Markus Schwaninger | Business Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Best Researcher Award

Markus Schwaninger
Professor Emeritus, Institute of Management and Strategy, University of St. Gallen, Switzerland

Markus Schwaninger
Affiliation University of St. Gallen
Country Switzerland
Scopus ID 7005462927
Documents 87
Citations 1,813
h-index 22
Subject Area Business, Management and Accounting
Event International Academic Achievements & Awards

Markus Schwaninger is internationally recognized for his contributions to systems science, organizational cybernetics, systemic management, and sustainability governance. As Professor Emeritus at the University of St. Gallen, he has advanced interdisciplinary approaches to organizational intelligence and adaptive management systems. His academic portfolio includes influential research on viable systems, system dynamics, water governance, and corporate transformation, contributing significantly to the development of systemic methodologies in management science and sustainability studies.[1]

Abstract

This academic profile presents the scholarly achievements and systemic research contributions of Markus Schwaninger, Professor Emeritus at the University of St. Gallen. His interdisciplinary work integrates organizational cybernetics, systems theory, governance modeling, sustainability science, and adaptive management frameworks. Through extensive publications, editorial leadership, international collaborations, and institutional innovation, Schwaninger has contributed to advancing viable systems approaches in management education, environmental governance, and organizational intelligence.[2]

Keywords

Systems Science; Organizational Cybernetics; System Dynamics; Sustainability Governance; Viable Systems; Variety Engineering; Adaptive Management; Organizational Intelligence; Water Governance; Corporate Transformation; Systemic Management; Environmental Sustainability; Complex Systems; Governance Modeling; Management Science

Introduction

Markus Schwaninger has established an internationally recognized academic career centered on systems thinking and organizational cybernetics. His scholarly work explores how organizations and governance systems can adapt to complexity, uncertainty, and sustainability challenges through systemic methodologies. Over several decades, he has contributed to the evolution of the St. Gallen Management Model and has developed theoretical and applied frameworks for viable governance, strategic adaptation, and systemic sustainability management.[3]

Research Profile

Markus Schwaninger specializes in organizational cybernetics, system dynamics, sustainability governance, and adaptive management education, emphasizing viable systems, systemic transformation, corporate learning, and interdisciplinary strategies for resilient socio-economic and environmental systems.

Research Contributions

Schwaninger contributed extensively to systemic management science through influential publications, cybernetic governance models, sustainability frameworks, organizational intelligence research, and international collaborations integrating systems thinking with management, environmental, and educational applications.

Publications

Markus Schwaninger has authored and co-authored 87 indexed documents with more than 1,800 citations and an h-index of 22. His publications span systems research, sustainability governance, cybernetics, organizational learning, and management science. His academic works include journal articles, conference papers, and books addressing adaptive governance, systemic modeling, water allocation control, and viable organizational systems.[1]

  • “Bioindustrialization by Native People: A Systemic Management Approach to Foster Coevolution,” Systemic Practice and Action Research, 2026.
  • “Water Governance in the Tocantins-Araguaia Hydrographic Region,” PLOS Water, 2026.
  • “Systemic Management Education as an Adaptive Venture,” Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 2026.
  • “Model-based Governance: A Cybernetic Approach to Water Allocation Control,” Environmental Management, 2025.
  • “Linear versus Non-linear Modelling: A Systemic Analysis with Empirical Data on Credit and Investment,” Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 2025.

Research Impact

The academic impact of Markus Schwaninger’s work is reflected in his citation metrics, editorial leadership, and influence on systemic governance scholarship. His contributions to organizational cybernetics and system dynamics have informed management education, sustainability research, and institutional policy frameworks internationally. His systemic methodologies continue to support interdisciplinary research in adaptive governance and organizational transformation.[2]

Award Suitability

His interdisciplinary scholarship, sustained publication record, international academic leadership, and pioneering contributions to systems science and organizational cybernetics demonstrate strong suitability for distinguished academic and research excellence recognition awards.[3]

Conclusion

Markus Schwaninger’s career reflects enduring contributions to systemic management, sustainability, and cybernetics, advancing organizational theory and practical governance approaches while influencing global academic, scientific, and interdisciplinary management communities.[5]

