Purpose: In this research, we seek to understand the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) and knowledge management (KM) processes in enhancing proactive green innovation (PGI) within oil and gas organizations. It also aims to investigate the moderator role of trust and sustainability in these relationships.Design/methodology/approach: This paper employs a quantitative analysis. Surveys have been gathered from the middle-line managers of twenty-four oil and gas government organizations to evaluate the perceptions of the managers towards AI, KM processes, trust, sustainability measures and proactive measures toward green innovation. Analytical and statistical tools that were employed in this study, including structural equation modeling with SmartPLSv3.9, have been used to analyze the data and to examine the measurement and structural models of this study.Findings: The study results reveal a significant and positive impact of AI utilization, KM processes and PGI within oil and gas organizations. Furthermore, trust and sustainability turn out to be viable moderators affecting, and influencing the strength and direction of AI, KM and PGI relationships. In particular, higher levels of trust and more substantial sustainability commitments enhance the positive impact of AI and KM on green innovation outcomes.Practical implications: Understanding the impact of AI, KM, trust and sustainability offers valuable insights for organizational leaders and policymakers seeking to promote proactive green innovation within the oil and gas industry. Thus, organizations can increase the efficiency of sustainable product development, process improvement and environmental management by using robust AI technologies and effective KM systems. Furthermore, fostering trust among stakeholders and embedding sustainability principles into organizational culture can amplify the effectiveness of AI and KM initiatives in driving green innovation outcomes.Originality/value: This study extends the current knowledge by assessing the effect of AI and KM on proactive green innovation while accounting for trust and sustainability as moderators. Utilizing quantitative methods offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions between these variables, thereby advancing theoretical knowledge in the fields of innovation management, sustainability and organizational behavior. Additionally, the identification of specific mechanisms and contextual factors enriches practical insights for organizational practitioners striving for a practical understanding of the dynamics of the complexities of sustainable innovation in an AI-driven era.

Purpose: This study aims to identify the factors influencing blockchain adoption and assess its impact on the financial and market performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Oman, utilizing the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework. Design/methodology/approach: The nature of the study is explanatory based on data gathered from 282 SME owners and managers/employees using a convenience sampling method. After examining construct validity and reliability, Partial Least Squares with Structural Equation Modelling was used to examine the proposed model of the study. Findings: The results indicate that all the determinants, including Cost Concerns, Top Management Support, Relative Advantage, Technology Compatibility, Security Concerns and Technological Readiness are significant load-on drivers for blockchain adoption. However, Government Policy and Vendor Support were deemed insignificant contributors to blockchain adoption. Moreover, the adoption of blockchain has a favourable effect on both financial as well as market performance. Practical implications: The study finds that there is a great possibility of blockchain technology transforming SMEs in Oman by boosting data security, transparency and efficiency of processes. This supports Vision 2040 for Oman towards advancing technology, economic development and job creation. Managers and policy makers should, therefore, encourage the adoption of this innovation. Originality/value: The study highlights the importance of blockchain technology in small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in Oman, in line with the national authorities' economic development plans in Vision 2040. The findings of the study will add significantly to the existing body of knowledge by providing a holistic understanding of the determinants of blockchain adoption in SMEs from the perspective of the TOE framework and its influence on performance.

