Issue #3 (Volume 23 2025)

Women’s empowerment is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, which seeks to eliminate all discrimination against women and promote effective female participation and equal opportunities. Education is one of the most powerful tools for empowering women. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the relationship between access to technology, digital literacy, digital entrepreneurial intent, and female empowerment, using data from 217 female university students in Saudi Arabia. Conformity factor analysis (CFA) and multivariate covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) were utilised to explore this complex relationship. The path analysis reveals a significant link between access to technology and female empowerment. Technology can substantially influence individuals’ lives by enabling women to make informed decisions and shape their futures, thus promoting gender equality. For young students especially, access to and use of technology can positively support their social inclusion and independence. An important positive effect of digital literacy on both digital entrepreneurial intent and female empowerment is also observed. The ability to effectively use communication and information technology depends on access to and proficiency with such technology. Additionally, individuals’ motivation to seek information and their plans to attain business objectives using the Internet rely on their digital literacy. Finally, the results confirm a significant mediating role of digital literacy in the influence of access to technology on digital entrepreneurial intent and female empowerment, suggesting that individuals can only benefit from access to technology if they have the ability to utilise communication and information technology.

The industrial era is gradually giving way to a creative economy driven by human resources. This study aimed to assess the impact of human resources within the creative economy on countries’ economic growth. The focus was on human capital involved in the creative economy. Panel data from 21 countries (2016–2023) were analyzed. The ILO classification methodology for employment types was applied. A fixed-effects regression model was employed to assess the impact of human capital on economic growth, while controlling for relevant factors. The model’s coefficient of determination increased from 0.494 to 0.652 with the addition of new variables, indicating improved accuracy. These variables were used to assess the effect of creative economy indicators on GDP per capita across countries. A direct correlation has been established between the share of employed people involved in the creative economy and the country’s level of economic development, specifically in terms of GDP per capita (Gini coefficient: r = –0.431, P = 0.01). The quantitative importance of human resources of the creative economy was calculated for both developed and developing countries of the world. The practical value of the obtained results lies in the possibility of their use for the development of public management decisions to stimulate the economic growth of the country.

