Victoria Rustad Bjerke

• Mutonyi, Barbara Rebecca; Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad & Slåtten, Terje (2026). Firm’s sustainable innovation and competitive advantage: examining the role of leadership display of curiosity, organizational innovation culture and leadership support for innovation. Cogent Social Sciences. 12(1), p. 1–20. doi: 10.1080/23311886.2026.2650842. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study explores the role of sustainable innovation (SI) on competitive advantage within the tourism industry, while simultaneously examining the relationship of leadership display of curiosity, organizational innovation culture, and leadership support for innovation in promoting firms’ SI and competitive advantage. The study utilized data from 201 employees from different tourism organizations and analyzed them through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), with SmartPLS 4 software. The findings demonstrate that SI is a significant driver for competitive advantage, accounting for 46.9% of its variance. Furthermore, leadership display of curiosity, organizational innovation culture and leadership support for innovation, collectively explain 53.5% of the variance in SI. Notably, leadership display of curiosity promotes SI, both directly and indirectly, by fostering a supportive organizational innovation culture and strengthening perceived leadership support for innovation. These results reveal that companies can use SI as a business strategy to achieve a competitive advantage and highlight the cultivation of leadership display of curiosity as a critical resource for realizing greater competitive advantage. Leadership display of curiosity promotes SI both directly and indirectly by cultivating an organizational innovation culture and strengthening leadership support for innovation. The implications of this study are to encourage curiosity among leaders as a valuable resource that a firm can utilize to reach its desired goals. The study contributes to the research domain that focuses on factors associated with SI and competitive advantage.

• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad; Olsson, Maria Ingrid Teresa; Bjørnsen, Ragnhild Holmen; Myklebø, Sigrid & Tveita, Thale (2025). " I Have Never Done That Before, So I will Probably Succeed": Higher Education Students' Self-Efficacy After the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Education. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2025.1535070. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Open access. Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of traditional exams for Norwegian upper secondary schools, resulting in the “COVID-19 cohort” graduating with little or no exam experience. This study explores how this impacted their self-efficacy upon entering higher education. Guided by Bandura's social cognitive theory, it identifies mastery experiences, modeling behaviors, verbal persuasion, and physiological states as key predictors. Methods: To explore this, we conducted a survey among first- to third-year students (n = 248) at a Norwegian university in autumn 2022. Results: Students emphasized "prior experiences" and "teacher feedback" as vital for self-efficacy, though many reported receiving limited feedback. Interestingly, despite lacking exam experience-a central predictor of self-efficacy-students largely felt unaffected by this. Discussion: The pandemic's impact may not necessitate significant curriculum adjustments in higher education. However, some students believed easier coursework would enhance self-efficacy, a view inconsistent with self-efficacy theory, which underscores the value of challenging, resilience-building experiences.

• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad (2023). Contextual antecedents for team learning in professional service firms. Learning Organization. ISSN 0969-6474. 30(4), p. 446–464. doi: 10.1108/TLO-11-2022-0139. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose–The purpose of this study is to identify contextual antecedents for team learning in professionalservicefirms.Design/methodology/approach–Structural equation modelling was applied to establish reliability andvalidity and to measure the size of relationships. Evidence was drawn from an empirical sample of 210consultants in the Nordic professional service industry.Findings–Thefindings of this study reveal and strongly support that two important contextual antecedentfactors that facilitate for team learning in professional servicefirms are market orientation and leader supportfor collaborative learning practices. The effect of leader support on team learning is also mediated by a marketorientation.Originality/value–There is a paucity of knowledge on contextual factors that contribute to teamlearning. This study provides insight of theoretical and practical value.

