Journal of Asia Entrepreneurship and Sustainability
The Journal of Asia Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (JAES) is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal focused on advancing research at the intersection of entrepreneurship and sustainable development across Asia. The journal provides a scholarly platform for exploring how innovation, enterprise, and policy contribute to inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability in diverse regional contexts. Publisher: Asia Academic Press Language of edition: English. Founded: 2005 ISSN: e-1176- 8592, p-1177-4541 Publication Frequency: • Quarterly (2005–2025) • Monthly (from 2026 onward) DOI Prefix: 10.66635 (All articles published up to Vol. 22 No. 3 (2026) retain the original DOI prefix 10.5355, 10.69980 which remains valid and fully resolvable)
Impact Assessment of Promotional Schemes on MSME Performance in Nagaland
This study examines the impact of promotional schemes on the performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nagaland, a geographically constrained region characterized by infrastructural and market limitations. The research adopts a descriptive and analytical approach to evaluate how institutional interventions and policy initiatives influence key performance indicators such as enterprise formalization, employment generation, enterprise creation, skill development, and financial inclusion. The findings reveal a significant improvement in MSME performance, with increased enterprise registrations, expansion of business units, and substantial job creation, particularly in rural and labor-intensive sectors. Training and capacity-building initiatives have enhanced entrepreneurial skills and productivity, while improved access to credit has strengthened financial inclusion and business sustainability. Despite these positive outcomes, the study identifies persistent challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited digital connectivity, low awareness of schemes, and weak coordination among promotional agencies, which constrain the full potential of MSMEs. The results suggest that while promotional schemes act as effective catalysts for economic growth and inclusive entrepreneurship, their long-term effectiveness depends on integrated policy implementation, improved institutional coordination, and enhanced outreach mechanisms. The study contributes to the understanding of MSME development in emerging economies by providing insights into the role of policy interventions in fostering sustainable and inclusive enterprise growth in regions facing structural and geographical challenges.
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Marketing Strategy, Brand Reputation, And Patient Loyalty: A Comparative of Charitable and Private Hospitals in India Study
The healthcare systems of the emerging economies are rapidly changing, and organizations must strike a balance in quality, accessibility and positioning of their services. This paper explores how marketing strategy, brand reputation, perceived patient barriers and hospital type of ownership affect patient loyalty in charitable and private hospitals in India. It was based on the quantitative, cross-sectional research design and the data were gathered among 632 patients with the help of the structured survey form. The research frames healthcare institutions as entrepreneurial organizations that work in a sustainability-based framework, with patient loyalty indicating sustainable relational performance and organizational sustainability. The reliability testing, confirmatory factor analysis, multiple regression, and structural equation modeling methods were used to conduct the analysis. The results indicate that brand reputation is the best predictor of patient loyalty, whereas marketing strategy has a significant impact on patient loyalty, both directly and indirectly (via its influence on brand reputation). Perceived patient barriers have a negative impact on loyalty, and accessibility and operational efficiency in healthcare delivery are important. Moreover, the type of hospital ownership greatly distinguishes the results of loyalty with the private-owned hospitals showing a higher patient loyalty than the charitable ones. The research is relevant to the body of literature because it combines the marketing strategy, reputational processes, and structural features in one system of empirical research based on sustainable entrepreneurship. It offers useful information to healthcare administrators who want to improve patient engagement and simultaneously deliver equitable services. The results underscore the fact that patient loyalty can only be sustained when there is a congruence between strategic communication, operational performance, and institutional positioning in highly complicated healthcare systems.
Determinants Of Job Satisfaction For Informal Workers: The Mediating Role Of Transactional And Relational Aspects
This paper discusses the factors that determine job satisfaction among informal workers with the emphasis that is laid on the importance of transactional (economic) and relational (social) factors. The informal workers who are also micro-entrepreneurs contribute greatly towards livelihoods in developing economies. Nevertheless, their job satisfaction is still affected by various economic and social processes. Primary data was gathered on 500 informal workers working in various industries like street vending, domestic and construction labour in a quantitative cross-sectional research design. The researchers use descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis to determine the influence of income stability, job security, working conditions, supervisor support and peer relationships on job satisfaction. The results show that economic factors play a crucial role, but the relational factors have a greater impact on job satisfaction. The peer relationship was found to be the most important predictor, then supervisor support, demonstrating the vital importance of social capital in informal working conditions. Moreover, self-employed people indicated greater job satisfaction than wage and family workers, which indicates that autonomy is a major factor contributing to job satisfaction. The research adds value to the literature by combining the economic and social views to comprehend job satisfaction in informal settings. It offers valuable recommendations to policy makers because it shows the necessity of ensuring the financial systems and social support networks are enhanced to support sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.
