Business Commons^™

Towards Carbon Neutrality In Tourism: Pathways And Future Research Directions, Pezhman Hatamifar, Kourosh Esfandiar, Zahed Ghaderi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Achieving carbon neutrality (CN) in tourism is essential for mitigating climate change, yet existing literature provides limited guidance on effective pathways. This review addresses this gap by examining key strategies for carbon-neutral tourism, integrating both mitigation and adaptation approaches across three pathways: individual actions, industry initiatives, and destination policies to advance CN goals in tourism. This review found that achieving CN in the tourism industry necessitates a multifaceted approach involving stakeholders at various levels, from individuals to destination managers and policymakers, on both the supply and demand sides. Additionally, addressing behavioral changes, ethical considerations, and transparent carbon offset programs are …

Digital Economy Development And Enterprise Carbon Reduction: Evidence From China, Ziyang Li, Tao Luo, Yanlin Li, Yuanyuan Wu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study examines the impact of the digital economy on enterprises carbon reduction from a micro-firm perspective. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on China’s National E-commerce Demonstration Cities policy, this study utilizes a sample from the 2007–2015 China Tax Survey, which covers millions of enterprises, and applies a staggered difference-in-differences model for analysis. Findings: The results indicate that digital economic development significantly promotes enterprise carbon reduction. Mechanism analysis reveals that green innovation and production efficiency are key channels for this impact. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis suggests that the emission reduction effect is more pronounced in state-owned enterprises, cities with less government regulation, highly …

Supporting Careers, Strengthening Institutions: A Framework For Understanding The Careers Of University Professional Staff, Michelle Gander

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In recent decades, universities have undergone profound transformations shaped by globalisation, digital disruption, new accountability regimes, and shifting societal expectations. While considerable scholarly and public attention has focused on academic staff within these institutions, far less has been devoted to understanding the evolving roles and contributions of professional staff. This report addresses that gap by bringing much-needed visibility to the increasingly complex, strategic, and professionalised work undertaken by professional services staff in higher education. This report foregrounds the career trajectories and aspirations of university professional staff. It sheds light on the opportunities and constraints that shape their advancement. By tracing …

Graduate Outcomes Of Australian Hospitality Educational Institutions And Skills Desired By Employers: A Matrix Model, Alireza Amrollahi, Hana Hadinejad, Brent D. Moyle, Nicholas Thomas

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Demand for a skilled hospitality workforce has accelerated post-pandemic. However, limited research has explored the core competencies desired by the hospitality sector and their alignment with graduate outcomes from bachelor’s programs. Consequently, this study uses the Australian accommodation sector as an exemplar case to examine the alignment of skill supply and demand in the sector. An analysis of 28,000 Australian job advertisements reveals that employers seek a combination of soft and hard skills. Soft skills prevalent in job advertisements include communication, customer-orientation, teamwork, and adaptability. Hard skills that emerged include quality assurance, property management, culinary expertise, hospitality proficiency, and safety. …

Antecedents Of Domestic Visitor’S Memorable Experiences And Gender Difference: A Heritage Tourism Context, Siamak Seyfi, S. M. Rasoolimanesh, Erose Sthapit, C. Michael Hall

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study explores the interplay between visitor engagement, authenticity, and destination image in shaping memorable tourism experiences (MTE) within the realm of domestic heritage tourism, as well as the potential moderating role of gender in these relationships. Data were collected in the historic city of Kashan, Iran through a self-administered questionnaire and a combination of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and multi-group analysis was employed to test the hypotheses. The results strongly support the influence of visitor engagement, authenticity, and destination image on various dimensions of MTE. Additionally, noteworthy gender differences emerged, revealing that authenticity has a more …

Causality Of Circular Supply Chain Management In Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises Using Qualitative Information: A Waste Management Practices Approach In Indonesia, Ming-Lang Tseng, Shu-Xian Li, Ming K. Lim, Tat-Dat Bui, Muhamat R. Yuliyanto, Mohammad Iranmanesh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Circular supply chain management (CSCM) is a promising way to achieve economic and environmental sustainability and address the waste problem. However, developing a fully circular supply chain system is costly and time-consuming, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs need to achieve better CSCM by implementing waste management practices. This study aims to (1) critically validate the hierarchical structure of CSCM for SMEs; (2) identify the causal interrelationships among the attributes; and (3) determine the practical attributes for SME improvement in Indonesia. An approach consisting of the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), best worse method (BWM), and fuzzy decision-making trial …