References

  1. Elsevier. (2026). Scopus author details: Markus Schwaninger, Author ID 7005462927. Scopus.
    https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=7005462927
  2. Schwaninger, M. et al. (2026). Systemic Management Education as an Adaptive Venture: 60-Year Evolution of the St. Gallen Management Model. Systems Research and Behavioral Science.
    https://doi.org/10.1002/sres.3120
  3. Schwaninger, M. (2025). Model-based Governance: A Cybernetic Approach to Water Allocation Control. Environmental Management.
  4. University of St. Gallen. (2026). Academic profile and publication archive of Markus Schwaninger.
    https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/entities/person/Markus_Schwaninger/publications
  5. Schwaninger, M. et al. (2026). Water Governance in the Tocantins-Araguaia Hydrographic Region: Assessing Viability Using a Participatory Systemic Approach. PLOS Water.
    https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pwat.0000347

Rongrong ZHANG | Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rongrong ZHANG | Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rongrong ZHANG | Management and Accounting – Ph.D. Candidate at University of International Business and Economics, China

Dr. Rongrong Zhang is a passionate and forward-thinking doctoral researcher at the Business School of the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), China. Her scholarly pursuits reflect an interdisciplinary fusion of organizational behavior, psychology, and sustainability. Grounded in a strong academic foundation and practical insights gained through industry and academia, Dr. Zhang has consistently contributed to research that enhances our understanding of workplace dynamics in the age of artificial intelligence and environmental responsibility. With a growing portfolio of impactful publications and international collaborations, she is emerging as a prominent voice among next-generation scholars in the field of behavioral sciences and organizational development.

Academic Profile:

ORCID

Education:

Dr. Zhang is currently completing her Ph.D. in Business Management at UIBE, where she is exploring the nuanced intersection of employee green behavior, emotional regulation, and moral psychology in organizational settings. She earned her Master’s degree in International Business English from Tianjin Foreign Studies University in 2017, which solidified her capabilities in cross-cultural communication and professional business environments. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in English for Business Purposes at North China Institute of Aerospace Engineering. Her academic journey is complemented by national-level research training, foreign language proficiency, and several specialized certifications, including HR and IT qualifications, which together enrich her scholarly output and pedagogical capabilities.

Experience:

Over the years, Dr. Zhang has built a dynamic professional profile, balancing academic inquiry with real-world exposure. She has held various roles, including teaching assistant, data analyst, English lecturer, and human resources assistant, in institutions ranging from the University of Edinburgh to public high schools and training centers across China. Her academic experiences include supervising student research, managing administrative tasks in international programs, and collaborating on interdisciplinary projects with scholars across universities. These engagements have equipped her with a holistic understanding of educational leadership, curriculum delivery, and research coordination—skills that are critical for academic excellence and mentorship.

Research Interest:

Dr. Zhang’s research centers around Organizational Behavior, with a thematic focus on employee green behavior, artificial intelligence applications in workplace settings, moral self-regulation, and emotional labor. She is particularly interested in how emerging technologies impact human behavior and organizational ethics, and how moral identity shapes pro-environmental actions at work. Her studies adopt both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, integrating behavioral analytics and psychological theories to offer robust, evidence-based insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. She is actively involved in research projects funded by prestigious institutions, such as the National Social Science Foundation of China and Beijing Educational Science Program.

Awards:

Dr. Zhang has received multiple academic recognitions throughout her research career. She was selected to lead a Graduate Research Innovation Project at UIBE, where her project investigates the moral self-regulation mechanism underlying green workplace behaviors. Additionally, she has received accolades for her participation in competitive conferences like SEEP2021 and was selected for reviewer roles in esteemed journals such as Current Psychology and Journal of Managerial Psychology. Her academic promise and professional discipline have earned her distinction within her doctoral cohort and commendations from faculty mentors and research collaborators.

Publications:

📘 Exploring the Mechanism of How Ethical Leadership Influences Employees’ Green Behavior (2024) – Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, cited by 16 articles.
📗 Emotional Labor and Green Behavior: A Moral Self-Regulation Perspective (2023) – Current Psychology, cited by 12 articles.
📙 AI and Organizational Morality: The Role of Self-Identity (2023) – Leadership & Organization Development Journal, cited by 8 articles.
📕 Understanding Moral Disengagement in Green HRM Contexts (2022) – Chinese Management Studies, cited by 9 articles.
📔 The Role of Organizational Culture in Mediating Green Initiatives (2021) – Frontiers in Psychology, cited by 11 articles.
📓 Employee Proactivity in Eco-Friendly Practices: A Behavioral Analytics Approach (2021) – Journal of Cleaner Production, cited by 14 articles.
📒 Emotional Labor Strategies and Environmental Citizenship (2020) – International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, cited by 10 articles.

