Template-type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Filippo Vitolla Title: Governare la complessit?: il ruolo dei sistemi di controllo tra sostenibilit?, innovazione e inclusione Abstract: In today?s complex and rapidly evolving context, marked by ecological crises, social inequalities, and digital transformation, organizations are increasingly called to rethink their governance and strategic orientation. Embedding sustainability, innovation, and inclusion into business models is no longer a matter of reputation, but a necessary condition for long-term value creation and legitimacy. In this scenario, Management Control Systems (MCSs) must also undergo a deep reconfiguration to respond effectively to new expectations from stakeholders and society. When properly redesigned, MCSs can become powerful enablers of organizational change, aligning strategic priorities with environmental, social, and ethical goals. They can support the integration of sustainability into decision-making processes, promote inclusive performance evaluation models, and strengthen cultural and relational dimensions of accountability. Yet, many organizations still struggle to adapt their control practices to the demands of sustainable transformation. The contributions included in this volume explore these dynamics from multiple angles. Collectively, they shed light on how control systems can evolve from tools of compliance and efficiency into strategic, cultural, and ethical levers. The articles also enrich the debate on how to integrate non-financial objectives into control architectures, and how organizational and technological factors shape the capacity of MCSs to support innovation and sustainability. Ultimately, the volume highlights the transformative role that control systems can play in guiding organizations through complexity and toward authentic, inclusive, and responsible futures. Classification-JEL: Keywords: Note: Pages:5-11 Volume: 2025/2 Year: 2025 Issue:2 File-URL:http://www.francoangeli.it/riviste/Scheda_Rivista.aspx?IDArticolo=78308&Tipo=Articolo PDF File-Format: text/HTML Handle: RePEc:fan:MACOMA:v:html10.3280/MACO2025-002001 Number: 1 X-File-Ref: http://www.francoangeli.it/Riviste/References.ashx?idArticolo=78308 Template-type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Roberto Cerchione Author-Name: Rosita Capurro Author-Name: Stefano Marciano Title: Sustainability strategies and stakeholder relationships: A multiple case study in the fashion industry Abstract: The global need for sustainable business practices has intensified due to the growing environmental and social consequences of industrial activity. The fashion industry is a resource-intensive and polluting sector that poses significant challenges related to ecological degradation, labor conditions, and ethical consumption. Academics and practitioners are increasingly highlighting the necessity of examining how firms, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), incorporate sustainability and stakeholder involvement into their strategic plans. This study employs a multiple case study approach to examine the sustainability practices and stakeholder interactions of fourteen Italian fashion SMEs. The results indicate a broad commitment to sustainable manufacturing methods, encompassing consumer education programs, transparent supply chain management, and principles of the circular economy. This study enhances the literature by providing empirical insights into how SMEs in high-impact sectors operationalize sustainability. It emphasizes the significance of collaborative networks, openness, and trust in developing business models that are both responsible and resilient. Classification-JEL: Keywords: Note: Pages:13-38 Volume: 2025/2 Year: 2025 Issue:2 File-URL:http://www.francoangeli.it/riviste/Scheda_Rivista.aspx?IDArticolo=78309&Tipo=Articolo PDF File-Format: text/HTML Handle: RePEc:fan:MACOMA:v:html10.3280/MACO2025-002002 Number: 2 X-File-Ref: http://www.francoangeli.it/Riviste/References.ashx?idArticolo=78309 Template-type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Andrea Bafundi Author-Name: Giacomo Boesso Author-Name: Fabrizio Cerbioni Title: Capacity building nelle organizzazioni nonprofit: come le fondazioni d?erogazione rinforzano i propri beneficiari Abstract: The relationship between foundations and beneficiaries may also involve the exchange of best practices, not merely financial support for social projects. This study explores the role of grant-making foundations in enhancing the operational and organizational capacities of beneficiary organizations. Specifically, it focuses on the collaborative development of skills during the funding of social initiatives, including those in cultural sectors (such as art and theatre) and in support of vulnerable groups (such as minors, the elderly, and the unemployed). Data were gathered through questionnaires completed by both foundation staff and project leaders from funded organizations. The