Catalin Gradinaru

Dr. Catalin Gradinaru

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

7Years (2020-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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16 January 2025 in Administrative Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SCSurugiu Camelia
Surugiu Camelia
Marius-Răzvan SurugiuMarius-Răzvan Surugiu
Marius-Răzvan Surugiu
CGCatalin Gradinaru
Catalin Gradinaru
AGAna-Maria Grigore
Ana-Maria Grigore
The paper aims to identify the powerful forces of Generation Z’s (Gen Z) work motivations, considering four key drivers: recognition, appreciation, well-being, and skills. Four hypotheses were developed, and Gen Z-triggering motivational factors at work were analyzed using a survey approach. Using the collected data, a logistic regression model was constructed to investigate the effects on work motivation. An in-depth interview of managers from different companies was applied to identify Gen Z’s perceptions about the workplace. All four predictors proved to influence work motivation significantly. According to the answers of Gen Z’s members, wage is the primary motivator for them to increase work efficiency, with other financial and non-financial factors being less significant. Gen Z is generally not teamwork-oriented and prefers working alone to demonstrate their abilities and achieve greater efficiency. Gen Z switches jobs frequently and shows low loyalty to organizations, often prioritizing personal preferences over long-term commitment. This study explores Romanian Gen Z-triggering motivational factors and shows the motivators for increasing work efficiency. It provides unique insights into a less teamwork-oriented, low loyalty to organizations segment, filling a literature gap and offering business recommendations for connecting with this generation.

19 April 2023 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Toma FlorentinaToma Florentina
Toma Florentina
Andreea ArdeleanAndreea Ardelean
Andreea Ardelean
CGCatalin Gradinaru
Catalin Gradinaru
ANAlexandru Nedelea
Alexandru Nedelea
Daniel Constantin DiaconuDaniel Constantin Diaconu
Daniel Constantin Diaconu
Progress in schooling using competence-based teaching for students is a priority in setting up a quality-centered educational process. Thus, using ICT tools as teaching–learning techniques represents an important objective in reaching scholastic performance and the capacity to offer students various experiences in teaching. Starting with an analysis of research on integrating ICT tools in the educational environment, this study is aimed at presenting teaching opportunities for all students, seeing education through the lens of those instruments specific to a secondary school level, referencing the subject of geography. The applied research design includes mixed methods applied to a total of 674 students, based on results received before and after a written evaluation, to determine the level of knowledge of the students. The present study evaluates the learning environment in which a successful and practical integration of ICT tools is anticipated in the teaching and learning process, from the perspective of the comparative measurement of the impact on the tests, resulting from the formative assessment. The conducted experiment and the Google Forms questionnaires suggest, through the degree of involvement of all students, how technology can facilitate the teaching–learning process. The results showed that there are statistically significant differences between the experimental and the control group, and that information and communication technologies (ICT) represent an important tool for improving performance and developing participatory skills, having the ability to provide students with positive results.

11 April 2023 in Sage Open
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
SCSurugiu Camelia
Surugiu Camelia
Marius-Răzvan SurugiuMarius-Răzvan Surugiu
Marius-Răzvan Surugiu
CGCatalin Gradinaru
Catalin Gradinaru
This study investigates the sentiments of Bucharest city visitors resulting from their interaction with various attractions perceived as being “creative.” The online reviews displayed on TripAdvisor were collected as a database for our research, covering the July 2016 to July 2022 period. The data were processed using R software and NVivo software intended for text analysis and the investigation of the sentiments’ distribution. The findings suggest that creative offer spurs positive and very positive sentiments among travelers. Tourists experienced joy and trust during their tourism products and services consumption. The creative products are encountered especially in restaurants and escape rooms and are less correlated with heritage, arts, museums, or architecture. These findings are very useful for local entrepreneurs, local authorities, and policymakers in order to find solutions to include more creative products and services in the city tourism offer. Even if the present research is limited to Bucharest city, a future investigation could address the creativity dimensions of other destinations in Romania and abroad, highlighting the specific tourist attractions that boost various sentiment types among tourists.

9 May 2024 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AMAndra C Modreanu
Andra C Modreanu
Sorin George I. TomaSorin George I. Toma
Sorin George I. Toma
Marin BurceaMarin Burcea
Marin Burcea
CGCatalin Gradinaru
Catalin Gradinaru
To establish a responsible business environment, it is important to analyze the way corporate social responsibility (CSR) is implemented within the business world. In this respect, managers play a crucial role in designing and applying the CSR concept and practices. Therefore, this paper aims to identify and analyze the perceptions and attitudes of medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and multinational companies (MNCs) managers in the Romanian retail sector related to CSR implementation. A documentary research approach and a qualitative research methodology through the use of four focus groups were utilized to fulfill the above-mentioned purpose. Additionally, the authors employed content analysis and Nvivo 14 software to process the collected data. The findings indicate that the size of firms represents a key element of managers’ perceptions and attitudes regarding CSR. Particularly, SME managers have a lower level of familiarity with the concept and the potential advantages for business compared to MNC managers. Furthermore, when it comes to CSR practices, MNCs use a comprehensive approach to meeting the demands of their stakeholders, whereas SMEs prioritize the requirements of their employees. One major obstacle in implementing the CSR concept continues to be the high expenses involved in the businesses.

2 February 2025 in Administrative Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SCSurugiu Camelia
Surugiu Camelia
CGCatalin Gradinaru
Catalin Gradinaru
Marius-Răzvan SurugiuMarius-Răzvan Surugiu
Marius-Răzvan Surugiu
Virtual reality (VR) can influence people’s lives and business development. It can bring immersive experiences for people and can strengthen the relationships between customers and companies. In this paper, Generation Z (Gen Z) members’ interest in VR is analyzed in various domains, like education, entertainment, and marketing. This study considers the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theoretical framework and explores the factors influencing Gen Z’s perceptions of VR potential. The approach is based on hypotheses and a survey-based investigation, followed by logistic regression modeling. The results show that VR attracts Gen Z members to educational and entertainment activities. Also, they believe that VR is important for marketing activities. The results show the importance of investments in VR, in all three domains, and the importance of adapting strategies to leverage VR’s potential effectively.

20 September 2023 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Sorin George I. TomaSorin George I. Toma
Sorin George I. Toma
CGCatalin Gradinaru
Catalin Gradinaru
OHOana Simona Hudea
Oana Simona Hudea
AMAndra C Modreanu
Andra C Modreanu
The emergence and development of smart cities represent a significant challenge for the post-modern world. Generation Z members currently entering adult life will play an important role in the implementation of the concept of a smart city. The objective of this study is to identify and analyze Generation Z students’ perceptions and attitudes towards the responsible management of smart cities. Following a quantitative approach, the authors designed and applied an online survey in order to reach the purpose of the study. The research sample comprised 468 representatives of Generation Z final-year undergraduate students at a university located in a smart city in the making, Bucharest (Romania). The data were statistically analyzed and interpreted using various tools and methods, such as Cronbach’s alpha and correlational analysis. The results show that students are aware of the role played by the city government in ensuring responsible management of the economic, social, and environmental issues of a smart city. Also, they emphasize that most of them are involved in or would like to be involved in different projects specific to smart cities. These results may represent the starting point for understanding Generation Z students’ expectations regarding responsible management in the context of smart cities.