Ho Chi Minh City Open University Journal of Science - Economics and Business Administration
Tạp chí của Trường Đại học Mở Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Ho Chi Minh City Open University Journal of Science
The nonlinear effect of international tourism on income inequality: Testing the Kuznets curve hypothesis
The study aims to assess the impact of international tourism on income inequality in 67 developing countries on a global scale during the period from 2005 to 2022. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimate technique is used to estimate econometric models and provide new insights. Quantitative research results indicate that tourism exerts both linear and nonlinear effects on income inequality. Thus, tourism development serves as a mechanism for reducing inequality in developing countries, following an inverted U-shaped pattern. The study's results fill the current research gap and provide a clear answer to the debates in the scientific community when considering the impact of tourism on income inequality in line with the Kuznets curve hypothesis. Furthermore, the models are categorized to examine the influence of macroeconomic factors, internal factors, and international factors on the dependent variable separately, providing a more general frame of reference when studying the relationship between tourism development and income inequality in developing countries.
Building a new hybrid machine learning model for improvement insurance cross-sell prediction
Amid rising competition in the insurance sector, optimizing cross-selling strategies is crucial for sustainable growth and requires a deep understanding of customer behavior. This study proposes a machine learning-driven framework for cross-sell prediction to enhance personalization, increase conversion rates, and maximize return on investment. Using 381,109 customer records from an insurance company, the data undergoes preprocessing steps including outlier treatment for Annual Premium, encoding categorical variables such as Gender and Vehicle Age, and standardizing numerical features like Age, Annual Premium, and Vintage. To address class imbalance in the Response variable, where only 12.26 percent of customers responded positively, Borderline-Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (Borderline-SMOTE) is applied to generate synthetic samples and improve prediction accuracy. Four machine learning models, including Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, and XGBoost, are trained and evaluated using Accuracy, Receiver Operating Characteristic - Area Under the Curve (ROC-AUC), Mean Absolute Error, Mean Squared Error, and Root Mean Squared Error. Among these, XGBoost with Borderline-SMOTE achieves the best performance, with an accuracy of 0.84 and a ROC-AUC score of 0.8436, representing a significant improvement over the baseline XGBoost model with a ROC-AUC of 0.7768. Logistic Regression also improves, with its ROC-AUC increasing from 0.8250 to 0.8451. Visual analysis reveals behavioral patterns, such as a 25 percent purchase rate among customers with vehicles older than two years and a 20 percent rate among male customers with prior vehicle damage. The study delivers a high-performing predictive model to support targeted marketing efforts, potentially increasing cross-sell conversion rates by 5 to 10 percent. Future work will explore deep learning techniques and larger datasets to further enhance prediction capabilities
Determinants of agency cost: Evidence from listed real estate firms on the Vietnam Stock Exchange
This study investigates the impact of corporate governance factors on agency problems in 42 listed real estate companies on the Vietnam stock exchange from 2013 to 2023, utilizing 462 observations and the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) model. Despite growing attention to agency problems globally, research on Vietnam’s real estate sector remains limited, particularly regarding the role of governance mechanisms in mitigating these issues. The findings indicate that a higher proportion of board members involved in managerial roles, cash dividend policy, and the total debt-to-total assets ratio helps alleviate agency problems within firms. Conversely, board gender diversity presents challenges to decision-making efficiency, potentially leading to increased agency conflicts. Additionally, the analysis suggests that an optimal board size of 04 to 06 members enhances monitoring effectiveness, thereby strengthening corporate governance. These insights contribute to the understanding of agency costs in Vietnam’s real estate sector and offer valuable implications for policymakers and practitioners seeking to refine governance structures and improve corporate oversight.
An inverted u-shaped relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and economic growth: The role of institutional quality in developing countries
In the context of developing countries striving to balance economic growth and environmental protection, this study investigates the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and economic growth, with a particular focus on the moderating role of institutional quality in developing countries. Using panel data from 74 developing economies spanning the period 1995 - 2021, sourced from the World Bank, the analysis reveals two key findings. First, there is evidence of a U-shaped relationship between CO₂ emissions and economic growth, indicating that at early stages of development, growth tends to increase emissions, but beyond a certain point, further growth leads to reduced emissions. Second, institutional quality is shown to play an important role in reducing the carbon dependency of growth. The greater the institutional quality, the weaker the positive relationship between economic growth and CO₂ emissions. This suggests that improved institutions could allow developing nations to follow a less carbon-dependent, more sustainable development path. Such implications for policy carry considerable importance for balancing economic development and environmental sustainability.
