The understanding of ecological systems requires to clearly comprehend spatial scales and scaling, through time (Bitsch 2024b). Understanding coexistence, requires accounting for context. Issues of management require predictions on a range of timescales for time internalization (Bitsch 2024a). In business it is very seldom discussed the biological relevance of emotions, because these are assumed to be irrational, often natural, mostly contextually-relevant. Yet emotions can only be considered irrational to the extent that their microbiological metabolic origins remain voluntarily blinding. Emotions are produced through the biological signaling of the immune system. An informed brain is ultimately able to influence, which microbial cell will survive in the cell forming symbiosis (Berry 2019, 2022) giving birth to further energy flows, induced by the visceral system (Sonnenburg & Sonnenburg 2015); some neurological pathways are not responding to the microbiome signalling (Sharon et al. 2016).

The paper is a review on the role of the emotional aspect in the main journal of IB, the Journal of Internaltional Business Studies. The contribution of the paper is to introduce: the business relevance for Life sciences, the understanding of the microbiological origin of emotions.

In the wake of rising refugee movements, savvy business leaders see potential in integrating refugees into their workforce, both as a way to help others and to address labor shortages. But most managers have minimal experience integrating refugee employees, leading to outcomes ranging from triumphs to trials. This poster explains how companies can succeed in refugee workplace integration by drawing lessons from a three-year case study of a refugee integration program at a German manufacturing firm during a significant period of refugee arrivals. This poster presents a process model aimed at providing actionable guidance for practitioners involved in workplace integration.

High-technology firms and their internationalization process have been a controversial topic in IB and entrepreneurship fields. Studies indicate that the internationalization process and technology development process are closely intertwined and have an influence on each other. In other words, it is not possible to fully understand a company's international growth without considering how its technology developed. In a similar vein, understanding a firm's technological development requires considering its international activities (Filipescu et al., 2009).

The purpose of this dissertation is to contribute to knowledge on the internationalization patterns of firms with new-to-the-world technologies and to highlight the uneven and discontinuous nature of their internationalization. Moreover, despite the increasing number of high-tech firms with technology at the highest degree of novelty, the understanding of to what extent the process of developing a new technology affects a firm internationalization seems to be both unclear and inadequate. This research project aims to contribute to the evolving discourse and provide the needed theoretical contribution to the field by unboxing the construct of a high-tech firm’s internationalization process on both early-stage startups and multi-national enterprises.

As the nature of international assignments and work becomes increasingly dynamic, short-term assignments have emerged as a form of expatriate assignment that provides pivotal experiences that contribute to an individual's career capital. This qualitative study uses experiential learning theory (ELT) to explore how career capital is developed during short-term assignments. It aims to provide insights into how these assignments can be strategically used for career advancement and professional growth.

By applying ELT, we clarify the processes and mechanisms through which experiential learning in these contexts enhances career capital, providing insights into the interplay between structured learning processes and career development. Integrating ELT principles into career development practices offers a robust framework for understanding short-term assignments as an organizational phenomenon while expanding the literature on career capital development in international assignments.

The study design methodology and approach draw on in-depth interviews with short-term assignment participants within organizations to explore how ELT components like concrete experiences, reflective observations, abstract conceptualizations, and active experimentation within these assignments contribute to an individual's career capital development.

The findings of this study have significant implications for academics, individuals and organizations. Organizations can use these insights to design and implement short-term assignments that foster better employee experience, development and retention.

The work seeks to propose a methodology that allows characterizing the Deep Tech ecosystem in emerging economies, prioritizing the research and development niches of Deep Tech entrepreneurship. The main actors or potential public and private actors of the Deep Tech entrepreneurship ecosystem are identified, and designs a survey that allows access to information that allows describing and delving into the characteristics of the actors in the ecosystem. In this way, indicators can be designed and applied to evaluate the Deep Tech entrepreneurship ecosystem based on the components: public and private financing for different stages of maturity of the ventures, capacity to produce research or technological results, demand analysis. market of prioritized verticals.

Drawing on both Bourdieu's social and human capital theories, follows a two case study analysis to examine how Palestinian and Sudanese refugees harness skills to boost community and social-economic well being in France. Data was collected from 22 semi-structured interviews with refugees and refugee support service providers. Results reveal seven thematic categories : The first four categories include, (i) structural in the form of incubator internal and external networks, (ii) cognitive and symbolic, (iii) relational capital such as cultural-ethnic, diaspora, transnational, and host community networks in addition to (iv) human capital resources such as past entrepreneurial habitus and educational background. The second thematic categories are related to Palestinian and Sudanese refugee entrepreneurial contributions to the social and economic welfare of their target groups. These are aggregated into (v) ethnic enclave contributions, (vi) community contributions, and (vii) host country contributions. study exposes the new realities in refugee entrepreneurship research by integrating social and human capital perspectives to address how Palestinian and Sudanese refugees leverage their skill sets to benefit their communities. This study adds to scholarhsip by demonstrating how refugee ventures contribute to the social and economic welfare of their host economies beyond their local refugee communities .

Despite growing awareness of the gender funding gap in entrepreneurship, significant disparities persist in startup funding between female and male-led startups. To investigate the varying reasons for this, our systematic literature review (SLR) aims to consolidate research on the gender funding gap in the startup ecosystem. We analyze 139 studies from leading academic journals using a hybrid bibliometric and Theory-Context-Characteristics-Methodology approach. Our bibliometric coupling identified six thematic clusters: 1) Gender bias of investors, 2) Gender disparities in funding, 3) Crowdfunding success for females, 4) Cultural context and influences, 5) Female characteristics and language, and 6) Other environmental factors. The review reveals that female entrepreneurs face systemic biases when applying for funding exacerbated by gender homophily, cultural norms, network barriers, and investor behavior. Furthermore, we highlight cultural differences, showing that irrespective of a country’s economic development females are consistently more disadvantaged than males. Crowdfunding, however, mitigates gender inequalities and supports female-like behavior. This review deepens understanding of the gender funding gap’s origins, offering a framework for future research and action. Policymakers, investors, and support organizations can leverage these findings to promote equal startup ecosystems. Future research should examine the impact of long-term bias and develop strategies to support marginalized entrepreneurs.

