Ahmad Al‐Issa and Hana Sulieman
The purpose of this study is to examine students' perception of end‐of‐semester Student Evaluations of Teaching (SET), and to explore the extent to which SET are biased by…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine students' perception of end‐of‐semester Student Evaluations of Teaching (SET), and to explore the extent to which SET are biased by non‐instructional factors.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey questionnaire about the end‐of‐semester SET was designed and administered to 819 students selected from a random list of summer classes at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Appropriate statistical analysis methods of the resulting data were performed.
Findings
The results of this study show that significant differences exist among the various demographic groups with respect to both students' perceptions of the evaluation process and their tendency to be biased by a number of non‐instructional factors. The study has presented evidence on how students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds affect their responses to SET.
Practical implications
This paper provides useful information for the academic community concerning the validity and reliability of SET rating scales used in US universities abroad and whether the data obtained from such rating scales should be used for administrative and personnel decisions. In addition, teachers should examine SET assessments with care before undertaking modifications to their teaching practices.
Originality/value
This paper was the first to examine SET in a US university overseas, where the majority of students are non‐native speakers of the English language, and of an Arab origin. The findings illuminate the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic contexts of the institution in which SET are conducted.
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Mennaalla Hassan Salem, Kareem M. Selem, Huda Shaaban Hassan Ahmed and Hanan Ahmed Mohamed
As upscale hotels have guests from diverse backgrounds and cultures, their Muslim employees should respect each. Consequently, this paper seeks to develop a multi-dimensional…
Abstract
Purpose
As upscale hotels have guests from diverse backgrounds and cultures, their Muslim employees should respect each. Consequently, this paper seeks to develop a multi-dimensional scale that measures Muslim employees’ moral intelligence within the hospitality domain.
Design/methodology/approach
The following dimensions: fear of Allah, humility, generosity and tolerance were included in this new scale. To develop this scale, this paper incorporates a multistage approach.
Findings
Employing ADANCO-PLS v.2.4, the nomological validity of this new scale was examined. These dimensions will help Muslim employees in hospitality contexts enhance their moral intelligence, which can result in their skill development, increased job delight and retention since they will feel appreciated and encouraged toward their ethical growth.
Practical implications
Upscale hotels can benefit by creating workplace cultures of giving for guest experiences. When Muslim employees are ready to take it up a notch, they contribute exceptional guest experiences and deeper relationships. This leads to higher levels of customer loyalty rates with revisit intentions.
Originality/value
Given moral judgments are essential in hospitality businesses; this paper highlighted using moral intelligence attitudes among Muslim employees.
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Junaid Iqbal, Mubashir Ahmad Aukhoon and Zahoor Ahmad Parray
This study examines the complicated relationship between psychological wellbeing, joy at work, creative ability and the mediating influence of psychological capital, drawing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the complicated relationship between psychological wellbeing, joy at work, creative ability and the mediating influence of psychological capital, drawing insights from self-determination theory within the context of the banking sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilized random sampling to gather comprehensive data from 465 banking employees. Following data collection, structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypotheses formulated based on the collected data.
Findings
Findings underscore a significant association between psychological wellbeing and both joy at work and creative ability within the banking sector. Moreover, the study elucidates that psychological capital acts as a crucial mediator, illuminating the pathway through which psychological wellbeing influences joy at work and subsequently enhances creative ability.
Practical implications
This research offers valuable insights for organizational leaders and policymakers, emphasizing the imperative of prioritizing psychological wellbeing initiatives and nurturing positive work environments to enhance employee satisfaction, productivity and innovative contributions within the banking sector.
Originality/value
The application of self-determination theory as a theoretical framework provides a robust foundation for understanding the dynamics between psychological factors and workplace outcomes. The banking industry, often characterized by high stress levels and demanding work environments, stands to benefit substantially from interventions aimed at fostering psychological wellbeing. By cultivating positive mental health and capitalizing on joy at work, organizations can stimulate employee creativity ability, thereby fostering innovation and adaptive problem-solving capabilities crucial in the contemporary banking landscape.
