Sinergie Italian Journal of Management

AI in Academia: Breakthrough or Black Box Threat to Scientific Integrity?

2026-04-30T06:30:10+00:00

In recent years, the emergence of generative artificial intelligence technologies in the field of academic research has represented one of the fastest and most pervasive changes in the recent history of management sciences. Within an extremely short time span, tools capable of generating text, analyzing large amounts of data, and supporting complex decision-making processes have become firmly embedded in the daily practices of researchers, reviewers, and editors. This transformation is not merely technological: it affects the epistemological, ethical, and methodological foundations of management research.

Leading international scientific journals have taken a stance through guidelines and editorial policies, acknowledging both the transformative potential of AI and its systemic risks, as well as the need to govern its use responsibly. A shared principle clearly emerges from these documents: artificial intelligence can be a powerful support tool for research, but it cannot and must not replace the critical judgment, responsibility, and creativity of the researcher.

Fortune favors the happy mind in the right place: individual and contextual drivers of serendipity in entrepreneurship

2026-02-23T08:24:36+00:00

Frame of the research. Entrepreneurs often experience serendipity, yet the individual-level conditions that foster such occurrences remain underexplored. Drawing on self-determination theory (SDT), this study situates happiness and environmental context as key antecedents of entrepreneurial serendipity.

Purpose of the paper. The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the relationship between entrepreneurs’ happiness and serendipity and to assess how contextual factors—specifically the intensity of third places and walking infrastructure—moderate this association.

Methodology. A survey of 609 entrepreneurs across high-income countries provides the empirical basis for regression analyses. Robustness checks using patent registrations further validate the findings.

Results. The findings indicate that happiness is positively associated with serendipity. Moreover, the intensity of third places and the quality of walking infrastructure positively strengthen this relationship.

Research limitations. The cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and self-reported data may introduce bias. Perceived measures of environmental factors could differ from objective conditions, and cultural variations in happiness and serendipity require further examination.

Managerial implications. Policymakers and ecosystem leaders could consider enhancing third places and walking infrastructure as part of broader efforts to create environments in which entrepreneurial talent is more likely to thrive and remain. Entrepreneurs should prioritize well-being and seek environments conducive to social interaction and reflection.

Originality of the paper. This study integrates psychological and spatial perspectives to explain entrepreneurial serendipity. By linking SDT to serendipity and emphasizing environmental influences, it extends research on well-being and entrepreneurial serendipity.

Oh my, AI! How to foster Artificial Intelligence maturity for third-party logistics service providers?

2026-04-08T08:02:13+00:00

Frame of the research. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly considered a transformative force within the logistics industry, including third-party logistics service providers (3PLs). However, the academic literature reveals a limited understanding of how 3PLs can develop their AI maturity to capture the emerging opportunities.

Purpose of the paper. The study explores AI adoption within the 3PL industry by leveraging the dynamic capabilities theory.

Methodology. Empirical insights were collected through a single case study at a leading British 3PL, including ten qualitative interviews and two on‑site visits. Abductive reasoning guided iterative comparisons between empirics and theory to understand how 3PLs sense and seize AI opportunities and reconfigure their processes during transformation.

Results. Sensing AI opportunities depends on developing robust AI awareness and actively involving customers to embed their perspective; seizing involves using AI to improve labour forecasting, scheduling and back‑office automation. Companies must also reconfigure resources by fostering a cultural shift and building a robust data infrastructure to support AI efforts. Building on these findings, a maturity model is developed to assess 3PLs’ dynamic capabilities in their AI journey.

Research limitations. The reliance on a single case study design inherently limits external validity, restricting the applicability of the study’s findings to a wider population of logistics and supply chain contexts.

Managerial implications. The study focuses on 3PLs to expose how they can navigate the complexities of AI adoption and develop their AI maturity, offering rich empirics about exploring the synergies between human workforce, technological tools, and physical assets.