study examines how organizational capabilities relate to non-financial support, such as planning, programming, and performance monitoring tools used in measurement and reporting. Also, it assesses satisfaction with the impact and innovativeness of the supported projects. The findings indicate a positive association between the non-financial activities promoted by foundations during the grant-making phase and the improvement of technical skills, organizational processes, and social outcomes in recipient organizations. Overall, foundations are portrayed as enablers that provide not only financial aid but also operational support. These results contribute to the literature on the managerialization of philanthropy, highlighting how nonprofit organizations can benefit from practices typically associated with for-profit enterprises. Classification-JEL: Keywords: Note: Pages:39-60 Volume: 2025/2 Year: 2025 Issue:2 File-URL:http://www.francoangeli.it/riviste/Scheda_Rivista.aspx?IDArticolo=78310&Tipo=Articolo PDF File-Format: text/HTML Handle: RePEc:fan:MACOMA:v:html10.3280/MACO2025-002003 Number: 3 X-File-Ref: http://www.francoangeli.it/Riviste/References.ashx?idArticolo=78310 Template-type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Gianni Onesti Author-Name: Riccardo Palumbo Title: Misurare l?inclusione sociale con la Trust Network Analysis: un approccio per supportare lo stile di controllo orientato alla responsabilizzazione e all?empowerment dei dipendenti Abstract: Social inclusion and employee empowerment are key factors for organizational success in the post-pandemic era, characterized by a greater adoption of flexible work arrangements and an increasing need for work-life balance. However, invisible barriers often exist that hinder the inclusion of certain social groups, limiting their opportunities for growth and active participation in corporate life. Furthermore, measuring social inclusion in organizations represents a significant challenge, and traditionally used approaches demonstrate several limitations. This study proposes the use of Trust Network Analysis (TNA) to measure the level of social inclusion in organizations. The research draws on Social Identity Theory and literature on social inclusion and management control systems to investigate how TNA can support the development of a management control style that promotes employee accountability and empowerment. The results of the empirical analysis, conducted on data based on trust relationships among employees of an Italian company, provide an innovative measure of social inclusion and useful insights for developing more effective management control tools. Classification-JEL: Keywords: Note: Pages:61-84 Volume: 2025/2 Year: 2025 Issue:2 File-URL:http://www.francoangeli.it/riviste/Scheda_Rivista.aspx?IDArticolo=78311&Tipo=Articolo PDF File-Format: text/HTML Handle: RePEc:fan:MACOMA:v:html10.3280/MACO2025-002004 Number: 4 X-File-Ref: http://www.francoangeli.it/Riviste/References.ashx?idArticolo=78311 Template-type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Anna Pistoni Author-Name: Lucrezia Songini Title: Integrated Reporting as a managerial tool: The role of Integrated Thinking Abstract: This paper highlights how, by implementing the Integrated Thinking (IT) principle, the Integrated Report (IR) can enhance its traditional role as a disclosure mechanism by assuming a new identity as a powerful managerial tool. It also aims to identify different types of integration favored by IT and propose a comprehensive overview of their relationships and impacts. Following the call for pragmatic and interventionist research on IR and IT, we performed a qualitative case study analysis focused on a research organization that implemented IR, applying the IT principle. Our findings indicate that IT supports six distinct types of integration within the firm, each having specific managerial impacts. Moreover, IT can act as a form of interactive and cultural control. Our results are likely to be of interest to both the academic world and managerial practice. In the academic sphere, we shed light on IR?s under-discussed managerial role, providing evidence from an underexplored context, the research one. In terms of managerial practice, our findings demonstrate the potential of IT as an opportunity for organizations to harness different types of integration, thereby enhancing their operations. Moreover, our findings underscore the pivotal role of the Accounting and Finance department and the Chief Financial Officer in the context of IR and IT. Finally, we advocate for a balanced approach in IT and IR, focusing not only on diagnostic control, organized according to a balanced scorecard approach, but also on interactive and cultural controls. Classification-JEL: Keywords: Note: Pages:85-108 Volume: 2025/2 Year: 2025 Issue:2 File-URL:http://www.francoangeli.it/riviste/Scheda_Rivista.aspx?IDArticolo=78312&Tipo=Articolo PDF File-Format: text/HTML Handle: