Industrial and Commercial Training

Purpose Online learning becomes a trendy format for workplace training, particularly during the pandemic. This study aims to examine the effects of a technology-assisted self-adaptive training camp on employees’ learning process and acquired knowledge, and the relationship between employees’ knowledge gained and organisational growth. Design/methodology/approach The participants were 213 pharmaceutical representatives from a global pharmaceutical business in the Asia-Pacific branch who enrolled in a 21-day professional training camp. Their knowledge gained was calculated by pre-tests and post-test scores captured from an online training system. The company’s profits gained by employees were indicated by individuals’ quarter-over-quarter growth rates. Specifically, the authors applied a series of quantitative analyses to examine the relationship between employees’ knowledge gained, learning quality and organizational growth brought by individuals. Findings During the online training session, employees obtained increased professional knowledge significantly. The quality of employees’ learning process was a significant predictor of their learning outcomes. In addition, a positive correlation was found between the knowledge obtained by employees and the company’s quarterly growth rates. A followed-up regression analysis indicated that the greater knowledge improvement an individual achieved, the higher quarter-to-quarter growth rate brought by the individual to the organization. Originality/value The study provides educational insights for organisations to effectively train employees’ professional competency through online learning. The investigation on the 21-day camp shows that employees received higher-quality training, resulting in increased revenues and greater workplace flexibility. The findings have implications for supporting the integration of educational technology into workplace training to boost the competency development of employees.

Purpose – This article endeavors to examine the relationship between empowering leadership, and the holistic well-being construct i.e., flourishing-at-work. Design/methodology/approach –On the basis of an extensive review of literature and using conservation of resource theory (COR) and self-determination theory (SDT),this study proposes a conceptual framework with employee work passion as a link connecting empowering leadership and flourishing-at-work. Findings – Empowering leadership has the ability to enhance employee work passion and thereby increase the overall well-being of employees (flourishing).Moreover, the study demonstrates that employee work passion serves as a potential mechanismconnectingempowering leadership and flourishing-at-work. Research limitations – Being a conceptual paper, the proposed framework lacks empirical validation. Practical implications – Organizations should focus on leaders with empowering behaviours and strive towards increasing employee work passion. Originality/value – This is the first study to propose the role of employee work passion as a possible conceptual link between empowering leadership and employee flourishing-at-work.This paper emphasizes the importance of flourishing-at-work in the current climate of rising mental tensions among employees, which leads to adverse organizational outcomes.

Abstract Purpose This study aims at validating a scale for the perception of competences and attitudes of the Portuguese public administration employees. The sample of this study consists of 1,119 participants working in public administration and other labour sectors in Portugal. The psychometric qualities of this instrument were studied to assess its use in future studies. Design/methodology/approach An initial exploratory factor analysis showed that the scale is composed of one factor, with a Kaiser–Meyer–Oklin value of 0.83. The subsequent confirmatory factor analysis performed in AMOS 27 confirmed the existence of a single factor. Findings The analysis of the psychometric qualities of the scale allows concluding that it can be applied in the context of the Portuguese public administration. Originality/value Given the universality of the competences and attitudes adopted, it can be extended to other work and cultural contexts.

Purpose This paper aims to provide an in-depth awareness into the research on customised training programme for the indigenous population in India. The central aim is to conduct a systematic review on the available studies to explore its crucial themes interweaving with skill development. Design/methodology/approach This study uses systematic review method, for which the author uses Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, SPIDER tool and Mendeley to identify relevant articles from 2011 to 2022. Findings Results show that the customised training programme is useful for the first-generation population to upgrade their skills. It aids in improving scalability, supports job creation and facilitates in mitigating low level of training exposure by meeting the local needs. However, poor approachability on customised training, its oversimplification and lack of research dents the critical insights and prospects. Originality/value The novelty of this paper lies on retrieving the essential indicators of customised training from previous studies by systematic review tools. It can aid academicians, educators, local administration and policymakers to understand its benefits for indigenous population to fill the policy gaps.