Factors influencing the continuance intention of Momo e-wallet: An empirical study using sem in Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City
The research aims to identify the factors that influence continuance intention towards the MoMo e-wallet of customers living in Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City. This study extends the Theory of Planned Behavior and Technology Acceptance Model by integrating situational normality and security perceptions in fintech adoption. Using a convenient sampling technique, the author has collected data from 248 respondents in Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City, then proceeded to analyze the data to achieve research objectives. Accordingly, descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s Alpha reliability test, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling analysis methods were performed thoughout the thesis. The results reveal that all thirteen hypothesized paths are statistically significant. Out of the accepted results, Trust significantly impacts continuance intention (β = 0.58, p < 0.01), while perceived security has a moderate effect (β = 0.41, p < 0.05), are the most profound because they explain the success of MoMo in the highly competitive market of fintech and banking apps. Also, there is a significant means difference in terms of continuance intention among people in Can Tho City and Ho Chi Minh City.
Assessing national digitalization levels using cross efficiency model
The digitalization of countries is essential since the process is related to processes of production, operation, and digitalization. Therefore, this study aims to measure the efficiency of the digitalization levels of the countries. The Data Envelopment Analysis method is an efficiency measurement tool and has different models. The CCR model, while widely used, has limitations such as zero weighting issues and discrimination power constraints. The findings showed that the CCR model considered certain factors in the calculation phase and did not take into account others. According to the result of the analysis, the Czech Republic’s performance score was obtained by considering only two variables out of seven. This situation prevents accurate performance assessment. In addition, while there are 08 countries in efficient positions according to the result of the CCR model, it is not possible to rank them. Therefore, they were analyzed using the cross efficiency model. According to the result of cross efficiency model, Sweden ranks first in terms of digitalization levels, while the Netherlands is in second place and Slovenia is last. A unique ranking was obtained by considering all the variables. Therefore, the digitalization levels of countries were measured using the cross efficiency model, which can both create a unique ranking and obtain more consistent weights.
Assessment of extension delivery services and Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of corn farmers in Camotes Islands, Philippines
This paper evaluated the extension delivery services and corn farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) toward corn production in Camotes Islands, Philippines. A sample of 232 corn farmers were interviewed for the primary data collection and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools such as descriptive metrics and correlation analysis. Results revealed that most (79.74%) of the corn farmers exhibited a moderate knowledge of corn production methods, suggesting room for educational initiatives to optimize yields. Although most farmers displayed positive attitudes (52.16%) and good practices (76.73%), concerns about environmental vulnerability, particularly drought, underscored the challenges posed by climate change. Areas like irrigation and pest control require further attention, and only the other sources of income had positively correlated (p-value < 0.05) to the level of knowledge. Demographics had minimal influence (not significant correlation; p-value > 0.05) on attitudes, while age showed a negative correlation (p-value < 0.05) with practices, and education (p-value < 0.05), farm size (p-value < 0.05), and landownership (p-value < 0.01) positively influenced practices. Conclusively, extension services must prioritize middle-aged farmers, those with larger farms or higher incomes, as they may be more receptive to new practices. The need for collaborative efforts between lead agencies was recommended to improve farmers’ access to resources, financial aid, and training opportunities and revisit policies. Equally important was empowering corn farmers’ KAP to change the agricultural landscape successfully. Policy changes like input subsidies, irrigation infrastructure, and the promotion of sustainable pest management were also suggested solutions.
FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and social media influencers: Exploring their impact on impulsive buying behavior among young TikTok users in Tra Vinh City
The rapid evolution of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, has transformed consumer behavior, driving impulsive purchasing trends among young users. TikTok Shop’s innovative “shoppertainment” model seamlessly blends entertainment with shopping, fostering unplanned purchases. This study integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and the black box model of consumer behavior to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing impulsive buying behavior among young people in Tra Vinh City. By focusing on Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO), social media influencers, perceived enjoyment, trust, price, and discounts, and impulsiveness, the study reveals significant psychological and environmental drivers of consumer behavior in social commerce. Based on 320 valid responses, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) reveals that FOMO and influencers enhance perceived enjoyment by 21.7% and 17.7%, respectively, significantly contributing to impulsive buying behavior. The urgency to avoid missing out and the credibility of influencers create engaging shopping experiences that encourage spontaneous purchases. Additionally, price and discounts positively impact impulsive buying, while trust strengthens consumer confidence. These insights suggest that businesses on TikTok Shop can boost customer engagement and drive sales by implementing FOMO-driven campaigns, partnering with credible influencers, and maintaining transparency in product information and customer support.
