J. for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development (11 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Activating employee innovation through engagement: evidence from internal communication practices in Vietnam  
  by Ha Minh Tri, Thi Ngoc Nhi Pham, Mai Dinh Lam 
  Abstract: This research investigates the intricate interplay among internal communication satisfaction, employee innovative behaviour, and the mediating role of employee engagement. Utilising data from 633 participants in Vietnams apparel and textile sector, structural equation modelling was used to examine the connections. Contrary to immediate direct connections between internal communication satisfaction and employee innovative behaviour, our findings reveal that enhanced employee engagement emerges as a potent mediator, facilitating the intricate relationship between these variables. This study breaks new ground by pioneering the exploration of employee engagement as a mediating factor within the internal communicationinnovation nexus, offering a unique lens through the cultural influences of Confucian values and the integration of technology. Significantly, our research contributes to a nuanced understanding of organisational behaviour, highlighting the application of social exchange theory in the context of modern workplaces.
  Keywords: internal communication; employee engagement; innovative behaviour; social exchange theory; SET; Confucianism; Vietnam.
  DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2026.10079540
   
  
• Greening organisational performance through green intellectual capital: a moderated mediation analysis in Vietnams manufacturing industry  
  by Ha Minh Tri, Thi Ngoc Nhi Pham 
  Abstract: This research investigates the important role of Green Intellectual Capital in fostering organisational sustainability, with the mediation and moderation analysis in the manufacturing industry in Vietnam. Through a quantitative approach utilising Structural Equation Modelling, data from 308 samples were analysed. The findings reveal that Green Human Capital and Green Relational Capital significantly influence sustainability outcomes, with the mediation of Green Work Engagement and the moderating role of Green Organisational Culture. Notably, the importance of Green Organisational Culture in facilitating the relationship between Green Intellectual Capital and sustainability emerges as a key insight, explained by Institutional Theory and Organisational Learning Theory. The implications of these findings underscore the critical importance of fostering a Green Organisational Culture in enhancing the sustainable performance of organisations, thereby contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical applications in the field.
  Keywords: green intellectual capital; GIC; sustainable performance; SP; green work engagement; GWE; green organisational culture; resource-based view theory; RBV.
  DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2026.10079694
   
  
• Factors affecting purchase intentions in cause-related marketing: insights from Vietnamese consumers  
  by Ha Minh Tri, Ly Nguyen 
  Abstract: Cause-related marketing (CRM) has been recognized as an important enterprise marketing approach. This study examines several factors influencing purchase intention in CRM, specifically skepticism, warm glow, and cause involvement. Using a convenience sample of 423 consumers, the findings reveal that cause involvement positively influences purchase intention. Additionally, hedonic shopping orientation increases skepticism, while utilitarian shopping orientation reduces it. Skepticism, in turn, negatively affects purchase intention and diminishes the warm glow effect. This research provides insights into the various factors shaping young Vietnamese consumers' purchase intentions in CRM. Marketers involved in planning and executing CRM campaigns can leverage these findings to design more effective strategies.
  Keywords: cause-related marketing; CRM; purchase intentions; consumer skepticism; warm glow; cause involvement; hedonism; utilitarian; Vietnam.
  DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2026.10079695
   
  
• The relationship between competitiveness and sustainable development: new evidence from Vietnam  
  by Tran Vu, Trinh Cong Tam, Ton Nu Ngoc Han 
  Abstract: Few studies focus on competitiveness as a key driver at the provincial level in developing countries. The research gap is significant given the socio-economic, environmental, and health impacts that competitiveness can have on regional sustainability. This study aims to examine the determinants of sustainable development, focusing on provincial competitiveness, using datasets covering 63 provinces and cities in Vietnam between 2021 and 2022. Our results, based on Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) estimation show that competitiveness, GDP per capita, financial development, inflation, urbanization, education, and the use of natural resources are key factors correlated with sustainable development. However, their effects significantly differ between developed and developing regions, suggesting that regional differences in development are crucial. This article provides key policy insights for local governments on sustainable development, which has become essential for balancing environmental concerns with economic growth.
  Keywords: competitiveness; sustainable development; province; PSDI; PCI; GMM estimator; Vietnam; economic growth.
  DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2026.10079835
   
