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1 – 10 of 12Md Zillur Rahman, Farid Ullah and Piers Thompson
Previous studies have shown how the nature of businesses and the strategies pursued by their owners are affected by the personality traits of their owners. These personality…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous studies have shown how the nature of businesses and the strategies pursued by their owners are affected by the personality traits of their owners. These personality traits can be formed in the early stages of life due to experiences and the surrounding context, where religion is a particularly important aspect of this context. This study aims to explore how religion affects entrepreneurial activities through the personality traits created.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses interviews with 43 Muslim entrepreneurs in Scotland to examine the role played by religion. This ensures that the national institutional context is kept consistent but also allows an in-depth examination of relationships, which are likely to be interlinked and recursive.
Findings
The traits created influence the nature of the entrepreneurial activities undertaken with the potential to harm and support the entrepreneurial endeavours. It is the combination of personality traits that are formed which have the greatest effect. As such, it is found that Muslim entrepreneurs display less openness and creativity associated with new ideas, but this does not reflect risk aversion rather hard work in itself is valued, and patience combined with an external locus of control mean entrepreneurial behaviours are not altered to boost poorly performing business activities.
Originality/value
For Muslim entrepreneurs in Scotland, their traits explain why growth may not be a foremost consideration of these entrepreneurs rather they may value hard work and meeting the ideals of formal and informal institutions associated with religion. For those seeking to support minority groups through the promotion of entrepreneurship, either they must seek to overcome these ingrained traits or alter support to complement the different objectives held by Muslim entrepreneurs.
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Asad Ullah Khan, Saeed Ullah Jan, Muhammad Naeem Khan, Fazeelat Aziz, Jan Muhammad Sohu, Johar Ali, Maqbool Khan and Sohail Raza Chohan
Blockchain, a groundbreaking technology that recently surfaced, is under thorough scrutiny due to its prospective utility across different sectors. This research aims to delve…
Abstract
Purpose
Blockchain, a groundbreaking technology that recently surfaced, is under thorough scrutiny due to its prospective utility across different sectors. This research aims to delve into and assess the cognitive elements that impact the integration of blockchain technology (BT) within library environments.
Design/methodology/approach
Utilizing the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) theory, this research aims to facilitate the implementation of BT within academic institution libraries and provide valuable insights for managerial decision-making. A two-staged deep learning structural equation modelling artificial neural network (ANN) analysis was conducted on 583 computer experts affiliated with academic institutions across various countries to gather relevant information.
Findings
The research model can correspondingly expound 71% and 60% of the variance in trust and adoption intention of BT in libraries, where ANN results indicate that perceived possession is the primary predictor, with a technical capability factor that has a normalized significance of 84%. The study successfully identified the relationship of each variable of our conceptual model.
Originality/value
Unlike the SOR theory framework that uses a linear model and theoretically assumes that all relationships are significant, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first study to validate ANN and SEM in a library context successfully. The results of the two-step PLS–SEM and ANN technique demonstrate that the usage of ANN validates the PLS–SEM analysis. ANN can represent complicated linear and nonlinear connections with higher prediction accuracy than SEM approaches. Also, an importance-performance Map analysis of the PLS–SEM data offers a more detailed insight into each factor's significance and performance.
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Kanza Abid, Zafar Iqbal Shams, Muhammad Suleman Tahir and Arif Zubair
The presence of heavy metals in milk causes many acute and chronic physiological dysfunctions in human organs. The present study aims to investigate the heavy metals in cow's and…
Abstract
Purpose
The presence of heavy metals in milk causes many acute and chronic physiological dysfunctions in human organs. The present study aims to investigate the heavy metals in cow's and buffalo's milk of two major cities, Karachi and Gujranwala, Pakistan to estimate metal intake by humans from this source.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 48 milk samples from 2 cities were drawn from animals' udder to avoid contamination. Each sample was digested with nitric acid at 105 oC (degree Celsius) on a pre-heated electric hot plate to investigate the metals by atomic absorption spectroscopy (flame type). Air-acetylene technique analyzed chromium, cadmium and lead, and the hydride method analyzed arsenic in the milk samples.