Religious affiliation is one of the indicators of the internal personality and spirituality of an employee. Although it can increase organizational effectiveness through motivation and job satisfaction, managers have not yet implemented this indicator in their work for various reasons. The purpose of this study is to test whether religious affiliation has a significant effect on the motivation and job satisfaction of faculty members at management schools in Norwegian and French higher education institutions. A survey of 96 academic workers was conducted in the spring of 2023. The results were examined using a one-way ANOVA test. The findings revealed a significant disparity in motivation and job satisfaction among academics of different religious affiliations. Only 10% of the considered motivators turned out to be significantly equal for all surveyed academic workers, while the majority showed a significant difference. Representatives of Western religions and atheists in general are significantly less motivated and satisfied with their work than representatives of Eastern religions. Significant differences were also found between representatives of various Eastern religions, indicating the impact of religion on the motivation and job satisfaction of academic workers. These findings provide an opportunity for university management to better motivate and satisfy academic staff based on their religious affiliations. When forming the teams to perform work tasks, managers can consider these findings to achieve better interaction and quality and improve organizational effectiveness.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
Chinese leadership dynamics have a significant impact on job performance in Chinese enterprises, influencing long-term success and fostering innovation, which highlights the importance of a positive organizational atmosphere in enhancing employee motivation. This study aims to examine how transformation and ethical leadership dynamics influence employee empowerment, organizational learning, and the subsequent long-term sustainability and job performance in Chinese industries. Data were collected from 500 employees across various Chinese industries, e.g., manufacturing, technology, and service. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the data. The results reveal that transformational leadership (β = 0.45, p< 0.001), employee empowerment (β = 0.45, p< 0.001), and organizational learning (β = 0.28, p< 0.001) significantly enhance organizational climate, which in turn strongly influences job performance (β = 0.50, p< 0.001). Organizational climate also mediates the effects of transformational leadership (indirect effect: β = 0.23, p< 0.001), employee empowerment (indirect effect: β = 0.16, p< 0.001), and organizational learning (indirect effect: β = 0.14, p< 0.001) on job performance. Furthermore, ethical leadership moderates the impact of transformational leadership (β = 0.19, p< 0.001) and employee empowerment (β = 0.15, p< 0.01) on organizational climate. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating ethical and transformational leadership, employee empowerment, and continuous learning to foster a supportive organizational climate and drive sustainable development. This study offers actionable insights for organizational leaders and policymakers, contributing to a deeper understanding of leadership and organizational dynamics that facilitate long-term success.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
The wave of layoffs in Indonesia’s startups has increased employees’ concerns about job insecurity, raising the need for a deeper understanding of its determinants. This study examines the associations between work stress, self-efficacy, and job insecurity in Indonesia’s startup ecosystem. Specifically, it investigates direct and indirect effects of work stress on job insecurity through self-efficacy. Data were collected from 262 digital startup employees in Jakarta using an online survey at the beginning of 2024 and analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling with LISREL software. The findings suggest that work stress does not directly influence job insecurity (T-value of 0.79 < 1.967), indicating that startup employees may perceive stress as a regular aspect of their dynamic and high-pressure work environment. However, work stress significantly and positively impacts self-efficacy (T-value of 11.32> 1.967), implying that stress can enhance employees’ confidence in their abilities when managed effectively. Self-efficacy has a significant and positive effect on job insecurity (T-value of 9.98 > 1.967), highlighting its pivotal role in shaping perceptions of job stability. Furthermore, work stress indirectly influences job insecurity through self-efficacy (Indirect effect 0.7392 > direct effect 0.045), emphasizing the mediating role of self-belief in mitigating the adverse effects of workplace stress. The findings emphasize the importance of fostering self-efficacy through supportive management, training programs, and clear communication to lessen job insecurity and promote resilience. These insights provide practical implications for enhancing employee well-being and organizational sustainability in the rapidly evolving startup environment.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
This study examines the interplay among organizational justice, perceived organizational support (POS), job embeddedness, and the intention of employees in SMEs to leave their positions with generations (Gen Y and Gen Z) as a moderator. The sample of this study includes SME employees in Indonesia, consisting of several sectors, such as handicrafts, culinary, fashion, and accommodation. The data collection involved the distribution of questionnaires, both in person and online, from January to March 2024, employing a purposive sampling, resulting in 268 valid responses. The hypotheses were subsequently validated utilizing PLS-SEM and MGA. The findings demonstrate that organizational justice (β = –0.397, p = 0.000), POS (β = –0.202, p = 0.000), and job embeddedness (β = –0.285, p = 0.000) negatively affect turnover intention. Conversely, organizational justice (β = 0.405, p = 0.000) and POS (β = 0.314, p = 0.000) positively affect job embeddedness. Ultimately, the results of the moderation analysis of generations revealed differences between Gen Y and Gen Z in the effects of organizational justice (β = –0.189, p = 0.019) and POS (β = 0.180, p = 0.070) on turnover intention, and also in the effects of organizational justice (β = 0.195, p = 0.024) and POS (β = –0.241, p = 0.013) on job embeddedness. Contrarily, there is no significant difference between Gen Y and Gen Z in the relationship between job embeddedness and turnover intention (β = 0.089, p = 0.228). This paper offers substantial insights into the existing body of knowledge, particularly in addressing the issue of SMEs’ employee turnover intention.

Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank all the subjects who helped a lot during the preparation of this article, especially the Institute for Research and Community Service, Khairun University, which funded this research.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
In an era of persistent economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions, organizational resilience has emerged as a critical determinant of long-term sustainability, particularly in rapidly evolving industries such as food manufacturing. Emotional intelligence (EI) has been identified as a key driver of resilience, enabling individuals and organizations to better adapt, recover, and grow in the face of challenges. This study aims to investigate the impact of EI on organizational resilience and to assess the moderating role of transformational leadership in this relationship within the context of Jordan’s yogurt industry. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected in 2024 from 768 employees working across three leading yogurt manufacturing companies in Jordan. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Smart PLS was applied to analyze the relationships among the variables. The results demonstrate that all four dimensions of EI, self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management, exert a statistically significant positive effect on organizational resilience (p < 0.001). Furthermore, transformational leadership was found to moderate these relationships significantly, enhancing the strength of EI’s influence on resilience outcomes. These findings offer robust empirical support for the integration of EI and leadership development in resilience-building strategies. The study provides sector-specific insights that contribute to the theoretical advancement of resilience frameworks and offers actionable guidance for organizational leaders seeking to enhance adaptability in dynamic and uncertain environments.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
Amidst global calls for sustainable transformation, higher education institutions are urged to align their operations with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study investigates how green university culture and digital transformation contribute to SDG achievement within Indonesian education human resources universities (IEHRUs), focusing on financial, environmental, and human development outcomes. Utilizing a quantitative approach, a survey was conducted with 435 students from State University of Surabaya, a leading IEHRU. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4. The results reveal that green university culture significantly influences financial growth (β = 0.427, t = 5.662, p < 0.001), environmental quality growth (β = 0.510, t = 7.564, p < 0.001), and human development growth (β = 0.430, t = 7.123, p < 0.001). Similarly, digital transformation has significant positive effects on financial growth (β = 0.313, t = 4.294, p < 0.001), environmental quality growth (β = 0.203, t = 2.713, p = 0.007), and human development growth (β = 0.313, t = 5.447, p < 0.001). These three dimensions, in turn, significantly enhance SDG performance at the university level (R² = 0.610). The study underscores the strategic role of green values and digital innovation in university sustainability. It offers empirical insights for educational policymakers to embed sustainability across institutional governance, pedagogy, and operations, particularly in teacher-training institutions poised to catalyze wider societal change.