Originality of the paper. Existing research has only nascently explored how 3PLs approach AI adoption. The study elaborates and contextualises the dynamic capabilities theory with respect to AI driven opportunities for 3PLs and provides an original maturity model.

Resilience in flux: how family firms challenge liquid modernity

2026-01-26T15:43:44+00:00

Frame of the research. In an era of liquid modernity, characterized by uncertainty, acceleration, and fragmentation, family businesses must redefine resilience to address evolving challenges. While resilience has been extensively studied, few works explore its transformation under the pressure of liquid modernity.

Purpose of the paper. This study examines how family firms reinterpret resilience, balancing continuity while embracing change.

Methodology. A qualitative multiple-case study approach was adopted, analyzing ten Italian family businesses through 30 semi-structured interviews with senior family members, next-generation leaders, and non-family executives. Secondary sources, including company reports and market analyses, were used for triangulation.

Results. Findings reveal that family firms build resilience through strategic rhythm and communionship, a mechanism based on relational anchoring, strengthening ties, and trust-based decision-making.

Research limitations. The study is limited to Italian family firms, requiring further validation across different cultural and institutional contexts. A longitudinal approach could enhance the understanding of resilience evolution over time.

Managerial implications. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive decision-making, trust-building, and long-term vision as resilience drivers. Family firms’ ability to integrate stability and adaptability offers insights for managing uncertainty in dynamic environments.

Originality of the paper. By introducing communionship and strategic rhythm, the paper shifts resilience theory towards a relational model, providing a novel lens to explore family business responses to liquid modernity.

Exploring the cultural heritage dimension of the country image: A textual analysis of web narratives across twenty-four countries

2026-01-26T15:56:50+00:00

This study examines how nations with rich cultural resources structure their institutional communication to enhance the understanding of the role of cultural heritage in promoting the country image. It investigates the role of cultural heritage within the general framework of country image and proposes an explorative categorisation of the constitutive dimensions of the “cultural heritage image”. The empirical research is based on a lexical analysis of the institutional web communication of twenty-four countries ranked in the Anholt-Ipsos Nation Brand Index 2023 (Ipsos, 2023). The textual analysis enabled the analytical identification of the constituent aspects of the cultural heritage image, revealing a network of nodes centered on three macro-dimensions (Tangible cultural heritage, intangible cultural heritage and national identity), and 13 major conceptual categories (i.e., historic sites, cultural institutions, natural environment, craftmanship, visual arts, performing arts, literature, language, gastronomy, traditions, sports, people, diversity, equity and inclusion). The study can support both policymakers and companies in defining international marketing strategies that emphasise the role of cultural heritage in shaping the perception of global audiences.

Scoring environmental social governance ability: a model of sustainability assessment in the blue economy

2026-01-30T13:54:25+00:00

Frame of the research. ESG scores primarily evaluate sustainability performance but fail to incorporate firms’ strategic orientation toward sustainability. This limits the understanding of the key drivers behind successful ESG transitions within the blue economy.

Purpose of the paper. The study aims to develop and test the ESG Ability Score, a novel measurement model that assesses both ESG performance and sustainability orientation, offering a holistic evaluation of firms’ sustainability responsiveness in the blue economy.

Methodology. The ESG Ability Score is developed through content analysis of sustainability reports of 22 Italian shipyards and shippers. It is based on the ESG score, quantified using a machine-learning web application, and the Sustainability Orientation Index (SOI), determined by the inclusion of ESG content in the corporate identity and strategic direction.

Results. Neither industry reaches low ESG ability, but a greater number of shipyards exhibit medium-high levels of ESG ability compared to shippers, with shipbuilders outperforming shippers in the SOI overall.

Research limitations. The study is limited to Italian firms and relies on secondary data. ESG Ability Score should be validated across different geographical and industry settings.

Managerial implications. The ESG Ability Score acts as a diagnostic and strategic tool to identify sustainability gaps, align strategies with ESG goals, and support informed decision-making.

Originality of the paper. A robust methodological framework is proposed for developing an ESG Ability Score. It uniquely integrates sustainability orientation with ESG performance to comprehensively evaluate the sustainability approach of maritime firms.