Drawing on upper echelons theory, we argue that target firm CEO aesthetics play a meaningful role in M&A deal making. Considering the halo effect that may produce fairer treatment toward attractive individuals, we argue that those M&As with more attractive target firm CEOs will be perceived as more worthy, promising, and profitable. As such, those M&As will receive higher a premium compared to those with less attractive CEOs. Additionally, drawing upon the information economics literature, we argue that the positive association between target CEO attractiveness and acquisition premium will be more pronounced in the presence of higher information asymmetry (unrelated, cross-border acquisitions) when acquirers need to rely more on publicly available signals of target quality. Finally, integrating social identity theory, we argue that acquirers who perceive target firm CEOs to be more similar in terms of attractiveness will see more value in the target and thus pay a higher premium. We are collecting data on M&As between 2010-2019 from the Securities Data Company database, matched with financial and market return data from the COMPUSTAT and the Center for Research on Securities Pricing, and with hand collected CEO pictures.

Global Virtual Teams (GVTs), comprised of geographically dispersed individuals, face challenges related to conflict resolution and sensemaking. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into these teams introduces new complexities, altering team communication and problem-solving processes. While task conflicts can enhance team performance, relationship conflicts often undermine cohesion. This research addresses a significant gap by investigating how AI impacts conflict dynamics and sensemaking in GVTs. Drawing on sensemaking theory (Weick, 1995) and conflict theory (Jehn, 1995; De Dreu & Weingart, 2003), the study explores the role of AI in managing task, process, and relationship conflicts. Using socio-technical systems theory (Baxter & Sommerville, 2011), the study further examines how AI facilitates communication and conflict resolution while exploring the limits of AI in emotionally charged conflicts. The research objectives focus on how AI alters sensemaking, how it is perceived by human team members, and how it can contribute to effective conflict resolution strategies. Through a mixed-methods approach, this study proposes an AI-Integrated Conflict Sensemaking Model that highlights the potential benefits and limitations of AI as a mediator in GVT conflicts.

This poster shares a fresh methodological proposal for conducting multiple case study analysis in management research, incorporating the use of abduction and mind maps. Case studies are vastly used in management research, with Eisenhardt and Yin regarded as the two dominant authorities. While their works have contributed significantly to positioning the case study as a legitimate approach, critical scholars have noted limitations to their propositions by being positivist and linear and thus serving only one type of case study research. Another pitfall is that case researchers have sometimes turned to the mechanistic implementation of a technique with concrete procedures or templates. Being wary of this trend and acknowledging the contextual richness of case studies, I propose one alternative method that incorporates an abductive approach to the analysis of case study evidence, to conduct within-case and cross-case analysis with the use of recordings and mind maps. It allows keeping two conversations active and alive for a longer period. First, the use of recordings during analysis keeps the dialogue between researcher and participants alive, bringing the former back to the instance in which that conversation took place. Second, an abductive reasoning approach enables an active conversation between theory and empirical evidence.

This study examines the role of public funding in promoting internationalization and gender equity in university spin-offs (USOs) from the State University of Campinas (Unicamp) in Brazil. Using data from Inova, Unicamp’s technology transfer office, it explores how gender affects spin-offs’ international expansion, particularly regarding access to funding and collaborations. Public funding, especially from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), is critical in fostering internationalization for technology-driven ventures. Spin-offs with public investment are more likely to engage in global activities. However, gender disparities remain, with male-led spin-offs more frequently involved in international ventures. Public funding helps bridge this gap by enhancing collaboration between spin-offs and universities, supporting female-led ventures' growth and international ambitions. The research highlights the need for gender-responsive policies that support global expansion and inclusivity within entrepreneurial ecosystems.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the level of allocation of corporations' employees abroad of their home country and their foreign sales. Given the increasing mobility of employees and the unstable geopolitical situation in the world, an important and interesting aspect for research in this area is to understand for companies how such mobility can affect companies' revenue. Given such data, companies can plan how, by allocating employees to international subsidiaries, they can improve their financial performance. The sample of the top 100 largest non- financial corporations ranked by foreign assets for 2023 by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was selected as the sample for the study. The results of the study showed a high positive correlation between the ratio of companies' foreign employees and foreign sales in this sample.

It is well established that firms’ internationalization journeys often exhibit irregularities, including foreign market exits and re-entries. The role of critical events or discontinuous ‘happenings’ that affect firms’ internationalization pathways is less well-understood. Based on a qualitative study of Brazilian exporters, our study sheds light on how irregular and interrupted internationalization ensues, why this occurs, and what triggers firms to exit and re-enter international markets. We advance the view that interruptions to internationalization journeys are often triggered by critical events that emerge at environmental, organizational, and individual levels and are novel, disruptive, critical, and bound in space and time.

The international opportunity identification (IOI) has become a central concept in International Entrepreneurship (IE) and International Business (IB) literature, and there is now a critical and disperse mass of literature related to this concept that needs to be organized and critically analyzed. Following a narrative review on its conceptualization, its levels of analysis (“the company” and “the individual”) and its two perspectives (active and passive IOI), this study pretends to consolidate the existing body of information on IOI through a systematic literature review (SLR) employing the SPAR-4-SLR methodology. Specifically, from a multilevel and multi-perspective analysis, I focus on (i) analyzing its antecedents and effects on subsequent stages of the international entrepreneurial process and firm performance and (ii) examining the different measurement approaches used to measure IOI, an issue that generates constant debate regarding this concept. To this aim, an extensive search was conducted using the Web of Science and Scopus databases, carefully selecting 104 publications related to IOR from 2004 to June 2024. I would like to emphasize that this study is in an early-stage of development, specifically in the assessing stage (evaluation sub-stage) of the SPAR-4-SLR methodology.

Multinational teams, characterized by members with diverse linguistic backgrounds, commonly select a shared working language, often English. While existing research has predominantly highlighted the negative impacts of foreign language use - such as trust issues, power struggles, and anxiety - little attention has been paid to how team members navigate and overcome these challenges. This study explores the role of humor as a shared language within a multinational team, drawing on ethnographic research conducted with a six-member creative team from five nationalities using English as their non-native common language. Contrary to previous findings, humor emerged as a dominant and thoroughly positive element in team interactions, leveling out language barriers. The study identifies various forms of humor, including coping with challenges, integrating outsiders, and embracing cultural diversity through self-irony. This humor fostered inclusion and a supportive atmosphere. The findings suggest that humor can cut across cultural and linguistic boundaries, acting as a unifying force within multinational teams. Despite limitations, such as the specific team context in a low power distance country, this research offers a positive perspective on foreign language use in multinational teams, highlighting humor’s potential to enhance communication and team spirit.

