Technological Sustainability

Oke, Adekunle

2023 Technological Sustainability

doi: 10.1108/techs-02-2022-0013

This study proposes a new agenda for research and practice on pro-environmental behaviours in organisational settings by exploring the intersection between technology innovations and pro-environmental initiatives. The goal is to demonstrate the utility of digital technology in promoting and achieving sustainability by addressing the complexity and inconsistency in pro-environmental behaviours.Design/methodology/approachUsing relevant literature on pro-environmental behaviours, this study explores the possibility of embedding technology innovations in pro-environmental initiatives to promote and enhance sustainability in organisational settings.FindingsThis study argues that the recent technological advancement and open innovation provide new insights into understanding and implementing pro-environmental initiatives in organisational settings. While pro-environmental behaviours studies have advanced over the past decades, this study shows that many pro-environmental activities do not require employees to change behaviour. According to this study, psychology and technology innovations offer various opportunities for businesses to effectively and pragmatically embed sustainability into their operations without necessarily changing employees' behaviour.Research limitations/implicationsThis conceptual study offers opportunities to empirically explore the collaborative nexus between “psychology-based pro-environmental behaviour research and technology innovation”. Despite the plethora of studies on pro-environmental behaviours, results are mixed and inconclusive, raising questions about the dominant practice used for promoting pro-environmental initiatives and behaviours at the corporate level. This study, therefore, provides a new pathway for businesses to address their environmental aspects, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to resolving the complexity of pro-environmental behaviours.Originality/valueThis study allows social investigators, policymakers, and technology developers to re-assess, revive and further investigate how they can collaborate to address practical environmental and social issues.

Akinwale, Olusegun Emmanuel; Kuye, Owolabi Lateef

2023 Technological Sustainability

doi: 10.1108/techs-01-2022-0005

Healthcare management efficiency has become a golden goal in the operations of modern healthcare organisations across zones and cultures. This study aims to investigate five dimensions of Ouchi’s theory Z approach, mutual organisational trust, long-term employment/job security, employee participatory decision-making, employee well-being and generalised career path, concerning healthcare efficiency in government tertiary hospitals during COVID-19 period.Design/methodology/approachThe probability sampling strategy was adopted among 300 participants of the hospitals in the healthcare workforce of the study population. The study adopted multiple scales on the identified variables of theory Z and employed principal component analysis to evaluate the components of Ouchi’s Theory Z in relation to healthcare efficiency among the workforce of tertiary hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria.FindingsThe outcome of this study shows that all the dimensions were significantly related to healthcare efficiency in the study hospitals. It depicts that mutual trust among employees has a positive influence on the efficiency of healthcare management in government tertiary hospitals, and long-term employment opportunity has a significant impact on the efficiency of healthcare management in government tertiary hospitals. Employee participatory decision-making is essential to the efficiency of healthcare management in government tertiary hospitals. Employee well-being is fundamental to the efficiency of healthcare management in government tertiary hospitals. Generalised career path of healthcare personnel has a tremendous impact on the efficiency of healthcare management in government tertiary hospitals.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to healthcare employees in Lagos State, Nigeria. The implication is that as old as Ouchi’s theory, its relevance remains green in the heart of contemporary organisations today even in healthcare facilities in Nigeria which aids the management of the global pandemic, COVID-19 outbreak.Originality/valueThe study shows that Ouchi’s theory Z approach that combines the Japanese and American patterns of organisational management is highly relevant in the operations and management of government hospitals in Nigeria to date even in the era of COVID-19, the global pandemic season.

Ismail, Ismail Juma

2023 Technological Sustainability

doi: 10.1108/techs-03-2022-0016

This paper examined mediating effect of customer loyalty on the influence of customer orientation and technology orientation on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted and modified items from previous studies. Also, data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Additionally, a PROCESS Macro mediation test was used.FindingsThe study's findings indicated that customer orientation and technology orientation positively and significantly affect customer loyalty. Moreover, the findings indicated that customer loyalty has a positive and significant effect on the performance of SMEs. Finally, customer loyalty was found to mediate the influence of customer orientation and technology orientation on the performance of SMEs.Practical implicationsThe study recommends on business performance improvement through enhancing customer and technology orientations and customer loyalty. So, SMEs should make sure their internal environment is conducive to accommodate customer and technology orientations, which will help them come up with effective ways to get loyal customers and improve their business.Originality/valueThe study adds value to the existing literature by introducing customer loyalty as an intervening variable between the effect of customer orientation and technology orientation on business performance of SMEs.

Hemphill, Thomas A.

2023 Technological Sustainability

doi: 10.1108/techs-01-2022-0006

Using the policy recommendations identified in the study as an analytical departure point, the study proposes a “public-private governance and sustainability model” that builds upon the policy options and develops implementation strategies for the key stakeholder institutions implementing the proposed solutions in the US food waste management ecosystem.Design/methodology/approachWithin an exploratory research perspective, an affinity diagram is employed to help identify important policy recommendations identified with key policy reports. Moreover, the study employs a “meta regulation” approach that employs four essential characteristics of any regulatory instrument or approach: target, regulator, command and consequences.FindingsThe study has identified the recommended solutions identified as most effective, and developed recommended implementation strategies that could accomplish the goal of potentially reducing food waste in the US at the consumer level. The study recommends passage of federal legislation that specifies what form of administrative rule-making and enforcement process should be instituted, as well as who are the important stakeholders to be considered and authority provided in this rule-making and enforcement process.Originality/valueThis study offers a comprehensive “proposed public-private governance and sustainability model” addressing food waste management safety and quality date labeling implementation challenges by the enforcing federal, state and local governments, as well as collaborating with industry associations and consumer interest groups.