  
• Green finance and anti-money-laundering effectiveness: evidence from Asian countries  
  by Nguyen-Quynh-Nhu Ngo, Thi-Huong Pham, Ha Pham, Minh Thao Truong 
  Abstract: Anti-money laundering (AML) plays a vital role in safeguarding economic stability, enhancing social security, and promoting social equity. This study examines the impact of green finance performance on the effectiveness of AML measures, based on a sample of Asian countries. Using the Generalized Least Squares (GLS) and Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) methods, the results reveal that government-issued green bonds are negatively associated with AML effectiveness. Moreover, higher levels of corruption appear to undermine AML effectiveness, highlighting the urgent need for robust and collaborative policy measures to align sustainable development goals with effective AML frameworks. These findings remain consistent across additional robustness tests. The study suggests that governments should strengthen anti-corruption measures and integrate AML standards into the assessment and regulation of green finance performance.
  Keywords: green bond; green finance; money laundering; Asian countries; corruption; sustainable development goal.
  DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2026.10079836
   
  
• Does digital transformation promote economic growth? New evidence in Vietnam  
  by Doan Hong Hanh, Nguyen Ngoc-Duy Phuong, Cong Tam Trinh 
  Abstract: This paper investigates the relationship between digital transformation and economic growth in Vietnam using panel data from 63 provinces between 2020 and 2022. The results of the feasible generalised least squares (FGLS) estimation revealed that digital transformation and its dimensions, including digital government, digital economy, and digital society, significantly influence economic growth. However, their impacts vary significantly between developed and developing provinces, demonstrating the crucial role of regional development heterogeneity. Traditional drivers of economic growth, such as financial development, inflation, and government spending, also differ in effect between the two income-based regional groups. These findings provide valuable recommendations for policymakers in Vietnam to promote and sustain the development of the digital transformation sector as a key contributor to growth and prosperity.
  Keywords: digital transformation; economic growth; policymakers; Vietnam; FGLS estimation.
  DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2025.10078259
   
  
• Threads of growth: business networks and internationalisation strategies of low-tech South Asian entrepreneurial firms  
  by Suhail M. Ghouse, Glauco De Vita, Jason Begley 
  Abstract: Limited resources, institutional voids, and market entry barriers often constrain the internationalisation of low-tech SMEs in emerging markets. This study examines how South Asian handicraft exporters navigate these challenges by leveraging formal and informal business networks. Using a qualitative case study approach, insights from six firms reveal a dual networking strategy; firms maintain stable relationships during economic stability while actively expanding networks when entering new markets, balancing risk with opportunity. The findings highlight cultural intelligence, entrepreneurial adaptability, and digital networking as key enablers of global market access. However, competitive mistrust, resource hoarding, and the absence of collaborative frameworks hinder innovation and limit SME cooperation. This study contributes to network theory by illustrating how low-tech firms strategically build and adapt business relationships to overcome internationalisation constraints. The research suggests that entrepreneurs should integrate traditional networking methods with digital platforms, while policymakers must foster industry-wide collaborations to enhance global competitiveness.
  Keywords: entrepreneur; internationalisation; artisans; international entrepreneurship; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2026.10077671
   
