Neurodiversity as a driver of business success: evidence from 51 countries based on pecking order and behavioral finance theories

Purpose This study examines the impact of global shocks, neurodiversity, and digital financial transformation on firms’ working capital efficiency. It further investigates the moderating role of Digitalization and Green Supply Chain Finance (DIGSCF) in enhancing firms’ financial resilience under conditions of economic uncertainty. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is based on a panel dataset of firms from 51 countries over the period 2018–2024. The study employs fixed-effects regression models alongside interaction terms to assess both the direct and moderating effects of neurodiversity and DIGSCF on key working capital components. To strengthen causal inference, additional econometric techniques are used to address endogeneity and selection bias. Findings The results indicate that global shocks significantly increase financial pressure by disrupting liquidity and prolonging working capital cycles. However, firms that adopt digital and green supply chain finance mechanisms are better able to mitigate these adverse effects through improved liquidity management and payment flexibility. The findings also suggest that neurodiversity contributes positively to firms’ adaptive capacity, supporting more effective financial decision-making under uncertainty. Practical implications The study highlights the strategic importance of digital supply chain finance as a tool for strengthening liquidity management rather than merely improving operational efficiency. It also underscores the value of integrating neurodiversity into organizational strategies to enhance internal financing capacity and resilience during periods of instability. Originality/value This research provides a unified framework that links neurodiversity, global shocks, and digital financial transformation within the context of working capital management. By combining behavioural finance and pecking order theory, the study offers new insights into how cognitive diversity and digital infrastructure jointly shape firms’ financial resilience across countries and crisis periods.