Vol. 57 No. 3 (2024)

Vito BOBEK

University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Sciences, Slovenia

Gabriele TERNULLO

University of Applied Sciences FH Joanneum, Graz, Austria

Tatjana HORVAT

University of Primorska, Faculty of Management, Koper, Slovenia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/orga-2024-0016

Abstract

Background/purpose: As global business and education environments become increasingly cross-cultural, prolonged stress faced by individuals navigating unfamiliar territories can lead to symptoms of burnout. This study explores the relationship between expatriate stress and Cultural Intelligence, considering moderating factors such as age, motivation, length of experience, and age group.
Methods: A comprehensive survey was administered to over 300 expatriates —individuals who engaged in international experiences of at least three months for work- or study-related reasons— of 40 different countries worldwide, encompassing diverse age groups, motivations, and duration of stay. Validated scales assessed expatriate stress levels and Cultural Intelligence scores. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted on the collected data.
Results: Findings reveal a significant negative correlation between Cultural Intelligence and expatriate stress, suggesting that individuals with higher Cultural Intelligence experience lower stress during international experiences. Motivation, length of stay abroad, and age did not yield statistically significant stress level differences, highlighting Cultural Intelligence’s importance as a mitigating factor.
Conclusion: By emphasizing the link between Cultural Intelligence and reduced expatriate stress, this study underscores the need for intercultural training and interventions in preparation for (or during) this experience. The study also provides HR training and approach recommendations to improve on these CQ levels.

Keywords: Expatriate stress, Cultural Intelligence, Moderating factors, Cultural adaptability

HALIANSYAH

Faculty of Economics and Business, Mercu Buana University, Indonesia

Ahmad Badawy SALUY

Faculty of Economics and Business, Mercu Buana University, Indonesia

KASMIR

Faculty of Economics and Business, Mercu Buana University, Indonesia

Mafizatun NURHAYATI

Faculty of Economics and Business, Mercu Buana University, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/orga-2024-0017

Abstract

Background and purpose: The results of calculating the turnover rate for the Indonesian Air Force in 2022, for officers reaching 17.4%, non-commissioned officers at 7%, and enlisted personnel at 3%. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of career development on turnover intention and to examine the mediating role of organizational commitment in this relationship.
Methodology: This research is research with a quantitative approach. The samples tested in this study were 270 samples of a proportion of Indonesian Air Force officers. The statistical test tool used in this research is SmartPLS 3.
Results: The research results show that career development does not affect Turnover Intention. Furthermore, career development influences organizational commitment. Research findings indicate that turnover intention is adversely affected by organizational commitment. Furthermore, it has been established that organizational commitment acts as a mediator in the association between turnover intention and career development.
Conclusion: The Indonesian Air Force needs to increase organizational Commitment to the career development activities of each Indonesian Air Force personnel in order to reduce turnover intention that can arise in each member personnel. Further research can expand the research object to other Indonesian military organizations to obtain a more general view regarding the performance of human resources in the Defense of the Republic of Indonesia.

Keywords: Organizational commitment, Career development, Turnover intention

Petra PUTZER

University of Pécs, Faculty of Business and Economics, Hungary

Alexandra POSZA

University of Pécs, Faculty of Business and Economics, Hungary

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/orga-2024-0018

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The study examines whether the growing popularity of the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) approach could result in the decline or disappearance of the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) concept, which has encountered numerous challenges in practical implementation, and what the main sustainability issues are, helping to examine where the transition is, what elements already exist and where there are gaps. The question is analysed in the context of the tourism sector.
Methods: The empirical research methodology used is bibliometric analysis, which involves 924 studies using Publish or Perish (PoP) software and the PRISMA methodology.
Results: The analysis has explored the relationship between sustainability and tourism, as well as between tourism and ESG. The bibliometric maps reveal a strong relationship between CSR and ESG concepts in the study area.
Conclusion: The study highlights that ESG does not replace CSR but rather provides a measurement and framework for it to address its problems. In the tourism sector, the ESG field is dominated by the first ‘E’ pillar, meaning that sustainability is mainly focused on environmental and natural aspects, while social or even economic sustainability, and ethics are less prominent. The study provides suggestions for future research and useful information for policy makers, and tourism managers, organizations.

Keywords: Sustainable tourism, CSR; Corporate social responsibility, ESG, Sustainability transition, Bibliometric analysis

Marko FERJAN

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organisational Sciences, Kranj, Slovenia

Mojca BERNIK

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organisational Sciences, Kranj, Slovenia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/orga-2024-0019

