Marcos Komodromos | University Of Nicosia Cyprus (original) (raw)

Papers by Marcos Komodromos

Research paper thumbnail of The role of entrepreneurial marketing and digital transformation on women’s entrepreneurial intentions in Kosovo

International journal of technology enhanced learning, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Factors affecting women entrepreneurs' success in Jordan

International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment, 2023

Women are emerging as important players in Jordan’s economy. Despite an increasing presence in t... more Women are emerging as important players in Jordan’s economy.
Despite an increasing presence in the entrepreneurial activity in the tourism
sector, there are nonetheless a few challenges affecting women in this area
including difficult access to finance, education qualifications, entrepreneurial
training as well as a myriad of socio-cultural constraints that can hinder
enterprise growth and female entrepreneurship success. This article offers a
general overview and analysis of three prominent challenges facing women
entrepreneurs in Jordan and discusses possible remedies and recommendations
for governments to promote women entrepreneurs with proactive roles in
economic development in general with a special emphasis on the tourism sector
in Jordan. A quantitative research design was used, and a survey was planned
that consisted of five parts to explore the factors affecting women
entrepreneurship success in Jordan.

Research paper thumbnail of Adoption of digital technology and investigation of the impact in the marketing industry for marketing communication professionals: the case study of Cyprus and Greece

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning , 2024

Continuous and rapid technological advancement has significantly transformed marketing strategies... more Continuous and rapid technological advancement has significantly transformed marketing strategies. The increasing use of digital technology continues to change how firms interact with potential customers. With the invention of the internet and digital media, customers are now easily accessible compared to traditional marketing approaches. This study has been designed to investigate how different types of technologies impact the percentage of overall digital marketing activities in companies. A quantitative correlational research design will be used to investigate how digital technologies influence marketing activities in companies. A survey will be administered to a sample of n = 290 marketing communication professionals from Cyprus and Greece to assess for the use of digital technologies and marketing activities in their places of work. The analysis of the collected information will be performed using version 25 of the SPSS. The inferential statistics will involve running a multiple linear regression and ANOVA.

Research paper thumbnail of A critical analysis of corporate social responsibility as a PR practice in Cyprus and Greece

International Journal of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 2015

There has been a significant increase in corporate social responsibility (CSR) during the last fi... more There has been a significant increase in corporate social responsibility (CSR) during the last five years in Cyprus and Greece. This paper is aimed at both researchers and public relations (PR) practitioners. The contribution of CSR practice from organisations is regarded as an important topic for Cyprus and Greece, and is a topic that received academic and practice attention and is becoming a mainstream issue for many organisations. This research represents a study of current practice of CSR and an examination of their contribution and the fulfilment of its three pillars - social, economic, and environmental - understanding better the thematic areas of CSR currently taking place in both countries. This research employs a qualitative methodology. Understanding how communication practitioners contribute and practice CSR in Cyprus and Greece can have a positive impact in terms of greater public visibility of organisations that create interest in the different sectors, and leads to greater public scrutiny of these firms.

Research paper thumbnail of A STUDY OF PR PRACTITIONERS' USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS IN CYPRUS

Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, Jun 1, 2014

This study is aimed at both researchers and public relations (PR) practitioners. The use of socia... more This study is aimed at both researchers and public relations (PR) practitioners. The use of social media tools and technologies — such as blogs, social networking, microblogging, podcasts, etc. — is a very important factor for PR practitioners, helping them to improve important organizational processes. The research employs a mixed methodology, with data being analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. A sample of 25 senior PR practitioners was purposively selected from different sectors in Cyprus using a mixed methodology approach. Understanding how PR practitioners use social media tools in organizations in Cyprus can have a positive impact in terms of more effective branding, stronger brand loyalty and improved marketing, including stronger customer dialogue, reduced internal communications costs, ability to mine and analyze customer data more effectively, improved customer service and support, increased customer satisfaction, and better product development (such as social networking). Previous studies describe the implementation of social media in terms of yes/no. This paper is original and innovative in that it explores how PR practitioners use social media in Cyprus (and to what extent), and how this can benefit their organization as a whole.

Research paper thumbnail of Examining the role of internal communication and employee engagement in Cyprus-based medium-sized organisations in times of challenging strategic changes

Journal for Global Business Advancement, 2020

In response to the 2013 financial crisis in Cyprus, employers made uninformed decisions to downsi... more In response to the 2013 financial crisis in Cyprus, employers made uninformed decisions to downsize and restructure as techniques for maximising profit and decreasing cost. The employers did not consider the change management issues associated with change. The purpose of conducting this study is to: a) examine the employees' perceptions to determine whether there exists any relationship between internal communication and employee engagement in medium-size organisations during challenging economic conditions; b) determine the impact of internal communication on the employees' engagement. Using the purposive sampling technique, 343 participants were recruited. In this qualitative study, a thematic analysis of the interview responses was conducted to help in retrieving insightful information from the collected data. Applying pattern coding facilitated in proving that the hypotheses should be accepted. The findings of the study were that the top management in medium-sized organisations should use effective internal communication and employee engagement to support strategic change.