Comparison of Impact & Challenges of Solar Energy Utilisation in India vs Global Turf
The global transformation toward renewable energy has positioned solar power as a centre of climate goals, SDG goals 2030 and sustainable development. India, as one of the fastest-growing energy markets, has made significant progress in solar capacity expansion under initiatives such as the National Solar Mission. However, disparities persist when compared with global leaders in terms of efficiency, infrastructure, financing, and policy execution. This study presents a comparative analysis of the impact and challenges of solar energy utilisation in India vis-à-vis global benchmarks. Using secondary data from authoritative sources such as IEA, IRENA, World Bank, and MNRE, and applying statistical hypothesis testing (t-test, p-value analysis), the study identifies significant differences in adoption, efficiency, and policy effectiveness. The findings reveal that while India excels in cost competitiveness and rapid expansion, structural and operational barriers hinder optimal utilisation. This study further integrates an entrepreneurial perspective by examining the role of solar startups, MSMEs, and rural enterprises in driving solar energy adoption. The paper highlights emerging business opportunities in decentralized solar models, rooftop installations, and AI-enabled energy optimisation. From a business standpoint, the study provides insights into investment potential, innovation ecosystems, and scalable solar business models. It contributes practically by offering strategic implications for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors seeking to leverage solar energy as a high-growth sector within sustainable development frameworks.
Seaport logistics of perishable agricultural products: Assessing the effectiveness of a blockchain-based track and trace solution
The increasing global demand for high-quality agricultural products, coupled with significant food wastage in supply chains, highlights the need for efficient and sustainable logistics systems. This study proposes a blockchain-based track and trace solution integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies to improve transparency, traceability, and quality management in seaport logistics for agricultural exports. The research adopts a conceptual and empirical approach by developing a blockchain architecture and evaluating its effectiveness through an analytical model and a numerical illustration involving the export of spinach from India to Singapore. The results demonstrate that the proposed blockchain-enabled system significantly reduces the risk of product deterioration by ensuring real-time monitoring of critical parameters such as temperature, time, and location. Beyond operational improvements, the study highlights the role of blockchain technology in promoting sustainable entrepreneurship by enabling innovative business models for Agri-logistics startups and enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in international markets. The system contributes to sustainable supply chain practices by minimising food waste, improving resource efficiency, and ensuring transparency across stakeholders. The findings align with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2, SDG 9, SDG 12, and SDG 8. The study offers practical implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders to support blockchain adoption in agricultural supply chains, particularly in the Asian context.
“Decoding Performance Dynamics Of Thematic Infrastructure Mutual Funds: Insights Into Sustainable Investing”
This study investigates the performance dynamics of selected thematic infrastructure mutual funds in India, with a particular emphasis on their role in supporting sustainable economic development and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Using a quantitative research design based on secondary data from April 2024 to March 2025, the study evaluates ten open-ended thematic schemes through key financial and risk-adjusted performance indicators, including return, standard deviation, beta, Sharpe ratio, Treynor ratio, Jensen’s alpha and Fama decomposition. Beyond financial evaluation, the study situates infrastructure investments within the broader context of sustainability and inclusive growth. Infrastructure-focused mutual funds channel capital into critical sectors such as energy, transportation, and urban development, which are essential for enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs), fostering innovation, and strengthening entrepreneurial capacity in emerging economies like India. The findings reveal that while all selected funds generated positive returns, top-performing funds such as Invesco India Infrastructure Fund, Franklin Fund (Build India), and DSP Fund ( Tiger India) demonstrate superior managerial efficiency and strong selectivity, contributing to sustainable capital allocation. The results highlight the trade-off between risk and return, while also indicating that a significant portion of performance is driven by fund-specific strategies rather than market movements alone. Importantly, the study underscores how thematic infrastructure investments can indirectly support sustainable entrepreneurship by enhancing economic infrastructure and promoting long-term development outcomes. The research contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable finance and its implications for entrepreneurial growth in Asia, offering insights for investors, policymakers, and scholars interested in the intersection of finance, sustainability, and development.
A Statistical Framework For Sustainable Supply Chain Management In It Hardware Products
The growing urgency of environmental sustainability has compelled organizations across industries to redesign their supply chain operations. The IT hardware sector, characterized by rapid product obsolescence, complex global sourcing, and significant e-waste generation, presents unique sustainability challenges. This study proposes a quantitative Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) framework integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions to evaluate sustainable supply chain performance. Using primary data collected from 245 respondents across IT hardware manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in India, the study employs Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and multiple regression analysis to validate the proposed Triple-Pillar SSCM Model. The findings reveal that environmental sustainability practices, particularly green procurement and reverse logistics, are the most significant predictors of sustainable supply chain performance, followed by economic and social sustainability practices. Supplier relationship quality partially mediates the sustainability-performance relationship, while regulatory compliance intensity strengthens the impact of economic sustainability practices. The model demonstrates strong explanatory power (R² = 0.81) and provides actionable insights for supply chain practitioners. The study further contributes to the literature on sustainable entrepreneurship by illustrating how sustainability-oriented supply chain practices can enable innovation-driven growth and competitive advantage, particularly in SME-dominated and entrepreneur-led sectors in emerging Asian economies such as India. The findings highlight the role of sustainability as a strategic driver of innovation and value creation beyond regulatory compliance.