Abstract

Background purpose: Research on digital competence has been one of the most important policy goals in the area of education in the European Union for almost two decades. In 2017, two essential documents were published: DigComp 2.1 – The Digital Competence Framework for Citizens with eight proficiency levels (Carretero et al., 2017) and examples of use and the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators – DigCompEdu (Redecker, 2017). Despite these documents and all the research in the field of digital competencies, there is still no unified instrument for measuring the digital competencies of citizens. The problem is that digital competencies encompass a wide range of skills, from basic digital literacy to advanced technical proficiency, and they evolve with technological advancements. Researchers and policymakers face several obstacles in creating a one-size-fits-all tool for assessing these competencies. This paper expands existing research in the field of digital competence in formal education in Slovenia. Our research aimed to explore curricular aspects of acquiring digital competencies within the three levels of formal education and the level of achieving digital competencies among citizens (students) in Slovenia. The purpose of our study was to gain a broader understanding of how participants in formal education obtain digital competencies to obtain a publicly recognized qualification within the education system in Slovenia.
Design/Methodology/Approach: To examine the field of digital competence in formal and hidden curricula, we first survey students (citizens) to assess their self-perception regarding digital competencies. Then, we interviewed teachers from various faculties to identify elements of the hidden curriculum. Finally, we reviewed publicly available educational content regarding acquiring digital competencies in primary and secondary schools and universities.
Results: The extent of formal teaching of content related to digital competencies within the public education system in Slovenia is small. During the average duration of formal education, a Slovenian citizen listens to approximately 2,000 hours of mathematics lessons, around 1,000 hours of art lessons, and 200 hours of computer science and informatics lessons. The research results have shown that, even in subjects unrelated to computer science, informatics, and digital competencies, students acquire digital competencies as part of the hidden curriculum at universities. The arithmetic mean among students’ (citizens’) research of other competencies indicates that respondents can operate independently. The results of the level of digital competencies according to DigiComp 2.1. show that, except for two competencies; all are within are within level 5. This means that the self-assessed level of digital competencies among students (citizens) has mostly stopped at tasks they perform for their own needs.
Conclusion: In the future, EU countries will need to standardize the assessment system for digital competencies to determine the level of individuals’ digital competencies. The school system in Slovenia will have to introduce a significant amount of computer science knowledge into the curricula of subjects, with particular attention given to upgrading digital competencies within hidden curricula.

Keywords: Formal curriculum, Hidden curriculum, Digital competence, DigiComp 2.1

Denisa MALÁ

Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Faculty of Economics, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia

Lukáš SMEREK

Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Faculty of Economics, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia

Martina MINÁROVÁ

Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Faculty of Economics, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia

Veronika BÓDIOVÁ

Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Faculty of Economics, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/orga-2024-0020

Abstract

Background and purpose: The Covid-19 pandemic brought about a shift in the way businesses operate, accelerating the adoption of digital communication tools. The study examines the effectiveness of communication tools in Slovak enterprises, comparing the dynamics before and during the pandemic. The study highlights the need for businesses to address communication-related issues.
Methodology: An electronic questionnaire was used to collect the data. The representative survey sample consisted of 555 respondents. The results of the research were processed using the statistical tools McNemar Test, Pearsons Chi square test and Cramer’s V.
Results: Before the pandemic, Slovak enterprises relied on traditional means of communication, with face-to-face meetings, phone calls and emails being the primary means of interaction. However, when the pandemic forced people to work from home, dependence on digital communication tools such as video conferencing and collaboration platforms increased significantly.
Conclusion: The research findings indicate that during the pandemic, businesses recognized the importance of digital communication tools for sustaining business operations and employee collaboration. In conclusion, the Covid-19 pandemic was a catalyst for the transformation of communication practices in Slovak enterprises. The findings emphasise the continued importance of digital communication tools in the post-pandemic era and the need for businesses to strike a balance between traditional and digital communication methods in order to optimise overall effectiveness.

Keywords: Communication, Communication tools, Effectiveness, Slovak companies, Covid-19

Nikola KADOIĆ

University of Zagreb Faculty of organization and informatics, Varaždin, Croatia

Maja Gligora MARKOVIĆ

University of Rijeka Faculty of medicine, Rijeka, Croatia

Tena JAGAČIĆ

University of Zagreb Faculty of organization and informatics, Varaždin, Croatia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/orga-2024-0021

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The examination of decision-making styles (DMS) is crucial for understanding how individuals approach choices and form preferences. Two influential frameworks in the DMS discourse, proposed by Scott & Bruce, and Rowe, provide insightful lenses for correlating dominant styles with an array of personal characteristics.
Methods: This comprehensive study delves into questionnaire results obtained in 2020 and 2022, employing methodologies aligned with Scott & Bruce, and Rowe. The survey targeted cohorts of business and military students, capturing nuanced aspects of decision-making. Introducing innovative concepts, namely submissive DMS and intensity of influence, expanded the analytical framework and facilitated a deeper understanding of decision-making dynamics.
Results: The analysis revealed substantial variations in decision-making styles within student populations, elucidating correlations with distinct personal characteristics. The incorporation of the intensity of dominance concept allowed for nuanced interpretations, particularly during the challenging COVID-19 period and the subsequent return to normalcy.
Conclusion: The integration of proposed concepts represents a significant enrichment for future research in the field of DMS. This study underscores the critical role of evolving methodologies in elucidating the intricacies of decision-making processes. The ongoing refinement of these methodologies promises a more nuanced understanding of how individuals navigate complex decision-making scenarios.

