Corporate foresight organizational learning and performance: The moderating role of digital transformation and mediating role of innovativeness in SMEs

Corporate foresight is a capability that includes any structural or cultural element that enables the company to detect discontinuous change early. The purpose of the present study is to examine the direct impact of corporate foresight, and organizational learning on the performance dynamic of SMEs working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In addition, the study tries to analyze the moderating as well as mediating effect of digital transformation and innovativeness on the relationship between exogenous and endogenous constructs. A sample of 576 questionnaires were distributed among the owners/managers of different SMEs working in the region of UAE. However, a final sample of 354 respondents was empirically tested. The data was analyzed through a two-step approach where structural equation modelling (SEM) under SmartPLS was found to be very helpful to examine the direct and indirect relationship between the study variables. The study findings show that there is an insignificant but positive impact of corporate foresight on organizational performance whereas significant impact of organizational learning on organizational performance. Furthermore, the study found evidence for the moderating effect of digital transformation between organizational learning and innovation. Additionally, it is observed that innovativeness mediates the relationship between corporate foresight and performance dynamics. The study findings suggest that for exploring the relationship between corporate foresight, digital transformation, and organization the role of innovation and digital transformation is quite significant. The study findings suggest that both owners and managers at SMEs of UAE should attach more importance to innovative capabilities and digital transformation for achieving higher levels of organizational performance. Policy makers should reasonably consider the direct and indirect effect of study variables while considering high performance at the workplace.

Synthesis towards Future-Fittest for mature forest sector multinationals

The circular bioeconomy represents a societal paradigm shift and transition challenge that inevitably influences how companies act in their evolving operational environment. The disruptive features may be particularly difficult to foresee, and tackle strategically, in companies with long-term operations and a relatively stable marketplace position, such as firms operating in the forest sector. Here we consider large forest sector companies in a circular bioeconomy sphere and scrutinize opportunities to hasten their socio-technical transition pathway with a combination of open foresight and open innovation activities. We present a synthesis drawn from contemporary strategic business management literature and adapt that to forest sector multinationals. A greater openness to the actors, knowledge, and expertise outside the forest sector may be an essential element of successful bioeconomy transition for incumbent forest sector firms. This requires leadership to shift culture and an investment in the skills and expertise held by company employees. Increased investment in human capital and embracing a broader network of collaborators may pave the way for forest industry companies towards sophisticated corporate foresight and open innovation, corresponding to Future-Fittest status.

CORPORATE FORESIGHT AND ORGANISATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY OF OIL SERVICING COMPANIES IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION, SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA

Purpose: The main purpose for this research was to determine the degree at which oil servicing companies’ corporate foresight in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria influences the firm’s sustainability in that region and how the firms are able to take advantage of future competitive advantages. Methodology: This research adopts the descriptive survey design with the application of simple random sampling technique. Questionnaires were the primary means for gathering data from the employees in the oil servicing industry. A total of one hundred and fifty four questionnaires were administered to the senior staff in the selected oil servicing companies in Niger Delta region. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and correlational analysis and supported with statistical package for social science (SPSS). Findings: organizational sustainability in oil servicing companies in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria with emphases to the measures of sustainability like social, environmental and economic. Unique contribution: The study gave useful perception of oil companies by stating that oil companies’ personnel or managers who are future oriented are the wheel upon which the companies’ future depends. Keywords: Corporate -Foresight, Organizational-Sustainability, Expert-based Foresight, Model-Based Foresight, Trend-Based Foresight, Environmental, Economic and Social.