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Copyright of REUNIR: Revista de Administração, Contabilidade e Sustentabilidade is the property of REUNIR - Revista de Administracao, Contabilidade e Sustentabilidade and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose – This paper studies the impact of certain characteristics of companies to training programs in the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) context. Partial objective is to rank the main human barriers companies have to overcome so that they can digitalize. Design/methodology/approach – To accomplish the objectives, a closed-ended questionnaire was sent to Slovak and Italian companies and analyzed using statistical nonparametric tests. The partial objective was achieved using the so-called Henry-Garrett’s ranking method. Findings – Results show the significance impact of companies’ characteristics such as foreign participation and company dimension on training practices whereas economic situation (financial health) seems not to influence it. Research limitations/implications – The study may lack generalizability as only 102 answers were collected. Perhaps, the outcome would be different with another sample from other countries. Moreover, using closed-ended questions, certain features may not have been covered. Practical implications – Companies should always guarantee training for the resulted benefits. It is fundamental for organizations to find a time gap, resources and professionals who can teach these programs. Even when companies are incurring financial problems they should do so since human capital development can increase their competitiveness. The most critical barriers should be carefully addressed by companies. Training can help to overcome I4.0 barriers related to Human Resources (HR) and contribute to its growth. Originality/value – This paper gives insights of the impact of certain characteristics of companies to the training programs. Because past research has limited their analysis on the identification of barrier, its novelty lies in the attempt to rank the most significant barriers among those detected by other authors in previous research.

Copyright of RAE: Revista de Administração de Empresas is the property of Fundacao Getulio Vargas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente is the property of Universidade Federal do Parana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract This study explores the following theoretical research question: How can business ethics help to reframe corporate sustainability strategies? This paper’s contribution to corporate sustainability (CS) theory is the interconnection of concepts and models from disparate fields of thought, addressing gaps of perception that can impair the development of CS strategies. This paper’s main result is a comprehensive and articulated framework that links the societal level of sustainability to the organizational dimension of CS and the individual dimension of managers’ moral orientation. The framework reinforces the perception that business ethics driven by a normative orientation could improve CS results when supported by an organizational culture that allows reversing ethical blindness.

Purpose: This article aimed to analyze the effects of CPC 06 (R2) – Leases adoption on the rents line of the Value-Added Statement (VAS) and on the percentage of value-added distributed as rents. Methodology: The approach of this paper is quantitative, and the data collection method is documental. The sample is composed by merchants listed on B3. Analysis of variations and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were applied on the VAS rent line and on the percentage of value-added distributed as rents of these companies in the three-year period after (2019-2021) and before (2016-2018) the CPC 06 (R2) adoption. Results: It was identified that, after the CPC 06 (R2) adoption, there was a significant reduction in the values of the VAS rent line and in the percentage of value-added distributed as rents of the sample companies. This occurred because companies have been allocating payments of the same economic nature (compensation to third parties for the use of their capital) in three different lines in the VAS, namely rent, depreciation and interest. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated statistically significant differences in the average value of the VAS rents line and in the average percentage of value-added distributed as rents in the three-year period after the implementation of CPC 06 (R2) compared to the previous three-year period. Contributions of the Study: The paper contributes to the literature about leases and VAS, being pioneer in the analysis of the effects of leases on this statement after the CPC 06 (R2) adoption. It also helps users of accounting information to understand the effects of leases on the VAS and properly interpret the lines affected by CPC 06 (R2). Finally, it contributes to regulatory authorities, because indicates a potential need to revise the VAS standard.

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the scale efficiency of dry ports in Brazil and its main technological drivers. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model in two stages. The first stage of the DEA was used to measure the efficiency of the dry ports. In the second stage, the Bootstrap Truncated Regression (BTR) was applied to explore the relationship between efficiency and the factors analyzed. The inputs, outputs and contextual variables for this analysis were extracted from the secondary database provided by Revista Tecnologística. Findings – In the first analysis stage, a high level of idleness was verified in the operations. The contextual variables in the second stage were significant: Certification, Warehouse Management System (WMS), barcode and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Results corroborate the positive impact of Information Technology (IT) coordination processes on logistics performance. Practical implications – Results show that dry ports operate below their technical and operational capacity and that the sector's lack of regulation in Brazil can facilitate and encourage the use of ports and marine terminals by importers and exporters. Originality/value – Application of two-stage DEA measures efficiency as a sectoral benchmarking tool.

This paper investigates the influence of cybernetic and dynamic controls on strategic and operational flexibility and, consequently, on monetary and non-monetary performance indicators. Even though business and operation strategies have been the object of many studies, management accounting studies on how management control systems could contribute to flexibility are scarce. We conducted a survey with 89 professionals who work in Brazilian companies and employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the relationships included in the theoretical model. Our findings indicate that the relationship between monetary cybernetic control and strategic flexibility is not statistically significant. The results support the positive association between non-monetary and dynamic controls on strategic flexibility. Finally, the findings also support the mediating role of operational flexibility in the relationship between strategic flexibility and performance. This paper’s main contribution to the management control literature is its explanation of the impact of management control systems on strategic flexibility, operational flexibility, and organizational performance. For practitioners, the results highlight the importance of role management control and business strategy to leverage performance.

