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Leadership’s dark side has been on the rise, negatively affecting organizations. The phenomenon, however, is not as simple as it seems. Based on social exchange and conservation of resource theories, current research aims to explore the impact of psychological entitlement on despotic leadership, ultimately leading to instigated workplace incivility. Moreover, emotional exhaustion was tested as a mediator and Islamic work ethics as a moderator.

This study aims to examine the effect of dark side of leadership and for this, the survey approach was used to collect data from 402 bankers from Pakistan’s twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi).

The results showed that psychological entitlement leads to despotism and despotic leaders become a reason for instigated workplace incivility. Results also showed that emotional exhaustion mediated, and Islamic work ethics moderated the relationship.

Bankers have a demanding job which is further exacerbated by despotic leaders feeling psychologically entitled and instigating employees toward uncivil behaviors as they experience emotional exhaustion. Despotic leaders need to be dealt with to reduce instigated incivility and Islamic work ethics can also aid in improving employee behavior.

Literature available on both antecedents and effects of the leadership’s dark side is limited, and this study strives to contribute by extending the literature available on psychological entitlement, despotic leadership and instigated workplace incivility relationships.

The post-pandemic era has shifted most industries, businesses and consumers online, increasing the demand for electronic devices, mainly laptops. Additionally, most non-Western countries inhabit highly religious but cash-strapped individuals, making them a potential market for second-hand laptops. With this in mind, this study aims to explore the effects of lenient return policy (LRP) and religiosity on consumer confidence in retailer (CCR), consumer well-being and purchase intention.

This paper conducted a between-subjects field experiment comparing two return policy conditions (cash return vs. other return) with a sample of 222 participants. Data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesised relationships, and multigroup analysis (MGA) was employed to assess the experimental effects based on the return policy conditions. The moderating effects of religiosity were also examined. All analyses were conducted using SmartPLS software.

The results confirm that an LRP positively predicts consumer confidence in retailer, well-being and purchase intention. Religiosity had a moderating effect on LRP outcomes. Additionally, the experiment confirmed that consumers experienced better well-being and were more likely to purchase if offered full cashback.

Retailers of second-hand shopping products should offer LRP (full cashback) to foster consumer confidence, well-being and purchase intention. Additionally, for highly religious consumers, aligning return policies with religious principles should further enhance consumer well-being and purchase intention.

This study is among the earliest to investigate the impact of LRP on CCR and well-being. Moreover, a novel attempt is made to explore the moderating effects of religiosity on LRP outcomes. Likewise, a field experiment to validate the greater effects of cashback on consumer well-being and purchase intention adds to the novelty of this study.

This study explores the adoption of crowdfunding in Pakistan, focusing on the challenges and opportunities within its unique entrepreneurial ecosystem. The research aims to provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms, stakeholder engagement and institutional factors influencing crowdfunding adoption.

Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected from diverse stakeholders involved in the crowdfunding process including investors, entrepreneurs, platform owners and regulators.

The study identifies various challenges, including regulatory gaps, investor concerns, platform-related issues and systemic challenges such as political instability and weak institutions. These challenges hinder the effective implementation of crowdfunding in Pakistan. Moreover, the study highlights opportunities for financial inclusion, bridging the gap between investors and entrepreneurs, and leveraging Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape for crowdfunding growth. While several challenges were common to both developed and developing countries, the study also identified distinct challenges such as digital literacy, reliance on the undocumented economy, insufficient regulatory frameworks and investor mindset specific to developing countries.

Since crowdfunding is an emerging phenomenon in Pakistan, this study had limitations as no official crowdfunding platform other than the Pakistan National Investor Portal had started operations. Therefore, this study involved only those stakeholders who were involved in designing regulatory sandbox suggestions. The sample size could be increased to include stakeholders from other developing countries in the future. This article, however, provides significant strategic guidance for policymakers in developing a framework to improve financial inclusion in development.

The study provides critical areas of concern for regulatory authorities for developing appropriate legislation to help overcome the challenges to the institutionalization of crowdfunding. This study also encourages stakeholders like investors and entrepreneurs to participate in crowdfunding while looking at the perspective of other parties.