Findings
The results revealed the highest mean lead concentration (19.65 ± 43.86 ppb) in the milk samples, followed by chromium (2.10 ± 2.33 ppb) and arsenic (0.48 ± 0.73 ppb). Cadmium was not detected in any sample, assuming cadmium's occurrence was below the detection level. The concentrations of all the metals in the samples of the two cities do not differ statistically. Lead concentrations in the buffalo's milk were higher than in cow's milk (p < 0.05). However, the concentrations of arsenic and chromium between buffalo's and cow's milk do not differ statistically. The present study reveals a lower level of metals in the milk than those conducted elsewhere. The mean concentrations of all the metals met the World Health Organization's (WHO) safety guidelines (1993).
Research limitations/implications
Although cadmium causes toxicity in the human body, cadmium could not be measured because cadmium's concentration was below the detection level, which is 1 ppb.
Practical implications
This study will help reduce the toxic metals in our environment, and the sources of heavy metals, particularly from the industrial sector could be identified. The feed and water consumed by the milking animals could be carefully used for feeding them.
Social implications
This study will help reduce the diseases and malfunction of human organs and organ systems since these heavy metals cause toxicity and carcinogenicity in humans. Arsenic and chromium cause cancer while lead causes encephalopathy (a brain disease).
Originality/value
The study reports heavy metal concentrations in the two attributes of four independent variables of raw milk samples that were scarcely reported from Pakistan.
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Dorra Zaibi, Maroua Salhi, Khaoula Tbarki and Riadh Ksantini
(1) developing a dynamic and progressive software defect prediction model to successfully manage novel and huge amounts of software defect data and lessen the computational time…
Abstract
Purpose
(1) developing a dynamic and progressive software defect prediction model to successfully manage novel and huge amounts of software defect data and lessen the computational time. (2) to avoid the great diminish of static batch learning algorithms efficiency once the amount of data achieves a certain level.
Design/methodology/approach
This study explores the proficiency of the incremental classification based approach to elaborate anincremental software defect prediction system which helps recognizing and treating real-time software data streams.
Findings
The proposed method, as demonstrated by experimental results, is clearly competitive with the relevant two-class classifiers currently in use for software defect diagnosis. Detailed experimental findings clearly demonstrated the performance and efficiency of the suggested software defect detection approach: Incremental Discriminant-based Support Vector Machine (IDSVM) to differentiate between defective and non-defective objects.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first a real-time prediction method that investigates incremental classification in software defect prediction research
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Bassam Mohammad Maali, M. Kabir Hassan and Mamunur Rashid
Islamic banks (IBs) place significant importance on their religious identity, prompting the utilization of impression management (IM) strategies to emphasize such identity. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Islamic banks (IBs) place significant importance on their religious identity, prompting the utilization of impression management (IM) strategies to emphasize such identity. This paper aims to discuss the motivations behind using IM in the creation of religious identity by IBs, and to explore the use of religious symbols and language as a form of religious rhetoric. It is argued that to counteract the threats to their religious identity, IBs use IM techniques, predominantly through the inclusion of religious symbols and rhetoric.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical exploratory study, using content analysis, was conducted on the annual reports of the largest IBs for the year 2022. The analyses involved a total of 39 banks based on a filtered list from The Banker’s Top Islamic Financial Institutions of 2022. A manual content analysis was undertaken to extract religious symbols, images and contents.
Findings
The findings reveal the use of IM techniques that emphasize the religious identity of these banks. Notably, IBs consistently reaffirm their commitment to Sharia compliance and disclose their contributions to Zakah. In addition, the analysis reveals the incorporation of Quranic verses, religious iconographic images and other religious rhetoric statements in the annual reports of many IBs.