Conclusion:

Dr. Rongrong Zhang exemplifies the ideals of a modern researcher—curious, collaborative, and committed to societal impact. Her scholarly work intersects pressing global challenges, including sustainability, artificial intelligence, and workplace ethics. With a strong educational foundation, diverse professional experience, and an evolving publication portfolio, she is poised to become a thought leader in organizational behavior and behavioral science. Her passion for research, coupled with a strong track record of academic excellence and innovative thinking, makes her an outstanding candidate for this prestigious award nomination. Her continued contributions are set to influence academic theory and organizational practice on a global scale.

Mr. Eshetu Mebratie | Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Eshetu Mebratie | Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Eshetu Mebratie | Accounting – teacher at Injibara University, Ethiopia

Eshetu Mebratie is an academic dedicated to enhancing the quality of public administration and development management. Based in Ethiopia, he currently serves as a lecturer at Injibara University, where he teaches courses on public administration, human resource management, and organizational performance. His research primarily focuses on the intersection of human resources, leadership behavior, and organizational outcomes in Ethiopia’s universities. With a passion for improving institutional management, Mebratie’s work is instrumental in bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications in the Ethiopian context.

Profile Verified:

Orcid 

Education:

Eshetu Mebratie’s educational journey is rooted in Ethiopia, where he first studied at Aksum University, gaining foundational knowledge in management. He furthered his studies at Jimma University, where he deepened his expertise and honed his research skills. His academic background is vital in shaping his research, which is dedicated to improving public sector performance and leadership within Ethiopia. His educational qualifications provide a strong foundation for his work in higher education, contributing to a deeper understanding of management dynamics within the country.

Experience:

Mebratie’s professional experience as a lecturer at Injibara University has been central to his career. Since 2016, he has taught in the fields of public administration and development management, allowing him to directly impact the next generation of public sector leaders. His teaching and research have contributed to the academic development of students and professionals in the Amhara region and beyond. In addition to his teaching role, Mebratie has also been involved in various research projects, focusing on the application of management theories and practices within Ethiopian universities, particularly in the context of human resources and leadership behaviors.

Research Interests:

Mebratie’s primary research interests lie in the areas of public administration, human resource management, leadership behavior, and organizational performance. He focuses on understanding the critical factors that influence institutional performance, specifically within Ethiopian higher education institutions. His work investigates how management practices, such as human resource strategies and leadership styles, affect organizational success and performance in these settings. Additionally, Mebratie is interested in examining the challenges posed by destructive leadership behavior in universities and other organizations in Ethiopia. His research contributes to a better understanding of leadership dynamics and management strategies that can drive institutional improvement.

Awards:

While Eshetu Mebratie has not yet received a specific individual award, his scholarly contributions have significantly impacted the academic community, particularly in the field of public administration and organizational performance. His dedication to advancing research that addresses practical challenges in Ethiopia has made him a key figure in shaping how public administration and management are understood in the region. His academic work continues to be valued by scholars and practitioners alike for its contribution to improving the governance and leadership practices within Ethiopian institutions.

Publications:

  1. “Knowledge-based human resource management practices and organizational performance in selected universities of Amhara regional state, Ethiopia: the moderating effect of intellectual capital”
    Published in Cogent Business & Management (2025)
    DOI: [10.1080/23311975.2025.2491688] 📰
  2. “Identifying the prevalence of destructive leadership behavior and its determinants in northwest Ethiopia”
    Published in Cogent Business & Management (2024)
    DOI: [10.1080/23311975.2024.2315696] 📰

Conclusion:

Eshetu Mebratie’s career in academia has been marked by his commitment to improving public administration and development management in Ethiopia. His research contributions, particularly in the areas of human resource management and leadership behavior, offer valuable insights that are shaping institutional performance in Ethiopian universities. With a focus on addressing key issues in governance and leadership, Mebratie’s work has become integral to the ongoing discourse in the field of public administration. His research has the potential to inspire further scholarly work and practical solutions for the improvement of organizational practices in Ethiopia and similar developing contexts. Although he is at the early stages of his career in terms of awards, his scholarly contributions have laid a strong foundation for future recognition.