SMN Digest June 2025

1. Motivate to Innovate: The Effect of Leader Motivating Language on the Innovative Work Behavior of Employees in the Heavy Equipment Industry

Anthony C. Betia

Economic uncertainties and development opportunities in a volatile and competitive business landscape have highlighted the need to enhance employee innovation. This study addresses the gap in understanding how innovation is driven within firms. Using Motivating Language Theory (MLT) as a framework, a mixed-method approach was employed with 425 valid survey responses and 12 focus group discussion participants from the Philippine Heavy Equipment Industry. Descriptive statistics, PLS-SEM, and hierarchical regression analysis revealed that leader motivating language positively influences both innovative work behavior and psychological empowerment, and that psychological empowerment positively influences innovative work behavior. Among the three types of motivating language, empathetic (illocutionary) language was the most effective. Psychological empowerment partially mediated the positive relationship between motivating language and innovative work behavior, while demographic moderators were not significant. These findings suggest that promoting and enhancing motivational language in the workplace can improve employee empowerment and innovation, offering valuable insights for management strategy. Directions for future research and practical recommendations are also discussed.

2. Sustainable Farming and AgriTech: Assessing Business and Management Practices for a Resilient Agricultural Future

Jocelyn Del Castillo, Jed Ivan Fiedalan, Jireh Jaib Marabe, Michaela M. Rafael, Bea Kristine Caronan, and Dr. Ruel V. Maningas

As the agricultural sector faces increasing pressure, agricultural technology (AgriTech) applications offer promising solutions for enhancing productivity and sustainability. This literature review examines sustainable farming in the Philippines, exploring how agritech innovations can address the growing challenge of food security amid a rising population and dwindling natural resources. 

This review employs a combination of systematic and narrative review methodologies to explore business management practices in sustainable farming within the agritech industry highlighting strategic approaches that can support the scaling of sustainable farming solutions based on the current practices, challenges, and best practices, as identified, while analyzing the technologies used in sustainable farming, particularly in the Philippines.

The scope is limited to studies published between 2021 and 2024, providing a contemporary perspective on the intersection of agritech and business management in the Philippine context. A total of 20 references were identified and analyzed to support this study. Selected articles were reviewed for data on business processes, Agritech applications, challenges, and best practices. A thematic analysis categorized the findings into three main areas: business management demonstrating successful integrations.

Through this review, the role of effective business strategies in advancing food security was discussed, with an emphasis on optimizing resource use, improving operational efficiency, and promoting long-term sustainability.

3. Digital Transformation Meets Green Innovation: A Literature Review of Digital Transformation's Role in Telcos’ Sustainable Management and Business Practices

Lorenzo Miguel Bernad, Guada Teresa dela Cruz, Rose Ann Panganiban, Gio Eiron Villanueva, Dr. Ruel V. Maningas

This literature review explores the pivotal role of digital transformation in advancing sustainable business practices within the telecommunications (telco) industry, focusing on its alignment with Sustainable Business Practices and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By examining academic studies, industry reports, and practical case applications, the review highlights how telcos leverage technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data to drive operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and foster innovation.

The study employs a framework for analyzing production systems, consumption systems, and adaptation systems to offer a comprehensive understanding of how digital transformation enhanced telecom operations, shifts consumer behavior, and enables resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. It also addresses challenges such as high investment costs, regulatory compliance, and workforce adaptation, while uncovering opportunities like green innovations, strategic partnerships, and consumer-driven sustainability initiatives.

Using local and global telco companies as case studies, the review showcases real-world applications of digital transformation in achieving sustainable growth. Key insights include the implementation of energy-efficient networks, AI practices, and digital solutions for social impact. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating sustainability into telcos’ strategic priorities, offering actionable recommendations for industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers.

By bridging academic insights with industry practices, this literature review provides a practical roadmap for leveraging digital transformation to build a sustainable, connected, and inclusive future in telecommunications. It serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders seeking to align technological advancements with environmental and social objectives.

All articles published in SMN Digest are indexed in EBSCO Information Services and may be accessed in full text through Philippine E-Journals.