The role of Romanian social enterprises in the alleviation of poverty and social exclusion

Poverty and social exclusion are nowadays widely debated phenomena as they present highly threatening consequences for the wellbeing of humanity, making it unable to reach adequate living standards and to fully exercise social rights. To alleviate imbalances, adequate programs need to be put into place and for this process to be efficient, coherence and commitment must constitute elementary values to advance social welfare. Social enterprises can also contribute with their value creating potential to the fostering of a sustainable society that places a high emphasis on the defense of vulnerable groups and offers them an equitable treatment. The present paper firstly aims to illustrate conceptual elements referring to poverty, social exclusion and the social protection of marginalized groups. Secondly, the study is complemented by a research on Romanian social enterprises’ perspective (associations, foundations and sheltered units) concerning social threats and the defense of less favored individuals, undertaken through a questionnaire-based survey. The research unveils the social enterprises’ belief that the Romanian social field needs substantial attention from policymakers and that social protection services can aid them in gaining social privileges more adequately.

Technology acceptance model in e-commerce segment

Consumer behaviour analysis is a key aspect for the success of e-business. The main objective of the study is to analyse the impact of selected user experience factors on e-commerce web site visiting (technology). The objective of the study is to create a model that will explain the impact of each major factor on the user experience and the re-visit of the e-shop. To explain the use of e-commerce technology, in the second part we have modified the original technology acceptance model (TAM) with other constructs. Specifically, there are modern technologies such as social networks or mobile apps that affect the use of e-shops. The TAM model is one of the most used models of what the system uses to identify the perceived usefulness and perceived simplicity of use from the user’ side. For the main advantage of our study, we consider that we have highlighted the importance of the factor of modern technology and therefore of social networks, mobile applications and contextual advertising. This factor, along with the other two factors, has been incorporated into our model and has shown that modern technologies have a direct impact and are therefore directly related to the frequency using the e-commerce websites.

Mapping the interactions between the stakeholders of the circular economy ecosystem applied to the textile and apparel sector in Romania

The goal of this research is to acknowledge the elements which hinder or facilitate the transition from linear to the circular economy in the textile and apparel sector in Romania by identifying current and desired interactions among the ecosystem’s stakeholders. Two strands of literature, one on circular economy and one on the textile and apparel sector, provide the theoretical background for this research. Currently, the way we design, produce, and use clothing has drawbacks that are becoming increasingly clear. The circular economy principles have the potential to transform the way textiles are produced, consumed and disposed of. More and more social entrepreneurs are pioneering the future of the apparel industry by offering sustainable solutions to tackling systemic problems. However, their efforts have to be elevated and amplified, as such to pave the way for creating business models that allow for both economic performance and social impact. A comprehensive mapping of ongoing activities and stakeholders in the textile and apparel sector in Romania is required to understand the roadblocks to industry transformation in the context of moving toward circular economy and to implement envisioned sustainable solutions. In the paper we used a database of 27 stakeholders, developed by applying the snowball method, to investigate current and future interactions between the main actors who operate in the textile and apparel sector. To meet its research objectives, the paper employed a phenomenological research design and built upon a workshop activity. First, we designed an online survey to understand the profile and knowledge of the circular economy of the stakeholders included in our database. Second, we employed the world café method to understand in depth the level of knowledge of the actors who attended the workshop on the circular economy in the textile and apparel sector. Third, we used the structural systemic constellations method in assessing the stakeholders’ current and future desired interactions. Last, we formulated conclusions and recommendations about future research needed to deepen the understanding of the circular economy in the textile and apparel sector. Findings showed that there is a vicious circle of different actions feeding isolation and preventing collaboration among stakeholders. Also, we found that there is a lack of collaborative spaces where stakeholders can meet, connect and explore the various opportunities to collaborate, and a lack of general awareness on “circular economy and textile and apparel” and its mechanisms. The intended audiences of the research are decision-makers and practitioners in the textile and apparel sector, as well as researchers focused on the circular economy.