The Role Of Team Compassion In Mitigating The Impact Of Hierarchical Bullying, Ben Farr-Wharton, Ace V. Simpson, Yvonne Brunetto, Tim Bentley

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Hierarchical bullying in public healthcare organizations is an entrenched negative behaviour that results in a range of adverse outcomes for staff, including diminished wellbeing. This study integrates social exchange and conservation of resources theories as a lens for formulating hypotheses and employs multilevel statistical modelling to examine whether team-level compassion moderates the impact of hierarchical bullying on wellbeing. Using multilevel statistical modelling, the study analysed cross-sectional data from 632 healthcare workers nested within 48 teams in a single public health district in Australia. The findings indicate that work teams with higher levels of team compassion can mitigate the negative effects …

Shareholders’ Engagement And Corporate Performance, Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh Salin, Zubaidah Ismail, Malcolm Smith

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

An investor relations function fosters continuous and direct communication between executives and stakeholders (Chapman et al., 2022). However, this function does not attract sufficient attention from the researchers, and not much literature documenting and evidence of the importance of developing strong relationships between firms with both shareholders and other stakeholders, which can lead to long-term partnership, increased loyalty, and hence, better operations carried out by the business entities. In light of this, the objective of this study is to investigate the connection between the level of engagement of shareholders and the profitability of corporations. This study uses content analysis on …

Dei And Discrimination In The Marketing Industry: Exploring The Lived Experiences In The Workplace. Evidence From Western Australia, Ashlee Morgan, Melissa Fong-Emmerson, Steven D’Alessandro, Marie Ryan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper explores the lived experiences of individuals in the Western Australian marketing industry, focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the workplace. Through a survey of 573 marketing professionals, the study gathered both qualitative and quantitative data on perceptions and attitudes towards DEI, and personal experiences of discrimination. The findings indicate strong support for DEI within the marketing workforce, with 76.6% agreeing that diversity and inclusion are important in the workplace, and 78.1% affirming that DEI should be a business priority. Yet, 25% reported personal experiences of workplace discrimination, underscoring the urgent need for organisations to listen to …

Fashioning Intangible Cultural Heritage In Tourism, Chaowu Xie, Hai Zhu, Jiangchi Zhang, Songshan Huang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The fashion evolution of intangible cultural heritage in tourist destinations is vital for promoting intangible cultural heritage inheritance and innovation. However, there is limited literature on its specific manifestations and influencing factors. This study employed a mixed research design. Study 1, taking Xunpu head-pinned flowers decoration as a study case, and following grounded analysis, found that the fashion evolution of intangible cultural heritage in tourist destinations was manifested by the pattern of “traditional ontology evolving into fashion ontology, traditional representations evolving into fashion representations, and traditional constructions evolving into fashion constructions.” Study 2, based on a scenario-based experiment, found that …

Entrepreneurship: A Practical Guide For Business Success, Jalleh Sharafizad, Violetta Wilk, Kerry Brown, Aglae Hernandez Grande, Fleur Sharafizad, Dorothy Wardale

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This book is tailored for entrepreneurs in their startups or moving to the next stage of their businesses, micro and small business owners, as well as individuals who are considering starting their own ventures. It brings together essential insights, practical tools, and valuable resources developed through two Western Australian government initiatives focused on entrepreneurial training and support. In addition, it draws on a range of business concepts from other sources, refining and simplifying them to suit the specific needs of emerging and growing enterprises.

Designed to be both flexible and supportive, the book serves multiple roles throughout your entrepreneurial journey. …

Role Of Ethical Leadership In Creating Meaningful Work Through Corporate Social Responsibility In Bhutan: A Conditional Mediation Model, Deki Choden, Mehran Nejati, Azadeh Shafaei, Ben Farr-Wharton, José L. Roldán

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This research investigated how ethical leaders drive employees to experience meaningfulness at work by influencing employees' perception of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It also examined if employees' skepticism towards CSR moderates these relationships. Conducted in Bhutan, where CSR is legally required but emerging, the study surveyed 797 employees from 15 companies using partial least squares path modeling. Findings confirmed that the perceived CSR mediates the positive link between ethical leadership and meaningfulness at work. Meanwhile, employees' skepticism towards CSR weakens both the positive impact of CSR perception on meaningfulness at work as well as the mediated path. The study highlights …