Online Pre-Owned Car Platforms as Entrepreneurial Marketplaces: A Study of User Perception and Sustainable Digital Adoption in India
The rapid expansion of digital platforms has significantly transformed traditional marketplaces, enabling new forms of entrepreneurship and contributing to sustainable economic development. In emerging economies such as India, online pre-owned car trading platforms have evolved as dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems that facilitate efficient transactions, reduce information asymmetry, and promote resource reuse within the circular economy. This study examines how users perceive and engage with these digital platforms, and evaluates their role in supporting sustainable value creation. Primary data were collected from 150 users of online pre-owned car trading platforms through a structured questionnaire. The study employs statistical tools including weighted average analysis, factor analysis, and correlation techniques to identify key determinants influencing platform adoption and usage. The findings reveal that digital platforms are primarily popularized through online advertisements and social media channels. Three major factors—ease of use, transparent dealings, and price and warranty assurance—significantly influence user access and engagement with these platforms. From an entrepreneurship perspective, the results highlight the role of online trading platforms as intermediaries that empower individual sellers, small-scale dealers, and platform-based business models. These platforms contribute to sustainability by enhancing market transparency, reducing transaction costs, and promoting the reuse of durable goods, thereby supporting circular economic practices. The study contributes to the literature by linking customer-centric platform adoption with broader entrepreneurial and sustainability outcomes in the digital economy. The findings offer implications for platform developers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in designing inclusive, transparent, and sustainable digital marketplaces in emerging economies.
Digital Platform Regulation, Entrepreneurial Sustainability, And Cyberterrorism Governance: a Comparative Analysis Of Business Ecosystem Implications In The United States, The European Union, And India
The rapid growth of digital communication technologies has completely changed the way digital entrepreneurs, startups, and platform-based businesses operate. Extremist groups have used the internet, including social media and communication platforms, to spread propaganda, recruit new members, raise money, and plan operations. This has led to significant regulatory responses that directly reshape the compliance landscape for digital businesses and innovation ecosystems. This study contributes to the growing body of research on digital platform governance, sustainable entrepreneurship, and cyberterrorism regulation by examining how rules designed to prevent the spread of extremist content affect digital entrepreneurship, startup ecosystems, and sustainable business models across jurisdictions. Departing from earlier research that primarily framed cyberterrorism as a technological and cybersecurity issue, this study focuses on its entrepreneurial and sustainability implications. It adopts a comparative doctrinal approach to analyse regulatory frameworks in the United States, the European Union, and India. The analysis demonstrates that variations in intermediary liability regimes, content moderation requirements, and critical infrastructure protection strategies create significantly different environments for digital entrepreneurship and platform-based innovation.The findings highlight the need for internationally harmonised regulatory frameworks that can effectively mitigate cyberterrorism risks while supporting innovation and entrepreneurial sustainability. The study underscores that regulatory design plays a critical role in shaping the long-term viability of digital business ecosystems.
Mediating role of Stakeholders Engagement on relation between Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance
Purpose: Sustainability is multidimensional concept which is gaining interest recently. Various studies have performed to examine the relationship between the two still its relation with financial performance is inconclusive. The study aims to analyze the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance of small and medium enterprises while focusing on stakeholder engagement as a mediator variable. Design/Approach: Mediation analysis was employed to examine the mediating role of stakeholder engagement. For this study, primary data was collected from 196 Indian SMEs through structured questionnaire. Findings: The results reveal that CSR has a significant positive impact on both stakeholder engagement and financial performance. Moreover, the stakeholder engagement has a strong impact on financial performance, which proves its utmost importance to organizational success. The finding highlights the importance of transparency and responsible practices in enhancing stakeholder trust, participation and involvement. It aligns with the motion that CSR activities act as a communication mechanism that strengthens firm-stakeholder relationships. Originality/Value: The study contributes to our knowledge about leading of CSR practices to improve financial performance of SMEs in India. This paper is in a class by itself to authorize the association of CSR and financial performance of Indian SMEs taking stakeholder engagement as mediating factor.
