Rajwa AlDhaheri, Fauzia Jabeen, Matloub Hussain and Ali Abu-Rahma
The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of a range of factors on the decision of female Emirati students to join the private sector as a career choice.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of a range of factors on the decision of female Emirati students to join the private sector as a career choice.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to prioritise the factors affecting Emirati students’ choice of career. The AHP model was developed with five criteria and 19 sub-criteria based on previous literature. Data were collected through interviews of 12 female Emirati students enroled in higher educational institutions in the UAE. The respondents were selected from both public and private universities on the basis of their majors and their academic performance (GPA). The data collected were interpreted and a priority vector was assigned to each criterion and sub-criterion.
Findings
The findings show that emotional stability for engineering students and job-skills mismatch for business students are the most important factors that influence the career choice of female Emirati students in the private sector.
Research limitations/implications
Authors can develop this model in their academic pursuits, and the AHP method can be used to solve employment-related decision-making problems in the private sector. Also, the findings can help policy makers and related associations to develop various policies based on the specific factors found to empower female Emirati students in the private sector in an effective manner.
Originality/value
The low rates of employment of the native population in the private sector is a major issue in the UAE. The study is the first of its kind to propose an AHP model that prioritises the factors which influence female Emirati students to join the private sector.
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Veselina P. Vracheva, Ali Abu-Rahma and Paul Jacques
The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which contextual factors outlined in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) affect entrepreneurial intent (EI) of female…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which contextual factors outlined in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) affect entrepreneurial intent (EI) of female students in the United Arab Emirates.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a hierarchical regression analysis utilizing data from a university in the UAE.
Findings
The study indicates that prior and current family business exposure to entrepreneurship does not affect the EI of female students from the UAE. However, the family affects EI via the family norms. More exposure to business classes and the subjective norms from the university are not significant predictors of EI, and perceived behavioral control is the strongest contextual predictor of EI.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to the UAE and to a small sample of female students from a single university; therefore, the findings should be interpreted with caution.
Practical implications
The study points to opportunities within the university environment to design more robust curricula that offer female students opportunities to boost their confidence in the ability to start up and manage a business.
Originality/value
The paper is the first of its kind to apply the TPB to the context of female students from the UAE.
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Ali Abu-Rahma and Bushra Jaleel
This paper aims to investigate the nature and prevalence of environmental scanning as practiced by organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and explore the impact of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the nature and prevalence of environmental scanning as practiced by organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and explore the impact of perceived uncertainty on the way various information sources are used in managerial decision-making. Specifically, by targeting firms in the region, the paper examines whether the degree and frequency of scanning activities influence the relationship between perceived uncertainty and the use of environmental information in making strategic decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a cross-sectional research design, with self-administered questionnaires as the main mode of data collection, and uses quantitative data analysis tools to answer the research questions.
Findings
The study finds that perceived environmental uncertainty significantly influences scanning efforts in an organization, which in turn influence the use of environmental information in decision-making. Additionally, findings suggest that while perceived source quality significantly influences frequency of scanning, the influence of perceived source accessibility on scanning is statistically insignificant.
Research limitations/implications
The results of this study have several implications for academics in the field of strategic management and industry professionals involved in long range planning. Results indicate that scanning activities should be more extensive and frequent when perceived uncertainty is high and indicates the potential value of timely market research to assess demand, gather consumer feedback and respond to changing needs of the customers.
Originality/value
The study addresses an identified gap in the literature and adds to the existing body of work by exploring organizational practices in a unique cultural context and assessing a conceptual model that links perceived uncertainty and environmental scanning to strategic management practices.
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Ali Abu-Rahma and Bushra Jaleel
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between time orientation and strategic practices in the context of an Arab country. Toward this end, the paper studies a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between time orientation and strategic practices in the context of an Arab country. Toward this end, the paper studies a conditional process model that assesses the role of visioning ability and perceived uncertainty in explaining how future-oriented managers may be better at strategic management.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts a quantitative research design with closed-ended questionnaires as the main mode of data collection, and applies bootstrapping technique to test the significance and validity of the conditional process model.