  
• Impact of sustainability disclosure scores on the financial performance of banks: empirical evidence from the Indian banking sector  
  by Prakash Singh, Mayank Gangwani 
  Abstract: Given India's unique institutional and regulatory environment - characterised by evolving legal frameworks, inconsistent regulatory enforcement, and relatively weak corporate governance - banks may face significant challenges in implementing effective ESG strategies. This study investigates the impact of both the overall sustainability disclosure scores and their individual components - environmental (EDS), social (SDS), and governance (GDS) - on the financial performance of 29 listed Indian banks, using ROA and ROE over the period 2015-2022. To mitigate endogeneity, such as reverse causality and omitted variable bias, the two-step system GMM is employed. The findings reveal a positive relationship between ESG disclosure scores and financial performance, supporting the stakeholder, resource-based view, and signalling theory. EDS and GDS are found to be statistically significant, while SDS is not. Robustness checks using an alternative proxy validate the findings. These results offer insights to various stakeholders, underscoring the importance of promoting transparent and responsible ESG practices within the banking sector.
  Keywords: sustainability disclosure score; ESG; banking sector; financial performance; developing economy; India; GMM.
  DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2026.10078761
   
  
• The role of destination social responsibility in shaping tourists' responsible behaviour: a case study in Vietnam  
  by Duong-Giang Nguyen, Thi Oanh Hoa Su, Cong Tam Trinh 
  Abstract: This study responds to growing concerns about tourism's impacts by examining tourists' responsible behaviour on multiple journey stages across both pre-trip and on-site phases, focusing on Vietnamese destinations. A key innovation is the underexplored concept of 'pre-travel preparedness', which highlights actions tourists take before their trips. The research employs partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) on 331 valid samples to validate a novel sequential mediating pathway where destination social responsibility influences tourists' responsible behaviour via environmental values and pre-travel preparedness, clarifying how values become action. This approach provides a holistic understanding of tourists' responsible behaviour, filling a key literature gap. The findings have practical implications, suggesting that destination managers can promote responsible tourism by enhancing the destination's image of social responsibility and encouraging tourists to prepare responsibly before their arrival. This approach provides a new framework for fostering sustainable tourism.
  Keywords: tourists' responsible behaviour; TRB; destination social responsibility; DSR; environmental values; ENV; pre-travel preparedness; PRE; Vietnam.
  DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2026.10079199
   
  
• Environmental, social and governance disclosure practices of Islamic banks across Asian countries: changes around the COVID-19 period  
  by Rabeya Basri, Syed Mamun, Alima Aktar 
  Abstract: This study examines the environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure practices of 30 Islamic banks in Asian countries, comparing data from 2018 and 2023. Using a 44-items ESG disclosure index (ESGDI) based on global ESG frameworks and Islamic finance dimensions, the study applies parametric and non-parametric tests to examine changes in ESG reporting. Results demonstrate a significant increase in ESG disclosure across the banks with the highest improvement of environmental disclosure items. The study contributes to agency theory and legitimacy theory by offering insights into the roles of regulatory pressures and stakeholder expectations in shaping disclosure practices. These results have implications for policymakers and management seeking to enhance transparency and sustainability in Islamic banks.
  Keywords: ESG disclosure; agency theory; legitimacy theory; Islamic banks; COVID-19; sustainability reporting.
  DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2026.10079194
   
  
• Distinct pillars - divergent returns: impact of a cross-country analysis of the environmental and social pillars on firms' financial performance across Asia  
  by Abdullah Almashayekhi 
  Abstract: Although the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance has been studied extensively, the results remain inconclusive. This study extends prior research by disaggregating social responsibility into two primary components - the social and environmental pillars - to investigate how cultural differences moderate their respective impacts on financial performance, using longitudinal data from 21 different Asian countries containing 16,281 firm-year observations. We employ a multi-level hierarchical mixed effects model to test the interaction effects of various Hofstede's cultural dimensions on the relationship between firms' social responsibility and financial performance. We conduct a Wald test to determine whether the effects of the two pillars differ significantly. The results reveal that in cultures characterised by high power distance and long-term orientation, the environmental pillar significantly outperforms the social pillar in driving financial returns.
  Keywords: social CSR; environmental CSR; corporate social responsibility; CSR; financial performance; Hofstede's dimensions; Asia; cross-cultural management.
  DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2026.10079390