Abstract:The rapid proliferation of AI-powered marketing technologies in emerging markets poses a fundamental challenge to culturally-grounded micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs): how can algorithmic imperatives be reconciled…
ciled with indigenous value systems that define not only business practice but collective identity? Despite growing research on both AI adoption in SMEs and indigenous knowledge preservation, scholarship rarely examines how traditional values actively mediate rather than merely moderate commercial technology adoption. This study addresses that gap by investigating how MSMEs in Makassar City, Indonesia, negotiate AI marketing integration while preserving siri’ na pacce, the Bugis-Makassar philosophical framework centred on dignity (siri’) and solidarity (pacce). Employing interpretive phenomenology integrated with Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), the study conducted 23 in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions with 44 MSME owners and key personnel across traditional culinary, artisan craft, ethnic fashion, and digital service sectors. Template analysis generated four overarching themes: (1) value-based technology discernment, wherein siri’ na pacce operates as an active epistemological filter for evaluating AI tools; (2) strategic selective adoption, wherein enterprises accept algorithmically aligned functions while rejecting culturally incompatible features; (3) cultural indigenization of technology, wherein AI systems are actively reoriented toward communal rather than individualistic ends; and (4) constrained agency under platform power, wherein algorithmic visibility systems penalise cultural non-conformity with market exclusion. These findings challenge technological determinism and advance decolonial computing theory by demonstrating that indigenous values simultaneously enable epistemological agency and are constrained by structural power asymmetries, a duality insufficiently theorised in prior technology adoption frameworks. The study calls for regulatory frameworks establishing indigenous data sovereignty, participatory AI co-design with local communities, and cooperative digital infrastructure as conditions for authentic, rather than performative, cultural integration.
Abstract:The rapid development of digital financial technology has significantly transformed investment activities by providing easier access to financial markets through digital investment applications. This study aims to explore…
e the perceptions and experiences of beginner investors in making investment decisions in the digital era. Using a qualitative research approach with a phenomenological perspective, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with beginner investors who actively use digital investment applications. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes related to investors’ experiences and decision-making processes. The findings reveal that investment decision-making among beginner investors is influenced by several interconnected factors, including the accessibility and usability of digital investment platforms, the influence of social media and online communities, the development of financial literacy, and psychological experiences related to investment gains and losses. Digital investment applications play a crucial role in lowering barriers to market participation by providing user-friendly interfaces and accessible financial information. However, reliance on social media as a source of investment information may also expose investors to misinformation and speculative investment behavior. In addition, emotional responses such as confidence, fear, and uncertainty often influence investment decisions among beginner investors. Overall, the study highlights that investment decision-making in the digital era is a multidimensional process shaped by technological accessibility, social influence, financial knowledge, and psychological factors. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of investor behavior in digital financial environments and emphasize the importance of financial education and responsible investment practices.
