International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge

COOKING SKILLS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONS: MEDIATING EFFECTS OF COOKING PASSION, COOKING TACIT KNOWLEDGE SHARING, AND COOKING SELF-EFFICACY

Kenneth Chukwujioke Agbim — 2026-06-30

The eating pattern and changing food choices of Nigerian youths, particularly those in Abuja, are increasingly characterised by eating out. Seventeen years after the introduction of bachelor of science degree in entrepreneurship into the Nigerian universities’ curriculum, it is only natural to think that these graduates who were posted to the capital city of Nigeria for their national youth service corps (NYSC) ought to have started deploying their cooking skills (CSS) to establish mama-puts (unstandardised restaurants) to meet the food needs of the youths who eat out, become self-employed and create jobs. This is not the case, as evidenced by rising unemployment rates among youth and graduates. Hence, this study investigates the mediating effects of cooking passion (CPN), cooking tacit knowledge sharing (CTS), and cooking self-efficacy (CSE) in the nexus between CSS and entrepreneurial intentions (EIS). A cross-sectional research design, a criterion sampling technique, and a census method were adopted to select 187 respondents from a population of 238. The results from SmartPLS with bias-corrected 5,000 bootstrap resamples reveal that the direct and total effects of CSS on CPN, CTS, CSE, and EIS are positive and significant. Also, the indirect effect of CSS on EIS via CPN and CSE is significant, whereas the effect through CTS is non-significant. Thus, the acquisition and utilisation of cooking skills can trigger “mama put” formation and job creation among graduates and non-graduates through passion for cooking and self-efficacy. The study concludes by shedding light on the theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and future research directions.

INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS, EMPLOYEE RELATIONS, AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS: AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS PRACTICES IN EMERGING ECONOMIES

Emmanuel Imuede Oyasor — 2026-06-30

This study examined the role of industrial relations in shaping organizational performance in the Nigerian context, focusing on the extent to which effective employee–employer relations contribute to institutional stability, labor productivity, and competitiveness. Anchored on organizational justice and efficiency wage theories, the study adopted a quantitative research design and collected data through structured questionnaires administered to employees across different sectors. Statistical techniques were employed to analyze the relationships among industrial relations practices, reward systems, and organizational outcomes. The study utilized multiple regression modeling to quantify the predictive effects of industrial relations variables on organizational performance indicators. Results from the analysis indicate strong positive associations between fair industrial relations practices and enhanced productivity, improved job satisfaction, and greater institutional stability. The implications suggest that organizations should prioritize transparent communication, structured grievance procedures, and equitable reward systems to foster employee trust and elevate performance. These measures can significantly reduce conflict-related costs and support sustainable workforce management. The study adds value by offering Nigeria-specific evidence that informs policy and practice. The findings underscore that sound industrial relations serve not only as mechanisms for reducing conflict but also as strategic tools that enhance employee engagement, efficiency, and organizational sustainability. The study further emphasizes the economic rationale of promoting robust labour–management frameworks, as these reduce transaction costs associated with disputes while improving both efficiency and equity. The paper concludes that effective industrial relations policies are critical for organizations seeking long-term competitiveness and for policymakers striving to enhance economic development.

OPTIMIZING PERFORMANCE THROUGH HR FORMALIZATION AND LINE MANAGER INVOLVEMENT

Zuzana Skorková — 2026-06-30

The objective of our study was to examine the extent to which formalization of HR processes can influence organizational performance. This relationship was examined through the mediating effect of line managers' involvement in HR decision-making processes. To examine this relationship, structural equation modeling was conducted in Stata and R using the Lavaan package. The research was conducted on a sample of 3,502 medium-sized and large companies from the CRANET database. The results of our analysis confirmed the mediating effect of decentralizing HR decision-making authority to line managers on the positive relationship between HR process formalization and organizational performance. We point out that an appropriate level of formalization, where boundaries are set, but line managers are given a certain degree of freedom, positively affects company performance. Our results suggest that formalized HR policies provide a structured framework that ensures consistency and fairness across the organization, thereby increasing trust and compliance. Decentralizing decision-making power to line managers increases their ability to respond to emerging problems, thereby improving the effectiveness of HR interventions. Our findings demonstrate that organizations should design HR systems that combine clear formalized rules with sufficient autonomy for line managers to adapt HR practices to specific situations. The study contributes to the existing literature by empirically demonstrating the mediating role of line managers’ involvement in the relationship between HR process formalization and organizational performance.