Acknowledgment
This study was funded by the Assignment Grant of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Number 48546, from the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of Universitas Negeri Surabaya.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
This study aims to examine and measure the impact of the dispute resolution mechanism (including its effectiveness of dispute resolution mechanism, government support, and the quality of the legal system) on trust in the investment environment within free trade zones (FTZs), as perceived by business managers. The data were gathered through a survey of 780 managers representing enterprises operating in 18 economic zones from October 2024 to February 2025 in Vietnam, a developing country in Southeast Asia. The results of the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis indicate that the dispute resolution mechanism influences trust in the investment climate within FTZs through the mediating roles of two key factors: trust in the dispute resolution mechanism and perceived risks in business management. Moreover, trust in the dispute resolution mechanism within FTZs is shaped by three factors, ranked in ascending order of positive impact: (1) quality of the legal system, (2) effectiveness of the dispute resolution mechanism, and (3) government support. Meanwhile, only the quality of the legal system has a statistically significant negative impact on the perception of business management risks. These findings underscore the need to enhance the legal framework governing FTZs, improve law enforcement mechanisms, strengthen investor protection, and support businesses in legal compliance. These challenges pose critical policy considerations for countries aiming to develop and implement the FTZs model effectively.

Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank the Editor-in-Chief and a reviewer for their helpful comments that in our view have helped to improve the quality of the manuscript significantly. Besides, this study is the result of collaboration between researchers from the School of Law, Hue University, and Duy Tan University. The authors would like to thank both institutions for their support and facilitation in the publication of this research.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
The study aims to examine the influence of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) on women’s job satisfaction, work-life balance, and quality of life, focusing on the mediating role of work-life balance and the moderating role of job demands. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted from March to November 2024 among women in domestic companies in Bengaluru, India. This study surveyed 592 women professionals from small- and medium-sized domestic firms across IT, finance, healthcare, retail, and service sectors. Respondents, engaged in flexible or hybrid work roles at various job levels, were selected for their direct experience with flexible schedules, making them well-positioned to assess impacts on job satisfaction, work-life balance, and quality of life. The results demonstrate that FWAs have significant direct effects on job satisfaction (β = 0.211, p < 0.001), work-life balance (β = 0.477, p < 0.001), and quality of life (β = 0.34, p < 0.001). Additionally, work-life balance positively influences both job satisfaction (β = 0.352, p < 0.001) and quality of life (β = 0.342, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis reveals that work-life balance partially mediates the relationships between FWAs and job satisfaction (β = 0.168, p < 0.001) as well as FWAs and quality of life (β = 0.163, p < 0.001). Furthermore, job demands are shown to moderate the relationship between FWAs and work-life balance (β = 0.15, p = 0.001). The findings have highlighted the need for flexible work arrangements that enhance women’s overall work-life integration and well-being.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
Youth tourism entrepreneurship is a driver of sectoral development, reduces unemployment and poverty, and is a catalyst for innovation. The aim of this paper is to explore the potential of youth entrepreneurship in tourism, assess its impact on the development of Kazakhstan’s tourism industry, and formulate recommendations for fostering innovation. A systematic approach was adopted, employing methods of logical analysis, correlation and regression analysis, synthesis, and data visualization. Between August and December 2024, a survey was administered across 20 regions of Kazakhstan to assess young people’s readiness for tourism entrepreneurship, identify barriers to its development, and explore innovative solutions. The questionnaire was hosted on Google Forms and disseminated via social media, ensuring all responses remained anonymous. With 601 respondents, the sample is sufficiently representative of the Kazakhstani population aged 18 to 35 years.
Covering the 2013–2023 period, the correlation and regression analysis revealed that youth tourism entrepreneurship has undergone dynamic growth and positively influenced Kazakhstan’s socio-economic indicators and tourism sector performance. Survey findings indicate a strong willingness among young people to engage in training and introduce innovations in tourism. Corruption and high taxation were identified as the principal obstacles to realizing entrepreneurial potential and advancing innovation. The study concludes that youth tourism entrepreneurship is vital for Kazakhstan’s economic diversification and innovation agenda. Involving young people in the tourism sector contributes to unemployment reduction. Regional disparities in resource access can be narrowed through targeted adjustments to state policies that support youth innovative entrepreneurship.

