Enabling entrepreneurial breakthroughs: the synergistic role of social capital, dynamic capabilities and innovative thinking Abhinav Pal, Kanishka Gupta, Dolly Gaur, Chandan Kumar Tiwari, Mohd. Abass Bhat Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 2026 Given the unique challenges facing entrepreneurs and firms in Oman stemming from resource constraints and changing institutional frameworks, this study aims to explain how social capital can help improve entrepreneurial business performance, with the contribution of dynamic abilities, innovative skills and government support. The research model used in the present work builds on established theories, including the Resource Based View and DCT, to explain how entrepreneurs harness incorporeal assets such as social networks, adaptability, and innovation to obtain a competitive advantage. The data has been collected from 347 entrepreneurs in Oman and is analysed using PLS-SEM. The findings reveal that Social Capital is the basic enabler; it provides networks, trust, and shared understanding that allow entrepreneurs access to resources and knowledge. Dynamic capabilities transform those resources into actionable strategies, which are adaptable and resilient. The insights from the current study have important takeaways for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs should actively cultivate and maintain robust networks to enhance their access to resources and knowledge. Emphasizing the relational and cognitive social capital can foster trust and shared vision, which are vital for collaboration and innovation. Policy makers should aim to create policies that increase social capital and dynamic capabilities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Artificial Intelligence in Finance: The Journey of Robo Advisors So Far and the Way Ahead Rishabh Jain, Abhinav Pal, Kanishka Gupta, Dolly Gaur Indian Journal of Finance, 2026 Purpose : This bibliometric research article aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the academic literature on robo-advisory services in finance, identifying key trends, influential factors, and potential avenues for future research. Design/Methodology/Approach : A systematic bibliometric analysis was conducted for scholarly articles published on the topic of robo-advisory between 2016 and 2022. The metadata was sourced from two premier research databases : SCOPUS and Web of Science. The metadata of 210 documents was analyzed using the Bibliometrix package of R. Results : A substantial growth in research on robo-advisory services in finance over the past decade was found. The application of robo-advisory in terms of asset allocation and portfolio optimization was seen. While most of the research focused on the technology enablers of robo-advisory, the applications offer further areas of study. Practical Implications : The findings suggested promising avenues for future research, including the further integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques in financial decision-making. Originality : The study attempted to touch upon different aspects of this topic in terms of its enablers, technology, applications, and challenges faced. This research tried to design a path for further work in this field by suggesting a few bases that have not been studied much yet.
Emotionally Intelligent Workplaces: Leveraging Emotion AI to Nurture Positive Organizational Culture Jyoti Chauhan, Kanishka Gupta, Dolly Gaur, Abhinav Pal, Abdul Wajid AI Enabled Workforce Management for Hybrid Workplaces, 2026 As businesses become more aware of the importance of emotional intelligence in employee satisfaction and organizational performance, its inclusion in workplace wellness programs has become more popular. This chapter discusses how Emotion AI- powerful technologies that recognize and understand human emotions- can be used to cultivate emotionally intelligent workplaces and positive organizational culture. This chapter theorizes the embedding of Emotion AI into core human resource management, leadership, and workplace communication domains. It explores how these technologies can inform empathetic decision-making, enhance team dynamics, and build inclusive, emotionally supportive cultures. Ethical issues such as data privacy, consent, and algorithmic bias are also deeply scrutinized. This chapter contends that when used carefully and responsibly, Emotion AI has enormous potential to transform cultural well-being and aid in creating emotionally mature, high-performance organizations.