Purpose This paper aims to explore how one industry leader in Indonesia addressed its hiring and training problems while simultaneously contributing to society through an human resource management (HRM)-led corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative involving a vocational education training (VET) intervention. Design/methodology/approach The VET case study, which is central to the paper, followed a four-stage action research design. Data were collected through series of consultations with the company’s top management, benchmarking companies, the vocational school, local community and government bodies. Findings The intervention reduced the company’s hiring and training problems and provided jobs for graduates which addressed local youth unemployment. This experience generated lessons on CSR strategic interventions which should be considered when HRM professionals are seeking to address simultaneously organisational and social objectives. Research limitations/implications The study is based on a single case in a local setting in one country. Practical implications The study offers insights to HRM practitioners who face similar problems relating to upskilling, local talent supply and employee recruitment. The proposed framework is likely to be relevant to HRM practitioners who play a lead role in their organisations’ CSR initiatives. Social implications The case provides a realistic example of how a company, through its HRM function, can play a meaningful role in addressing societal issues and strategic business objectives. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is an original case study based on primary data, conducted as action research.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the structural relationship model among narcissism, work centrality, employee engagement and discretionary effort. Design/methodology/approach Respecting the quantitative approach, the data were gathered by means of the survey completed by 1,190 respondents of Generation X, Y and Z working in the Thai service and manufacturing industries. Findings The findings of the study indicated positive associations between narcissism and work centrality, narcissism and employee engagement, work centrality and employee engagement and employee engagement and discretionary effort. It was observed that work centrality played a partially mediating role in the relationships between narcissism and employee engagement, while employee engagement fully mediated the associations between work centrality and discretionary effort, as well as between narcissism and discretionary effort. The structural model demonstrated variations across different generational cohorts, suggesting that the relationships differed among generations. However, the model did not exhibit any variations across different types of industries. Furthermore, the findings from the Thai samples indicated that generational differences had a moderating effect on the path relationships between narcissism and work centrality (with Generation Y having a stronger effect compared to Generation Z and Generation X), narcissism and employee engagement (with Generation Y having a stronger effect compared to Generation Z and Generation X) and narcissism and discretionary effort (with Generation X having a stronger effect compared to Generation Y and Generation Z), all with a significance level of 95%. Additionally, the relationship between employee engagement and discretionary effort showed a significant difference across generations, with Generation Z exhibiting a stronger effect compared to Generation Y and Generation X, at a significance level of 99%. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence supporting the positive relationships between narcissism and work centrality, as well as narcissism and employee engagement, contrary to previous research findings. The results reveal that employee engagement fully mediates the associations between work centrality and discretionary effort, as well as between narcissism and discretionary effort, offering valuable contributions to the existing literature. Furthermore, this study expands on previous research by examining the moderating effect of industry type, specifically comparing manufacturing and service industries. The findings suggest that the model exhibits variations across different generational cohorts, highlighting the importance of considering generational differences in understanding these relationships. However, the model does not exhibit variations across different types of industries.

Purpose This paper aims to explore the role of retention strategies and psychological contract (PC) factors in private hospitals. Design/methodology/approach The current study is an empirical research. The study was conducted by receiving responses from a sample size of 190 respondents who participated in the Doctors and Nurses’ survey. Findings The study results show the relationship between PC and the retention strategies of employees in hospitals. The research found that employees try to be committed to the hospital due to the image of the hospital and career development opportunities. Creating a sense of commitment among the employees towards their job and organisation, making to feel pride in the job, creating an attitude among the employees, a willingness to advocate the benefits and advantages and satisfaction among the employee towards the job and organisation. Research limitations/implications With a population of more than one million employees (Doctors and Nurses) in the Indian health-care sector, the sample needs to be more adequate. However, these limitations present scope for future studies on this topic bearing on the aspiration for generalisation of the findings on the entire population. Practical implications The study has strong practical implications in strengthening the relationships by identifying the factors of PC and influencing the retention strategies of health-care professionals in the hospital. Originality/value This research explores the changing dynamics of the Indian health-care sector. Health-care professionals may perceive and react differently to the retention strategies and policies of the HR system in the health-care sector and have more expectations of PC fulfilment that enhance their capability to use professional skills and resources in the realisation of their organisational goals.