Research limitations/implications
The analysis concludes that the assertion by IBs that their guiding principles are rooted in Islamic values are supported by the religious terminology and imagery embedded in their annual reports. Alongside mere religious symbolism, the terms and images are integral part of the corporate identity of the Islamic that not only sends persuasive signals to stakeholders but also help build an impression on the activities of the IBs.
Originality/value
IM has been a key objective and strategy of companies. This study aimed at exploring whether and how IBs used religious symbolism as an integral part of IM and corporate identity.
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Muhammad Mahmudul Karim, Abu Hanifa Md. Noman, M. Kabir Hassan, Asif Khan and Najmul Haque Kawsar
This paper aims to investigate the immediate effect of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic by investigating volatility transmission and dynamic correlation between stock…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the immediate effect of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic by investigating volatility transmission and dynamic correlation between stock (conventional and Islamic) markets, bitcoin and major commodities such as gold, oil and silver at different investment horizons before and after 161 trading days of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
The MGARCH-DCC and maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform -based cross-correlation were used in the estimation of the volatility spillover and continuous wavelet transform in the estimation of the time-varying volatility and correlation between the assets at different investment horizons.
Findings
The authors observed a sudden correlation breakdown following the COVID-19 shock. Oil (Bitcoin) was a major volatility transmitter before (during) COVID-19. Digital gold (Bitcoin), gold and silver became highly correlated during COVID-19. The highest co-movement between the assets was observed at medium and long-term investment horizons.
Practical implications
The study findings have a financial implication for day traders, investors and policymakers in the understanding of volatility transmission and intercorrelation in a bid to actively manage stylized and well-diversified asset portfolios.
Originality/value
This study is unique for its employment in estimating the time-varying conditional volatility of the investable assets and cross-correlations between them at different investment horizons, particularly before and after COVID-19 outbreak.
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Romuald Grouille, Clément Desgourdes and Daniel Leroy
This study aims to explore the relationships between recognition, inclusion, and well-being at work. Inclusion involves integrating individuals within a group while recognizing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the relationships between recognition, inclusion, and well-being at work. Inclusion involves integrating individuals within a group while recognizing their unique skills and need for belonging. Recognition and inclusion are sources of well-being at work.
Design/methodology/approach
We used a qualitative methodology based on a structural approach to investigate the social representations of 1,611 employees of a public organization located in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France.
Findings
Our results suggest that recognition is a central mechanism of inclusion, primarily manifested through satisfaction of the individual’s need to belong. We conclude with a proposed heuristic schema of the connections between the constructs studied.
Research limitations/implications
This paper proposes a new perspective to the work of Shore et al. (2018) by addressing the knowledge gap in the literature concerning the role of recognition in determining an inclusive climate and optimizing well-being at work. This is done using qualitative methodology, drawing on the Dazibao framework of data collection.
Originality/value
Bringing a new perspective to the work of Shore et al. (2018) by helping to fill the knowledge gap relating to the place of recognition in determining an inclusive climate and well-being at work. It does so through a qualitative methodology based on the Dazibao framework of data collection.
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Ram Shankar Uraon and Ravikumar Kumarasamy
The paper aims to examine the effect of justice perceptions of performance appraisal (JPPA) practices (i.e. distributive, procedural, informational and interpersonal justice) on…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to examine the effect of justice perceptions of performance appraisal (JPPA) practices (i.e. distributive, procedural, informational and interpersonal justice) on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and affective commitment (AC) and the effect of AC on OCB. Further, it investigates the mediating role of AC in the relationship between JPPA practices and OCB. Moreover, this study examines the moderating effect of job level on the relationship between JPPA practices and OCB.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected using a self-reported structured questionnaire. A total of 650 questionnaires were distributed among the employees of 50 information technology (IT) companies in India, and 503 samples were obtained. The conceptual framework was tested using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method, and the moderating effect was tested using process macro.
