Hanan Naser, Fatima Al-aali, Yomna Abdulla and Rabab Ebrahim
Over the last decade, investments in green energy companies have witnessed noticeable growth rates. However, the glacial pace of the world economic restoration due to COVID-19…
Abstract
Purpose
Over the last decade, investments in green energy companies have witnessed noticeable growth rates. However, the glacial pace of the world economic restoration due to COVID-19 pandemic placed a high degree of uncertainty over this market. Therefore, this study investigates the short- and long-term relationships between COVID-19 new cases and WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation Index (NEX) using daily data over the period from January 23, 2020 to February 1, 2023.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors utilize an autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing estimation technique.
Findings
The results show a significant positive impact of COVID-19 new cases on the returns of NEX index in the short run, whereas it has a significant negative impact in the long run. It is also found that the S&P Global Clean Energy Index has a significant positive impact on the returns of NEX index. Although oil has an influential effect on stock returns, the results show insignificant impact.
Practical implications
Governments have the chance to flip this trend by including investment in green energy in their economic growth stimulation policies. Governments should highlight the fundamental advantages of investing in this type of energy such as creating job vacancies while reducing emissions and promoting innovation.
Originality/value
First, as far as the authors are aware, the authors are the first to examine the effect of oil prices on clean energy stocks during COVID-19. Second, the authors contribute to studies on the relationship between oil prices and renewable energy. Third, the authors add to the emerging strand of literature on the impact of COVID-19 on various sectors of the economy. Fourth, the findings of the paper can add to the growing literature on sustainable development goals, in specific the papers related to energy sustainability.
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Mohammed T. Bani Salameh and Emad Shdouh
This study aims to identify the features and characteristics of feminist elites as well as their circulation rate in official political positions. The study questions include the…
Abstract
This study aims to identify the features and characteristics of feminist elites as well as their circulation rate in official political positions. The study questions include the role of a profession, educational level, and class of origin in the recruitment of feminist elites. It stems from the hypothesis that a direct correlation exists between the mechanism of recruiting feminist elites and their characteristics, according to the criterion of class differentiation based on social status and financial wealth. The study used a complex combination of scientific methodologies, including the elite approach, which is especially important as a result of its ability to convert arguments into measurable variables, and a comparative approach was used to compare the features and characteristics of feminist elites in two reigns. From the study, it was observed that feminist elites are characterized by caste and wealth, higher educational degree, and in addition obtaining degrees from Western universities, prevailed. This result demonstrates the higher value of Western universities. The study also found that the circulation rate of political feminist elites dramatically increased in the reign of King Abdullah compared with the appointed feminist elites in the reign of King Hussein.
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Farhan Muhammad Muneeb, Amir Karbassi Yazdi, P. Wanke, Cao Yiyin and Muhammad Chughtai
This study focuses on the Critical Success Factors (CSF) for developing sustainable entrepreneurship in the Pakistani telecommunication industry. Despite the efforts made by…
Abstract
Purpose
This study focuses on the Critical Success Factors (CSF) for developing sustainable entrepreneurship in the Pakistani telecommunication industry. Despite the efforts made by governments and stakeholders to stimulate sustainable entrepreneurship initiatives, contributions in the telecommunications sector are lacking. Therefore, this study has the major objective of identifying a transformation path for these firms. This is done by providing a theoretical framework for sustainable entrepreneurship in the telecommunications industry, focusing on managerial and operational practices that should be modified according to a set of CSFs identified by experts in Pakistani firms.
Design/methodology/approach
This article proposes a novel Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) approach based on Grey Systems Theory (GST) and Best-Worst Method (BWM) while unveiling endogenous relationships among current managerial/operational practices and the CSFs for sustainable entrepreneurship in the telecommunications industry.
Findings
CSFs for achieving sustainable entrepreneurship in the Pakistani telecommunications industry were found to rely on a tripod, based on effectiveness, transparency, and accountability that are embedded within the ambit of managerial and operational practices, such as focusing and reducing digital illiteracy, targeting poor communities, helping the young in structuring start-ups.
Originality/value
This article contributes to the MADM research stream by proposing a novel use of the BWM technique based on GST to promote sustainable entrepreneurship CSFs in Pakistani telecommunications firms.
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Adel Ismail Al-Alawi, Fatima Abdulrahman BinZaiman and Nehal F. Elnaggar
This paper aims to examine the factors affecting the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) sustainably in mobile operators in the kingdom of Bahrain.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the factors affecting the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) sustainably in mobile operators in the kingdom of Bahrain.