Objective: Entrepreneurs are responsible for innovation, but they do not act in the vacuum, the greater the support for their action, the improve the chances of success. Startups - technology-based companies with high potential for growth and impact - are associated with the existence of entrepreneurial ecosystems that facilitate entrepreneurial action. This paper goal is to provide evidence that help to explain why startups fail in an emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem. Method: We perform exploratory research in which entrepreneurs whose startups failed in the emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem of Porto Alegre, Brazil, were interviewed. We complement the analysis with the collection of secondary data. Results: Building on Isenberg’s (2011) six domains, we generate ideas on how each of them in emergent entrepreneurial ecosystem may influence startup mortality. Our results indicate that emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem could be much better in avoiding the premature failure of startups. Policy and Finance are the most problematic domains, while culture, support, and markets are the three middle-ground dimensions. These last three need improvement, but they are not as critical as the first two. Contributions: This paper contributes to the entrepreneurial ecosystems literature by exploring how emergent ecosystems contribute for discontinuity of promising startups. Originality: Besides entrepreneurial mistakes, problems that are out of the entrepreneur control can also cause a venture's death (Cardon et al., 2011). Building on this, we use Isenberg's (2010; 2011) model for understanding the influence of the entrepreneurial ecosystem on the circumstances that entrepreneurs faced that determined their startup failure (Jenkins & McKelvie, 2016). Social Contributions: by better understanding why startups fail in emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems, we support policymakers in their focus on possible improvements of the features that seem most relevant to entrepreneurs. The public agents can then work to provide a better environment for future entrepreneurial endeavors.

Several papers have connected management controls to strategic commitment, innovation, and corporate governance, among other organizational outcomes. There are few studies that relate the levers of control framework proposed by Simons (1995) to strategic alignment. This paper aims to evaluate the relationships between Simons´ strategic levers of control with the vertical strategic alignment at Itaipu Binacional. Data collected through a survey of 341 respondents and analysed through structural equation modelling by the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method revealed that the levers of control are associated, exerting a positive influence, with the strategic alignment, with diagnostic, beliefs, and interactive systems showing significant statistical associations.

Objective: The objective of this paper was to analyze the bidirectional relationship between financial development and economic growth for a dataset of Latin American and Asian developing countries between 2001 and 2019. Method: This research employed an empirical approach to analyze the statistical relationship between financial development and economic growth, by presenting an estimation of a system of simultaneous equations for a panel of Asian and Latin American countries using 3SLS. Main Results: The results presented in this research provided evidence that financial development does not appear to have a significant impact on economic growth, although growth appears to have a significant and positive influence on financial development. Moreover, the results also suggested that regulatory quality and domestic credit directed to the private sector have a positive effect on economic growth, while urbanization and education showed a negative influence on growth. The estimated model also indicated that urbanization has a positive influence on financial development while foreign direct investment presented a negative effect on the development of the financial sector. Relevance / Originality: Most of the research agenda on the topic of finance and growth has focused on identifying correlation or causality between these variables, with little attention given to the simultaneous relationship between them. This is still a clear gap in economic literature. Following this premise, the objective of this paper was to analyze the bidirectional relationship between financial development and growth by estimating a system of simultaneous equations using the Zellner and Theil’s (1962) 3SLS methodology. In this sense, the main contribution will be given empirically, based on data and analysis from emerging countries in Latin America and Asia. The fact that financial development has an influence on growth and growth plays a role on the development of the financial sector indicates a simultaneous relationship between these variables. Another relevant contribution is to update the debate on financial systems and economic development for emerging countries, highlighting institutional aspects and financial cycles. Theoretical / Methodological Contributions: The main contribution of this study is in the empirical strategy, whose results dialogue with part of the literature on the financial system and development presented along the text. That is, this research explored the statistical relationship between economic development and financial development for a sample composed by twenty-two Asian and Latin American emerging countries, using a simultaneous equations model.

Although the strategic issue (SI) construct has been used since the 1970s as a theoretical framework to investigate and explain several phenomena in organizational and strategic management, few reviews on SIs have been carried out so far. This study aims to fill this gap. A systematic review of the literature was conducted, comprising 77 empirical and theoretical papers published in peer-reviewed academic journals since 1975. The analysis of this sample of papers led to the identification of five themes or perspective on SIs, which are discussed. This review contributes to the organizational and strategic management literature by identifying lines of inquiry, convergences, and gaps in the studies on SIs, and proposing an agenda for future research.

Objective: This paper aimed to provide a systematic review of brand identity and understand how literature streams impact the current brand identity frameworks. Method: There are few systematic reviews about this salient topic, and the existing ones have not analyzed how the research in brand identity has evolved in the last 30 years, what have been the leading research streams and gaps, and which future avenues of study could be pursued. To fill this gap, this paper analyzed 67 articles published in 24 leading academic journals (Academic Journal Guide grades 3, 4, and 4*) between 1990 and 2021. Main Results: Five key research streams were identified: brand identity frameworks; consumer behavior; corporate branding; visual brand identity; co-creation. Despite the impressive progress made over the last 30 years, our review points out what we defined as a “middle-age brand identity crisis”, since there is still no convergence among scholars about what brand identity is and what would be its main components. Also, the current research streams uncover concepts and ideas that were not previously included in brand identity frameworks. Relevance / Originality: This study performed a comprehensive systematic analysis of the brand identity literature, highlighting essential recent research not considered by the current brand identity frameworks and connecting it to branding constructs. We also identified that there is still a lack of consensus regarding the brand identity components and dimensions. Theoretical / Methodological Contributions: This paper contributes to the literature by presenting a new framework to shed light on the interactions of brand identity with other branding constructs, proposing that brand identity has a core (brand essence) and extended identity (composed of personality, relationship, symbology, and cultural expressions). A new brand identity taxonomy is also proposed, with complexity and tangibility as its dimensions.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the adoption of teleworking from home as an alternative to making operations viable for several companies, which implied adjustments in management models. Thus, this paper aims to identify the relationships among leadership styles (transactional and transformational), organizational climate, teleworker satisfaction, and manager incivility in the context of teleworking from home, in the short term and potentially on the long term. The quantitative research uses structural equation modeling estimated by partial least squares. The results show that both leadership styles and organizational climate positively impact teleworker satisfaction. Additionally, organizational climate partially mediates the relationships between leadership styles and teleworker satisfaction. However, the moderating effect of incivility is not confirmed. That contributes to the organization entirely or partially in a home office, a post-pandemic trend, or in new similar situations. The Theory of Adjustment highlights the relationship between the constructs studied in a virtual context, contributing to the field of people management studies.