Research paper thumbnail of Managers’ perceptions of trust in the workplace in times of strategic change: The cases of Cyprus, Greece and Romania

Euromed Journal of Business, Apr 1, 2019

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and present current trends and developments in t... more Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore and present current trends and developments in the field of managers’ perceptions of trust and the management of change in Cyprus, Greece and Romania, in a period of strategic organizational change. A total of 126 managerial employees (communication managers, operation managers, quality control managers, safety & environmental managers, and office managers) working in different departments of organizations in Cyprus, Greece, and Romania respond and complete the online questionnaire.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative study using an online questionnaire with interview questions was developed to arrive at the study’s findings. To acknowledge relevant perceptions of trust and the management of change during organizational change in different organizations in Cyprus, Greece and Romania, unique questions helped to support the research results and highlight themes that emerged from interview sessions with the study participants.

Findings
The findings highlight the need for organizational leadership to establish mutual trust and effective communication with managerial employees for successful cooperation during times of strategic change and enhanced overall employee performance. This study is relevant for researchers and academics in the areas of change management and communication, presenting current trends and developments in perceptions of trust and change management in Cyprus, Greece and Romania. It may also help them achieve recognition among their peers and colleagues from other disciplines.

Research limitations/implications
An important implication of the study derives from the finding on the uniqueness of the knowledge and information work carried out by the respondents and the impact that this can have in their working environment and their productivity. As a result of the above, this study provides indications to recruiters and managers regarding a number of desirable and necessary skills, and motivational factors that future employees may need to have or develop in order to carry out their job efficiently and effectively.

Practical implications
Researching managerial employees’ perceptions of trust and the management of change in organizations can have significant implications for human resources management during a time of strategic change.

Social implications
This research study may contribute to the management and communication area in European countries in stimulating new approaches to management and social issues and in the corporate management practice.

Originality/value
This study produces new knowledge instead of summarizing what is already known in a new form in the area of management and corporate communication. The researcher reports the results in analysis and interprets the results by discussing possible implications and solutions.

Research paper thumbnail of Organizational Justice during Strategic Change: The Employee’s Perspective

Routledge eBooks, Mar 9, 2015

Organizational leaders often struggle to establish and sustain a trusting culture in times of con... more Organizational leaders often struggle to establish and sustain a trusting culture in times of constant changes in the corporate fabric and unethical behavior by corporate leadership. Organizational justice theory provides a means to explain and better understand employees’ perceptions of trust, fairness, and the management of change during strategic change. Qualitative studies have yet to be conducted on how an organizational justice framework would address the need of organizational justice for novel, conceptually derived accounts of non-managerial employee perspectives. The purpose of Organizational Justice during Strategic Change is to be both an academic and practical book. After presenting the theoretical elements of the topic, half the book is devoted to a detailed case study of employee interviews conducted in a large, privately-owned media organization addressing the issues of the book topic. The authors’ research findings from the case study indicated employees who experience trust and positive feelings regarding their treatment within the organization are willing to become involved in the change process and adopt positive working relationships with their colleagues and managers. This study is important for organizational management to gain knowledge and understanding on how employees’ perceptions of distrust and unfairness can lead to resistance and negative behaviors toward organizations and management during strategic change.

Research paper thumbnail of Social Media and its Role for Cypriot Members of Parliament in Times of Crisis

The Cyprus Review, 2015

Social media are becoming progressively more important in the role they play in any organisation’... more Social media are becoming progressively more important in the role they play in any organisation’s marketing and client-base development platform, performing a strategic function in providing information sources for everyone. Recently, for instance, microblogging services such as Twitter, along with social networking sites like Facebook, are reputed to have the potential for increasing political participation nationally and internationally. In times of crisis, social media offer a different approach to stimulate citizen engagement in political life, reshaping creative structures and methods of contemporary political communication in the way that politicians and citizens can interact with one another. The goal of this study is to investigate the current role of the social media used by Members of Parliament and politicians to reach, communicate and network with their audiences (citizens), or groups of people, in times of political change and crisis in Cyprus. A qualitative study is adopted using face-to-face interviews in order to explore the views, experiences, beliefs and motivations of individual participants in Cyprus. © 2015, University of Nicosia. All rights reserved.

Research paper thumbnail of Examining corporate social responsibility as a public relations vehicle: an empirical study

International journal of corporate strategy and social responsibility, 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of public relations and marketing manage... more The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of public relations and marketing managers and administrators on corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and strategy in the service industry in Europe for 25 firms. The research is qualitative in nature, and aims to investigate how social initiatives focused on the CSR strategy of a company are perceived, positioned, and deployed to maximise, simultaneously, internal benefits (i.e., financial performance) and external benefits to society (including a firm's stakeholders), discussing also directions for future studies in the area of CSR in Europe.

Research paper thumbnail of Public relations and reputation in small organisations: Creating identity and building reputation for success

Global Business and Economics Review, 2017

This study explores the reputation management activities of small businesses in the service indus... more This study explores the reputation management activities of small businesses in the service industry (hotels, business services agencies, consulting companies, and private education), and examines how firms create identity and build reputation in order to survive in the competitive market. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 32 managers in small enterprises in Europe. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed seven themes related to identity creation and reputation building: lack of communication, transparency, lack of internal resources (i.e., manpower), training, consistency, credibility, and commitment. This multiple case study offers a comprehensive picture of managerial perceptions of the creation of identity and building of reputation in small organisations. The results of this research will help public relations scholars, practitioners, and educators to reflect on their own roles in organisational decision making. Implications for public relations managers and practitioners as well as for small enterprises are discussed for future studies.