Acknowledgments
This study is supported by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan through the project AP 26199455 – “Entrepreneurial Motivation as a Factor for Economic Diversification in Regions: Sociocultural Prerequisites, New Directions, and Implementation Methods.”

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
Digital transformation is a key factor in the competitiveness of enterprises in the modern world. The study aims to analyze the readiness of enterprises in Kazakhstan for digital transformation at the regional and sectoral levels. The main research method was statistical analysis based on an index approach using data for 2023 from Kazakhstan’s Bureau of National Statistics, reflecting the digital readiness and digital maturity of enterprises. According to the findings, in Kazakhstan, the level of readiness of enterprises for digital transformation is heterogeneous both in regional and sectoral terms. Kazakhstani enterprises are characterized by a high level of basic digital readiness (81.4% of enterprises had computers, 79.5% – Internet access), an unsatisfactory level of advanced digital readiness (5.6% of enterprises had IT-specialists, 1.1% – own data centers, 3.1% – implemented business processes innovations in information and communication systems), and digital maturity (26.5% of enterprises had Internet resources, electronic invoices – 79.1%, automated internal business processes – 16.7%, cloud computing – 11.0%, big data technologies – 1.9%, and RFID technologies – 1.1%). A digital gap in the readiness of enterprises for digital transformation was revealed between the leading (Almaty and Astana cities, Atyrau, and Karaganda regions) and lagging (Mangystau, Turkestan, and Kyzylorda regions) regions, and between the sectors, where enterprises in industry, trade, information and communication, hospitality and healthcare are significantly ahead of enterprises in agriculture, construction, and real estate. It is advisable to make more active use of innovation infrastructure facilities to increase the digital potential of enterprises.

Acknowledgments
This research has been funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (IRN 19680544 “Innovation infrastructure of Kazakhstan in the context of digitalization: assessment of the state and development of an atlas”).

Type of article: Research Article

Abstract
The current study attempts to find out the impact of organizational culture and emotional intelligence on the performance of FMCG companies in Saudi Arabia. This research study investigated the leading FMCG companies like Alsafi, Sadafco, Roma Group, Almarai, Nestle Middle East, and Bazeem Trading Company in Saudi Arabia. Data have been collected in 2023 through an adapted questionnaire and interviews from 204 front-line managers working in FMCG companies, and items of scale provide their insights about organizational culture and emotional intelligence and its impact on their performance. The survey questionnaire overall included twenty-four items that covered all the variables of organizational culture, emotional intelligence and organizational performance. Data were analyzed through SPSS, and the findings showcase that a unit change in the dimensions of organizational culture like learning, team orientation, and strategic direction have increased the organizational performance by 35%, 87%, and 26%, respectively, while the dimension of creating change did not affect it significantly. Unit variation in the dimensions of emotional intelligence, such as self-awareness, social skills, and empathy enhance the organizational performance by 20%, 31%, and 32%, respectively, while emotional management did not affect it significantly. These findings have indicated that the FMCG companies in Saudi Arabia need to revise their training and development programs on culture and emotional intelligence and try to improve the working capacity of their human resources.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
This study investigates the structural relationships between educational and scientific regulatory interventions and socio-economic development in countries affected by armed conflict and political instability, using the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). Rather than focusing on regulatory interventions in a narrow administrative sense, SDG 4 is conceptualized as a reflection of national efforts to improve access to and quality of education, including institutional reforms, policy initiatives, and capacity-building measures in post-conflict settings. The analysis covers 16 countries affected by conflict and instability across Eastern Europe, including Ukraine; the Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia); the Middle East (Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey); and the South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia), using data from 2011 to 2020. Employing multivariate confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the study reveals statistically significant and conceptually meaningful covariances between the selected SDGs. The strongest relationship is observed between SDG 8 and SDG 9, underscoring the interdependence of economic growth, industrial development, and innovation. Moderate but significant correlations between SDG 4 and both SDG 8 and SDG 9 highlight the foundational role of education in enabling socio-economic recovery and technological advancement. Key indicators such as primary school completion, secondary and tertiary enrollment, employment in industry and services, and high-tech value-added production serve as measurable proxies for these dynamics. The findings emphasize the importance of aligning education policy with broader development strategies to support resilience and sustainable growth in fragile contexts.