This research highlights the need for the Pakistani society to be well-informed about alternative investment opportunities, like crowdfunding. The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, along with the government, can also explore the benefits of crowdfunding to address their lack of access to capital and enable the inclusion of an informal economy to reduce poverty in a developing country.

Crowdfunding is a new phenomenon in Pakistan, and the scope of its application in the MSME sector has not been thoroughly investigated. This study reveals how micro and small firms can use crowdfunding to boost their economic operations by overcoming challenges and taking advantage of fintech (financial technology) to achieve financial inclusion, leading to economic sustainability.

This study aims to investigate the market reaction to dividend announcements and sharia compliance based on the Islamic stock indexes of Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan by scrutinising investors’ interpretations, behaviour (traditional, rational, religious or ethical) and preferences.

Event study methodology (ESM) was used to analyse 31 days around the event date. The research period spanned 2011–2018, during which 282 observed dividend announcements were tested using a t-test, and there were 4,960 cases of sharia compliance in the data panel.

Indonesian investors react to earnings surprises as bad news while bypassing dividend announcements, thus classifying their behaviour as rational. Meanwhile, investors in Malaysia and Pakistan respond to dividend announcements as bad news while bypassing earnings surprises, thus classifying their behaviour as traditional. Surprisingly, sharia compliance does not affect abnormal returns. These results imply that investors prefer a profit motive rather than sharia compliance.

To perpetrate positive reactions, companies need to increase earnings (Indonesia), nominal dividends (Malaysia) and delay dividend announcements (Pakistan). Also, tax regulators need to evaluate dividend tax and capital gains tax.

Investors cannot solely rely on Islamic stock lists, while regulators and firms must be transparent and accountable regarding sharia compliance ratio.

There is a dearth of research on market reaction in Islamic stock indexes. This study adheres to critical assumptions of ESM: controlling the confounding effects and ensuring market efficiency. These assumptions lead to the proposal of mandatory and advisory sharia compliance, evaluation of ratios using a staple scale and examination of differences in dividend tax rates. An extended tax preference theory is also proposed to contribute to the body of knowledge.

This study addresses the question of whether Islamic epistemology and ethics advance the understanding and promotion of sustainable development (SD) in the field of Islamic management, economics and finance (IMEF). This study also aims to understand how contemporary ethical theories explain and harmonise Islamic ethics in the context of SD.

This study adopts the PRISMA protocol and conducts a systematic literature review of 62 articles published from 2015 to 2023 to provide answers to four research questions. The selected publications were taken from the Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, using the purposive sampling technique, and taking into account the selection criteria of quality, relevance and timeliness of the publications.

Four key findings emerged from the review. Firstly, Islamic epistemology and ethics, drawn from the Qur’an and Hadith, guide practices toward SD. Secondly, Islamic epistemology and ethics promote SD through various initiatives, including ethical behaviour, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, Islamic banking and financing ethics and Islamic social financing principles among others. Third, contemporary ethical theories such as virtue ethics, intentionalism, consequentialism and deontological ethics enrich the application of Islamic ethical foundations in the context of SD. Finally, the theoretical connection between Islamic epistemology, ethics and SD lies in their alignment toward promoting ethical behaviour, social responsibility and holistic ecosystem well-being.

The insights provided by this review offer practical implications for researchers, policymakers and practitioners in IMEF. The insights also underscore the importance of integrating Islamic ethical principles into SD initiatives and policy frameworks.

This novel study offers unique perspectives by integrating contemporary ethical theories with Islamic ethics and epistemology to justify SD in ways that are both theoretically and practically significant. In addition, six novel propositions are suggested for future research in IMEF.

The current research investigates how the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—a set of technologies designed to enhance decision-making and automate processes—impacts Integrated Financial Reporting (IFR) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) listed firms, which present the typical features of emerging economies. It is postulated that their IFR is enhanced as firms within these markets experience AI adoption. In addition, the study also focuses on the role of audit quality towards AI adoption and the IFR relationship within these regions. To this effect, the study examines the moderation effect of audit quality (using its sub-components i.e. audit fee, audit industry specialization and restatement) on the relationship between AI adoption experience and IFR in GCC.