This study researches how leading multinational enterprises (MNEs) are integrating responsible artificial intelligence (AI) practices into their international marketing (IM) strategies. Although there is significant discourse on AI ethics, its specific application within IM remains underexplored. Our research addresses the question: How do MNEs use AI responsibly in IM decision-making? We analyze the ethical guidelines of the top ten MNEs listed in the Fortune Global 500, evaluating the comprehensiveness of their AI-driven marketing practices against the OECD AI principles, which promote innovation, trustworthiness, and respect for human rights and democratic values. By comparing these MNEs' practices with global ethical frameworks, our study offers valuable insights into the current state of AI ethics in international marketing. The findings highlight the crucial role of ethical compliance in maintaining trust across diverse markets and identify key areas for improvement. Additionally, the research underscores the need for further studies, particularly focusing on MNEs operating in regions with stricter regulations, to better understand the implementation of AI ethics in practice.

This paper draws on emerging research on paraprofessional translators to contextualize their practices in the global operation of multinational corporations (MNCs). Paraprofessional translators are employees who, while not hired as professional translators, undertake various translation tasks in the course of their everyday work. However, paraprofessional translation is likely to vary across contexts and only a handful of context-sensitive empirical studies exist in both Translation Studies and IB. Drawing on a case study of corporate R&D centers within a Nordic engineering multinational, we identify four translatorial spaces where linguistic, cultural, organizational, or knowledge-based boundaries were crossed within our case multinational. Furthermore, our case study sheds light on the key communicative acts of paraprofessional translators, which include translation decisions relating to mundane yet synergistic tasks to more complex and strategic activities. By doing so we demonstrate how the perspective of paraprofessional translators and translatorial spaces contributes to a better understanding of MNC operations on the ground.

Digitalization and the development of artificial intelligence (AI) have profoundly reshaped international sales and marketing, particularly for technological industrial products (Fischer et al., 2022; Moradi & Dass, 2022). This study explores how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) industry are navigating this shift. It focuses on the challenges these SMEs face in transitioning from traditional, resource-intensive account-based marketing (ABM) to AI-driven approaches (Burgess & Munn, 2021; Burgess & Shercliff, 2022). The research identifies a gap in understanding how SMEs are integrating AI-driven ABM to overcome hurdles in international customer acquisition in a digital global market. Through a multiple case study approach involving three HVAC companies, the study employs qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews and observational studies (Yin, 2009; Creswell, 2022; Stebbins, 2001, Morgan et. al., 2016). Findings reveal that while digitalization has empowered buyers to conduct extensive pre-purchase research independently (Keegan et al., 2022), marketers must now leverage AI to provide personalized, timely responses that align with buyers' specific needs and regulatory requirements (Pascucci et al., 2023; Golec, Isaacson & Fewless, 2019). This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of how digitalization and AI reshape cross-border buyer-marketer relationships and international marketing strategies.

Business accelerators are fixed-term, cohort-based programs that provide mentorship and culminate in public pitch events. While research on accelerators is still limited, their role in driving growth and sustainability for small—and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is underexplored. This study examines how business accelerators can foster sustainable international growth among small Finnish companies through a Triple Bottom Line (people, planet, and profit) approach. The qualitative data was collected longitudinally in January-August 2024 from seven Finnish small companies participating in an EU-funded accelerator program.

The study reveals that the program catalyzed change, particularly in internationalization goals and strategies related to the market niches and internal processes. While financial training laid the groundwork for international expansion, the socially and environmentally focused modules enabled the development of the companies' softer business aspects. The findings contribute to the Resource-Based View (RBV) in international entrepreneurship and offer insights for policymakers on enhancing financial instruments for SMEs seeking sustainable growth. The study also informs entrepreneurs about accelerator programs' value in driving business growth and sustainability objectives.

The growing trends in natural and upscale cosmetics have prompted a deeper investigation into the brand-consumer relationship within this sector. This study focuses on the key elements that Nordic upscale natural cosmetics small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) consider when forming their global brand identity and image and consumers' primary associations and perceptions regarding these brands’ identities.

Using a qualitative approach and Brand Identity Prism, we analyze two natural upscale cosmetics brands from Finland and Sweden with the data collected in the summer of 2024. Their strategic brand identity and brand image elements were holistically studied from both company and consumer perspectives. Our findings indicate that the brand identities of these SMEs are built around eco-friendly practices and natural and ethically sourced ingredients while embracing strong and visible connections to Nordic nature and particular countries of origin. Consumers associate these brands with purity, quality, and environmental consciousness while experiencing that brand personalities and interaction with the brand are currently weakly managed in both SMEs. The implications for the internationalization process and policymaking will be drawn out of these results.

The study explores the role of sensemaking in the business model innovation (BMI) of internationally operating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Sensemaking is crucial for international entrepreneurship, as it helps firms interpret complex international environments, enabling the identification and capitalization of international opportunities. The research hypothesizes that increased sensemaking positively impacts both BMI and international performance, with BMI acting as a mediator between sensemaking and international performance. Using a sample of 162 Finnish SMEs, the study applies quantitative methods to examine the relationships between sensemaking, BMI, and international performance. The results indicate that cultural sensemaking influences BMI, while communication sensemaking affects international performance. Moreover, BMI is confirmed as a mediator between sensemaking and international performance. The findings emphasize the importance of cultural competence and communication strategies for SMEs entering foreign markets. The study thus contributes to international entrepreneurship research by providing empirical evidence on the role of sensemaking in BMI and its subsequent impact on the international performance of SMEs.

There is a growing interest in involving people with disabilities (PWD) in entrepreneurial activities globally, driven by international policies and research. Geopolitical challenges, such as economic uncertainty and migration crises, have heightened the need for inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems. However, PWD face numerous barriers, including financial constraints, limited education, and a lack of digital competencies. Entrepreneurship offers a path to economic self-sufficiency for PWD, but they often encounter institutional barriers, network limitations, and self-esteem issues, making them “missing entrepreneurs.” Inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, which focus on social inclusion, are essential for addressing these challenges. Our research aims to explore the role of international opportunities in fostering these ecosystems. We conducted a systematic literature review to understand the current knowledge on inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems for PWD. Our findings highlight the importance of institutional leaders, family support, and informal networks in overcoming barriers. International opportunities can inspire and guide the development of local ecosystems, providing access to global markets and best practices. Our study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to fostering inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between disabled and non-disabled individuals and the critical role of international opportunities.