The impact of employees’ resistance to change on organizational performance in Vietnam listed companies: Moderating roles of organizational culture and innovation capability
The paper aimed to identify the impact of employees’ resistance to change on organizational performance in Vietnam-listed companies, with the moderating variables: organizational culture and innovation capability. The framework developed was tested on 230 senior managers of Vietnam Listed Companies using surveys, specifically listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange. The data was analyzed through Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS software. The results indicated that employees’ resistance to change impacts significantly on organizational performance, in addition to organizational culture and innovation capability having significant moderating roles between employees’ resistance to change and organizational performance. Moreover, factors including transformational leadership, transparent communication, and perceived support are key drivers of organizational performance and have a significantly negative impact on employees’ resistance to change. Finally, theoretical and practical implications for Vietnam-listed companies to control employees’ resistance to change and improve performance are discussed.
Investigating the factors affecting online hotel reservations: An analysis of Vietnamese adolescents
A study on the importance of returning hotel reservations plays a significant role for both hotels and researchers in the hospitality industry, especially in the context of the strong development of technology and the increasing popularity of online hotel bookings. In Vietnam, the younger generation has a diverse and high-frequency travel behavior. Therefore, this study aims to identify factors that influence the intention of young people to return and make hotel bookings. The study used 558 respondents under the age of 35. The PLS-SEM analysis technique was applied in this study using Smart-PLS software. The results of the analysis indicate that social influence, perceived value, habit, website trust, and perceived ease of use all have a positive impact on the intention to reserve hotels online. Based on these research findings, the authors also suggest some policy implications to improve the attraction of young customers to return and make hotel bookings.
The impact of augmented reality on impulse buying of makeup products on e-commerce platforms
The trend towards online shopping and the growing demand for makeup products among Vietnamese women have created both opportunities and fierce competition for e-commerce businesses in the makeup sector. To stand out, businesses need innovative strategies to capture attention and trigger purchase responses from customers. This study aims to explore how Augmented Reality (AR) influences customers’ hedonic values and then leads their impulse buying, based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theory. By employing a quantitative method, 209 responses from Vietnamese female customers were gathered and then analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SPSS and AMOS software. The findings of this study indicate that four AR characteristics, including product informativeness (β = 0.538, p = 0.000), interactivity (β = 0.377, p = 0.000), vividness (β = 0.291, p = 0.000), novelty (β = 0.163, p = 0.027) positively affect customers’ hedonic value. Subsequently, customers’ hedonic value demonstrates a significant positive effect on their online impulse buying (β = 0.567, p = 0.000). Furthermore, the results also show that hedonic value plays a perfect mediator in the relationships between AR characteristics and online impulse buying. The findings of this study also provide managerial implications for firms in the makeup sector using AR effectively on e-commerce platforms to benefit from enhancing impulse buying.
Application of the PLS-SEM model in assessing the green supply chain management performance of small and medium enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
In today’s business climate, there is a growing demand for integrating social responsibility and environmental stewardship into supply chain management practices. This study investigates how green supply chain management mediates the relationship between social responsibility, engagement orientation, and overall supply chain performance. Data were collected through a survey of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, which yielded 333 valid responses. The research employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to conduct a thorough quantitative analysis. The results validated the study’s hypotheses, highlighting the essential role of green supply chain management in the framework. Furthermore, it was found that both social responsibility and environmental orientation positively affect the supply chain performance of SMEs in the area. These findings provide valuable insights for business managers, emphasizing the substantial impact of green supply chain management on enhancing supply chain efficiency.
Exploring the pathways to tourists’ pro-environmental behavior at Vietnamese tourism destinations
The sustainable growth of tourism depends on travelers’ Pro-Environmental Behavior (PEB). This study investigates the nexus between Perceived Severity (PS), Perceived Vulnerability (PV), altruism (AL), and PEB, examining the mediating role of Environmental Attitude (EA), and the moderating effect of Personal Norms (PN). Based on Norm Activation Model (NAM) and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), the research employs a questionnaire survey, collecting data from 306 tourists who visited Vietnam locations chosen through a convenience approach. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) found a significant association between PS, PV, and PEB. EA mediates the interplay between PS, PV, and PEB. According to the findings, EA has no substantial mediating role in the relationship between AL and PEB. Also, PN plays a positive moderator in the PV-PEB relationship. This is the first study focusing on Vietnamese tourists and the variables influencing their PEB. These insights offer valuable theoretical contributions to understanding tourists’ PEB. Tourism agencies should make visitors’ PS, PV, PN, and EA more prominent to enhance PEB.