Design/methodology/approach
The research relies on the existing literature as a secondary data source. The primary data was collected through questionnaires distributed to three leading mobile operators in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The research's population numbered 1,689, and the sample size was 313; the simple random sampling method was used for data collection with a response rate of 87.2% out of a total sample size of 273 respondents. In addition, the responses were analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software version 24.0; specifically, Spearman's rank correlation was used to test the hypotheses. The research design was quantitative, so a nonparametric procedure was applied to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The research produced positive relationships between the independent variables (economic, legal, ethical, philanthropic and environmental responsibilities) and the dependent variable: CSR implementation by Bahrain mobile operators; therefore, the five proposed hypotheses were accepted; furthermore, the highest positive correlation coefficient was 0.735 for environmental responsibility, and the lowest correlation coefficient was 0.533 for economic responsibility.
Research limitations/implications
The research produced positive relationships between the independent variables (economic responsibility, legal responsibility, ethical responsibility, philanthropic responsibility and environmental responsibility) and the dependent variable: CSR implementation by Bahrain mobile operators; therefore, the five proposed hypotheses were accepted; furthermore, the highest positive correlation coefficient was 0.735 for environmental responsibility, and the lowest correlation coefficient was 0.533 for economic responsibility.
Social implications
The outcomes of the research mainly suggest that mobile operators assign employees who have been working with the company for more than 7 years to implement CSR; due to their engagement to implement CSR as a sustainable practice more than others with less than 3 years or 3-6 years in Bahrain mobile operators. Besides, the research provides a starting point by which other researchers could investigate CSR in other sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Originality/value
The research provided a framework for Bahrain mobile operators to assist them in enhancing the implementation of CSR in a sustainable manner, which are economic, legal, ethical, philanthropic and environmental responsibilities.
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Tamer H. Elsharnouby, Heba Younis, Said Elbanna and Nasrina Mauji
This study explores local Qatari job seekers' and employees' perceptions of the workforce nationalization strategy to address an inadequacy in the workforce nationalization…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores local Qatari job seekers' and employees' perceptions of the workforce nationalization strategy to address an inadequacy in the workforce nationalization literature in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. It also unpacks the factors that attract or discourage local job seekers and employees when considering a new job.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 28 local job seekers who were either currently unemployed or employed and seeking another job at the time of the interviews.
Findings
The data revealed that nationals perceive Qatarization as a means to replace expatriate employees with nationals, particularly in the public sector and leadership positions. This misinterpretation of the strategy leads to complications, such as the waithood phenomenon and a sense of entitlement for guaranteed employment. The findings also provide insights into nationals' attitudes toward employment, including job attraction and discouraging factors.
Research limitations/implications
The results provide policymakers with insights into the misinterpretation surrounding nationals' perceptions of workforce nationalization and remedies for better implementation of the strategy.
Originality/value
The study addresses two clear gaps in the workforce nationalization literature: (1) examining how nationals perceive the workforce nationalization strategy and (2) unpacking the factors that make employment attractive or unfavorable for nationals.
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Rahmawati Rahmawati, Junaidi Junaidi, Sabri Sabri, Ita Mustika and Sumardin Sumardin
This study explores the impact of religiosity on self-esteem and mortality salience, subsequently influencing Indonesia’s Islamic banking consumers’ social responsibility (CnSR).
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the impact of religiosity on self-esteem and mortality salience, subsequently influencing Indonesia’s Islamic banking consumers’ social responsibility (CnSR).
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 613 participants, Indonesia’s Islamic bank consumers, were recruited, and structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine research frameworks.
Findings
The empirical findings show that religiosity levels have a significant effect on self-esteem and mortality salience. Furthermore, mortality salience is less influential on CnSR than self-esteem. Furthermore, self-esteem and mortality salience partially bridge the relationship between religiosity and CnSR.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies need to examine the correlation between religiosity and CnSR in other contexts and theories, such as conventional banks and companies across the globe, to provide comprehensive insights into the mindset and actions of CnSR.
Practical implications
The recent study clarified the primary operations of Islamic bank customers in the context of business, religion and CnSR. Hence, increasing attention to customers’ social responsibility and religiosity is required from both the government and the Shariah Supervisory Board.
Originality/value
The result of the current study contributes to extending knowledge on terror management theory (TMT). In addition, it creates a fresh perspective on the factors affecting customers’ decision-making.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2024-0105
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Mushtaq Ahmad Darzi, Sheikh Basharul Islam, Syed Owais Khursheed and Suhail Ahmad Bhat
The purpose of this study is to summarize the available pool of literature on service quality to identify different dimensions of service quality in the healthcare industry and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to summarize the available pool of literature on service quality to identify different dimensions of service quality in the healthcare industry and understand how it is measured. The study attempts to explore the research gaps in the literature about different service quality dimensions and patient satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review process was followed to achieve the objectives of the study. Various inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select relevant research articles from 2000–2020 for the study, and a total of 100 research articles were selected.