Enhancing the organizational citizenship behavior for the environment: the roles of green training and organizational culture

The environmental concern has become an emerging topic in organization’s human resource management strategy, especially in improving employee’s environmental behavior at work. Thus, the organizational citizenship behavior toward the environment (OCBE) has been currently attracting scholars in management. However, published studies contain research gaps in investigation of the relationships between both green training and organizational culture and OCBE, especially in the hotel industry. Following the social exchange and Ability-Motivation-Opportunity theories, this study aims to examine the effects of two green practices on OCBE and the moderating role of green organizational culture to the effect of green training on OCBE. A quantitative approach with survey strategy is employed and conducted in 4-5 star hotels to test these relationships. The PLS-SEM and K-means Cluster Analysis techniques are applied to analyze data. The findings reveal that green training and organizational culture positively influence OCBE. Also, the effect of green training on OCBE is moderated by green organizational culture. Finally, our study provides limitations of research and further studies, and the implications for management practices concerned with improving employee’s voluntary eco-behavior in the hotel industry.

Relative fixed Internet connection speed experiences as antecedents of customer satisfaction and loyalty: An empirical analysis of consumers in Germany

So far, management practitioners and scholars alike assume that raises in the contractual absolute maximum bandwidth of Internet connections increase the attitudinal bonds of customers with their access provider. The present study broadens this perspective: In a sample of up to 752 German-speaking Internet users with a wireline Internet access at home, it explores two relative speed characteristics of broadband connections as potential determinants of customer affinity with an access provider. The two reference-dependent aspects comprise customer quality experiences in terms of delivered transmission speeds (1) relative to the maximum down- and upload bandwidths as per customer contract, and (2) relative to speeds emphasized in advertisements of a consumer’s access provider. Furthermore, correlations are analyzed between the frequency with which customers use speed tests to check the quality of their wireline Internet connection and their attitudinal bonds with their access provider. Attitudinal bonding is broken down into customer satisfaction with the performance of the current wireline Internet access at home and propensity to churn at the earliest opportunity. Multivariate regression analysis reveals that the impression that advertised wireline access bandwidths are exaggerated compared to the speeds actually delivered and – to a lesser extent – the perception that the contractual maximum speed is reached only in a low share of a customer’s Internet sessions significantly decrease customer satisfaction and significantly increase customer inclination to churn. The effects of the two speed assessments are not independent of one another: Perceived speed exaggerations in a provider’s ads impair customer bonds less (more) strongly if the experienced share of Internet sessions with speeds below the contractual maximum bandwidth is high (low). More frequent speed testing reduces customer bonding, especially in case that advertised speeds of a customer’s provider are experienced as overblown. The results suggest that wireline Internet access providers can increase the attitudinal bonds with their customers by abstaining from emphasizing maximum speeds in their advertising, which customers rarely reach under standard everyday conditions.

The impact of Digital Platforms on Business Models: an empirical investigation on innovative start-ups

Digital platforms have the ability to connect people, organizations and resources with the aim of facilitating the core interactions between businesses and consumers as well as assuring a greater efficiency for the business management. New business concepts, such as innovative start-ups, are therefore created based on innovation, scalability and the relationships within the community around them. The purpose of this work is to deeply understand the evolution of business models brought by innovative and dynamic companies operating through online platforms. In order to achieve the objectives set, an exploratory multiple-case study was designed based on in-depth structured interviews. The aim was to conduct a mixed analysis, in order to rely both on qualitative and quantitative data. The structured interview protocol was therefore designed to collect and then analyse data concerning the company profile and managers’ perspectives on the phenomenon of interest. The interview protocol was submitted in advance and then face-to-face interviews were carried out with the following professional figures: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), General Manager, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Marketing Manager and Developers. Collected data were analysed and processed through the Canvas Business Model in order to clearly outline similarities and differences among the sample. Results can be considered under two viewpoints. On the one hand, this work provides a detailed overview of the companies interviewed, according to the dimensions of: reference market dynamics, type and number of customers, scalability. On the other one, they allow to identify some success patterns regarding key activities, key resources, channel mix strategy, costs management, value proposition, customer segmentation, key partners and the way to obtain revenues. Results from the multiple-case study with 15 Italian start-ups provide interesting insights by comparing the innovative business models developed and highlighting key differences and similarities. Overall, the start-ups analyzed, operating in several sectors, showed great growth prospects and the possibility to create value for their customers through innovative products and services offered through digital platforms.