The impact of digital transformation on job performance: The mediating role of job satisfaction and work pressure
This study evaluates the impact of Digital Transformation on Job Performance. The authors use a quantitative research method with survey data from 242 lecturers across various faculties and universities in Ho Chi Minh City. Using Smart PLS software to analyze the data, the research findings indicate that Digital Transformation directly impacts Job Performance and indirectly impacts Job Performance through two channels with an adjusted R2 value of 0.278. The first channel is that universities investing in Digital Transformation will lead to higher Job Satisfaction, and the increase in Job Satisfaction will lead to higher Job Performance. The second channel is that universities investing in Digital Transformation will reduce Work Pressure, and the decrease in Work Pressure will lead to higher Job Performance. Based on the research results, the authors provide managerial implications for enhancing digital transformation in universities and improving the job performance of lecturers.
The impact of training and development, motivation on in-role job performance and employee creativity in Vietnam’s consumer finance sector
This study examines the effects of Training & Development (T&D) on employee motivation and explores the role of individual motivation in workplace performance, framed within the principles of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Using a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative techniques, data were collected from 254 full-time employees in Vietnam’s consumer finance sector and analyzed using Smart PLS v3.0 software. The findings reveal that Extrinsic Motivation (EM) has a stronger impact on employee performance and creativity than Intrinsic Motivation (IM). However, creativity driven by individual motivation is not a direct outcome but depends on the mediating effect of in-role job performance. Moreover, the study offers valuable insights for future research and practical recommendations for consumer finance companies to enhance employee performance, particularly their creativity.
Green engagement pathways in tourism: The converging roles of knowledge sharing and social media in shaping revisit intentions
Despite significant advances in green marketing within the tourism sector, the specific pathways through which green knowledge sharing influences tourist behaviors and revisit intentions remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining how the dissemination of environmentally-focused knowledge by organizations impacts tourists’ environmentally responsible engagement behaviors and their intentions to revisit, with a particular focus on the moderating role of social media usage. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach in Vietnam’s burgeoning tourism industry, data from 700 tourists were analyzed using structural equation modeling to validate hypothesized relationships. The results indicate that environmentally responsible engagement behaviors significantly mediate the relationship between organizations’ green knowledge dissemination and tourists’ intentions to revisit destinations. Moreover, the study finds that active engagement on social media platforms intensifies this mediation effect, suggesting that strategic digital interactions can amplify the influence of green knowledge on tourist behaviors. This research contributes to the sustainable tourism literature by demonstrating how social media can enhance the effectiveness of green marketing strategies, promote sustainable practices, and improve long-term business sustainability in the tourism sector.
Onboarding experience and job satisfaction in Philippine government banking sector
This study examines the onboarding experience of new employees in the government banking sector and its impact on job satisfaction. A purposive descriptive survey was conducted with thirty-eight newly hired employees, each with tenures of one year or less, at government-owned banking institutions in Negros Oriental and Siquijor, Philippines. The findings show a strong positive correlation between effective onboarding practices and job satisfaction (rs = 0.879, p = 0.000). Specifically, employees who received comprehensive onboarding programs reported a 23% increase in job satisfaction compared to those with limited onboarding support. Additionally, these employees demonstrated a 17% higher retention rate after one year, highlighting the importance of effective onboarding. The study also found that demographic factors such as age, gender, civil status, job role, tenure, and educational background did not significantly affect perceptions of onboarding effectiveness or job satisfaction. This suggests that the quality of the onboarding experience itself is more important than demographic characteristics in shaping these outcomes. Based on these findings, the study recommends that organizations prioritize developing and continuously improving their onboarding programs. These programs should be comprehensive, well-communicated, and supportive, focusing on specific phases, including pre-boarding, the first day, initial training, and mentoring during the first 90 days. Government banking institutions can improve employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention by enhancing these phases and fostering a supportive organizational culture. Refining onboarding practices will ultimately contribute to long-term employee satisfaction and organizational success.