This study explores how different strategic orientations influence entrepreneurial decision-making in internationalizing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It focuses on three strategic orientations: entrepreneurial orientation, learning orientation, and environmental orientation. Entrepreneurial orientation is characterized by innovative, proactive, and risk-seeking behavior, while learning orientation emphasizes organizational culture supportive to employees learning. Environmental orientation in turn focuses on sustainability, which is increasingly relevant in international business. The study examines how these orientations impact effectuation, a decision-making logic central to international entrepreneurs. Additionally, the study also assesses how these orientations influence causation, a more structured decision-making logic.

Using a survey of 148 Finnish SMEs, the findings show that entrepreneurial and learning orientations positively predict effectuation, while only entrepreneurial orientation predicts causation. Environmental orientation did not significantly impact either decision-making logic. The study contributes to the literature by offering a more holistic view of how strategic orientations influence decision-making processes in internationally entrepreneurial firms, addressing a gap where previous research focused on individual orientations. The results highlight the importance of strategic orientations in explaining effectual and causal decision-making in international entrepreneurship.

In the past two decades, there has been increasing interest among scholars in sustainable careers. However, up until now, this body of research remains quite fragmented. To address this issue and to come up with well-grounded recommendations for future work, a systematic review of the existing empirical work on sustainable careers is necessary. In particular, this review focuses on two questions: 1) What indicators have been used in empirical studies to measure sustainable careers, and 2) Which key antecedents of sustainable careers have been identified. By delving into these questions, we aim to uncover the foundational elements that both contribute to and indicate one’s career sustainability. Additionally, we will analyze the theoretical frameworks that have been adopted to study sustainable careers. Finally, we propose a general future research agenda, and then two focus areas that emphasize the temporal character and international context of sustainable careers.

This study investigates how time pressure, environmental sustainability, and the country of origin image (COI) interact in the internationalization process of companies. Organizational and environmental complexity affects international performance due to time constraints in developing absorptive and adaptive capacities. Time pressure can accelerate internationalization but also introduces risks, influencing strategic decisions such as sustainable practices and the use of COI. In high-uncertainty contexts, such as those faced by companies from emerging markets, flexibility and resilience can be critical factors. The research adopts a processual and contextual approach to time, emphasizing its influence on international market permanence, sustainable adaptation, and the construction of COI as a strategic resource. Using theoretical and empirical methods, the proposal includes an integrative literature review and multiple case studies in sectors such as wine and cocoa. We contribute to international business literature by exploring the interactions between time, sustainability, and COI, and their influence on the success of the internationalization of Brazilian and French companies.

This study will examine how managerial cognition shapes decision-making in platform ecosystem internationalization, with a focus on cognitive shifts during the early stages of strategic development. While most international business (IB) research explores firm or market-level factors, this study will investigate the often-overlooked cognitive processes behind these decisions. By applying a microfoundation perspective, we will explore how fragmented cognitive frames among ecosystem participants evolve and align, shaping both platform development and internationalization strategies. The research will offer a methodological contribution by using cognitive mapping to capture real-time shifts in managers' thought processes. This approach will reveal how different experiences, firm sizes, and digital capabilities drive cognitive alignment within ecosystems. By doing so, we aim to provide new insights into how these cognitive processes impact strategic decisions in international markets. Our findings will not only bridge the gap between platform ecosystem and internationalization research but also challenge traditional data collection methods in IB, advocating for a more dynamic approach to understanding decision-making. Ultimately, this study aims to provide a nuanced view of how managerial cognition influences the development and internationalization of digital platform ecosystems.

This paper discusses the growing importance of research on international migration, focusing on the challenges faced by highly skilled migrants (HSM) in small developed countries. The study aims to examine the migration context and experiences of HSM in Finland and Slovenia, two countries characterized by strict migration policies, culturally inaccessible environments, and complex languages. The research seeks to contribute to the understanding of how formal and informal institutions, particularly cultural tightness and accessibility, shape migrants' experiences during the acculturation process. The study employs a qualitative approach and uses theoretical sampling to compare and analyze the cases of Finland and Slovenia, which share similar outcomes in terms of ineffective immigration policies for attracting HSM but present distinct cultural and institutional conditions.

This study investigates how globalisation has affected international artists in the music industry on a global scale. Analysis was carried out on the Billboard Hot 100, a dataset which encompasses the consumption of music from all over the world and ranks the top 100 songs that are globally trending. The paper has focused on three core aspects of the music industry; changes in music distribution, consumption patterns and cultural influences in order to analyse the effects of globalisation as thoroughly as the constraints of this paper have allowed. The findings of this paper concluded that only the most recent technological change — the introduction of streaming services - has made a noticeable impact on the success of international artists, the change from physical to digital (with the introduction of MP3) was not significant enough. Consumption pattern changes hold a major importance in reducing the domination of artists from the USA within global charts and giving international artists a chance to be discovered, the vast increase in ways consumers can discover music is no longer limited to country barriers or technological drawbacks, they are free to consume music internationally from their devices at home.

The paper explores the integration of real options theory (ROT) into project finance loan structures, aiming to enhance flexibility and improve risk management. Project finance is commonly used to fund large-scale infrastructure projects, which often face uncertainties and risks. ROT provides a framework for managing these uncertainties by allowing investors and lenders to adapt decisions based on changing market conditions. Through a conceptual literature review, this research identifies the limited application of real options in project finance and proposes a framework to incorporate them into loan contracts. The findings offer both theoretical insights and practical applications, suggesting a more flexible approach to structuring project finance deals.

This study aims to elucidate the characteristics of the internationalization process in indie game development organizations. While internationalization processes have been extensively researched across various organizations and industries based on frameworks such as the Uppsala model and Born Global theory, there is a notable lack of research focusing on the game industry, particularly the rapidly growing sector of indie game development organizations. The indie game market involves unique elements, including relationships with large-scale platforms and the utilization of AI technologies, suggesting that its internationalization process may be distinctive. From this perspective, this research analyzes how indie game development organizations based in Japan have internationalized and successfully diffused their games globally. The method employs qualitative analysis of secondary sources, including interviews with developers. The findings reveal the existence of multiple internationalization processes, and consequently, game diffusion processes within the indie game market.