Assessing Customer Satisfaction in Telecom Services: A Study of Working Professionals in Ahmedabad
The Indian telecommunication industry is very competitive. It is important that the Indian telecommunications business retains customers since customer loyalty and satisfaction are the key determinants of its success. This paper studies how working professionals in Ahmedabad, Gujarat are satisfied with the current telecom service providers in the area. The data was collected through the administration of a questionnaire shared on online medium, and 122 people responded to it. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the answers received to the questions about the Indian telecommunications sector. Factors such as an efficient service, network connectivity, voice call quality and data experience are essential to the users. Airtel and Jio have been the most preferred service provider with 71% contribution; however, users do not approve the prices of Airtel and its additional services offered. 79% of the users have agreed to be content with their service provider with one-fifth of the subscribers reported that they were ready to switch to another provider. The main reason why people are willing to change providers is the lack of network connectivity and the poor quality of voice calls of their current provider. Equipped with this information, the telecommunications companies can enhance services and make the experience of the users better. Infrastructure improvement, pricing clarity and customised value-added services are important to sustain customer loyalty in a competitive market.
Managing Employee Stress In Public And Private Banks: Implications For Human Capital And Organizational Sustainability
India's banking sector is rapidly changing due to digitalization, tougher competition and changing customer expectations, which has also greatly increased the stress of the employees. This paper looks at and compares how public and private bank employees get stressed, where the stress comes from and how the employees deal with it, as well as their effects on human capital and organizational sustainability. By using secondary data and a descriptive and comparative research design, the study has pinpointed several stress factors such as heavy workload, performance pressure, unclear roles, adapting to new technology, and disruption of work, life balance. The results show that stress levels are much higher among private sector bank employees because of their demanding targets, constant performance monitoring and competitive work environment. On the other hand, public sector bank employees experience stress at moderate levels but their stress is continuous and results from the character of bureaucratic processes, delays in administration and a scarcity of opportunities for career advancement. The paper also looks at the relevant stress coping strategies, including counseling, time management, organizational support and technology-based interventions used by these banking sectors. The paper comes to the conclusion that proper stress management is indispensable for promoting employee welfare, boosting work efficiency and maintaining organizational performance over time. It recommends that integrated, personalized and technology-enabled stress management strategies be implemented for handling the new challenges coming up in the banking sector.
Navigating The Paradox Of Sustainability And Market Logic: a Qualitative Study On Sustainable Fashion Entrepreneurship
The fashion industry is currently at an inflection point, moving from the traditional linear fast fashion approach to the new paradigm of sustainability. Sustainable Fashion Entrepreneurs (SFEs) are the driving force behind the transition, but they are faced with unique challenges in balancing the "ethical imperative" with the "market imperative." This study aims to examine the intricate relationship between sustainability and viability from the SFEs' perspective, using a qualitative approach based on Resource-Based View (RBV) theory and Institutional Theory. Our study aims to examine the approach SFEs take in surmounting the challenges they face in the transition from the traditional fast fashion approach to the new sustainability paradigm, creating value in the process. Using a purposive sampling approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews among 34 respondents, comprising 22 industry practitioners and 12 consumers. Using Gioia’s approach, we identified four dominant themes: Ethical Tension Management, Supply Chain Integrity, Market Perception and Consumer Education, and Entrepreneurial Resilience. Our study contributes to the literature by providing an understanding of the trade-offs SFEs make in the sustainability approach, which can be beneficial in creating a new paradigm in the fashion industry. We propose a framework illustrating how SFEs capitalize on authenticity and transparency as distinctive resources to counterbalance institutional pressures. Our research contributes to the literature by providing a nuanced understanding of trade-offs in sustainable decision-making and its practical implications for developing a sustainable fashion ecosystem.
Historical Perspectives on the Evolution of Gender Roles: Case Studies from Different Societies
In this paper, the way the gender role has changed and developed historically and how it has built and developed the nature of entrepreneurship and sustainable development, will be discussed in relation to India in particular. Gender is an outcome of a system of culture and institutionalization and a process of ongoing socialization, it is perceived as a social process and not a biological determinant. This paper explains the impact of these gendered expectations on access to resources, opportunities and economic activities. It underlines the structural constraints that women must grapple with in the long term like lack of access to finance, lack of mobility and demand on their part by society regarding their roles back home that limit their entrepreneurial abilities. The other key concepts that have been explored in the study are gender justice, masculinity, femininity and the dichotomous public-private and how these structures contribute or retard gender inequalities. The role of legal provisions and judicial interventions is discussed as a significant means of enhancing gender equality and inclusion to contribute to economies. Such issues as female foeticide, unequal distribution of the resources, symbolic manifestations of gender bias are also connected with in the paper, with the accent on their socio-economic implications on a larger scale. Integrating literature and up-to-date trends, such as online platforms and policy initiatives, the paper pinpoints the transformational aspect of inclusive entrepreneurship. It contends that gender inequalities need to be tackled to promote innovation, economic development and sustainability of developing economies.