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Ali Abedalqader Al‐Thuneibat, Ream Tawfiq Ibrahim Al Issa and Rana Ahmad Ata Baker
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of the length of the audit firm‐client relationship and the size of the audit firm on audit quality in Jordan.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of the length of the audit firm‐client relationship and the size of the audit firm on audit quality in Jordan.
Design/methodology/approach
To test their hypotheses, the authors use the quadratic form approach, similar to Chi and Huang, with some modifications. The population of this study encompasses all firms in which stock is publicly traded on the Amman Stock Exchange throughout the years (2002‐2006).
Findings
Statistical analysis of data shows that, audit firm tenure affects the audit quality adversely (negatively). Audit quality deteriorates, when audit firm tenure is extended as a result of the growth in the magnitude of discretionary accruals. Meanwhile, data analysis did not reveal that the audit firm size has any significant impact on the correlation between audit firm tenure and audit quality.
Practical implications
If auditor independence and audit quality are to be enhanced, the audit firm should be rotated in order to open the door for new auditors to investigate the client with greater scrutiny and due care. Moreover, the activities of big audit firms should be monitored in order to distinguish their role from small firms.
Originality/value
The paper provides evidence from a developing country about audit quality. It is expected to support and sustain improvement of audit quality, and therefore, financial reporting quality. The evidence provided by this paper adds to the literature internationally and this is important because auditing is a socially constructed phenomenon.
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This paper aims to examine the effect of financial bootstrapping strategies (FBS) and strategic improvisation (SI) on business performance (BP). The study enriches our…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the effect of financial bootstrapping strategies (FBS) and strategic improvisation (SI) on business performance (BP). The study enriches our understanding of the contributions of bootstrapping and improvisation strategies toward resource-constrained small businesses during real economic downturns and crises. The potential moderating effect of SI on the relationship between FBS and its dimensions and performance were also examined.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the convenience snowball sampling technique, data were collected from entrepreneurs in Tripoli, Libya. Structural equation modeling by means of partial least square bootstrapping resampling was used for the hypotheses testing of the 147 useable responses.
Findings
Statistically significant positive relationships were found in the direct relationships between bootstrapping and improvisation with performance. However, there was no significant association found between the delaying payment related bootstrapping and the owner-related bootstrapping with performance. The moderating effect of improvisation had a significant relationship between bootstrapping as an aggregate construct and its dimensions and performance.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the cross-sectional nature of this study which used a small sample that was randomly selected, generalization to the entire population of business ventures should be made with caution.
Practical implications
The negative moderation effect of improvisation on FBS-BP association suggests that entrepreneurs need to be careful in balancing the two strategies so that efforts are no wasted.
Originality/value
While business performance has been studied in various organizations, its examination with financial bootstrapping strategies as a predictor and strategic improvisation as a moderator contribute nascent theoretical insights.
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Tariq Elyas and Abdullah Ahmed Al-Ghamdi
This chapter briefly explores selected English and general education policy documents, curricula, and textbooks within the context of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from a Critical…
Abstract
This chapter briefly explores selected English and general education policy documents, curricula, and textbooks within the context of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from a Critical Discourse Analysis perspective and examines how they have changed pre- and post-21st century. First, a policy document related to education in KSA in general (pre-21st century) is analyzed along with an English language teaching (ELT) policy document of the same period. Next, two general policy documents post-21st century are explored, followed by one related to ELT policy. Finally, one post-21st century document related to higher education is discussed. The “network of practices” within which these documents are situated are first detailed, as well as the structural order of the discourse, and some linguistic analysis of the choice of vocabulary and grammatical structures (Meyer, 2001). Issues which might be problematic to the learning and teaching identities of the students and teachers interpreting these documents are also highlighted. Finally, we consider whether the network of practices at this institution and KSA in general “needs” the problems identified in the analysis and critically reflect on the analysis.
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The purpose of this paper is to measure the impact of organizational culture on managerial effectiveness of academic leaders to enhance employee engagement and retention in higher…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to measure the impact of organizational culture on managerial effectiveness of academic leaders to enhance employee engagement and retention in higher educational institutions. This study utilizes “Social Exchange Theory (SET)” as a theoretical lens to clarify the phenomena.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses an exploratory cum descriptive research design. Data collected via a structured questionnaire was analyzed and interpreted through structural equation modeling.