Decent Work In Ghana: Towards Understanding The Role Of Positive Psychological States In Worker Turnover Intentions, Albert Amankwaa, Irene Elisabeth De Pater, Isaac Kosi, Desmond Tutu Ayentimi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Decent work contributes to healthy work and employment, and strong societies. However, accessing decent work is a major issue particularly in developing economies where large proportions of the workforce hold precarious jobs or lack social security. Yet, so far, research on decent work and its scale validation has largely overlooked developing economy contexts, and this defeats the purpose of psychology of working theory to explain work experiences of all individuals. The purpose of this article is twofold. First, we validate Duffy et al.’s Decent Work Scale (DWS) in the Ghanaian context and second, we test a theory-driven model connecting decent …

Ijv Announcements And Shareholder Value Creation: Do Industrial Diversification And Relatedness Matter?, Kin Yip Ho, Zhaoyong Zhang, Lanyue Zhou

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose – This study empirically examines how industrial diversification and partner business relatedness influence shareholder value, focusing on US multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) worldwide joint venture (JV) announcements, with particular emphasis on East Asian economies. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on theories from finance, strategic management and international business, we apply a standard event study methodology and employ three parametric and nonparametric tests (i.e. the Patell Z-test, the rank test and the generalized sign test) to assess the impact. We calculate abnormal returns (ARs) as the difference between actual and expected returns and average them across firms to obtain the average AR for …

Regional Tourism Destination Brand Identity Formation Via Social Media: A Mixed Methods Study, Stephanie Meek, Violetta Wilk

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study examines the influence of social media on regional destination brand identity, addressing post-COVID-19 challenges for regional destinations through the Adaptive Control of Thought-Rational (ACT-R) theory framework. We conducted two studies: a qualitative analysis of 2325 social media user-generated content posts using Leximancer, and a quantitative survey of 1239 potential tourists using structural equation modelling (SEM) with AMOS. The qualitative study identified distinctive brand associations for the regional tourism destination, which informed Study 2. The quantitative study demonstrated that electronic word of mouth (eWOM) on social media has a positive influence on perceptions of regional tourism destination brand identity, …

The Metaverse And Sport Fandom: Revolutionising Sport Consumption, Ashlee Morgan, Anthony Kerr

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This article explores the potential transformative impact of the metaverse on sport consumption. While traditional sport environments cultivate a sense of communitas and liminality, where attendees experience unity and solidarity, the digital shift is redefining these dynamics. The metaverse offers new ways for sport consumers to engage, experience, and enter into an exchange. We present a model that conceptualises the multifaceted elements reshaping how sport is consumed, while also providing a framework to critically assess the implications of this transformation. We address both the opportunities and challenges presented with the expansion of virtual sport consumption and highlight legal and ethical …

A Metaheuristic Approach For The Multi-Objective Sustainable Vehicle Routing Problem, Reza Moghdani, Khodakaram Salimifard, Emrah Demir, Sasan Barak, Adel Aazami, Seyed Ashkan Hosseini Shekarabi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study introduces the Multi-Objective Sustainable Vehicle Routing Problem (MOSVRP) with time windows, designed for congested urban networks. The model simultaneously addresses economic, environmental, and social sustainability by minimizing costs and emissions while maximizing customer satisfaction through enhanced service at pickup nodes. To manage the complexity of large-scale urban routing, we propose a novel Voronoi diagram-based network shrinking procedure that significantly reduces computational effort. More specifically, the model incorporates time-dependent traffic patterns to capture realistic urban conditions. For the solution, we propose a tailored metaheuristic, the enhanced Multi-Objective Volleyball Premier League (MOVPL) algorithm, which incorporates reference point guidance, disruption operators, …

Artificial Intelligence Innovation And Stock Price Crash Risk, Junru Zhang, Chen Cui, Chen Zheng, Grantley Taylor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study examines the association between artificial intelligence innovation (AII) and stock price crash risk (SPCR). AII serves as a governance mechanism that can bolster strength in internal controls, leading to increased financial transparency and thereby reducing the likelihood of future SPCR. The results hold after accounting for possible endogeneity issues Further, we find that monitoring through corporate governance mechanisms, level of following by equity analysts, and the reduced information asymmetry constitute important channels that mediate the association between AII and SPCR. Additionally, the relationship between AII and SPCR varies across corporate life cycle stages and workplace culture.