This study aims to elucidate the recent changes in international management practices, such as overseas expansion and expatriate assignments. Research on reshoring suggests that COVID-19 may accelerate corporate reshoring initiatives. Similarly, expatriate studies indicate potential shifts in management approaches. While past studies point to various possible changes in international management practices, quantitative data on specific changes, such as the number of companies or expatriates, are seldom reported. This study reanalyzes publicly available data on Japanese companies to examine the structural changes in international management practices following the onset of COVID-19. Our analysis yields two primary findings. First, the trends in overseas expansion and withdrawal of Japanese companies since COVID-19 vary by region. Second, while the overall number of expatriates has decreased, some companies have increased their expatriate assignments.

The concept of a circular economy, which aims to achieve zero waste, is gaining momentum among many nations. Transitioning from a linear to a circular economy in the industrial sector are believed to greatly enhance global economic resilience. In this context, Industrial Symbiosis emerges as a crucial tool to facilitate the shift towards a circular economy (Herczeg et al., 2018). To address the research question: How may industrial symbiosis strengthen the resilience in global value chains? we have chosen a qualitative approach. We will investigate how companies in two different clusters (e.g. maritime and furniture) are collaborating in developing industrial symbiosis within and between each cluster. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews of key informants of organizations in the mentioned clusters and from companies in the construction industry. The context for our study derived from observing the tremendous amount of usable waste (e.g., sand, wood, and alike) that occupies large pieces of land (or warehouses), while companies are importing similar raw materials from all over the world. These two clusters were chosen because they are among Norway’s largest exporting industries with a significant global reach. Additionally, their extensive network of suppliers is integrated into a global value chain

The purpose of this research is to clarify the factors influencing the localization of top management in subsidiaries of Japanese multinational enterprise (MNEs). From reviewing previous research on international human resource allocation, the elements required for top management in foreign subsidiaries vary depending on factors such as the subsidiary's age and role, the relationship between the parent company and the subsidiary, and the balance between global integration and local responsiveness. However, few studies have addressed the long-term transition of top management within a single company. Furthermore, quantitative research has limitations in identifying the underlying factors driving changes in top management. Therefore, this study presents a case study of Kuozui Motors, a vehicle manufacturing subsidiary of Toyota in Taiwan, to elucidate the changes in top management and the factors influencing them. As a significant finding of this study, Kuozui’s launch of exports to the GCC countries meant that the company needed to continuously enhance its organizational capabilities with a view to global competition, which became a driving factor for the localization of the CEO.

This study explores how Estonian wood manufacturing firms can successfully integrate into German value chains, focusing on alliances and digitalization strategies. Germany’s high demand for sustainable wood products and advanced manufacturing technology makes it a key target market. However, Estonian firms face challenges such as information asymmetry, regulatory compliance, and limited market access. Using firm theory, business model innovation, and Industry 4.0 frameworks, this research investigates how Estonian firms can overcome these barriers through strategic alliances, institutional collaboration, and digital platforms like blockchain for supply chain transparency.

A mixed-method approach, including qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), is employed to gather insights from interviews and quantitative data analysis. Preliminary findings suggest that reducing information asymmetry through digital tools and forming strategic alliances are crucial for successful integration. The study offers recommendations for Estonian firms to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies, pursue sustainability certifications, and actively engage in German industry networks.

This research contributes to the understanding of how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from smaller economies can enter the value chains of larger markets. Future research will evaluate the long-term impact of strategic alliances and foreign direct investment on export growth and explore the model’s applicability across different industries.

Repeated external shocks emerging from differentiated sources are posing significant challenges to multinational enterprises and to smaller firms in a wide variety of sectors and nations. The aim of this study is to explore the dynamics and possible evolutionary paths of global value chains (GVCs) in which smaller Italian manufacturing companies are involved. The study will employ an exploratory research methodology based on multiple case studies. We will create a panel of business cases with an in-depth analysis of a set of pilot case studies. We will also simulate alternative scenarios in order to highlight the different possible growth trajectories, strategies, and business models of SMEs as key actors in these GVCs. This research will contribute to the research streams studying the relational dynamics within the GVCs between lead firms and subcontracting companies. From managerial implications, this study will enable SMEs to make better-informed decisions regarding their business models and strengthen their capacity to respond to abrupt shocks within the GVC of lead firms.

This study explores how managers justify their foreign market entry decisions by examining the reasoning behind the market selection. The selection of international markets (IMS) represents a foundational decision in the firm internationalisation. Prior IMS research is either based on firm/market level drivers of the market selection identified via surveys, or on managerial factors based on interviews. We focus on identifying the dominant elements managers apply in their decision making while reasoning their decisions. By combining experimental research design both with open ended questions about reasoning and with traditional survey data about company’s past internationalisation behavior, we are able to gain deeper and richer insights regarding the decision making behind the choices made at the moment of the decision making. By examining the distinct characteristics within the reasoning process, we aim to elucidate how decisions are made, emphasising the unique elements associated with decisions and how these elements co-emerge. Through this analysis, we hope to shed more light on the ways decision-makers formulate their choices (Slovic, 1995). Results suggest subtle differences in reasoning depending on the prevailing environment and managers’ level of certainty about the success of the entry.

In the growth and capability development of organizations, exploring a wide range of technologies helps accumulate diverse knowledge, improving adaptability. However, focusing on specific areas enhances agility by allowing quicker responses to market changes. Organizations often face the challenge of balancing the deepening of expertise with expanding their exploration scope, all while managing limited resources.

In the fast-paced electronics industry, EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) companies in the Global Value Chain (GVC) must handle a broad range of technologies to meet the demands of rapid product introductions from brand manufacturers while maintaining agility.

This study examines the relationship between expanding exploration scope and agility in responding to environmental changes, focusing on EMS companies' challenges. It uses a qualitative analysis of Hon Hai Precision's (Hon Hai) patent data and historical records to explore how the company’s exploration scope affects its agility in R&D and capability development.