Acknowledgments and research funding
This research was funded by the European Union grants “NextGenerationEU through the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Slovakia” (No. 09I03-03-V01-00130) and “Immersive Marketing in Education: Model Testing and Consumers’ Behavior” (No. 09I03-03-V04-00522/2024/VA). This research was also prepared as part of project 0124U000545.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
Socio-economic development in the EU countries is a complex process encompassing both social and economic progress. It involves enhancements in living standards, quality of life, and overall well-being, alongside economic growth and structural changes. Thus, the paper aims to identify and assess the key parameters for clustering EU countries by the components of their socio-economic development. The study utilized fifteen indicators from the Social Progress Index and the Human Development Index, reflecting different components of countries’ social development. Using the k-means method, the EU population is divided into three clusters (13, 5, and 9 countries, respectively) based on their similarity in social development. Then, using the decision tree method, the above indicators were assessed, including the following: “Nutrition and Medical Care,” “Health,” “Environmental Quality,” “Rights and Voice,” “Freedom and Choice,” and “Advanced Education.” These indicators are used as the key parameters for clustering countries by components of socio-economic development; therefore, their change largely determines the positions of countries as a whole and, accordingly, their convergence at the EU level. The study found significant differences between EU countries in their socio-economic aspects, particularly between the “old” and “new” members. The results obtained can be used to justify the priorities of EU socio-economic policy to ensure overall progress.

Acknowledgment
This article was published as an output of the project VEGA 1/0392/23: Changes in the approach to the development of distribution management concepts of companies influenced by the impact of social and economic crisis caused by the global pandemic and increased security risks. Funded by the EU NextGenerationEU through the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Slovakia under the project No. 09103-03-V01-00042.