The impacts of intellectual capital of microfinance institutions on poverty alleviation
This study examines the impact of Intellectual Capital (IC) on poverty alleviation using a panel dataset of 3,114 Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) across 120 countries from 2009 - 2018. Intellectual capital is measured using the Value Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC), which comprises Human Capital Efficiency (HCE), Structural Capital Efficiency (SCE), and relational Capital Efficiency (CEE). The study adopts the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) as the primary estimation technique to address potential endogeneity and dynamic relationships. The findings indicate that overall intellectual capital positively and significantly affects poverty alleviation. However, the impacts of its components are mixed. While relational capital contributes positively to poverty reduction, human capital shows no statistically significant effect, and structural capital efficiency unexpectedly displays a negative association with poverty mitigation. As a result, rather than merely expanding human capital, emphasis should be placed on skill specialization to improve efficiency. Additionally, fostering gradual technological adoption and facilitating knowledge-sharing can help optimize structural capital deployment, ultimately enhancing poverty reduction outcomes.
Geopolitical Risk and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices of listed companies in Vietnam
The intensifying geopolitical risk (GPR) across major countries has raised concerns about how firms can navigate the uncertainties that arise from it. This paper is the first effort to provide evidence that companies in Vietnam engage in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices to mitigate GPR. Utilizing a unique dataset of ESG performance of publicly listed companies on the Vietnam stock markets from 2018 to 2023, the study demonstrates that increasing levels of GPR, both globally and in eight major economies, lead to heightened ESG activities among firms. Specifically, the result shows that a one-unit increase in GPR is associated with an increase in ESG by 4,895 units. While GPR significantly influences environmental and social initiatives, governance activities show insignificant influence. Moreover, firms categorized as high-risk exhibit a more pronounced increase in ESG efforts in response to GPR compared to their low-risk counterparts, suggesting that these companies strategically use ESG to manage GPR. This study offers crucial insights for firms in Vietnam, highlighting the benefits of adopting ESG practices to safeguard against potential shocks stemming from geopolitical instability.
Compliance or beyond: Seeking an answer for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices of listed companies in Vietnam
ESG could be driven by regulation as per the legitimacy view, realized benefits as per stakeholders and resource-based views, or by governance problems as per managerial agency view. This paper examines the motivations driving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices among firms in Vietnam. Using a panel data of 833 firm-year observations of listed companies in the VNX-All shares during the period from 2018 to 2023 and using the method to decompose ESG into three separate areas and linking them to the development of regulations, it is found that firms tend to engage in ESG practices primarily to comply with regulations. Specifically, the findings indicate that firms in environmentally sensitive industries, which must implement and disclose their environmental practices, are more committed to ESG initiatives than their peers. The findings imply that ESG compliance is especially prominent for companies subject to regulatory requirements. Further analysis reveals that while ESG practices typically benefit firms, these advantages are not fully realized through mere compliance. Our evidence yields support for both the stakeholder and resource-based views. The study illustrates that going beyond compliance can substantially benefit firms; however, this is not necessarily true for ESG initiatives motivated by managerial agency-driven considerations. The findings have important implications for regulators, investors, and corporate boards in understanding the motivations and identifying mechanisms to enhance ESG toward sustainable development.
The impact of corporate social responsibility disclosure on global sustainable development goals disclosure companies
This study examines the influence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosure on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) disclosure across publicly listed firms in Vietnam in 2023. CSR and SDG reporting are recognized as documents that illustrate sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions despite their differences in structure and execution. The study revealed inverse connections between CSR and SDG based on reports from 147 firms. Furthermore, the study’s findings indicated that corporate size influences the disclosure of reports. Large-scale corporations often publish Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but smaller organizations favor Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosure due to the accessibility and flexibility of such reports. Consequently, the study findings potentially enhance this topic, particularly regarding the execution of CSR and SDG disclosure in underdeveloped nations. This research indicates that to improve stakeholder satisfaction, listed businesses must focus on balancing SDG and CSR disclosure.
