International Journal of Social Sciences and Business Research

Transformational Leadership and Employee Loyalty in Chinese Service SMEs: Emotional Regulation and Communication as Mediators

ZhuoNi Zhang — 2025-06-18

This study examines how transformational leadership, emotional regulation, and organizational communication jointly shape employee loyalty in service-focused small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within Shandong Province, China. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory, Leader–Member Exchange Theory, and the Job Demands–Resources Model, the research proposes that transformational leadership exerts a direct influence on employee loyalty. Further, it positions emotional regulation as a mediating mechanism by which employees enhance their capacity to handle the emotional demands characteristic of service-intensive roles. Organizational communication is explored as an additional factor that moderates and strengthens the positive relationships among transformational leadership, emotional regulation, and employee loyalty, thereby offering a more nuanced perspective on workplace dynamics in SMEs.

Survey data were collected from 425 SME employees and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results indicate that transformational leadership is significantly associated with employee loyalty (standardized path coefficient = 0.62, p < 0.001). Emotional regulation also emerges as a critical mediator (β = 0.61, p < 0.001), demonstrating a partial indirect effect on the leadership–loyalty link. Moreover, organizational communication further amplifies these effects, underscoring its importance as a moderating construct. Theoretically, these findings expand our understanding of transformational leadership by highlighting how cultural and structural elements of Chinese SMEs—particularly robust communication channels and emotional-regulation strategies—serve as key resources for employees. Practically, this study emphasizes the need for leadership-development programs, emotional-support initiatives, and effective communication systems to strengthen employee loyalty, reduce turnover, and bolster organizational performance in service-based enterprises.

The Impact of Ambidextrous Leadership and Organizational Innovation Climate on Innovation Performance

Zhou Hong — 2025-06-18

Amid rapid economic transformation and intensifying competition, continuous innovation is vital for sustainable advantage. This study examines (1) whether ambidextrous leadership—integrating open and conservative styles—affects employee innovation performance, and (2) how organizational innovation climate influences that relationship. The researcher surveyed 405 employees at new energy vehicle firms in Xi’an, China, using validated scales for open leadership, conservative leadership, innovation climate, and self-reported innovation performance. Pearson correlations and structural equation modeling tested the hypotheses. Results showed that both leadership dimensions significantly enhance innovation performance: open leadership fosters ideation and risk-taking, while conservative leadership provides the structure and resources needed for implementation. Additionally, a supportive innovation climate—marked by transparent communication, managerial encouragement, and resource availability—amplifies these effects. These findings highlight the need for leaders to balance exploratory and exploitative behaviors and for organizations to cultivate climates that encourage experimentation and collaboration. Practical recommendations include training leaders in situational ambidexterity and designing policies that reinforce open dialogue and resource support. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, self-report measures, and focus on a single industry and locale. Future research should adopt longitudinal, multi-source approaches and explore these dynamics in varied cultural and sectoral contexts.

Fashion Entrepreneurs: Evaluating an Experiential Learning Model in Thailand

Khoa Dang Nguyen — 2025-06-18

Abstract

This study explores the effects of an experiential fashion entrepreneurship program on Thai undergraduate students’ entrepreneurial development. Implemented over five months at a public university, the program engaged 40 students in hands-on learning activities including business model development, garment production, digital marketing, and a fashion showcase. Participants were mentored by practicing fashion entrepreneurs and worked in teams to create and pitch their product lines.

The research used a mixed-methods design to measure changes in students’ entrepreneurial aspirations, engagement, and readiness. Quantitative data were collected through adapted instruments based on McClelland’s competency framework and Hassan’s motivation scale. Qualitative insights were gathered from journals, observations, and feedback sessions.

Findings indicated that students developed moderate-to-high levels of aspiration and readiness, with a significant positive correlation between engagement and entrepreneurial intent. Qualitative responses highlighted increased confidence, creativity, and motivation, though technical and time constraints posed challenges. Mentorship and team support were identified as key enablers.

This study contributes to entrepreneurship education by demonstrating how culturally relevant, practice-based models can foster motivation and competency among non-business students. It recommends that Thai universities integrate flexible, creative-industry programs to enhance entrepreneurial outcomes in alignment with national development goals.

KeywordsEntrepreneurship Education, Experiential Learning, Fashion, Thailand, Student Engagement, Entrepreneurial Readiness.