Type of article: Research Article

Abstract
This study investigates the causal relationship between research and development (R&D) financing and economic growth in Hong Kong over the period 1998–2022. It examines both public and private R&D expenditures, along with the number of researchers involved in R&D, to evaluate their influence on GDP per capita. Utilizing advanced time series econometric techniques, including the Toda-Yamamoto causality approach and cointegration analysis, the results reveal a statistically significant unidirectional causality from R&D expenditure to GDP per capita (χ² = 26.443, p < 0.01) and from researchers in R&D to GDP per capita (χ² = 38.164, p < 0.01). Additionally, feedback effects were observed, with GDP per capita also causing R&D expenditure (χ² = 17.471, p < 0.01), and R&D expenditure influencing the number of researchers (χ² = 6.718, p < 0.01). These findings highlight the dynamic interplay between financial inputs and human capital in R&D and underscore the importance of sustained investment and a skilled research workforce in fostering long-term economic growth. The evidence supports the strategic role of R&D policy in enhancing productivity and promoting economic sustainability in knowledge-based economies.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
Today, manufacturing companies seek tools that enable them to remain competitive in an increasingly demanding global environment, with quality management systems being among the most widely adopted. Despite their broad implementation, empirical evidence regarding their benefits remains inconclusive. Evaluating productivity indicators in certified manufacturing firms is essential to identifying the variables that most influence operational and financial efficiency in this sector. This paper aims to determine the effect of ISO certification on productivity indicators by applying a multivariate discriminant analysis model to a sample of industrial firms with five consecutive years of certification during the 2019–2023 period. The results show that only three indicators – operating income relative to value added, net income relative to value added, and value added relative to working capital – exhibit statistically significant average improvements, associated with increased operational efficiency and value generation. The operating income relative to value added indicator stands out as the variable with the greatest discriminant power, suggesting that ISO 9001 certification positively influences operational productivity. However, the findings also reveal high variability, indicating that the certification’s impact is not homogeneous and depends on both internal and external organizational factors. This study provides valuable empirical evidence in the Ecuadorian context, being the first to assess this relationship using discriminant analysis and contributing to the understanding of quality management system effectiveness in emerging economies.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
Crime remains a significant socio-economic issue, shaped by social instability and economic inequality, and poses critical challenges for public administration and policymaking. In Azerbaijan, rising divorce rates and persistent income disparities have become prominent social concerns, with the former reflecting shifts in family structure and the latter captured by the Gini index as a measure of income inequality. This study explores the causal relationships between crime, income inequality, and divorce rates in Azerbaijan from 2000 to 2021, utilizing econometric methodologies. From a public administration perspective, the study provides empirical insights to support more effective and targeted interventions in crime prevention, social protection, and family policy. Methodologically, the Johansen cointegration test is applied to identify long-term equilibrium relationships among the variables, while the Toda-Yamamoto Granger causality test is employed to examine the directional causality. The cointegration analysis reveals stable long-term associations between crime, income inequality, and divorce, with trace statistics (32.172, 16.067, and 4.052) exceeding their respective critical values at the 5% significance level. Additionally, the Toda-Yamamoto test shows that income inequality significantly influences crime (χ² = 5.145, p = 0.023), with divorce exhibiting a stronger predictive relationship with crime (χ² = 7.071, p = 0.007). These findings underscore the necessity for integrated crime prevention strategies, emphasizing the role of public administration in designing and implementing coherent socio-economic policies.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
This study aims to assess the impact of key components of quality of life, including human capital, social accessibility, and industrial development, on effective territorial development management in Kazakhstan. The study uses an index approach, cluster and correlation analysis, and Markov transition models. The empirical dataset covers 17 regions of Kazakhstan over the period 2013–2023 and is based on official annual statistics, including indicators of education (number of students and teaching staff), employment, income, digital infrastructure, and industrial development. The Quality of Life Index (QLI) was calculated using normalized variables, followed by regional grouping and dynamic modeling. Results indicate that the highest QLI values in 2023 were recorded in Astana city (0.837), Mangystau (0.790), and Shymkent city (0.771), where educational coverage and academic staffing are significantly higher than in other regions. Correlation analysis reveals that industrial development (r = 0.493, p = 0.052) and educational potential (ρ = 0.491, p = 0.045) are positively associated with regional upward transitions in quality of life. Cluster analysis identified three stable groups of regions: with active social transformation (e.g., Mangystau, Kyzylorda), balanced growth (Karaganda, Pavlodar), and limited dynamics (Turkistan, East-Kazakhstan). Thus, regions with strong educational infrastructure and dynamic labor markets, such as the Mangystau region, Astana and Shymkent cities, consistently outperform in QLI. In contrast, structurally lagging regions, such as Turkistan and East Kazakhstan, exhibit limited social mobility and weak institutional support. Consequently, investment in human capital is essential for reducing regional disparities and promoting sustainable territorial development.

Acknowledgments
This research has been funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (“Modernization of the quality assurance system of higher education in Kazakhstan based on digitalization: development of approaches, mechanisms and informationbase” No.BR24992974).

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between firms’ top management’s demographic attributes and intellectual capital efficiency among service and manufacturing firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. The analysis focuses on six personal and professional characteristics of the chief executive officer, including age, educational level, work experience, share ownership, duality, and tenure. Intellectual capital efficiency is determined using the value-added intellectual coefficient. Panel data for a sample of 90 service and manufacturing companies for the period 2015–2023 are analyzed using multiple regression techniques. The findings reveal that the educational level and share ownership have a statistically significant positive effect on intellectual capital efficiency (p < 0.05). This suggests that executives with higher qualifications and financial stakes in their firms are more effective at leveraging intellectual capital. In contrast, there is no statistically significant association between age, work experience, role duality, and tenure and the efficiency of intellectual capital. This suggests that these demographic and structural characteristics of firm leadership do not meaningfully influence how effectively intellectual capital is utilized.