THE VIABLE BUSINESS PRACTICE OF OPTIMIZING THE OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS COST: A MICROECONOMIC APPROACH

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is a social requirement but enterprises often see it merely as a legal obligation. Occupational accidents impose a significant economic burden on societies, extending beyond medical and compensation costs, as they result in losses due to reduced productivity, social consequences, and a burden on the health and welfare systems of regions. Through a microeconomic analysis, this paper evaluates the cost of occupational accidents and examines the tradeoff between their prevention and recovery components to determine the optimal security level that minimizes the total accident cost. The analysis emphasizes the need for firms to incorporate the costs of occupational accidents into their strategic planning and operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of optimizing these costs as a business practice. The ultimate purpose of this paper is to contribute to the culture that OSH should not be seen as an obligation but as a strategic asset for companies seeking sustainability, as, in the long run, it reduces risks, enhances business profitability, promotes anthropocentric development and life quality, and demonstrates corporate social responsibility. Overall, calculating the total occupational accident cost and choosing the appropriate prevention strategy are elements contributing to a safer, more efficient, and viable working environment.

Serafeim POLYZOS - Professor Emeritus, Department of Regional Development and Planning, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece spolyzos@uth.gr

Dimitrios TSIOTAS - Assistant Professor, Department of Regional and Economic Development, School of Applied Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, Amfissa, Greece tsiotas@aua.gr (Corresponding Author)

D50, R00, R13

STAKEHOLDERS` PERCEPTIONS ON CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT IN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: INSIGHTS FROM DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN-OWNED CORPORATIONS IN ALBANIA

This research investigates how corporations operating in Albania—both domestic and foreign are engaged in the alignment of their practices with social responsibility and sustainable development goals, viewed through the lens of stakeholders. A quantitative survey was conducted, distributing an online questionnaire to corporate employees and directors, resulting in 42 responses. The sample represents a diverse array of companies across multiple sectors, including production, services, trade, and construction, based in various cities throughout Albania. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study investigates the influence of four key pillars on corporate alignment with Sustainable Economic Development Goals and Practices: Reduction of Carbon Emissions and Supply Chain Management, Inclusion and Community Engagement, Social Investments and Stakeholder Relations, and Transparency, Reporting, and Compliance with Human Rights. The analysis indicates that, based on the perception of employees and directors, transparency, reporting, and compliance with human rights have a positive impact on corporate commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development. These findings are supported by both ordinal regression and ordinal logistic regression models. This study offers valuable insights that can guide future corporate strategies while addressing existing research gaps, ultimately contributing to the advancement of sustainable development in Albania.

Ardita TODRI - Associate Professor, Finance and Accounting Department, University of Elbasan "Aleksandër Xhuvani", Albania, ardita.todri@gmail.com, ORCID: 0000-0002-3825-0780

Ina SEJDINI - Lecturer, Economics Department, University of Elbasan "Aleksandër Xhuvani", Albania, ina_sejdini@live.com, ORCID:0000-0002-5381-2112

Imelda SEJDINI - Associate Professor, Business Management Department, University of Elbasan "Aleksandër Xhuvani", Albania, imelda.sejdini@yahoo.com, ORCID: 0000-0002-9067-1259

Ina BALUKJA - Assistant Professor, Law Department, University of Elbasan "Aleksandër Xhuvani", Albania, inalvbalukja@gmail.com, ORCID: 0009-0006-1358-297X

D2, G39, Y8

ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE AT PUBLIC HOSPITAL OF ALGARVE: INTERNAL MEDICINE STAFF PERCEPTION

Organisational culture has increasingly emerged as a pivotal focus in management and organisational studies over recent decades, given its substantial impact on institutional performance, adaptability, innovation, and long-term sustainability. Within the healthcare sector, understanding cultural dynamics is essential to fostering effective leadership, enhancing service quality, and promoting employee well-being. This study examines the organisational culture of the Internal Medicine Inpatient Unit at the Public Hospital of Algarve (PHA), aiming to support strategic change management and inform human capital development policies. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, utilising the well-established Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) developed by Cameron and Quinn (1999, 2011). The instrument was administered to a broad range of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, technical assistants, and operational support staff. Findings indicate that the current culture is predominantly aligned with the Clan type, characterised by teamwork, trust, and a family-like working environment, followed by elements of a Hierarchical culture, reflecting the importance of structure, control, and formal procedures. Participants demonstrated a clear preference for reinforcing the Clan model, while acknowledging the strategic value of incorporating leadership attributes from all four cultural types: Clan, Hierarchy, Market, and Adhocracy. Notably, cultural perceptions were consistent across sociodemographic groups, highlighting a shared vision for a more collaborative, internally focused culture. The results underscore the importance of aligning organisational culture with leadership development, employee engagement, and institutional priorities. Based on these insights, the study proposes actionable recommendations to enhance organisational effectiveness, professional satisfaction, and cultural alignment within the healthcare context.

Susana Soares Pinheiro PESCADA - University of Algarve, Faculty of Economics, Portugal spescada@ualg.pt (Corresponding Author)

Fernando Jose Calado e Silva Nunes TEIXEIRA - Polytechnic Institute of Beja, Portugal Smart Cities Research Center, Instituto Polytechnico de Tomar fernando.teixeira@ipbeja.pt

Weska Glacielly Resende PEREIRA - University of Algarve, Faculty of Economics, Portugal weska.pereira@gmail.com

H12, J24, I12, J13, M12, M14

THE PREDICTIVE POWER OF TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: EVIDENCE FROM THE GBP/USD EXCHANGE RATE

This study examines the effectiveness of technical analysis in the foreign exchange market, focusing on the GBP/USD currency pair in 2019. By combining historical and granular analysis, the research leverages various technical tools, including trendlines, support and resistance levels, Fibonacci retracements, chart patterns, and candlestick formations. The study demonstrates the predictive power of these tools in identifying market trends, pinpointing potential reversals, and uncovering trading opportunities. This highlights the value of technical analysis for informed decision-making in the complex foreign exchange market.

Miguel LAMPREIA - Ivo Garcias, Sociedade de Embalagens, Lda., Portugal lampreia16@gmail.com

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

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

D50, D53