Abstract:The rapid transformation of contemporary work environments driven by digitalization, hybrid work systems, and evolving workforce expectations has intensified the need for effective leadership approaches that foster employee…
yee engagement. This study aims to explore the role of transformational leadership in enhancing employee engagement within contemporary organizational contexts using a qualitative research design. Guided by a phenomenological approach, data were collected through in depth semi structured interviews with employees who had direct supervisory relationships in digitally mediated or hybrid work settings. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: visionary inspiration and meaningful work, individualized support and psychological safety, intellectual stimulation and professional growth, and trust based relationships and organizational identification. The findings indicate that transformational leadership strengthens employee engagement by cultivating meaningfulness, empowerment, trust, and intrinsic motivation, which collectively enhance employees’ physical, cognitive, and emotional involvement in their work roles. The study extends existing leadership and engagement theories by providing contextualized insights into how transformational leadership is experienced in modern organizational environments. Practically, the findings highlight the importance of developing transformational competencies among leaders to sustain engagement and performance in increasingly complex and interconnected workplaces
Abstract:The rapid development of digital technology and social media platforms has significantly transformed consumer purchasing behavior, particularly in relation to digital products. Social media has evolved beyond its traditional…
onal role as a communication platform and now functions as an important environment where consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase products. This study aims to explore the psychological factors that influence consumer decision-making in purchasing digital products through social media platforms. A qualitative research approach was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of consumers' experiences and perspectives. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with social media users who had purchased digital products based on information encountered on social media platforms. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes related to consumer psychology in digital purchasing behavior. The findings reveal that consumer decision-making in purchasing digital products is influenced by several interconnected psychological and social factors. Five major themes emerged from the analysis: social media as a discovery environment, cognitive evaluation of digital products, trust formation and credibility cues, psychological motivations for purchasing digital products, and social influence from peers, influencers, and online communities. The results indicate that social media plays a significant role not only in introducing digital products but also in shaping consumer perceptions, trust, and purchase intentions. Consumers actively interpret information obtained from social media, evaluate product credibility through reviews and recommendations, and rely on social interactions to reduce uncertainty before making purchase decisions. This study contributes to the understanding of consumer psychology in digital environments by highlighting how psychological motivations and social influences interact within social media platforms to shape digital purchasing decisions. The findings also provide practical insights for digital marketers and product creators to design more effective strategies that emphasize authenticity, trust-building, and community engagement in promoting digital products.
Abstract:This research aims to examine and analyze the influence of brand image on the purchasing decisions of students at the Faculty of Economics, Nias University, in the context of online shopping. The background of this study…
stems from the rapid growth of e-commerce in Indonesia, which has significantly changed consumer shopping behavior, particularly among students who are highly adaptive to digital technology. In online shopping situations, where consumers cannot physically assess the product, brand image becomes one of the main factors influencing consumer trust, perceived quality, and confidence in making purchasing decisions. The type of research employed is quantitative research with a survey approach. The study population consisted of 1,959 active students of the Faculty of Economics, Nias University, with a sample of 95 respondents determined using the Slovin formula. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire covering brand image indicators (strength, favorability, and uniqueness of brand association) as well as purchasing decision indicators (problem recognition, information search, evaluation of alternatives, purchase decision, and post-purchase behavior). The data were analyzed using validity and reliability tests, simple linear regression analysis, t-test, and determination test with the aid of SPSS software. The results of the study indicate that brand image has a positive and significant effect on students' purchasing decisions in online shopping. This finding implies that the stronger the brand image, the higher the tendency of students to make online purchases. Therefore, companies or online businesses need to develop and strengthen their brand image through consistent marketing communication strategies, clear product information, and credible brand reputation to increase consumer loyalty and purchase intention.
Abstract:In an uncertain economic climate, a large global retailer used AI-powered spend intelligence to move $220 million from indirect operational costs toward high-impact R&D. In a difficult recession, this decisive step boosted…
ed revenue by 11%, demonstrating the transformative impact of effective capital management. This achievement contrasts with "spend blindness," where industry studies show most financial leaders struggle to link expenditure patterns to strategic growth outcomes and resort to reactive cost-cutting. This study addresses this crucial gap. A thorough mixed-methods approach including a global survey of 400 CFOs, longitudinal case studies of ten multinational organizations, and advanced predictive modeling substantiated a new paradigm. Research shows that companies that understand AI-driven spend orchestration develop 7.3% faster than competitors. This premium comes from a 37% improvement in the Growth Efficiency Ratio (GER), a critical statistic for translating savings into innovation, and 5.8 times more strategic investment opportunities than standard financial approaches allow. The Spend Intelligence Quotient (SIQ), a groundbreaking statistic that assesses financial agility through integrated spend monitoring, predictive analytics, and rapid capital reallocation, is key to this advantage. This paper introduces the empirically based Spend Orchestration Framework and the requirements for the 2025 AI Finance Stack to obtain SIQ >80, the empirically proven threshold for sustainable competitive advantage. The message is clear: finance chiefs must go beyond oversight. Today's CFO may use predictive contracting and algorithmic governance to turn spend data into strategic leverage, ensure resilience, and capture disproportionate value in.