This paper analyses the network evolution of the internationalizing firm, focusing on a generative mechanism called preferential attachment. Preferential attachment means that more connected actors are likely to form more relationships. This paper uses longitudinal quantitative data of a single case of the internationalization of an American multinational firm’s operational division in the Brazilian market. The data analysis is based on Clauset et al.’s (2009) computational algorithm and PAFit, a new statistical method. The aim is to identify the extent to which the network evolution follows a power-law distribution and the degree to which preferential attachment affects the network evolution. It finds that the network evolution of the internationalizing firm follows a power-law distribution. It is affected by a sub-linear form of preferential attachment. Few actors accumulate a disproportionally high number of relationships. The preferential attachment does not homogeneously manifest itself in the network evolution. It has a strong effect on the network onset. This paper contributes by advancing a relational, process-based approach to the internationalization of the firm. It shows that the network evolution of the internationalizing firm grows over time and becomes sparser. More connected actors form hubs, meaning increased status, more power and resources.

Context. There is an inflation of behavioral frameworks applied to social problems, such as tax dodging. There has been also a surge in the creation of the so-called nudge units throughout the world, following the success of the pioneer units in USA and UK. Meanwhile, there has been criticism directed at aspects such as ‘psychologism,’ paternalism, and short-termism associated with nudge approaches. Moreover, by ignoring systems thinking, complexity science and other broader approaches, nudging may lead to interventions that can be ineffective or counterproductive in the long term. Goal. To overcome such limitations, the paper proposes an integrative framework, the Nested Circles Model, which put the intended behaviors in a perspective ranging from microworlds to broader upstream influences. Method. The paper employs a qualitative approach to critically review the literature on nudging and map its shortcomings. Results and contributions. The proposed model integrates major concepts from popular behavioral frameworks and incorporates elements that influence the repertoire of behaviors adopted by individuals, including intangible stocks (trust and fairness) and complexity markers. The paper concludes by exemplifying the application of the Nested Circles Model to three problems in the context of taxation in Brazil.

ABSTRACT This paper aims to identify the explanatory factors of mandatory disclosure (MD) and voluntary disclosure (VD) levels related to discount rates, based on disclosure theories. The size, leverage, profitability, and audit firms were selected from different theories, namely agency theory, signaling theory, positive accounting theory, including the political cost hypothesis, and the cost of capital theory. Furthermore, the materiality (weight of the items) and the relevance (nature) of the topic were also considered, based on the evidence already obtained in the literature. Research on disclosures related to discount rates has been assessed either as an incidental topic or from a limited-scope analysis, particularly with respect to MDs. This paper assesses this topic as its specific object of analysis for both MD and VD. The use of the discount rate has been assuming growing importance within financial reporting. Therefore, this topic should deserve particular attention from international standard-setting bodies. The understanding of the proper set of items to be disclosed and understanding the factors that explain its disclosure, aligned with the efforts to assure its compliance by legal authorities, may contribute to reducing asymmetries and increasing transparency in entities' financial reporting. This study uses the method of archival research and content analysis of consolidated reports and accounts for the year 2020 of listed entities in Euronext Lisboa. Regression models were used, having disclosure indices related to discount rates as dependent variables. This paper finds a positive association between disclosures related to discount rates and the entity’s size, as well as the materiality and the relevance, assessed by the weight of the items and the nature of the topic under assessment, respectively. It adds new explanatory factors on the VDs and MDs related to discount rates in a broader perspective of analysis.

ABSTRACT This paper investigates if planning and cost controls and strategically aligned performance indicators (SAPI) are necessary and sufficient conditions to achieve a high level of organizational performance (OP). This article fills a gap in research by investigating elements of the management control system as necessary and sufficient conditions to achieve high levels of OP. Our findings show the reduced importance of planning controls and the great importance of aligning priorities and indicators to achieve high levels of performance. The paper is helpful for the practitioners that have to choose what kind of management controls are priorities to achieve high levels of performance. Management control frameworks are helpful for the literature and the practice. Still, the practitioners cannot implement the whole set of these components, considering the restriction of time and contingency aspects. The companies must choose what kind of management controls they have to implement, considering the goal of achieving performance. We used a quantitative methodology based on contingency theory in a survey of 89 Brazilian firms. The relationships were tested using partial least squares structural equations modeling (PLS-SEM), and necessary condition analysis (NCA) was applied to identify the management controls that are sufficient and necessary conditions for superior performance. The results of our study suggest that a high level of strategically aligned indicators is necessary to achieve a high level of performance. Results also suggest the importance of aligning strategic priorities with appropriated performance indicators, primarily defended in the normative (balanced scorecard) and empirical literature.

Purpose – The paper concludes with showing that in the most optimistic scenario, end-of-life (EOL) batteries will account for 86% of energy storage for wind and 36% for solar PV in 2040. Design/methodology/approach – With the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), the stock of discarded batteries will increase dramatically if no action is taken for their reuse or recycling. One potential avenue is to reuse them as energy storage systems (ESS) to mitigate the intermittent generation of renewable energy such as solar PV and wind. In a sense, the reliability for solar PV and wind energy can increase if energy storage systems become economically more attractive, making solar and wind systems more attractive through economies of scale. Findings – The paper concludes with showing that in the most optimistic scenario, EOL batteries will account for 86% of energy storage for wind and 36% for solar PV in 2040. Originality/value – The projection of scenarios can contribute to the information of policies, standards and identification of environmental promotion and promotion related to efficient management for EOL batteries.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework of the relationship between technological transitions and hegemonic transitions in the international system from a historical perspective and discuss its consequences for technologically dependent countries and regions. Design/methodology/approach – This paper analyzes the relationship between technological transitions and hegemonic transitions in the international system from a historical perspective. It then constructs four possible transition scenarios for China's international order and the USA's central role in defining the international order. IT closes with a discussion of how changes in ICT and global health public goods can impact China's position in the international order and opportunities for Latin America–China technology partnerships. Findings – Historically, technological transitions and hegemonic transitions in the international system simultaneously occur, with the country winning the technological dispute emerging as the international system's hegemon. The USA and China are currently involved in technological races in several next-generation technologies. The outcome of these technological races will define each country's position in the international system in the coming decades and the transformations in the international order. Research limitations/implications – This paper is limited to discussing the technologies/sectors: ICT, specifically 5G, and AI technologies, and medical technologies with the potential of global public health goods. Research on other technologies/sectors will provide a deeper understanding of the likely outcomes of the current technological transition and its implications for the balance of power in the international system. Practical implications – This paper makes a case for Latin American countries to (1) engage in a pragmatic bargain with China and the USA to establish technological partnerships in emerging technologies and (2) to develop national technology strategies aimed at promoting autonomous technology development capabilities. Social implications – This paper addresses the need for Latin America to take a strong stance for technological autonomy, stressing the differences in buying technology and making technology. Originality/value – This paper presents an original framework of the relationship between technological transitions and hegemonic transitions in the international system. It discusses how technological leadership impacts the international order by establishing relations of technological dominance and technological dependency.

