STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT DECISIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT. THE ROLE OF INSTITUTIONS AND ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS

Emerging markets have grown in importance as investment and corporate objectives because of globalization. Multinational corporations use foreign direct investment (FDI) as a strategical investment decision to gain a competitive advantage. The purpose of the study is to investigate the role of formal and informal institutional determinants of FDI and how multinational Companies (MNCs) base their strategic investment concerning the institutional environment of emerging and developing markets. Consulting the existing literature in relation to the quality of institutions and their relevance and impact on foreign direct investment strategies and investment decision process this study includes and analyze all institutions (Political, Regulatory, Economic and Cultural) that have an impact on the FDI management strategic investment decision. Herewith the study came with concrete findings and recommendations for potential international investors, local institutions but also organization involved with investment promotion. Based on the relevant theory and primary research findings five research questions and hypotheses were developed to address the research problem “Does institutional and economic determinants impact the strategic investment decision? The study results found that institution environment role on the FDI exist, and these effects include not only countries and regions but also the sector specific industries. When considering from strategic management perspective they are significant enough to dictate investment decision choice and strategies for selecting the country market that offers institutional and economic context that is in the best interest of the foreign investors. The results obtained are specific for a particular case and limited in the scope, so they cannot be applied to some other countries and regions. However, these results yield important theoretical and practical implications for international companies and policymakers throughout the region. For this purpose, interviews have been conducted including four experts representing

Ligita Å ARKUTÄ– - Associate Professor, Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania, ligita.sarkute@vdu.lt

Darjel SINA - Associate Professor, Faculty of Law European University of Tirana, Republic of Albania. darjel.sina@uet.edu.al, (Corresponding Author)

Kreshnik BELLO - Professor, Faculty of Economics, European University of Tirana, Albania. kreshnik.bello@uet.edu.al

Arben VERCUNI - Professor, Faculty of Economics, Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania avercuni@ubt.edu.al

F21, F30, G20

PUBLIC DEBT AS A DETERMINANT OF THE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN KOSOVO

This article investigates the impact of public debt on economic growth in Kosovo. By analyzing secondary data, we aim to determine whether increasing public debt levels have stimulated or hindered economic growth. The study employs an econometric model to quantify this relationship, providing valuable insights for policymakers and economists. The findings suggest a nuanced impact of public debt on economic growth, with implications for fiscal policy and sustainable development strategies in Kosovo. Empirical results suggest negative relationship between public debt and economic growth controlling for other determinants of growth trade openness, total investment, current account balance and primary balance. The results also confirmed the existence of a “U inverted” relationship between public debt and economic growth.

Filipos RUXHO - Professor Assistant, Faculty of Agribusiness, Haxhi Zeka University, Peja, Republic of Kosovo. filipos.ruxho@unhz.eu

Dimitrios P. PETROPOULOS - Professor, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Food University of Peloponnese, Greece. d.petropoulos@uop.gr

Dimas Angga NEGORO - Profesor Assistant Esa Unggul University, Indonesia. dimas.angga@esaunggul.ac.id

H63, E60, O10, O40

THE CULTURE AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF FAMILY HEALTH UNITS IN THE ALGARVE REGION

Background and Aim: Considering the changes within organizations and their constant needs for internal and external adaptation, the study of organizational culture has been seen as a determining factor for the management of organizational behavior and, at the same time, a foundation in the process of decision making. This study aimed to analyze and compare the profile of the organizational culture of Family Health Units of two different models of organizational management. Based on the Competing Values Framework Model (CVF), the Organizational Culture Profile of the Family Health Units of models A and B was analyzed, in order to identify the type of organizational culture predominant in the units with different performance indices, analyze the discrepancies between the current and ideal culture and the cultural profiles generated by two professional groups. Methodology: A quantitative, cross- sectional study of the type described was chosen. For this purpose, two data sources were used, the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument, translated and adapted to the portuguese language, applied to a total of 99 professionals, doctors and nurses, from various Primary Health Care Units, and the Primary Health Care Identity Card database, where data on performance indices were extracted. Conclusion: Certain cultural characteristics such as: dominant characteristics, organizational leadership, employee management, internal cohesion, organizational principle and success criteria must be readjusted in order to meet the challenges and objectives associated with management models organizational structure and, consequently, promote change and the success of the USF.

Vera BASILIO - Professor Assistant, University of Algarve, Portugal. veraluciaba82@gmail.com

Susana Soares Pinheiro Vieira PESCADA - Professor Assistant, Faculty of Economy, Cin Turs - Research Center for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being University of Algarve, Portugal. E-mail:spescada@ualg.pt

João VIDAL - Professor Assistant, University of Algarve, Portugal Cin Turs - Research Center for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being E-mail:jvidal@ualg.pt

Fernando TEIXEIRA - Professor Asistant, Instituto Politécnico de Beja, Portugal Smart Cities Research Center fernando.teixeira@ipbeja.pt

I10, 130

SOCIAL PROTECTION IN GREECE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND

Sustainable development leaving no one behind and social protection in line with its institutional framework are crucial for the well-being of local communities. The literature shows, however, that a general and growing recognition of sustainable development alone does not provide equal opportunities to different segments of society. Our research found that in Greece regions and local communities clearly have an important role to play in the development of new social protection policies for sustainable and inclusive growth. The key challenges for defining inclusive and sustainable development for social protection policies in Greece are highlighted. Reforms are proposed for inclusive and sustainable development policies that are likely to contribute to regional and local social protection. The conclusions identify key reform principles that will promote a holistic social protection policy in the context of local sustainable development leaving no one behind.

Anastasios SEPETIS - Professor Assistant, Department of Business Administration, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece. tsepet@uniwa.gr

Algis KRUPAVIÄŒIUS - Professor, Faculty of Public Governance, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania. algis.krupavicius@mruni.eu, (Corresponding Author)

Christos Ap. LADIAS - Professor, Regional Science Inquiry Journal ladias@rsijournal.eu

R10, Q01, Q50, G10, G30, H10, H30, H70