Abstract:This study aims to determine how social media is utilized Facebookas a digital promotional tool at UD. Tahu Murni in Gunungsitoli City, and to identify factors that hinder the effectiveness of such promotions in increasing…
ng sales. The background of this study is the increasingly rapid development of information technology that encourages micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to utilize digital media as a more efficient promotional strategy and reach a wider market. The research method used is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The research informants consisted of business owners and several consumers. The data obtained were analyzed using thematic analysis methods. The results of the study indicate that the use of Facebook as a promotional medium by UD. Tahu Murni has not been optimally implemented. The promotional content uploaded is still simple, inconsistent, and has not utilized strategic features such as paid advertising (Facebook Ads), customer interaction, and social media analytics. The main inhibiting factors in optimizing promotions through Facebook are the business owner's limited digital knowledge, limited time, and the lack of a workforce focused on digital marketing. This study recommends that business actors improve their understanding and skills in social media management, utilize digital promotional features optimally, and develop attractive and consistent content strategies to reach more consumers.
Abstract:This study examines the influence of organizational learning on employee competencies at PT. Semen Indonesia Unit Tonasa. In the context of intense market competition and rapid technological change, fostering continuous…
learning has become critical for organizations to enhance workforce adaptability and innovation. Organizational learning dimensions—such as personal mastery, shared vision, team learning, mental models, and systems thinking—were analyzed for their contribution to employee competencies, including knowledge, skills, and attitudes. A quantitative approach using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) revealed a significant positive relationship between organizational learning and competencies, with a path coefficient of 0.465 and a t-statistic of 6.434. The findings underscore the role of organizational learning in improving employee collaboration, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. However, challenges like resistance to change, unequal participation, and resource limitations were identified as barriers. Addressing these issues through leadership commitment, inclusive participation, and resource optimization can amplify the impact of learning initiatives.
Abstract:The Indonesian coffee industry continues to grow rapidly, increasing competition among businesses. Bahagia Kopi faces challenges in slowing sales growth and stagnant asset expansion, requiring a strategic approach to sustain…
tain long-term growth. This study evaluates Improvement and Scaling as the most suitable growth strategies, using a mixed-method approach that integrates semi-structured interviews and quantitative analysis through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and financial assessment. In the short term, operational efficiency and service quality improvements are the main priorities, requiring investment in training and performance-based incentives. In the long term, branch expansion in Bandung is identified as the key growth initiative, with funding as the primary challenge since Bahagia Kopi still depends on internal capital. Financial analysis of 2023 reports shows increased profitability, but a 32% funding shortfall remains for expansion. To address this, Mixed Financing is the most balanced approach, maintaining a healthy solvency ratio while minimizing financial risk. With a cautious yet strategic approach, Bahagia Kopi can achieve sustainable expansion without overleveraging debt, ensuring long-term stability and maintaining business growth
Abstract:This study aims to analyze the impact of mobile banking service quality on customer relationship quality in Indonesian Islamic banks, with a focus on the moderating role of gender. With the rapid growth of digital technology,…
logy, mobile banking has become a crucial factor influencing customer experience, particularly within the context of Islamic banking, which operates on Islamic principles. This research investigates how the quality of mobile banking services (such as ease of access, security, and transaction convenience) affects customer relationship quality (including trust, satisfaction, and loyalty). Additionally, it explores whether gender moderates the relationship between mobile banking service quality and customer relationship quality. Data were collected through surveys from customers of Indonesian Islamic banks, and the analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings are expected to provide insights into the design of mobile banking services that are responsive to gender-specific needs and offer recommendations for Islamic banks to strengthen customer relationships through more inclusive digital innovations.