Research paper thumbnail of Social media and the practice of marketing public relations in Cyprus

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2016

A key aspect for understanding and explaining online communication is the micro-level of marketin... more A key aspect for understanding and explaining online communication is the micro-level of marketing communication practitioners' social media usage and their general perceptions towards digital platforms. The aim of this study is to explore Cyprus' social media as a digital environment with which marketing public relations practice has to align. A qualitative methodology is applied to perform this research. A population of 25 professionals from Cyprus in marketing and public relations communication departments and agencies is applied to perform this research working on managerial levels is surveyed as part of face-to-face, semi-structured interviews.

Research paper thumbnail of Employees’ perceptions of trust using an organisational justice framework in a media organisation in Cyprus

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2014

This paper examines how an organisational justice framework can be used to explore employees’ per... more This paper examines how an organisational justice framework can be used to explore employees’ perceptions of trust during a period of strategic change in a privately-owned media organisation based in Cyprus. A multiple-case study research design was used and data were collected through multiple sources, including in-depth individual interviews and subject matter expert reviews and reflections. Relying on in-depth case study data from eight non-managerial employees, selected through purposive sampling, the paper conceptualises employees’ perceptions of trust during a period of strategic change in a media organisation, using an organisational justice framework, and identifies several important challenges to overcome to enable organisations to build more effective strategies. The results of this study contribute to a richer understanding of employees’ perceptions of trust, using an organisational justice framework within a media organisation in Cyprus. Following, the study contributes to existing knowledge regarding the management of change within the organisational justice literature.

Research paper thumbnail of Employees’ perceptions of trust, fairness, and management of change using an organisational justice framework: a brief review of the literature

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2013

A theoretical approach is presented of an organisational justice framework that may provide an en... more A theoretical approach is presented of an organisational justice framework that may provide an enriched perspective to examine strategic change, enhancing the understanding, design, implementation, and effectiveness of strategic change initiatives. The organisational justice framework provides an understanding of employees’ perceptions on trust and fairness during an organisational strategic change process in the context of the justice approach, although perceived fairness has been seen as playing an important role in the process of sustaining trust in the organisation. The study demonstrates the importance of analysis of the response to strategic change by employees, the impact on organisational trust, and the influence of the fairness judgment.

Research paper thumbnail of Innovation Analysis in Cypriot Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and the Role of the European Union

Entrepreneurship, Institutional Framework and Support Mechanisms in the EU, 2021

In this chapter, we approach and examine the issue of innovation as applied to family and small a... more In this chapter, we approach and examine the issue of innovation as applied to family and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cyprus, using, for research purposes, a structured questionnaire addressed to the particular type of business through mapping and grouping of the sample. The analysis concerns the periods 2015–2017, which are interesting due to the economic conditions that prevailed in the market in general. In this chapter, innovation is analyzed at both the policy level of the European Union and the institutional level. In particular, we examine the institutional dimensions of innovation in SMEs in Cyprus, such as, for example, the issue of financing, as well as the barriers often encountered by the companies in implementing innovative products, services or solutions. The chapter ends with interesting conclusions and an attempt to discuss future research extensions in the field of the institutional analysis of innovation.

Research paper thumbnail of Adoption of digital technology and investigation of the impact in the marketing industry for marketing communication professionals: the case study of Cyprus and Greece

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2024

Continuous and rapid technological advancement has significantly transformed marketing strategies... more Continuous and rapid technological advancement has significantly transformed marketing strategies. The increasing use of digital technology continues to change how firms interact with potential customers. With the invention of the internet and digital media, customers are now easily accessible compared to traditional marketing approaches. This study has been designed to investigate how different types of technologies impact the percentage of overall digital marketing activities in companies. A quantitative correlational research design will be used to investigate how digital technologies influence marketing activities in companies. A survey will be administered to a sample of n = 290 marketing communication professionals from Cyprus and Greece to assess for the use of digital technologies and marketing activities in their places of work. The analysis of the collected information will be performed using version 25 of the SPSS. The inferential statistics will involve running a multiple linear regression and ANOVA.

Research paper thumbnail of Applied strategic management by managers in the hotel and tourism industry in Cyprus and Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic

J. for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 2022

This qualitative study was conducted to help combat the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.... more This qualitative study was conducted to help combat the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study was to offer practical and tactical strategies for navigating the uncertainty and risk prevalent in today's post-pandemic business environment in the hotel and tourism industry in Cyprus and Greece. Preliminary forecasts indicated that the tourism and hotel sector's revenues would drop by 20% to 25% compared to 2019, amounting to four or five billion euros in losses. Data were collected from 32 hotel managers in Cyprus and Greece using a four-item web-based interview tool. It was identified that most SMEs encountered a reduction in sales and customer flow and an increase in the unemployment rate due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The managers proposed adopting business strategies and diversifications to generate sales from different sectors of the hotel business to aid in keeping the business afloat in case of a future crisis.