Dividend payout: Unveiling the power of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments
This paper explores the link between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and dividend policy across various regions and economic contexts. Using an international sample from developed and emerging markets for 2015 - 2021, we utilize a panel data estimation methodology with multi-way fixed effects, including time, industry, and country. We also employ Difference-in-Differences (DID) and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) methodologies. Our study finds a positive link between ESG and dividend payout ratios for firms in both developed and emerging markets, indicating the global influence of ESG. This suggests that firms investing more in ESG activities tend to pay higher dividends to shareholders. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, our research confirms that the positive association between ESG and dividend payout ratios persists. However, it is somewhat weaker than before, highlighting the continued relevance of ESG during times of crisis. Robustness checks provide strong support for these findings.
The impact of energy consumption, foreign direct investment, and education on human well-being: Evidence from the Vietnamese economy
This paper examines the impact of energy consumption, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and education on human well-being in Vietnam. To realize the aim of this research, a human well-being model was established using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method to evaluate and study focused on the period 1990 - 2020. The results reveal evidence of the long-run positive relationships between human well-being, foreign direct investment, education, and urbanization. In addition, urbanization increases human well-being in the short run. Conversely, foreign direct investment and education reduce human well-being in the short run. Although energy consumption is expected to impact human well-being, the study found no evidence to suggest that energy consumption significantly impacts human well-being in the short and long run. Besides, the results of this study may be of great importance for policymakers and decision-makers in developing policies that attract foreign direct investment capital, education, and urbanization and contribute to the improvement of human well-being in Vietnam.
Examining the co-movement between cryptocurrency uncertainty and central bank digital currency uncertainty
This paper investigates the dynamic co-movement between the Cryptocurrency Uncertainty indices and the Central Bank Digital Currency Uncertainty indices. We apply the wavelet coherence framework using weekly data from January 13, 2017, to December 30, 2022. The empirical results reveal the significant co-movement between the Cryptocurrency Uncertainty Indices and the Central Bank Digital Currency Uncertainty Indices. Our findings suggest that the Cryptocurrency Policy Uncertainty index is highly correlated with the Central Bank Digital Currency Uncertainty index in the medium and long term but with the Central Bank Digital Currency Attention index in the short term. Our findings thus indicate that the Cryptocurrency Policy Uncertainty index can be used to predict the Central Bank Digital Currency Uncertainty index. On the other hand, the Cryptocurrency Environmental Attention index has historically correlated with the Central Bank Digital Currency Uncertainty indices in terms of long frequency.
The relationship between host country factors and FDI motivations: Evidence from Korean FDI in ASEAN countries
The literature suggests that various host country factors influence firms’ decisions to invest abroad, but there is a low consensus in empirical research, as results vary across contexts. However, empirical studies typically examine the relationship between overall FDI and host country factors, ignoring the differences in investment motivations of multinational enterprises. Firms may have different motivations, such as market seeking or efficiency seeking, and thus are attracted by other factors in host countries. Using data from the Korean Export-Import (EXIM) Bank and fixed-effect models, this study examines how the determinants of FDI vary based on different investment motivations from South Korea to nine ASEAN countries (excluding Brunei). Economic growth deters low-wage-seeking and resource-seeking FDI but does not impact other FDI motivations. However, some factors commonly believed to influence specific motivations affect FDI similarly across motivations. For example, GDP and wages consistently emerge as determinants across different types of investment. Our findings thus contribute to the literature on the determinants associated with various FDI motivations. However, as our study covers a limited set of host country factors and is focused on a specific context, further and more comprehensive investigations are needed in the future.
Factors influencing pneumatic precision corn planter adoption in the Philippines: An empirical study using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM)
This study applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to evaluate the factors influencing the adoption of pneumatic precision planters in corn farming in the Philippines. Da-ta from 393 farmers were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the relationships between Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), Behavioral Intention (BI), and three extended TAM constructs: Compatibility (CO), Observability (OB), and Personal Innovativeness (PI). The model was validated for reliability and discriminant validity, with the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) ranging from 0.664 to 0.823. Statistical significance was observed in ten out of twelve hypothesized relationships, indicating a high likelihood of adoption. This study extends TAM by incorporating external factors such as CO, OB, and PI, offering a deeper understanding of how these variables influence farmers’ perceptions of the technology’s usefulness and ease of use. The findings suggest that, for successful adoption, policymakers should focus on enhancing the visibility of the technology’s benefits, ensuring compatibility with existing farming practices, and promoting openness to innovation through targeted education and support. The results highlight the need for practical interventions, such as educational programs and demonstration projects, which could significantly improve technology adoption, productivity, and sustainability in Philippine agriculture.
