International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Impact of perceived glass ceiling on burnout among female public administrators in Tunisia: the moderating role of work-life balance  
  by Zyed Achour 
  Abstract: This study examines the relationship between perceived glass ceiling and burnout among female public administrators in Tunisia, with a specific focus on the moderating role of work-life balance. Using quantitative methodology and data collected from 144 female civil servants, the research employs validated scales to measure glass ceiling perception, burnout and work-life balance. Results reveal a significant positive relationship between perceived glass ceiling and burnout (β = 0.356, p < 0.001). Additionally, work-life balance demonstrates a significant moderating effect (ΔR² = 0.046, p < 0.001), suggesting that better work-life balance can mitigate the negative impact of perceived glass ceiling on burnout. These findings contribute to understanding the psychological implications of organisational barriers for women in public administration within the Tunisian socio-cultural context and highlight the importance of work-life balance policies in promoting women's well-being in the public sector.
  Keywords: glass ceiling; burnout; work-life balance; WLB; female leadership; public administration; Tunisia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEWE.2025.10070240
   
  
• An examination of the environmental and climatic consequences stemming from the integration of the Metaverse into converging digital ecosystems  
  by Mark Esposito, Tatiana Harkiolakis, Terence Tse, Danny Goh 
  Abstract: This paper delves into the environmental and climatic consequences stemming from the integration of the Metaverse into converging digital ecosystems. Current literature on the impacts of the Metaverse on the environment and climate change does not offer practical solutions and approaches to mitigate these impacts within the context of digital ecosystems. The research methodology adopted was an integrative literature review design in which multiple sources were analysed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Findings revealed five critical areas in which the Metaverse is most likely to have a notable impact on environmental sustainability and the climate: 1) energy consumption; 2) e-waste; 3) rare earth metals and conflict minerals; 4) changes in physical travel; 5) encouraging sustainable behaviours. The findings underscore the role of renewable and alternative resources, recycling initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration in mitigating the relevant negative impacts.
  Keywords: environment; climate; climate change; Metaverse; sustainability; digital ecosystem; energy; e-waste; conflict minerals; travel.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEWE.2025.10070237
   
  
• Illuminating operational excellence in automotive manufacturing company (an empirical evidence from Indonesia)  
  by Andrianto Iskandar, Ferdi Antonio 
  Abstract: This study examines the influence of organisational factors - employee compliance behaviour (ECB), positive attitude toward the job (PAT), empowerment leadership (ELD), teamwork self-efficacy (TSE), and performance-based evaluation (PBE) - on organisational commitment (OC) toward operational excellence (OX) in Indonesia's automotive manufacturing industry. OX was measured as a high order construct (HOC) comprising cultural enabler, continuous process improvement, and enterprise alignment. Using PLS-SEM with a disjoint two-stage approach, data from 517 respondents, selected via purposive sampling, revealed that four independent variables positively influence OC, with ECB showing the strongest effect (β = 0.333, p < 0.001). Notably, PBE negatively affects OC (β = -0.081, p = 0.024). OC positively impacts OX, with continuous process improvement being the most influenced dimension. These findings highlight the need for multidimensional measurement of OX to align efforts with operational targets, offering valuable insights for enhancing manufacturing performance.
  Keywords: operational excellence; automotive manufacture; organisational commitment; employee compliance behaviour; teamwork self-efficacy; Indonesia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEWE.2025.10070238
   
  
• Career development and employee loyalty affect company commitment and performance in small and medium-sized enterprises in the northeast region of Vietnam  
  by Trinh Quynh Le, Pham Hoang Hien 
  Abstract: In the northeast region, Vietnam, career development and employee loyalty affect organisational commitment and performance productivity in SMEs. The study uses social exchange theory (SET) to examine how career development possibilities build loyalty and commitment and how organisational support affects employee behaviour. Five hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) on 437 SMEs employees. The results show that career development and employee loyalty boost organisational commitment and performance productivity. Organisational commitment also mediates career development and employee loyalty effects on performance productivity. These findings show that a supportive workplace boosts employee loyalty and dedication, boosting SMEs success. Also discussed are ways SMEs managers and policymakers can boost employee engagement and organisational performance.
  Keywords: career development opportunities; employee loyalty; organisational commitment; performance productivity; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEWE.2025.10070239
   
  
• Integrating consumer behaviour into the circular economy: a proposed multidimensional scale  
  by Wail Alhakimi 
  Abstract: This study proposes a multidimensional scale to incorporate consumer behaviour into the circular economy (CE). A complete framework that follows consumer interactions from need recognition to post-purchase stage is developed by combining insights from consumer behaviour, sustainability, and CE concepts. The data was collected from young consumers in the Middle East. First- and second-order models provide good overall fitness, and the model fit indices validate the validity and dependability of the suggested scale. Strong correlations between decision-making components are found through correlational analysis, particularly between the evaluation of alternatives, information gathering, and need recognition, as well as between recycling and appropriate disposal procedures. The findings shed light on the factors that influence sustainable decision-making within the CE framework as well as its challenges and complexities. This study advances theoretical knowledge and provides useful insights for encouraging environmentally friendly consumer behaviour.
  Keywords: consumer behaviour; circular economy; purchasing stages; sustainability; Middle East.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEWE.2025.10070241