Leadership, Social Trust, and Organizational Performance: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
The paper focuses on exploring the connections between leadership, social trust, and organizational performance through a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method and sustainable results in the context of emerging Asian economies. Based on primary data of 250 employees and mid-level managers in the various organizational environments; the study uses Partial Least Squares SEM (PLS-SEM) to assess both the direct and indirect relationships between the major constructs. The results show that leadership positively significantly impacts social trust which further has a significant impact on the performance of the organization. Also, leadership shows a direct yet a weaker impact on performance outcomes. Mediation study establishes that social trust is partially mediating the relationship between leadership and organizational performance, thus its important position as a relationship process. The research is relevant to the literature in that it combines the views of sustainable entrepreneurship, ethical leadership, relational governance in terms of the significance of trust in the realization of the effectiveness of an organization in the long term. Trust-based leadership practices are especially relevant in the emerging Asian economies in which institutional frameworks are mostly in a state of development. The results can be of great use to managers and policymakers because they reveal the potential of trust-building leadership styles to contribute to organizational resilience and sustainable performance.
Role of Entrepreneurship Development Programmes in Enhancing Entrepreneurial Skills and Financial Independence among Rural Women
This study examines the role of Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs) in promoting sustainable entrepreneurial skills and financial independence among rural women in India, within the broader context of inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship in Asia. A quantitative research design was employed, and primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a Likert scale. Statistical techniques, including descriptive analysis, correlation, and multiple regression, were applied to test the proposed hypotheses. The findings indicate that EDPs significantly enhance entrepreneurial competencies such as financial literacy, decision-making, and business management. Entrepreneurial skills emerged as the strongest predictor of financial independence, highlighting the critical role of human capital development in achieving sustainable economic outcomes. However, the direct impact of EDP participation on financial independence was found to be moderate, suggesting that structural barriers such as limited access to finance, inadequate market linkages, and socio-cultural constraints continue to hinder the sustainability of women-led enterprises. The study contributes to the literature on sustainable entrepreneurship in developing economies by demonstrating that the effectiveness of EDPs depends on supportive institutional ecosystems. It offers important policy implications for designing integrated, sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship programmes that foster long-term economic empowerment and resilience among rural women in emerging Asian contexts.
Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs)
Mobilizing Artificial Intelligence to Drive Sustainability and Competitiveness in SME- Driven Entrepreneurship: An Interpretative Study
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping economic systems and entrepreneurial ecosystems, particularly within startups and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As environmental challenges intensify globally, AI-supported tasks provide opportunities for sustainable development while enabling economic growth. This interpretative study examines the dual role of AI in promoting sustainability and contributing to environmental pressures. As societies confront mounting ecological and resource-based challenges—ranging from climate change and biodiversity loss to unsustainable energy consumption—the role of AI in supporting sustainable development has become increasingly salient. With its capacity for automation, optimization, prediction, and real-time decision-making, AI offers powerful tools for enhancing environmental sustainability The study integrates perspectives from sustainable entrepreneurship, SME adoption, and AI-driven innovation, with particular emphasis on Asian economies. Findings suggest that AI, when implemented responsibly, can support environmentally sustainable practices while enhancing business competitiveness. However, concerns related to energy consumption, carbon emissions, and governance highlight the need for sustainable AI frameworks. Findings from this study underscore the dual nature of AI as both an enabler of sustainability and a contributor to environmental risk. On one hand, AI-supported tasks demonstrate considerable potential in advancing environmental goals.
Impact of Emotional Advertising on Green Purchase Intentions
The paper will examine the impact of emotional advertising on the purchase intention of green products within the context of increasing environmental consciousness and the importance of green consumption. As the concern on environmental concerns becomes more popular, more marketers embrace emotional appeals in their desire to influence consumer behaviour towards environmentally friendly products. The main aim of the study is to examine the direct and indirect impact of emotional advertisement on green purchase (GP) intention wherein attitude towards green products and environmental concern are some of the mediators. The quantitative research method was embraced, a questionnaire with a sample size of 300 and was distributed to all respondents in a questionnaire that was measured on a five-point Likert scale. Jamovi was used to analyze the data through reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, correlation and regression. The results indicate that emotional advertisement has a high positive impact on the green purchase intention both directly and indirectly via the attitude and environmental concern. It was found that attitude has a higher influence on the purchase intention amongst the mediators compared to the environmental concern. These findings suggest that emotional appeals may prove highly utilitarian in the process of outlining consumer perceptions and ensuring sustainable purchasing behaviour. The paper concludes that emotional elements must be involved in the green marketing strategies to enhance their effectiveness and assist in the promotion of the environmentally friendly consumption.