Research paper thumbnail of Online criticism and cancel culture in digital marketing: a case study of audience perceptions of brand cancellation

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2023

Among research on (digital) consumer activism, brand boycotting and online flaming, brand cancell... more Among research on (digital) consumer activism, brand boycotting and online flaming, brand cancellation practices within expanding cancel culture are yet to be fully explored. This paper contributes to extant research by identifying and analysing factors that motivate the online audience to participate in cancelling a brand and strategies to articulate brand cancellation. Twenty individual, in-depth interviews with professionals in communication and marketing were conducted. The findings indicate that offensive advertisement content that contradicts a consumer's personal beliefs is the most common factor leading to participation in brand cancellation, followed by brand ethics, anonymity in social media, peer pressure to join a cancellation and a desire for justice. Furthermore, discreetly unfollowing a brand is the most preferred cancel practice. However, when audiences perceive hate comments on a brand for insignificant reasons, this might instigate support for the brand. Lastly, this study discusses implications for businesses to manage brand cancellation.

Research paper thumbnail of Supporting Knowledge Workers’ Health and Well-Being in the Post-Lockdown Era

Administrative Sciences

The specific problem is that knowledge workers experience high levels of stress and burnout in th... more The specific problem is that knowledge workers experience high levels of stress and burnout in their professional lives, a trend that increased due to the transition to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. This integrative literature review addresses this problem by answering the following research questions: (1) How can working in the post-lockdown era allow greater well-being, job satisfaction, and job security to abide?; and (2) How can mental capital be increased in the 21st century to ensure maximum health and positive well-being in the future employment arena and on a global scale? This review contributes to the literature on worker health and wellbeing, hybrid work arrangements, and knowledge workers’ professional experiences. The findings suggest that knowledge workers can only thrive in a hybrid work environment if organizations take an empathetic approach to manage these workers and give them sufficient autonomy and flexibility in determining their work conditions, in...

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of religiosity and demographic variables on Arab women consumers' self-expression through luxury brands: a mixed methods study

Global Business and Economics Review, 2022

This mixed methods study focuses on one category of luxury female consumer products and investiga... more This mixed methods study focuses on one category of luxury female consumer products and investigates its relationship with Muslim consumer religiosity and other demographic variables to provide greater understanding of the consumer behaviour of this largely unknown consumer segment. Building on the recommendations of two related earlier studies, this paper tests the four key propositions of complexity theory. Symmetrical testing was done using correlation, cross-tabulation and contrarian case analysis to examine the association among the constructs of religiosity, demographics and self-expression. Then, asymmetrical fsQCA data analyses were done to test major tenets of the theory of complexity. Findings provide further support that utilising a combination of complexity theory, fsQCA and pattern research in service dominant logic is a proper fit for advancing theory, method and practice in service research. The results show that relationships in the emotions-brand domain are not as straightforward as previously thought.

Research paper thumbnail of The role of entrepreneurial marketing and digital transformation on women’s entrepreneurial intentions in Kosovo

International journal of technology enhanced learning, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Factors affecting women entrepreneurs' success in Jordan

International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment, 2023

Women are emerging as important players in Jordan’s economy. Despite an increasing presence in t... more Women are emerging as important players in Jordan’s economy.
Despite an increasing presence in the entrepreneurial activity in the tourism
sector, there are nonetheless a few challenges affecting women in this area
including difficult access to finance, education qualifications, entrepreneurial
training as well as a myriad of socio-cultural constraints that can hinder
enterprise growth and female entrepreneurship success. This article offers a
general overview and analysis of three prominent challenges facing women
entrepreneurs in Jordan and discusses possible remedies and recommendations
for governments to promote women entrepreneurs with proactive roles in
economic development in general with a special emphasis on the tourism sector
in Jordan. A quantitative research design was used, and a survey was planned
that consisted of five parts to explore the factors affecting women
entrepreneurship success in Jordan.

Research paper thumbnail of Adoption of digital technology and investigation of the impact in the marketing industry for marketing communication professionals: the case study of Cyprus and Greece

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning , 2024

Continuous and rapid technological advancement has significantly transformed marketing strategies... more Continuous and rapid technological advancement has significantly transformed marketing strategies. The increasing use of digital technology continues to change how firms interact with potential customers. With the invention of the internet and digital media, customers are now easily accessible compared to traditional marketing approaches. This study has been designed to investigate how different types of technologies impact the percentage of overall digital marketing activities in companies. A quantitative correlational research design will be used to investigate how digital technologies influence marketing activities in companies. A survey will be administered to a sample of n = 290 marketing communication professionals from Cyprus and Greece to assess for the use of digital technologies and marketing activities in their places of work. The analysis of the collected information will be performed using version 25 of the SPSS. The inferential statistics will involve running a multiple linear regression and ANOVA.

