Business Commons^™

Moral Identity, Joseph P. Hester

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

Foundationally, our communal awareness offers a complexity of meaning, but don’t be deterred, it also provides an avenue for understanding ethics, suggesting a definition of “humanity” as “community.”

The Character Fractal: A Theory Of Virtue Replication In Organizations, Kevin Davis, Scott Kozlak, Matthew M. Orlowsky, David Levy

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

Organizational ethics has long been treated as an individual problem requiring individual solutions: the right traits, the right training, the right people in the right roles. This paper argues that framing is fundamentally insufficient. While character and virtue ultimately reside in persons, character development within organizations emerges through recursive ethical interactions shaped by incentives, narratives, feedback loops, and habituation structures cultivated by systems leaders. It replicates, or fails to, across every scale of human interaction, from the unobserved micro-decision of a single employee to the macro-level architecture of executive leadership. Drawing on Mandelbrot's fractal geometry, Lorenz's chaos theory, Kauffman's complexity …

From Betrayal To Blessing: Leadership Lessons From The Joseph Narrative, Hershey H. Friedman, Nakato Hirakubo

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

This paper examines the enduring relevance of the biblical Joseph narrative as a study of human nature and leadership. Key themes include the transformative power of forgiveness and the intricate interplay between family dynamics and divine providence. While Joseph's moral integrity remains a central focus, the narrative also offers a sobering lesson in governance: his consolidation of land and wealth under Pharaoh created the very centralized power structure that eventually enabled the enslavement of his descendants. The narrative demonstrates how emotional vulnerability and tears serve as catalysts for healing, while Judah's transformation from complicity in betrayal to courageous advocacy exemplifies …

The Culture Metaphor: A Simple Guide To Creating Healthier Organizations, Matthew I. Horner, T. Daniel White, Rylan M. Charlton, Daphne Ds Deporres

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

In this paper, culture is conceptualized as a living system where every organizational decision and interpersonal interaction is a source of nourishment. Employing this metaphor, a leader’s visible actions, such as policy and resource decisions, serve as macronutrients, while exchanges between organizational members, such as email correspondence and meeting behavior, act as micronutrients that feed culture. An organization’s cultural health, therefore, depends on a balanced diet in which behaviors align with stated values. Leaders, as chief dietitians, identify and resolve deficiencies to build trust, enhance well-being, and improve performance. Actionable strategies for diagnosing and feeding culture are provided to help …

Ethics: The Connective Tissue Of Human Life, Joseph P. Hester

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

America needs to take a deep breath and reconsider the purposes of democracy, but more, infuse some modicum of commonsense into political decision-making. How many unnecessary wars and homeland killings must we endure and how many lies must we listen to as Trump filibusters his way onto the world’s stage? Seeking lucidity in Trump’s actions may be a stretch and even many of his supporters are asking for explanations, values’ consistency, and Constitutional clarity. I could go on, but this comment sets the tone for this editorial comment.

The Quenched Beacon: A 250-Year Vigil And The Darkness Of American Democracy, Emilio F. Iodice

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

No abstract provided.

Summer/Fall 2026

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

No abstract provided.

Drop By Drop: An Experiential Water Waste Exercise, Rachel Dolechek Dba, Gregory Weisenborn

Applied Business Faculty Publications

Implementing a water-use experiential exercise in business courses reinforces student learning outcomes associated with managing both traditional business wastes and those wastes associated with social or environmental impact and responsibility. In this exercise, students are challenged to reflect on their own sustainability attitudes and behaviors by measuring their wasted water. The exercise is adaptable to include other business learning outcomes and is flexible for a variety of high-level sustainability frameworks. It provides an approachable opportunity to discuss social and environmental waste challenges and supports synergy to discuss multiple sustainability metrics associated with the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals, corporate social …

The Effectiveness Of Banks’ Influence On Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Eu Agriculture, Jan Koleśnik

Journal of Banking and Financial Economics

This article analyses the effectiveness of the banking sector in limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in European Union agriculture and the impact of EU banking groups‘ policies on their Polish subsidiaries. The study is based on data from 2019–2025 sourced from the Eurostat database, the European Banking Authority (EBA), and capital adequacy disclosures (CQ5 and CR1-B reports). The research sample included 14 EU countries with an agricultural share in GDP of between 1% and 3.6% and 62 EU banking groups at the highest level of consolidation. A linear regression model was employed, using the change in gas emissions as the …

Socio-Demographic Correlates Of Consumers’ Readiness To Use Ai In Financial Decision-Making, Michał Buszko, Tomasz Szopiński