I aim to contribute to migrant research by exploring business expatriates and refugee workers in Finland. This study adds to community and social group research. Communities are rarely scrutinized from the view of symbolic boundary formation. This study of business expatriates and refugee workers gives a unique comparative view of symbolic boundary formation. The boundary formation opens the causes of being part of communities on and off the job -and the opposite, without being a part of a community. This study explores the kind of communities and loose social groups among migrants and the issues of symbolic boundary formation in different communities. The theory used in this study is based on the theory of symbolic boundaries (Lamont and Molnár, 2002; Pachucki et al., 2007). The research subjects are business expatriates sent to Finland by foreign organizations and refugee workers who have had to move abroad. Empirical research uses ethnographic and qualitative methods. Several steps are needed to be used in the analysis. Finally, a comparative approach arranges the results.

For an early internationalizing small firm, gaining legitimacy among its international customers is crucial. Legitimacy refers to the social judgment by stakeholders that an organization fulfills their expectations and is to be taken seriously. One way for new organizations to gain legitimacy is to imitate the identities of existing organizations to define who they are as an organization. This study, based on a qualitative single case study and an interpretive approach, aims to contribute to the language-sensitive literature in International Business. It illustrates how a small software-as-a-service firm, based in Finland, communicates its international identity through language choices similar to its competitors and customers, predominantly multinational enterprises based in Europe and North America. According to the company's self-description, it is indeed international as it serves customers worldwide and employs individuals who speak various native languages. However, the firm has shifted away from a multilingual approach and now emphasizes English in its external communications. Semi-structured interviews reveal a narrative where English is portrayed as the language of international firms. Consequently, the firm's language choices are a way to establish itself as a legitimate actor among other international firms.

International dynamic marketing capabilities (IDMCs) have emerged as a crucial determinant of organizational success in foreign markets. This study examines external and internal factors as antecedents of IDMCs, focusing on a sample of Polish export manufacturers (n=277). Our findings indicate that both external and internal factors significantly contribute to the development of IDMCs. Notably, technological turbulence and organizational slack are positively related to IDMCs, both directly and indirectly. This research adds to the existing literature by underscoring the importance of maintaining slack resources as a means to enhance organizational agility and partnering capabilities, which in turn lead to stronger IDMCs and improved performance in international markets. Additionally, it highlights the pivotal role of technological turbulence, in shaping IDMCs, thereby contributing to the broader debate on determinism versus strategic choice in organizational development. Given that IDMCs reflect a firm's ability to proactively seize new opportunities in international markets, the study raises an intriguing question: What are the roles of external and internal antecedents, and to what extent can they be analyzed independently? Our results suggest that a comprehensive understanding requires considering both sets of factors, with technological turbulence and the often-overlooked role of organizational slack being particularly significant.

The well-being of retail employees is crucial for improving productivity and reducing turnover in companies around the world. Previous research has primarily focused on the impact of workplace conditions, employee engagement, mental well-being and organisational support on employees’ overall well-being. This review focused on the literature on physical well-being and sport-based interventions in the workplace. In searches of the EBSCO, Web of Science and Scopus databases as well as Google Scholar, we found only two qualitative and five quantitative articles that fit our inclusion criteria. The central findings indicated that well-being interventions, such as walking and table tennis; flexible work schedules; and employee recognition programmes significantly enhance job satisfaction, reduced stress and improved physical health and well-being. Furthermore, improved physical well-being led to increased productivity. Despite positive outcomes, there is a notable lack of both comprehensive research on the long-term effects and their impacts. Comparison of the effects of diverse retail employee demographics, such as insurance or work culture characteristics. Topic is vital for supervisors, human resource management (HRM) and company leaders because investing in well-being initiatives not only fosters a healthier and more motivated workforce, but also drives better business outcomes as well as employee retention.

EIBA Conference 2024

Poster Abstract

The European collaborative RDI program for a science, culture and arts driven growth and dynamism based on regions, cities and localities as ecosystems

We propose a European-wide RDI networks for universities, firms, public agencies, regions, and cities. These are experimentative and participative RDI networks of ecosystems that bring about new value-driven and immaterial economic growth in Europe.

The networks are focused on strengthening the role of European sciences, culture and arts in the future development.

Our proposed network of experimentative and participative RDI ecosystems may improve European regional vitality as a source for qualitative growth that is sustainable and improves social stability, security, and wellbeing of people and the Nature.

European firms, regions, and cities may together provide new insights about the future opportunities even globally. This may be done by local anchoring of experimentative and participative RDI for future growth.

The locally anchored European collaboration of firms, regions, and cities in experimentative RDI may balance the overall development by providing new paths even for the Big Tech and global economy driven RDI.

In the extant literature on multinational enterprises, parent headquarters (HQs) are primarily attributed benevolent roles with regard to their perceived and actual intentions (Foss et al., 2012). While agency scholars acknowledge that principals can behave opportunistically (Perrow, 1986; Wiseman et al., 2012), 'principal opportunism' has received little attention in the context of headquarter-subsidiary (HQS) relationships (Hoenen & Kostova, 2015). This study addresses this gap by exploring manifestations and consequences of HQ opportunistic behavior. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted first semi-structured interviews with managers from HQs and subsidiaries across Europe and North America. Our preliminary findings suggest that HQs tend to behave opportunistically towards strategically important and geographically close subsidiaries. In response, subsidiaries engage in counter behaviors. These preliminary findings challenge traditional assumptions and highlight the complex power dynamics that shape HQS relationships.

International strategic alliances (ISAs) have been a research focus for more than three decades, yet the literature on non-equity ISAs is rather sparse. The area warrants further investigation, given that ISAs are still frequently emerging under environmental turbulence and technological advancements and that non-equity ISAs particularly present tensions. Focusing on non-equity ISAs, this paper examines sample features, constructs, and mechanisms to develop a holistic view of existing research. It looks at past ISA characteristics and activities to identify how today’s practice differs; it seeks to mirror how relevant research has evolved to date. The study adopts a systematic literature review approach. Articles from top journals are selected with specific criteria and analyzed through content coding. Critical issues including ISA formation, governance mode choices, contractual and relational mechanisms, knowledge transfer, and performance are reviewed. The motives, antecedents, or determinants of the processes and outcomes, as well as the moderators that condition the various relationships, are assessed. Based on the synthetic analysis of existing studies, the paper offers insights into the intricate dynamics and contexts of ISAs and proposes several future research directions such as more emphasis on operational-level employees, decision alignment processes, and broader governance tools.