Research paper thumbnail of A critical analysis of corporate social responsibility as a PR practice in Cyprus and Greece

International Journal of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 2015

There has been a significant increase in corporate social responsibility (CSR) during the last fi... more There has been a significant increase in corporate social responsibility (CSR) during the last five years in Cyprus and Greece. This paper is aimed at both researchers and public relations (PR) practitioners. The contribution of CSR practice from organisations is regarded as an important topic for Cyprus and Greece, and is a topic that received academic and practice attention and is becoming a mainstream issue for many organisations. This research represents a study of current practice of CSR and an examination of their contribution and the fulfilment of its three pillars - social, economic, and environmental - understanding better the thematic areas of CSR currently taking place in both countries. This research employs a qualitative methodology. Understanding how communication practitioners contribute and practice CSR in Cyprus and Greece can have a positive impact in terms of greater public visibility of organisations that create interest in the different sectors, and leads to greater public scrutiny of these firms.

Research paper thumbnail of A STUDY OF PR PRACTITIONERS' USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS IN CYPRUS

Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, Jun 1, 2014

This study is aimed at both researchers and public relations (PR) practitioners. The use of socia... more This study is aimed at both researchers and public relations (PR) practitioners. The use of social media tools and technologies — such as blogs, social networking, microblogging, podcasts, etc. — is a very important factor for PR practitioners, helping them to improve important organizational processes. The research employs a mixed methodology, with data being analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. A sample of 25 senior PR practitioners was purposively selected from different sectors in Cyprus using a mixed methodology approach. Understanding how PR practitioners use social media tools in organizations in Cyprus can have a positive impact in terms of more effective branding, stronger brand loyalty and improved marketing, including stronger customer dialogue, reduced internal communications costs, ability to mine and analyze customer data more effectively, improved customer service and support, increased customer satisfaction, and better product development (such as social networking). Previous studies describe the implementation of social media in terms of yes/no. This paper is original and innovative in that it explores how PR practitioners use social media in Cyprus (and to what extent), and how this can benefit their organization as a whole.

Research paper thumbnail of Examining the role of internal communication and employee engagement in Cyprus-based medium-sized organisations in times of challenging strategic changes

Journal for Global Business Advancement, 2020

In response to the 2013 financial crisis in Cyprus, employers made uninformed decisions to downsi... more In response to the 2013 financial crisis in Cyprus, employers made uninformed decisions to downsize and restructure as techniques for maximising profit and decreasing cost. The employers did not consider the change management issues associated with change. The purpose of conducting this study is to: a) examine the employees' perceptions to determine whether there exists any relationship between internal communication and employee engagement in medium-size organisations during challenging economic conditions; b) determine the impact of internal communication on the employees' engagement. Using the purposive sampling technique, 343 participants were recruited. In this qualitative study, a thematic analysis of the interview responses was conducted to help in retrieving insightful information from the collected data. Applying pattern coding facilitated in proving that the hypotheses should be accepted. The findings of the study were that the top management in medium-sized organisations should use effective internal communication and employee engagement to support strategic change.

Research paper thumbnail of Managers’ perceptions of trust in the workplace in times of strategic change: The cases of Cyprus, Greece and Romania

Euromed Journal of Business, Apr 1, 2019

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and present current trends and developments in t... more Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore and present current trends and developments in the field of managers’ perceptions of trust and the management of change in Cyprus, Greece and Romania, in a period of strategic organizational change. A total of 126 managerial employees (communication managers, operation managers, quality control managers, safety & environmental managers, and office managers) working in different departments of organizations in Cyprus, Greece, and Romania respond and complete the online questionnaire.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative study using an online questionnaire with interview questions was developed to arrive at the study’s findings. To acknowledge relevant perceptions of trust and the management of change during organizational change in different organizations in Cyprus, Greece and Romania, unique questions helped to support the research results and highlight themes that emerged from interview sessions with the study participants.

Findings
The findings highlight the need for organizational leadership to establish mutual trust and effective communication with managerial employees for successful cooperation during times of strategic change and enhanced overall employee performance. This study is relevant for researchers and academics in the areas of change management and communication, presenting current trends and developments in perceptions of trust and change management in Cyprus, Greece and Romania. It may also help them achieve recognition among their peers and colleagues from other disciplines.

Research limitations/implications
An important implication of the study derives from the finding on the uniqueness of the knowledge and information work carried out by the respondents and the impact that this can have in their working environment and their productivity. As a result of the above, this study provides indications to recruiters and managers regarding a number of desirable and necessary skills, and motivational factors that future employees may need to have or develop in order to carry out their job efficiently and effectively.

Practical implications
Researching managerial employees’ perceptions of trust and the management of change in organizations can have significant implications for human resources management during a time of strategic change.

Social implications
This research study may contribute to the management and communication area in European countries in stimulating new approaches to management and social issues and in the corporate management practice.

Originality/value
This study produces new knowledge instead of summarizing what is already known in a new form in the area of management and corporate communication. The researcher reports the results in analysis and interprets the results by discussing possible implications and solutions.