Findings
The results confirm that time orientation influences strategic practices in an organization through its impact on a manager’s visioning ability, when uncertainty in the environment is perceived as low-moderate. The study also notes that local managers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) tend to be relatively future oriented and demonstrate a greater preference toward strategic work in comparison to operational tasks.
Research limitations/implications
The scope of this study has been limited to UAE nationals, and generalization of these results should be done with caution. Future research is recommended on a wider geographical area, such that cross-national results can be used to better understand the concept of time orientation in Arab countries.
Originality/value
Findings of this paper contribute to the literature by studying the concept of time orientation in a unique cultural domain. Moreover, by providing a theoretically relevant model for understanding the relationship between time orientation and strategic practices, the study highlights the significance of environmental uncertainty, and the importance of developing the visioning abilities of those involved in strategic roles in an organization.
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Heather Leslie, Ali Abu-Rahma and Bushra Jaleel
The purpose of this paper is to examine the merger of two distinct higher education institutions. The change process was studied from the perspective of multiple stakeholders, and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the merger of two distinct higher education institutions. The change process was studied from the perspective of multiple stakeholders, and its major outcomes were evaluated in terms of various dimensions of success.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a qualitative research design. For the purpose of data collection, semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were used, targeting key decisions makers that led the change process. Additionally, university constituents, comprising students, faculty, and staff who were present during the merger, were invited to participate in an online survey.
Findings
Findings indicate that, although the merger deal appeared good on paper, it was not executed as well as it could have been, and the aftermath yielded lower than expected returns. The systems were not integrated properly, and cultural elements were overlooked, resulting in an anomic organizational environment, in place of what should have been a more cohesive academic community. The study establishes that institutions considering a merger should ensure that effective leadership is put in place to manage the implementation and that the cultures and identities are addressed and integrated as early as possible.
Research limitations/implications
Although the findings of this study are limited to the case of one university, it forms an illustrative example for other institutions that are undergoing or considering major change. Recommendations are given to avoid the pitfalls of merger in areas such as integration, identity and, leadership.
Originality/value
Contemporary research establishes mergers as one of the most crucial change processes a university goes through. This study contributes to the literature by using a micro-level approach to study an institutional merger and targeting the perception of key university constituencies, thereby providing in-depth analysis and a multidimensional outlook.
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Robert C. Moussetis, Ali Abu Rahma and George Nakos
This paper examined the relationships between national culture and strategic behavior in the banking industry in Jordan and U.S. The study first developed a strategic posture and…
Abstract
This paper examined the relationships between national culture and strategic behavior in the banking industry in Jordan and U.S. The study first developed a strategic posture and secondly a cultural profile for the top management of the research domain. The strategic posture suggested the readiness for strategic response from managers. The degree of readiness was correlated with the constructed cultural profile of the managers and financial performance of the banks. The study found significant relationships between certain national cultural strategic characteristics, (risk propensity, time orientation, and openness to change, uncertainty avoidance and managerial perception of control over the environment) strategic behavior and financial performance.
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This study aims at identifying the extent of the pioneering role of digital transformation technology in developing the accounting profession in Jordan from the point of view of…
Abstract
This study aims at identifying the extent of the pioneering role of digital transformation technology in developing the accounting profession in Jordan from the point of view of Jordanian Certified Public Accountants. It also aims at identifying the obstacles that may limit the benefit from the pioneering role of utilizing this technology. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher developed a questionnaire to collect data, where the study population consisted of 362 certified accountants. A random sample of 218 certified accountants has been selected including accountants and workers in the auditing offices in Jordan, and the branches of major international audit firms (Big Four), which constitute almost 60% of the study population. The number of distributed questionnaires was 218, 124 questionnaires were recovered to identify them, and 4 questionnaires were excluded because of completeness of answers, and the number of questionnaires approved for the purposes of analysis and research was 120, representing 55.1% of the distributed questionnaires, and 33.2% of the study population. The study showed several results, including: High pioneering role of digital transformation technology in accounting profession development in Jordan, low presence of obstacles that may limit the benefit from the pioneering role of digital transformation technology in accounting profession development in Jordan. The researcher presented many recommendations, including: Enhancing the benefits from the pioneering role of digital transformation technology in accounting profession development.
