https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/436 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 04:34:24 GMT 2026-04-18T04:34:24Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145510 Title: Commentary : expanding the scope of creativity assessment : integrating everyday creativity to address 21st century complexities Authors: Mangion, Margaret; Baldacchino, Leonie Abstract: The OECD's PISA Creative Thinking (CT) Assessment, introduced as part of the PISA framework in 2022, marks a significant advancement in recognizing creativity as an essential skill for the 21st century. However, as with all new initiatives, a review of the PISA CT 2022 highlights certain limitations that could benefit from refinement in future iterations of the battery to achieve a more comprehensive and ecologically valid understanding of adolescent creative thinking. In this commentary, we argue for an expansion of the PISA CT's focus to include assessment of everyday creativity (EC), which reflects the practical and contextual realities of contemporary life. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145510 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145508 Title: Entrepreneurial decision-making and behavior under radical uncertainty : boundaries and boundlessness of diving into the unknown Authors: Bastian, Bob; Baldacchino, Leonie; Gabay-Mariani, Laetitia; Sassetti, Sara; Pellegrini, Massimiliano; Caputo, Andrea Abstract: This editorial introduces radical uncertainty as a multifaceted phenomenon in entrepreneurship that extends beyond traditional risk- uncertainty distinctions. Radical uncertainty involves unpredictable outcomes with epistemic gaps beyond knowable out comes that challenge conventional decision- making models. This Special Issue presents 13 papers examining how entrepreneurs navigate this type of uncertainty through cognitive mechanisms, relational processes, and value- driven strategies. The contributions reveal radical uncertainty as ontological, epistemic, relational, and identity based. As a result, we propose an integrative model that connects the nature of uncertainty to navigation mechanisms and consequential entrepreneurial outcomes. In this way, the papers in the Special Issue advance our understanding of resilience, adaptation, and purpose- driven action to cope with radical uncertainty. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145508 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145507 Title: The effects of the dark and light triad traits on entrepreneurs' coping strategies and psychological well-being Authors: Baldacchino, Leonie; Sassetti, Sara Abstract: Research has often portrayed entrepreneurs in largely positive terms, reflecting their contributions to innovation, employment, and economic growth. At the same time, it is well recognized that entrepreneurial activity can also involve harmful and un ethical behaviors, as evidenced by numerous cases of misconduct among business owners and managers. This darker aspect of entrepreneurship aligns with existing theories on the dual nature of human personality, which posit that people generally possess both dark and light personality traits. Many scholars turned their attention to the “dark triad,” which comprises the traits of Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. This resulted in a somewhat “negative bias” in the broader psychology research, which responded with the introduction of a contrasting “light triad,” comprising the traits of Kantianism, humanism, and faith in humanity. While some authors maintain that more studies on the negative aspects of entrepreneurship are needed, this emphasis appears disproportionate as it largely overlooks the role of prosocial traits in entrepreneurial behavior. This paper addresses this gap in the literature and responds to calls for research that explores both the dark and light triad traits through the following research question: What are the effects of entrepreneurs' dark and light triad traits on their coping strategies and psychological well- being (PWB)? Survey data gathered from 179 entrepreneurs in Malta revealed that the dark triad is associated with maladaptive emotion- based coping strategies, while the light triad is associated with the more adaptive task- based and avoidance- based coping strategies, as well as with positive PWB. This implies that entrepreneurs with darker traits tend to cope with adversity less effectively than those with light traits, who, in turn, enjoy more positive emotions and life satisfaction. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145507 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145501 Title: Late calls for new beginnings : an integrated framework for motivations and intentions in senior entrepreneurship Authors: Sant’ Anna, Sandro; Baldacchino, Leonie; Fabri, Stephanie Abstract: Purpose – The topic of senior entrepreneurship has recently grown in relevance, due to various factors including increased life expectancy, decreased retirement pensions and improved well-being, allowing people to remain productive for longer. Although some research has been carried out in this area, it is still a niche where various gaps remain untapped, including on the motivations and intentions of senior entrepreneurs. These are likely different from those of younger counterparts but are poorly understood. This paper aims to contribute to the literature by proposing a conceptual framework and research propositions to advance knowledge on the motivations and intentions underlying entrepreneurial activity among older adults.; Design/methodology/approach – This paper adopts a conceptual approach, developing theoretical foundations in the field of senior entrepreneurship by building on and extending transferable theory from psychology and entrepreneurship. Specifically, it draws on self-determination theory, the theory of planned behavior and the entrepreneurial event model to construct a conceptual framework and research propositions that both distinguish and link motivations and intentions. By integrating these theories, the conceptual framework provides a comprehensive and structured lens that clarifies the conceptual differences and interaction between these two key antecedents of senior entrepreneurship.; Findings – A review of the literature revealed that motivation relates to the question of “Why (do it)?”, whereas intentions concern the question of “What (to do)?” Yet, these two antecedents are often conflated in the literature. This paper identifies and clarifies their distinct roles in driving entrepreneurial activity among seniors and argues that studying them as separate but interrelated constructs contributes to a more nuanced and complete understanding of this phenomenon.; Research limitations/implications – As a conceptual paper, the proposed framework and research propositions require empirical validation.; Practical implications – This paper is of practical relevance as it provides a structured framework that helps policymakers, support organizations and practitioners identify when, why and under which conditions older adults are likely to engage in entrepreneurial activity. By explicitly distinguishing between motivational drivers, entrepreneurial intentions and trigger events, the framework enables more targeted and timely interventions tailored to later-life contexts.; Social implications – Considering that pension systems reforms and ageism in labor markets are an inadequate and inconvenient reality that senior individuals have to deal with, that senior entrepreneurship contributes to the alleviation of poverty among older individuals, and that entrepreneurship at a senior age is becoming a source not only of income but also of well-being, vitality and quality of life, this paper has important social implications.; Originality/value – This paper addresses three key gaps in the literature: motivations and intentions have largely been studied separately, providing an incomplete picture of their role in senior entrepreneurship; researchers have generally conflated motivations and intentions in senior entrepreneurship, blurring their individual impacts; and studies on motivations in senior entrepreneurship are based on simplistic theoretical underpinnings that fail to capture the complexity of this phenomenon. The conceptual framework and propositions presented in this paper contribute by incorporating motivations alongside intentions; distinguishing motivations and intentions while also recognizing their interdependence; and building on well- established theoretical foundations. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145501 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z