Notwithstanding the pervasive utilization of digital technology in social and educational realms, an in-depth understanding and exploration of the interrelationships amongst digital connectivity, social skills, and emotional intelligence, particularly within Generation Z demographic–known for their heavy reliance on digital platforms–remains elusive. This study endeavors to address this gap. Applying structural equation modeling, it examined the interrelationships between digital connectivity, social skills, and emotional intelligence, surveying a sample of 518 Generation Z students (comprising 77.61% females, 20.64% males, and 1.74% non-binary) across various academic years and disciplines at a university located in Southern Thailand. PLS-SEM software was employed to evaluate the structural model and substantiate the research hypotheses. Our findings suggest that digital connectivity did not detrimentally impact social skills. However, it negatively influenced emotional intelligence among Generation Z students, observable both at the operational level and in terms of fostering the capacity to regulate one’s own and others’ emotional states. Despite this, social skills proved to significantly enhance emotional intelligence. The same consistent pattern of a positive and significant influence is observed when testing the indirect effect of digital connectivity on emotional intelligence through social skills. Furthermore, it was found that robust and effective digital connectivity could potentially bolster understanding and management of emotions in the digital age, much like well-developed social skills. Hence, this study provides substantial insights into the nuanced impacts of digital connectivity on the social and emotional development of Generation Z students.

This research aims to describe the factors and patterns of relationships involved in dominant professional skills development by focusing on social skills that influence organizational learning for business sustainability and operational efficiency enhancement. The research provides guidelines that hotel businesses in Phuket Province can use to implement strategies in a currently rapidly-changing and competitive environment. This study shows that professional and social skills influencing the organizational performance of the hotel businesses in Phuket include communication, leadership, problem solving, and teamwork skill. This analytical result is based on resource -based and service innovation theories and can be used to improve organizations operating performance.

Purpose: This research intended to investigate the motivation and behavior of free independent travelers (FITs) who traveled to Southern Thailand in the Covid-19 pandemic.   Theoretical framework: Studies on tourist motivation and behavior would provide more insightful implications and Covid-19 safeguards for tourism businesses especially in Southern Thailand – a dominant destination for domestic tourism demand.   Design/methodology/approach: Data was collected from 400 domestic FITs using a questionnaire survey, processed in SPSS software, and analyzed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and One-way ANOVA.   Findings: The highest level of overall pull and push motivations of domestic FITs while traveling to Southern Thailand. The highest level of pull motivation identified in this study was a promotional scheme, called “WE TRAVEL TOGETHER” the government-subsidized 40% of accommodation expenses to increase tourism demand.   Research, Practical & Social implications: Comparative responses to SHA Plus standard between domestic and international tourists using both qualitative and quantitative data from all stakeholders involved would provide a variety of insightful and beneficial perspectives on NNT in the Covid-19 pandemic.   Originality/value: CCSA should pay more attention on this particular behavior of tourists which might easily spread the disease to others. Everyone should be more aware of this risk and show their greater responsible practice in society.

Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues is a peer-reviewed journal which publishes original research papers and case studies