Findings
The findings of this study reveal that the JPPA practices positively affect OCB and AC and AC affects OCB. Further, AC partially mediates this relationship between JPPA practices and OCB. Furthermore, the direct effect of JPPA practices on OCB happens to be strengthened when the job level decreases, thus confirming the moderating role of job level.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study augment the social exchange theory (SET) by suggesting that individuals perceiving justice or fairness in performance appraisal practices are likely to have a greater AC that ultimately engages employees in OCB.
Practical implications
This study will be helpful for human resource practitioners in IT companies who are responsible for the fairness of performance appraisal practices and expect their employees to be emotionally attached to the organization and engaged in OCB.
Originality/value
The study adds to the body of knowledge of how justice in performance appraisal practices links to OCB through AC and moderates by job level in an emerging economy in Asia.
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Junaid Saeed, Nasir Mehmood, Saima Aftab, Sobia Irum and Ashfaq Muhammad
There is a growing need to promote and practice sustainable HRM to foster greener organizations with trained employees who have an attitude and behavior to preserve depleting…
Abstract
Purpose
There is a growing need to promote and practice sustainable HRM to foster greener organizations with trained employees who have an attitude and behavior to preserve depleting resources. The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance of sustainable green human resource management (Green HRM) practices along with organizational identification (OI) as a mediating factor and perceived organizational support (POS) as a moderating factor.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative methodology was used, and the data were collected from 311 employees working in telecommunication organizations located in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Results of the study are based on the structural equation modeling technique using Smart-PLS.
Findings
Findings revealed that OI proved to be a significant positive mediator between Green HRM and organizational citizenship behaviors for the environment. POS also proved to be a significant moderator on the relationship between Green HRM and OI.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to the two cities of Pakistan; future studies can focus on more cities so that the results can be more generalized.
Practical implications
This study will especially be useful for HR practitioners to develop mechanisms to initiate and encourage sustainable HR practices.
Social implications
Organizations’ positive position is established through the inculcation of green activities among their employees. Thus, a sense of responsibility and attachment among employees toward green behavior makes them good citizens. It also works well for their organization as well as for the environment. Moreover, it preserves environmental resources and helps ensure sustainability.
Originality/value
The research paper was aimed at exploring the importance of sustainable Green HRM practices in a developing country like Pakistan.
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Naveed Ahmad, Heesup Han and Minseo Kim
The competitive nature of the hospitality industry necessitates continual adaptation and innovation. While standardization can stifle creativity, CSR has the potential to enhance…
Abstract
Purpose
The competitive nature of the hospitality industry necessitates continual adaptation and innovation. While standardization can stifle creativity, CSR has the potential to enhance employee extra-role behaviors, including creativity. The existing literature on the relationship between CSR and employee creativity is sparse, especially in developing countries, and tends to overlook the importance of emotions. This research was designed to investigate the relationship between CSR and employee creativity in the hospitality sector of an emerging economy, with a focus on the mediating effects of emotions like employee admiration and happiness and the moderating role of employees' altruistic values.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 428 hospitality employees using questionnaires. Analysis was conducted using the SMART-PLS software.
Findings
CSR has a notable influence on creativity. Emotions, specifically employee admiration and happiness, along with personal values, were found to play significant mediating and moderating roles in the CSR-employee creativity relationship.
Practical implications
The findings provide valuable insights for hospitality managers, suggesting that CSR initiatives can be leveraged to enhance competitive advantages by promoting employee creativity. The study underscores the importance of understanding the emotional and value-based dimensions of employees about CSR initiatives.
Originality/value
This research fills a critical gap in the literature, particularly in the context of emerging economies, by examining the emotional facets of the CSR-employee creativity relationship. The study’s emphasis on emotional mediators and altruistic values as moderators in the said relationship adds a unique dimension to the discourse, enriching the understanding of how CSR can influence hospitality employees' creative outcomes.
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