Purpose The purpose of this research paper is to study the effect of transformational leadership (TL) and job crafting (JC) on nurses’ innovative work behaviors (IWB) while accounting for the mediating effect of psychological empowerment (PsyEmp). Design/methodology/approach To test the developed hypotheses quantitatively, two statistical methods were used: structural equation modeling via partial least squares and bootstrapping estimation. The survey elicited responses from 270 nurses, but after data screening, only 168 were used. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to establish the distinctness of the variables used in this study. Findings Findings indicate that there are a positive influence of both TL and JC on PsyEmp. Additionally, the findings show a beneficial effect of PsyEmp as a mediator between TL, JC and IWB. Originality/value This study adds to the body of knowledge by demonstrating the effects of nurse TL and JC on nurses’ PsyEmp and IWB. In addition to the role of PsyEmp as a partial mediator in the relationship between TL, JC and IWB. The research novelty resides in the fact that none of these links has before been studied in the context of Iraq.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the properties of Happiness at Workplace (HAW) scale and investigate the validity of the scale in the Indian context using a sample of EdTech employees (knowledge-intensive population). This is consistent with encouraging the happiness literature as well as facilitating positive approaches at the working place in developing economies. Design/methodology/approach Responses were collected via Questionnaire from the employees of EdTech Companies, and a total of 500 responses were investigated. The factor structures, reliability and validity of the HAW scale were tested with the help of SPSS and Smart PLS Software Version 4.0.8.7. Findings The findings of this study showed that all the criteria of reliability and validity for validation of HAW scale were met when used in Indian culture, and the higher-order construct of HAW scale was retained. Originality/value Because of the differences in work cultures and societal structures among nations, the validation of HAW scale in the Indian context is needed, as the majority of the studies in the field of happiness were conducted in Western countries. So this study contributes significantly by validating the HAW scale in India by using a sample of EdTech employees.

Purpose The representation of women throughout all levels of military service and the experiences of women in military service remains a challenge for the U.S. military. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the gendered experiences of active-duty senior enlisted women in the U.S. military. In particular, this paper addresses gendered misconduct and its implications for training and human resource development. Design/methodology/approach Informed by gendered organizations theory, feminist institutional theory and social learning theory, this interpretive qualitative study used document reviews and in-depth interviews with 12 active-duty senior enlisted women representing various occupational specialties within the four branches of the Department of Defense. Findings Findings included compelling stories of the gendered experiences of the participants’ related to organizational structures, institutional culture, gendered misconduct and learning to navigate as a woman. Gendered misconduct, to include sexual assault, sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination, particularly reflected the simultaneous visibility and invisibility of women in military service. Originality/value The findings of this study are consistent with extant literature and may be used to inform policy and regulatory efforts regarding gendered misconduct in the military. Otherwise, women in the military will remain invisible and yet hypervisible.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish a relationship between pay satisfaction and leader–member relationship and examine pay satisfaction as a moderator of the relationship between toxic leadership and LMX among public sector nurses in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach Using a cross-sectional survey approach, the authors used questionnaires to collect data from 225 nurses working in public hospitals in Ghana. The hypotheses were tested using covariance-based structural equation modelling. Findings The results of this study revealed that pay satisfaction levels of nurses had an influence on leader–member exchange (LMX). The results further showed that pay satisfaction as a moderator of the relationship between toxic leadership and LMX was not statistically significant. Research limitations/implications Cross-sectional surveys are often criticised for causality issue. The causality issue here is that the link between toxic leadership, pay satisfaction and LMX was explored at a given point in time and ignores changes through time. Practical implications Hospitals must encourage their leaders to demonstrate more supportive and positive behaviours to foster positive leader–member relationships. Maladjusted, malcontent and malevolent leadership behaviours are dangerous for nurses and hospitals and can be addressed through leadership training and development. Social implications Toxic leadership has considerable organisational costs of low productivity and negative work relationship at the workplace. The indirect effects of toxic leadership at the workplace on employees’ families and friends are often silent in organisations. Originality/value Nurses have been ignored in toxic leadership research in emerging economies. LMX is extended to examine toxic leadership and pay satisfaction in public hospitals in an emerging economy.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically review the literature on design thinking training to elucidate guidelines for best practices of design thinking training interventions. Design/methodology/approach The literature was reviewed, which outlined several themes that informed a series of recommendations for organizations considering developing design thinking training. Findings Process-based training, delivery activities and content, skills-based approach, delivery format, support for training and training evaluation were identified as key themes in the literature. These themes highlighted practical recommendations for developing design thinking training interventions. Findings also demonstrate current limitations in the literature. Research limitations/implications Research on design thinking training is limited; therefore, recommendations for training should be applied carefully. The limited research points to a fruitful area for future research and development of design thinking training. Practical implications This paper suggests that researchers and practitioners should develop face-to-face or hybrid design thinking training interventions that follow the design thinking process and focus on the development of relevant skills, using interactive, user-focused and design visualization activities. Results suggest that adequate support for training should be provided, and outcomes of training should be empirically evaluated. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to review the design thinking training literature and provide general recommendations for both design thinking training development and design thinking research.

