Organic farming is one of the fastest growing sectors, both in developed and developing countries. Although Romania is in sixth place at the level of the European Union in terms of agricultural area, the share of ecologically certified areas is low. The fruits and vegetables sector is the most important for the agri-food production in Romania, accounting for 58% of the total cultivated area. In recent years, there is a tendency for consumers to focus on healthy diets with safe, high quality foods and high nutritional compounds from unpolluted areas. However, the Romanian market of organic fruits and vegetables is still underdeveloped due to the small number of consumers of organic products. The future of organic farming is largely dependent on attitude and consumer demand. The purpose of this paper is to study the attitudes and intentions of Romanian consumers towards the consumption of organic fruits and vegetables through direct research among 268 individuals. The results show that the attitudes of individuals towards the consumption of organic fruits and vegetables is directly and positively influenced by the information that individuals have about the characteristics of organic products, their personal needs and motivations, but also by external influences, and the purchase barriers do not represent elements with a strong enough influence on the attitude and intention.

Concerns about environmental protection and sustainable consumption increased among Generation Z, as a consequence of more perceived risks emerging in the context of climate change and depletion of natural resources. The aim of the present research was to identify the main factors that influence the intention to purchase eco-products among the young generation. Quantitative marketing research was carried out on a sample of 269 Gen Z. The research results proved that purchasing intention for eco-products is strongly influenced by the perceived quality of environmentally friendly products, consumer consciousness about eco-products, perceived value of green products, and consumer trust in ecological products. Lower influences were recorded in terms of perceived price and perceived availability of eco-products, with improved total effects when considering the mediating role of eco-trust. Consequently, the provision of eco-products could lead to image benefits for organizations.

This study analyzes the relationships between ethical perceptions, perceived sincerity of politicians, and the influences of political marketing on electoral behavior in Romania. Relevant connections were identified using an online questionnaire, resulting in a complex model of the moral and communicational evaluation of political actors. The findings show that people with a high level of ethical evaluation tend to interpret politicians’ lack of sincerity as being caused by external influences, such as political consultants and communication experts. At the same time, ethically oriented respondents show increased trust in independent candidates and greater openness to the possibility that electoral promises are achievable, suggesting an orientation towards moral alternatives to the traditional political system. Additionally, individuals with a high degree of psychological resilience appear to be more skeptical about the sincerity of political discourse, indicating a cognitive defense mechanism through caution and distrust. The analysis also highlights slight demographic differences, especially by gender and age, as well as a remarkable intercorrelation between perceptions of the veracity of parties and politicians, suggesting the existence of a unitary construct underlying the perception of honesty in politics. These results provide valuable insights regarding the impact of political marketing strategies on the symbolic capital of sincerity and contribute to the shaping of ethical directions for electoral communication.

As societies increasingly embrace digital transformations, public administration is confronted with the imperative to adapt and innovate in the face of evolving technological landscapes. This article delves into the multifaceted realm of digitization within public administration, focusing on the perceptual dimensions that shape the adoption and efficacy of digital solutions. By synthesizing empirical studies, case analyses, and theoretical frameworks, this research offers a comprehensive exploration of how digitization influences the perception of stakeholders, including citizens, public servants, and policymakers. The study investigates the impact of digitization on efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in public services, aiming to unravel the complexities of the interplay between technology and public administration. Special attention is given to the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics. Through a comparative analysis of digitization initiatives across diverse administrative contexts, the article seeks to identify best practices and lessons learned, providing insights into the factors that contribute to successful digital transitions. Furthermore, the research examines the societal and organizational factors influencing the perception of digitization in public administration, shedding light on issues of trust, privacy, and equity. By considering the perspectives of various stakeholders, this article aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the socio-political dynamics surrounding the digital transformation of public services. Ultimately, this article not only contributes to the academic discourse on public administration and technology but also provides practical insights for policymakers and public administrators seeking to navigate the digital frontier effectively. The findings presented herein serve as a roadmap for harnessing the full potential of digitization while mitigating challenges and fostering a positive perception of technological advancements in public administration.

This article examines the impact of digital public services on the transformation of country branding using Kazakhstan as a case study. In the context of accelerated digitalization, public governance increasingly functions not only as an administrative system but also as a reputational and communicative mechanism shaping national image. The study conceptualizes digital public services as branding-relevant institutional instruments that translate governance performance into perceptions of modernity, efficiency, transparency, and trust. The research is based on a qualitative methodological approach combining document analysis, qualitative content analysis, and comparative analytical interpretation. The empirical materials include international digital government indices, national policy and strategic documents, official digital government platforms, and academic literature on nation branding and digital governance. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of Kazakhstan’s integrated e-government ecosystem and its representation in international benchmarking frameworks. The findings indicate that digital public services contribute to the transformation of Kazakhstan’s country branding by reinforcing institutional and performance-based brand attributes. International digital government rankings serve as external validation mechanisms that amplify reputational effects, while the sustained development of digital services ensures their long-term credibility. The article contributes to nation branding theory by integrating digital government into the analytical framework of country branding and by highlighting the signaling and trust-building functions of digital public services, offering practical implications for policymakers seeking sustainable and credible country branding strategies in the digital era. The study contributes to the literature by integrating digital government into the analytical framework of country branding, highlighting its role as a continuous and experience-based signaling mechanism.