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In 1966, Palestinian writer Ghassan Kanafani coined the term “literature of resistance” through his seminal work “Resistance Literature in Occupied Palestine 1948–1966” (Harlow…
Abstract
In 1966, Palestinian writer Ghassan Kanafani coined the term “literature of resistance” through his seminal work “Resistance Literature in Occupied Palestine 1948–1966” (Harlow, 1987). This genre focuses on depicting experiences of resistance and resilience amidst colonization, often investigating the personal struggles of writers within contexts of injustice and oppression. When created for children and youth, the literature of resistance diverges from that intended for adults due to many reasons. Eventually, this genre aims to engage children with significant societal issues such as patriotism, liberty, disdain for injustice, and the fundamental importance of justice. This chapter explores examples within the realm of children’s literature of resistance, encompassing both stories and novels tailored for young and teenage audiences. The chapter comprises four main sections. Firstly, a comprehensive introduction will elucidate the concept of resistance literature and underscore its scholarly significance. The second part will examine existing literature, highlighting thematic foundations and prevalent discourse within this genre. Subsequently, the third part will outline criteria used to ensure chosen narratives align with the overarching theme of resistance, followed by an examination of selected stories in terms of their literary and narrative aspects. Lastly, the fifth part will detail the dual analytical approach employed to offer a comprehensive understanding of how resistance is conveyed in the chosen narratives and the extent to which these stories fulfill their intended objectives.
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Nessrin Shaya and Rawan Abu Khait
This paper aims to form an empirical study, stemming from a Middle-Eastern context, on eliminating gender discrimination and achieving women’s empowerment. It aims to develop a…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to form an empirical study, stemming from a Middle-Eastern context, on eliminating gender discrimination and achieving women’s empowerment. It aims to develop a conceptual model on the principal social and cultural factors inducing the success of Emirati women in attaining senior leadership roles and shaping their leadership style to be transformational. Moreover, it examines the comparability and divergence of the accumulated data on the empowerment of Emirati women in an international context from existing international literature.
Design/methodology/approach
The design of the study was based on data gathered from face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with four Emirati women occupying the highest leadership positions in various fields, followed by thematic analysis.
Findings
Data analysis confirmed the significant influence of the study’s key factors, namely, the role of the national government, Islamic work ethic and family, on the subjects’ empowerment and their adherence to transformational leadership style. However, two new k ey factors impacting empowerment emerged, namely, the influence of rulers’ leadership and the efforts in balancing work/life commitments. The findings led to the development of a study model on Emirati women empowerment and leadership style, reflecting the appropriateness of international literature on the Emirati context. Particularly, it is the social and economic circumstances of the nation supported by policies form the major source of empowerment, in addition to the important role that family capital and business ethics play. Remarkably, the challenges facing Emirati working women ought to be different than the rest of the Middle East.
Originality/value
A dearth of literature pertaining to women’s leadership exists; however, they were mostly carried out within Western contexts that may not be applicable to Arab societies because of cultural and religious differences. The study strives to portray an unambiguous picture to the significant impact of the parenting role and Islam work ethics in relating positively to their daughters and prompt them to develop crucial societal and professional skills, in a country as UAE where expatriates and Westerns dominate the population body. In addition, it shapes the UAE national government as a unique example and role model, to local governments in other Arab states, to learn from regarding supporting women, helping them to achieve excellence. Aiming for feminizing leadership, the Emirati women leadership styles are explored in an attempt to demonstrate the capacities and potentials of Emirati and Arab women in positions of power and influence. It is assumed that this study will help in bringing confidence in Emirati women capabilities, inducing a change in attitudes towards Arab women managers and encouraging employment in non-traditional feminine based jobs.