Complex Tapestry Of Ebooking Determinants: A Moderation Analysis Of Short-Term Rental, E. A. Ndaguba, K. Brown

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The objective of this study is to investigate the multifaceted determinants influencing booking intentions in the dynamic landscape of short-term rentals. Drawing on established theories in consumer behaviour and hospitality management, the research aims to shed light on the interplay of factors such as price, occupancy rate, reviews, superhost status, instant book feature, listing type, and their potential moderation. By synthesising these insights, the study seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the complex decision-making processes of potential guests in the evolving context of modern hospitality and short-term accommodation platforms.

Assessing Environmental Performance Through Environmental Management Initiatives, Green Extrinsic And Intrinsic Motivation, And Resource Commitment In Malaysian Hotels, Ataul K. Patwary, S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh, Roslizawati C. Aziz, Muhammad U. Ashraf, Md Mahmudul Alam, Shafique U. Rehman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The level of dedication that an organization has toward the preservation of the natural environment is reflected in its environmental performance. This study evaluates the role of green extrinsic and intrinsic motivation and resource commitment on Malaysian hotel employees’ environmental performance. It also examines the mediating roles of green extrinsic and intrinsic motivation and resource commitment in the relationship between green management initiatives and hotel environmental performance. Data was collected from the Four- and five-star hotel employees and tested the models and hypotheses of this study by employing partial least squares-structural equation modeling. Green extrinsic and intrinsic motivation significantly influence …

Sacred Or Sacrificed Placemaking: A Contested Fan Pilgrimage Site For Rural Tourism Development, Timo Thelen, Sangkyun Kim, Tomohiro Kai, Eerang Park

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The concept of placemaking describes the transformation and development of a site directed by the local authorities. This longitudinal study examines the emergence of a fan pilgrimage site in rural Japan and the subsequent placemaking process to establish it as a popular culture tourism site. The study uncovers friction among stakeholders and backlash against the top-down placemaking approach from both residents and fans, whose attitudes are more critical and impactful than those of non-fan tourists towards making the place. The study contributes to a nuanced understanding of placemaking dynamics and complexity by drawing on a non-Western context and its particularities, …

Identifying The Metaverse Value Recipe(S) Affecting Customer Engagement And Well-Being In Retailing, Gaganpreet Singh, Sanjit K. Roy, Chrysostomos Apostolidis, Mohammed Quaddus, Saalem Sadeque

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Following the increasing interest of retailers in engaging with their consumers using digital channels and platforms, this study uses affordance theory and Leroi-Werelds' value typologies as a theoretical lens to identify recipes (i.e., combinations) of positive and negative affordances that facilitate or impede their interactions with the metaverse in the retail context. More specifically, the study aims to unveil the complex interplay between different value dimensions influencing customer engagement in the metaverse and their impact on customers' well-being. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was used to analyse data from Australian consumers. This research deviates from earlier studies that have focused …

The Mediating And Moderating Roles Of Entrepreneurship Education In The Perceived Acquisition Of Entrepreneurial Learning And Knowledge, Frances Y.M. Chang, Muhammad Aftab Alam, Murray Taylor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Entrepreneurship education (EE) is a pivotal inspiration for students’ efforts to acquire entrepreneurial knowledge (EK), which can enable them to found new business ventures. We draw on entrepreneurial inspiration theory to develop a framework that we use to test (a) the mediating effect of entrepreneurship education and (b) the moderating effects of different pedagogical approaches on the relationship between students’ entrepreneurial intention (EI) and EK. The results reveal that entrepreneurship has significant and positive direct and indirect effects on the relationship between EI and EK. Importantly, our analyses reveal that the different pedagogical approaches used in business schools to impart …

A Framework For Understanding The Influence Of The Lifeworld Concept On Small Business Utilisation Of Linkedin, Jalleh Sharafizad, Janice Redmond, Craig Standing, Richard Fulford

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

LinkedIn is a professional platform used as a collaborative tool by small business entrepreneurs to acquire crucial resources needed to sustain and grow their business. However, there is limited research to explain the influence of the lifeworld on entrepreneurs’ LinkedIn use. Using qualitative interviews we address this research gap. The findings reveal evidence of a developing lifeworld within LinkedIn, comprising three key components: culture, social integration, and socialisation. The core small business LinkedIn culture is endorsing and advocating for business brand within a strictly professional ethos, rejecting any deviation from this approach. Social integration is based on strategic actions to …