Research paper thumbnail of Organizational Justice during Strategic Change: The Employee’s Perspective

Routledge eBooks, Mar 9, 2015

Organizational leaders often struggle to establish and sustain a trusting culture in times of con... more Organizational leaders often struggle to establish and sustain a trusting culture in times of constant changes in the corporate fabric and unethical behavior by corporate leadership. Organizational justice theory provides a means to explain and better understand employees’ perceptions of trust, fairness, and the management of change during strategic change. Qualitative studies have yet to be conducted on how an organizational justice framework would address the need of organizational justice for novel, conceptually derived accounts of non-managerial employee perspectives. The purpose of Organizational Justice during Strategic Change is to be both an academic and practical book. After presenting the theoretical elements of the topic, half the book is devoted to a detailed case study of employee interviews conducted in a large, privately-owned media organization addressing the issues of the book topic. The authors’ research findings from the case study indicated employees who experience trust and positive feelings regarding their treatment within the organization are willing to become involved in the change process and adopt positive working relationships with their colleagues and managers. This study is important for organizational management to gain knowledge and understanding on how employees’ perceptions of distrust and unfairness can lead to resistance and negative behaviors toward organizations and management during strategic change.

Research paper thumbnail of Social Media and its Role for Cypriot Members of Parliament in Times of Crisis

The Cyprus Review, 2015

Social media are becoming progressively more important in the role they play in any organisation’... more Social media are becoming progressively more important in the role they play in any organisation’s marketing and client-base development platform, performing a strategic function in providing information sources for everyone. Recently, for instance, microblogging services such as Twitter, along with social networking sites like Facebook, are reputed to have the potential for increasing political participation nationally and internationally. In times of crisis, social media offer a different approach to stimulate citizen engagement in political life, reshaping creative structures and methods of contemporary political communication in the way that politicians and citizens can interact with one another. The goal of this study is to investigate the current role of the social media used by Members of Parliament and politicians to reach, communicate and network with their audiences (citizens), or groups of people, in times of political change and crisis in Cyprus. A qualitative study is adopted using face-to-face interviews in order to explore the views, experiences, beliefs and motivations of individual participants in Cyprus. © 2015, University of Nicosia. All rights reserved.

Research paper thumbnail of Examining corporate social responsibility as a public relations vehicle: an empirical study

International journal of corporate strategy and social responsibility, 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of public relations and marketing manage... more The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of public relations and marketing managers and administrators on corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and strategy in the service industry in Europe for 25 firms. The research is qualitative in nature, and aims to investigate how social initiatives focused on the CSR strategy of a company are perceived, positioned, and deployed to maximise, simultaneously, internal benefits (i.e., financial performance) and external benefits to society (including a firm's stakeholders), discussing also directions for future studies in the area of CSR in Europe.

Research paper thumbnail of Public relations and reputation in small organisations: Creating identity and building reputation for success

Global Business and Economics Review, 2017

This study explores the reputation management activities of small businesses in the service indus... more This study explores the reputation management activities of small businesses in the service industry (hotels, business services agencies, consulting companies, and private education), and examines how firms create identity and build reputation in order to survive in the competitive market. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 32 managers in small enterprises in Europe. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed seven themes related to identity creation and reputation building: lack of communication, transparency, lack of internal resources (i.e., manpower), training, consistency, credibility, and commitment. This multiple case study offers a comprehensive picture of managerial perceptions of the creation of identity and building of reputation in small organisations. The results of this research will help public relations scholars, practitioners, and educators to reflect on their own roles in organisational decision making. Implications for public relations managers and practitioners as well as for small enterprises are discussed for future studies.

Research paper thumbnail of Social media and the practice of marketing public relations in Cyprus

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2016

A key aspect for understanding and explaining online communication is the micro-level of marketin... more A key aspect for understanding and explaining online communication is the micro-level of marketing communication practitioners' social media usage and their general perceptions towards digital platforms. The aim of this study is to explore Cyprus' social media as a digital environment with which marketing public relations practice has to align. A qualitative methodology is applied to perform this research. A population of 25 professionals from Cyprus in marketing and public relations communication departments and agencies is applied to perform this research working on managerial levels is surveyed as part of face-to-face, semi-structured interviews.

Research paper thumbnail of Employees’ perceptions of trust using an organisational justice framework in a media organisation in Cyprus

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2014

This paper examines how an organisational justice framework can be used to explore employees’ per... more This paper examines how an organisational justice framework can be used to explore employees’ perceptions of trust during a period of strategic change in a privately-owned media organisation based in Cyprus. A multiple-case study research design was used and data were collected through multiple sources, including in-depth individual interviews and subject matter expert reviews and reflections. Relying on in-depth case study data from eight non-managerial employees, selected through purposive sampling, the paper conceptualises employees’ perceptions of trust during a period of strategic change in a media organisation, using an organisational justice framework, and identifies several important challenges to overcome to enable organisations to build more effective strategies. The results of this study contribute to a richer understanding of employees’ perceptions of trust, using an organisational justice framework within a media organisation in Cyprus. Following, the study contributes to existing knowledge regarding the management of change within the organisational justice literature.

Research paper thumbnail of Employees’ perceptions of trust, fairness, and management of change using an organisational justice framework: a brief review of the literature

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2013

A theoretical approach is presented of an organisational justice framework that may provide an en... more A theoretical approach is presented of an organisational justice framework that may provide an enriched perspective to examine strategic change, enhancing the understanding, design, implementation, and effectiveness of strategic change initiatives. The organisational justice framework provides an understanding of employees’ perceptions on trust and fairness during an organisational strategic change process in the context of the justice approach, although perceived fairness has been seen as playing an important role in the process of sustaining trust in the organisation. The study demonstrates the importance of analysis of the response to strategic change by employees, the impact on organisational trust, and the influence of the fairness judgment.

