Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Benedict E. DeDominicis Title: THE SOCIAL IDENTITY DYNAMICS OF GRAMSCIAN HEGEMONY CONSTRUCTION: BUILDING PUBLIC GOODS THROUGH NATION STATE CREATION, COMMODIFICATION AND INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF STATUS STEREOTYPES Abstract: The creation of public goods is a concomitant with constructing a primary, terminal self-identity community whose authorities in the form of the government the modal citizenry grants legitimacy. Those authorities have the rhetorical and persuasive leadership capacity to create authoritative institutions and policies. The recognition of those goods as public signifies that the modal member of the public functionally views the authoritative output of the policy making process as morally acceptable. Such an observer functionally views the policy’s utilitarian distribution of resources within polity and society as representing the public interest. By being functionally perceived as serving the public interest, the authorities’ distribution of goods is functionally accepted as public goods. The policies are functionally or actively perceived as reinforcing the common welfare, the public interest. Public health is one of these public goods. The characterization of the political regime typifies the control relationship between the authorities and the public. Generating public goods is uniquely problematic for each polity due to their respective dynamic constellation of values, attitudes and norms that are systemically interrelated. Effective legitimation public performance requirements by state authority figures vary across polities. Acknowledgment of effective control maintenance over and mobilization of societal resources constitutes effective leadership. Classification-JEL: A13, A14, D73, E42, F5, H41 Keywords: Corruption, Hegemony, Nationalism, Public Goods, Rule of Law, Social Identity Theory Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages:1-30 Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Year: 2023 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v14n1-2023/RBFS-V14N1-2023-1.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:14:y:2023:i:1:p:1-30 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Matthew G. Smith Author-Name: Ryan Lunsford Title: RETAIL FIREARMS SALES IN THE U.S.: EVIDENCE ON BEST PRACTICES FROM TWO FIRMS Abstract: This case study compares sporting goods retailers Academy Sports + Outdoors and DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc., to identify cross-industry leadership best practices. Despite both companies operating in the same industry, Academy Sports + Outdoors earned $6.4B in net sales in 2022, while DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc. generated over $12.4B in net sales in 2022. The study examines their strategies and responses to mass shootings in the United States (U.S.), revealing contrasting approaches. The analysis highlights the critical importance of aligning brand identity with customer preferences by evaluating their messaging, outcomes, and anticipated pushback. Customers today are highly attuned to corporate activities, requiring effective leadership to understand their base, consistently address issues aligned with their values, and develop strategies for potential repercussions. This study offers valuable insights into aligning brand identity with customer preferences, drawing from two companies' divergent approaches to social issues. Classification-JEL: M1, M3 Keywords: DICK’S Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, Sporting Goods, Corporate Social Responsibility Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 31-44 Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Year: 2023 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v14n1-2023/RBFS-V14N1-2023-2.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:14:y:2023:i:1:p:31-44 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Yousef Jahmani Author-Name: Yonpae Park Title: A COMPARISON OF CRYPTOCURRENCIES AND TRADITIONAL CURRENCIES Abstract: This research comprehensively compares traditional currency systems and cryptocurrencies, exploring their advantages and disadvantages. Traditional currencies have enjoyed widespread acceptance due to their tangibility, simplicity, stability, and regulatory backing by governments and central banks. However, they are susceptible to inflation, counterfeiting, and high transaction fees. Cryptocurrencies offer decentralized, secure, anonymous transactions without intermediaries. However, they face challenges incybersecurity, scalability, illicit use, environmental impact, and regulatory oversight. The study further examines cryptocurrencies' potential benefits and risks, such as stability, cost-effectiveness, and financial inclusion, while cautioning against potential cybersecurity threats and illicit activities. It underscores the role of governments and regulatory bodies in addressing these challenges and fostering the coexistence of traditional currencies and cryptocurrencies. The research aims to shed light on the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies, emphasizing the importance of prudent decision-making by investors and policymakers in navigating this dynamic financial landscape. It encourages further exploration of innovative solutions to address the drawbacks while harnessing the advantages of both currency systems for a more inclusive and secure global economy. Classification-JEL: M00, O10 Keywords: Cryptocurrency, Traditional Currency, Blockchain, Decentralization, Advantages, Disadvantages Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 45-61 Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Year: 2023 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v14n1-2023/RBFS-V14N1-2023-3.