Purpose – This study characterizes the scenario of emerging countries (ECs) – “Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS)” concerning digital transformation and its association with the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) value creation system. For such, the authors developed a discussion paper based on content analysis of 857 journals in business administration, describing in a proposed framework the institutionalization “BRICS” policies that nurture global competitiveness among ECs and development needs to catching up. Design/methodology/approach – Data from 16 official documents of government, ministries and economic studies were analyzed by applying Atlas TI contrasting theory of 875 papers to develop and discuss the framework. Content analysis showed research gaps, technological needs and governance to enable firms to sustain competitive advantages applying I4.0 value creation system. Results converged into a microfoundation of the agile journey of a digital transformation to global organizations in between BRICS. Findings – This paper's central question is to understand: How can organizations achieve a sustainable I4.0 value creation system adopting digital transformation in “BRICS”? The reduced transaction costs driven by platforms and ecosystems orchestration and the related or integrated multiple level sources of knowledge could speed benefits of domestic firms and subsidiaries of global organizations. Research gaps could be understood by a new combination of resources and knowledge, exploiting technologies and, also, the discussion of social economic relevance of I4.0. Research limitations/implications – Because of the complexity and the novelty of the framework, further studies could be discussed by its elements. New structures and paths for alternative strategic factors may be proposed in the future with the inclusion of new relationships in the adoption of platform business models and ecosystems. Future studies should consider digital knowledge-based assets attained to economic activities across national boundaries; data analytics or data-driven technology adoption and their effects on global attractiveness. Practical implications – The paper implicates in evaluating whether dynamic capabilities subsidize performance propitiating the catching up with a focus on the I4.0 system and digital transformation management journey. The proposed framework demonstrates the benefits of digital transformation by enabling strategic capabilities, making efforts to reduce a lack of research paths concerning the policy attributes that define the platform use strategy from an architectural standpoint and its benefits. Social implications – The particularities of turning either an I4.0 global organization or a digital organization operate in various environments, allowing access to the activities' digital context. Social implications concerning digital resources as strategic accelerators are determined by the BRICS peculiarities, such as social behavior, consumerism or communication pattern, leadership and workforce skills. Finally, political aspects and interference in the economy are deployed in society what must be considered. Originality/value – This paper proposes a conceptual framework to better understand whether the heterogeneity of resources could explain I4.0 and digital configurations, while new platforms have driven features in global industrial environments and ecosystems. The seizing opportunities in these countries and sense-making use of platforms and orchestration of ecosystems are found as the critical topics being the main value of this important discussion.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este artigo revisa pesquisas existentes relacionadas à avaliação do impacto da inovação social e identifica várias barreiras para essa avaliação. Em seguida, são propostas intervenções para superar essas barreiras. Originalidade/valor: A inovação social tem desempenhado um papel importante na promoção de mudanças positivas para a sociedade. No entanto, medir seu impacto é um desafio muito significativo devido às muitas barreiras enfrentadas na seleção de métricas que se encaixam em sua definição e objetivo. Reconhecendo esses desafios, a principal contribuição deste artigo foi identificar as barreiras mais comuns e sugerir como elas podem ser superadas. Design/metodologia/abordagem: Duas abordagens foram consideradas nesta pesquisa. Por um lado, aplicou-se uma abordagem bottow-up para revisar a literatura relevante relacionada a métricas de impacto para inovação social e boas práticas para avaliação de impacto de inovação social. Por outro, utilizou-se uma abordagem top-down, por meio da coleta e análise de projetos de pesquisa relacionados à identificação de métricas de impacto da inovação social, amplamente difundidos e bem consolidados na literatura atual. Resultados: Esta pesquisa oferece insights valiosos para pesquisadores acadêmicos, decisores de políticas e profissionais que trabalham no campo da inovação social, identificando e classificando as principais barreiras enfrentadas para medir o impacto da inovação social, ou seja, a falta de conscientização das partes interessadas no campo da inovação social, dificuldades para selecionar as métricas para avaliar a inovação social, dificuldades para selecionar critérios para identificar indicadores mais adequados à inovação social, falta de engajamento dos beneficiários, falta de apoio financeiro e público e falta de consenso na definição de inovação social. / ABSTRACT Purpose: This paper reviews extant research related to the impact assessment of social innovation and identifies several barriers to this assessment. Following this is a proposal of interventions to overcome these barriers. Originality/value: Social innovation has played an essential role in enhancing positive changes for society. Nonetheless, measuring its impact is a very significant challenge due to the many barriers faced in selecting metrics that fit its definition and goal. Recognizing these challenges, the main contribution of this paper was to identify the most common barriers and to suggest how these barriers can be overcome. Design/methodology/approach: Two approaches were considered in this research. On the one hand, a bottom-up approach was applied to review relevant literature related to impact metrics for social innovation and good practices toward social innovation impact assessment. On the other hand, we used a top-down approach through collecting and analyzing research projects related to identifying metrics of social innovation impact, broadly disseminated and well-consolidated in the current literature. Findings: This research offers valuable insights to academic researchers, policy decision-makers, and practitioners working in the field of social innovation by identifying and classifying the main barriers faced to measuring the impact of social innovation, namely lack of stakeholder awareness in the field of social innovation, difficulties in selecting the metrics to assess social innovation, problems in selecting criteria to identify best-fitted indicators to social innovation, lack of beneficiaries engagement, lack of financial and public support, and lack of consensus in the social innovation definition.