Digital Economy and Sustainable Economic Development: Insights from Developing Nations
This review paper examines the relationship between the digital economy and sustainable economic development, with a specific focus on developing nations. It synthesizes existing literature to explore how digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, digital platforms, and fintech contribute to economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. The study highlights that the digital economy enhances productivity, fosters innovation, and expands market access, while also improving access to financial services, education, and public services. It further emphasizes the critical role of entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as key drivers in translating digital transformation into sustainable outcomes through digital ecosystems and platform-based business models. The review identifies key enabling factors, including digital infrastructure, supportive policies, institutional quality, innovation, and human capital, which collectively determine the effectiveness of digitalization in achieving sustainability goals. However, it also recognizes significant challenges such as the digital divide, limited access to finance, weak institutional frameworks, cybersecurity risks, and increasing inequality, which may hinder inclusive development. By integrating insights across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the digital–sustainability nexus. The findings suggest that a balanced and inclusive approach, supported by strong governance and strategic policy interventions, is essential to harness the full potential of the digital economy for achieving sustainable and inclusive development in developing countries.
Stress Transmission in the Workplace: Examining Managerial Stress, Leadership Effectiveness, and Employee Well-being in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Workplace stress (WPS) is common in high-demanding industries burdened with stringent regulatory compliance and operational constraints. While WPS has been studied from the employee perspective, the role of leadership stress and its subsequent effect on subordinates has received limited attention. The study aims to address this gap in literature by examining how leadership stress permeates down to the subordinates, and affects their professional outcomes and personal wellbeing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a pharmaceutical company based in Indore, India. A total of 50 people were interviewed comprising 25 managers and 25 employees. Our findings show that operational constraints, stringent regulations and workload intensity were the main factors catalyzing managerial stress. While some leaders transmitted the stress to their employees, others chose to absorb it in order to prevent any spillover effects. Further, stress transmission was not verbal; rather it was implicit and behavioral, manifesting in communication cues guiding everyday interactions. The study contributes to the literature by demonstrating how the manager-employee relational paradigm contributes to workplace stress. Besides, it also shows that both managers and employees adopt coping strategies to deal with stress including spirituality, meditation, planning, prioritizing, and reflection.
Artificial Intelligence in Commerce: Transforming Financial Decision-Making in Indian Businesses
The concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken a gradual step out of the fringes of technological experimentation to the centre of managerial decision-making in contemporary business entities. This change is especially pronounced in the Indian commercial environment, as this area is rapidly becoming digitalized, more market volatility is observed, and companies have an increasing pressure to become more economical with their finances and more strategic in their approaches. The study article explores how AI can be used as a decision-support tool in financial management practices of budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and risk assessment in Indian companies. Instead of considering AI as a technical innovation, the study aims at managerial perceptions, organizational readiness, and interaction of the human judgment and machine-generated insights. It is conceptual and descriptive research that is based on secondary data drawn on academic literature, industry reports, policy documents, and documented business practices in India. According to the analysis, AI makes financial decisions more high-quality, fast, and consistent, as it makes the information overload less significant, and subjective prejudice is minimized. Simultaneously, the results suggest that the Indian managers are quite likely to perceive AI as a strategic ally, but not as a replacement of professional discretion. Issues like low data quality, lack of human resources, ethical issues, and expensive costs still limit the successful implementation, particularly by the small and medium sized enterprises. The article adds to the literature on commerce and management by providing an Indian view of AI-based financial decision-making and the necessity to balance technological availability and human knowledge.
Impact of Short-Form Video Platforms on News Dissemination: A Case Study of News Visibility
This paper analyses how the short-form video content platform has increased the popularity of news and its visibility in the digital era, especially on the Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. These platforms have changed the face of traditional journalism because they have allowed the provision of small, graphic and extremely shareable news content. Based on the secondary information and the thematic analysis, the study shows the importance of the algorithm-based distribution that has contributed greatly to the reach and interaction with the audience, especially in younger age groups. In addition to the visibility the research question also examines the new entrepreneurial and economic potential of short-form platforms. Such platforms are also supporting the existence of new platforms of digital journalism entrepreneurships, independent content producers, as well as new media ventures, through reduced barriers of entry and monetization via platform-related ecosystems. This trend shows the emergence of the creator economy and the platform-based business models in digital journalism. Although brief content makes the content more accessible and more engaging, it also raises certain questions about the oversimplification of content and editorial integrity. The paper concludes by finding that as much as short-form video platforms are redefining the news dissemination processes, their sustainability in the long run is pegged on striking a balance between visibility and journalistic depth and credibility.