LEVERAGING SOCIAL MEDIA KNOWLEDGE AFFORDANCES FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP: SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Uzoma Ononye — 2026-06-30

Social media is an increasingly prominent tool for knowledge sharing among individuals and businesses; however, empirical research has not fully examined its impact on entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. This study investigates the relationship between social media use and indicators of entrepreneurial development, including entrepreneurial motivation, orientation, opportunity recognition, and performance. The research also examines the indirect effect of social media on entrepreneurial performance as a primary outcome. Cross-sectional data were collected from 248 young entrepreneurs registered with the Delta State Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency in Nigeria. Data analysis and hypothesis testing were conducted using the partial least squares approach to structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings suggest that social media use has a positive and significant impact on entrepreneurial development, enhancing entrepreneurial motivation, orientation, opportunity recognition, and performance. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that entrepreneurial motivation and opportunity recognition serve as mechanisms through which social media use affects entrepreneurial performance. Mediation by entrepreneurial orientation was not supported. The main practical implication is that Nigerian entrepreneurs should reassess and strategically align their social media activities with their entrepreneurial processes to facilitate more effective development. Entrepreneurs should consider using social media for knowledge sharing to unlock the catalytic potential of knowledge-based opportunities, thereby enhancing their cognitive capacity by fostering motivation for entrepreneurial work, encouraging a shift towards innovation, proactive behaviours, and risk-taking, and improving opportunity recognition capabilities—elements critical for sustained entrepreneurial performance. This study fills a gap in entrepreneurship literature by exploring how social media use for knowledge sharing affects entrepreneurship development in Nigeria, providing theoretical insights through the stimulus-organism-response framework.

EXPLORING THE TENSION BETWEEN CSR AS A REPUTATION MANAGEMENT TOOL AND A DRIVER FOR SOCIAL IMPACT

Tayla Milho — 2026-06-30

This study aimed to examine how corporate social responsibility (CSR) is understood, implemented, and communicated in small and medium-sized South African retail businesses, with particular attention to its influence on reputation and stakeholder trust. Guided by stakeholder and legitimacy theories, a qualitative research design was employed, drawing on data from ten semi-structured interviews conducted via Microsoft Teams with representatives from seven retail businesses, using an eleven-question interview guide. The data were analysed using thematic analysis, which identified five central themes related to motivations behind CSR, its contribution to reputation, authenticity concerns, stakeholder trust, and challenges affecting credibility and assessment. The findings indicate that CSR is perceived as both a moral obligation and a strategic tool for differentiation, with authenticity, transparency, and community involvement being critical to building trust, while limited resources, inconsistent evaluation practices, and performative activities undermine long-term credibility. In practice, the study suggests that CSR initiatives should be integrated into everyday business operations, communicated honestly, and supported by clear, consistent evaluation methods to enhance stakeholder confidence. By providing empirical insights into CSR practices within South African retail SMEs, this study contributes to the literature by clarifying how credible and sustainable reputational value can be built through contextually grounded CSR approaches.

ENHANCING HUMAN WELL-BEING THROUGH RESPONSIBLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP: MEDIATING ROLE OF FAMILY CULTURE

Kenneth Chukwujioke Agbim — 2026-06-30

Well-being has become one of the major aspirations of people worldwide. This concern is reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 3 and 12, as well as in the growing attention given by entrepreneurship scholars to responsible entrepreneurship practices. However, entrepreneurship researchers remain divided on the factors that promote well-being. In addition, Nigeria is a culturally oriented society where food preparation and consumption are strongly shaped by social values, traditions and family practices. In recent times, restaurants in Abuja, Nigeria, have increasingly been associated with the use of unwholesome food ingredients in meal preparation. Against this background, this study investigates the relationships among responsible entrepreneurship, family culture, specifically individualistic and collectivistic cultural orientations, and human well-being. The study adopts a cross-sectional survey design, a criterion sampling technique and a sample frame method to select 279 customers from 174 family-owned standardised restaurants across the six Area Councils of Abuja. The PLS-SEM results reveal that responsible entrepreneurship has positive and significant direct effects on human well-being, individualistic cultural orientation and collectivistic cultural orientation. The results also show that individualistic and collectivistic cultural orientations are positively and significantly related to human well-being. Furthermore, responsible entrepreneurship indirectly influences human well-being through both cultural orientations. The study empirically demonstrates that responsible entrepreneurship is an important determinant of human well-being and that such well-being can be enhanced in a context that encourages ethical individual initiative and collective responsibility.

