Purpose: This study aims to explore the relationship between transformational leadership and employees’ innovative work behaviour (IWB), additionally examining the mediating effect of psychological empowerment. Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on a cross-sectional design, data being collected from 139 employees through the following structured questionnaires: Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire, IWB and psychological empowerment instrument. Findings: The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between transformational leadership and both IWB and psychological empowerment, as well as the fact that transformational leadership, through psychological empowerment, fosters IWB. Research limitations/implications: One of the main weaknesses of this study is the use of a cross-sectional design, which does not allow for an assessment of the cause–effect relation. Also, using a self-reported questionnaire might have brought common method bias. Practical implications: The paper shows that, by creating a greater sense of empowerment, leaders could have a higher positive effect on employee’s levels of IWB. Moreover, empowerment acts as one of the most important and effective processes within the transformational leadership framework in fostering innovation among followers. Originality/value: This study extends the empirical research on transformational leadership and its influence on employees’ work attitudes. Given the scant research on the role of the psychological empowerment, the results of this study confirm not only its mediating role but also the need for further studies in this direction.

Starting from the findings of specialized studies on knowledge management in the field of biotechnology, this paper aims to present the factors that underline sustainable performances of Romanian biotechnology organizations. Particularly, descriptive analysis of these factors has outlined a picture of the current situation of biotechnology in Romania. The design of an exploratory knowledge management model for organizations in the biotechnology sector was achieved and validated through a panel data model. Starting from a model of growth based on productivity, capital inflow, and human capital, three statistical hypotheses were validated by a time series data panel regression model using EViews 9.0 software. The data were collected for the enterprises active in the field of biotechnology for a period of nine years. The paper highlights the fact that the economic performance of biotechnology organizations is determined by the flow of capital, productivity, and the workforce. Knowledge-based growth strategies are essential in the econometric model presented. Nevertheless, in terms of knowledge management strategies, the sector has not reached its maturity, and full sustainability is not a norm.

Generation Z, the next generation of employees, proposes a complex combination of challenges and opportunities in the current digital business world. This generation brings to the workplace a specific set of skills, beliefs, and views influenced by their experiences in a digital environment that is continually expanding. As they assume increasingly important responsibilities in the workforce, it is essential to understand their perspectives on collaboration and transformation in the digital business environment. This literature review analyzes the current state of research on the cooperation and transformation behaviors of Generation Z within the digital business world. The research explores the unique characteristics, values, and perceptions of Generation Z, as well as the developing dynamics of work in the digital business climate and their impact on collaboration and transformation. In addition, the review assesses the importance of diversity and inclusion in attracting and retaining members of Generation Z in the digital business workforce, as well as the effects of technological developments and digitalization on their capacity to contribute to cooperation and transformation in the industry. The findings of this literature review give academics, professionals, and policymakers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing this emerging generation of workers in a digital world that is rapidly changing. This research contributes to a better understanding of how Generation Z is transforming the digital business landscape and how organizations should adapt to their unique perspectives and demands.

The article aims to analyze the importance of reinforcing the relational capital of the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of a globalized market. It elaborates on the influences of competitiveness on online versus offline business networking with a view to achieve effectiveness in the European steel pipe SMEs internationalization process. The results indicate that internationalization effectiveness is indirectly influenced by competitiveness, with online and offline networking mediating the relationship between the two variables.

Recently, there is a new European Union commitment to the potential of the social economy which is a pioneer in job creation linked to the circular economy that will be further leveraged by the mutual benefits of supporting the green transition and strengthening social inclusion. Considering this general context, we propose in this paper an exploratory research aiming to investigate the potential of the Romanian social economy sector as part of a circular economy approach that could advance the green transition in the following years. Our paper is based on the findings of preliminary systematic content analysis for the identification of the social enterprises in Romania which include circular economy and/or green economy in their business model, and on qualitative research based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with the social economy organizations’ managers. We have highlighted five good practice examples (Recicleta, Atelierul de Pânz?, Educlick/Reconect, Remesh, and Bio&co Farm), which clearly show that combining the principles of social economy with the ones of circular/green economy is a strategy that might lead to overcoming the current challenges of the society. Our investigations represent the first approach to this topic, aiming to understand the specific challenges of the circular or green economy and social economy models when joining forces together for sustainable development in the context of an emerging social economy, as is the case of Romania.