Understanding the factors influencing the human development index of Asian nations using path analysis
This study explores the factors influencing the Human Development Index (HDI) in Asian nations, focusing on Gross National Income (GNI) and the Gender Development Index (GDI) as key determinants. Using path analysis, the research analyzes secondary data from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Report for 2021 - 2022. The findings indicate that GNI (economic growth) and GDI (gender equality) have significant positive impacts on HDI, emphasizing the importance of economic prosperity and gender parity in fostering human development across Asia. Grounded in Amartya Sen’s capability approach, which prioritizes individual freedoms and choices, the study suggests region-specific policies. These include promoting economic diversification strategies tailored to emerging economies, enhancing technology and service sectors in middle-income countries, and expanding vocational training programs in lower-income nations to address skills gaps. For countries with significant gender disparities, robust policies that ensure equal access to education and employment for women are recommended. Additionally, prioritizing maternal and child healthcare improvements, particularly in less developed regions, can elevate overall well-being. By adopting these targeted strategies, Asian countries can achieve sustainable human development, creating societies where all individuals can lead fulfilling lives.
The influence of despotic leadership on innovative behavior in Ho Chi Minh City businesses: The mediating role of leader-member exchange
This study examines the impact of despotic leadership on employees’ innovative behavior, with a particular focus on the mediating role of leader-member exchange in businesses based in Ho Chi Minh City. Based on the social exchange theory, conservation of resources theory, and leader-member exchange theory, four hypotheses were developed to guide the research. Data was gathered from 308 employees through an online survey using convenience sampling. The analysis was conducted using Smart-PLS 3 with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to explore relationships between variables. The findings reveal that despotic leadership has a negative influence on both leader-member exchange and employees’ innovative behavior, confirming that leader-member exchange serves as a mediator in this relationship. This suggests that fostering positive leader-member exchanges could mitigate the harmful effects of despotic leadership on innovation. The study offers both theoretical and practical implications for promoting innovative practices in businesses. Moreover, it provides valuable insights for leaders in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to foster a more supportive work environment.
Analyzing public perceptions of street food in Ho Chi Minh City from a management perspective using data analytics and netnography approaches
Street food plays a pivotal role in tourism development, and effective management is crucial for optimizing its impact. This study explores public perceptions of street food in Ho Chi Minh City from a management perspective, utilizing data analytics and netnography approaches. By analyzing viewer comments on street food videos, the research aims to understand public sentiment and its influence on local tourism. Data analytics methods employed include toxicity analysis, sentiment analysis, and 3D semantic clustering to group comments based on thematic relevance and sentiment. The findings reveal that the majority of feedback is positive, driven by factors such as affordability, cultural diversity, and the aesthetic appeal of food streets. Despite this, negative comments, while in the minority, often stem from cultural misunderstandings, preconceived biases regarding Vietnamese cuisine, or, in some cases, unfair competition in the tourism sector. To improve street food tourism and counter these misconceptions, several strategies are recommended. These include government-led initiatives promoting Vietnamese culinary culture globally, vendor training in business management and cross-cultural communication, and collaborations among local governments, tourism agencies, and the private sector. Additionally, establishing an official tourism blog for Ho Chi Minh City is proposed, allowing for authentic storytelling and data-driven analysis of tourist feedback to inform future marketing and service improvements.
Evaluating the impact of government policies on tourist satisfaction in Vietnam: A Generalized Structured Component Analysis (GSCA) approach
This research evaluates the impact of government policies on tourist satisfaction in Vietnam using Generalized Structured Component Analysis. It explores critical factors like infrastructure development, environmental conservation, safety, and cultural preservation, identifying them as key determinants of tourist satisfaction. The study highlights the essential role of government initiatives in these areas to improve the tourist experience. Findings indicate that effective policies in infrastructure, environmental protection, and cultural heritage preservation are crucial for sustainable tourism growth. Ensuring safety and security fosters trust and encourages repeat visits. These insights provide practical recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders to develop strategies that enhance tourist satisfaction and strengthen Vietnam’s competitive position in the global tourism market. Collaboration among government authorities, private entities, and local communities is essential to address these challenges. By prioritizing sustainable tourism practices and aligning policies with tourist expectations, Vietnam can achieve long-term growth in its tourism sector while preserving cultural and natural assets. This study offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the relationship between government policies and tourist satisfaction, aiding strategic planning and policy formulation to enhance Vietnam’s appeal as a premier travel destination.