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:14:y:2023:i:1:p:45-61 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name:John Theodore Title: STRATEGIC ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT INTERVENTIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF GREEK PRIVATE ENTERPRISES Abstract: The purpose of this article is to expose the managerial and organizational characteristics and practices of the owners-managers of Greek private enterprises and to propose several Organizational Development (OD) interventions in order to attain planned developmental changes. The author of this work proposes such interventions in the areas of reducing/eliminating resistance to change, using the services of planned change agents, induce creativity and innovation, decentralize the decision-making process and that of delegation of authority and responsibility, and create effective and efficient multi-directional communication for the benefit of the entire human resources. Classification-JEL: M16, M20 Keywords: Organizational Development, Organizational Development Interventions, Planned Change Agents, Empowerment, Greek Owners-Managers Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 63-73 Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Year: 2023 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v14n1-2023/RBFS-V14N1-2023-4.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:14:y:2023:i:1:p:63-73 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jose Antonio Gomez Title: CAUSES OF INSUFFICIENT REVENUES IN HISPANIC CHURCHES IN SOUTH FLORIDA Abstract: Churches in the United States are currently facing an attendance crisis. With the decrease in membership comes a reduction in funds. This negative impact on the organization’s finances can directly influence the church’s operations. This article aims to evaluate and suggest a funding strategy for Hispanic Churches in South Florida, to raise sufficient funds for their effective and efficient operations. As a result, faith-based organizations need robust financial management to achieve economic sustainment. Church leaders must focus on external and internal factors, financial planning, and develop and maintain partnerships with external entities to expand their finances. Classification-JEL: 75-82 Keywords: CAUSES OF INSUFFICIENT REVENUES IN HISPANIC CHURCHES IN SOUTH FLORIDA Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 75-82 Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Year: 2023 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v14n1-2023/RBFS-V14N1-2023-5.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:14:y:2023:i:1:p:75-82 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Gabriel Aguilera Mancilla Author-Name: Rosa Hilda Hernandez Sandoval Author-Name: Laura Leticia Gaona Tamez Title: WIDOW'S PENSION BENEFITS FOR COMMON-LAW PARTNERS OR SPOUSES AFTER THE REPEAL OF MEXICO SOCIAL SECURITY LAW ARTICLE 130, SECOND PARAGRAPH Abstract: The objective of this research is to evaluate the repeal of paragraph 2, Article 130 of the Social Security Law in Mexico. Our research shows that its repeal will make it easier for the common-law partner or widowed spouse to apply for a pension. This is under the assumption that the wife contributed during her working life to the social security system so that her family can receive a future benefit to guarantee a stable economic situation for her common-law partner or husband. On the other hand, it is illegal to set requirements based on gender when applying for a pension. A question arises: will the common-law partner be able to obtain a pension? The problem occurs when the common-law partner is denied a pension because he can’t prove economic dependence, as established in Article 130 of the Social Security Law. By imposing additional gender-based requirements on the husband or common-law partner to qualify for the pension, compared to those required of a wife, Article 120 paragraph two violates the fundamental rights to equality and non-discrimination to social security. The treatment is unjustified. We conclude due the repeal of Article 130 paragraph two widowers will be able obtain a pension provided that his wife contributed to the pension system. Classification-JEL: J33, J32, K34 Keywords: Pension, Benefits, Common-Law, Spouse, Repeal, Mexico Journal: Review of Business and Finance Studies Pages: 83-90 Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Year: 2023 File-URL: http://www.theibfr2.com/RePEc/ibf/rbfstu/rbfs-v14n1-2023/RBFS-V14N1-2023-6.pdf File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:ibf:rbfstu:v:14:y:2023:i:1:p:83-90