The investigation draws upon panel data consisting of 2,912 non-financial firm-year observations covering the period from 2010 to 2023 across GCC markets. To achieve its purpose, the study applies the conventional ordinary least square (OLS) to estimate the effect of AI adoption experience on IFR. Subsequently, to guarantee the robustness of the results, this study utilizes the propensity score matching (PSM) technique.

The results from empirical analysis disclose a direct impact of AI adoption on the IFR of the firms within GCC markets. Furthermore, the study also discovers that the high level of audit quality moderates this positive relationship. Therefore, in the GCC regions, firms with higher AI adoption show higher IFR effectiveness, mainly in the presence of specialized auditors and increased audit fees, whereas their relationship is stronger in the absence of restatements. The results are robust when tested through the PSM technique.

The results of this study highlight the significance for policymakers to ensure comprehensive AI adoption in GCC markets, as well as the appointment of industry specialists and the standardization of audit fees to support the improvement of IFR in the regions.

This paper aims to explore dual solutions for the flow of a hybrid nanofluid over a permeable melting stretching/shrinking sheet with nanoparticle shape factor, second-order velocity slip conditions and viscous dissipation. The hybrid nanofluid is formulated by dispersing alumina (Al₂O₃) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles into water (H₂O).

The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) are first reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using a mathematical method of similarity transformation technique. These ODEs are then numerically solved through MATLAB’s bvp4c solver.

Key parameters such as slip parameter, melting parameter, suction parameter, shrinking parameter and Eckert number are examined. The results reveal the existence of two distinct solutions (upper and lower branches) for the transformed ODEs when considering the shrinking parameter. Increasing value of Cu-volume fraction and the second-order velocity slip enhances boundary layer thicknesses, whereas the heat transfer rate diminishes with rising melting and suction parameters. These numerical results are illustrated through various figures and tables. Additionally, a stability analysis is performed and confirms the upper branch is stable and practical, while the lower branch is unstable.

The analysis of hybrid nanofluid flow over a shrinking surface has practical significance with applications in processes such as solar thermal management systems, automotive cooling systems, sedimentation, microelectronic cooling or centrifugal separation of particles. Both steady and unsteady hybrid nanofluid flows are relevant in these contexts.

While the study of hybrid nanofluid flow is well-documented, research focusing on the shrinking flow case with specific parameters in our study is still relatively scarce. This paper contributes to obtaining dual solutions specifically for the shrinking case, which has been less frequently addressed.

This paper aims to examine the acceptance of Zakat institutions in Malaysia towards Micro Credit-Qard Hasan Financing through Zakat Fund (MCZF) for post-pandemic asnaf entrepreneurs. The study is motivated by the declining trend in Zakat collection and the increasing number of asnaf individuals in the post-pandemic period. This necessitates alternative initiatives such as the MCZF scheme by Zakat institutions. However, the reception of the MCZF scheme in Malaysia is unfavourable, despite studies suggesting its suitability for Zakat institutions and asnaf entrepreneurs.

This study adopts a qualitative methodology involving library and field research as data collection methods. The library research encompasses reviewing relevant books, articles, statutes and circulars. In terms of the field study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five selected Zakat management officers from Zakat institutions and two proficient academics specialising in Shariah and Zakat management. The interview data generated several themes analysed using the content analysis method. Consequently, the snowball method was employed to determine the sample size of Zakat institutions, ensuring comprehensive coverage of their acceptance of the MCZF scheme.

The study’s findings reveal that three Zakat institutions accept the MCZF scheme for implementation, justifying it as a matter of differing opinions (khilaf) that allows room for ijtihad based on the current needs and well-being (maslahah). However, one of the Zakat institutions expresses unpreparedness to implement the scheme due to obstacles posed by an official fatwa. Additionally, the study demonstrates that two Zakat institutions reject the MCZF scheme, citing reasons such as the principle of direct ownership (tamlik) in giving Zakat funds, the prohibition specified by the official state fatwa, and the prevailing societal expectation of direct Zakat distribution without loans.