Findings
Organizational culture is found to have a significantly positive impact on managerial effectiveness. The findings also delineate a positive influence of managerial effectiveness on employee engagement and employee retention.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides insights into the cultural neuances and subtleties of how organizational culture influences managerial effectiveness of institutional leaders. This has a direct bearing upon work engagement and retention of employees. Therefore if leaders focus on organizational culture they will succeed in creating a productive and healthier workplace for their employees. This study is also addressing the strategic concern of sustainability in higher educational institutions through employee engagement and retention.
Originality/value
It is an original work based on primary data to bridge the research gap concerning the prevalent OC shaping ME in Indian higher educational context. It also enriches understanding about alignment of cultural dimensions towards achieving work engagement, and retention of employees through managerial effectiveness of leaders in higher education institutions.
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The purpose of the present study is to reveal the antecedents of the new green product success (NGPS) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that manufacture in Türkiye with…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the present study is to reveal the antecedents of the new green product success (NGPS) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that manufacture in Türkiye with a middle-income economy. To this end, a research model for the serial mediating role of green human capital (GHC) and green adaptive ability (GAA) in the relationship between green mindfulness (GM) and NGPS was developed and tested. Determining the driving forces of NGPS is essential due to the contributions of SMEs manufacturing, especially in middle-income economies, such as Türkiye, to the national economy.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesized relationships. The study hypotheses were tested in a sample of 396 manufacturing enterprises, qualified as SMEs in Türkiye with ISO 14001 certificates.
Findings
Empirical evidence indicates that GM, GHC and GAA act as significant antecedents of NGPS. Furthermore, empirical evidence demonstrates that GHC and GAA, in turn, mediate the relationship between GM and NGPS.
Research limitations/implications
Managers, especially in manufacturing SMEs, should be aware that they need to develop intangible resources to improve NGPS. Increased investment in GM results in higher levels of GHC and GAA, which collectively leads to improved NGPS.
Originality/value
The current literature has not previously explained the mechanism of the relationship between GM and NGPS. The originality of the present study, which discusses the relevant research gap, is to develop an integrated framework to investigate how GM impacts NGPS, specifically for SMEs, and to test it empirically.
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Amal Al Muqarshi, Sharifa Said Al Adawi and Sara Mohammed Al Bahlani
A majority of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Oman, and internationally, have adopted English as the language of education, driven by its power and its globally accepted…
Abstract
Purpose
A majority of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Oman, and internationally, have adopted English as the language of education, driven by its power and its globally accepted status as the language of knowledge and communication. Such an internationalisation policy has been inadequately evaluated to examine its actual effects. This paper aims at analysing the existing literature with a view to hypothesise the effects of adopting English as a medium of instruction (EMI) on establishing intellectual capital in the Omani context.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employs a case study design that draws on data generated through a systematic review of 94 peer-reviewed papers that are synthesised using thematic analysis.
Findings
The findings indicate that EMI negatively affects the optimal creation of intellectual capital through limiting access to HE, hindering knowledge transfer, impeding Omanis' employability and hindering faculty's professional growth. EMI leads HEIs to mirror the supplying countries' cultures in terms of materials, ideologies and standards. It affects teaching and research quality, training and communication, the sense of equity, belonging and self-worth amongst students and the relationships amongst faculty members. It also increases reliance on external stakeholders.
Research limitations/implications
The paper highlights the interconnection between the forms of intellectual capital and how some components are antecedents to the creation of the intellectual capital forms. It establishes the moderating role the language of instruction plays in relation to the three sub forms of intellectual capital in higher education.
Practical implications
The paper calls for maximising higher education intellectual capital through adopting bilingual rather than monolingual higher education. It calls upon policymakers to revisit the assumptions underlying higher education systems in order to optimise their outcomes.
Originality/value
The paper is the first one that sheds light on the role of language in intellectual capital construction. Such a moderating role has received almost no attention in the higher education literature that is largely busy quantifying its outcomes rather than ensuring they are actually sustainably generated.