This early-stage research project addresses Zahra et al’s (2024) call for more context-embedded “big T theorizing” in entrepreneurship research that challenges prevailing assumptions about entrepreneurship. Examining digital entrepreneurship, effectuation and internationalization within the global dog training industry – focused on the fear-free/positive reinforcement (FF/R+) movement, conceptualized as a global virtual community of practice – this research seeks to uncover what motivates knowledge-intensive business service (KIBS) entrepreneurs to internationalize, what challenges they face and how internationalization allows them to shape industry evolution, emerging regulations, social change and accepted ethical principles. It builds on existing research about internationalizing service entrepreneurs, whose internationalization paths may emerge as a byproduct of network development (see Johanson & Vahlne, 2009; Turunen & Nummela, 2017). As a prolific consumer of FF/R+ dog training services embedded in this community of practice, the author will collect in-depth qualitative data through interviews with dog trainers who serve an international customer base and dog owners who consume their services. In addition to a more nuanced understanding of the internationalization paths of KIBS businesses, this paper also responds to Heinonen’s (2024) call for researchers to examine how foundational service marketing theories may be applied and adapted in complex and dynamic market contexts.

This study explores how EU membership affects income inequality in post-socialist countries that joined in 2004, 2007, and 2013. It assesses whether EU accession has reduced income disparities by comparing these member states with non-members and examining changes in inequality before and after accession.

The purpose of this article is to examine to what extent the impact of the channels influencing the level of the Gini coefficient, and affected by membership in the European Union differed after accession from their impact before it and the post-socialist countries that did not join the community. The approach seeks to examine whether, if the countries studied had not undergone accession, but had obtained the same results in terms of economic development, education, social security and migration, the level of the Gini coefficient might have been higher. To this end, an assumption is also made that the determinants which, according to the literature, led to an increase in polarization had a weaker effect than in the counterfactual scenario.

The study found that EU membership led to statistically significant differences in income distribution compared to non-member post-socialist countries and to the years before accession, indicating that without joining, income polarization would likely have been higher.

Over the past five decades, globalization surged, with multinational corporations and, more recently, small and medium-sized enterprises expanding internationally. Key drivers included economic liberalization in the Western countries, the rise of Asian economies, and China’s “open door” policy. Outsourcing and offshoring became strategic tools for firms to leverage global advantages.

Researchers and managers agree that the location of a firm’s operations is an important strategic determinant affecting production costs, diversification, global outreach, and overall competitiveness. In this context, outsourcing and offshoring emerge as deliberate strategies firms adopt to harness the benefits of comparative global location advantages. However, recent events like the US-China trade disputes, the Covid-19 pandemic, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have disrupted globalization, leading to increased nationalism and protectionism. These disruptions have exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, prompting firms to consider “reshoring”—bringing operations back to their home countries.

This study explores 1) how the recent VUCA environment has affected the drivers of reshoring decisions and 2) How managers foresee the prospects for reshoring in the near future.

We will study the reshoring behaviour of Western European and North American firms in reaction to recent VUCA events.

The traditional focus of International Business (IB) research has been on Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) and their economic interactions with various environments, including regulatory barriers. However, with growing geopolitical tensions, many countries now view certain Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) as potential threats to national security. FDI screening mechanisms, which allow governments to scrutinize and block certain investments, have become more common in regions such as the USA, China, and the European Union. This study reviews key arguments around FDI screening, particularly in industries like healthcare, food supply, energy, telecommunications, and transportation. These sectors are susceptible to risks such as inequity, espionage, and infrastructure control, which can impact national security and societal functionality. As nations adopt stricter measures to protect critical industries, MNEs must navigate a shifting landscape. The paper highlights the need for IB scholars and practitioners to consider national security concerns as a significant factor in international business decisions.

Our study explores sales failure, its definition, and factors leading to it in the international sales setting. Sales failure causes long-term consequences, and lost sales can significantly impact the company's success (Dixon et al. 2001); sales management research has largely focused on sales performance, not sales failures (Fine, 2007). In particular, research on failure is very rare in international sales. Johnson et al. (2016) point out that sales failure causes different outcomes. At the beginning of the sales process, it is important to recognize whether the prospect is worth pursuing. The sales process can be stopped at the initial stage (i.e., failing fast) to free up resources for more promising sales opportunities (Friend et al., 2019). Our study aims at contributing to sales management literature and bringing new insights how to manage sales failures.

As the space industry experiences a paradigm shift from government-led to private-dominated exploration, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is becoming increasingly privatized. The rapid growth of satellites in LEO, expected to grow over 100,000 in the next decade (Hall, 2021), is primarily driven by the emergence of small satellite constellations developed, manufactured, launched, and operated by small businesses. While these constellations, referring to groups of satellites that have similar types of functions such as GPS, offer immense potential for technological advancements and societal benefits, their rapid growth also creates significant challenges. These challenges include the potential for increased orbital debris, satellite collisions, astronomical interference, and increased emissions from rocket launches and satellite reentries (Bernhard et al., 2023). In this paper, we study the dynamic and evolving landscape of satellite Earth Observation (EO) constellations owned by small businesses, emphasizing the critical need for sustainability in their design, deployment, and operation. EO refers to the use of remote sensing technology to monitor the Earth’s characteristics (EUSPA, 2023, 2024). We are especially interested in satellite-based EO as the data acquired through EO constellations can be processed and analyzed to be employed in a wide range of applications and industries.

This study aims to understand how employees construct their national identity in interactions with and in relation to their local and overseas counterparts in multinational corporations (MNCs). I study the phenomena of Chinese employees’ use of English names, mixed use of English and Chinese language, and dress in offices in multinational organizations. Drawing on a hybridization processes lens, I elaborate on how identity work evolves by looking into how Chinese employees initiated to adopt an English name, mix the use of Chinese and English language, and apply to dress code policy at work and how these phenomena develop with contextual change. I found that contextual conditions are essential to the identity work evolving process.

Purpose: To explore the acceptance of the Work From Anywhere (WFA) model among students from Czechia, Estonia, Poland and to understand the factors influencing their preferences and attitudes towards this work mode.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted using an online survey among students from economics and business schools in the three countries. Correlations between work mode preferences (remote, hybrid, office) and key factors such as flexibility, work-life balance, and social influences were analyzed, also the SEMl (with Smart PLS) based on Technology Acceptance Model was prepared to analyze the relation between social factors, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use of WFA and attitudes and behavioral intentions towards WTA.