Harris, Sophia; Ryan, Gianna; Marino, Michael; Gharehbaghi, Koorosh

2023 Technological Sustainability

doi: 10.1108/techs-04-2022-0017

Green building, which is also commonly referred to as sustainable building, is focused on the processes implemented that are environmentally efficient and responsible throughout the life cycle of the building. This accounts for the time of manufacturing of materials, to the erection of these materials, on-site, to the operation of the building and how these efficient materials assist in the operation and running of the building daily, all the way through to the demolition. There are many aspects of the building process that can be switched to green. For the construction industry, the change to green design although the complex is nonetheless necessary. This study thus aims to focus on supporting the knowledge surrounding green buildings in high-rise construction. This research will undertake a comparative analysis and review of one case study in Melbourne, Australia.Design/methodology/approachThe direction of this study commences with an introductory section on what it means to build green. This section is further brokendown to evaluate what factors are involved in constructing a green building. The work then shifts towards the green building from a sustainability point of view, touching base with the level of awareness that is surrounding the green building and the level of ignorance that goes with this. Furthermore, the research includes specific pointers which are strategically placed to directly grab the attention of those who lack knowledge in the area of green building by offering a brief, yet in-depth, discussion of possible materials that can be incorporated in the construction phase and will, in turn, create for a more efficient building. As such, life cycle energy is then introduced and calculations are carried out. These calculations offer a more logical form of validation to the previous points and issues raised, with the hope to achieve a more in-depth grasp of the process involved with green building.FindingsThrough comprehensive research, this paper has found the following outcomes. (1) A detailed insight into the contributing factors to green building in high-rise construction and the construction industry in general. (2) An increased understanding of the current status of green buildings within the construction industry. (3) The creation of an effective research methodology plan to implement throughout this research. The appropriate steps and measures, that were required to deliver a successful research piece, included all relevant information. (4) The level of involvement required when calculating the energy levels, including how to perform these calculations when given the correct data, and what these calculations mean concerning what they are defining.Originality/valueThe potential contribution that can be gained from this research is the awareness that is raised in the research and development of green buildings in high-rise construction. This can be achieved by the use of certain materials such as new energy-efficient building materials, recycled materials, etc. Through the incorporation of certain green building methods, an opportunity for cost savings becomes an incentive for the client and builder as the chance for a larger profit margin becomes readily available. In addition to these issues that are anticipated for the potential contribution through this research, the sustainability aspects are also expected to prevail as the construction industry is likely to evolve with changing standards and expectations due to the publicity high-rise buildings achieve, it is more than likely that this research discussion will be adopted willingly and positively promoted for all those involved within the construction industry to get involved. The intention remains that this research paper will be able to contribute a new way of thinking and a new approach to the way of building in the 21st century. As this would be the ideal outcome, the aim remains to portray and deliver information surrounding the views that remain for and against the implementation of green buildings in high-rise construction.

Ediagbonya, Victor; Tioluwani, Comfort

2023 Technological Sustainability

doi: 10.1108/techs-10-2021-0017

In recent times, various governments in the developing and emerging markets are increasingly embracing financial technology to help improve financial inclusion and integration within the governments' countries. One of the primary goals of using such technology is to reduce poverty. This paper explores Fintech innovations' effectiveness in developing and emerging markets in driving financial inclusion using Nigeria as a case study. The paper explores the challenges militating against financial inclusion and the role of government, financial institutions, and fintech companies in ensuring financial inclusion for the vast majority of the unbanked population in the developing and emerging markets.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on doctrinal, sociological, and comparative research methodologies. The researchers conducted a content analysis drawing on data from both primary and secondary sources, including existing legislation, journal articles, newspaper reports, and policy documents.FindingsThe research showed that the financial inclusion gap has expanded despite the government, regulators, and financial institutions' various efforts by developing various digital platforms, including encouraging the use of smartphones for mobile payments and automated teller machines (ATMs) and mobile money. Several reasons are responsible for the gap in financial inclusion: illiteracy, poor infrastructural facilities, intermittent power supply, poor mobile receptions, especially in rural areas, constant banks' network failures, unnecessary charges, information asymmetry and data privacy breaches, amongst others.Practical implicationsFinancial inclusion through fintech is essential in eradicating poverty in developing and emerging markets if adequately implemented. Therefore, this paper will be useful to researchers exploring how technology influences financial inclusion. The paper will also aid policymakers and practitioners in financial technology regulation to improve the effectiveness of policymakers and practitioners' policies and implementation strategies of financial inclusion in developing and emerging markets.Originality/valueThis research is significant, especially in developing and emerging markets, by exploring issues and challenges of fintech in promoting financial inclusion in challenging institutional contexts. This paper suggested potential areas for further research, particularly women's attitudes and expectations towards services provided by fintech companies and other financial institutions.