Through the “garbage in, garbage out” dynamics, it is assumed that a protocol of reliable research tools is a key component for obtaining high-quality data. The lack of transparency, the methodological inconsistency, and the absence of validity criteria in qualitative studies point to a gap that has yet to be overcome. The purpose of the paper is to propose a new guideline for the validation of qualitative research: Validation for Qualitative Research Scripts (Vali-Quali), which can be applied in structured interviews, semi-structured interviews, and scripts for focal groups. The proposal comprises two dimensions, content and semantics, with four attributes: alignment among objectives, adherence to constructs, explicitness, and qualitative expectancy. Between rigor and flexibility, six steps are outlined: design of the initial script, validation by judges, results overview, pretest, validated script and theoretical-empirical script. This paper proposes that the validation process goes beyond the method itself, and stimulates researchers to reflect, exercise their autonomy, and support their choices with the academic rigor that all scientific research must present.

This paper aimed to analyze how agents – managers and employees – experienced change in an educational institution, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We developed a framework that considers the junction between Badham's 5M Framework (mindful, mobilising, mapping, mask, and mirror) and Pettigrew's processual approach to strategic change (why change - context, what to change – content, and how to change - process). We carried out a qualitative, descriptive, and explanatory case study in an educational institution, here called Beta. Data were collected through 12 narrative interviews with Beta’s managers and employees. And they were analyzed by means of categorial content analysis technique, using the NVivo Software. The results revealed that the change occurred in three phases – the closure and online teaching; the hybrid teaching model; and the return to the ‘new normal’. To face the challenges, complexity and chaos, the unity and cohesion of the group to overcome a 'common enemy' - the pandemic - was preponderant. The sharing of solutions as well as the pain and suffering was built in a creative and flexible way, tuning the difficulties faced with support, counseling, and leadership strategies. This study allowed the elaboration of a theoretical framework that join the two approaches, called Processual Analysis of Management to Change.

Purpose – This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of machine learning models to yield profitability over the market benchmark, notably in periods of systemic instability, such as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Design/methodology/approach – This study made computational experiments using support vector machine (SVM) classifiers to predict stock price movements for three financial markets and construct profitable trading strategies to subsidize investors’ decision-making. Findings – On average, machine learning models outperformed the market benchmarks during the more volatile period of the Russia–Ukraine war, but not during the period before the conflict. Moreover, the hyperparameter combinations for which the profitability is superior were found to be highly sensitive to small variations during the model training process. Practical implications – Investors should proceed with caution when applying machine learning models for stock price forecasting and trading recommendations, as their superior performance for volatile periods – in terms of generating abnormal gains over the market – was not observed for a period of relative stability in the economy. Originality/value – This paper’s approach to search for financial strategies that succeed in outperforming the market provides empirical evidence about the effectiveness of state-of-the-art machine learning techniques before and after the conflict deflagration, which is of potential value for researchers in quantitative finance and market professionals who operate in the financial segment.

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate whether professional data analysts’ trust of black-box systems is increased by explainability artifacts. Design/methodology/approach – The study was developed in two phases. First a black-box prediction model was estimated using artificial neural networks, and local explainability artifacts were estimated using local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME) algorithms. In the second phase, the model and explainability outcomes were presented to a sample of data analysts from the financial market and their trust of the models was measured. Finally, interviews were conducted in order to understand their perceptions regarding black-box models. Findings – The data suggest that users’ trust of black-box systems is high and explainability artifacts do not influence this behavior. The interviews reveal that the nature and complexity of the problem a black-box model addresses influences the users’ perceptions, trust being reduced in situations that represent a threat (e.g. autonomous cars). Concerns about the models’ ethics were also mentioned by the interviewees. Research limitations/implications – The study considered a small sample of professional analysts from the financial market, which traditionally employs data analysis techniques for credit and risk analysis. Research with personnel in other sectors might reveal different perceptions. Originality/value – Other studies regarding trust in black-box models and explainability artifacts have focused on ordinary users, with little or no knowledge of data analysis. The present research focuses on expert users, which provides a different perspective and shows that, for them, trust is related to the quality of data and the nature of the problem being solved, as well as the practical consequences. Explanation of the algorithm mechanics itself is not significantly relevant.

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze how the COVID-19 crisis has affected the determinants and predictability of the domestic credit rating issued by Fitch Ratings in Argentina. Additionally, it aims to evaluate the effects of credit rating agencies using the through-the-cycle method. Given the subjective nature of credit rating categorization, researchers have developed models for explaining and predicting credit ratings. This subjectivity is significant during economic events. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether the factors that determine and predict credit ratings remained consistent before and during the COVID-19 crisis. This paper contributes significantly to understanding how the application of the through-the-cycle method affects the determinants and predictability of credit ratings in economic crises. Theapplication of the through-the-cycle method by credit rating agencies as a criterion during the COVID-19 crisis resulted in a breakdown of the usual correlation between determinants and credit rating. Understanding whether variables are permanent or transitory components is crucial for investors and borrowers to anticipate credit rating changes during economic downturns. The dependent variables are the long-term domestic credit rating categories. The independent variables are derived from the Fitch Ratings credit rating methodology and the literature, which includes quantitative and qualitative variables. The statistical methods used are ordinal logistic regression, generalized ordinal logistic regression, and support vector machines. The COVID-19 crisis was considered a transitory event due to the application of the through-the-cycle approach by rating agencies. During the pandemic, specific determinants of credit ratings are not considered due to their transitory nature. The study identifies interest coverage ratio and competitive position as transitory components. This approach led to less predictability but a more stable credit rating.