RePEc:fan:MACOMA:v:html10.3280/MACO2025-002005 Number: 5 X-File-Ref: http://www.francoangeli.it/Riviste/References.ashx?idArticolo=78312 Template-type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ferdinando Di Carlo Author-Name: Manuela Lucchese Author-Name: Valery Rago Author-Name: Silvia Solimene Title: Il Business Model delle Banche di Credito Cooperativo: Tra Sostenibilit? e Tecnologia Abstract: This study aims to understand how the phenomena of sustainability and digitalization can evolve the value creation, proposal, and capture system of Credit Cooperative Banks. Specifically, the research has two aims: firstly, to investigate the presence of sustainability elements in the Business Model of Credit Cooperative Banks by analyzing the extent to which their initiatives adhere to Environmental, Social and Governance factors; secondly, to examine the impact of digitalization on the structures, processes and systems of Credit Cooperative Banks, and whether this enables them to maintain their distinctive social and territorial functions. The qualitative methodological approach adopted is based on the analysis of a single case study: the Magna Grecia Credit Cooperative Bank. Interviews with the institution?s top management and questionnaires administered to employees were selected as the research tools for this analysis. The results reveal that sustainability and digitalization are widely recognized within the selected case study. However, there is uncertainty regarding the contribution of technology to social sustainability, which is why physical branches continue to play a pivotal role in the institution?s operations. This study aims to address a gap in academic literature, as analysis of the methods and strategies of this transition is less explored. Classification-JEL: Keywords: Note: Pages:109-132 Volume: 2025/2 Year: 2025 Issue:2 File-URL:http://www.francoangeli.it/riviste/Scheda_Rivista.aspx?IDArticolo=78313&Tipo=Articolo PDF File-Format: text/HTML Handle: RePEc:fan:MACOMA:v:html10.3280/MACO2025-002006 Number: 6 X-File-Ref: http://www.francoangeli.it/Riviste/References.ashx?idArticolo=78313 Template-type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Walter Lasca Author-Name: Marco Montemari Title: What Makes Business Intelligence & Analytics Systems Stick? Identifying Recurrent Enablers in Management Accounting Practices Abstract: Despite the growing interest in Business Intelligence & Analytics (BI&A) systems, many organizations still struggle to fully embed these tools into their Management Accounting (MA) practices after initial adoption. Yet, limited attention has been devoted to the stage of actual use, and prior studies have mostly examined individual enablers of use in isolation. This paper addresses this gap by investigating which bundle of enabling factors most frequently recur across organizations that have integrated BI&A systems into their MA practices. Drawing on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as a conceptual lens, the study is based on a cross-sectional field study involving eight Italian medium-sized and large companies. The findings reveal that BI&A system usage in MA contexts emerges not from isolated drivers, but from combinations of factors spanning organizational, technical, and behavioural dimensions. In particular, six enabling factors emerged as consistently present: (1) perceived usefulness of the BI&A system by end users, (2) strong understanding of company processes by management accountants, (3) collaborative implementation involving end users, (4) active management support, (5) cross-functional implementation teams, (6) demand-driven development of BI&A outputs. In addition, the study identifies the choice of the entry point, specifically the decision to start implementation with sales data, as a novel and underexplored enabler. Sales data, being highly accessible, easy to validate, and directly relevant to decision-making, played a crucial role in building early user trust and reducing perceived complexity. This trusted entry point contributed to lower resistance and foster confidence, allowing users to perceive the BI&A system as immediately useful and manageable. Classification-JEL: Keywords: Note: Pages:133-156 Volume: 2025/2 Year: 2025 Issue:2 File-URL:http://www.francoangeli.it/riviste/Scheda_Rivista.aspx?IDArticolo=78314&Tipo=Articolo PDF File-Format: text/HTML Handle: RePEc:fan:MACOMA:v:html10.3280/MACO2025-002007 Number: 7 X-File-Ref: http://www.francoangeli.it/Riviste/References.ashx?idArticolo=78314 Template-type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Christian Di Falco Author-Name: Guido Noto Author-Name: Gustavo Barresi Title: Dalla misurazione dell?outcome a quella dell?impact: la Sentiment Analysis a supporto della valutazione della performance delle aziende sanitarie pubbliche Abstract: Performance Management (PM) systems of public healthcare organizations are increasingly focusing on measuring the creation of public value, i.e., the ability