Findings
The study identified 41 different dimensions of healthcare service quality measurement and classified these dimensions into four categories, namely servicescape, personnel, hospital administration and patients. It can be concluded that SERVQUAL is the most widely used service quality measurement tool.
Originality/value
The study identified that a majority of the researchers deduced a positive relationship between SERVQUAL dimensions and the quality of healthcare services. The findings of study will assist hospital executives in formulating effective strategies to ensure that patients receive superior quality healthcare services.
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Muhammad Ali, Sadia Mehfooz Khan, Chin-Hong Puah, Muhammad Shujaat Mubarik and Muhammad Ashfaq
This study aims to examine the impact of stakeholder pressure on Islamic banks’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and financial performance.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of stakeholder pressure on Islamic banks’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and financial performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A close-ended questionnaire was collected from 282 Islamic bank’s branch managers. Partial least square structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model. Both measurement and structural models were found to be fit for this research.
Findings
Results indicate that all components of stakeholder pressure (management, client, competitor, Sharia advisory board and community) have a significant positive impact on Islamic CSR. The findings of this study further revealed that Islamic CSR is a significant predictor of bank’s financial performance. Based on the present empirical results, this study suggests that Islamic bank managers should develop the best CSR practices to gain a competitive advantage and sustainable financial performance.
Originality/value
Overall, this study contributes significantly to the Islamic bank CSR literature. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, few studies have been conducted to establish a link between firm performance and CSR in Islamic banks using a comprehensive model of stakeholder pressure.
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Muhammad Bilal Zafar and Mohd Fauzi Abu-Hussin
This study aims to dissect and understand the latent themes of Islamic work ethic (IWE) and explore the driving factors of IWE research.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to dissect and understand the latent themes of Islamic work ethic (IWE) and explore the driving factors of IWE research.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural topic modeling (STM), a sophisticated machine learning technique, was used to analyze a corpus of 205 articles sourced from the Scopus database. These articles cover the 36 years of research on IWE, from 1988 to 2024. Moreover, negative binomial regression was applied to examine the driving factors of IWE research.
Findings
The STM analysis unfolds ten topics in conjunction with IWE including individual success, workplace dynamics, organizational work ethics, knowledge management, employee citizenship behavior, financial ethics, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, performance enhancement and leadership. The further STM outputs included word clouds, prevalence proportions, correlation matrix, heatmap, relationship of topics with metadata, topic prominence in the publishing journals and, finally, illustrating trends and future prospects of research on IWE. The results of negative binomial regression reveal that number of authors, article age, journal indexing, authors from multiple countries and number of references are strong drivers of fostering research in IWE, by having significant positive impacts on total citations.
Social implications
The insights from this study provide valuable guidance for businesses and organizations looking to integrate IWE principles into their operations. By promoting values such as fairness, hard work and ethical behavior, organizations can foster a more inclusive and morally grounded workplace culture. This, in turn, may lead to enhanced employee satisfaction, greater organizational commitment and improved overall performance. Additionally, the emphasis on ethical practices can contribute to broader societal benefits, such as increased trust in business practices and a stronger alignment with social responsibility initiatives.
Originality/value
This is a unique study that explores the latent themes and characteristics of the IWE literature through STM and provides insights on the future research directions. In addition, this study also examines the driving factors of IWE research.
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Divya Divya, Savita Savita and Sandeepa Kaur
This paper aims to provide a conceptual framework containing SERVQUAL original dimensions and add two additional dimensions: patient satisfaction and loyalty in the hospital SQ…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a conceptual framework containing SERVQUAL original dimensions and add two additional dimensions: patient satisfaction and loyalty in the hospital SQ model that demonstrates the relationship between hospital service quality, patient satisfaction and loyalty from patients’ perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
This research conducted a thorough literature review using specific keywords and electronic databases, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Through analysis, the key dimensions of service quality in Indian hospitals were identified, with the addition of patient satisfaction and loyalty as variables. Of 1,000 initially downloaded papers, 497 were included.
Findings
While many researchers rely on the SERVQUAL model, some introduce new or modified dimensions, often renaming existing ones. This study identifies the RATER factors as the main dimensions patients use to evaluate hospital services. This study finds a positive relationship between service quality, patient satisfaction and loyalty.
Practical implications
An understanding of how health-care service quality dimensions, directly and indirectly, affect patient satisfaction and loyalty is important for hospital marketing managers. This study helps them take action to improve patient satisfaction, which encourages patients to be loyal.
Originality/value
This research provides a comprehensive framework for measuring health-care service quality, combining SERVQUAL dimensions and new variables. This study offers useful insights for academics and health-care professionals, promoting more accurate measurement and enhancement of service quality. The use of PRISMA in this context is also innovative, as it is less common in administrative health-care research.