Decoding investor behavior in the age of financial AI: integrating cognitive, emotional, and social drivers of adoption and resistance in India Chandan Kumar Tiwari, Mohd Abass Bhat, Kanishka Gupta, Dolly Gaur, Abeer F. Alkhwaldi, Abhinav Pal Information Discovery and Delivery, 2026 Purpose This study aims to decode investor behavior in the era of financial artificial intelligence (AI) by examining the cognitive, emotional and social drivers influencing AI adoption and resistance in portfolio management. Design/methodology/approach Drawing upon the AI decision use acceptance framework, this study uses structural equation modeling to analyze survey data from AI-adopting investors. The model tests the sequential pathway from cognition to emotion to behavioral intention, integrating constructs such as social influence, hedonic motivation, anthropomorphism, performance expectancy, effort expectancy and emotional engagement. Findings Results reveal that social influence, hedonic motivation and anthropomorphism significantly enhance performance and effort expectancy. Social endorsement improves perceptions of AI accuracy and ease of use; enjoyment in interaction strengthens perceived benefits and reduces complexity concerns; and anthropomorphic features foster trust and intuitive engagement. Positive cognitive evaluations trigger emotions such as satisfaction, hope and confidence, which, in turn, strengthen willingness to use AI and diminish resistance rooted in human preference or perceived empathy gaps. Mediation analysis indicates that emotions play a dominant role in behavioral outcomes, preceding cognition in influencing adoption. Practical implications The findings provide actionable insights for financial institutions and AI developers on how to design emotionally intelligent, socially endorsed and user-friendly AI systems that foster long-term investor trust and sustained adoption. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study offers one of the first integrative examinations of cognitive–emotional–social mechanisms shaping investor trust in AI. It bridges the gap between technology adoption theory and behavioral finance by highlighting emotion’s primacy in AI decision acceptance.
Blockchain in Accounting, Reporting, and Auditing: A Scientometric Review Chandan Kumar Tiwari, Abhinav Pal, Yousuf Al Balushi, Kanishka Gupta Indian Journal of Finance, 2025 Purpose : Over the last decade, blockchain technology has exponentially grown and paved the way for large-scale adoption in numerous fields. Its primary use was related to cryptocurrency. However, the sphere of its application extended and included supply chains, healthcare, governance, and, more notably, the financial industry. This study aimed to review the existing literature on blockchain and its application to financial accounting, accounting, and auditing. Methodology : To conduct this study, we used bibliometric analysis and a systematic review of the literature. This analysis identified several specific qualities that allowed identifying the use of blockchain technology in accounting and auditing, which included data security, blockchain, and blockchain encryption as a neutral information coding. However, concerns about data privacy, scalability, and regulatory uncertainty emerged as significant barriers that required attention from key stakeholders. Practical Implications : The study provided numerous suggestions for accounting professionals, auditors, and regulators, offering guidance on how to navigate emerging blockchain applications and integrate them responsibly into existing financial reporting practices. It could also provide a perspective on the role played by relevant organizations’ interests in shaping key investments in technology and their development. Originality : This paper contributed to the academic discourse by offering a comprehensive overview of blockchain’s financial applications and tracing its progress in the fields of accounting, auditing, and financial reporting.
Mediating effect of green passion in linking HRM practices with environmental citizenship and performance Abhinav Pal, Jyoti Chauhan, Kanishka Gupta, Harpuneet Singh Kohli, Dolly Gaur Discover Sustainability, 2025 As organisations face increased environmental responsibilities, Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices have gained credibility being the strategic tool to link employee behavioural patterns with sustainability objectives, particularly in resource-intensive sectors like Information Technology (IT). Guided by the Ability–Motivation–Opportunity (AMO) and social exchange theory, this research attempts to explore how Green HRM practices affect Environmental Performance (EP) and Organizational Citizenship Behavior for the Environment (OCBE) with Green Passion (GP) as a mediator. Focussing on Delhi and the National Capital Region, data was collected using structured online questionnaires distributed to employees in the IT sector. A stratified sampling technique was used to ensure representation across various categories of IT organizations. In total, 510 valid responses were analysed and taken for further analysis, carried out by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS 25.0 and mediation testing via the PROCESS Macro extension of SPSS 26.0. The findings suggest that with the exception of Green Empowerment and Participation, all of GHRM dimensional aspects had significantly positive effects on OCBE and EP. Additionally, Green Passion substantially strengthen the link between GHRM practices and both environmental outcomes. This work highlights the need to establish green passion among employees and consider GHRM as a multi-dimensional, higher-order construct to stimulate environmental performance. Practical suggestions are offered for integrating sustainability into organisational HRM strategies.