The Role Of Indian Universities In Advancing The Circular Economy: Case Studies, Challenges, And Strategic Recommendations
The increased pressure in the use of natural resources and the rising environmental issues have heightened the quest in finding a development model to support economic development and ecological consciousness. Circular economy is a new promising model that puts the focus on optimization of resources, reduction of waste, and regeneration of a system. Universities are in a strategic placement to facilitate this transition through influencing innovation, shaping knowledge systems and by directly interacting with the society. The education institutions of higher education in India are situated in an intricate system of sustainability characterized by fast growth of the economy and environmental insecurity. This paper is a critical analysis of how Indian universities can enhance the practices of the circular economy by means of education, research, and institutional processes and involvement of stakeholders. Based on the mixed-method approach that is provided by the institutional case studies, the paper reveals the current contributions, structural limitations, and emerging opportunities. On the basis of the results, one of the strategic frameworks is offered to reinforce the adoption of the principles of the circular economy into the context of Indian higher education to make universities the agents of sustainable change.
Women Diversity in the Indian Corporate World: A Conceptual Analysis
This paper aims to present a conceptual framework trying to understand Women’s diversity in corporate context in India. Diversity & Inclusion are just not two words in corporate policy. It also focuses on multidimensional nature of diversity, the barriers to inclusion, organizational dynamics, multiple theories that shape women’s participation in corporate leadership. The paper keenly observes the work on existing literature and aims to identify the gap and would like to propose directions for future empirical inquires aiming to foster equal opportunities and unbiased workplaces in India.
Subjective Well-Being As A Predictor Of Organisational Citizenship Behaviour: Evidence From The Indian Service Sector
Modern Indian service industry is dependent on the behaviour of the employees that is often beyond the mandate as prescribed. Both technological competence and voluntary and cooperative employee work activism keep the service continuity, team coordination, and customer satisfaction in BPO and KPO organisations. These behaviours also known as organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) are the most crucial in the high-paced services environments. This study explores the relationship between organisational culture and subjective wellbeing of workers in the Indian outsourcing industry with a particular focus on the extent to which it influences organisational citizenship activity of workers. Our research strategy was a quantitative one, and our primary data are the survey of 200 individuals employed by BPO and KPO corporations in big cities across India. The subjective well-being, organisational citizenship, and culture were measured using standardised and validated measures. In SPSS, all the moderation, regression, and correlation studies were conducted. There are positive relationships between organisational citizenship behaviour and subjective well-being. Employees who were psychologically healthy had increased chances of volunteering, cooperating and being prosocial. The findings also reveal that the organisational culture is an important contextual factor, which supports the positive influence of well-being on discretionary employee contributions in supportive and participative organisational contexts. The paper emphasises the fact that employee well-being is not just a personal psychological performance, it is an organisational asset that influences the effectiveness of behaviour. Service-sector organisations can ensure that cooperation and disengagement are mitigated by creating favourable cultural conditions and well-being programs which help to sustain performance in the long term. The results can be employed by human resource professionals, business executives and government officials in India in their effort to enhance service delivery by people being the key consideration.
Indigenous Leadership and Entrepreneurial Capability Development: A Capability Perspective on Leadership Development and Sustainable Human Resource Architecture
Human resource development requires more than ethical intent to be sustainable; it depends on institutional architecture that supports long-term capability formation. Although value-based leadership research often assumes that morally grounded leaders directly create sustainable organisational systems, the mechanisms through which leadership philosophy translates into structured HR sustainability remain underexplored. At the same time, entrepreneurship research highlights that sustainable venture performance, innovation, and firm growth depend on the development of underlying organisational capabilities rather than leadership intent alone, yet the integration between leadership capability and entrepreneurial outcomes remains underexplored. Drawing on the Resource-Based View and Knowledge-Based View, this study conceptualises Indian Knowledge System-inspired Leadership Practices (IKSLP) as a higher-order leadership capability encompassing ethical stewardship, service orientation, spiritual purpose, and reflective self-regulation. Using survey data from 250 managers and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling, the study examines whether IKSLP influences Sustainable Human Resource Development (SHRD) directly or through Leadership Development Effectiveness (LDE). The model is further conceptually extended to link sustainable HR capability with entrepreneurial outcomes such as innovation, firm performance, and long-term venture sustainability. The findings reveal full mediation: IKSLP significantly influences LDE, LDE significantly influences SHRD, and the direct effect of IKSLP on SHRD is not significant. From an entrepreneurship perspective, the findings suggest that entrepreneurial success emerges through institutionalised capability-building systems supporting innovation, adaptability, and scalable growth, particularly in SME and emerging economy contexts.