This paper examines the impact of integrating sustainability performance with innovation performance on value creation in developing countries. The study employs content analysis to assess the levels of sustainability performance and innovation performance in 21 companies listed on the Iraqi Stock Exchange from 2011 to 2022. To test the proposed hypotheses, the study utilizes pooled Ordinary Least Squares (ols) and panel analysis. The findings reveal that sustainability performance and innovation performance positively influence company value, both independently and jointly. Furthermore, the results underscore the importance of investing in innovation processes to achieve a competitive advantage that fosters value creation. The study also highlights the critical balance between the increasing adoption of sustainable technologies in manufacturing and the effective application of diverse innovative technologies across production, operations, marketing, and organizational strategies as integral components of new product development. These findings hold significant implications for strategic decision-making, suggesting that companies in developing nations should pursue sustainable innovation pathways by adopting appropriate technologies and ensuring their long-term viability amid rapid technological advancements.

Purpose: This article investigates and classifies firm resources for the internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from emerging countries. Originality/value: SMEs from emerging countries in global markets evidence their more restricted access to resources for internationalization. The mainstream international business literature classifies firm’s resources identified in large companies from developed economies. This research classifies firms’ internationalization resources located in different emerging countries based on a systematic literature review (SLR) and interviews. This paper contributes to the theoretical development about the internationalization of SMEs from emerging countries, indicating the importance of organizational resources in this process. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents an exploratory research developed in two stages: a SLR on emerging countries and interviews with experts, institutions, and SMEs about the Brazilian context. Bibliographic research and an interview with semi-structured script were adopted as data collection techniques. Interviews were analyzed with NVivo software using content analysis technique and providing categorization of resources. Findings: Up to 2016, 15 works mentioned resources for the internationalization of SMEs from emerging countries and seven were done in Asia. We identified 72 resources in ten emerging countries. Organizational resources predominate. The use of financial resources in Brazil contradicts the trend in other emerging countries. More tangible resources seem less strategic for SMEs’ internationali¬zation from emerging countries when compared to more intangible resources, as organizational ones. / Objetivo: Investigar e classificar recursos para internacionalização de pequenas e médias empresas (PMEs) de países emergentes. Originalidade/valor: A participação de PMEs de países emergentes em mercados globais evidencia seu acesso mais restrito aos recursos para internacionalização. A literatura dominante de negócios internacionais segue classificações de recursos identificados em grandes empresas de economias desenvolvidas. Esta pesquisa classifica recursos da firma para internacionalização de PMEs baseada em diferentes países emergentes, com dados de revisão sistemática de literatura (RSL) e entrevistas. O artigo contribui para o desenvolvimento teórico sobre a internacionalização de PMEs de países emergentes, indicando a importância dos recursos organizacionais nesse processo. Design/metodologia/abordagem: Este artigo apresenta uma pesquisa exploratória, de abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvida em duas etapas: RSL, abrangendo diferentes países emergentes, seguida de entrevistas com especialistas, instituições e PMEs no contexto brasileiro. Adotaram-se técnicas de coleta de dados de pesquisa bibliográfica e entrevista com roteiro semiestruturado. A análise das entrevistas baseou-se em técnica de análise de conteúdo e categorização dos recursos, com o software NVivo. Resultados: Até 2016, 15 trabalhos mencionaram recursos para internacionalização de PMEs de países emergentes e sete foram feitos na Ásia. Identificaram-se 72 recursos em dez países emergentes. Predominam recursos organizacionais. O uso de recursos financeiros de terceiros no Brasil contradiz tendências em outros países emergentes. Recursos tangíveis parecem ter menor importância estratégica para a internacionalização do que recursos intangíveis, como os organizacionais.

This paper investigates factors that motivate entrepreneurs to completely operate within informality and the drivers of formal companies to underreport revenues. In particular, this work identifies and organizes the determinants of firm informality through a systematic literature review in Scopus and Web of Science databases. The article presents several contributions. First, it examines the two main frameworks of informality (structuralist/exclusion and legalistic/exit dimensions) and links this with the different roles of unregistered firms in economic development (survival, De Soto, and parasite views). It also studies the theoretical basis of informality, including economic, institutional, psychological, and sociological aspects. Second, the paper summarizes business informality determinants based on studies with different methodological approaches (macro, microeconomic), contexts (developed, emerging, transition economies), and periods (1983-2018). Our results show that firm informality is mostly addressed in the examined literature as a decision or voluntary choice by companies and entrepreneurs (legalistic vision). Third, the article proposes an integral theoretical model, according to which the firm informality level is determined by structural elements (company and entrepreneur’s characteristics) and environmental factors (corruption, bureaucracy, taxes, etc.). The analysis is relevant for researchers studying this subject and for policymakers as well.

Access to bank credit is one of the major concerns of SMEs in their survival. To reduce their concerns, SMEs’ entrepreneurial attitudes that are the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) might provide them some opportunities. This is because EO increases financial performance of SMEs, which is positively perceived by banks when making credit decision. In this regard, this paper aims to examine the mediating role of the performance of SMEs in the relationship between EO and access to bank finance. In parallel with this purpose, the paper analyzes 479 SMEs that operate in Turkey. To measure the mediating role of firm performance, Andrew Hayes’ process macro for binary dependent variable was employed by the researcher. According to the results, while performance mediates the relationship between innovativeness-access to finance and risk-taking access to bank finance, it does not mediate the relationships between proactiveness, competitive aggressiveness, autonomy, and access to finance.