Artificial intelligence automation, augmentation, and human-centricity for firm resilience

2026-04-08T07:59:59+00:00

Frame of the research. Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have fundamentally transformed how firms create and deliver value. Simultaneously, recent decades have been marked by an increasing frequency and severity of exogenous shocks; accordingly, management literature has emphasized firm resilience as a key meta-capability for firm survival. Given that AI can shape how firms sense and respond to uncertainty, it is plausible that it also plays a role in shaping firm resilience.
Purpose of the paper. This paper aims to investigate how AI and human intelligence shape the development of firm resilience.
Methodology. We develop a conceptual framework that integrates the automation and augmentation approaches to AI with established resilience micro-capabilities: redundancy, robustness, agility, flexibility, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Adopting a dialectical approach, we analyze the interrelation between AI and human intelligence in the development of these micro-capabilities.
Results. We identify three interrelated spaces (i.e., automation, augmentation, and human-centricity) for the development of firm resilience micro-capabilities. Automation primarily supports redundancy and robustness; augmentation enables agility, flexibility, and adaptability; and resourcefulness is grounded in human-centricity. The framework also elucidates how these spaces contribute to both absorptive and adaptive resilience.
Research limitations. The conceptual nature of this study calls for future empirical corroboration.
Managerial implications. This study provides managers with a conceptual map to guide the strategic orchestration of human and AI resources in building firm resilience.
Originality of the paper. This paper offers a novel and integrative perspective on firm resilience by linking AI and human intelligence to firm resilience micro-capabilities. By adopting a dialectical approach of automation, augmentation, and human-centricity, it advances current understandings of how AI can be leveraged as a foundational enabler of firm resilience.

Why is collaborative fashion so fashion? Exploring drivers and barriers through the segmentation of Generation Z consumers

2025-09-18T13:14:27+00:00

Purpose of the paper: Digital platforms have facilitated the development of collaborative fashion consumption models, centered on second-hand trade, vintage, or sharing through rentals, within the sharing economy (SE) paradigm and have seen the rapid engagement of Generation Z. Motivations driving this generation’s participation extend beyond sustainability concerns, encompassing a multitude of factors. This study explores Generation Z’s motivations towards collaborative fashion platforms (CFPs) and proposes a segmentation approach based on intrinsic and extrinsic drivers.

Methodology: An online questionnaire was administered to a sample of 383 consumers belonging to the Generation Z, in order to collect data about their attitude and behavior concerning CFPs. A cluster analysis was then performed on collected data using the k-means clustering method.

Findings: The analysis revealed six clusters: Eco-Sceptics, Green Buyers, Experience Lovers, Digital Shoppers, Indulgent consumers, and Undigitals. The emerged groups of consumers reflect specific drivers and barriers, and the primary and contingent motivations to approach CFPs.

Originality of the paper: The study allows to outline the profile of six different clusters of users, basing on extrinsic and intrinsic variables, also highlighting how these variables actually act as drivers and barriers in the analyzed sample. In this sense the research goes a step further compared to extant contributions, as for its focus on the way these drivers actually coexist and determine the emergence of specific subgroups of consumers. Moreover, the study shed light on how the variables are related among each other.

Green and Sustainable Supply Chain Management models in agri-food supply chains: a literature review

2025-10-16T12:58:36+00:00

Purpose of the paper: The purpose of the present study is to explore and review the wide and interdisciplinary literature published on Green and Sustainable Supply Chain Management models from 2010 to 2022, with a major focus on agri-food supply chains. This paper discusses the evolution of both models and identifies avenues for further research.

Methodology: Papers were retrieved on Scopus and Web of Science databases and were subjected to a longitudinal analysis based on descriptive characteristics (i.e. methodologies, TBL pillars addressed, geographical context in which the studies were developed, etc.), and a bibliometric thematic mapping analysis.