Purpose Organizations must be resilient to be agile and sensitive to numerous shifting situations due to the pandemic. There is limited research on how to bring the disparate perspectives and requirements of different generational cohorts in companies together to achieve outcomes that encourage organizational development and sustainability. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to explore how Gen Z’s competencies can be banked upon to foster organizational learning to sustain. Design/methodology/approach Considering the constantly changing scenario in business organizations and the growing need for organizational learning to sustain, the authors have conducted an extensive review of the literature to understand how to sustain organizational learning for and through Gen Z. An integrative secondary search was carried out for specific and relevant work on the topic. The authors have considered both empirical and qualitative studies in their review to highlight the various themes that emerge from the extant literature. Findings The study indicates that much of the knowledge and experience is filtered through a generational lens, and organizations must encourage the development of Gen Z employees through e-learning, psychological contract, intrapreneurship and reverse mentoring. Based on the findings, the authors have proposed an ICES model which unifies the above four factors. The proposed ICES model encompasses specific interventions of having an Integrated 360 degrees learning experience (I), Coaching leadership for enabling intrapreneurship (C), revamping EVP for Gen Z-specific psychological contract (E) and building a Skill-will inventory for reverse mentoring (S). Practical implications There is limited research on how to bring the disparate perspectives and requirements of different generational cohorts in companies together to achieve outcomes that encourage organizational development and sustainability. This study will enable organizations to break down generational barriers, enhance organizational harmony, foster initiative and innovation and boost organizational performance through sustained organizational learning. Originality/value In view of the pandemic situation, organizations need to adapt not just their systems and processes but also to look for ways to engage their talent. The proposed ICES model will enable the sustainability of organizational learning for and through the Gen Z workforce by fostering individual development and organizational performance.

Purpose The literature has defined different indicators of training effectiveness. At the performance indicator level of analysis, training effectiveness measures the impact of training on knowledge, skills and job performance. This paper aims to analyse, from the perspective of managers and employees from the hotel sector in Colombia, the relationships between the improvement of knowledge and skills and the improvement of job performance. Design/methodology/approach The research technique used is a survey. Data are collected from a sample of managers and a sample of employees from the Colombian hospitality industry. The hypotheses are contrasted through regression analysis. Findings From the managers’ perspective, the data indicate a significant relationship between the improvement of knowledge and work performance. In contrast, there is no significant relationship between improving skills and improving job performance. From the employees’ perspective, significant relationships between the improvement of knowledge and the improvement of skills in job performance are revealed. Originality/value This work makes significant contributions to the training literature. It analyses the relationships among indicators of training effectiveness from the point of view of managers and employees from the Colombian hotel sector. It reveals differences between the perspectives of managers and employees.

