podNECE

S02-E15 - "Balancing legacy and progress: Environmental and social sustainability practices in European Union family firms"

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0100

The 15th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that investigates how family businesses across the 27 European Union member states integrate environmental and social sustainability into their operations. By analyzing over 2,500 firms, the authors identify four distinct adoption profiles, ranging from "advanced implementers" to "non-implementers," alongside three country-level groupings that reflect regional variations. The study highlights that smaller, older companies with moderate turnovers are often the most active in adopting these measures, frequently prioritizing social initiatives over environmental ones. Using frameworks like socioemotional wealth and stakeholder theory, the text explains that family firms' long- term perspectives and values drive this strategic heterogeneity. Ultimately, the findings suggest that policymakers should avoid one-size-fits-all approaches, instead favoring strategies that account for the diverse characteristics and geographic contexts of family-run enterprises.

https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.71222

podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

S02-E14 - "Insect-based food: The role of consumer neuroscience in exploring consumer behavior"

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0100

The 14th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that investigates consumer acceptance of insect-based food in the European market through a pioneering mix of traditional surveys and neuroscience techniques. Researchers measured the physiological responses of participants consuming a protein bar, utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) to capture nonconscious reactions like arousal and attention. While initial surveys revealed low awareness and complex feelings of surprise, fear, and disgust, the experimental data showed that processed insect products elicited high levels of interest and were often preferred over traditional cereal bars. The findings suggest that nutritional and sustainability communication is essential to normalize entomophagy and reduce the "novelty" barrier. Ultimately, the authors recommend marketing strategies such as free samples and tasting trials to foster familiarity and drive the adoption of sustainable protein alternatives.

https://doi.org/10.1037/npe0000215

podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

S02-E13 - "Shaping sustainable communication on Instagram: How digital influencers in Portugal engage consumers in eco-conscious narratives"

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0100

The 13th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that investigates how digital influencers in Portugal communicate sustainability on Instagram and how these messages are perceived by Generation Z. The research utilizes a dual-method approach, combining a multimodal video analysisof 200 Reels with focus group discussions involving young consumers. Findings indicate a clear divide between influencer tiers: while high-reach "mega" influencers often commodify green values into luxury lifestyles, smaller "nano" and "micro" creators engage in more authentic, politicized storytelling. For Generation Z, trust is not built through high production quality but through aesthetic coherence and perceived sincerity. Ultimately, the authors argue that digital sustainability functions as an affective performance where emotional resonance and stylistic simplicity determine credibility. This work highlights the complex symbolic economy of social media, where ethical living is curated as a marketable identity.

https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051251408946

podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

S02-E12 - "The influence of professional accounting organizations on the supply and demand of the accounting professional’s competencies: a Portuguese case study"

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:00:00 +0100

The 12th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that investigates how professional accounting organizations (PAOs) in Portugal shape the competencies of practitioners by influencing both the supply and demand of the labor market. Through a qualitative analysis of three major bodies—OCC, OROC, and APOTEC—the authors examine how these institutions perceive emerging shifts like digital transformation and sustainability reporting. The study categorizes PAO influence into four pillars: certification and regulation, professional development, oversight, and advocacy. By interacting with higher education institutions and regulatory bodies, PAOs act as critical intermediaries that define professional standards and entry requirements. Ultimately, the paper provides a refined conceptual framework to help scholars and policymakers understand how these organizations align educational outcomes with evolving industry expectations.

https://doi.org/10.1108/JAOC-12-2024-0408

podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.