to economically meet the social needs of users. To do this, the most recent literature suggests integrating outcome measures ? the results achieved in meeting the needs of public service users ? into PM systems. However, to fully appreciate the public value created by organizations and recognized by the community, it is also important to measure and evaluate the results in terms of impact they achieve, including for ?non-beneficiaries,? a dimension that is still little explored in the literature. The study proposes the use of Sentiment Analysis (SA) to measure this impact by analyzing opinions and sentiments expressed on web platforms. The case study of the G. Martino University Hospital in Messina is used to explore the potential and limitations of SA in measuring, managing, and evaluating organizational performance in the public sector. Classification-JEL: Keywords: Note: Pages:157-177 Volume: 2025/2 Year: 2025 Issue:2 File-URL:http://www.francoangeli.it/riviste/Scheda_Rivista.aspx?IDArticolo=78315&Tipo=Articolo PDF File-Format: text/HTML Handle: RePEc:fan:MACOMA:v:html10.3280/MACO2025-002008 Number: 8 X-File-Ref: http://www.francoangeli.it/Riviste/References.ashx?idArticolo=78315 Template-type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Enrico De Camillis Author-Name: Teresa Izzo Author-Name: Daniela Mancini Title: Percorsi di decarbonizzazione e sistemi di controllo: un modello di analisi per il settore energetico Abstract: In response to global regulatory developments addressing carbon-related challenges, companies face an increasing pressure to adopt targeted emission reduction actions and enhance their performance in managing carbon emissions. To ensure a swift, effective, and lasting corporate response to systemic environmental challenges, it is essential to examine and understand how companies implement carbon reduction strategies and monitor their progress. This article employs a content analysis approach to highlight the greenhouse gas (GHG) management strategies and systems adopted by Italian listed companies operating in the energy sector. By analysing sustainability reports, this article delivers valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners, into how corporate planning and control practices for pursing carbon goals are integrated into disclosure process. Academically, we provide a framework for mapping corporate strategies and control systems aimed at managing carbon emissions. Practically, we identify best practices and offer guidelines to support planning and implementation of decarbonization strategies, adopt control mechanisms and tools, and develop internal and external engagement activities. Classification-JEL: Keywords: Note: Pages:179-204 Volume: 2025/2 Year: 2025 Issue:2 File-URL:http://www.francoangeli.it/riviste/Scheda_Rivista.aspx?IDArticolo=78316&Tipo=Articolo PDF File-Format: text/HTML Handle: RePEc:fan:MACOMA:v:html10.3280/MACO2025-002009 Number: 9 X-File-Ref: http://www.francoangeli.it/Riviste/References.ashx?idArticolo=78316 Template-type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Antonio Prencipe Title: L?origine accademica condiziona le pratiche di earnings management? Un?analisi sugli spin-off universitari Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between university spin-offs and earnings management, proposing a conceptual framework to assess the integrity of financial reporting within academic-origin firms. Grounded in institutional and stakeholder theories, the study hypothesizes and tests whether university spin-offs are less likely to engage in earnings management compared to similar firms. The analysis includes a sample of 860 Italian university spin-offs from 2014 to 2022, benchmarked against a control group of 5,535 innovative startups unaffiliated with academia. To ensure comparability, Propensity Score Matching (PSM) is applied, and earnings management is measured using Stubben?s (2010) conditional earnings model. Results indicate that university spin-offs engage in earnings management to a lesser extent than other firms, potentially due to the influence of academic governance, which promotes ethical practices, alongside unique stakeholder pressures. These findings suggest that policymakers and university governance bodies could encourage ethical financial practices in spin-offs, enhancing their reputations while fostering innovation and economic growth. This study contributes to the literature by integrating institutional and stakeholder theories to interpret university spin-offs? financial behaviors, providing insights into the distinctive financial management practices of these enterprises. Classification-JEL: Keywords: Note: Pages:205-231 Volume: 2025/2 Year: 2025 Issue:2 File-URL:http://www.francoangeli.it/riviste/Scheda_Rivista.aspx?IDArticolo=78317&Tipo=Articolo PDF File-Format: text/HTML Handle: RePEc:fan:MACOMA:v:html10.3280/MACO2025-002010 Number: 10 X-File-Ref: http://www.francoangeli.it/Riviste/References.ashx?idArticolo=78317