Purpose The primary purpose of this research paper is to evaluate e-learning among employees of Information Technology (IT) companies based in Hyderabad, India. Design/methodology/approach A survey was undertaken among the employees from different IT companies based in Hyderabad, India, to gauge the perception towards e-learning. The participants were selected randomly. The evaluation is based on a few factors: convenience, usefulness, course content, quality, effectiveness and benefits for employees and organizations. The responses were recorded online through a structured questionnaire. In total, 237 responses have been collected for this present study, of which 227 questionnaires were used for analysis. Findings The surveyed employees perceived that e-learning helped them enhance their workplace competency in a flexible but effective manner. The e-learning also empowered the learners and ultimately contributed to the enhancement of organizational performance in some ways. Research limitations/implications Limitation of the study – by examining the pris study was confined to employees working with IT companies based in Hyderabad City, India. The data is collected online, and there may be some insufficient responses. Implications of the study – the study results show a deep insight into the critical aspects of e-learning as a tool for employee training for the benefit of employees and organizational development. The surveyed respondents from the IT sector at Hyderabad perceived that keys to successful e-learning programs should give due consideration towards availability of internet bandwidth, making the course more interactive, providing more choices to the learners and user-friendly and personalized learning experience. The study also shows that the e-learning programs primarily benefit the employees as well as the organization in a manner, namely, improved productivity, helping to achieve business objectives of the firm, growth and advancement to the employees and enhancing the job-related knowledge. The study also discovered that e-learning improves employees’ opportunities for professional growth and advancement inside and outside the organization by assisting them in learning new skills and enhancing job-related information. Practical implications The internet penetration in recent years, as well as post-Covid-19, has given rise to online learning in the education and corporate sectors. The emergence of online or e-learning has been gaining ground in the corporate world by replacing the existing face-to-face or physical training model because of the cost factor and flexible learning to the learners. E-learning improves the learner’s ability to adapt to the company’s constantly changing business environment, which in turn helps the company increase departmental productivity and, ultimately, achieve its overall business goals. Social implications The e-learning also empowered the learners and ultimately contributed to the enhancement of organizational performance in some ways. The e-learning also empowers the learner to perform better at his workplace and at the same time moving on the social ladder as the learning makes him/her confident at the job market. Originality/value This study provides a valuable understanding of employee perceptions on the adoption and effectiveness of e-learning, which ultimately improves the benefits of the training and development department in realizing and enhancing the quality in corporate companies.

Purpose This study aims to investigate employee behavior toward work engagement with an integrative research framework that combines human resource practices, employee psychological empowerment and well-being. Moreover, the moderating effect of transformational leadership is tested between employee engagement at workplace during crisis such as COVID-19 and sustainable employment. Design/methodology/approach This study empirically investigates research framework with 353 responses retrieved from employees working in private sector organizations. The data were collected through structured, closed-ended questionnaires. For inferential analysis, structural equation modeling approach has been used. To test the predictive power of the research framework, blindfolding procedure Q ² is incorporated. Findings Statistical findings indicate that HR compensation, HR training, opportunity enhancing, motivation enhancing, psychological well-being and empowerment have explained substantial variance ( R ² = 67.5%) in employee work engagement during crisis. Concerning with sustainable employment, the transformational leadership and work engagement have shown significant variance ( R ² = 20.6%) in determining sustainable employment. Moving further psychological empowerment has revealed maximum effect size ( f ² ) to determine employee engagement behavior at work place during pandemic crisis. The blindfolding procedure Q ² has exhibited substantial power to predict employee work engagement and sustainable employment during crisis such as COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implications This study has several contributions to theory and practice. Theoretically, this study develops an integrative research framework with the help of human resource practices and employee psychological factors such as employee well-being and empowerment. Therefore, practically, this research suggests that factors such as opportunity enhancing, transformational leadership and employee psychological empowerment need managerial attention to increase employee engagement at workplace and sustainable employment during pandemic crisis. Social implications With the growing concerns of layoff during pandemic crisis, employees have shown lack of interest at workplace because of psychological fears. Nevertheless, this study has established that policymakers could enhance employee engagement at workplace and sustainable employment during crisis by redesigning HR practices and improving employee psychological well-being and empowerment. In addition to that, employee psychological well-being and empowerment are considered healthy factors for human beings and nurture society at large. Originality/value This research is original as it establishes an integrative research framework grounded in HR practices, employee psychological empowerment and employee psychological well-being to investigate employee behavior at work place during crisis such as pandemic. In addition to that, this study has enriched leadership literature by examining the moderating effect of transformational leadership between employee work engagement and sustainable employment.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to look into the relationship between leadership skills, especially technical, human and conceptual skills, and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), with organizational culture acting as a mediator. Design/methodology/approach For the purpose of this study, a quantitative strategy was adopted. To collect data, paper/online surveys were administered to 294 individuals in various Vietnamese public organizations. Stata 15.1 was used to assess the reliability, validity and consistency of the measurements. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the proposed hypotheses. Findings It was discovered that leadership skills have a significant effect on OCB, which partially supported the hypotheses. However, only conceptual skill was found to have a significant impact on individual OCB (OCBI). Conceptual skill was also found to have a significant impact on supportive culture. In addition, only supportive culture had a significant effect on OCBI. Finally, supportive culture was confirmed to mediate the relationship between conceptual skill and OCBI. Originality/value This study adds to the social exchange theory by filling three significant gaps in previous research on leadership skills. First, it investigates the impact of three leadership skills on OCB in public organizations. Second, it examines the role of leadership skills in fostering an organizational culture. Third, the paper concludes by investigating the underlying mechanism through which leadership skills contribute to OCB via the mediation of organizational culture. The implications of these findings for practice are discussed.