The Influence of Work Values on Employees’Green Behavior in Technology Enterprise: Mediating Roles of Climate and Motivation

Bowen Li — 2025-06-18

This study takes perceived green motivation and green psychological climate as intermediaries to explore the relationship between work values and employees' green behavior. Structural equation model (SEM) and questionnaire survey data of Huawei employees were used to study the impact of values on green behavior. This study investigates the relationship between these factors and how they affect employee behavior. Green behavior refers to a series of environmental actions taken by individuals or organizations in their daily lives, aimed at reducing the negative impact on the environment and promoting sustainable development. 363 respondents from China's Huawei provided data through online and offline surveys. The results show that green psychological atmosphere and perceived green motivation play an intermediary role between work values and employees' green behavior. This finding provides suggestions for Huawei to cultivate green behavior, encourage team cooperation, develop green corporate culture, and formulate effective training and incentive plans.

The Impact of Online Reference Groups on Shared Green Consumption Behavior: The Mediating Role of Natural Empathy

Ruyi Zhang — 2025-06-18

Purpose
This study investigates how informational, normative, and interactional influences from online reference groups (ORG) drive Shared Green Consumption Behavior (SGCB) via Natural Empathy (NE). Grounded in Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) theory and the empathy–altruism hypothesis, it addresses a critical gap in understanding affective mechanisms in digital green‐marketing.

Methods
A cross‐sectional survey of 409 Chinese internet users was conducted in May–June 2024. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 for reliability and descriptive statistics, and Mplus 7.0 for structural equation modeling with bootstrapped mediation (5 000 resamples).

Findings
(1) ORG positively predict SGCB (β = .61, p < .001). (2) ORG foster NE (β = .65, p < .001). (3) NE predicts SGCB (β = .57, p < .001). (4) NE partially mediates the ORG→SGCB relationship (indirect = .53; 95% CI [.54, .71]).

Implications
Green‐sharing platforms should combine clear informational content (e.g., usage tutorials) with empathy‐evoking storytelling (e.g., conservation narratives) and interactive community features (e.g., live Q&A) to deepen NE and enhance SGCB.

Originality
This research extends the SOR model to digital reference‐group contexts and empirically identifies NE as a crucial affective mediator in collaborative green consumption.

Exploring User Acceptance of EV Charging Stations: The Mediating Role of Perceived Value In Chengdu, China

Siwei Huang — 2025-06-18

This study examines the factors influencing individuals' intentions to use electric vehicle (EV) chargers, focusing on perceived value, utility, ease of use, and familiarity with electric vehicles. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the research incorporates perceived value as a mediating variable to explore the relationships between these factors and their impact on user behavior. Data were collected from 454 respondents in Chengdu, China, through online and offline surveys. The findings reveal that perceived value mediates the relationship between EV knowledge and the intention to use public charging stations, as well as between perceived utility, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness. The results underscore the importance of service quality, reliability, and accessibility in shaping users' attitudes and intentions. These insights provide valuable guidance for stakeholders in the EV industry to enhance charging infrastructure and promote sustainable mobility solutions.

The Mediating Role of Consumer Cognition in the Relationship Between Live Streamers’ Personal Qualities and Consumer Purchase Intention

Shi Binrui — 2025-06-18

Online live-streaming platforms have rapidly emerged as streaming media technology advances. E-commerce live-streaming is a new business concept that combines live-streaming with regular e-commerce, going beyond simple entertainment. Marketing hosts are essential to this new marketing paradigm. Therefore, the purposes of this study are to 1) examine the relationship between the personal characteristics of e-commerce live-streaming hosts and the intention of consumers to make a purchase, and 2) use consumer cognition as a mediating variable to further examine the relationship between the personal characteristics of live streamers and the intention of consumers to make a purchase. The findings indicated that consumer purchase intention was positively impacted by the personal characteristics of live streamers. Consumer cognition had a positive impact on consumer purchase intention and the relationship between live streamers’ personal traits and consumer purchase intentions was mediated by consumer cognition, according to the statistical analysis.

Exploring the Impact of Studying Abroad on Chinese Students in Thailand: Academic, Cultural, and Personal Experiences

Alan White — 2025-06-18

This study examines the motivations of 38 Chinese students studying abroad in Thailand, focusing on personal, academic, and professional goals. A Likert-scale questionnaire and follow-up interviews were used to identify the main reasons for studying in Thailand, including cultural immersion, language acquisition, personal development, and career advancement. The findings suggest that students are motivated by the opportunity to gain new experiences, improve English proficiency, and develop a global perspective. Financial considerations also play a role in the decision, as students perceive Thailand as an affordable destination offering quality education in English. Furthermore, students value the chance to gain independence and build international networks that may benefit their careers. The study concludes that studying abroad is a strategic decision for Chinese students, with long-term effects on both personal and professional growth. Further research is needed to examine the long-term outcomes of studying abroad and to compare the motivations of students from different cultural backgrounds.