Co-Opted Directors And Corporate Climate Risk Disclosure, Rashid Zaman, Ummara Fatima, Muhammad Bilal Farooq, Soheil Kazemian

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study aims to examine whether and how the presence of co-opted directors (directors appointed after the incumbent CEO) influences corporate climate risk disclosure. Design/methodology/approach: This study comprehensively analyses 2,975 firm-year observations of US-listed companies, using ordinary least squares with industry and year-fixed effects. To confirm the reliability of the study results, the authors used several techniques, including propensity score matching, to address potential issues with functional form misspecification, analysed a subset of companies where co-option persisted over two consecutive years to mitigate concerns regarding reverse causality and difference-in-differences estimation, using the cheif executive officer’s (CEO’s) sudden death as …

Does Capital Structure Mediate The Relationship Between Corporate Governance Compliance And Firm Performance? Empirical Evidence From Pakistan, Irfan Haider Shakri, Jaime Yong, Erwei Xiang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine how capital structure mediates the effects of corporate governance (CG) compliance on firm performance (FP) in the context of a developing market experiencing significant reforms to its governance landscape. Design/methodology/approach: An index was built to measure firm-level compliance with Pakistan’s code of CG. Several robustness checks were performed, including alternate proxies of dependent and independent variables, using additional control variables and considering the Global Financial Crisis period. To address dynamic effects and endogeneity, several identification strategies were used: a leading dependent variable, fixed effects model, generalised method of moments model and …

The Effect Of Climate Change On Different Types Of International Visitors In Western Australia, Ghialy Yap, Charbel Bassil

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper examines the effects of climate change on tourist arrivals to Western Australia, which we classify according to the purpose of their visit (business, education, holiday, visitors of friends and relatives (VFR), and employment). We construct a temperature variability indicator that measures the deviation of extreme temperatures from the average temperature. Overall, the results reveal that temperature variabilities have long-term diminishing effects on tourist arrivals, specifically VFR, visitors for employment and education. Surprisingly, unusually low-temperature variability negatively affects tourist arrivals more than unusually high-temperature variability. This suggests that cooler temperatures than expected could lead to tourists’ dissatisfaction and reduce …

Assessing The Carbon Footprint Of The Agriculture, Forestry, And Fishing Industry Of Australia, Soheil Kazemian, Rashid Zaman, Mohammad Iranmanesh, Zuraidah Mohd Sanusi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study examines the carbon emissions of Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors from a consumption perspective to develop effective policy frameworks. The objective is to identify key supply chains, industries and products contributing to these emissions and provide recommendations for sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach: A multiregional input-output lifecycle assessment was conducted using the Australian Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratory (IELab) platform to disaggregate sectors and enable benchmarking against other economic sectors. Findings: In 2018, the “agriculture, forestry, and fishing” sector was responsible for 12.15% of Australia’s carbon footprint. Major contributors included the “electricity, gas, water, and waste” category (26.1%) and …

A Global Study Of Climate Uncertainty And Carbon Assurance, Le Luo, Junru Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Measurement, verification, and reporting of carbon emissions is essential for climate management. However, research on carbon assurance is limited. To address this gap, we investigate the association between climate uncertainty and voluntary carbon assurance. We conceptualize and operationalize four dimensions of micro-level climate uncertainty: innovation, management and performance, supply chain, and managerial perception uncertainty. We find that all four proxies of climate uncertainty are positively associated with the adoption of voluntary carbon assurance and the positive associations are moderated by a country-level environmental, social, and governance reporting mandate and the industry. Finally, we document that voluntary carbon assurance impacts the …

When The Going Gets Tough, Who Gets Going? Relational Embeddedness, Institutional Support And Entrepreneurial Continuance: Evidence From China's Small Business Owners, Tenghao Zhang, Pi Shen Seet, Janice Redmond, Jalleh Sharafizad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose – This study investigates how relational embeddedness and perceived institutional support influence entrepreneurs' intention to keep entrepreneurial ventures going in an emerging transition economy, China, during a major disruption, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach – We surveyed 295 small business owners in China during its second COVID-19 wave. Covariance-based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM) was used to evaluate the model. Findings – The study found that relational embeddedness and perceived institutional support both significantly influenced their intention for entrepreneurial continuance (IEC) through the mediating effects of the three Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) determinants. It also found that relational …