• Slåtten, Terje; Lien, Gudbrand; Batt-Rawden, Victoria Helen; Evenstad, Solveig Beyza Narli & Onshus, Terje (2023). The relationship between students’ psychological capital, social-contextual factors and study-related outcomes – an empirical study from higher education in Norway. International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences. ISSN 1756-669X. 15(1), p. 17–33. doi: 10.1108/IJQSS-11-2021-0160. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose:This study aims to examine the relationships between students’ psychological capital (PsyCap), social-contextual factors and study-related outcomes. Social-contextual factors are represented by two education-related variables: academic support and peer support. Three study-related outcome variables are included, namely, study engagement, academic performance and student well-being. Design/methodology/approach: Students from different higher education campuses and academic programs in Norway participated. Findings: PsyCap is directly related to the three study-related outcome variables. The relationship between PsyCap and academic performance is mediated by study engagement. The two social-contextual factors (academic support and peer support) are both related to PsyCap. Finally, PsyCap also mediated the relationship between the two social-contextual factors and the three study-related outcome variables. Research limitations/implications: Overall, the findings reveal that PsyCap has a key role in all study-related outcomes. Accordingly, managers of higher education institutions should take students’ PsyCap seriously and seek ways to intervene and manage the different resources embraced in the concept of PsyCap. Originality/value: This study contributes to a relatively new but seemingly growing area of research in educational management, focusing on the role of student PsyCap.

• Batt-Rawden, Victoria Helen & Traavik, Laura E. Mercer (2022). Fostering egalitarianism for team learning in professional service teams. Learning Organization. ISSN 0969-6474. 29(6), p. 611–628. doi: 10.1108/TLO-01-2022-0007. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Flexible assertive community treatment (FACT) is an innovative model for providing long-term treatment to people with severe mental illness. The model was developed in the Netherlands but is now used in other countries, including Norway, which has a geography different from the Netherlands, with many rural and remote areas. Implementation of innovations is context dependent. The FACT model’s potential in rural and remote areas has not been studied. Therefore, we aimed to gain knowledge regarding the challenges and modifications of the model in rural and remote contexts and discuss how they can affect the model’s potential in such areas. This knowledge can improve the understanding of how FACT or similar services can be adapted to function most optimally in such conditions. We sought to address the following questions: Which elements of the FACT model do team leaders of the rural FACT teams find particularly challenging due to the context, and what modifications have the teams made to the model? Methods: Digital interviews were conducted with five team leaders from five rural FACT teams in different parts of Norway. They were selected using purposive sampling to include team leaders from some of the most rural teams in Norway. The interviews were analyzed using thematic text analysis. Results: The following three themes described elements of the FACT model that were experienced particularly challenging in the rural and remote context: multidisciplinary shared caseload approach, intensive outreach and crisis management. The following eight themes described the modifications that the teams had made to the model: intermunicipal collaboration, context-adaptive planning, delegation of tasks to municipal services, part-time employment, different geographical locations of staff, use of digital tools, fewer FACT board meetings, and reduced caseload. Conclusions: Rural and remote contexts challenge the FACT model’s potential. However, modifications can be made, some of which can be considered innovative modifications that can increase the model’s potential in such areas, while others might move the teams further away from the model.

• Batt-Rawden, Kari Bjerke; Björk, Evastina; Waaler, Dag & Batt-Rawden, Victoria Helen (2021). A qualitative study of user experiences from the implementation of new technology in healthcare services, Norway. The Innovation Journal - Public Sector Innovation Journal. ISSN 1715-3816. 26(3), p. 1–23. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Healthcare services are facing major challenges in the years to come, due in part to demographic changes such as ageing populations. Welfare technology is one important means of meeting these challenges. However, technical problems, lack of internet access and varying capacity among service providers seem to be causing problems. Research on resistance to healthcare information technologies is multifaceted, and relatively little attention has been given to understanding it. The aim of this follow-up study was to explore, identify, and describe attitudes and beliefs among employees and patients in home-based care services during the introduction stage of a new digital alarm system in three municipalities in Norway. Through a qualitative, cross-sectional follow-up study with an explorative design, the participants (n=21), were strategically and conveniently selected. The findings show that experiencing the pros and cons of a new alarm system fosters a feeling of ambivalence among employees towards the new technology. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge the challenges posed by modern technology in healthcare settings. If the aim of new technology is to improve quality of care for the elderly, we must simultaneously improve the working environment. The findings in this study emphasize the value of focusing on the recruitment of new employees and solving psychosocial matters among employees more effectively. The focus should be on organizational processes that create social value and a culture open to innovation.