Journal of Banking and Financial Economics

This study investigates the socio-demographic factors associated with readiness to use AI-driven tools in financial decision-making. It uses data from a representative survey of Poles and conceptualises an AI readiness index. It then estimates the relationships between socio-demographic characteristics and this index using an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model. Additionally, robustness checks are conducted with heteroskedasticityrobust standard errors and multiple imputation. The OLS results were supplemented by one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) post hoc tests to identify groups’ differences. The results demonstrate that gender, age, education, and income are significantly associated with consumers’ …

Mental Health Self-Perceptions And Resource Utilization In Undergraduate Students At Binghamton University, Nicole J. Dreznin, Sarah Marcus

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

Undergraduate students face increasing rates of mental health challenges, however discrepancies in mental health literacy and utilization of resources may exist across student populations. This study examined the perceptions of mental health in undergraduate students at Binghamton University and if they differed among STEM vs non-STEM, man vs. women, and first-generation vs. continuing generation undergraduate students. A 20-question survey, containing 5 demographic questions and 15 mental health related questions was distributed through Qualtrics to 9 undergraduate classes. The available response choices were based on the Likert scale. A total of 1266 students participated.  Chi square tests of independence were done …

The Institutional Production Of Ethical War Across Modern Conflict, Katerina Udov

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

This paper argues that modern warfare operates through an ethical infrastructure that enables, rather than restrains, the use of violence. Contrary to the common assumption that moral frameworks such as Just War Theory function as safeguards against harm, the historical record shows that ethical language, humanitarian rhetoric, and democratic narratives serve as mechanisms to legitimize intervention, manufacture consent, and naturalize civilian suffering. Through case studies including Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, U.S.-backed coups in Latin America, and French intervention in Mali, the paper traces how political leaders, media institutions, and corporate actors frame war as a moral necessity while pursuing strategic and …

2026-07-06 Message From The President, Morehead State University. Staff Congress.

Staff Congress Records

Message sent on July 6, 2026 by the President to the campus community regarding upcoming dates of importance, new Carnegie Designation, new building openings and dedications campus personnel announcements and other updates.

Board Independence And Nonprofit Performance: A Contingency Approach, Ayokunle Abe Amoo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Board independence is central to the governance of nonprofit organizations and is widely recommended by regulators and governing bodies to strengthen accountability and performance. However, little is known about its impact on nonprofit organizations and particularly their operational efficiency, an important facet of performance reflected in fundraising and administrative cost ratios, key metrics that donors and other stakeholders rely on to assess whether a nonprofit is a responsible steward of contributed resources. Drawing on agency and institutional theories, this study examines the link between board independence and performance and the extent to which organizations’ broader socioeconomic context moderates this link. …

The Business Next Door: How The Essenburgs Became The Chick-Fil-A Of The Car Wash Industry, Steve Vanderveen

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

It is difficult to imagine a more entrepreneurial family than the Essenburgs.

Strategic Artificial Intelligence Use And Microbusiness Performance: Evidence From U.S. Minority-Owned Business, Doreen Nkenyeh Ayafor

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Minority-owned microenterprises play a critical role in economic development in underserved communities in the United States, yet persistent disparities in business performance remain. Prior research suggests that Black- and Hispanic-owned microenterprises face lower profitability and revenue relative to their White-owned counterparts, reflecting structural constraints such as limited access to capital, professional networks, and digital resources. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in entrepreneurial decision-making, an important question is whether strategic AI use mitigates or reinforces these disparities. Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) and critical race theory (CRT), this study examines whether strategic AI use moderates the relationship between …

Financial Analysis Tool (Ct-Ft) For Western North Carolina Christmas Tree Growers, Sam Blumenfeld, Solomon Ghezehei, Justin G.A. Whitehill, Elizabeth G. Nichols

Journal of Extension

Western North Carolina is a major national Christmas tree (CT) production region, yet the CT industry faces numerous challenges that threaten its financial sustainability. Little economic research has been done, and limited decision-making tools exist to assist producers, Extension agents, and associated industry stakeholders. We developed an Excel-based financial analysis tool (CT-FT) to assist small and midsize wholesale CT producers in operational planning and financial assessment. The publicly available financial tools will enable CT growers to better understand their finances and operations, interact with financial stakeholders, assess alternative management scenarios, and track yearly costs to improve operational financial sustainability.