Purpose: This study aims to provide empirical insights into the role of communities of practice (CoPs) and associated technologies in fostering organisational sustainability (OS), particularly social and environmental sustainability within the oil and gas (O&G) sector in the Middle East. It explores how these mechanisms contribute to the enhancement of these sustainability through knowledge management (KM) and innovation. Design/methodology/approach: This quantitative study examines the causal relationships among the key variables. A survey of 330 engineers from six O&G firms across three northern governorates in Iraq was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analysed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling to validate the research model. Findings: The study highlights that knowledge is a fundamental resource for driving innovation and sustainable organisational practices. CoPs serve as a dynamic KM framework, facilitating efficient knowledge exchange, dissemination and application. This, in turn, enhances employees’ ability to address daily professional challenges while reinforcing social and environmental sustainability initiatives. The findings also reveal that CoPs and associated technologies significantly contribute to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of OS, demonstrating a moderate to substantial effect. Practical implications: The findings provide actionable insights for O&G companies aiming to integrate sustainability through technology-driven CoPs. By institutionalising CoPs and leveraging digital technologies, organisations can enhance collaborative learning, knowledge retention and sustainable innovation. This research also underscores the need for leaders and managers within O&G firms to prioritise technological advancements and knowledge-sharing strategies to drive social and environmental sustainability efforts. Social implications: The study highlights how technology-driven CoPs can foster knowledge-sharing, collaboration and social sustainability within organisations, particularly in the O&G sector. By leveraging digital platforms, virtual knowledge-sharing tools and AI-driven analytics, organisations can enhance workplace inclusivity, cross-disciplinary collaboration and employee engagement in sustainability initiatives. Furthermore, the adoption of CoPs and emerging digital technologies promotes a culture of collective learning and professional development, ensuring that employees at all levels contribute to and benefit from sustainable business practices. This research also underscores the role of technology-enhanced CoPs in bridging knowledge gaps, improving social equity in professional settings and strengthening corporate social responsibility efforts. Originality/value: While existing studies have demonstrated a link between KM and sustainable performance, this research uniquely examines CoPs and related technologies as enablers of social and environmental sustainability in the O&G sector. It provides a novel perspective on how organisations can leverage technological tools and knowledge-sharing platforms to enhance OS, bridging a critical gap in sustainability research.

Purpose: This study aims to reveal both the effect of the perception of COVID-19 on avoidance behaviors and the mediating role of the perception of personal control in this relationship. COVID-19 emerged in December 2019 and since then, it has spread globally in a short period and has affected people socially, economically and culturally.Design/methodology/approach: The data for the research was collected from 418 participants during COVID-19, through online questionnaires. The obtained data were analyzed through AMOS and SPSS software using structural equation modeling.Findings: The research results show that some perceptions of COVID-19 affect avoidance behavior and that personal control has a mediating role. It has also been found that gender plays a moderating role in the relationship between COVID-19 and avoidance behavior. It has been found that women are especially more sensitive compared to men in perceiving COVID-19. This study also found that perception of COVID-19 changes depending on income.Practical implications: After the pandemic is over, people will get in contact with each other less than before, and trade will change accordingly. People will avoid shopping in crowded places, and consumer behaviors will undergo different changes. All of these results considered, it is expected that avoidance behavior will cause some permanent behavioral changes in consumers.Originality/value: The study answers the critical question about the effect of the perception of COVID-19 on avoidance behavior. Furthermore, the role of income level, gender and education in this relationship will be highlighted.

Purpose: This study draws upon the hybrid approach of the resource-based view and social capital theory, and aims to develop and empirically validate a model that examines the relationship amongst wise leadership, workplace friendships and open innovation (OI) in family firms (FFs).Design/methodology/approach: An online survey was conducted to collect data from a sample of 381 firms from a developing country. Additionally, this study used AMOS software and structural equation model to empirically test the proposed hypotheses of the theoretical model.Findings: Findings show that wise leadership has a significant, positive indirect effect on stimulating OI in FFs via its influence on building workplace friendships and overcoming knowledge–strategic and collaboration–organisational challenges.Practical implications: To improve OI, top management teams of family businesses should encourage wise, intelligent, well-informed and strong leaders who drive change. Moreover, they should establish small group, “smart-world” networks for specialised innovation to facilitate friendship based on trust and competence, and develop the coordinating role of family leaders in these networks.Originality/value: This study complements and advances previous research on OI in many ways. Firstly, the current study proposes a conceptual model that demonstrates the interrelationships amongst the main variables in Iraqi FFs. Secondly, this research explores the crucial mediating role of workplace friendship, which capitalises on the principles of friendship in the context of the acquisition, accumulation and exchange of knowledge, thereby overcoming the challenges associated with innovation.