Bader Al-Esmael, Faisal Talib, Mohd. Nishat Faisal and Fauzia Jabeen
The purpose of this study is to examine variables and their relationships that hinder socially responsible behaviours in the supply chain of small- and medium-sized enterprises…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine variables and their relationships that hinder socially responsible behaviours in the supply chain of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). countries.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses the mixed-method approach that includes the survey method and soft mathematical modelling. Empirical data were collected from 130 SMEs and their suppliers based in Qatar and Oman. Furthermore, to understand the barriers and their interrelationships, interpretive structural modelling approach is applied.
Findings
The results of empirical study reveal lack of coherence among SMEs and their suppliers in prioritising social responsibility issues in their supply chain. The hierarchy-based model reveals that shortages of incentive, short-term objectives, the lack of cooperation and willingness among supply chain partners, constraints (financial, managerial and technological) and the pressure from customers were the independent barriers and have strong driving power.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study are expected to provide an insight to further improve and promote socially responsible supply chain in emerging economies in Gulf region. Future research could compare the socially responsible activities of SMEs from different Gulf countries and expand the understanding of the barriers that outline the responses of suppliers situated in different Gulf economies.
Originality/value
The results contribute to the field of supply chain sustainability as the first academic attempt to shed light on how SMEs in GCC are dealing with supply chain social responsibility issues and one of the few in the emerging economy perspective that probes the key role of barriers to improve the socially responsible behaviour of Gulf-based SMEs.
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Mohd. Nishat Faisal, Bader Al-Esmael and Khurram Jahangir Sharif
The purpose of this paper is to integrate the “triple bottom line (3BL)” approach in the supplier selection decision. It also aims to consider the feedback effect of the decision…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to integrate the “triple bottom line (3BL)” approach in the supplier selection decision. It also aims to consider the feedback effect of the decision on strategic factors that determine the future viability of the firm in the market.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi-criteria decision model is developed that considers simultaneously the impact of three dimensions of 3BL approach and their sub-dimensions on the supplier selection decision. The proposed model is evaluated for a large white goods manufacturer using the analytic network process (ANP) approach.
Findings
The ANP considers the impact of variables, sub-variables, and their interdependencies simultaneously. The outcome of the model is the relative priorities for the firms considered as potential suppliers.
Practical implications
This research was conducted in one of the largest developing economies. The impact of integrating sustainability would be widespread due to the huge market in which the company operates. The results of this research can provide support to the decision makers in arriving at an optimal decision considering all sustainability dimensions.
Originality/value
The novelty of the approach lies in the application of multi-criteria model integrating sustainability dimensions with a feedback effect for supplier selection. The case company would benefit by showing its commitment toward environment and social responsibility leading to improved brand image and sustainable business.
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Maryam Al-Sada, Bader Al-Esmael and Mohd. Nishat Faisal
The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of organizational culture and leadership style on employees’ job satisfaction, organizational commitment and work motivation…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of organizational culture and leadership style on employees’ job satisfaction, organizational commitment and work motivation in the educational sector in the state of Qatar.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted using a questionnaire with a sample size of 364 employees in the educational sector in Qatar. Data were analyzed using factor analysis, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression, were employed to examine the relationships between the variables under investigation.
Findings
Significant positive relationships were observed between supportive culture and job satisfaction; supportive culture and organizational commitment; participative-supportive leadership and job satisfaction; directive leadership and job satisfaction; job satisfaction and work motivation; job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
Practical implications
This paper would help managers and policy-makers in the education sector to develop a better understanding of organizational culture and leadership styles and their influence on employee satisfaction, commitment and motivation.
Originality/value
The education sector is experiencing a fast growth in Qatar due to significant outlays by the government. This study is among the first in the country to understand the variables affecting employees’ performance in education sector.
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Mohd. Nishat Faisal and Bader A. Al-Esmael
Organizational commitment (OC) has important implications for both individuals and organizational outcomes. This paper aims to present an approach to understand the dynamics…
Abstract
Purpose
Organizational commitment (OC) has important implications for both individuals and organizational outcomes. This paper aims to present an approach to understand the dynamics between various enablers that help to improve OC in the organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
Using interpretive structural modelling, the research presents a hierarchy-based model and the mutual relationships among the enablers of OC in organizations.
Findings
The research shows that there exists a group of enablers having a high driving power and low dependence requiring maximum attention and of strategic importance, while another group consists of those variables that have high dependence and are the resultant actions.
Practical implications
This classification provides a useful tool to human resource managers to differentiate between independent and dependent variables and their mutual relationships which would help them to focus on those key variables that are most important for effective implementation of policies to improve OC in their organization.
Originality/value
This research assumes importance in context of countries in the gulf region which are developing economies dependent on large-scale expatriate workforce. Meeting governmental legislation alongside managing differences in culture, work attitude poses a challenge to human resource managers. The findings of this study would serve as a guide to these managers to frame effective policies related to OC.