustainability, and management practices, whose content the literature review helped to clarify. From these findings, several research propositions were formulated, offering future directions for EO studies in emerging economies.
  Keywords: bibliometric analysis; systematic literature review; entrepreneurial orientation; dynamic capabilities; internationalisation; entrepreneurship; competitive advantage; Latin America; USA.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2025.10067315
   
  
• Navigating paradoxes: the influence of advanced servitisation on learning, organising, and performing in manufacturing firms  
  by Juan Carlos Monroy-Osorio 
  Abstract: The following research introduces a model designed to strategically mitigate paradoxical tensions prevalent in manufacturing firms. This model, anchored on knowledge transfer, customer orientation, and market orientation, identifies these elements as critical resolution strategies. It employs servitisation a shift from product-focused operations towards integrated product-service solutions as a moderating variable. This transformational strategy empowers firms with advanced servitisation to proficiently manage inherent paradoxes, creating mutual value for both the organisation and its customers. Employing generalised structural equation modelling (GSEM) for validation, the research underscores a correlation between the advanced degree of servitisation implementation and its subsequent impact on paradoxes management within firms. The study offers a fresh perspective on organisational paradoxes by endorsing an approach that accommodates multiple demands concurrently, rather than favouring a singular force, thereby averting additional conflicts. In essence, this research makes a considerable contribution to servitisation studies, arming manufacturing firms with a strategic avenue to enhance their operational efficiency and strategic effectiveness.
  Keywords: servitisation; paradoxes; advance servitisation; resolution strategies; organising; learning; performing; managerial tensions; servitisation degree.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2025.10067377
   
  
• Factors influencing green attitudes and purchase intentions in Vietnam: the moderating impact of green trust  
  by Ngoc Bich Thi Nguyen, Nguyen Le, Hoa Lien Thi Nguyen 
  Abstract: Environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, ozone layer depletion, and increasing pollution levels are significant concerns for many countries. This study adopts a rigorous empirical approach to examine the complex relationships between green product orientation, green product literacy, social influence, green attitudes, and consumers’ intentions to purchase green offerings. It also investigates the moderating role of green trust within this framework. Deploying a survey of 360 Vietnamese consumers with green product experience, the researchers used PLS-SEM analysis grounded in the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The findings are expected to inform green product business strategies, suggesting companies should focus on enhancing consumer product literacy, strengthening social influence, and cultivating a green orientation. Crucially, developing sustainable customer relationships built on environmental concern and trust is identified as key. This theory-driven investigation aims to advance scholarly understanding and provide actionable insights for green product management.
  Keywords: green purchase intention; green attitudes; green trust; social influence; green product literacy; green product orientation; Vietnam.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2025.10067630
   
  
• Environmental management accounting and green innovation: a systematic literature review  
  by Hien Vo Van, Malik Abu Afifa, Duong Bui Van 
  Abstract: Environmental management accounting (EMA) and green innovation (GI) are topics that receive much attention in practice and academia because they can solve environmental issues related to sustainability. Investigation of the link between EMA and GI has also increased recently but is still quite fragmentary and not systematic. Our research approaches a systematic literature review to further clarify the possible relationship between EMA and GI, thereby providing an overview of this topic. The research collects data from many international databases with the support of the VOSviewer tool to visualise the results more. 43 articles were analysed after complying with the PRISMA flow diagram, and the research presented three main topics about the relationship between EMA and GI, which are: 1) the influence of EMA on GI; 2) the interaction between EMA and GI; 3) the influence of GI on EMA. Finally, the future direction is also mentioned.
  Keywords: environmental management accounting; green innovation; PRISMA; research gaps; systematic literature.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2025.10070211