Research paper thumbnail of Innovation Analysis in Cypriot Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and the Role of the European Union

Entrepreneurship, Institutional Framework and Support Mechanisms in the EU, 2021

In this chapter, we approach and examine the issue of innovation as applied to family and small a... more In this chapter, we approach and examine the issue of innovation as applied to family and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cyprus, using, for research purposes, a structured questionnaire addressed to the particular type of business through mapping and grouping of the sample. The analysis concerns the periods 2015–2017, which are interesting due to the economic conditions that prevailed in the market in general. In this chapter, innovation is analyzed at both the policy level of the European Union and the institutional level. In particular, we examine the institutional dimensions of innovation in SMEs in Cyprus, such as, for example, the issue of financing, as well as the barriers often encountered by the companies in implementing innovative products, services or solutions. The chapter ends with interesting conclusions and an attempt to discuss future research extensions in the field of the institutional analysis of innovation.

Research paper thumbnail of Adoption of digital technology and investigation of the impact in the marketing industry for marketing communication professionals: the case study of Cyprus and Greece

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2024

Continuous and rapid technological advancement has significantly transformed marketing strategies... more Continuous and rapid technological advancement has significantly transformed marketing strategies. The increasing use of digital technology continues to change how firms interact with potential customers. With the invention of the internet and digital media, customers are now easily accessible compared to traditional marketing approaches. This study has been designed to investigate how different types of technologies impact the percentage of overall digital marketing activities in companies. A quantitative correlational research design will be used to investigate how digital technologies influence marketing activities in companies. A survey will be administered to a sample of n = 290 marketing communication professionals from Cyprus and Greece to assess for the use of digital technologies and marketing activities in their places of work. The analysis of the collected information will be performed using version 25 of the SPSS. The inferential statistics will involve running a multiple linear regression and ANOVA.

Research paper thumbnail of Applied strategic management by managers in the hotel and tourism industry in Cyprus and Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic

J. for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 2022

This qualitative study was conducted to help combat the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.... more This qualitative study was conducted to help combat the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study was to offer practical and tactical strategies for navigating the uncertainty and risk prevalent in today's post-pandemic business environment in the hotel and tourism industry in Cyprus and Greece. Preliminary forecasts indicated that the tourism and hotel sector's revenues would drop by 20% to 25% compared to 2019, amounting to four or five billion euros in losses. Data were collected from 32 hotel managers in Cyprus and Greece using a four-item web-based interview tool. It was identified that most SMEs encountered a reduction in sales and customer flow and an increase in the unemployment rate due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The managers proposed adopting business strategies and diversifications to generate sales from different sectors of the hotel business to aid in keeping the business afloat in case of a future crisis.

Research paper thumbnail of Online criticism and cancel culture in digital marketing: a case study of audience perceptions of brand cancellation

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2023

Among research on (digital) consumer activism, brand boycotting and online flaming, brand cancell... more Among research on (digital) consumer activism, brand boycotting and online flaming, brand cancellation practices within expanding cancel culture are yet to be fully explored. This paper contributes to extant research by identifying and analysing factors that motivate the online audience to participate in cancelling a brand and strategies to articulate brand cancellation. Twenty individual, in-depth interviews with professionals in communication and marketing were conducted. The findings indicate that offensive advertisement content that contradicts a consumer's personal beliefs is the most common factor leading to participation in brand cancellation, followed by brand ethics, anonymity in social media, peer pressure to join a cancellation and a desire for justice. Furthermore, discreetly unfollowing a brand is the most preferred cancel practice. However, when audiences perceive hate comments on a brand for insignificant reasons, this might instigate support for the brand. Lastly, this study discusses implications for businesses to manage brand cancellation.

Research paper thumbnail of Supporting Knowledge Workers’ Health and Well-Being in the Post-Lockdown Era

Administrative Sciences

The specific problem is that knowledge workers experience high levels of stress and burnout in th... more The specific problem is that knowledge workers experience high levels of stress and burnout in their professional lives, a trend that increased due to the transition to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. This integrative literature review addresses this problem by answering the following research questions: (1) How can working in the post-lockdown era allow greater well-being, job satisfaction, and job security to abide?; and (2) How can mental capital be increased in the 21st century to ensure maximum health and positive well-being in the future employment arena and on a global scale? This review contributes to the literature on worker health and wellbeing, hybrid work arrangements, and knowledge workers’ professional experiences. The findings suggest that knowledge workers can only thrive in a hybrid work environment if organizations take an empathetic approach to manage these workers and give them sufficient autonomy and flexibility in determining their work conditions, in...