NAVIGATING FAMILY TENSION: THE PERCEIVED INFLUENCE OF CONFLICT ON EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION IN FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES

Amy Lee Gooch — 2026-06-30

The purpose of the study was to explore the perceived influence of conflict on employee motivation in family-owned businesses in South Africa. Given the economic significance of family businesses and their vulnerability to relational tensions, the study aimed to understand how different forms of conflict affect both family and non-family member employees. An exploratory qualitative research design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 family and non-family members employed in small- to medium-sized family businesses across multiple industries in South Africa. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns in conflict dynamics, motivational factors, and conflict management practices. The findings indicate that conflict commonly arises from interpersonal tensions, blurred boundaries between family and business roles, power imbalances and communication breakdowns. Unresolved conflict negatively affects employee motivation, particularly among non-family-member employees, resulting in emotional strain, decreased job satisfaction, and reduced productivity. However, structured communication practices, role clarity and employee recognition have been found to mitigate these effects and enhance motivation. The study provides practical insights for family business owners and managers by emphasising the importance of formal communication structures and clear role delineation. It contributes to the family business literature by empirically linking conflict dynamics to employee motivation and highlighting differentiated experiences of family and non-family member employees.

LEVERAGING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR GROWTH: OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL-SCALE TEXTILE AND FASHION ENTREPRENEURS IN EMERGING DIGITAL ECONOMIES

Kweku Safo-Ankama — 2026-06-30

In the context of a less digitalised economy, small-scale textile and fashion professionals face unique challenges and opportunities in leveraging social media for growth. Drawing on the social media engagement theory, this study explores the strategic potential of social media marketing as a transformative tool for these professionals. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the data collected. Purposive sampling techniques were employed to gather data from 457 textile and fashion professionals from two business regions of the country. The study findings revealed that four of the proposed hypotheses were significant, while two were not. The findings indicate that effective social media strategies can significantly impact small fashion brands by providing cost-effective marketing solutions that reach a global audience. The study contributes to understanding the nuanced strategies employed by small businesses that leverage emerging innovations to create sustainable growth pathways in less-digitalised economies such as Ghana.

THE EFFECT OF SERVICE QUALITY ON CUSTOMER RETENTION: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF DRIP MARKETING IN TRAVEL AGENCIES

Kawar Abdullah Ali — 2026-06-30

This research investigates the relationship between service quality and customer retention in travel agencies in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, emphasizing the mediating role of drip marketing. grounded in relationship marketing theory. A quantitative approach, via a survey questionnaire, was employed for data collection; hence, a cross-sectional design was used to gather data from 353 managers of travel agencies in KRI via purposive sampling. This paper employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Thus, this paper finds that service quality (tangibility, assurance, and empathy) has a significant positive influence on customer retention. On the other hand, drip marketing mediates between service quality (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy) and customer retention. The study's findings contribute to the literature on customer retention and service quality in the travel and tourism sector. This paper contributes to the existing literature on service quality, customer retention, and drip marketing. The study findings can assist traditional travel agencies in reforming their marketing strategies by using drip marketing tools based on the AIDAS model to enhance customer retention and compete with Online traditional agencies. This indicates that in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, travel agents should not focus only on Traditional and Online travel agencies. Instead, they should consider adopting hybrid travel agencies that combine elements of both models. This study extends relationship marketing theory to the question of how agencies convert new customers into loyal advocates.

THE INFLUENCE OF KNOWLEDGE-ORIENTED LEADERSHIP ON KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AND GREEN INNOVATION

Uzoma Ononye — 2026-06-30

Leadership influences green innovation, but the degree of its impact depends on the leadership behaviors exhibited during these processes. This study examined how knowledge-oriented leadership, a new leadership style, affects green innovation, emphasizing the mediating roles of a knowledge management strategy that includes knowledge exploitation and exploration. Cross-sectional, time-lagged data were collected from 325 SME managers in Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub. The responses were analyzed using the partial least squares method for hypothesis testing. The results indicate that knowledge-oriented leadership significantly affects green innovation. Knowledge exploitation was significantly related to green innovation, whereas exploration’s impact was insignificant. However, the combined effect of knowledge exploitation and exploration was significantly associated with green innovation. Indirect effects showed that knowledge-oriented leadership influences green innovation through knowledge exploitation and a combined exploitation-exploration approach. The mediating role of knowledge exploration was positive but not statistically significant. The study concludes that knowledge-oriented leadership can dynamically balance knowledge management strategies, with a primary focus on knowledge exploitation to foster green innovation. This research contributes to the leadership and sustainability literature by providing empirical evidence that knowledge-oriented leadership supports a sustainability focus and leverages knowledge management strategies to help SMEs fulfill environmental responsibilities through innovation. The main recommendation is that managers recognize the critical role of knowledge-oriented leadership behaviors in fostering green innovation and participate in leadership development programs to cultivate these behaviors. These programs should also include sustainability-focused training to effectively integrate this leadership approach with green initiatives and practices.