Findings: The study offers a comprehensive investigation of extant studies on Sustainable SCM, as opposed to the Green SCM approach, and sheds light on their implementation in agri-food. First, a comparison between the agri-food sector and other industries is provided according to the descriptive characteristics identified. Second, current motor themes, niche and emerging ones in agri-food, are identified and discussed. Finally, major issues characterizing sustainable supply chain research in agri-food are addressed, with a focus on social sustainability.

Research limits: The main limitation of the study may concern the selection criteria at the basis of the literature review, that determined the analyzed corpus.

Practical implications: The study identifies future research directions that may be beneficial for encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices in this industry.

Originality of the paper: The paper analyses the link between sustainability and food supply chain management by comparing Green and Sustainable models’ adoption and discussing peculiarities unique to the agri-food industry, by combining a content analysis approach with bibliometric techniques.

Exploring Users’ Migration from Social Media to the Metaverse: A Push-Pull-Mooring Framework Analysis

2025-11-24T10:35:04+00:00

Frame of the research: The rise of the metaverses is transforming digital social interaction, offering both challenges and opportunities for digital marketing. While prior research has examined the adoption of metaverses for educational and shopping purposes, little attention has been paid to their emerging role as social platforms – and specifically to the factors that drive users to migrate from traditional social media, viewing metaverses as their potential next iteration.

Purpose of the paper: To address the gap in current research, the present study combines the Push–Pull–Mooring (PPM) framework with Social Identity Theory to investigate the factors influencing users’ switching intentions from social media to the metaverses.

Methodology: To test the proposed “Meta Switching Model,” a cross-sectional survey was conducted, collecting data from 151 meta-users of Fortnite. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings: Results indicate that perceived usefulness, ease of use, and social identity significantly influence switching intention, whereas – contrary to initial hypotheses – social media fatigue and dissatisfaction were found non-significant.

Research limits: The study focuses on a single metaverse platform (Fortnite) and a relatively limited sample. Future research should compare behaviours across different metaverses and cultures, and explore avatar-based identity formation through mixed or neuromarketing methods.

Practical implications: Managerially, the findings underscore the importance for marketers of designing immersive experiences that align with the identity dynamics, values, and cultural codes of the communities within the metaverses.

Originality of the paper: This study extends the PPM framework by integrating Social Identity Theory, highlighting the role of identity-based factors in users’ migration from social media to metaverses. By framing metaverses as socially constructed rather than merely technological spaces, it offers an innovative perspective on digital migration and the evolution of online social interaction.

Digital Technologies for Knowledge Management Processes: Exploring managers’ perspective in an Italian luxury hotel group

2025-10-27T07:42:00+00:00

Purpose of the paper: This paper aims to contribute to hospitality management research by advancing knowledge on exploiting digital technologies (DTs) to enhance internal knowledge management processes (KMPs) in luxury hotels. It provides an in-depth exploration of how and to what extent DTs support KMPs (i.e., acquisition, creation, storage, sharing, and application), assisting the hotel’s decision-making and actions.

Methodology: The structured-deductive approach was adopted, starting with theory and moving toward empirically exploring a group of two luxury hotels in Milan (Italy). A case study was developed, and ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with top and middle managers. These activities enabled the collection of managers’ insights and experiences, including ideas, opinions, and emotions, which were juxtaposed and compared.

Findings: Findings deepen the understanding of how DTs integrate and enhance KMPs, support a critical reflection on the enablers and barriers to DTs usage and exploitation in internal KMPs, and offer fresh knowledge on the relationships between KMPs-DTs integration and organisational change in luxury hospitality.

Practical implications: Hotel managers must deeply consider their hotels’ organisational aspects (e.g., structure and culture) when approaching investments in DTs for KMPs and involve staff in implementing DTs to enhance KMPs’ value.

Originality of the paper: The under-investigated research topic of the internal micro-perspective of top and middle managers interpreting DTs for KMPs has been adopted. The research identifies areas for theory building in hospitality at the intersection between digital transformation, KM and human resource management.