Transformative Phygital Service Research (Tpsr): An Agenda For Future Research, Saadia Shabnam, Sanjit K. Roy, Yonathan Silvain Roten, Gaganpreet Singh, Taewon Suh, Hairong Li

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a transformative phygital service research (TPSR) framework to explain how hybrid physical-digital service systems shape consumer well-being, autonomy, dignity and inclusion. While prior phygital service research (PSR) advances understanding of hybrid experiences and human-centred ecosystems, key ambiguities persist around agency, governance and interpretive labour in algorithmically mediated interactions. Existing frameworks address value co-creation but lack clarity on how digitally enforced rules and redistributed labour drive transformation. TPSR addresses this gap by theorising contradiction-driven processes through which human–AI arrangements and socio-technical dynamics produce both empowering and erosive outcomes in phygital service environments. Design/methodology/approach – …

Mental Health Challenges Associated With Social Media Use And Effective Management Strategies: A Systematic Literature Review, Ebrahim Timol, Kebashnee Moodley

The African Journal of Information Systems

This study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to investigate the mental health challenges associated with increasing social media (SM) usage. The review compares these effects across youth and adult age groups and explores how mental health issues related to SM use have evolved before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a comprehensive search of databases including ProQuest, Scopus, JSTOR, and Google Scholar, 43 relevant articles were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that social media usage exacerbates mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, fear of missing out (FOMO), social and financial comparisons. The COVID-19 pandemic notably …

The Use Of Public Relations Departments In Palestinian Private Companies In The Northern Governorates On Social Media And Its Impact On Achieving Competitive Advantage, Ahmed Ammar

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study aimed to examine the use of public relations departments in private Palestinian companies in the northern governorates for social media and their impact on achieving competitive advantage. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, with data collected via a questionnaire distributed to a sample of 49 employees in public relations and related administrative roles. Descriptive analysis indicated that digital content management, media communication, audience engagement, relationship building, and performance monitoring and strategic analysis are all key factors in enhancing competitive advantage, with varying levels of impact. Multiple regression analysis showed that digital content management and media communication and audience …

Resignation Typology And Its Impact On Entrepreneurial Intention And Action, Shuaijun Zhang, Wanrong Hou, Sibin Wu

Management Faculty Publications

By categorizing resignees into “genius,” “traditional,” “forced,” and “trapped,” this study examines the relationship between different types of resignees and entrepreneurial intention and action. Furthermore, we argue that anticipated regret and dormant tie reactivation moderate this relationship. An analysis of survey data from 781 participants in the United States indicates that the types of resignees exert varying influences on entrepreneurial intention and action. Compared with “traditional” and “trapped,” but not “forced,” the “genius” group have high intention of starting their own enterprises. However, the “trapped” group engage in more entrepreneurial activities than “genius.” Further, the “trapped” group with high anticipated …

Agricultural Cooperatives And Crop Marketing In Tanzania, Benson Otiene Ndiege Dr

Jurnal Vokasi Indonesia

Agricultural cooperatives have become essential tools in rural areas, fostering agricultural development. This study examines the marketing of farmers' produce by cooperatives in Tanzania. It specifically investigates the collection processes of agricultural produce through cooperatives and the importance of cooperative marketing during the 2023/24 to 2024/25 seasons. The study used a descriptive mixed-methods design that mixed both qualitative secondary data analysis and qualitative documentary review. As such, the study utilised secondary data from the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC) statistical database and the report on the performance of non-financial cooperatives in Tanzania in 2025. The data included variables such as …

Rural Business Development Corporation Annual Report 2025-26, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Reports

Overview

In this report, the Rural Business Development Corporation is referred to as ‘the Corporation’ or ‘the RBDC’. The RBDC is an independent statutory authority of the Government of Western Australia (WA), established under the Rural Business Development Corporation Act 2000 (Act). The Act preserved and continued the body corporate established by the Rural Adjustment and Finance Corporation Act 1993.

What we do

The RBDC administers approved assistance schemes on behalf of the WA Government for the benefit of rural industry and regional communities. Approved schemes may provide financial assistance by way of loans, grants, or other financial incentives. The …

Building Resilient And Sustainable Built Environments Through Climate Adaptation, Digital Innovation, And Infrastructure Governance, Mohammed Ali Berawi, Mustika Sari, Perdana Miraj

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The built environment has become one of the most important arenas for responding to climate change, resource pressure, and rapid urban transformation. Cities, infrastructure networks, buildings, and construction projects are no longer expected only to provide physical services. They are also expected to reduce environmental impact, protect communities from disruption, support economic activity, and remain useful under uncertain future conditions. This expectation places resilience and sustainability at the center of infrastructure development.