Research paper thumbnail of The effect of religiosity and demographic variables on Arab women consumers' self-expression through luxury brands: a mixed methods study

Global Business and Economics Review, 2022

This mixed methods study focuses on one category of luxury female consumer products and investiga... more This mixed methods study focuses on one category of luxury female consumer products and investigates its relationship with Muslim consumer religiosity and other demographic variables to provide greater understanding of the consumer behaviour of this largely unknown consumer segment. Building on the recommendations of two related earlier studies, this paper tests the four key propositions of complexity theory. Symmetrical testing was done using correlation, cross-tabulation and contrarian case analysis to examine the association among the constructs of religiosity, demographics and self-expression. Then, asymmetrical fsQCA data analyses were done to test major tenets of the theory of complexity. Findings provide further support that utilising a combination of complexity theory, fsQCA and pattern research in service dominant logic is a proper fit for advancing theory, method and practice in service research. The results show that relationships in the emotions-brand domain are not as straightforward as previously thought.

Research paper thumbnail of Statistical Implicative Analysis: A Distinguished Statistical Methodology in Evaluating Greek Students' Attitudes Toward the Use of AI

IGI GLOBAL, 2025

This chapter aims to introduce statistical implicative analysis (SIA), a groundbreaking statistic... more This chapter aims to introduce statistical implicative analysis (SIA), a groundbreaking statistical methodology that is transforming data analysis in the field of marketing. SIA is utilized to ascertain students' attitudes towards the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in entrepreneurship education. The study explores the future entrepreneurs' intentions to embrace AI and foster innovation within the realm of digital entrepreneurship. An extensive review of the literature and theoretical frameworks was conducted to assess the determinants and conceptual constructs influencing

Research paper thumbnail of Chapter 6: Statistical Implicative Analysis: A Distinguished Statistical Methodology in Evaluating Greek Students’ Attitudes Toward the Use of AI

IGI GLOBAL, 2025

This chapter aims to introduce Statistical Implicative Analysis (SIA), a groundbreaking statistic... more This chapter aims to introduce Statistical Implicative Analysis (SIA), a groundbreaking statistical methodology that is transforming data analysis in the field of marketing. SIA is utilized to ascertain students' attitudes towards the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in entrepreneurship education. The study explores the future entrepreneurs' intentions to embrace AI and foster innovation within the realm of digital entrepreneurship.An extensive review of the literature and theoretical frameworks was conducted to assess the determinants and conceptual constructs influencing the utilization of AI in entrepreneurship. The proposed model was evaluated using responses from 523 participants. Statistical Implicative Analysis was employed to validate the hypotheses. The model's validation highlights that conceptual constructs such as Performance Expectancy of AI, Entrepreneurial Education, Risk Aversion, Social Support, Business Support, Business Climate, and Perceived Behavioral Control have a significant impact on Entrepreneurial Intentions.

Research paper thumbnail of Innovative Learning and Education Practices in European Universities: A Pathway to Modern Pedagogy

IGI GLOBAL, 2021

In the dynamic world that is associated with unpredictable informatization and globalization, it ... more In the dynamic world that is associated with unpredictable informatization and globalization, it is indispensable for education to be sustainable and continuously evolve to facilitate in fulfilling the learners' needs in the current digital technologies and knowledge era. In this chapter, the author discussed how innovative learning and education practices for modern pedagogy have been developed in the European universities system. Specifically, the author provides a delineation of the attributes, pedagogy, ideology, ethical dimensions, and practical applications of innovative learning education practices. In the chapter, the author identified the different practices such as massive open online courses (MOOCs), blended learning, and flipped classrooms that have been applied at different European universities. Thus, the information discussed in this chapter is relevant to university educators and electronic learning practitioners.

Research paper thumbnail of Leadership and Change Management / Chapter 4: The role of change management in Cypriot organizations

Routledge, 2017

A leader's role in the management of change is a critical issue for successful outcomes of strate... more A leader's role in the management of change is a critical issue for successful outcomes of strategic initiatives. Globalization and economic instability have prompted an increase in organizational changes related to downsizing and restructuring in order to improve financial performance and organizational competitiveness. Researchers agree that a leader's inability to fully understand what is needed in order to guide their organization through successful change can be a reason for failure. Proper planning and management of change can reduce the likelihood of failure, promote change effectiveness, and increase employee engagement. Yet, change in organizations must be viewed as a continuous activity that affects both organizational and individual outcomes. If change management can be considered as an event induced by socio-cultural factors, the cultural variable gains greater significance when applied to the quality of the relationship between a leader and their team. Many organizations today are on the verge of internationalization. It is here that the cultural context can affect behaviors and, in the same way, leadership style. The research presented in this book by an eminent group of scholars explores the influence of culture-ethnic, regional, religious-on how leaders manage change within organizations.

Abstract: Chapter 4 / This chapter examines employees' perceptions of trust, fairness, and the management of change using an organizational justice framework in a media organization in Cyprus undergoing strategic change. Cyprus has been undergoing an economic crisis in recent years. The financial crises in Europe and the United States (US), together with the global processes of social and economic change, have contributed to a large degree to the economic and political situation in Cyprus. Due to globalization and the increased international trade between Cyprus and other countries, managers have had an increasing need to influence people from different cultures and demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity to be effective. Organizations need strategic change to expand and successfully compete in a dynamic market. Management's role in the management of executing change is a critical issue for successful outcomes of strategic initiatives. Strategies for the management of change include communication to share information with employees while addressing their concerns to the management, and providing additional training when needed.