• Batt-Rawden, Kari Bjerke & Batt-Rawden, Victoria Helen (2020). A qualitative study of innovation processes between public and private actors regarding follow-up procedures of patients after treatment and rehabilitation in the health sector, Norway. The Innovation Journal - Public Sector Innovation Journal. ISSN 1715-3816. 25(2), p. 1–25. Full text in Research Archive
• Batt-Rawden, Victoria Helen; Lien, Gudbrand & Slåtten, Terje (2019). Team learning capability – an instrument for innovation ambidexterity? International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences. ISSN 1756-669X. 11(4), p. 473–486. doi: 10.1108/IJQSS-02-2019-0026. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The aim of this paper is to develop the concept of team learning capability in professional service firms. Thereafter, to examine the effect of team learning capability on innovation ambidexterity. The aspects of exploitive and explorative knowledge creation in teams and its impact on incremental and radical service innovation are in focus. Structural equation modelling was applied to establish reliability and validity and measure the size of relationships. Evidence is drawn upon an empirical sample of 210 consultants in the professional service industry. The findings support the concept of team learning capability and reveal that team learning capability consists of relationship learning in teams, trusting team climate and employee commitment. The results indicate a strong positive relationship between team learning capability and innovation ambidexterity in professional service firms. This study is the first to offer an empirical-based and contextualized framework for team learning capabilities and a valid measure.

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• Traavik, Laura E.M. & Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad (2026). Humour and belonging: style and status matter for inclusion. Edward Elgar Publishing. doi: 10.4337/9781035340002.00017. Full text in Research Archive

