Nghiên cứu sinh Bùi Thị Thanh Mai bảo vệ luận án tiến sĩ
ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE DISSERTATION
Dissertation title: Compassion and Sustainable Decision Making of Key Leaders in SMEs and Startups
Specialization: Business Administration (E-PhD Program) Specialization code: 9340101
PhD candidate: Bui Thi Thanh Mai
Supervisor: Dr. Vu Tuan Anh
Institution: National Economics University
Original contributions on academic and theoretical aspects
The dissertation presents original contributions in both academic and theoretical realms. It uncovers a significantly positive influence of Buddhism, encompassing teachings and lifestyles, on sustainable decision-making, mediated through compassion. This unveils a substantial theoretical advancement, delineating the intricate dynamics of Buddhism, compassion, and sustainability mindsets in shaping decision-making processes among key leaders. Building upon existing literature, the study extends understanding by empirically supporting the constructive impact of a sustainability mindset rooted in three dimensions: Knowing (informed by Buddhist teachings), Doing (manifested in lifestyles and decision-making processes), and Being (characterized by compassion). This sustainable mindset, operating as a behavioral bias, propels key leaders towards sustainable decisions, offering a fresh perspective beyond institutional pressures or cognitive factors.
Moreover, the research challenges conventional wisdom by revealing an inverse relationship between acute hard life experiences and sustainable decision-making, contrary to prevalent assumptions. By exploring the link between disruptive family events during adolescence and materialism in adulthood, it sheds light on how materialistic tendencies may lead to unsustainable decision-making.
Additionally, the study expands the sustainable decision-making scale, enriching its measurement and ensuring validity. Notably, it introduces a novel measurement for assessing hard life experiences among key leaders, providing a framework for future quantitative inquiries into their relationships with other factors. This comprehensive approach contributes significantly to the evolving discourse on decision-making and life experiences in academic literature.
Recommendations derived from the findings of the dissertation
The research provides practical recommendations for policymakers and key leaders related to SMEs and startups. For those who adhere to Buddhism, integrating its teachings and lifestyles can enhance their focus on societal and environmental concerns. Similarly, atheists can benefit from embracing moral principles akin to Buddhism. This intentional exposure fosters compassion, facilitating sustainable decision-making for long-term sustainability. Selecting key leaders for sustainability projects should consider their alignment with Buddhist or similar moral principles, as well as their level of compassion. Additionally, organizations can guide key leaders through tailored training programs incorporating Buddhist teachings or similar moral principles and fostering compassion. This targeted approach ensures the positive influence on sustainable decision-making of key leaders.