Rethinking the state-market relations in the New Age of development

This paper discusses, from a conceptual and theoretical perspective, the recent debates on the relation between the state and the market as drivers of national development. Since the end of the Cold War, three periods are distinguishable according to the way in which development is discussed, envisaged, and designed through state policies. The first one starts from the end of the Cold War and leads to the 2008-2009 crisis, the second includes the ten years of recovery, while the last is unfolding at the moment. The argument takes globalization into account as the background for development, during the three decades observed. The paper analyses the way in which the state-market relationship was envisaged during each period, both in the developed and emerging economies. The paper identifies the factors that ensure steady development, with an emphasis on current challenges. Lastly, the paper presents the particular experience of Central and Eastern Europe during its transition from the communist regime to democracy. The conclusion is that the better understanding of the relationship between globalization and development, the faster their evolution for a given country.

Romanian immigrants and the inflows of foreign direct investment towards Romania

The answer to the following question summarizes the research presented in this manuscript: “Are Romanian immigrants in the EU countries enhancing the foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows towards Romania?”, and as a consequence it makes the results of the paper a useful tool for all Romanian authorities dealing with one of the two topics: migration and foreign investments. To our knowledge, the paper provides the initial evidence supporting the hypothesis that Romanian immigrants in the EU countries can be regarded as “ambassadors” of the Romanian economy in attracting FDI (to Romania) from their adoption countries. The methodological approach relies on econometric modelling which reveals a positive and statistically significant relationship between the stock of immigrants and the number of FDI firms located in Romania and sourced from 15 EU economies, when controlling for several variables. The results could be useful both for companies and for Romanian policymakers that should target as source for potential foreign capital the economies which attract important flows of Romanian immigrants.

Factors of communication mix on social media and their role in forming customer experience and brand image

Building a brand is a long-term process and it also applies to the world of social media. It is said that building a good brand reputation takes years, but it can be ruin in a moment. Therefore, it is important to look responsibly at all the aspects that have a role in building a brand on social media. The actual experience with the brand on social media is able to significantly affect brand building. The study focuses on exploring brand-building relationships in the social media environment. We selected a set of factors to predict customer experience with the brand in a social media environment and then we examined the relationship between this customer experience and the perceived brand image. 476 respondents filled out the electronic questionnaire. The study puts the greatest emphasis on respondents aged 20 to 35 years. We used correlation analysis to investigate the relationships in this issue. Out of the seven investigated relationships, up to two cases with medium dependence were confirmed by the strong relevance of relationships. The results support the importance of using social media tools for branding purposes, because these tools are the ones with the greatest ability to influence the people’s perception and attitude. It is also the fastest and one of the most personal ways to communicate with the customer. It happens in real time and it can convey the real emotion if performed right which all together help to trigger the user action. The findings of this study can guide marketing activities for companies to make the return on investment in social media as high as possible. The research offers a new perspective on selected factors and their role in creating social media experience and subsequently a brand image.

Beyond cost saving. Other factor consideration in online purchases of used electronic goods: a conjoint analysis approach

The market for second-hand and refurbished goods continues to record strong growth in most economies around the world. One obvious motivating factor in consumer choice of second-hand goods is price affordability. However, as the used market evolves, especially with the adoption of online e-commerce platforms, consumers’ inclination for used goods have also become complex. This paper investigates other appealing factors beyond price affordability (cost saving) in consumer choice of usable electronic goods. To do this, a consumer preference model was designed to reveal the key factors that drive consumer choices in the used electronic goods market. A case study using an emerging economy (Czech Republic) where used goods outlets are rampant coupled with the propensity for used electronic gadgets. The study adopted a simple random technique geared towards all the regions in the Czech Republic. The aggregate conjoint analysis method was used to model consumer preferences to determine the importance they attach to attributes most considered by consumers in the online used goods transactions. The result indicates that in respect of online purchases of used electronic appliances, a product’s ‘number of years in use’ is the next most important motivating factor after cost saving (price affordability). The study would help give a general insight into consumer preferences in the used electronic goods market.