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• Mutonyi, Barbara Rebecca; Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad & Slåtten, Terje (2026). Employee Ambidexterity and Leader Curiosity: Do They Really Matter and Pay Off? – An Empirical Study of Employees in Hospitality Organizations. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad; Slåtten, Terje & Mutonyi, Barbara Rebecca (2026). From Curiosity to Vitality: Explaining Thriving at Work in the Nordic Hospitality Sector. Full text in Research Archive
• Dirdal, Linn Carin; Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad & Traavik, Laura E. M. (2025). Hva er vitsen? Humor limer sammen relasjoner, også på jobb. Men hva vi ler av, bør ledere ta på største alvor. [Journal]. MAGMA. doi: https:/www.econa.no/faglig-oppdatering/medlemsbladet-magma/5-2025/hva-er-vitsen/. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad; Mutonyi, Barbara Rebecca & Slåtten, Terje (2025). Thriving Through Curiosity: Building Innovative, Attractive, and Competitive Organizations. Full text in Research Archive
• Mutonyi, Barbara Rebecca; Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad & Slåtten, Terje (2025). Firm’s Sustainable Innovation and Competitive Advantage: Examining the role of Leadership Display of Curiosity, Organizational Innovation Culture, and Leadership Support for Innovation. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad; Mutonyi, Barbara Rebecca & Slåtten, Terje (2025). Linking Leader Humour to Employee Creative Performance: the mediating pathways of Psychological Safety, Humorous Work Climate, and Organizational Commitment. Full text in Research Archive
• Mutonyi, Barbara Rebecca; Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad & Slåtten, Terje (2025). The impact of service employees' ambidexterity and leadership display of curiosity on a firm's innovative culture and competitive advantage. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad (2024). Humour at Work. Full text in Research Archive
• Traavik, Laura E. Mercer & Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad (2024). Humour and Inclusive Leadership. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad; Myklebø, Sigrid; Olsson, Maria Ingrid Teresa; Tveita, Thale & Bjørnsen, Ragnhild Holmen (2023). Post pandemi-studentene tror faktisk at de duger. Og de er opptatt av mer enn bare karakterer. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad (2023). Teamlæring og innovasjon. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad (2022). Humor og teamlæring i profesjonelle tjenesteytende virksomheter. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad (2022). Implementering av ny teknologi i norsk helsevesen. Full text in Research Archive
• Ringlund, Ole Martin & Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad (2022). Humor kan gjøre det bedre å jobbe sammen. [Journal]. Forskning.no. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad & Ruud, Merethe (2022). Fem spørsmål og svar om velferdsteknologi. [Journal]. Teknisk Ukeblad. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad; Pedersen, Bjørnar & Tomter, Anja Katrine (2022). Humor på arbeidsplassen. [Radio]. NRK Innlandet. Full text in Research Archive
• Schinstad, Ingunn Aagedal & Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad (2022). Humor på jobben. [Journal]. Gudbrandsdalen Dagningen (GD). Full text in Research Archive
• Brugrand, Camilla Skjær & Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad (2022). Ledere må anerkjenne at humor må tas på alvor. [Journal]. Dagens Perspektiv. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad (2022). Teamlæring og innovasjon i profesjonelle tjenesteytende virksomheter. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad (2022). Humor og ledelse. Full text in Research Archive
• Batt-Rawden, Victoria Helen (2022). Hvordan takler eldre velferdsteknologien? Fler og fler av oss blir eldre, og mer og mer avhengige av smart teknologi for å kunne leve mest mulig selvstendig. Er dét bare enkelt? [Radio]. NRK Ekko. Full text in Research Archive
• Ringlund, Ole Martin; Batt-Rawden, Victoria Helen & Batt-Rawden, Kari Bjerke (2022). Trøbbel for velferdsteknologi i eldeomsorgen : Mye kan går galt når ny teknologi skal bli en del av i eldreomsorgen i norske kommuner. Forskere har råd. [Journal]. Forskning.no. Full text in Research Archive
• Batt-Rawden, Victoria Helen (2019). Innovasjon og innovasjonsprosesser 'hvor står faget' -samt en gjennomgang av pågående forskningsprosjekt. Full text in Research Archive
• Batt-Rawden, Victoria Helen; Lien, Gudbrand & Slåtten, Terje (2018). Nominated best selected papers for publication at QMOD Conference 2018 Paper 'Team Learning Capability - an Instrument in Innovation Ambidexterity'. Full text in Research Archive
• Batt-Rawden, Victoria Helen; Lien, Gudbrand & Slåtten, Terje (2018). Team Learning Capability - an instrument in Innovation Ambidexterity. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjerke, Victora Helen Rustad; Slåtten, Terje; Brevik, Lisbeth M. & Mehmetoglu, Mehmet (2024). Team Learning and Service Innovation - a Mixed Methods Study of Professional Service Firms. Universitetet i Innlandet. ISSN 9788283805116. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Professional service firms (PSF’s) are among the fastest-growing industries in the global economy, yet empirical research in this context is limited. To survive in a volatile and competitive environment, PSFs rely on continuous learning and innovative service offerings. At the same time, the widespread use of projects to create value is evident in these types of firms, which amplifies the importance of understanding team dynamics and learning within the team sphere.The overarching aim of this PhD thesis is to contribute new knowledge and understanding of team learning and service innovation in PSFs. Considering continuous learning as a vital factor for successful teams, this empirical research contributes new insight within four main areas: (i) The conceptual understanding of team learning and emergent states in PSF’s and its influence on service innovation. (ii) How external factors in the team’s environment facilitate team learning. (iii) How factors in the internal team climate affect the team’s propensity to engage in team learning, and finally (iv) The value of employing a mixed methods research design to study the complex interplay between team learning and service innovation in PSF’s. Three papers are included in this PhD thesis, all of which are published in high-quality international academic journals and thus contribute to current discourse on the role of teams for innovation in PSFs. The results from this thesis offer guidance to other knowledge-intensive businesses (KIBS) on how to utilize expertise and create value. In addition, this thesis outlines promising directions for future research.

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