This paper aims to propose an integrative framework that synthesizes the literature on collaborative value creation between nonprofit and business organizations. A systematic literature review was conducted of 41 papers. We analyzed the content of the papers quantitatively to present an overview. We also provided a qualitative analysis with the aim of identifying those attributes that influence collaborative value creation. The proposed integrative framework was based on the main findings, and the attributes and sub-attributes for value creation were presented. The framework extends the study on collaborative value creation, and provides the context (countries and businesses) and the main theories found in the literature. There is a lack of studies of emerging economies that adopt relevant theories (such as the relational view) and quantitative methods. Studies that address the environmental and economic impacts of partnerships and analyze the relationship between attributes and their influence on value creation are also scarce. Thus, a research agenda was proposed encompassing such aspects.

Objective: This paper is a teaching case designed for graduate and undergraduate courses on subjects involving international business, international marketing, or international entrepreneurship. It describes how a small entrepreneurial company – Fumajet – could recognize and exploit an international opportunity, and the dilemmas its founders confronted regarding the choice of internationalization strategy and entry mode. Dilemma or problem: Faced with several potential alternatives to structure Fumajet’s international activities, the entrepreneurs had to analyze and select an international entry mode strategy to present to the recently created board of directors, following a significant infusion of capital into the company. Relevance/Originality: Grounded in real-life experiences, this case study draws from primary and secondary sources gathered over two years, presenting students with a real, practical, and relevant dilemma. By the end of this case study, students should be able to apply these learnings to real-world scenarios. The unique challenges portrayed make this case study particularly engaging and thought-provoking for students.

Abstract Alain Touraine’s theory on social movements (SMs) characterizes them as having their own collective identity, a defined opponent, and a dispute between these two opponents. This paper considers that Touraine’s theory on SMs does not contemplate their main motto: Emancipation. It is believed that Boaventura de Sousa Santos’ ideas can contribute to identifying SMs with emancipatory potential. To make these concepts concrete, examples of SMs are presented in Brazil and worldwide and analyzed in light of the two cited theories.

Objective: This paper's main objective was to examine the extent to which internationalization efforts moderate the relationship between investments in research and development (R&D) and innovation outputs taken by small businesses, that is, small and medium-sized enterprises - SMEs. Methodology: The methodology used consisted of quantitative research with data from 10,621 SMEs, from 17 countries in Latin America. The present study involved factorial and regressive analysis as well. Main results: The results obtained led to the conclusion that internationalization efforts have a positive and statistically significant influence on innovation outputs, allowing SMEs in Latin American countries to increase their competitiveness through constructing or improving products, services, or processes. Theoretical contributions: At the end of the research, it was also concluded that R&D investments positively influence innovation outputs and that companies that invest in R&D and additionally employ internationalization efforts are more likely to present innovation. Relevance and originality: It was the first time that a study jointly and empirically evaluated the moderating effect of internationalization efforts on the relationship between investments in R&D and innovation outputs, totaling a sample of 10,621 SMEs. Managerial and social contributions: This study also contributed to the knowledge of Latin America, therefore, it is expected that a greater understanding of the barriers to the development of SMEs will be achieved, through the advancement of internationalization efforts, investment in R&D and innovation. In this way, the aim is to encourage academics and practitioners to search for solutions to break these barriers.

This paper presents a comparative analysis between Nova Lima, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and Lafayette, Louisiana, United States. These two cities share a strong historical connection with extractive industries and are experiencing dynamics of reconfiguration of their economic functions towards a digital economy. Nova Lima has a rich mining heritage, while Lafayette is known for its oil and gas sector. The study examines the sociocultural and symbolic capitals of these spaces, aiming to identify relevant assets for the creation and support of environments conducive to digital economy activities. Using Bourdieu’s theory of practice, the article offers valuable insights into strategies that could be employed by Nova Lima and Lafayette to position themselves as attractive hubs for investments and ventures in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. In this regard, the unique economic, historical, and sociodemographic contexts of the two cities and their implications on the ongoing transformation dynamics are analyzed. Furthermore, the sociocultural and symbolic capitals present in Nova Lima and Lafayette are investigated, highlighting possibilities for their unique application in fostering new businesses and ventures. To this end, a comparative qualitative research approach was used, developed through the case study method. The collected data, through documentary analysis, on-site visits, and semi-structured and in-depth interviews, were subsequently subjected to content analysis by category. The comparative analysis aims to provide contributions to policymakers, urban planners, entrepreneurs, and business leaders of spaces facing the challenges of economic transformation for business environment of the digital era.

Objective: comprehend the challenges and solutions faced by a non-technological and non-profit organization, acting within a coopetitive environment, in the construction of a multisided platform business model. Method: utilizing a qualitative case study approach, we investigated FEBRAFAR, a multisided platform of drugstore retailers, manufacturers, and service providers. Data collection and analysis was based on the following categories: (a) the methods through which the platform generates value for its diverse customer segments, (b) the intricate contours of its value configuration endeavor, and (c) its strategies for value appropriation to ensure both sustainability and growth. Results: the challenges in establishing an efficiently functioning multisided platform business model included: getting resources; member's attraction; and resistance to adopting best management practices. The solutions contained the development of value creation techniques for its varied customer segments by reducing transactional friction with customers and suppliers, a comprehensive value configuration process, and value appropriation that promote sustainability and growth to these drugstore chains. Conclusion: the paper shows how FEBRAFAR got the solution of value creation and appropriation of the platform business model by orchestrating the interactions of competing entities within the stakeholder ecosystem that engage in collaboration. By establishing clear rules and interaction protocols, a multisided platform can facilitate coordination among competing entities, thereby enabling collaborative value co-creation for all involved stakeholders. This finding contributes to the broader understanding of strategic management in multisided platforms, particularly in non-technology contexts.

This paper provides a retrospective analysis of the impact of trust in institutions in Brazil during the initial wave of Covid-19 on distress symptoms. Capturing data from 571 respondents across all five Brazilian regions during the crucial period of April-May 2021, the study examines the relationship between institutional trust and public health outcomes at the pandemic's onset. Our findings reveal four distinct trust-based groups, reflecting the multifaceted nature of trust amidst the political and misinformation crisis of the time. Notably, our data contradicts the expected norm: the group with the lowest trust in institutions reported fewer distress symptoms, a paradox possibly rooted in a negationist attitude linked to anti-establishment sentiments and the misinformation crisis. In a contemporary context, this study provides historical insights into the dynamics of the pandemic's early days and also offers a reflection point for understanding the long-term implications of institutional trust on public health, especially in times of crisis.