Findings: PU and PEOU were found to be key factors influencing the acceptance of the WFA model. Social influences varied by country, and work mode preferences significantly impacted expectations related to flexibility and collaboration.

Practical Implications: Employers should communicate the benefits of remote work and adapt strategies to specific cultural contexts to effectively attract and retain Generation Z talent.

Originality/Value: This study provides unique insights into the preferences of the younger generation regarding WFA, highlighting the importance of technology and social influences in the acceptance of flexible work models.

The idea of friendshoring is examined in this work along with its importance to global value chains (GVCs) and the strategic operations of multinational corporations (MNEs). Amidst growing global trade instability, geopolitical tensions, and the COVID-19 pandemic's effects, friendshoring emerges as a critical strategy. It is a practice of relocating supply chain activities to countries that are politically and economically aligned with one's own country. Through an analysis of theoretical underpinnings and effects on GVCs, this article demonstrates how friendshoring improves supply chain performance. Its distinct benefits are shown by comparisons with offshoring, nearshoring, and reshoring. In addition, it suggests future research avenues. Ultimately, friendshoring is portrayed as a progressive strategy that can tackle current global issues and positions MNEs for long-term success and sustainable growth in a challenging global environment. This analysis adds insights into the debate about international corporate strategy as well as its practical implementations.

International virtual teams (IVTs) are a very dynamically developing form of work organization within or across the structures of international organizations, often undertaking projects crucial to these organizations. The effectiveness of international virtual teams IVTs depends on many factors, of which the leadership style in the team is of key importance. This paper presents research dedicated to identification of the most desirable leadership style in IVTs, supporting teams effectiveness in the context of their virtualization, spatial dispersion, and international cultural diversity of their members. The study shows results of testing hypotheses regarding the influence of three leadership styles (transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire) on team effectiveness and the influence of teams’ virtualization, spatial dispersion, and international cultural diversity on the strength of these relationships. Empirical results of surveys with 300 employees of international organizations indicate a positive influence of transformational leadership on the effectiveness of IVTs and a negative influence of laissez-faire leadership. The hypothesis regarding the positive influence of transactional leadership on the effectiveness of IVTs is not supported. The study also shows that the degree of team virtualization, spatial dispersion and international cultural diversity have divers effect on the studied relationships between leadership styles and team effectiveness.

Over the past decade, research on sustainable careers has gained significant interest among scholars and practitioners alike, leading to a notable rise in scholarly work in this field. However, up until now, this body of research remains quite fragmented. To address this issue and to come up with well-grounded recommendations for future work, a systematic review of the existing empirical work on sustainable careers is necessary. In particular, this review focuses on two questions: 1) What indicators have been used in empirical studies to measure sustainable careers, and 2) Which key antecedents of sustainable careers have been used. By delving into these questions, we aim to uncover the foundational elements that both contribute to and indicate one’s career sustainability. Additionally, we will analyze the theoretical frameworks that have been adopted to study sustainable careers. Finally, we propose a future research agenda that emphasizes the temporal character and international context of sustainable careers.

As global supply chains evolve towards complex multi-tier networks, integrating sustainability and innovation becomes imperative. Yet, the specific contributions of boundary-spanning infrastructures, comprising diverse stakeholders beyond traditional supply chain actors, remain underexamined in these international contexts. So, this research examines the role of boundary-spanning infrastructures in fostering sustainability innovations within complex, multi-tier sustainable international supply networks involving SMEs. By focusing on these infrastructures as structured networks of diverse elements, the study explores how their dynamics and tensions, arising from diverse stakeholder interests and institutional logics, influence sustainability innovations. Our qualitative research, employing a multiple-case study design and abductive logic in a real contextual setting, utilizes thematic analysis and semi-structured interviews, focusing on multi-tier international energy supply networks whose focal firms are SMEs located in Finland. This research extends the focus beyond previous research by offering empirical evidence from SMEs within these networks. By elucidating the mechanisms through which infrastructures affect sustainability innovations across multi-tier international sustainable supply networks, this study contributes to both theoretical advancements and practical implications for the research domains.

This paper examines dependencies in global value chains (GVCs) within the context of pharmaceutical industry, focusing on the generic drug segment. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities and dependencies in pharmaceutical supply chains, particularly in the reliance on China and India for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and finished formulations. Drawing on resource dependence theory (RDT) and supplier-centric GVC governance, we propose a nuanced typology of dependencies in GVCs, categorizing them into interfirm, locational, and strategic dependencies. These dependencies correspond to distinct units of analyses, but also interact across different wavelengths. We use firm-, country-, and product-level data to map the global structure of the generic pharmaceuticals value chain in an exploratory fashion. We then apply our novel typology to the main actors of the generic pharmaceuticals GVC. Our analysis reveals that while developed economies face strategic dependencies on certain pharmaceutical imports, less-developed regions suffer acute vulnerabilities impacting public health. We emphasize the high levels of heterogeneity within the industry, distinguishing between producers of finished formulations and APIs. The findings suggest that the segmented nature of pharmaceutical GVCs necessitates tailored policy responses to mitigate dependency risks. The research contributes to the intersection between international business (IB) and GVC literature.

Abstract. The well-being of retail employees is crucial for improving productivity and reducing turnover in companies around the world. Previous research has primarily focused on the impact of workplace conditions, employee engagement, mental well-being and organisational support on employees’ overall well-being. This review focused on the literature on physical well-being and sport-based interventions in the workplace. In searches of the EBSCO, Web of Science and Scopus databases as well as Google Scholar, we found only two qualitative and five quantitative articles that fit our inclusion criteria. The central findings indicated that well-being interventions, such as walking and table tennis; flexible work schedules; and employee recognition programmes significantly enhance job satisfaction, reduced stress and improved physical health and well-being. Furthermore, improved physical well-being led to increased productivity. Despite positive outcomes, there is a notable lack of both comprehensive research on the long-term effects and their impacts. Comparison of the effects of diverse retail employee demographics, such as insurance or work culture characteristics. Topic is vital for supervisors, human resource management (HRM) and company leaders because investing in well-being initiatives not only fosters a healthier and more motivated workforce, but also drives better business outcomes as well as employee retention.