A bibliometric perspective on the role of circular economy in achieving sustainable development goals Abhinav Pal, Dolly Gaur, Pranav Raj, Kanishka Gupta, Chandan Kumar Tiwari Discover Sustainability, 2025 This study delves into the impact, quality, and volume of research publications regarding the significance of the circular economy (CE) in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations (UN). To this end, bibliographic records were retrieved from the Scopus database. The initial analysis indicated that the majority of research available on Scopus database originates from Italy, China, and Spain, in that order. The study utilized K-structure analysis along with bibliometrics to map and underscore the aspects of intellectuality, conceptual framework, and social K-structure. The Bibliometrix package in R-Studio (version 4.3.3) along with VOSviewer was used to conduct bibliometric analysis. This method facilitated the mapping and sub-theme analysis of SDGs within the circular economy framework. The findings indicated a significant increase in circular economy (CE) research, with a 17.58% annual growth rate since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. This growth mirrors CE’s increasing prominence in sustainability conversations. Despite ongoing efforts by countries like China and Spain, international collaboration remains limited. Notable areas of research include waste management, sustainability, and resource efficiency, alongside an emerging interest in digital transformation and circular supply chains. The industry is transitioning to SDG-aligned strategies that extend beyond the recycling-focused initiatives of the past. However, the study notes a lack of strong theoretical foundations and insufficient integration with public policy, calling for interdisciplinary advancement.
Shop More and Earn More: The Never-Ending Game of Mobile Commerce Kanishka Gupta, Jyoti Chauhan, Dolly Gaur, Harpuneet Singh Kohli Indian Journal of Marketing, 2025 Purpose : The study aimed to understand m-commerce platform adoption and usage. Moreover, considering the increasing trend of integrating game-like elements into non-gaming contexts, this research explored the moderating impact of gamification features in enhancing the relationship between behavioral intention and actual usage. Design/Methodology/Approach : Using SEM regression, the study examined the impact of various factors proposed by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) on behavioral intentions and actual usage of m-commerce. Gamification features were considered as moderating variables explaining the relationship between intentions and actual usage. Findings : The findings suggested that performance and effort expectancy bring in stronger user intentions to adopt m-commerce platforms. Also, the gamification features integrated into these applications helped convert the intention into actual usage. Practical Implications : The study has important implications for the service providers. The high influence of performance and effort expectancy on behavioral intention indicated that there was a need to clearly communicate how the user will benefit from and the convenience that they will have, using the platform. Managers can leverage data analytics to create personally relevant messages that underline what users will gain, be it time savings, enhanced enjoyment, or financial rewards. Originality/Values : There are limited studies in which researchers have attempted to understand the behavioral intentions of users regarding m-commerce with the help of the UTAUT components. Additionally, the role of gamifying features in explaining the distance between intentions and actual usage has not been studied well. Hence, the present work is one of the pioneering studies filling this gap of grave importance.
The Growing Role of New-Age Financial Technologies in Transforming the Personal Finance Industry Abhinav Pal, Dolly Gaur, Kanishka Gupta, Jyoti Chauhan Digital Transformation A Business Imperative, 2025 In the current world scenario, being socially distant is not just a health advisory but also the need of hour for the fast-pacing economy. In this situation, FinTech and its tools come to one’s disposal, where without making use of brick and motor set-ups, customers can fulfil their financial needs. The present chapter lays the foundation for discussion on the topic of FinTech. This discourse aims to showcase the forms in which FinTech in present in today’s life and how it enhances the living standard of people. Since, technology has become an integral part of finance and human beings as well over time, thus it is important to understand the journey it has undergone. The usage of technology in the field of personal finance is relatively new as compared to application of technology for traditional banking. Thus, the chapter makes an in-depth discussion on the role of FinTech in facilitating personal finance. It explains how robo-advisory and other such advancements have provided better results for the investors as compared to the traditional investment managers. The present work critically examines how technological complexities and lack of customers’ trust proved to be a substantial obstacle for adoption of FinTech in various areas. Lastly, the chapter turns to discuss the future of FinTech and the advancements that can be expected in this field with respect to technology and its application.