Purpose This paper aims to identify, assess and classify the most significant mentee outcomes of formal mentoring processes aimed at managerial development. Design/methodology/approach After conducting an extensive literature review to identify the most significant mentee outcomes in the management field, a survey was conducted with a sample of 80 experienced mentees. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) has been performed to simplify and contribute to operationalizing these results. Finally, focus group and nominal group techniques were conducted with practitioners to better understand the findings. Findings A total of 27 mentee outcomes have been identified in the literature. EFA analysis has allowed us to downsize the 27 outcomes into four factors encompassing the most relevant mentee outcomes. The authors then provide an interpretation and discussion of the results. Originality/value This work compiles, reviews and systematizes existing studies on mentee outcomes in the field of management, classifying the results in a novel manner.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss several obstacles that can reduce the effectiveness of managerial coaching. Furthermore, the paper highlights the role played by various stakeholders [i.e. the organization, senior leaders, the human resources (HR) function and managers] in overcoming or reducing the potency of such obstacles. Design/methodology/approach The views presented here have been derived from the authors’ professional experience in managerial coaching and a review of the literature on managerial coaching. Findings The authors discuss six common obstacles to effective managerial coaching: time for coaching, willingness to coach, ability to coach, employees’ ability and willingness, societal expectations and the intrusion of technology. They describe the critical role of various stakeholders (i.e. the organization, senior leaders, the HR function and line managers) in overcoming or mitigating the impact of such obstacles, thus contributing to effective managerial coaching. Originality/value A discussion of the obstacles to effective managerial coaching and the role of stakeholders in managerial coaching is valuable for organizations that seek to enhance the performance of employees through managerial coaching.

Purpose The purpose of this research is to address the importance of human resource development (HRD) and its resultant climate in an organization. Specifically, the study examines the cause-effect relationship between HRD climate and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB), as well as the role of organisational trust in this relationship. The study is underpinned by the social exchange theory. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted the quantitative research approach and the cross-sectional survey design in data collection. Two hundred seventy-four employees were sampled from the food manufacturing sector, out of which 219 responded. Data was entered using SPSS v.23 and analysed with Pearson’s Product correlation, hierarchical regression analysis and independent t -test. The mediation effect was analysed using Process Macro v 3.5 for SPSS. Findings Results indicate that HRD climate has a positive effect on OCB, hence, a predictor. Also, HRD climate was observed to be a predictor of organisational trust and that organisational trust mediates the cause and effect relationship between HRD climate and OCB. This study recommends that management continues to invest in the development of employees as it goes a long way to ensure the survival and growth of the organisation. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to examine the interplay between HRD climate, trust and OCBs.