This study focuses solely on five Zakat institutions in Malaysia, all of which have specific fatwas concerning the MCZF scheme. Future research may explore Zakat institutions in other states. Furthermore, this study specifically concentrates on asnaf entrepreneurs. Hence, further research could investigate the applicability of the MCZF scheme for other asnaf groups, such as asnaf students.

This study examines the acceptance of Zakat institutions towards the MCZF scheme and the justifications provided by Zakat institutions for its implementation. The findings of this study can guide Zakat institutions in Malaysia in accepting and implementing the MCZF scheme. It can significantly impact these institutions by assisting asnaf entrepreneurs in securing capital and expanding their businesses.

This study has substantial implications for society, particularly for asnaf entrepreneurs, as loans provided through Zakat funds can help boost their business capital. Consequently, this can elevate the asnaf group from being recipients of Zakat to becoming contributors. Furthermore, when Zakat funds are provided as debt to asnaf entrepreneurs, they can be motivated to grow their businesses since they commit to repaying the debt through instalments.

This study analyses the acceptance of the MCZF scheme by Zakat institutions in Malaysia as an alternative initiative to support asnaf entrepreneurs after the pandemic.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the simultaneous effects of normal wall transpiration, stretching strength parameter, velocity slip and nanoparticles on the flow of a ternary hybrid nanofluid through an elastic surface. The goal is to understand the behavior of the flow field, temperature distribution, skin friction and temperature gradient under these conditions, and to explore the existence and nature of solutions under varying parameter values.

The analysis involves expressing the flow field, power-law temperature field, skin friction and temperature gradient in closed-form formulas. The study examines both stretching and shrinking surfaces, distinguishing between unique and dual solutions. The methodology includes deriving exact solutions for exponential and algebraic temperature and temperature rate formulas analytically by deriving the system of governing equations into ordinary differential equations.

The study reveals that for a stretching sheet, the solution is unique, whereas dual solutions are observed for a shrinking surface. Special solutions are provided for various parametric values, showing the behavior of the exponential and algebraic temperature and temperature rate, with a focus on identifying turning points that demarcate the existence and non-existence of single or multiple solutions. The solutions are represented through graphs and tables to facilitate a comprehensive qualitative analysis. The research identifies turning points that determine the presence or absence of single or multiple solutions, uncovering multiple solutions for different parameter sets. These findings are displayed graphically and in tabular form, highlighting the complex interplay between the parameters and the resulting flow behavior.

This analysis contributes to the field by providing new insights into the multiple solution phenomena in ternary hybrid nanofluid flows, particularly under the combined effects of normal wall transpiration, stretching strength, velocity slip and nanoparticle presence. The identification of turning points and the exact solutions for various temperature profiles are of significant value, offering a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the flow and thermal characteristics in such systems. The study’s findings have potential applications in optimizing fluid flow in engineering systems where such conditions are prevalent.

The purpose of this study is to focus on Pakistan’s food manufacturing enterprises and explore the knowledge and implications of green innovation, green intellectual capital (GIC) and green human resource management (GHRM) in achieving environmental performance and competitive advantage.

Using a quantitative approach, this research adopted a cross-sectional survey design to facilitate an objective and precise evaluation of the proposed relationships. The demographic comprised managers and supervisors from food manufacturing enterprises in Lahore, Pakistan. Through purposive sampling, 281 respondents were selected, ensuring representation from food enterprises.

This study explores that GIC is vital for implementing sustainable technologies in Pakistan’s food sectors. GIC and human resource management are identified as accelerators for green innovation, potentially providing an enhanced environmental performance and competitive edge.

By recognizing the potential of green practices as strategic resources, managers in the Pakistani food sector invest in fostering intangible resources and GIC. This approach leads to sustainable market dominance and efficient operations through continuous green innovation and effective stakeholder communication.

This research offers a consolidated view of the function of GIC in encouraging green innovations in Pakistan’s food enterprises, emphasizing the importance of GHRM procedures and sustainable business methods. This study also provides insights into the strategic management of green projects from a managerial perspective, emphasizing the need for alignment with company strategy and stakeholder communication.