Resilience refers to the capacity of built systems to anticipate shocks, absorb pressure, recover from damage, and continue functioning. Sustainability asks whether those systems can do so while …

Experimental Studies Of Compressive Strength Of Sustainable Concrete With Partial Cement Substitution Using Palm Oil Boiler Ash, Daral Suraedi, Jessica Sjah, Nuraziz Handika, Saffanah Fasya Aulia, Karmenita Olivia Edwardo

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

This study investigates the mechanical performance of sustainable concrete incorporating Palm Oil Boiler Ash (POBA) as a partial cement replacement. As the construction sector seeks to reduce CO₂ emissions and manage agro-industrial waste, POBA emerges as a promising supplementary cementitious material due to its pozzolanic potential and abundance in palm oil–producing regions such as Indonesia.Concrete specimens were prepared with POBA substitution levels ranging from approximately 10% to 30% by weight of cement, in combination with nanosilica and a polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer to enhance performance. The mix design was developed in accordance with ACI 211 guidelines to maintain comparable workability …

Analysis Of Venture Capital Investment For Financing The Development Of The Palm Oil Industry In Indonesia For Private Companies, Salvatore Yitro, Mustika Sari, Gunawan Saroji

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Indonesia is the world's largest crude palm oil (CPO) producer, accounting for 58.04% of global output from 2018 to 2022 and generating between USD 18.2 billion and USD 28.95 billion in annual foreign exchange earnings from 2016 to 2021. The downstream sector, however, remains largely controlled by foreign markets, and private companies face restricted access to conventional bank financing due to negative campaigns against Indonesian palm oil in European markets. No prior study has examined the financial feasibility of venture capital as a financing mechanism for integrated downstream palm oil development by private companies in Indonesia. This study analysed that …

Analysis Of Factors Influencing The Implementation Of Sustainable Project Management (Spm) In The Construction Industry In Indonesia, Ariq Farhan, Titi Sari Nurul Rachmawati

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The construction industry contributes significantly to economic growth but also carries substantial environmental and social costs. Construction activities generate carbon emissions, consume natural resources, and produce large volumes of waste. Despite growing theoretical development of Sustainable Project Management (SPM) frameworks, empirical evidence on the actual level of SPM implementation in Indonesia's construction sector remains limited. This study aims to identify the factors that influence SPM implementation and measure the level of implementation as perceived by construction professionals. A quantitative survey was administered to 99 professionals across infrastructure, building, and industrial construction sectors in Indonesia. Data were collected through a Likert-scale …

Analysis Of The Implemetation Of Enterprise Resource Planning (Erp) Sap S/4 Hana In Cost Control Of Light Rail Transit (Lrt) Construction Projects, Rizki Zulkarnaini, Bernadette Detty Kussumardianadewi

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Construction projects are expensive, complex, and difficult to keep on budget. Cost overruns are common. The consequences, including delays, disputes, and financial losses, appear repeatedly across the sector. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have been widely adopted to address this challenge, but evidence on how SAP S/4HANA performs in Light Rail Transit (LRT) construction is limited. This study analyzed the critical success factors of SAP S/4HANA implementation and evaluated its effect on cost control performance in an LRT project in Jakarta. Data were collected from two sources: a questionnaire distributed to 50 respondents involved in the project, and cost records …

Nebraska And The Midwest Agtech Ecosystem: Benchmarking Innovation Investment And Translation Gaps, Ankit Chandra, Ishani Lal, Brennan Costello

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

Agricultural innovation is central to the sustainable transformation of food systems, yet the capital that finances it is unevenly distributed relative to where food is produced. This paper develops a diagnostic framework for measuring this mismatch and applies it across the U.S. Midwest from 2021 to 2025, with particular emphasis on Nebraska's structural position within this landscape. Drawing on venture capital deal-flow data, 17 stakeholder interviews, and a novel strength-weakness-opportunity-gap (SWOG) ecosystem mapping methodology, we document $736 million in tracked Midwest AgTech funding across eight states (Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota). We introduce three …

The Roles Of Shame In Ex-Christians' Personal Experiences And Deconversion Journeys, Anaya Bruno

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

Although the benefits of religion on individuals’ mental wellbeing have been well-studied, research exploring aspects of religion that may prove harmful to mental wellbeing is limited. This study explores the roles of shame in the experiences of ex-Christians that led to their deconversion. The study’s results have implications for understanding the experiences of religious trauma, considering that chronic shame has been linked to the development of trauma. Respondents, recruited via Reddit, answered survey questions about the ways in which they perceived shame to influence their religious experiences, personal experiences, and religious deconversion. Inductive thematic analysis was utilized to derive themes …