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to study the effect of workplace loneliness on job performance. This paper also examined the mediating role of employee well-being and psychological safety and the moderating role of person–environment fit (PE fit). Design/methodology/approach A multi-rated research design was used to collect data. Data were collected from 382 employees and their 97 supervisors of various Indian organizations. The data of job performance was collected from the supervisor of every team. The questionnaire for data collection was distributed at two different time intervals to reduce common method bias. Findings The findings of this paper supported the role of PE fit in minimizing the negative effect of workplace loneliness–well-being relationship and workplace loneliness and psychological safety relationship. The model also tested the association between workplace loneliness and job performance when the relationship is moderated by PE fit and mediated by well-being and psychological safety. Originality/value This paper examines the workplace loneliness from the lens of PE fit theory.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual model that explains how necessity and opportunity start-up motivation affects firm performance among women entrepreneurs (WEs) through the mediating influences of motivation to learn (MtL) and women entrepreneurial competencies (WEC). Design/methodology/approach Necessity (NEC) and Opportunity (OPP) motivation is used as the guiding theory to acknowledge the contraries of women entrepreneurial motivation. Female Entrepreneurial Competency (FEC) framework is used as a basis for WEC. Embedded in this reasoning, MtL and FECs are integrated into the conceptual model to understand the connection between start-up motivation and business performance among WEs in a developing economy. Findings To date, there is a limited understanding of how learning motivation and competencies together explain the business performance of WEs through the lens of their differences in start-up motivation. In this respect, this conceptual model advances scholarly insights by conceptualizing the relationship between NEC and OPP motivation, and business performance through the mediating influences of MtL and WECs. Research limitations/implications The proposed conceptual model does not consider any aspects other than entrepreneurial motivation, learning motivation and competencies related to business performance such as access to finance, sociocultural aspects and personality traits. Practical implications The proposed conceptual model can contribute to academics by adding to the body of knowledge on women entrepreneurship. It can also aid policymakers in understanding the critical link between differentials in start-up motivation and firm performance through the mediating influences of learning motivation and competencies, thus potentially providing a basis for formulating focused skilling strategies for WEs. Originality/value This paper proposes a unique conceptual framework that incorporates theories of learning motivation and FECs to examine the critical link between start-up motivation and business performance among WE.

Purpose Several organizations decided to work remotely after the Indian Government proclaimed a state of emergency on March 24, 2020, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Employees across all industries, particularly the Generation-Y, were stressed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The purpose of this study is to fills that gap by looking at the effects of occupational stress factors (such as coworker support, work–life balance [WLB] and role expectation conflict) on Generation-Y employees in the educational sector during COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach The causes and consequences of the three occupational stresses listed above were investigated. In total, 231 surveys from workers at private and public educational institutions in India were analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling analysis. Findings The results revealed that support from coworkers greatly reduced job stress, the WLB had a positive impact on the work and personal lives, and the lack of role specification in Generation-Y employees had a negative impact on their job performance. Originality/value This study has considered the occupational stress variables among Generation-Y in the era of COVID-19, which need attention to improve the performance of the academic sector.

Purpose This study aims to propose a conceptual framework describing the relationship between enablers of knowledge sharing (KS) and organizational sustainability. Design/methodology/approach An in-depth literature review based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses flowchart was conducted to identify the enablers of KS. The study develops a conceptual framework by assimilating enablers of KS on three levels: individual, technical and organizational, to attain organizational sustainability. Findings Enablers of KS are beneficial for organizations to enable problem-solving, better and faster decision-making, stimulating creativity and innovation, improved customers’ services and leveraging employees’ talent. Research limitations/implications Within organizational structure, KS can be fostered by a culture that encourages employees to generate novel and creative ideas. Originality/value The model of KS presented in this study is applicable to organizations in more complex and uncertain contexts, e.g. the postpandemic era to retain and sustain talented employees.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of systems adaptability in the relationship between emotional intelligence and talent management in tertiary institutions in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the study purpose, the authors used responses from 91 tertiary institutions following a cross-sectional survey design. Partial least structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data and done at an institutional level. Findings The results reveal that systems adaptability plays a full mediating role in the relationship between emotional intelligence and talent management in tertiary institutions as it accounts for 96.68% variance. Research limitations/implications Managing talented employees is not a snapshot process, yet the authors used a cross-sectional design. This paper is limited in this regard. Also, talent management in this paper is only explained by emotional intelligence and systems adaptability. Practical implications Talent management is explained by emotional intelligence and systems adaptability, which are metaphors of emotional intelligence and complex adaptive system theories. The authors also add to theory by establishing a fully mediating role of systems adaptability between emotional intelligence and talent management. Originality/value This paper establishes the mediating role of systems adaptability in the relationship between emotional intelligence and talent management in tertiary institutions.