Objective: The paper reviews and systematizes the metrics proposed in the literature for measuring the different elements of entrepreneurial ecosystems and covers the challenges of measuring ecosystems at the regional level and the Brazilian case. Method: A literature review of the metrics proposed for Entrepreneurship Ecosystems and descriptive statistics to systematize the indicators found in the review. Results: There is still no uniformity in the proposal of metrics. Most of them have a national approach and are related to the dimensions of Public policy & Regulation, Culture, and Human capital. The effort to apply theory to the Brazilian case is still incipient, and it is necessary to create adequate metrics for the national context. Theoretical/methodological contributions: The article enriches the discourse on measuring entrepreneurial ecosystems by shedding light on a variety of methodologies, identifying gaps, highlighting the necessity for subnational indicators, and exploring their implications within the Brazilian context. Relevance/Originality: While the concept of EE and its measuring methods hold significant potential for orienting public policies, they remain underexplored in the Brazilian academic community. This article aims to bridge this gap and underscore the promising nature of this research area.

Purpose – Creating a new product or service promotes the status quo changes, seeking economic value and solving customer's urgent problems. Entrepreneurs play an important role in this changing process through start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), considered one of the leading forces driving an economy’s innovative and competitive power. However, despite the importance of entrepreneurs, public policies to foster entrepreneurship ecosystems could be ineffective in emerging countries. Therefore, action research proposes the qualification of entrepreneurs for the structuring of new businesses through remote orientation, connecting the country's main economic centers to emerging areas. Design/methodology/approach – The study is qualitative research comprising two phases. The first phase consisted of four-month action research, connecting two researchers and three groups of specialists (from Sao Paulo), with three groups of entrepreneurs (located in Manaus in the Amazon region), through a remote orientation in entrepreneurship, lean start-up, lean product and process development (LPPD). The second phase, conducted by a third researcher, regards a case study grounded on interviews and data collection with the entrepreneurs to capture the outcomes of the remote orientation process. Findings – The remote orientation helped shorten the geographical distance of Amazonas to approach the integration of business, research and knowledge exchange of such distinct areas in the same country. If a remote orientation program was established as public policy, it could enact subsequent cycles of the lean start-up model. Furthermore, the remote orientation could be an alternative to compose the training subsystem in the entrepreneurship ecosystem proposed by Isenberg (2011). On the other hand, a remote orientation could fail to shorten the distance of human values and beliefs, which cannot be neglected when facing a rich territory like the Amazon. Research limitations/implications – Because of the chosen research approach, a qualitative and exploratory study based on a combination of action research, interviews and case studies, the results may lack generalizability. However, further studies can replicate the remote orientation process conducted in the region of Manaus – Amazon, to obtain distinct results regarding the advantages, disadvantages and effectiveness of remote orientation as entrepreneurship ecosystem’s human capital dimension development. Practical implications – The outcomes of this research have the potential to start discussions regarding the adoption of remote orientation as a public policy to develop entrepreneurship skills in emerging regions, not only in Brazil but worldwide. The Brazilian case could be a relevant benchmark due to the large territory and economic and social disparities impacting education and entrepreneurship. Social implications – Through start-ups and SMEs, entrepreneurship has innovation potential and is the most solid way to bring economic development. For emerging countries, it can be real game-changer in the economic order. The development of entrepreneurship skills through this remote orientation experience can help reduce the economic and social gaps in countries with relevant disparities like Brazil and other emerging countries. Originality/value – This paper fulfills an identified need to “move the needle of entrepreneurship in the right direction” (Isenberg, 2010) by creating local solutions for global challenges. Policymakers and leaders need to continue the experiment and learn how to improve the entrepreneurship ecosystem. In this sense, the action research approach, combined with the remote orientation, proposes an alternative to promote changes in how human capital dimension can be developed in this challenging ecosystem.

Purpose – Agile methods are increasingly being applied in the contexts of innovation beyond traditional information technology (IT) and physical product development projects, such as when process improvements are being implemented. Nevertheless, this phenomenon is still recent and little addressed in the literature, with few descriptions of empirical cases. This study aims to address this gap. Design/methodology/approach – This multiple case study aims to present and discuss the application of Agile practices embedded in large companies’ innovation value chains, focusing on improvements of business processes. The following research question is pursued: How are large companies applying elements of Agile methods to their innovation processes when implementing incremental improvements in their operational processes? Based on the idea that the Agile-Stage-Gate model is an alternative to this challenge, this study investigates the application of this hybrid model in two large Brazilian companies by presenting their idiosyncrasies, lessons learned, adaptations, challenges and benefits. Findings – Overall, it was observed that the experience with the application of the Agile-Stage-Gate model is positive for these companies, with better customer engagement, easier project control and increased productivity of the project team. Originality/value – For those aiming to implement the Agile-Stage-Gate model, this paper identifies the main adaptations made in order to combine the purist approaches and critical success factors for its implementation.

Purpose – This paper aims to propose a methodology for managerial decision-making based on scenario planning and a multi-criteria approach. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology consists of two stages, one referring to scenario planning and the other to multi-criteria decision-making. The methodology was applied to a company in the Brazilian agribusiness sector, aiming to help managers face the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings – The proposal addresses a set of simple methods for developing a scenario analysis based on different approaches. Although the methodology may allow the future addition of new, perhaps more robust strategies, the purpose of the analysis is not only to tell the decision maker which strategy should be adopted, but also to provide greater knowledge about the problem and possible scenarios. Originality/value – The contribution of this research is to propose a structured and easily applicable methodology that can help managers in the future planning of their companies, especially when faced with complex decisions and high level of uncertainty.