Keywords: Decision-making style, Dominant, Submissive, Intensity of dominance, Students; Business, Army

Dušan GOŠNIK

Faculty of management, Koper, Slovenia

Dragan JANJUŠIĆPAR

University of Applied Sciences, Rijeka, Croatia

Gordana NIKOLIĆPAR

University of Applied Sciences, Rijeka, Croatia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/orga-2024-0022

Abstract

Background/Purpose: The aim of this paper is to examine the use of project management practices in Slovenian micro and small firms (MSFs) and to identify project success factors (SF) and project success criteria (SC).
Methods: Research was conducted on a sample of 51 micro and 41 small firms in Slovenia. Data about project SF, SC, most influential decision makers on projects, to which extent selected project management tools are used, and about employment of full-time project managers in MSFs was gathered. Descriptive statistics was used for questionnaire survey data analysis. Similarities and differences between project management practices of micro and small firms were studied.
Results: Results show that ‘Clearly defined project objectives’ is the most important project SF, and ’Customer satisfaction’ is the most important project SC in MSFs. The owner/director of the firm has been identified as the most influential decision maker on projects. Results reveal that ’Clearly defined project objectives’ are identified as the most important for project success in MSFs.
Conclusion: Understanding project SF and SC in MSFs and the involvement of project SF and SC in decision making can improve project management practices in MSFs. Based on the results of this study and other similar studies, it can be summarised that managers and decision makers can improve project success by focusing on a narrow area which is defined as project SF. A focus on clearly defined project objectives in the project planning phase is identified as the most important project SF in MSFs. Results also show that customer satisfaction regarding projects is the most important project SC and impacts project success in MSFs.

Keywords: Project, Success, Factor, Micro, Small, Firm, Slovenia

Zvone Balantič

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kranj, Slovenia

Andrej Koložvari

Lado Lenart

Andrej Škraba

University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kranj, Slovenia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/orga-2024-0015

Abstract

It was on that gloomy, rainy Tuesday morning when a colleague delivered the infinitely sad news to me. At first, you hope it’s a mistake, but the seriousness of the morning gradually presses you into a day that confronts you with the truth.
That day, a great Man, whom we friends called “Dr. Tone,” departed.
Prof. Dr. Anton Zupan was a distinguished expert in a specialized field of medicine. He was a physiatrist – a physician specializing in physical and rehabilitation medicine. His profound knowledge of his field was intertwined with his personal battle with illness. Every day, he faced a rare progressive genetic disease that persistently deteriorated muscle function. He was always acutely aware of his path, which is why he constantly intertwined his life experiences with science. In this way, he continually sought a path forward, towards development. He always managed to create a scientific whirlwind that drew in and eventually pulled in the rest of us. At the centre of this whirlwind was always a very special atmosphere. When we gathered around the table and disc ussed various ideas, it was always extremely creative, clear, precise, and realistic. Despite the whirlwind of possibilities constantly striking our thoughts, Prof. Dr. Zupan knew how to find the right way out.
The esteemed professor was employed at the University Rehabilitation Institute of the Republic of Slovenia – Soča, where he honed his knowledge and directly shared it with his colleagues and his patients. He was a specialist physician, and his scientific hobby was engineering technology. His eyes lit up when we discovered even the smallest idea that could ease the lives of those with dystrophy, his spirit entered a magical world when he personally tested the idea, and his pride soared as high as Triglav when the idea came to life among his protégés. Prof. Dr. Zupan was extremely precise, possessed a refined sense of the melodiousness of language, had an impeccable memory, and always respected inventions and innovations intertwined with modern technology, whose power he was very much aware of. He was technically curious and medically complex, carefully storing every detail in his “central memory.”
Prof. Dr. Tone Zupan collaborated with many research institutions at home and abroad. Among these institutions was the University of Maribor, with the Centre for Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Research and Studies (CIMRŠ), within which the Institute for the Development of Technologies for the Disabled (IRTIUM) operated from 2002 to 2005. Many Slovenian experts from various fields, including from University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences (UM FOV), joined this institute. Prof. Zupan immensely enjoyed his interactions within IRTIUM, where ideas about dynamic seating in wheelchairs, a bed for turning the disabled during sleep, self-service automatic refuelling at gas stations, driving aids, special requirements for “winter crutches,” smart homes, and the employment of people with disabilities were nurtured. Through collaboration with the Cybernetics and Decision Support Systems Laboratory at UM FOV, one of these ideas materialized into a voice-controlled wheelchair. The list of ideas, conceived and realized projects, is long, so long that life becomes too short. Therefore, dear colleagues, acquaintances, and other readers who have captured your precious time within these lines created by the life of a great friend and scientist, we invite you to follow some idea or scientific thought. In this way, colleague Tone will continue to create.
In his lifetime, Dr. Anton Zupan did much good for patients, students, the community, and science. He has etched himself into our hearts. He proved that we could move the world for the better. We colleagues will now often sigh and say: “Tone, forgive us, but once again, we ask you for an answer to this question…”
And Tone, thank you for your wise thoughts.