Clicks vs. Bricks: The Transformation of Traditional Retail in the Era of E-Commerce in Chhattisgarh
E-commerce boom has really changed the face of the retail industry, putting the usual retail store system to test, especially in the developing markets. By adopting consumer preference shift and strategic adaptation as mediating variables and competitive pressure as a moderating factor, this paper analyzes the changes in traditional retail performance due to the adoption of e-commerce in Chhattisgarh. The quota and purposive sampling method were used to select a sample of 400 traditional retailers of the five division of Chhattisgarh. The data were obtained by field survey and were processed by the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that the adoption of e-commerce has a profound positive impact on the performance of retail business directly and indirectly by changing consumer preference towards online shopping and strategic adjustment of retailers. The findings also suggest that competitive pressure within the e-commerce enhances the relationship between e-commerce adoption, strategic adaptation and the performance of the retailers. These results imply that digital change in the retail sector works along interdependent technological, behavioural and strategic channels. The research can add to the literature on the digital retail transformation by carrying empirical evidence based on a regional Indian population and the significance of incorporating digital technologies into adapting retail strategies to stay relevant in the changing shopping ecology.
An Empirical Analysis Of Economic Growth, Green Entrepreneurship, And Sustainable Development: Evidence From 30 SDG Achievers
In the time of increasing environmental challenges globally, the need of sustainable and innovative solutions is created. In this context, to focus on developing environmentally friendly products, services, and processes, Green Entrepreneurship plays a vital role. However, these eco-conscious enterprises often require substantial financial investments, thereby making the role of financial institutions important in providing necessary financial assistance. Although growing recognition of green entrepreneurship's importance in policy and academic discussions, there is still very limited empirical evidence that shows how economic growth influences green entrepreneurship. These entrepreneurial activities contribute to sustainable development. To address this, the current study examines data of 690 observations over 23 years (2000 to 2000), studying 30 leading sustainable development goal achieving countries. The analysis has been done using Panel data econometric techniques, including fixed effects, Generalised least squares models, and random effects to understand the relationship among variables. The evidence suggests that economic growth measured using GDP has a statistically significant impact on green entrepreneurship. Furthermore, Green entrepreneurship has a positive and significant effect on sustainable development outcomes. Based on the findings, the result suggests that plans and policies promoting economic growth, research and development investments, encouraging trade openness, and improving human capital play a significant role in stimulating green entrepreneurial initiatives and supporting sustainable development.
Demographic and Social Capital Influences on Women Entrepreneurs’ Empowerment: Evidence from Women-Led Ventures in India
Women’s entrepreneurship has emerged as a significant driver of inclusive economic growth, gender equality, and sustainable development, particularly in emerging economies such as India. Despite supportive policy initiatives, women entrepreneurs continue to face structural, institutional, and socio-economic challenges that affect their empowerment and business performance. This study examines the influence of demographic factors and social capital on multiple dimensions of women’s entrepreneurial empowerment, including psychological, economic, decision-making, and institutional aspects. Primary data were collected from 317 women entrepreneurs across diverse sectors using a structured questionnaire, and the analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA and multiple regression techniques. The findings reveal that empowerment is multidimensional and varies across different factors. Marital status and regional context significantly influence economic empowerment, while education and ownership structure have a significant impact on decision-making empowerment. In contrast, psychological and institutional empowerment do not show significant variation across demographic categories. The regression results further confirm that structural and institutional variables play a more critical role than individual characteristics in shaping empowerment outcomes. The study highlights the importance of strengthening financial accessibility, institutional support, and entrepreneurial ecosystems to enhance women’s empowerment. By integrating demographic and social capital perspectives, the research contributes to the literature on women entrepreneurship and offers policy insights for promoting inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial development.
“Agri-Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Innovation: Bridging Food Security and Environmental Protection”
This study examines the role of sustainable agriculture as a pathway for simultaneously achieving food security, environmental protection, and entrepreneurial development. In the context of rising global food demand, climate change, and resource degradation, the study adopts an interdisciplinary approach integrating sustainability science and entrepreneurship to analyze how agri-entrepreneurs, startups, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) contribute to transforming agricultural systems. Using a structured literature review and comparative case study analysis, the paper evaluates climate-smart, agroecological, and regenerative farming practices in terms of productivity, resource efficiency, and environmental outcomes. The findings indicate that these practices not only enhance yields and reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also create viable opportunities for innovation-driven and market-oriented business models. The study further highlights the importance of entrepreneurial ecosystems, including access to finance, technology, market linkages, and institutional support, in enabling the scaling of sustainable practices. Policy instruments such as carbon markets, certification systems, and ecosystem service payments are identified as key mechanisms that support entrepreneurial engagement and value creation. However, challenges related to scalability, access to capital, technological adoption, and policy coherence remain significant barriers. The study concludes that entrepreneurship is a critical enabler in advancing sustainable agriculture, particularly in developing and Asian contexts, and emphasizes the need for integrated policy frameworks and innovation-led approaches to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.